Acceptor-donor-acceptor type organic photothermal agents with enhanced NIR absorption and photothermal conversion effect for cancer photothermal therapy

Numerous photothermal agents (PTAs) require high-intensity and long-duration laser excitation for photothermal therapy (PTT), resulting in light damage to healthy skin and tissue as well as limiting their biomedical applications. Integrating desirable near-infrared (NIR) absorption and high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) into a single small-molecule PTA is an important prerequisite for realizing efficient PTT, but is a serious challenge. Herein, through molecular engineering strategy, an acceptor-donor-acceptor (A-D-A) type PTA (ADA3) was readily developed for 808 nm laser-driving photothermal imaging and PTT of tumor. Theoretical calculations and experiment results show molecular engineering strategy is significant in regulating the structure and energy gap of PTAs, so as to effectively induce a narrow band gap for NIR absorption and further optimize photothermal properties. ADA3 possesses molar extinction coefficient of 3.1 × 104 M-1 cm-1 at 808 nm, followed being assembled into nanoparticles, ADA3-NPs show high PCE of 80.3%. In vivo experiments indicate that ADA3-NPs have excellent antitumor capability under one-time, low-intensity and short-duration (808 nm, 330 mW/cm2, 3 min) laser irradiation. Therefore, this work definitely exemplifies the enormous potential of molecular engineering strategy and provides an effective method for developing small-molecule PTAs.

Potent inhibition of human and rat 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 by curcuminoids and the metabolites: 3D QSAR and in silico docking analysis

Curcumin, an extensively utilized natural pigment in the food industry, has attracted considerable attention due to its potential therapeutic effects, such as anti-tumorigenic and anti-inflammatory activities. The enzyme 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (17β-HSD1) holds a crucial position in oestradiol production and exhibits significant involvement in oestrogen-responsive breast cancers and endometriosis. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of curcuminoids, metabolites, and analogues on 17β-HSD1, a key enzyme in oestradiol synthesis. Screening 10 compounds, including demethoxycurcumin (IC50, 3.97 μM) and dihydrocurcumin (IC50, 5.84 μM), against human and rat 17β-HSD1 revealed varying inhibitory potencies. These compounds suppressed oestradiol secretion in human BeWo cells at ≥ 5-10 μM. 3D-Quantitative structure-activity relationship (3D-QSAR) and molecular docking analyses elucidated the interaction mechanisms. Docking studies and Gromacs simulations suggested competitive or mixed binding to the steroid or NADPH/steroid binding sites of 17β-HSD1. Predictive 3D-QSAR models highlighted the importance of hydrophobic regions and hydrogen bonding in inhibiting 17β-HSD1 activity. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the inhibitory effects and mode of action of curcuminoids, metabolites, and analogues on 17β-HSD1, which may have implications in the field of hormone-related disorders.

An in vitro nevus explant model for studying the effects of ultraviolet radiation

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been recognized as a potential trigger for the transformation of benign melanocytic nevi into melanoma. However, the mechanisms governing the formation and progression of melanocytic nevi remain poorly understood. This lack of understanding is partly due to the difficulty in isolating and culturing nevus tissues in vitro, resulting in a dearth of robust ex vivo models for nevi. Therefore, the establishment of a reliable melanocytic nevus model is imperative. Such a model is essential for elucidating nevus pathogenesis and facilitating the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Therefore, we have sought to establish an ex vivo nevus explant model to study UVR stimulation. And the structural integrity and tissue activity of the ex vivo nevi explant model was evaluated. We then observed melanogenesis and proliferation activity of the explants after UVR stimulation. There was less blister formation after Day 3 in nevi explants under our modified medium conditions. The nevi explant was able to maintain almost the same morphological structure and tissue activity as in vivo tissue within 24 h. Following UVR stimulation, we observed increased melanogenesis and proliferation activity in nevi explants. Nevi explants could serve as an ex vivo model for UVR-induced nevi stimulation research.

COVID-19 vaccines and adverse events of special interest: A multinational Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) cohort study of 99 million vaccinated individuals

BACKGROUND

The Global COVID Vaccine Safety (GCoVS) Project, established in 2021 under the multinational Global Vaccine Data Network™ (GVDN®), facilitates comprehensive assessment of vaccine safety. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of adverse events of special interest (AESI) following COVID-19 vaccination from 10 sites across eight countries.

METHODS

Using a common protocol, this observational cohort study compared observed with expected rates of 13 selected AESI across neurological, haematological, and cardiac outcomes. Expected rates were obtained by participating sites using pre-COVID-19 vaccination healthcare data stratified by age and sex. Observed rates were reported from the same healthcare datasets since COVID-19 vaccination program rollout. AESI occurring up to 42 days following vaccination with mRNA (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) and adenovirus-vector (ChAdOx1) vaccines were included in the primary analysis. Risks were assessed using observed versus expected (OE) ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. Prioritised potential safety signals were those with lower bound of the 95 % confidence interval (LBCI) greater than 1.5.

RESULTS

Participants included 99,068,901 vaccinated individuals. In total, 183,559,462 doses of BNT162b2, 36,178,442 doses of mRNA-1273, and 23,093,399 doses of ChAdOx1 were administered across participating sites in the study period. Risk periods following homologous vaccination schedules contributed 23,168,335 person-years of follow-up. OE ratios with LBCI > 1.5 were observed for Guillain-Barré syndrome (2.49, 95 % CI: 2.15, 2.87) and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (3.23, 95 % CI: 2.51, 4.09) following the first dose of ChAdOx1 vaccine. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis showed an OE ratio of 3.78 (95 % CI: 1.52, 7.78) following the first dose of mRNA-1273 vaccine. The OE ratios for myocarditis and pericarditis following BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and ChAdOx1 were significantly increased with LBCIs > 1.5.

CONCLUSION

This multi-country analysis confirmed pre-established safety signals for myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Other potential safety signals that require further investigation were identified.

Clinicopathological features and prognostic factors of salivary gland myoepithelial carcinoma: institutional experience of 42 cases

Myoepithelial carcinoma (MECA) is a rare type of carcinoma for which the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors have not yet been fully clarified. A retrospective study of 42 patients diagnosed with salivary gland MECA was performed, focusing on the clinicopathological features and prognostic factors. Of the 42 patients, 20 died of cancer, 20 lived without tumour, one lived with distant metastasis, and one was lost to follow-up. Overall, 69.0% had tumour recurrence, 16.7% had cervical nodal metastasis, and 21.4% had distant metastasis. The 5-year overall survival rate was 70.2%. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that patients with pathological positive lymph nodes (pN+), multiple recurrences of tumour, and higher histological grade had worse overall survival. Multivariate Cox analysis indicated pN+ and higher histological grade to be independent predictors of decreased survival. The 5-year overall survival rate in the pN0 group was 87.5%, while that in the pN+ group was 28.6%. In conclusion, myoepithelial carcinoma can be defined as a tumour with a high incidence of recurrence and poor prognosis, especially in pN+ patients. Pathological positive lymph nodes and histological grade may serve as predictors of survival.

Near-Infrared Light-Driving Organic Photothermal Agents with an 88.9% Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Image-Guided Synergistic Phototherapy

Photothermal agents (PTAs) with desirable near-infrared (NIR) absorption and excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) are ideal candidates for cancer treatment. However, numerous PTAs still require high-intensity and long-duration laser irradiation to completely ablate the tumor during the photothermal therapy (PTT) process, resulting in light damage to healthy skin and tissue as well as limiting their biomedical applications. Integrating intense NIR absorption and high PCE into a single small-molecule PTA is an important prerequisite for realizing efficient PTT, but is a serious challenge. Herein, a series of donor-acceptor type PTAs (CC1 to NC4) are designed through a molecular engineering strategy. Theoretical calculations and experimental results show that the NIR absorption and photothermal effect from CC1 to NC4 are significantly enhanced as expected. Notably, NC4 nanoparticles exhibit intense NIR absorption, superhigh PCE of up to 88.9% for PTT, photoacoustic imaging and photothermal imaging, and effective reactive oxygen species generation for photodynamic therapy (PDT). The superior PTT/PDT synergistic phototherapeutic efficacy is well demonstrated by the complete elimination of tumor in vivo upon one-time, low-intensity, and short-duration laser irradiation (808 nm, 330 mW cm-2, and 3 min). This work provides a valuable guideline for rational design of PTAs for cancer phototherapy.

Clinical Misdiagnosis of Cutaneous Malignant Tumors as Melanocytic Nevi or Seborrheic Keratosis: A Retrospective Analysis of a Chinese Population

Purpose

The rising incidence and mortality associated with cutaneous malignant tumours highlight the importance of early diagnosis of these tumors. In clinical practice, these tumors are often misdiagnosed as benign skin lesions such as melanocytic nevi (MN) and seborrheic keratosis (SK) because of their similar morphologic features. The incidence and clinicopathological subtypes of cutaneous malignancies in East Asia populations significantly differ from those in fair-skinned groups. However, studies on misdiagnoses in Eastern countries are lacking. Therefore, this study focused on the clinical and pathological features of cutaneous malignant tumors misdiagnosed as MN or SK in a Chinese population.

Patients and Methods

A total of 4592 samples clinically diagnosed as MN (n = 3503) or SK (n = 1089) from July 2014 to June 2022 were collected and evaluated retrospectively. The clinical and pathological data were analyzed to identify associated factors.

Results

Pathological assessments showed that 2.5% (86/3503) of the specimens clinically diagnosed as MN were malignancies, predominantly basal cell carcinoma (BCC, 84.9%, 73/86), followed by malignant melanoma (MM, 8.1%, 7/86) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 7.0%, 6/86). Similarly, 5.7% (62/1089) of the specimens clinically diagnosed as SK were malignant tumors, of which BCC (50.0%, 31/62) was the most common, followed by SCC (41.9%, 26/62) and MM (8.1%, 5/62). In both types of specimens, advanced age and facial lesions were risk factors for malignancy misdiagnosis. The malignancy rate, mean age, and proportion of SCC in the specimens clinically diagnosed as SK were higher than those in the specimens clinically diagnosed as MN. Dermoscopy significantly reduced the rate of misdiagnosis of these tumors as MN or SK.

Conclusion

In China, cutaneous malignant tumors misdiagnosed as MN or SK are not uncommon in clinical practice, and active introduction of noninvasive diagnostic techniques is essential to distinguish them.

Inhibition mechanism of cordycepin and ergosterol from Cordyceps militaris Link. against xanthine oxidase and cyclooxygenase-2

Cordyceps militaris Link. (C. militaris) is an entomopathogenic fungus that parasitizes the pupa or cocoon of lepidopteran insect larvae, with various bioactive compounds. Cordycepin and ergosterol are the two active components in C. militaris. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory activity of cordycepin and ergosterol against xanthine oxidase (XO) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), as well as investigate the inhibition mechanism. Cordycepin could better inhibit XO (IC50 = 0.014 mg/mL) and COX-2 (IC50 = 0.055 mg/mL) than ergosterol. Additionally, surface hydrophobicity and circular dichroism (CD) spectra results confirmed the conformational changes in enzymes induced by cordycepin and ergosterol. Finally, cordycepin and ergosterol significantly decreased uric acid (UA) and inflammatory factors to normal level in mice with gouty nephropathy (GN). This study could provide theoretical evidence for utilization of C. militaris in hyperuricemia-management functional foods.

Expression Analysis of Retinal G Protein-coupled Receptor and its Correlation with Regulation of the Balance between Proliferation and Aberrant Differentiation in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Retinal G protein-coupled receptor (RGR), a photosensitive protein, functions as a retinal photoisomerase under light conditions in humans. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is linked to chronic ultraviolet exposure, which suggests that the photoreceptor RGR may be associated with tumorigenesis and progression of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). However, the expression and function of RGR remain uncharacterized in SCC. This study analysed RGR expression in normal skin and in lesions of actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease and invasive SCC of the skin with respect to SCC initiation and development. A total of 237 samples (normal skin (n = 28), actinic keratosis (n = 42), Bowen's (n = 35) and invasive SCC (n = 132) lesions) were examined using immunohistochemistry. Invasive SCC samples had higher expression of RGR protein than the other samples. A high immunohistochemical score for RGR was associated with increased tumour size, tumour depth, Clark level, factor classification, and degree of differentiation and a more aggressive histological subtype. In addition, RGR expression was inversely correlated with involucrin expression and positively correlated with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and Ki67 expression. Furthermore, RGR regulates SCC cell differentiation through the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, as determined using molecular biology approaches in vitro, suggesting that high expression of RGR is associated with aberrant proliferation and differentiation in SCC.

[Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of pediatric epiretinal membranes without specific etiologies]

Objective: To describe clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of pediatric epiretinal membranes (ERMs) without specific etiologies. Methods: Medical data of a cohort of pediatric patients (≤14 years) who had ERMs without specific etiologies, underwent surgical removal from January 2019 to September 2021, and were followed up for at least 12 months were retrospectively reviewed. Age at presentation, chief complaints, color fundus photographs, optical coherence tomographic images, preoperative and postoperative visual acuities, anatomical changes, and postoperative complications were assessed. Results: There were 14 patients (17 eyes), including 5 females (6 eyes) and 9 males (11 eyes). The mean age at surgery was 6.31±2.91 years, and the follow-up duration was 17.3±9.5 months. Eight patients were found to have low vision in the school physical examination. Fifteen eyes had an appearance of cellophane macular reflex on fundus images. On optical coherence tomographic images, 10 eyes had"taco"folds, and 7 eyes had"ripple"folds. Five eyes had ellipsoid zone disruptions, while 12 eyes had ellipsoid zone integrity. The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities in logMAR were 0.532±0.302 and 0.340±0.298. One patient suffered traumatic cataract and secondary retinal detachment postoperatively, and after further vitrectomy, the retina became attached. Conclusion: Pediatric ERMs without specific etiologies were mostly found in school-age children with cellophane macular reflex and"taco"folds. Vitrectomy may result in both potential visual acuity and macular anatomical improvements.

In vitro differentiation of human amniotic epithelial stem cells into keratinocytes regulated by OPN3

Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) are regarded as potential alternatives to keratinocytes (KCs) used for skin wound healing. Light is an alternative approach for inducing stem cell differentiation. Opsins (OPNs), a family of light-sensitive, G protein-coupled receptors, play a multitude of light-dependent and light-independent functions in extraocular tissues. However, it remains unclear whether the light sensitivity and function of OPNs are involved in light-induced differentiation of hAESCs to KCs. Herein, we determine the role of OPNs in differentiation of hAESCs into KCs through cell and molecular biology approaches in vitro. It is shown that mRNA expression of OPN3 in the amniotic membrane and hAESCs was higher than the other four primary OPNs by RT-qPCR analysis. Changes in OPN3 gene expression had a significant impact on cell proliferation, stemness and differentiation capability of hAESCs. Furthermore, we found a significant upregulation of OPN3, KRT5 and KRT14 with hAESCs treated at 3 × 33 J/cm2 irradiation from blue-light LED. Taken together, these results suggest that OPN3 acts as a positive regulator of differentiation of hAESCs into KCs. This study provides a novel insight into photosensitive OPNs associated with photobiomodulation(PBM)-induced differentiation in stem cells.

Fermented rape pollen powder can alleviate benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats by reducing hormone content and changing gut microbiota

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause urethral compression, bladder stone formation, and renal function damage, which may endanger the life of patients. Therefore, we aimed to develop plant-based preparations for BPH treatment with no side effects. In this study, the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 322Hp, Lactobacillus acidophilus 322Ha, and Limosilactobacillus reuteri 322Hr were used to ferment rape pollen. The fermented rape pollen was subsequently converted into fermented rape pollen powder (FRPP) through vacuum freeze-drying technology. After fermenting and drying, the bioactive substances and antioxidant capacity of FRPP were significantly higher than those of unfermented rapeseed pollen, and FRPP had a longer storage duration, which can be stored for over one year. To investigate the therapeutic effect of FRPP on BPH, a BPH rat model was established by hypodermic injection of testosterone propionate. The BPH rats were treated differently, with the model group receiving normal saline, the positive control group receiving finasteride, and the low, medium, and high dose FRPP group receiving FRPP at doses of 0.14 g/kg/d, 0.28 g/kg/d, and 0.56 g/kg/d, respectively. The results indicate that medium dose FRPP reduced the levels of hormone such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and oestradiol in rats with BPH by about 32%, thus bringing the prostate tissue of BPH rats closer to normal. More importantly, medium dose FRPP treatment had a significant effect on the composition of gut microbiota in rats with BPH, increasing the levels of beneficial genera (such as Coprococcus and Jeotgalicoccus), and decreasing the levels of harmful pathogens (such as Turicibacter and Clostridiaceae_Clostridium) in the gut. This study showed that medium dose FRPP reduced the hormone level and regulated the unbalanced gut microbiota in BPH rats, thereby alleviating BPH.

Gut Microbiota-Derived D-Tagatose from EGCG Attenuates Radiation-Induced Intestinal Injury

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

As a rapidly self-renewing tissue, the small intestine is particularly sensitive to ionizing radiation, which limits the outcomes of radiotherapy against abdominal malignancies, resulting in poor prognosis. The polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major bioactive constituent of green tea, is beneficial in radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) alleviation. However, the bioavailability of EGCG in vivo is very low, with only 0.1% to 1.6% being absorbed into the intestine of mice. It is unclear whether gut microbial metabolites mediated by EGCG exert an effect to protect against radiation-induced intestinal injury.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to 13 Gy abdominal irradiation after EGCG gavage, and the severity of intestinal tissue damage was evaluated by HE staining, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL assays. Fresh fecal samples were collected after the end of gavage, and then fecal sterile fecal filtrate (SFF) was obtained. Stool samples were collected 3 d after irradiation. The gut microbiome was detected by 16S rRNA sequencing, the metabolites were detected by GC‒MS analysis, and then the metabolites were applied to male C57BL/6J mice, observing and evaluating the severity of RIII.

RESULTS

We first explored the effect of oral EGCG delivery on radiation-induced intestinal injury. Our results revealed that EGCG pre-supplementation prolongs survival time, prevents weight loss in mice and mitigates radiation-induced intestinal injury in irradiated mice. Using 16S rRNA gene-based microbiota analysis, we first found that EGCG ameliorated ionizing radiation-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis and enriched short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as Roseburia, Ruminococcus, and Clostridia_UCG-014. In addition, metabolomic profiling analysis showed that the gut microbiota modulated EGCG-induced metabolic reprogramming in colonic tissues, particularly by enhancing galactose metabolism. Notably, EGCG supplementation resulted in the enrichment of the microbiota-derived galactose metabolism metabolite D-tagatose. Furthermore, exogenous treatment with D-tagatose reproduced similar protective effects as EGCG to protect against radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII). D-tagatose restored the length of villi and improved the number of goblet cells, Ki-67-positive cells and Lgr5+ ISCs, while the number of TUNEL-positive cells in the intestinal tissues decreased significantly. To validate these discoveries, we performed fecal sterile fecal filtrate (SFF) from EGCG-dosed mice to untreated mice before ionizing radiation. SFF from EGCG-dosed mice alleviated the RIII over SFF from control mice superiorly.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first data indicating that oral EGCG ameliorated radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII) by regulating the gut microbiota and metabolites. Our findings provide novel insights into D-tagatose derived by gut microbiota from EGCG-mediated remission of RIII.

'Seaweed appearance' in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis: A new dermoscopic finding

Squamous cell carcinoma of the penis is an uncommon cancer. Vascular feature on dermoscopy is common in all forms of invasive squamous cell carcinoma, and the presence of the specific vascular features is often used to aid diagnosis. Here, we reported a new dermoscopic finding-seaweed-like vascular pattern in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.

A pan-cancer analysis of RGR opsin expression and its downregulation associated with poor prognosis in glioma

Retinal G protein-coupled receptor (RGR) serves a retinal photoisomerase function to mediate retinoid metabolism and visual chromophore regeneration in the human eyes. Retinoids display critical functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Abnormal retinoid metabolism may contribute to tumor development. However, in human tumor tissues, the expression of RGR remains uncharacterized. Herein, we performed the analysis of RGR expression in 620 samples from 24 types of tumors by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and 33 cancer types from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases by bioinformatic analyses. Furthermore, the biological role of RGR in glioma cells was investigated using molecular biology approaches in vitro. Notably, we found that brain lower grade glioma (LGG), in contrast to other tumor types, had the highest median score of IHC and RNA level of RGR expression. Survival analysis showed that low RGR expression was associated with worse overall survival in LGG (p<0.0001). RGR expression levels in glioma were also associated with pathological subtypes, grades, and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations. Moreover, its molecular function was closely associated with cadherin-related family member 1 (CDHR1), a tumor suppressive protein in glioma, suggesting that RGR might negatively regulate the tumorigenesis and progression of LGG through interacting with CDHR1. Our findings provide new insight into the role of RGR in human cancer, especially in glioma.

Probiotic Consortia and their Metabolites Protect Intestine Against Radiation Injury by Improving Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The intestine is a highly radiosensitive tissue that is susceptible to structural and functional damage due to systemic as well as localized radiation exposure. Unfortunately, no therapeutic agents are available at present to manage radiation-induced intestinal injuries (RIII). Probiotics, especially Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium, are orally taken as food supplements or microbial drugs by patients with gastrointestinal disorders due to their safety, efficacy, and power to restore the gut microenvironment. Our results demonstrate that probiotic consortia and their metabolites could exert protective roles in the RIII mouse model by restoring the structure of the gut microbiota and regulating redox imbalance. Moreover, the effect of probiotic consortia is better than that of any single probiotic strain.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with 13 Gy of whole abdominal irradiation (WAI). Probiotics were administered by gavage before (once a day for 30 days) WAI. The survival and body weight were recorded, while the severity of RIII was evaluated by HE staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and TUNEL assay of gut tissues. Meanwhile, stool samples were obtained 3.5 d after irradiation. Gut microbiome were measured by 16S rRNA sequencing, and metabolites were detected by LC-MS analysis. For sterile fecal filtrate (SFF), the supernatants were collected and passed through 70 and 0.2μm filters.

RESULTS

Compared to the control, probiotic consortia (Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus paracasei) treatment significantly increased survival rates by 50% (P<0.05) and improved clinical scores of mice after WAI. HE staining showed that probiotics mitigated RIII, as reflected by the dramatic attenuation of crypt-villus architecture destruction. IHC results showed that probiotic consortia treatment markedly increased the Lgr5+ cells, Paneth cells, and Ki67+ cells (P<0.001) per crypt, indicating that probiotics promoted the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs after WAI. Consistent with the H&E staining, the level of CD4/CD8 was increased by the probiotic consortia compared with that of the control group. The probiotic consortia modulated the structure of the gut microbiota and metabolites in the RIII mouse model. To further investigate the impact of metabolites on RIII, crude probiotic fermentation metabolites were administered to the RIII mouse model. Specifically, mice fed the mixed-metabolite daily for 7 days before IR had significantly more Lgr5+ and Ki67+cells in the SI crypt than mice of control. Moreover, treatment with mixed metabolites resulted in insignificant changes in SOD, MDA, GSH and T-AOC activity compared to the control group in intestinal tissues.

CONCLUSION

In the present study, we demonstrate that probiotic consortia and their metabolites treatment attenuate RIII by modulating the structure and composition of the gut microbiota and regulating redox imbalance.

Opsin 3 expression in human Langerhans cell histiocytosis and its mediation of ELD-1 cellular function

BACKGROUND

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a type of -histiocytic disorder characterized by aberrant function, differentiation or proliferation of mononuclear phagocyte system cells, however, the pathogenesis is not fully understood. Opsin 3 (OPN3) plays an important role in regulating cell function.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate OPN3 expression in LCH and Langerhans cells and evaluate its possible regulation of cellular function in a Langerhans cell-like cell line (ELD-1).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Expression of OPN3 in LCH and paired adjacent healthy skin tissue was determined using microscopic tools (immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining) and RNA scope. OPN3 protein and mRNA levels in primary dendritic cells and ELD-1 were measured by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. The effects of reduced or over-expressed OPN3 mRNA level, via a lentiviral vector, were examined on ELD-1 proliferation, migration, cell cycle and apoptosis using the Cell Counting Kit 8, EdU-594 kit, Transwell assays and Cell Cycle Analysis Kit and Annexin V-PE apoptosis kit, respectively. Lastly, the signalling pathway mediating these functions was investigated via RNA sequencing and western blotting.

RESULTS

OPN3 was highly expressed in human LCH tissue compared to healthy tissue, and was expressed in primary dendritic cells and ELD-1. Knockdown of OPN3 in ELD-1 inhibited cell proliferation, the cell cycle, and cell migration, while over-expression reversed these processes. These functions correlated with induction of the MAPK (p38/JNK/ERK) signalling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide insight into the role of OPN3 in LCH which may become a molecular target for the clinical treatment of LCH.

Affixing a Scalp Dressing With Hairpins

Affixing a scalp dressing is challenging because of the presence of hair. Many methods have been recommended; their limitations include their effect on aesthetics and discomfort to the patient during the procedure. We describe a method for using hairpins to affix a dressing after scalp surgery or trauma that is sturdy, does not compromise aesthetics, and does not cause additional discomfort.

The necessity for popularizing varicella-zoster virus vaccine programs worldwide: An age-period-cohort analysis for the Global Burden of Disease study 2019

BACKGROUND

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes varicella and herpes zoster (VHZ), which is endemic worldwide. Although infection with VZV represents a considerable health threat, the global, regional and national burden of VZV infection, especially the probable relationship between VZV vaccines and the epidemiology of VZV infection, is poorly known. We sought to estimate the global spatial patterns and temporal trends of VHZ burden in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019.

METHODS

Numbers and age-standardized rates (ASR) of VHZ incidence, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were estimated using data from the Global Burden of Diseases Study (GBD) 2019. Spatiotemporal trends in ASR were evaluated by estimated annual percentage change (EAPC).

RESULTS

Worldwide, in 2019, there were approximately 84.0 million incidence and 0.9 million DALYs due to VHZ. The corresponding ASIR (age-standardized incidence rate) and ASDR (age-standardized DALY rate) drastically decreased in children (aged <20 years old), while the ASIR and ASDR of VHZ significantly increased in middle- and old-aged adults (aged >50 years old), with highest ASIR and ASDR in the High-income Asia Pacific and Western Sub-Saharan Africa, respectively. From 1990-2019, the corresponding EAPC in ASIR were 0.03 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 0.02-0.04). Whereas the global EAPC in ASDR decreased in all regions (-1.59, 95% UI: -1.64 to -1.55), expect for Australasia (0.46, [0.05, 0.88]). Notably, in 2019, age-specific rates of VHZ DALYs presented a rapid growth trend after 70 years old.

CONCLUSION

The spatiotemporal trends of VHZ were heterogeneous across countries from 1990 to 2019. The spatiotemporal trend in ASIR is highest in the High sociodemographic index (SDI) region, however the EAPC in ASDR is lowest, in part probably due to VHZ vaccination. Therefore, reducing morbidity and burden strategies such as vaccines programs for the prevention of VHZ should be promoted in those regions with high growth incidence and/or burden, especially for the population after 70 years old.

Phenylacetylglutamine as a novel biomarker of type 2 diabetes with distal symmetric polyneuropathy by metabolomics

PURPOSE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a disease involving the nervous system caused by metabolic disorder, while the metabolic spectrum and key metabolites remain poorly defined.

METHODS

Plasma samples of 30 healthy controls, 30 T2DM patients, and 60 DSPN patients were subjected to nontargeted metabolomics. Potential biomarkers of DSPN were screened based on univariate and multivariate statistical analyses, ROC curve analysis, and logistic regression. Finally, another 22 patients with T2DM who developed DSPN after follow-up were selected for validation of the new biomarker based on target metabolomics.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group and the T2DM group, 6 metabolites showed differences in the DSPN group (P < 0.05; FDR < 0.1; VIP > 1) and a rising step trend was observed. Among them, phenylacetylglutamine (PAG) and sorbitol displayed an excellent discriminatory ability and associated with disease severity. The verification results demonstrated that when T2DM progressed to DSPN, the phenylacetylglutamine content increased significantly (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The discovered and verified endogenous metabolite PAG may be a novel potential biomarker of DSPN and involved in the disease pathogenesis.

[Clinical study of induction chemotherapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the treatment of FLT3-ITD(+) acute myeloid leukemia with normal karyotype]

Objective: To assess the efficacy of induction chemotherapy followed by allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in the treatment of FLT3-ITD(+) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with normal karyotype. Methods: The clinical data of FLT3-ITD(+) AML patients with normal karyotype in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from Jan 2018 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The study included 49 patients with FLT3-ITD(+)AML, 31 males, and 18 females, with a median age of 46 (16-59) years old. All patients received induction chemotherapy, and 24 patients received sequential allo-HSCT (transplantation group) . The median follow-up time was 465 days, the one-year overall survival (OS) from diagnosis was (70.0 ± 7.4) %, and one-year disease-free survival (DFS) was (70.3±7.4) %. The one-year OS was significantly different between the transplantation group and the non-transplantation group [ (85.2 ± 7.9) % vs (52.6 ± 12.3) %, P=0.049]. but one-year DFS [ (84.7 ± 8.1) % vs (55.2 ± 11.9) %, P=0.061] was not. No significance was found in one-year OS between patients with low-frequency and high-frequency FLT3-ITD(+) (P>0.05) . There were 12 patients with high-frequency FLT3-ITD(+) in the transplantation and the non-transplantation groups, respectively. The one-year OS [ (68.8 ± 15.7) % in the transplantation group vs (26.2 ± 15.3) % in the non-transplantation group, P=0.027] and one-year DFS [ (45.5 ± 21.3) % in the transplantation group vs (27.8±15.8) % in the non-transplantation group, P=0.032] were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Induction chemotherapy followed by allo-HSCT can enhance the prognosis of FLT3-ITD(+) patients, particularly those with FLT3-ITD high-frequency mutation.

Opsin 3 mediates UVA-induced keratinocyte supranuclear melanin cap formation

Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced DNA damage is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. UV-induced redistribution of melanin near keratinocyte nuclei leads to the formation of a supranuclear cap, which acts as a natural sunscreen and protects DNA by absorbing and scattering UV radiation. However, the mechanism underlying the intracellular movement of melanin in nuclear capping is poorly understood. In this study, we found that OPN3 is an important photoreceptor in human epidermal keratinocytes and is critical for UVA-mediated supranuclear cap formation. OPN3 mediates supranuclear cap formation via the calcium-dependent G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway and ultimately upregulates Dync1i1 and DCTN1 expression in human epidermal keratinocytes via activating calcium/CaMKII, CREB, and Akt signal transduction. Together, these results clarify the role of OPN3 in regulating melanin cap formation in human epidermal keratinocytes, greatly expanding our understanding of the phototransduction mechanisms involved in physiological function in skin keratinocytes.

Meta-analysis of InterTan, PFNA and PFNA-II internal fixation for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly individuals

Elderly individuals are often affected by osteoporosis and have poor stability after fracture reduction. Moreover, there is still controversy regarding the clinical effects of the treatment for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. The Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, and other databases were searched, and a meta-analysis of the literature on the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the elderly with InterTan, PFNA, and PFNA-II was conducted. Seven studies were screened, with a total of 1236 patients. Our meta-analysis results show that InterTan is not significantly different from PFNA in terms of operation and fluoroscopy times, but it takes longer than PFNA-II. In terms of postoperative screw cut, pain, femoral shaft fracture, and secondary operations, InterTan is superior to PFNA and PFNA-II. Conversely, in terms of intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative Harris score, there is no significant difference between InterTan and PFNA and PFNA-II. Compared to PFNA and PFNA-II, InterTan internal fixation has advantages in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly individuals in terms of screw cutting, femoral shaft fractures, and secondary operations. However, InterTan operation and fluoroscopy times take longer than PFNA and PFNA-II.

Association between sarcopenia and prediabetes among non-elderly US adults

AIM

To explore the specific association between sarcopenia and prediabetes based on large population samples.

METHODS

A total of 16,116 U.S. adults aged 20-59 with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was identified from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). Sarcopenia was defined according to appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) adjusted for body mass index (BMI). Multivariable binary logistic regression models were used to ascertain odds ratios (ORs) for developing prediabetes. Stratified analyses were also performed.

RESULTS

Prevalence of prediabetes was higher in the sarcopenia group (n = 1055) compared with the non-sarcopenia group (n = 15,061) (45.50% vs 28.74%, P < 0.001). Sarcopenia was strongly associated with an increased risk of prediabetes after full adjustment (OR = 1.21, 95CI%: 1.05, 1.39, P = 0.009). In the stratified analysis, this association remained significant independent of obesity, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. When sarcopenia subjects combined with obesity especially central obesity, the risk of prediabetes was the highest (OR = 2.63, 95CI%: 2.22, 3.11, P < 0.001). Furthermore, a greater proportion of any of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) individuals was observed in the sarcopenia group compared to the non-sarcopenia group among prediabetes population (41.72% vs 24.06%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Sarcopenia was positively associated with prevalent prediabetes especially IGT in the non-elderly. Moreover, synergistic interactions between the sarcopenia and obesity could greatly increase the risk of prediabetes.

METTL21C mediates lysine trimethylation of IGF2BP1 to regulate chicken myoblast proliferation

1. Methyltransferase-like 21C (METTL21C) and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) play important roles in the proliferation of chicken myoblasts. However, it remains unclear whether there is protein-protein interaction between METTL21C and IGF2BP1 to regulate proliferation of chicken myoblasts.2. In this study, the Igf2bp1 gene was amplified from cDNA of liver tissue of Lueyang black-bone chicken to construct the overexpression vector HA-Igf2bp1. The HA-Igf2bp1 and Flag-Mettl21c vectors were individually transfected and co-transfected into HEK293T, respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay indicated a protein-protein interaction between METTL21C and IGF2BP1.3. Using the Western blotting and LC-MS/MS, it was found that METTL21C could mediate the lysine methylation modification of IGF2BP1. Furthermore, the His-tagged overexpression vector HA-Igf2bp1-His was constructed, transfected and co-transfected with Flag-Mettl21c into HEK293T. His-tagged IGF2BP1 was purified by nickel ion affinity chromatography. Western blotting revealed that IGF2BP1 was successfully purified, and the trimethylation modification level of co-transfection group was significantly elevated compared with the single-transfection Igf2bp1 group.4. Mettl21c and Igf2bp1 overexpression vectors were transfected and co-transfected into primary chicken myoblasts, respectively. The results of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay and the expression level of Pax7 and MyoD indicated that overexpression of Igf2bp1 alone inhibited the chicken myoblast proliferation, whereas co-expression of Mettl21c and Igf2bp1 eliminated the inhibitory effects of Igf2bp1, thereby favouring cell proliferation and differentiation.5. The results, for the first time, revealed that METTL21C mediated the lysine trimethylation modification of IGF2BP1 to regulate the proliferation of chicken myoblasts, which provided a new insight into in-depth analysis of the molecular mechanism of METTL21C methylation involved in regulating the growth and development of skeletal muscle in Lueyang black-bone chicken.

High-Efficiency 3D-Printed Three-Chamber Electromagnetic Peristaltic Micropump

This paper describes the design and characteristics of a three-chamber electromagnetic-driven peristaltic micropump based on 3D-printing technology. The micropump is composed of an NdFeB permanent magnet, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film, a 3D-printing pump body, bolts, electromagnets and a cantilever valve. Through simulation analysis and experiments using a single chamber and three chambers, valved and valveless, as well as different starting modes, the results were optimized. Finally, it is concluded that the performance of the three-chamber valved model is optimal under synchronous starting conditions. The measurement results show that the maximum output flow and back pressure of the 5 V, 0.3 A drive source are 2407.2 μL/min and 1127 Pa, respectively. The maximum specific flow and back pressure of the micropump system are 534.9 μL/min∙W and 250.4 Pa/W, respectively.

Hydrogen sulfide protects against ischemic heart failure by inhibiting RIP1/RIP3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis

The aim of the present study was to explore whether hydrogen sulfide (H2S) protects against ischemic heart failure (HF) by inhibiting the necroptosis pathway. Mice were randomized into Sham, myocardial infarction (MI), MI + propargylglycine (PAG) and MI + sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) group, respectively. The MI model was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. PAG was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks, and NaHS at a dose of 4mg/kg/day for the same period. At 4 weeks after MI, the following were observed: A significant decrease in the cardiac function, as evidenced by a decline in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS); an increase in plasma myocardial injury markers, such as creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTNI); an increase in myocardial collagen content in the heart tissues; and a decrease of H2S level in plasma and heart tissues. Furthermore, the expression levels of necroptosis-related markers such as receptor interacting protein kinase 1 (RIP1), RIP3 and mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL) were upregulated after MI. NaHS treatment increased H2S levels in plasma and heart tissues, preserving the cardiac function by increasing EF and FS, decreasing plasma CK-MB and cTNI and reducing collagen content. Additionally, NaHS treatment significantly downregulated the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. While, PAG treatment aggravated cardiac function by activated the RIP1/RIP3/MLKL pathway. Overall, the present study concluded that H2S protected against ischemic HF by inhibiting RIP1/RIP3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis which could be a potential target treatment for ischemic HF.

[Research progress of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous with Peters anomaly]

Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous is a rare congenital ocular developmental malformation caused by the failure of regression of the primary vitreous during the embryonic development period. Peters anomaly is a monogenetic disease of congenital anterior segment dysgenesis. Recent studies have shown that these two diseases may occur concomitantly and be associated with a variety of systemic abnormalities. This review demonstrates the basis of ocular embryonic development, research status of molecular genetics, clinical manifestations, surgical objectives and progress of treatment of persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous with Peters anomaly, in order to provide guidance for clinical practice and research as well as to promote further progression of related gene detection.

The effects of missense OPN3 mutations in melanocytic lesions on protein structure and light-sensitive function

Opsin 3 (OPN3), a member of the light-sensitive, retinal-dependent opsin family, is widely expressed in a variety of human tissues and plays a multitude of light-dependent and light-independent roles. We recently identified five missense variants of OPN3, including p. I51T, p. V134A, p. V183I, p. M256I and p. C331Y, in human melanocytic tumours. However, it remains unclear how these OPN3 variants affect OPN3 protein structure and function. Herein, we conducted structural and functional studies of these variant proteins in OPN3 by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Moreover, we performed in vitro fluorescence calcium imaging to assess the functional properties of five single-nucleotide variant (SNV) proteins using a site-directed mutagenesis method. Notably, the p. I51T variant was not able to effectively dock with 11-cis-retinal. Additionally, in vitro, the p. I51T SNVs failed to induce any detectable changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration at room temperature. Taken together, these results reveal that five SNVs in the OPN3 gene have deleterious effects on protein structure and function, suggesting that these mutations, especially the p. I51T variant, significantly disrupt the canonical function of the OPN3 protein. Our findings provide new insight into the role of OPN3 variants in the loss of protein function.

Identification and functional assays of single-nucleotide variants of opsins genes in melanocytic tumors

Epidermal melanocytes sense solar light via the opsin-coupled signaling pathway which is involved in a range of biological functions, including regulating pigmentation, proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis. However, it remains unclear whether there are genetic variants within these opsins that affect opsin protein structure and function, and further melanocyte biological behaviors. Here, we examined single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) of five opsin (RGR, OPN1SW, OPN2, OPN4, and OPN5) genes in MM (malignant melanoma; n = 76) and MN (melanocytic nevi; n = 157), using next-generation sequencing. The effects of these pathogenic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) on opsin structure and function were further investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, dynamic cross-correlation (DCC), and site-directed mutagenesis. In total, 107 SNV variants were identified. Of these variants, 14 nonsynonymous SNVs (nsSNVs) of opsin genes were detected, including three mutations in the RGR gene, three mutations in the OPN1SW gene, two mutations in the OPN2 gene, and six mutations in the OPN4 gene. The effect of these missense mutations on opsin function was then assessed using eight prediction tools to estimate the potential impact of an amino acid substitution. The impact of each nsSNV was investigated using MD simulations and DCC analysis. Furthermore, we performed in vitro fluorescence calcium imaging to assess the functional properties of nsSNV proteins using a site-directed mutagenesis method. Taken together, these results revealed that p.A103V (RGR), p.T167I (RGR), p.G141S (OPN1SW), p.R144C (OPN1SW), and p.S231F (OPN4) had more deleterious effects on protein structure and function among the 14 nsSNVs. Opsin gene alterations showed the low frequency of missense mutations in melanocytic tumors, and although rare, some mutations in these opsin genes disrupt the canonical function of opsin. Our findings provide new insight into the role of opsin variants in the loss of function.

LncRNA ABHD11-AS1 promotes tumor progression in papillary thyroid carcinoma by regulating EPS15L1/EGFR signaling pathway

OBJECTIVES

lncRNA ABHD11 antisense RNA 1 (ABHD11-AS1) acts as an oncogene involved in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) occurrence and progression. ABHD11-AS1 exerts biologic functions by some miRNAs and proteins to regulate multiple targets. Identification of novel mechanism of ABHD11-AS1 could be helpful in therapeutic targeting for PTC treatment.

METHODS

Differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected from TCGA database. qRT-PCR analysis was applied to examine the expression of ABHD11-AS1 in PTC cell lines and tissues. The relationship of ABHD11-AS1 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Two PTC cell lines (TPC-1 and KTC-1) were transfected with pcDNA 3.1, pcDNA3.1-ABHD11-AS1, si-NC and si-ABHD11-AS1, respectively, to verify the ABHD11-AS1 oncogene-regulating capacity to promote tumor progression. The cell metastasis and proliferation had been evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

High expression of ABHD11-AS1 was found in PTC tissues (P < 0.01), which was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). ABHD11-AS1 overexpression noticeably promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities, which were obviously decreased upon ABHD11-AS1 knockdown. ABHD11-AS1 positively regulated EGFR/EPS15L1 pathway, as EGFR, EPS15L1, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were activated.

CONCLUSION

ABHD11-AS1 promotes tumor progression in PTC by regulating EPS15L1/EGFR pathway.

Expression of Retinal G Protein-Coupled Receptor, a Member of the Opsin Family, in Human Skin Cells and Its Mediation of the Cellular Functions of Keratinocytes

Background: Photoreceptive proteins play critical physiological roles in human skin cells. The retinal G protein-coupled receptor (RGR) is a photoisomerase in the human retina, but its expression and cellular functions in human skin cells have not been reported.

Objectives: We aimed to detect RGR expression in various skin cells and evaluate its regulation of the cellular functions of keratinocytes.

Methods: The expression, distribution, and subcellular location of the RGR in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and cells with pathological conditions including psoriasis, seborrheic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma were determined using microscopic tools (immunohistochemical staining, immunofluorescence staining, and immunoelectron microscopy) and Western blotting (WB). The protein levels of the RGR in primary human melanocytes, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts isolated from the neonatal foreskin were measured by WB. The expression and subcellular localization of the RGR in these cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining under a fluorescence microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope. Additionally, the levels of RGR expression in normal keratinocytes exposed to ultraviolet (UV)-A or total ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in the presence or absence of all-trans-retinal were measured by WB. Furthermore, the effects of the RGR on human keratinocyte functions including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis were evaluated using the Cell Counting Kit 8, wound healing, and Transwell assays after reducing the RGR mRNA level in keratinocytes using small interfering RNA technology.

Results: The RGR was primarily located in the epidermal basal and spinous layers and skin appendages. Its expression increased in psoriatic lesions, seborrheic keratosis, and squamous cell carcinoma. Confocal microscopy showed that the RGR was located in the cell membrane and nucleus of keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts. Keratinocytes had a higher expression of the RGR than melanocytes and fibroblasts, as well as nuclear expression, according to nuclear/cytoplasmic fractionation. Colloidal gold immunoelectron microscopy technology further confirmed that the RGR is mainly located in the nucleoplasm and mitochondria and is scattered in the cytoplasm and other organelles in the epidermal keratinocytes. Notably, RGR knockdown in keratinocytes led to the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, augmenting cell apoptosis.

Conclusions: This study is the first to demonstrate the presence of RGR in the human skin. Our findings indicate that the RGR may play a critical role in the physiological function of epidermal keratinocytes.

[Clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of 6 cases of congenital granular cell tumor]

To provide references for the diagnosis and treatment of congenital granular cell tumor (CGCT), by comprehensive analysis of the clinical data, histopathological and immunohistochemical results. Patients with CGCT were involede, from March 2015 to November 2020, at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. A total of 6 children, aged 3-16 days, 1 male and 5 female, 5 maxillary and 1 mandibular, with maximum tumor diameter of 6-70 mm, were included. The lesions of CGCT were single and connected to the alveolar ridge by a pedicle. The surface of the tumor was covered with a vascular network, and two cases had ulcers on the surface of the tumor. All 6 cases had the tumor removed surgically and there was no recurrence or metastasis in the follow-up visit. Although CGCT is rare, it is a benign tumor and generally does not recur or metastasize after surgery, and has a good prognosis. The prenatal imaging, clinical manifestations after delivery, pathological characteristics and immunohistochemical analyses may provide reference for early diagnosis and treatment of CGCT.

Cingulate circuits are associated with escalation of heroin use and naloxone-induced increases in heroin self-administration

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is defined as a compulsion to seek and take opioids, loss of control over intake and the development of a negative emotional state when access to opioids is denied. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data in a rat model of OUD, we demonstrate that the escalation of heroin self-administration (SA) and the increased heroin SA following an injection of an opioid receptor antagonist (naloxone) are associated with changes in distinct brain circuits, centered on the cingulate cortex (Cg). Here, SA escalation score was negatively associated with changes in resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the Cg and the dorsal striatum. Conversely, increased heroin SA following naloxone injection, was associated with increased connectivity between the Cg and the extended amygdala and hypothalamus. Naloxone-induced increased SA was also positively associated with changes in the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations within the Cg, a measure of spontaneous neuronal activity. Characterizing the distinct brain circuit and behavior changes associated with different facets of addiction increases our understanding of OUD and may provide insight into addiction prevention and treatment.

Integrated analysis of the prognostic and oncogenic roles of OPN3 in human cancers

Background

Emerging cell- or tissue-based evidence has demonstrated that opsin 3 (OPN3) mediates a variety of pathological processes affecting tumorigenesis, clinical prognosis, and treatment resistance in some cancers. However, a comprehensive analysis of OPN3 across human cancers is unavailable. Therefore, a pancancer analysis of OPN3 expression was performed and its potential oncogenic roles were explored.

Methods

The expression and characterization of OPN3 were evaluated among 33 tumour types using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Additionally, the OPN3 RNA level and overall survival (OS) in relation to its expression level in 33 cancer types were estimated. Based on the analysis above, 347 samples from 5 types of tumours were collected and detected for the protein expression of OPN3 by immunohistochemical assay. Furthermore, the biological role of OPN3 in cancers was evaluated via gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA).

Results

The OPN3 expression level was heterogeneous across cancers, yet a remarkable difference existed between OPN3 expression and patient overall survival among the 7 types of these 33 cancers. Consistently, a high immunohistochemical score of OPN3 was significantly associated with a poor prognosis among patients with 5 types of tumours. Additionally, OPN3 expression was involved in cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration in 5 types of tumours, and promoter hypomethylation of OPN3 was observed in 3 tumour types. Additionally, OPN3 protein phosphorylation sites of Tyr140 and Ser380 were identified via posttranscriptional modification analysis, suggesting the potential function of Tyr140 and Ser380 phosphorylation in tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the enrichment analysis was mainly concentrated in C7orf70, C7orf25 and the “ribosome” pathway by GSEA in 5 types of cancers, indicating that OPN3 might affect tumorigenesis and progression by regulating gene expression and ribosome biogenesis.

Conclusions

High expression of OPN3 was significantly associated with a poor clinical prognosis in five types of cancers. Its molecular function was closely associated with the ribosomal pathway.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09219-7.

Biosynthesis of Novel Naphthoquinone Derivatives in the Commonly-used Chassis Cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli

Naphthoquinones harboring 1,4-naphthoquinone pharmacophore are considered as privileged structures in medicinal chemistry. In pharmaceutical industry and fundamental research, polyketide naphthoquinones were widely produced by heterologous expression of polyketide synthases in microbial chassis cells, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli. Nevertheless, these cell factories still remain, to a great degree, black boxes that often exceed engineers’ expectations. In this work, the biotransformation of juglone or 1,4-naphthoquinone was conducted to generate novel derivatives and it was revealed that these two naphthoquinones can indeed be modified by the chassis cells. Seventeen derivatives, including 6 novel compounds, were isolated and their structural characterizations indicated the attachment of certain metabolites of chassis cells to naphthoquinones. Some of these biosynthesized derivatives were reported as potent antimicrobial agents with reduced cytotoxic activities. Additionally, molecular docking as simple and quick in silico approach was performed to screen the biosynthesized compounds for their potential antiviral activity. It was found that compound 11 and 17 showed the most promising binding affinities against Nsp9 of SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating their potential antiviral activities. Overall, this work provides a new approach to generate novel molecules in the commonly used chassis cells, which would expand the chemical diversity for the drug development pipeline. It also reveals a novel insight into the potential of the catalytic power of the most widely used chassis cells.

Optimizing Comprehensive Performance of Aggregation-Induced Emission Nanoparticles through Molecular Packing Modulation for Multimodal Image-Guided Synergistic Phototherapy

Fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics hold remarkable potential for image-guided phototherapy. The molecular packing is the key point for optimizing the performance of AIE luminogens (AIEgens) in the aggregated or solid state. However, so far, the packing mode of AIEgens in NPs is still vague, causing some challenges for understanding the relationship between the photophysical property and packing mode, as well as further optimizing the performance of NPs for biomedical applications. In this contribution, by simply controlling the length of alkoxy chains in the donor-acceptor conjugated OPTPA, a packing balance between the twisted molecular structure and effective π-conjugation is actualized. Subsequently, the possibility of amorphous-crystalline transition of AIEgens in the polymer-encapsulated NPs is presented for the first time, and the comprehensive performance of NPs is further optimized. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that crystalline AIEgen-based NPs are remarkably effective in trimodal imaging-guided synergistic phototherapy.

Stage of colorectal cancer diagnosis for immigrants: a population-based retrospective cohort study in Ontario, Canada

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer death in Canada. Immigrants in Ontario, Canada's most populous province, are known to have lower rates of CRC screening, but differences in stage of CRC diagnosis are not known.

METHODS

We utilized linked administrative databases to compare early (stage I-II) versus late (stage III-IV) stage of CRC diagnosis for immigrants versus long-term residents among patients diagnosed in Ontario between 2012 and 2017 (n = 37,717) and examined the association of immigration-related, sociodemographic, and healthcare-related factors with stage.

RESULTS

Almost 45% of those with CRC were diagnosed at a late stage. Immigrants were slightly more likely to be diagnosed at a late stage than their long-term resident counterparts [Adjusted relative risks (ARRs) 1.06 (95% CI 1.02-1.10)], but after adjusting for age and sex, this difference was no longer significant. In fully adjusted models, we observed a higher likelihood of late-stage diagnosis for people with the fewest co-morbidities (ARR 0.86 [95% CI 0.83-0.89]) and those with no visits to primary care (versus a high level of continuity of care) [ARR 1.07 (95% CI 1.03-1.12)].

CONCLUSION

Immigrants were not more likely to have a late-stage CRC diagnosis after adjusting for relevant factors, but access to primary care and healthcare contact was significantly associated with diagnostic stage.

IMPACT

Attachment to a primary care provider who provides regular preventive care may play a role in more favorable stage at diagnosis for CRC and thus should be a healthcare system priority.