A new high-throughput screening methodology for the discovery of cancer-testis antigen using multi-omics data

BACKGROUND

Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs), also known as tumor-specific antigens (TSAs) are specifically expressed in cancer cells and exhibit high immunogenicity, making them promising targets for immunotherapy and cancer vaccines.

METHODS

A new integrated high-throughput screening methodology for CTAs was proposed in this study through combining DNA methylation and RNA sequencing data. Briefly, the genes with increased transcript level and decreased DNA methylation were identified by multi-omics analysis. RNA sequencing studies in cell lines exposed to DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors were performed to validate the inherent causal relationship between DNA hypomethylation and gene expression upregulation.

RESULTS

We proposed a new integrated high-throughput screening methodology for identification of CTAs using multi-omics analysis. In addition, we tested the feasibility of this method using gastric cancer (GC) as an example. In GC, we identified over 2000 primary candidate CTAs and ultimately identified 20 CTAs with significant tissue-specificity, including a testis-specific serine protease TESSP1/PRSS41. Integrated analysis confirmed that PRSS41 expression was reactivated in gastrointestinal cancers by promoter DNA hypomethylation at the CpG site (cg08104780). Additionally, DNA hypomethylation of PRSS41 predicted a poor prognosis in GC.

CONCLUSION

We propose a new high-throughput screening method for the identification of CTAs in cancer and validate its effectiveness. Our work emphasizes that serine protease PRSS41 is a novel TSA that is reactivated in GC due to promoter DNA hypomethylation.

Mitophagy in mammalian follicle development and health

Mitophagy, the cellular process that removes damaged mitochondria, plays a crucial role in maintaining normal cell functions. It is deeply involved in the entire process of follicle development and is associated with various ovarian diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mitophagy regulation, emphasizing its role at different stages of follicular development. Additionally, the study illuminates the relationship between mitophagy and ovarian diseases, including ovary aging (OA), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A detailed understanding of mitophagy could reveal valuable insights and novel strategies for managing female ovarian reproductive health.

Digital exclusion and cognitive impairment in older people: findings from five longitudinal studies

OBJECTIVES

Older people are more likely to have digital exclusion, which is associated with poor health. This study investigated the relationship between digital exclusion and cognitive impairment in older adults from 23 countries across five longitudinal surveys.

DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS

Digital exclusion is defined as self-reported non-use of the Internet. We assessed cognitive impairment on three dimensions: orientation, memory, and executive function. We used generalized estimation equations fitting binary logistic regression with exchangeable correlations to study the relationship between digital exclusion and cognitive impairment, and apply the minimum sufficiently adjusted set of causally directed acyclic graphs as the adjusted variable.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

We pooled a nationally representative sample of older adults from five longitudinal studies, including the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal study (CHARLS), the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the Mexican Health and Ageing Study (MHAS) and the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in European (SHARE).

RESULTS

We included 62,413 participants from five longitudinal studies. Digital exclusion varied by country, ranging from 21.69% (SHARE) in Denmark to 97.15% (CHARLS) in China. In the original model, digital exclusion was significantly associated with cognitive impairment in all five studies. In the adjusted model, these associations remained statistically significant: CHARLS (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.84-4.28, ELSA (1.92 [1.70-2.18]), HRS(2.48[2.28-2.71), MHAS (1.92 [1.74-2.12]), and SHARE (2.60 [2.34-2.88]).

CONCLUSION

Our research shows that a significant proportion of older people suffer from digital exclusion, especially in China. Digital exclusion was positively correlated with cognitive impairment. These findings suggest that digital inclusion could be an important strategy to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults.

Gut microbial genomes with paired isolates from China illustrate probiotic and cardiometabolic effects

The gut microbiome displays genetic differences among populations, and characterization of the genomic landscape of the gut microbiome in China remains limited. Here, we present the Chinese Gut Microbial Reference (CGMR) set, comprising 101,060 high-quality metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs) of 3,707 nonredundant species from 3,234 fecal samples across primarily rural Chinese locations, 1,376 live isolates mainly from lactic acid bacteria, and 987 novel species relative to worldwide databases. We observed region-specific coexisting MAGs and MAGs with probiotic and cardiometabolic functionalities. Preliminary mouse experiments suggest a probiotic effect of two Faecalibacillus intestinalis isolates in alleviating constipation, cardiometabolic influences of three Bacteroides fragilis_A isolates in obesity, and isolates from the genera Parabacteroides and Lactobacillus in host lipid metabolism. Our study expands the current microbial genomes with paired isolates and demonstrates potential host effects, contributing to the mechanistic understanding of host-microbe interactions.

Polystyrene nanoparticles induce biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

In recent years, micro/nanoplastics have garnered widespread attention due to their ecological risks. In this study, we investigated the effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) of different sizes on the growth and biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. The results demonstrated that exposure to certain concentrations of PS-NPs significantly promoted bacterial biofilm formation. Meanwhile, we comprehensively revealed its mechanism whereby PS-NPs induced oxidative stress and altered bacterial membrane permeability by contacting or penetrating bacterial membranes. To counteract the stimulation by PS-NPs and reduce their toxicity, bacteria enhanced biofilm formation by upregulating the expression of biofilm-related genes, increasing EPS and virulence factors secretion, and enhancing bacterial motility through the participation of the quorum sensing (QS) system. Additionally, we also found that exposure to PS-NPs enhanced bacterial antibiotic resistance, posing a challenge to antimicrobial therapy. Our study reveals the toxic effects of nanoplastics and the defense mechanisms of bacteria, which has important implications for the risk assessment and management of environmental nanoplastics.

Urchin-like CO2-responsive magnetic microspheres for highly efficient organic dye removal

CO2-responsive materials have emerged as promising adsorbents for the remediation of refractory organic dyes-contaminated wastewater without the formation of byproducts or causing secondary pollution. However, realizing the simultaneous adsorption-separation or complete removal of both anionic and cationic dyes, as well as achieving deeper insights into their adsorption mechanism, still remains a challenge for most reported CO2-responsive materials. Herein, a novel type of urchin-like CO2-responsive Fe3O4 microspheres (U-Fe3O4 @P) has been successfully fabricated to enable ultrafast, selective, and reversible adsorption of anionic dyes by utilizing CO2 as a triggering gas. Meanwhile, the CO2-responsive U-Fe3O4 @P microspheres exhibit the capability to initiate Fenton degradation of non-adsorbable cationic dyes. Our findings reveal exceptionally rapid adsorption equilibrium, achieved within a mere 5 min, and an outstanding maximum adsorption capacity of 561.2 mg g-1 for anionic dye methyl orange upon CO2 stimulation. Moreover, 99.8% of cationic dye methylene blue can be effectively degraded through the Fenton reaction. Furthermore, the long-term unresolved interaction mechanism of organic dyes with CO2-responsive materials is deciphered through a comprehensive experimental and theoretical study by density functional theory. This work provides a novel paradigm and guidance for designing next-generation eco-friendly CO2-responsive materials for highly efficient purification of complex dye-contaminated wastewater in environmental engineering.

A new invertebrate NPY-like polypeptide, ZoaNPY, from the Zoanthus sociatus, as a novel ligand of human NPY Y2 receptor rescues vascular insufficiency via PLC/PKC and Src- FAK-dependent signaling pathways

Our recent multi-omics studies have revealed rich sources of novel bioactive proteins and polypeptides from marine organisms including cnidarians. In the present study, we initially conducted a transcriptomic analysis to review the composition profile of polypeptides from Zoanthus sociatus. Then, a newly discovered NPY-like polypeptide-ZoaNPY was selected for further in silico structural, binding and virtually pharmacological studies. To evaluate the pro-angiogenic effects of ZoaNPY, we employed an in vitro HUVECs model and an in vivo zebrafish model. Our results indicate that ZoaNPY, at 1-100 pmol, enhances cell survival, migration and tube formation in the endothelial cells. Besides, treatment with ZoaNPY could restore a chemically-induced vascular insufficiency in zebrafish embryos. Western blot results demonstrated the application of ZoaNPY could increase the phosphorylation of proteins related to angiogenesis signaling including PKC, PLC, FAK, Src, Akt, mTOR, MEK, and ERK1/2. Furthermore, through molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) verification, ZoaNPY was shown to directly and physically interact with NPY Y2 receptor. In view of this, all evidence showed that the pro-angiogenic effects of ZoaNPY involve the activation of NPY Y2 receptor, thereby activating the Akt/mTOR, PLC/PKC, ERK/MEK and Src- FAK-dependent signaling pathways. Furthermore, in an excision wound model, the treatment with ZoaNPY was shown to accelerate the wound healing process in mice. Our findings provide new insights into the discovery and development of novel pro-angiogenic drugs derived from NPY-like polypeptides in the future.

Molecular Insights into the Dual Promotion-Inhibition Effects of NaCl at Various Concentrations on the CO2 Hydrate Growth: A Molecular Simulation Study

Hydrate-based CO2 storage in the ocean is considered a potential method for mitigating the greenhouse effect. Numerous studies demonstrated that NaCl exhibited the dual effects of promotion and inhibition in the nucleation and growth processes of CO2 hydrate, whose mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effects of NaCl at various concentrations on the CO2 hydrate growth and crystal are investigated. The independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition, electrostatic potential, and binding energy is conducted to study the interaction between ions and water molecules. The motion trajectories of ions are observed at the molecular level to reflect the impact of ion motion on hydrate growth. The results show that the influence of NaCl on hydrate growth depends on a delicate balance of dual promotion-inhibition effects. NaCl can combine more water molecules and provide a transport channel of CO2 to promote hydrate growth at low concentrations. Meanwhile, the promoting effects shift toward inhibition with increasing NaCl concentrations. In a word, this paper proposes a novel mechanism for the dual promotion-inhibition effects of NaCl on hydrate growth, which is significant for further research on hydrate-based CO2 storage in the ocean.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote gastric cancer cell proliferation by paracrine FGF2-driven ribosome biogenesis

The cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF)-derived secretome plays critical roles in tumor progression by remodelling tumor microenvironment. Tumorigenesis is accompanied by the transformation of normal fibroblasts (NF) into CAF, leading to significant changes in their secretome. This work aims to identify the differential components of secretome between NFs and CAFs and reveal their functions in gastric cancer (GC). Firstly, our molecular typing studies and immune infiltration analysis showed that CAF infiltration level was increased and showed a significant association with clinical characteristics and poor prognosis of GC patients. Secondly, RNA-seq analysis revealed that a total of 1531 genes showed significant expression changes between NF and CAF. According to the annotation of the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database, 147 genes encode secreted proteins, including FGF2. Particularly, the cell co-culture and RNA sequencing studies confirmed that exogenous recombinant FGF2 protein treatment promoted GC cell proliferation by enhancing ribosome biogenesis. The rescue assay showed that CAF-secreted FGF2 protein promotes GC cell growth and proliferation in a FGFR1-dependent manner. Our finding provides evidence that targeting blockade of CAF-derived FGF2 protein might be a promising treatment for GC.

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Derived Exosomes Alleviate Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Mice Via Macrophages

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is an intractable, severe, and progressive cardiopulmonary disease. Recent findings suggest that human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUCMSCs) and HUCMSC-derived exosomes (HUCMSC-Exos) possess potential therapeutic value for PH. However, whether they have beneficial effects on hypoxic pulmonary hypertension (HPH) is unclear. Exos are released into the extracellular environment by the fusion of intracellular multivesicular bodies with the cell membrane, and they play an important role in cellular communication. Exos ameliorate immune inflammation levels, alter macrophage phenotypes, regulate mitochondrial metabolic function, and inhibit pulmonary vascular remodeling, thereby improving PH. Macrophages are important sources of cytokines and other transmitters and can promote the release of cytokines, vasoactive molecules, and reactive oxygen species, all of which are associated with pulmonary vascular remodeling. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether HUCMSC-Exos could improve the lung inflammatory microenvironment and inhibit pulmonary vascular remodeling by targeting macrophages and identifying the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that HUCMSC-Exos promoted M2 macrophage polarization, decreased pro-inflammatory factors, increased IL-10 levels, and inhibited IL-33/ST2 axis expression, thereby inhibiting hypoxia-induced proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and ameliorating HPH.

[A case of crizotinib-associated renal cysts]

Crizotinib-associated renal cysts (CARC) are the development of new renal cysts or pre-existing renal cysts after the treatment with crizotinib. Most CARC disappear after crizotinib is stopped. A few CARC showed aggressive behavior that could go beyond the invasion of the renal cortex into nearby structures, including perirenal space, psoas major muscle, intestine, and abdominal wall. A case of EML4-ALK fusion mutation in invasive lung adenocarcinoma has been reported. Multiple cystic changes occurred repeatedly in both kidneys, right rectus muscle, and psoas major muscle after treatment with crizotinib, and spontaneous absorption and resolution after discontinuation of the drug.

Triptolide induces apoptosis and cytoprotective autophagy by ROS accumulation via directly targeting peroxiredoxin 2 in gastric cancer cells

Triptolide, a natural bioactive compound derived from herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii, has multiple biological activities including anti-cancer effect, which is being tested in clinical trials for treating cancers. However, the exact mechanism by which Triptolide exerts its cytotoxic effects, particularly its specific protein targets, remains unclear. Here, we show that Triptolide effectively induces cytotoxicity in gastric cancer cells by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Further investigations reveal that ROS accumulation contributes to the induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, and subsequently autophagy induction in response to Triptolide. Meanwhile, this autophagy is cytoprotective. Interestingly, through activity-based protein profiling (ABPP) approach, we identify peroxiredoxins-2 (PRDX2), a component of the key enzyme systems that act in the defense against oxidative stress and protect cells against hydroperoxides, as direct binding target of Triptolide. By covalently binding to PRDX2 to inhibit its antioxidant activity, Triptolide increases ROS levels. Moreover, overexpression of PRDX2 inhibits and knockdown of the expression of PRDX2 increases Triptolide-induced apoptosis. Collectively, these results indicate PRDX2 as a direct target of Triptolides for inducing apoptosis. Our results not only provide novel insight into the underlying mechanisms of Triptolide-induced cytotoxic effects, but also indicate PRDX2 as a promising potential therapeutic target for developing anti-gastric cancer agents.

A Photosensitivity-Enhanced Plant Growth Algorithm for UAV Path Planning

With the rise and development of autonomy and intelligence technologies, UAVs will have increasingly significant applications in the future. It is very important to solve the problem of low-altitude penetration of UAVs to protect national territorial security. Based on an S-57 electronic chart file, the land, island, and threat information for an actual combat environment is parsed, extracted, and rasterized to construct a marine combat environment for UAV flight simulation. To address the problem of path planning for low-altitude penetration in complex environments, a photosensitivity-enhanced plant growth algorithm (PEPG) is proposed. Based on the plant growth path planning algorithm (PGPP), the proposed algorithm improves upon the light intensity preprocessing and light intensity calculation methods. Moreover, the kinematic constraints of the UAV, such as the turning angle, are also considered. The planned path that meets the safety flight requirements of the UAV is smoother than that of the original algorithm, and the length is reduced by at least 8.2%. Finally, simulation tests are carried out with three common path planning algorithms, namely, A*, RRT, and GA. The results show that the PEPG algorithm is superior to the other three algorithms in terms of the path length and path quality, and the feasibility and safety of the path are verified via the autonomous tracking flight of a UAV.

LA-ViT: A Network with Transformers Constrained by Learned-Parameter-Free Attention for Interpretable Grading in a New Laryngeal Histopathology Image Dataset

Grading laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) based on histopathological images is a clinically significant yet challenging task. However, more low-effect background semantic information appeared in the feature maps, feature channels, and class activation maps, which caused a serious impact on the accuracy and interpretability of LSCC grading. While the traditional transformer block makes extensive use of parameter attention, the model overlearns the low-effect background semantic information, resulting in ineffectively reducing the proportion of background semantics. Therefore, we propose an end-to-end network with transformers constrained by learned-parameter-free attention (LA-ViT), which improve the ability to learn high-effect target semantic information and reduce the proportion of background semantics. Firstly, according to generalized linear model and probabilistic, we demonstrate that learned-parameter-free attention (LA) has a stronger ability to learn highly effective target semantic information than parameter attention. Secondly, the first-type LA transformer block of LA-ViT utilizes the feature map position subspace to realize the query. Then, it uses the feature channel subspace to realize the key, and adopts the average convergence to obtain a value. And those construct the LA mechanism. Thus, it reduces the proportion of background semantics in the feature maps and feature channels. Thirdly, the second-type LA transformer block of LA-ViT uses the model probability matrix information and decision level weight information to realize key and query, respectively. And those realize the LA mechanism. So, it reduces the proportion of background semantics in class activation maps. Finally, we build a new complex semantic LSCC pathology image dataset to address the problem, which is less research on LSCC grading models because of lacking clinically meaningful datasets. After extensive experiments, the whole metrics of LA-ViT outperform those of other state-of-the-art methods, and the visualization maps match better with the regions of interest in the pathologists' decision-making. Moreover, the experimental results conducted on a public LSCC pathology image dataset show that LA-ViT has superior generalization performance to that of other state-of-the-art methods.

Development of small intestinal barrier function and underlying mechanism in Chinese indigenous and Duroc piglets during suckling and weaning periods

This study explored the developmental changes in small intestinal barrier function and the potential regulatory roles of intestinal microbiota and metabolites in different breeds of piglets during suckling and weaning periods. Taoyuan black (TB), Xiangcun black (XB), and Duroc (DR) piglets (10 litters per breed; half male and half female) were selected for sampling to evaluate the intestinal barrier-related indexes and intestinal microbiota and metabolites at 1, 10, 21 (weaned), and 24 (3 d after weaning) d old. The results showed that weaning led to severe shedding of small intestinal microvilli and sparse microvilli arrangement. D-lactate level in the ileum of TB and XB piglets during suckling and weaning periods was lower (P < 0.01) than that of DR piglets, as well as the ileal diamine oxidase level at 1 d old. The expression level of mucin 1 was higher (P < 0.05) in the ileum of TB and XB piglets than that of DR piglets, and it was the highest in the ileum of TB piglets at 21 d old. The expression levels of mucin 2 and mucin 13 were higher (P < 0.10) in TB and XB piglets than those of DR piglets at 21 d old, whereas mucin 2 and mucin 13 in the ileum of TB and XB piglets were higher (P < 0.05) than those of DR piglets at 24 d old. TB and XB piglets had a lower relative abundance of Escherichia_Shigella at 21 and 24 d old, but they had higher Streptococcus at 1 and 24 d old than DR piglets (P < 0.01). Differential metabolites between the three breeds of piglets were mainly related to oxidative phosphorylation, steroid biosynthesis, and bile acid synthesis. Collectively, these findings suggest that different pig breeds present differences in the development of the small intestinal barrier function. Compared with DR piglets, TB and XB piglets had higher intestinal permeability during the suckling period and a stronger intestinal mechanical barrier after weaning. Moreover, intestinal microbiota and metabolites are the key factors for developing small intestinal barrier functions in different breeds of piglets.

Global prevalence of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the past five years

A clear and accurate assessment of depressive symptoms among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the past five years is essential to help develop reasonable and sound interventions to improve their depressive symptoms. PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, and APA were searched from 1 January 2017 to 12 April 2022. The data were analyzed using STATA 15 Software to pool the global prevalence of depressive symptoms in PLWHA. Ultimately, 103785 PLWHA from 81 original studies were included. The pooled analysis showed that the global prevalence of depressive symptoms in PLWHA over the past five years was 0.35 (95% CI: 0.31-0.38), with differences in depressive symptoms in PLWHA by geographic location, gender, assessment instruments, alcohol use, smoking, marriage, co-morbid disease, financial situation, and educational level. Scientific and timely public health interventions should be developed among PLWHA to improve their depressive symptoms and thereby improve mental health and clinical outcomes.

CAZymes-associated method to explore glycans that mitigate DSS-induced colitis via targeting Bacteroides cellulosilyticus

Improving Bacteroides cellulosilyticus abundance is a feasible approach to treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although B. cellulosilyticus is responsive to dietary components, untargeted manipulation cannot focus on target microbe and lead to an increase in harmful bacteria in the microbiota. Breakthroughs in methods for regulating specific microbes, but the protocols are expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to follow. Glycans based on microbial-carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) would provide a potential solution. We propose a method based on CAZymes to explore polysaccharides that target specific gut microbes and alleviate diseases. The designed polysaccharides (Arabinogalactan, AG) enrich the abundance of B. cellulosilyticus in single-strain co-cultures, fermentation in vitro, and mouse models in vivo. Supplementation with AG relieved mice from colitis and clinical symptoms. We reveal that AG directly alters B. cellulosilyticus level and cooperative microbes, resulting in remission of colitis. Our glycan design pipeline is a promising way to improve disease through the targeted enhancement of specific microbes.

Global epidemiological features and impact of osteosarcopenia: A comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review

Osteosarcopenia is defined as the concurrent occurrence of osteopenia/osteoporosis and sarcopenia. The aim of the current study was to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to determine the global prevalence, risk factors and clinical outcomes of osteosarcopenia. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022351229). PubMed, Cochrane, Medline and Embase were searched from inception to February 2023 to retrieve eligible observational population-based studies. Pooled osteosarcopenia prevalence was calculated with 95% confidence interval (CI), and subgroup analyses were performed. The risk factor of osteosarcopenia and its association with clinical outcomes were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR), respectively. Heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 test. Study quality was assessed using validated instruments matched to study designs. The search identified 55 158 studies, and 66 studies (64 404 participants, mean age from 46.6 to 93 years) were analysed in the final analysis, including 48 cross-sectional studies, 17 cohort studies and 1 case-control study. Overall, the pooled prevalence of osteosarcopenia was 18.5% (95% CI: 16.7-20.3, I2  = 98.7%), including 15.3% (95% CI: 13.2-17.4, I2  = 97.6%) in men and 19.4% (95% CI: 16.9-21.9, I2  = 98.5%) in women. The prevalence of osteosarcopenia diagnosed using sarcopenia plus osteopenia/osteoporosis was 20.7% (95% CI: 17.1-24.4, I2  = 98.55%), and the prevalence of using sarcopenia plus osteoporosis was 16.1% (95% CI: 13.3-18.9, I2  = 98.0%). The global osteosarcopenia prevalence varied in different regions with 22.9% in Oceania, 21.6% in Asia, 20.8% in South America, 15.7% in North America and 10.9% in Europe. A statistically significant difference was found in the subgroups of the study population between the hospital (24.7%) and community (12.9%) (P = 0.001). Frailty (OR = 4.72, 95% CI: 2.71-8.23, I2  = 61.1%), malnutrition (OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.62-3.40, I2  = 50.0%), female sex (OR = 5.07, 95% CI: 2.96-8.69, I2  = 73.0%) and higher age (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.06-1.15, I2 ==86.0%) were significantly associated with a higher risk for osteosarcopenia. Meta-analysis of cohort studies showed that osteosarcopenia significantly increased the risk of fall (HR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.20-1.97; I2  = 1.0%, three studies), fracture (HR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.61-2.81; I2  = 67.8%, seven studies) and mortality (HR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.34-2.28; I2  = 0.0%, five studies). Despite the heterogeneity arising from varied definitions and criteria, our findings highlight a significant global prevalence of osteosarcopenia and its negative impact on clinical health. Standardizing diagnostic criteria for osteosarcopenia would be advantageous in the future, and early detection and management should be emphasized in this patient population.

Nonstructural maintenance of chromatin condensin I complex subunit G promotes the progression of glioblastoma by facilitating Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1-mediated E2F1 transactivation

BACKGROUND

Nonstructural maintenance of chromatin condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG), also known as non-structural maintenance of chromosomes condensin I complex subunit G, is mitosis-related protein that widely existed in eukaryotic cells. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that aberrant NCAPG expression was strongly associated with various tumors. However, little is known about the function and mechanism of NCAPG in glioblastoma (GBM).

METHODS

The expression and prognostic value of NCAPG were detected in the clinical databases and tumor samples. The function effects of NCAPG downregulation or overexpression were evaluated in GBM cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and self-renewal in vitro and in tumor growth in vivo. The molecular mechanism of NCAPG was researched.

RESULTS

We identified that NCAPG was upregulated in GBM and associated with poor prognosis. Loss of NCAPG suppressed the progression of GBM cells in vitro and prolonged survival in mouse models of GBM in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that NCAPG positively regulated E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) pathway activity. By directly interacting with Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, a co-activator of E2F1, and facilitating the PARP1-E2F1 interaction to activate E2F1 target gene expression. Intriguingly, we also discovered that NCAPG functioned as a downstream target of E2F1, which was proved by the ChIP and Dual-Luciferase results. Comprehensive data mining and immunocytochemistry analysis revealed that NCAPG expression was positively associated with the PARP1/E2F1 signaling axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that NCAPG promotes GBM progression by facilitating PARP1-mediated E2F1 transactivation, suggesting that NCAPG is a potential target for anticancer therapy.

Macrophage-derived inflammation promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension mice

The role of inflammation in pulmonary hypertension is gradually gaining increasing research attention. However, no previous study has evaluated the characteristics of inflammation during chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the inflammatory process involved in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension in mice. The current study evaluated from day 4 to day 28 of hypoxia, the PAAT and PAAT/PET decreased, accompanied by pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular hypertrophy, as well as increased numbers of CD68 macrophages. The expression of the pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-33 increased, but decreased on day 28. The expression of IL-12 increased from day 4 to day 28, whereas that of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 in lung tissue decreased. Furthermore, the expression of the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway also increased over time under hypoxic conditions. In conclusion, pulmonary artery remodeling in HPH mice worsens progressively in a time-dependent manner, with inflammatory cell infiltration predominating in the early stage and pulmonary vascular remodeling occurring in the later stage.

PPP1R3A inhibits osteogenesis and negatively regulates intracellular calcium levels in calcific tendinopathy

Calcific tendinopathy (CT) is defined by the progressive accumulation of calcium crystals in tendonic regions that results in severe pain in patients. The etiology of CT is not fully elucidated. In this study, we elucidate the role of PPP1R3A in CT. A significant decrease in PPP1R3A expression was observed in CT patient tissues, which was further confirmed in tissues from a CT-induced rat model. Overexpression of PPP1R3A ex vivo reduced the expression of osteo/chondrogenic markers OCN and Sox9, improved tendon tissue architecture, and reduced intracellular Ca2+ levels. Overexpression of SERCA2 and knockdown of Piezo1 decreased expression of osteo/chondrogenic markers and intracellular calcium in PPP1R3A-knockdown tendon cells. Lastly, PPP1R3A expression was regulated at the posttranscriptional level by binding of HuR. Collectively, the present study indicates that PPP1R3A plays an important role in regulating calcium homeostasis in tendon cells via Piezo1/SERCA2, rendering it a promising target for therapeutic interventions of CT.

Tea polyphenols inhibit blooms caused by eukaryotic and prokaryotic algae

With changes in global climate, blooms are becoming more frequent and difficult to control. Therefore, the selection of algal suppressor agents with effective inhibition and environmental safety is of paramount importance. One of the main treatment strategies is to inhibit the release of harmful algal toxins. Tea polyphenols (TP) are natural products that have been widely used in medicine, the environment, and other fields due to their antibacterial and antioxidant properties. To investigate their potential application in the treatment of algal blooms, TP were applied to three different microalgae. TP exhibited strong inhibitory effects towards all three microalgae. They stimulate the accumulation of ROS in algal cells, leading to lipid peroxidation and subsequent damage to the cell membrane, resulting in the rupture and necrosis of Cyclotella sp. and Chlorella vulgaris cells. Remarkably, it was observed that lower concentrations of TP exhibited the ability to induce apoptosis in M. aeruginosa cells without causing any structural damage. This outcome is particularly significant as it reduces the potential risk of microcystin release resulting from cell rupture. Overall, blooms dominated by different algae can be treated by adjusting the concentration of TP, a new algal suppressor, indicating strong potential treatment applications.

Predictive role of admission serum glucose, baseline NIHSS score, and fibrinogen on hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of admission serum glucose, baseline NIHSS score, and fibrinogen on hemorrhagic transformation after intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in acute ischemic stroke.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 254 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase from January 2016 to December 2017 were selected to collect clinical data. Patients were divided into a hemorrhagic transformation group (n=70) and a no-hemorrhagic transformation group (n=184) based on repeat CT/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings during the acute period. The demographic data, past medical history and laboratory examination indexes of the two groups were compared. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of hemorrhage transformation after intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke. ROC curve was used to plot the ability of blood glucose at admission, baseline NIHSS score and fibrinogen alone to predict bleeding transformation after intravenous thrombolysis of alteplase, and then the combined model of the three was constructed and the predictive ability of this model to bleeding transformation was evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 254 patients, 70% (27.55%) had hemorrhage transformation. Except for DNT, red blood cell count, platelet count, fibrinogen, smoking, atrial fibrillation, baseline NIHSS score and admission serum glucose, there were statistically significant differences between the hemorrhagic transformation group and the non-hemorrhagic transformation group (p<0.05), and there were no statistically significant differences in other indicators between the two groups (p>0.05). The combined model was better than the three models alone in predicting the risk of bleeding conversion (p<0.05). Compared with the group without hemorrhagic transformation, the 90d prognosis was worse in the hemorrhage transformation group (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Admission blood glucose, NIHSS score, and fibrinogen are independent risk factors for hemorrhage transformation after intravenous thrombolysis of alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke, and the combined model established by them has high predictive efficacy for hemorrhage transformation risk after intravenous thrombolysis of alteplase.

Isolation, Identification and Drug Resistance Rates of Bacteria from Pigs in Zhejiang and Surrounding Areas during 2019-2021

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of bacterial diseases in pig farms in various regions of Zhejiang Province and surrounding areas. A total of 526 samples were collected from 85 pig farms in Zhejiang Province and surrounding areas. In this study, samples were analyzed using bacterial isolation and purification, Gram staining, PCR amplification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. A total of 36 Pasteurella multocida (Pm) isolates were detected, with an isolation rate of 6.84%; 37 Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb) isolates were detected, with an isolation rate of 7.03%; 60 Glasserella parasuis (G. parasuis) isolates were detected, with an isolation rate of 11.41%; 170 Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates were detected, with an isolation rate of 32.32%; 67 Streptococcus suis (SS) isolates were detected, with an isolation rate of 12.74%; 44 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) isolates were detected, with an isolation rate of 8.37%; and 7 Salmonella enteritis (SE) isolates were detected, with an isolation rate of 1.33%. Antimicrobial drug susceptibility testing against 21 types of antibiotics was carried out on the isolated strains, and the results showed that 228 strains had varying degrees of resistance to 21 antibiotics, including Pm, Bb, E. coli, and APP, with the highest resistance to lincomycin, at 100%. Pm and APP were the most sensitive to cephalothin, with resistance rates of 0. In terms of strains, Pm had the highest overall sensitivity to 21 antibiotics, and E. coli had the highest resistance. In short, bacterial diseases in Zhejiang and the surrounding areas were harmful, and the drug resistance situation was severe. This study provides scientific guidance for the clinical treatment of bacterial diseases.

Effects of different targeted therapies associated with adjuvant chemotherapy on clinical remission, survival and safety in patients with triple-negative breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to systematically assess the effects of different targeted therapies associated with adjuvant chemotherapy on clinical remission, survival and safety of patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study searched for case-control trials of TNBC patients from January 2010 to May 2022. Two researchers independently extracted data. RevMan 5.3 statistical software was used for analysis.

RESULTS

This study included a total of 7 clinical controlled studies, containing 620 samples. The results showed that compared with the control group, the study group showed significant differences in objective response rate [OR = 2.44, 95% CI (1.69, 3.5), p < 0.00001], 1-year survival rate [OR = 3.59, 95% CI (2.01, 6.39), p < 0.0001], progression-free survival (PFS) [MD = 2.04, 95% CI (1.68, 2.41), p < 0.00001], with statistical significance (p < 0.05), while there are no significant differences in overall survival [MD = 6.33, 95% CI (-1.65, 14.30), p = 0.12] and incidence of adverse events [OR = 0.73, 95% CI (0.52, 1.02), p = 0.006] (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted therapy associated with adjuvant chemotherapy can remarkably enhance the outcome of patients with advanced TNBC, prolonging their progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) without increasing adverse effects. The validity of this research, however, will require higher quality studies and longer follow-ups.

Rare cause of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome is a relatively uncommon neurological disorder of unknown etiology with a good prognosis. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a specific type of cerebrovascular disease caused by multiple etiologies of cerebral venous sinus or vein thrombosis that obstructs cerebral venous return and is associated with impaired cerebrospinal fluid absorption; this entity is rarely seen clinically. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome is one of the causes of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, and the probability of their combined occurrence is only 1%-2%. As such, it is easily overlooked clinically, thus increasing the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment.

CASE SUMMARY

A 29-year-old young woman presented with postural headache. Lumbar puncture suggested a pressure of 50 mmH₂O (normal 80 mmH₂O-180 mmH₂O), and magnetic resonance imaging cerebral venography suggested thrombosis of the supratentorial sinus. These findings were considered indicative of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome after ruling out immunological causes, tumor, infection, abnormal coagulation mechanism, and hypercoagulable state, etc. She was treated with rehydration and low-molecular heparin anticoagulation for 15 d, and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging cerebral venography suggested resolution of the thrombus. The patient had complete improvement of her headache symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome is one of the rare causes of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, which is frequently misdiagnosed or missed and deserves consideration by clinicians during differential diagnosis. Dehydration should be avoided in such patients, and early rehydration and anticoagulation therapy are effective treatment options.

Serine protease PRSS56, a novel cancer-testis antigen activated by DNA hypomethylation, promotes colorectal and gastric cancer progression via PI3K/AKT axis

BACKGROUND

Cancer/testis (CT) antigens/genes are usually overexpressed in cancers and exhibit high immunogenicity, making them promising targets for immunotherapy and cancer vaccines. The role of serine protease PRSS56 in cancers remains unknown to date.

METHODS

RNA sequencing studies were performed to screen CT genes in gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells exposed to DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-CdR). Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between PRSS56 expression and DNA methylation. Functional experiments were performed to explore the biological function of PRSS56 in GC and CRC.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified the testis-specific serine proteases PRSS56 as a novel CT antigen. PRSS56 was frequently overexpressed in various cancers, especially in gastrointestinal cancer. PRSS56 expression was negatively associated with promoter DNA methylation level, and positively associated with gene body methylation level. PRSS56 expression was significantly activated in colorectal and gastric cancer cells exposed to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. Importantly, our finding highlights that the decreased methylation level of the CpG site cg10242318 in the PRSS56 promoter region resulted in its overexpression in GC and CRC. Additionally, functional assays verified that PRSS56 overexpression activated PI3K-AKT signaling in GC and CRC.

CONCLUSION

Serine protease PRSS56 is a novel CT antigen that is reactivated in cancers by promoter DNA hypomethylation. PRSS56 functions oncogenic roles in GC and CRC by activating of PI3K/AKT axis. Our results presented here represent the first data on the function of the serine protease PRSS56 in cancers.

Rereferencing of clinical EEGs with nonunipolar mastoid reference to infinity reference by REST

OBJECTIVE

Conventional electroencephalography (EEG) offline subtraction rereferencing is invalid for many clinical practices when adopting a specific nonunipolar recording montage (e.g., the ipsilateral mastoid (IM) and contralateral mastoid (CM)). Further comparative analyses would thus be blocked due to the lack of a uniform offline reference. Therefore, our goal was to resolve this problem by introducing and assessing the reference electrode standardization technique (REST) to transform nonunipolar mastoid montages into a computational zero reference at infinity (IR) offline.

METHODS

For EEG signals and power/connectivity configurations, simulation and clinical schizophrenia resting-state EEG datasets were used to investigate the performance of REST.

RESULTS

REST produced small absolute errors (signal level: 1.21-1.26; power: 0.0057-0.021; connectivity: 0.066-0.088) and high correlations (>0.9) between the IM/CM-IR and true IR references. Using clinical data with the IM online reference, REST revealed valuable changes in spectral and connectivity (P < 0.05) in schizophrenia patients, consistent with previous studies.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrated that REST transformation could be adopted to resolve the offline rereferencing of clinical EEGs with specific nonunipolar mastoid references.

SIGNIFICANCE

REST could be an effective and robust resolution for nonunipolar clinical EEGs and could therefore retrieve these data for further analysis by deriving a favorable offline reference IR.

Combined supplementation with Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium thermacidophilum isolated from Tibetan pigs improves growth performance, immunity, and microbiota composition in weaned piglets

Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, promote growth in piglets by modulating gut microbiota composition and improving the host immune system. A strain of Lactobacillus sp. and Bifidobacterium thermacidophilum (B. thermacidophilum) were previously isolated from fresh feces of Tibetan pigs. The effects of these isolated strains on growth performance, intestinal morphology, immunity, microbiota composition, and their metabolites were evaluated in weaned piglets. Thirty crossbred piglets were selected and fed either a basal diet (CON), a basal diet supplemented with aureomycin (ANT), or a basal diet supplemented with Lactobacillus sp. and B. thermacidophilum (LB) for 28 days. The piglets in the ANT and LB groups had significantly higher body weight gain than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). Piglets in the ANT and LB groups had regularly arranged villi and microvilli in the small intestine. Furthermore, they had improved immune function, as indicated by decreased serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05), improved components of immune cells in the blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, and spleen. Additionally, metagenomic sequencing indicated a significant shift in cecal bacterial composition and alterations in microbiota functional profiles following Lactobacillus sp. and B. thermacidophilum supplementation. Metabolomic results revealed that the metabolites were also altered, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that several significantly altered metabolites were enriched in glycerophospholipid and cholesterol metabolism (P < 0.05). Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that several bacterial members were closely related to the alterations in metabolites, including Bacteroides sp., which were negatively correlated with TG (16:0/18:0/20:4(5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)), the metabolite that owned the highest variable importance of projection scores. Collectively, our findings suggest that combined supplementation with Lactobacillus sp. and B. thermacidophilum significantly improved the growth performance, immunity, and microbiota composition in weaned piglets, making them prospective alternatives to antibiotics in swine production.

An Analysis Regarding the Association Between the Nuclear Pore Complex (NPC) and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Background

The nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the main mediator of nuclear and cytoplasmic communication, and delaying or blocking nuclear RNA export and protein shuttling can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Although NPC is a research hotspot in structural biology, relevant studies in hepatocellular carcinoma are scarce, especially in terms of translation into clinical practice.

Methods

This study used a bioinformatics approach combining validation experiments to investigate the biological mechanisms that may be related with NPC. A series of experiments performed to explore the function of the Targeting protein for Xenopus kinesin-like protein 2 (TPX2) in HCC.

Results

Patients with HCC can be divided into two NPC clusters. Patients with high NPC levels (C1) had a shorter survival time than those with low NPC levels (C2) and are characterised by high levels of proliferative signals. We demonstrated that TPX2 regulates HCC growth and inhibits apoptosis in an NPC-dependent manner and contributes to the maintenance of HCC stemness. We developed the NPCScore to predict the prognosis and degree of differentiation in HCC patients.

Conclusion

NPC plays an important role in the malignant proliferation of HCC. Assessing NPC expression patterns could help enhance our understanding of tumor cell proliferation and could guide more effective chemotherapeutic strategies.

Potential cross-species transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 subtype (HPAI H5) viruses to humans calls for the development of H5-specific and universal influenza vaccines

In recent years, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5 subtype (HPAI H5) viruses have been prevalent around the world in both avian and mammalian species, causing serious economic losses to farmers. HPAI H5 infections of zoonotic origin also pose a threat to human health. Upon evaluating the global distribution of HPAI H5 viruses from 2019 to 2022, we found that the dominant strain of HPAI H5 rapidly changed from H5N8 to H5N1. A comparison of HA sequences from human- and avian-derived HPAI H5 viruses indicated high homology within the same subtype of viruses. Moreover, amino acid residues 137A, 192I, and 193R in the receptor-binding domain of HA1 were the key mutation sites for human infection in the current HPAI H5 subtype viruses. The recent rapid transmission of H5N1 HPAI in minks may result in the further evolution of the virus in mammals, thereby causing cross-species transmission to humans in the near future. This potential cross-species transmission calls for the development of an H5-specific influenza vaccine, as well as a universal influenza vaccine able to provide protection against a broad range of influenza strains.

Enhancing viability of dried lactic acid bacteria prepared by freeze drying and spray drying via heat preadaptation

Physical injury carried by dried process was an inevitable and hostile problem which could seriously affect the quality and viability of microbial agents. In this study, heat preadaptation was successfully applied as a pretreatment to fight against the physical stresses encountered during freeze-dried and spray-dried process and develop a high activity Tetragenococcus halophilus powder. The results indicated T. halophilus cells maintained a higher viability in dried powder when cells were treated with heat preadaptation before dried process. Flow cytometry analysis illustrated that heat preadaptation contributed to maintain a high membrane integrity during dried process. Besides, glass transition temperatures of dried powder increased when cells were preheated, which further verified that higher stability was obtained in group preadaptation during shelf life. Additionally, dried powder prepared by heat shock presented a better fermentation performance, suggesting heat preadaptation may be a promising strategy to prepare bacterial powder by freeze drying or spray drying.

Development and Recovery of Liver Injury in Piglets by Incremental Injection of LPS

This study aimed to explore the effects of the incremental injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on liver histopathology, inflammation, oxidative status, and mitochondrial function in piglets. Forty healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire castrated boars (21 ± 2 days old, weight 6.84 ± 0.11 kg) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 8) and then slaughtered on days 0 (group 0, without LPS injection), 1 (group 1), 5 (group 5), 9 (group 9), and 15 (group 15) of LPS injection, respectively. The results showed that, compared to the piglets without LPS injection, LPS injection caused liver injury in the early phase, as manifested by the increased activities of serum liver injury-related parameters (aspartate amino transferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholinesterase, and total bile acid) on day 1, and impaired liver morphology (disordered hepatic cell cord arrangement, dissolved and vacuolized hepatocytes, karyopycnosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration and congestion) on days 1 and 5. Meanwhile, LPS injection caused liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction on days 1 and 5, as reflected by the upregulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB; increased MPO and MDA content; and impaired mitochondrial morphology. However, these parameters were ameliorated in the later phase (days 9~15). Taken together, our data indicate that the incremental injection of the LPS-induced liver injury of piglets could be self-repaired.

Integrative single-cell RNA and ATAC sequencing reveals that the FOXO1-PRDX2-TNF axis regulates tendinopathy

Introduction

Tendinopathy, the most common form of chronic tendon disorder, leads to persistent tendon pain and loss of function. Profiling the heterogeneous cellular composition in the tendon microenvironment helps to elucidate rational molecular mechanisms of tendinopathy.

Methods and results

In this study, through a multi-modal analysis, a single-cell RNA- and ATAC-seq integrated tendinopathy landscape was generated for the first time. We found that a specific cell subpopulation with low PRDX2 expression exhibited a higher level of inflammation, lower proliferation and migration ability, which not only promoted tendon injury but also led to microenvironment deterioration. Mechanistically, a motif enrichment analysis of chromatin accessibility showed that FOXO1 was an upstream regulator of PRDX2 transcription, and we confirmed that functional blockade of FOXO1 activity induced PRDX2 silencing. The TNF signaling pathway was significantly activated in the PRDX2-low group, and TNF inhibition effectively restored diseased cell degradation.

Discussion

We revealed an essential role of diseased cells in tendinopathy and proposed the FOXO1-PRDX2-TNF axis is a potential regulatory mechanism for the treatment of tendinopathy.

The Swin-Transformer network based on focal loss is used to identify images of pathological subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma with high similarity and class imbalance

PURPOSE

The classification of primary lung adenocarcinoma is complex and varied. Different subtypes of lung adenocarcinoma have different treatment methods and different prognosis. In this study, we collected 11 datasets comprising subtypes of lung cancer and proposed FL-STNet model to provide the assistance for improving clinical problems of pathologic classification in primary adenocarcinoma of lung.

METHODS

Samples were collected from 360 patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma and other subtypes of lung diseases. In addition, an auxiliary diagnosis algorithm based on Swin-Transformer, which used Focal Loss for function in training, was developed. Meanwhile, the diagnostic accuracy of the Swin-Transformer was compared to pathologists.

RESULTS

The Swin-Transformer captures not only information in the overall tissue structure but also the local tissue details in the images of lung cancer pathology. Furthermore, training FL-STNet with the Focal Loss function can further balance the difference in the amount of data between different subtypes, improving recognition accuracy. The average classification accuracy, F1, and AUC of the proposed FL-STNet reached 85.71%, 86.57%, and 0.9903. The average accuracy of the FL-STNet was higher by 17% and 34%, respectively, than in the senior pathologist and junior pathologist group.

CONCLUSION

The first deep learning based on an 11-category classifier was developed for classifying lung adenocarcinoma subtypes based on WSI histopathology. Aiming at the deficiencies of the current CNN and Vit, FL-STNet model is proposed in this study by introducing Focal Loss and combining the advantages of Swin-Transformer model.

Nutritional status as a predictor of the incidence of pressure injury in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

Pressure injuries are a significant health care problem worldwide, and many factors influence their occurrence and development. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the role of nutritional status in the development rate of pressure injuries as a potentially modifiable risk factor.

METHODS

Study designs included cohort (prospective and retrospective), case-control, and RCTs if the association between nutrition status and pressure injuries was reported. Databases searched included: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library on April 20th, 2022. The data were analyzed using OR and random effect model in Revman5.3 and STATA 15 Software. Report this systematic review and meta-analysis according to the PRISMA 2020 statement.

RESULTS

A total of 22 separate studies were retained in this systematic review. Of these, 16 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Three studies were assessed as low risk and sixteen as a moderate risk of bias. All RCTs were B quality. The odds ratio of the incidence of pressure injuries in malnourished and non-malnourished patients was 3.66(95% CI: 2.77-4.83). In the three RCTs studies(n = 870), the odds ratio of the incidence of pressure ulcers in patients with standard nutrition to those with specific nutritional interventions was 1.35(95%CI:1.02-1.78).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that nutritional status is significantly associated with pressure injuries. Malnutrition can increase the incidence of pressure injuries, and specific nutritional interventions can reduce the incidence of pressure injuries compared to standard nutrition.

Proanthocyanidins may be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of carotid atherosclerosis: A review

Atherosclerotic cerebrovascular disease is one of the major causes of death in China, with associated serious risk of disability and burden on society and families. Therefore, the development of active and effective therapeutic drugs for this disease is of great significance. Proanthocyanidins are a class of naturally occurring active substances, rich in hydroxyl groups and from a wide range of sources. Studies have suggested that they have a strong potential for anti-atherosclerosis activity. In this paper, we review published evidence regarding anti-atherosclerotic effects of proanthocyanidins in different atherosclerotic research models.

Four kinds of antibody positive paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis: A rare case report

BACKGROUND

It is not uncommon to develop autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNS). 4 kinds of antibody-positive autoimmune paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) have not been reported.

CASE SUMMARY

PNS are distant effects of cancer on the nervous system, rather than syndromes in which cancer directly invades and metastasizes to the nerves and/or muscle tissues. If the limbic lobe system of the brain is involved, this will result in PLE. The detection of patients with PNS is challenging since tumors that cause paraneoplastic neurologic disorders are often asymptomatic, obscure, and thus easily misdiagnosed or missed. Currently, single- or double-antibody-positive paraneoplastic marginal encephalitis has been reported. However, no cases of three or more-antibody-positive cases have been reported. Here, we report a case of PLE that is anti-collapsing response-mediator protein-5, anti-neuronal nuclear antibody-type 1, anti-aminobutyric acid B receptor, and anti-glutamate deglutase positive, and address relevant literature to improve our understanding of the disease.

CONCLUSION

This article reports on the management of a case of PLE with four positive antibodies, a review of the literature, in order to raise awareness among clinicians.

MESP2 binds competitively to TCF4 to suppress gastric cancer progression by regulating the SKP2/p27 axis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of human deaths worldwide, and is notorious for its high incidence and mortality rates. Mesoderm Posterior Basic Helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor 2 (MESP2) acts as a transcription factor with a conserved bHLH domain. However, whether MESP2 contributes to tumorigenesis and its potential molecular mechanisms, remain unexplored. Noticeably, MESP2 expression levels are decreased in GC tissues and cell lines compared to those in normal tissue. Further, in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed that MESP2 overexpression suppresses GC cell growth, migration, and invasion, whereas MESP2 knockdown results in the exact opposite. Here, we present the first report that MESP2 binds to transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2/TCF4) to inhibit the activation of the TCF4/beta-catenin transcriptional complex, decrease the occupancy of the complex on the S-phase kinase Associated Protein 2 (SKP2) promoter, and promote p27 accumulation. MESP2 knockdown facilitated tumorigenesis, which was partially suppressed by SKP2 knockdown. Taken together, we conclude that MESP2 binds competitively to TCF4 to suppress GC progression by regulating the SKP2/p27 axis, thus offering a potential therapeutic strategy for future treatment.

Interpretable laryngeal tumor grading of histopathological images via depth domain adaptive network with integration gradient CAM and priori experience-guided attention

Tumor grading and interpretability of laryngeal cancer is a key yet challenging task in the clinical diagnosis, mainly because of the commonly used low-magnification pathological images lack fine cellular structure information and accurate localization, the diagnosis results of pathologists are different from those of attentional convolutional network -based methods, and the gradient-weighted class activation mapping method cannot be optimized to create the best visualization map. To address this problem, we propose an end-to-end depth domain adaptive network (DDANet) with integration gradient CAM and priori experience-guided attention to improve the tumor grading performance and interpretability by introducing the pathologist's a priori experience in high-magnification into the depth model. Specifically, a novel priori experience-guided attention (PE-GA) method is developed to solve the traditional unsupervised attention optimization problem. Besides, a novel integration gradient CAM is proposed to mitigate overfitting, information redundancies and low sparsity of the Grad-CAM graphs generated by the PE-GA method. Furthermore, we establish a set of quantitative evaluation metric systems for model visual interpretation. Extensive experimental results show that compared with the state-of-the-art methods, the average grading accuracy is increased to 88.43% (↑4.04%), the effective interpretable rate is increased to 52.73% (↑11.45%). Additionally, it effectively reduces the difference between CV-based method and pathology in diagnosis results. Importantly, the visualized interpretive maps are closer to the region of interest of concern by pathologists, and our model outperforms pathologists with different levels of experience.

Developmental Trajectories of Adolescent Internet Addiction: Interpersonal Predictors and Adjustment Outcomes

Despite the burgeoning literature on adolescent internet addiction (IA), the majority of studies have relied on cross-sectional designs and variable-centered analytical approaches. Therefore, little is understood about the heterogeneous developmental trajectories of adolescent IA as well as its antecedents and outcomes. This longitudinal study adopted growth mixture modeling (GMM), a person-centered approach, to identify the distinct trajectories of IA among adolescents during a three-year period. We further examined the interpersonal predictors along with a series of outcomes of different trajectories. Participants included 1,365 Chinese adolescents (M_age = 14.68 years, SD = 1.56; 46.8% girls) from two junior high schools and two senior high schools. The GMM results indicated three distinct trajectories: low-increasing (56.7%), moderate-declining (37.6%), and high-declining (5.7%) groups. In terms of interpersonal predictors, adolescents who reported poorer relationships with their parents, teachers, and schoolmates were more likely to belong to the high-declining and moderate-declining groups. In terms of outcomes, the high-declining and moderate-declining groups exhibited an increase in mental health problems (i.e., more depressive symptoms, lower self-esteem, and lower subjective well-being) and delinquent behaviors, even after controlling for their baseline levels. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of IA trajectories among adolescents, the predictive role of interpersonal factors, and different adjustment outcomes associated with IA trajectories. Therefore, prevention and intervention programs involving interpersonal relationships may be promising for adolescents at high or moderate risk of IA.

Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis combined with contactin-associated protein-like 2 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis: A case report

BACKGROUND

It is not uncommon to develop viral encephalitis. Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis infection combined with contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CASPR-2) antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis has not been reported at present. In clinical work, we need to consider more options.

CASE SUMMARY

A 32-year-old male worker presented with headache, fever and call-unresponsive presentation. Complete cranial magnetic resonance image showed symmetrical abnormal signals in bilateral medial temporal lobe, bilateral thalamus and basal ganglia. Improved lumbar puncture showed that cerebrospinal fluid protein and cell count increased significantly. Viral encephalitis was considered, and the patient's consciousness still increased rapidly after antiviral treatment. Further detection of Cerebrospinal fluid Japanese B encephalitis virus Polymerase Chain Reaction positive, serum autoimmune encephalitis antibody showed CASPR-2 antibody positive (1:320), the patient's condition gradually improved after plasma exchange treatment. 3 mo later, the serum CASPR-2 antibody was negative and the patient's condition was stable.

CONCLUSION

This article reports the world’s first case of Epidemic Japanese B encephalitis infection combined with CASPR-2 antibody-positive autoimmune encephalitis, with a view to raising awareness.

Heterogeneity and plasticity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer metastasis: Focusing on partial EMT and regulatory mechanisms

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) plays critical roles in cancer metastasis. Recent studies, especially those based on single-cell sequencing, have revealed that EMT is not a binary process, but a heterogeneous and dynamic disposition with intermediary or partial EMT states. Multiple double-negative feedback loops involved by EMT-related transcription factors (EMT-TFs) have been identified. These feedback loops between EMT drivers and MET drivers finely regulate the EMT transition state of the cell. In this review, the general characteristics, biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of different EMT transition states were summarized. We additionally discussed the direct and indirect roles of EMT transition state in tumour metastasis. More importantly, this article provides direct evidence that the heterogeneity of EMT is closely related to the poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Notably, a seesaw model was proposed to explain how tumour cells regulate themselves to remain in specific EMT transition states, including epithelial state, hybrid/intermediate state and mesenchymal state. Additionally, this article also provides a review of the current status, limitations and future perspectives of EMT signalling in clinical applications.

Matrine regulates Th1/Th2 inflammatory responses by inhibiting the Hsp90/NF-κB signaling axis to alleviate atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease. Matrine is the main component of the traditional Chinese medicine Sophora flavescens, and it poses good therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to explore the pharmacological effects of matrine on AD and its underlying mechanism. An AD mouse model and inflamed human epidermal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) cells were established. Histopathological aspects were examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein expressions were assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. The secretions of cytokines and chemokines were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry was carried out to analyze the proportions of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cells. Herein, our results displayed that matrine diminished AD symptoms and decreased heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) expression. Matrine decreased the Th2 cytokine levels in the ear tissues and serum, and it also significantly repressed inflammatory cytokines (thymus activation regulated chemokine and interleukin-6) secretions by repressing the Hsp90/NF-κB signaling axis in inflamed HaCaT cells. Furthermore, matrine inhibited Th2 differentiation of CD4⁺ T cells when co-cultured with inflamed HaCaT cells. Matrine can regulate the Th1/Th2 inflammatory response by inhibiting the Hsp90/NF-κB signaling axis to alleviate AD. Therefore, it may be a candidate for AD treatment.

Research progress on the protective mechanism of a novel soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor TPPU on ischemic stroke

Arachidonic Acid (AA) is the precursor of cerebrovascular active substances in the human body, and its metabolites are closely associated with the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular diseases. In recent years, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolic pathway of AA has become a research hotspot. Furthermore, the CYP metabolic pathway of AA is regulated by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). 1-trifluoromethoxyphenyl-3(1-propionylpiperidin-4-yl) urea (TPPU) is a novel sEH inhibitor that exerts cerebrovascular protective activity. This article reviews the mechanism of TPPU's protective effect on ischemic stroke disease.

A bibliometric and visual analysis of publications on artificial intelligence in colorectal cancer (2002-2022)

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has the third-highest incidence and second-highest mortality rate of all cancers worldwide. Early diagnosis and screening of CRC have been the focus of research in this field. With the continuous development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, AI has advantages in many aspects of CRC, such as adenoma screening, genetic testing, and prediction of tumor metastasis.

Objective

This study uses bibliometrics to analyze research in AI in CRC, summarize the field's history and current status of research, and predict future research directions.

Method

We searched the SCIE database for all literature on CRC and AI. The documents span the period 2002-2022. we used bibliometrics to analyze the data of these papers, such as authors, countries, institutions, and references. Co-authorship, co-citation, and co-occurrence analysis were the main methods of analysis. Citespace, VOSviewer, and SCImago Graphica were used to visualize the results.

Result

This study selected 1,531 articles on AI in CRC. China has published a maximum number of 580 such articles in this field. The U.S. had the most quality publications, boasting an average citation per article of 46.13. Mori Y and Ding K were the two authors with the highest number of articles. Scientific Reports, Cancers, and Frontiers in Oncology are this field's most widely published journals. Institutions from China occupy the top 9 positions among the most published institutions. We found that research on AI in this field mainly focuses on colonoscopy-assisted diagnosis, imaging histology, and pathology examination.

Conclusion

AI in CRC is currently in the development stage with good prospects. AI is currently widely used in colonoscopy, imageomics, and pathology. However, the scope of AI applications is still limited, and there is a lack of inter-institutional collaboration. The pervasiveness of AI technology is the main direction of future housing development in this field.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and correlation of mild cognitive impairment in sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a progressive skeletal muscle disorder involving the loss of muscle mass and function, associated with an increased risk of disability and frailty. Though its prevalence in dementia has been studied, its occurrence in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has not been well established. As MCI is often a prelude to dementia, our study aims to investigate the prevalence of MCI among individuals with sarcopenia and to also ascertain whether sarcopenia is independently associated with MCI. The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Ovid, Embase and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles on MCI and/or sarcopenia published from inception to 1 February 2022. We reviewed the available literature on the number of individuals with MCI and/or sarcopenia and calculated odds ratios (ORs) of sarcopenia in MCI and MCI in sarcopenia, respectively. Statistical analyses were performed using the meta package in Stata, Version 12.0. A total of 13 studies and 27 428 patients were included in our analysis. The pooled prevalence of MCI in participants with sarcopenia was 20.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.140-0.269) in a total sample of 2923 cases with a high level of heterogeneity (P < 0.001; I²  = 95.4%). The overall prevalence of sarcopenia with MCI was 9.1% (95% CI: 0.047-0.134, P < 0.001; I²  = 93.0%). For overall ORs, there were 23 364 subjects with a mean age of 73 years; the overall adjusted OR between MCI and sarcopenia was 1.46 (95% CI: 1.31-1.62). Slight heterogeneity in both adjusted ORs (P = 0.46; I²  = 0%) was noted across the studies. The prevalence of MCI is relatively high in patients with sarcopenia, and sarcopenia may be a risk factor for MCI.