IDR-targeting compounds suppress HPV genome replication via disruption of phospho-BRD4 association with DNA damage response factors

Compounds binding to the bromodomains of bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) family proteins, particularly BRD4, are promising anticancer agents. Nevertheless, side effects and drug resistance pose significant obstacles in BET-based therapeutics development. Using high-throughput screening of a 200,000-compound library, we identified small molecules targeting a phosphorylated intrinsically disordered region (IDR) of BRD4 that inhibit phospho-BRD4 (pBRD4)-dependent human papillomavirus (HPV) genome replication in HPV-containing keratinocytes. Proteomic profiling identified two DNA damage response factors-53BP1 and BARD1-crucial for differentiation-associated HPV genome amplification. pBRD4-mediated recruitment of 53BP1 and BARD1 to the HPV origin of replication occurs in a spatiotemporal and BRD4 long (BRD4-L) and short (BRD4-S) isoform-specific manner. This recruitment is disrupted by phospho-IDR-targeting compounds with little perturbation of the global transcriptome and BRD4 chromatin landscape. The discovery of these protein-protein interaction inhibitors (PPIi) not only demonstrates the feasibility of developing PPIi against phospho-IDRs but also uncovers antiviral agents targeting an epigenetic regulator essential for virus-host interaction and cancer development.

Two-Dimensional Tetragonal Transition Metal Chalcogenides for High Performance Oxygen Evolution and Reduction: A DFT Study

The pursuit of high-performance bifunctional catalysts for oxygen evolution/reduction (OER/ORR) has gained significant attention in the field of electrochemical water splitting and fuel cells. In this study, we employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate a series of 2D tetragonal TMX (TM=transition metal, X=S, Se, Te) monolayers as potential bifunctional electrocatalysts for OER/ORR. To evaluate the overall performance of OER electrocatalysts, we introduced a descriptor, Gmax. The Gmax values obtained for tetragonal CdS, CdSe, FeSe, NiSe, and NiTe monolayers were all below 1.0 V, indicative of their superior catalytic activity and selectivity. Moreover, NiSe displayed remarkable ORR capability with an overpotential (ηORR ) of 0.53 V. Based on the bifunctional index (BI), the catalytic activity ranking for the bifunctional catalysts is as follows: NiSe>NiTe>FeSe>CdS>CdSe>NiS>TiSe>ZnTe. These findings provide an insightful understanding of the electrocatalytic properties of 2D tetragonal TMX monolayers for OER/ORR, opening avenues for the future development of efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts based on 2D tetragonal transition metal chalcogenides.

Left atrial myxoma as a rare cause of stroke

Cerebrovascular events may attribute to the fragmentation of a cardiac tumor. Due to the small number of reported cases of large vascular occlusion-acute ischemic stroke (LVO-AIS) associated with atrial myxoma, current guidelines still follow the principle of intravenous thrombolysis priority, even if LVO-AIS patients are eligible for mechanical thrombectomy, and have not recommended the timing of cardiac surgery or preoperative anticoagulation and antithrombotic therapy. Surgical removal is the definitive therapy for cardiac myxomas, especially for left-sided myxomas. With this case, we aim to demonstrate the main challenges that clinicians may encounter when dealing with patients with AIS secondary to cardiac myxoma: the difficulties with clinical diagnosis, strategies for reperfusion therapy, and therapeutic management of cardiac myxoma.

[Follicular lymphoma with a predominantly diffuse growth pattern with 1p36 deletion: a clinicopathologic analysis of eight cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinical and pathologic features and diagnosis of follicular lymphoma (FL) with a predominantly diffuse growth pattern (DFL) with 1p36 deletion. Methods: Eight cases of DFL with 1p36 deletion diagnosed at Department of Pathology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University (n=5) and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital (n=3) from January 2017 to January 2023 were included. Their clinicopathologic features and follow-up data were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed. Results: There were five males and three females, with a median age of 67 years, and inguinal lymphadenopathy was found as the main symptom. Histologically, similar morphologic features were sheared among all cases, with effaced nodal structure and characterized by proliferation of centrocytes in a diffuse pattern, with or without follicular components. The germinal center-related markers such as CD10 and/or bcl-6 were expressed in the tumor cells, and 1p36 deletion but not bcl-2 translocation was appreciable in these cases. Conclusions: DFL with 1p36 deletion is a rare subtype of FL, with some overlaps with other types of FL or indolent B-cell lymphomas in their pathologic features. An accurate diagnosis requires comprehensive considerations based on their clinical, pathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features.

Association between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome: a population-based study in China

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains debatable. In the present study, we analysed the link between total sleep duration (including nighttime sleep and nap duration) and MetS as well as its components among the Chinese population.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study from a prospective population cohort including 8616 participants over 40 years in Guangxi, China, evaluated from April 2011 to January 2012. MetS was diagnosed using modified criteria from the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Sleep information was obtained through a standard self-report-based questionnaire. The connection between sleep duration and MetS prevalence as well as its components was evaluated using a logistic regression model.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confoundings, the longer daily sleep duration (≥ 10 hours) group was observed to have the higher odds of having MetS than the reference group with ≥ 7 and < 8 hours of sleep [odds ratio (OR): 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03-1.52, p = 0.023], as well as the highest odds of having elevated triglycerides (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03-1.52) and fasting blood glucose (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.45). Further analysis demonstrated that sleeping > 9 hours per night was correlated to MetS in females (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-1.58), while napping ≥ 90 minutes was correlated to MetS (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.11-1.87) in males.

CONCLUSION

Both longer nighttime sleep duration and longer naps may be associated with the development of MetS.

Red cell distribution in critically ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased mortality risk in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, limited data are available for critically ill patients with COPD.

METHODS

Data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III V1.4 database were analyzed in this retrospective cohort research. The International Classification of Diseases codes were used to identify critically ill patients with COPD. The first value of RDW was extracted within the first 24 h after intensive care unit admission. The endpoint was 28-day all-cause mortality. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between RDW and 28-day mortality. Age, sex, ethnicity, anemia status, comorbidities, clinical therapy, and disease severity score were considered for subgroup analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 2,344 patients were included with mean (standard deviation) age of 72.3 (11.3) years, in which 1,739 (53.6%) patients were men. The increase in RDW was correlated with an increased risk of 28-day mortality in the multivariate logistic regression model (odds ratio [OR] 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.21). In comparison with the low-RDW group, the middle and high-RDW groups tended to have higher risks of 28-day all-cause mortality (OR [95% CI] 1.03 [0.78-1.34]; OR [95% CI] 1.70 [1.29-2.22]; P trend < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses show no evidence of effect modifications on the correlation of RDW and 28-day all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION

An increase in RDW was associated with an increased risk of 28-day all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with COPD. Further studies are required to investigate this association.

18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics model for predicting the degree of pathological differentiation in non-small cell lung cancer: a multicentre study

AIM

To explore the value of 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG) positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics model for predicting the degree of pathological differentiation in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical characteristics of 182 NSCLC patients from four centres were collected, and radiomics features were extracted from 18F-FDG PET/CT images. Three logistic regression prediction models were established: clinical model; radiomics model; and nomogram combining radiomics signatures and clinical features. The predictive ability of the models was assessed using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis.

RESULTS

Patients from centre 1 were assigned randomly to the training and internal validation cohorts (7:3 ratio); patients from centres 2-4 served as the external validation cohort. The area under the curve (AUC) values for the clinical model in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort were 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64-0.84), 0.64 (95% CI = 0.46-0.81), and 0.74 (95% CI = 0.60-0.88), respectively. In the training (AUC: 0.84 [95% CI = 0.77-0.92]), internal validation (AUC: 0.81 [95% CI = 0.67-0.95]), and external validation cohorts (AUC: 0.74 [95% CI = 0.58-0.89]), the radiomics model showed good predictive ability for differentiation. Compared to the clinical and radiomics models, the nomogram has relatively better diagnostic performance, and the AUC values for nomogram in the training, internal validation, and external validation cohort were 0.86 (95% CI = 0.78-0.93), 0.83 (95% CI = 0.70-0.96), and 0.77 (95% CI = 0.62-0.92), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The 18F-FDG PET/CT-based radiomics model showed good ability for predicting the degree of differentiation of NSCLC. The nomogram combining the radiomics signature and clinical features has relatively better diagnostic performance.

Value of spectral CT parameters in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for gastric cancer

AIM

To investigate the value of pre-chemotherapy spectral computed tomography (CT) parameters in predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) response in gastric cancer (GC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with GC who received NAC and underwent spectral CT examination before chemotherapy were enrolled retrospectively and divided into a responsive group and a non-responsive group according to the postoperative pathological tumour regression grade. Clinical characteristics were collected. The iodine concentration (IC), water concentration (WC), and effective atomic number (Eff-Z) of the portal venous phases were measured before chemotherapy, and IC was normalised to that of the aorta to provide the normalised IC (NIC). An independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, or chi-square test was used to analyse the differences between the two groups, and the receiver operating curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive performance of different variables.

RESULTS

The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was lower in the responsive group than in the non-responsive group (p<0.05). IC, NIC, and Eff-Z values were significantly higher in the responsive group than in the non-responsive group (p<0.01). The areas under the ROC curves for the NLR, IC, NIC, and Eff-Z were 0.694, 0.688, 0.799, and 0.690, respectively. The combination of NIC, Eff-Z, and NLR values showed good diagnostic performance in predicting response to NAC in GC, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.857, 76.92% sensitivity, 80% accuracy, and 85.71% specificity.

CONCLUSION

Spectral CT parameters may serve as non-invasive tools for predicting the response to NAC in patients with GC.

China Initiative for Multi-Domain Intervention (CHINA-IN-MUDI) to Prevent Cognitive Decline: Study Design and Progress

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common type of irreversible dementia, is predicted to affect 152 million people by 2050. Evidence from large-scale preventive randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on modifiable risk variables in Europe has shown that multi-domain lifestyle treatments for older persons at high risk of dementia may be practical and effective. Given the substantial differences between the Chinese and European populations in terms of demographics and living conditions, direct adoption of the European program in China remains unfeasible. Although a RCT has been conducted in China previously, its participants were mainly from rural areas in northern China and, thus, are not representative of the entire nation.There is an urgent need to establish cohorts that represent different economic, cultural, and geographical situations in order to explore implementation strategies and evaluate the effects of early multi-domain interventions more comprehensively and accurately.

MEDTODS

We developed an integrated intervention procedure implemented in urban neighborhood settings, namely China Initiative for Multi-Domain Intervention (CHINA-IN-MUDI). CHINA-IN-MUDI is a 2-year multicenter open-label cluster-randomised controlled trial centered around a Chinese-style multi-domain intervention to prevent cognitive decline. Participants aged 60-80 years were recruited from a nationally representative study, i.e. China Healthy Aging and Dementia Study cohort. An external harmonization process was carried out to preserve the original FINGER design. Subsequently, we standardized a series of Chinese-style intervention programs to align with cultural and socioeconomic status. Additionally, we expanded the secondary outcome list to include genomic and proteomic analyses. To enhance adherence and facilitate implementation, we leveraged an e-health application.

RESULTS

Screening commenced in July 2022. Currently, 1,965 participants have been randomized into lifestyle intervention (n = 772) and control groups (n = 1,193). Both the intervention and control groups exhibited similar baseline characteristics. Several lifestyle and vascular risk factors were present, indicating a potential window of opportunity for intervention. The intervention will be completed by 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

This project will contribute to the evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of intervention strategies in controlling AD risk and reducing clinical events, providing a basis for public health decision-making in China.

Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Small-Volume-Plasma Artificial Liver Model in the Treatment of Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure

To explore the efficacy and safety of a small-volume-plasma artificial liver support system (ALSS) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). A retrospective analysis was performed. All ACLF patients received ALSS of plasma exchange & double plasma molecular absorb system (PE+DPMAS) treatment, and successfully completed this treatment. Patients were divided into small-volume and half-volume plasma groups. We compared the changes of the indicators on liver function, kidney function, blood coagulation function, and blood ammonia level before and after PE+DPMAS treatment; we compared the short-term and long-term curative effects between small-volume and half-volume plasma groups; and the factors influencing Week 4 and Week 12 mortality of ACLF patients were analyzed. The Week 4 improvement rates were 63.96 % and 66.86 % in the small-volume and half-volume plasma groups, respectively. The Week 12 survival rates in the small-volume-plasma and half-volume plasma groups were 66.72 % and 64.61 %, respectively. We found several risk factors affecting Week 4 and Week 12 mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested no significant difference in Week 4 and Week 12 survival rates between the small-volume and half-volume plasma groups (P=0.34). The small-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS treatment could effectively reduce bilirubin and bile acids, and this was an approach with high safety and few complications, similar to the half-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS treatment. The small-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS has the advantage of greatly reducing the need for intraoperative plasma, which is especially of importance in times of shortage of plasma.

Research progress of acupuncture in the regulation of surgery stress response

In clinical practice, operative stress varies from surgeries, which may lead to many injuries such as ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), hyperactivation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS), post-traumatic immunosuppression (PTI), hypercoagulation and inflammation. Acupuncture is effective and advantageous in regulating the stress response to surgery. The great progress has been made in recent years of acupuncture research in postoperative visceral IRI, SNS hyperactivation, PTI, hypercoagulation and inflammation. By collecting the relevant evidences of acupuncture in this field, the application value of acupuncture involved in modulating surgical stress response and the progress of mechanism research are explored and summarized.

Glucose Regulates Glucose Transport and Metabolism via mTOR Signaling Pathway in Bovine Placental Trophoblast Cells

It has been confirmed that improving the energy level of the diet contributed to the greater reproductive performance and birth weight of calves in periparturient dairy cows. To investigate the effect of glucose on nutrient transport during fetal development, the bovine placental trophoblast cells (BPTCs) were cultured in media with different glucose concentrations (1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 mg/mL). Subsequently, the BPTCs were cultured in media with 1, 8 mg/mL glucose and 8 mg/mL glucose plus 100 nmol/L rapamycin (the inhibitor of mTOR pathway). Compared with the 1 mg/mL glucose, the addition of 8 mg/mL glucose stimulated cell proliferation, upregulated the mRNA abundance of the glucose transporter GLUT1 and GLUT4, and increased the activity of glucose metabolism-related enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenease (G6PD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), as well as adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) content (p < 0.05).Furthermore, compared with the treatment of 1 mg/mL glucose, adding 8 mg/mL of glucose-upregulated gene expression in the mTOR signaling pathway, including phosphatidylinositol3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (P70S6K) (p < 0.05).The supplementation of rapamycin downregulated the gene and protein expression of the mTOR signaling pathway, including mTOR, P70S6K, EIF4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1), hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and gene expression of glucose transporter upregulated by 8 mg/mL glucose (p < 0.05). Thus, these results indicated that the addition of 8 mg/mL glucose regulated the glucose transport and metabolism in BPTCs through the mTOR signaling pathway, thereby promoting the supply of nutrients to fetus.

TNFR1 signaling converging on FGF14 controls neuronal hyperactivity and sickness behavior in experimental cerebral malaria

BACKGROUND

Excess tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperinflammatory experimental cerebral malaria (eCM), including gliosis, increased levels of fibrin(ogen) in the brain, behavioral changes, and mortality. However, the role of TNF in eCM within the brain parenchyma, particularly directly on neurons, remains underdefined. Here, we investigate electrophysiological consequences of eCM on neuronal excitability and cell signaling mechanisms that contribute to observed phenotypes.

METHODS

The split-luciferase complementation assay (LCA) was used to investigate cell signaling mechanisms downstream of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) that could contribute to changes in neuronal excitability in eCM. Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology was performed in brain slices from eCM mice to elucidate consequences of infection on CA1 pyramidal neuron excitability and cell signaling mechanisms that contribute to observed phenotypes. Involvement of identified signaling molecules in mediating behavioral changes and sickness behavior observed in eCM were investigated in vivo using genetic silencing.

RESULTS

Exploring signaling mechanisms that underlie TNF-induced effects on neuronal excitability, we found that the complex assembly of fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) and the voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channel 1.6 (Nav1.6) is increased upon tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) stimulation via Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2). On account of the dependency of hyperinflammatory experimental cerebral malaria (eCM) on TNF, we performed patch-clamp studies in slices from eCM mice and showed that Plasmodium chabaudi infection augments Nav1.6 channel conductance of CA1 pyramidal neurons through the TNFR1-JAK2-FGF14-Nav1.6 signaling network, which leads to hyperexcitability. Hyperexcitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons caused by infection was mitigated via an anti-TNF antibody and genetic silencing of FGF14 in CA1. Furthermore, knockdown of FGF14 in CA1 reduced sickness behavior caused by infection.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF14 may represent a therapeutic target for mitigating consequences of TNF-mediated neuroinflammation.

Liensinine alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury by blocking autophagic flux via PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major pathological problem characterized by severe inflammatory reactions and is a critical disease with high clinical morbidity and mortality. Liensinine, a major isoquinoline alkaloid, is extracted from the green embryos of mature Nelumbonaceae seeds. It has been reported to have an inhibitory effect on tumors. However, the effects of liensinine on ALI have not been reported to-date. The aim of this study was to explore the inhibitory effects of liensinine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI and its possible mechanism. We found that liensinine significantly reduced LPS-induced ALI and reduced the production of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α. In addition, liensinine blocked autophagic flux and increased the number of autophagosomes by upregulating LC3-II/I and p62 protein levels. More importantly, pretreatment with the early stages autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) can reverse the inhibitory effects of liensinine on the secretion of inflammatory factors in ALI. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is involved in LPS-induced autophagy regulated by liensinine in ALI. In summary, this study suggests that liensinine inhibits the production of inflammatory factors in LPS-induced ALI by regulating autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which may provide a new therapeutic strategy to alleviate ALI.

Assessing the quality of care for skin malignant melanoma on a global, regional, and national scale: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study from 1990 to 2019

Malignant melanoma (MM) is a highly aggressive form of skin cancer with increasing global incidence rates, particularly in developed countries. Variations in the prevalence and quality of care provided to patients with melanoma exist across different regions and across different sex and age. Assessing the global burden of melanoma and evaluating the quality of care can provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions in certain underperforming regions and improving patient outcomes. This study aimed to systematically analyze the Global Burden of Disease Study from 1990 to 2019 to assess the quality of care for skin malignant melanoma on a global scale. We conducted a comprehensive literature review and extracted data on melanoma incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from the Global Burden of Disease Study. We incorporated these variables using principal component analysis (PCA) to form an informative single variable of quality of care index (QCI) and analyzed its spatial-temporal variations as well as disparities across age, sex and socio-demographic index (SDI). The overall Quality of Care Index (QCI) for melanoma improved from 82.81 in 1990 to 91.29 in 2019. The QCI score showed a positive correlation with socioeconomic status across regions. Australia ranked highest in QCI (99.96), while Central African Republic, and Kiribati had the lowest scores. China and Saudi Arabia showed significant QCI improvement, while the QCI of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Zimbabwe, and Guam decreased from 1990 to 2019. The highest QCI scores were observed in the age groups of 20-39 years old (93.40-94.65). Gender disparities narrowed globally in these three decades, but lower Socio-demographic Index (SDI) regions showed increased gender inequities. Our findings highlighted the spatial-temporal variations in the quality of care of MM as well as its disparities across different SDI levels, age groups and sex. These findings offer valuable insights and guidance for implementing focused interventions and resource allocation to enhance the quality of care and overall outcomes for MM worldwide, especially for underperforming regions.

Impacts of water surge from mountain railroad tunnels on ecological environments based on the RSEI model

Tunnels play a significant role in mountain railroad routes and increase the efficiency of railroad traffic. However, water surge from tunnels can seriously impact the ecological environment during the construction period. This study selected a typical mountain railroad tunnel in southwest China and used the remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) to evaluate the changes in the ecological environment along the tunnel surge water path and relate the impacts to the main influencing factors throughout the whole tunnel construction cycle. The following conclusions were obtained: (1) The RSEI from 2005 to 2020 mostly ranged within 0.25-0.75. The most severe ecological disturbances occurred in areas directly affected by tunnel construction and along the water surge path. (2) In addition to affecting the surrounding ecological environment during the construction period, tunnel surge water continued to adversely affect the environment during the post-construction period. (3) In the post-construction period, the areas 300-450 m and 750-850 m from the tunnel exit had the largest changes in RSEI. This study provides scientific evidence to support environmental planning for mountain railroad tunnel construction, which is necessary to achieve both efficient tunnel construction and environmental protection.

Evaluation of three prevalent global riverine nutrient transport models

Global riverine nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) transport models offer important insights into basin nutrient cycling. However, appropriate model selection for a given research objective remains ambiguous. This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the performance and applicability of three prevalent global riverine nutrient transport models: Global NEWS, IMAGE-GNM, and WorldQual. According to performance criteria (satisfactory: R2 > 0.50 and NSE > 0.50), the Global NEWS model performs satisfactorily in simulating dissolved organic nitrogen (DON; n = 101, R2 = 0.58, NSE = 0.57) and dissolved organic phosphorus loads (DOP; n = 80, R2 = 0.59, NSE = 0.59). The model falls short in simulating dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN; n = 644, R2 = 0.56, NSE = - 0.80) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus loads (DIP; n = 450, R2 = 0.33, NSE = - 0.12). The IMAGE-GNM model shows satisfactory accuracies in simulating riverine total nitrogen (TN; n = 831, R2 = 0.56, NSE = 0.53) and total phosphorus (TP; n = 902, R2 = 0.59, NSE = 0.48) concentrations, particularly in European basins. The WorldQual model presented unsatisfactory performance in simulating riverine TN (n = 11, R2 = 0.76, NSE = 0.34) and TP (n = 13, R2 = 0.71, NSE = - 0.25) concentrations. Using a two-segment linear model, we recommend the Global NEWS model for basins larger than 2.2 × 104 km2 for DIN and 3.2 × 104 km2 for DIP. The IMAGE-GNM model is best suited for basins with long-term datasets and high latitudes (TN > 21 years and > 53.8 °N; TP > 22 years and > 54.5 °N). For model improvements, both the Global NEWS and WorldQual models could benefit from enhanced in-stream nutrient retention/release modules. The Global NEWS model could be further improved with a better chemical weathering module. For the IMAGE-GNM model, refining the soil erosion module is warranted to enhance model performance. Addressing legacy nutrient effects is crucial for all three models. This study provides valuable guidance for selecting and improving nutrient transport models based on specific research needs.

BRD4 as a potential target for human papillomaviruses associated cancer

Around 99% of cervical cancer and 5%-10% of human cancer are associated with human papillomaviruses (HPV). Notably, the life-cycle of HPV begins by low-level infection of the basal cells of the stratified epithelium, where the viral genomes are replicated and passed on to the daughter proliferating basal cells. The production of new viral particles remains restricted to eventually differentiated cells. HPVs support their persistent infectious cycle by hijacking pivotal pathways and cellular processes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is one of the essential cellular factors involved in multiple stages of viral transcription and replication. In this review, we demonstrate the role of BRD4 in the multiple stages of HPV infectious cycle. Also, we provide an overview of the intense research about the cellular functions of BRD4, the mechanism of action of bromodomain and extra terminal inhibitors, and how it could lead to the development of antiviral/anticancer therapies.

Telomere length is associated with increased risk of cutaneous melanoma: a Mendelian randomization study

RESULTS

The MR analysis using two TL GWAS datasets revealed strong and consistent evidence that long TL is causally associated with an increased risk of CM. The analysis of the Codd et al. dataset found that long TL significantly predicted an elevated risk of CM (IVW OR = 2.411, 95% CI 2.092-2.780, P = 8.05E-34). Similarly, the analysis of the Li et al. dataset yielded consistent positive results across all MR methods, providing further robustness to the causal relationship (IVW OR = 2.324, 95% CI 1.516-3.565, P = 1.11E-04). The study provides evidence for a causal association between TL and CM susceptibility, indicating that longer TL increases the risk of developing CM and providing insight into the unique telomere biology in melanoma pathogenesis. Telomere maintenance pathways may be a potential target for preventing and treating CM.

[Spatial distribution characteristics of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province in 2020]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody, and to examine the correlation between the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province in 2020, so as to provide insights into advanced schistosomiais control in the province.

METHODS

The epidemiological data of schistosomiasis in Hunan Province in 2020 were collected, including number of permanent residents in survey villages, number of advanced schistosomiasis patients, number of residents receiving serological tests and number of residents seropositive for anti-Schistosoma antibody, and the prevalence advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody were descriptively analyzed. Village-based spatial distribution characteristics of prevalence advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody were identified in Hunan Province in 2020, and the correlation between the revalence advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody was examined using Spearman correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis was 0 to 2.72% and the seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody was 0 to 20.25% in 1 153 schistosomiasis-endemic villages in Hunan Province in 2020. Spatial clusters were identified in both the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis (global Moran's I = 0.416, P < 0.01) and the seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody (global Moran's I = 0.711, P < 0.01) in Hunan Province. Local spatial autocorrelation analysis identified 98 schistosomiasis-endemic villages with high-high clusters of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis, 134 endemic villages with high-high clusters of the seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody and 36 endemic villages with high-high clusters of both the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province. In addition, spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody (rs = 0.235, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

There were spatial clusters of the prevalence of advanced schistosomiasis and seroprevalence of anti-Schistosoma antibody in Hunan Province in 2020, which were predominantly located in areas neighboring the Dongting Lake. These clusters should be given a high priority in the schistosomiasis control programs.

Inhibition of PDGFRβ alleviates endothelial cell apoptotic injury caused by DRP-1 overexpression and mitochondria fusion failure after mitophagy

Kawasaki disease (KD), described as "mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome", affects infants and toddlers. Patients with KD suffer from an inflammatory cascade leading to vasculitis with a predilection for coronary arteries. While the symptoms and pathogenesis of KD have received more and more attention, the precise mechanisms are still debated. Researches show that endothelial dysfunction process in KD leads to arterial damage and affect clinical outcome. In this study, we constructed a Candida albicans water soluble fraction (CAWS)-induced KD murine model and penetrated investigating the mechanisms behind endothelial dysfunction. CAWS-induced mice presented remarkably elevated vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) levels. Abundant expression of VEGF was documented in all vessels that showed edema from acute KD. It has been reported that Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) co-expression normalizes VEGF-induced aberrant angiogenesis. Hyperexpression of PDGFRβ was induced in the thickened medial layer and vascular endothelium of KD mice. Masitinib (Mas) is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor of numerous targets, which can selectively target PDGFR signaling. We set out to explore whether Mas could regulate coronary pathology in KD. Mas administration significantly reduced the VEGF-induced endothelial cells migration. NOX4 was activated in vascular endothelial cells to produce more ROS. Mitochondrial dysregulated fission and mitophagy caused by DRP-1 overexpression precipitated the arterial endothelial cells injury. Here, mitophagy seemed to work as the driving force of DRP-1/Bak/BNIP3-dependent endothelial cells apoptosis. In summary, how mitophagy is regulated by DRP-1 under pathologic status is critical and complex, which may contribute to the development of specific therapeutic interventions in cardiovascular diseases patients, for example Masatinib, the inhibitor of PDGFRβ. FACTS AND QUESTIONS: Kawasaki disease causing systemic vasculitis, affects infants and toddlers. Coronary artery injury remains the major causes of morbidity and mortality. DRP-1 overexpression induces DRP-1/Bak/BNIP3-dependent endothelial cells apoptosis. PDGFRβ was high-expressed in the thickened medial layer of CAWS-induced KD mice. Inhibition of PDGFRβ signaling alleviates arterial endothelial cells injury.

Hyperon Polarization along the Beam Direction Relative to the Second and Third Harmonic Event Planes in Isobar Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200 GeV

The polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam direction has been measured relative to the second and third harmonic event planes in isobar Ru+Ru and Zr+Zr collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV. This is the first experimental evidence of the hyperon polarization by the triangular flow originating from the initial density fluctuations. The amplitudes of the sine modulation for the second and third harmonic results are comparable in magnitude, increase from central to peripheral collisions, and show a mild p_{T} dependence. The azimuthal angle dependence of the polarization follows the vorticity pattern expected due to elliptic and triangular anisotropic flow, and qualitatively disagrees with most hydrodynamic model calculations based on thermal vorticity and shear induced contributions. The model results based on one of existing implementations of the shear contribution lead to a correct azimuthal angle dependence, but predict centrality and p_{T} dependence that still disagree with experimental measurements. Thus, our results provide stringent constraints on the thermal vorticity and shear-induced contributions to hyperon polarization. Comparison to previous measurements at RHIC and the LHC for the second-order harmonic results shows little dependence on the collision system size and collision energy.

Application of biochar in microbial fuel cells: Characteristic performances, electron-transfer mechanism, and environmental and economic assessments

Biochar is a by-product of thermochemical conversion of biomass or other carbonaceous materials. Recently, it has garnered extensive attention for its high application potential in microbial fuel cell (MFC) systems owing to its high conductivity and low cost. However, the effects of biochar on MFC system performance have not been comprehensively reviewed, thereby necessitating the evaluation of the efficacy of biochar application in MFCs. In this review, biochar characteristics were outlined based on recent publications. Subsequently, various applications of biochar in the MFC systems and their probable processes were summarized. Finally, proposals for future applications of biochar in MFCs were explored along with its perspectives and an environmental evaluation in the context of a circular economy. The purpose of this review is to gain comprehensive insights into the application of biochar in the MFC systems, offering important viewpoints on the effective and steady utilization of biochar in MFCs for practical application.

Suppression of alpha-tubulin acetylation potentiates therapeutic efficacy of Eribulin in liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer with limited effective treatments. Eribulin mesylate is a novel chemotherapy drug that inhibits microtubule elongation and may impact the tumor microenvironment and immune pathway. This study aims to investigate the impact of changes in microtubule acetylation levels on HCC development and treatment outcomes. Clinical and molecular data were aggregated from databases, with survival analysis conducted to evaluate the relevance of microtubule acetylation. In vitro experiments using HCC cell lines and a tumor cell transplantation model in C57BL/c mice were performed to investigate the effects of microtubule acetylation on Eribulin treatment. A significant correlation was found between the level of lysine 40 acetylation of α-tubulin (acetyl-α-tubulin-lys40) and overall survival of HCC patients, with a better prognosis associated with a lower level of acetyl-α-tubulin-lys40. Knocking down ATAT1 or overexpressing HDAC6 reduced the level of acetyl-α-tubulin-lys40 and sensitized Eribulin treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, acetyl-α-tubulin-lys40 was increased in HCC and was associated with a shorter overall survival of HCC patients. Reducing the level of acetyl-α-tubulin-lys40 can enhance sensitivity to Eribulin treatment both in vitro and in vivo, thereby establishing acetyl-α-tubulin-lys40 as a potential prognostic marker and predictive indicator for Eribulin treatment in HCC patients.