A Dihydroartemisinin-Loaded Nanoreactor Motivates Anti-Cancer Immunotherapy by Synergy-Induced Ferroptosis to Activate Cgas/STING for Reprogramming of Macrophage

Infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) characterized by an M2 phenotype is an overriding feature in malignant tumors. Reprogramming TAM is the most cutting-edge strategy for cancer therapy. In the present study, an iron-based metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoreactor loaded with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) is developed, which provides high uptake by TAM and retains their viability, thus effectively addressing the inefficiency of the DHA at low concentrations. Impressively, DHA@MIL-101 can selectively accumulate in tumor tissues and remodel TAM to the M1 phenotype. The results of RNA sequencing further suggest that this nanoreactor may regulate ferroptosis, a DNA damage signaling pathway in TAM. Indeed, the outcomes confirm that DHA@MIL-101 triggers ferroptosis in TAM. In addition, the findings reveal that DNA damage induced by DHA nanoreactors activates the intracellular cGAS sensor, resulting in the binding of STING to IRF3 and thereby up-regulating the immunogenicity. In contrast, blocking ferroptosis impairs DHA@MIL-101-induced activation of STING signaling and phenotypic remodeling. Finally, it is shown that DHA nanoreactors deploy anti-tumor immunotherapy through ferroptosis-mediated TAM reprogramming. Taken together, immune efficacy is achieved through TAM's remodeling by delivering DHA and iron ions into TAM using nanoreactors, providing a novel approach for combining phytopharmaceuticals with nanocarriers to regulate the immune microenvironment.

The thalamic reticular nucleus-lateral habenula circuit regulates depressive-like behaviors in chronic stress and chronic pain

Chronic stress and chronic pain are two major predisposing factors to trigger depression. Enhanced excitatory input to the lateral habenula (LHb) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. However, the contribution of inhibitory transmission remains unclear. Here, we dissect an inhibitory projection from the sensory thalamic reticular nucleus (sTRN) to the LHb, which is activated by acute aversive stimuli. However, chronic restraint stress (CRS) weakens sTRN-LHb synaptic strength, and this synaptic attenuation is indispensable for CRS-induced LHb neural hyperactivity and depression onset. Moreover, artificially inhibiting the sTRN-LHb circuit induces depressive-like behaviors in healthy mice, while enhancing this circuit relieves depression induced by both chronic stress and chronic pain. Intriguingly, neither neuropathic pain nor comorbid mechanical hypersensitivity in chronic stress is affected by this pathway. Altogether, our study demonstrates an sTRN-LHb circuit in establishing and modulating depression, thus shedding light on potential therapeutic targets for preventing or managing depression.

Interfacial engineering of a vertically stacked graphene/h-BN heterostructure as an efficient electrocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide synthesis

Recently, it was reported that an in-plane graphene (G)/hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) (G/h-BN) heterostructure provided the catalytic activity for H2O2 synthesis by the 2 e- oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, there are few reports on the vertically stacked G/h-BN heterostructure, which refers to the stacking of graphene domains on the surface of h-BN. Herein, a simulated chemical vapor deposition method is proposed for fabricating a heterostructure of abundant vertically stacked G/h-BN by in situ growing graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on porous h-BN sheets. The performance of our vertically stacked heterostructure catalyst is superior to that of reported carbon-based electrocatalysts under an alkaline environment, with an H2O2 selectivity of 90-99% in a wide potential range (0.35 V-0.7 V vs. RHE), over 90% faradaic efficiency, and high mass activity of 1167 mmol gcatalyst-1 h-1. The experimental results and density functional theory (DFT) simulation verified that the vertically stacked heterostructure exhibits an excellent catalytic performance for the 2 e- ORR, and the edge B atoms in the B-centered AB stacking model are the most active catalytic sites. This research adequately demonstrates the promising catalytic activity of the vertically stacked G/h-BN heterostructure and provides a facile route for fabricating other vertically stacked heterostructures.

Lipoprotein(a) and functional outcome of acute ischemic stroke when discordant with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

BACKGROUND

Several studies have indicated that residual cardiovascular risk might be associated with elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] even in the setting of controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). We aimed to prospectively examine the association between Lp(a) and unfavorable functional outcome among patients with acute ischemic stroke when Lp(a) and LDL-C were discordant.

METHODS

Based on samples from the Infectious Factors, Inflammatory Markers and Prognosis of Acute Ischemic Stroke study, 973 patients with baseline plasma Lp(a) levels were included. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of death or major disability (modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6) at 6 months. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk for the primary outcome. Discordance analyses were performed, using difference in percentile units (>10 units), to detect the relative risk when Lp(a) and LDL-C were discordant.

RESULTS

In total, 201 (20.7%) participants experienced major disability or death at 6 months. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (OR) for the highest quartile was 1.88 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-3.04] compared with the lowest quartile. Each 1-SD higher log-Lp(a) was associated with a 23% increased risk (95% CI: 2%-47%) for the primary outcome. Compared with the concordant group, the high Lp(a)/low LDL-C discordant group was associated with increased risk for the primary outcome (adjusted OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.01-2.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated plasma Lp(a) levels were associated with increased risk of major disability and death at 6 months. Discordantly high Lp(a)/low LDL-C was associated with an unfavorable functional outcome, supporting the predictive potential of plasma Lp(a) after ischemic stroke, especially when discordant with LDL-C. Key messages What is already known on this topic Previous studies have indicated that a positive association between increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and cardiovascular disease risk remained even in patients who achieved controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The findings of studies exploring the association between Lp(a) and unfavorable clinical outcomes of stroke were inconsistent, and whether Lp(a) can predict the risk of unfavorable functional outcome in stroke patients when Lp(a) and LDL-C levels are discordant remains unknown. What this study adds Elevated plasma Lp(a) levels were associated with increased risk of major disability and death at 6 months beyond LDL-C levels in acute ischemic stroke patients. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The combination of LDL-C-lowering therapies and Lp(a)-lowering therapies may have better clinical efficacy for patients with ischemic stroke, and it is of great clinical interest to further explore this possibility in dedicated randomized trials.

Nr4a1 marks a distinctive ILC2 activation subset in the mouse inflammatory lung

BACKGROUND

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are critical sources of type 2 cytokines and represent one of the major tissue-resident lymphoid cells in the mouse lung. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ILC2 activation under challenges are not fully understood.

RESULTS

Here, using single-cell transcriptomics, genetic reporters, and gene knockouts, we identify four ILC2 subsets, including two non-activation subsets and two activation subsets, in the mouse acute inflammatory lung. Of note, a distinct activation subset, marked by the transcription factor Nr4a1, paradoxically expresses both tissue-resident memory T cell (Trm), and effector/central memory T cell (Tem/Tcm) signature genes, as well as higher scores of proliferation, activation, and wound healing, all driven by its particular regulons. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the Nr4a1+ILC2s are restrained from activating by the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1), which negatively modulates their activation-related regulons. PD-1 deficiency places the non-activation ILC2s in a state that is prone to activation, resulting in Nr4a1+ILC2 differentiation through different activation trajectories. Loss of PD-1 also leads to the expansion of Nr4a1+ILC2s by the increase of their proliferation ability.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings show that activated ILC2s are a heterogenous population encompassing distinct subsets that have different propensities, and therefore provide an opportunity to explore PD-1's role in modulating the activity of ILC2s for disease prevention and therapy.

[Poisonous substances and geographical distribution of poisoning in hospitalized children based on data from 25 hospitals in China from 2016 to 2020]

Objective: To investigate the poisonous substances and geographical distribution of poisoning in children in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study. The clinical data of 8 385 hospitalized children from January 2016 to December 2020 were extracted from the FUTang Updating Medical Records database. These children aged 0 to 18 years and were admitted due to poisoning. They were grouped according to age (newborns and infants, toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, adolescents), place of residence (Northeast China, North China, Central China, East China, South China, Southwest China, Northwest China), and mode of discharge (discharge under medical advice, transfer to another hospital under medical advice, discharge without medical advice, death, other). The poisonous substance and causes of poisoning in different groups were analyzed. Results: Among these 8 385 children, 4 734 (56.5%) were male and 3 651 (43.5%) female, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3∶1. The age was 3 (2, 7) years. The prevalence of poisoning was 51.8% (4 343/8 385) in toddlers, 16.5% (1 380/8 385) in adolescents, 14.8% (1 242/8 385) in preschoolers, 14.4% (1 206/8 385) in school-age children, and 2.5% (214/8 385) in newborns and infants. Drug poisoning accounted for 43.5% (3 649/8 385) and pesticide accounted for 26.8% (2 249/8 385). Drug poisoning was more common in adolescents (684/1 380, 49.6%) and toddlers (2 041/4 343, 47.0%); non-drug poisoning was more common in school-age children (891/1 206, 73.9%), of which carbon monoxide was mainly in newborns and infants (41/214, 19.2%) and food poisoning in children of school age (241/1 206, 20.0%). Regarding regional characteristics, drug poisoning was more frequent in South China (188/246, 64.2%) and non-drug poisoning was more frequent in Southwest China (815/1 123, 72.5%). For drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, sedative-hypnotic drugs and anti-Parkinson's disease drugs had a higher proportion of poisoning in North China (138/1 034, 13.0%) than that in other regions. For non-drug poisoning, pesticides (375/1 123, 33.3%), food poisoning (209/1 123, 18.6%) and contact with poisonous animals (86/1 123, 7.7%) were more common in Southwest China than in other regions; carbon monoxide poisoning was more common in North China (81/1 034, 7.6%) and Northwest China (65/1 064, 6.3%). In Central China, poisoning happened more in toddlers (792/1 295, 61.2%) and less in adolescents (115/1 295, 8.8%) than in other regions. Regarding different age groups, poisoning in adolescent happened more in Northeast China (121/457, 26.5%), North China (240/1 034, 23.2%), and Northwest China (245/1 064, 23.0%). The rate of discharge under medical advice, discharge without medical advice, and mortality rate within the 5 years were 77.0% (6 458/8 385), 20.8% (1 743/8 385), 0.5% (40/8 385), respectively. Conclusions: Poisoning is more common in male and toddlers. Poisonous substances show a regional characteristic and vary in different age groups, with drugs and insecticides as the most common substances.

Analysis of maternal and fetal outcomes and establishment of prediction model of vaginal delivery in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia complicated with fetal growth restriction

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with pre-eclampsia (PE), complicated with fetal growth restriction (FGR), and establish a prediction model of vaginal delivery to guide the selection of the delivery mode.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 208 pregnant women with PE complicated with FGR. Of them, 49 patients were in the vaginal delivery group, and 159 patients were in the cesarean section group. The relevant maternal and fetal outcomes were analyzed. Patients were randomly divided into the training sample group and the test group with a ratio of 2:1. The three-layer neural network was used to select 24 maternal and infant outcome factors as the input nodes of the neural network to build a vaginal delivery prediction model.

RESULTS

Results showed that the gestational age, the highest systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body weight, body length, and placental weight of the newborns in the vaginal delivery group were significantly higher than those in the cesarean section group. Incidence of preterm birth, amniotic fluid grade III, oligohydramnios, and severe small-for-gestational-age (sSGA) neonates were significantly lower in the vaginal delivery group compared to the cesarean section group (p < 0.05). A three-layer neural network delivery prediction model was constructed, and the accuracy rate of fitting with test samples was 91.80%.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no significant difference in the incidence of maternal and fetal complications in PE complicated with FGR in different delivery methods. The three-layer neural network prediction model has good prediction ability for vaginal delivery of PE complicated with FGR and may be applied in clinical practice.

CT-based radiomics nomogram for the preoperative prediction of microsatellite instability and clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer: a multicentre study

AIM

To develop and validate a computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics nomogram for preoperative prediction of microsatellite instability (MSI) status and clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 497 CRC patients from three centres. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was utilised for feature selection and constructing the radiomics signature. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify significant clinical variables. The radiomics nomogram was constructed by integrating the radiomics signature and the identified clinical variables. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to investigate the prognostic value of the nomogram.

RESULTS

The radiomics signature comprised 10 radiomics features associated with MSI status. The nomogram, integrating the radiomics signature and independent predictors (age, location, and thickness), demonstrated favourable calibration and discrimination, achieving areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUCs) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-0.95), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.79-0.95), 0.88 (95% CI: 0.81-0.96), and 0.86 (95% CI: 0.78-0.93) in the training cohort, internal validation cohort, and two external validation cohorts, respectively. The nomogram exhibited superior performance compared to the clinical model (p<0.05). Additionally, survival analysis demonstrated that the nomogram successfully stratified stage II CRC patients based on prognosis (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.357, p=0.022).

CONCLUSION

The radiomics nomogram demonstrated promising performance in predicting MSI status and stratifying the prognosis of patients with CRC.

Photothermal-Responsive Intelligent Hybrid of Hierarchical Carbon Nanocages Encapsulated by Metal-Organic Hydrogels for Sensitized Photothermal Therapy

Hierarchical carbon nanocages as emerging nanomaterials have a great potential for photothermal therapy due to their unique porous structure, high specific surface area, and excellent photothermal property. Herein, a hierarchical nitrogen-doped carbon nanocage (hNCNC) is introduced as a second near-infrared photothermal agent, and then functionalizes it with metal-organic hydrogel (MOG) to form a thermal-responsive switch for sensitized photothermal therapy. Upon 1064 nm light irradiation, the hNCNCs exhibit a remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of 65.9% owing to a high near-infrared extinction coefficient. Meanwhile, due to the hierarchical structure, hNCNCs show 60.2% (wt./wt.) loading efficiency of quercetin, a heat shock protein (Hsp70) inhibitor. Through thermal-driven dry-gel transformation, the coating MOGs intelligently release the encapsulated quercetin for sensitizing cancer cells to heat. Based on the synergistic effect of hyperthermia elevation and thermal-driven drug release, the dual thermal utilization platform achieves effective photothermal tumor ablation in vivo under low concentration of hNCNCs and mild irradiation, which provides a new diagram of intelligent responsive photothermal agents for enhanced photothermal therapy.

MiR-34a targets SIRT1 to reduce p53 deacetylation and promote sevoflurane inhalation anesthesia-induced neuronal autophagy and apoptosis in neonatal mice

This study is to investigate the function of miR-34a and interactions between miR-34a, SIRT1, and p53 in sevoflurane-induced neuronal apoptosis and autophagy in neonatal mice. A mouse model was established by inhalation anesthesia with sevoflurane and injected with genetic reagents, followed by tests of learning and memory abilities and histological staining of the hippocampus. CCK-8 and AnnexinV/PI staining respectively measured the survival and apoptosis rates of primary hippocampal neurons cultured with sevoflurane. The expression levels of miR-34a, SIRT1, p53, Ac-p53, and autophagy- or apoptosis-related proteins were measured. Sevoflurane impaired the learning and memory abilities of mice, increased TUNEL-positive cells in their hippocampus, and hindered the survival of hippocampal neurons. Sevoflurane increased miR-34a, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I and reduced SIRT1 and p62. MiR-34a overexpression promoted sevoflurane-induced neural damage, whereas SIRT1 inhibition or p53 upregulation counteracted the neuroprotection of miR-34a knockdown. SIRT1 was a target of miR-34a and promoted p53 deacetylation. MiR-34a promotes sevoflurane-stimulated neuronal apoptosis and autophagy in neonatal mice by inhibiting SIRT1 expression and subsequent p53 deacetylation.

A Multicenter Study on Deep Learning for Glioblastoma Auto-Segmentation with Prior Knowledge in Multimodal Imaging

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

A precise radiotherapy plan is required to ensure accurate delineation of gross tumor volumes (GTV) and clinical target volumes (CTV1 and CTV2) of glioblastomas (GBMs). However, traditional manual delineation is labor intensive and highly dependent on oncologists' experience. To construct and evaluate a deep learning-based automatic delineation method using prior knowledge in multimodal medical imaging to automate precise GTV, CTV1 and CTV2 contouring in GBM patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We retrospectively collected the CT and MRI scans of 55 eligible patients with histologically proven high-grade glioma (HGG) from an institute, these scans were performed with non-enhanced CT (CT), contrast-enhanced T1-weighted (T1C) and T2-FLAIR (T2F) sequences. We proposed a two-stage automatic segmentation framework (PKMI-Net) for GTV, CTV1 and CTV2 based on deep learning using prior knowledge in multimodal medical imaging, and its segmentation performance was evaluated with dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Harsdorff distance (HD95), average surface distance (ASD) and relative volume difference (RVD). To further investigate the generalizability of our method, we designed and conducted two evaluation strategies (Mix and Cross) on four multicenter datasets (including 55 patients, 37 patients, 21 patients and 35 patients).

RESULTS

The evaluation results with an 11-patient test set from the single institute were summarized in Table 1, the proposed method demonstrated the best accuracy in segmenting, respectively, GTV, CTV1 and CTV, achieving a DSC of 0.94, 0.95 and 0.92; HD95 of 2.07 mm, 1.18 mm and 3.80 mm; ASD of 0.69 mm, 0.39 mm and 1.13 mm and RVE of 5.50%, 3.97% and 9.68%. In the multicenter evaluation, the segmentation performance of our method implemented with the Cross strategy was comparable to that with the Mix strategy, demonstrating that our method had high and stable generalizability across multicenter datasets in automatically segmenting GTV, CTV1 and CTV2.

CONCLUSION

Our proposed method achieved promising results in automatically segmenting gliomas across various datasets, which could improve the quality and efficiency of glioblastoma radiotherapy.

Chemically bonded multi-nanolayer inorganic aerogel with a record-low thermal conductivity in a vacuum

Inorganic aerogels have exhibited many superior characteristics with extensive applications, but are still plagued by a nearly century-old tradeoff between their mechanical and thermal properties. When reducing thermal conductivity by ultralow density, inorganic aerogels generally suffer from large fragility due to their brittle nature or weak joint crosslinking, while enhancing the mechanical robustness by material design and structural engineering, they easily sacrifice thermal insulation and stability. Here, we report a chemically bonded multi-nanolayer design and synthesis of a graphene/amorphous boron nitride aerogel to address this typical tradeoff to further enhance mechanical and thermal properties. Attributed to the chemically bonded interface and coupled toughening effect, our aerogels display a low density of 0.8 mg cm-3 with ultrahigh flexibility (elastic compressive strain up to 99% and bending strain up to 90%), and exceptional thermostability (strength degradation <3% after sharp thermal shocks), as well as the lowest thermal conductivities in a vacuum (only 1.57 mW m-1 K-1 at room temperature and 10.39 mW m-1 K-1 at 500°C) among solid materials to date. This unique combination of mechanical and thermal properties offers an attractive material system for thermal superinsulation at extreme conditions.

Photocurable 3D-Printed PMBG/TCP Scaffold Coordinated with PTH (1-34) Bidirectionally Regulates Bone Homeostasis to Accelerate Bone Regeneration

Bone defect repair remains a major clinical challenge that requires the construction of scaffolds that can regulate bone homeostasis. In this study, a photo-cured mesoporous bioactive glass (PMBG) precursor is developed as a tricalcium phosphate (TCP) agglomerant to obtain a double-phase PMBG/TCP scaffold via 3D printing. The scaffold exhibits multi-scale porous structures and large surface areas, making it a suitable carrier for the loading of parathyroid hormone (PTH) (1-34), which is used for the treatment of osteoporosis. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that PMBG/TCP scaffolds coordinated with PTH (1-34) can regulate bone homeostasis in a bidirectional manner to facilitate bone formation and inhibit bone resorption. Furthermore, bidirectional regulation of bone homeostasis by PTH (1-34) is achieved by inhibiting fibrogenic activation protein (FAP). Thus, PMBG/TCP scaffolds coordinated with PTH (1-34) are viable materials with considerable potential for application in the field of bone regeneration and provide an excellent solution for the design and development of clinical materials.

[The clinical practice and consideration for donor liver expansion]

Liver transplantation is the most effective method to address end-stage liver disease. However, there is a huge imbalance between organ supply and demand in China. Recently,effective expansion of the donor liver has become a hot research direction in academia. Authors' group comprehensively integrates domestic and foreign evidence-based medical evidence, the latest academic outcomes and clinical experience. Based on the innovative viewshed of crossfusion between biomedical engineering and medicine, author group systematically elaborate in the main strategies for expanding the liver donor pool, including the multichannel expansion of marginal donor liver,multidimensional innovation of technologies in transplant surgery and diversified exploration of alternative resources of organs. The author group aims to promote the construction of a large cohort,the integration of big data,and the output of high quality research,achieving innovative theory and clinical translation in organ transplantation,thus promoting the higher quality development of liver transplantation in China.

Cleavage of semaphorin 4 C interferes with the neuroprotective effect of the semaphorin 4 C/Plexin B2 pathway on experimental intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

Semaphorin 4 C (SEMA4C) and its cognate receptor Plexin B2 are important regulators of axon guidance and are involved in many neurological diseases, in which SEMA4C acts not only as a ligand ("forward" mode) but also as a signaling receptor ("reverse" mode). However, the role of SEMA4C/Plexin B2 in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. In this study, ICH in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by autologous blood injection in the right basal ganglia. In vitro, cultured primary neurons were subjected to OxyHb to imitate ICH injury. Recombinant SEMA4C (rSEMA4C) and overexpressing lentiviruses encoding full-length SEMA4C or secretory SEMA4C (sSEMA4C) were administered to rats by intraventricular injection. First, we found that elevated levels of sSEMA4C in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of clinical patients were associated with poor prognosis. Both SEMA4C and sSEMA4C were increased in brain tissue around the hematoma after ICH in rats. Overexpression of SEMA4C attenuated neuronal apoptosis, neurosis, and neurologic impairment after ICH. However, treatment with rSEMA4C or sSEMA4C overexpression exacerbated neuronal injury. In addition, when treated with SEMA4C overexpression, the forward mode downstream protein RhoA and the reverse mode downstream ID1/3 transcriptional factors of SEMA4C/Plexin B2 signaling were all activated. Nevertheless, when exposed to rSEMA4C or sSEMA4C overexpression, only the forward mode was activated. Thus, sSEMA4C may be a novel molecular biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with ICH, and the prevention of SEMA4C cleavage is expected to be a promising therapeutic target.

The inducible secreting TLR5 agonist, CBLB502, enhances the anti-tumor activity of CAR133-NK92 cells in colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

CAR-T/NK cells have had limited success in the treatment of solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), in part because of the heterogeneous nature of tumor-associated antigens that lead to antigen-negative relapse after the initial response. This barrier might be overcome by enhancing the recruitment and durability of endogenous immune cells.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry were used to assess the expression of CD133 antigen in tissue microarrays and cell lines, respectively. Retroviral vector transduction was used to generate CBLB502-secreting CAR133-NK92 cells (CAR133-i502-NK92). The tumor killing capacity of CAR133-NK92 cells in vitro and in vivo were quantified via LDH release, the RTCA assay, and the degranulation test, as well as measuring tumor bioluminescence signal intensity in mice xenografts.

RESULTS

We engineered CAR133-i502-NK92 cells and demonstrated that those cells displayed enhanced proliferation (9.0 × 104 cells vs. 7.0 × 104 cells) and specific anti-tumor activities in vitro and in a xenogeneic mouse model, and were well-tolerated. Notably, CBLB502 secreted by CAR133-i502-NK92 cells effectively activated endogenous immune cells. Furthermore, in hCD133+/hCD133- mixed cancer xenograft models, CAR133-i502-NK92 cells suppressed cancer growth better than the counterparts (n = 5, P = 0.0297). Greater T-cell infiltration was associated with greater anti-tumor potency (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Armed with a CBLB502 TLR5 agonist, CAR133-NK92 cells were shown to be capable of specifically eliminating CD133-positive colon cancer cells in a CAR133-dependent manner and indirectly eradicating CD133-negative colon cancer cells in a CBLB502-specific endogenous immune response manner. This study describes a novel technique for optimizing CAR-T/NK cells for the treatment of antigenically-diverse solid tumors.

Three new species of Otacilia Thorell, 1897 (Araneae, Phrurolithidae) from South China

Three new Otacilia species were collected from Jiangxi Provinces, China during a survey of the spider fauna of the region: Otaciliaanfu Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), O.guanshan Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀), and O.mingyueshan Liu, sp. nov. (♂♀). All species are described and illustrated with photographs and SEM micrographs, and their distribution is also mapped.

A multicenter study on the application of artificial intelligence radiological characteristics to predict prognosis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Background

A model to predict preoperative outcomes after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with renal staghorn stones is developed to be an essential preoperative consultation tool.

Objective

In this study, we constructed a predictive model for one-time stone clearance after PCNL for renal staghorn calculi, so as to predict the stone clearance rate of patients in one operation, and provide a reference direction for patients and clinicians.

Methods

According to the 175 patients with renal staghorn stones undergoing PCNL at two centers, preoperative/postoperative variables were collected. After identifying characteristic variables using PCA analysis to avoid overfitting. A predictive model was developed for preoperative outcomes after PCNL in patients with renal staghorn stones. In addition, we repeatedly cross-validated their model's predictive efficacy and clinical application using data from two different centers.

Results

The study included 175 patients from two centers treated with PCNL. We used a training set and an external validation set. Radionics characteristics, deep migration learning, clinical characteristics, and DTL+Rad-signature were successfully constructed using machine learning based on patients' pre/postoperative imaging characteristics and clinical variables using minimum absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithms. In this study, DTL-Rad signal was found to be the outstanding predictor of stone clearance in patients with renal deer antler-like stones treated by PCNL. The DTL+Rad signature showed good discriminatory ability in both the training and external validation groups with AUC values of 0.871 (95% CI, 0.800-0.942) and 0.744 (95% CI, 0.617-0.871). The decision curve demonstrated the radiographic model's clinical utility and illustrated specificities of 0.935 and 0.806, respectively.

Conclusion

We found a prediction model combining imaging characteristics, neural networks, and clinical characteristics can be used as an effective preoperative prediction method.

Simultaneously ultrafast and robust two-dimensional flash memory devices based on phase-engineered edge contacts

As the prevailing non-volatile memory (NVM), flash memory offers mass data storage at high integration density and low cost. However, due to the 'speed-retention-endurance' dilemma, their typical speed is limited to ~microseconds to milliseconds for program and erase operations, restricting their application in scenarios with high-speed data throughput. Here, by adopting metallic 1T-LixMoS2 as edge contact, we show that ultrafast (10-100 ns) and robust (endurance>106 cycles, retention>10 years) memory operation can be simultaneously achieved in a two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructure flash memory with 2H-MoS2 as semiconductor channel. We attribute the superior performance to the gate tunable Schottky barrier at the edge contact, which can facilitate hot carrier injection to the semiconductor channel and subsequent tunneling when compared to a conventional top contact with high density of defects at the metal interface. Our results suggest that contact engineering can become a strategy to further improve the performance of 2D flash memory devices and meet the increasing demands of high speed and reliable data storage.

[Comparison of incubation periods of infections of Omicron variants BA.2 and BF.7 in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the incubation periods of infections of Omicron variants BA.2 and BF.7 in two COVID-19 epidemics and related factors in Beijing and provide basic parameters for the establishment of 2019-nCoV dynamic transmission model. Methods: The COVID-19 cases with specific exposure time and onset time in the Omicron variant BA.2 infection epidemic in April 2022 and in the Omicron variant BF.7 infection epidemic in October 2022 in Beijing were included in the analysis. The rank-sum test was conducted to estimate the differences in the incubation period between two types of infections. The incubation period distribution of the Omicron variant infection was fitted by using Weibull, Gamma and lognormal distributions. Multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to assess the effects of age, sex, variant type and vaccination status on the incubation periods. Results: A total of 64 cases of variant BA.2 infection and 58 cases of variant BF.7 infection were included. The M(Q1,Q3) of the incubation period was 3.00 (3.00, 4.00) days for BA.2 infection and 3.00 (2.00, 3.25) days for BF.7 infection. The lognormal distribution was the best fit. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that there were some differences in the incubation periods between two types of infections of Omicron variants, and the incubation period of variant BF.7 infection was shorter than that of variant BA.2 infection. Conclusion: Omicron variant BF.7 infection had shorter incubation period compared with Omicron variant BA.2 infection.

Second-Generation Soft Actuators Driven by NIR Light Based on Croconaine Dye-Doped Vitrimers

Soft actuators with photo-response can be selectively driven by the light source, but it is challenging to achieve a selective response of multiple components under a uniform light field, which is actually of great importance for the development of soft robots. In this work, a series of near-infrared light (NIR)-responsive vitrimers (CR-vitrimers) are synthesized by carboxylate transesterification using carboxyl-bearing croconaine dye (CR-800) as a photothermal agent (PTA). NIR-responsive liquid crystalline elastomers (CR-vitrimer-LCEs) under NIR laser (λmax = 808 nm) without the template can be further prepared. More importantly, the dynamic covalent bonding properties of vitrimer allow for the fabrication of a hand-shaped actuator by hot pressing, consisting of "fingers" with different NIR-response threshold values. After programming as needed, the hand-shaped actuator successfully achieves local and sequential control under a uniform NIR light field.

Adaptive multi-temperature control for transport and storage containers enabled by phase-change materials

The transportation of essential items, such as food and vaccines, often requires adaptive multi-temperature control to maintain high safety and efficiency. While existing methods utilizing phase change materials have shown promise, challenges related to heat transfer and materials' physicochemical properties remain. In this study, we present an adaptive multi-temperature control system using liquid-solid phase transitions to achieve highly effective thermal management using a pair of heat and cold sources. By leveraging the properties of stearic acid and distilled water, we fabricated a multi-temperature maintenance container and demonstrated temperature variations of only 0.14-2.05% over a two-hour period, underscoring the efficacy of our approach. Our findings offer a practical solution to address critical challenges in reliable transportation of goods, with potential implications for various fields in physical, engineering, and life sciences.

CCS-UNet: a cross-channel spatial attention model for accurate retinal vessel segmentation

Precise segmentation of retinal vessels plays an important role in computer-assisted diagnosis. Deep learning models have been applied to retinal vessel segmentation, but the efficacy is limited by the significant scale variation of vascular structures and the intricate background of retinal images. This paper supposes a cross-channel spatial attention U-Net (CCS-UNet) for accurate retinal vessel segmentation. In comparison to other models based on U-Net, our model employes a ResNeSt block for the encoder-decoder architecture. The block has a multi-branch structure that enables the model to extract more diverse vascular features. It facilitates weight distribution across channels through the incorporation of soft attention, which effectively aggregates contextual information in vascular images. Furthermore, we suppose an attention mechanism within the skip connection. This mechanism serves to enhance feature integration across various layers, thereby mitigating the degradation of effective information. It helps acquire cross-channel information and enhance the localization of regions of interest, ultimately leading to improved recognition of vascular structures. In addition, the feature fusion module (FFM) module is used to provide semantic information for a more refined vascular segmentation map. We evaluated CCS-UNet based on five benchmark retinal image datasets, DRIVE, CHASEDB1, STARE, IOSTAR and HRF. Our proposed method exhibits superior segmentation efficacy compared to other state-of-the-art techniques with a global accuracy of 0.9617/0.9806/0.9766/0.9786/0.9834 and AUC of 0.9863/0.9894/0.9938/0.9902/0.9855 on DRIVE, CHASEDB1, STARE, IOSTAR and HRF respectively. Ablation studies are also performed to evaluate the the relative contributions of different architectural components. Our proposed model is potential for diagnostic aid of retinal diseases.

Bioprinted constructs that simulate nerve-bone crosstalk to improve microenvironment for bone repair

Crosstalk between nerves and bone is essential for bone repair, for which Schwann cells (SCs) are crucial in the regulation of the microenvironment. Considering that exosomes are critical paracrine mediators for intercellular communication that exert important effects in tissue repair, the aim of this study is to confirm the function and molecular mechanisms of Schwann cell-derived exosomes (SC-exos) on bone regeneration and to propose engineered constructs that simulate SC-mediated nerve-bone crosstalk. SCs promoted the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) through exosomes. Subsequent molecular mechanism studies demonstrated that SC-exos promoted BMSC osteogenesis by regulating the TGF-β signaling pathway via let-7c-5p. Interestingly, SC-exos promoted the migration and tube formation performance of endothelial progenitor cells. Furthermore, the SC-exos@G/S constructs were developed by bioprinting technology that simulated SC-mediated nerve-bone crosstalk and improved the bone regeneration microenvironment by releasing SC-exos, exerting the regulatory effect of SCs in the microenvironment to promote innervation, vascularization, and osteogenesis and thus effectively improving bone repair in a cranial defect model. This study demonstrates the important role and underlying mechanism of SCs in regulating bone regeneration through SC-exos and provides a new engineered strategy for bone repair.

Flexible ureterolithotripsy for the management of multiple gas-containing renal calculi: A case report and literature review

Gas-containing renal stones (GCS) are rare urological entities. Current literature has suggested possible associations with premenopausal women, urinary tract infection, and metabolic diseases. We report the case of a 25-year-old young woman with no underlying co-morbidities who had multiple right GCS and suspected emphysematous pyelitis. Antibiotic therapy was initiated to control her urinary tract infection with E. coli. She then underwent elective right flexible ureteroscopy to relieve her ureteropelvic junction obstruction. Complete stone retrieval was achieved and she made an uneventful recovery with no stone recurrence during 1-year follow-up.

Insights into non-crystalline structure of solid solution Ce-Mn co-oxide nanofibers for efficient low-temperature toluene oxidation

The controllable preparation of efficient non-crystalline solid solution catalysts is a great challenge in the catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds. In this work, series non-crystalline solid solution structured Ce-Mn co-oxide nanofibers were creatively prepared by adjusting Ce/Mn molar ratios using electrospinning. 0.20CeMnOx (the ratio of Ce to Mn was 0.2) displayed an outstanding low-temperature toluene oxidation activity (T90 = 233 °C). The formation of the amorphous solid solution and the unique nanofiber structure both contributed to a large specific surface area (S = 173 m2 g-1) and high adsorbed oxygen content (Oads/O = 41.3%), which enhanced the number of active oxygen vacancies. The synergies between non-crystalline structure and active oxygen species markedly improved oxygen migration rate as well as redox ability of the catalysts. Additionally, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectra showed that the absorbed toluene could be completely oxidized to CO2 and H2O with benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, benzoic acid, and maleic anhydride as intermediates. In summary, this study provided an alternative route for the synthesis of non-crystalline metal co-oxide nanofibers.

Long-term outcomes to neoadjuvant pembrolizumab based on pathological response for patients with resectable stage III/IV cutaneous melanoma

BACKGROUND

While neoadjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma has shown promising results, the data have been limited by a relatively short follow-up time, with most studies reporting 2-year outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine long-term outcomes for stage III/IV melanoma patients treated with neoadjuvant and adjuvant programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a follow-up study of a previously published phase Ib clinical trial of 30 patients with resectable stage III/IV cutaneous melanoma who received one dose of 200 mg IV neoadjuvant pembrolizumab 3 weeks before surgical resection, followed by 1 year of adjuvant pembrolizumab. The primary outcomes were 5-year overall survival (OS), 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS), and recurrence patterns.

RESULTS

We report updated results at 5 years of follow-up with a median follow-up of 61.9 months. No deaths occurred in patients with a major pathological response (MPR, <10% viable tumor) or complete pathological response (pCR, no viable tumor) (n = 8), compared to a 5-year OS of 72.8% for the remainder of the cohort (P = 0.12). Two of eight patients with a pCR or MPR had a recurrence. Of the patients with >10% viable tumor remaining, 8 of 22 patients (36%) had a recurrence. Additionally, the median time to recurrence was 3.9 years for patients with ≤10% viable tumor and 0.6 years for patients with >10% viable tumor (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

The 5-year results from this trial represent the longest follow-up of a single-agent neoadjuvant PD-1 trial to date. Response to neoadjuvant therapy continues to be an important prognosticator with regard to OS and RFS. Additionally, recurrences in patients with pCR occur later and are salvageable, with a 5-year OS of 100%. These results demonstrate the long-term efficacy of single-agent neoadjuvant/adjuvant PD-1 blockade in patients with a pCR and the importance of long-term follow-up for these patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02434354.

Interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically enhance the immunosuppressive capacity of human umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells by increasing PD-L1 expression

BACKGROUND

The immunosuppressive capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is dependent on the "license" of several proinflammatory factors to express immunosuppressive factors such as programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), which determines the clinical therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for inflammatory or immune diseases. In MSCs, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a key inducer of PD-L1 expression, which is synergistically enhanced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α); however, the underlying mechanism is unclear.

AIM

To reveal the mechanism of pretreated MSCs express high PD-L1 and explore the application of pretreated MSCs in ulcerative colitis.

METHODS

We assessed PD-L1 expression in human umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (hUC-MSCs) induced by IFN-γ and TNF-α, alone or in combination. Additionally, we performed signal pathway inhibitor experiments as well as RNA interference experiments to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which IFN-γ alone or in combination with TNF-α induces PD-L1 expression. Moreover, we used luciferase reporter gene experiments to verify the binding sites of the transcription factors of each signal transduction pathway to the targeted gene promoters. Finally, we evaluated the immunosuppressive capacity of hUC-MSCs treated with IFN-γ and TNF-α in both an in vitro mixed lymphocyte culture assay, and in vivo in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis.

RESULTS

Our results suggest that IFN-γ induction alone upregulates PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs while TNF-α alone does not, and that the co-induction of IFN-γ and TNF-α promotes higher expression of PD-L1. IFN-γ induces hUC-MSCs to express PD-L1, in which IFN-γ activates the JAK/STAT1 signaling pathway, up-regulates the expression of the interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) transcription factor, promotes the binding of IRF1 and the PD-L1 gene promoter, and finally promotes PD-L1 mRNA. Although TNF-α alone did not induce PD-L1 expression in hUC-MSCs, the addition of TNF-α significantly enhanced IFN-γ-induced JAK/STAT1/IRF1 activation. TNF-α up-regulated IFN-γ receptor expression through activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathway, which significantly enhanced IFN-γ signaling. Finally, co-induced hUC-MSCs have a stronger inhibitory effect on lymphocyte proliferation, and significantly ameliorate weight loss, mucosal damage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and up-regulation of inflammatory factors in colitis mice.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results suggest that IFN-γ and TNF-α enhance both the immunosuppressive ability of hUC-MSCs and their efficacy in ulcerative colitis by synergistically inducing high expression of PD-L1.

A glutamatergic DRN-VTA pathway modulates neuropathic pain and comorbid anhedonia-like behavior in mice

Chronic pain causes both physical suffering and comorbid mental symptoms such as anhedonia. However, the neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying these maladaptive behaviors remain elusive. Here using a mouse model, we report a pathway from vesicular glutamate transporter 3 neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus to dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VGluT3DRN→DAVTA) wherein population-level activity in response to innocuous mechanical stimuli and sucrose consumption is inhibited by chronic neuropathic pain. Mechanistically, neuropathic pain dampens VGluT3DRN → DAVTA glutamatergic transmission and DAVTA neural excitability. VGluT3DRN → DAVTA activation alleviates neuropathic pain and comorbid anhedonia-like behavior (CAB) by releasing glutamate, which subsequently promotes DA release in the nucleus accumbens medial shell (NAcMed) and produces analgesic and anti-anhedonia effects via D2 and D1 receptors, respectively. In addition, VGluT3DRN → DAVTA inhibition produces pain-like reflexive hypersensitivity and anhedonia-like behavior in intact mice. These findings reveal a crucial role for VGluT3DRN → DAVTA → D2/D1NAcMed pathway in establishing and modulating chronic pain and CAB.

Notes on two species of Massuria Thorell, 1887 (Arachnida, Araneae, Thomisidae) from China with description of a new species

Two species assigned to Massuria Thorell, 1887 are reviewed. The female of Massuriabandian Tang & Li, 2010 is described for the first time from Jianfengling National Natural Reserve, Hainan Province, China. The species Diaeasimplex Xu, Han & Li, 2008 is described as a synonym of Massuriabellula Xu, Han & Li, 2008 based on female and male specimens from Guangdong Province, China. Massuriaminsp. nov. described as a new species (female, Fujian Province, China). Detailed illustrations and a distribution map are provided for these three species of Massuria.

Differentiation state and culture conditions impact neural stem/progenitor cell-derived extracellular vesicle bioactivity

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from neural progenitor/stem cells (NPSCs) have shown promising efficacy in a variety of preclinical models. However, NPSCs lack critical neuroregenerative functionality such as myelinating capacity. Further, culture conditions used in NPSC EV production lack standardization, limiting reproducibility challenging and potentially potency of the overall approach via lack of optimization. Here, we assessed whether oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and immature oligodendrocytes (iOLs), which are further differentiated than NPSCs and which both give rise to mature myelinating oligodendrocytes, could yield EVs with neurotherapeutic properties comparable or superior to those from NPSCs. We additionally examined the effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) coating materials and the presence or absence of growth factors in cell culture on the ultimate properties of EVs. The data show that OPC EVs and iOL EVs performed similarly to NPSC EVs in cell proliferation and anti-inflammatory assays, but NPSC EVs performed better in a neurite outgrowth assay. Additionally, the presence of nerve growth factor (NGF) in culture was found to maximize NPSC EV bioactivity among the conditions tested. NPSC EVs produced under rationally-selected culture conditions (fibronectin + NGF) enhanced axonal regeneration and muscle reinnervation in a rat nerve crush injury model. These results highlight the need for standardization of culture conditions for neurotherapeutic NPSC EV production.

Gut-licensed β7+ CD4+ T cells contribute to progressive retinal ganglion cell damage in glaucoma

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. Currently, most therapeutic strategies aim to reduce elevated intraocular pressure (EIOP), but this does not always halt disease progression. Evidence suggests a role for T cells in glaucoma pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we found that the percentage of circulating CD4+ T cells expressing a gut-homing integrin β7 was increased in patients with glaucoma and was associated with disease stage. In an EIOP-triggered glaucoma mouse model, β7+ CD4+ T cells infiltrated the retina in the progressive phase of glaucoma via eliciting retinal endothelial cell expression of mucosal vascular addressin cell adhesion molecule 1 (MAdCAM-1). MAdCAM-1 was minimally detected in retinas of healthy mice, and neutralization with an MAdCAM-1 antibody ameliorated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and glial activity in mice with glaucoma. We furthermore found that EIOP-induced β7+ CD4+ T cells homed to the gut during the acute phase of glaucoma, which was essential for progressive RGC damage in diseased mice. Gut-homing β7+ CD4+ T cells underwent transcriptional reprogramming, showing up-regulated pathways enriched in autoimmune diseases, bacteria responses, mucosal immunity, and glial activity. Gut-homing β7+ CD4+ T cells gained the competence to induce retinal MAdCAM-1 expression and to cross the blood-retina barrier. Together, our study reveals a role of gut-licensed β7+ CD4+ T cells and MAdCAM-1 in RGC degeneration and emphasizes the importance of the "gut-retina" axis in glaucoma.

Rapid 3D T1 mapping using deep learning-assisted Look-Locker inversion recovery MRI

PURPOSE

Conventional 3D Look-Locker inversion recovery (LLIR) T1 mapping requires multi-repetition data acquisition to reconstruct images at different inversion times for T1 fitting. To ensure B1 robustness, sufficient time of delay (TD) is needed between repetitions, which prolongs scan time. This work proposes a novel deep learning-assisted LLIR MRI approach for rapid 3D T1 mapping without TD.

THEORY AND METHODS

The proposed approach is based on the fact thatT 1 * $$ {\mathrm{T}}_1^{\ast } $$ , the effective T1 in LLIR imaging, is independent of TD and can be estimated from both LLIR imaging with and without TD, while accurate conversion ofT 1 * $$ {\mathrm{T}}_1^{\ast } $$ to T1 requires TD. Therefore, deep learning can be used to learn the conversion ofT 1 * $$ {\mathrm{T}}_1^{\ast } $$ to T1 , which eliminates the need for TD. This idea was implemented for inversion-recovery-prepared Golden-angel RAdial Sparse Parallel T1 mapping (GraspT1 ). 39 GraspT1 datasets with a TD of 6 s (GraspT1 -TD6) were used for training, which also incorporates additional anatomical images. The trained network was applied for T1 estimation in 14 GraspT1 datasets without TD (GraspT1 -TD0). The robustness of the trained network was also tested.

RESULTS

Deep learning-based T1 estimation from GraspT1 -TD0 is accurate compared to the reference. Incorporation of additional anatomical images improves the accuracy of T1 estimation. The technique is also robust against slight variation in spatial resolution, imaging orientation and scanner platform.

CONCLUSION

Our approach eliminates the need for TD in 3D LLIR imaging without affecting the T1 estimation accuracy. It represents a novel use of deep learning towards more efficient and robust 3D LLIR T1 mapping.

Secondary Structure in Overcoming Photosensitizers' Aggregation: α-Helical Polypeptides for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy

Aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) effect can severely inhibit the application of hydrophobic photosensitizers (PSs) bearing planar and rigid structures. Most of the reported cases utilized random-coiled polymers for the in vivo delivery of PSs, which would inevitably aggravate ACQ effect due to the flexible chains. In this work, the role of polymers' secondary structures (especially α-helical conformation) in overcoming the PSs' aggregation is systemically investigated based on the design of α-helical polypeptides bearing tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) side chains. Atomistic molecular dynamics simulation, fluorescence quantum yield, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation yield are evaluated to demonstrate that α-helical polypeptide backbones can significantly boost both fluorescence quantum yield and ROS by suppressing the π-π stacking interaction between TPP units. The enhanced in vitro and in vivo phototoxicity for helical polypeptides also reveal functions of secondary structures in inhibiting ACQ and improving the membrane activity. Successful in vivo photodynamic therapy (PDT) results in mice bearing H22 tumors showed great potentials for further clinical applications.

High-Resolution Performance of Polycaprolactone Functionalized with Guanidinium Ionic Liquid for Gas Chromatography

This work firstly reported a new polycaprolactone based material functionalized with guanidinium ionic liquid (PCL-GIL) as the stationary phase with high resolution performance for capillary gas chromatography (GC). It is composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and guanidinium ionic liquid (GIL) with amphiphilic conformation. The PCL-GIL capillary column coated by static method exhibited high column efficiency of 3942 plates/m and moderate polarity. As a result, the PCL-GIL column exhibited high-resolution capability. For a mixture of 27 analytes with a wide ranging polarity and outperformed the PCL-2OH and HP-35 columns, showing its advantageous separation capability for analytes of diverse types. Moreover, the PCL-GIL column showed high resolving capability for various positional isomers and cis-/trans-isomers, including alkylbenzenes, chlorobenzenes, naphthalenes, bromonitrobenzenes, chloronitrobenzenes, benzaldehydes, phenols, alcohols, respectively. In a word, PCL derivatized by GIL units as a new type of stationary phase has a promising future in GC separations.

Anisotropic Collective Variables with Machine Learning Potential for Ab Initio Crystallization of Complex Ceramics

Enhanced sampling molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been extensively used in the phase transition study of simple crystalline materials, such as aluminum, silica, and ice. However, MD simulation of the crystallization process for complex crystalline materials still faces a formidable challenge due to their multicomponent induced multiphase problem. Here, we realize the ab initio accuracy MD crystallization simulations of complex ceramics by using anisotropic collective variables (CVs) and machine learning (ML) potential. The anisotropic X-ray diffraction intensity CVs provide precise identification of complex crystal structures with detailed crystallography information, while the ML potential makes it feasible to further perform enhanced sampling simulations with ab initio accuracy. We verify the universality and accuracy of this method through complex ceramics with three kinds of representative structures, i.e., Ti3SiC2 for the MAX structure, zircon for the mineral structure, and lead zirconate titanate for the perovskite structure. It demonstrates exceptional efficiency and ab initio quality in achieving crystallization and generating free energy surfaces of all these ceramics, facilitating the analysis and design of complex crystalline materials.

[Sinogram interpolation combined with unsupervised image-to-image translation network for CT metal artifact correction]

OBJECTIVE

To propose a framework that combines sinogram interpolation with unsupervised image-to-image translation (UNIT) network to correct metal artifacts in CT images.

METHODS

The initially corrected CT image and the prior image without artifacts, which were considered as different elements in two different domains, were input into the image transformation network to obtain the corrected image. Verification experiments were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the proposed method using the simulation data, and PSNR and SSIM were calculated for quantitative evaluation of the performance of the method.

RESULTS

The experiment using the simulation data showed that the proposed method achieved better results for improving image quality as compared with other methods, and the corrected images preserved more details and structures. Compared with ADN algorithm, the proposed algorithm improved the PSNR and SSIM by 2.4449 and 0.0023 when the metal was small, by 5.9942 and 8.8388 for images with large metals, and by 8.8388 and 0.0130 when both small and large metals were present, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method for metal artifact correction can effectively remove metal artifacts, improve image quality, and preserve more details and structures on CT images.

First Measurement of the Michel Parameter ξ^{'} in the τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} Decay at Belle

We report the first measurement of the Michel parameter ξ^{'} in the τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} decay with a new method proposed just recently. The measurement is based on the reconstruction of the τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} events with subsequent muon decay in flight in the Belle central drift chamber. The analyzed data sample of 988  fb^{-1} collected by the Belle detector corresponds to approximately 912×10^{6} τ^{+}τ^{-} pairs. We measure ξ^{'}=0.22±0.94(stat)±0.42(syst), which is in agreement with the standard model prediction of ξ^{'}=1. Statistical uncertainty dominates in this study, being a limiting factor, while systematic uncertainty is well under control. Our analysis proved the practicability of this promising method and its prospects for further precise measurement in future experiments.

Intratumoural microbiome can predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after surgery

BACKGROUND

The dismal prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is closely associated with characteristics of the tumour microenvironment (TME). Recent studies have confirmed the presence and potential influence of the microbiome in TME on cancer progression. Elucidating the relationship between microbes in the TME and cancer could provide valuable insights into novel diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies for HCC and thus warrants a closer investigation of the role of intratumoural microbiome in the HCC TME.

METHODS

We determined the presence of intratumoural microbiome using fluorescence in situ hybridisation, and explored the microbial community profiles in the HCC TME in paired tumour and adjacent normal tissues using 16S rDNA sequencing. Microbial signatures were characterised in the paired group, and their correlation with clinical characteristics was further investigated. We clustered the microbial signatures of tumour tissues by hepatotypes, and further analysis was performed to elucidate the independent prognostic value of the hepatotypes.

RESULTS

This study revealed that microbial profiles and community networks differed notably between tumours and adjacent normal tissues. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the most abundant phyla in the HCC TME. The TME microbial profiles also revealed heterogeneities between individuals and between multiple tumour lesions. Clustering of the microbial profiles into two hepatotypes revealed different microbial network patterns. Additionally, the hepatotypes were revealed to be independent prognostic factors in patients with resected HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study illuminates the microbial profiles in the TME of HCC and presents the hepatotype as a potential independent biomarker for the prognostic prediction of HCC after surgery.

Acute Respiratory Infection Incidence and Outpatient Antibiotic Prescription Patterns in People With or Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: A Virtual Cohort Study

Background

Inappropriate antibiotic use in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) is a major public health concern; however, data for people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) are limited.

Methods

The HIV Virtual Cohort Study is a retrospective cohort of adult Department of Defense beneficiaries. Male PWH cases (n = 2413) were matched 1:2 to controls without HIV (n = 4826) by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and beneficiary status. Acute respiratory infection encounters between 2016 and 2020 and corresponding antibiotic prescriptions were characterized as always, sometimes, or never appropriate based on International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision coding. Incidence of ARI encounters and antibiotic appropriateness were compared between PWH and controls. Subgroup analyses were assessed by CD4 count and viral load suppression on antiretroviral therapy.

Results

Mean rates of ARI encounters were similar for PWH (1066 per 1000 person-years) and controls (1010 per 1000 person-years); however, the rate was double among PWH without viral load (VL) suppression (2018 per 1000 person-years). Antibiotics were prescribed in 26% of encounters among PWH compared to 34% for controls (P ≤ .01); antibiotic use was "never" appropriate in 38% of encounters with PWH and 36% in controls. Compared to controls, PWH received more sulfonamides (5.5% vs 2.7%; P = .001), and variation existed among HIV subgroups in the prescription of sulfonamides, fluoroquinolones, and β-lactams.

Discussion

Acute respiratory infection encounters were similar for PWH and those without HIV; however, PWH with lower CD4 counts and/or nonsuppressed VL had more frequent ARI visits. Inappropriate antibiotic use for ARIs was high in both populations, and focused interventions to improve antibiotic appropriateness for prescribers caring for PWH should be pursued.

Significance of Hypofractionated Radiotherapy in Postoperative Irradiation for Breast Cancer: An Asian Multi-institutional Prospective Study

AIMS

There is a need for the adequate distribution of healthcare resources in Southeast Asia. Many countries in the region have more patients with advanced breast cancer who are eligible for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Therefore, it is critical that hypofractionated PMRT is effective in most of these patients. This study investigated the significance of postoperative hypofractionated radiotherapy in patients with breast cancer, including advanced breast cancer, in these countries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen facilities in 10 Asian countries participated in this prospective, interventional, single-arm study. The study included two independent regimens: hypofractionated whole-breast irradiation (WBI) for patients who had undergone breast-conserving surgery and hypofractionated PMRT for patients who had undergone total mastectomy at a dose of 43.2 Gy in 16 fractions. In the hypofractionated WBI group, patients with high-grade factors received additional 8.1 Gy boost irradiation sessions for the tumour bed in three fractions.

RESULTS

Between February 2013 and October 2019, 227 and 222 patients were enrolled in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups, respectively. The median follow-up periods in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups were 61 and 60 months, respectively. The 5-year locoregional control rates were 98.9% (95% confidence interval 97.4-100.0) and 96.3% (95% confidence interval 93.2-99.4) in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups, respectively. Regarding adverse events, grade 3 acute dermatitis was observed in 2.2% and 4.9% of patients in the hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT groups, respectively. However, no other adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

Although further follow-up is required, hypofractionated radiotherapy regimens for postoperative patients with breast cancer in East and Southeast Asian countries are effective and safe. In particular, the proven efficacy of hypofractionated PMRT indicates that more patients with advanced breast cancer can receive appropriate care in these countries. Hypofractionated WBI and hypofractionated PMRT are reasonable approaches that can contain cancer care costs in these countries. Long-term observation is required to validate our findings.

[Effect of different abutment materials on the expression of genes and proteins related to hemidesmosome adhesion in human gingival epithelial cells]

Objective: To investigate the effects of polyetheretherketone, zirconium dioxide, and titanium abutment materials on the expression of genes and proteins related to hemidesmosome adhesion in human gingival epithelial cells, in order to screen out abutment materials that are easier for epithelial adhesion. Methods: Forty-eight specimens were prepared in each of the three materials, polyetheretherketone, zirconium oxide, and pure titanium specimens. The surface morphology of each group of specimens was observed by scanning electron microscopy, the surface roughness was measured by the white light interferometer, and the contact angle was measured by optical contact angle measuring instrument. The early adhesion status of human gingival epithelial cells on the surface of each group of specimens was observed by scanning electron microscopy, and the proliferation ability of human gingival epithelial cells on the surface of each group of specimens was assessed by using a cell counting kit, and the expression levels of genes and proteins related to the adhesion of human gingival epithelial cells on the surface of each group of specimens were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: The surface morphology of the three groups of specimens was flat and smooth. The mean roughness (Ra value) of the polyetheretherketone, zirconia, and pure titanium groups were (95.63±2.06), (37.93±3.56), and (134.2±4.62) nm (F=368.16, P<0.001), respectively, and the mean maximum height (Rz value) was (2.42±0.22), (0.87±0.10) and (3.77±0.28) nm (F=91.95, P<0.001), with statistical significance (P<0.05). The contact angles were 81.23°±0.91°, 82.08°±2.10°, and 80.47°±1.85°, respectively, with no statistically significant overall difference (F=0.45, P=0.658). Human gingival epithelial cells showed irregular shapes such as flattened and extended polygons and polygons on the surface of the three groups of specimens, exhibiting a typical paving stone pattern. The differences in cell proliferation among the three groups at 1 and 3 d of culture were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Cell proliferation in the polyetheretherketone group was significantly greater those those in the zirconia and pure titanium groups at 5 and 7 d of culture (P<0.05). The mRNA expression levels and protein expression levels of laminin α3, integrin β4, and collagen ⅩⅦ in the polyetheretheretherketone group at 3 and 7 d of incubation were significantly greater than those in the zirconium oxide and pure titanium groups at the same time points (P<0.05). Conclusions: Polyetheretherketone is more conducive to the adhesion of hemidesmosome in human gingival epithelial cells than zirconium dioxide and pure titanium abutment materials.

Search for the Lepton Flavor Violating Decays B^{+}→K^{+}τ^{±}ℓ^{∓} (ℓ=e, μ) at Belle

We present a search for the lepton flavor violating decays B^{+}→K^{+}τ^{±}ℓ^{∓}, with ℓ=(e,μ), using the full data sample of 772×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] pairs recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. We use events in which one B meson is fully reconstructed in a hadronic decay mode. We find no evidence for B^{±}→K^{±}τℓ decays and set upper limits on their branching fractions at the 90% confidence level in the (1-3)×10^{-5} range. The obtained limits are the world's best results.

Two species of hackled-orb web spider genus Hyptiotes (Araneae, Uloboridae) from Guangxi, China

Two species of the genus Hyptiotes Walckenaer 1837 are described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, including a new species, Hyptiotes nonggang n. sp. (♂♀), and a known species, Hyptiotes paradoxus (C. L. Koch, 1834) (♂♀) which is the type species. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the two species are provide, and a map of collecting localities of them in China is also provided.

The lateral habenula nucleus regulates pruritic sensation and emotion

Itch is a complex aversive sensory and emotional experience. As a most upsetting symptom in many dermatological and systemic diseases, it lacks efficient treatments. The lateral habenula nucleus (LHb) encodes negative emotions in the epithalamus and has been implicated in pain and analgesia. Nevertheless, the role of the lateral habenula nucleus in the pruritic sensation and emotion remains elusive. Here we defined the crucial role of glutamatergic neurons within the lateral habenula nucleus (Glu^LHb) in itch modulation in mice. We established histamine-dependent and histamine-independent models of acute pruritus, as well as the acetone-ether-water (AEW) model of chronic pruritus. We first assessed the effects of pruritogen injection on neural activation in both medial and lateral divisions of LHb in vitro. We then demonstrated that the population activity of Glu^LHb neurons was increased during the acute itch and chronic itch-induced scratching behaviors in vivo. In addition, electrophysiological data showed that the excitability of Glu^LHb neurons was enhanced by chronic itch. Chemogenetic suppression of Glu^LHb neurons disrupted both acute and chronic itch-evoked scratching behaviors. Furthermore, itch-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA) was abolished by Glu^LHb neuronal inhibition. Finally, we dissected the LHb upstream brain regions. Together, these findings reveal the involvement of LHb in processing both the sensational and emotional components of pruritus and may shed new insights into itch therapy.

Two dimensional NbSe2/Nb2O5 metal-semiconductor heterostructure-based photoelectrochemical photodetector with fast response and high flexibility

Two dimensional (2D) metal-semiconductor heterostructures are promising for high-performance optoelectronic devices due to fast carrier separation and transportation. Considering the superior metallic characteristics accompanied by high electrical conductivity in NbSe₂, surface oxidation provides a facile way to form NbSe₂/Nb₂O₅ metal-semiconductor heterostructures. Herein, size-dependent NbSe₂/Nb₂O₅ nanosheets were achieved by a liquid phase exfoliation method and a gradient centrifugation strategy. These NbSe₂/Nb₂O₅ heterostructure-based photodetectors show high responsivity with 23.21 μA W^-1, fast response time of millisecond magnitude, and wide band detection ability in the UV-Vis region. It is noticeable that the photocurrent density is sensitive to the surface oxygen layer due to the oxygen-sensitized photoconduction mechanism. The flexible testing of the NbSe₂/Nb₂O₅ heterostructure-based PEC-type photodetectors exhibits high photodetection performance even after bending and twisting. Beyond that, the solid-state PEC-type NbSe₂/Nb₂O₅ photodetector also achieves relatively stable photodetection and high stability. This work promotes the application of 2D NbSe₂/Nb₂O₅ metal-semiconductor heterostructures in flexible optoelectronic devices.

Sulfated Glycomimetic α-Helical Polypeptides for Antiviral Activity

In this work, we developed a library of sulfated glycomimetic polypeptides with a high sulfated degree (up to 99%) via a click reaction and sulfation modification, enabling control over the helicity, molecular weight, rigidity, and side-chain structure. Their potentials as the inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 and common enterovirus were investigated, and the structure-activity relationship was explored in detail. The in vitro results revealed the crucial role of α-helical conformation and sulfated sugar since all the sulfated glycopolypeptides exhibited outperformed activity in suppressing SARS-CoV-2 infection with the inhibition efficiency up to 85%. Other structural properties, including the rigid chain structure and a moderate molecular weight, also contributed to blocking the viral entry into host cells. Among the sulfated glycopolypeptides, L₆₀-SG-POB showed the highest inhibition efficiency with an IC₅₀ of 0.71 μg/mL. Furthermore, these optimized sulfated glycopolypeptides were also capable of preventing enterovirus infection with the inhibition efficiency of up to 86%. This work opens new avenues for the development of synthetic polypeptides bearing sulfated sugars against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses.

Exosomal miR-125b-5p derived from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhance diabetic hindlimb ischemia repair via targeting alkaline ceramidase 2

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic diseases caused by diabetes continue to pose a major health challenge and effective treatments are in high demand. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes have aroused broad attention as a cell-free treatment for ischemic diseases. However, the efficacy of exosomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSC-Exos) in treating diabetic lower limb ischemic injury remains unclear.

METHODS

Exosomes were isolated from ADSCs culture supernatants by differential ultracentrifugation and their effect on C2C12 cells and HUVECs was assessed by EdU, Transwell, and in vitro tube formation assays separately. The recovery of limb function after ADSC-Exos treatment was evaluated by Laser-Doppler perfusion imaging, limb function score, and histological analysis. Subsequently, miRNA sequencing and rescue experiments were performed to figure out the responsible miRNA for the protective role of ADSC-Exos on diabetic hindlimb ischemic injury. Finally, the direct target of miRNA in C2C12 cells was confirmed by bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase report gene assay.

RESULTS

ADSC-Exos have the potential to promote proliferation and migration of C2C12 cells and to promote HUVECs angiogenesis. In vivo experiments have shown that ADSC-Exos can protect ischemic skeletal muscle, promote the repair of muscle injury, and accelerate vascular regeneration. Combined with bioinformatics analysis, miR-125b-5p may be a key molecule in this process. Transfer of miR-125b-5p into C2C12 cells was able to promote cell proliferation and migration by suppressing ACER2 overexpression.

CONCLUSION

The findings revealed that miR-125b-5p derived from ADSC-Exos may play a critical role in ischemic muscle reparation by targeting ACER2. In conclusion, our study may provide new insights into the potential of ADSC-Exos as a treatment option for diabetic lower limb ischemia.

Nutritional Assessment in Early Allogenic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patients, a Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Our study aims to comprehensively assess nutrition status and malnutritional prevalence in early allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) patients.

METHODS

This single-center, cross-sectional study included 171 patients within the 90 days post-transplantation (from September 2019 to April 2020). Data collected included demographic, 3 day 24-h diet record, a Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) tool, laboratory tests, anthropometric indices, and body composition.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-one patients with a mean age of 37.8 ± 11.3 and a male to female ratio of 102 to 69 were included. According to PG-SGA, 115 (67.3%) indicated the critical need for nutritional intervention and symptom management (PG-SGA score > 9). Forty-three (43.3%) of patients had experienced insufficient intakes of energy according to a 24-h diet record. Our study found that 120 (70.2%) patients had a body fat percentage and high triacylglycerol (64.9%). Reduced free fat mass index and low hand-grip strength were found in 133 (77.78%) and 104 (60.81%), respectively. The prevalence of malnutrition was 24.6% and the prevalence of sarcopenia was 13.5%.

CONCLUSION

Although the prevalence was not high, this research has demonstrated a high risk of malnutrition and a lower muscle mass in early allo-HSCT. Furthermore, our study confirmed body composition assessment would be an excellent way to identify malnutrition precisely.

Nanoparticle-dsRNA Treatment of Pollen and Root Systems of Diseased Plants Effectively Reduces the Rate of Tobacco Mosaic Virus in Contemporary Seeds

Most crop viruses are carried and spread by seeds. Virus-infected seeds are seed-borne viral disease infections, and thus, reducing the rate of seed infection is an urgent problem in the seed-production industry. The objective of this study was to use nanoparticles (NPs) to directly deliver dsRNA into plants or pollen to initiate RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce viral carryover in seeds. Chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (HACC), complexed with dsRNAs, was selected for targeting the genes for the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) coat protein (CP) and TMV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) to form HACC-dsRNA NPs. These NP-based dsRNAs were delivered to the plants using four different methods, including infiltration, spraying, root soaking, and pollen internalization. All four methods were able to reduce the seed-carrying rate of offspring seeds of the TMV-infected plants, with pollen internalization being the most effective in reducing the TMV-carrying rate from 95.1 to 61.1% in the control group. By measuring the plant uptake of fluorescence-labeled NPs and dsRNAs, the transportation of the HACC-dsRNA NPs into the plants was observed, and the uptake of dsRNA in combination with small RNA sequencing was further confirmed, resulting in the silencing of homologous RNA molecules during the topical application. The results demonstrated that the incidence of TMV infection was reduced by various degrees via RNAi induction without the need to develop transgenic plants. These results demonstrate the advantages of NP-based RNAi technology in breeding for disease resistance and developing a new strategy for virus-resistant breeding in plants.