[A multicenter study on the accuracy of PAX1/JAM3 dual genes methylation testing for screening cervical cancer]

Objective: To explore the value of cervical cytologic DNA methylation for screening cervical cancer. Methods: This study was a prospective multicenter study conducted from May to October 2022 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, and the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Women who accepted opportunistic cervical cancer screening in gynecological outpatient clinics were subjected to liquid-based thin-layer cytology testing (TCT), high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA testing and PAX1/JAM3 dual-genes methylation testing (PAX1m/JAM3m). Colposcopy evaluation and biopsy were offered to women according to current guidelines. The accuracies of various testing methods and their combinations were compared based on histological diagnosis. Results: A total of 1 184 samples diagnosed by histopathology were included in this study, consisting of 541 cases (45.7%) of benign cervical tissue or chronic cervicitis, 273 (23.1%) of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, 168 (14.2%) of CIN2, 140 (11.8%) of CIN3, and 62 (5.2%) of cervical cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of PAX1m/JAM3m testing for detecting CIN2 or more severe lesions (CIN2+) were 74.1% and 95.9%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PAX1m/JAM3m testing for detecting CIN3+were 87.6% and 86.8%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that, for detecting CIN3+, the area under curve of PAX1m/JAM3m testing (0.872, 95%CI: 0.847-0.897) was significantly superior to TCT testing (0.580, 95%CI: 0.551-0.610) or hrHPV testing (0.503, 95%CI: 0.479-0.515) (all P values<0.05). Conclusions: The PAX1m/JAM3m test in cervical exfoliated cells has excellent accuracy for the diagnosis of both CIN2+and CIN3+, which is superior to traditional screening protocols and screening strategies.

Telomere dysfunction alters intestinal stem cell dynamics to promote cancer

Telomere dynamics are linked to aging hallmarks, and age-associated telomere loss fuels the development of epithelial cancers. In Apc-mutant mice, the onset of DNA damage associated with telomere dysfunction has been shown to accelerate adenoma initiation via unknown mechanisms. Here, we observed that Apc-mutant mice engineered to experience telomere dysfunction show accelerated adenoma formation resulting from augmented cell competition and clonal expansion. Mechanistically, telomere dysfunction induces the repression of EZH2, resulting in the derepression of Wnt antagonists, which causes the differentiation of adjacent stem cells and a relative growth advantage to Apc-deficient telomere dysfunctional cells. Correspondingly, in this mouse model, GSK3β inhibition countered the actions of Wnt antagonists on intestinal stem cells, resulting in impaired adenoma formation of telomere dysfunctional Apc-mutant cells. Thus, telomere dysfunction contributes to cancer initiation through altered stem cell dynamics, identifying an interception strategy for human APC-mutant cancers with shortened telomeres.

A Non-π-Conjugated Molecular Crystal with Balanced Second-Harmonic Generation, Bandgap, and Birefringence

Traditional nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are exclusively limited to ionic crystals with π-conjugated groups and it is a great challenge to achieve a subtle balance between second-harmonic generation, bandgap, and birefringence for them, especially in the deep-UV spectrum region (Eg  > 6.20 eV). Herein, a non-π-conjugated molecular crystal, NH3 BH3 , which realizes such balance with a large second-harmonic generation response (2.0 × KH2 PO4 at 1064 nm, and 0.45 × β-BaB2 O4 at 532 nm), deep-UV transparency (Eg > 6.53 eV), and moderate birefringence (Δn = 0.056@550 nm) is reported. As a result, NH3 BH3 exhibits a large quality factor of 0.32, which is evidently larger than those of non-π-conjugated sulfate and phosphate ionic crystals. Using an unpolished NH3 BH3 crystal, effective second-harmonic generation outputs are observed at different wavelengths. These attributes indicate that NH3 BH3 is a promising candidate for deep-UV NLO applications. This work opens up a new door for developing high-performance deep-UV NLO crystals.

Involvement of GA3-oxidase in inhibitory effect of nitric oxide on primary root growth in Arabidopsis

Both NO and GAs are essential for regulating various physiological processes and stress responses in plants. However, the interaction between these two molecules remains unclear. We investigated the distinct response patterns of Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 and GA synthesis functional deficiency mutants to NO by measuring root length. To investigate underlying mechanisms, we detected bioactive GA content using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, assessed the accumulation of ROS by chemical staining Arabidopsis roots. We also conducted RNA-seq analysis and compared results between Col-0 and ga3ox1, with and without SNP (as NO donor) treatment. Phenotypic results revealed that the inhibitory effect of NO on primary roots of Arabidopsis was primarily mediated by GA3-oxidase, rather than GA20-oxidase or GA2-oxidase. The content of GA3 decreased in Col-0 treated with SNP, whereas this decrease was not observed in ga3ox1. The deficiency of GA3-oxidase alleviated the buildup of H2 O2 in roots when treated with SNP. We identified 222 DEGs. GO annotation of these DEGs revealed that all top 20 GO terms were related to stress responses. Moreover, three DEGs were annotated to GA-related processes (DDF1, DDF2, EXPA1), and seven DEGs were associated with root development (RAV1, RGF2, ERF71, ZAT6, MYB77, XT1, and DTX50). In summary, NO inhibits primary root growth partially by repressing GA3-oxidase catalysed GA3 synthesis in Arabidopsis. ROS, Ca2+ , DDF1, DDF2, EXPA1 and seven root development-related genes may be involved in crosstalk between NO and GAs.

Oncogenic KRAS Drives Lipofibrogenesis to Promote Angiogenesis and Colon Cancer Progression

Oncogenic KRAS (KRAS*) contributes to many cancer hallmarks. In colorectal cancer, KRAS* suppresses antitumor immunity to promote tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we uncovered that KRAS* transforms the phenotype of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF) into lipid-laden CAFs, promoting angiogenesis and tumor progression. Mechanistically, KRAS* activates the transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2) that upregulates the expression of the proadipogenic factors BMP4 and WNT5B, triggering the transformation of CAFs into lipid-rich CAFs. These lipid-rich CAFs, in turn, produce VEGFA to spur angiogenesis. In KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer mouse models, genetic or pharmacologic neutralization of TFCP2 reduced lipid-rich CAFs, lessened tumor angiogenesis, and improved overall survival. Correspondingly, in human colorectal cancer, lipid-rich CAF and TFCP2 signatures correlate with worse prognosis. This work unveils a new role for KRAS* in transforming CAFs, driving tumor angiogenesis and disease progression, providing an actionable therapeutic intervention for KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study identified a molecular mechanism contributing to KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer progression via fibroblast transformation in the tumor microenvironment to produce VEGFA driving tumor angiogenesis. In preclinical models, targeting the KRAS*-TFCP2-VEGFA axis impaired tumor progression, revealing a potential novel therapeutic option for patients with KRAS*-driven colorectal cancer. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2489.

A Feasibility Study of Dose Band Prediction in Radiotherapy: Predicting a Dose Spectrum

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Current deep learning-based dose prediction methods can only predict a specific dose distribution. If the predicted dose is inaccurate, no more options can be selected. We proposed a novel dose prediction method named dose band prediction, which outcomes a spectrum of predicted dose distribution for planning and quality assurance (QA).

MATERIALS/METHODS

Upper-Band and Lower-Band losses were involved in 3D convolution neural networks to establish the Upper-Band Network (UBN) and Lower-Band Network (LBN). Each voxel's ideal dose spectrum (dose band) was defined by the maximum/minimum rational dose predicted by UBN/LBN. 130 NPC cases with Tomotherapy (dataset 1), 49 cervix cases with IMRT (dataset 2) and 43 cervix cases with VMAT (dataset 3) were enrolled to establish and evaluate our dose band prediction method.

RESULTS

The dose band prediction method can successfully predict a spectrum of doses. Upper-Band/Lower-Band presents maximum/minimum rational dose; Middle-Line presents the average of Upper-Band and Lower-Band. The clinical implement dose was used as the reference dose. We evaluated the maximum interval between the reference and Upper-Band/Middle-Line/Lower-Band doses, and the percentage dose difference was used as the evaluation method. The differences in PTV for Upper-Band, Middle-Line and Lower-Band in dataset 1 were within 2.47%, 0.54%, and 2.8%; in dataset 2, they were within 0.37%, 1.15%, and 2.69%; in dataset 3, they were within 0.96%, 0.35%, and 1.66%. The mean difference of OARs for the Upper-Band, Middle-Line and Lower-Band in dataset 1 were within 8.13%, 4.97%, and 8.19%; in dataset 2, they were within 8.8%, 4.48%, and 5.52%; in dataset 3, they were within 4.01%, 3.13%, and 5.79% (shown in Table 1).

CONCLUSION

Dose Band prediction achieved high-accuracy dose prediction by the Middle-Line. More importantly, the Upper-Band/Lower-Band provided a spectrum of possible rational doses. Our Dose Band prediction method is based on a specific loss function, so it can easily be applied in various network and patient cases. Dose Band prediction towards a more robust plan QA and planning assistance. Table 1. The maximum interval of doses (percentage dose difference, %).

Lanthanide-Doped KMgF3 Upconversion Nanoparticles for Photon Avalanche Luminescence with Giant Nonlinearities

Lanthanide (Ln3+)-doped photon avalanche (PA) upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have great prospects in many advanced technologies; however, realizing efficient PA luminescence in Ln3+-doped UCNPs remains challenging due to the deleterious surface and lattice quenching effect. Herein, we report a unique strategy based on the pyrolysis of KHF2 for the controlled synthesis of aliovalent Ln3+-doped KMgF3 UCNPs, which can effectively protect Ln3+ from luminescence quenching by surface and internal OH- defects and thereby boost upconversion luminescence. This enables us to realize efficient PA luminescence from Tm3+ at 802 nm in KMgF3: Tm3+ UCNPs upon 1064 nm excitation, with a giant nonlinearity of ∼27, a PA response time of 281 ms, and an excitation threshold of 16.6 kW cm-2. This work may open up a new avenue for exploring highly nonlinear PA luminescence through aliovalent Ln3+ doping and crystal lattice engineering toward diverse emerging applications.

Histone demethylase KDM5D upregulation drives sex differences in colon cancer

Sex exerts a profound impact on cancer incidence, spectrum and outcomes, yet the molecular and genetic bases of such sex differences are ill-defined and presumptively ascribed to X-chromosome genes and sex hormones1. Such sex differences are particularly prominent in colorectal cancer (CRC) in which men experience higher metastases and mortality. A murine CRC model, engineered with an inducible transgene encoding oncogenic mutant KRASG12D and conditional null alleles of Apc and Trp53 tumour suppressors (designated iKAP)2, revealed higher metastases and worse outcomes specifically in males with oncogenic mutant KRAS (KRAS*) CRC. Integrated cross-species molecular and transcriptomic analyses identified Y-chromosome gene histone demethylase KDM5D as a transcriptionally upregulated gene driven by KRAS*-mediated activation of the STAT4 transcription factor. KDM5D-dependent chromatin mark and transcriptome changes showed repression of regulators of the epithelial cell tight junction and major histocompatibility complex class I complex components. Deletion of Kdm5d in iKAP cancer cells increased tight junction integrity, decreased cell invasiveness and enhanced cancer cell killing by CD8+ T cells. Conversely, iAP mice engineered with a Kdm5d transgene to provide constitutive Kdm5d expression specifically in iAP cancer cells showed an increased propensity for more invasive tumours in vivo. Thus, KRAS*-STAT4-mediated upregulation of Y chromosome KDM5D contributes substantially to the sex differences in KRAS* CRC by means of its disruption of cancer cell adhesion properties and tumour immunity, providing an actionable therapeutic strategy for metastasis risk reduction for men afflicted with KRAS* CRC.

AIEgen-sensitized lanthanide nanocrystals as luminescent probes for intracellular Fe3+ monitoring

The abnormal Fe³⁺ level is known to cause various diseases, such as heart failure, liver damage and neurodegeneration. In situ probing Fe³⁺ in living cells or organisms is highly desired for both biological research and medical diagnostics. Herein, hybrid nanocomposites NaEuF₄@TCPP were constructed by the assembly of an aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) TCPP and NaEuF₄ nanocrystals (NCs). The anchored TCPP on the surface of NaEuF₄ NCs can reduce rotational relaxation of the excited state and efficiently transfer the energy to the Eu³⁺ ions with minimized nonradiative energy loss. Consequently, the prepared NaEuF₄@TCPP nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited an intense red emission with a 103-fold enhancement relative to that in NaEuF₄ NCs under 365 nm excitation. A selectively quenching response to Fe³⁺ ions for the NaEuF₄@TCPP NPs makes them luminescent probes for sensitive detection of Fe³⁺ ions with a low detection limit of 340 nM. Moreover, the luminescence of NaEuF₄@TCPP NPs could be recovered by the addition of iron chelators. Benefiting from their good biocompatibility and stability in living cells, together with the characteristic of the reversible luminescence response, the lipo-coated NaEuF₄@TCPP probes were successfully applied for real-time monitoring of Fe³⁺ ions in living HeLa cells. These results are expected to motivate the exploration of AIE-based lanthanide probes for sensing and biomedical applications.

[Analysis of vaginal microecology in 23 181 cases of the gynecological female outpatients]

Objective: To analyze the vaginal microecological status of vaginitis population and non-vaginitis population of gynecological female outpatients. Methods: A total of 30 265 women who visited the gynecological outpatient clinic of Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital from December 2018 to December 2020 completed vaginal microecological examination. After removing the follow-up patients, 23 181 women were divided into group with symptoms and signs of vaginitis (6 697 cases) and group without symptoms and signs of vaginitis (16 484 cases), according to whether the women with symptoms and signs of vaginitis or not. And the vaginal microecological status of the two groups was compared and analyzed. Results: (1) The total detection rate of vaginitis in the initial women was 34.87% (8 083/23 181), of which 46.10% (3 087/6 697) in group with symptoms and signs of vaginitis and 30.31% (4 996/16 484) in group without symptoms and signs of vaginitis, nearly 1/3 of the gynecological outpatients without signs and symptoms of vaginitis had vaginitis. (2) Among the types of simple vaginitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) was the most frequent in group with symptoms and signs of vaginitis (16.01%, 1 072/6 697), followed by aerobic vaginitis (AV; 12.83%, 859/6 697), with significant differences compared with group without symptoms and signs of vaginitis (all P<0.001). There were no statistical differences between the two groups of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and trichomonal vaginitis (TV), indicating that BV and TV were more likely to be neglected (all P>0.05). (3) The proportion of various combinations of vaginitis among 2 632 cases of mixed vaginitis were, in descending order: BV+AV, VVC+AV, BV+AV+VVC, AV+TV, AV+TV+BV, BV+VVC. (4) Microecological analysis of 15 098 cases diagnosed with non-vaginitis had normal flora (including those with normal flora and those with normal flora but decreased function) in 14 013 cases (92.81%, 14 013/15 098), abnormal flora in 429 cases (2.84%, 429/15 098) and the BV intermediate in 656 cases (4.34%, 656/15 098); this indicated that the vast majority of the microecological tests were normal in the vaginal microbiota of those without vaginitis. Conclusions: Microecological examination could diagnose multiple pathogenic infections at once, and is especially important as a guide for the definitive diagnosis of mixed vaginitis and vaginitis with atypical clinical symptoms. Vaginal infections such as BV and TV that are easily overlooked should be concerned.

Toward Efficient Two-Photon Circularly Polarized Light Detection through Cooperative Strategies in Chiral Quasi-2D Perovskites

Organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites carry unique semiconducting properties and advanced flexible crystal structures. These characteristics of organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites create a promising candidacy for circularly polarized light (CPL) detection. However, CPL detections based on chiral perovskites are limited to UV and visible wavelengths. The natural quantum well structures of layered hybrid perovskites generate strong light-matter interactions. This makes it possible to achieve near-infrared (NIR) CPL detection via two-photon absorption in the sub-wavelength region. In this study, cooperative strategies of dimension increase and mixed spacer cations are used to obtain a pair of chiral multilayered perovskites (R-β-MPA)EA₂ Pb₂ Br₇ and (S-β-MPA)EA₂ Pb₂ Br₇ (MPA = methylphenethylammonium and EA = ethylammonium). The distinctive bi-cations interlayer and multilayered inorganic skeletons provide enhanced photoconduction. Moreover, superior photoconduction leads to the prominent NIR CPL response with a responsivity up to 8.1 × 10^-5 A W^-1 . It is anticipated that this work can serve as a benchmark for the fabrication and optimization of efficient NIR CPL detection by simple chemical design.

Targeting T cell checkpoints 41BB and LAG3 and myeloid cell CXCR1/CXCR2 results in antitumor immunity and durable response in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is considered non-immunogenic, with trials showing its recalcitrance to PD1 and CTLA4 immune checkpoint therapies (ICTs). Here, we sought to systematically characterize the mechanisms underlying de novo ICT resistance and to identify effective therapeutic options for PDAC. We report that agonist 41BB and antagonist LAG3 ICT alone and in combination, increased survival and antitumor immunity, characterized by modulating T cell subsets with antitumor activity, increased T cell clonality and diversification, decreased immunosuppressive myeloid cells and increased antigen presentation/decreased immunosuppressive capability of myeloid cells. Translational analyses confirmed the expression of 41BB and LAG3 in human PDAC. Since single and dual ICTs were not curative, T cell-activating ICTs were combined with a CXCR1/2 inhibitor targeting immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Triple therapy resulted in durable complete responses. Given similar profiles in human PDAC and the availability of these agents for clinical testing, our findings provide a testable hypothesis for this lethal disease.

Efficacy and Safety of Probiotics in Geriatric Patients with Constipation: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Probiotics may be an effective alternative to traditional drug therapy for constipation in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy and safety of probiotics in managing constipation among the elderly.

METHODS

Eight databases were queried for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating probiotics' efficacy in addressing constipation among the elderly until January 2023. The meta-analysis was conducted employing R software version 4.2.2. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was utilized to evaluate the risk of bias, and the GRADE approach was employed to assess the credibility of the evidence concerning the efficacy of probiotics in treating constipation in older individuals.

RESULTS

A total of six RCTs involving 444 patients were included. Two studies were rated as low risk of bias. The meta-analysis findings revealed that probiotics, when compared to a placebo, led to an increase in stool frequency (MD = 1.02,95% CI [0.21, 2.07], p<0.05, very low quality), the probiotic group exhibited a notable impact on ameliorating symptoms associated with constipation (OR = 11.28, 95%CI [7.21, 17.64], p < 0.05, very low quality), no significant disparities were observed in terms of efforts to evacuate, manual maneuvers, and the incidence of adverse events (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The available evidence indicates a degree of uncertainty, ranging from low-to-very low, suggesting the efficacy of probiotics in augmenting bowel frequency and ameliorating constipation-related symptoms among elderly patients with constipation. Nevertheless, given the quality of the studies included, it is advisable to conduct further well-designed investigations with substantial sample sizes to substantiate the findings of this study.

[Association of nutritional status with clinical outcomes of stroke patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion after emergency endovascular treatment]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the influence of nutritional status on 90-day functional outcomes of stroke patients with acute large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation after endovascular treatment (EVT).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the baseline, laboratory, surgical and 90-day follow-up data of patients with stroke resulting from acute large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, who underwent emergency endovascular treatment in our hospital from July, 2015 to December, 2020. A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score ≤2 at 90 days. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between nutritional status and 90-day functional outcomes of the patients.

RESULTS

A total of 459 patients (mean age of 68.29±11.21 years, including 260 males) were enrolled in this study. According to their prognostic nutritional index (PNI), the patients were divided into normal nutrition group (392 cases, 85.4%), moderate malnutrition group (44 cases, 9.6%), and severe malnutrition group (23 cases, 5.0%). Univariate analysis showed that the patients with good clinical outcomes had a lower proportion of malnutrition with a younger age, a lower rate of diabetes, lower baseline blood pressure, lower baseline NIHSS score, higher baseline ASPECT score, and higher rates of good collateral circulation and complete vascular recanalization. Multivariate analysis showed that in addition to age, diabetes, baseline systolic blood pressure, successful recanalization, baseline ASPECT score, baseline NIHSS score and collateral circulation, a greater PNI was a protective factor for a good 90-day outcome of patients after EVT (moderate vs severe: OR=0.245, 95% CI: 0.066-0.908, P=0.035; normal vs severe: OR=0.185, 95% CI: 0.059-0.581, P=0.004).

CONCLUSION

Nutritional status an important factor affecting the 90-day outcomes after EVT of stroke patients with acute large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation.

Boosting the Self-Trapped Exciton Emission in Alloyed Cs2 (Ag/Na)InCl6 Double Perovskite via Cu+ Doping

Fundamental understanding of the effect of doping on the optical properties of 3D double perovskites (DPs) especially the dynamics of self-trapped excitons (STEs) is of vital importance for their optoelectronic applications. Herein, a unique strategy via Cu⁺ doping to achieve efficient STE emission in the alloyed lead-free Cs₂ (Ag/Na)InCl₆ DPs is reported. A small amount (1.0 mol%) of Cu⁺ doping results in boosted STE emission in the crystals, with photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield increasing from 19.0% to 62.6% and excitation band shifting from 310 to 365 nm. Temperature-dependent PL and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopies reveal that the remarkable PL enhancement originates from the increased radiative recombination rate and density of STEs, as a result of symmetry breakdown of the STE wavefunction at the octahedral Ag⁺ site. These findings provide deep insights into the STE dynamics in Cu⁺ -doped Cs₂ (Ag/Na)InCl₆ , thereby laying a foundation for the future design of new lead-free DPs with efficient STE emission.

Unprecedented Self-Powered Visible-Infrared Dual-Modal Photodetection Induced by a Bulk Photovoltaic Effect in a Polar Perovskite

Visible-infrared dual-modal light harvesting is crucial for various optoelectronic devices, particularly for solar cells and photodetectors. Hybrid metal-halide perovskites are recently emerging for visible-infrared dual-modal photodetection owing to their prominent multiphoton absorption and carrier transport performances. However, they work relying on an applied external power source or complicated heterostructures. It is still a difficult task to realize visible-infrared dual-modal self-powered photoresponse induced by a bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) in a single material. In this work, we constructed a polar multilayered perovskite, (Br-BA)₂(EA)₂Pb₃Br₁₀ (BEP; EA⁺ = ethylammonium, and Br-BA⁺ = 4-brombutylammonium). Notably, the polar feature endows BEP with a BPVE. In addition, BEP presents a distinctive two-photon activity arising from the layered quantum-well structure. Benefitting from these striking characteristics, self-powered visible-infrared dual-modal photodetection is realized, and a direct self-powered detection of 800 nm light with a photocurrent of 2.1 nA cm^-2 is achieved. This work will inspire the design of desired photoelectric materials with a BPVE for high-performance self-powered visible-infrared dual-modal photodetection.

Enhancing Dye-Triplet-Sensitized Upconversion Emission Through the Heavy-Atom Effect in CsLu2 F7 :Yb/Er Nanoprobes

Lanthanide (Ln³⁺ )-doped upconversion (UC) nanoprobes, which have drawn extensive attention for various bioapplications, usually suffer from small absorption cross-sections and weak luminescence intensity of Ln³⁺ ions. Herein, we report the controlled synthesis of a new class of Ln³⁺ -doped UC nanoprobes based on CsLu₂ F₇ :Yb/Er nanocrystals (NCs), which can effectively increase the intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiency from singlet excited state to triplet excited state of IR808 up to 99.3 % through the heavy atom effect. By virtue of the efficient triplet sensitization of IR808, the optimal UC luminescence (UCL) intensity of IR808-modified CsLu₂ F₇ :Yb/Er NCs is enhanced by 1309 times upon excitation at 808 nm. Benefiting from the intense dye-triplet-sensitized UCL, the nanoprobes are demonstrated for sensitive assay of extracellular and intracellular hypochlorite with an 808-nm/980-nm dual excited ratiometric strategy.

Unusual Temperature Dependence of Bandgap in 2D Inorganic Lead-Halide Perovskite Nanoplatelets

Understanding the origin of temperature-dependent bandgap in inorganic lead-halide perovskites is essential and important for their applications in photovoltaics and optoelectronics. Herein, it is found that the temperature dependence of bandgap in CsPbBr3 perovskites is variable with material dimensionality. In contrast to the monotonous redshift ordinarily observed in bulk-like CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs), the bandgap of 2D CsPbBr3 nanoplatelets (NPLs) exhibits an initial blueshift then redshift trend with decreasing temperature (290-10 K). The Bose-Einstein two-oscillator modeling manifests that the blueshift-redshift crossover of bandgap in the NPLs is attributed to the significantly larger weight of contribution from electron-optical phonon interaction to the bandgap renormalization in the NPLs than in the NCs. These new findings may gain deep insights into the origin of bandgap shift with temperature for both fundamentals and applications of perovskite semiconductor materials.

Realization of vis-NIR Dual-Modal Circularly Polarized Light Detection in Chiral Perovskite Bulk Crystals

Circularly polarized light (CPL)-sensitive direct detection is attracting increasing attention owing to its various optical technology applications and ultracompact device structures. However, current CPL-sensitive direct detection mainly focuses on a single mode, whereas the visible-near-infrared (vis-NIR) dual-modal detection, which is important for improving device sensitivity and night-vision performance, still remains to be explored. Here, for the first time, the vis-NIR dual-modal CPL-sensitive direct detection is presented in bulk single crystals of two-dimensional chiral perovskite (R-BPEA)₂PbI₄ (R-BPEA = (R)-1-(4-bromophenyl)ethylammonium). Benefiting from the strong light-matter interaction of the layered structure, (R-BPEA)₂PbI₄ shows a two-photon absorption (TPA) coefficient of up to 55 cm/MW, which almost falls around the highest value of 2D hybrid perovskites. Notably, (R-BPEA)₂PbI₄ exhibits a high vis-NIR dual-modal CPL-sensitive direct detecting performance under both visible light (520 nm) and NIR light (800 nm), with the on/off ratios of current higher than 10³, and the anisotropy factors for photocurrent higher than 0.1. This work will shed light on the design of new chiral semiconductors with a large TPA coefficient and promote their applications in vis-NIR dual-modal CPL-sensitive direct detection.

Anti-dsDNA, anti-nucleosome, anti-C1q, and anti-histone antibodies as markers of active lupus nephritis and systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity

Introduction

Previous studies of anti‐dsDNA, nucleosome (Nucl), histone (His), and C1q antibodies have revealed their clinical value in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the correlation between four autoantibodies and SLE activity, lupus nephritis (LN) remains controversial, and data are insufficient on longitudinal monitoring. This study aimed at evaluating the value of these autoantibodies in active LN, and their performance on cross‐sectional evaluating and longitudinal monitoring of SLE disease activity.

Methods

Serum levels of four autoantibodies in 114 SLE patients, 219 other autoimmune disease patients (OAD), and 59 healthy controls were assayed by a quantitative immunoassay. Sera of 38 inpatients were obtained again after treatment.

Results

We found that serum levels of four autoantibodies were significantly higher in SLE than OAD patients (p < 001), active LN than non‐renal SLE patients (p < .05), and higher in SLE patients with moderate and severe disease activity than mild disease activity (p < .01). Horizontally, serum level of each autoantibody was correlated with SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) (p < .05), and correlation coefficient of anti‐dsDNA was the highest (r = .585). For longitudinal monitoring, the decreased levels of four autoantibodies were found following treatment (p < .001). Serum level variations of these antibodies were positively correlated with variations of SLEDAI (p < .05). The correlation coefficient of anti‐Nucl was the highest (r = .629). Although the levels of C3 and C4 increased after treatment, the change was not related to the change of SLEDAI (p > .05).

Conclusions

Anti‐C1q, anti‐dsDNA, anti‐Nucl, and anti‐His perform well in diagnosing active LN and monitoring SLE disease activity. They could be indicators of active LN and SLE disease activity.

A Dual-Excitation Decoding Strategy Based on NIR Hybrid Nanocomposites for High-Accuracy Thermal Sensing

Optical thermal sensing holds great promise for disease theranostics. However, traditional ratiometric thermometry methods, in which intensity ratio of two nonoverlapping emissions is defined as the thermosensitive parameter, may have a limited accuracy in temperature read-out due to the deleterious interference from wavelength- and temperature-dependent photon attenuation in tissue. To overcome this limitation, a dual-excitation decoding strategy based on NIR hybrid nanocomposites comprising self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) and Nd3+ doped fluoride nanocrystals (NCs) is proposed for thermal sensing. Upon excitation at 808 nm, the intensity ratio of two emissions at identical wavelength (1057 nm) from QDs and NCs, respectively, is defined as the thermometric parameter R. By employing another 830 nm laser beam following the same optical path as 808 nm laser to exclusively excite QDs, the two overlapping emissions can be easily decoded. The acquired R proves to be inert to the detection depth in tissue, with a minimized temperature reading error of ≈2.3 °C at 35 °C (at a depth of ≈1.1 mm), while the traditional thermometry mode based on the nonoverlapping 1025 and 863 nm emissions may exhibit a large error of ≈43.0 °C. The insights provided by this work pave the way toward high-accuracy deep-tissue biosensing.

Chromatin Regulator CHD1 Remodels the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment in PTEN-Deficient Prostate Cancer

Genetic inactivation of PTEN is common in prostate cancer and correlates with poorer prognosis. We previously identified CHD1 as an essential gene in PTEN-deficient cancer cells. Here, we sought definitive in vivo genetic evidence for, and mechanistic understanding of, the essential role of CHD1 in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer. In Pten and Pten/Smad4 genetically engineered mouse models, prostate-specific deletion of Chd1 resulted in markedly delayed tumor progression and prolonged survival. Chd1 deletion was associated with profound tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling characterized by reduced myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and increased CD8+ T cells. Further analysis identified IL6 as a key transcriptional target of CHD1, which plays a major role in recruitment of immunosuppressive MDSCs. Given the prominent role of MDSCs in suppressing responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), our genetic and tumor biological findings support combined testing of anti-IL6 and ICI therapies, specifically in PTEN-deficient prostate cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: We demonstrate a critical role of CHD1 in MDSC recruitment and discover CHD1/IL6 as a major regulator of the immunosuppressive TME of PTEN-deficient prostate cancer. Pharmacologic inhibition of IL6 in combination with immune checkpoint blockade elicits robust antitumor responses in prostate cancer.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1241.

Revisiting the Luminescence Decay Kinetics of Energy Transfer Upconversion

Energy transfer upconversion (ETU) can efficiently upconvert near-infrared photons into higher-energy photons. Although a comprehensive understanding of ETU is fundamental to the design of ETU materials, the basic excited-state decay kinetics of ETU remains a complicated problem. Here we unravel the mechanism underlying ETU decay in benchmark β-NaYF₄:Er³⁺ and β-NaYF₄:Ln³⁺/Yb³⁺ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm) ETU microcrystals by combining rate equation analyses with ETU decay measurements. The results show that all of the excited states of one ETU system decay concordantly, with the ETU decay of the emitting state determined by only its intrinsic decay and the product of the ETU decays of the two intermediate states directly responsible for the emitting-state photon upconversion. This general mechanism may serve as a basic rule for excited-state kinetics in upconversion microparticles and nanoparticles, which could provide detailed insight into ETU processes and guide the design of efficient ETU materials.

Effective combinatorial immunotherapy for penile squamous cell carcinoma

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) accounts for over 95% of penile malignancies and causes significant mortality and morbidity in developing countries. Molecular mechanisms and therapies of PSCC are understudied, owing to scarcity of laboratory models. Herein, we describe a genetically engineered mouse model of PSCC, by co-deletion of Smad4 and Apc in the androgen-responsive epithelium of the penis. Mouse PSCC fosters an immunosuppressive microenvironment with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) as a dominant population. Preclinical trials in the model demonstrate synergistic efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade with the MDSC-diminishing drugs cabozantinib or celecoxib. A critical clinical problem of PSCC is chemoresistance to cisplatin, which is induced by Pten deficiency on the backdrop of Smad4/Apc co-deletion. Drug screen studies informed by targeted proteomics identify a few potential therapeutic strategies for PSCC. Our studies have established what we believe to be essential resources for studying PSCC biology and developing therapeutic strategies.

Abstract IA27: Context-dependent role of KRAS in GI malignancies

Oncogenic Kras (Kras*) plays a key role in tumor maintenance and therapeutic resistance in several cancer types, although the precise biologic functions and mechanisms are not completely understood. We had previously shown in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that some tumors underwent spontaneous relapse and were devoid of Kras* expression and downstream canonical MAPK signaling, instead acquiring amplification and overexpression of the transcriptional coactivator Yap1. Functional studies established the role of Yap1 and the transcriptional factor Tead2 in driving Kras*-independent tumor maintenance. In a second previous study, we developed a faithful colorectal cancer (CRC) mouse model and showed that Kras* drove invasion and maintenance in CRC. Here, utilizing this CRC mouse model, we demonstrate that KRAS* promotes a pronounced immune-suppressive profile distinguished by a predominance of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We performed integrated transcriptomic and genomic analyses that identified IRF2 (Interferon Regulatory Factor 2) as a key KRAS* effector mediating immune suppression. IRF2 suppresses MDSC migration and infiltration in KRAS*-expressing CRC tumors by targeting the CXCL3/CXCR2 axis. We also observed that de novo resistance of KRAS*-expressing tumors to anti-PD1 therapy could be overcome by enforced IRF2 expression or by treatment with SX-682, a small-molecule CXCR2 antagonist. In addition, CRC patient tumors with higher IRF2 expression showed increased response to anti-PD1 therapy. This KRAS*-mediated immune-suppressive mechanism provides a framework for CRC patient selection and combination therapies to enhance the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in advanced disease.

Citation Format: Wen-Ting Liao, Michael J. Overman, Adam Boutin, Prasenjit Dey, Di Zhao, Guocan Wang, Jiexi Li, Zhengdao Lan, Jun Li, Xiaoying Shang, Ming Tang, Shan Jiang, Xingdi Ma, Peiwen Chen, Riham Katkhuda, Krittiya Korphaisarn, Deepavali Chakravarti, Qing Chang, Jianhua Zhang, Dipen M. Maru, Dean Y. Maeda, John A. Zebala, Scott Kopetz, Y. Alan Wang, Ronald A. DePinho. Context-dependent role of KRAS in GI malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Targeting RAS-Driven Cancers; 2018 Dec 9-12; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Res 2020;18(5_Suppl):Abstract nr IA27.

Oncogenic KRAS-Driven Metabolic Reprogramming in Pancreatic Cancer Cells Utilizes Cytokines from the Tumor Microenvironment

A hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an exuberant stroma comprised of diverse cell types that enable or suppress tumor progression. Here, we explored the role of oncogenic KRAS in protumorigenic signaling interactions between cancer cells and host cells. We show that KRAS mutation (KRAS*) drives cell-autonomous expression of type I cytokine receptor complexes (IL2rγ-IL4rα and IL2rγ-IL13rα1) in cancer cells that in turn are capable of receiving cytokine growth signals (IL4 or IL13) provided by invading Th2 cells in the microenvironment. Early neoplastic lesions show close proximity of cancer cells harboring KRAS* and Th2 cells producing IL4 and IL13. Activated IL2rγ-IL4rα and IL2rγ-IL13rα1 receptors signal primarily via JAK1-STAT6. Integrated transcriptomic, chromatin occupancy, and metabolomic studies identified MYC as a direct target of activated STAT6 and that MYC drives glycolysis. Thus, paracrine signaling in the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in the KRAS*-driven metabolic reprogramming of PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE: Type II cytokines, secreted by Th2 cells in the tumor microenvironment, can stimulate cancer cell-intrinsic MYC transcriptional upregulation to drive glycolysis. This KRAS*-driven heterotypic signaling circuit in the early and advanced tumor microenvironment enables cooperative protumorigenic interactions, providing candidate therapeutic targets in the KRAS* pathway for this intractable disease.

Lidar Observations of Birch and Spruce Pollen in Finland

Pollen has various effects on human health and the environment. To understand phenomena behind atmospheric pollen transport and hence improve pollen forecasts, vertically resolved optical properties and geometrical characteristics of the pollen distribution need to be studied. Lidar measurements and especially the particle depolarization ratio have been found to be an excellent tool to track pollen grains. In this study we present first results of atmospheric pollen characterization based on a 11 days period of birch and spruce pollination events.

A Strategy of NIR Dual-Excitation Upconversion for Ratiometric Intracellular Detection

Intracellular detection is highly desirable for biological research and clinical diagnosis, yet its quantitative analysis with noninvasivity, sensitivity, and accuracy remains challenging. Herein, a near-infrared (NIR) dual-excitation strategy is reported for ratiometric intracellular detection through the design of dye-sensitized upconversion probes and employment of a purpose-built NIR dual-laser confocal microscope. NIR dye IR808, a recognizer of intracellular analyte hypochlorite, is introduced as energy donor and Yb,Er-doped NaGdF4 upconversion nanoparticles are adopted as energy acceptor in the as-designed nanoprobes. The efficient analyte-dependent energy transfer and low background luminescence endow the nanoprobes with ultrahigh sensitivity. In addition, with the nonanalyte-dependent upconversion luminescence (UCL) excited by 980 nm as a self-calibrated signal, the interference from environmental fluctuation can be alleviated. Furthermore, the dual 808/980 nm excited ratiometric UCL is demonstrated for the quantification of the level of intracellular hypochlorite. Particularly, the intrinsic hypochlorite with only nanomolar concentration in live MCF-7 cells in the absence of exogenous stimuli is determined. Such an NIR dual-excitation ratiometric strategy based on dye-sensitized UCL probes can be easily extended to detect various intracellular analytes through tailoring the reactive NIR dyes, which provides a promising tool for probing biochemical processes in live cells and diagnosing diseases.

[Risk factors for visual field loss progression in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in Wenzhou area]

Objective: To evaluate risk factors for visual field (VF) loss progression in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: A prospective nested case-control study. Patients were collected from the Wenzhou glaucoma progression study in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University during March 2014 and April 2018. In this study, the eyes were divided into a progression group and a non-progression group using the glaucoma progression analysis methods to analyze the risk factors for glaucomatous VF loss progression. Axial length (AL) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured using the Lenstar LS900. The baseline, fluctuation (standard deviation), mean, maximum, minimum and range of intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period were determined based on IOP measured at each follow-up. The IOP measurements were included from the baseline to the last visit (for the non-progression group), or to the visit at which VF loss progression was determined (for the progression group). The independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U inspection and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 140 patients (140 eyes) were enrolled, including 67 males and 73 females. There were 19.3% of the eyes (27 of 140 eyes) showing VF loss progression. The median time to the endpoint for progression was 24.0 (16.0, 40.0) months. The AL in the progression group and non-progression group were 23.58 (23.05, 24.24) mm and 23.91 (23.10, 24.91) mm (P=0.111). The CCT in the two groups were 531.0 (512.0, 565.0) μm and 535.0 (518.5, 552.0) μm, respectively (P=0.897). The baseline age in the progression group and non-progression group was 71.0 (68.0, 74.0) years and 68.0 (58.0, 72.0) years, respectively (Z=-2.872, P=0.004). The slope of visual field index in the two groups was -3.50 (-7.10, -1.80)%/year and 0.40 (-0.60, 1.40)%/year, respectively (Z=-6.823, P<0.01). The mean IOP during the follow-up was (16.2±2.7) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in the progression group and (15.1±2.4) mmHg in the non-progression group (t=-2.215, P=0.028). The IOP fluctuation in the progression group and non-progression group was (2.6±1.3) mmHg and (2.0±0.7) mmHg, respectively (t=-2.175, P=0.038). In the multivariate model, older baseline age (HR=1.080; 95%CI:1.019-1.143), higher baseline IOP (HR=1.120; 95%CI:1.016-1.236), higher mean IOP (HR=1.145; 95%CI:1.001-1.309) and higher IOP fluctuation (HR=1.750; 95%CI:1.193-2.566) were all significantly predictive risk factors for glaucomatous VF loss progression. Longer AL (HR=0.725; 95%CI:0.532-0.988) was a protective factor against VF loss progression. However, CCT was found to be not associated with VF loss progression. Conclusion: Baseline age, baseline IOP, mean IOP, IOP fluctuation and shorter AL are found to be risk factors for glaucomatous VF loss progression among eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma in Wenzhou. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 777-784).

Broadband NIR photostimulated luminescence nanoprobes based on CaS:Eu2+,Sm3+ nanocrystals

Near-infrared (NIR) photostimulated luminescence (PSL) nanocrystals (NCs) have recently evoked considerable interest in the field of biomedicine, but are currently limited by the controlled synthesis of efficient PSL NCs. Herein, we report for the first time the controlled synthesis of CaS:Eu2+,Sm3+ NIR PSL NCs through a high-temperature co-precipitation method. The role of Sm3+ co-doping and the effect of thermal annealing on the optical properties of the NCs as well as the charging and discharging processes, the trap depth distribution, and the underlying PSL mechanism are comprehensively surveyed by means of photoluminescence, persistent luminescence, thermoluminescence, and PSL spectroscopies. The as-prepared NCs exhibit intense PSL of Eu2+ at 650 nm with a fast response to stimulation in a broad NIR region from 800 nm to 1600 nm, a duration time longer than 2 h, and an extremely low power density threshold down to 10 mW cm-2 at 980 nm. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the intense NIR PSL, we demonstrate the application of CaS:Eu2+,Sm3+ NCs as sensitive luminescent nanoprobes for biotin receptor-targeted cancer cell imaging. These results reveal the great promise of CaS:Eu2+,Sm3+ nanoprobes for autofluorescence-free bioimaging, and also lay the foundation for future design of efficient NIR PSL nanoprobes towards versatile bioapplications.