Distinct tomato yellow leaf curl Chuxiong virus isolated from whiteflies and plants in China and its symptom determinant and suppressor of post-transcriptional gene silencing

A begomovirus isolated from whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and tomato, sweet potato in China was found to be representative of a distinct begomovirus species, for which the name tomato yellow leaf curl Chuxiong virus (TYLCCxV) is proposed. The results of genomic identification and sequence comparison showed that TYLCCxV shares the highest complete nucleotide sequence identity (88.3%) with croton yellow vein mosaic virus (CroYVMV), and may have originated from the recombination between synedrella leaf curl virus (SyLCV) and squash leaf curl Yunnan virus (SLCuYV). Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation showed that TYLCCxV is highly infectious for a range of plant species, producing upward leaf curling, leaf crumpling, chlorosis, distortion, and stunt symptoms in Solanum lycopersicum plants. The results of Southern blot indicated that TYLCCxV is capable of efficiently replicating two heterologous betasatellites. The inoculation of PVX::C4 on Nicotiana benthamiana induced upward leaf curling and stem elongation symptoms, suggesting that TYLCCxV C4 functions as a symptom determinant. TYLCCxV V2 is an important virulence factor that induces downward leaf curling symptoms, elicits systemic necrosis, and suppresses local and systemic GFP silencing in co-agroinfiltrated N. benthamiana and transgenic 16c plants. Considering the multifunctional virulence proteins V2 and C4, the possibility of TYLCCxV causing devastating epidemics on tomato in China is discussed.

Discovery of as an Autophagy-Tethering Compound for the Degradation of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1

Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a potential target for cancer drug discovery. Although several DDR1 kinase inhibitors have been developed, recent studies have revealed the critical roles of the noncatalytic functions of DDR1 in tumor progression, metastasis, and immune exclusion. Degradation of DDR1 presents an opportunity to block its noncatalytic functions. Here, we report the discovery of the DDR1 degrader LLC355 by employing autophagosome-tethering compound technology. Compound LLC355 efficiently degraded DDR1 protein with a DC50 value of 150.8 nM in non-small cell lung cancer NCI-H23 cells. Mechanistic studies revealed compound LLC355 to induce DDR1 degradation via lysosome-mediated autophagy. Importantly, compound LLC355 potently suppressed cancer cell tumorigenicity, migration, and invasion and significantly outperformed the corresponding inhibitor 1. These results underline the therapeutic advantage of targeting the noncatalytic function of DDR1 over inhibition of its kinase activity.

Dorsal dentate gyrus mediated enriched environment-induced anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in cortical infarcted mice

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health disorders worldwide, each affecting around 30% stroke survivors. These complications not only affect the functional recovery and quality of life in stroke patients, but also are distressing for caregivers. However, effective treatments are still lacking. Enriched environment (EE), characterized with novel and multi-dimensional stimulation, has been reported to exert therapeutic effects on physical and cognitive function. In addition, EE also had potential positive effects on emotional disorders after ischemic stroke; however, the underling mechanisms have not been well elucidated. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of EE on emotional disorders after cerebral ischemia and its underling mechanism. Sensorimotor cortical infarction was induced by photothrombosis with stable infarct location and volume, resulting in motor dysfunction, anxiety and depression-like behaviors in mice, with decreased ALFF and ReHo values and decreased c-fos expression in the infarction area and adjacent regions. Seven days' EE treatment significantly improved motor function of contralateral forelimb and exhibited anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in infarcted mice. Compared to the mice housing in a standard environment, those subjected to acute EE stimulation had significantly increased ALFF and ReHo values in the bilateral somatosensory cortex (S1, S2), dorsal dentate gyrus (dDG), dorsal CA1 of hippocampus (dCA1), lateral habenular nucleus (LHb), periaqueductal gray (PAG), ipsilateral primary motor cortex (M1), retrosplenial cortex (RSC), parietal association cortex (PtA), dorsal CA3 of hippocampus (dCA3), claustrum (Cl), ventral pallidum (VP), amygdala (Amy), and contralateral auditory cortex (Au). Some of, but not all, the ipsilateral brain regions mentioned above showed accompanying increases in c-fos expression with the most significant changes in the dDG. The number of FosB positive cells in the dDG, decreased in infarcted mice, was significantly increased after chronic EE treatment. Chemogenetic activation of dDG neurons reduced anxiety and depressive-like behaviors in infarcted mice, while neuronal inhibition resulted in void of the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of EE. Altogether, these findings indicated that dDG neurons may mediate EE-triggered anxiolytic and antidepressant effects in cortical infarcted mice.

R-Cut: Enhancing Explainability in Vision Transformers with Relationship Weighted Out and Cut

Transformer-based models have gained popularity in the field of natural language processing (NLP) and are extensively utilized in computer vision tasks and multi-modal models such as GPT4. This paper presents a novel method to enhance the explainability of transformer-based image classification models. Our method aims to improve trust in classification results and empower users to gain a deeper understanding of the model for downstream tasks by providing visualizations of class-specific maps. We introduce two modules: the "Relationship Weighted Out" and the "Cut" modules. The "Relationship Weighted Out" module focuses on extracting class-specific information from intermediate layers, enabling us to highlight relevant features. Additionally, the "Cut" module performs fine-grained feature decomposition, taking into account factors such as position, texture, and color. By integrating these modules, we generate dense class-specific visual explainability maps. We validate our method with extensive qualitative and quantitative experiments on the ImageNet dataset. Furthermore, we conduct a large number of experiments on the LRN dataset, which is specifically designed for automatic driving danger alerts, to evaluate the explainability of our method in scenarios with complex backgrounds. The results demonstrate a significant improvement over previous methods. Moreover, we conduct ablation experiments to validate the effectiveness of each module. Through these experiments, we are able to confirm the respective contributions of each module, thus solidifying the overall effectiveness of our proposed approach.

A study of high dose furmonertinib in EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ex20ins mutation, as a rare subtype of mutation, has gradually attracted attention. Its heterogeneity is high, its prognosis is extremely poor, and the efficacy of existing traditional treatment plans is limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate efficacy of high dose furmonertinib as a first-line treatment for EGFR ex20ins-positive NSCLC.

Methods

This is a retrospective, multi-center, non-interventional study. From May 2021 to March 2023, 9 NSCLC patients with EGFR ex20ins were enrolled. Efficacy and safety of 160 mg furmonertinib were evaluated. Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median progression-free survival (PFS) and treatment related adverse events (TRAEs) were assessed.

Results

Of the evaluated patients, six patients experienced partial remission (PR), two patients experienced stable disease (SD) and one patient experienced progress disease (PD). Data indicated 66.7% ORR and 88.9% DCR. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 7.2 months (95% CI: 6.616 - 7.784). Besides, a longgest PFS with 18 months was found in one patient with p.H773_V774insGTNPH mutation. No ≥ level 3 adverse events have been found.

Conclusions

The study proved the potential efficacy of 160mg furmonertinib in patients with advanced NSCLC with EGFR ex20ins. Meanwhile, 160mg furmonertinib had a good safety profile.

Plasma membrane H+-ATPases in mineral nutrition and crop improvement

Plasma membrane H+-ATPases (PMAs) pump H+ out of the cytoplasm by consuming ATP to generate a membrane potential and proton motive force for the transmembrane transport of nutrients into and out of plant cells. PMAs are involved in nutrient acquisition by regulating root growth, nutrient uptake, and translocation, as well as the establishment of symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizas. Under nutrient stresses, PMAs are activated to pump more H+ and promote organic anion excretion, thus improving nutrient availability in the rhizosphere. Herein we review recent progress in the physiological functions and the underlying molecular mechanisms of PMAs in the efficient acquisition and utilization of various nutrients in plants. We also discuss perspectives for the application of PMAs in improving crop production and quality.

HERC5-catalyzed ISGylation potentiates cGAS-mediated innate immunity

The cytosolic DNA sensor cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is essential to elicit type I interferon cascade response; thus, the activity of cGAS must be strictly regulated to boost the antiviral innate immunity. Here, we report that cGAS is responsible for the DNA-induced ISG15 conjugation system. The E3 HERC5 catalyzes the ISGylation of cytoplasmic cGAS at lysine 21, 187, 219, and 458, whereas Ubl carboxy-terminal hydrolase 18 removes the ISGylation of cGAS. The interaction of cGAS and HERC5 depends on the cGAS C-terminal domain and the RRC1-4 and RRC1-5 domains of HERC5. Mechanically, HERC5-catalyzed ISGylation promotes DNA-induced cGAS oligomerization and enhances cGAS enzymatic activity. Deficiency of ISGylation attenuates the downstream inflammatory gene expression induced by the cGAS-STING axis and the antiviral ability in mouse and human cells. Mice deficient in Isg15 or Herc6 are more vulnerable to herpes simplex virus 1 infection. Collectively, our study shows a positive feedback regulation of the cGAS-mediated innate immune pathway by ISGylation.

The effect of VEGF stimulation in diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and severe complication of diabetes mellitus, and a risk factor for amputation. Because of the vessel insufficiency in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that simulates angiogenesis is of interest to promote wound healing. This systematic review evaluates the last 16 years of in-vivo studies with VEGF stimulation as a treatment for DFU, developed based on the last published systematic article. A total of 961 articles were identified through databases in two phases. 947 articles were excluded by exclusion criteria, and four articles met our inclusion criteria and were included. The effects of VEGF on wound healing were analysed in all four studies. In three studies, the VEGF-treated wounds showed statistically faster healing than those not treated with VEGF. In one study, the VEGF-treated wounds revealed a positive trend toward faster healing. Furthermore, all four studies were in favor of using VEGF, but concluded that further research is needed. These studies showed a positive trend towards faster healing and was safe when using VEGF topically on humans. Furthermore, viral particles of VEGF seem to have a systematic effect when a dose exceeding 5.0 × 109 vp pr wound. Future research in using VEGF on DFU should focus on VEGF's relevant dosage, release rate, and specific mechanism. This review inspires further research, and a consistent study design is prerequisite such that results are more homogenic and comparable. Much effort is needed to translate the results into our clinical practice.

HBB contributes to individualized aconitine-induced cardiotoxicity in mice via interfering with ABHD5/AMPK/HDAC4 axis

The root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Fuzi) is an herbal medicine used in China that exerts significant efficacy in rescuing patients from severe diseases. A key toxic compound in Fuzi, aconitine (AC), could trigger unpredictable cardiotoxicities with high-individualization, thus hinders safe application of Fuzi. In this study we investigated the individual differences of AC-induced cardiotoxicities, the biomarkers and underlying mechanisms. Diversity Outbred (DO) mice were used as a genetically heterogeneous model for mimicking individualization clinically. The mice were orally administered AC (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 mg· kg-1 ·d-1) for 7 d. We found that AC-triggered cardiotoxicities in DO mice shared similar characteristics to those observed in clinic patients. Most importantly, significant individual differences were found in DO mice (variation coefficients: 34.08%-53.17%). RNA-sequencing in AC-tolerant and AC-sensitive mice revealed that hemoglobin subunit beta (HBB), a toxic-responsive protein in blood with 89% homology to human, was specifically enriched in AC-sensitive mice. Moreover, we found that HBB overexpression could significantly exacerbate AC-induced cardiotoxicity while HBB knockdown markedly attenuated cell death of cardiomyocytes. We revealed that AC could trigger hemolysis, and specifically bind to HBB in cell-free hemoglobin (cf-Hb), which could excessively promote NO scavenge and decrease cardioprotective S-nitrosylation. Meanwhile, AC bound to HBB enhanced the binding of HBB to ABHD5 and AMPK, which correspondingly decreased HDAC-NT generation and led to cardiomyocytes death. This study not only demonstrates HBB achievement a novel target of AC in blood, but provides the first clue for HBB as a novel biomarker in determining the individual differences of Fuzi-triggered cardiotoxicity.

High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation promotes ipsilesional functional hyperemia and motor recovery in mice with ischemic stroke

Neurovascular decoupling plays a significant role in dysfunction following an ischemic stroke. This study aimed to explore the effect of low- and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on neurovascular remodeling after ischemic stroke. To achieve this goal, we compared functional hyperemia, cerebral blood flow regulatory factors, and neurochemical transmitters in the peri-infract cortex 21 days after a photothrombotic stroke. Our findings revealed that low- and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation increased the real-time cerebral blood flow in healthy mice and improved neurobehavioral outcomes after stroke. Furthermore, high-frequency (5-Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation revealed stronger functional hyperemia recovery and increased the levels of post-synaptic density 95, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, phosphorylated-endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the peri-infract cortex compared with low-frequency (1-Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. The magnetic resonance spectroscopy data showed that low- and high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation reduced neuronal injury and maintained excitation/inhibition balance. However, 5-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation showed more significant regulation of excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters after stroke than 1-Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. These results indicated that high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could more effectively promote neurovascular remodeling after stroke, and specific repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation frequencies might be used to selectively regulate the neurovascular unit.

The potential of sheep in preclinical models for bone infection research - A systematic review

Background

Reliable animal models are critical for preclinical research and should closely mimic the disease. With respect to route of infection, pathogenic agent, disease progression, clinical signs, and histopathological changes. Sheep have similar bone micro- and macrostructure as well as comparable biomechanical characteristics to humans. Their use in bone research is established, however their use in bone infection research is limited. This systematic review will summarise the key features of the available bone infection models using sheep, providing a reference for further development, validation, and application.

Method

This systematic review was designed according to the PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO. Quality was assessed using SYRICLE's risk of bias tool adapted for animal studies. PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched until March 2022.1921 articles were screened by two independent reviewers, and 25 were included for analysis.

Results

Models have been developed in nine different breeds. Staphylococcus aureus was used in the majority of models, typically inoculating 108 colony forming units in tibial or femoral cortical defects. Infection was established with either planktonic or biofilm adherent bacteria, with or without foreign material implanted. Most studies used both radiological and microbiological analyses to confirm osteomyelitis.

Conclusions

There is convincing evidence supporting the use of sheep in bone infection models of clinical disease. The majority of sheep studied demonstrated convincing osteomyelitis and tolerated the infection with minimal complications. Furthermore, the advantages of comparable biology and biomechanics may increase the success for translating in vivo results to successful therapies.

The Translational potential of this article

In the realm of preclinical research, the translation to viable clinical therapies is often perilous, and the quest for reliable and representative animal models remains paramount. This systematic review accentuates the largely untapped potential of sheep as large animal models, especially in bone infection research. The anatomical and biomechanical parallels between sheep and human bone structures position sheep as an invaluable asset for studying osteomyelitis and periprosthetic joint infection. This comprehensive exploration of the literature demonstrates the robustness and translational promise of these models. Furthermore, this article underscores the potential applicability for sheep in developing effective therapeutic strategies for human bone infections.

Does Negative Sampling Matter? A Review with Insights into its Theory and Applications

Negative sampling has swiftly risen to prominence as a focal point of research, with wide-ranging applications spanning machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, data mining, and recommender systems. This growing interest raises several critical questions: Does negative sampling really matter? Is there a general framework that can incorporate all existing negative sampling methods? In what fields is it applied? Addressing these questions, we propose a general framework that leverages negative sampling. Delving into the history of negative sampling, we trace the development of negative sampling through five evolutionary paths. We dissect and categorize the strategies used to select negative sample candidates, detailing global, local, mini-batch, hop, and memory-based approaches. Our review categorizes current negative sampling methods into five types: static, hard, GAN-based, Auxiliary-based, and In-batch methods, providing a clear structure for understanding negative sampling. Beyond detailed categorization, we highlight the application of negative sampling in various areas, offering insights into its practical benefits. Finally, we briefly discuss open problems and future directions for negative sampling.

In vivo functional immunoprotection correlates for vaccines against invasive bacteria

Vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of invasive infections caused by several bacterial pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis. However, no vaccines are available for many other invasive pathogens. A major hurdle in vaccine development is the lack of functional markers to quantify vaccine immunity in eliminating pathogens during the process of infection. Based on our recent discovery of the liver as the major organ of vaccine-induced clearance of blood-borne virulent bacteria, we here describe a new vaccine evaluation system that quantitatively characterizes the key features of effective vaccines in shuffling virulent bacteria from the blood circulation to the liver resident macrophage Kupffer cells (KCs) and sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in mouse septic infection model. This system consists of three related correlates or assays: pathogen clearance from the bloodstream, pathogen trapping in the liver, and pathogen capture by KCs/LSECs. These readouts were consistently associated with the serotype-specific immunoprotection levels of the 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (PCV13) against lethal infection of S. pneumoniae, a major invasive Gram-positive pathogen of community-acquired infections in humans. Furthermore, the reliability and sensitivity of these correlates in reflecting vaccine efficacy were verified with whole cell vaccines of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli, two major Gram-negative pathogens in hospital-acquired invasive infections. This system may be used as effective readouts to evaluate the immunoprotective potential of vaccine candidates in the preclinical phase by filling the current technical gap in vaccine evaluation between the conventional in vitro approaches (e.g. antibody production and pathogen neutralization/opsonophagocytosis) and survival of immunized animals.

Delivery of pleasant stroke touch via robot in older adults

Touch care has clinically positive effects on older adults. Touch can be delivered using robots, addressing the lack of caregivers. A recent study of younger participants showed that stroke touch delivered via robot produced subjective and physiologically positive emotional responses similar to those evoked by human touch. However, whether robotic touch can elicit similar responses in older adults remains unknown. We investigated this topic by assessing subjective rating (valence and arousal) and physiological signals [corrugator and zygomatic electromyography (EMG) and skin conductance response (SCR)] to gentle stroking motions delivered to the backs of older participants by robot and human agents at two different speeds: 2.6 and 8.5 cm/s. Following the recent study, the participants were informed that only the robot strokes them. We compared the difference between the younger (their data from the previous study) and the older participants in their responses when the two agents (a robot and a human) stroked them. Subjectively, data from both younger and older participants showed that 8.5 cm/s stroking was more positive and arousing than 2.6 cm/s stroking for both human and robot agents. Physiologically, data from both younger and older participants showed that 8.5 cm/s stroking induced weaker corrugator EMG activity and stronger SCR activity than the 2.6 cm/s stroking for both agents. These results demonstrate that the overall patterns of the older groups responses were similar to those of the younger group, and suggest that robot-delivered stroke touch can elicit pleasant emotional responses in older adults.

Chemistry of Bairui granules and its mechanisms in the protective effect against methotrexate-induced liver injury

BACKGROUND

Bairui granules (BRKL), a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, possess a range of pharmacological effects. However, its impact on methotrexate (MTX)-induced liver damage remains unexplored.

PURPOSE

The present work focused on investigating the potential protection of BRKL on MTX-induced liver damage, along with its potential active ingredients and underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

We evaluated the hepatoprotective activities of BRKL in liver-damaged Wistar rats induced by intraperitoneal MTX injection, observing the liver's morphological and pathological features. Additionally, we measured serum ALT, AST, and LDH levels using kits. Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) analyzed BRKL composition, and network pharmacology strategy predicted and analyzed BRKL's targets and pathways. Thereafter, we conducted molecular docking for analyzing affinity of bioactive ingredients for targets with Autodock. At last, results were verified through in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

The animal experiments revealed the significant protection of BRKL against MTX-mediated rat liver damage. A total of 64 major chemical constituents were identified in BRKL by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS. We then applied the network-based pharmacological strategy to clarify BRKL's molecular mechanism on liver damage based on the identified components. The targets EGFR, SRC, PIK3R1, AKT1, and ESR1, as well as compounds isorhamnetin 3,7-O-diglucoside, β-ecdysone, chrysoeriol, apigenin, and diosmetin, may play pivotal roles in treating MTX-mediated liver damage. According to our in vitro experiments, isorhamnetin 3,7-O-diglucoside may exert its liver-protective effect via AKT/NF-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

BRKL protected against MTX-mediated liver injury, and the bioactive ingredients, key pathways, and liver injury-related molecular targets have been identified. These findings provide new insights into using BRKL in treating liver damage and propose a feasible approach to exploring phytomedicine's chemical and pharmacological foundation.

Liver macrophages and sinusoidal endothelial cells execute vaccine-elicited capture of invasive bacteria

Vaccination has substantially reduced the morbidity and mortality of bacterial diseases, but mechanisms of vaccine-elicited pathogen clearance remain largely undefined. We report that vaccine-elicited immunity against invasive bacteria mainly operates in the liver. In contrast to the current paradigm that migrating phagocytes execute vaccine-elicited immunity against blood-borne pathogens, we found that invasive bacteria are captured and killed in the liver of vaccinated host via various immune mechanisms that depend on the protective potency of the vaccine. Vaccines with relatively lower degrees of protection only activated liver-resident macrophage Kupffer cells (KCs) by inducing pathogen-binding immunoglobulin M (IgM) or low amounts of IgG. IgG-coated pathogens were directly captured by KCs via multiple IgG receptors FcγRs, whereas IgM-opsonized bacteria were indirectly bound to KCs via complement receptors of immunoglobulin superfamily (CRIg) and complement receptor 3 (CR3) after complement C3 activation at the bacterial surface. Conversely, the more potent vaccines engaged both KCs and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells by inducing higher titers of functional IgG antibodies. Endothelial cells (ECs) captured densely IgG-opsonized pathogens by the low-affinity IgG receptor FcγRIIB in a "zipper-like" manner and achieved bacterial killing predominantly in the extracellular milieu via an undefined mechanism. KC- and endothelial cell-based capture of antibody-opsonized bacteria also occurred in FcγR-humanized mice. These vaccine protection mechanisms in the liver not only provide a comprehensive explanation for vaccine-/antibody-boosted immunity against invasive bacteria but also may serve as in vivo functional readouts of vaccine efficacy.

Understanding the consequences of leisure sedentary behavior on periodontitis: A two-step, multivariate Mendelian randomization study

Background

The relationship between leisure sedentary behavior (LSB) and periodontitis risk remains unclear in terms of causality and the potential mediating effects of intermediate factors.

Materials and methods

Using the aggregate data of several large-scale genetic association studies from participants of European descent, we conducted a univariate, two-step, and multivariate Mendelian random (MR) analysis to infer the overall effect of LSB on periodontitis, and quantified the intermediary proportion of intermediary traits such as smoking.

Results

Our findings indicated that per 1-SD increase (1.87 h) in leisure screen time (LST), there was a 23 % increase in the risk of periodontitis. [odds ratios (95 % CI) = 1.23 (1.04-1.44), p = 0.013]. Smoking was found to partially mediate the overall causal effect of LST on periodontitis, with a mediation rate of 20.7 % (95 % CI: 4.9%-35.5 %). Multivariate MR analysis demonstrated that the causal effect of LST on periodontitis was weakened when adjusting for smoking, resulting in an odds ratio of 1.19 (95 % CI: 1.01-1.39, p = 0.049) for each 1 standard deviation increase in exposure.

Conclusion

The study provides evidence of a potential causal relationship between LSB characterized by LST and periodontitis, thereby further supporting the notion that reducing LSB is beneficial for health. Furthermore, it confirms the role of smoking as a mediator in this process, suggesting that inhibiting smoking behavior among individuals with long-term LSB may serve as a strategy to mitigate the risk of periodontitis.

MiR-1246b, a novel miRNA molecule of extracellular vesicles in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, promotes nodule growth through FGF14 in patients with lung cancer

With the widespread development of chest computed tomography (CT), the detection rate of pulmonary nodules has increased; therefore, the classification of benign vs. malignant nodules has become a common problem in the clinic. MicroRNA, a potential tool, is expected to become a good choice for diagnosing and studying the occurrence and development of diseases through the vector of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid extracellular vesicles (BALF-EVs). In this study, radial endobronchial ultrasound (R-EBUS) was used to locate pulmonary nodules in patients. BALF was obtained, EVs were isolated, and small RNA sequencing was performed to screen differentially expressed miRNAs between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules. The binding targets and underlying mechanisms of the differentially expressed miRNAs were verified by in vitro and in vivo experiments. R-EBUS localization and sampling was used to obtain BALF, and EVs were successfully isolated and characterized. Differentially expressed miRNAs in BALF-EVs of patients with benign vs. malignant pulmonary nodules were screened by high-throughput small RNA sequencing. A new miRNA, miR-1246b, was identified. We found that FGF14 was the binding target of miR-1246b by luciferase assay. Subsequent mechanistic studies showed that miR-1246b inhibited the expression of FGF14 in lung cancer cells, further leading to ERK phosphorylation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which ultimately contributed to lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In summary, our study demonstrates that the detection of miRNAs in BALF-EVs, a means of liquid biopsy, could assist in distinguishing malignant nodules from benign nodules. miR-1246b, which was extracted from BALF-EVs, targets FGF14 to promote lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion.

Chemoproteomic mapping of the glycolytic targetome in cancer cells

Hyperactivated glycolysis is a metabolic hallmark of most cancer cells. Although sporadic information has revealed that glycolytic metabolites possess nonmetabolic functions as signaling molecules, how these metabolites interact with and functionally regulate their binding targets remains largely elusive. Here, we introduce a target-responsive accessibility profiling (TRAP) approach that measures changes in ligand binding-induced accessibility for target identification by globally labeling reactive proteinaceous lysines. With TRAP, we mapped 913 responsive target candidates and 2,487 interactions for 10 major glycolytic metabolites in a model cancer cell line. The wide targetome depicted by TRAP unveils diverse regulatory modalities of glycolytic metabolites, and these modalities involve direct perturbation of enzymes in carbohydrate metabolism, intervention of an orphan transcriptional protein's activity and modulation of targetome-level acetylation. These results further our knowledge of how glycolysis orchestrates signaling pathways in cancer cells to support their survival, and inspire exploitation of the glycolytic targetome for cancer therapy.

Stenotic geometry effects on airflow dynamics and respiration for central airway obstruction

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The quantitative relationship between tracheal anatomy and ventilation function can be analyzed by using engineering-derived methods, including mathematical modeling and numerical simulations. In order to provide quantitative functional evaluation for patients with tracheobronchial stenosis, we here propose an aerodynamics-based assessment method by applying computational fluid dynamics analysis on synthetic and patient-specific airway models.

METHODS

By using 3D reconstruction of tracheobronchial tree and computational fluid dynamics simulations, the aerodynamic environment from the stenotic central airway down to the 4th-6th bifurcation of the tracheobronchial tree is examined in both synthetic and patient-derived models. The effects of stenotic anatomy (the degree of stenosis, stenotic length and location) on the aerodynamic parameters, including pressure drop, area-average velocity, volume flow rate, wall shear stress and airflow resistance, are investigated on three-dimensional models of tracheobronchial tree.

RESULTS

The results from 36 synthetic models demonstrate that 70% constriction marks the onset of a precipitous decrease in airflow relative to a normal airway. The analyses of simulation results of 8 patient-specific models indicate that the Myer-Cotton stenosis grading system can be interpreted in terms of aerodynamics-derived description, such as flow resistance. The tracheal stenosis significantly influences the resistance of peripheral bronchi, especially for patients with severe stenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study forms a systematic framework for future development of more robust, bioengineering-informed evaluation methods for quantitative assessment of respiratory function of patients with central airway obstruction.

Intake of Energy Drinks Before and During Pregnancy and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Importance

Consumption of energy drinks has increased drastically in recent years, particularly among young people. It is unknown whether intake of energy drinks is associated with health during pregnancy.

Objective

To examine associations of energy drink intake before and during pregnancy with risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study included data from women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study 3 (NHS3) between June 1, 2010, and September 27, 2021, and the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS) who reported 1 or more singleton pregnancy from January 1, 2011, to June 1, 2019. Data were analyzed from October 1, 2021, to September 28, 2023.

Exposure

Intake of energy drinks, assessed by food frequency questionnaire.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were self-reported APOs, including pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or preterm birth, and a composite APO, defined as development of any of the APOs. Risk of APOs was compared between consumers and nonconsumers of energy drinks.

Results

This study included 7304 pregnancies in 4736 participants with information on prepregnancy energy drink intake and 4559 pregnancies in 4559 participants with information on energy drink intake during pregnancy. There were 1691 GUTS participants (mean [SD] age, 25.7 [2.9] years) and 3045 NHS3 participants (mean [SD] age, 30.2 [4.1] years). At baseline, 230 GUTS participants (14%) and 283 NHS3 participants (9%) reported any intake of energy drinks. While no associations were found for pregnancy loss (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.71-1.11), preterm birth (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.71-1.61), gestational diabetes (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.58-1.35), preeclampsia (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.41-1.30), or the composite APO (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.87-1.26), prepregnancy energy drink use was associated with a higher risk of gestational hypertension (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.12-2.29). A significant interaction was found between age and energy drink intake in relation to hypertensive disorders (P = .02 for interaction for gestational hypertension; P = .04 for interaction for any hypertensive disorders), with stronger associations for participants above the median age. No associations of energy drink intake during pregnancy with any of the APOs were found in NHS3 (eg, any APO: OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.41-1.79).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, energy drink intake before pregnancy was associated with an elevated risk of gestational hypertension. Given the low prevalence of energy drink intake and low consumption levels among users, the results should be interpreted cautiously.

L-DIG: A GAN-Based Method for LiDAR Point Cloud Processing under Snow Driving Conditions

LiDAR point clouds are significantly impacted by snow in driving scenarios, introducing scattered noise points and phantom objects, thereby compromising the perception capabilities of autonomous driving systems. Current effective methods for removing snow from point clouds largely rely on outlier filters, which mechanically eliminate isolated points. This research proposes a novel translation model for LiDAR point clouds, the 'L-DIG' (LiDAR depth images GAN), built upon refined generative adversarial networks (GANs). This model not only has the capacity to reduce snow noise from point clouds, but it also can artificially synthesize snow points onto clear data. The model is trained using depth image representations of point clouds derived from unpaired datasets, complemented by customized loss functions for depth images to ensure scale and structure consistencies. To amplify the efficacy of snow capture, particularly in the region surrounding the ego vehicle, we have developed a pixel-attention discriminator that operates without downsampling convolutional layers. Concurrently, the other discriminator equipped with two-step downsampling convolutional layers has been engineered to effectively handle snow clusters. This dual-discriminator approach ensures robust and comprehensive performance in tackling diverse snow conditions. The proposed model displays a superior ability to capture snow and object features within LiDAR point clouds. A 3D clustering algorithm is employed to adaptively evaluate different levels of snow conditions, including scattered snowfall and snow swirls. Experimental findings demonstrate an evident de-snowing effect, and the ability to synthesize snow effects.

Vitamin E-diffused liners show less head penetration than cross-linked polyethylene liners in total hip arthroplasty: a ten-year multi-arm randomized trial

Aims

The primary outcome was investigating differences in wear, as measured by femoral head penetration, between cross-linked vitamin E-diffused polyethylene (vE-PE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) acetabular component liners and between 32 and 36 mm head sizes at the ten-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes included acetabular component migration and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Harris Hip Score, and University of California, Los Angeles Activity Scale (UCLA).

Methods

A single-blinded, multi-arm, 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial was undertaken. Patients were recruited between May 2009 and April 2011. Radiostereometric analyses (RSAs) were performed from baseline to ten years. Of the 220 eligible patients, 116 underwent randomization, and 82 remained at the ten-year follow-up. Eligible patients were randomized into one of four interventions: vE-PE acetabular liner with either 32 or 36 mm femoral head, and XLPE acetabular liner with either 32 or 36 mm femoral head. Parameters were otherwise identical except for acetabular liner material and femoral head size.

Results

A total of 116 patients participated, of whom 77 were male. The median ages of the vE-PE 32 mm and 36 mm groups were 65 (interquartile range (IQR) 57 to 67) and 63 years (IQR 56 to 66), respectively, and of the XLPE 32 mm and 36 mm groups were 64 (IQR 58 to 66) and 61 years (IQR 54 to 66), respectively. Mean total head penetration was significantly lower into vE-PE acetabular liner groups than into XLPE acetabular liner groups (-0.219 mm (95% confidence interval -0.348 to -0.090); p = 0.001). There were no differences in wear according to head size, acetabular component migration, or PROMs, except for UCLA. There were no cases of aseptic loosening or failures requiring revision at long-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Significantly lower wear was observed in vE-PE acetabular liners than in XLPE acetabular liners. No difference in wear was observed between different head size or PROMs except for the UCLA at ten years.

Maternal adherence to healthy lifestyle and risk of depressive symptoms in the offspring: mediation by offspring lifestyle

BACKGROUND

Adherence to healthy lifestyles can be beneficial for depression among adults, but the intergenerational impact of maternal healthy lifestyles on offspring depressive symptoms is unknown.

METHODS

In total, 10 368 mothers in Nurses' Health Study II and 13 478 offspring in the Growing Up Today Study were paired. Maternal and offspring healthy lifestyles were defined as a composite score including a healthy diet, normal body mass index (BMI), never-smoking, light-to-moderate consumption of alcohol, and regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Maternal lifestyles were assessed during their offspring's childhood. Offspring depressive symptoms were repeatedly assessed five times using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10 (CESD-10); the offspring were between the ages of 14 and 30 when the first CESD-10 was assessed. Covariates included maternal variables (age at baseline, race/ethnicity, antidepressant use, pregnancy complications, etc.) and offspring age and sex.

RESULTS

Children of mothers with the healthiest lifestyle had significantly fewer depressive symptoms (a 0.30 lower CESD-10 score, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09-0.50) in comparison with children of mothers with the least healthy lifestyle. The association was only found significant in female offspring but not in males. For individual maternal lifestyle factors, a normal BMI, never-smoking, and adherence to regular physical activity were independently associated with fewer depressive symptoms among the offspring. The association between maternal healthy lifestyles and offspring depressive symptoms was mediated by offspring's healthy lifestyles (mediation effect: 53.2%, 95% CI 15.8-87.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding indicates the potential mechanism of intergenerational transmission of healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms in offspring.

TXLNA enhances TBK1 phosphorylation by suppressing PPM1B recruitment

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in cancer incidence and mortality, and immune abnormalities have been closely linked to malignancy development. TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a non-classical IκB kinase that regulates interferon and NF-κB signaling pathways and plays a crucial role in innate immunity. Recent studies have shown high expression levels of TBK1 and increased activity in various tumor cells, suggesting its involvement in the development and progression of multiple cancers. Targeting TBK1 for tumor therapy may be a possibility. However, little is known about the abnormal activation and dynamic regulation of TBK1 in cancer. First, we utilized the BioID biotinylation technique combined with TMT-based quantitative proteomics to analyze the TBK1 interacting proteins. Our results revealed that TXLNA interacts with TBK1 and binds to the α-helical scaffold of TBK1. The expression of TXLNA could affect the S172 phosphorylation of TBK1. PPM1B is a phosphatase that can dephosphorylate TBK1 S172, so we used the APEX2 proximity labeling technique combined with TMT-based quantitative proteomics to explore the interacting proteins of PPM1B and search for the regulatory pathway of TXLNA on TBK1 phosphorylation. We found that PPM1B interacts with TXLNA. Based on these results, we further found that TXLNA impairs the binding of PPM1B to TBK1, inhibiting the dephosphorylation of TBK1 and contributing to the abnormal enhancement of TBK1 activity in cancer cells. This study sheds light on the potential mechanism of aberrant activation and dynamic regulation of TBK1 in tumors and provides a potential target for tumor therapy.

An Investigation into the Performance and Mechanisms of Soymilk-Sized Handmade Xuan Paper at Different Concentrations of Soymilk

Invaluable paper relics that embody a rich traditional culture have suffered damage, requiring urgent restoration. In this context, the utilization of soymilk as a sizing agent holds great significance and reverence. This study investigates the use of soymilk as a sizing agent for Xuan paper and evaluates its effects on various properties and the long-term behavior of the paper. The findings reveal that the application of soymilk as a sizing agent for Xuan paper imparts distinct properties, including hydrophobicity, improved mechanical properties, and unique chromaticity. These characteristics-arising from the papillae on the surface of the Xuan paper, the protein folding of the soy protein, and hydrogen-bonding interactions between the soy protein and paper fibers-play a crucial role in shaping the paper's unique attributes. From a physicochemical perspective, the aging process leads to multiple changes in paper properties. These changes include acidification, which refers to a decrease in pH, as well as a decline in mechanical strength, an increase in chromaticity, and a decrease in the degree of polymerization (DP) of the paper. The Ekenstam equation is employed to predict the lifespan of the paper, showing longer lifespans for Sheng Xuan paper and a negative correlation between soymilk concentration and lifespan in soymilk-sized paper. Our work provides valuable insights for the preservation and maintenance of paper, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of using soymilk for surface sizing.

DTCO optimizes critical path nets to improve chip performance with timing-aware OPC in deep ultraviolet lithography

Design technology co-optimization (DTCO) is a potential approach to tackle the escalating expenses and complexities associated with pitch scaling. This strategy offers a promising solution by minimizing the required design dimensions and mitigating the pitch scaling trend. It is worth noting that lithography has played a significant role in dimensional scaling over time. This paper proposes a DTCO flow to reduce the impact of the process variation (PV) band and edge placement error (EPE). First, we performed the digital back-end design of the high-performance processor and got the test layout; second, we executed timing analysis on the test layout to get the critical path net that affects the chip performance; third, we proposed the timing-aware optimized optical proximity correction (OPC) method to optimize the PV band and EPE by adjusting the weights of critical path net merit points, optimizing the generation of the sub-resolution assistant feature, giving tighter EPE specs for merit points on the critical path net, and placing denser merit points as well as denser breakpoints for the critical path net to obtain greater freedom in the OPC process. Finally, it is verified that our proposed DTCO process can significantly reduce the EPE and lead to a slight decrease in the PV band of the chip while maintaining the same process windows.

Bile acids promote the development of HCC by activating inflammasome

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with chronic inflammation caused by different factors; especially, the interaction of inflammatory pathways and bile acids (BAs) can affect hepatocyte proliferation, death, and regeneration, but whether BAs promote HCC progression through inflammatory pathways and the mechanisms is still unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By examining cancer and tumor-adjacent tissue BA levels and genes associated with BA homeostasis in 37 HCC patients, we found that total bile acids (TBAs) were decreased by 36% and varying degrees of changes in factors regulating BA homeostasis (p < 0.05). In addition, we found that BA homeostasis was disturbed in diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC mouse models, and TBA was correlated with inflammasome activation during HCC progression (6-24 W) (p < 0.05). Similarly, the inflammasome and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) content were suppressed in cholestasis model mice (Mrp2-deficient mice) (p < 0.05). In vitro, CDCA significantly promoted the malignant transformation of hepatocytes (p < 0.001), activated the inflammasome by triggering the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial DNA, and ultimately induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, we found that CDCA has a targeted binding effect with HO-1 through molecular docking and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay experiments.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, we found that CDCA can trigger the excessive accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species by targeting HO-1 to promote the activation of the inflammasome and ultimately promote the progression of HCC. Our study provides a novel mechanism by which BAs promote HCC by activating the inflammasome and establishes the important role of BA homeostasis imbalance in the progression of HCC from the aspect of inflammation.

Multimodality imaging in diagnosing lipomatous atrial septal hypertrophy with atrial septal defect: a case report

Background

Lipomatous atrial septal hypertrophy (LASH) with atrial septal defect (ASD) is a rare congenital anomaly. Although LASH is a histologically benign cardiac lesion characterized by excessive fat deposition in the interatrial septum that spares the fossa ovale, it has been associated with supraventricular arrhythmias or sick sinus syndrome. Application of multimodal imaging is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment of LASH with ASD, and follow-up.

Case summary

A 68-year-old female patient presented with recurrent chest tightness and palpitation. Multimodal imaging revealed the characterizations of LASH and ASD. Two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography showed a "dumbbell"-shaped involvement of the cephalad and caudal regions with sparing of a single secundum ASD. The septum with a brightness feature is an uncommon condition characterized by the deposition of unencapsulated fat cells in the atrial septum. Real-time four-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography reflected the lipomatous hypertrophy of the atrial septum and an oval-shaped ASD. Cardiac computer tomography angiography later confirmed this finding. The patient achieved a good clinical response with an ASD percutaneous occlusion guided by intracardiac echocardiography (ICE).

Conclusion

This case demonstrates a LASH combined with ASD. Multimodality imaging can provide an accurate diagnosis and may guide the procedure for precise occlusion.

A shift of vector specificity acquired by a begomovirus through natural homologous recombination

Recombination is common in plant viruses such as geminiviruses, but the ecological and pathogenic consequences have been explored only in a few cases. Here, we found that a new begomovirus, tomato yellow leaf curl Shuangbai virus (TYLCSbV), probably originated from the recombination of Ageratum yellow vein China virus (AYVCNV) and tobacco curl shoot virus (TbCSV). Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation showed that TYLCSbV and AYVCNV have similar levels of infectivity on tomato and tobacco plants. However, the two viruses exhibit contrasting specificities for vector transmission, that is, TYLCSbV was efficiently transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Mediterranean (MED) rather than by the whitefly B. tabaci Middle East-Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), whereas AYVCNV was more efficiently transmitted by MEAM1. We also showed that the transmission efficiencies of TYLCSbV and AYVCNV are positively correlated with the accumulation of the viruses in whitefly whole bodies and organs/tissues. The key coat protein amino acids that determine their accumulation are between positions 147 and 256. Moreover, field surveys suggest that MED has displaced MEAM1 in some regions where TYLCSbV was collected. Viral competition assays indicated that TYLCSbV outcompeted AYVCNV when transmitted by MED, while the outcome was the opposite when transmitted by MEAM1. Our findings suggest that recombination has resulted in a shift of vector specificity that could provide TYLCSbV with a potential selective transmission advantage, and the population shift of whitefly cryptic species could have influenced virus evolution towards an extended trajectory of transmission.

Opioid-Free Versus Opioid-Based Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain After Thoracoscopic Surgery: The Use of Intravenous and Epidural Esketamine

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness and safety of opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) regimens in distinct types of surgeries remain controversial. In this study, we investigated whether OFA could reduce the occurrence of chronic postoperative pain in patients receiving video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

METHODS

We conducted a 2-center, randomized, controlled trial from September 2021 to January 2022. A total of 162 lung tumor patients scheduled to undergo VATS were randomly divided into an opioid-based anesthesia (OA) group and an OFA group. The OA group received general anesthesia combined with thoracic epidural block using morphine, while the OFA group received general anesthesia combined with thoracic epidural block using esketamine. Patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) was used after surgery (ropivacaine and morphine for the OA group versus ropivacaine and esketamine for the OFA group). The primary end point was chronic pain rates at 3 months after VATS, which were analyzed using a logistic regression model. The secondary end points were chronic pain rates at 6 months, acute pain rates at 24 hours and 48 hours postoperatively, postoperative side effects, and perioperative variables.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 159 patients. Acute postoperative pain at 24 hours occurred in 0 of the 79 (0%) patients in the OA group and 10 of the 80 (17.5%) patients in the OFA group (odds ratio, 52.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.47-420.10; P < .001). Acute postoperative pain at 48 hours occurred in 3 of the 79 (3.8%) patients in the OA group and 2 of the 80 (2.5%) patients in the OFA group (odds ratio, 2.07; 95% CI, 0.99-4.32; P = .053). In this study, none of the patients had moderate or severe pain in either group at 3 and 6 months postsurgically. Mild chronic postoperative pain at 3 months occurred in 27 of the 79 (34.2%) patients in the OA group and 14 of the 80 (17.5%) patients in the OFA group (odds ratio, 3.52; 95% CI, 1.49-8.31; P = .004). At 6 months, mild chronic pain still occurred in 23 of the 79 (29.1%) patients in the OA group and 9 of the 80 (11.3%) patients in the OFA group (odds ratio, 5.55; 95% CI, 2.01-15.33; P = .001). In addition, the OFA group included fewer patients with side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and pruritus, within 48 hours after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Replacement of opioids by esketamine, intraoperatively as intravenous injection and epidural infusion and postoperatively as epidural infusion, reduces the incidence of mild chronic postoperative pain and side effects in patients after VATS.

Depression, worry, and loneliness are associated with subsequent risk of hospitalization for COVID-19: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Pre-pandemic psychological distress is associated with increased susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, but associations with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity are not established. The authors examined the associations between distress prior to SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent risk of hospitalization.

METHODS

Between April 2020 (baseline) and April 2021, we followed 54 781 participants from three ongoing cohorts: Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII), Nurses' Health Study 3 (NHS3), and the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS) who reported no current or prior SARS-CoV-2 infection at baseline. Chronic depression was assessed during 2010-2019. Depression, anxiety, worry about COVID-19, perceived stress, and loneliness were measured at baseline. SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization due to COVID-19 was self-reported. Relative risks (RRs) were calculated by Poisson regression.

RESULTS

3663 participants reported a positive SARS-CoV-2 test (mean age = 55.0 years, standard deviation = 13.8) during follow-up. Among these participants, chronic depression prior to the pandemic [RR = 1.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-2.46], and probable depression (RR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.08-3.03), being very worried about COVID-19 (RR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.12-2.86), and loneliness (RR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.02-3.20) reported at baseline were each associated with subsequent COVID-19 hospitalization, adjusting for demographic factors and healthcare worker status. Anxiety and perceived stress were not associated with hospitalization. Depression, worry about COVID-19, and loneliness were as strongly associated with hospitalization as were high cholesterol and hypertension, established risk factors for COVID-19 severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological distress may be a risk factor for hospitalization in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Assessment of psychological distress may identify patients at greater risk of hospitalization. Future work should examine whether addressing distress improves physical health outcomes.

Correction: Unassisted Clinicians Versus Deep Learning-Assisted Clinicians in Image-Based Cancer Diagnostics: Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/43832.].

Integrated proteomics and phosphoproteomics profiling reveals the cardioprotective mechanism of bioactive compounds derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge

BACKGROUND

Natural products are an important source for discovering novel drugs due to their various pharmacological activities. Salvia miltiorrhiza Burge (Danshen) has been shown to have promising therapeutic potential in the management of heart diseases, making it a candidate for cardiovascular drug discovery. Currently, there is limited quantitative analysis of the phosphorylation levels of Danshen-derived natural products on a proteome-wide, which may bias the study of their mechanisms of action.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the global signaling perturbation induced by Danshen-derived bioactive compounds and their potential relationship with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

We employed quantitative proteome and phosphoproteome analysis to identify dysregulated signaling in IR injury hearts from mice. We compared changes induced by Danshen-derived compounds based on IR-associated phospho-events, using an integrative approach that maps relative abundance of proteins and phosphorylation sites.

METHODS

Isobaric chemical tandem mass tags (TMT) labeled multiplexing strategy was used to generate unbiased quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics data. Highly accurate and precise TMT quantitation was performed using the Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid Mass Spectrometer with synchronous precursor selection MS3 detection mode. Mass spectrometric raw files were analyzed with MaxQuant (2.0.1.0) and statistical and bioinformatics analysis was conducted with Perseus (1.6.15).

RESULTS

We quantified 3661 proteins and over 11,000 phosphosites in impaired heart tissue of the IR mice model, expanding our knowledge of signaling pathways and other biological processes disrupted in IR injury. Next, 1548 and 5545 differently expressed proteins and phosphosites were identified by quantifying the proteome and phosphoproteome of H9c2 cells treated by five Danshen bioactive compounds respectively. Results revealed the vast differences in abilities of five Danshen-derived bioactive compounds to regulate phosphorylation modifications in cardiomyocytes, with dihydrotanshinone I (DHT) showing potential for protecting against IR injury by modulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a new strategy for analyzing drug/natural product-regulated phosphorylation modification levels on a proteome-wide scale, leading to a better understanding of cell signaling pathways and downstream phenotypic responses.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019

INTRODUCTION

Data on the associations of prepandemic physical activity and sedentary behavior with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, particularly milder illness, have been limited.

METHODS

We used data from 43,913 participants within the Nurses' Health Study II and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who responded to periodic COVID-related surveys from May 2020 through March 2021. History of physical activity from the prepandemic period was assessed as the metabolic equivalents of task (MET)-hours per week of various activities of different intensity and sedentary behavior assessed from reports of time spent sitting from questionnaires completed 2016-2017. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity, as well as predicted COVID-19 defined using a validated symptom-based algorithm.

RESULTS

Higher levels of prepandemic physical activity were associated with a lower risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Compared to participants with <3 MET-hours per week, the multivariable-adjusted OR was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.74, 0.99; P trend =.07) for those with ≥27 MET-hours per week. Higher physical activity levels were also associated with lower risk of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.99; P trend = .05) and predicted COVID-19 (OR: 0.87; 95% CI: 0.78, 0.97; P trend = .01). Longer time sitting at home watching TV (OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.97) or for other tasks (OR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.66, 0.92) was associated with a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support a protective association between prepandemic physical activity and lower risk and severity of COVID-19.

Association between periodontitis and breast cancer: two-sample Mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between periodontitis and breast cancer by Mendelian randomization analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using publicly released genome-wide association studies (GWAS) statistics. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis. We applied complementary methods, including weighted median, weighted mode, simple mode, MR-Egger regression, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) to detect and correct for the effect of horizontal pleiotropy.

RESULTS

IVW MR analysis showed no effect of periodontitis on breast cancer (IVW OR=0.99, P =0.14). Similarly, no significant causal relationship between breast cancer and periodontitis was found in reverse MR analysis (IVW OR=0.95, P =0.83). The results of MR-Egger regression, weighted median, and weighted mode methods were consistent with those of the IVW method. Based on sensitivity analyses, horizontal pleiotropy is unlikely to distort causal estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Although observational studies have reported an association between periodontitis and breast cancer, the results of our MR analysis do not support a causal relationship between periodontitis and breast cancer.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Mendelian randomization study can more clearly analyze the causal relationship between periodontitis and breast cancer, in order to provide a certain reference for clinicians and deepen the understanding of the relationship between periodontitis and breast cancer, to explore more possible associations between periodontitis and systemic diseases.

Changes and significance of vascular endothelial injury markers in patients with diabetes mellitus and pulmonary thromboembolism

BACKGROUND

To investigate the changes and clinical significance of vascular endothelial injury markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complicated with pulmonary embolism (PE).

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled patients with T2DM hospitalized in one hospital from January 2021 to June 2022. Soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) (ELISA), von Willebrand factor (vWF) (ELISA), and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) (flow cytometry) were measured. PE was diagnosed by computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA).

RESULTS

Thirty participants were enrolled in each group. The plasma levels of sTM (151.22 ± 120.57 vs. 532.93 ± 243.82 vs. 1016.51 ± 218.00 pg/mL, P < 0.001) and vWF (9.63 ± 2.73 vs. 11.50 ± 2.17 vs. 18.02 ± 3.40 ng/mL, P < 0.001) and the percentage of CECs (0.17 ± 0.46 vs. 0.30 ± 0.08 vs. 0.56 ± 0.18%, P < 0.001) gradually increased from the control group to the T2DM group to the T2DM + PE group. sTM (OR = 1.002, 95%CI: 1.002-1.025, P = 0.022) and vWF (OR = 1.168, 95%CI: 1.168-2.916, P = 0.009) were associated with T2DM + PE. sTM > 676.68 pg/mL for the diagnosis of T2DM + PE achieved an AUC of 0.973, while vWF > 13.75 ng/mL achieved an AUC of 0.954. The combination of sTM and vWF above their cutoff points achieved an AUC of 0.993, with 100% sensitivity and 96.7% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with T2DM show endothelial injury and dysfunction, which were worse in patients with T2DM and PE. High sTM and vWF levels have certain clinical predictive values for screening T2DM accompanied by PE.

A Two-stage Linear Mixed Model (TS-LMM) for Summary-data-based Multivariable Mendelian Randomization

Multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) methods provide a strategy for applying genome-wide summary statistics to assess simultaneous causal effects of multiple risk factors on a disease outcome. In contrast to univariate MR methods that assumes no horizonal pleiotropy (genetic variants only associate with one risk factor), MVMR allows for genetic variants associate with multiple risk factors and models pleiotropy by including summary statistics with risk factors as multiple variables into the regression model. Here, we propose a two-stage linear mixed model (TS-LMM) for MVMR that accounts for variance of summary statistics not only in outcome, but also in all of the risk factors. In stage I, we apply linear mixed model to treat variance in summary statistics of disease as fixed-/random-effects, while accounting for covariance between genetic variants due to linkage disequilibrium (LD). Particularly, we use an iteratively re-weighted least squares algorithm to obtain estimates for the random-effects. In stage II, we account for variance in summary statistics of multiple risk factors simultaneously by applying measurement error correction methods that take into consideration LD between genetic variants and correlation between summary statistics of risk factors. We compared our MVMR approach to other approaches in a simulation study. When most of the instrumental variables (IVs) were strong, our model generated the highest coverage of true causal associations, the highest power of detecting significant causal associations, and the lowest false positive rate of identifying null causal effect for a range of scenarios that varied correlation (weak, strong) between summary statistics of risk factors and LD among genetic variants (weak LD [γ ² ≤0.1], moderate LD [0.1< γ ² ≤0.5]). When the proportion of strong IVs was reduced, our model showed performances comparable to MVMR-Egger and MVMR-IVW. The more accurate inference of our model in the presence of correlation among risk factors supports potential wide application to -omics data that are commonly multi dimensional and correlated, as shown in application to determinants of longevity, where our method nominated a specific significant lipoprotein subfraction for causal association from a panel of 10 lipoprotein cholesterol measures. The robustness of our model to correlation structure suggests that in practice we can allow moderate LD in selection of IVs, thereby potentially leveraging genome-wide summary data in a more effective manner. Our model is implemented in 'TS_LMM' macro in R.

ACLY-β-catenin axis modulates hepatoblastoma cell proliferation

HB (hepatoblastoma) is most common in children with liver cancer and few options for treating HB. Thus, it is of great significance to investigate the regulatory mechanism of HB and/or identify new therapeutic targets for clinical treatment of HB. Here, we showed that ACLY (ATP citrate lyase), an important lipometabolic enzyme for de novo biosynthesis of fatty acids and steroids, has a higher expression in HB tissues than noncancerous tissues, and is required for HB cell proliferation. Moreover, knocking down ACLY in HB cells caused severe S-phase arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, ACLY knockdown significantly silenced the Wnt signaling pathway and reduced β-catenin expression in HB cells. Conversely, the apoptotic alleviation of HB cells by overexpressing ACLY was blocked by silencing β-catenin, suggesting the modulation of HB cells by ACLY-β-catenin axis. Our results uncovered the role of ACLY in HB cells and presented a theoretical approach for HB targeted therapy in the future.

KIAA1199 deficiency enhances skeletal stem cell differentiation to osteoblasts and promotes bone regeneration

Upon transplantation, skeletal stem cells (also known as bone marrow stromal or mesenchymal stem cells) can regulate bone regeneration by producing secreted factors. Here, we identify KIAA1199 as a bone marrow stromal cell-secreted factor in vitro and in vivo. KIAA1199 plasma levels of patients positively correlate with osteoporotic fracture risk and expression levels of KIAA1199 in patient bone marrow stromal cells negatively correlates with their osteogenic differentiation potential. KIAA1199-deficient bone marrow stromal cells exhibit enhanced osteoblast differentiation in vitro and ectopic bone formation in vivo. Consistently, KIAA1199 knockout mice display increased bone mass and biomechanical strength, as well as an increased bone formation rate. They also exhibit accelerated healing of surgically generated bone defects and are protected from ovariectomy-induced bone loss. Mechanistically, KIAA1199 regulates osteogenesis by inhibiting the production of osteopontin by osteoblasts, via integrin-mediated AKT and ERK-MAPK intracellular signaling. Thus, KIAA1199 is a regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone regeneration and could be targeted for the treatment or management of low bone mass conditions.

Disrupted Topological Organization of White Matter Network in Angelman Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder that affects neurodevelopment. The investigation of changes in the brain white matter network, which would contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of AS brain, was lacking.

PURPOSE

To investigate both local and global alterations of white matter in patients with AS.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective.

SUBJECTS

A total of 29 AS patients (6.6 ± 1.4 years, 15 [52%] females) and 19 age-matched healthy controls (HC) (7.0 ± 1.5 years, 10 [53%] females).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

A 3-T, three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted imaging by using gradient-echo-based sequence, single shell diffusion tensor imaging by using spin-echo-based echo-planar imaging.

ASSESSMENT

Network metrics including global efficiency (E_g ), local efficiency (E_loc ), small world coefficient (Swc), rich-club coefficient (Φ), and nodal degree (ND) were estimated from diffusion MR (dMR) data. Connections among highly connected (hub) regions and less connected (peripheral) regions were also assessed. Correlation between the topological parameters and age for each group was also calculated to assess the development of the brain.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Linear regression model, permutation test. P values estimated from the regression model for each brain region were adjusted by false discovery rate (FDR) correction.

RESULTS

AS patients showed significantly lower E_g and higher swc compared to HC. Φ_n significantly increased at higher k-levels in AS patients. In addition, the connections among hub regions and peripheral regions were significantly interrupted in AS patients.

DATA CONCLUSION

The AS brain showed diminished connectivity, reflected by reduced network efficiency compared to HC. Compared to densely connected regions, less connected regions were more vulnerable in AS.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 3.

Stomatal properties of Arabidopsis cauline and rice flag leaves and their contributions to seed production and grain yield

Cauline leaves on the inflorescence stem of Arabidopsis thaliana may play important roles in supplying photosynthetic products to sinks, such as floral organs. Flag leaves in rice (Oryza sativa) have a higher photosynthetic capacity than other leaves, and are crucial for increasing grain yield. However, the detailed properties of stomata in cauline and flag leaves have not been investigated. In Arabidopsis, stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation rate were higher in cauline leaves under white light than in rosette leaves, consistent with higher levels of plasma membrane (PM) H+-ATPase, a key enzyme for stomatal opening, in guard cells. Moreover, removal of cauline leaves significantly reduced the shoot biomass by approximately 20% and seed production by approximately 46%. In rice, higher stomatal density, stomatal conductance, and CO2 assimilation rate were observed in flag leaves than in fully expanded second leaves. Removal of the flag leaves significantly reduced grain yield by approximately 49%. Taken together, these results show that cauline and flag leaves have important roles in seed production and grain yield through enhanced stomatal conductance and CO2 assimilation rate.

Vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates the quiescence of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) by regulating M2 macrophage exosomal smooth muscle cell-associated protein 5 (SMAP-5)

An effective therapeutic regimen for hepatic fibrosis requires a deep understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism. Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) with an excessive production of extracellular matrix. Although promoted activation of HSCs by M2 macrophages has been demonstrated, the molecular mechanism involved remains ambiguous. Herein, we propose that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) involved in macrophage polarization may regulate the communication between macrophages and HSCs by changing the functions of exosomes. We confirm that activating the VDR can inhibit the effect of M2 macrophages on HSC activation. The exosomes derived from M2 macrophages can promote HSC activation, while stimulating VDR alters the protein profiles and reverses their roles in M2 macrophage exosomes. Smooth muscle cell-associated protein 5 (SMAP-5) was found to be the key effector protein in promoting HSC activation by regulating autophagy flux. Building on these results, we show that a combined treatment of a VDR agonist and a macrophage-targeted exosomal secretion inhibitor achieves an excellent anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. In this study, we aim to elucidate the association between VDR and macrophages in HSC activation. The results contribute to our understanding of the pathogenesis mechanism of hepatic fibrosis, and provide potential therapeutic targets for its treatment.

Based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics to analyze the mechanism of action of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of vitiligo and COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading rapidly around the world. However, the treatment of vitiligo combined with COVID-19 has not been reported. Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has a therapeutic effect on patients with vitiligo and COVID-19. This study aims to discover its possible therapeutic mechanisms and provide potential drug targets. Using the Chinese Medicine System Pharmacological Database (TCMSP), GEO database and Genecards websites and other databases, AM target, vitiligo disease target, and COVID-19 related gene set were established. Then find the crossover genes by taking the intersection. Then use GO, KEGG enrichment analysis, and PPI network to discover its underlying mechanism. Finally, by importing drugs, active ingredients, crossover genes, and enriched signal pathways into Cytoscape software, a "drug-active ingredient-target signal pathway-" network is constructed. TCMSP screened and obtained 33 active ingredients including baicalein (MOL002714), NEOBAICALEIN (MOL002934), Skullcapflavone II (MOL002927), and wogonin (MOL000173), which acted on 448 potential targets. 1166 differentially expressed genes for vitiligo were screened by GEO. CIVID-19 related genes were screened by Genecards. Then by taking the intersection, a total of 10 crossover genes (PTGS2, CDK1, STAT1, BCL2L1, SCARB1, HIF1A, NAE1, PLA2G4A, HSP90AA1, and HSP90B1) were obtained. KEGG analysis found that it was mainly enriched in signaling pathways such as IL-17 signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, Necroptosis, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Five core targets (PTGS2, STAT1, BCL2L1, HIF1A, and HSP90AA1) were obtained by analyzing the PPI network. The network of "active ingredients-crossover genes" was constructed by Cytoscape, and the 5 main active ingredients acting on the 5 core crossover genes acacetin, wogonin, baicalein, bis2S)-2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and 5,2'-Dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone. The core crossover genes obtained by PPI and the core crossover genes obtained by the "active ingredient-crossover gene" network are intersected to obtain the three most important core genes (PTGS2, STAT1, HSP90AA1). AM may act on PTGS2, STAT1, HSP90AA1, etc. through active components such as acacetin, wogonin, baicalein, bis2S)-2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and 5,2'-Dihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone to activate IL-17 signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation, Necroptosis, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection, and VEGF signaling pathway and other signaling pathways to achieve the effect of treating vitiligo and COVID-19.

Unassisted Clinicians Versus Deep Learning-Assisted Clinicians in Image-Based Cancer Diagnostics: Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A number of publications have demonstrated that deep learning (DL) algorithms matched or outperformed clinicians in image-based cancer diagnostics, but these algorithms are frequently considered as opponents rather than partners. Despite the clinicians-in-the-loop DL approach having great potential, no study has systematically quantified the diagnostic accuracy of clinicians with and without the assistance of DL in image-based cancer identification.

OBJECTIVE

We systematically quantified the diagnostic accuracy of clinicians with and without the assistance of DL in image-based cancer identification.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, IEEEXplore, and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies published between January 1, 2012, and December 7, 2021. Any type of study design was permitted that focused on comparing unassisted clinicians and DL-assisted clinicians in cancer identification using medical imaging. Studies using medical waveform-data graphics material and those investigating image segmentation rather than classification were excluded. Studies providing binary diagnostic accuracy data and contingency tables were included for further meta-analysis. Two subgroups were defined and analyzed, including cancer type and imaging modality.

RESULTS

In total, 9796 studies were identified, of which 48 were deemed eligible for systematic review. Twenty-five of these studies made comparisons between unassisted clinicians and DL-assisted clinicians and provided sufficient data for statistical synthesis. We found a pooled sensitivity of 83% (95% CI 80%-86%) for unassisted clinicians and 88% (95% CI 86%-90%) for DL-assisted clinicians. Pooled specificity was 86% (95% CI 83%-88%) for unassisted clinicians and 88% (95% CI 85%-90%) for DL-assisted clinicians. The pooled sensitivity and specificity values for DL-assisted clinicians were higher than for unassisted clinicians, at ratios of 1.07 (95% CI 1.05-1.09) and 1.03 (95% CI 1.02-1.05), respectively. Similar diagnostic performance by DL-assisted clinicians was also observed across the predefined subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic performance of DL-assisted clinicians appears better than unassisted clinicians in image-based cancer identification. However, caution should be exercised, because the evidence provided in the reviewed studies does not cover all the minutiae involved in real-world clinical practice. Combining qualitative insights from clinical practice with data-science approaches may improve DL-assisted practice, although further research is required.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42021281372; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=281372.