The regulatory role and clinical application prospects of circRNA in the occurrence and development of CNS tumors

BACKGROUND

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors originate from the spinal cord or brain. The study showed that even with aggressive treatment, malignant CNS tumors have high mortality rates. However, CNS tumor risk factors and molecular mechanisms have not been verified. Due to the reasons mentioned above, diagnosis and treatment of CNS tumors in clinical practice are currently fraught with difficulties. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), single-stranded ncRNAs with covalently closed continuous structures, are essential to CNS tumor development. Growing evidence has proved the numeral critical biological functions of circRNAs for disease progression: sponging to miRNAs, regulating gene transcription and splicing, interacting with proteins, encoding proteins/peptides, and expressing in exosomes.

AIMS

This review aims to summarize current progress regarding the molecular mechanism of circRNA in CNS tumors and to explore the possibilities of clinical application based on circRNA in CNS tumors.

METHODS

We have summarized studies of circRNA in CNS tumors in Pubmed.

RESULTS

This review summarized their connection with CNS tumors and their functions, biogenesis, and biological properties. Furthermore, we introduced current advances in clinical RNA-related technologies. Then we discussed the diagnostic and therapeutic potential (especially for immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) of circRNA in CNS tumors in the context of the recent advanced research and application of RNA in clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

CircRNA are increasingly proven to participate in decveloping CNS tumors. An in-depth study of the causal mechanisms of circRNAs in CNS tomor progression will ultimately advance their implementation in the clinic and developing new strategies for preventing and treating CNS tumors.

Global burden and inequality of maternal and neonatal disorders: based on data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study

BACKGROUND

Maternal and neonatal disorders account for substantial health loss across the lifespan from early childhood. These problems may be related to health inequality.

AIM

To provide evidence for improvement in health policies regarding maternal and neonatal disorder inequity.

DESIGN

This was a population-based cross-sectional study based on 2019 Global Burden of Disease data.

METHODS

Annual cases and age-standardized rates (ASRs) of incidence, prevalence, death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) in maternal and neonatal disorders between 1990 and 2019 were collected from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study. Concentration curves and concentration indices were used to summarize the degree of socioeconomic-related inequality.

RESULTS

For maternal disorders, the global ASRs of incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs were 2889.4 (95% uncertainty interval (UI), 2562.9-3251.9), 502.9 (95% UI 418.7-598.0), 5.0 (95% UI 4.4-5.8) and 324.9 (95% UI 284.0-369.1) per 100 000 women in 2019, respectively. The ASRs of maternal disorders were all obviously reduced and remained pro-poor from 1990 to 2019. In neonatal disorders, the global ASRs of incidence, prevalence, death and DALYs were 363.3 (95% UI 334.6-396.8), 1239.8 (95% UI 1142.1-1356.7), 29.1 (95% UI 24.8-34.5) and 2828.3 (95% UI 2441.6-3329.6) per 100 000 people in 2019, respectively. The global ASRs of incidence, death and DALYs in neonatal disorders have remained pro-poor. However, the socioeconomic-related fairness in the ASR of neonatal disorder prevalence is being levelled.

CONCLUSIONS

The global burden of maternal and neonatal disorders has remained high, and socioeconomic-related inequality (pro-poor) tended not to change between 1990 and 2019.

[Retracted] MicroRNA‑203 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of U251 glioblastoma cells by directly targeting PLD2

Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that the PLD2 western blotting data shown in Fig. 3A and the Transwell invasion assay data shown in Fig. 6 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes that had either already been published elsewhere prior to the submission of this paper to Molecular Medicine Reports, or were under consideration for publication at around the same time. In view of the fact that certain of these data had already apparently been published previously, the Editor of Molecular Medicine Reports has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Molecular Medicine Reports 9: 503‑508, 2014; 10.3892/mmr.2013.1814].

Ultra-small, low-cost, and simple-to-control PSP projector based on SLCD technology

Demand for ultra-small, inexpensive, and high-accurate 3D shape measurement devices is growing rapidly, especially in the industrial and consumer electronics sectors. Phase shifting profilometry (PSP) is a powerful candidate due to its advantages of high accuracy, great resolution, and insensitivity to ambient light. As a key component in PSP, the projector used to generate the phase-shifting sinusoidal fringes must be ultra-small (several millimeters), low-cost, and simple to control. However, existing projection methods make it difficult to meet these requirements simultaneously. In this paper, we present a modern technique that can be used to fabricate the desired projector. A specifically designed device based on segmented liquid crystal display (SLCD) technology is used to display the projected patterns, and a cylindrical lens is used as the projection lens. The SLCD device can display four sets of specific filled binary patterns, each yielding a sinusoidal fringe, and all four sinusoidal fringes satisfy the four-step phase shift relation. 3D shape measurement experiments verify the performance of the projector. Considering that the size of SLCD devices can be reduced to a few millimeters, the proposed technique can be easily used to manufacture ultra-small, low-cost, and simple-to-control PSP projectors.

Comprehensive analysis of mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis in intracranial aneurysms from the perspective of predictive, preventative, and personalized medicine

Mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis are closely associated, and play vital roles in the medical strategy of multiple cardiovascular diseases. However, their implications in intracranial aneurysms (IAs) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore whether mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis could be identified as valuable starting points for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine for IAs. The transcriptional profiles of 75 IAs and 37 control samples were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs), weighted gene co-expression network analysis, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression were used to screen key genes. The ssGSEA algorithm was performed to establish phenotype scores. The correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis was evaluated using functional enrichment crossover, phenotype score correlation, immune infiltration, and interaction network construction. The IA diagnostic values of key genes were identified using machine learning. Finally, we performed the single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis to explore mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis at the cellular level. In total, 42 IA-mitochondrial DEGs and 15 IA-necroptosis DEGs were identified. Screening revealed seven  key genes invovled in mitochondrial dysfunction (KMO, HADH, BAX, AADAT, SDSL, PYCR1, and MAOA) and five genes involved in necroptosis (IL1B, CAMK2G, STAT1, NLRP3, and BAX). Machine learning confirmed the high diagnostic value of these key genes for IA. The IA samples showed  higher expression of mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis. Mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis exhibited a close association. Furthermore, scRNA-seq indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction and necroptosis were preferentially up-regulated in monocytes/macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) within IA lesions. In conclusion, mitochondria-induced necroptosis was involved in IA formation, and was mainly up-regulated in monocytes/macrophages and VSMCs within IA lesions. Mitochondria-induced necroptosis may be a novel potential target for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of IA.

In Silico Identification of Therapeutic Targets and Novel Drug Candidates for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors

BACKGROUND

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are an aggressive form of sarcomas with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are urgently needed to identify novel drugs.

METHODS

Based on the Gene Expression Omnibus database, an integrated analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MPNSTs compared to neurofibromas (NFs). Then functional enrichment analyses, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, and hub gene selection were conducted. We explored DEG-guided repurposable drugs to treat MPNST based on the Library of Integrated Network-Based Cellular Signatures (LINCS) database. Furthermore, the binding affinity between predicted drug candidates and the MPNST-associated hub gene was calculated using molecular docking.

RESULTS

We identified 89 DEGs in common with all three MPNSTs datasets. In the PPI networks, twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Twist1) with higher node degrees was further evaluated as a therapeutic target. Cytochalasin-d, cabozantinib, everolimus, refametinib, and BGT-226 were extracted from the LINCS database, which showed lower normalized connectivity scores (-1.88, -1.81, -1.78, -1.76, and -1.72, respectively) and was considered as drug candidates. In addition, the results of molecular docking between the five drugs and Twist1 showed a binding affinity of -6.61, -7.03, -7.73, -3.94, and -7.07 kcal/mol, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our results describe the importance of Twist1 in MPNST pathogenesis. Everolimus was also found to be a potential therapeutic drug for MPNSTs.

Oblique radiograph with methylene blue marking: A reliable technique for upper thoracic level localization

Purpose

Traditionally, plain radiographs are used in intraoperative spinal level localization (SLL), whereas counting vertebrae is often hampered by shoulders and scapulae in lateral views, thus increasing the potential for wrong-level surgery. To improve the localization accuracy, this study evaluated the safety and feasibility of oblique radiographs with methylene blue markings for SLL and explored the optimal angle and height of oblique radiographs.

Methods

The clinical data of 33 patients with upper thoracic spine lesions who were operated on in our hospital from January 2021 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Oblique radiographs with methylene blue markings were used for intraoperative SLL.

Results

A total of 33 patients were included in this study. The average BMI was 24.3 ± 0.7 kg/m². The ipsilateral lamina structures were clearly shown in all cases. The median radiographing times of all the patients was 3, and the median radiographing duration was 2 min and 25 s. The average angle of oblique radiographs was 55.1 ± 3.8°, and the average distance from the skin to the root of the spinous process was 4.9 ± 1.2 cm.

Conclusions

Using oblique radiographs with methylene blue markings, not only the bone structure of an upper thoracic spine can be revealed clearly, but also the positioning deviation of traditional needle localization can be avoided. The lesion segment can be precisely located by this technology during surgery. Our angle of oblique radiographs and height determination method can be used to reduce the radiation exposure and shorten the operation time.

LINC00978 regulates metabolic rewiring to promote the malignancy of glioblastoma through AKR1B1

Glioma is a fatal primary brain tumor. Improved glioma treatment effectiveness depends on a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms. Herein, we reported LINC00978 overexpressed in gliomas. Downregulation of LINC00978 in glioblastoma cells inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and induced apoptosis. In vivo experiments confirmed that the CamK-A siRNA of LINC00978 could effectively inhibit the proliferation of glioma cells. The main pathway and genes regulated by LINC00978 were detected using RNA sequencing to elucidate the molecular mechanism. The results suggest that LINC00978 regulates the expression of genes related to metabolic pathways, including aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B (AKR1B1), which mediates the cytotoxicity of 2-deoxyglucose. LINC00978 positively regulated AKR1B1 expression, and 2-deoxyglucose induced AKR1B1 expression via a LINC00978-dependent mechanism. This research has revealed that LINC00978 promotes the sensitivity of glioma cells to 2DG. LINC00978 is highly expressed in most glioma patients. Thus, understanding the anticancer mechanism identified in this study may contribute to treating the majority of glioma patients. This study clarified the function and molecular mechanism of LINC00978 in glioblastoma and provided a study basis for LINC00978 to guide the clinical treatment of glioblastoma.

A4 PREDNISOLONE, A GLUCOCORTICOID WIDELY USED FOR TREATMENT OF IBD, ENHANCES A HUMAN INTERLEUKIN-4-ACTIVATED MACROPHAGE PHENOTYPE

Background

With cellular immunotherapy, the individuals’ medication could ablate (or enhance) any therapeutic benefit of the transferred cells. Murine and human macrophages activated with IL-4 (i.e., M(IL4)) improve wound healing and reduce the severity of disease in murine models of colitis. Advancing the position that autologous M(IL4) could be a novel approach to IBD, a critical question arises: will concurrent medication impact the M(IL4)s anti-colitic effect? To address this, we tested if prednisolone, a synthetic, anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid used to induce remission in IBD flares,impacts human M(IL4) phenotype and function.

Purpose

To determine if prednisolone suppresses or enhances a human M(IL4) phenotype as defined by canonical marker molecules and wound healing and anti-colitic activities.

Method

Macrophages were differentiated from the blood monocytes of healthy volunteers using M-CSF (7 days) and treated with GMP-grade IL-4 (10 ng/mL, 48h) ± a 24h treatment with prednisolone (1μg/mL). Subsequently, conditioned medium was collected for TGFb measurement by ELISA and for use in a T84 epithelial cell in vitro wound healing assay. Retrieved M(IL4) and M(IL4,pred.) were characterized by mRNA expression of CD206 (mannose receptor), RAMP1 (CGRP receptor), and CD14 (LPS co-receptor). One million murine bone marrow-derived M(IL4) or M(IL4,pred.) were injected into BALB/c mice 48h prior to intra-rectal DNBS (3mg), and colitis was assessed 72h-post DNBS.

Result(s)

Human M(IL4)s displayed increased mRNA expression of CD206 and RAMP1, and reduced CD14 compared to M(0), with the CD206 and RAMP1 being further increased by prednisolone treatment. M(IL4,pred.) produced more TGF-β than M(IL4) upon LPS stimulation [363 ± 30 vs. 241 ± 24 pg/ml, n= 4, p<0.05], which would predict an enhanced wound healing capacity. Stimulated M(IL4,pred.) produced more IL-10 than M(IL4). Furthermore, murine M(IL4,pred.) retained an anti-colitic capacity comparable to M(IL4) as determined by disease activity score in the DNBS model.

Conclusion(s)

Human M(IL4)s subsequently exposed to the potent immunomodulatory glucocorticoid, prednisolone show increased expression of phenotypic markers and increased output of TGFb and IL-10. Crucially M(IL4,pred.) retained an anti-colic effect in the murine DNBS model of colitis. Interpreting these data, we suggest that the anti-colitic effect of M(IL4) immunotherapy would not be adversely offset by the individuals concomitant use of steroids. Our preliminary findings support pursuing M(IL4) transfers as a novel approach to the management of IBD.

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Helmsley Charitable Trust

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts: A novel formation mechanism and dural defect location technology

Purpose

The formation mechanism of spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEACs) remains unclear. There are several hypotheses for the formation of SEACs, but none of them can fully explain its pathological findings and surgical procedures. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the cases of SEACs, aiming to clarify the formation mechanism of SEACs. In addition, we summarize a concise method for locating dural defects preoperatively and formulate a putative explanation of this method.

Methods

The clinical data of 14 patients with SEACs underwent surgery in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Fourteen patients were identified during the study period. The cysts all spanned the T12/L1 segment, and dural defects were also located at the T12/L1 level (2 cases not recorded) as well as the middle or the upper-middle level of the cysts. Nine cases were treated with total cyst excision, 2 cases were treated with dural defect closure only, and 3 cases were treated with total cyst excision and dural defect closure. Histopathological examination demonstrated that the cyst wall contained both the arachnoid epithelial and compact fibrous connective tissue. The symptoms were relieved in all patients, and no recurrence was observed.

Conclusions

According to intraoperative and pathological findings, the dural outer layer cyst (DOLC) is a more reasonable hypothesis about SEACs formation. When CT myelography or cinematic MRI cannot determine the location of the dural defect preoperatively, it can be located according to the middle level of the SEACs with high accuracy.

Machine learning-based identification of SOX10 as an immune regulator of macrophage in gliomas

Gliomas, originating from the glial cells, are the most lethal type of primary tumors in the central nervous system. Standard treatments like surgery have not significantly improved the prognosis of glioblastoma patients. Recently, immune therapy has become a novel and effective option. As a conserved group of transcriptional regulators, the Sry-type HMG box (SOX) family has been proved to have a correlation with numerous diseases. Based on the large-scale machine learning, we found that the SOX family, with significant immune characteristics and genomic profiles, can be divided into two distinct clusters in gliomas, among which SOX10 was identified as an excellent immune regulator of macrophage in gliomas. The high expression of SOX10 is related to a shorter OS in LGG, HGG, and pan-cancer groups but benefited from the immunotherapy. It turned out in single-cell sequencing that SOX10 is high in neurons, M1 macrophages, and neural stem cells. Also, macrophages are found to be elevated in the SOX10 high-expression group. SOX10 has a positive correlation with macrophage cytokine production and negative regulation of macrophages' chemotaxis and migration. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the outstanding cluster ability of the SOX family, indicating that SOX10 is an immune regulator of macrophage in gliomas, which can be an effective target for glioma immunotherapy.

Strong band renormalization and emergent ferromagnetism induced by electron-antiferromagnetic-magnon coupling

The interactions between electrons and antiferromagnetic magnons (AFMMs) are important for a large class of correlated materials. For example, they are the most plausible pairing glues in high-temperature superconductors, such as cuprates and iron-based superconductors. However, unlike electron-phonon interactions (EPIs), clear-cut observations regarding how electron-AFMM interactions (EAIs) affect the band structure are still lacking. Consequently, critical information on the EAIs, such as its strength and doping dependence, remains elusive. Here we directly observe that EAIs induce a kink structure in the band dispersion of Ba_1-xK_xMn₂As₂, and subsequently unveil several key characteristics of EAIs. We found that the coupling constant of EAIs can be as large as 5.4, and it shows strong doping dependence and temperature dependence, all in stark contrast to the behaviors of EPIs. The colossal renormalization of electron bands by EAIs enhances the density of states at Fermi energy, which is likely driving the emergent ferromagnetic state in Ba_1-xK_xMn₂As₂ through a Stoner-like mechanism with mixed itinerant-local character. Our results expand the current knowledge of EAIs, which may facilitate the further understanding of many correlated materials where EAIs play a critical role.

A prognostic signature consisting of metabolism-related genes and SLC17A4 serves as a potential biomarker of immunotherapeutic prediction in prostate cancer

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa), a prevalent malignant cancer in males worldwide, screening for patients might benefit more from immuno-/chemo-therapy remained inadequate and challenging due to the heterogeneity of PCa patients. Thus, the study aimed to explore the metabolic (Meta) characteristics and develop a metabolism-based signature to predict the prognosis and immuno-/chemo-therapy response for PCa patients.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes were screened among 2577 metabolism-associated genes. Univariate Cox analysis and random forest algorithms was used for features screening. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted to construct a prognostic Meta-model based on all combinations of metabolism-related features. Then the correlation between MetaScore and tumor was deeply explored from prognostic, genomic variant, functional and immunological perspectives, and chemo-/immuno-therapy response. Multiple algorithms were applied to estimate the immunotherapeutic responses of two MeteScore groups. Further in vitro functional experiments were performed using PCa cells to validate the association between the expression of hub gene SLC17A4 which is one of the model component genes and tumor progression. GDSC database was employed to determine the sensitivity of chemotherapy drugs.

Results

Two metabolism-related clusters presented different features in overall survival (OS). A metabolic model was developed weighted by the estimated regression coefficients in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (0.5154*GAS2 + 0.395*SLC17A4 - 0.1211*NTM + 0.2939*GC). This Meta-scoring system highlights the relationship between the metabolic profiles and genomic alterations, gene pathways, functional annotation, and tumor microenvironment including stromal, immune cells, and immune checkpoint in PCa. Low MetaScore is correlated with increased mutation burden and microsatellite instability, indicating a superior response to immunotherapy. Several medications that might improve patients` prognosis in the MetaScore group were identified. Additionally, our cellular experiments suggested knock-down of SLC17A4 contributes to inhibiting invasion, colony formation, and proliferation in PCa cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Our study supports the metabolism-based four-gene signature as a novel and robust model for predicting prognosis, and chemo-/immuno-therapy response in PCa patients. The potential mechanisms for metabolism-associated genes in PCa oncogenesis and progression were further determined.

A novel inflammation-related lncRNAs prognostic signature identifies LINC00346 in promoting proliferation, migration, and immune infiltration of glioma

In this study, a total of 13 inflammation-related lncRNAs with a high prognostic value were identified with univariate, multivariate Cox regression analysis, and LASSO analysis. LINC00346, which is one of the 13 lncRNAs identified, was positively associated with type 2 macrophage activation and the malignant degree of glioma. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemical staining showed that LINC00346 was highly expressed in high-grade glioma, while type 2 macrophages key transcription factor STAT3 and surface marker CD204 were also highly expressed simultaneously. LINC00346 high-expression gliomas were more sensitive to the anti–PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapy. LINC00346 was also associated with tumor proliferation and tumor migration validated by EdU, cell colony, formation CCK8, and transwell assays. These findings reveal novel biomarkers for predicting glioma prognosis and outline relationships between lncRNAs inflammation, and glioma, as well as possible immune checkpoint targets for glioma.

Global, regional prevalence, and risk factors of osteoporosis according to the World Health Organization diagnostic criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the global, regional prevalence, and risk factors of osteoporosis. Prevalence varied greatly according to countries (from 4.1% in Netherlands to 52.0% in Turkey) and continents (from 8.0% in Oceania to 26.9% in Africa). Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disorder in the elderly, usually resulting in bone pain and an increased risk of fragility fracture, but few summarized studies have guided global strategies for the disease. Therefore, we pooled the epidemiologic data to estimate the global, regional prevalence, and potential risk factors of osteoporosis. We conducted a comprehensive literature search through PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus, to identify population-based studies that reported the prevalence of osteoporosis based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were used to explore the sources of heterogeneity. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021285555). Of the 57,933 citations evaluated, 108 individual studies containing 343,704 subjects were included. The global prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia was 19.7% (95%CI, 18.0%-21.4%) and 40.4% (95%CI, 36.9%-43.8%). Prevalence varied greatly according to countries (from 4.1% in Netherlands to 52.0% in Turkey) and continents (from Oceania 8.0% to 26.9% in Africa). The prevalence was higher in developing countries (22.1%, 95%CI, 20.1%-24.1%) than in developed countries (14.5%, 95%CI, 11.5%-17.7%). Our study indicates a considerable prevalence of osteoporosis among the general population based on WHO criteria, and the prevalence varies substantially between countries and regions. Future studies with robust evidence are required to explore risk factors to provide effective preventive strategies for the disease.

CRX-527 induced differentiation of HSCs protecting the intestinal epithelium from radiation damage

Recently, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been extensively studied in radiation damage, but the inherent defects of high toxicity and low efficacy of most TLR ligands limit their further clinical transformation. CRX-527, as a TLR4 ligand, has rarely been reported to protect against radiation. We demonstrated that CRX-527 was safer than LPS at the same dose in vivo and had almost no toxic effect in vitro. Administration of CRX-527 improved the survival rate of total body irradiation (TBI) to 100% in wild-type mice but not in TLR4-/- mice. After TBI, hematopoietic system damage was significantly alleviated, and the recovery period was accelerated in CRX-527-treated mice. Moreover, CRX-527 induced differentiation of HSCs and the stimulation of CRX-527 significantly increased the proportion and number of LSK cells and promoted their differentiation into macrophages, activating immune defense. Furthermore, we proposed an immune defense role for hematopoietic differentiation in the protection against intestinal radiation damage, and confirmed that macrophages invaded the intestines through peripheral blood to protect them from radiation damage. Meanwhile, CRX-527 maintained intestinal function and homeostasis, promoted the regeneration of intestinal stem cells, and protected intestinal injury from lethal dose irradiation. Furthermore, After the use of mice, we found that CRX-527 had no significant protective effect on the hematopoietic and intestinal systems of irradiated TLR4-/- mice. in conclusion, CRX-527 induced differentiation of HSCs protecting the intestinal epithelium from radiation damage.

The Protective Effects of Apigenin Against Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) restricts the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy in abdominal or pelvic malignancies. Also, intestinal injury is a major cause of death following exposure to high doses of radiation in nuclear accidents. No safe and effective prophylactics or therapeutics for RIII are currently available. Here, we reported that the apigenin, a natural dietary flavone, prolonged the survival in c57 mice after lethal irradiation. Apigenin pretreatment brought about accelerated restoration of crypt-villus structure, including enhanced regenerated crypts, more differentiated epithelium cells, and increased villus length. In addition, intestinal crypt cells in the apigenin-treated group exhibited more proliferation and less apoptosis. Furthermore, apigenin increased the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream target gene HO-1, and decreased oxidative stress after irradiation. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the radioprotective efficacy of apigenin. Apigenin has the potential to be used as a radioprotectant in cancer therapy and nuclear accidents.

[Prevention of adverse prognosis of malignant melanoma from the point of evolution of surgical margin]

Treating malignant melanoma of skin at the early stage depends on wide excision mainly. For the prevention of tumor recurrence, means of acquisition of the safe margin changed from empirical resection to accurate pathological evaluation, and therapeutic target evolved from clearing tumor cells to pursuing the best prognosis. In the future, it would be necessary to combine individualized treatment with evidence-based medicine in the treatment of cutaneous malignant melanoma to prevent adverse outcomes.

Disulfiram Protects Against Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury in Mice

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) occurs after high doses of radiation exposure. RIII restricts the therapeutic efficacy of radiotherapy in cancer and increases morbidity and mortality in nuclear disasters. Currently, there is no approved agent for the prevention or treatment of RIII. Here, we reported that the disulfiram, an FDA-approved alcohol deterrent, prolonged the survival in mice after lethal irradiation. Pretreatment with disulfiram inhibited proliferation within 24 h after irradiation, but improved crypt regeneration at 3.5 days post-irradiation. Mechanistically, disulfiram promoted Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) survival and maintained their ability to regenerate intestinal epithelium after radiation. Moreover, disulfiram suppresses DNA damage accumulation, thus inhibits aberrant mitosis after radiation. Unexpectedly, disulfiram treatment did not inhibit crypt cell apoptosis 4 h after radiation and the regeneration of crypts from PUMA-deficient mice after irradiation was also promoted by disulfiram. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that disulfiram regulates the DNA damage response and survival of ISCs through affecting the cell cycle. Given its radioprotective efficacy and decades of application in humans, disulfiram is a promising candidate to prevent RIII in cancer therapy and nuclear accident.

CMTM Family Genes Affect Prognosis and Modulate Immunocytes Infiltration in Grade II/III Glioma Patients by Influencing the Tumor Immune Landscape and Activating Associated Immunosuppressing Pathways

Lower-grade glioma (LGG) is one of the most common primary tumor types in adults. The chemokine-like factor (CKLF)-like Marvel transmembrane domain-containing (CMTM) family is widely expressed in the immune system and can modulate tumor progression. However, the role of the CMTM family in LGG remains unknown. A total of 508 LGG patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database were used as a training cohort, and 155 LGG patients from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) array database, 142 LGG patients from the CGGA RNA-sequencing database, and 168 LGG patients from the GSE108474 database were used as the validation cohorts. Patients were subdivided into two groups using consensus clustering. The ENET algorithm was applied to build a scoring model based on the cluster model. Finally, ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and xCell algorithms were performed to define the tumor immune landscape. The expression levels of the CMTM family genes were associated with glioma grades and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) status. Patients in cluster 2 and the high-risk score group exhibited a poor prognosis and were enriched with higher grade, wild-type IDH (IDH-WT), 1p19q non-codeletion, MGMT promoter unmethylation, and IDH-WT subtype. Patients in cluster 1 and low-risk score group were associated with high tumor purity and reduced immune cell infiltration. Enrichment pathways analysis indicated that several essential pathways involved in tumor progression were associated with the expression of CMTM family genes. Importantly, PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 expression levels were increased in cluster 2 and high-risk groups. Therefore, the CMTM family contributes to LGG progression through modulating tumor immune landscape.

Dopamine-derived nanoparticles for protection of irradiation-induced intestinal injury by maintaining intestinal homeostasis

Radiotherapy of abdominal and pelvic tumors almost inevitably injures the intestine by oxidative stress and causes inflammation. Regrettably, traditional radioprotective agents for irradiation (IR) induced intestinal injury suffer from challenges...

Long Noncoding RNA OR7E156P/miR-143/HIF1A Axis Modulates the Malignant Behaviors of Glioma Cell and Tumor Growth in Mice

Gliomas are characterized by high incidence, recurrence and mortality all of which are significant challenges to efficacious clinical treatment. The hypoxic microenvironment in the inner core and intermediate layer of the tumor mass of gliomas is a critical contributor to glioma pathogenesis. In this study, we identified an upregulated lncRNA, OR7E156P, in glioma was identified. The silencing of OR7E156P inhibited cell invasion and DNA synthesis in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. OR7E156P was intricately linked to the HIF1A pathway. Hypoxia could induce OR7E156P expression, whereas OR7E156P silencing decreased HIF1A protein levels under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia promoted glioma cell invasion and DNA synthesis, and HUVEC tube formation, whereas OR7E156P silencing partially reversed the cellular effects of hypoxia. HIF1A overexpression promoted, whereas OR7E156P silencing inhibited tumor growth; the inhibitory effects of OR7E156P silencing on tumor growth were partially reversed by HIF1A overexpression. miR-143 directly targeted OR7E156P and HIF1A, respectively. miR-143 inhibition increased HIF1A protein levels, promoted glioma cell invasion and DNA synthesis. Moreover, they enhanced HUVEC tube formation, whereas OR7E156P silencing partially reversed the cellular effects of miR-143 inhibition. HIF1A targeted the promoter region of miR-143 and inhibited miR-143 expression. Altogether a regulatory axis consisting of OR7E156P, miR-143, and HIF1A, was identified which is deregulated in glioma, and the process of the OR7E156P/miR-143/HIF1A axis modulating glioma cell invasion through ZEB1 and HUVEC tube formation through VEGF was demonstrated.

Distinct Kondo Screening Behaviors in Heavy Fermion Filled Skutterudites with 4f^{1} and 4f^{2} Configurations

CeOs_{4}Sb_{12} (COS) and PrOs_{4}Sb_{12} (POS) are two representative compounds that provide the ideal vantage point to systematically study the physics of multi-f-electron systems. COS with Ce 4f^{1}, and POS with Pr 4f^{2} configurations show distinct properties of Kondo insulating and heavy fermion superconductivity, respectively. We unveiled the underlying microscopic origin by angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies. Their eV-scale band structure matches well, representing the common characters of conduction electrons in ROs_{4}Sb_{12} systems (R=rare earth). However, f electrons interact differently with conduction electrons in COS and POS. Strong hybridization between conduction electrons and f electrons is observed in COS with band dependent hybridization gaps, and the development of a Kondo insulating state is directly revealed. Although the ground state of POS is a singlet, finite but incoherent hybridization exists, which can be explained by the Kondo scattering with the thermally excited triplet crystalline electric field state. Our results help us to understand the intriguing properties in COS and POS, and provide a clean demonstration of the microscopic differences in heavy fermion systems with 4f^{1} and 4f^{2} configurations.

CORRELATION BETWEEN SUBCLINICAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AND DYSLIPIDEMIA IN WOMEN IN NORTHEAST CHINA

CONTEXT

It is well known that thyroid hormones are important, being involved in affects the metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, lipids. The relationship between thyroid hormones and lipid metabolism is the focus of recent research.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism and lipid metabolism in women.

DESIGN

We conducted an epidemiological survey of thyroid diseases among women in Northeast China from September 2014 to December 2014.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A total of 1397 women underwent physical examinations and laboratory tests for thyroid function and lipid metabolism.

RESULTS

We found that the detection rate of subclinical hypothyroidism was 13.03%. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride (1.69±1.9 vs. 1.45±1.4) and the risk of hyper triglyceridemia in women with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels ≥10mIU/L was 4.96-fold higher compared with that in the normal population (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Disorders of lipid metabolism in women with subclinical hypothyroidism show a direct correlation with the level of TSH, and the risk of hyper triglyceridemia is significantly increased when the level of TSH ≥10mIU/L.

The importance of proper and prompt treatment of ocular syphilis: a lesson from permanent vision loss in 52 eyes

BACKGROUND

Ocular involvement can occur at any stage of syphilis. Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of ocular syphilis are vital to avoid long-term consequences.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the risk factors for ocular syphilis and clinical features of blindness caused by syphilis.

METHODS

We report risk factors for ocular syphilis amongst patients seen at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital between October 2009 and October 2017. We identify patients with ocular syphilis resulting in blindness and report the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and treatment outcomes of these patients.

RESULTS

A total of 8310 new cases of syphilis were seen, of which 213 patients had ocular disease and 50 patients had blindness due to syphilis. Increasing age and higher RPR titres were associated with ocular involvement but there was no association with HIV status. Blindness in syphilis was restricted predominantly to patients with optic nerve involvement and not patients with isolated uveitis. Fifty patients (and a total of 67 eyes) met the WHO definition of blindness prior to treatment for syphilis. At the end of follow-up, vision had improved in 24 of 67 eyes (35.8%) after treatment. Successful treatment of uveitis was associated with the best improvement in visual acuity, whilst patient with underlying optic atrophy prior to treatment had the worst visual outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular involvement is an important manifestation of syphilis which may result in blindness. Our data demonstrate outcomes for ocular syphilis are poor if detected late; early recognition and diagnosis is therefore vital to avoid permanent visual loss.

Dimethyl sulfoxide, a potent oral radioprotective agent, confers radioprotection of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells independent of apoptosis

In mass casualty events involving radiation exposure, there is a substantial unmet need for identifying and developing an orally bioavailable agent that can be used to protect the hematopoietic stem cell pool and regenerate hematopoiesis after radiation injury. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a free-radical scavenger, has shown therapeutic benefits in many preclinical and clinical studies. This study investigates the radioprotective effects of DMSO on oral administration. Single dose of oral DMSO administrated before irradiation conferred 100% survival of C57BL6/J mice receiving otherwise lethal as well as super-lethal radiation dose, with wide radioprotective time frame (from 15min to 4h). Oral DMSO not only protected radiation-induced acute hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) injury, but also ameliorated long-term BM suppression following irradiation in mice. Mechanistically, DMSO directly protected HSPC survival after irradiation in vitro and in vivo, whereas no radioprotective effect was seen in MLL-AF9-induced leukemia cells. Unexpectedly, DMSO treatment did not inhibit radiation-induced HSPC apoptosis, and the HSPC survival from Trp53-and PUMA-deficient mice after irradiation was also protected by DMSO. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the radioprotective efficacy of oral DMSO. Given its oral efficacy and little toxicity, DMSO is an attractive candidate for human use in a wide variety of settings, including nuclear accidents and medical radiation.

[3D printing non-coplanar template-assisted 125-iodine seed implantation for thorax movement tumor: individual template design method]

Objective: To compare the dosimetric data between preoperative plans and postoperative verification in computed tomography CT-guided and 3D printing template-assisted 125-iodine ((125)I) seed implantation for thorax movement tumor and to explore the feasibility and accuracy of the individualized template design method. Methods: A total of 35 patients, 20 males and 15 females with median age of 62 (17-87) years old, who registered from January 2016 to December 2017 applied with 3D printing guided template assisted radioactive seed implantations in Peking University Third Hospital were included in this study. (125)I seeds with a prescribed dose of 110-180 Gy were impanted. 3D printing templates were designed and produced for 35 cases. The dosimetric parameters: D(90), minimum peripheral dose (mPD), V(100), V(150), V(200), conformal index (CI), external index (EI), and homogeneity index (HI) were compared between pre-and post-plannings. Statistical method was two group of related non-parameters test. Results: The design and production of 35 cases' templates were in place well. Compared with the preoperative planning, the postoperative D(90), V(100), V(150), V(200), mPD, CI, EI and HI differences were 5.57%, 0.34%, 0.33%, -1.20%, 21%, 2.8%, -14.2%, 4.71%, -10.4%. All the included dosimetry parameters changed slightly after surgery compared with before surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant(all P>0.05). Conclusions: The dosimetric parameters of postoperative verification are consistent well with the preoperative planning and have good accuracy, the results could meet the clinical requirements.

Interference illumination of three nonzero-order beams for LCOS-based structured illumination microscopy

To avoid the need for a mask and polarisation-adjusting devices, and to solve the problem of low fringe contrast caused by the reflected light along with 0th-order diffraction beam, this paper presents an illumination method using three nonzero-order diffraction beams in liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS)-based structured illumination microscopy. Here, a LCOS-based spatial light modulator (SLM) is used to diffract the collimated light and a rotating frosted film is used to reduce the spatial coherence of the laser; then, the fringe is produced by adjusting the SLM angle to allow three nonzero-order diffraction beams to interfere on the sample surface. Interference fringes with high contrast in all directions can be obtained without considering polarisation control and the removal of the 0th-order diffraction beam, which demonstrates that the optical setup is simple and easy to control. We carried out experiments on a photolithographic pattern on a silicon chip, and the resolution after reconstruction is 210 nm, reaching the theoretical resolution at our experiment condition and nearly half of the Rayleigh resolution limit (100× objective, NA = 0.8), which is 406 nm. LAY DESCRIPTION: SIM has been widely applied in imaging of biological sample owing to its advantage of super-resolution. Commonly the structured illumination is produced by interfering two or three diffractive beams and the fringe contrast affects the reconstruction result directly. In this study about liquid-crystal-on-silicon based structured illumination microscopy (LCOS-based SIM), we presents an illumination method using three nonzero-order diffractive beams. Our method can avoid the need for a mask and the polarisation-adjusting devices, because three-beam interference can reduce the influence of polarisation on the fringe contrast. Besides, 0th-order beam is not used, because reflected light still exists even the grey level of the picture-pixels uploaded to spatial light modulator are all 0, which means the 0th-order beam will bring obvious noise. Using our method, interference fringe with high contrast in all directions can be obtained at a relatively high utilisation rate of laser intensity without considering the control of polarisation. Our setup is simple and easy to control, because the adjustment of the deflection angle of the spatial light modulator can realise the removal of the zero diffraction order. We have analysed and discussed the reasons why the interference of three nonzero-order beams can avoid the influence of polarisation and amplitude. The experiments carried out on a photolithographic pattern on silicon chip showed that the resolution after reconstruction is 210 nm, reaching the half of the Rayleigh resolution limit (100× objective, NA=0.8), which is 406 nm.

Multiple parametric nanoscale measurements with high sensitivity based on through-focus scanning optical microscopy

High-throughput through-focus scanning optical microscopy (TSOM) involves defocusing along the optical axis and capturing a series of defocus images and is useful in optical nanoscale measurement. However, TSOM is usually affected by its optical and mechanical noises. In this study, the issue of sensitivity and application in three-dimensional (3D) multiple parameter measurement of TSOM is investigated. First, a TSOM system with objective scanning and its relative simulation algorithm are proposed. Second, based upon the system and algorithm, an experiment on an isolated Au line is performed and the corresponding matching library is established. Comparing the experimental TSOM image and simulated TSOM images of the library, 3D multiple parameter results of the Au line are extracted. Third, the precision of the system is analysed through a fidelity test particular for through-focus images. According to this study, the system is robust to the optical and mechanical noises and hence could be useful in 3D multiple parametric measurement and high-volume nanomanufacturing.

[Clinical features and prognosis of 93 elderly patients with multiple myeloma]

Objective: To explore the clinical features and prognostic factors of elderly MM patients. Methods: A retrospectively analysis of clinical characteristics in 93 newly diagnosed MM patients with more than 70 years of old between August 2011 and August 2016. Based on age, basic activities of daily living scale, instrumental activities of daily living scale, Charlson comorbidity index at diagnosis, patients were divided into three groups: Fit (score=0, n=15) , Intermediate fitness (score=1, n=31) , Frail (score≥2, n=47) according to a geriatric assessment system proposed by Antonio Palumbo et al. The treatment response rate, progression free survival time (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the three groups were analyzed. Results: Complete remission was 60.0% in Fit, 22.6% in Intermediate fitness and 12.8% in Frail (Fisher χ(2)=12.398, P=0.002) . The median PFS for the three groups were 31 months, 24 months and 13 months (χ(2)=17.832, P<0.001) . The median OS was not reached for Fit, 58 months for Intermediate fitness and 25 months for Frail (χ(2)=40.678, P<0.001) . In 47 Frail cases, patients who received chemotherapy containing new drugs (proteasome inhibitor or immune-modulator) had a longer PFS (17 months vs 9 months, χ(2)=6.454, P=0.011) and patients who achieved CR had prolonged PFS and OS than non-CR (PFS: 24 months vs 12 months, χ(2)=4.117, P=0.042; OS: 37 months vs 25 months, χ(2)= 6.507, P=0.011) . Conclusion: The health status of the elderly MM patients was associated with better response and longer PFS and OS. Given on those with poor health status, new drugs may have better PFS and prolonged OS.

Unveiling the Superconducting Mechanism of Ba_{0.51}K_{0.49}BiO_{3}

The mechanism of high superconducting transition temperatures (T_{c}) in bismuthates remains under debate despite more than 30 years of extensive research. Our angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy studies on Ba_{0.51}K_{0.49}BiO_{3} reveal an unexpectedly 34% larger bandwidth than in conventional density functional theory calculations. This can be reproduced by calculations that fully account for long-range Coulomb interactions-the first direct demonstration of bandwidth expansion due to the Fock exchange term, a long-accepted and yet uncorroborated fundamental effect in many body physics.Furthermore, we observe an isotropic superconducting gap with 2Δ_{0}/k_{B}T_{c}=3.51±0.05, and strong electron-phonon interactions with a coupling constant λ∼1.3±0.2. These findings solve a long-standing mystery-Ba_{0.51}K_{0.49}BiO_{3} is an extraordinary Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer superconductor, where long-range Coulomb interactions expand the bandwidth, enhance electron-phonon coupling, and generate the high T_{c}. Such effects will also be critical for finding new superconductors.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Prevents Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis Through Facilitating DNA Double-Strand Break Repair in Epithelial Stem Cells

PURPOSE

Oral mucositis is one of the most prevalent side effects in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancers. Current therapeutic agents such as palifermin recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor and amifostine do not efficiently or fully prevent mucositis. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a free-radical scavenger, has shown therapeutic benefits in many preclinical and clinical studies. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DMSO in a clinically relevant mouse model of acute, radiation-induced oral mucositis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Oral mucositis was induced by a high single and fractioned irradiation of the head and neck area in C57BL/6J mice, and the effects of DMSO (by intraperitoneal injection) were assessed by macroscopic and histopathological examination. Epithelial stem and progenitor cells were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of p63 and Ki-67, and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were visualized by immunofluorescence detection of γ-H2AX. Tumor xenograft was obtained using CAL-27 cells.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with DMSO protected the oral mucosa from severe acute radiation injury, reduced the extent of radiation-induced weight loss, and had no significant effects on tumor weight in irradiated or nonirradiated xenograft mice. Furthermore, the efficacy of DMSO was superior to that of recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor and amifostine. DMSO treatment prevented the loss of proliferative lingual epithelial stem and progenitor cells upon irradiation. More interestingly, the average levels of γ-H2AX foci were significantly decreased in p63-positive epithelial stem cells at 6 hours, but not at 2 hours, after irradiation, indicating that DMSO facilitated DNA DSB repair rather than suppressing the indirect action of irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS

DMSO prevents the loss of proliferative lingual epithelial stem and progenitor cells upon irradiation by facilitating DNA DSB repair, thereby protecting against radiation-induced mucositis without tumor protection. Given its high efficacy and low toxicity, DMSO could be a potential treatment option to prevent radiation-induced oral mucositis.

MicroRNA-423-3p promotes glioma growth by targeting PANX2

Previously, a number of microRNAs (miRs) have been identified to participate in the development and progression of glioma via the regulation of their target genes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of miR-423-3p in glioma growth remain unclear. In the present study, the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of miR-423-3p, respectively. An MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to determine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. A luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to determine the target association between pannexin 2 (PANX2) and miR-423-3p. It was revealed that miR-423-3p was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and the increased expression of miR-423-3p was significantly associated with an advanced grade as well as a poorer prognosis of patients with glioma. Inhibition of miR-423-3p using an miR-423-3p inhibitor resulted in the decreased proliferation of glioma U251 and U87MG Uppsala cells, and the induction of apoptosis. PANX2 was identified as a novel target gene of miR-423-3p, and the expression of PANX2 was revealed to be increased in U251 and U87MG Uppsala cells when miR-423-3p was inhibited. Knockdown of PANX2 attenuated the effects of miR-423-3p inhibition on glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, PANX2 was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and its levels were markedly lower in World Health Organization (WHO) stage III–IV gliomas compared with WHO stage I–II gliomas. Additionally, the expression levels of PANX2 were identified to be inversely correlated with miR-423-3p expression levels in glioma tissues. Consequently, targeting miR-423-3p may inhibit glioma growth via the upregulation of PANX2.