Recent Advances of DNA Nanostructure-Based Cell Membrane Engineering

Materials that can regulate the composition and structure of the cell membrane to fabricate engineered cells with defined functions are in high demand. Compared with other biomolecules, DNA has unique advantages in cell membrane engineering due to its excellent programmability and biocompatibility. Especially, the near-atomic scale precision of DNA nanostructures facilitates the investigation of structure-property relations on the cell membrane. In this review, first the state of the art of functional DNA nanostructures is summarized, and then the overview of the use of DNA nanostructures to engineer the cell membrane is presented. Subsequently, applications of DNA nanostructures in modifying cell membrane morphology, controlling ions transport, and synthesizing high precise liposomes are highlighted. Finally, the challenges and outlook on using DNA nanostructures for cell membrane engineering are discussed.

Evaluation of pulmonary ventilation in COVID-19 patients using oxygen-enhanced three-dimensional ultrashort echo time MRI: a preliminary study

AIM

To evaluate the lung function of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients using oxygen-enhanced (OE) ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-nine patients with COVID-19 were included in the study. The OE-MRI was based on a respiratory-gated three-dimensional (3D) radial UTE sequence. For each patient, the percent signal enhancement (PSE) map was calculated using the expression PSE = (S_100% – S_21%)/S_21%, where S_21% and S_100% are signals acquired during room air and 100% oxygen inhalation, respectively. Agreement of lesion detectability between UTE-MRI and computed tomography (CT) was performed using the kappa test. The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to evaluate the difference in the mean PSE between mild-type COVID-19 and common-type COVID-19. Spearman's test was used to assess the relationship between lesion mean PSE and lesion size. Furthermore, the Mann–Whitney U-test was used to evaluate the difference in region of interest (ROI) mean PSE between normal pulmonary parenchyma and lesions. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied to test the difference in the mean PSE between different lesion types.

RESULTS

CT and UTE-MRI reached good agreement in lesion detectability. Ventilation measures in mild-type patients (5.3 ± 5.5%) were significantly different from those in common-type patients (3 ± 3.9%). Besides, there was no significant correlation between lesion mean PSE and lesion size. The mean PSE of COVID-19 lesions (3.2 ± 4.9%) was significantly lower than that of the pulmonary parenchyma (5.4 ± 3.9%). No significant difference was found among different lesion types.

CONCLUSION

OE-UTE-MRI could serve as a promising method for the assessment of lung function or treatment management of COVID-19 patients.

Effect of front-of-package nutrition labeling on food purchases: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

This study systematically reviewed evidence from interventions on the effect of front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling on food purchases.

STUDY DESIGN

The study design used in this study is a systematic review.

METHODS

Keyword search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies (10 randomized controlled trials, four pre-post studies, and one case-control study) met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Five studies were conducted in a controlled setting through the establishment of an online virtual supermarket or physical laboratory food store solely for the intervention. In contrast, the remaining ten studies were conducted in a naturalistic setting where people commonly purchase foods (e.g., supermarket, grocery store, school/hospital cafeteria, or vending machine). FOP labels assessed included traffic lights, health star rating, daily intake guides, health warnings, and high sugar symbol labels. Compared with the control, FOP labels were effective for helping participants make healthier food purchase decisions in five of the 12 studies that assessed traffic lights labels, in one of the two studies that assessed health warning labels, and in one study that assessed high sugar symbol labels. Three assessed health star ratings and one assessed daily intake guide labels, but none revealed an effect on food purchases compared with the control.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings on the effectiveness of FOP nutrition labels in 'nudging' consumers toward healthier food purchases remain mixed and inconclusive. Future studies should examine other types of FOP labels beside the traffic lights labels and explore the different effects by consumer affordability, population subgroup, and shopping environment.

[The relationship between HPV integration and prognosis of cervical cancer]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between human papillomavirus (HPV) integration and prognosis of cervical cancer patients. Methods: The data of 82 patients with cervical cancer treated in the Radiotherapy Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 2004 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into poor prognosis group (recurrence or metastasis after surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy) and good prognosis group based on a propensity score matching strategy.The HPV integration of the two groups were detected by whole exome sequencing to determine whether the integration sites were located in the common fragile sites (CFSs). HPV integration and integration into CFSs were compared between the two groups. Results: Among the enrolled 82 patients, 37 were divided in poor survival group and 45 in good survival group. A total of 90 integration breakpoints were identified, 30 of them occurred in poor prognosis group and 60 occurred in good prognosis group. In the poor prognosis group, HPV integration occurred in 20 patients, 13 of them were inserted in CFSs of 11 patients, and the numbers in good prognosis group were 26, 17, 11, respectively. There were no significantly statistical differences in the number of HPV integration events (P=0.289), HPV integration patients (P=0.735), CFSs integration events (P=0.427), and CFSs integration patients (P=0.591) between the two groups. In poor prognosis group, more CFSs integration events occurred in patients with metastasis than those in patients with only local recurrence (9 vs 2, P=0.003). Conclusions: No significant differences are observed in HPV integration and HPV integration into CFSs between cervical cancer patients with different prognoses. HPV integration into CFSs may be associated with distant metastasis.

[Association between obesity and risk for colorectal advanced adenoma]

Objectives: To understand the association between obesity and the risk for colorectal advanced adenoma. Methods: Community residents aged 45 to 74 who had participated in the Shanghai community-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening project in 2008 were included in our study. Anthropometries information including body weight, height and risk factors for colorectal advanced adenoma were collected. Results on colonoscopic diagnosis and personal health records were used for supplementary outcome information retrieval. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95%CI of obesity on the risk for colorectal advanced adenoma. Results: 20 811 residents were followed up for 122 739.36 person-years, with a median follow-up time of 5.87 years. A total of 657 cases of advanced adenomas were identified. After adjusting for potential confounding risk factors such as age, sex, family history of CRC, level of education, marriage, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, foods intake including fat, fried or pickled, vegetables and fruits etc., the HR was 1.25 (95%CI: 1.04-1.51) for obese people when compared with the normal weight persons. Further stratified analysis by age, gender and family history of CRC, results showed that obese people had a much higher risk of colorectal advanced adenoma than those with normal weight (male: HR=1.57, 95%CI: 1.20-2.04; more than 60- year-old: HR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.23-2.16). Conclusion: Data from this large scale population-based study revealed that obesity might be an independent risk factor for colorectal advanced adenoma and the risk increases along with the increase of BMI in China.

Functional inhibition of regulatory CD4+CD25+T cells in peripheral blood of patients with pemphigus vulgaris

BACKGROUND

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially life-threatening autoimmune bullous disease affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Its pathogenic mechanism is still not fully understood. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been reported to play a significant role in regulating immune homeostasis in autoimmune disorders, such as PV.

AIM

To investigate the potential role of Tregs in the immunopathogenesis of PV.

METHODS

We enrolled 15 patients with PV and 15 healthy controls (HCs). Peripheral blood samples were collected from all participants before treatment. This was followed by flow cytometric, real-time reverse transcription PCR, and in vitro inhibition-based functional assays to explore the immunopathogenesis of Tregs in PV.

RESULTS

Our results showed no statistically significant differences in total CD4+CD25+ cells and CD4+CD25^high cells. In addition, expression levels of FOXP3 mRNA and the corresponding FOXP3 protein remained unchanged in the patients with PV and the HCs. However, the in vitro suppressive activity of CD4+CD25+ T cells was impaired in patients with PV compared with HCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations suggest that inhibition of suppressive activity of Treg cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of PV.

Knocking down PFL can improve myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats by up-regulating heat shock protein-20

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect and mechanism of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) PFL on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats, and to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) in clinic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

According to the random number table, 60 male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control group (n=20), I/R group (n=20), and I/R + PFL small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) group (n=20). The I/R model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) and then recanalizing it. PFL siRNAs were injected intravenously into the tail vein of rats in I/R + PFL siRNA group to construct a PFL knockout model. Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test was used to detect the infarction area of each group. Echocardiography was adopted to measure the ejection fraction [EF (%)] and fraction shortening [FS (%)] of rats in each group. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was applied to detect the morphological changes in myocardial cells in each group. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was conducted to detect the apoptosis levels of myocardial cells and fibroblasts in heart tissues in each group. Meanwhile, the protein expression levels of apoptosis-related genes, Bcl-2-associated X protein (BAX), and Bcl-2, were measured via Western blotting. Also, the expression level of heat shock protein 20 (HSP-20) in the heart of three groups of rats was examined using immunohistochemical staining. Finally, the effects of PFL siRNAs on the expression level of HSP-20 were detected via Western blotting.

RESULTS

PFL siRNAs could significantly improve I/R-induced cardiac insufficiency in rats, thus increasing EF (%) and FS (%) (p<0.05). Besides, PFL siRNAs could remarkably inhibit cardiac infarction caused by I/R injury and reduce the infarction area from (59.54±3.45)% to (24.85±1.30)% (p<0.05). H&E staining results manifested that, compared with those in I/R group, the cardiac myofilament was better in alignment, degradation and necrosis were milder, and cell edema was notably reduced in I/R + PFL siRNA group. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that PFL siRNAs could remarkably reverse the decrease in the HSP-20 expression caused by I/R (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that PFL knockdown can significantly improve the myocardial injury caused by I/R and improve the cardiac function in rats. The mechanism may be related to the activation of HSP-20 by PFL siRNAs. Therefore, PFL is expected to become a new target for the treatment of MI.

[Application of membrane anatomy in key technologies during gastric cancer surgery: guidance and compromise]

Different from classical surgical anatomy which only pays attention to the morphology and structure of human organs, modern membrane anatomy focuses on not only the relationship between morphology and structure, but also the biological behavior characteristics of tumors. Membrane antomy is a theoretical system with interpretation on both the structural and disease function, so it has been accepted by more and more gastrointestinal surgeons. However, the theoretical system of gastric membrane anatomy is not mature yet. The stomach and its mesentery have undergone complex rotation and fusion in the process of embryonic development, so that surgeons have different understandings of the gastric membrane anatomy. Therefore, it is easy to cause various confusion and misunderstanding, resulting in deviations between the theory of membrane anatomy and the practice of surgery. In the present study, the mesentery of the stomach is divided into different regions, and the embryonic development process is traced back. The application and compromise encountered in the radical gastrectomy of gastric cancer will be expounded according to the membrane anatomy theory combined with the author's experience of operation.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG14 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion via sponging miR-193a-3p

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most ordinary fatal cancers. Recent studies have identified the vital role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the development and progression of BC. In this research, lncRNA SNHG14 was studied to identify how it functioned in the development and metastasis of BC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

SNHG14 expression of tissues was detected by Real Time-quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) in 50 paired patients with BC. And cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, and transwell assay were enrolled to observe the biological behavior changes of BC cells through gain or loss of SNHG14. In addition, luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) were performed to discover the potential targets of SNHG14 in BC cells.

RESULTS

SNHG14 expression level of BC samples was higher than that of adjacent ones. Besides, cell growth ability and cell invaded ability of BC cells were inhibited after SNHG14 was silenced, while cell growth ability and cell invaded ability of BC cells were promoted after SNHG14 was overexpressed. In addition, miR-193a-3p was upregulated after silence of SNHG14 in BC cells, while miR-193a-3p was downregulated after overexpression of SNHG14 in BC cells. Furthermore, luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation assay (RIP) showed that miR-193a-3p was a direct target of SNHG14 in BC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study uncovers a new oncogene in BC and suggests that SNHG14 could enhance BC cell proliferation and invasion via sponging miR-193a-3p, which provided a novel therapeutic target for BC patients.

Local Disorder-Induced Elevation of Intrinsic Anomalous Hall Conductance in an Electron-Doped Magnetic Weyl Semimetal

Topological materials are expected to show distinct transport signatures owing to their unique band-inversion characteristic and band-crossing points. However, the intentional modulation of such topological responses through experimentally feasible means has yet to be explored in depth. Here, an unusual elevation of the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) is obtained in electron (Ni)-doped magnetic Weyl semimetals Co_{3-x}Ni_{x}Sn_{2}S_{2}, showing peak values in the anomalous Hall-conductivity, Hall-angle, and Hall-factor at a relatively low doping level of x=0.11. The separation of intrinsic and extrinsic contributions using the TYJ scaling model indicates that such a significant enhancement is dominated by the intrinsic mechanism of the electronic Berry curvature. Theoretical calculations reveal that compared with the Fermi-level shifting from electron filling, a usually overlooked effect of doping, that is, local disorder, imposes a striking effect on broadening of the bands and narrowing of the inverted gap, thus resulting in an elevation of the integrated Berry curvature. Our results not only realize an enhancement of the AHE in a magnetic Weyl semimetal, but also provide a practical design principle for modulating the bands and transport properties in topological materials by exploiting the local disorder effect from doping.

Metallic Glacial Glass Formation by a First-Order Liquid-Liquid Transition

The glacial phase, with an apparently glassy structure, can be formed by a first-order transition in some molecular-glass-forming supercooled liquids. Here we report the formation of metallic glacial glass (MGG) from the precursor of a rare-earth-element-based metallic glass via the first-order phase transition in its supercooled liquid. The excellent glass-forming ability of the precursor ensures the MGG to be successfully fabricated into bulk samples (with a minimal critical diameter exceeding 3 mm). Distinct enthalpy, structure, and property changes are detected between MGG and metallic glass, and the reversed "melting-like" transition from the glacial phase to the supercooled liquid is observed in fast differential scanning calorimetry. The kinetics of MGG formation is reflected by a continuous heating transformation diagram, with the phase transition pathways measured at different heating rates taken into account. The finding supports the scenario of liquid-liquid transition in metallic-glass-forming liquids.

Facile fluorescent aptasensor using aggregation-induced emission luminogens for exosomal proteins profiling towards liquid biopsy

Surface protein patterns of tumor-derived exosomes could be promising noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for liquid biopsy. However, a convenient and cost-effective platform for exosomal protein profiling is still lacking. Herein, a facile fluorescent aptasensor is developed to assess exosomal tumor-associated proteins, combining aptamers, aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens), and graphene oxide (GO) as recognition elements, fluorescent dye, and the quencher, respectively. Specifically, numberous TPE-TAs could bind one aptamer and form aggregates rapidly, resulting in an amplified fluorescence signal. In the absence of tumor-derived exosomes, GO absorbs the TPE-TAs/aptamer complex, allowing fluorescence quenching. When the target exosomes are introduced, the aptamer preferentially binds with its target. Thus the TPE-TAs/aptamer complexes detach from GO surface, followed by the appearance of a "turn-on" fluorescent signal. Under the optimized conditions, the linear range of target exosomes is estimated to be 4.07 × 10⁵ to 1.83 × 10⁷ particles/μL (0.68-30.4 pM) with a detection limit of 3.43 × 10⁵ particles/μL (0.57 pM). This strategy demonstrated great performance in differentiating prostate cancer from healthy individuals (AUC: 0.9790). Furthermore, by profiling three tumor-associated protein markers including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on exosomes in a breast tumor cohort, this sensing platform diagnoses breast tumors with high efficiency (AUC: 0.9845) and exhibits a high sensitivity of 97.37% for distinguishing malignant breast cancers, where the stage I cases were detected with 92.31% sensitivity. Therefore, this aptasensor provides a promising strategy to profile tumor-derived exosomal proteins for early diagnosis in liquid biopsy.

Retrospective analysis of the clinical effects of endoscopic mucosal dissection on treatment of early esophagogastric precancerous lesions

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to conduct a retrospective study about the clinical effects of endoscopic mucosal dissection on the treatment of early esophagogastric precancerous lesions.

METHODS

A total of 132 patients with early esophagogastric precancerous lesions who were diagnosed and treated with concurrent surgery in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) group (n = 58) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) group (n = 74) according to different surgical methods. The data in the two groups were compared and analyzed in terms of surgical indicators, treatment status and incidence of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the whole block cutting rate, fractional cutting rate and complete cutting rate (P < 0.05). The mean operation time of ESD group was significantly longer than that of EMR group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the intraoperative bleeding rate, blood loss, average specimen area, length of hospital stay and treatment cost between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence and recurrence of postoperative complications, including bleeding, perforation and stenosis in the two groups, were observed within 1 year of postoperative follow-up. The incidence of complications in ESD group was slightly higher than that in EMR group, and the local recurrence rate in ESD group was lower than that in EMR group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

ESD is an alternative surgical treatment for patients with early esophagogastric precancerous lesions.

Long noncoding RNA SNHG14 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion via sponging miR-193a-3p

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "Long noncoding RNA SNHG14 promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion via sponging miR-193a-3p, by S.-D. Xie, C. Qin, L.-D. Jin, Q.-C. Wang, J. Shen, J.-C. Zhou, Y.-X. Chen, A.-H. Huang, W.-H. Zhao, L.-B. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (6): 2461-2468. DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201903_17393. PMID: 30964172" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/17393.

Homogenous Magneto-Fluorescent Nanosensor for Tumor-Derived Exosome Isolation and Analysis

Tumor-derived exosomes carrying unique surface proteins have shown great promise as novel biomarkers for liquid biopsies. However, point-of-care analysis for tumor-derived exosomes in the blood with low-cost and easy processing is still challenging. Herein, we develop an integrated approach, homogenous magneto-fluorescent exosome (hMFEX) nanosensor, for rapid and on-site tumor-derived exosomes analysis. Tumor-derived exosomes are captured immunomagnetically, which further initiates the aptamer-triggered assembly of DNA three-way junctions in homogenous solution containing aggregation-induced emission luminogens and graphene oxide, resulting in an amplified fluorescence signal. By integrating magnetic isolation and enhanced fluorescence measurement, the hMFEX nanosensor detects tumor-derived exosomes in the dynamic range spanning 5 orders of magnitude with high specificity, and the limit of detection is 6.56 × 10⁴ particles/μL. Analyzing tumor-derived exosomes in limited volume plasma from breast cancer patients demonstrates the excellent clinical diagnostic efficacy of the hMFEX nanosensor. This study provides new insights into the point-of-care testing of tumor-derived exosomes for cancer diagnostics.

Assessing the impact of drinking water iodine concentrations on the iodine intake of Chinese pregnant women living in areas with restricted iodized salt supply

PURPOSE

The supply of non-iodized salt and the water improvement project have been conducted to reduce the iodine concentration in drinking water in areas with elevated water iodine. We aimed to assess the impact of water iodine concentration (WIC) on the iodine intake of pregnant women in areas with restricted iodized salt supply, and determine the cutoff values of WIC in areas with non-iodized salt supply.

METHODS

Overall, 534 pregnant women who attended routine antenatal outpatient visits in Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Gaoqing County were recruited. The 24-h urine iodine excretion (UIE) in 534 samples and the iodine concentration in 534 drinking water samples were estimated. Urinary iodine excretion, daily iodine intake, and daily iodine intake from drinking water (WII) were calculated. The relationship between WIC and daily iodine take was analyzed.

RESULTS

The median WIC, spot urine iodine concentration (UIC), and 24-h UIE were 17 (6, 226) μg/L, 145 (88, 267) μg/L, and 190 (110, 390) μg/day, respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between WIC and UIE (R² = 0.265, p < 0.001) and UIC (R² = 0.261, p < 0.001). The contribution rate of WII to total iodine intake increased from 3.0% in the group with WIC of < 10 μg/L to 45.7% in the group with WIC of 50-99 μg/L.

CONCLUSION

The iodine content in drinking water is the major iodine source in pregnant women living in high-water iodine areas where iodized salt supply is restricted. The contribution rate of daily iodine intake from drinking water increases with the increase in water iodine concentration.

A randomised controlled trial of fibrinogen concentrate during scoliosis surgery

Bleeding and blood transfusion are common after scoliosis surgery. Fibrinogen is essential for blood clot formation and depletes quickly during haemorrhage. We randomly allocated 102 children 12-18 years old having surgery for idiopathic scoliosis, 51 to intra-operative fibrinogen concentrate 30 mg.kg^-1 (maximum 2 g) and 51 to saline placebo. Fibrinogen reduced peri-operative blood loss by a median (95%CI) volume of 155 (5-320) ml, from a median (IQR [range]) of 1035 (818-1420 [400-3030]) ml to 885 (755-1155 [270-2645]) ml, p = 0.04. Seven and four children received allogeneic red blood cell transfusion after fibrinogen and placebo, respectively, p = 0.34. There were no side-effects.

MicroRNA: Potential biomarker and target of therapy in acute lung injury

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs stretching over 18-22 nucleotides and considered to be modifiers of many respiratory diseases. They are highly evolutionary conserved and have been implicated in several biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, among others. Acute lung injury (ALI) is a fatal disease commonly caused by direct or indirect injury factors and has a high mortality rate in intensive care unit. Changes in expression of several types of miRNAs have been reported in patients with ALI. Some miRNAs suppress cellular injury and accelerate the recovery of ALI by targeting specific molecules and decreasing excessive immune response. For this reason, miRNAs are proposed as potential biomarkers for ALI and as therapeutic targets for this disease. This review summarizes current evidence supporting the role of miRNAs in ALI.

AB0026 SELECTIVE INHIBITION OF TYROSINE KINASE 2 WITH AN ORAL AGENT, BMS-986165, COMPARED WITH JANUS KINASE INHIBITORS

Background:

BMS-986165 is an oral, selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) with a unique mode of binding to the pseudokinase domain of the enzyme rather than the active site within the kinase domain. This unique mode of binding provides high functional selectivity for TYK2 versus other tyrosine kinases (TYKs) in cellular and other in vitro assays.1This approach may provide robust efficacy with a differentiated safety profile due to decreased off-target activity on other kinases. In a 12-week, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis,2BMS-986165 had a favorable safety profile, and 67%–75% of patients achieved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 (PASI 75) after 12 weeks at doses ≥3 mg twice daily versus 7% with placebo. BMS-986165 is currently under investigation in multiple autoimmune disorders such as psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Objectives:

To understand the selectivity of BMS-986165 compared with JAK inhibitors, such as tofacitinib (Tofa), upadacitinib (Upa), and baricitinib (Bari), at clinically relevant doses and plasma concentrations.

Methods:

In vitro whole blood assays were developed to measure the activity of common pairings of JAKs (JAK 1/3, JAK2/2, and TYK2/JAK2) and concentrations providing half-maximal inhibition (IC50) for BMS-986165, Tofa, Upa, and Bari were determined. The whole blood IC50values were plotted against pharmacokinetic profiles of these agents at approved doses and/or doses evaluated in their respective Phase 2/3 trials. The time that concentrations were >IC50and projected average daily inhibition were evaluated.

Results:

At clinically relevant doses and exposures, BMS-986165 plasma concentrations were higher than the TYK2 whole blood IC50value for a considerable part of the dosing interval. Additionally, the maximal plasma concentration (Cmax) of BMS-986165 was approximately >9- to 18-fold lower than the JAK 1/3 whole blood IC50value and >52- to >109-fold lower than JAK2/2 whole blood IC50, indicating lack of meaningful inhibition of the JAK 1-3 pathways by BMS-986165 at therapeutic doses. At clinically relevant doses, projected Cmaxvalues of Tofa, Upa, and Bari were many-fold lower than TYK2 IC50, indicating minimal or no meaningful inhibition of the TYK2 pathway. As expected, Tofa, Upa, and Bari had varying degrees of inhibition against JAK1/3 (daily average inhibition range: 70%–94%) and JAK2/2 pathways (daily average inhibition range: 24%–67%) at clinically relevant doses and exposures.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate the high TYK2 functional selectivity of BMS-986165 at clinically relevant doses and plasma concentrations compared with Tofa, Upa, and Bari and indicate that BMS-986165 is in a different class compared with JAK 1–3 inhibitors. Ongoing studies in psoriasis and other conditions may confirm the expected safety of BMS-986165 based on the above results. The daily average inhibition of JAK1 and JAK2 likely explains some common laboratory observations and adverse events reported for the JAK1–3 inhibitors.

References:

[1]Burke JR et al.Sci Transl Med. 2019 Jul 24;11(502); eaaw1736.

[2]Papp K et al.N Engl J Med. 2018;379(14):1313-1321.

Acknowledgments:

This study was sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb. Editorial assistance was provided by Peloton Advantage, LLC, an OPEN Health company, Parsippany, NJ, and was funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb.

Disclosure of Interests:

Anjaneya Chimalakonda Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, James Burke Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lihong Cheng Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Joann Strnad Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ian Catlett Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Aditya Patel Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Jun Shen Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ihab Girgis Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Subhashis Banerjee Shareholder of: AbbVie, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Lily, Pfizer, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb (current); AbbVie, Lily, Pfizer (past), John Throup Shareholder of: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Employee of: Bristol-Myers Squibb

DNA-Guided Room-Temperature Synthesis of Single-Crystalline Gold Nanostructures on Graphdiyne Substrates

Nobel metal nanoparticles with tunable morphologies are highly desirable due to their unique electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or catalytic features. Here we report the use of multilayered graphdyine (GD) as a substrate for the reductant-free, room-temperature synthesis of single-crystal Au nanostructures with tunable morphology. We find that the GD template rich in sp-carbon atoms possesses high affinity with Au atoms on the {111} facets, and that the intrinsic reductivity of GD facilitates the rapid growth of Au nanoplates. The introduction of single-stranded DNA strands further results in the synthesis of Au nanostructures with decreased anisotropy, i.e., polygons and flower-like nanoparticles. The DNA-guided tunable Au growth arises from the strong adsorption of DNA on the GD template that alters the uniformity of the interface, which provides a direct route to synthesize Au nanostructures with tailorable morphology and photonic properties.

Ultrafast DNA Sensors with DNA Framework-Bridged Hybridization Reactions

Intracellular DNA-based hybridization reactions generally occur under tension rather than in free states, which are spatiotemporally controlled in physiological conditions. However, how nanomechanical forces affect DNA hybridization efficiencies in in-vitro DNA assays, for example, biosensors or biochips, remains largely elusive. Here, we design DNA framework-based nanomechanical handles that can control the stretching states of DNA molecules. Using a pair of tetrahedral DNA framework (TDF) nanostructured handles, we develop bridge DNA sensors that can capture target DNA with ultrafast speed and high efficiency. We find that the rigid TDF handles bind two ends of a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and hold it in a stretched state, with an apparent stretching length comparable to its counterpart of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) via atomic force microscopy measurement. The DNA stretching effect of ssDNA is then monitored using single-molecule fluorescence energy transfer (FRET), resulting in decreased FRET efficiency in the stretched ssDNA. By controlling the stretching state of ssDNA, we obtained significantly improved hybridization kinetics (within 1 min) and hybridization efficiency (∼98%) under the target concentration of 500 nM. The bridge DNA sensors demonstrated high sensitivity (1 fM), high specificity (single mismatch mutation discrimination), and high selectivity (suitable for the detection in serum and blood) under the target concentration of 10 nM. Controlling the stretching state of ssDNA shows great potential in biosensors, bioimaging, and biochips applications.

Potential effects of IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 polymorphisms on susceptibility to gastric cancer in Chinese population: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aims to clarify the effect of IL-17 polymorphisms on the susceptibility to GCa in the Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Relevant pieces of literature were searched in PubMed, Web of School, VIP, and CNKI using the key words as "IL-17, gastric/stomach cancer" or "IL-17 polymorphisms, gastric/stomach cancer susceptibility". The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in the selected studies were calculated using RevMan5.3 and STATA12.0.

RESULTS

A total of 12 investigations reporting mutations in IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 were enrolled. There were 11 studies reporting rs2275913 G>A, involving 3299 cases of GCa patients and 3339 cases of healthy controls. The random-effects model was performed since the heterogeneity test results of the recessive genetic model (GG&GA vs. AA) and the allelic model (G vs. A) of IL-17A rs2275913 G>A were I2>66%/p=0.001. Meanwhile, the dominant genetic model (GG vs. GA&AA) and the super-dominant genetic model (GA vs. GG&AA) of IL-17A rs2275913 G>A were I2< 50%/p>0.05, and the fixed-effects model was used. The meta-analysis showed that IL-17A rs2275913 G>A was positively correlated with GCa susceptibility under four genetic models (p<0.05). Five studies reporting IL-17F rs763780 T>C were enrolled, including 2535 cases of GCa patients and 2402 cases of healthy controls. The heterogeneity test showed that, except for the super-dominant genetic model, the p-value was <0.00001 in the dominant, recessive, and allelic models, and their I2 values were 87%, 88%, and 93%, respectively. Hence, a random-effects model was selected. IL-17F rs763780 T>C was positively correlated with GCa susceptibility under the super-dominant genetic model (p=0.003), rather than the other three models (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

IL-17A rs2275913 G>A polymorphism contributes to susceptibility to GCa in the dominant, recessive, allelic, and super-dominant models. Meanwhile, IL-17F rs763780 T>C polymorphism is positively correlated with GCa susceptibility in the super-dominant model.

Feasibility of using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI for differentiating thymic carcinoma from thymic lymphoma based on semi-quantitative and quantitative models

AIM

To evaluate the value of using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) derived parameters to differentiate thymic carcinoma and thymic lymphoma based on semi-quantitative and quantitative models.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-nine pathologically confirmed anterior mediastinum tumours in 29 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study, including 15 thymic carcinoma and 14 lymphoma patients. All the patients underwent pre-treatment mediastinum DCE-MRI. Both semi-quantitative and quantitative parameters were calculated and the volume transfer constant K^trans, the flux rate constant between extravascular extracellular space and plasma k_ep, the extravascular extracellular volume fraction v_e were obtained based on a modified Tofts model. DCE-MRI derived parameters were compared between thymic carcinoma and thymic lymphoma groups.

RESULTS

Thymic carcinoma had significantly lower k_ep (p=0.040) and higher v_e (p=0.018) than thymic lymphoma; however, there were no significant differences on K^trans and semi-quantitative parameters between the two groups. v_e had the highest area under the curve (cut-off value, 0.282; area under the curve, 0.748; sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 80%). The combination of k_ep and v_e could increase the diagnostic performance significantly (area under the curve, 0.752; sensitivity, 57.1%; specificity, 93.3%).

CONCLUSION

DCE-MRI derived parameters may have value in the differentiating thymic carcinoma and thymic lymphoma.

Fast surface immobilization of native proteins through catalyst-free amino-yne click bioconjugation

Surface immobilization provides a useful platform for biosensing, drug screening, tissue engineering and other chemical and biological applications. However, some of the used reactions are inefficient and/or complicated, limiting their applications in immobilization. Herein, we use a spontaneous and catalyst-free amino-yne click bioconjugation to generate activated ethynyl group functionalized surfaces for fast immobilization of native proteins and cells. Biomolecules, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), human IgG and a peptide of C(RGDfK), could be covalently immobilized on the surfaces in as short as 30 min. Notably, the bioactivity of the anchored biomolecules remains intact, which is verified by efficiently capturing target antibodies and cells from the bulk solutions. This strategy represents an alternative for highly efficient surface biofunctionalization.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone promotes therapeutic effects of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells in ischemic repair

PURPOSE

In peripheral artery disease, blockage of the blood supply to the limbs leads to blood flow attenuation and tissue ischemia. We investigated whether growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) could enhance the biological functions and therapeutic effects of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from adult human peripheral blood (PB).

METHODS

EPCs were isolated from human PB (PB-EPCs) and cord blood and expanded in vitro. PB-EPCs incubated with or without GHRH were evaluated for proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis capacity and apoptosis rates under oxidative stress conditions. Activation of STAT3 and Akt pathways was evaluated using Western blot. A hind-limb ischemia (HLI) mouse model was used to study the efficacy of GHRH in improving EPC therapy in vivo.

RESULTS

GHRH enhanced the proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis capacity of PB-EPCs and reduced apoptosis under H₂O₂ stimulation. These beneficial effects were GHRH receptor-dependent and were paralleled by increased phosphorylation of STAT3 and Akt. Transplantation of GHRH-preconditioned EPCs into HLI model mice enhanced blood flow recovery by increasing vascular formation density and enhanced tissue regeneration at the lesion site.

CONCLUSION

Our studies demonstrate a novel role for GHRH in dramatically improving therapeutic angiogenesis in HLI by enhancing the biological functions of EPCs. These findings support additional studies to explore the full potential of GHRH in augmenting cell therapy for the management of ischemia.

Near-Atomic Fabrication with Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids hold great promise for bottom-up construction of nanostructures via programmable self-assembly. Especially, the emerging of advanced sequence design principles and the maturation of chemical synthesis of nucleic acids together have led to the rapid development of structural DNA/RNA nanotechnology. Diverse nucleic acids-based nano objects and patterns have been constructed with near-atomic resolutions and with controllable sizes and geometries. The monodispersed distribution of objects, the up-to-submillimeter scalability of patterns, and the excellent feasibility of carrying other materials with spatial and temporal resolutions have made DNA/RNA assemblies extremely unique in molecular engineering. In this review, we summarize recent advances in nucleic acids-based (mainly DNA-based) near-atomic fabrication by focusing on state-of-the-art design techniques, toolkits for DNA/RNA nanoengineering, and related applications in a range of areas.

Unveiling contextual realities by microscopically entangling a neutron

The development of qualitatively new measurement capabilities is often a prerequisite for critical scientific and technological advances. Here we introduce an unconventional quantum probe, an entangled neutron beam, where individual neutrons can be entangled in spin, trajectory and energy. The spatial separation of trajectories from nanometers to microns and energy differences from peV to neV will enable investigations of microscopic magnetic correlations in systems with strongly entangled phases, such as those believed to emerge in unconventional superconductors. We develop an interferometer to prove entanglement of these distinguishable properties of the neutron beam by observing clear violations of both Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt and Mermin contextuality inequalities in the same experimental setup. Our work opens a pathway to a future of entangled neutron scattering in matter.

Exploring correlations in strongly entangled quantum materials is of interest. Here the authors generate a tunable spin-, trajectory-, and energy-entangled neutron beam using a neutron spin-echo interferometer and show violations of Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt and Mermin contextuality inequalities with micron-scale trajectory separation.

Near-IR emissive rare-earth nanoparticles for guided surgery

Intraoperative image-guided surgery (IGS) has attracted extensive research interests in determination of tumor margins from surrounding normal tissues. Introduction of near infrared (NIR) fluorophores into IGS could significantly improve the in vivo imaging quality thus benefit IGS. Among the reported NIR fluorophores, rare-earth nanoparticles exhibit unparalleled advantages in disease theranostics by taking advantages such as large Stokes shift, sharp emission spectra, and high chemical/photochemical stability. The recent advances in elements doping and morphologies controlling endow the rare-earth nanoparticles with intriguing optical properties, including emission span to NIR-II region and long life-time photoluminescence. Particularly, NIR emissive rare earth nanoparticles hold advantages in reduction of light scattering, photon absorption and autofluorescence, largely improve the performance of nanoparticles in biological and pre-clinical applications. In this review, we systematically compared the benefits of RE nanoparticles with other NIR probes, and summarized the recent advances of NIR emissive RE nanoparticles in bioimaging, photodynamic therapy, drug delivery and NIR fluorescent IGS. The future challenges and promises of NIR emissive RE nanoparticles for IGS were also discussed.

Robust Biological Fibers Based on Widely Available Proteins: Facile Fabrication and Suturing Application

Lightweight and mechanically strong protein fibers are promising for many technical applications. Despite the widespread investigation of biological fibers based on spider silk and silkworm proteins, it remains a challenge to develop low-cost proteins and convenient spinning technology for the fabrication of robust biological fibers. Since there are plenty of widely available proteins in nature, it is meaningful to investigate the preparation of fibers by the proteins and explore their biomedical applications. Here, a facile microfluidic strategy is developed for the scalable construction of biological fibers via a series of easily accessible spherical and linear proteins including chicken egg, quail egg, goose egg, bovine serum albumin, milk, and collagen. It is found that the crosslinking effect in microfluidic chips and double-drawn treatment after spinning are crucial for the formation of fibers. Thus, high tensile strength and toughness are realized in the fibers, which are comparable or even higher than that of many recombinant spider silks or regenerated silkworm fibers. Moreover, the suturing applications in rat and minipig models are realized by employing the mechanically strong fibers. Therefore, this work opens a new direction for the production of biological fibers from natural sources.

[Clavien-Dindo classification of complications after complete mesocolic excision in laparoscopic radical resection of right hemicolon cancer and analysis on its influencing factors]

Objective: To investigate the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of complications after complete mesocolic excision (CME) in laparoscopic radical resection of right-sided hemicolon cancer and its influencing factors. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed. Inclusion criteria: (1) the adenocarcinoma located at colon from cecum to hepatic flexure; (2) laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with CME was completed. Exclusion criteria: (1) patients had severe organ dysfunction before operation; (2) tumor invaded adjacent organs or developed distant organ metastasis; (3) emergency surgery; (4) failure of laparoscopic surgery, and conversion to laparotomy; (5) without complete clinical data. Finally, clinical data of 141 patients in our hospital form March 2015 to February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. CD grading standard was used to evaluate postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyse were used to analyze the factors that might affect the complications. Survival analysis was conducted by grouping the indicators with statistically significant difference in multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve and log-rank test was used to analyze the difference. Results: Of the 141 patients, 89 were male and 52 were female with mean age of (61.8±11.0) years. All the operations completed successfully. A total of 37 postoperative complications were developed in 26 (18.4%) patients had postoperative 37 cases of complications, mainly including 7 delayed incision healing, 6 diarrhea, and 5 respiratory dysfunction. According to CD classification standard, grade I, II, and IV a complication rates were 40.5% (15/37), 56.8% (21/37), and 2.7% (1/37) respectively. Univariate analysis showed that age ≥ 65 years (χ(2)=4.338, P=0.037), BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2) (χ(2)=5.971, P=0.015), and preoperative hemoglobin < 100 g/L (χ(2)=3.985, P=0.046) were risk factors of postoperative complications. Multivariate analysis testified that age ≥ 65 years (OR=7.991, 95%CI: 2.203 to 28.983, P=0.002) and body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m(2) (OR=4.231, 95%CI: 1.034 to 17.322, P=0.045) were independent risk factors for complications after laparoscopic CME surgery for right-sided hemicolon cancer. All the patients were followed up for median time of 24 (1-48) months. The log-rank test showed that there were no significant differences in the cumulative survival rate between patients of age < 65 years and age ≥ 65 years (χ(2)=0.986, P=0.321), and between those with BMI < 28 kg/m(2) and BMI ≥ 28 kg/m(2) (χ(2)=0.370, P=0.543). Conclusions: The main complications after CME in laparoscopic radical resection of right hemicolon cancer are CD grade I and II. Elderly and obesity are independent risk factor for postoperative complications. Before the operation, reasonable preventive measures should be taken for the elderly and the obese in order to reduce postoperative complications.

Tunable acidity in mesoporous carbons for hydrolysis reactions

The acidity of a mesoporous carbon has been enhanced and strengthened thanks to the formation of new oxygenated functionalities.

[The mechanism and role of autologous peritoneum transplantation to enterocystoplasty in porcine model]

Objective: To explore the pathological mechanism and role of autologous peritoneum transplantation onenterocystoplasty in porcine model. Methods: Randomly, four experimental female swine were chosen, and each of their body weight was 28-33 kg. By intravenous anesthesia, the transplantation of autologous peritoneum for bladder reconstruction operation was carried out (to transplant the peritoneum onto an ileum segment of which the mucosa and submucosa had been removed. These flaps were used to mend and augment the bladder by suturing the edge of detective bladders). After removal of ureteral catheters and balloon catheter at day 5 respectively, their voiding behaviors were monitored, and respectively 2 swine were euthanized at week 3/6 for routine pathology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopic examinations. Results: Four swine underwent reconstruction, but none died for complications such as peritonitis, ileus and urinary fistula. The length of ileum was 35 cm, and the area of peritoneum was 15 cm×10 cm. Voiding behaviorsof the swine were normal, with clear urine after removal of their catheters. At autopsy, reconstructed bladders were healthy. Pathological examination showed the neobladder had been covered by continuous urothelium while the peritoneum disappeared without ileal mucosa regrowth or residual. Scanning electron microscope showed that the transitional cells of neobladder of swine were complete and orderly, and urothelium around suture border was continuous withoutmalposition. Conclusions: In porcine model, autologous peritoneal transplantation witnessed no immune rejection response for itself, which was replaced by crawling transitional epithelium around anastomosis, rather than by metaplasia.

Model-based evaluation of the efficacy and safety of nivolumab once every 4 weeks across multiple tumor types

BACKGROUND

Nivolumab 480 mg every 4 weeks (Q4W) is approved in the European Union, United States, and several other markets across multiple tumor types. Its approval was supported by quantitative efficacy/safety analyses bridging to 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (Q2W).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The benefit-risk profile of nivolumab 480 mg Q4W relative to 3 mg/kg Q2W was evaluated using population pharmacokinetic modeling and exposure-response (E-R) analyses for safety and efficacy. Pharmacokinetic exposures were predicted for 3203 patients with melanoma, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal cell carcinoma (RCC), squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, urothelial carcinoma, or classical Hodgkin lymphoma. Quantitative models analyzed E-R to predict 480-mg Q4W safety across all indications and efficacy for melanoma, NSCLC, and RCC. Intratumoral receptor occupancy (RO) was predicted for parameters representing different tumor types.

RESULTS

Time-averaged concentrations for 480 mg Q4W versus 3 mg/kg Q2W were higher during the first 28 days (26.8%) and similar at steady state (5.2%). The maximum concentration (C_max) after the first dose was higher (110.4%), and the trough concentration at day 28 was lower (-22.1%) with 480 mg Q4W versus 3 mg/kg Q2W. The C_max achieved with 480 mg Q4W was lower than the previously established safe dose of 10 mg/kg Q2W. The probability of adverse events for key safety end points was similar for 480 mg Q4W and 3 mg/kg Q2W. The predicted overall survival and objective response rates with 480 mg Q4W were comparable to 3 mg/kg Q2W. The predicted high intratumoral RO provided additional evidence to support 480 mg Q4W across tumor types.

CONCLUSIONS

The benefit-risk profile for nivolumab 480 mg Q4W was predicted to be similar to that of 3 mg/kg Q2W across tumor types while providing a convenient and flexible option for patients and their caregivers.