Blocking OLFM4/galectin-3 axis in placental polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells triggers intestinal inflammation in newborns

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major cause of premature and low-weight births, which increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); however, the association remains unclear. We report a close correlation between placental polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) and NEC. Newborns with previous FGR exhibited intestinal inflammation and more severe NEC symptoms than healthy newborns. Placental PMN-MDSCs are vital regulators of fetal development and neonatal gut inflammation. Placental single-cell transcriptomics revealed that PMN-MDSCs populations and olfactomedin-4 gene (Olfm4) expression levels were significantly increased in PMN-MDSCs in later pregnancy compared to those in early pregnancy and non-pregnant females. Female mice lacking Olfm4 in myeloid cells mated with wild-type males showed FGR during pregnancy, with a decreased placental PMN-MDSCs population and expression of growth-promoting factors (GPFs) from placental PMN-MDSCs. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) stimulated the OLFM4-mediated secretion of GPFs by placental PMN-MDSCs. Moreover, GPF regulation via OLFM4 in placental PMN-MDSCs was mediated via hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Notably, the offspring of mothers lacking Olfm4 exhibited intestinal inflammation and were susceptible to NEC. Additionally, OLFM4 expression decreased in placental PMN-MDSCs from pregnancies with FGR and was negatively correlated with neonatal morbidity. These results revealed that placental PMN-MDSCs contributed to fetal development and ameliorate newborn intestinal inflammation.

An overview on recent advances of reversible fluorescent probes and their biological applications

Due to the simplicity and low detection limit, fluorescent probes are widely used in both analytical sensing and optical imaging. Compared to conventional fluorescent probes, reversibility endows the reversible fluorescent probe outstanding advantages and special properties, making reversible fluorescent probes with capable of quantitative, repetitive or circulatory. Reversible fluorescent probes can also monitor the concentration dynamics of target analytes in real time, such as metal ions, proteins and enzymes, as well as intracellular redox processes, which have been widely applied in various fields. This review summarized the types and excellent properties of reversible fluorescent probes designed and developed in recent years. It also summarized the applications of reversible fluorescent probe in fluorescence imaging, biological testing, monitoring redox cycles, and proposed the remaining challenges and future development directions of the reversible fluorescent probe. This review provided comprehensive overview of reversible fluorescent probe, which may provide valuable references for the design and fabrication of the reversible fluorescent probe.

Exceptionally high proton conductivity in Eu2O3 by proton-coupled electron transfer mechanism

Proton conductors are typically developed by doping to introduce structural defects such as oxygen vacancies to facilitate ionic transport through structural bulk conduction mechanism. In this study, we present a novel electrochemical proton injection method via an in situ fuel cell process, demonstrating proton conduction in europium oxide (Eu2O3) through a surficial conduction mechanism for the first time. By tuning Eu2O3 into a protonated form, H-Eu2O3, we achieved an exceptionally high proton conductivity of 0.16 S cm-1. Distribution of relaxation time (DRT) analysis was employed to investigate the proton transport behavior and reveal the significant contribution of surface proton transport to the overall conductivity of Eu2O3. Remarkably, H-Eu2O3 exhibited a low activation energy for ionic transport, comparable to the best ceramic electrolytes available. The proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) mechanism describes this novel surficial proton conduction mechanism. These findings provide new possibilities for developing advanced proton conductors with improved performance.

Synthetic Biology Pathway to Nucleoside Triphosphates for Expanded Genetic Alphabets

One horizon in synthetic biology seeks alternative forms of DNA that store, transcribe, and support the evolution of biological information. Here, hydrogen bond donor and acceptor groups are rearranged within a Watson-Crick geometry to get 12 nucleotides that form 6 independently replicating pairs. Such artificially expanded genetic information systems (AEGIS) support Darwinian evolution in vitro. To move AEGIS into living cells, metabolic pathways are next required to make AEGIS triphosphates economically from their nucleosides, eliminating the need to feed these expensive compounds in growth media. We report that "polyphosphate kinases" can be recruited for such pathways, working with natural diphosphate kinases and engineered nucleoside kinases. This pathway in vitro makes AEGIS triphosphates, including third-generation triphosphates having improved ability to survive in living bacterial cells. In α-32P-labeled forms, produced here for the first time, they were used to study DNA polymerases, finding cases where third-generation AEGIS triphosphates perform better with natural enzymes than second-generation AEGIS triphosphates.

METTL3-dependent m6A methylation facilitates uterine receptivity and female fertility via balancing estrogen and progesterone signaling

Infertility is a worldwide reproductive health problem and there are still many unknown etiologies of infertility. In recent years, increasing evidence emerged and confirmed that epigenetic regulation played a leading role in reproduction. However, the function of m⁶A modification in infertility remains unknown. Here we report that METTL3-dependent m⁶A methylation plays an essential role in female fertility via balancing the estrogen and progesterone signaling. Analysis of GEO datasets reveal a significant downregulation of METTL3 expression in the uterus of infertile women with endometriosis or recurrent implantation failure. Conditional deletion of Mettl3 in female reproductive tract by using a Pgr-Cre driver results in infertility due to compromised uterine endometrium receptivity and decidualization. m⁶A-seq analysis of the uterus identifies the 3'UTR of several estrogen-responsive genes with METTL3-dependent m⁶A modification, like Elf3 and Celsr2, whose mRNAs become more stable upon Mettl3 depletion. However, the decreased expression levels of PR and its target genes, including Myc, in the endometrium of Mettl3 cKO mice indicate a deficiency in progesterone responsiveness. In vitro, Myc overexpression could partially compensate for uterine decidualization failure caused by Mettl3 deficiency. Collectively, this study reveals the role of METTL3-dependent m⁶A modification in female fertility and provides insight into the pathology of infertility and pregnancy management.

mTORC1 signaling pathway integrates estrogen and growth factor to coordinate vaginal epithelial cells proliferation and differentiation

The mouse vaginal epithelium cyclically exhibits cell proliferation and differentiation in response to estrogen. Estrogen acts as an activator of mTOR signaling but its role in vaginal epithelial homeostasis is unknown. We analyzed reproductive tract-specific Rptor or Rictor conditional knockout mice to reveal the role of mTOR signaling in estrogen-dependent vaginal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Loss of Rptor but not Rictor in the vagina resulted in an aberrant proliferation of epithelial cells and failure of keratinized differentiation. As gene expression analysis indicated, several estrogen-mediated genes, including Pgr and Ereg (EGF-like growth factor) were not induced by estrogen in Rptor cKO mouse vagina. Moreover, supplementation of EREG could activate the proliferation and survival of vaginal epithelial cells through YAP1 in the absence of Rptor. Thus, mTORC1 signaling integrates estrogen and growth factor signaling to mediate vaginal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, providing new insights into vaginal atrophy treatment for post-menopausal women.

The kinase PDK1 regulates regulatory T cell survival via controlling redox homeostasis

Rationale: Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) play an important role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by suppressing over-activation of effector T cells. The kinase PDK1 plays a pivotal role in conventional T cell development. However, whether PDK1 signaling affects the homeostasis and function of Treg cells remains elusive. Methods: In order to evaluate the role of PDK1 in Treg cells from a genetic perspective, mice carrying the floxed PDK1 allele were crossbred with Foxp3Cre mice to efficiently deleted PDK1 in Foxp3+ Treg cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the immune cell homeostasis of WT and PDK1fl/flFoxp3Cre mice. RNA-seq was used to assess the differences in transcriptional expression profile of WT and PDK1-deficient Treg cells. The metabolic profiles of WT and PDK1-deficient Treg cells were tested using the Glycolysis Stress Test and Mito Stress Test Kits by the Seahorse XFe96 Analyser. Results: PDK1 was essential for the establishment and maintenance of Treg cell homeostasis and function. Disruption of PDK1 in Treg cells led to a spontaneous fatal systemic autoimmune disorder and multi-tissue inflammatory damage, accompanied by a reduction in the number and function of Treg cells. The deletion of PDK1 in Treg cells destroyed the iron ion balance through regulating MEK-ERK signaling and CD71 expression, resulting in excessive production of intracellular ROS, which did not depend on the down-regulation of mTORC1 signaling. Inhibition of excessive ROS, activated MEK-Erk signaling or overload Fe2+ could partially rescue the survival of PDK1-deficient Treg cells. Conclusion: Our results defined a key finding on the mechanism by which PDK1 regulates Treg cell survival via controlling redox homeostasis.

Exosome-Depleted Excretory-Secretory Products of the Fourth-Stage Larval Angiostrongylus cantonensis Promotes Alternative Activation of Macrophages Through Metabolic Reprogramming by the PI3K-Akt Pathway

Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC), which parasitizes in the brain of the non-permissive host, such as mouse and human, is an etiologic agent of eosinophilic meningitis. Excretory-secretory (ES) products play an important role in the interaction between parasites and hosts’ immune responses. Inflammatory macrophages are responsible for eosinophilic meningitis induced by AC, and the soluble antigens of Angiostrongylus cantonensis fourth stage larva (AC L4), a mimic of dead AC L4, aggravate eosinophilic meningitis in AC-infected mice model via promoting alternative activation of macrophages. In this study, we investigated the key molecules in the ES products of AC L4 on macrophages and observed the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and the PI3K-Akt pathway. First, a co-culture system of macrophage and AC L4 was established to define the role of AC L4 ES products on macrophage polarization. Then, AC L4 exosome and exosome-depleted excretory-secretory products (exofree) were separated from AC L4 ES products using differential centrifugation, and their distinct roles on macrophage polarization were confirmed using qPCR and ELISA experiments. Moreover, AC L4 exofree induced alternative activation of macrophages, which is partially associated with metabolic reprogramming by the PI3K-Akt pathway. Next, lectin blot and deglycosylation assay were done, suggesting the key role of N-linked glycoproteins in exofree. Then, glycoproteomic analysis of exofree and RNA-seq analysis of exofree-treated macrophage were performed. Bi-layer PPI network analysis based on these results identified macrophage-related protein Hexa as a key molecule in inducing alternative activation of macrophages. Our results indicate a great value for research of helminth-derived immunoregulatory molecules, which might contribute to drug development for immune-related diseases.

Survival Outcome with Routine Clinical Use of 82Rb PET/CT Myocardial Blood Flow (MBF) Quantification

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals

Background

The prognostic value of 82Rb PET/CT derived myocardial blood flow (MBF) is increasingly recognised in both general and specific cardiovascular populations.

Purpose

This study investigates the prognostic potential of MBF in a large cohort of patients undergoing routine 82Rb PET/CT examination.

Methods

1148 consecutive patients (687 males, mean age 64 +/- 12 years) whom had been referred for 82Rb PET/CT examination in a single centre were included in this study.  All patients completed a stress 82Rb PET/CT with adenosine infusion, paired with a rest study.  Dynamic PET acquisitions were performed in both. Cardiovascular risk factors were documented as per clinical routine. Images were checked for quality and analysed using a proprietary software by an experienced operator to derive MBF parameters.  Overall survival was recorded following the study.

Results

Median follow-up period was 71 +/- 28 months.  Mean survival was 121 (95% CI: 118-124) months. On univariate analysis, global myocardial flow reserve <1.77 was associated with a higher all-cause mortality (p < 0.001). Other parameters including higher age (> =76 years), lower BMI (<21), qualitative abnormality on the myocardial perfusion scan (MPS), low hyperaemic ejection fraction on the gated studies (stress < 37 and rest < 34). Patients being on cardiac glycosides and diuretics were also significant predictor of poor prognosis (p < 0.001) on univariate analysis, presumably reflecting underlying arrhythmia and heart failure. A multivariate Cox regression analysis (step-wise Forward Wald), comprising of the above significant univariate markers, highlighted global myocardial flow reserve (HR: 2.6, 95%CI: 1.8-3.6, p < 0.001), age (HR: 2.8, 95%CI: 2.0-3.9, p < 0.001),, BMI (HR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.7-4.1, p < 0.001),, ejection fraction (stress - HR: 3.3, 95%CI: 2.3-4.8, p < 0.001), MPS (HR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.1-2.1, p = 0.024), and patients on diuretics (HR: 1.8, 95%CI: 1.2-2.5, p = 0.003) were independent predictors of overall survival (overall model: p < 0.001)

Discussion

We show that high volume routinely derived MBF in patients undergoing 82Rb PET/CT is a strong predictor of mortality and independent of other risk factors. This has important clinical implication for measuring not only interventional treatment but also measuring the effect of lifestyle and medical strategies.

Comprehensive mechanical & metabolic imaging of abdominal aortic aneurysm with 4D flow/ FDG PET on an integrated PETMRI: a feasibility study

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals.

Background

A number of non-invasive imaging derived parameters have been implicated in the development and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm, although the mechanism, and relationships of many of these are yet to be precisely determined.  Mechanical parameters can now be studied using 4D phase contrast magnetic resonance (PCMR), and inflammatory cellular activity can be detected with FDG PET.

Purpose

It may be postulated that inflammation of the aortic wall may be the intermediary at the tissue level linking mechanical wall shear stress (WSS) to aneurysm progression. It may be feasible to study 4D PCMR and FDG PET at the same patient visit on a PETMRI platform, with the potential to enhance temporal and spatial co-registration and improving the understanding of any relationship between these two parameters.  Our study aims to assess feasibility of studying these on an integrated PETMRI system.

Methods

7 patients with known aortic aneurysm were recruited in a vascular ultrasound screening follow up clinic.  During a single visit following 6 hours fasting, all patients underwent FDG injection and 60 minutes uptake period.  With quiet breathing, list mode PET acquisition and concurrent 4D PCMR was acquired using stacks of spiral acquisition, with ECG trace information for retrospective gating.  Images from the 4D PCMR and FDG PET were assessed qualitatively for image quality and visual matching.

Results

All 7 patients completed the study.  Overall image quality was adequate to good.  There is qualitatively a good concordance with impression of positive correlation between wall shear stress and inflammatory signal (see attached image).

Conclusion

We have demonstrated feasibility of combined assessment of mechanical and metabolic imaging parameters using an integrated PETMRI system.  Initial findings show there to be a broad concordance of wall shear stress and inflammatory signal in the abdominal aneurysm.

Novel double injection technique for sentinel lymph node biopsy in oral cancer

The development of new lymphatic tracers and the advancement of hybrid tracers, such as indocyanine green (ICG)-Nanocoll (GE Healthcare), represent an exciting step in the future of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). These tracers aim to improve our ability to detect sentinel lymph nodes by enhancing their localisation. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a novel dual tracer, double injection technique of ICG-'cold'-Nanocoll and radiolabelled Nanocoll, in SLNB for early-stage oral cancer. A double injection technique was performed first using ^99mTc-Nancoll prior to sentinel node imaging followed by ICG-'cold'-Nanocoll injection in theatre. Analysis involved examination of the number, labelling, and location of the nodes harvested, sentinel node status, survival analysis, false negative rate, and complications associated with use of the technique. ICG 'cold' Nanocoll results showed concordance of fluorescence and radioactivity detection in 74 nodes in 24 patients. Most importantly, all nodes found positive for metastasis (6 nodes) were discovered to be both 'hot' and fluorescent; 74 nodes removed were both 'hot' and fluorescent, eight fluorescent only and six 'hot' only. Our results indicate that two sets of tracer injections given at two different time points will flow to the same sentinel nodes. This double labelling increased our confidence that the retrieved node was a sentinel node.

[Hepatic echinococcus granulosus: a clinicopathological analysis of thirteen cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics of hepatic echinococcus granulosus (HEG). Methods: Thirteen cases of HEG were collected from Linzhi People's Hospital between January 2017 to October 2020, and their clinicopathologic features, ultrasound classification, immunophenotype and histochemical data were analyzed, retrospectively and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Thirteen patients (5 male patients, 8 female patients) were included in this cohort, and the mean age was 40 years. The most common clinical presentation was mild abdominal distention and pain (9/13). Based on WHO-IWGE ultrasound standardized classification, these cases were classified into 5 types, including type CL (1 case), type CE1 (2 cases), type CE2 (4 cases), type CE3 (3 cases) and type CE4 (3 cases). Gross examination revealed a solitary cyst localized in the liver, varying from 2.7 to 13.5 cm in diameter, and most of them(10/13)were more than 10 cm. Histopathologically, these cysts possessed a thin inner germinal layer and outer adventitial layer, and a central cavity filled with a clear"hydatid"fluid. The germinal layer was continuous and generated brood capsules and protoscoleces. The laminated membranes were clearly demonstrated by elastic fiber and Gomori's stains. Inside the"mother"cyst, there were a varying number of"daughter"vesicles of variable sizes. The inflammatory reaction around the cyst consisted of eosinophils, mononuclear cells immediately next to the cyst layer and sometimes formed granuloma and giant cells resembling the Langhan's type giant cells. The lymphoid cells were positive for CD20 and CD3. The CD68 immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated epithelioid cells of granuloma in two cases. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed plasma cells were locally positive for CD38, IgG and IgG4, but not meeting the criteria for IgG4 related lesion. Conclusions: Hepatic echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic parasitic disease prevalent in pastoral areas such as Tibet. It is important to understand its clinical features, ultrasound characteristics and histological morphology.

Spontaneous mainstream anammox in a full-scale wastewater treatment plant with hybrid sludge retention time in a temperate zone of China

Spontaneous anammox bacteria enrichment at mainstream conditions was reported in a full-scale Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in a temperate zone of China. The mainstream anammox was observed after WWTP process retrofit, which constructed a hybrid sludge retention time (SRT) system by providing moving carriers in the anaerobic/anoxic tank and was initially designed to enhance the denitrification process in a conventional anaerobic/anoxic/oxic process. The hybrid SRT system achieved 86.0 ± 4.6% total nitrogen (TN) removal via combined mainstream anammox and conventional denitrification. Autotrophic denitrification via mainstream anammox was confirmed by various shreds of evidence including high-throughput sequencing, specific anammox activity test, and ¹⁵ N isotopic tracing. Long-term anammox bacteria existence in the biofilm of the carrier in anoxic zones was detected in a much higher relative abundance compared with other spots. The contribution of anammox activity to TN removal was estimated at around 20%-30%. The reasons leading to spontaneous anammox enrichment were mainly attributed to the carriers for slow-growing bacteria growth and dissolved oxygen gradient in the anoxic tank (caused by intermittent aeration) for nitrite production. The insights of this full-scale case study provide important perspectives for future mainstream anammox application, and also the design of an energy-neutral WWTP process. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Spontaneous mainstream anammox in a full-scale WWTP after its retrofit in a temperate zone of China was reported. Anammox bacteria enrichment and long-term stability on moving carriers at mainstream conditions was achieved by modified hybrid SRT system. The hybrid SRT system achieve stable nitrogen removal even in cold winter and high BOD/N situation by combining mainstream anammox with conventional denitrification. Long term full-scale operation demonstrated excellent nitrogen removal with about 20%-30% contribution of mainstream anammox. This full-scale case study provided perspectives for future optimizing mainstream anammox application, and also energy-neutral WWTP process design.

Unilateral axillary adenopathy following COVID-19 vaccination: a multimodality pictorial illustration and review of current guidelines

We present a multimodality pictorial review of axillary lymphadenopathy in patients recently vaccinated against COVID-19. As the mass vaccination programme continues to be rolled out worldwide in an effort to combat the pandemic, it is important that radiologists consider recent COVID-19 vaccination in the differential diagnosis of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy and are aware of typical appearances across all imaging methods. We review current guidelines on the management of unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy in the context of recent COVID-19 vaccination.

Distributions of serum thyroid-stimulating hormone in 2020 thyroid disease-free adults from areas with different iodine levels: a cross-sectional survey in China

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to describe the distributions of serum thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in thyroid disease-free adults from areas with different iodine levels in China. Meanwhile, we aimed to evaluate the influence of age and gender on the distribution of TSH, assess the relationship between concentrations of TSH and free thyroxine (FT₄), and analyze the factors that may affect TSH levels.

METHODS

2020 adults were included from April 2016 to June 2019. Urinary iodine concentration, serum iodine concentration, serum TSH, FT₄, free triiodothyronine, thyroid peroxidase antibodies and thyroglobulin antibodies were measured, and thyroid ultrasonography was performed.

RESULTS

The median of TSH in iodine-fortification areas (IFA), iodine-adequate areas (IAA), iodine-excessive areas (IEA) were 2.32, 2.11 and 2.34 mIU/L, respectively. Serum TSH concentrations were significantly higher in IFA and IEA than that in IAA (p = 0.005 and < 0.0001). The TSH values of most adults were distributed within the range of 1.01-3.00 mIU/L with the same trend in three groups. In our study, TSH levels did not change with age, and the TSH level of females was higher than that of males (p < 0.0001). There was a negative correlation between FT₄ and TSH in IAA (r = - 0.160, p < 0.0001) and IEA (r = - 0.177, p < 0.0001), but there was no correlation between FT₄ and TSH in IFA (r = - 0.046, p = 0.370). BMI, smoking status, education levels, and marital status were associated with TSH.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides a basis for establishing the reference intervals of TSH in different iodine level areas.

Can deep learning identify normal coronary flow reserve from rubidium myocardial PET perfusion?

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: None.

Background

Impaired vasodilator function is an early manifestation of coronary artery disease (CAD) and may precede angiographic stenosis.  Rest and stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) are calculated from dynamic imaging during rest/stress Rubidium (Rb) myocardial PET perfusion.  Coronary flow reserve (CFR) equals stress divided by rest MBF.  CFR is an independent predictor of cardiac mortality in patients with known or suspected CAD.  We evaluated the prediction of CFR from analysis of stress/rest PET images by deep learning (DL) as compared with standard calculation of CFR using supervised learning applied methodology using within a commercial DL training platform.

Methods

1036 patients (625 male, 411 female, mean age: 64.3 years old) were studied. Patients underwent Stress/rest Rb PET perfusion, and CFR calculated using MBF software by an expert user. Abnormal CFR was defined as &lt;2.0. The left ventricle myocardium was segmented using standard software.

DL was trained using polar distribution of normalized PET uptake at stress and rest, processed stress and rest images were cropped, the stress images were then subtracted from the rest images. DL was trained using 935 subtracted images and tested using the remaining 101 images. DL was trained with supervision to classify images. The image shows examples of subtracted  abnormal cases (1a & 1b).

Results

Using our supervised training methodology, the commercial MBF software platform reported 465 cases as abnormal, with 48 of these were included in the DL test set. The DL platform produced abnormal output classifiers for all the whole test set. DL accurately detected over 70% of abnormal cases.

The commercial MBF software reported 571 cases as normal; with 50 of these contributing to the DL test set. DL was accurate in 48.0% of normal cases. Statistical results are shown in the table.

Conclusion

We have shown the proof of concept that DL algorithms trained with supervision can detect abnormal CFR. Our work shows that further work is needed to develop supervised learning methodology in order to improve accuracy for clinical use.

Statistical Results Statistic Value Sensitivity 63.16% Specificity 56.67% + Predictive Value 48.00% - Predictive Value 70.83% Accuracy 59.18% Abstract Figure.

Paediatric Molecular Radiotherapy: Challenges and Opportunities

The common contemporary indications for paediatric molecular radiotherapy (pMRT) are differentiated thyroid cancer and neuroblastoma. It may also have value in neuroendocrine cancers, and it is being investigated in clinical trials for other diseases. pMRT is the prototypical biomarker-driven, precision therapy, with a unique mode of delivery and mechanism of action. It is safe and well tolerated, compared with other treatments. However, its full potential has not yet been achieved, and its wider use faces a number of challenges and obstacles. Paradoxically, the success of radioactive iodine as a curative treatment for metastatic thyroid cancer has led to a 'one size fits all' approach and limited academic enquiry into optimisation of the conventional treatment regimen, until very recently. Second, the specialised requirements for the delivery of pMRT are available in only a very limited number of centres. This limited capacity and geographical coverage results in reduced accessibility. With few enthusiastic advocates for this treatment modality, investment in research to improve treatments and broaden indications from both industry and national and charitable research funders has historically been suboptimal. Nonetheless, there is now an increasing interest in the opportunities offered by pMRT. Increased research funding has been allocated, and technical developments that will permit innovative approaches in pMRT are available for exploration. A new portfolio of clinical trials is being assembled. These studies should help to move at least some paediatric treatments from simply palliative use into potentially curative protocols. Therapeutic strategies require modification and optimisation to achieve this. The delivery should be personalised and tailored appropriately, with a comprehensive evaluation of tumour and organ-at-risk dosimetry, in alignment with the external beam model of radiotherapy. This article gives an overview of the current status of pMRT, indicating the barriers to progress and identifying ways in which these may be overcome.

Control over π-π stacking of heteroheptacene-based nonfullerene acceptors for 16% efficiency polymer solar cells

Nonfullerene acceptors are being investigated for use in polymer solar cells (PSCs), with their advantages of extending the absorption range, reducing the energy loss and therefore enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, to further boost the PCE, mobilities of these nonfullerene acceptors should be improved. For nonfullerene acceptors, the π-π stacking distance between cofacially stacked molecules significantly affects their mobility. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to increase the mobility of heteroheptacene-based nonfullerene acceptors by reducing their π-π stacking distances via control over the bulkiness of lateral side chains. Incorporation of 2-butyloctyl substituents into the nonfullerene acceptor (M36) leads to an increased mobility with a reduced π-π stacking distance of 3.45 Å. Consequently, M36 affords an enhanced PCE of 16%, which is the highest among all acceptor-donor-acceptor-type nonfullerene acceptors to date. This strategy of control over the bulkiness of side chains on nonfullerene acceptors should aid the development of more efficient PSCs.

TCF1 and LEF1 Control Treg Competitive Survival and Tfr Development to Prevent Autoimmune Diseases

CD4⁺ Foxp3⁺ T regulatory (Treg) cells are key players in preventing lethal autoimmunity. Tregs undertake differentiation processes and acquire diverse functional properties. However, how Treg’s differentiation and functional specification are regulated remains incompletely understood. Here, we report that gradient expression of TCF1 and LEF1 distinguishes Tregs into three distinct subpopulations, particularly highlighting a subset of activated Treg (aTreg) cells. Treg-specific ablation of TCF1 and LEF1 renders the mice susceptible to systemic autoimmunity. TCF1 and LEF1 are dispensable for Treg’s suppressive capacity but essential for maintaining a normal aTreg pool and promoting Treg’s competitive survival. As a consequence, the development of T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, which are a subset of aTreg, is abolished in TCF1/LEF1-conditional knockout mice, leading to unrestrained T follicular helper (Tfh) and germinal center B cell responses. Thus, TCF1 and LEF1 act redundantly to control the maintenance and functional specification of Treg subsets to prevent autoimmunity.

Transcriptional regulation of Treg differentiation and function remains incompletely understood. Yang et al. report that two TCF family transcription factors regulate the survival and functional specification of a subset of Treg cells to prevent autoimmunity.

The potential risk of Schistosoma mansoni transmission by the invasive freshwater snail Biomphalaria straminea in South China

Schistosomes infect more than 200 million people worldwide, and globally, over 700 million people are at risk of infection. The snail Biomphalaria straminea, as one of the intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, consecutively invaded Hong Kong in 1973, raising great concern in China. In this study, a malacological survey was conducted over a period of four years, and investigations were performed on the mechanism of susceptibility of B. straminea to S. mansoni. B. straminea was investigated in China from 2014 to 2018. Out of 185 investigated sites, 61 were positive for stages of black B. straminea (BBS), which shows pigmented spots. Twenty of the 61 sites were positive for red B. straminea (RBS), which is partially albino and red colored. Phylogenetic analyses based on cox1 and 18S rRNA sequences demonstrated that both phenotypes were clustered with Brazilian strains. No S. mansoni infections were detected in field-collected snail. However, in laboratory experiments, 4.17% of RBS were susceptible to a Puerto Rican strain of S. mansoni, while BBS was not susceptible. The highest susceptibility rate (70.83%) was observed in the F2 generation of RBS in lab. The density of RBS has increased from south to north and from west to east in Guangdong since 2014. Five tyrosinase tyrosine metabolism genes were upregulated in BBS. Transcriptome comparisons of RBS and BBS showed that ficolin, C1q, MASP-like, and membrane attack complex (MAC)/perforin models of the complement system were significantly upregulated in BBS. Our study demonstrated that B. straminea is widely distributed in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province, which is expanding northwards very rapidly as a consequence of its adaptation to local environments. Our results suggest that B. straminea from South China is susceptible to S. mansoni, implying the high potential for S. mansoni transmission and increased S. mansoni infection risk in China.

Biomphalaria straminea is an important intermediate host for the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni. B. straminea has spread in Hong Kong and in mainland China since 1973. However, whether resident snails can transmit intestinal schistosomiasis caused by S. mansoni remains unclear. Our results revealed that different types of B. straminea are widespread in cities such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Huizhou and Puning and that the distribution of the species has shifted northwards. The most important finding was that one of the phenotypes (red phenotype of B. straminea, RBS), which is highly susceptible to S. mansoni, has spread into the city of Shenzhen since 2016. The density of RBS in Guangdong Province has increased rapidly since 2014, especially since 2016. Transcriptome analysis showed that the high expression levels of ficolin, C1q, MASP-like, and membrane attack complex (MAC)/perforin models of the complement system might be associated with the mechanism of susceptibility. Our study suggested that B. straminea is susceptible to S. mansoni, implying a high potential risk of S. mansoni transmission in South China. More attention should be paid to the potential transmission of S. mansoni, and control measures should be established to prevent the spread of this snail in South China.

Benign temporomandibular joint tumours with extension to infratemporal fossa and skull base: condyle preserving approach

This article introduces a modified surgical approach combining condylotomy with posterior disc attachment release for the resection of large non-malignant masses located in the infratemporal fossa and involving the skull base. This retrospective study included 14 patients treated at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University between January 2010 and December 2016. Clinical evaluations (visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, maximum inter-incisal opening (MIO), and complications) and radiological findings (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT)) were collected pre- and postoperatively. All patients had satisfactory surgical exposure and complete resection of the neoplasms. During an average follow-up of 54.8 months, no clinical or radiographic signs of recurrence were reported. MIO increased from 28mm preoperatively to 35.4mm postoperatively (P<0.001). The pain VAS score changed from 5.4 preoperatively to 0.7 postoperatively (P<0.001). Neural function was normal for all patients. Postoperative MRI and CT scans showed a satisfactory disc position and condyle morphology, with no resorption. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the postoperative CT scan also demonstrated healing of the skull base defects. The modified surgical approach combining condylotomy with posterior disc attachment release is suitable for the removal of large non-malignant masses involving the infratemporal fossa and skull base.

An Aptamer-Nanotrain Assembled from Six-Letter DNA Delivers Doxorubicin Selectively to Liver Cancer Cells

Expanding the number of nucleotides in DNA increases the information density of functional DNA molecules, creating nanoassemblies that cannot be invaded by natural DNA/RNA in complex biological systems. Here, we show how six-letter GACTZP DNA contributes this property in two parts of a nanoassembly: 1) in an aptamer evolved from a six-letter DNA library to selectively bind liver cancer cells; and 2) in a six-letter self-assembling GACTZP nanotrain that carries the drug doxorubicin. The aptamer-nanotrain assembly, charged with doxorubicin, selectively kills liver cancer cells in culture, as the selectivity of the aptamer binding directs doxorubicin into the aptamer-targeted cells. The assembly does not kill untransformed cells that the aptamer does not bind. This architecture, built with an expanded genetic alphabet, is reminiscent of antibodies conjugated to drugs, which presumably act by this mechanism as well, but with the antibody replaced by an aptamer.

Visible Light-Driven Self-Powered Device Based on a Straddling Nano-Heterojunction and Bio-Application for the Quantitation of Exosomal RNA

This paper reports the design and fabrication of a self-powered biosensing device based on TiO₂ nanosilks (NSs)@MoS₂ quantum dots (QDs) and demonstrates a bioapplication for the quantitative detection of exosomal RNA ( Homo sapiens HOXA distal transcript antisense RNA, HOTTIP). This self-powered device features enhanced power output compared to TiO₂ NSs alone. This is attributed to the formation of a heterojunction structure with suitable band offset derived from the hybridization between TiO₂ NSs and MoS₂ QDs, i.e., the straddling (Type I) band alignment. The sensitization effect and excellent visible light absorption provided by MoS₂ QDs can prolong interfacial carrier lifetime and improve energy conversion efficiency. This self-powered biosensing device has been successfully applied in quantitative HOTTIP detection through effective hybridization between a capture probe and HOTTIP. The successful capture of HOTTIP leads to a sequential decrease in power output, which is utilized for ultrasensitive quantitative HOTTIP detection, with a linear relationship of power output change versus the logarithm of HOTTIP concentration ranging from 5 fg/mL to 50 000 ng/mL and a detection limit as low as 5 fg/mL. This TiO₂ NSs@MoS₂ QDs-based nanomaterial has excellent potential for a superior self-powered device characterized by economical and portable self-powered biosensing. Moreover, this self-powered, visible-light-driven device shows promising applications for cancer biomarker quantitative detection.

Correction to 'Resveratrol-loaded PLGA nanoparticles: enhanced stability, solubility and bioactivity of resveratrol for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease therapy'

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181457.].

ZrMOF nanoparticles as quenchers to conjugate DNA aptamers for target-induced bioimaging and photodynamic therapy

Porphyrinic metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy solve the photosensitizer problems of poor solubility, self-quenching and aggregation. However, their low selectivity towards malignant tissues is an obstacle for bioimaging and a bottle-neck to cellular uptake for highly efficient photodynamic therapy of cancer. Here, ZrMOF nanoparticles as quenchers to conjugate DNA aptamers were developed for target-induced bioimaging and photodynamic therapy. A phosphate-terminal aptamer prepared by solid-phase DNA synthesis was anchored on the surface of ZrMOF nanoparticles through strong coordination between phosphate and zirconium. Based on π-π stacking-induced quenching of TAMRA by ZrMOF nanoparticles, target-induced imaging is achieved due to the structural change of the aptamer upon binding with the target. Aptamer-conjugated ZrMOF nanoparticles with target binding ability significantly enhanced the photodynamic therapy effect. Furthermore, phosphate-terminal aptamer conjugation method can be generalized to other types of MOF nanomaterials, such as UiO-66 and HfMOF nanoparticles, which can be potentially used in biochemistry.

Information Theory in Formation Control: An Error Analysis to Multi-Robot Formation

Multi-robot formation control makes prerequisites for a team of robots to execute complex tasks cooperatively, which has been widely applied in both civilian and military scenarios. However, the limited precision of sensors and controllers may inevitably cause position errors in the finally achieved formation, which will affect the tasks undertaken. In this paper, the formation error is analyzed from the viewpoint of information theory. The desired position and the actually achieved position are viewed as two random variables. By calculating the mutual information between them, a lower bound of the formation error is derived. The results provide insights for the estimation of possible formation errors in the multi-robot system, which can assist designers to choose sensors and controllers with proper precision.

Corrigendum to "Inhibiting Interleukin 17 Can Ameliorate the Demyelination Caused by A. cantonensis via iNOS Inhibition"

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2017/3513651.].

Depolymerization of sodium polyphosphates on an iron oxide surface at high temperature

Density functional theory (DFT) and first principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) studies of pyrophosphate cluster Na₄P₂O₇ and triphosphate cluster Na₅P₃O₁₀ absorbed and decomposed on an Fe₂O₃(0001) surface have been conducted. Comparative analyses of the structure properties and adsorption processes during the simulation at elevated temperature have been carried out. The results depict the key interactions including the covalent P-O bonds, pure ionic Na-O or Fe-O interactions. The iron oxide surface plays an important role in the bridging bond decomposition scheme which can both promote and suppress phosphate depolymerization. It is found that the chain length of polyphosphates does not have considerable effects on the decomposition of phosphate clusters. This study provides detailed insights into the interaction of a phosphate cluster on an iron oxide surface at high temperature, and in particular the depolymerization/polymerization of an inorganic phosphate glass lubricant, which has an important behavior under hot metal forming conditions.

Chi3l3: a potential key orchestrator of eosinophil recruitment in meningitis induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis

BACKGROUND

Angiostrongylus cantonensis, an important foodborne parasite, can induce serious eosinophilic meningitis in non-permissive hosts, such as mouse and human. However, the characteristics and mechanisms of the infection are still poorly understood. This study sought to determine the key molecules and its underlying mechanism in inducing brain eosinophilic infiltration caused by Angiostrongylus cantonensis.

METHODS

Mathematical models were established for prediction of significantly changing genes and the functional associated protein with RNA-seq data in Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection. The expression level of Chi3l3, the predicted key molecule, was verified using Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR. Critical cell source of Chi3l3 and its relationship with eosinophils were identified with flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and further verified by macrophage depletion using liposomal clodronate. The role of soluble antigens of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in eosinophilic response was identified with mice airway allergy model by intranasal administration of Alternaria alternate. The relationship between Chi3l3 and IL-13 was identified with flow cytometry, Western blotting, and Seahorse Bioscience extracellular flux analyzer.

RESULTS

We analyzed the skewed cytokine pattern in brains of Angiostrongylus cantonensis-infected mice and found Chi3l3 to be an important molecule, which increased sharply during the infection. The percentage of inflammatory macrophages, the main source of Chi3l3, also increased, in line with eosinophils percentage in the brain. Network analysis and mathematical modeling predirect a functional association between Chi3l3 and IL-13. Further experiments verified that the soluble antigen of Angiostrongylus cantonensis induce brain eosinophilic meningitis via aggravating a positive feedback loop between IL-13 and Chi3l3.

CONCLUSIONS

We present evidences in favor of a key role for macrophave-derived Chi3l3 molecule in the infection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, which aggravates eosinophilic meningitis induced by Angiostrongylus cantonensis via a IL-13-mediated positive feedback loop. These reported results constitute a starting point for future research of angiostrongyliasis pathogenesis and imply that targeting chitinases and chitinase-like-proteins may be clinically beneficial in Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced eosinophilic meningitis.

High Fructose and High Fat Exert Different Effects on Changes in Trabecular Bone Micro-structure

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of high-fat diet (HFD) and high-fructose diet (HFrD) on bone metabolism at different time points, dynamically observe the bone histology and femur trabecular micro-architecture, and analyze the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Sixty -Five male 6- to 7-week-old C57BL/6J mice were given HFD, HFrD, or standard diets (SD) for 8, 16, and 24 weeks. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) and bone histology were used to measure bone mass and trabecular micro-structure. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of genes related to bone and lipid metabolisms.

RESULTS

Compared to SD mice, femoral trabecular bone mass was significantly increased in both HFrD mice and HFD mice at 8 weeks, it continued to be higher in HFrD mice at 16 and 24 weeks with the highest level at 16 weeks, but it was significantly decreased in HFD mice at 16 and 24 weeks. HFD mice showed more epididymal fat accumulation than HFrD mice. mRNA expression of Runx2 was up-regulated at 8 and 16 weeks, but down-regulated at 24 weeks similarly in both HFrD mice and HFD mice. mRNA expression of MMP9 and CTSK was up-regulated at 8 and 16 weeks in HFD mice, but down-regulated at 24 weeks in both HFrD mice and HFD mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicated that the HFrD and HFD had different modulating effects on bone mass. After short-term feeding, both HFrD and HFD showed positive effects on bone mass; however, after long-term feeding, bone mass was decreased in HFD mice. In contrast, the bone mass was first increased and then decreased in the HFrD mice. On the basis of these findings, we speculated that chronic consumption of fat and fructose would exert detrimental effects on bone mass which might a combination action of body mass, fat mass, and bone formation/bone resorption along with proinflammatory factor and bone marrow environment.

Oestrogen upregulates the expression levels and functional activities of duodenal mucosal CFTR and SLC26A6

NEW FINDINGS

What is the central question of this study? Duodenal ulcer is a common disease. A sex-based difference in the incidence of duodenal ulcer has long been observed clinically, but the cause is unclear. What is the main finding and its importance? Duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion is the most important protective factor in duodenal mucosa against acid-induced damage. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the solute-linked carrier 26 gene family A6 (SLC26A6) are two key bicarbonate transport proteins that mediate duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion. We demonstrate that endogenous oestrogen upregulates the expression levels and functional activities of duodenal mucosal CFTR and SLC26A6, which contributes to the sex difference in the prevalence of duodenal ulcer. The incidence of duodenal ulcer is markedly lower in women than men, but the cause of the sex difference is not clear. The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and the solute-linked carrier 26 gene family A6 (SLC26A6) are two key bicarbonate transport proteins that mediate duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion, which is an important protective factor against acid-induced duodenal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of oestrogen on the expressions and functional activities of CFTR and SLC26A6 in duodenal mucosa. We found that the expression levels of duodenal CFTR and SLC26A6 were markedly higher in young (20- to 30-year-old) women than in young men and old (60- to 70-year-old) women and men. The expression levels of CFTR and SLC26A6 in young women were markedly higher in preovulatory phases than in premenstrual phases, which was consistent with the changes of serum estradiol concentrations. Further results showed that duodenal CFTR and SLC26A6 expression levels in female mice were markedly decreased after ovariectomy, and supplementation with estradiol reversed the changes in CFTR and SLC26A6. 17β-Estradiol increased CFTR and SLC26A6 expression levels of human duodenocytes in experiments in vitro. Functional experiments showed that basal and forskolin- and prostaglandin E₂ -stimulated duodenal bicarbonate secretion in ovariectomized mice was markedly decreased and, likewise, supplementation with 17β-estradiol reversed the changes. In conclusion, endogenous oestrogen upregulates the expressions and functional activities of CFTR and SLC26A6 in duodenal mucosa, which could contribute to protection of the duodenum and explain the sex difference in the prevalence of duodenal ulcer.

Aptamer/AuNP Biosensor for Colorimetric Profiling of Exosomal Proteins

Exosomes constitute an emerging biomarker for cancer diagnosis because they carry multiple proteins that reflect the origins of parent cells. Assessing exosome surface proteins provides a powerful means of identifying a combination of biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. We report a sensor platform that profiles exosome surface proteins in minutes by the naked eye. The sensor consists of a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) complexed with a panel of aptamers. The complexation of aptamers with AuNPs protects the nanoparticles from aggregating in a high-salt solution. In the presence of exosomes, the non-specific and weaker binding between aptamers and the AuNP is broken, and the specific and stronger binding between exosome surface protein and the aptamer displaces aptamers from the AuNP surface and results in AuNP aggregation. This aggregation results in a color change and generates patterns for the identification of multiple proteins on the exosome surface.

Exosomes Derived from Dendritic Cells Treated with Schistosoma japonicum Soluble Egg Antigen Attenuate DSS-Induced Colitis

Exosomes are 30–150 nm small membrane vesicles that are released into the extracellular medium via cells that function as a mode of intercellular communication. Dendritic cell (DC)-derived exosomes modulate immune responses and prevent the development of autoimmune diseases. Moreover, Schistosoma japonicum eggs show modulatory effects in a mouse model of colitis. Therefore, we hypothesized that exosomes derived from DCs treated with S. japonicum soluble eggs antigen (SEA; SEA-treated DC exosomes) would be useful for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Exosomes were purified from the supernatant of DCs treated or untreated with SEA and identified via transmission electron microscopy, western blotting and NanoSight. Acute colitis was induced via the administration of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water (5.0%, wt/vol). Treatment with exosomes was conducted via intraperitoneal injection (i.p.; 50 μg per mouse) from day 0 to day 6. Clinical scores were calculated based on weight loss, stool type, and bleeding. Colon length was measured as an indirect marker of inflammation, and colon macroscopic characteristics were determined. Body weight loss and the disease activity index of DSS-induced colitis mice decreased significantly following treatment with SEA-treated DC exosomes. Moreover, the colon lengths of SEA-treated DC exosomes treated colitis mice improved, and their mean colon macroscopic scores decreased. In addition, histologic examinations and histological scores showed that SEA-treated DC exosomes prevented colon damage in acute DSS-induced colitis mice. These results indicate that SEA-treated DC exosomes attenuate the severity of acute DSS-induced colitis mice more effectively than DC exosomes. The current work suggests that SEA-treated DC exosomes may be useful as a new approach to treat IBD.

Recognition-then-Reaction Enables Site-Selective Bioconjugation to Proteins on Live-Cell Surfaces

Site-selective protein modification is a key step in facilitating protein functionalization and manipulation. To accomplish this, genetically engineered proteins were previously required, but the procedure was laborious, complex, and technically challenging. Herein we report the development of aptamer-based recognition-then-reaction to guide site-selective protein/DNA conjugation in a single step with outstanding selectivity and efficiency. As models, several proteins, including human thrombin, PDGF-BB, Avidin, and His-tagged recombinant protein, were studied, and the results showed excellent selectivity under mild reaction conditions. Taking advantage of aptamers as recognition elements with extraordinary selectivity and affinity, this simple preparation method can tag a protein in a complex milieu. Thus, with the aptamer obtained from cell-SELEX, real-time modification of live-cell membrane proteins can be achieved in one step without any pre-treatment.