Observation of Seven Astrophysical Tau Neutrino Candidates with IceCube

We report on a measurement of astrophysical tau neutrinos with 9.7 yr of IceCube data. Using convolutional neural networks trained on images derived from simulated events, seven candidate ν_{τ} events were found with visible energies ranging from roughly 20 TeV to 1 PeV and a median expected parent ν_{τ} energy of about 200 TeV. Considering backgrounds from astrophysical and atmospheric neutrinos, and muons from π^{±}/K^{±} decays in atmospheric air showers, we obtain a total estimated background of about 0.5 events, dominated by non-ν_{τ} astrophysical neutrinos. Thus, we rule out the absence of astrophysical ν_{τ} at the 5σ level. The measured astrophysical ν_{τ} flux is consistent with expectations based on previously published IceCube astrophysical neutrino flux measurements and neutrino oscillations.

Pharmacokinetics of collagen dipeptides (Gly-Pro and Pro-Hyp) and tripeptides (Gly-Pro-Hyp) in rats

Although systemic exposure to peptides, such as Gly-Pro-Hyp, Pro-Hyp, and Gly-Pro, has been reported following administration of collagen hydrolysates from fish scale and porcine skin in vivo, the individual peptide pharmacokinetics remain unknown. We administered the three peptides individually to rats via the intravenous (5 mg/kg) and intragastric (100 mg/kg) routes and then monitored systemic exposure and urinary excretion. The peptides in biological samples were analyzed via liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Gly-Pro-Hyp tended to exhibit higher first-pass metabolism than Pro-Hyp; the absolute oral bioavailabilities of Gly-Pro-Hyp and Pro-Hyp were 4.4% and 19.3%, respectively. Gly-Pro levels were very low in the systemic circulation. Pro-Hyp biotransformed from Gly-Pro-Hyp behaved similarly to Pro-Hyp alone when administered orally. Flip-flop kinetics (elimination rate ≫ absorption rate) were evident, probably reflecting transporter-mediated slow absorption. A double-peak phenomenon was observed for Gly-Pro-Hyp and Pro-Hyp when administered orally, and 5.9% ± 2.6% and 1.9% ± 0.3% of each dose were excreted in urine after intravenous administration, respectively. Urinary recovery of Gly-Pro was limited to 0.4% ± 0.5% of the intravenous dose. This work represents the first individual pharmacokinetics of Gly-Pro-Hyp, Pro-Hyp, and Gly-Pro in vivo.

Hs27 fibroblast response to contact guidance cues

Contact guidance is the phenomena of how cells respond to the topography of their external environment. The morphological and dynamic cell responses are strongly influenced by topographic features such as lateral and vertical dimensions, namely, ridge and groove widths and groove depth ([Formula: see text], respectively). However, experimental studies that independently quantify the effect of the individual dimensions as well as their coupling on cellular function are still limited. In this work, we perform extensive parametric studies in the dimensional space-well beyond the previously studied range in the literature-to explore topographical effects on morphology and migration of Hs27 fibroblasts via static and dynamic analyses of live cell images. Our static analysis reveals that the [Formula: see text] is most significant, followed by the [Formula: see text]. The fibroblasts appear to be more elongated and aligned in the groove direction as the [Formula: see text] increases, but their trend changes after 725 nm. Interestingly, the cell shape and alignment show a very strong correlation regardless of [Formula: see text]. Our dynamic analysis confirms that directional cell migration is also strongly influenced by the [Formula: see text], while the effect of the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is statistically insignificant. Directional cell migration, as observed in the static cell behavior, shows the statistically significant transition when the [Formula: see text] is 725 nm, showing the intimate links between cell morphology and migration. We propose possible scenarios to offer mechanistic explanations of the observed cell behavior.

Concurrent Radiation and Immunotherapy Augments Local Immunity and Improves Survival in Aneuploid NSCLC

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Over 500 clinical trials combining radiation (RT) and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) have been initiated based on preclinical evidence that RT can augment local immunity and improve the efficacy of ICB. However, many recent clinical trials have not found a benefit of combining RT and ICB, raising questions about whether a synergy exists. We examined whether RT and ICB interact to beneficially stimulate the immune response in patients and identified biomarkers of response to RT and ICB.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We performed a molecular analysis of 1,740 patients from 3 cohorts. The COSINR dataset is a randomized clinical trial of 22 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with concurrent or sequential SBRT and ipilimumab/nivolumab. Paired pre- and on-treatment biopsies of an irradiated metastasis underwent whole exome sequencing and RNA-seq. On-treatment biopsies were obtained after SBRT and prior to ICB (sequential) or after SBRT and one cycle of ICB (concurrent). The UC cohort consisted of targeted DNA sequencing of 58 NSCLC patients treated with ICB alone, sequential RT+ICB, or concurrent RT+ICB. The MSKCC dataset is a pan-cancer cohort of targeted DNA sequencing of 1,660 patients treated with ICB. Aneuploidy score (AS) was defined as the fraction of chromosome arms with arm-level copy number alterations. Survival analyses utilized the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS

In the COSINR trial, SBRT+ICB increased, whereas SBRT alone decreased, expression of effector T cell IFN-gamma and adaptive immune signatures (P<0.05). Established biomarkers of ICB response, including IFN-gamma signature, tumor mutational burden (TMB), PD-L1 expression, and neoantigen burden were not associated with survival (P>0.05). However, patients whose tumors exhibited high (≥median) but not low, AS had improved survival when treated with concurrent vs. sequential SBRT+ICB (1-year overall survival [OS] 100% vs. 17%, P = 0.025). Our findings were corroborated in the UC cohort: high AS tumors treated with RT + ICB had superior 1-year OS compared to those treated with ICB alone (59% vs. 31%, P = 0.021). Among those who received RT + ICB, concurrent treatment improved OS relative to sequential (1-year OS 76% vs. 38%). RT did not improve OS in patients with low (

CONCLUSION

Our findings distinguish the genomic and transcriptomic effects of RT versus RT+ICB and challenge the prevailing paradigm that local ablative RT positively stimulates the immune response. We propose the use of tumor aneuploidy as a biomarker in personalizing treatment approaches for patients with various cancers.

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Affiliation(s)

L F Spurr University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
C Martinez University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
W Kang University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
M Chen University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Y Zha University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
R Hseu University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
S Gutiontov Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
W T Turchan University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
C Lynch Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
K B Pointer University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
E E Vokes Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
C M Bestvina Department of Hematology Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL
J D Patel Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
M Diehn Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
R R Weichselbaum Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL
S J Chmura Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
S P Pitroda Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL

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Apoptosis of Kinetin Riboside in Colorectal Cancer Cells Occurs by Promoting β-Catenin Degradation

Kinetin riboside is a naturally produced cytokinin that displays strong antiproliferative activity in various human cancer cells. However, the mechanism of chemoprevention in colorectal cancer cells has not been elucidated. We used a cell-based reporter system to identify kinetin riboside as an antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is aberrantly upregulated in colorectal cancer. Kinetin riboside suppressed β-catenin response transcription (CRT) by accelerating the degradation of intracellular β-catenin via a proteasomal degradation pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β did not affect CRT downregulation. Kinetin riboside decreased the intracellular β-catenin levels in colorectal cancer cells with mutations in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and β-catenin. Consistently, kinetin riboside repressed expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1, β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-dependent genes, and inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. In addition, kinetin riboside stimulated apoptosis, as measured by an increase in annexin V-FITC-stained cells. These findings suggest that kinetin riboside exerts its anti-cancer activity by promoting β-catenin degradation and has significant potential as a chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer cells.

Observation of high-energy neutrinos from the Galactic plane

The origin of high-energy cosmic rays, atomic nuclei that continuously impact Earth's atmosphere, is unknown. Because of deflection by interstellar magnetic fields, cosmic rays produced within the Milky Way arrive at Earth from random directions. However, cosmic rays interact with matter near their sources and during propagation, which produces high-energy neutrinos. We searched for neutrino emission using machine learning techniques applied to 10 years of data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. By comparing diffuse emission models to a background-only hypothesis, we identified neutrino emission from the Galactic plane at the 4.5σ level of significance. The signal is consistent with diffuse emission of neutrinos from the Milky Way but could also arise from a population of unresolved point sources.

Evidence for neutrino emission from the nearby active galaxy NGC 1068

A supermassive black hole, obscured by cosmic dust, powers the nearby active galaxy NGC 1068. Neutrinos, which rarely interact with matter, could provide information on the galaxy’s active core. We searched for neutrino emission from astrophysical objects using data recorded with the IceCube neutrino detector between 2011 and 2020. The positions of 110 known gamma-ray sources were individually searched for neutrino detections above atmospheric and cosmic backgrounds. We found that NGC 1068 has an excess of 79 − 20 + 22 neutrinos at tera–electron volt energies, with a global significance of 4.2σ, which we interpret as associated with the active galaxy. The flux of high-energy neutrinos that we measured from NGC 1068 is more than an order of magnitude higher than the upper limit on emissions of tera–electron volt gamma rays from this source.

Search for Unstable Sterile Neutrinos with the IceCube Neutrino Observatory

We present a search for an unstable sterile neutrino by looking for a resonant signal in eight years of atmospheric ν_{μ} data collected from 2011 to 2019 at the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. Both the (stable) three-neutrino and the 3+1 sterile neutrino models are disfavored relative to the unstable sterile neutrino model, though with p values of 2.8% and 0.81%, respectively, we do not observe evidence for 3+1 neutrinos with neutrino decay. The best-fit parameters for the sterile neutrino with decay model from this study are Δm_{41}^{2}=6.7_{-2.5}^{+3.9}  eV^{2}, sin^{2}2θ_{24}=0.33_{-0.17}^{+0.20}, and g^{2}=2.5π±1.5π, where g is the decay-mediating coupling. The preferred regions of the 3+1+decay model from short-baseline oscillation searches are excluded at 90% C.L.

Bioavailability of xanthorrhizol following oral administration of a supercritical extract of Java turmeric

Although xanthorrhizol, a sesquiterpenoid oil obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., known as Java turmeric, has many pharmacological effects, its pharmacokinetics remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of xanthorrhizol in mice and rats. Xanthorrhizol was administered intravenously and orally to mice, while xanthorrhizol and a Java turmeric supercritical extract were administered orally to rats. The terminal half-life (t1/2), clearance, and absolute bioavailability (BA) of xanthorrhizol in mice were almost 8 h, 6.5 L/h/kg, and 10.2%, respectively. In comparison, the clearance of xanthorrhizol was 3-fold higher in rats than mice. The absolute BAs of xanthorrhizol in rats were 12.9% and 13.4% after oral administration of xanthorrhizol and a supercritical extract, respectively. Our results regarding the pharmacokinetics of xanthorrhizol could guide the conversion of intravenous and oral doses, and help identify the optimal maintenance doses of xanthorrhizol and the extract for desirable pharmacodynamic effects.

Quantitative determination of ICG-001 in rat plasma using HPLC-MS/MS: A pharmacokinetic study

Although ICG-001, chemically synthesised from a bicyclic β-turn peptidomimetic template, represents various pharmacological activities, no validated determination methods in biological samples have been reported. This study was designed to establish a quantitative determination method for ICG-001 in rat plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to validate the analytical method, including stability, and to characterise its pharmacokinetic behaviour in rats. After simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile, ICG-001 was eluted on a reversed-phase column using a mobile phase of water and acetonitrile (3:7 v/v, including 0.1% formic acid). The protonated precursor ion [M+H]⁺ and the major fragment ion were confirmed at m/z 549.2 and 141.4, respectively, for ICG-001. ICG-001 was stable under bench and storage conditions. The analytical method met the criteria for Food and Drug Administration-validated bioanalytical methods, and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study for the first time following subcutaneous and intravenous administration.

Strong Constraints on Neutrino Nonstandard Interactions from TeV-Scale ν_{μ} Disappearance at IceCube

We report a search for nonstandard neutrino interactions (NSI) using eight years of TeV-scale atmospheric muon neutrino data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory. By reconstructing incident energies and zenith angles for atmospheric neutrino events, this analysis presents unified confidence intervals for the NSI parameter ε_{μτ}. The best-fit value is consistent with no NSI at a p value of 25.2%. With a 90% confidence interval of -0.0041≤ε_{μτ}≤0.0031 along the real axis and similar strength in the complex plane, this result is the strongest constraint on any NSI parameter from any oscillation channel to date.

Search for Relativistic Magnetic Monopoles with Eight Years of IceCube Data

We present an all-sky 90% confidence level upper limit on the cosmic flux of relativistic magnetic monopoles using 2886 days of IceCube data. The analysis was optimized for monopole speeds between 0.750c and 0.995c, without any explicit restriction on the monopole mass. We constrain the flux of relativistic cosmic magnetic monopoles to a level below 2.0×10^{-19}  cm^{-2} s^{-1} sr^{-1} over the majority of the targeted speed range. This result constitutes the most strict upper limit to date for magnetic monopoles with β≳0.8 and up to β∼0.995 and fills the gap between existing limits on the cosmic flux of nonrelativistic and ultrarelativistic magnetic monopoles.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in hepatocarcinoma: new insights about its prognostic role in patients treated with lenvatinib

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment remains a big challenge in the field of oncology. The liver disease (viral or not viral) underlying HCC turned out to be crucial in determining the biologic behavior of the tumor, including its response to treatment. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the role of the etiology of the underlying liver disease in survival outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study on a large cohort of patients treated with lenvatinib as first-line therapy for advanced HCC from both Eastern and Western institutions. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Among the 1232 lenvatinib-treated HCC patients, 453 (36.8%) were hepatitis C virus positive, 268 hepatitis B virus positive (21.8%), 236 nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) correlate (19.2%) and 275 had other etiologies (22.3%). The median progression-free survival (mPFS) was 6.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9-6.7 months] and the median overall survival (mOS) was 15.8 months (95% CI 14.9-17.2 months). In the univariate analysis for OS NASH-HCC was associated with longer mOS [22.2 versus 15.1 months; hazard ratio (HR) 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.85; P = 0.0006]. In the univariate analysis for PFS NASH-HCC was associated with longer mPFS (7.5 versus 6.5 months; HR 0.84; 95% CI 0.71-0.99; P = 0.0436). The multivariate analysis confirmed NASH-HCC (HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.48-0.86; P = 0.0028) as an independent prognostic factor for OS, along with albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, extrahepatic spread, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, portal vein thrombosis, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status and alpha-fetoprotein. An interaction test was performed between sorafenib and lenvatinib cohorts and the results highlighted the positive predictive role of NASH in favor of the lenvatinib arm (P = 0.0047).

CONCLUSION

NASH has been identified as an independent prognostic factor in a large cohort of patients with advanced HCC treated with lenvatinib, thereby suggesting the role of the etiology in the selection of patients for tyrosine kinase treatment. If validated, this result could provide new insights useful to improve the management of these patients.

Absolute oral and subcutaneous bioavailability of ortho-topolin riboside in mice

Among essential phytohormones playing a pivotal role in regulating growth and development, ortho-topolin riboside (oTR) exerts the most substantial anti-tumor potency in various cancer cell lines. This study was designed to establish a quantitative determination method for oTR in mouse plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), to validate the analytical method including stability, and to characterise its pharmacokinetic behaviour in mice. After simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile including kinetin riboside (internal standard), oTR was eluted on a reversed-phase column using a mobile phase of water and acetonitrile (3:7 v/v, including 0.1% formic acid). The protonated precursor ion [M+H]⁺ and major fragment ion were confirmed at m/z 374.06 and 241.99 for oTR, and 348.23 and 216.06 for the IS, respectively. oTR was stable under bench and storage conditions. The analytical method met the criteria of FDA-validated bioanalytical methods and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study for the first time following oral, subcutaneous, and intravenous administrations. While oTR was merely absorbed by an oral route, 90% of the absolute subcutaneous bioavailability was observed.

Protein microbeadification to achieve highly concentrated protein formulation with reversible properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics after reconstitution

A protein precipitation technique was optimized to produce biophysically stable 'protein microbeads', applicable to highly concentrated protein formulation. Initially, production of BSA microbeads was performed using rapid dehydration by vortexing in organic solvents followed by cold ethanol treatment and a vacuum drying. Out of four solvents, n-octanol produced the most reversible microbeads upon reconstitution. A Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique was utilized to enhance the size distribution and manufacturing process of the protein microbeads with a marketized human IgG solution. Process variants such as dehydration time, temperature, excipients, drying conditions, and initial protein concentration were evaluated in terms of the quality of IgG microbeads and their reversibility. The hydrophobized SPG membrane produced a narrow size distribution of the microbeads, which were further enhanced by shorter dehydration time, low temperature, minimized the residual solvents, lower initial protein concentration, and addition of trehalose to the IgG solution. Final reversibility of the IgG microbeads with trehalose was over 99% at both low and high protein concentrations. Moreover, the formulation was highly stable under repeated mechanical shocks and at an elevated temperature compared to its liquid state. Its in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles in rats were consistent before and after the 'microbeadification'.

Prediction of Fluoxetine and Norfluoxetine Pharmacokinetic Profiles Using Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is metabolized to norfluoxetine by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic model for fluoxetine and norfluoxetine metabolism was developed to predict and investigate changes in concentration-time profiles according to fluoxetine dosage in the Korean population. The model was developed based on the Certara repository model and information gleaned from the literature. Digitally extracted clinical study data were used to develop and verify the model. Simulations for plasma concentrations of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine after a single dose of 60 or 80 mg fluoxetine were made based on 1000 virtual healthy Korean individuals using the SimCYP version 19 simulator. The mean ratios (simulated/observed) after a single administration of 80 mg fluoxetine for maximum plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration-time curve, and apparent clearance were 1.12, 1.08, and 0.93 for fluoxetine; the ratios of maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve were 1.08 and 1.08, respectively, for norfluoxetine, indicating that the simulated concentration-time profiles of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine fitted the observed profiles well. The developed model was used to predict plasma fluoxetine and norfluoxetine concentration-time profiles after repeated administrations of fluoxetine in Korean volunteers. This physiologically based pharmacokinetic model could provide basic understanding of the pharmacokinetic profiles of fluoxetine and its metabolite under various situations.

A sensitive analytical method for the determination of SG-SP1 in rat plasma by HPLC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

SG-SP1, a newly synthesised gallic acid derivative, blocks histamine release by reducing calcium influx in mast cells and inhibits inflammatory cytokine expression. This derivative has promising anti-allergic potential. Our research was designed to establish a quantitative determination method for SG-SP1 in rat plasma using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), to validate the analytical method including stability and to characterise its pharmacokinetic behaviour in rats. After simple protein precipitation with acetonitrile including an internal standard, SG-SP1 was eluted on a reversed-phase column using a mobile phase of water and acetonitrile (2:8 v/v, including 0.1 % formic acid). The protonated precursor ion [M+H]⁺ and major fragment ion were confirmed at m/z 588.2 and 180.1, respectively. The substance was stable under bench and storage conditions. The analytical method met the criteria of FDA-validated bioanalytical methods and was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study for the first time. SG-SP1 decayed in a biphasic pattern with terminal half-life of 5.1 h and clearance of about 3.2 L/h/kg. Double peaks were observed following oral administration, and the absolute oral bioavailability was ∼1 %.

The histone deacetylase inhibitor chidamide induces intermittent viraemia in HIV-infected patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of chidamide to reverse HIV-1 latency in vivo and to compare the effects of four clinically tested histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors on non-histone proteins in vitro.

METHODS

Participants received chidamide orally at 10 mg twice weekly for 4 weeks while maintaining baseline antiretroviral therapy. The primary outcome was plasma viral rebound during chidamide dosing and the secondary outcomes were safety, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, changes in cell-associated HIV-1 RNA and HIV-1 DNA, and immune parameters. Western blotting was used to compare the in vitro effects of the four HDAC inhibitors on HSP90, NF-κB and AP-1.

RESULTS

Seven aviraemic participants completed eight oral doses of chidamide, and only grade 1 adverse events were observed. Cyclic increases in histone acetylation were also detected. All participants showed robust and repeated plasma viral rebound (peak viraemia 147-3850 copies/mL), as well as increased cell-associated HIV-1 RNA, during chidamide treatment. Furthermore, we identified an enhanced HIV-1-specific cellular immune response and a modest 37.7% (95% CI: 12.7-62.8%, P = 0.028) reduction in cell-associated HIV-1 DNA. Compared with the other three HDAC inhibitors, chidamide had minimal cytotoxicity in vitro at clinically relevant concentrations and showed mechanistically superior effects on non-histone proteins, including HSP90, NF-κB and AP-1.

CONCLUSIONS

Chidamide safely and vigorously disrupts HIV-1 latency in vivo, which makes it a promising latency-reversing agent.

eV-Scale Sterile Neutrino Search Using Eight Years of Atmospheric Muon Neutrino Data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory

The results of a 3+1 sterile neutrino search using eight years of data from the IceCube Neutrino Observatory are presented. A total of 305 735 muon neutrino events are analyzed in reconstructed energy-zenith space to test for signatures of a matter-enhanced oscillation that would occur given a sterile neutrino state with a mass-squared differences between 0.01 and 100  eV^{2}. The best-fit point is found to be at sin^{2}(2θ_{24})=0.10 and Δm_{41}^{2}=4.5  eV^{2}, which is consistent with the no sterile neutrino hypothesis with a p value of 8.0%.

Characteristics of the Diffuse Astrophysical Electron and Tau Neutrino Flux with Six Years of IceCube High Energy Cascade Data

We report on the first measurement of the astrophysical neutrino flux using particle showers (cascades) in IceCube data from 2010-2015. Assuming standard oscillations, the astrophysical neutrinos in this dedicated cascade sample are dominated (∼90%) by electron and tau flavors. The flux, observed in the sensitive energy range from 16 TeV to 2.6 PeV, is consistent with a single power-law model as expected from Fermi-type acceleration of high energy particles at astrophysical sources. We find the flux spectral index to be γ=2.53±0.07 and a flux normalization for each neutrino flavor of ϕ_{astro}=1.66_{-0.27}^{+0.25} at E_{0}=100  TeV, in agreement with IceCube's complementary muon neutrino results and with all-neutrino flavor fit results. In the measured energy range we reject spectral indices γ≤2.28 at ≥3σ significance level. Because of high neutrino energy resolution and low atmospheric neutrino backgrounds, this analysis provides the most detailed characterization of the neutrino flux at energies below ∼100  TeV compared to previous IceCube results. Results from fits assuming more complex neutrino flux models suggest a flux softening at high energies and a flux hardening at low energies (p value ≥0.06). The sizable and smooth flux measured below ∼100  TeV remains a puzzle. In order to not violate the isotropic diffuse gamma-ray background as measured by the Fermi Large Area Telescope, it suggests the existence of astrophysical neutrino sources characterized by dense environments which are opaque to gamma rays.

Pharmacokinetics of Shikimic Acid Following Intragastric and Intravenous Administrations in Rats

Shikimic acid, a critical starting material for the semi-total synthesis of oseltamivir to treat and prevent influenza, exerts many pharmacological effects. However, the optimal bioanalytical method has not been adequately defined. We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantitate shikimic acid in rat plasma and studied its pharmacokinetics after intragastric and intravenous administration. Plasma was spiked with an internal standard, and the proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile, followed by solvent evaporation and reconstitution of the mobile phase. Shikimic acid was separated on a hydrophilic reverse-phase column and showed a mass transition ([M-H]⁻) at m/z 173.4→136.6. Shikimic acid exhibited bi-exponential decay after intravenous dosing, with a rapid distribution (5.57 h⁻¹) up to 1 h followed by slow elimination (0.78 h⁻¹). The steady state distribution and clearance volumes were 5.17 and 1.79 L/h/kg, respectively. After intragastric administration, the shikimic acid level peaked at about 3 h, and the material then disappeared mono-exponentially with a half-life of 1.3 h. A double peak phenomenon was observed. The absolute oral bioavailability was about 10% in rats. We explored the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of shikimic acid.

TEK is a novel prognostic marker for clear cell renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common type of kidney cancer. However, effective therapeutics for ccRCC are lacking. Novel biomarkers could provide critical information when determining prognoses for patients with ccRCC. In this study, we sought to determine if the expression of receptor tyrosine kinase (TEK) could be a potential novel prognostic biomarker for ccRCC. TEK, originally identified as an endothelial cell-specific receptor, plays an important role in the modulation of vasculogenesis and remodeling. Altered TEK expression has been observed in tumor tissues (e.g., oral squamous cell carcinomas, leukemia) and breast, gastric and thyroid cancers. However, the role of TEK in ccRCC remains unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Differential TEK expression between non-metastatic (stage M0) and metastatic (stage M1) ccRCC patient cohorts was determined from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Furthermore, TEK expression was assessed as a prognostic factor using the time-dependent area under the curve (AUC) of Uno's C-index, the AUC value of the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) at 5 years, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

A Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that the downregulation of TEK expression was associated with a poor prognosis for patients with ccRCC with good discrimination (p<0.0001 and p=0.0044 for the TGCA and ICGC cohorts, respectively). Analyses of C-indices and receiver operating characteristic AUC values further support this discriminative ability. Moreover, multivariate analyses showed the prognostic significance of TEK expression levels (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although additional clinical investigations will be needed, our results suggest that TEK is a potential biomarker for ccRCC.

[Clinical characteristics and influencing factors of patients with novel coronavirus pneumonia combined with liver injury in Shaanxi region]

Objective: To understand the clinical characteristics, change of liver function, influencing factors and prognosis in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) combined with liver injury. Methods: The general conditions, biochemical indicators of liver, blood clotting mechanism, routine blood test, UGT1A1 * 28 gene polymorphism and other data of 40 cases with COVID-19 admitted to the isolation ward of Tangdu Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical characteristics, influencing factors and prognosis of liver injury in patients with liver injury group and those with normal liver function group were compared. The mean of two samples in univariate analysis was compared by t-test and analysis of variance. The counting data was measured by χ(2) tests. The non-normal distribution measurement data were described by the median, and the non-parametric test was used. Statistically significant influencing factors were used as the independent variables in univariate analysis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the main influencing factors of liver injury. Results: Of the 40 cases, 25 were male (62.5%) and 15 were female (37.5%), aged 22 to 83 (53.87 ± 15.84) years. Liver injury was occurred in 22 cases (55%) during the course of the disease. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was initially increased (4.4 to 3.5 times of the normal value) along with decrease of albumin in the second week, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Ten cases (43.5%) had highest abnormal total blood bilirubin (54.1 μmol/ L). There was no correlation between the increase in transaminase and the increase in total blood bilirubin (R = -0.006, P = 0.972). Three cases had prothrombin activity (PTA) of ≤50%, 10 cases had elevated FDP, and 13 cases had elevated D-dimer, all of whom were severe or critically ill. Liver function injury was more likely to occur in patients who used many types of drugs and large amounts of hormones (P = 0.002, P = 0.031), and there was no correlation with the TA6TA7 mutation in the UGT1A1 * 28 gene locus. Multiple regression analysis showed that the occurrence of liver injury was only related to critical illness. The liver function of all patients had recovered within one week after conventional liver protection treatment. Conclusion: COVID-19 combined with liver function injury may be due to the slight elevation of transaminase, mostly around the second week of the disease course. Severe patients have a higher proportion of liver injury, and critical type is an independent risk factor for liver injury.

Particle-Hole Symmetry and the Fractional Quantum Hall Effect in the Lowest Landau Level

We report on detailed experimental studies of a high-quality heterojunction insulated-gate field-effect transistor (HIGFET) to probe the particle-hole symmetry of the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) states about half-filling in the lowest Landau level. The HIGFET is specially designed to vary the density of a two-dimensional electronic system under constant magnetic fields. We find in our constant magnetic field, variable density measurements that the sequence of FQHE states at filling factors ν=1/3,2/5,3/7… and its particle-hole conjugate states at filling factors 1-ν=2/3,3/5,4/7… have a very similar energy gap. Moreover, a reflection symmetry can be established in the magnetoconductivities between the ν and 1-ν states about half-filling. Our results demonstrate that the FQHE states in the lowest Landau level are manifestly particle-hole symmetric.

A longitudinal study on α-synuclein in plasma neuronal exosomes as a biomarker for Parkinson's disease development and progression

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The identification of reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for Parkinson's disease (PD) is urgently needed. Here, we explored the potential use of α-synuclein (α-syn) in plasma neuronal exosomes as a biomarker for early PD diagnosis and disease progression.

METHODS

This study included both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. The subjects included 36 patients with early-stage PD, 17 patients with advanced PD, 20 patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and 21 healthy controls (HCs). α-syn levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. A subgroup of patients with early-stage PD (n = 18) participated in a follow-up examination with repeated blood collection and clinical assessments after an average of 22 months.

RESULTS

The α-syn levels in plasma neuronal exosomes were significantly higher in patients with early-stage PD compared with HCs (P = 0.007). Differences in α-syn levels between patients with idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and HCs did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.08). In addition, Spearman correlation analysis revealed that neuronal exosomal α-syn concentrations were correlated with Movement Disorders Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III/(I + II + III) scores, Non-Motor Symptom Questionnaire scores and Sniffin' Sticks 16-item test scores of patients with PD (P < 0.05). After a mean follow-up of 22 months in patients with early-stage PD, a Cox regression analysis adjusted for age and gender showed that longitudinally increased α-syn rather than baseline α-syn levels were associated with higher risk for motor symptom progression in PD (P = 0.039).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that α-syn in plasma neuronal exosomes may serve as a biomarker to aid early diagnosis of PD and also as a prognostic marker for PD progression.

Anti‑inflammatory role of Prunus persica L. Batsch methanol extract on lipopolysaccharide‑stimulated glial cells

Glial cells are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. Reactive glial cells release inflammatory mediators that induce neurotoxicity or aggravate neurodegeneration. Regulation of glial activation is crucial for the initiation and progression of neuropathological conditions. Constituents of the peach tree (Prunus persica L. Batsch), which has a global distribution, have been found to exert therapeutic effects in pathological conditions, such as rashes, eczema and allergies. However, the therapeutic potential of its aerial parts (leaves, fruits and twigs) remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory role of P. persica methanol extract (PPB) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated glial cells. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis showed that PPB contained chlorogenic acid and catechin, which have antioxidant properties. Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results indicated that PPB reduced the transcription of various proinflammatory enzymes (nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2) and cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6] in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In addition, PPB inhibited the activation of NF-κB and various mitogen-activated protein kinases required for proinflammatory mediator transcription. Finally, nitrite measurement and immunocytochemistry results indicated that PPB also suppressed nitrite production and NF-κB translocation in LPS-stimulated primary astrocytes. Thus, PPB may be used as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases and neurotoxicity via the suppression of glial cell activation.

Estimation of an Appropriate Human Dose of Boesenbergia pandurata Extracts Based on Allometric Scaling Data of Panduratin A in Mice, Rats, and Dogs

It can be difficult to identify health/functional foods that exert therapeutic benefits for alleviating gingivitis and periodontitis. Recently, extracts of Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.), which is a tropical plant, have shown promising inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide-induced periodontitis. As a result, a clinical trial is being planned to assess utility of B. pandurata (Roxb.) extracts for promoting oral health; this study was designed to determine an appropriate human dose of the extracts for the trial. Pharmacokinetic studies of panduratin A, which is an active substance in fingerroot, were carried out in mice, rats, and dogs after oral administration of the extracts. The clearance data for each species were used to estimate clearance in humans through allometric scaling based on the maximum lifespan potential, and a daily dose providing sufficient anti-periodontitis activity was estimated for use in the clinical trial. The findings indicated that allometric scaling is a reasonable approach that is relatively free of safety issues and can be used to determine doses of substances for incorporation into health/functional foods appropriate for humans.

Time-Integrated Neutrino Source Searches with 10 Years of IceCube Data

This Letter presents the results from pointlike neutrino source searches using ten years of IceCube data collected between April 6, 2008 and July 10, 2018. We evaluate the significance of an astrophysical signal from a pointlike source looking for an excess of clustered neutrino events with energies typically above ∼1  TeV among the background of atmospheric muons and neutrinos. We perform a full-sky scan, a search within a selected source catalog, a catalog population study, and three stacked Galactic catalog searches. The most significant point in the northern hemisphere from scanning the sky is coincident with the Seyfert II galaxy NGC 1068, which was included in the source catalog search. The excess at the coordinates of NGC 1068 is inconsistent with background expectations at the level of 2.9σ after accounting for statistical trials from the entire catalog. The combination of this result along with excesses observed at the coordinates of three other sources, including TXS 0506+056, suggests that, collectively, correlations with sources in the northern catalog are inconsistent with background at 3.3σ significance. The southern catalog is consistent with background. These results, all based on searches for a cumulative neutrino signal integrated over the 10 years of available data, motivate further study of these and similar sources, including time-dependent analyses, multimessenger correlations, and the possibility of stronger evidence with coming upgrades to the detector.

SG-SP1 Suppresses Mast Cell-Mediated Allergic Inflammation via Inhibition of FcεRI Signaling

Background: As the number of allergic disease increases, studies to identify new treatments take on new urgency. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, has been shown to possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammation and anti-viral infection. In previous study, gallic acid (GA), a part of EGCG, has shown anti-allergic inflammatory effect. To improve on preliminary evidence that GA has allergy mitigating effect, we designed SG-SP1 based on GA, and aimed to assess the effects of SG-SP1 on mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation using various animal and in vitro models.

Methods: For in vitro experiments, various types of IgE-stimulated mast cells (RBL-2H3: mast cell-like basophilic leukemia cells, and primary cultured peritoneal and bone marrow-derived mast cells) were used to determine the role of SG-SP1 (0.1–1 nM). Immunoglobulin (Ig) E-induced passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and ovalbumin-induced systemic anaphylaxis, standard animal models for immediate-type hypersensitivity were also used.

Results: For in vitro, SG-SP1 reduced degranulation of mast cells by down-regulating intracellular calcium levels in a concentration-dependent manner. SG-SP1 decreased expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines in activated mast cells. This suppressive effect was associated with inhibition of the phosphorylation of Lyn, Syk and Akt, and the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB. Due to the strong inhibitory effect of SG-SP1 on Lyn, the known upstream signaling to FcεRI-dependent pathway, we confirmed the direct binding of SG-SP1 to FcεRI, a high affinity IgE receptor by surface plasmon resonance experiment. Oral administration of SG-SP1 hindered allergic symptoms of both anaphylaxis models evidenced by reduction of hypothermia, serum IgE, ear thickness, and tissue pigmentation. This inhibition was mediated by the reductions in serum histamine and interleukin-4.

Conclusions: We determined that SG-SP1 directly interacts with FcεRI and propose SG-SP1 as a therapeutic candidate for mast cell-mediated allergic inflammatory disorders via inhibition of FcεRI signaling.

Quantitative determination of bilobetin in rat plasma by HPLC-MS/MS and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Although bilobetin, a biflavone isolated from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, represents a variety of pharmacological activities, to date there have been no validated determination methods for bilobetin in biological samples. Thus, we developed a liquid chromatographic method using a tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of bilobetin in rat plasma. After protein precipitation with acetonitrile including diclofenac (internal standard), the analytes were chromatographed on a reversed-phased column with a mobile phase of purified water and acetonitrile (3:7, v/v, including 0.1% formic acid). The ion transitions of the precursor to the product ion were principally deprotonated ions [M - H]^- at m/z 551.2 → 519.2 for bilobetin and 296.1 → 251.7 for the IS. The accuracy and precision of the assay were in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration regulations for the validation of bioanalytical methods. This analytical method was successfully applied to monitor plasma concentrations of bilobetin over time following intravenous administration in rats.

Dose and time effects of solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation on the in vivo human skin transcriptome

Background

Terrestrial ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes erythema, oxidative stress, DNA mutations and skin cancer. Skin can adapt to these adverse effects by DNA repair, apoptosis, keratinization and tanning.

Objectives

To investigate the transcriptional response to fluorescent solar‐simulated radiation (FSSR) in sun‐sensitive human skin in vivo.

Methods

Seven healthy male volunteers were exposed to 0, 3 and 6 standard erythemal doses (SED). Skin biopsies were taken at 6 h and 24 h after exposure. Gene and microRNA expression were quantified with next generation sequencing. A set of candidate genes was validated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR); and wavelength dependence was examined in other volunteers through microarrays.

Results

The number of differentially expressed genes increased with FSSR dose and decreased between 6 and 24 h. Six hours after 6 SED, 4071 genes were differentially expressed, but only 16 genes were affected at 24 h after 3 SED. Genes for apoptosis and keratinization were prominent at 6 h, whereas inflammation and immunoregulation genes were predominant at 24 h. Validation by qPCR confirmed the altered expression of nine genes detected under all conditions; genes related to DNA repair and apoptosis; immunity and inflammation; pigmentation; and vitamin D synthesis. In general, candidate genes also responded to UVA1 (340–400 nm) and/or UVB (300 nm), but with variations in wavelength dependence and peak expression time. Only four microRNAs were differentially expressed by FSSR.

Conclusions

The UV radiation doses of this acute study are readily achieved daily during holidays in the sun, suggesting that the skin transcriptional profile of ‘typical’ holiday makers is markedly deregulated.

What's already known about this topic?

The skin's transcriptional profile underpins its adverse (i.e. inflammation) and adaptive molecular, cellular and clinical responses (i.e. tanning, hyperkeratosis) to solar ultraviolet radiation.

Few studies have assessed microRNA and gene expression in vivo in humans, and there is a lack of information on dose, time and waveband effects.

What does this study add?

Acute doses of fluorescent solar‐simulated radiation (FSSR), of similar magnitude to those received daily in holiday situations, markedly altered the skin's transcriptional profiles.

The number of differentially expressed genes was FSSR‐dose‐dependent, reached a peak at 6 h and returned to baseline at 24 h.

The initial transcriptional response involved apoptosis and keratinization, followed by inflammation and immune modulation. In these conditions, microRNA expression was less affected than gene expression.

Linked Comment:Hart. Br J Dermatol 2020; 182:1328–1329.

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Search for a Dark Matter-Induced Annual Modulation Signal in NaI(Tl) with the COSINE-100 Experiment

We present new constraints on the dark matter-induced annual modulation signal using 1.7 years of COSINE-100 data with a total exposure of 97.7 kg yr. The COSINE-100 experiment, consisting of 106 kg of NaI(Tl) target material, is designed to carry out a model-independent test of DAMA/LIBRA's claim of WIMP discovery by searching for the same annual modulation signal using the same NaI(Tl) target. The crystal data show a 2.7  cpd/kg/keV background rate on average in the 2-6 keV energy region of interest. Using a χ-squared minimization method we observe best fit values for modulation amplitude and phase of 0.0092±0.0067  cpd/kg/keV and 127.2±45.9  d, respectively.

Cytotoxic activity of broussochalcone a against colon and liver cancer cells by promoting destruction complex-independent β-catenin degradation

Aberrant activation of β-catenin-response transcription (CRT) is a well-recognized characteristic of colorectal and liver cancers and thus a potential therapeutic target for these malignancies. Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry) has been used as a herbal medicine to treat various diseases. Using a sensitive cell-based screening system, we identified broussochalcone A (BCA), a prenylated chalcone isolated from Broussonetia papyrifera, as an antagonist of CRT. BCA accelerated the turnover of intracellular β-catenin that was accompanied by its N-terminal phosphorylation at Ser33/37/Thr41 residues, marking it for ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation. Pharmacological inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β could not abrogate BCA-mediated degradation of β-catenin. BCA decreased the intracellular β-catenin levels in colon and liver cancer cells with mutations in β-catenin, adenomatous polyposis coli, and Axin. BCA repressed the expressions of cyclin D1, c-Myc, and Axin2, which are β-catenin/T-cell factor-dependent genes, and thus decreased the viability of colon and liver cancer cell. Moreover, apoptosis was elicited by BCA, as indicated by the increase in the population of Annexin V-FITC positive cells and caspase-3/7 activities in colon and liver cancer cells. These findings indicate that BCA exerts its cytotoxic effects by promoting phosphorylation/ubiquitin-dependent degradation of β-catenin and may potentially serve as a chemopreventive agent for colonrectal and liver cancers.

First Direct Search for Inelastic Boosted Dark Matter with COSINE-100

A search for inelastic boosted dark matter (IBDM) using the COSINE-100 detector with 59.5 days of data is presented. This relativistic dark matter is theorized to interact with the target material through inelastic scattering with electrons, creating a heavier state that subsequently produces standard model particles, such as an electron-positron pair. In this study, we search for this electron-positron pair in coincidence with the initially scattered electron as a signature for an IBDM interaction. No excess over the predicted background event rate is observed. Therefore, we present limits on IBDM interactions under various hypotheses, one of which allows us to explore an area of the dark photon parameter space that has not yet been covered by other experiments. This is the first experimental search for IBDM using a terrestrial detector.

Constraints on Minute-Scale Transient Astrophysical Neutrino Sources

High-energy neutrino emission has been predicted for several short-lived astrophysical transients including gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), core-collapse supernovae with choked jets, and neutron star mergers. IceCube's optical and x-ray follow-up program searches for such transient sources by looking for two or more muon neutrino candidates in directional coincidence and arriving within 100 s. The measured rate of neutrino alerts is consistent with the expected rate of chance coincidences of atmospheric background events and no likely electromagnetic counterparts have been identified in Swift follow-up observations. Here, we calculate generic bounds on the neutrino flux of short-lived transient sources. Assuming an E^{-2.5} neutrino spectrum, we find that the neutrino flux of rare sources, like long gamma-ray bursts, is constrained to <5% of the detected astrophysical flux and the energy released in neutrinos (100 GeV to 10 PeV) by a median bright GRB-like source is <10^{52.5}  erg. For a harder E^{-2.13} neutrino spectrum up to 30% of the flux could be produced by GRBs and the allowed median source energy is <10^{52}  erg. A hypothetical population of transient sources has to be more common than 10^{-5}  Mpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} (5×10^{-8}  Mpc^{-3}  yr^{-1} for the E^{-2.13} spectrum) to account for the complete astrophysical neutrino flux.

HPLC-MS/MS analysis of ilimaquinone and its application in a pharmacokinetic study in rats

Ilimaquinone, a metabolite isolated from the marine sponge Hippiospongia metachromia, has antimicrobial, cytotoxic, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. A new quantitative analytical method for determination of ilimaquinone in rat plasma using HPLC-MS/MS was developed and validated. Ascorbic acid was added to ensure the stability of ilimaquinone in plasma. After protein precipitation using acetonitrile plus diclofenac as an internal standard, the analytes were chromatographed on a biphenyl column with a mobile phase of methanol and water (8:2, v/v, including 0.1% formic acid). This method was successfully applied in a pharmacokinetic study of ilimaquinone after oral administration in rats.