Efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed for TKI-failed leptomeningeal metastases from EGFR+ NSCLC: an expanded, single-arm, phase II clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intrathecal pemetrexed (IP) for treating patients with leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who progressed from epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment in an expanded, prospective, single-arm, phase II clinical study (ChiCTR1800016615).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with confirmed NSCLC-LM who progressed from TKI received IP (50 mg, day 1/day 5 for 1 week, then every 3 weeks for four cycles, and then once monthly) until disease progression or intolerance. Objectives were to assess overall survival (OS), response rate, and safety. Measurable lesions were assessed by investigator according to RECIST version 1.1. LM were assessed according to the Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria.

RESULTS

The study included 132 patients; 68% were female and median age was 52 years (31-74 years). The median OS was 12 months (95% confidence interval 10.4-13.6 months), RANO-assessed response rate was 80.3% (106/132), and the most common adverse event was myelosuppression (n = 42; 31.8%), which reversed after symptomatic treatment. The results of subgroup analysis showed that absence of brain parenchymal metastasis, good Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, good response to IP treatment, negative cytology after treatment, and patients without neck/back pain/difficult defecation had longer survival. Gender, age, previous intrathecal methotrexate/cytarabine, and whole-brain radiotherapy had no significant influence on OS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study further showed that IP is an effective and safe treatment method for the EGFR-TKI-failed NSCLC-LM, and should be recommended for these patients in clinical practice and guidelines.

Adherence to exercise therapy among children and adolescents with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To identify parameters and measurement methods of exercise therapy adherence, as well as barriers and facilitators affecting adherence among children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

METHODS

Studies were eligible for inclusion if patients were 0-18 years of age, had JIA, and the focus of the research was on exercise therapy patterns, measurement/parameters of exercise adherence, and barriers/facilitators for exercise adherence. Two reviewers independently identified and categorized the barriers and facilitators to exercise therapy adherence using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF).

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included in this review. Among patients with JIA, 29%-99% adhered to exercise therapy. The most commonly measured parameters of adherence were session completion and behavior component, with a self-report log serving as the most common means of assessment. Time pressure, symptoms related to JIA, lack of enjoyment, and insufficient motivation were the main barriers. Facilitators were commonly identified as adequate motivation, effective symptoms management, and social support.

CONCLUSIONS

Future interventions should consider the identified factors to promote exercise engagement in children and adolescents with JIA. Strategies for promoting exercise adherence in children and adolescents with JIA is needed.

Designing efficient randstrobes for sequence similarity analyses

MOTIVATION

Substrings of length k, commonly referred to as k-mers, play a vital role in sequence analysis. However, k-mers are limited to exact matches between sequences leading to alternative constructs. We recently introduced a class of new constructs, strobemers, that can match across substitutions and smaller insertions and deletions. Randstrobes, the most sensitive strobemer proposed in Sahlin (Effective sequence similarity detection with strobemers. Genome Res 2021a;31:2080-94. https://doi.org/10.1101/gr.275648.121), has been used in several bioinformatics applications such as read classification, short-read mapping, and read overlap detection. Recently, we showed that the more pseudo-random the behavior of the construction (measured in entropy), the more efficient the seeds for sequence similarity analysis. The level of pseudo-randomness depends on the construction operators, but no study has investigated the efficacy.

RESULTS

In this study, we introduce novel construction methods, including a Binary Search Tree-based approach that improves time complexity over previous methods. To our knowledge, we are also the first to address biases in construction and design three metrics for measuring bias. Our evaluation shows that our methods have favorable speed and sampling uniformity compared to existing approaches. Lastly, guided by our results, we change the seed construction in strobealign, a short-read mapper, and find that the results change substantially. We suggest combining the two results to improve strobealign's accuracy for the shortest reads in our evaluated datasets. Our evaluation highlights sampling biases that can occur and provides guidance on which operators to use when implementing randstrobes.

AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION

All methods and evaluation benchmarks are available in a public Github repository at https://github.com/Moein-Karami/RandStrobes. The scripts for running the strobealign analysis are found at https://github.com/NBISweden/strobealign-evaluation.

Association between dietary magnesium intake and gallstones: the mediating role of atherogenic index of plasma

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia and abnormalities in cholesterol metabolism are commonly observed in individuals with gallstone disease. Previous research has demonstrated that dietary magnesium can influence lipid metabolism. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) has emerged as a novel lipid marker. This study aimed to examine the possible correlation between dietary magnesium intake and gallstones and the potential mediating role of AIP in US adults.

METHODS

A total of 4,841 adults were included in this study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2017 to 2020. A variety of statistical techniques such as logistic regression, subgroup analysis, smoothed curve fitting, and causal mediation analysis were utilized to analyze the information collected from the participants.

RESULTS

In the fully adjusted model, a statistically noteworthy inverse relationship was observed between dietary magnesium intake and the presence of gallstones, as indicated by an odds ratio (OR) of 0.58 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of (0.42, 0.81). Causal intermediary analysis revealed that the association between magnesium intake and gallstones was partially mediated by AIP, with a mediation ratio of 3.2%.

CONCLUSION

According to this study, dietary magnesium intake had a significant linear negative association with the prevalence of gallstones, in which AIP played a mediating role. This discovery offers novel perspectives on the prevention and management of gallstones.

Revealing the Structure-Luminescence Relationship in Robust Sn(IV)-Based Metal Halides by Sb3+ Doping

Low-dimensional hybrid metal halides are an emerging class of materials with highly efficient photoluminescence (PL), but the problems of poor stability remain challenging. Sn(IV)-based metal halides show robust structure but exhibit poor PL properties, and the structure-luminescence relationship is elusive. Herein, two Sn(IV)-based metal halides (compounds 1 and 2) with the same constituent ((C6H16N2)SnCl6) but different crystal structures have been prepared, which however show poor PL properties at room temperature due to the absence of active ns2 electrons. To improve materials' PL properties, Sb3+ with active 5s2 electrons was embedded into the lattice of Sn4+-based hosts. As a result, efficient emissions were achieved for Sb3+-doped compounds 1 and 2 with a maximum PL efficiency of 14.28 and 62%, respectively. Experimental and calculation results reveal that the smaller distorted lattice structure of the host could result in the blueshift of the emission from Sb3+. Thus, a tunable color from red to orange was realized. Benefiting from the broadband efficient emission from Sb3+-doped compound 2, an efficient white light-emitting diode with a high color rendering index of up to 92.3 was fabricated to demonstrate its lighting application potential. This work promotes the understanding of the influence of robust Sn(IV)-based host lattice on the PL properties of Sb3+, advancing the development of environmentally friendly, low-cost, and high-efficiency Sn(IV)-based metal halides.

RNA m6A dynamic modification mediated by nucleus-localized FTO is involved in follicular reserve

In eukaryotic organisms, the most common internal modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). This modification can be dynamically and reversibly controlled by specific enzymes known as m6A writers and erasers. The fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) catalyzes RNA demethylation and plays a critical role in various physiological and pathological processes. Our research identified dynamic alterations in both m6A and FTO during the assembly of primordial follicles, with an inverse relationship observed for m6A levels and nuclear-localized FTO expression. Application of Fto small interfering RNA (siRNA) altered the expression of genes related to cell proliferation, hormone regulation, and cell chemotaxis, and affected RNA alternative splicing. Overexpression of the full-length Fto gene led to changes in m6A levels, alternative splicing of Cdk5, cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and proportion of primordial follicles. Conversely, overexpression of Fto lacking a nuclear localization signal (NLS) did not significantly alter m6A levels or primordial follicle assembly. These findings suggest that FTO, localized in the nucleus but not in the cytoplasm, regulates RNA m6A demethylation and plays a role in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and primordial follicle assembly. These results highlight the potential of m6A and its eraser FTO as possible biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

The adverse impact of perioperative body composition abnormalities on outcomes after split liver transplantation: a multi-center retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Split liver transplantation increases graft availability, but its safe and effective utilization is insufficiently documented. This study aimed to investigate the association between perioperative body composition abnormalities and outcomes in adult split liver transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

240 recipients who underwent split liver transplantation in three centers were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Body composition abnormalities including sarcopenia, myosteatosis, visceral obesity, and sarcopenic obesity were evaluated at baseline and one month after surgery using computed tomography. Their impact on outcomes including early allograft dysfunction, early complications, intensive care unit stay, graft regeneration rate and survival was analyzed.

RESULTS

Recipients with sarcopenia or myosteatosis had a higher risk of early allograft dysfunction, higher early complication rate, and longer length of intensive care unit stay (all P<0.05), while there was no difference in graft regeneration rate. Recipient and graft survival were significantly worse for recipients with body composition abnormalities (all P<0.05). In multivariable Cox-regression analysis, sarcopenia (hazard ratio=1.765, P=0.015), myosteatosis (hazard ratio=2.066, P=0.002), and visceral obesity (hazard ratio=1.863, P=0.008) were independently associated with shorter overall survival. Piling up of the three factors increased the mortality risk stepwise (P<0.001). Recipients experienced skeletal muscle loss and muscle fat infiltration one month after surgery. Postoperative worsening sarcopenia (hazard ratio=2.359, P=0.009) and myosteatosis (hazard ratio=1.878, P=0.026) were also identified as independent risk factors for mortality.

CONCLUSION

Sarcopenia, myosteatosis and their progression negatively affect outcomes including early allograft dysfunction, early complications, intensive care unit stay and survival after SLT. Systemic evaluation and dynamic monitoring of body composition are valuable.

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Engineered Macrophage-Derived Exosomes for Targeted Pathological Angiogenesis Therapy

Engineering exosomes with nanomaterials usually leads to the damage of exosomal membrane and bioactive molecules. Here, pathological angiogenesis targeting exosomes with magnetic imaging, ferroptosis inducing, and immunotherapeutic properties is fabricated using a simple coincubation method with macrophages being the bioreactor. Extremely small iron oxide nanoparticle (ESIONPs) incorporated exosomes (ESIONPs@EXO) are acquired by sorting the secreted exosomes from M1-polarized macrophages induced by ESIONPs. ESIONPs@EXO suppress pathological angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo without toxicity. Furthermore, ESIONPs@EXO target pathological angiogenesis and exhibit an excellent T1-weighted contrast property for magnetic resonance imaging. Mechanistically, ESIONPs@EXO induce ferroptosis and exhibit immunotherapeutic ability toward pathological angiogenesis. These findings demonstrate that a pure biological method engineered ESIONPs@EXO using macrophages shows potential for targeted pathological angiogenesis therapy.

Multiomics-based classifier to decipher immune landscape of uveal melanoma and predict patient outcomes

Uveal melanoma (UVM) prognosis and the possibilities for targeted therapy depend on a thorough understanding of immune infiltration features and the analysis of genomic and immune signatures. Leveraging multi-omics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GEO datasets, we employed an unsupervised clustering algorithm to categorize UVM into immune-related subgroups. Subsequent multi-omics analysis revealed two distinct UVM subtypes, each characterized by unique genomic mutations and immune microenvironment disparities. The aggressive UMCS2 subtype exhibited higher TNM stage and poorer survival, marked by elevated metabolism and increased immune infiltration. However, UMCS2 displayed heightened tumor mutational burden and immune dysfunction, leading to reduced responsiveness to immunotherapy. Importantly, these subtypes demonstrated differential sensitivity to targeted drugs due to significant variances in metabolic and immune environments, with UMCS2 displaying lower sensitivity. We developed a robust, subtype-specific marker-based risk scoring system. This system's diagnostic accuracy was validated through ROC curves, decision curve analysis, and calibration curves, all yielding satisfactory results. Additionally, cell experiments identified the pivotal function of HTR2B, the most crucial factor in this risk model. Knocking down HTR2B significantly reduced the activity, proliferation, and invasion ability of the UVM cell line. These findings underscored the impact of gene and immune microenvironment alterations in driving distinct molecular subtypes, emphasizing the need for precise treatment strategies. The molecular subtyping-based risk assessment system not only aids in predicting patient prognosis but also guides the identification of populations suitable for combined treatment. Molecules represented by HTR2B in the model may serve as effective therapeutic targets for UVM.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The role of nutrition in analysis of risk factors and short-term outcomes for late-onset necrotizing enterocolitis among very preterm infants: a nationwide, multicenter study in China

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal disease, primarily affects preterm newborns and occurs after 7 days of life (late-onset NEC, LO-NEC). Unfortunately, over the past several decades, not much progress has been made in its treatment or prevention. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors for LO-NEC, and the impact of LO-NEC on short-term outcomes in very preterm infants (VPIs) with a focus on nutrition and different onset times.

METHOD

Clinical data of VPIs were retrospectively collected from 28 hospitals in seven different regions of China from September 2019 to December 2020. A total of 2509 enrolled VPIs were divided into 2 groups: the LO-NEC group and non-LO-NEC group. The LO-NEC group was divided into 2 subgroups based on the onset time: LO-NEC occurring between 8 ~ 14d group and LO-NEC occurring after 14d group. Clinical characteristics, nutritional status, and the short-term clinical outcomes were analyzed and compared among these groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-LO-NEC group, the LO-NEC group had a higher proportion of anemia, blood transfusion, and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) treatments before NEC; the LO-NEC group infants had a longer fasting time, required longer duration to achieve the target total caloric intake (110 kcal/kg) and regain birthweight, and showed slower weight growth velocity; the cumulative dose of the medium-chain and long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) emulsion intake in the first week after birth was higher and breastfeeding rate was lower. Additionally, similar results including a higher proportion of IMV, lower breastfeeding rate, more MCT/LCT emulsion intake, slower growth velocity were also found in the LO-NEC group occurring between 8 ~ 14d when compared to the LO-NEC group occurring after 14 d (all (P < 0.05). After adjustment for the confounding factors, high proportion of breastfeeding were identified as protective factors and long fasting time before NEC were identified as risk factors for LO-NEC; early feeding were identified as protective factors and low gestational age, grade III ~ IV neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS), high accumulation of the MCT/LCT emulsion in the first week were identified as risk factors for LO-NEC occurring between 8 ~ 14d. Logistic regression analysis showed that LO-NEC was a risk factor for late-onset sepsis, parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis, metabolic bone disease of prematurity, and extrauterine growth retardation.

CONCLUSION

Actively preventing premature birth, standardizing the treatment of grade III ~ IV NRDS, and optimizing enteral and parenteral nutrition strategies may help reduce the risk of LO-NEC, especially those occurring between 8 ~ 14d, which may further ameliorate the short-term clinical outcome of VPIs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1900023418 (26/05/2019).

Hyperglycemia in pregnancy did not worsen the short-term outcomes of very preterm infants: a propensity score matching study

Background

Hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HGP) has generally been considered a risk factor associated with adverse outcomes in offspring, but its impact on the short-term outcomes of very preterm infants remains unclear.

Methods

A secondary analysis was performed based on clinical data collected prospectively from 28 hospitals in seven regions of China from September 2019 to December 2020. According to maternal HGP, all infants were divided into the HGP group or the non-HGP group. A propensity score matching analysis was used to adjust for confounding factors, including gestational age, twin or multiple births, sex, antenatal steroid administration, delivery mode and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. The main complications and the short-term growth status during hospitalization were evaluated in the HGP and non-HGP groups.

Results

A total of 2,514 infants were eligible for analysis. After matching, there were 437 infants in the HGP group and 874 infants in the non-HGP group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in main complications including respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, culture positive sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, anemia, feeding intolerance, metabolic bone disease of prematurity, or parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis. The incidences of extrauterine growth retardation and increased growth retardation for weight and head circumference in the non-HGP group were all higher than those in the HGP group after matching (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

HGP did not worsen the short-term outcomes of the surviving very preterm infants, as it did not lead to a higher risk of the main neonatal complications, and the infants' growth improved during hospitalization.

Melatonin alleviates the toxic effect of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on oocyte quality resulting from CEBPB suppression during primordial follicle formation

Presently, the exposure of plasticizers to humans and animals occurs daily, which pose a potential threat to reproductive health. In the present study, a pregnant mouse model exposed to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, one of the most common plasticizers) and melatonin was established, and the single-cell transcriptome technology was applied to investigate the effects of melatonin in ovarian cells against DEHP. Results showed that DEHP markedly altered the gene expression pattern of ovarian cells, and severely weakened the histone methylation modification of oocytes. The administration of melatonin recovered the expression of LHX8 and SOHLH1 proteins that essential for primordial follicle formation, and increased the expression of CEBPB, as well as key genes of histone methylation modification (such as Smyd3 and Kdm5a). In addition, the ovarian damage caused by DEHP was also relieved after the overexpression of CEBPB, which suggested melatonin could improve primordial follicle formation progress via enhancing CEBPB expression in mice. Besides, the apoptosis of ovarian cells induced by DEHP also was diminished by melatonin. The study provides evidence of melatonin preventing the damage mediated by plasticizers on the reproductive system in females and CEBPB may serve as a downstream target factor of melatonin in the process.

Research progress on chemical modifications of tyrosine residues in peptides and proteins

The chemical modifications (CMs) of protein is an important technique in chemical biology, protein-based therapy, and material science. In recent years, there has been rapid advances in the development of CMs of peptides and proteins, providing new approaches for peptide and protein functionalization, as well as drug discovery. In this review, we highlight the methods for chemically modifying tyrosine (Tyr) residues in different regions, offering a comprehensive exposition of the research content related to Tyr modification. This review summarizes and provides an outlook on Tyr residue modification, aiming to offer readers assistance in the site-selective modification of macromolecules and to facilitate application research in this field.

Copper oxide nanoparticles suppress retinal angiogenesis via inducing endothelial cell cuproptosis

Background: Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) exhibit antitumor activity; however, their potential as an antiangiogenesis agent is unknown. Materials & methods: The antiangiogenesis properties of CuO NPs were evaluated in vitro and in vivo and the underlying mechanism was examined using RNA sequencing and metabolomic analyses. Results: CuO NPs inhibited endothelial cell function in vitro. They also mitigated retinal vasculature development and alleviated pathological retinal angiogenesis in vivo. RNA sequencing and metabolomic analyses revealed that CuO NPs disrupt the tricarboxylic acid cycle and induce cuproptosis, which was further supported by evaluating cuproptosis-related metabolites and proteins. Conclusion: CuO NPs may be an effective antiangiogenic agent for the treatment of retinal angiogenesis.

Rare-Earth-Modified NiS2 Improves OH Coverage for an Industrial Alkaline Water Electrolyzer

The low coverage rate of anode OH adsorption under high current density conditions has become an important factor restricting the development of an industrial alkaline water electrolyzer (AWE). Here, we present our rare earth modification promotion strategy on using the rare earth oxygen-friendly interface to increase the OH coverage of the NiS2 surface for efficient AWE anode catalysis. Density functional theory calculations predict that rare earths can enhance the coverage of surface OH, and the synthesis reaction mechanism is discussed in the synthesis process spectrum. Experimentally, by preparing a series of rare-earth-modified NiS2, the relationship between OH coverage, active site density, and catalytic activity was established by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, time-resolved absorption spectra, and so on. The unique oxygenophilic properties of rare earths enhance OH coverage, thereby increasing the density of active sites for efficient catalysis. Furthermore, Eu2O3/NiS2 was assembled into the AWE equipment and operated stably for over 240 h at a current density of 300 mA cm-2 under industrial conditions of 80 °C and 30% KOH. Rare-earth-modified NiS2 exhibits better catalytic activity than traditional non-noble metal anode catalysts Ni(OH)2 and NiS2, providing a new approach for rare earth promotion to solve the problem of low OH coverage in the AWE anode.

Strong Interface Coupling Enables Stability of Amorphous Meta-Stable State in CoS/Ni3 S2 for Efficient Oxygen Evolution

Rational design of heterostructure catalysts through phase engineering strategy plays a critical role in heightening the electrocatalytic performance of catalysts. Herein, a novel amorphous/crystalline (a/c) heterostructure (a-CoS/Ni3 S2 ) is manufactured by a facile hydrothermal sulfurization method. Strikingly, the interface coupling between amorphous phase (a-CoS) and crystalline phase (Ni3 S2 ) in a-CoS/Ni3 S2 is much stronger than that between crystalline phase (c-CoS) and crystalline phase (Ni3 S2 ) in crystalline/crystalline (c/c) heterostructure (c-CoS/Ni3 S2 ) as control sample, which makes the meta-stable amorphous structure more stable. Meanwhile, a-CoS/Ni3 S2 has more S vacancies (Sv ) than c-CoS/Ni3 S2 because of the presence of an amorphous phase. Eventually, for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the a-CoS/Ni3 S2 exhibits a significantly lower overpotential of 192 mV at 10 mA cm-2 compared to the c-CoS/Ni3 S2 (242 mV). An exceptionally low cell voltage of 1.51 V is required to achieve a current density of 50 mA cm-2 for overall water splitting in the assembled cell (a-CoS/Ni3 S2 || Pt/C). Theoretical calculations reveal that more charges transfer from a-CoS to Ni3 S2 in a-CoS/Ni3 S2 than in c-CoS/Ni3 S2 , which promotes the enhancement of OER activity. This work will bring into play a fabrication strategy of a/c catalysts and the understanding of the catalytic mechanism of a/c heterostructures.

A case report: Castleman disease treated by the trinity of internal and external treatment of "Fuzheng, phlegm-resolving, and detoxification method"

RATIONALE

Castleman disease (CD) was first included in the CSCO lymphoma diagnosis and treatment guidelines in 2021. Its diagnosis relies on lymph node pathological examination. Observation, surgical resection of the lesion, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and medical therapy (e.g., rituximab, siltuximab, steroids) can be used. Due to the traumatic, incurable, and recurrent nature of surgical treatment, drug therapy has many side effects and is expensive. Exploring effective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) comprehensive treatment methods for this disease is important and necessary.

PATIENT CONCERNS

The main symptom was recurrent lymphadenopathy, which had been surgically removed 5 times in the past. This time, lymph node enlargement occurred again, and the local hospital recommended surgical resection again. The patient could not tolerate another surgical treatment. Other targeted treatments are not available due to financial constraints.

DIAGNOSES

The case was diagnosed as CD by pathological examination, which is an important basis for the diagnosis of this disease.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient was treated with surgery in the early stage several times, later came to our hospital for the trinity of TCM integrated treatment program, which combines oral TCM with external application of TCM and intravenous drip of TCM as a syndrome of positive deficiency and phlegm-toxin internalization, and the therapeutic principle.

OUTCOMES

After nearly 3 years of comprehensive treatment with TCM, the enlarged lymph nodes could not be touched, and there was no fatigue, fever, or weight loss. During this period, the patient did not undergo surgery, chemotherapy and other western medicine treatment, and lived a normal life. It not only met the patient's expectation but also confirmed that the TCM treatment was indeed effective.

LESSONS

This case report confirms that TCM is safe and effective in the treatment of CD, which is worthy of promotion. In clinical practice, the individualized treatment for the patient, the duration of treatment, and the different disease states also affect the treatment outcome.

Exploring the factors affecting the occurrence of postoperative MVI and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with hepatectomy: A multicenter retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influencing factors affecting the occurrence of microvascular invasion (MVI) and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with hepatectomy, and to explore how MVI affects prognosis in subgroups with different prognostic factors.

METHODS

Clinical data of a total of 1633 patients treated surgically for HCC in four treatment centers were included, including 754 patients with MVI. By using the Cox risk regression model and the Mann-Whitney U-test, the common independent influences on prognosis and MVI were made clear. The incidence of MVI in various subgroups was then examined, as well as the relationship between MVI in various subgroups and prognosis.

RESULTS

The Cox risk regression model showed that MVI, Child-Pugh classification, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), hepatocirrhosis, tumor diameter, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and, Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) grade were independent determinants of overall survival (OS), and MVI, AFP, hepatocirrhosis, tumor diameter, and LMR were influencing determinants for disease-free survival (DFS). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that MVI was most closely associated with patient prognosis compared to other prognostic factors. AFP, hepatocirrhosis, tumor diameter, and LMR were discovered to be common influences on the prognosis of patients with HCC and MVI when combined with the results of the intergroup comparison of MVI. After grouping, it was showed that patients with hepatocirrhosis, positive AFP (AFP ≥ 20 ng/mL), tumor diameter >50 mm, and LMR ≤3.4 had a significantly higher incidence of MVI than patients in other subgroups, and all four subgroups of MVI-positive patients had higher rates of early recurrence and mortality (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MVI was found to be substantially linked with four subgroups of HCC patients with hepatocirrhosis, positive AFP, tumor diameter >50 mm, and LMR ≤3.4, and the prognosis of MVI-positive patients in all four subgroups tended to be worse.

Aurora kinase B disruption suppresses pathological retinal angiogenesis by affecting cell cycle progression

PURPOSE

The detrimental effects of pathological angiogenesis on the visual function are indisputable. Within a prominent role in chromosome segregation and tumor progression, aurora kinase B (AURKB) assumes a prominent role. However, its role in pathological retinal angiogenesis remains unclear. This study explores this latent mechanism.

METHODS

To inhibit AURKB expression, we designed specific small interfering RNAs targeting AURKB and transfected them into vascular endothelial cells. Barasertib was selected as the AURKB inhibitor. The anti-angiogenic effects of both AURKB siRNA and barasertib were assessed in vitro by cell proliferation, transwell migration, and tube formation. To evaluate the angiogentic effects of AURKB in vivo, neonatal mice were exposed to 75% oxygen followed by normoxic repositioning to establish an oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Subsequently, phosphate-buffered saline and barasertib were administered into OIR mice via intravitreal injection. The effects of AURKB on cell cycle proteins were determined by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

We found that AURKB was overexpressed during pathological angiogenesis. AURKB siRNA and barasertib significantly inhibited endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation in vitro. Furthermore, AURKB inhibition attenuated retinal angiogenesis in the OIR model. A possible mechanism is the disruption of cell cycle by AURKB inhibition.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, AURKB significantly influenced pathological retinal angiogenesis, thereby presenting a promising therapeutic target in ocular neovascular diseases.

Ocular toxicities in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy: a real-world study leveraging FAERS database

Aim: The purpose of this study was to comprehensively explore the ocular toxicity associated with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Materials & methods: Data were assembled from the US FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database from 2017 to 2023. Information component and reporting odds ratio methods were used for signal detection in total/categorized CAR T-cell therapy. Results: A total of 17 positive signals (preferred term) were detected, yet none of them were documented in the product information. Some adverse events were with death outcomes and overlapped a lot with cytokine-release syndrome. Conclusion: The ocular adverse events associated with CAR-T cell therapy are noteworthy, and it is imperative to maintain increased alertness and institute early intervention strategies.

KLF3 promotes colorectal cancer growth by activating WNT1

OBJECTIVE

The function of Kruppel-like factor 3 (KLF3) remains largely unexplored in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

KLF3 expression in CRC was assessed through qPCR, western blotting, immunohistochemical assays, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The tumor-promoting capacity of KLF3 was explored by performing in vitro functional experiments using CRC cells. A subcutaneous nude mouse tumor assay was employed to evaluate tumor growth. To further elucidate the interaction between KLF3 and other factors, luciferase reporter assay, agarose gel electrophoresis, and ChIP analysis were performed.

RESULTS

KLF3 was downregulated in CRC tissue and cells. Silencing of KLF3 increased the potential of CRC cells for proliferation, migration, and invasion, while its activation decreased these processes. Downregulated KLF3 was associated with accelerated tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, KLF3 was discovered to target the promoter sequence of WNT1. Consequently, the diminished expression of KLF3 led to the buildup of WNT1 and the WNT/β-catenin pathway activation, consequently stimulating the progression of CRC.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation suggests that the involvement of KLF3/WNT1 regulatory pathway contributes to the progression of CRC, thereby emphasizing its promise as an important focus for future therapies aimed at treating CRC.

Survival impact of post-operative immunotherapy in resected stage III cutaneous melanomas in the checkpoint era

BACKGROUND

Checkpoint inhibitors have shown improvement in recurrence-free survival in the post-operative setting for node-positive melanoma and were first approved in late 2015. However, single-agent checkpoint therapies have yet to show benefit to overall survival (OS) for lower-risk stage III cancers. We evaluated the OS benefit of post-operative immunotherapy in the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patient cases were selected from the NCDB 2020 Participant Use File. Patients diagnosed with stage III cutaneous melanoma between 2016 and 2019 who underwent definitive resection for their melanoma were included. OS between those who received post-operative immunotherapy within 84 days of surgery and those who did not was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Demographic and clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared via Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

14 978 patients with stage III melanoma were included. Of those, 34.9% (n = 5234) received post-operative immunotherapy and 65.1% (n = 9744) did not. Using the American Joint Committee on Cancer version 8 (AJCCv8) staging, 36-month survival was significantly higher in patients who received post-operative immunotherapy compared to no post-operative systemic therapy in those diagnosed with stage IIIB (88.0% versus 84.7%, P = 0.011), IIIC (75.6% versus 68.1%, P < 0.001), or IIID (59.2% versus 48.4%, P = 0.002). No significant improvement in 36-month survival was seen in patients who received post-operative immunotherapy in patients with stage IIIA disease (93.0% versus 92.2%, P = 0.218).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-operative immunotherapy had an OS benefit in patients with AJCCv8 stage IIIB, IIIC, and IIID disease, but had no significant survival benefit for patients with stage IIIA melanomas.

Identification and counting of fish targets using adaptive resolution imaging sonar

Fish are a critical component of marine biology; therefore, the accurate identification and counting of fish are essential for the objective monitoring and assessment of marine biological resources. High-frequency adaptive resolution imaging sonar (ARIS) is widely used for underwater object detection and imaging, and it quickly obtains close-up video of free-swimming fish in high-turbidity water environments. Nonetheless, processing the massive data output using imaging sonars remains a major challenge. Here, the authors developed an automatic image-processing programme that fuses K-nearest neighbour background subtraction with DeepSort target tracking to automatically track and count fish. The automatic programme was evaluated using four test data sets with different target sizes and observation ranges and differently deployed sonars. According to the results, the approach successfully counted free-swimming fish targets with an accuracy index of 73% and a completeness index of 70%. Under appropriate conditions, this approach could replace time-consuming semi-automatic approaches and improve the efficiency of imaging sonar data processing, while providing technical support for future real-time data processing.

CYP1B1-AS1 Delays the Malignant Progression of Colorectal Cancer by Binding with NOP58

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent type of gastrointestinal cancer, and its poor prognosis is mainly attributed to the occurrence of invasion and metastasis. CYP1B1-AS1, as non-coding RNA, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the mechanism by which CYP1B1-AS1 acts in CRC is not yet understood.

AIMS

The objective of this study was to investigate how CYP1B1-AS1 contributes to the development of CRC, and provide a base for CRC diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression level of CYP1B1-AS1 in CRC and adjacent tissues. CCK-8, Edu, scratch healing, and transwell experiments were used to detect the changes of proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of CRC cells after overexpression or knockdown of CYP1B1-AS1 respectively. The RNA binding protein NOP58 combined with CYP1B1-AS1 was verified by RIP and RNA Pull-down experiments. Functional recovery experiments validated the interaction between CYP1B1-AS1 and NOP58 in CRC cells. The changes of EMT-related proteins were detected by Western blot, and the half-life of transcription factor SNAIL mRNA were detected by RT-qPCR after overexpression or knockdown of NOP58.

RESULTS

CYP1B1-AS1 was found to be significantly downregulated in CRC compared to adjacent noncancerous tissues. Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo confirmed that upregulation of CYP1B1-AS1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. In addition, CYP1B1-AS1 can directly bind to NOP58 and negatively regulate NOP58. The effect of overexpression CYP1B1-AS1 was reversed by NOP58 overexpression. NOP58 regulates the EMT process of CRC cells by affecting the stability of EMT-related transcription factor SNAIL mRNA, and then affects the progress of CRC.

CONCLUSION

This research proves that CYP1B1-AS1 can inhibit the occurrence of EMT in CRC by binding with NOP58, thus delaying the progress of CRC. This finding indicates that CYP1B1-AS1 may be a novel biomarker to improve the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.

Anticipation of landing leg masks ankle inversion orientation deficits and peroneal insufficiency during jump landing in people with chronic ankle instability

Ankle inversion orientation and peroneal activation insufficiency may contribute to lateral ankle sprains during landing in chronic ankle instability (CAI); however, how anticipation alters these factors is neglected. This study aimed to assess the impact of anticipation on joint orientation and muscle activity during landing in individuals with CAI. Fifteen participants with CAI and 15 healthy participants (control) were recruited to perform single-leg landings after bilateral countermovement jumps when the landing limb was specified before (planned) or after (unplanned) take-off. Joint angle (hip, knee, and ankle) and electromyography (gluteus medius, rectus femoris, biceps femoris, gastrocnemius lateral head, tibialis anterior, and peroneal longus) were collected and analyzed with 2 (groups) × 2 (conditions) statistical parametric mapping ANOVA. In the unplanned condition, the CAI group demonstrated a less plantarflexed (maximum difference [MD] = 9.5°, p = 0.047) and more inverted ankle joint (MD = 4.1°, p < 0.001) before ground contact, along with lower peroneal activity at ground contact compared to the control group (MD = 28.9% of peak activation, p < 0.001). No significant differences between groups were observed in the planned condition. In conclusion, anticipation may mask jump landing deficits in people with CAI, including inverted ankle orientation and reduced peroneus longus activity pre- and post-landing, which were observed exclusively in unplanned landings. Clinicians and researchers need to recognize the impact of anticipation on apparent landing deficits and consider the implications for injury prevention and rehabilitation strategies.

Diabetes Mellitus Mediates the Relationship Between Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Gallstones: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

Previous studies have shown a correlation between diabetes mellitus and gallstone formation. The atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) is associated with many metabolic diseases. However, insufficient evidence still exists to elucidate the association between AIP and gallstones. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between AIP and gallstones in US adults, and the secondary objective was to analyze whether diabetes plays a mediating role in the association.

Patients and Methods

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2017 and March 2020, this study investigated the association between AIP and gallstone incidence in US adults. A variety of statistical methods were used to analyze the data in this study, including multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analyses, restricted cubic spline curves (RCS), and mediation effects analysis. In addition, two-stage linear regression was used to detect possible threshold and saturation effects.

Results

A total of 6952 subjects were enrolled in the trial, of which 748 patients were diagnosed with gallstones. A significant positive association between AIP and gallstones was observed by fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.45 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of (1.09, 1.93). In addition, a non-linear positive association and saturation effect between AIP and gallstones were found, with an inflection point of 0.2246. Mediation analysis showed that diabetes had a mediating effect of 16.9% in the association between AIP and gallstones.

Conclusion

This study suggests that elevated levels of AIP are linked to an augmented vulnerability to gallstone development, with diabetes serving as a mediating factor. These findings present a novel perspective on clinical approaches to prevent and manage gallstones.

Multiplex Detection of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms by Liquid Chromatography for Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Staging

In this work, an integrated strategy with excellent accuracy and high throughput is proposed for the precise indication of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in nonsmall cell lung cancer diseases. Two types of point mutations (L858R and T790M) and the corresponding wild types could be identified together in a single high-performance liquid chromatographic run. Signal amplification was achieved through a series of enzyme ligation, primer extension, and enzyme cleavage strategies, and a large number of DNA probes with different fluorescence signals were finally generated. The factors affecting the spatiotemporal separation efficiency of four DNA probes were systematically investigated. The limits of detection of wild types (WTs) or mutant types (MTs) abbreviated as L858R-MT, L858R-WT, T790M-MT, and T790M-WT were 26, 24, 19, and 22 aM, respectively. In addition, the levels of mutant types and wild types in the serum of 40 nonsmall cell lung cancer patients at different stages were detected using the method, and the correlation between the mutation ratios and cancer stages was preliminarily verified. The proposed highly selective and sensitive method may serve as an alternative approach for early diagnosis and staging of nonsmall cell lung cancer.

Multi-omics of the gut microbial ecosystem in patients with microsatellite-instability-high gastrointestinal cancer resistant to immunotherapy

Despite the encouraging efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy in microsatellite-instability-high/deficient mismatch repair (MSI-H/dMMR) advanced gastrointestinal cancer, many patients exhibit primary or acquired resistance. Using multi-omics approaches, we interrogate gut microbiome, blood metabolome, and cytokines/chemokines of patients with MSI-H/dMMR gastrointestinal cancer (N = 77) at baseline and during the treatment. We identify a number of microbes (e.g., Porphyromonadaceae) and metabolites (e.g., arginine) highly associated with primary resistance to immunotherapy. An independent validation cohort (N = 39) and mouse model are used to further confirm our findings. A predictive machine learning model for primary resistance is also built and achieves an accuracy of 0.79 on the external validation set. Furthermore, several microbes are pinpointed that gradually changed during the process of acquired resistance. In summary, our study demonstrates the essential role of gut microbiome in drug resistance, and this can be utilized as a preventative diagnosis tool and therapeutic target in the future.

Sex differences in a corticosterone-induced depression model in mice: Behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular insights

Depression is characterized by a significant sex disparity, with higher rates observed in women compared to men. This study aimed to investigate the impact of sex on depressive behaviors and explore the underlying mechanisms using a corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression model in mice. Behavioral tests, Nissl staining, UPLC-MS/MS, and Western blot analysis were performed to assess behavioral changes, as well as neuronal alterations, neurotransmitter levels, and protein expressions in the hippocampus. The mice in the model group exhibited sex-specific anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Nissl staining revealed structural abnormalities in the CA3 region of the hippocampus in females. Neurotransmitter analysis indicated decreased serotonin and norepinephrine levels in both sexes, while glutamate levels were elevated in females. Furthermore, female mice demonstrated elevated serum CORT levels. Western blot analysis revealed sex-specific alterations in specific protein expression. Female mice exhibited downregulated glucocorticoid receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, whereas male mice showed minimal changes. Additionally, female mice displayed reduced phosphorylated AKT, phosphorylated PI3K, and phosphorylated mTOR levels. These findings enhance our understanding of sex-specific differences in the CORT-induced depression model and provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of depression. This research emphasizes sex in depression studies and supports tailored interventions.

Olgotrelvir, a dual inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and cathepsin L, as a standalone antiviral oral intervention candidate for COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Oral antiviral drugs with improved antiviral potency and safety are needed to address current challenges in clinical practice for treatment of COVID-19, including the risks of rebound, drug-drug interactions, and emerging resistance.

METHODS

Olgotrelvir (STI-1558) is designed as a next-generation antiviral targeting the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), an essential enzyme for SARS-CoV-2 replication, and human cathepsin L (CTSL), a key enzyme for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.

FINDINGS

Olgotrelvir is a highly bioavailable oral prodrug that is converted in plasma to its active form, AC1115. The dual mechanism of action of olgotrelvir and AC1115 was confirmed by enzyme activity inhibition assays and co-crystal structures of AC1115 with SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and human CTSL. AC1115 displayed antiviral activity by inhibiting replication of all tested SARS-CoV-2 variants in cell culture systems. Olgotrelvir also inhibited viral entry into cells using SARS-CoV-2 Spike-mediated pseudotypes by inhibition of host CTSL. In the K18-hACE2 transgenic mouse model of SARS-CoV-2-mediated disease, olgotrelvir significantly reduced the virus load in the lungs, prevented body weight loss, and reduced cytokine release and lung pathologies. Olgotrelvir demonstrated potent activity against the nirmatrelvir-resistant Mpro E166 mutants. Olgotrelvir showed enhanced oral bioavailability in animal models and in humans with significant plasma exposure without ritonavir. In phase I studies (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05364840 and NCT05523739), olgotrelvir demonstrated a favorable safety profile and antiviral activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Olgotrelvir is an oral inhibitor targeting Mpro and CTSL with high antiviral activity and plasma exposure and is a standalone treatment candidate for COVID-19.

FUNDING

Funded by Sorrento Therapeutics.

Targeting Lysosome for Enhanced Cancer Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy in a "One Stone Two Birds" Pattern

Highly immunogenic programmed death of tumor cells, such as immunogenic cell death (ICD) and pyroptosis, strengthens antitumor responses and thus represents a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. However, the development of ICD and pyroptosis inducers remains challenging, and their efficiency is typically compromised by self-protective autophagy. Here, we report a potent ICD and pyroptosis-inducing strategy by coupling combined photodynamic/photothermal therapy (PTT/PDT) to biological processes in cancer cells. For this purpose, we rationally synthesize a lysosomal-targeting boron-dipyrromethene dimer (BDPd) with intense NIR absorption/emission, high reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield, and photothermal abilities, which can be self-assembled with Pluronic F127, producing lysosomal-acting nanomicelles (BDPd NPs) to facilitate cancer cell internalization of BDPd and generation of intracellular ROS. Owing to the favorable lysosomal-targeting ability of the morpholine group on BDPd, the intracellular BDPd NPs can accumulate in the lysosome and induce robust lysosomal damage in cancer cells upon 660 nm laser irradiation, which results in the synergetic induction of pyroptosis and ICD via activating NLRP3/GSDMD and caspase-3/GSDME pathways simultaneously. More importantly, PTT/PDT-induced self-protective autophagic degradation was blocked due to the dysfunction of lysosomes. Either intratumorally or intravenously, the injected BDPd NPs could markedly inhibit the growth of established tumor tissues upon laser activation, provoke local and systemic antitumor immune responses, and prolong the survival time in the mouse triple-negative breast cancer model. Collectively, this work represents a promising strategy to boost the therapeutic potential of PTT/PDT by coupling phototherapeutic reagents with the subcellular organelles, creating a "one stone two birds" pattern.

Improving the detection capability and efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 RNA specimens by the specimen turn-around process with multi-department cooperation

Objective

Improving the detection capability and efficiency of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA specimens is very important for the prevention and control of the outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we evaluated the detection capability and efficiency of two outbreaks of COVID-19 before and after the process re-engineering in April and July 2022.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study involved 359,845 SARS-CoV-2 RNA specimens 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after the two outbreaks of COVID-19 in April and July. The number, transportation time and detection time of specimens, and the number of reports of more than 24 h were analyzed by SPSS software.

Results

While 16.84% of people chose nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) specimens, 83.16% chose oropharyngeal swabs (OPS) specimens to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. There were significant upward trends in the percentage of 10 sample pooling (P-10) from April before process re-engineering to July after process re-engineering (p < 0.001). Compared with April, the number of specimens in July increased significantly not only 2 weeks before but also 2 weeks after the outbreak of COVID-19, with an increase of 35.46 and 93.94%, respectively. After the process re-engineering, the number of reports more than 24 h in the 2 weeks before and after the outbreak of COVID-19 in July was significantly lower than that in April before process re-engineering (0% vs. 0.06% and 0 vs. 0.89%, both p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The present study shows that strengthening the cooperation of multi-departments in process re-engineering, especially using the P-10 strategy and whole process informatization can improve the detection capability and efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 RNA specimens.

Acute exposure of microwave impairs attention process by activating microglial inflammation

BACKGROUND

Attention provides the foundation for cognitions, which was shown to be affected by microwave (MW) radiation. With the ubiquitous of microwaves, public concerns regarding the impact of MW radiation on attention has hence been increased. Our study aims to investigate the potential effect and mechanism of acute microwave exposure on attention.

RESULTS

We identified obvious impairment of attention in mice by the five-choice serial reaction time (5-CSRT) task. Proteomic analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed neuroinflammation and microglial activation potentially due to acute MW exposure. Moreover, biochemical analysis further confirmed microglial activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice subjected to acute MW exposure. Finally, minocycline, a commercially available anti-inflammatory compound, attenuated neuroinflammation, inhibited the upregulation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) including NR2A and NR2B, and also accelerated the attentional recovery after MW exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that microglial activation and NMDAR upregulation likely contribute to inattention induced by acute MW exposure, and we found that minocycline may be effective in preventing such process.

Survival effects of postoperative adjuvant TACE in early-HCC patients with microvascular invasion: A multicenter propensity score matching

Background: The presence of microvascular invasion (MVI) significantly worsens the surgical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this research was to investigate the survival benefit of adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with MVI after hepatectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1372 HCC patients who underwent curative liver resection in four medical institutions. In order to minimize confounding factors and selection bias between groups, Propensity Score Matching (PSM) (1:1) was performed to ensure balanced clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 1056 patients were enrolled after PSM, including 672 patients with MVI and 384 patients without MVI. Adjuvant TACE improves DFS (Median, 36 months vs 14 months, p < 0.001) and OS (Median, NA vs 32 months, p < 0.001) in patients harboring MVI, but not in those (all p > 0.05) lacking MVI. In different different CNLC stages, adjuvant TACE improved DFS (CNLC stage I, Median, 37 vs 15 months; CNLC stage II, Median, 25 vs 11 months, p < 0.001) and OS (CNLC stage I, Median, NA vs 32 months, p < 0.001; CNLC stage II, Median, NA vs 26 months, p = 0.002) in patients who carried MVI, but not in those (CNLC stage I-II, all p > 0.05) who lacked MVI. Conclusions: Adjuvant TACE may be a potentially effective treatment option for improving survival outcomes in early-HCC patients harboring MVI, but not in those lacking MVI.

Disruption of the rice ALS1 localized in chloroplast causes seedling-lethal albino phenotype

Chloroplasts are the organelles responsible for photosynthesis and regulate normal plant growth. Although translation elongation factors play important roles in chloroplast development, functional studies of chloroplast translation elongation factors in higher plants remain very sparse. Here, we obtained a rice mutant exhibiting seedling-lethal albino phenotype and named it albino and lethal seedling 1 (als1). Consistently, low content of photosynthetic pigments, malformed chloroplasts and defective photosynthesis were observed in als1 mutant leaves. Map-based cloning experiment showed that als1 mutant had a T base insertion in Os02g0595700, causing a frame shift and premature stop codon. ALS1 encoded a GTP-binding protein EF-Tu, which acts as a translation elongation factor in chloroplast protein translation. ALS1 was found to be expressed throughout plant with highest expression level in young leaves. Moreover, ALS1 was located in chloroplast, whereas the truncated als1 could not normally be located in chloroplast. Additionally, the ALS1 mutation significantly influenced the expression of downstream genes, such as genes relevant to chlorophyll biosynthesis, photosynthesis as well as chloroplast development. These results show that ALS1 acts as a key regulator of chloroplast development and plant growth.

Proportion of caloric restriction-induced weight loss as skeletal muscle

OBJECTIVE

This study's objective was to develop models predicting the relative reduction in skeletal muscle (SM) mass during periods of voluntary calorie restriction (CR) and to validate model predictions in longitudinally monitored samples.

METHODS

The model development group included healthy nonexercising adults (n = 897) who had whole-body SM mass measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Model predictions of relative SM changes with CR were evaluated in two longitudinal studies, one 12 to 14 weeks in duration (n = 74) and the other 12 months in duration (n = 26).

RESULTS

A series of SM prediction models were developed in a sample of 415 males and 482 females. Model-predicted changes in SM mass relative to changes in body weight (i.e., ΔSM/Δbody weight) with a representative model were (mean ± SE) 0.26 ± 0.013 in males and 0.14 ± 0.007 in females (sex difference, p < 0.001). The actual mean proportions of weight loss as SM in the longitudinal studies were 0.23 ± 0.02/0.20 ± 0.06 in males and 0.10 ± 0.02/0.17 ± 0.03 in females, similar to model-predicted values.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonelderly males and females with overweight and obesity experience respective reductions in SM mass with voluntary CR in the absence of a structured exercise program of about 2 to 2.5 kg and 1 to 1.5 kg per 10-kg weight loss, respectively. These estimates are predicted to be influenced by interactions between age and body mass index in males, a hypothesis that needs future testing.

Data Analysis Pipeline for scRNA-seq Experiments to Study Early Oogenesis

Germ cells as the means for the transmission of genetic information between generations have been a hot topic of research for decades. The analysis of the transcriptomes, that is of the RNA transcripts produced by the genotype at a given time, of germ cells and the surrounding somatic cells, is essential to unravel the cellular and molecular processes regulating gametogenesis. However, the asynchronized differentiation of germ cells and high cellular heterogeneity in the developing ovary or testis represent two unsurmountable challenges for delineating the transcription regulation mechanism of germ cells using traditional bulk RNA sequencing. By performing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), it is now possible to dissect the transcriptome of germ cell development at single-cell resolution, and apply powerful bioinformatics methods to translate raw sequencing data into meaningful information. Here, using the 10× Genomic platform and the most widely cited bioinformatics tools, we describe how to analyze early female germ cell development using scRNA-seq data generated from mouse E11.5 to E14.5 ovaries. This pipeline will provide a guide for exploring the processes of early germ cell development at single-cell resolution.

Oriented bacterial cellulose microfibers with tunable mechanical performance fabricated via green reassembly avenue

Bacterial cellulose has garnered remarkable interest from researchers, particularly those working in the biomedical field. In this work, BC microfibers were fabricated via green dissolution (ZnCl2) and regeneration (ethanol). The orientation of cellulose chains was investigated during extrusion and simple post-processing via polarized optical microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering. The results implied that the mechanical properties of BC microfibers can be tuned by rational pre-stretching. The BC microfibers can be programmable, and be used to suture hard or soft tissues. The as-designed paralleled BC microfibers have good biocompatibility and can regulate the directional growth of cells on their surface. The as-obtained BC microfiber with a high tensile strength of up to ∼115 MPa is suitable for surgical sutures. The tunable BC microfibers may be utilized as an adequate fiber-derived biomedical material product.

Impact of prior antiplatelet therapy on outcomes of acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

It is unclear how prior antiplatelet (APT) therapy affects outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing endovascular treatment. This review pooled data from the literature to compare outcomes of AIS between prior APT users vs non-users. PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, and Scopus for studies were searched for studies comparing outcomes of AIS between APT users vs non-users up to 30th May 2023. Ten studies were included comparing 2648 APT users with 5076 non-users. Meta-analysis failed to demonstrate any statistically significant difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) but there was a tendency of higher mortality rates in prior APT users vs non-users. Although patients with prior APT therapy had significantly higher rates of successful recanalization as compared to patients with no prior APT treatment, meta-analysis showed significantly lower odds of functional independence amongst APT users vs non-users (OR: 0.77 95% CI: 0.68, 0.87 I2 = 22%). However, pooled analysis of adjusted data with fewer studies showed that there was no difference in sICH (OR: 1.04 95% CI: 0.78, 1.39 I2 = 0%), mortality (OR: 0.89 95% CI: 0.47, 1.68 I2 = 68%), successful recanalization (OR: 1.34 95% CI: 0.96, 1.88 I2 = 54%), and functional independence (OR: 0.96 95% CI: 0.81, 1.14 I2 = 0%) between APT users and non-users. Analysis of crude data indicates that prior APT therapy may improve successful recanalization without increasing sICH rates in AIS patients treated with endovascular therapy. However, there was an adverse effect of APT therapy on 3-month functional and survival outcomes. After adjustment of confounders, there was no difference in the odds of sICH, mortality, successful recanalization, and functional independence between APT users vs non-users.

Boosting production of cembratriene-ol in Saccharomyces cerevisiae via systematic optimization

Cembratriene-ol is a good biodegradable biopesticide ingredient with future potential applications in the field of sustainable agriculture. Cembratriene-ol is a monocyclic diterpenoid compound that is synthesized only in the trichome gland of Nicotiana plants. In this study, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase gene ggpps from Taxus canadensis and cbts*Δp were heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae W303-1A to successfully synthesize cembratriene-ol. The titer of cembratriene-ol was increased by 1.84-fold compared to the control by overexpressing the S. cerevisiae bifunctional (2E,6E)-farnesyl diphosphate synthase genes ERG20 and cbts*Δp under one promoter PGAP . The titer of cembratriene-ol in the engineered S. cerevisiae BY4741 was increased by 1.39-fold compared to the engineered S. cerevisiae W303-1A. The titer of cembratriene-ol in the engineered S. cerevisiae BY4741 was increased by 2.22-fold compared to the control by overexpressing ERG20 and cbts*Δp, respectively, using two promoters PGAP . Cembratriene-ol was found to be successfully synthesized via the integrated expression of cbts*Δp, ggpps and ERG20 on the genome of S. cerevisiae BY4741. The titer of cembratriene-ol in S. cerevisiae S25 was further increased by 1.80-fold compared to the control via dynamic control of the squalene synthase gene ERG9. Overexpression of the genes cbts*Δp and ggpps using pY26-GPD-TEF in S. cerevisiae S25 with their integration expression increased the titer of cembratriene-ol by 26.1-fold compared to S. cerevisiae S25. The titer of cembratriene-ol was significantly enhanced by mitochondrial compartmentalized expression of cbts*Δp and ggpps, which was 76.3-fold higher than that of the initial strain constructed. It was indicated that the systematic optimization has great potential in facilitating high-level production of cembratriene-ol production in S. cerevisiae.

From oncolytic peptides to oncolytic polymers: A new paradigm for oncotherapy

Traditional cancer therapy methods, especially those directed against specific intracellular targets or signaling pathways, are not powerful enough to overcome tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Oncolytic peptides that can induce membrane lysis-mediated cancer cell death and subsequent anticancer immune responses, has provided a new paradigm for cancer therapy. However, the clinical application of oncolytic peptides is always limited by some factors such as unsatisfactory bio-distribution, poor stability, and off-target toxicity. To overcome these limitations, oncolytic polymers stand out as prospective therapeutic materials owing to their high stability, chemical versatility, and scalable production capacity, which has the potential to drive a revolution in cancer treatment. This review provides an overview of the mechanism and structure-activity relationship of oncolytic peptides. Then the oncolytic peptides-mediated combination therapy and the nano-delivery strategies for oncolytic peptides are summarized. Emphatically, the current research progress of oncolytic polymers has been highlighted. Lastly, the challenges and prospects in the development of oncolytic polymers are discussed.

Characteristic chromanone acids from Calophyllum membranaceum: Determination of C-3 configuration and anti-inflammatory activity

One undescribed homologous furanochromanone (1) featuring a 6/6/5/3 tetracyclic skeleton and four highly oxidized pyranochromanones (2-5), along with a set of four pyranochromanone stereoisomers [(±)-6a and (±)-6b], were isolated from the leaves of Calophyllum membranaceum Gardn. Et Champ. Their structures were elucidated by using spectroscopic data, Snatzke's method, quantum-chemical calculations, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. The correlation of characteristic Cotton effects and specific chemical shifts with C-3 configuration provided a convenient approach to assign the C-3 configuration of 2,3-dimethylchromanones. The stereochemical assignments of 3-OH substituted pyranochromanones by quantum-based NMR methods following single/double MTPA derivatization were consistent with the ECD/NMR prediction, which verified the feasibility and reliability of the proposed empirical rule. The underlying mechanism was further clarified by conformational and molecular orbital analyses. Moreover, biological evaluation and binding assays demonstrated that compound 3 (KD = 0.45 μM) tightly binds to the TLR4-MD2 target, thereby inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88-dependent and -independent signal pathways. This study provides the first evidence that Calophyllum chromanones are a novel structural type of TLR4 inhibitors, exerting their anti-inflammatory effects by disrupting the binding between TLR4 and MD2.

Neural network-based finite-time command-filtered adaptive backstepping control of electro-hydraulic servo system with a three-stage valve

This paper aims to improve the tracking control performance of the three-stage valve (TSV) controlled electro-hydraulic servo system (EHSS) with parameter uncertainties and other lumped unknown nonlinearities, including unknown dynamics and disturbances. A more accurate nonlinear model of the TSV-controlled EHSS is established and a neural network-based finite-time command-filtered adaptive backstepping control (NNFCABC) method is proposed for the EHSS. Adaptive control is used to deal with the system parameter uncertainties, and the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) algorithm is introduced to approximate the lumped unknown nonlinearities. The prediction errors of serial-parallel estimation models (SPEMs) and the tracking errors are utilized together to design adaptive laws to estimate the system parameters and the weights of the RBFNNs. The entire control framework utilizes command-filtered control and backstepping techniques. By applying Levant differentiators as command filters and introducing fractional power terms into the virtual control laws and the SPEMs, the proposed NNFCABC theoretically guarantees the tracking performance of the closed-loop control system with finite-time convergence. Comparative simulations and experiments verify the feasibility and superiority of the proposed control scheme.

SRSF7 is a promising prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma and is associated with immune infiltration

BACKGROUND

Previous studies indicate that the splicing process, regulated by the cellular machinery of tumors (spliceosome), undergoes alterations, leading to oncogenic splicing events associated with the progression of tumors towards aggressiveness. However, the role of serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 7 (SRSF7) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear.

METHODS

This study was aimed to explore the role and clinical significance of SRSF7 in HCC. By conducting functional analysis and gene set enrichment analysis, it was discovered that SRSF7 contributes to multiple pathways associated with immune response and tumor advancement. Further experiments verified that silencing of SRSF7 obviously inhibits progression of HCC.

RESULTS

Aberrant expression of SRSF7, which were referred as an independent prognostic risk factor, effectively predicts the prognosis of patients with HCC. Functional and gene enrichment analyses revealed that SRSF7 is linked with multiple immune and tumor progression-related pathways, including the B cell receptor signaling pathway, positive regulation of leukocyte and immunoglobulin receptor binding cell activation, nuclear division, membrane invagination, cell cycle, as well as mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, increased SRSF7 expression was associated with tumor-infiltrating inflammatory cells (CD4+, monocytes/macrophages, CD8 + and endothelial). Additionally, multiple immune checkpoint genes were markedly positively related to SRSF7. The efficiency of SRSF7 in predicting immunomodulator and chemokine responses were also assessed in microenvironment. Moreover, in vitro analyses demonstrated that knockdown of SRSF7 suppressed the malignant evolution of HCC possibly by deactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.

CONCLUSION

The role of SRSF7 in the tumor microenvironment has been successfully assessed. It may be a valid bio-index for predicting the HCC prognosis, thereby guiding individualized immunotherapy for cancer.

Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Postoperative Early Relapse and Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Early relapse after hepatectomy presents a significant challenge in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to construct and validate a novel nomogram model for predicting early relapse and survival after hepatectomy for HCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a large-scale, multicenter retrospective analysis of 1,505 patients with surgically treated HCC from 4 medical centers. All patients were randomly divided into either the training cohort (n=1,053) or the validation cohort (n=452) in a 7:3 ratio. A machine learning-based nomogram model for prediction of HCC was established by integrating multiple risk factors that influence early relapse and survival, which were identified from preoperative clinical data and postoperative pathologic characteristics of the patients.

RESULTS

The median time to early relapse was 7 months, whereas the median time from early relapse to death was only 19 months. The concordance indexes of the postoperative nomogram for predicting disease-free survival and overall survival were 0.741 and 0.739, respectively, with well-calibrated curves demonstrating good consistency between predicted and observed outcomes. Moreover, the accuracy and predictive performance of the postoperative nomograms were significantly superior to those of the preoperative nomogram and the other 7 HCC staging systems. The patients in the intermediate- and high-risk groups of the model had significantly higher probabilities of early and critical recurrence (P<.001), whereas those in the low-risk group had higher probabilities of late and local recurrence (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This postoperative nomogram model can better predict early recurrence and survival and can serve as a useful tool to guide clinical treatment decisions for patients with HCC.

Seed-to-Seed: Plant Core Vertically Transmitted Microbiota

The plant core microbiota transmitted by seeds have been demonstrated to exist in seeds and adult plants of several crops for multiple generations. They are closely related to plants and are relatively conserved throughout evolution, domestication, and breeding. These microbiota play a vital role in the early stages of plant growth. However, information about their colonization routes, transmission pathways, and final fate remains fragmentary. This review delves into the concept of these microbiota, their colonization sources, transmission pathways, and how they change throughout plant evolution, domestication, and breeding, as well as their effects on plants, based on relevant literature. Finally, the significant potential of incorporating the practical application of seed-transmitted microbiota into plant microbial breeding is emphasized.

Optimizing Temperature Setting for Decomposition Furnace Based on Attention Mechanism and Neural Networks

The temperature setting for a decomposition furnace is of great importance for maintaining the normal operation of the furnace and other equipment in a cement plant and ensuring the output of high-quality cement products. Based on the principles of deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs), long short-term memory networks (LSTMs), and attention mechanisms, we propose a CNN-LSTM-A model to optimize the temperature settings for a decomposition furnace. The proposed model combines the features selected by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) with others suggested by domain experts as inputs, and uses CNN to mine spatial features, LSTM to extract time series information, and an attention mechanism to optimize weights. We deploy sensors to collect production measurements at a real-life cement factory for experimentation and investigate the impact of hyperparameter changes on the performance of the proposed model. Experimental results show that CNN-LSTM-A achieves a superior performance in terms of prediction accuracy over existing models such as the basic LSTM model, deep-convolution-based LSTM model, and attention-mechanism-based LSTM model. The proposed model has potentials for wide deployment in cement plants to automate and optimize the operation of decomposition furnaces.