Development and validation of a three-immune-related gene signature prognostic risk model in papillary thyroid carcinoma

PURPOSE

Increasing evidence indicates that there is a correlation between papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) prognosis and the immune signature. Our goal was to construct a new prognostic tool based on immune genes to achieve more accurate prognosis predictions and earlier diagnoses of PTC.

METHODS

The 493 PTCs samples and 58 tumor-adjacent normal tissues were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (TCGA). Immune genes were obtained from the ImmPort database. First, this cohort was randomly divided into training cohort and testing cohort. Second, the differentially expressed (DE) immune genes from the training set were used to construct the prognostic model. Then, the testing and entire data cohorts were used to validate the model, and the data were analyzed to determine the correlation of the clinical prognostic model with immune cell infiltration and expression profiles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes. Finally, an analysis of the gene ontology (GO) annotation was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 189 upregulated and 128 downregulated DE immune genes were identified. We developed and validated a three-immune gene model for PTC that includes Hsp70, NOX5, and FGF23. This model was demonstrated to be an independent prognostic variable. In addition, the overall immune activity of the high-risk group was higher than that of the low-risk group.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a three-immune gene model for PTC that includes HSPA1A, NOX5, and FGF23. This model can be used as a validated tool to predict outcomes in PTC.

[PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway in endocrine disrupting chemicals-induced apoptosis and autophagy of thyroid follicular cells]

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a kind of exogenous chemicals widely existing in the environment, which cause serious harm to the environment and human health. At present, the impact of this type of substance on the thyroid has attracted much attention.This review summarized the effects of EDCs on thyroid hormones, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) /protein kinase B (Akt) /mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway and its role in thyroid diseases, and explore the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in EDCs-induced apoptosis and autophagy of thyroid follicular epithelial cells.This paper could provide further understandings for thyroid diseases induced by the autophagy and apoptosis of thyroid follicular epithelial cells.

Fiber Length Distribution in Twin-Screw Extrusion of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Comparison between Shear and Extensional Mixing

New extensional mixing elements (EME) for twin-screw extrusion were applied to compound glass fibers (GF), carbon fibers (CF) or polyethylene terephthalate fibers (PETF) reinforced polymer composites with polymer matrix of polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene oxide (PEO) and the resulting fiber degradation upon processing was evaluated and compared with compounding via shear flow-dominated kneading blocks (KB). Composites structures were characterized in terms of fiber length and distribution, and cumulative length ratio, at five locations along the mixing zone. Although significant fiber breakage was achieved for both configurations, it was markedly lower in composites processed using the EME, because whereas the high shear stress kneading motion in the KB degrades fibers significantly, fiber breakup is significantly minimized by the alignment induced by the EME prior to flow in the high-stress regions.

Biodegradation of graphdiyne oxide in classically activated (M1) macrophages modulates cytokine production

Graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) is a carbon-based nanomaterial possessing sp² and sp-hybridized carbon atoms with many promising applications. However, its biocompatibility and potential biodegradability remain poorly understood. Using human primary monocyte-derived macrophages as a model we show here that GDYO elicited little or no cytotoxicity toward classically activated (M1) and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages. Moreover, GDYO reprogrammed M2 macrophages towards M1 macrophages, as evidenced by the elevation of specific cell surface markers and cytokines and the induction of NOS2 expression. We could also show inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-dependent biodegradation of GDYO in M1 macrophages, and this was corroborated in an acellular system using the peroxynitrite donor, SIN-1. Furthermore, GDYO elicited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a biodegradation-dependent manner. Our findings shed new light on the reciprocal interactions between GDYO and human macrophages. This is relevant for biomedical applications of GDYO such as the re-education of tumor-associated macrophages or TAMs.

Effects of sublethal concentration of metamifop on hepatic lipid metabolism in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Metamifop (MET) is an effective herbicide that has been extensively used in paddy fields. Previous research demonstrated that MET was highly toxic to zebrafish embryos, and this threat has caused great concern; moreover, 0.40 mg/L MET elevated the hepatosomatic index (HSI) in adult zebrafish without lethal effect after 21 d of exposure. In this study, we further determined the detailed impacts of MET on adult zebrafish at sublethal concentrations (0.025, 0.10 and 0.40 mg/L). We found that 0.40 mg/L MET caused liver injury by increasing the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in plasma, the content of interleukin-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and mRNA expression level of genes associated with inflammatory response in liver of adult zebrafish. The hepatic triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid and fatty acid synthase levels were significantly elevated in 0.40 mg/L MET-treated group (1.55-, 2.20- and 2.30-fold, respectively), and the transcript of lipid accumulation-related genes (fabp10, fas, acc, chrebp, dagt2 and agpat4) were upregulated. Meanwhile, the total cholesterol content was decreased by 0.48-fold, bile acid level was increased by 2.44-fold, and levels of cholesterol metabolism-related genes (apoa-1a, hmgcra, cyp51, dhcr7 and cyp7a1) were increased, suggesting cholesterol metabolism disorder occurred in zebrafish. Furthermore, analysis of lipidomics revealed that 0.40 mg/L MET significantly increased the abundance of 91 lipids, which mainly belonged to TG lipid class and were enriched in pathways of glycerolipid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, etc. These results suggested that MET exposure at sublethal concentrations would induce hepatic inflammation and lipid metabolism disorders in adult zebrafish.

The Underlying Function and Structural Organization of the Intracellular Protein Corona on Graphdiyne Oxide Nanosheet for Local Immunomodulation

Nanomaterial-biology interaction is the critical step in the fate of biomedical nanomedicines, influencing the consequent biological outcomes. Herein, we present two-dimensional carbon-based nanomaterials-graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) nanosheets that interact with an intracellular protein corona consisting of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), inducing the reeducation of immunosuppressive macrophages. The interaction at the GDYO-STAT3 interface, driven by structure matching, hydrogen bonding, and salt bridges, simultaneously triggers the immune response in the tumor microenvironment, facilitating cancer immunotherapy. For the first time, our data reveal an interaction mechanism between the nanoparticle-protein interfaces inevitably formed inside the cells that determines the macrophage phenotype. Our results suggest that GDYO nanosheets could be applied for local immunomodulation due to their function and structural organization of the intracellular protein corona occurred inside macrophages.

Engineering a self-navigated MnARK nanovaccine for inducing potent protective immunity against novel coronavirus

Effective vaccines are vital to fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic. As a critical component of a subunit vaccine, the adjuvant is responsible for strengthening the antigen-induced immune responses. Here, we present a new nanovaccine that comprising the Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) of spike protein and the manganese nanoadjuvant (MnARK), which induces humoral and cellular responses. Notably, even at a 5-fold lower antigen dose and with fewer injections, the MnARK vaccine immunized mice showed stronger neutralizing abilities against the infection of the pseudovirus (~270-fold) and live coronavirus (>8-fold) in vitro than that of Alum-adsorbed RBD vaccine (Alu-RBD). Furthermore, we found that the effective co-delivery of RBD antigen and MnARK to lymph nodes (LNs) elicited an increased cellular internalization and the activation of immune cells, including DCs, CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes. Our findings highlight the importance of MnARK adjuvant in the design of novel coronavirus vaccines and provide a rationale strategy to design protective vaccines through promoting cellular internalization and the activation of immune-related pathways.

Multifunctional Graphdiyne-Cerium Oxide Nanozymes Facilitate MicroRNA Delivery and Attenuate Tumor Hypoxia for Highly Efficient Radiotherapy of Esophageal Cancer

Radioresistance is an important challenge for clinical treatments. The main causes of radioresistance include hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, the antioxidant system within cancer cells, and the upregulation of DNA repair proteins. Here, a multiple radiosensitization strategy of high-Z-element-based radiation enhancement is designed, attenuating hypoxia and microRNA therapy. The novel 2D graphdiyne (GDY) can firmly anchor and disperse CeO₂ nanoparticles to form GDY-CeO₂ nanocomposites, which exhibit superior catalase-mimic activity in decomposing H₂ O₂ to O₂ to significantly alleviate tumor hypoxia, promote radiation-induced DNA damage, and ultimately inhibit tumor growth in vivo. The miR181a-2-3p (miR181a) serum levels in patients are predictive of the response to preoperative radiotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and facilitate personalized treatment. Moreover, miR181a can act as a radiosensitizer by directly targeting RAD17 and regulating the Chk2 pathway. Subsequently, the GDY-CeO₂ nanocomposites with miR181a are conjugated with the iRGD-grafted polyoxyethylene glycol (short for nano-miR181a), which can increase the stability, efficiently deliver miR181a to tumor, and exhibit low toxicity. Notably, nano-miR181a can overcome radioresistance and enhance therapeutic efficacy both in a subcutaneous tumor model and human-patient-derived xenograft models. Overall, this GDY-CeO₂ nanozyme and miR181a-based multisensitized radiotherapy strategy provides a promising therapeutic approach for ESCC.

Molybdenum derived from nanomaterials incorporates into molybdenum enzymes and affects their activities in vivo

Many nanoscale biomaterials fail to reach the clinical trial stage due to a poor understanding of the fundamental principles of their in vivo behaviour. Here we describe the transport, transformation and bioavailability of MoS2 nanomaterials through a combination of in vivo experiments and molecular dynamics simulations. We show that after intravenous injection molybdenum is significantly enriched in liver sinusoid and splenic red pulp. This biodistribution is mediated by protein coronas that spontaneously form in the blood, principally with apolipoprotein E. The biotransformation of MoS2 leads to incorporation of molybdenum into molybdenum enzymes, which increases their specific activities in the liver, affecting its metabolism. Our findings reveal that nanomaterials undergo a protein corona-bridged transport-transformation-bioavailability chain in vivo, and suggest that nanomaterials consisting of essential trace elements may be converted into active biological molecules that organisms can exploit. Our results also indicate that the long-term biotransformation of nanomaterials may have an impact on liver metabolism.

Roton Excitations in an Oblate Dipolar Quantum Gas

We observe signatures of radial and angular roton excitations around a droplet crystallization transition in dipolar Bose-Einstein condensates. In situ measurements are used to characterize the density fluctuations near this transition. The static structure factor is extracted and used to identify the radial and angular roton excitations by their characteristic symmetries. These fluctuations peak as a function of the interaction strength indicating the crystallization transition of the system. We compare our observations to a theoretically calculated excitation spectrum allowing us to connect the crystallization mechanism with the softening of the angular roton modes.

The significance of Hashimoto's thyroiditis for postoperative complications of thyroid surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of the most common immune-mediated diseases. It makes thyroid surgery more complicated and difficult because there may be adhesions between the thyroid gland and surrounding structures. However, it is still controversial whether HT patients carry a high risk for postoperative complications of thyroid surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the significance of HT for the postoperative complications of thyroid surgery.

METHODS

A search for studies assessing the postoperative complication risks of HT patients compared with that of patients with benign nodules (BNs) was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Nine studies (20,118 cases, 1,582 cases of HT and 18,536 cases of BN) were identified, and the data from the relevant outcomes were extracted and analysed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the HT group and BN group in recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (RLNP) and permanent hypoparathyroidism (PHP). The rate of transient hypocalcaemia (THC) was significantly higher in the HT group (16.85%) than in the BN group (13.20%).

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis showed that HT only increased the risk of the postoperative complication THC compared to BN. Understanding the significance of HT in postoperative hypoparathyroidism after thyroid surgery would help clinicians perform sufficient preoperative (and postoperative) assessments and to optimise surgical planning.

Tumor-Associated Macrophage and Tumor-Cell Dually Transfecting Polyplexes for Efficient Interleukin-12 Cancer Gene Therapy

Interleukin 12 (IL12) is a potent pro-inflammatory chemokine with multifunction, including promoting cytotoxic T-cell-mediated killing of cancer cells. IL12-based cancer gene therapy can overcome IL12's life-threatening adverse effects, but its clinical translation has been limited by the lack of systemic gene-delivery vectors capable of efficiently transfecting tumors to produce sufficient local IL12. Macrophages inherently excrete IL12, and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major tumor component taking up a large fraction of the vectors arriving in the tumor. It is thus hypothesized that a gene vector efficiently transfecting both cancer cells and TAMs would make the tumor to produce sufficient IL12; however, gene transfection of TAMs is challenging due to their inherent strong degradation ability. Herein, an IL12 gene-delivery vector is designed that efficiently transfects both cancer cells and TAMs to make them as a factory for IL12 production, which efficiently activates anticancer immune responses and remodels the tumor microenvironment, for instance, increasing the M1/M2 ratio by more than fourfold. Therefore, the intravenously administered vector retards tumor growth and doubles survival in three animal models' with negligible systemic toxicities. This work reports the first nonviral IL12 gene delivery system that effectively makes use of both macrophages and tumor cells.

In vivo percutaneous permeation of gold nanomaterials in consumer cosmetics: implication in dermal safety assessment of consumer nanoproducts

The increasing emergence of nano-cosmetics in the marketplace provokes safety concerns with respect to percutaneous permeation and toxicity of nanomaterials inside the human body. In this study, in vivo percutaneous permeation and dermal safety of cosmetic cream containing Au nanosheets and extracted Au nanosheets from cosmetic creams are investigated with guinea pigs. Quantitative percutaneous permeation data suggests that Au nanosheets in cosmetic creams permeate into the skin epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layer after 10 d cutaneous exposure, but cannot enter the systemic circulation. However, more Au nanosheets are accumulated in the skin and the permeation of Au nanosheets increased after embedded into the cream matrix. Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SRXRF) imaging reveals that Au nanosheets in cosmetics penetrate mainly through hair follicles in a time-dependent manner. Cosmetic creams rather than extracted Au nanosheets decrease the cell viability of keratinocytes and slightly induce apoptosis/necrosis of keratinocytes and skin dermal fibroblasts. Intriguingly, the growth of hair is inhibited by the cosmetic cream and the extracted Au nanosheets revealed by HE staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. Altogether this study provides insights into the comprehensive understanding of percutaneous permeation and dermal safety of cosmetic creams containing Au nanosheets. This work provides reliable methods to study the skin permeation, biodistribution, and dermal safety of nano-cosmetics and reminds the community of the crucial need to combine the assays at molecular, cellular, and organ levels in nanotoxicology research.

Few-Layer Bismuthene for Checkpoint Knockdown Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy with Rapid Clearance and Sequentially Triggered One-for-All Strategy

As a conceptually attractive strategy, the use of immune checkpoint blockade antibodies to treat cancer is limited due to the restrained tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), poor accumulation and penetration of antibodies, and deficient checkpoint blockade in malignancies. In this study, we describe a pH and mild photothermal sequentially triggered PD-L1 siRNA release nanosystem, based on monoelemental bismuthene, as a one-for-all strategy to realize enhanced tumor mild photothermal immunotherapy. Under manually controlled NIR irradiation, the bismuthene-based nanosystem simultaneously induces a tumor-enhanced pathological permeability and retention (EPPR) effect, increases TIL recruitment, and triggers programmed siRNA release, thereby amplifying anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. In addition, the nanosystem's rapid removal through intestinal and renal clearance mitigates toxicity risk associated with long-term retention. In vivo antitumor experiments demonstrate that this bismuthene-based nanosystem is a promising and effective approach for "cold" tumor management.

An Acylase from Shewanella Putrefaciens Presents a Vibrio Parahaemolyticus Acylhomoserine Lactone-Degrading Activity and Exhibits Temperature-, Ph- and Metal-Dependences

Shewanella putrefaciens supernatant was found to increase the virulence factors of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by efficiently degrading its acylhomoserine lactone (AHL). To further reveal the regulation mechanism and its key degrading enzyme, a potential AHL-degrading enzyme acylase (Aac) from S. putrefaciens was cloned, and the influences of temperature, pH, protein modifiers, and metals on Aac were tested. Aac was significantly influenced by temperature and pH, and exhibited the highest AHL-degrading activity at temperatures of 37 °C and pH of 8. Mg2+ and Fe2+ can further increase the AHL-degrading activity. 10 mM EDTA inhibited its activity possibly by chelating the co-factors (metals) required for Aac activity. Tryptophan and arginine were identified as key components for Aac activity that are critical to its AHL-degrading activity. This study provides useful information on Aac and for V. parahaemolyticus control.

User testing to examine patient understanding of pharmacy generated medication labels

OBJECTIVE

To examine patients' and carers' understanding of pharmacy generated medication labels.

METHODS

A user testing questionnaire was conducted individually for 80 participants at 2 hospitals through a face-to face semi-structured interview. Pharmacy generated medication labels from different locations were grouped based on components into 4 different variations. Participants were asked to read and demonstrate understanding of the dose and frequency from 1 of the 4 variations for 4 prescription medications. Twenty participants for each variation were recruited so that demographic characteristics matched between variations.

RESULTS

Overall, only 45% of participants were able to correctly understand the dose and frequency presented on all the pharmacy labels presented on medications. Medication labels with standardised timing performed better than other variations with 91% of participants able to determine the correct frequency. The use of numeric figures was understood by 80-90% of participants compared to the use of capitalised text (65-70%). Pharmacy generated medication labels that proposed one step were better understood than instructions that incorporated several steps.

CONCLUSION/PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The study supports the use of simple, clear and explicit written instructions along with the use of numeric figures in pharmacy generated medication labels to achieve higher understandability in patients.

Immunological Responses Induced by Blood Protein Coronas on Two-Dimensional MoS2 Nanosheets

Two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets (NSs) have a large surface area, high surface free energy, and ultrathin structure, which enable them to more easily penetrate biological membranes and promote adsorption of drugs and proteins. NSs are capable of adsorbing a large amount of blood proteins to form NSs-protein corona complexes; however, their inflammatory effects are still unknown. Therefore, we investigated the pro-inflammatory effect of 2D model nanosheet structures, molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), and the MoS₂ NSs-protein complexes with four abundant proteins in human blood, i.e., human serum albumin (HSA), transferrin (Tf), fibrinogen (Fg), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The interactions between the NSs and the proteins were analyzed by quantifying protein adsorption, determining binding affinity, and correlating structural changes in the protein corona with the uptake of NSs by macrophages and the subsequent inflammatory response. Although all of the NSs-protein complexes induced inflammation, IgG-coated and Fg-coated NSs triggered much stronger inflammatory effects by producing and releasing more cytokines. Among the four proteins, IgG possessed the highest proportion of β-sheets and led to fewer secondary structure changes on the MoS₂ nanosheets. This can facilitate uptake and produce a stronger pro-inflammatory response in macrophages due to the recognition of an NSs-IgG complex by Fc gamma receptors and the subsequent activation of the NF-κB pathways. Our results demonstrate that the blood protein components contribute to the inflammatory effects of nanosheets and provide important insights for the nanosafety evaluation and the rational design of nanomedicines in the future.

Ulinastatin alleviates mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis induced by isoflurane in human neuroglioma H4 cells

Isoflurane has been demonstrated to induce mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis. The isoflurane-induced inflammation may be an important reason for this phenomenon. Studies have shown that ulinastatin (UTI) has an anti-inflammatory effect. Our aim was to investigate whether UTI could attenuate isoflurane-induced mitochondrial damage and cell apoptosis by inhibiting inflammation. Human neuroglioma H4 cells were exposed to isoflurane with or without UTI. The ratio of cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. β-Amyloid (Aβ) peptide and cleaved caspase 3 expression were evaluated by Western blot analysis. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Mitochondrial structural changes were detected by transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was determined by 5,5',6,6'-Tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide (JC-1). The activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I, II, III, and IV was determined by assay kits. UTI attenuated the TNF-α and IL-1β release induced by isoflurane. UTI could also reduce mitochondrial structure damage, mitigate the decrease in Δψm, and improve ETC complexes dysfunction. Furthermore, it decreased cell apoptosis induced by isoflurane in H4 cells. UTI had no effect on isoflurane-induced Aβ expression. UTI may mitigate isoflurane-induced mitochondrial damage and cytotoxicity by inhibiting inflammation.

[Efficacy of minimally invasive pulmonary surfactant administration in preterm infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter clinical trial]

Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive surfactant administration (MISA) in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Methods: In this multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial, 92 preterm infants with gestation age ≤30 weeks and diagnosed with NRDS were enrolled in 8 level Ⅲ neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region from 1(st) July 2017 to 31(st) December 2018. They were randomly assigned to minimally invasive surfactant administration (MISA) group or endotracheal intubation surfactant administration (EISA) group according to random number generated by computer. Infants in both groups received calf pulmonary surfactant preparation at a dose of 70-100 mg/kg. The data of demography, perinatal situation, medication administration, complications, clinical outcomes in the two groups were compared with Chi-square test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test. Results: Among the 92 preterm infants, 53 were males, 39 were females; 47 were in the MISA group (25 males), and 45 were in the EISA group (28 males). The gestational age and birth weight were (29.5±1.2) weeks and (1 271±242) g in all patients, (29.5±1.4) weeks and (1 285±256) g in the MISA group, and (29.6±0.9) weeks and (1 255±227) g in the EISA group. The duration of surfactant infusion and the length of whole procedure in the MISA group were significantly longer than that in the EISA group (60 (18, 270) s vs. 50 (30, 60) s, Z=3.009, P=0.003; 90 (60, 300) s vs. 60 (44, 270) s, Z=3.365, P=0.001). For the outcomes, the incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were lower in the MISA group than in the EISA group (36% (17/47) vs. 67% (30/45), χ(2)=8.556, P=0.003; 26% (12/47) vs. 47% (21/45), χ(2)=4.464, P=0.035). Conclusions: Minimally invasive surfactant administration is applicable in preterm infants ≤30 weeks gestational age with NRDS. Although the length of whole procedure is longer than route endotracheal administration, the benefit of decreasing the incidences of hsPDA and BPD outweighs this demerit.

Gd-metallofullerenol drug delivery system mediated macrophage polarization enhances the efficiency of chemotherapy

Treatment of solid tumors by chemotherapy is usually failed in clinical because of its low effectiveness and side effects. Stimulation of immune system in vivo to fight cancer has been proved to be a pleasant complementary to systemic chemotherapy. Herein, we have developed a combination cancer therapy strategy by using polymer nanoparticles to deliver Gd-metallofullerenol and doxorubicin simultaneously. The Gd-metallofullerenol provoked the Th1 immune response by regulating the M1 macrophage polarization and the doxorubicin realized direct tumor cells killing by its cytotoxic effect. Also, the Gd-metallofullerenol as part of component in delivery system enhances the encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin in polymer cargo for potential passive tumor target. The biocompatible and reliable method by combining nanoparticle-induced immune modulation and chemotherapy triggers systemic antitumor immune responses for the synergistic inhibition of tumor growth in vivo. The integration of Gd-metallofullerenol and doxorubicin with potentially complementary functions in one nanoplatform may provide new opportunities to improve cancer treatments.

Oltipraz attenuates the progression of heart failure in rats through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of oltipraz (OPZ) on isoproterenol-induced heart failure (HF) and heart function. We also explore the underlying molecular mechanism of OPZ.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were randomly divided into four groups, including normal control group, isoproterenol (ISO) group, ISO +100 mg/kg OPZ group, and OPZ group. Hemodynamic parameters, such as left-ventricular systolic pressure, were statistically analyzed. Besides, plasma levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), pro-inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant markers were assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, histopathological examination was applied to assess the degree of cardiac interstitial fibrosis.

RESULTS

OPZ could statistically improve the hemodynamic parameters of the heart function, and could also obviously attenuate cardiac interstitial fibrosis in ISO-induced HF rats when compared with the ISO group. Besides, plasma level of BNP in ISO +100 mg/kg OPZ group dramatically decreased in comparison with that of ISO group. Moreover, compared with ISO group, OPZ treatment significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Moreover, OPZ treatment remarkably increased the levels of antioxidant markers such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in ISO-induced HF rats.

CONCLUSIONS

OPZ administration may provide experimental evidence for the possible effect of OPZ on isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats. Moreover, OPZ administration may have potential utility for the treatment of heart failure.

Fate of the Amplitude Mode in a Trapped Dipolar Supersolid

We theoretically investigate the spectrum of elementary excitations of a trapped dipolar quantum gas across the BEC-supersolid phase transition. Our calculations reveal the existence of distinct Higgs amplitude and Nambu-Goldstone modes that emerge from the softening roton modes of the dipolar BEC at the phase transition point. On the supersolid side of the transition, the energy of the Higgs amplitude mode increases rapidly, leading to a strong coupling to higher-lying modes. Our Letter highlights how the symmetry-breaking nature of the supersolid state translates to finite-size systems.

Cell membrane based biomimetic nanocomposites for targeted therapy of drug resistant EGFR-mutated lung cancer

The therapeutic efficacy of anti-cancer nanomedicines is generally constrained due to limited accumulation in the solid tumors. In this study, we developed a biomimetic nano-carrier to enhance the chemo-therapeutic efficacy of doxorubicin and icotinib in a chemo-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line harboring a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The unique nanomedicine was prepared by coating with targeting cancer cell membrane proteins as highly specific ligands. The resulting biomimetic nanoparticles were highly stable and exhibited superior homologous targeting ability in vitro compared with control groups. In a mouse EGFR-mutated NSCLC xenograft model, intravenous injection of the biomimetic nanomedicine led to a high tumour inhibition rate (87.56%). Histopathological analysis demonstrated that the biomimetic nanomedicine had minimal side effects. Taken together, a cancer cell membrane-based biomimetic drug carrier can significantly enhance drug accumulation and improve therapeutic efficacy in cancers.

MOF-based fibrous membranes adsorb PM efficiently and capture toxic gases selectively

Air pollution is harmful to the functioning of the lungs, heart, and brain even at low concentrations of particle matter (PM) and toxic gases. Purification methods and materials have made tremendous progress to improve the purity of air to adhere to national quality standards. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have an excellent gas adsorption capacity due to their high specific surface area and porous structure, but the intrinsic fragility of MOF crystals limits their application. In this study, we selected appropriate organic ligands to prepare MOF-surface-grown fibrous membranes using an electrospinning technique, which have an excellent ability to adsorb PM and capture toxic gases selectively. The efficiency of the MOF-surface-grown fibrous membranes to remove PM reached 99.99%, even for fine PM. More importantly, under low partial pressure and complex gas composition conditions, the fibrous membrane was able to selectively adsorb SO2. The concentration of SO2 dropped from 7300 ppb to 40 ppb. Interestingly, the MOF-surface-grown fibrous membrane had a higher purification capacity toward O3 than toward SO2. The concentration of O3 rapidly dropped from 3000 ppb to 7 ppb, which was far below national air quality standards (81 ppb). The MOF-surface-grown fibrous membrane was able to adsorb toxic atmospheric gases selectively, while not being influenced by the presence of other gases, such as CO2 and O2. MOF-based fibrous membranes prepared using a simple and inexpensive electrospinning technique have wide potential for practical use in the field of environmental protection and air purification.

Using latent class analysis to identify money boys at highest risk of HIV infection

OBJECTIVES

Limited research has been conducted to investigate the characteristics of money boys (MBs) in China. This study was aimed to identify the subgroups of MBs based on sexual behaviors, Net-based venue sex-seeking, and substance abuse.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to recruit MBs from December 2014 to June 2015 in Tianjin, China. Face-to-face interviews were conducted for 330 MBs, and trained interviewers collected data.

RESULTS

The laboratory-confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive rate was 11.52% among 330 MBs. Four classes were identified through latent class analysis (LCA) method: 'relatively safe behavior' group, 'higher sexual risk' group, 'multiple sexual-partners' group, and 'unprotected sex and substance abuse' group, and there is a significant difference based on the HIV status. Significant differences were found in original residence, monthly income, duration in sex trade, employment, history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), HIV testing, knowledge of free antiviral treatment policy, and awareness of free AIDS testing between the four latent classes (P < 0.05). MBs who used Net-based venues to seek sexual partners; who have inconsistent condom use, substance abuse, a longer duration in sex trade, multiple sexual clients, and multiple anal sex; and who were full-time employed had the highest risk of HIV infection.

CONCLUSIONS

The utility of LCA to identify subgroups based on risky behaviors attributes to formulating targeted intervention strategy.

Alprostadil attenuates LPS-induced cardiomyocyte injury by inhibiting the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway

Background

Clinical research has demonstrated that alprostadil has an anti-inflammatory effect; however, to date, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory activity and related mechanisms of alprostadil in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated H9c2 cells.

Methods

Cell morphology was observed under an inverted light microscope, while cell viability was assessed with the 3‑(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were conducted to study biochemical indicators of cellular damage, such as released lactate dehydrase (LDH) and troponin, and inflammatory cytokine levels including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The mRNA expression levels of Wnt5a, c‑jun N‑terminal kinase (JNK), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were further investigated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of alprostadil on the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway in H9c2 cells was examined by Western blotting.

Results

Alprostadil increased the cell viability of LPS-stimulated H9c2 cells, reduced LDH and troponin production, and attenuated IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and TNF-α secretion. Moreover, alprostadil reduced the mRNA expression of Wnt5a, JNK, and NF-κB and decreased the expression of Wnt5a, NF-κB, and the ratio of p‑JNK/JNK in H9c2 cells treated with LPS. The siWnt5a or JNK inhibitor SP600125 significantly augmented the inhibitory effects of alprostadil on the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway.

Conclusion

Our results show that alprostadil has anti-inflammatory effects and could attenuate LPS-induced injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes via the Wnt5a/JNK/NF-κB pathway.

Insights into a Crucial Role of TRIP13 in Human Cancer

Thyroid Hormone Receptor Interacting Protein 13 (TRIP13) plays a key role in regulating mitotic processes, including spindle assembly checkpoint and DNA repair pathways, which may account for Chromosome instability (CIN). As CIN is a predominant hallmark of cancer, TRIP13 may act as a tumor susceptibility locus. Amplification of TRIP13 has been observed in various human cancers and implicated in several aspects of malignant transformation, including cancer cell proliferation, drug resistance and tumor progression. Here, we discussed the functional significance of TRIP13 in cell progression, highlighted the recent findings on the aberrant expression in human cancers and emphasized its significance for the therapeutic potential.

A randomised controlled trial of stepwise sputum collection to increase yields of confirmed tuberculosis

<sec> <title>SETTING</title> The proportion of bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis (TB) in China has decreased far below the worldwide average. </sec> <sec> <title>OBJECTIVE</title> To investigate whether stepwise measures to ensure sputum quality can improve the rate of bacteriologically confirmed TB. </sec> <sec> <title>DESIGN</title> We enrolled 980 adults with suspected TB from three counties in China during 2017 for this multicentre randomised controlled trial. Half the participants (n = 490) were randomly assigned to intervention groups that received instructions by a study nurse, and sputum induction, if necessary. In the remaining 490 patients, sputum samples were collected without observation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients detected as bacteriologically positive on smear, culture or molecular assays (EasyNAT or Xpert). </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS</title> Bacteriological confirmation rates were significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group: overall (159/490 [32%] vs. 122/490 [25%]; P = 0.009); confirmation using smear (17% vs. 11%; P = 0.010); confirmation using culture (28% vs. 21%; P = 0.021); and confirmation using molecular assays (27% vs. 18%; P = 0.001). Most of the improvement was in patients who received instruction alone, while improvement was greatest in younger patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.27, 95%CI 1.05-1.53 per 10 years). </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS</title> If implemented effectively in resource-limited primary care clinics, our simple stepwise procedure combining instruction and sputum induction could increase the proportion of bacteriologically confirmed TB significantly. </sec>.

Tailoring Nanomaterials for Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Advances in the field of nanotechnology together with an increase understanding of tumor immunology have paved the way for the development of more personalized cancer immuno-nanomedicines. Nanovehicles, due to their specific physicochemical properties, are emerging as key translational moieties in tackling tumor-promoting, M2-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Cancer immuno-nanomedicines target TAMs primarily by blocking M2-like TAM survival or affecting their signaling cascades, restricting macrophage recruitment to tumors and re-educating tumor-promoting M2-like TAMs to the tumoricidal, M1-like phenotype. Here, the TAM effector mechanisms and strategies for targeting TAMs are summarized, followed by a focus on the mechanistic considerations in the development of novel immuno-nanomedicines. Furthermore, imaging TAMs with nanoparticles so as to forecast a patient's clinical outcome, describing treatment options, and observing therapy responses is also discussed. At present, strategies that target TAMs are being investigated not only at the basic research level but also in early clinical trials. The significance of TAM-targeting biomaterials is highlighted, with the goal of facilitating future clinical translation.

The characteristics of internet-based venue sex-seeking and mobility among money boys in Tianjin, China

OBJECTIVES

Internet-based venue sex-seeking is prevalent among money boys (MBs), as is a high degree of mobility, which is crucial for HIV transmission in key populations with high risks of HIV infection. However, correlation studies in MBs are scarce because of the secretive nature of this hard-to-reach subpopulation. We conducted this project to explore the characteristics of MBs.

METHODS

This survey was conducted from December 2014 to June 2015 in Tianjin; a total of 330 MBs were recruited by convenience sampling. Demographic and behavioural data were collected for analysis.

RESULTS

Among the investigated MBs, 38 (11.52%) were HIV positive, 147 (44.55%) reported using internet-based venues to seek sexual partners and 257 (77.88%) had travelled to two or more destinations in the past 6 months. Compared with non-internet-based venue-using MBs, internet-based venue-using MBs were more likely to have part-time employment as MBs, to have a longer duration of working in the sex trade, to engage in finger intercourse and to present a history of substance abuse and sexually transmitted infections. However, internet-based venue-using MBs were less likely to exhibit consistent condom usage and undergo HIV testing. Origin of residence data showed that most MBs were from northern China, with Tianjin, Beijing and Shanghai as the main travel destinations. Mobile MBs were characterized as a group who were fully engaged in the sex trade and frequently took part in sexual activities but had a weak sense of self-protection.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet-based venue sex-seeking and mobility are prevalent in MBs. Renewed efforts in internet-based health promotion and school-based primary health examination programmes may benefit more mobile and/or internet-based venue sex-seeking MBs.