Transketolase promotes MAFLD by limiting inosine-induced mitochondrial activity

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has a global prevalence of about 25% and no approved therapy. Using metabolomic and proteomic analyses, we identified high expression of hepatic transketolase (TKT), a metabolic enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway, in human and mouse MAFLD. Hyperinsulinemia promoted TKT expression through the insulin receptor-CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha axis. Utilizing liver-specific TKT overexpression and knockout mouse models, we demonstrated that TKT was sufficient and required for MAFLD progression. Further metabolic flux analysis revealed that Tkt deletion increased hepatic inosine levels to activate the protein kinase A-cAMP response element binding protein cascade, promote phosphatidylcholine synthesis, and improve mitochondrial function. Moreover, insulin induced hepatic TKT to limit inosine-dependent mitochondrial activity. Importantly, N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-siRNA conjugates targeting hepatic TKT showed promising therapeutic effects on mouse MAFLD. Our study uncovers how hyperinsulinemia regulates TKT-orchestrated inosine metabolism and mitochondrial function and provides a novel therapeutic strategy for MAFLD prevention and treatment.

Whole-volume diffusion kurtosis magnetic resonance (MR) imaging histogram analysis of non-small cell lung cancer: correlation with histopathology and degree of tumor differentiation

AIMS

To evaluate the role of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) histogram analysis in the characterization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to correlate DKI parameters with tumor cellularity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-four patients with pathologically diagnosed NSCLCs were evaluated by DKI on a 3-T scanner. Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the map of b1000 manually. All NSCLCs were histologically graded according to the degree of tumor differentiation. Tumor cellularity was measured by the nuclear-to-cytoplasm (N/C) ratio and the number of tumor cell nuclei (NTCN), the expression of Ki-67 was detected using the streptavidin-peroxidase method. Histogram analysis was performed using voxel-based on raw data from each ROI.

RESULTS

NSCLCs were classified as grades 1, 2, and 3 according to differentiation degree. Histogram parameters of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and DKI could discriminate between different grades of tumors (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that Kapp 75th exhibited the best performance with an AUC of 0.936 and sensitivity/specificity of 95.74%/80% (p<0.001) in distinguishing grade 1 from grade 2, ADC mean exhibited the best performance with an AUC of 0.923 and sensitivity/specificity of 92.33%/86.67% (p<0.001) in distinguishing grade 2 from 3. N/C ratio and Ki-67 changed significantly with grade (p<0.01). Negative correlations were found between the ADC mean and the N/C ratio, Ki-67, Dapp mean and N/C ratio, whereas Kapp mean and N/C ratio, Ki-67 were positively correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

DKI histogram analysis could quantitatively characterize NSCLC with different grades by probing non-Gaussian diffusion properties related to changes in the tumor microenvironment or tissue complexities in the tumor.

To characterize small renal cell carcinoma using diffusion relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient based histogram analysis: a preliminary study

PURPOSE

To study the capability of diffusion-relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging (DR-CSI) on subtype classification and grade differentiation for small renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Histogram analysis for apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was studied for comparison.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 61 patients with small RCC (< 4 cm) were included in the retrospective study. MRI data were reviewed, including a multi-b (0-1500 s/mm2) multi-TE (51-200 ms) diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) sequence. Region of interest (ROI) was delineated manually on DWI to include solid tumor. For each patient, a D-T2 spectrum was fitted and segmented into 5 compartments, and the volume fractions VA, VB, VC, VD, VE were obtained. ADC mapping was calculated, and histogram parameters ADC 90th, 10th, median, standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis were obtained. All MRI metrices were compared between clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and non-ccRCC group, and between high-grade and low-grade group. Receiver operator curve analysis was used to assess the corresponding diagnostic performance.

RESULTS

Significantly higher ADC 90th, ADC 10th and ADC median, and significantly lower DR-CSI VB was found for ccRCC compared to non-ccRCC. Significantly lower ADC 90th, ADC median and significantly higher VB was found for high-grade RCC compared to low-grade. For identifying ccRCC from non-ccRCC, VB showed the highest area under curve (AUC, 0.861) and specificity (0.882). For differentiating high- from low-grade, ADC 90th showed the highest AUC (0.726) and specificity (0.786), while VB also displayed a moderate AUC (0.715).

CONCLUSION

DR-CSI may offer improved accuracy in subtype identification for small RCC, while do not show better performance for small RCC grading compared to ADC histogram.

Low-voltage electrostatic field enhances the frozen force of -12 ℃ to suppress oxidative denaturation of the lamb protein during the subsequent frozen storage process after finishing initial freezing

The effect of low-voltage electrostatic field (LVEF) assisted -9 °C (LVEF-9) and -12 °C (LVEF-12) frozen, non-LVEF-assisted -9 °C (NLVEF-9) and -12 °C (NLVEF-12) frozen, and conventional frozen (CF-18, -18 °C) storage on the muscle microstructure and the oxidative denaturation of the lamb protein during the subsequent frozen storage process after finishing initial freezing was investigated. Compared with NLVEF-9, LVEF-9, and NLVEF-12, LVEF-12 maintained the better integrity of muscle microstructure, demonstrated by smaller holes, more complete Z-line and M-line, and no significant difference with CF-18 (P > 0.05). Furthermore, LVEF-12 effectively inhibited protein oxidative denaturation as shown by the lower carbonyl content, surface hydrophobicity, and higher total/active sulfhydryl groups and Ca2+-ATPase activity. Moreover, LVEF-12 effectively maintained the integrity of the secondary and tertiary structure of proteins, reduced cross-linking aggregation of proteins, and sustained better functional properties, as shown by higher α-helix content, fluorescence intensity, protein solubility, and lower R-value, disulfide bonds.

The mediating role of obesity in the development of depression in individuals with diabetes: A population-based study from NHANES 2005-2014

OBJECTIVE

Depression is one of the common manifestations of diabetes population, and previous studies have shown that there is a correlation between depression and diabetes. This study was conducted retrospectively through the large National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the risk of depression in different individuals with diabetes.

METHODS

We collected data on a total of 33,001 individuals in 5 cycles of NHANES and compared the incidence of depression in the individuals with diabetes, pre-diabetes or without diabetes groups after weighting. A weighted logistic review was used to assess the association between diabetes and depression at different BMI, sex, and age levels. Mediating analysis was used to assess the risk of depression in people with obesity-mediated diabetes. In addition, the non-linear relationship between BMI and depression at different factor levels was evaluated using restricted cubic strips (RCS).

RESULTS

Diabetes was significantly associated with depression in obesity, especially for female (OR: 1.45, 95 % CI: 1.20-1.75, P < 0.001) and young (

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significant correlation between diabetes and depression, and obesity as a mediating variable mediates the correlation between diabetes and depression. Especially in obese, young (age < 60) and women, the phenomenon is more pronounced.

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Key Words

• Depression
• Diabetes
• Mediating effect
• Obesity

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MESH Headings

• Adolescent
• Humans
• Female
• Middle Aged
• Nutrition Surveys
• Retrospective Studies
• Depression/epidemiology
• Body Mass Index
• Obesity/epidemiology
• Obesity/complications
• Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology

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The radiomics nomogram predicts the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with hepatic metastasis after chemoimmunotherapy

OBJECTIVE

To construct a prognostic model based on MR features and clinical data to evaluate the progression free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR) of pancreatic cancer patients with hepatic metastases who received chemoimmunotherapy.

METHODS

105 pancreatic cancer patients with hepatic metastases who received chemoimmunotherapy were assigned to the training set (n = 52), validation set (n = 22), and testing set (n = 31). Multi-lesion volume of interest were delineated, multi-sequence radiomics features were extracted, and the radiomics models for predicting PFS, OS and ORR were constructed, respectively. Clinical variables were extracted, and the clinical models for predicting PFS, OS and ORR were constructed, respectively. The nomogram was jointly constructed by radiomics model and clinical model.

RESULT

The ORR exhibits no significant correlation with either PFS or OS. The area under the curve (AUC) of nomogram for predicting 6-month PFS reached 0.847 (0.737-0.957), 0.786 (0.566-1.000) and 0.864 (0.735-0.994) in the training set, validation set and testing set, respectively. The AUC of nomogram for predicting 1-year OS reached 0.770 (0.635-0.906), 0.743 (0.479-1.000) and 0.818 (0.630-1.000), respectively. The AUC of nomogram for predicting ORR reached 0.914 (0.828-1.00), 0.938 (0.840-1.00) and 0.846 (0.689-1.00), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The prognostic models based on MR imaging features and clinical data are effective in predicting the PFS, OS and ORR of chemoimmunotherapy in pancreatic cancer patients with hepatic metastasis, and can be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients.

Protocol to visualize and quantify the COPII concentration and anterograde transport of nascent G protein-coupled receptors

Here, we present a protocol for visualization and quantification of the recruitment of newly synthesized G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to coat protein complex II vesicles and GPCR transport from the endoplasmic reticulum through the Golgi to the cell surface in the retention using the selective hooks assay. We describe steps for plasmid construction, cell transfection, transport synchronization, confocal microscope imaging, and quantification. This protocol is also applicable for studying the transport of non-GPCR cargoes. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Xu et al.1,2.

Management of intervenable factors to reduce vascular complications in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion treated by non-emergency endovascular treatment

Objective

This study aims to identify risk factors for vascular complications during non-emergency endovascular treatment in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) and to propose potential interventions.

Method

A retrospective analysis of 92 patients with ICAO who received non-emergency endovascular treatment in our center from 1 January 2018 to 31 June 2023, was conducted. The correlation between intraoperative vascular complications and potential risk factors was studied, and interaction analysis was performed.

Results

Our findings revealed that the use of non-neurology guide wires to open vessels (adjusted OR: 4.1, 95%CI: 1.3-12.8; p = 0.014) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5 mmol/L (adjusted OR: 3.2, 95%CI: 1.2-8.9; p = 0.023) was significantly associated with vascular complications in non-emergency endovascular treatment of ICAO patients. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) showed that the higher the HbA1c level, the higher the risk of vascular complications.

Conclusion

The use of non-neurology guide wires for vessel opening during non-emergency endovascular treatment in patients with ICAO increases the risk of vascular complications. Preoperative assessment and management of HbA1c levels can reduce the incidence of intraoperative vascular complications.

[Analysis of ultrasound images features and diagnostic model establishment of alveolar soft part sarcoma and intramuscular capillary-type hemangiomas]

Objective: The ultrasonography features of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) and intramuscular capillary-type hemangiomas (ICTH) were analyzed, and the diagnostic model of ASPS was established. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. The clinical data of 52 patients [28 males and 24 females, aged (20.7±15.1) years] with pathologically confirmed ASPS and ICTH admitted to People's Hospital of Henan Province from January 2005 to February 2023 were included in the study. According to pathological types, the patients were divided into ASPS group and ICTH group. Clinical data of patients were retrospectively collected, and meaningful indicators in the univariate analysis were included in the regression analysis for screening. After comprehensive consideration of clinical significance and statistical significance, eligible indicators were selected for inclusion in the regression analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to screen the factors that distinguished the pathological types of ASPS and ICTH, and the diagnostic model was established. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of the diagnostic model in distinguishing ASPS from ICTH. Results: There were 20 patients in ASPS group, 10 males and 10 females, aged (26.9±13.5) years, and 32 patients in ICTH group, 18 males and 14 females, aged (16.8±15.0) years. The age difference between the ASPS group and the ICTH group was statistically significant (P<0.05), and there were statistically significant differences in the ultrasound imaging features of "clear boundary" "peripheral lobe" "thin blood vessels inside the lesion are straight and out of shape" "intra-lesion liquification" "peripheral thick blood vessels" and "peripheral muscle fiber disruption" between the two groups (all P<0.001).Variables with clinical and statistical significance were selected as independent variables. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that peripheral muscle fiber interruption (OR=97.358, 95%CI:6.833-1 387.249) and internal thin blood vessels were flat and out of shape (OR=0.052, 95%CI:0.003-0.921) was the correlation factor to distinguish the pathological types of ASPS and ICTH. Two ultrasonic image features of "peripheral muscle fiber interruption" and "internal thin blood vessels are straight and out of shape" were used to establish the diagnostic model. The sensitivity of "peripheral muscle fiber interruption" diagnostic model was 81.3%, and the specificity was 95.0%. The AUC was 0.811(95%CI: 0.761-0.954). The sensitivity, specificity and AUC of the diagnosis model of "internal thin vessels with flat misshape" were 90.0%, 96.9% and 0.934(95%CI: 0.830-0.984). The sensitivity, specificity and AUC of the combined diagnosis model of "peripheral muscle fiber interruption" and "internal thin blood vessel straight out of shape" were 96.9%, 90.0% and 0.974(95%CI:0.877-0.999). Conclusion: Ultrasonography can be used to distinguish ASPS from ICTH, and the combined diagnostic model based on the two ultrasonic imaging features of "peripheral muscle fiber interruption" and "internal thin blood vessel straight out of shape" can further improve the diagnostic efficiency.

The Effect of Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Maillard Reaction on the Flavor of Chicken Osteopontin

To reveal the changes in the flavor quality of chicken osteopontin (CO) before and after enzymatic hydrolysis and a thermal reaction, the present study was carried out to evaluate the volatile compounds and non-volatile compounds in CO. The results show that the chicken boneset enzymatic solution (CBES) presented a notably richer aroma after the enzymatic hydrolysis treatment. At the same time, the concentrations of the total free amino acids (FAAs) and 5'-nucleotides in the CBES increased dramatically. The ERP (enzymatic reaction paste) scores and the ORC (osteopontin reactive cream) scores were exceptionally high in terms of the umami and salty flavor profiles. As precursors, FAAs and 5'-nucleotides also boosted the Maillard reaction, leading to the generation of wide volatile compounds. Compared to CO, CBES, and ORC, the sensory evaluation showed that ERP scored the highest. In summary, the enzymatic hydrolysis treatment coupled with the Maillard reaction significantly enhanced the flavor profile of CO. These findings offer valuable insights into the high-value utilization of bone by-products, making a significant advancement in the field.

Segregation of nascent GPCRs in the ER-to-Golgi transport by CCHCR1 via direct interaction

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of cell surface signaling proteins that share a common structural topology. When compared with agonist-induced internalization, how GPCRs are sorted and delivered to functional destinations after synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is much less well understood. Here, we demonstrate that depletion of coiled-coil α-helical rod protein 1 (CCHCR1) by siRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 significantly inhibits surface expression and signaling of α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR; also known as ADRA2A), without affecting α2B-AR. Further studies show that CCHCR1 depletion specifically impedes α2A-AR export from the ER to the Golgi, but not from the Golgi to the surface. We also demonstrate that CCHCR1 selectively interacts with α2A-AR. The interaction is mediated through multiple domains of both proteins and is ionic in nature. Moreover, mutating CCHCR1-binding motifs significantly attenuates ER-to-Golgi export, surface expression and signaling of α2A-AR. Collectively, these data reveal a novel function for CCHCR1 in intracellular protein trafficking, indicate that closely related GPCRs can be sorted into distinct ER-to-Golgi transport routes by CCHCR1 via direct interaction, and provide important insights into segregation and anterograde delivery of nascent GPCR members.

Grading Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Grade Using Diffusion Relaxation Correlated MR Spectroscopic Imaging

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of RCC, and accurate grading is crucial for prognosis and treatment selection. Biopsy is the reference standard for grading, but MRI methods can improve and complement the grading procedure.

PURPOSE

Assess the performance of diffusion relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging (DR-CSI) in grading ccRCC.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective.

SUBJECTS

79 patients (age: 58.1 +/- 11.5 years; 55 male) with ccRCC confirmed by histopathology (grade 1, 7; grade 2, 45; grade 3, 18; grade 4, 9) following surgery.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

3.0 T MRI scanner. DR-CSI with a diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging sequence and T2-mapping with a multi-echo spin echo sequence.

ASSESSMENT

DR-CSI results were analyzed for the solid tumor regions of interest using spectrum segmentation with five sub-region volume fraction metrics (VA , VB , VC , VD , and VE ). The regulations for spectrum segmentation were determined based on the D-T2 spectra of distinct macro-components. Tumor size, voxel-wise T2, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were obtained. Histopathology assessed tumor grade (G1-G4) for each case.

STATISTICAL TESTS

One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman's correlation (coefficient, rho), multivariable logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and DeLong's test. Significance criteria: P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in ADC, T2, DR-CSI VB , and VD among the ccRCC grades. Correlations were found for ccRCC grade to tumor size (rho = 0.419), age (rho = 0.253), VB (rho = 0.553) and VD (rho = -0.378). AUC of VB was slightly larger than ADC in distinguishing low-grade (G1-G2) from high-grade (G3-G4) ccRCC (0.801 vs. 0.762, P = 0.406) and G1 from G2 to G4 (0.796 vs. 0.647, P = 0.175), although not significant. Combining VB , VD , and VE had better diagnostic performance than combining ADC and T2 for differentiating G1 from G2-G4 (AUC: 0.814 vs 0.643).

DATA CONCLUSION

DR-CSI parameters are correlated with ccRCC grades, and may help to differentiate ccRCC grades.

EVIDENCE LEVEL

2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Quantitative CT features on admission combined with laboratory biomarkers for predicting severe acute pancreatitis

AIM

To assess the association of quantitative computed tomography (CT) features on admission with acute pancreatitis (AP) severity, and to explore the performance of combined CT and laboratory markers for predicting severe AP (SAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 208 AP patients were reviewed retrospectively. Pancreas volume, the area of extrapancreatic inflammation, extrapancreatic fluid collection volume, and number were calculated based on CT images on admission. Laboratory biomarkers within 24 h of admission were collected. Interobserver agreement for CT measurements was measured by calculating interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The associations of quantitative CT features with AP severity were evaluated. Predictive models for SAP were constructed based on CT and laboratory markers. Performances of single marker and the models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC).

RESULTS

Pancreas volume, area of extrapancreatic inflammation, extrapancreatic fluid collection volume, and number were significantly different between severe and non-severe AP groups. In predicting SAP, the AUCs of quantitative CT indicators ranged from 0.72 to 0.79; the AUCs of laboratory biomarkers were between 0.53 and 0.66. The combined model of area of extrapancreatic inflammation, serum calcium, and haematocrit yielded an AUC of 0.84, significantly higher than that of the laboratory model, single CT, or laboratory marker. Interobserver agreements for quantitative CT indicators were excellent, with ICC ranging from 0.91 to 0.98.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative CT features on admission were significantly associated with AP severity; the combination of extrapancreatic inflammation area, serum calcium, and haematocrit could be taken as a new method for predicting SAP.

To What Extent Do Low-Voltage Electrostatic Fields Play a Role in the Physicochemical Properties of Pork during Freezing and Storage?

Low-voltage electrostatic fields (LVEF) are recognized as a new technology that can improve the quality of frozen meat. To determine the extent to which LVEF assistance affects the quality of frozen pork for long-term storage, pork was frozen and stored at -18 and -38 °C for up to 5 months. Water-holding capacity, muscle microstructure, and protein properties were investigated after up to 5 months of frozen storage with and without LVEF assistance. In comparison to traditional -18 and -38 °C frozen storage, LVEF treatment inhibited water migration during frozen storage and thawing. As a result, thawing losses were reduced by 15.97% (-18 °C) and 3.38% (-38 °C) in LVEF-assisted compared to conventional freezing methods. LVEF helped to maintain the muscle fiber microstructure and reduce muscle protein denaturation by miniaturizing ice crystal formation by freezing. As a result of this study, LVEF is more suitable for freezing or short-term frozen storage, while a lower temperature plays a more significant role in long-term frozen storage.

Investigation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma grades using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging with optimized spatial-spectrum analysis

OBJECTIVES

To differentiate high-grade from low-grade clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) using diffusion-relaxation correlation spectroscopic imaging (DR-CSI) spectra in an equal separating analysis.

METHODS

Eighty patients with 86 pathologically confirmed ccRCCs who underwent DR-CSI were enrolled. Two radiologists delineated the region of interest. The spectrum was derived based on DR-CSI and was further segmented into multiple equal subregions from 2*2 to 9*9. The agreement between the 2 radiologists was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Logistic regression was used to establish the regression model for differentiation, and 5-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate its accuracy. McNemar's test was used to compare the diagnostic performance between equipartition models and the traditional parameters, including the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and T2 value.

RESULTS

The inter-reader agreement decreased as the divisions in the equipartition model increased (overall ICC ranged from 0.859 to 0.920). The accuracy increased from the 2*2 to 9*9 equipartition model (0.68 for 2*2, 0.69 for 3*3 and 4*4, 0.70 for 5*5, 0.71 for 6*6, 0.78 for 7*7, and 0.75 for 8*8 and 9*9). The equipartition models with divisions >7*7 were significantly better than ADC and T2 (vs ADC: P = .002-.008; vs T2: P = .001-.004).

CONCLUSIONS

The equipartition method has the potential to analyse the DR-CSI spectrum and discriminate between low-grade and high-grade ccRCC.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

The evaluation of DR-CSI relies on prior knowledge, and how to assess the spectrum derived from DR-CSI without prior knowledge has not been well studied.

Minocycline hydrochloride ointment combined with Vitapex paste is effective for middle-aged and elderly patients with combined periodontal-endodontic lesions

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to determine the efficacy of minocycline hydrochloride ointment (MHO) combined with Vitapex paste on middle-aged and elderly patients with combined periodontal-endodontic lesions (CPELs) and its effect on the inflammatory factors.

METHODS

The data of 88 elderly patients with CPELs treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University from March 2020 to March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, the patients treated with MHO and iodoform zinc oxide clove oil paste were assigned into the control group (n = 42) and the rest of the patients treated by MHO and Vitapex paste were assigned to the study group (n = 46). The inflammatory factors, periodontal indexes and efficacy were determined and compared between the two groups. The MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) was adopted to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients before and after treatment. Additionally, the adverse reactions of the two groups during treatment were analyzed and compared. The prognosis of the two groups of patients was analysed, and factors impacting their prognosis was analysed through the Logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Before treatment, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were not significantly different between the two groups (all P > 0.05), while after treatment, these levels in both groups decreased significantly, with notably lower levels in the study group than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Before treatment, the gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PD) and bleeding index (BD) of the two groups were similar (all P > 0.05); however, after treatment, the levels of GI, PD, PLI and BI of both groups decreased significantly (all P < 0.05), with more notable decreases in the study group than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). The study group showed a significantly higher overall response rate than the control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, the SF-36 scores of the two groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05), while after treatment, both groups had significantly increased SF-36 scores, and the score in study group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the incidence of adverse reactions was not notably different between the two groups (P > 0.05). According to univariate analysis, age, dental lesion grade, course of disease, and persistent dull pain were the risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients. According to multivariate analysis, dental lesion grade was the independent risk factor affecting the prognosis.

CONCLUSION

MHO combined with Vitapex paste is effective for middle-aged and elderly patients with CPELs, which can effectively inhibit the patients' inflammatory reaction and improve their periodontal condition and QoL, with a low adverse reaction rate, so it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Diamond-Like Carbon: A Surface for Extreme, High-Wear Environments

In this study, we present an in-depth characterization of a diamond-like carbon (DLC) film, using a range of techniques to understand the structure and chemistry of the film both in the interior and particularly at the DLC/air surface and DLC/liquid interface. The DLC film is found to be a combination of sp2 and sp3 carbon, with significant oxygen present at the surface. The oxygen seems to be present as OH groups, making the DLC somewhat hydrophilic. Quartz-Crystal Microbalance (QCM) isotherms and complementary neutron reflectivity data indicate significant adsorption of a model additive, bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) surfactant, onto the DLC from water solutions and indicate the adsorbed film is a bilayer. This initial study of the structure and composition of a model surfactant is intended to give a clearer insight into how DLC and additives function as antiwear systems.

Beyond Vision: A View from Eye to Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

With the aging of the global population, the health care burden of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia is considered to increase dramatically in the coming decades. Given the insufficiency of effective interventions for AD and dementia, clinical research on identifying potentially modifiable risk factors and early diagnostic biomarkers becomes a public health priority. Currently, extracerebral manifestations with a large proportion of ocular involvement are usually recognized to precede the symptoms of AD and dementia. Growing epidemiologic evidence also suggests that eye disorders, such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and so on, are closely associated with and even have a higher incidence of AD and dementia. The eye, as an extension of the central nervous system, therefore has the potential to provide a feasible approach to detecting structural and functional abnormalities of the brain. Numerous new imaging modalities are developed and give novel insights into the detection of several neurodegenerative, vascular, neuropathological, and other ocular abnormalities of AD and dementia in scientific research and clinical application. This review provides an overview of the epidemiologic associations between eye disorders and AD or dementia and summarizes the recent advances in ocular examinations and techniques employed for the detection of AD and dementia. With more brain-and-eye interconnections being identified, the eye is becoming a noninvasive and easily accessible window for the early diagnosis and prevention of AD and dementia.

Factors influencing the detection rate of fumarate peak in 1H MR spectroscopy of fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma at 3 T MRI

AIM

To identify factors that may be associated with fumarate detection rate in 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in fumarate hydratase-deficient renal cell carcinoma (FH-RCC).

MATERIALS AND MEHODS

Between February 2018 and March 2022, 16 FH-RCC patients with 30 lesions underwent 1H-MRS. Detection results were classified as having a detected fumarate peak (n=12), undetected peak (n=10), or technical failure (n=8). Factors including tumour size, tumour location, treatment history, and metastasis status were collected and analysed. A Bayesian logistic regression model was applied to evaluate the association between these factors and the detection result.

RESULTS

Bayesian analysis demonstrated significant associations between fumarate detection results and the following factors: long-axis diameter (odds ratio [OR] of 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI] of 1.07-2.53), short-axis diameter (OR of 1.90; 95% CI of 1.19-3.06), voxel size (OR of 2.85; 95% CI of 1.70-4.75), treatment history (OR of 0.35; 95% CI of 0.21-0.58), non-metastatic state (OR of 2.45; 95% CI of 1.48-4.06), and lymph node metastasis (OR of 0.35; 95% CI of 0.21-0.58). Technical failure results were associated with factors such as treatment history (OR of 2.59; 95% CI of 1.37-4.66), non-metastatic state (OR of 0.36; 95% CI of 0.19-0.66), and lymph node metastasis (OR of 2.61; 95% CI of 1.39-4.74).

CONCLUSION

Tumour size, treatment history, and metastasis character were associated with the detection of abnormal fumarate accumulation. This finding will serve as a reference for interpreting 1H-MRS results and for selecting suitable scenarios to evaluate FH-RCC.

Design of a Single-Atom In-N3 -S site to Modulate Exciton Behavior in Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance

Rational tailoring of the local coordination environment of single atoms has demonstrated a significant impact on the electronic state and catalytic performance, but the development of catalysts beyond noble/transition metals is profoundly significant and highly desired. Herein, the main-group metal indium (In) single atom is immobilized on sulfur-doped porous carbon nitride nanosheets (In@CNS) in the form of three nitrogen atoms coordinated with one sulfur atom (In-N3 -S). Both theoretical calculations and advanced characterization investigations clearly elucidated that the single-atomic In-N3 -S structures on In@CNS are powerful in promoting the dissociation of excitons into more free carriers as well as the charge separation, synergistically elevating electron concentration by 2.19 times with respect to pristine CNS. Meanwhile, the loading of In single atoms on CNS is responsible for altering electronic structure and lowering the Gibbs free energy for hydrogen adsorption. Consequently, the optimized In@CNS-5.0 exhibited remarkable photocatalytic performance, remarkable water-splitting and tetracycline hydrochloride degradation. The H2 production achieved to 10.11 mmol h-1 g-1 with a notable apparent quantum yield of 19.70% at 400 nm and remained at 10.40% at 420 nm. These findings open a new perspective for in-depth comprehending the effect of the main-group metal single-atom coordination environment on promoting photocatalytic performance.

Clonal hematopoiesis related TET2 loss-of-function impedes IL1β-mediated epigenetic reprogramming in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) is defined as a single hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) gaining selective advantage over a broader range of HSPCs. When linked to somatic mutations in myeloid malignancy-associated genes, such as TET2-mediated clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential or CHIP, it represents increased risk for hematological malignancies and cardiovascular disease. IL1β is elevated in patients with CHIP, however, its effect is not well understood. Here we show that IL1β promotes expansion of pro-inflammatory monocytes/macrophages, coinciding with a failure in the demethylation of lymphoid and erythroid lineage associated enhancers and transcription factor binding sites, in a mouse model of CHIP with hematopoietic-cell-specific deletion of Tet2. DNA-methylation is significantly lost in wild type HSPCs upon IL1β administration, which is resisted by Tet2-deficient HSPCs, and thus IL1β enhances the self-renewing ability of Tet2-deficient HSPCs by upregulating genes associated with self-renewal and by resisting demethylation of transcription factor binding sites related to terminal differentiation. Using aged mouse models and human progenitors, we demonstrate that targeting IL1 signaling could represent an early intervention strategy in preleukemic disorders. In summary, our results show that Tet2 is an important mediator of an IL1β-promoted epigenetic program to maintain the fine balance between self-renewal and lineage differentiation during hematopoiesis.

Roxadustat protects rat renal tubular epithelial cells from hypoxia-induced injury through the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

Roxadustat is used to treat renal anemia. The renoprotective effect of roxadustat needs to be further confirmed, and the mechanism of action is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the effect and mechanism of roxadustat in hypoxia-related nephropathy with the renal tubular epithelial cell line NRK-52E.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was employed to assess cellular proliferation in the current investigation. Flow cytometry was used to conduct cell apoptosis analysis. The utilization of electron microscopy facilitated the identification of changes in cellular ultrastructure. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression trend of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). The connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), Smad family member 3 (Smad3), p-Smad3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and HIF-1α were assessed by western blotting. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to measure TGF-β1 and Smad3 mRNA.

RESULTS

Significant growth inhibition and increased apoptosis were observed in NRK-52E cells cultured under hypoxic conditions (1% and 5% O2), which can be rescued by roxadustat. From a morphological perspective, it has been observed that roxadustat can counteract cellular damage features produced by hypoxia. These features include the contraction of the nuclear envelope and an increase in the formation of apoptotic bodies. Roxadustat increases HIF-1α expression acutely at 24 h, followed by a gradual reduction of HIF-1α expression to levels significantly below that of the hypoxia group by 72 h. Roxadustat can also inhibit hypoxia-induced increased expression of CTGF, TGF-β1, p-Smad3, α-SMA, collagen I, and HIF-1α. Combined treatment with roxadustat and siRNA against TGF-β1 synergistically reduced the expression of CTGF and HIF-1α, while the effect on TGF-β1 and p-Smad3 were comparable to that of the individual treatment alone. Comparably, the combined administration of roxadustat and siRNA targeting Smad3 had a synergistic impact on diminishing the expression of CTGF.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that roxadustat attenuates experimental renal fibrosis likely by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways, while its effect on CTGF and HIF-1α may involve other signaling pathways.

Sequence-directed concentration of G protein-coupled receptors in COPII vesicles

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) constitute the largest superfamily of plasma membrane signaling proteins. However, virtually nothing is known about their recruitment to COPII vesicles for forward delivery after synthesis in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, we demonstrate that some GPCRs are highly concentrated at ER exit sites (ERES) before COPII budding. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) and CXCR4 concentration are directed by a di-acidic motif and a 9-residue domain, respectively, and these motifs also control receptor ER-Golgi traffic. We further show that AT2R interacts with Sar1 GTPase and that distinct GPCRs have different ER-Golgi transport rates via COPII which is independent of their concentration at ERES. Collectively, these data demonstrate that GPCRs can be actively captured by COPII via specific motifs and direct interaction with COPII components that in turn affects their export dynamics, and provide important insights into COPII targeting and forward trafficking of nascent GPCRs.

Urinary Tumor DNA MRD Analysis to Identify Responders to Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer

PURPOSE

Bladder preservation is a viable option for some patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), but an effective noninvasive biomarker test to accurately identify promising candidates is lacking. Here we present the clinical application of a novel tissue-agnostic, urine-based minimal residual disease (MRD) assay in the neoadjuvant setting for personalized disease surveillance and actionable target identification to facilitate bladder-sparing treatment approaches.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The urinary tumor DNA (utDNA) analysis was evaluated in an investigator-initiated phase I trial RJBLC-I2N003 in which 20 patients diagnosed with resectable MIBC were treated presurgically with the PD-1 inhibitor toripalimab followed by radical cystectomy (RC).

RESULTS

We showed that neoadjuvant toripalimab therapy was feasible, safe, and induced a 40% rate (8/20) of pathologic complete response. Longitudinal utDNA profiling outperformed radiographic assessment and conventional biomarkers to predict the pathologic outcome of immune checkpoint blockade. In addition to detecting 3 exceptional responders with molecular MRD-negative status, we identified 7 other individuals characterized for utDNA response and 4 harboring FGFR3 mutants, all of whom (60%, 12/20) could have postponed or avoided RC.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant toripalimab, and suggest the immense potential of noninvasive utDNA MRD testing to guide tailored decision-making with regard to bladder preservation and change the current treatment paradigm for patients with MIBC.