Generation of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC, DVSi001-A) with a heterozygous mutation in KRAS (A209T)

Human varicose veins are commonly claimed to be responsible for lower limb symptoms. Mutation in KRAS gene has been implicated in various diseases, including cancers and vascular diseases. While little known about the novel mutation in KRAS gene and its contribution to the development of varicose veins. Here, we have generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line, which harboured a novel mutation in KRAS (c.209A>T) gene. This cell line provided a novel tool for understanding the mechanism of KRAS mutation in the pathogenesis of varicose veins.

Identification of Disulfidptosis-Related Genes in Ischemic Stroke by Combining Single-Cell Sequencing, Machine Learning Algorithms, and In Vitro Experiments

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a severe neurological disorder with a pathogenesis that remains incompletely understood. Recently, a novel form of cell death known as disulfidptosis has garnered significant attention in the field of ischemic stroke research. This study aims to investigate the mechanistic roles of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in the context of IS and to examine their correlation with immunopathological features.

METHODS

To enhance our understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of disulfidptosis in IS, we initially retrieved the expression profile of peripheral blood from human IS patients from the GEO database. We then utilized a suite of machine learning algorithms, including LASSO, random forest, and SVM-RFE, to identify and validate pivotal genes. Furthermore, we developed a predictive nomogram model, integrating multifactorial logistic regression analysis and calibration curves, to evaluate the risk of IS. For the analysis of single-cell sequencing data, we employed a range of analytical tools, such as "Monocle" and "CellChat," to assess the status of immune cell infiltration and to characterize intercellular communication networks. Additionally, we utilized an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model to investigate the effects of SLC7A11 overexpression on microglial polarization.

RESULTS

This study successfully identified key genes associated with disulfidptosis and developed a reliable nomogram model using machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of ischemic stroke. Examination of single-cell sequencing data showed a robust correlation between disulfidptosis levels and the infiltration of immune cells. Furthermore, "CellChat" analysis elucidated the intricate characteristics of intercellular communication networks. Notably, the TNF signaling pathway was found to be intimately linked with the disulfidptosis signature in ischemic stroke. In an intriguing finding, the OGD model demonstrated that SLC7A11 expression suppresses M1 polarization while promoting M2 polarization in microglia.

CONCLUSION

The significance of our findings lies in their potential to shed light on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, particularly by underscoring the pivotal role of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs). These insights could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting DRGs to mitigate the impact of ischemic stroke.

GJB2 Promotes HCC Progression by Activating Glycolysis Through Cytoplasmic Translocation and Generating a Suppressive Tumor Microenvironment Based on Single Cell RNA Sequencing

Despite substantial breakthroughs in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years, many patients are diagnosed in the middle or late stages, denying them the option for surgical excision. Therefore, it is of great importance to find effective therapeutic targets of HCC. In this study, it is found that Gap junction protein beta-2 (GJB2) is highly enriched in malignant cells based on single-cell RNA sequencing and higher expression of GJB2 indicates a worse prognosis. The localization of GJB2 in HCC cancer cells is changed compared with normal liver tissue. In cancer cells, GJB2 tends to be located in the cytoplasm and nucleus, while in normal tissues, GJB2 is mainly located on the cell membrane. GJB2 is related to glycolysis, promoting NF-κB pathway via inducing the ubiquitination degradation of IκBa, and activating HIF-1α/GLUT-1/PD-L1 pathway. In addition, GJB2 knockdown reshapes tumor immune microenvironment and Salvianolic acid B inhibits the activity of GJB2. In conclusion, GJB2 promotes HCC progression by activating glycolysis through cytoplasmic translocation and generating a suppressive tumor microenvironment. Salvianolic acid B inhibits the expression of GJB2 and enhances the sensitivity of anti-PD1 therapy, which may provide insights into the development of novel combination therapeutic strategies for HCC.

A forecasting model for suitable dental implantation in canine mandibular premolar region based on finite element analysis

In recent years, dental implants have become a trend in the treatment of human patients with missing teeth, which may also be an acceptable method for companion animal dentistry. However, there is a gap challenge in determining appropriate implant sizes for different dog breeds and human. In this study, we utilized skull computed tomography data to create three-dimensional models of the mandibles of dogs in different sizes. Subsequently, implants of various sizes were designed and subjected to biomechanical finite element analysis to determine the optimal implant size. Regression models were developed, exploring the relationship between the average weight of dogs and the size of premolar implants. Our results illustrated that the regression equations for mean body weight (x, kg) and second premolar (PM2), third premolar (PM3), and fourth premolar (PM4) implant length (y, mm) in dogs were: y = 0.2785x + 7.8209, y = 0.2544x + 8.9285, and y = 0.2668x + 10.652, respectively; the premolar implant diameter (mm) y = 0.0454x + 3.3506, which may provide a reference for determine suitable clinical implant sizes for dogs.

Dynamic Bubbling Balanced Proactive CO2 Capture and Reduction on a Triple-Phase Interface Nanoporous Electrocatalyst

The formation and preservation of the active phase of the catalysts at the triple-phase interface during CO2 capture and reduction is essential for improving the conversion efficiency of CO2 electroreduction toward value-added chemicals and fuels under operational conditions. Designing such ideal catalysts that can mitigate parasitic hydrogen generation and prevent active phase degradation during the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), however, remains a significant challenge. Herein, we developed an interfacial engineering strategy to build a new SnOx catalyst by invoking multiscale approaches. This catalyst features a hierarchically nanoporous structure coated with an organic F-monolayer that modifies the triple-phase interface in aqueous electrolytes, substantially reducing competing hydrogen generation (less than 5%) and enhancing CO2RR selectivity (∼90%). This rationally designed triple-phase interface overcomes the issue of limited CO2 solubility in aqueous electrolytes via proactive CO2 capture and reduction. Concurrently, we utilized pulsed square-wave potentials to dynamically recover the active phase for the CO2RR to regulate the production of C1 products such as formate and carbon monoxide (CO). This protocol ensures profoundly enhanced CO2RR selectivity (∼90%) compared with constant potential (∼70%) applied at -0.8 V (V vs RHE). We further achieved a mechanistic understanding of the CO2 capture and reduction processes under pulsed square-wave potentials via in situ Raman spectroscopy, thereby observing the potential-dependent intensity of Raman vibrational modes of the active phase and CO2RR intermediates. This work will inspire material design strategies by leveraging triple-phase interface engineering for emerging electrochemical processes, as technology moves toward electrification and decarbonization.

Clinical efficacy of endovascular revascularization combined with vacuum-assisted closure for the treatment of diabetic foot

BACKGROUND

The diabetic foot is a common cause of disability and death, and comorbid foot infections usually lead to prolonged hospitalization, high healthcare costs, and a significant increase in amputation rates. And most diabetic foot trauma is complicated by lower extremity arteriopathy, which becomes an independent risk factor for major amputation in diabetic foot patients.

AIM

To establish the efficacy and safety of endovascular revascularization (ER) combined with vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) for the treatment of diabetic foot.

METHODS

Clinical data were collected from 40 patients with diabetic foot admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from April 2018 to April 2022. Diabetic foot lesions were graded according to Wagner's classification, and blood flow to the lower extremity was evaluated using the ankle-brachial index test and computerized tomography angiography of the lower extremity arteries. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pumps were used to achieve glycemic control. Lower limb revascularization was facilitated by percutaneous tran-sluminal balloon angioplasty (BA) or stenting. Wounds were cleaned by nibbling debridement. Wound granulation tissue growth was induced by VAC, and wound repair was performed by skin grafting or skin flap transplantation.

RESULTS

Of the 35 cases treated with lower limb revascularization, 34 were successful with a revascularization success rate of 97%. Of these, 6 cases underwent stenting after BA of the superficial femoral artery, and 1 received popliteal artery stent implantation. In the 25 cases treated with infrapopliteal artery revascularization, 39 arteries were reconstructed, 7 of which were treated by drug-coated BA and the remaining 32 with plain old BA. VAC was performed in 32 wounds. Twenty-four cases of skin grafting and 2 cases of skin flap transplantation were performed. Two patients underwent major amputations, whereas 17 had minor amputations, accounting for a success limb salvage rate of 95%.

CONCLUSION

ER in combination with VAC is a safe and effective treatment for diabetic foot that can significantly improve limb salvage rates. The use of VAC after ER simplifies and facilitates wound repair.

M6A-mediated upregulation of lncRNA TUG1 in liver cancer cells regulates the antitumor response of CD8+ T cells and phagocytosis of macrophages

Tumor immune evasion relies on the crosstalk between tumor cells and adaptive/innate immune cells. Immune checkpoints play critical roles in the crosstalk, and immune checkpoint inhibitors have achieved promising clinical effects. The long non-coding RNA taurine-upregulated gene 1 (TUG1) is upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, how TUG1 is upregulated and the effects on tumor immune evasion are incompletely understood. Here, METTL3-mediated m6A modification led to TUG1 upregulation is demonstrated. Knockdown of TUG1 inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, increased the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and M1-like macrophages in tumors, promoted the activation of CD8+ T cells through PD-L1, and improved the phagocytosis of macrophages through CD47. Mechanistically, TUG1 regulated PD-L1 and CD47 expressions by acting as a sponge of miR-141 and miR-340, respectively. Meanwhile, TUG1 interacted with YBX1 to facilitate the upregulation of PD-L1 and CD47 transcriptionally, which ultimately regulated tumor immune evasion. Clinically, TUG1 positively correlated with PD-L1 and CD47 in HCC tissues. Moreover, the combination of Tug1-siRNA therapy with a Pdl1 antibody effectively suppressed tumor growth. Therefore, the mechanism of TUG1 in regulating tumor immune evasion is revealed and can inform existing strategies targeting TUG1 for enhancing HCC immune therapy and drug development.

Histamine-related genes participate in the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment and impact the immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma

Chronic inflammation is pivotal in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Histamine is a biologically active substance that amplifies the inflammatory and immune response and serves as a neurotransmitter. However, knowledge of histamine's role in HCC and its effects on immunotherapy remains lacking. We focused on histamine-related genes to investigate their potential role in HCC. The RNA-seq data and clinical information regarding HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). After identifying the differentially expressed genes, we constructed a signature using the univariate Cox proportional hazard regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses. The signature's predictive performance was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. Furthermore, drug sensitivity, immunotherapy effects, and enrichment analyses were conducted. Histamine-related gene expression in HCC was confirmed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A histamine-related gene prognostic signature (HRGPS) was developed in TCGA. Time-dependent ROC and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses demonstrated the signature's strong predictive power. Importantly, patients in high-risk groups exhibited a higher frequency of TP53 mutations, elevated immune checkpoint-related gene expression, and increased infiltration of immunosuppressive cells-indicating a potentially favorable response to immunotherapy. In addition, drug sensitivity analysis revealed that the signature could effectively predict chemotherapy efficacy and sensitivity. qRT-PCR results validated histamine-related gene overexpression in HCC. Our findings demonstrate that inhibiting histamine-related genes and signaling pathways can impact the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1/PD-L1. The precise predictive ability of our signature in determining the response to different therapeutic options highlights its potential clinical significance.

[Chronic hepatitis B: from "treat only if" to "treat all"]

The previous treatment criteria for chronic hepatitis B were based on the risk of complications occurring. International guidelines recommended treating only high-risk patients who developed complications, which was called the "treat only if..." strategy. Later, it was found that 33.5%~64.0% of the cases that developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) did not meet the treatment criteria of international guidelines, suggesting that the treatment criteria for chronic hepatitis B need to be expanded. Following this, the "treat only if..." strategy was replaced by the "treat all except..." strategy. The latter is to treat all except patients at very low risk of complications. The proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B who meet this strategy has risen from 10.3% to 26.5%~33.9%, but it is still far from the World Health Organization's proposed treatment target of 80%. Therefore, in an attempt to achieve the goal of eliminating hepatitis B by 2030, a "treat all" strategy has been proposed, wherein all chronic hepatitis B patients who test positive for HBV DNA should be treated as early as possible.

[Therapeutic strategies, practice, and prospect of a clinical cure for chronic hepatitis B in China]

Clinical cure (herein referred to as functional cure) is currently recognized as the ideal therapeutic goal by the guidelines for the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) at home and abroad. China has achieved significant results in research and exploration based on pegylated interferon alpha therapeutic strategies to promote the effectiveness of CHB clinical cure rates in clinical practice. The summary and optimization of clinical cure strategies in different clinical type classifications, as well as the exploration of clinical cure continuity and long-term outcomes, are of great significance for solving the current bottleneck problem and our future efforts in the developmental directions of clinical cure in CHB populations.

HDAC Inhibition Sensitize Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Lenvatinib via Suppressing AKT Activation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a deadly malignancy with limited treatment options. As a first-line treatment for advanced HCC, Lenvatinib has been applicated in clinic since 2018. Resistance to Lenvatinib, however, has severely restricted the clinical benefits of this drug. Therefore, it is urgent to explore the potential resistance mechanisms of Lenvatinib and identify appropriate methods to reduce resistance for the treatment of HCC. We identified SAHA, a HDAC inhibitor, to have effective anti-tumor activity against Lenvatinib-resistant HCC organoids by screening a customized drug library. Mechanism analysis revealed that SAHA upregulates PTEN expression and suppresses AKT signaling, which contributes to reversing Lenvatinib resistance in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, combinational application of Lenvatinib and HDAC inhibitor or AKT inhibitor synergistically inhibits HCC cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis. Finally, we confirmed the synergistic effects of Lenvatinib and SAHA, or AZD5363 in primary liver cancer patient derived organoids. Collectively, these findings may enable the development of Lenvatinib combination therapies for HCC.

RASSF4 Attenuates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Progression via Hippo Signaling and Suppresses Hepatocarcinogenesis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a dynamic chronic liver disease closely related to metabolic abnormalities such as diabetes and obesity. MASLD can further progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms underlying the progression of MASLD and further progression to liver fibrosis and liver cancer are unknown.

METHODS

In this study, we performed transcriptome analysis in livers from mice with MASLD and found suppression of a potential anti-oncogene, RAS association domain protein 4 (RASSF4). RASSF4 expression levels were measured in liver or tumor tissues of patients with MASH or HCC, respectively. We established RASSF4 overexpression and knockout mouse models. The effects of RASSF4 were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, histopathological analysis, wound healing assays, Transwell assays, EdU incorporation assays, colony formation assays, sorafenib sensitivity assays, and tumorigenesis assays.

RESULTS

RASSF4 was significantly down-regulated in MASH and HCC samples. Using liver-specific RASSF4 knockout mice, we demonstrated that loss of hepatic RASSF4 exacerbated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. In contrast, RASSF4 overexpression prevented steatosis in MASLD mice. In addition, RASSF4 in hepatocytes suppressed the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by reducing transforming growth factor beta secretion. Moreover, we found that RASSF4 is an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Mechanistically, we found that RASSF4 in the liver interacts with MST1 to inhibit YAP nuclear translocation through the Hippo pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings establish RASSF4 as a therapeutic target for MASLD and HCC.

Pharmacogenomic profiling of intra-tumor heterogeneity using a large organoid biobank of liver cancer

Inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity is a major hurdle in primary liver cancer (PLC) precision therapy. Here, we establish a PLC biobank, consisting of 399 tumor organoids derived from 144 patients, which recapitulates histopathology and genomic landscape of parental tumors, and is reliable for drug sensitivity screening, as evidenced by both in vivo models and patient response. Integrative analysis dissects PLC heterogeneity, regarding genomic/transcriptomic characteristics and sensitivity to seven clinically relevant drugs, as well as clinical associations. Pharmacogenomic analysis identifies and validates multi-gene expression signatures predicting drug response for better patient stratification. Furthermore, we reveal c-Jun as a major mediator of lenvatinib resistance through JNK and β-catenin signaling. A compound (PKUF-01) comprising moieties of lenvatinib and veratramine (c-Jun inhibitor) is synthesized and screened, exhibiting a marked synergistic effect. Together, our study characterizes the landscape of PLC heterogeneity, develops predictive biomarker panels, and identifies a lenvatinib-resistant mechanism for combination therapy.

LINC00869 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Metastasis via Protrusion Formation

Coordination of filament assembly and membrane remodeling is required for the directional migration of cancer cells. The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP) recruits the actin-related protein (ARP) 2/3 complex to assemble branched actin networks. The goal of our study was to assess the potential regulatory role exerted by the novel long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00869 on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. We used HCC cells to overexpress or knockdown LINC00869, analyzed patient data from publicly available databases and Cancer Hospital Affiliated with Zhengzhou University, and used a xenograft mouse model of HCC to study the molecular mechanism associated with LINC00869 expression. We found that high levels of LINC00869 expression were associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Next, we detected an interaction between LINC00869 and both WASP and ARP2 in HCC cells, and observed a modulatory effect of LINC00869 on the phosphorylation of WASP at Y291 and the activity of cell division control protein 42 (CDC42). These modulatory roles were required for WASP/CDC42 activity on F-actin polymerization to enhance membrane protrusion formation and maintain persistent cell polarization. This, in turn, promoted the migration and invasion abilities of HCC cells. Finally, we confirmed the role of LINC00869in vivo, using the tumor xenograft mouse model; and identified a positive correlation between LINC00869 expression levels and the phosphorylation levels of WASP in HCC samples. Overall, our findings suggest a unique mechanism by which LINC00869 orchestrates membrane protrusion during migration and invasion of HCC cells.

IMPLICATIONS

LncRNA LINC00869 regulates the activity of CDC42-WASP pathway and positively affects protrusion formation in HCC cells, which expands the current understanding of lncRNA functions as well as gives a better understanding of carcinogenesis.

Clinical Outcomes at 3 Years After Stenting for Thrombotic and Non-thrombotic Iliac Vein Compression Syndrome Patients

Iliac vein stenting for the treatment of iliac vein compression syndrome (IVCS) has been gradually developed. This article investigated the long-term patency and improvement of clinical symptoms after endovascular stenting for iliac vein obstruction patients. From 2020 to 2022, 83 patients at a single institution with IVCS underwent venous stent implantation and were divided into two groups: non-thrombotic IVCS (n = 55) and thrombotic IVCS (n = 28). The main stent-related outcomes include technical success, long-term patency, and thrombotic events. The technical success rate of all stent implantation was 100%. The mean length of hospital stay and cost were higher in the thrombotic IVCS group than in the non-thrombotic ICVS group, as well as the length of diseased vessel segment and the number of stents implanted were higher than in the control non-thrombotic group. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year patency rates were 85.4%, 80% and 66.7% in the thrombosis group, which were lower than 93.6%, 88.7%, and 87.5% in the control group (P = .0135, hazard ratio = 2.644). In addition, patients in both groups had a foreign body sensation after stent implantation, which resolved spontaneously within 1 year after surgery. Overall, there were statistically significant differences in long-term patency rate outcome between patients with thrombotic and non-thrombotic IVCS, the 1-, 2-, and 3-year patency rates in non-thrombotic IVCS patients were higher than those in thrombotic IVCS patients.

Alternative slaughter procedures: on-farm slaughter and transport system for broilers

This paper focuses on "alternative methods for initial broiler processing" and exploration of alternative processing including slaughter at the farm immediately after catching. On-farm slaughter and transport (FSaT) is envisioned as a mobile unit that stuns, slaughters, and shackles the broiler carcasses at the farm. A separate trailer-unit then transports the shackled broiler carcasses to the processing plant. Once at the processing plant carcasses are mechanically transferred into plant shackle lines and moved into processing. The hypothesis is that the FSaT approach will dramatically improve overall bird welfare and well-being by reducing live handling and eliminating live transport from the farm to the processing plant. In addition, ancillary impacts could include: improving yield efficiencies by eliminating dead on arrivals, potentially reducing water and energy consumption, reducing labor requirements at the processing plant with the elimination of live rehang, and offering an economically sustainable alternative. The FSaT approach represents a radical change from traditional processing, and its effects on poultry processing need to be evaluated. This paper presents results of experiments conducted at a commercial poultry processor to evaluate feather picking efficiency, carcass bacteriological loading, and meat quality for delayed processed carcasses.

Corrigendum: Unveiling the key genes, environmental toxins, and drug exposures in modulating the severity of ulcerative colitis: a comprehensive analysis

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1162458.].

Reactive high-spin iron(IV)-oxo sites through dioxygen activation in a metal-organic framework

In nature, nonheme iron enzymes use dioxygen to generate high-spin iron(IV)=O species for a variety of oxygenation reactions. Although synthetic chemists have long sought to mimic this reactivity, the enzyme-like activation of O2 to form high-spin iron(IV) = O species remains an unrealized goal. Here, we report a metal-organic framework featuring iron(II) sites with a local structure similar to that in α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases. The framework reacts with O2 at low temperatures to form high-spin iron(IV) = O species that are characterized using in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform, in situ and variable-field Mössbauer, Fe Kβ x-ray emission, and nuclear resonance vibrational spectroscopies. In the presence of O2, the framework is competent for catalytic oxygenation of cyclohexane and the stoichiometric conversion of ethane to ethanol.

Watching intense movies increase IOP of primary open angle glaucoma patients: A prospective study

PURPOSE

To investigate intraocular pressure (IOP) changes while viewing smartphone movies under artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring.

METHODS

In all, 48 subjects were recruited from the glaucoma clinic of Xianyou maternal and child health hospital from January 2018 to March 2020. The research consisted of three parts. In part 1, movies rated by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) were viewed via smartphones of various screen sizes under AI supervision for 90minutes, at a distance of 40cm. IOP and biological parameters including anterior chamber angle, Schlemm's canal (SC) cross-sectional area, heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) were measured and analyzed. In part 2, blue-blocking glasses (BB glasses) were worn to repeat the above experiments. In part 3, the efficacy of AI in decreasing attention loss was analyzed. In addition, results were analyzed to determine whether interval breaks, prompted by AI, prevented IOP from rising.

RESULTS

In part 1, the mean IOP of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) subjects' right eyes significantly increased by 4.828 and 4.974mmHg after watching R and NC-17 movies, respectively. In their left eyes, it increased by 2.876 and 5.767 after watching R and NC-17 movies, respectively. The maximum IOP difference was also increased by 4.782 and 4.510 on right and left eyes, respectively, after viewing NC-17 movies on a 6.1-inch screen. Furthermore, the SC became narrower, whereas heart rate, DBP and SBP increased in the POAG group. In addition, maximum IOP difference was significantly correlated with SC cross-sectional area, DBP and SBP in the POAG group. In part 2, symptom scores were improved by BB glasses; however, IOP was not decreased. In part 3, attention loss was significantly decreased by AI monitoring. On the contrary, AI also prevented IOP from rising via promoting interval rest.

CONCLUSION

Watching adult movies (NC-17) can significantly increase the IOP of POAG patients. AI can prevent IOP from rising by promoting interval rest when viewing NC-17 movies.

[Ten-year changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns of chronic hepatitis B in China: a CR-HepB-based real-world study]

Objective: To understand ten-year changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns of chronic hepatitis B in China. Methods: Patients with chronic HBV infection:demographic, virologic, hematologic, blood biochemistry, and antiviral treatment data were extracted from the China Registry of Hepatitis B (CR-HepB) database between 2012 and 2022 for descriptive statistics and change trend analysis. Multiple group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal Wallis H test, while counting data was compared between groups using χ (2) test. Results: A total of 180 012 patients with chronic HBV infection were included, with a median age of 40 years old, and a male proportion accounting for 60.2%. The HBeAg positive rate was 43.3%. Over time, the median age of new patients each year increased from 39 to 47 years, while the HBeAg positive rate decreased from 51.3% to 32.8%. The initial diagnosis of patients was mainly CHB (71.4%), followed by hepatitis B cirrhosis (11.8%), inactive HBsAg carrier status (10.6%), and chronic HBV carrier status (6.2%). Among the newly registered patients every year from 2012 to 2022, the proportion of hepatitis B cirrhosis remained stable, but after 2019, the proportion of CHB increased and the proportion of other diagnoses decreased. The proportion of patients with cirrhosis increased with age in different age groups, with 3.5%, 19.3%, and 30.4% in the < 40, 40-69, and≥70 age groups, respectively. The proportion of women in patients with cirrhosis also increased with age, from 16.1% in those < 30 years old to 44.3% in those≥80 years old. From 2012 to 2022, the proportion of patients receiving first-line nucleos(t)ide analog antiviral treatment increased year by year, from 51.0% in 2012-2013 to 99.8% in 2022. Conclusion: The CR-HepB registration data reflect the changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns in patients with chronic HBV infection in China over the past ten years and can thus provide a reference to promote hepatitis B diagnosis and treatment practice, as well as scientific research.

Unveiling the key genes, environmental toxins, and drug exposures in modulating the severity of ulcerative colitis: a comprehensive analysis

Background

As yet, the genetic abnormalities involved in the exacerbation of Ulcerative colitis (UC) have not been adequately explored based on bioinformatic methods.

Materials and methods

The gene microarray data and clinical information were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. The scale-free gene co-expression networks were constructed by R package "WGCNA". Gene enrichment analysis was performed via Metascape database. Differential expression analysis was performed using "Limma" R package. The "randomForest" packages in R was used to construct the random forest model. Unsupervised clustering analysis performed by "ConsensusClusterPlus"R package was utilized to identify different subtypes of UC patients. Heat map was established using the R package "pheatmap". Diagnostic parameter capability was evaluated by ROC curve. The"XSum"packages in R was used to screen out small-molecule drugs for the exacerbation of UC based on cMap database. Molecular docking was performed with Schrodinger molecular docking software.

Results

Via WGCNA, a total 77 high Mayo score-associated genes specific in UC were identified. Subsequently, the 9 gene signatures of the exacerbation of UC was screened out by random forest algorithm and Limma analysis, including BGN,CHST15,CYYR1,GPR137B,GPR4,ITGA5,LILRB1,SLFN11 and ST3GAL2. The ROC curve suggested good predictive performance of the signatures for exacerbation of UC in both the training set and the validation set. We generated a novel genotyping scheme based on the 9 signatures. The percentage of patients achieved remission after 4 weeks intravenous corticosteroids (CS-IV) treatment was higher in cluster C1 than that in cluster C2 (54% vs. 27%, Chi-square test, p=0.02). Energy metabolism-associated signaling pathways were significantly up-regulated in cluster C1, including the oxidative phosphorylation, pentose and glucuronate interconversions and citrate cycle TCA cycle pathways. The cluster C2 had a significant higher level of CD4+ T cells. The"XSum"algorithm revealed that Exisulind has a therapeutic potential for UC. Exisulind showed a good binding affinity for GPR4, ST3GAL2 and LILRB1 protein with the docking glide scores of -7.400 kcal/mol, -7.191 kcal/mol and -6.721 kcal/mol, respectively.We also provided a comprehensive review of the environmental toxins and drug exposures that potentially impact the progression of UC.

Conclusion

Using WGCNA and random forest algorithm, we identified 9 gene signatures of the exacerbation of UC. A novel genotyping scheme was constructed to predict the severity of UC and screen UC patients suitable for CS-IV treatment. Subsequently, we identified a small molecule drug (Exisulind) with potential therapeutic effects for UC. Thus, our study provided new ideas and materials for the personalized clinical treatment plans for patients with UC.

[Strengthening the study of chronic hepatitis E]

This paper summarizes the incidence, modes of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic hepatitis E.