A simple protocol to establish a conditionally immortalized mouse podocyte cell line

Podocytes are specialized terminally differentiated cells in the glomerulus that are the primary target cells in many glomerular diseases. However, the current podocyte cell lines suffer from prolonged in vitro differentiation and limited survival time, which impede research progress. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a cell line that exhibits superior performance and characteristics. We propose a simple protocol to obtain an immortalized mouse podocyte cell (MPC) line from suckling mouse kidneys. Primary podocytes were cultured in vitro and infected with the SV40 tsA58 gene to obtain immortalized MPCs. The podocytes were characterized using Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Podocyte injury was examined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry. First, we successfully isolated an MPC line and identified 39 °C as the optimal differentiation temperature. Compared to undifferentiated MPCs, the expression of WT1 and synaptopodin was upregulated in differentiated MPCs. Second, the MPCs ceased proliferating at a nonpermissive temperature after day 4, and podocyte-specific proteins were expressed normally after at least 15 passages. Finally, podocyte injury models were induced to simulate podocyte injury in vitro. In summary, we provide a simple and popularized protocol to establish a conditionally immortalized MPC, which is a powerful tool for the study of podocytes.

The IL-17 pathway intertwines with neurotrophin and TLR/IL-1R pathways since its domain shuffling origin

The IL-17 pathway displays remarkably diverse functional modes between different subphyla, classes, and even orders, yet its driving factors remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate that the IL-17 pathway originated through domain shuffling between a Toll-like receptor (TLR)/IL-1R pathway and a neurotrophin-RTK (receptor-tyrosine-kinase) pathway (a Trunk-Torso pathway). Unlike other new pathways that evolve independently, the IL-17 pathway remains intertwined with its donor pathways throughout later evolution. This intertwining not only influenced the gains and losses of domains and components in the pathway but also drove the diversification of the pathway's functional modes among animal lineages. For instance, we reveal that the crustacean female sex hormone, a neurotrophin inducing sex differentiation, could interact with IL-17Rs and thus be classified as true IL-17s. Additionally, the insect prothoracicotropic hormone, a neurotrophin initiating ecdysis in Drosophila by binding to Torso, could bind to IL-17Rs in other insects. Furthermore, IL-17R and TLR/IL-1R pathways maintain crosstalk in amphioxus and zebrafish. Moreover, the loss of the Death domain in the pathway adaptor connection to IκB kinase and stress-activated protein kinase (CIKSs) dramatically reduced their abilities to activate nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1) in amphioxus and zebrafish. Reinstating this Death domain not only enhanced NF-κB/AP-1 activation but also strengthened anti-bacterial immunity in zebrafish larvae. This could explain why the mammalian IL-17 pathway, whose CIKS also lacks Death, is considered a weak signaling activator, relying on synergies with other pathways. Our findings provide insights into the functional diversity of the IL-17 pathway and unveil evolutionary principles that could govern the pathway and be used to redesign and manipulate it.

Amplitude Analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decay

An amplitude analysis of the B^{0}→K^{*0}μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is presented using a dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.7  fb^{-1} of pp collision data collected with the LHCb experiment. For the first time, the coefficients associated to short-distance physics effects, sensitive to processes beyond the standard model, are extracted directly from the data through a q^{2}-unbinned amplitude analysis, where q^{2} is the μ^{+}μ^{-} invariant mass squared. Long-distance contributions, which originate from nonfactorizable QCD processes, are systematically investigated, and the most accurate assessment to date of their impact on the physical observables is obtained. The pattern of measured corrections to the short-distance couplings is found to be consistent with previous analyses of b- to s-quark transitions, with the largest discrepancy from the standard model predictions found to be at the level of 1.8 standard deviations. The global significance of the observed differences in the decay is 1.4 standard deviations.

Fraction of χ_{c} Decays in Prompt J/ψ Production Measured in pPb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The fraction of χ_{c1} and χ_{c2} decays in the prompt J/ψ yield, F_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}=σ_{χ_{c}→J/ψ}/σ_{J/ψ}, is measured by the LHCb detector in pPb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV. The study covers the forward (1.5 Collapse

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Observation of Cabibbo-Suppressed Two-Body Hadronic Decays and Precision Mass Measurement of the Ω_{c}^{0} Baryon

The first observation of the singly Cabibbo-suppressed Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+} and Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+} decays is reported, using proton-proton collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.4  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector between 2016 and 2018. The branching fraction ratios are measured to be B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}K^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[6.08±0.51(stat)±0.40(syst)]%,B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})/B(Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+})=[15.81±0.87(stat)±0.44(syst)±0.16(ext)]%. In addition, using the Ω_{c}^{0}→Ω^{-}π^{+} decay channel, the Ω_{c}^{0} baryon mass is measured to be M(Ω_{c}^{0})=2695.28±0.07(stat)±0.27(syst)±0.30(ext)  MeV, improving the precision of the previous world average by a factor of 4.

Enhanced Production of Λ_{b}^{0} Baryons in High-Multiplicity pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The production rate of Λ_{b}^{0} baryons relative to B^{0} mesons in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} production cross sections shows a significant dependence on both the transverse momentum and the measured charged-particle multiplicity. At low multiplicity, the ratio measured at LHCb is consistent with the value measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, and increases by a factor of ∼2 with increasing multiplicity. At relatively low transverse momentum, the ratio of Λ_{b}^{0} to B^{0} cross sections is higher than what is measured in e^{+}e^{-} collisions, but converges with the e^{+}e^{-} ratio as the momentum increases. These results imply that the evolution of heavy b quarks into final-state hadrons is influenced by the density of the hadronic environment produced in the collision. Comparisons with several models and implications for the mechanisms enforcing quark confinement are discussed.

Improved Measurement of CP Violation Parameters in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψK^{+}K^{-} Decays in the Vicinity of the ϕ(1020) Resonance

The decay-time-dependent CP asymmetry in B_{s}^{0}→J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K^{+}K^{-} decays is measured using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. Using a sample of approximately 349 000 B_{s}^{0} signal decays with an invariant K^{+}K^{-} mass in the vicinity of the ϕ(1020) resonance, the CP-violating phase ϕ_{s} is measured, along with the difference in decay widths of the light and heavy mass eigenstates of the B_{s}^{0}-B[over ¯]_{s}^{0} system, ΔΓ_{s}, and the difference of the average B_{s}^{0} and B^{0} meson decay widths, Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}. The values obtained are ϕ_{s}=-0.039±0.022±0.006  rad, ΔΓ_{s}=0.0845±0.0044±0.0024  ps^{-1}, and Γ_{s}-Γ_{d}=-0.0056_{-0.0015}^{+0.0013}±0.0014  ps^{-1}, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. These are the most precise single measurements to date and are consistent with expectations based on the Standard Model and with the previous LHCb analyses of this decay. These results are combined with previous independent LHCb measurements. The phase ϕ_{s} is also measured independently for each polarization state of the K^{+}K^{-} system and shows no evidence for polarization dependence.

Downregulation of CPSF6 leads to global mRNA 3' UTR shortening and enhanced antiviral immune responses

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread mechanism of gene regulation that generates mRNA isoforms with alternative 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs). Our previous study has revealed the global 3' UTR shortening of host mRNAs through APA upon viral infection. However, how the dynamic changes in the APA landscape occur upon viral infection remains largely unknown. Here we further found that, the reduced protein abundance of CPSF6, one of the core 3' processing factors, promotes the usage of proximal poly(A) sites (pPASs) of many immune related genes in macrophages and fibroblasts upon viral infection. Shortening of the 3' UTR of these transcripts may improve their mRNA stability and translation efficiency, leading to the promotion of type I IFN (IFN-I) signalling-based antiviral immune responses. In addition, dysregulated expression of CPSF6 is also observed in many immune related physiological and pathological conditions, especially in various infections and cancers. Thus, the global APA dynamics of immune genes regulated by CPSF6, can fine-tune the antiviral response as well as the responses to other cellular stresses to maintain the tissue homeostasis, which may represent a novel regulatory mechanism for antiviral immunity.

Hepatobiliary organoids differentiated from hiPSCs relieve cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis in nonhuman primates

There is an urgent need for novel therapies to treat end-stage liver disease due to the shortage of available organs. Although cell transplantation holds considerable promise, its availability is limited due to the low engrafted cell mass and lack of unifying cell transplantation strategies. Here, we optimally established human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived functional hepatobiliary organoids (HBOs) based on our previous research and transplanted them into a monkey model via liver subcapsular and submesenteric transplantation routes to assess their potential clinical application. Our study revealed that HBO transplantation could safely and effectively improve hepatoprotection effects by antiapoptotic and antifibrotic agents. In addition, we also discovered that while multiple HBO transplantation pathways may have a shared effector mechanism, their respective treatment approaches have distinct advantages. Transplantation of HBOs could promote the high expression of CTSV in hepatic sinusoid endothelial cells, which might halt the progression of hepatic sinusoidal capillarization and liver fibrosis. Liver subcapsular transplants had stronger pro-CTSV upregulation than HBO submesenteric transplants, which could be attributed to naturally high CTSV expression in HBOs. Interestingly, both transplantation routes of HBOs were targeted the injured liver and triggered a new pattern of ductular reaction to alleviate the degree of liver fibrosis by surrounding the area with CK19-positive labeled cells. These residing, homing and repairing effects might be related to the high expression of MMP family genes. By promoting a unique pattern of ductular reactions, submesenteric HBO transplantation has a more representative antifibrotic impact than liver subcapsular transplantation. Altogether, our data strongly imply that the treatment of severe liver diseases with liver subcapsular and submesenteric transplantation of HBOs may be clinically effective and safe. These findings provide new insight into HBOs for further experimental and clinical validation.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→ψ(→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-})K_{S}^{0}(→π^{+}π^{-}) Decays

A measurement of time-dependent CP violation in the decays of B^{0} and B[over ¯]^{0} mesons to the final states J/ψ(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0}, ψ(2S)(→μ^{+}μ^{-})K_{S}^{0} and J/ψ(→e^{+}e^{-})K_{S}^{0} with K_{S}^{0}→π^{+}π^{-} is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the LHCb detector. The CP-violation parameters are measured to be S_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.717±0.013(stat)±0.008(syst) and C_{ψK_{S}^{0}}=0.008±0.012(stat)±0.003(syst). This measurement of S_{ψK_{S}^{0}} represents the most precise single measurement of the CKM angle β to date and is more precise than the current world average. In addition, measurements of the CP-violation parameters of the individual channels are reported and a combination with the LHCb Run 1 measurements is performed.

Insights into RAG Evolution from the Identification of "Missing Link" Family A RAGL Transposons

A series of "molecular domestication" events are thought to have converted an invertebrate RAG-like (RAGL) transposase into the RAG1-RAG2 (RAG) recombinase, a critical enzyme for adaptive immunity in jawed vertebrates. The timing and order of these events are not well understood, in part because of a dearth of information regarding the invertebrate RAGL-A transposon family. In contrast to the abundant and divergent RAGL-B transposon family, RAGL-A most closely resembles RAG and is represented by a single orphan RAG1-like (RAG1L) gene in the genome of the hemichordate Ptychodera flava (PflRAG1L-A). Here, we provide evidence for the existence of complete RAGL-A transposons in the genomes of P. flava and several echinoderms. The predicted RAG1L-A and RAG2L-A proteins encoded by these transposons intermingle sequence features of jawed vertebrate RAG and RAGL-B transposases, leading to a prediction of DNA binding, catalytic, and transposition activities that are a hybrid of RAG and RAGL-B. Similarly, the terminal inverted repeats (TIRs) of the RAGL-A transposons combine features of both RAGL-B transposon TIRs and RAG recombination signal sequences. Unlike all previously described RAG2L proteins, RAG2L-A proteins contain an acidic hinge region, which we demonstrate is capable of efficiently inhibiting RAG-mediated transposition. Our findings provide evidence for a critical intermediate in RAG evolution and argue that certain adaptations thought to be specific to jawed vertebrates (e.g. the RAG2 acidic hinge) actually arose in invertebrates, thereby focusing attention on other adaptations as the pivotal steps in the completion of RAG domestication in jawed vertebrates.

CPSF6 regulates alternative polyadenylation and proliferation of cancer cells through phase separation

Cancer cells usually exhibit shortened 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) due to alternative polyadenylation (APA) to promote cell proliferation and migration. Upregulated CPSF6 leads to a systematic prolongation of 3' UTRs, but CPSF6 expression in tumors is typically higher than that in healthy tissues. This contradictory observation suggests that it is necessary to investigate the underlying mechanism by which CPSF6 regulates APA switching in cancer. Here, we find that CPSF6 can undergo liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and elevated LLPS is associated with the preferential usage of the distal poly(A) sites. CLK2, a kinase upregulated in cancer cells, destructs CPSF6 LLPS by phosphorylating its arginine/serine-like domain. The reduction of CPSF6 LLPS can lead to a shortened 3' UTR of cell-cycle-related genes and accelerate cell proliferation. These results suggest that CPSF6 LLPS, rather than its expression level, may be responsible for APA regulation in cancer cells.

Observation of New Baryons in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} and Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} Systems

The first observation and study of two new baryonic structures in the final state Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{+}π^{-} and the confirmation of the Ξ_{b}(6100)^{-} state in the Ξ_{b}^{-}π^{+}π^{-} decay mode are reported using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. In addition, the properties of the known Ξ_{b}^{*0}, Ξ_{b}^{'-} and Ξ_{b}^{*-} resonances are measured with improved precision. The new decay mode of the Ξ_{b}^{0} baryon to the Ξ_{c}^{+} π^{-} π^{+} π^{-} final state is observed and exploited for the first time in these measurements.

Precision Measurement of CP Violation in the Penguin-Mediated Decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ

A flavor-tagged time-dependent angular analysis of the decay B_{s}^{0}→ϕϕ is performed using pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at the center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6  fb^{-1}. The CP-violating phase and direct CP-violation parameter are measured to be ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.042±0.075±0.009  rad and |λ|=1.004±0.030±0.009, respectively, assuming the same values for all polarization states of the ϕϕ system. In these results, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. These parameters are also determined separately for each polarization state, showing no evidence for polarization dependence. The results are combined with previous LHCb measurements using pp collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding ϕ_{s}^{ss[over ¯]s}=-0.074±0.069  rad and |λ|=1.009±0.030. This is the most precise study of time-dependent CP violation in a penguin-dominated B meson decay. The results are consistent with CP symmetry and with the standard model predictions.

Measurement of the Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} Differential Branching Fraction

The branching fraction of the rare decay Λ_{b}^{0}→Λ(1520)μ^{+}μ^{-} is measured for the first time, in the squared dimuon mass intervals q^{2}, excluding the J/ψ and ψ(2S) regions. The data sample analyzed was collected by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The result in the highest q^{2} interval, q^{2}>15.0  GeV^{2}/c^{4}, where theoretical predictions have the smallest model dependence, agrees with the predictions.

Radiation Therapy Sensitizes Head-and-Neck Cancer Cells to Killing by Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-NK Cells Targeting CD70

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

CAR-T cell therapy is limited by toxicity, high cost, logistical manufacturing issues in the autologous setting and risk of GVHD in the allogeneic setting. Substitution of T cells with NK cells opens the possibility for an allogeneic off-the-shelf product with a better safety profile. However, the inadequate efficacy of CAR-NK cells against solid tumors can be extrapolated from experience with CAR-T cells. There is limited but promising preclinical evidence that radiation therapy (RT) enhances CAR-T cell tumoricidal activity against solid tumors. However, there is no data examining the potential synergy between RT and CAR-NK cell therapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We engineered CAR-NK cells with CD27 receptor as extracellular domain to target its natural ligand CD70, which is overexpressed in head-and-neck cancers (HNSCC). CAR-NK cell killing was assessed real-time through xCELLigence cytotoxicity assays. CD70+ OQ01 human HNSCCs were used for most experiments. FaDu is a CD70- HNSCC (negative ctrl). UMRC3 is a CD70+ kidney cancer cell line (positive ctrl). CD70 expression pre- and post-RT was assessed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Ionizing RT was compared at 5 doses: 0, 1.75, 3.5, 7, and 14 Gy. A single dose of 3.5 Gy was used for most experiments. Post-radiation effects were generally assessed at 3 days or 9 days post-RT. Intracellular staining was used to assess NK cell expression of IFN-γ, CD107a, and TNF-α by flow cytometry. CD27/CD70 interaction blockade was through α-CD27 pre-treatment of CAR-NK cells.

RESULTS

OQ01 HNSCCs heterogeneously express CD70 and are killed by CD70 CAR-NK cells in vitro. Pre-conditioning low-dose RT of 3.5 Gy applied to OQ01 HNSCCs 3 days prior to coculture with NK cells enhances CD70 CAR-NK cell killing, with ∼30% increased cytotoxicity against the tumor cells. Low-dose RT by itself did not induce acute cytolysis. As a possible mechanism for the increased sensitivity of irradiated OQ01 cells to CD70 CAR-NK cells, we found that RT enhances CD70 expression among HNSCCs in a dose-dependent manner. There was no increase in NK cell expression of IFN-γ, CD107a, and TNF-α with exposure to irradiated target cells. CD27/CD70 blockade does not solely abrogate RT-induced sensitization toward CAR-NK cell killing. Despite RT induction of transient increased expression of CD70, which normalizes by 9 days post-RT, there is persistent increase in RT-synergized target cell killing even at this later timepoint. Thus, altogether, RT sensitizes CD70-expressing HNSCC cells to CAR-NK cell killing in vitro.

CONCLUSION

This work represents the first preclinical study to identify the synergy of RT and CAR-NK cell therapy in solid tumors and is the first demonstration of CAR-NK cell activity against human HNSCCs. We show significantly enhanced potency of CAR-NK cells against irradiated tumor cells in vitro. Collectively, this research will be vital to guide efforts expanding into other target antigens and tumor types.

Observation of New Ω_{c}^{0} States Decaying to the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} Final State

Two new excited states, Ω_{c}(3185)^{0} and Ω_{c}(3327)^{0}, are observed in the Ξ_{c}^{+}K^{-} invariant-mass spectrum using proton-proton collision data collected by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Five previously observed excited Ω_{c}^{0} states are confirmed, namely Ω_{c}(3000)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3050)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3065)^{0}, Ω_{c}(3090)^{0}, and Ω_{c}(3119)^{0}. The masses and widths of these seven states are measured with the highest precision to date.

Evidence of a J/ψK_{S}^{0} Structure in B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} Decays

An amplitude analysis of B^{0}→J/ψϕK_{S}^{0} decays is performed using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}, collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. Evidence with a significance of 4.0 standard deviations of a structure in the J/ψK_{S}^{0} system, named T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0}, is seen, with its mass and width measured to be 3991_{-10}^{+12} _{-17}^{+9}  MeV/c^{2} and 105_{-25}^{+29} _{-23}^{+17}  MeV, respectively, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{0} state is likely to be the isospin partner of the T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000)^{+} state, previously observed in the J/ψK^{+} system of the B^{+}→J/ψϕK^{+} decay. When isospin symmetry for the charged and neutral T_{ψs1}^{θ}(4000) states is assumed, the signal significance increases to 5.4 standard deviations.

Measurement of the Ratios of Branching Fractions R(D^{*}) and R(D^{0})

The ratios of branching fractions R(D^{*})≡B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B[over ¯]→D^{*}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) and R(D^{0})≡B(B^{-}→D^{0}τ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{τ})/B(B^{-}→D^{0}μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}) are measured, assuming isospin symmetry, using a sample of proton-proton collision data corresponding to 3.0  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity recorded by the LHCb experiment during 2011 and 2012. The tau lepton is identified in the decay mode τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν_{τ}ν[over ¯]_{μ}. The measured values are R(D^{*})=0.281±0.018±0.024 and R(D^{0})=0.441±0.060±0.066, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic. The correlation between these measurements is ρ=-0.43. The results are consistent with the current average of these quantities and are at a combined 1.9 standard deviations from the predictions based on lepton flavor universality in the standard model.

Measurement of the Prompt D^{0} Nuclear Modification Factor in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV

The production of prompt D^{0} mesons in proton-lead collisions in both the forward and backward rapidity regions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV is measured by the LHCb experiment. The nuclear modification factor of prompt D^{0} mesons is determined as a function of the transverse momentum p_{T}, and the rapidity in the nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass frame y^{*}. In the forward rapidity region, significantly suppressed production with respect to pp collisions is measured, which provides significant constraints on models of nuclear parton distributions and hadron production down to the very low Bjorken-x region of ∼10^{-5}. In the backward rapidity region, a suppression with a significance of 2.0-3.8 standard deviations compared to parton distribution functions in a nuclear environment expectations is found in the kinematic region of p_{T}>6  GeV/c and -3.25 Collapse

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Measurement of the Time-Integrated CP Asymmetry in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} Decays

The time-integrated CP asymmetry in the Cabibbo-suppressed decay D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} is measured using proton-proton collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.7  fb^{-1} collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the LHCb detector. The D^{0} mesons are required to originate from promptly produced D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} decays, and the charge of the companion pion is used to determine the flavor of the charm meson at production. The time-integrated CP asymmetry is measured to be A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})=[6.8±5.4±1.6]×10^{-4} where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The direct CP asymmetries in D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, a_{K^{-}K^{+}}^{d} and a_{π^{-}π^{+}}^{d}, are derived by combining A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+}) with the time-integrated CP asymmetry difference, ΔA_{CP}=A_{CP}(K^{-}K^{+})-A_{CP}(π^{-}π^{+}), and other inputs, giving a_{K^{-}K^{+}}^{d}=(7.7±5.7)×10^{-4},a_{π^{-}π^{+}}^{d}=(23.2±6.1)×10^{-4},with a correlation coefficient corresponding to ρ=0.88. The compatibility of these results with CP symmetry is 1.4 and 3.8 standard deviations for D^{0}→K^{-}K^{+} and D^{0}→π^{-}π^{+} decays, respectively. This is the first evidence for direct CP violation in a specific D^{0} decay.

Measurement of the Branching Fractions B(B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯]) and B(B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])

Searches for the rare hadronic decays B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] and B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] are performed using proton-proton collision data recorded by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Significances of 9.3σ and 4.0σ, including statistical and systematic uncertainties, are obtained for the B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] and B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯] signals, respectively. The branching fractions are measured relative to the topologically similar normalization decays B^{0}→J/ψ(→pp[over ¯])K^{*0}(→K^{+}π^{-}) and B_{s}^{0}→J/ψ(→pp[over ¯])⁢ϕ(→K^{+}K^{-}). The branching fractions are measured to be B(B^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])=(2.2±0.4±0.1±0.1)×10^{-8} and B(B_{s}^{0}→pp[over ¯]pp[over ¯])=(2.3±1.0±0.2±0.1)×10^{-8}. In these measurements, the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third one is due to the external branching fraction of the normalization channel.

Observation of a Resonant Structure near the D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} Threshold in the B^{+}→D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-}K^{+} Decay

An amplitude analysis of the B^{+}→D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-}K^{+} decay is carried out to study for the first time its intermediate resonant contributions, using proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. A near-threshold peaking structure, referred to as X(3960), is observed in the D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} invariant-mass spectrum with significance greater than 12 standard deviations. The mass, width, and the quantum numbers of the structure are measured to be 3956±5±10  MeV, 43±13±8  MeV, and J^{PC}=0^{++}, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. The properties of the new structure are consistent with recent theoretical predictions for a state composed of cc[over ¯]ss[over ¯] quarks. Evidence for an additional structure is found around 4140 MeV in the D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} invariant mass, which might be caused either by a new resonance with the 0^{++} assignment or by a J/ψϕ↔D_{s}^{+}D_{s}^{-} coupled-channel effect.

Evidence for Modification of b Quark Hadronization in High-Multiplicity pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The production rate of B_{s}^{0} mesons relative to B^{0} mesons is measured by the LHCb experiment in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV over the forward rapidity interval 2 Collapse

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Test of Lepton Universality in b→sℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} Decays

The first simultaneous test of muon-electron universality using B^{+}→K^{+}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} and B^{0}→K^{*0}ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-} decays is performed, in two ranges of the dilepton invariant-mass squared, q^{2}. The analysis uses beauty mesons produced in proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Each of the four lepton universality measurements reported is either the first in the given q^{2} interval or supersedes previous LHCb measurements. The results are compatible with the predictions of the Standard Model.

First Observation of a Doubly Charged Tetraquark and Its Neutral Partner

A combined amplitude analysis is performed for the decays B^{0}→D[over ¯]^{0}D_{s}^{+}π^{-} and B^{+}→D^{-}D_{s}^{+}π^{+}, which are related by isospin symmetry. The analysis is based on data collected by the LHCb detector in proton-proton collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The full data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. Two new resonant states with masses of 2.908±0.011±0.020  GeV and widths of 0.136±0.023±0.013  GeV are observed, which decay to D_{s}^{+}π^{+} and D_{s}^{+}π^{-} respectively. The former state indicates the first observation of a doubly charged open-charm tetraquark state with minimal quark content [cs[over ¯]ud[over ¯]], and the latter state is a neutral tetraquark composed of [cs[over ¯]u[over ¯]d] quarks. Both states are found to have spin-parity of 0^{+}, and their resonant parameters are consistent with each other, which suggests that they belong to an isospin triplet.

Search for Rare Decays of D^{0} Mesons into Two Muons

A search for the very rare D^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-} decay is performed using data collected by the LHCb experiment in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The search is optimized for D^{0} mesons from D^{*+}→D^{0}π^{+} decays but is also sensitive to D^{0} mesons from other sources. No evidence for an excess of events over the expected background is observed. An upper limit on the branching fraction of this decay is set at B(D^{0}→μ^{+}μ^{-})<3.1×10^{-9} at a 90% C.L. This represents the world's most stringent limit, constraining models of physics beyond the standard model.

Nuclear Modification Factor of Neutral Pions in the Forward and Backward Regions in p-Pb Collisions

The nuclear modification factor of neutral pions is measured in proton-lead collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon of 8.16 TeV with the LHCb detector. The π^{0} production cross section is measured differentially in transverse momentum (p_{T}) for 1.5 Collapse

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Observation of a J/ψΛ Resonance Consistent with a Strange Pentaquark Candidate in B^{-}→J/ψΛp[over ¯] Decays

An amplitude analysis of B^{-}→J/ψΛp[over ¯] decays is performed using 4400 signal candidates selected on a data sample of pp collisions recorded at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV with the LHCb detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. A narrow resonance in the J/ψΛ system, consistent with a pentaquark candidate with strangeness, is observed with high significance. The mass and the width of this new state are measured to be 4338.2±0.7±0.4  MeV and 7.0±1.2±1.3  MeV, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic. The spin is determined to be 1/2 and negative parity is preferred. Because of the small Q-value of the reaction, the most precise single measurement of the B^{-} mass to date, 5279.44±0.05±0.07  MeV, is obtained.

Isoliquiritigenin inhibits virus replication and virus-mediated inflammation via NRF2 signaling

BACKGROUND

The transcription factor NRF2 is a master redox switch that regulates the cellular antioxidant response. However, recent advances have revealed new roles for NRF2, including the regulation of antiviral responses to various viruses, suggesting that pharmacological NRF2-activating agents may be a promising therapeutic drug for viral diseases. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a chalcone isolated from liquorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix) root, is reported to be a natural NRF2 agonist and has has antiviral activities against HCV (hepatitis C virus) and IAV (influenza A virus). However, the spectrum of antiviral activity and associated mechanism of ISL against other viruses are not well defined.

PURPOSE

This study investigated the antiviral activity and underlying mechanism of ISL against vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), influenza A virus (H1N1), encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1).

METHODS

We evaluated the antiviral activity of ISL against VSV, H1N1, EMCV, and HSV-1 using flow cytometry and qRT-PCR analysis. RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis were performed to investigate the potential antiviral mechanism of ISL. NRF2 knockout cells were used to investigate whether NRF2 is required for the antiviral activity of ISL. The anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory activities of ISL were further measured by counting cell death ratio and assessing proinflammatory cytokines expression in virus-infected cells, respectively. In addition, we evaluated the antiviral effect of ISL in vivo by measuring the survival rate, body weights, histological analysis, viral load, and cytokine expression in VSV-infected mouse model.

RESULTS

Our data demonstrated that ISL effectively suppressed VSV, H1N1, HSV-1, and EMCV replication in vitro. The antiviral activity of ISL could be partially impaired in NRF2-deficient cells. Virus-induced cell death and proinflammatory cytokines were repressed by ISL. Finally, we showed that ISL treatment protected mice against VSV infection by reducing viral titers and suppressing the expression of inflammatory cytokines in vivo.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that ISL has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects in virus infections, which are associated with its ability to activate NRF2 signaling, thus indicating that ISL has the potential to serve as an NRF2 agonist in the treatment of viral diseases.

Therapeutic mechanisms of the medicine and food homology formula Xiao-Ke-Yin on glucolipid metabolic dysfunction revealed by transcriptomics, metabolomics and microbiomics in mice

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, the prevalence of metabolic diseases, particularly diabetes, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has increased dramatically, causing great public health and economic burdens worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as an effective therapeutic choice. Xiao-Ke-Yin (XKY) is a medicine and food homology TCM formula consisting of nine "medicine and food homology" herbs and is used to ameliorate metabolic diseases, such as insulin resistance, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and NAFLD. However, despite its therapeutic potential in metabolic disorders, the underlying mechanisms of this TCM remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of XKY on glucolipid metabolism dysfunction and explore the potential mechanisms in db/db mice.

METHODS

To verify the effects of XKY, db/db mice were treated with different concentrations of XKY (5.2, 2.6 and 1.3 g/kg/d) and metformin (0.2 g/kg/d, a hypoglycemic positive control) for 6 weeks, respectively. During this study, we detected the body weight (BW) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), daily food intake and water intake. At the end of the animal experiment, blood samples, feces, liver and intestinal tissue of mice in all groups were collected. The potential mechanisms were investigated by using hepatic RNA sequencing, 16 S rRNA sequencing of the gut microbiota and metabolomics analysis.

RESULTS

XKY efficiently mitigated hyperglycemia, IR, hyperlipidemia, inflammation and hepatic pathological injury in a dose dependent manner. Mechanistically, hepatic transcriptomic analysis showed that XKY treatment significantly reversed the upregulated cholesterol biosynthesis which was further confirmed by RT-qPCR. Additionally, XKY administration maintained intestinal epithelial homeostasis, modulated gut microbiota dysbiosis, and regulated its metabolites. In particular, XKY decreased secondary bile acid producing bacteria (Clostridia and Lachnospircaeae) and lowered fecal secondary bile acid (lithocholic acid (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA)) levels to promote hepatic bile acid synthesis by inhibiting the LCA/DCA-FXR-FGF15 signalling pathway. Furthermore, XKY regulated amino acid metabolism including arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism likely by increasing Bacilli, Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus, and decreasing Clostridia, Lachnospircaeae, Tannerellaceae and Parabacteroides abundances.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings demonstrate that XKY is a promising "medicine food homology" formula for ameliorating glucolipid metabolism and reveal that the therapeutic effects of XKY may due to its downregulation of hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis and modulation of the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and metabolites.

Characterization of GSDME in amphioxus provides insights into the functional evolution of GSDM-mediated pyroptosis

Members of the gasdermin (GSDM) family are pore-forming effectors that cause membrane permeabilization and pyroptosis, a lytic proinflammatory type of cell death. To reveal the functional evolution of GSDM-mediated pyroptosis at the transition from invertebrates to vertebrates, we conducted functional characterization of amphioxus GSDME (BbGSDME) and found that it can be cleaved by distinct caspase homologs, yielding the N253 and N304 termini with distinct functions. The N253 fragment binds to cell membrane, triggers pyroptosis, and inhibits bacterial growth, while the N304 performs negative regulation of N253-mediated cell death. Moreover, BbGSDME is associated with bacteria-induced tissue necrosis and transcriptionally regulated by BbIRF1/8 in amphioxus. Interestingly, several amino acids that are evolutionarily conserved were found to be important for the function of both BbGSDME and HsGSDME, shedding new lights on the functional regulation of GSDM-mediated inflammation.

Antibody landscape of C57BL/6 mice cured of B78 melanoma via immunotherapy

Hoefges et al. utilized a whole-proteome peptide array approach to show that C57BL/6 mice develop a large repertoire of antibodies against linear peptide sequences of their melanoma after receiving a curative immunotherapy regimen consisting of radiation and an immunocytokine. Antibodies can play an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses against cancer, and in preventing infectious disease. Flow cytometry analysis of sera of immune mice that were previously cured of their melanoma through a combined immunotherapy regimen with long-term memory showed strong antibody-binding against melanoma tumor cell lines. Using a high-density whole-proteome peptide array, we assessed potential protein-targets for antibodies found in immune sera. Sera from 6 of these cured mice were analyzed with this high-density, whole-proteome peptide array to determine specific antibody-binding sites and their linear peptide sequence. We identified thousands of peptides that were targeted by 2 or more of these 6 mice and exhibited strong antibody binding only by immune, not naive sera. Confirmatory studies were done to validate these results using 2 separate ELISA-based systems. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of the "immunome" of protein-based epitopes that are recognized by immune sera from mice cured of cancer via immunotherapy.

SUMO and PIAS repress NF-κB activation in a basal chordate

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) regulates various biological processes, including the MyD88/TICAMs-IRAKs-TRAF6-NF-κB pathway, one of the core immune pathways. However, its functions are inconsistent between invertebrates and vertebrates and have rarely been investigated in lower chordates, including amphioxus and fishes. Here, we investigated the SUMOylation gene system in the amphioxus, a living basal chordate. We found that amphioxus has a SUMOylation system that has a complete set of genes and preserves several ancestral traits. We proceeded to study their molecular functions using the mammal cell lines. Both amphioxus SUMO1 and SUMO2 were shown to be able to attach to NF-κB Rel and to inhibit NF-κB activation by 50-75% in a dose-dependent fashion. The inhibition by SUMO2 could be further enhanced by the addition of the SUMO E2 ligase UBC9. In comparison, while human SUMO2 inhibited RelA, human SUMO1 slightly activated RelA. We also showed that, similar to human PIAS1-4, amphioxus PIAS could serve as a SUMO E3 ligase and promote its self-SUMOylation. This suggests that amphioxus PIAS is functionally compatible in human cells. Moreover, we showed that amphioxus PIAS is not only able to inhibit NF-κB activation induced by MyD88, TICAM-like, TRAF6 and IRAK4 but also able to suppress NF-κB Rel completely in the presence of SUMO1/2 in a dose-insensitive manner. This suggests that PIAS could effectively block Rel by promoting Rel SUMOylation. In comparison, in humans, only PIAS3, but not PIAS1/2/4, has been reported to promote NF-κB SUMOylation. Taken together, the findings from amphioxus, together with those from mammals and other species, not only offer insights into the functional volatility of the animal SUMO system, but also shed light on its evolutionary transitions from amphioxus to fish, and ultimately to humans.

Differential roles of the fish chitinous membrane in gut barrier immunity and digestive compartments

The chitin-based peritrophic matrix (PM) is a structure critical for both gut immunity and digestion in invertebrates. PM was traditionally considered lost in all vertebrates, but a PM-like chitinous membrane (CM) has recently been discovered in fishes, which may increase the knowledge on vertebrate gut physiology and structural evolution. Here, we show that in zebrafish, the CM affects ingestion behavior, microbial homeostasis, epithelial renewal, digestion, growth, and longevity. Young mutant fish without CM appear healthy and are able to complete their life cycle normally, but with increasing age they develop gut inflammation, resulting in gut atrophy. Unlike mammals, zebrafish have no visible gel-forming mucin layers to protect their gut epithelia, but at least in young fish, the CM is not a prerequisite for the antibacterial gut immunity. These findings provide new insights into the role of the CM in fish prosperity and its eventual loss in tetrapods. These findings may also help to improve fish health and conservation, as well as to advance the understanding of vertebrate gut physiology and human intestinal diseases.

Effective Management of Citrus Melanose Based on Combination of Ecofriendly Chemicals

Citrus melanose, caused by the ascomycete fungus Diaporthe citri, is one of the most important diseases in China that affects not only the production but also the quality of citrus. In China, mancozeb is recommended to control melanose disease at the dose of 1.34 g/liter. However, it is widely applied in practice at the dose of 2.66 g/liter or even 4 g/liter, because reduced efficacy of the recommended dose was observed in regions severely damaged by melanose. In this study, some ecofriendly chemicals for melanose management were evaluated. First, the sensitivity to fungicides was screened in the laboratory based on the inhibition of mycelial growth and conidial germination of D. citri. Results showed that both quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides kresoxim-methyl and trifloxystrobin inhibited conidial germination of D. citri up to 100% at 0.1 μg/ml. The in vivo control efficacy on detached fruit indicated that treatments with elastic nanocopolymer film at 2 g/liter, mancozeb at 1 g/liter, and kresoxim-methyl at 0.1 g/liter significantly inhibited the infection process compared with the control treatment of mineral oil alone. In field trials, the efficacy of kresoxim-methyl at 0.1 g/liter and elastic nanocopolymer film at 2 g/liter mixed with mancozeb at 1 g/liter was equal to that of mancozeb at 2.66 g/liter. The use of mancozeb could be reduced greatly, and the newly developed fungicide combinations are more environmentally friendly due to the low toxicity of both QoI fungicides and elastic nanocopolymer film. The newly developed method with ecofriendly chemicals should play an important role in the management of citrus melanose in the future.

ZNFX1 antisense RNA1 promotes antiviral innate immune responses via modulating ZNFX1 function

Increasing evidence suggests that natural antisense transcriptional lncRNAs regulate their adjacent coding genes to mediate diverse aspects of biology. Bioinformatics analysis of the previously identified antiviral gene ZNFX1 revealed neighboring lncRNA ZFAS1 transcribed on the opposite strand from ZNFX1. Whether ZFAS1 exerts antiviral function via regulating the dsRNA sensor ZNFX1 is unknown. Here we found that ZFAS1 was up-regulated by RNA and DNA viruses and type I IFNs (IFN-I) dependent on Jak-STAT signaling, similar to the transcription regulation of ZNFX1. Knockdown of endogenous ZFAS1 partially facilitated viral infection, while ZFAS1 overexpression showed opposite effects. In addition, mice were more resistant to VSV infection with the delivery of human ZFAS1. We further observed that ZFAS1 knockdown significantly inhibited IFNB1 expression and IFR3 dimerization, whereas ZFAS1 overexpression positively regulated antiviral innate immune pathways. Mechanistically, ZFAS1 positively regulated ZNFX1 expression and antiviral function by enhancing the protein stability of ZNFX1, thereby establishing a positive feedback loop to enhance antiviral immune activation status. In short, ZFAS1 is a positive regulator of antiviral innate immune response via regulating its neighbor gene ZNFX1, adding new mechanistic insight into lncRNA-mediated regulation of signaling in innate immunity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Six Cell Cycle-related Genes Serve as Potential Prognostic Biomarkers and Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Cell cycle-related genes (CDK1, CDK5, CDC20, CCNA2, CCNB1, and CCNB2) play important roles in the regulation of mitotic cell cycle in eukaryotes. However, the correlation between cell cycle-related genes and tumor-infiltrating and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) needs further investigation. Methods: Two public websites, Tumor Immune Estimate Resource (TIMER) and Oncomine, were used to assess the expression levels of cycle-related genes. We also analyzed the protein expression levels of six cell cycle-related genes using the HPA database. In addition, Kaplan-Meier plotter and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database were used to investigate the impact of cell cycle-related gene expression levels on the clinical prognosis of HCC. The correlation between cell cycle-related genes and cancer immune infiltrates was analyzed through TIMER site. Subsequently, GEPIA and TIMER database were used to assess the correlation between the expression of six cell cycle-related genes and polygenic markers in monocytes and macrophages, respectively. The cell cycle-related genes were also analyzed to find the associated genes with the highest alteration frequency, by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) approaches of Metascape and String database, respectively. Results: The expression levels of cell cycle-related genes were up-regulated in tumor tissues compared with normal tissues. Subsequently, the expression of high cell cycle-related genes was positively correlated with poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in HCC, for CDK1 (OS: HR = 2.15, P = 1.1E-05 PFS: HR = 2.03, P = 2.3E-06), CDK5 (OS: HR = 1.85, P = 0.0035 PFS: HR = 1.26, P = 0.17), CDC20 (OS: HR = 2.49, P = 5.1E-07 PFS: HR = 1.77, P = 0.00012), CCNA2 (OS: HR = 1.92, P = 0.00018 PFS: HR = 1.96, P = 5.2E-06), CCNB1 (OS: HR = 2.34, P = 3.4E-05 PFS: HR = 1.97, P = 5.3E-06), and CCNB2 (OS: HR = 1.91, P = 0.0013 PFS: HR = 1.63, P = 0.0011), respectively. Furthermore, the transcription level of cell cycle-related genes was significantly correlated with immune infiltrating levels of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells (DCs) in HCC, respectively. Amongst them, the expression levels of CDK1, CDC20, CCNA2, CCNB1 and CCNB2 manifest strongly correlated with diverse immune marker sets in HCC. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that cell cycle-related genes played key roles in the prognosis of HCC. Meanwhile, they were significantly correlated with immune infiltrating levels of CD4⁺ T cells, CD8⁺ T cells, neutrophils, macrophages and DCs in HCC, respectively. In addition, CDK1, CDC20, CCNA2, CCNB1 and CCNB2 expressions may be involved in the regulation of monocytes and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in HCC, respectively. These findings strongly suggested that cell cycle-related genes could be used as novel biomarkers for exploring the prognosis and immune cells infiltration of HCC.

Associations of Pain and Sarcopenia with Successful Aging among Older People in China: Evidence from CHARLS

OBJECTIVES

Sarcopenia and chronic pain are geriatric syndromes that negatively impact the lives of older people. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship among sarcopenia, pain, and successful aging among older persons participating in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

DESIGN

Cohort study with a 2-year follow-up.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data were derived from 2 waves of the CHARLS, and 4280 community-dwelling participants aged ≥ 60 years were included in the study.

METHODS

Sarcopenia status was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS 2019) criteria. Successful aging was defined following Rowe and Kahn's multidimensional model. Pain was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to examine the associations.

RESULTS

Longitudinal results demonstrated that compared with no sarcopenia, possible sarcopenia [OR (95%CI): 0.600 (0.304~1.188)] was not significantly associated with successful aging. Pain only was strongly associated with successful aging [0.388 (0.251~0.600)], whereas the association between sarcopenia only and successful aging was weaker [0.509 (0.287~0.905)]. The likelihood of being successful aging was substantially lower in the presence of coexisting sarcopenia and pain [0.268 (0.108~0.759)].

CONCLUSIONS

Both pain and sarcopenia are significant predictors for achieving successful aging among community-dwelling older adults. Early identification of sarcopenia and pain permits the implementation of treatment strategies and presents an opportunity to mitigate the risk of being unsuccessful aging.

Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity and Cognitive Function in Older Adults in the United States: The NHANES 2011-2014

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress level takes part in the development of cognitive decline. However, the association between total antioxidant capacity (TAC) from diet and cognitive function is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between TAC and the cognitive function of older adults in the U.S.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SETTING

National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys database.

PARTICIPANTS

2712 older adults aged over 60 years.

MEASUREMENTS

TAC was calculated from 8 antioxidative vitamins based on the reference values for vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity obtained from individuals' 24 h dietary recall. Four memory-related assessments were employed [Immediate Recall test (IRT), Delayed Recall test (DRT), Animal Fluency test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution test (DSST)].

RESULTS

Among the 2712 participants, the median age was 68 years, and 50.4% were women. Participants in the group with higher TAC levels had relatively higher IRT, AFT and DSST scores (P=0.025, P=0.008, P<0.001, respectively). In adjusted weighted linear regression, log-transformed TAC was positively associated with AFT (β=1.10, 95%CI: 0.51, 1.70) and DSST (β=2.81, 95%CI: 1.16, 4.45). Compared with the first quartile, the participants in the second (Q2 vs. Q1, OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.43,1.02) and fourth quartile (Q4 vs. Q1, OR=0.47, 95%CI:0.28, 0.78) of log-transformed TAC showed a decreased risk of impaired cognitive function (ICF) after adjusting for confounders. The dose-response analysis indicated a gradual descent in the risk of ICF as TAC increases. Diabetes mellitus (DM) mediated part of the effect of TAC on ICF. The relationship between TAC and ICF was more pronounced in subjects with DM (Q4 vs Q1, OR=0.36, 95%CI:0.17, 0.74).

CONCLUSION

Our findings support that higher dietary antioxidant potential was related to a decreased risk of cognitive dysfunction, particularly in the subjects with DM who may have oxidative injury. DM was one of the factors mediating the effect of TAC on ICF.

TangNaiKang, herbal formulation, alleviates obesity in diabetic SHR/cp rats through modulation of gut microbiota and related metabolic functions

CONTEXT

Tangnaikang (TNK) is a Chinese herbal formulation that has lipid-lowering effects, but its effect on reducing obesity has not been studied.

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of TNK on obesity and explore its effect on gut microbiota of obese rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The SHR/NDmcr-cp rats were divided into three groups: (1) 3.24 g/kg TNK (High TNK), (2) 1.62 g/kg TNK (Low TNK), and (3) an untreated control (CON). Wistar-Kyoto rats were used as normal controls (WKY). After 8 weeks of TNK oral administration, body weight, abdominal circumference, triglycerides (TC) and total cholesterol (CHO) were measured. Gut microbiota diversity was studied by 16S rDNA sequencing, and metagenomes analysis was conducted to determine alteration in functional gene expression.

RESULTS

The body weight (496.60 ± 6.0 g vs. 523.40 ± 5.6 g), abdomen circumference (24.00 ± 0.11 cm vs. 24.87 ± 0.25 cm), TC (3.04 ± 0.16 mmol/L vs. 4.97 ± 0.21 mmol/L), CHO (2.42 ± 0.15 mmol/L vs. 2.84 ± 0.09 mmol/L) of rats in the High TNK group were decreased significantly (all p < 0.05). TNK administration regulates intestinal flora, up-regulates Eisenbergiella and down-regulates Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, which is beneficial to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Metagenomes analysis shows that TNK is closely related to the fatty acid synthesis pathway.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

TNK can regulate gut microbiota to reduce obesity, which may be related to fatty acid metabolism. Our research supports the clinical application of TNK preparation and provides a new perspective for the treatment of obesity.

Generation of Hepatocytes and Nonparenchymal Cell Codifferentiation System from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

To date, hepatocytes derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) provide a potentially unlimited resource for clinical application and drug development. However, most hiPSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells initiated differentiation from highly purified definitive endoderm, which are insufficient to accurately replicate the complex regulation of signals among multiple cells and tissues during liver organogenesis, thereby displaying an immature phenotypic and short survival time in vitro. Here, we described a protocol to achieve codifferentiation of endoderm-derived hepatocytes and mesoderm-derived nonparenchymal cells by the inclusion of BMP4 into hepatic differentiation medium, which has a beneficial effect on the hepatocyte maturation and lifespan in vitro. Our codifferentiation system suggests the important role of nonparenchymal cells in liver organogenesis. Hopefully, these hepatocytes described here provide a promising approach in the therapy of liver diseases.

Nuclear m6 A reader YTHDC1 suppresses proximal alternative polyadenylation sites by interfering with the 3' processing machinery

N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) and alternative polyadenylation (APA) are important regulators of gene expression in eukaryotes. Recently, it was found that m6 A is closely related to APA. However, the molecular mechanism of this new APA regulation remains elusive. Here, we show that YTHDC1, a nuclear m6 A reader, can suppress proximal APA sites and produce longer 3' UTR transcripts by binding to their upstream m6 A sites. YTHDC1 can directly interact with the 3' end processing factor FIP1L1 and interfere with its ability to recruit CPSF4. Binding to the m6 A sites can promote liquid-liquid phase separation of YTHDC1 and FIP1L1, which may play an important role in their interaction and APA regulation. Collectively, YTHDC1 as an m6 A "reader" links m6 A modification with pre-mRNA 3' end processing, providing a new mechanism for APA regulation.

Prospective associations of circulating thrombospondin-2 level with heart failure hospitalization, left ventricular remodeling and diastolic function in type 2 diabetes

Background

Circulating thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) levels were associated with the development of heart failure (HF) in recent studies. However, these studies included only a minority of patients with type 2 diabetes, which is associated with an increased HF risk. As hyperglycemia induces TSP2 expression and its tissue expression increases in type 2 diabetes, we investigated the prospective association of circulating TSP2 with incident HF hospitalization (HHF), and its associations with longitudinal changes of echocardiographic parameters in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Baseline serum TSP2 levels were measured in 4949 patients with type 2 diabetes to determine its association with incident HHF using multivariable Cox regression analysis. In the echocardiographic study, baseline serum TSP2 levels were measured in another 146 patients with type 2 diabetes but without cardiovascular diseases who underwent detailed transthoracic echocardiography at baseline and after 1 year.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 7.8 years, 330 of 4949 patients (6.7%) developed incident HHF. Baseline serum TSP2 levels were independently associated with the development of HHF (HR 1.31, 95%CI 1.06–1.62, p = 0.014) after adjustments for baseline conventional cardiovascular risk factors, atrial fibrillation, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albuminuria and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level, use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, loop-diuretics, aspirin, insulin, metformin and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors. Moreover, baseline serum TSP2 levels were independently associated with increase in average E/e’ and left atrial volume index (p = 0.04 and < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Serum TSP2 levels were independently associated with both incident HHF and deterioration in diastolic function in type 2 diabetes.

Trial registration

Not Applicable

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01646-x.

Two novel mollusk short-form ApeC-containing proteins act as pattern recognition proteins for peptidoglycan

The Apextrin C-terminal (ApeC) domain is a new protein domain largely specific to aquatic invertebrates. In amphioxus, a short-form ApeC-containing protein (ACP) family is capable of binding peptidoglycan (PGN) and agglutinating bacteria via its ApeC domain. However, the functions of ApeC in other phyla remain unknown. Here we examined 130 ACPs from gastropods and bivalves, the first and second biggest mollusk classes. They were classified into nine groups based on their phylogenetics and architectures, including three groups of short-form ACPs, one group of apextrins and two groups of ACPs of complex architectures. No groups have orthologs in other phyla and only four groups have members in both gastropods and bivalves, suggesting that mollusk ACPs are highly diversified. We selected one bivalve ACP (CgACP1; from the oyster Crossostrea gigas) and one gastropod ACP (BgACP1; from the snail Biomphalaria glabrata) for functional experiments. Both are highly-expressed, secreted short-form ACPs and hence comparable to the amphioxus ACPs previously reported. We found that recombinant CgACP1 and BgACP1 bound with yeasts and several bacteria with different affinities. They also agglutinated these microbes, but showed no inhibiting or killing effects. Further analyses show that both ACPs had high affinities to the Lys-type PGN from S. aureus but weak or no affinities to the DAP-type PGN from Bacillus subtilis. Both recombinant ACPs displayed weak or no affinities to other microbial cell wall components, including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), zymosan A, chitin, chitosan and cellulose, as well as to several PGN moieties, including muramyl dipeptide (MDP), N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc). Besides, CgACP1 had the highest expression in the gill and could be greatly up-regulated quickly after bacterial challenge. This is reminiscent of the amphioxus ACP1/2 which serve as essential mucus lectins in the gill. Taken together, the current findings from mollusk and amphioxus ACPs suggest several basic common traits for the ApeC domains, including the high affinity to Lys-type PGN, the bacterial binding and agglutinating capacity, and the role as mucus proteins to protect the mucosal surface.

U1 snRNP proteins promote proximal alternative polyadenylation sites by directly interacting with 3' end processing core factors

In eukaryotic cells, both alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation (APA) play essential roles in the gene regulation network. U1 small ribonucleoprotein particle (U1 snRNP) is a major component of spliceosome, and U1 snRNP complex can suppress proximal APA sites through crosstalking with 3' end processing factors. However, here we show that both knockdown and overexpression of SNRPA, SNRPC, SNRNP70, and SNRPD2, the U1 snRNP proteins, promote the usage of proximal APA sites at the transcriptome level. SNRNP70 can drive the phase transition of PABPN1 from droplet to aggregate, which may reduce the repressive effects of PABPN1 on the proximal APA sites. Additionally, SNRNP70 can also promote the proximal APA sites by recruiting CPSF6, suggesting that the function of CPSF6 on APA is related with other RNA-binding proteins and cell context-dependent. Consequently, these results reveal that, on the contrary to U1 snRNP complex, the free proteins of U1 snRNP complex can promote proximal APA sites through the interaction with 3' end processing machinery.

First Measurement of the Z→μ^{+}μ^{-} Angular Coefficients in the Forward Region of pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The first study of the angular distribution of μ^{+}μ^{-} pairs produced in the forward rapidity region via the Drell-Yan reaction pp→γ^{*}/Z+X→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}+X is presented, using data collected with the LHCb detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.1  fb^{-1}. The coefficients of the five leading terms in the angular distribution are determined as a function of the dimuon transverse momentum and rapidity. The results are compared to various theoretical predictions of the Z-boson production mechanism and can also be used to probe transverse-momentum-dependent parton distributions within the proton.

Cardiomyocytes induced from hiPSCs by well-defined compounds have therapeutic potential in heart failure by secreting PDGF-BB

Recent studies have suggested that transplant of hiPS-CMs is a promising approach for treating heart failure. However, the optimally clinical benefits have been hampered by the immature nature of the hiPS-CMs, and the hiPS-CMs-secreted proteins contributing to the repair of cardiomyocytes remain largely unidentified. Here, we established a saponin⁺ compound optimally induced system to generate hiPS-CMs with stable functional attributes in vitro and transplanted in heart failure mice. Our study showed enhanced therapeutic effects of optimally induced hiPS-CMs by attenuating cardiac remodeling and dysfunction, these beneficial effects were concomitant with reduced cardiomyocytes death and increased angiogenesis. Moreover, the optimally induced hiPS-CMs could gathering to the injured heart and secret an abundant PDGF-BB. The reparative effect of the optimally induced hiPS-CMs in the hypoxia-injured HCMs was mimicked by PDGF-BB but inhibited by PDGF-BB neutralizing antibody, which was accompanied by the changed expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt proteins. It is highly possible that the PI3K/Akt pathway is regulated by the PDGF-BB secreted from the compound induced hiPS-CMs to achieve a longer lasting myocardial repair effect compared with the standard induced hiPS-CMs. Taken together, our data strongly implicate that the compound induced hiPS-CMs promote the recovery of injured hearts via paracrine action. In this process, the paracrine factor PDGF-BB derived from the compound induced hiPS-CMs reduces isoproterenol-induced adverse cardiac remodeling, which is associated with improved cardiac function, and these effects are mediated by the PI3K/Akt pathway, suggesting that the optimally induced hiPS-CMs may serve as a new promising cell therapy for clinical applications.

Study of the doubly charmed tetraquark [Formula: see text]

Quantum chromodynamics, the theory of the strong force, describes interactions of coloured quarks and gluons and the formation of hadronic matter. Conventional hadronic matter consists of baryons and mesons made of three quarks and quark-antiquark pairs, respectively. Particles with an alternative quark content are known as exotic states. Here a study is reported of an exotic narrow state in the D0D0π+ mass spectrum just below the D*+D0 mass threshold produced in proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The state is consistent with the ground isoscalar [Formula: see text] tetraquark with a quark content of [Formula: see text] and spin-parity quantum numbers JP = 1+. Study of the DD mass spectra disfavours interpretation of the resonance as the isovector state. The decay structure via intermediate off-shell D*+ mesons is consistent with the observed D0π+ mass distribution. To analyse the mass of the resonance and its coupling to the D*D system, a dedicated model is developed under the assumption of an isoscalar axial-vector [Formula: see text] state decaying to the D*D channel. Using this model, resonance parameters including the pole position, scattering length, effective range and compositeness are determined to reveal important information about the nature of the [Formula: see text] state. In addition, an unexpected dependence of the production rate on track multiplicity is observed.

Angular Analysis of D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} and D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} Decays and Search for CP Violation

The first full angular analysis and an updated measurement of the decay-rate CP asymmetry of the D^{0}→π^{+}π^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} and D^{0}→K^{+}K^{-}μ^{+}μ^{-} decays are reported. The analysis uses proton-proton collision data collected with the LHCb detector at center-of-mass energies of 7, 8, and 13 TeV. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 9  fb^{-1}. The full set of CP -averaged angular observables and their CP asymmetries are measured as a function of the dimuon invariant mass. The results are consistent with expectations from the standard model and with CP symmetry.