Atezolizumab Plus Bevacizumab Versus Lenvatinib for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often diagnosed in advanced stages. Following sorafenib, lenvatinib (LENV) has been approved as a first-line treatment option for unresectable HCC. In the past few years, at least 9 large-scale cohort studies have examined the efficacy and safety of LENV compared to atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATE/BEV) in unresectable HCC, but there is currently no direct meta-analysis conducted for a comprehensive consolidation. To provide the most updated meta-analysis of the clinical efficacy and safety of ATE/BEV versus LENV for patients with unresectable HCC. Our studies comparing the efficacy and safety of ATE/BEV and LENV in unresectable HCC were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to February 2023. Outcomes measured were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), mortality, complete response (CR), partial response (PR), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progressive disease (PD), stable disease (SD), and adverse events (AEs). Seven eligible studies involving 4428 patients (1569 in the ATE/BEV group and 2859 in the LENV group) were included in the narrative synthesis. All baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups except for Child-Pugh class B. Ultimately, our meta-analysis showed that the LENV group had longer OS and PFS than the ATE/BEV group. Moreover, patients on LENV were more likely to achieve SD, whereas those on ATE/BEV were more likely to achieve PR.

A comprehensive analysis of LINC00958 as a prognostic biomarker for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

This work focused on exploring whether the long intergenic non-protein coding RNA LINC00958 is associated with the prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Associations of the LINC00958 expression level with clinicopathological features of HNSCC were investigated by logistic regression and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The Kaplan-Meier method was applied to evaluate patient survival. Clinical data and expression profiles were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Associations of patient clinical characteristics with overall survival (OS), progression-free interval (PFI), and disease-specific survival (DSS) were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model. Immune cell infiltration analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were applied to determine any significant effects of LINC00958. High LINC00958 expression was related to early pT stage (P < 0.01), primary therapy outcome (P < 0.01), HPV status (P < 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.001), and perineural invasion (P < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed strong prognostic power for LINC00958 (area under curve = 0.886). High LINC00958 expression predicted poor OS (P = 0.007), DSS (P = 0.036), and PFI (P = 0.040). LINC00958 was related to signalling pathways and the infiltration of certain immune cells. miR-27b-5p was significantly associated with LINC00958, and downstream NT5E predicted poor survival in HNSCC cases. LINC00958 may affect the prognosis by regulating NT5E via miR-27b-5p, and could serve as a possible factor to predict the prognosis of HNSCC, especially oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Liquiritin Alleviates Inflammation in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE

This research was designed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory impacts of liquiritin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs).

METHODS

The Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was adopted to assess cell viability. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the secretion levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify the genes that exhibited differential expression between different treatment. The model group included cells treated with LPS (10 µg/mL), the treatment group comprised cells treated with liquiritin (80 µM) and LPS (10 µg/mL), and the control group consisted of untreated cells. To further validate the expression levels of the selected genes, including CSF2, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8, IL1A, IL1B, IL24, IL6, and LTB, quantitative real-time PCR was performed. The expression of proteins related to the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was assessed through western blot analysis. NF-κB nuclear translocation was evaluated through immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

The secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α in LPS-induced HCECs was significantly downregulated by liquiritin. Based on the transcriptome analysis, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, IL-24, TNF-α, and IL-1α was overproduced by LPS stimulation, and suppressed after liquiritin treatment. Furthermore, the Western blot results revealed a remarkable reduction in the phosphorylation degrees of NF-κB p65, IκB, and Akt upon treatment with liquiritin. Additionally, immunofluorescence analysis confirmed liquiritin's inhibition of LPS-induced p65 nuclear translocation.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these findings imply that liquiritin suppresses the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and the anti-inflammatory impacts of liquiritin may be caused by its repression of the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in LPS-induced HCECs. These data indicate that liquiritin could provide a potential therapeutic application for inflammation-associated corneal diseases.

Correlation of serum DKK1 level with skeletal phenotype in children with osteogenesis imperfecta

PURPOSE

We aim to detect serum DKK1 level of pediatric patients with OI and to analyze its relationship with the genotype and phenotype of OI patients.

METHODS

A cohort of pediatric OI patients and age-matched healthy children were enrolled. Serum levels of DKK1 and bone turnover biomarkers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Pathogenic mutations of OI were detected by next-generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing.

RESULTS

A total of 62 OI children with mean age of 9.50 (4.86, 12.00) years and 29 healthy children were included in this study. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was significantly higher than that in healthy children [5.20 (4.54, 6.32) and 4.08 (3.59, 4.92) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. The serum DKK1 concentration in OI children was negatively correlated with height (r = - 0.282), height Z score (r = - 0.292), ALP concentration (r = - 0.304), lumbar BMD (r = - 0.276), BMD Z score of the lumbar spine and femoral neck (r = - 0.32; r = - 0.27) (all P < 0.05). No significant difference in serum DKK1 concentration was found between OI patients with and without vertebral compression fractures. In patients with spinal deformity (22/62), serum DKK1 concentration was positively correlated with SDI (r = 0.480, P < 0.05). No significant correlation was observed between serum DKK1 concentration and the annual incidence of peripheral fractures, genotype and types of collagen changes in OI children.

CONCLUSION

The serum DKK1 level was not only significantly elevated in OI children, but also closely correlated to their skeletal phenotype, suggesting that DKK1 may become a new biomarker and a potential therapeutic target of OI.

Resolution of acinar dedifferentiation regulates tissue remodeling in pancreatic injury and cancer initiation

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM) is crucial in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, our understanding of the induction and resolution of ADM remains limited. We conducted comparative transcriptome analyses to identify conserved mechanisms of ADM in mouse and human.

METHODS

We identified Sox4 among the top upregulated genes. We validated the analysis by RNA in situ hybridization (ISH). We performed experiments in mice with acinar-specific deletion of Sox4 (Ptf1a: CreER; Rosa26-LSL-YFPLSL-YFP; Sox4fl/fl ) with and without an activating mutation in Kras (KrasLSL-G12D/+). Mice were given caerulein to induce pancreatitis. We performed phenotypic analysis by immunohistochemistry, tissue decellularization and single cell RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that Sox4 is reactivated in ADM and PanINs. Contrary to findings in other tissues, Sox4 actually counteracts cellular dedifferentiation and helps maintain tissue homeostasis. Moreover, our investigations unveiled the indispensable role of Sox4 in the specification of mucin-producing cells and tuft-like cells from acinar cells. We identified Sox4-dependent non-cell-autonomous mechanisms regulating the stromal reaction during disease progression. Notably, Sox4-inferred targets are activated upon KRAS inactivation and tumor regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that our transcriptome analysis can be used to investigate conserved mechanisms of tissue injury. We demonstrate that Sox4 restrains acinar dedifferentiation and is necessary for the specification of acinar-derived metaplastic cells in pancreatic injury and cancer initiation and is activated upon Kras ablation and tumor regression in mice. By uncovering novel potential strategies to promote tissue homeostasis, our findings offer new avenues for preventing the development of PDAC.

Childhood emotional maltreatment and subsequent affective symptoms among chinese male drug users: The roles of impulsivity and psychological resilience

OBJECTIVE

Childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) has been widely linked to later affective symptoms. What still remains inadequately understood are the potential nuanced differences in the consequences of childhood emotional abuse (CEM-A) versus childhood emotional neglect (CEM-N) and the implicated mechanisms. Research with non-Western, clinical samples also remains scarce. Thus, we examined the associations of CEM-A and CEM-N with later affective symptoms among Chinese male drug users and tested impulsivity and psychological resilience as potential mediators and moderators.

METHOD

Structural equation modeling analyses were conducted with survey data obtained from 239 Chinese male adult drug users who were in a rehabilitation center.

RESULTS

The mediating rather than the moderating hypotheses were supported. CEM-A was found to be positively associated with subsequent depressive and anxious symptoms through a positive association with impulsivity. In contrast, CEM-N was positively associated only with subsequent depressive symptoms via a negative association with psychological resilience. In addition, CEM-A was also found to be directly associated with later depressive and anxious symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

CEM may pose a threat to later affective well-being partly through contributing to intrapersonal vulnerabilities as well as compromising intrapersonal strengths. Differentiating CEM-A and CEM-N appears to be critical for revealing the understudied specificity and nuance that may be inherently within such effects. Drug use treatment services should sensitively attend to the affective sequelae of CEM. Interventions targeted at the modification of impulsivity and the facilitation of psychological resilience may be effective in diminishing the affective consequences of CEM among drug users. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Role of Heat-Induced Stress Granules in the Blood-Testis Barrier of Mice

Stress granules (SGs) are membraneless ribonucleoprotein (RNP)-based cellular foci formed in response to stress, facilitating cell survival by protecting against damage. Mammalian spermatogenesis should be maintained below body temperature for proper development, indicating its vulnerability to heat stress (HS). In this study, biotin tracer permeability assays showed that the inhibition of heat-induced SG assembly in the testis by 4-8 mg/kg cycloheximide significantly increased the percentage of seminiferous tubules with a damaged blood-testis barrier (BTB). Western blot results additionally revealed that the suppression of heat-induced SG assembly in Sertoli cell line, TM4 cells, by RNA inference of G3bp1/2 aggravated the decline in the BTB-related proteins ZO-1, β-Catenin and Claudin-11, indicating that SGs could protect the BTB against damage caused by HS. The protein components that associate with SGs in Sertoli cells were isolated by sequential centrifugation and immunoprecipitation, and were identified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that their corresponding genes were mainly involved in pathways related to proteasomes, nucleotide excision repair, mismatch repair, and DNA replication. Furthermore, a new SG component, the ubiquitin associated protein 2 (UBAP2), was found to translocate to SGs upon HS in TM4 cells by immunofluorescence. Moreover, SG assembly was significantly diminished after UBAP2 knockdown by RNA inference during HS, suggesting the important role of UBAP2 in SG assembly. In addition, UBAP2 knockdown reduced the expression of ZO-1, β-Catenin and Claudin-11, which implied its potential role in the function of the BTB. Overall, our study demonstrated the role of SGs in maintaining BTB functions during HS and identified a new component implicated in SG formation in Sertoli cells. These findings not only offer novel insights into the biological functions of SGs and the molecular mechanism of low fertility in males in summer, but also potentially provide an experimental basis for male fertility therapies.

Unveiling the Impact of Hemodynamics on Endothelial Inflammation-Mediated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis Using a Biomimetic Vascular Flow Model

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) hematogenous dissemination is a leading cause of HCC-related deaths. The inflammatory facilitates this process by promoting the adhesion and invasion of tumor cells in the circulatory system. But the contribution of hemodynamics to this process remains poorly understood due to the lack of a suitable vascular flow model for investigation. This study develops a vascular flow model to examine the impact of hemodynamics on endothelial inflammation-mediated HCC metastasis. This work finds the increasing shear stress will reduce the recruitment of HCC cells by disturbing adhesion forces between endothelium and HCC cells. However, this reduction will be restored by the inflammation. When applying high FSS (4-6 dyn cm-2) to the inflammatory endothelium, there will be a 4.8-fold increase in HCC cell adhesions compared to normal condition. Nevertheless, the increase fold of cell adhesions is inapparent, around 1.5-fold, with low and medium FSS. This effect can be attributed to the FSS-induced upregulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 of the inflammatory endothelium, which serve to strengthen cell binding forces. These findings indicate that hemodynamics plays a key role in HCC metastasis during endothelial inflammation by regulating the expression of adhesion-related factors.

Retraction Note: Assessment of fetal intraventricular diastolic fluid dynamics using ultrasound vector flow mapping

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12872-023-03524-0.

Autophagy core protein BECN1 is vital for spermatogenesis and male fertility in mice†

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly complex multi-step biological process, and autophagy has been demonstrated to be involved in the process of spermatogenesis. Beclin-1/BECN1, a core autophagy factor, plays a critical role in many biological processes and diseases. However, its function in spermatogenesis remains largely unclear. In the present study, germ cell-specific Beclin 1 (Becn1) knockout mice were generated and were conducted to determine the role of Becn1 in spermatogenesis and fertility of mice. Results indicate that Becn1 deficiency leads to reduced sperm motility and quantity, partial failure of spermiation, actin network disruption, excessive residual cytoplasm, acrosome malformation, and aberrant mitochondrial accumulation of sperm, ultimately resulting in reduced fertility in male mice. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy was observed in the testes of germ cell-specific Becn1 knockout mice, which may contribute to impaired spermiogenesis and reduced fertility. Collectively, our results reveal that Becn1 is essential for fertility and spermiogenesis in mice.

Disrupted sleep-wake regulation in the MCI-Park mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Disrupted sleep has a profound adverse impact on lives of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and their caregivers. Sleep disturbances are exceedingly common in PD, with substantial heterogeneity in type, timing, and severity. Among the most common sleep-related symptoms reported by PD patients are insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep fragmentation, characterized by interruptions and decreased continuity of sleep. Alterations in brain wave activity, as measured on the electroencephalogram (EEG), also occur in PD, with changes in the pattern and relative contributions of different frequency bands of the EEG spectrum to overall EEG activity in different vigilance states consistently observed. The mechanisms underlying these PD-associated sleep-wake abnormalities are poorly understood, and they are ineffectively treated by conventional PD therapies. To help fill this gap in knowledge, a new progressive model of PD - the MCI-Park mouse - was studied. Near the transition to the parkinsonian state, these mice exhibited significantly altered sleep-wake regulation, including increased wakefulness, decreased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep, increased sleep fragmentation, reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and altered EEG activity patterns. These sleep-wake abnormalities resemble those identified in PD patients. Thus, this model may help elucidate the circuit mechanisms underlying sleep disruption in PD and identify targets for novel therapeutic approaches.

An advanced comprehensive muti-cell-type-specific model for predicting anti-PD-1 therapeutic effect in melanoma

Rationale: Immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting the programmed cell death (PD)-1/PD-L1 pathway have promise in patients with advanced melanoma. However, drug resistance usually results in limited patient benefits. Recent single-cell RNA sequencing studies have elucidated that MM patients display distinctive transcriptional features of tumor cells, immune cells and interstitial cells, including loss of antigen presentation function of tumor cells, exhaustion of CD8+T and extracellular matrix secreted by fibroblasts to prevents immune infiltration, which leads to a poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, cell subgroups beneficial to anti-tumor immunity and the model developed by them remain to be further identified. Methods: In this clinical study of neoadjuvant therapy with anti-PD-1 in advanced melanoma, tumor tissues were collected before and after treatment for single-nucleus sequencing, and the results were verified using multicolor immunofluorescence staining and public datasets. Results: This study describes four cell subgroups which are closely associated with the effectiveness of anti-PD-1 treatment. It also describes a cell-cell communication network, in which the interaction of the four cell subgroups contributes to anti-tumor immunity. Furthermore, we discuss a newly developed predictive model based on these four subgroups that holds significant potential for assessing the efficacy of anti-PD-1 treatment. Conclusions: These findings elucidate the primary mechanism of anti-PD-1 resistance and offer guidance for clinical drug administration for melanoma.

The GaKAN2, a KANADI transcription factor, modulates stem trichomes in Gossypium arboreum

KEY MESSAGE

GaKAN2, a member of the KANADI family, was found to be widely expressed in the cotton tissues and regulates trichome development through complex pathways. Cotton trichomes are believed to be the defense barrier against insect pests. Cotton fiber and trichomes are single-cell epidermal extensions with shared regulatory mechanisms. Despite several studies underlying mechanism of trichome development remains elusive. The KANADI is one of the key transcription factors (TFs) family, regulating Arabidopsis trichomes growth. However, the function of KANADI genes in cotton remains unknown. In the current study genome-wide scanning, transcriptomic analysis, gene silencing, subcellular localization, and yeast two-hybrid techniques were employed to decipher the function of KANADI TFs family genes in cotton crop. A total of 7 GaKAN genes were found in the Gossypium arboreum. Transcriptomic data revealed that these genes were significantly expressed in stem and root. Moreover, GaKAN2 was widely expressed in other tissues also. Subsequently, we selected GaKAN2 to validate the function of KANADI genes. Silencing of GaKAN2 resulted in a 24.99% decrease in single-cell trichomes and an 11.33% reduction in internodal distance, indicating its potential role in regulating trichomes and plant growth. RNA-Seq analysis elucidated that GaSuS and GaERS were the downstream genes of GaKAN2. The transcriptional activation and similarity in silencing phenotype between GaKAN2 and GaERS suggested that GaKAN2 regulates trichomes development through GaERS. Moreover, KEGG analysis revealed that a significant number of genes were enriched in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and plant hormone signal transduction pathways, thereby suggesting that GaKAN2 regulates the stem trichomes and plant growth. The GFP subcellular localization and yeast transcriptional activation analysis elucidated that GaKAN2 was located in the nucleus and capable of regulating the transcription of downstream genes. This study elucidated the function and characteristics of the KANADI gene family in cotton, providing a fundamental basis for further research on GaKAN2 gene in cotton plant trichomes and plant developmental processes.

In vitro and in vivo models define a molecular signature reference for human embryonic notochordal cells

Understanding the emergence of human notochordal cells (NC) is essential for the development of regenerative approaches. We present a comprehensive investigation into the specification and generation of bona fide NC using a straightforward pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-based system benchmarked with human fetal notochord. By integrating in vitro and in vivo transcriptomic data at single-cell resolution, we establish an extended molecular signature and overcome the limitations associated with studying human notochordal lineage at early developmental stages. We show that TGF-β inhibition enhances the yield and homogeneity of notochordal lineage commitment in vitro. Furthermore, this study characterizes regulators of cell-fate decision and matrisome enriched in the notochordal niche. Importantly, we identify specific cell-surface markers opening avenues for differentiation refinement, NC purification, and functional studies. Altogether, this study provides a human notochord transcriptomic reference that will serve as a resource for notochord identification in human systems, diseased-tissues modeling, and facilitating future biomedical research.

Polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz Binding with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as a Novel Mucosal Immune Adjuvant for H9N2 Inactivated Vaccine

H9N2 avian influenza poses a significant public health risk, necessitating effective vaccines for mass immunization. Oral inactivated vaccines offer advantages like the ease of administration, but their efficacy often requires enhancement through mucosal adjuvants. In a previous study, we established a novel complex of polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz binding with zinc oxide nanoparticles (AMP-ZnONPs) and preliminarily demonstrated its immune-enhancing function. This work aimed to evaluate the efficacy of AMP-ZnONPs as adjuvants in an oral H9N2-inactivated vaccine and the vaccine's impact on intestinal mucosal immunity. In this study, mice were orally vaccinated on days 0 and 14 after adapting to the environment. AMP-ZnONPs significantly improved HI titers, the levels of specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a in serum and sIgA in intestinal lavage fluid; increased the number of B-1 and B-2 cells and dendritic cell populations; and enhanced the mRNA expression of intestinal homing factors and immune-related cytokines. Interestingly, AMP-ZnONPs were more likely to affect B-1 cells than B-2 cells. AMP-ZnONPs showed mucosal immune enhancement that was comparable to positive control (cholera toxin, CT), but not to the side effect of weight loss caused by CT. Compared to the whole-inactivated H9N2 virus (WIV) group, the WIV + AMP-ZnONP and WIV + CT groups exhibited opposite shifts in gut microbial abundance. AMP-ZnONPs serve as an effective and safe mucosal adjuvant for oral WIV, improving cellular, humoral and mucosal immunity and microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, avoiding the related undesired effects of CT.

Single-cell lineage tracing with endogenous markers

Resolving lineage relationships between cells in an organism provides key insights into the fate of individual cells and drives a fundamental understanding of the process of development and disease. A recent rapid increase in experimental and computational advances for detecting naturally occurring somatic nuclear and mitochondrial mutation at single-cell resolution has expanded lineage tracing from model organisms to humans. This review discusses the advantages and challenges of experimental and computational techniques for cell lineage tracing using somatic mutation as endogenous DNA barcodes to decipher the relationships between cells during development and tumour evolution. We outlook the advantages of spatial clonal evolution analysis and single-cell lineage tracing using endogenous genetic markers.

Unconventional Piezoelectricity of Two-Dimensional Materials Driven by the Hall Effect

Piezoelectricity has been widely explored for nanoelectromechanical applications, yet its working modes are mainly limited in polar directions. Here we discover the intrinsic electro-mechanical response in crystal materials that is transverse to the conventional polarized direction, which is named unconventional piezoelectricity. A Hall-like mechanism is proposed to interpret unconventional piezoelectricity as charge polarization driven by a built-in electric field for systems with asymmetric Berry curvature distributions. Density functional theory simulations and statistical analyses justify such a mechanism and confirm that unconventional piezoelectricity is a general property for various two-dimensional materials with spin splitting or valley splitting. An empirical formula is derived to connect the conventional and unconventional piezoelectricity. The extended understanding of the piezoelectric tensor in quantum materials opens an opportunity for applications in multidirectional energy conversion, broadband operation, and multifunctional sensing.

Laser-driven noncontact bubble transfer printing via a hydrogel composite stamp

Transfer printing that enables heterogeneous integration of materials into spatially organized, functional arrangements is essential for developing unconventional electronic systems. Here, we report a laser-driven noncontact bubble transfer printing via a hydrogel composite stamp, which features a circular reservoir filled with hydrogel inside a stamp body and encapsulated by a laser absorption layer and an adhesion layer. This composite structure of stamp provides a reversible thermal controlled adhesion in a rapid manner through the liquid-gas phase transition of water in the hydrogel. The ultrasoft nature of hydrogel minimizes the influence of preload on the pick-up performance, which offers a strong interfacial adhesion under a small preload for a reliable damage-free pick-up. The strong light-matter interaction at the interface induces a liquid-gas phase transition to form a bulge on the stamp surface, which eliminates the interfacial adhesion for a successful noncontact printing. Demonstrations of noncontact transfer printing of microscale Si platelets onto various challenging nonadhesive surfaces (e.g., glass, key, wrench, steel sphere, dry petal, droplet) in two-dimensional or three-dimensional layouts illustrate the unusual capabilities for deterministic assembly to develop unconventional electronic systems such as flexible inorganic electronics, curved electronics, and micro-LED display.

Genomic and cytogenetic analyses reveal satellite repeat signature in allotetraploid okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)

BACKGROUND

Satellite repeats are one of the most rapidly evolving components in eukaryotic genomes and play vital roles in genome regulation, genome evolution, and speciation. As a consequence, the composition, abundance and chromosome distribution of satellite repeats often exhibit variability across various species, genome, and even individual chromosomes. However, we know little about the satellite repeat evolution in allopolyploid genomes.

RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the satellite repeat signature in five okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) accessions using genomic and cytogenetic methods. In each of the five accessions, we identified eight satellite repeats, which exhibited a significant level of intraspecific conservation. Through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments, we observed that the satellite repeats generated multiple signals and exhibited variations in copy number across chromosomes. Intriguingly, we found that five satellite repeats were interspersed with centromeric retrotransposons, signifying their involvement in centromeric satellite repeat identity. We confirmed subgenome-biased amplification patterns of these satellite repeats through existing genome assemblies or dual-color FISH, indicating their distinct dynamic evolution in the allotetraploid okra subgenome. Moreover, we observed the presence of multiple chromosomes harboring the 35 S rDNA loci, alongside another chromosomal pair carrying the 5 S rDNA loci in okra using FISH assay. Remarkably, the intensity of 35 S rDNA hybridization signals varied among chromosomes, with the signals predominantly localized within regions of relatively weak DAPI staining, associated with GC-rich heterochromatin regions. Finally, we observed a similar localization pattern between 35 S rDNA and three satellite repeats with high GC content and confirmed their origin in the intergenic spacer region of the 35 S rDNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings uncover a unique satellite repeat signature in the allotetraploid okra, contributing to our understanding of the composition, abundance, and chromosomal distribution of satellite repeats in allopolyploid genomes, further enriching our understanding of their evolutionary dynamics in complex allopolyploid genomes.

Novel Sm3+-doped La3Ga5MO14 (M = Si or Ge) phosphors for indoor illumination: effects of M cations on photoluminescence

A series of La3(1-x)Ga5MO14:xSm3+ (M = Si or Ge) orange-red phosphors with high color purity, low correlated color temperature, and good thermal stability were successfully synthesized via a high-temperature solid-phase technique. The phase structure and morphology of La3Ga5SiO14(LGSi):xSm3+ and La3Ga5GeO14(LGGe):xSm3+ were investigated. Sm3+-doped LGSi and LGGe phosphors emitted orange-red light under an excitation of 403 nm, and the optimal doping concentrations were 3 mol% and 2 mol% with excellent color purities of 98.46% and 98.25%, respectively. The concentration quenching mechanism of both the samples was dominated by dipole-dipole interaction, and the effect of Si4+ and Ge4+ on luminescence performance was discussed. The internal quantum efficiencies of LGSi:0.03Sm3+ and LGGe:0.02Sm3+ were calculated to be 27.14% and 56.07%, respectively. The CIE and CCT values indicated that the luminescence of the prepared phosphors was in the orange-red region. Additionally, a white light-emitting diode (w-LED) was fabricated with LGGe:0.02Sm3+ phosphors, which was capable of emitting bright and warm white light and exhibiting a high color rendering index (CRI) of 87.17 and an appropriate correlated color temperature (CCT) of 6108 K. These results indicated that the prepared phosphors with excellent luminescent performances have potential application in indoor illumination.

scDecouple: decoupling cellular response from infected proportion bias in scCRISPR-seq

Single-cell clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-sequencing (scCRISPR-seq) is an emerging high-throughput CRISPR screening technology where the true cellular response to perturbation is coupled with infected proportion bias of guide RNAs (gRNAs) across different cell clusters. The mixing of these effects introduces noise into scCRISPR-seq data analysis and thus obstacles to relevant studies. We developed scDecouple to decouple true cellular response of perturbation from the influence of infected proportion bias. scDecouple first models the distribution of gene expression profiles in perturbed cells and then iteratively finds the maximum likelihood of cell cluster proportions as well as the cellular response for each gRNA. We demonstrated its performance in a series of simulation experiments. By applying scDecouple to real scCRISPR-seq data, we found that scDecouple enhances the identification of biologically perturbation-related genes. scDecouple can benefit scCRISPR-seq data analysis, especially in the case of heterogeneous samples or complex gRNA libraries.

Constructing ion-transport blockchain by polypyrrole to link CoTi-ZIF-9 derived carbon materials for high-performance seawater desalination

The instability and poor electronic conductivity of carbon materials derived from bimetallic zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) pose significant challenges for utilizing these carbon materials as direct electrodes for achieving rapid electron transfer and high-performance capacitive deionization (CDI). However, modifying ZIFs through conductive polymers is a wise tool to enhance the target characteristics of ZIFs. Herein, a strategy is proposed to use polypyrrole (PPy) to interlink the carbon units derived from CoTi-ZIF-9 to construct a blockchain network system with high capacity and fast electrochemical kinetics for high performance CDI. In this system, PPy serves as a branched link connecting each carbon unit, so that the ions in the electrolyte can achieve low barrier and fast transmission in the three-dimensional network structure between the unit structures. As expected, with the improved charge transfer efficiency between electrode materials and electrolyte, the CDI cell exhibits excellent desalination capacity (77.3 mg g-1). In addition, density functional theory calculations also indicate that the introduction of PPy results in a higher electron density near the fermi surface of carbon material, which is conducive to electron transport and reaction kinetics. This work may provide important concepts for the design of CDI electrodes with high-conductivity and high-performance.

Genotype-phenotype relationship and comparison between eastern and western patients with osteogenesis imperfecta

PURPOSE

To evaluate the genotypic and phenotypic relationship in a large cohort of OI patients and to compare the differences between eastern and western OI cohorts.

METHODS

A total of 671 OI patients were included. Pathogenic mutations were identified, phenotypic information was collected, and relationships between genotypes and phenotypes were analyzed. Literature about western OI cohorts was searched, and differences were compared between eastern and western OI cohorts.

RESULTS

A total of 560 OI patients were identified as carrying OI pathogenic mutations, and the positive detection rate of disease-causing gene mutations was 83.5%. Mutations in 15 OI candidate genes were identified, with COL1A1 (n = 308, 55%) and COL1A2 (n = 164, 29%) being the most common mutations, and SERPINF1 and WNT1 being the most common biallelic variants. Of the 414 probands, 48.8, 16.9, 29.2 and 5.1% had OI types I, III, IV and V, respectively. Peripheral fracture was the most common phenotype (96.6%), and femurs (34.7%) were most commonly affected. Vertebral compression fracture was observed in 43.5% of OI patients. Biallelic or COL1A2 mutation led to more bone deformities and poorer mobility than COL1A1 mutation (all P < 0.05). Glycine substitution of COL1A1 or COL1A2 or biallelic variants led to more severe phenotypes than haploinsufficiency of collagen type I α chains, which induced the mildest phenotypes. Although the gene mutation spectrum varied among countries, the fracture incidence was similar between eastern and western OI cohorts.

CONCLUSION

The findings are valuable for accurate diagnosis and treatment of OI, mechanism exploration and prognosis judgment. Genetic profiles of OI may vary among races, but the mechanism needs to be explored.

Disturbed white matter integrity on diffusion tensor imaging in young children with epilepsy

AIM

To evaluate whether abnormalities in white matter (WM) integrity are present in young children with epilepsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve children (3-6 years old) with epilepsy and six matched healthy controls were recruited for brain diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Track-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to analyse and compare DTI indices of mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), axial and radial diffusivity (AD/RD) between patients and controls, and correlations between clinical variables and DTI parameters were analysed.

RESULTS

Compared with controls, patients showed increased FA in the left superior corona radiata and increased AD in the bilateral superior corona radiata. In children with generalised epilepsy, FA was increased in the left external capsule, while AD was decreased in the body of the corpus callosum, the left external capsule and the left superior longitudinal fasciculus. In those with focal epilepsy, FA was increased in the genu and body of the corpus callosum, and RD was decreased in the genu of the corpus callosum and left external capsule. Compared with partial epilepsy, generalised epilepsy was associated with increased FA in the right anterior corona radiata and decreased RD in the right anterior corona radiata and the genu and body of the corpus callosum. No significant correlations were observed between clinical variables and DTI parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that the microstructure of the white matter is disturbed by epileptic discharges and a compensatory response occurs during early brain development.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Long Non-Coding RNAs Associated with Floral Scent Formation in Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as curial regulators of diverse biological processes in plants. Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) is a world-renowned ornamental plant for its attractive and exceptional flower fragrance. However, to date, no systematic screening of lncRNAs and their regulatory roles in the production of the floral fragrance of jasmine flowers has been reported. In this study, we identified a total of 31,079 novel lncRNAs based on an analysis of strand-specific RNA-Seq data from J. sambac flowers at different stages. The lncRNAs identified in jasmine flowers exhibited distinct characteristics compared with protein-coding genes (PCGs), including lower expression levels, shorter transcript lengths, and fewer exons. Certain jasmine lncRNAs possess detectable sequence conservation with other species. Expression analysis identified 2752 differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE_lncRNAs) and 8002 DE_PCGs in flowers at the full-blooming stage. DE_lncRNAs could potentially cis- and trans-regulate PCGs, among which DE_lincRNAs and their targets showed significant opposite expression patterns. The flowers at the full-blooming stage are specifically enriched with abundant phenylpropanoids and terpenoids potentially contributed by DE_lncRNA cis-regulated PCGs. Notably, we found that many cis-regulated DE_lncRNAs may be involved in terpenoid and phenylpropanoid/benzenoid biosynthesis pathways, which potentially contribute to the production of jasmine floral scents. Our study reports numerous jasmine lncRNAs and identifies floral-scent-biosynthesis-related lncRNAs, which highlights their potential functions in regulating the floral scent formation of jasmine and lays the foundations for future molecular breeding.

WRKY Transcription Factors in Jasminum sambac: An Insight into the Regulation of Aroma Synthesis

WRKY transcription factors are one of the largest families of transcription regulators that play essential roles in regulating the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. Jasmine (Jasminum sambac), renowned for its aromatic nature and fragrant blossoms, possesses a significant abundance of volatile terpene compounds. However, the role of the WRKY family in terpene synthesis in jasmine remains undetermined. In this study, 72 WRKY family genes of J. sambac were identified with their conserved WRKY domains and were categorized into three main groups based on their structural and phylogenetic characteristics. The extensive segmental duplications contributed to the expansion of the WRKY gene family. Expression profiles derived from the transcriptome data and qRT-PCR analysis showed that the majority of JsWRKY genes were significantly upregulated in fully bloomed flowers compared to buds. Furthermore, multiple correlation analyses revealed that the expression patterns of JsWRKYs (JsWRKY27/33/45/51/55/57) were correlated with both distinct terpene compounds (monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes). Notably, the majority of jasmine terpene synthase (JsTPS) genes related to terpene synthesis and containing W-box elements exhibited a significant correlation with JsWRKYs, particularly with JsWRKY51, displaying a strong positive correlation. A subcellular localization analysis showed that JsWRKY51 was localized in the nucleus. Moreover, transgenic tobacco leaves and jasmine calli experiments demonstrated that overexpression of JsWRKY51 was a key factor in enhancing the accumulation of β-ocimene, which is an important aromatic terpene component. Collectively, our findings suggest the roles of JsWRKY51 and other JsWRKYs in regulating the synthesis of aromatic compounds in J. sambac, providing a foundation for the potential utilization of JsWRKYs to facilitate the breeding of fragrant plant varieties with an improved aroma.

Multi-mode heterodyne laser interferometry realized via software defined radio

The agile generation and control of multiple optical frequency modes combined with the realtime processing of multi-mode data provides access to experimentation in domains such as optomechanical systems, optical information processing, and multi-mode spectroscopy. The latter, specifically spectroscopy of spectral-hole burning (SHB), has motivated our development of a multi-mode heterodyne laser interferometric scheme centered around a software-defined radio platform for signal generation and processing, with development in an entirely open-source environment. A challenge to SHB is the high level of shot noise due to the laser power constraint imposed by the spectroscopic sample. Here, we have demonstrated the production, detection, and separation of multiple optical frequency modes to the benefit of optical environment sensing for realtime phase noise subtraction as well as shot noise reduction through multi-mode averaging. This has allowed us to achieve improved noise performance in low-optical-power interferometry. Although our target application is laser stabilization via SHB in cryogenic temperature rare-earth doped crystals, these techniques may be employed in a variety of different contexts.

Pyroelectric catalytic performance of Sm3+-modified Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 for organic dyes: degradation efficiency, kinetics and pyroelectric catalytic mechanism

The development of photocatalysis is hindered, in part, by the quick recombination of photogenerated carriers and the instability of light sources. In this study, the problem of too-fast electron-hole pair compounding in photocatalysis is effectively regulated by the polarization field of pyroelectric materials using the pyroelectric method. Self-polarized pyroelectric materials that depend on temperature variations can generate usable electrical energy and polarized charge carriers to degrade organic pollutants. Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) is a relaxor ferroelectric material with spontaneous polarization characteristics. The PMN-0.30PT:1 mol%Sm3+ catalyst was prepared by applying the high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Under the dark condition and nine cold-hot cycles of 23 °C-68 °C, using H2O2-assisted PMN-0.30PT:1 mol%Sm3+ as a catalyst, the degradation rate of rhodamine 6G (10 mg L-1) was 94.3 ± 2.5%. In addition, the degradation rates of 88.52% and 64.32% were obtained for rhodamine B (10 mg L-1) and methylene blue (10 mg L-1), respectively. This study provides a new approach to the pyroelectric catalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

Current research status of tumor cell biomarker detection

With the annual increases in the morbidity and mortality rates of tumors, the use of biomarkers for early diagnosis and real-time monitoring of tumor cells is of great importance. Biomarkers used for tumor cell detection in body fluids include circulating tumor cells, nucleic acids, protein markers, and extracellular vesicles. Among them, circulating tumor cells, circulating tumor DNA, and exosomes have high potential for the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of tumor diseases due to the large amount of valuable information on tumor characteristics and evolution; in addition, in situ monitoring of telomerase and miRNA in living cells has been the topic of extensive research to understand tumor development in real time. Various techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry, have been widely used for the detection of these markers. Among them, the detection of tumor cell markers in body fluids based on electrochemical biosensors and fluorescence signal analysis is highly preferred because of its high sensitivity, rapid detection and portable operation. Herein, we summarize recent research progress in the detection of tumor cell biomarkers in body fluids using electrochemical and fluorescence biosensors, outline the current research status of in situ fluorescence monitoring and the analysis of tumor markers in living cells, and discuss the technical challenges for their practical clinical application to provide a reference for the development of new tumor marker detection methods.

Assessment of fetal intraventricular diastolic fluid dynamics using ultrasound vector flow mapping

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of visualizing and quantifying the normal pattern of vortex formation in the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) of the fetal heart during diastole using vector flow mapping (VFM).

METHODS

A total of 36 healthy fetuses in the second trimester (mean gestational age: 23 weeks, 2 days; range: 22-24 weeks) were enrolled in the study. Color Doppler signals were recorded in the four-chamber view to observe the phase of the diastolic vortices in the LV and RV. The vortex area and circulation were measured, and parameters such as intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD), intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG), and average energy loss (EL_AVG) were evaluated at different diastolic phases, including isovolumic relaxation (D1), early diastole (D2), and late diastole (D3).

RESULTS

Healthy second-trimester fetal vortex formations were observed in both the LV and RV at the end of diastole, with the vortices rotating in a clockwise direction towards the outflow tract. There were no significant differences in vortex area and circulation between the two ventricles (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were found in IVPD, IVPG, and EL_AVG among the diastolic phases (D1, D2, and D3) (p < 0.05). Trends in IVPD, IVPG, and EL_AVG during diastole (D1-D2-D3) revealed increasing IVPD and EL_AVG values, as well as decreasing IVPG values. Furthermore, during D3, the RV exhibited significantly higher IVPD, IVPG, and EL_AVG compared to the LV (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

VFM is a valuable technique for analyzing the formation of vortices in the left and right ventricles during fetal diastole. The application of VFM technology has the potential to enhance the assessment of fetal cardiac parameters.

Prediction of synchronous distant metastasis of primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using the radiomics features derived from 18F-FDG PET and MRI

AIM

To explore the potential of the joint radiomics analysis of positron-emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of primary tumours for predicting the risk of synchronous distant metastasis (SDM) in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

18F-FDG PET and MRI images of PDAC patients from January 2011 to December 2020 were collected retrospectively. Patients (n=66) who received 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI were included in a development group. Patients (n=25) scanned with hybrid PET/MRI were incorporated in an external test group. A radiomics signature was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm to select PET-MRI radiomics features of primary PDAC tumours. A radiomics nomogram was developed by combining the radiomics signature and important clinical indicators using univariate and multivariate analysis to assess patients' metastasis risk. The nomogram was verified with the employment of an external test group.

RESULTS

Regarding the development cohort, the radiomics nomogram was found to be better for predicting the risk of distant metastasis (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.93, sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 85%) than the clinical model (AUC: 0.70, p<0.001; sensitivity:70%, specificity: 65%) and the radiomics signature (AUC: 0.89, p>0.05; sensitivity: 65%, specificity:100%). Concerning the external test cohort, the radiomics nomogram yielded an AUC of 0.85.

CONCLUSION

PET-MRI based radiomics analysis exhibited effective prediction of the risk of SDM for preoperative PDAC patients and may offer complementary information and provide hints for cancer staging.

Potential Predictive Value of Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Magnetic Resonance for Xerostomia of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Xerostomia, caused by radiation-induced parotid damage, is the most commonly reported complications of radiotherapy (RT) to nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to evaluate the value of IVIM MR in monitoring radiation parotid gland damage and predicting the risk of xerostomia.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 54 patients were enrolled and underwent IVIM MR scans at before RT, after the fifth fraction, halfway through the course of RT, and at the end of radiotherapy. The parameters of IVIM MR include pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (f), and pure diffusion coefficient (D). The degree of xerostomia in NPC patients was assessed before each MR examination using the acute radiation morbidity scoring criteria proposed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). Concurrently, the time when the patient first reported suffering from xerostomia was recorded. The IVIM parameters trend throughout the RT, and the relationships between IVIM parameters and xerostomia, were analyzed.

RESULTS

All of the IVIM parameters increased from pre-RT to post-RT significantly (all p < 0.001). The increase rate of D from pre-RT to halfway through the RT was 32.61%, which was significantly higher than 15.64% from halfway to post-RT (p<0.001), indicating that cell necrosis in the first half of treatment is significantly higher than that in the second half. Both D* and F had significantly increased from pre-RT to halfway through the radiotherapy (p<0.001), with an increase rate of 19.58% and 29.38%, respectively. However, no significant increase was observed from Halfway to post-RT (p>0.05), with an increase rate of 4.10% and 8.30%, respectively. This may be due to radiation-induced vasculitic dilation that is significant in the first half of the radiotherapy but plateaus in the second half. Pre-D (OR = 23.85; 95% CI = 2.39, 237.82; p = .007) and pre-D* (OR = 0.75; 95% CI = 0.63, 0.91; p = 0.003) are independent influencing factors for xerostomia at 3 months after the completion of RT. D and F were significantly higher after the fifth fraction compared with Pre-RT (both p<0.05), respectively increased 31.25% and 25.16%. D* increase by 15% (p = 0.081). IVIM scans can assess parotid gland damage early. And the average time of parotid damage underwent IVIM scan was 5.99 ± 0.84 (day), much earlier than 11.84 ± 2.74 (day) according to RTOG.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that IVIM MR can dynamically monitor radiotherapy-induced parotid gland damage, and much earlier and objectively than RTOG.

Fibulin-1 Regulates Initiation of Successional Dental Lamina

In humans, teeth are replaced only once, and the successional dental lamina (SDL) of the permanent tooth is maintained in a quiescent state until adolescence. Recently, we showed that biomechanical stress generated by the rapid growth of the deciduous tooth inhibits SDL development via integrin β1-RUNX2 signaling at embryonic day 60 (E60) in miniature pigs. However, the mechanism by which RUNX2 regulates SDL initiation within the SDL stem cell niche remains unclear. In the current study, we transcriptionally profiled single cells from SDL and surrounding mesenchyme at E60 and identified the landscape of cellular heterogeneity. We then identified a specific fibroblast subtype in the dental follicle mesenchyme between the deciduous tooth and the SDL of the permanent tooth (DFDP), which constitutes the inner part of the niche (deciduous tooth side). Compared with traditional dental follicle cells, the specific expression profile of DFDP was identified and found to be related to biomechanical stress. Subsequently, we found that RUNX2 could bind to the enhancer regions of Fbln1 (gene of fibulin-1), one of the marker genes for DFDP. Through gain- and loss-of-function experiments, we proved that the biomechanical stress-mediated RUNX2-fibulin-1 axis inhibits the initiation of SDL by maintaining SDL niche homeostasis.

Robust Radiosensitization by Combined Treatment of Cancer Cells with Talazoparib and Polθ Inhibitors

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The PARP inhibitor talazoparib is synthetically lethal with HR-defective tumors and functions as a potent radiosensitizer specifically of cancer cells. Talazoparib exerts this unique radiosensitizing property by shifting ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA double strand break (DSB) repair towards error-prone alternative end-joining (alt-EJ). DNA polymerase theta (Polθ, encoded by POLQ) is a key component of alt-EJ. Here, we tested the hypothesis that inhibition of alt-EJ with Polθ ablation or using specific small molecule inhibitors can further increase talazoparib-induced radiosensitization.

MATERIALS/METHODS

U2OS, A549, and their corresponding POLQ ablated/mutant cell lines were treated with talazoparib and/or Polθ inhibitors ART558/novobiocin prior to irradiation. siRNAs against CtIP, MRE11, EXO1; and a specific inhibitor of DNA2 were employed to suppress DNA end resection. Radiosensitization was assessed by clonogenic survival. Olaparib, rucaparib, and veliparib were also tested under similar conditions. DSB repair and end resection were measured by scoring γH2AX and RPA nuclear foci, respectively. Chromosomal abnormalities were assessed using G2-specific cytogenetics analysis.

RESULTS

Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of Polθ robustly enhanced talazoparib mediated radiosensitization by ∼40-70%. Notably, Polθ inhibition had a much lower effect (by ∼7-17%) when combined with other clinically used PARP inhibitors, olaparib, rucaparib, and veliparib. Polθ inhibition significantly suppressed talazoparib-induced translocation formation in irradiated cells. In addition, combined treatment with Polθ inhibitor and talazoparib attenuated DSB repair, resulting in ∼60% unresolved γH2AX foci and ∼40% unresolved chromatid breaks at 5h post IR. Talazoparib promoted resection of DNA ends as demonstrated by an increase in RPA foci. The resection process requires the activities of CtIP and MRE11, but not of DNA2 or EXO1. Finally, CtIP and MRE11 knockdown impaired radiosensitization following a combined talazoparib/Polθ inhibition treatment.

CONCLUSION

Talazoparib increases the reliance of irradiated cancer cells on Polθ-mediated alt-EJ owing to the increased CtIP/MRE11-dependent resection it produces. Combining talazoparib with Polθ inhibitors has therefore great potential in improving radiotherapy of human tumors.

Effect of MTA3 Inhibition of Glutamine Synthetase-Mediated Glutaminolysis on Radiosensitivity of Patients with Esophageal Cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Metastasis-associated protein 3 (MTA3) can serve as a tumor suppressor in many cancer types. However, the role of MTA3 in radiosensitivity of patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) remains unclear. We thus investigated the function of MTA3 in radiosensitivity for ESCC, one of the most common digestive cancers.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The colony formation assay and nude mice xenograft tumor assay were performed to investigate the effect of MTA3 on radiosensitivity in ESCC. Glutamine consumption assay kit and glutamate production assay kit were used to assess the glutaminolysis. Glutaminase (GLS) Activity Assay Kit and Glutamine Synthetase (GS) Activity Assay Kit were used to analyze the activity of specific metabolic enzymes dominate glutaminolysis. The regulatory mechanism of glutaminolysis by MTA3 was confirmed using Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay. The expression levels of MTA3 and GS in ESCC primary tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by log-rank test.

RESULTS

The colony formation assay showed that MTA3 depletion and overexpression caused significantly higher and lower clonogenic survival after different doses of irradiation (IR), respectively. When these cells were subcutaneously injected into nude mice, the tumors derived from the cells with MTA3 overexpression and MTA3 knockdown were significantly smaller and bigger after IR, respectively. These findings suggest that MTA3 can enhance radiosensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can repress and expedite glutamine consumption and glutamate production uniformly, respectively. To determine how MTA3 acts on glutaminolysis, the activity of two specific metabolic enzymes dominate this metabolism, GS and GLS, were evaluated. It found that overexpressed and knockdown MTA3 can restrain and enhance the activity of GS, respectively, but have less effect on GLS. Moreover, the decreased radiosensitivity mediated by MTA3 knockdown is significantly increased when treated with GS inhibitor, suggesting that GS plays a crucial role in MTA3-mediated radiosensitivity enhancement. Mechanistically, Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and Gaussia luciferase assay showed that MTA3 was recruited to the promoter of GS and suppressed GS transcription. However, knockdown of GATA3 abolished MTA3's repressive effect on GS and inhibited the MTA3's occupation on the promoter region of GS. These results collectively demonstrated that, in ESCC cells, MTA3 is recruited by GATA3 to inhibit GS expression, then ultimately represses glutaminolysis and enhances radiosensitivity. Finally, we showed that the ESCC patients in the MTA3low/GShigh group is significantly associated with shorter overall survival.

CONCLUSION

MTA3 is capable of enhancing radiosensitivity through downregulating GS and MTA3low/GShigh might be a potential prognostic factor for ESCC patients.

GAS5-inhibited hepatocyte pyroptosis contributes to hepatic stellate cell inactivation via microRNA-684 and AHR

Hepatocyte pyroptosis has been shown to be involved in liver damage progression. Previously, we found that growth arrest-specific 5 (GAS5) is a regulator of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. However, whether GAS5 plays a role in hepatocyte pyroptosis remains unclear. In this study, reduced GAS5 was shown in CCl₄-treated mice and restoration of GAS5-inhibited liver fibrosis in vivo. Hepatocyte pyroptosis participated in the effects of GAS5-inhibited liver fibrosis, associated with reduced caspase-1, NLRP3, and IL-1β (hepatocyte pyroptosis markers). Notably, AHR expression, a suppressor of NLRP3, was enhanced by GAS5. Silencing AHR inhibited GAS5-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis. GAS5 and AHR were targets of microRNA-684 (miR-684). In addition, the effects of GAS5 on hepatocyte pyroptosis could be inhibited by miR-684. Interestingly, GAS5-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis contributed to HSC inactivation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that GAS5 inhibits hepatocyte pyroptosis and HSC activation, at least in part, via regulation of miR-684 and AHR.

[Progress in the application of alveolar organoids in common lung diseases]

Organoids are tissue cultures formed by culturing cells in three-dimensional environments that simulate the physiological or pathological conditions of the human body. The cultivation of organoids is used to study the temporal and spatial transformation of cells during the development of tissues or organs, to investigate changes in cellular functions and inter-communications caused by various risk factors, and to discover potential therapeutic targets. This article provided an overview of the cultivation and identification methods of alveolar organoids, as well as the research progress in their application to common respiratory diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, viral pneumonia, and so on. The limitations and future applications of alveolar organoids are also analyzed and discussed.

Janus Silica Nanoparticle-Based Tumor Microenvironment Modulator for Restoring Tumor Sensitivity to Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy

An immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) with inadequate and exhausted tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic lymphocytes and abundant cellular immunosuppressors is the major obstacle responsible for the poor efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 (programmed cell death 1 and its ligand 1) immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. Herein, a Janus silica nanoparticle (JSNP)-based immunomodulator is explored to reshape the TME for boosting the therapeutic outcomes of αPD-L1 therapy. The designed JSNP has two distinct domains, namely, an ultra pH-responsive side (UPS), which could encapsulate PI3Kγ inhibitor IPI549 in the pore structure, and a polycation-grafted intra-glutathione (GSH)-sensitive side (IGS), which could absorb CXCL9 cDNA on the surface. The final IPI549@UPS-IGS-PDMAEMA@CXCL9 cDNA (IUIPC) could release IPI549 in weak acid TME to target myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to reverse negative immunoregulation and then release CXCL9 cDNA in tumor cells with abundant GSH for sustained CXCL9 chemokine expression and secretion to improve cytotoxic lymphocyte recruitment signals, thereby jointly restoring tumor sensitivity to PD-1/PD-L1 ICB therapy. As expected, the IUIPC-mediated TME remodeling during αPD-L1 therapy significantly ameliorated TME immunosuppression, as well as induced potent systemic antitumor immune responses, which ultimately achieved a robustly boosted antitumor efficacy proven by remarkable suppression of primary tumor growth, obvious prevention of tumor recurrence, and significant regression of abscopal tumors. Hence, the IUIPC-mediated TME-regulating strategy provides an enormous perspective for the improvement of PD-1/PD-L1 ICB therapy.

Van der Waals isotope heterostructures for engineering phonon polariton dispersions

Element isotopes are characterized by distinct atomic masses and nuclear spins, which can significantly influence material properties. Notably, however, isotopes in natural materials are homogenously distributed in space. Here, we propose a method to configure material properties by repositioning isotopes in engineered van der Waals (vdW) isotopic heterostructures. We showcase the properties of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) isotopic heterostructures in engineering confined photon-lattice waves-hyperbolic phonon polaritons. By varying the composition, stacking order, and thicknesses of h10BN and h11BN building blocks, hyperbolic phonon polaritons can be engineered into a variety of energy-momentum dispersions. These confined and tailored polaritons are promising for various nanophotonic and thermal functionalities. Due to the universality and importance of isotopes, our vdW isotope heterostructuring method can be applied to engineer the properties of a broad range of materials.

CDCA2 promotes melanoma progression by inhibiting ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Aurora kinase A

BACKGROUND

Malignant melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of malignant skin cancer. CDCA2 is of great significance in many tumours, but its role in melanoma is unclear.

METHODS

CDCA2 expression in melanoma samples and benign melanocytic naevus tissues was detected by GeneChip and bioinformatics analysis as well as immunohistochemistry. The gene expression in melanoma cells was detected by quantitative PCR detecting system and Western blot. Melanoma models with gene knockdown or overexpression were constructed in vitro, and the effects of gene knockdown or overexpression on melanoma cell phenotype and tumour growth were evaluated by celigo cell counting, transwell, wound healing, flow cytometry and subcutaneous nude mouse tumour models. GeneChip primeview, Ingenuity pathway analysis and bioinformatics analysis combined with co-immunoprecipitation, protein stability experiments and ubiquitination analysis were performed to demonstrate the downstream genes and regulatory mechanism of CDCA2.

RESULTS

CDCA2 was highly expressed in melanoma tissues, and CDCA2 level was positively correlated with tumour stage and poor prognosis. CDCA2 downregulation significantly reduced cell migration and proliferation by inducing G1/S phase arrest and apoptosis. CDCA2 knockdown suppressed tumour growth and Ki67 expression in vivo. Mechanistically, CDCA2 inhibited ubiquitin-dependent Aurora kinase A (AURKA) protein degradation by acting on SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1. AURKA downregulation inhibited melanoma cell proliferation and migration and promoted apoptosis. High expression of AURKA implied poor survival in melanoma patients. Moreover, AURKA knockdown constricted CDCA2 overexpression-induced proliferation and migration.

CONCLUSION

CDCA2, which was upregulated in melanoma, enhanced AURKA protein stability by inhibiting SMAD specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1-mediated AURKA ubiquitination, thus playing a carcinogenic role in melanoma progression.

DCATS: differential composition analysis for flexible single-cell experimental designs

Differential composition analysis - the identification of cell types that have statistically significant changes in abundance between multiple experimental conditions - is one of the most common tasks in single cell omic data analysis. However, it remains challenging to perform differential composition analysis in the presence of flexible experimental designs and uncertainty in cell type assignment. Here, we introduce a statistical model and an open source R package, DCATS, for differential composition analysis based on a beta-binomial regression framework that addresses these challenges. Our empirical evaluation shows that DCATS consistently maintains high sensitivity and specificity compared to state-of-the-art methods.

Ap-2β regulates cranial osteogenic potential via the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

The skull is a fundamental bone that protects the development of brain and consists of several bony elements, such as the frontal and parietal bones. Frontal bone exhibited superior in osteogenic potential and regeneration of cranial defects compared to parietal bone. However, how this regional difference is regulated remains largely unknown. In this study, we identified an Ap-2β transcriptional factor with a higher expression in frontal bone, but its molecular function in osteoblasts needs to be elucidated. We found that Ap-2β knockdown in preosteoblasts leads to reduced proliferation, increased cell death and impaired differentiation. Through RNA-seq analysis, we found that Ap-2β influences multiple signaling pathways including the Wnt pathway, and overexpression of Ap-2β showed increased nuclear β-catenin and its target genes expressions in osteoblasts. Pharmacological activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using LiCl treatment cannot rescue the reduced luciferase activities of the β-catenin/TCF/LEF reporter in Ap-2β knockdown preosteoblasts. Besides, transient expression of Ap-2β via the lentivirus system could sufficiently rescue the inferior osteogenic potential in parietal osteoblasts, while Ap-2β knockdown in frontal osteoblasts resulted in reduced osteoblast activity, reduced active β-catenin and target genes expressions. Taken together, our data demonstrated that Ap-2β modulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation through the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and plays an important role in regulating regional osteogenic potential in frontal and parietal bone.

[Long-term prevention and control effects of orthokeratology lenses designed for small treatment zones on children and adolescents with myopia]

Objective: To explore the characteristics of orthokeratology lenses designed for small correction zones and their effectiveness and safety in long-term prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents. Methods: It was a prospective cohort study that included myopic children and adolescents who received corneal reshaping treatment at the Qingdao Eye Hospital of Shandong First Medical University between January 2019 and May 2020. The patients were randomly divided into two groups using computer-generated randomization, and were fitted with corneal reshaping lenses with small treatment zones and conventional designs, respectively. The uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, refractive error, and axial length were measured before and after 6, 12, and 18 months of wearing the lenses. Corneal topography with the Pentacam was also performed, and the area and diameter of the corneal treatment zone were calculated using the Matlab software. Results: A total of 60 myopic patients (60 eyes) were enrolled, including 29 males and 31 females, with an age of (10.40±1.01) years and a spherical equivalent of (-2.88±0.42) D. There were 30 cases in the small correction zone group and 30 cases in the conventional group. There was no significant difference in uncorrected visual acuity and spherical equivalent between the two groups at each time point after treatment. The axial growth in the conventional group was (0.16±0.09) mm at 6 months after treatment, (0.28±0.17) mm at 12 months, and (0.37±0.20) mm at 18 months, whereas in the small treatment zone group it was (0.06±0.05) mm, (0.12±0.10) mm, and (0.18±0.14) mm, respectively. The myopia progression rate in the small treatment zone group was only 37.50%, 42.86%, and 48.64% of the conventional group at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. Corneal topography showed that the treatment area in the conventional group was (6.98±0.89) mm², while in the small treatment zone group it decreased by 23.2% [(5.36±0.73) mm²] (P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the axial increase after 18 months of lens wearing was negatively correlated with the age before lens wearing (P<0.05), positively correlated with the corneal surface treatment zone size (P<0.05), and not correlated with the pupil diameter and spherical equivalent (all P>0.05). After the shaping treatment, the rate of adverse reaction, which was mild, in both groups was 10%, and the symptoms disappeared. Conclusion: Orthokeratology lenses with smaller treatment zones can significantly reduce the rate of axial length growth in children and adolescents compared to lenses with conventional treatment zones, without compromising treatment safety.

Characterization of stemness features and construction of a stemness subtype classifier to predict survival and treatment responses in lung squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cancer stemness has been proven to affect tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in various cancers, including lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). We intended to develop a clinically applicable stemness subtype classifier that could assist physicians in predicting patient prognosis and treatment response.

METHODS

This study collected RNA-seq data from TCGA and GEO databases to calculate transcriptional stemness indices (mRNAsi) using the one-class logistic regression machine learning algorithm. Unsupervised consensus clustering was conducted to identify a stemness-based classification. Immune infiltration analysis (ESTIMATE and ssGSEA algorithms) methods were used to investigate the immune infiltration status of different subtypes. Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and Immunophenotype Score (IPS) were used to evaluate the immunotherapy response. The pRRophetic algorithm was used to estimate the efficiency of chemotherapeutic and targeted agents. Two machine learning algorithms (LASSO and RF) and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to construct a novel stemness-related classifier.

RESULTS

We observed that patients in the high-mRNAsi group had a better prognosis than those in the low-mRNAsi group. Next, we identified 190 stemness-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that could categorize LUSC patients into two stemness subtypes. Patients in the stemness subtype B group with higher mRNAsi scores exhibited better overall survival (OS) than those in the stemness subtype A group. Immunotherapy prediction demonstrated that stemness subtype A has a better response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Furthermore, the drug response prediction indicated that stemness subtype A had a better response to chemotherapy but was more resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). Finally, we constructed a nine-gene-based classifier to predict patients' stemness subtype and validated it in independent GEO validation sets. The expression levels of these genes were also validated in clinical tumor specimens.

CONCLUSION

The stemness-related classifier could serve as a potential prognostic and treatment predictor and assist physicians in selecting effective treatment strategies for patients with LUSC in clinical practice.

Influence of Different Implant Designs on Replacement of Four Teeth of The Posterior Free-end Edentulism: Three-dimensional Finite Element Analysis and Clinic Case Validation

BACKGROUND

With periodontal disease having an increasing incidence, mandibular free-end edentulism caused by periodontitis is clinically more common. Finite element analysis and clinical case reports were used to evaluate the influence of different designs on the load distribution of implant prosthesis in mandibular posterior free-end edentulism.

METHOD

A finite element model of a mandible with posterior free-end edentulism was established. Considering the implant position and selection of single crown repair or splint repair, four designs were conducted including model A: 3435×37(four-unit fixed bridge supported by three implants, implant positions were 34, 35, 37); model B: 34,35×37, (34: a single implant crown) (35×37: three-unit fixed bridge supported by two implants, implant positions were 35, 37); model C: 34×3637(four-unit fixed bridge supported by three implants, implant positions were 34, 36, 37); and model D: 34×36, 37(37: a single implant crown)(34×36: three-unit fixed bridge supported by two implants, implant positions were 34, 36). Stress distribution and the Von Mises stress value of the implants, the crown and the bone around the implants were analyzed at vertical and 45° inclined load.

RESULTS

Stress in the cortical bone was mainly concentrated around the implant neck, and maximum Von Mises stress (MVMS) of the four models was 11.6-16.1MPa at vertical load and 61.74-96.49MPa at 45° inclined load. Stress in the cancellous bone was concentrated around the implant base, and MVMS of four models was 3.075-3.899MPa at vertical load and 5.021-6.165MPa at 45° inclined load. Stress of the restoration crowns was mainly concentrated in the connector of the bridge, and MVMS of four models was 23.38-26.28MPa at vertical load and 53.14-56.35MPa at 45° inclined load. Stress of the implant interface was mainly concentrated on the surface of the smaller implants near the bridge, and MVMS of four models was 21.12-33.25MPa at vertical load and 83.73-138.7MPa at 45° inclined load.

CONCLUSION

There was favorable stress distribution of the four models at vertical load and 45° inclined load. Design of a three-unit fixed bridge combined with a partial crown may be an available option for devising patient treatment plans with mandibular free-end edentulism.

RNU12 inhibits gastric cancer progression via sponging miR-575 and targeting BLID

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major causes of cancer deaths with 5-year survival ratio of 20%. RNU12 is one of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulating the tumor progression. However, how RNU12 affecting GC is not clear. qRT-PCR was utilized for determining the RNU12 expression in cell lines, 113 cases of paired gastric cancer (GC) and their adjacent normal gastric tissues. The biofunction alterations of RNU12 were assessed by its overexpression or knockdown in GC cells. MTT and cloning assay were assayed for the cell proliferation, the flow cytometry for the detection of cell cycle and the wound healing assay (WHA) and transwell invasion assay (TIA) for examining the migration and invasion of cells. The expressions of a set of genes related proliferation and migration were investigated with the Western Blotting (WB). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), biotinylated RNA pull-down and dual luciferase reporter tests were used to detect the interactions of RNU12 with miR-575/BLID. The in vivo proliferation and migration ability of RNU12 infected cells were determined in zebrafish system. This study revealed that RNU12 inhibited proliferation, invasion and metastasis by sponging of miR-575 and regulating the downstream BLID and modulated EMT of GC cells. The RNU12/miR-575/BLID axis is likely to be the prognosis biomarkers and drug targets of GC.

[Burden of non-communicable diseases attributable to population aging in China, 1990‒2050]

Objective: The direction and intensity of population aging on the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in China from 1990 to 2019 were analyzed, and the burden of NCDs in 2050 was predicted. Methods: The disease-specific disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), and years lived with disability (YLDs) in the Chinese population from 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study.The differences in indicators from 1990 to 2019 were attributed to the contribution of age structure, population size, and all other causes. The Bayesian age-time-cohort models were used to predict DALYs from NCDs to 2050. Results: The absolute level of DALYs caused by NCDs increased by 7.460 million from 1990 to 2019, and the age structure contributed 186.0% (95% Uncertainty Intervals (UIs): 178.4%-193.6%), population size contributed 77.0% (95% UIs: 69.5%-80.8%), all other causes contributed -163.0% (95% UIs:-163.1%- -159.3%). DALYs caused by NCDs consist of 2.527 million YLLs and 4.934 million YLDs, in which the contribution of age structure to YLLs and YLDs was 414.6% (95% UIs: 396.2%-432.5%) and 69.1% (95% UIs: 66.7%-71.4%), respectively. From 2019 to 2050, the diseases with increased DALYs due to changes in age structure are cardiovascular diseases, neoplasms, chronic respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, sense organ diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, digestive diseases, mental disorders, and skin and subcutaneous diseases in descending order. Conclusions: From 1990 to 2019, except for skin and subcutaneous diseases, the burden of other NCDs attributable to population aging increased, mainly due to disability. By 2050, the burden of NCDsattributable to population aging will continue to rise.

Anti-inflammatory effect of Irisin on LPS-stimulated macrophages through inhibition of MAPK pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect of irisin on LPS-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages through inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. A network pharmacology-based approach, combined with molecular docking and in vitro validation were performed to identify the biological activity, key targets, and potential pharmacological mechanisms of irisin against LPS-induced inflammation. By matching 100 potential genes of irisin with 1893 ulcerative colitis (UC) related genes, 51 common genes were obtained. Using protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) and component-target network analysis,10 core genes of irisin on UC were further identified. The results of gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis showed that the molecular mechanisms of irisin on UC were mainly related to major enrichment in the categories of response to xenobiotic stimulus, response to the drug, and negative regulation of gene expression. Molecular docking results showed good binding activity for almost all core component targets. More importantly, MTT assay and flow cytometry results showed that LPS-induced cytotoxicity was reversed by irisin, after coincubation with irisin, the level of IL-12 and IL-23 decreased in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Irisin pretreatment significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT and increased the expression of PPAR alpha and PPAR gamma. LPS-induced enhancement of phagocytosis and cell clearance were reversed by irisin pretreatment. Irisin ameliorated LPS-induced inflammation by inhibiting cytotoxicity and apoptosis, and this protective effect may be mediated through the MAPK pathway. These findings confirmed our prediction that irisin plays an anti-inflammatory role in LPS-induced inflammation via the MAPK pathway.