Status of 18F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT compared with multiparametric MRI in preoperative evaluation of prostate cancer

PURPOSE

Treatment of primary prostate cancer extremely depends on preoperative stage. The role of ¹⁸F-1007-PSMA-PET/CT in preoperative staging has not been well defined. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-1007-PEMA-PET/CT, mpMRI, and mpMRI + PEMA-PET/CT in local progression and lymph node invasion of prostate cancer using histopathology as the gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective study, all patients with prostate cancer who underwent mpMRI and ¹⁸F-PSMA-1007-PET/CT before operation were included. The role of preoperative imaging was evaluated by predicting the sensitivity and specificity of EPE (extraprostatic extension), SVI (seminal vesicle invasion), and lymph node invasion results.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 130 patients were included in this study. In the preoperative judgment of EPE and SVI, mpMRI + PSMA-PET/CT had higher sensitivity and specificity. When predicting lymph node metastasis, PSMA-PET/CT was the best choice. The accuracy of mpMRI + PSMA-PET/CT and PSMA-PET/CT in the T and N stages, respectively, was affected by the least factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the combined results of mpMRI and ¹⁸F-1007-PSMA-PET/CT, the accuracy of the preoperative judgment of prostatic capsule invasion can be improved, which may be conducive to developing intra-fascial technology while ensuring no tumor-touch isolation. PSMA-PET/CT has the advantages over mpMRI alone in terms of lymph node positivity. Compared with PSMA-PET/CT alone, the combined results can improve the sensitivity, but reduce specificity. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on PSMA-PET/CT to decide whether lymph node dissection should be performed.

Ion recognition properties of 2,2'-bibenzimidazole regulated by ammonium-modified pillar[5]arenes

With the increasing issues of environmental degradation and health problem, the selective detection of toxic ions has attracted considerable attention from researchers. Chemical fluorescent sensors with the advantages of facile operation, high sensitivity, rapid response, and easy visualization are emerging as powerful detection tools towards ions. However, the selective recognition of ions is always hindered by the presence of other interfering substances. Herein, we show that supramolecular host-guest interaction based on a pillar[5]arene provides a new opportunity to regulate the ionic recognition properties of guest molecules. A pillar[5]arene-based host-guest complex HG was constructed through the host-guest interaction between ammonium functionalized pillar[5]arene (HAP5) and 2,2'-bibenzimidazole (G). The host-gust complex HG can realize the successive, highly selective, and sensitive detection of specific ions. It was found that only in the presence of HAP5, the sensitivity towards cations was evidently enhanced, and selective successive recognition for I^- and HSO₄^- was achieved. Those results indicate that the introduction of HAP5 can effectively improve the ion recognition performance of 2,2'-bibenzimidazole, so it is a feasible strategy using supramolecular host-guest interaction to regulate the ionic recognition properties of guest molecules.

Exploring key physicochemical sediment properties influencing bioleaching of heavy metals

Bioleaching is a promising technology to remediate sediments contaminated by heavy metals. However, the complex heterogeneities of the sediments can reduce the acidification efficiency and the heavy metal removal rate, thus hindering the practical application of sediment bioleaching. This experiment conducted comparative bioleaching experiments between the inoculated group (average leaching percentages: Cu 67.64%; Zn 54.44%; Ni 29.59%) and the non-inoculated control group (Cu 37.10%; Zn 41.04%; Ni 19.89%) on 28 sediments characterized by different physicochemical properties to explore the key factors influencing bioleaching. The results indicated that the bioleaching process was predominated by the indigenous bioleaching bacteria and the bioleaching inoculum, respectively. The ACC_pH=4 (acid-consuming capacity), TOC (total organic carbon), and TN (total nitrogen) of the sediments played an essential role in influencing the microbial community structure and bioleaching performance: the ACC_pH=4, as the inhibitive factor, could influence the succession growth of the indigenous bioleaching bacteria and the inoculum during the bioleaching process, while the TOC and TN, as the contributing factor, could influence the metabolism of the indigenous bioleaching bacteria. Based on these results, the bioleaching process was improved with the classification and pretreatments of sediment to realize successful bioleaching of all types of the sediments examined in this research.

Added value of spectral parameters in diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes of pT1-2 rectal cancer

PURPOSE

To investigate the added value of spectral parameters derived from dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT) in diagnosing metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) of pT1-2 (stage 1-2 determined by pathology) rectal cancer.

METHODS

A total of 80 LNs (57 non-metastatic LNs and 23 metastatic LNs) from 42 patients with pT1-T2 rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. The short-axis diameter of LNs was measured, then its border and enhancement homogeneity were evaluated. All spectral parameters, including iodine concentration (IC), effective atomic number (Z_eff), normalized IC (nIC), normalized Z_eff (nZ_eff), and slope of the attenuation curve (λ), were measured or calculated. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent-samples t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences of each parameter between the non-metastatic group and the metastatic group. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent factors for predicting LN metastasis. Diagnostic performances were assessed by ROC curve analysis and compared with the DeLong test.

RESULTS

The short-axis diameter, border, enhancement homogeneity, and each spectral parameter of LNs showed significant differences between the two groups (P < 0.05). The nZ_eff and short-axis diameter were independent predictors of metastatic LNs (P < 0.05), with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.870 and 0.772, sensitivity of 82.5% and 73.9%, and specificity of 82.6% and 78.9%. After combining nZ_eff and the short-axis diameter, the AUC (0.966) was the highest with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 87.7%.

CONCLUSION

The spectral parameters derived from SDCT might help us to improve the diagnostic accuracy of metastatic LNs in patients with pT1-2 rectal cancer, the highest diagnostic performance can be achieved after combining nZ_eff with the short-axis diameter of LNs.

Prognostic value of genomic mutations in metastatic prostate cancer

Metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) has a poor prognosis, and new treatment strategies are currently being offered for patients in clinical practice, but mPC is still incurable. A considerable proportion of patients with mPC harbor homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutations, which may be more sensitive to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis). We retrospectively included genomic and clinical data from 147 patients with mPC from a single clinical center, with a total of 102 circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) samples and 60 tissue samples. The frequency of genomic mutations was analyzed and compared with that in Western cohorts. Cox analysis was used to assess progression-free survival (PFS) and prognostic factors related to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after standard systemic therapy for mPC. The most frequently mutated gene in the HRR pathway was CDK12 (18.3%), followed by ATM (13.7%) and BRCA2 (13.0%). The remaining common ones were TP53 (31.3%), PTEN (12.2%), and PIK3CA (11.5%). The frequency of BRCA2 mutation was close to that of the SU2C-PCF cohort (13.3%), but the frequency of CDK12, ATM, and PIK3CA mutations was significantly higher than that in the SU2C-PCF cohort: 4.7%, 7.3%, and 5.3%, respectively. CDK12 mutation were less responsive to androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSIs), docetaxel, and PARPi. BRCA2 mutation helps predict PARPi efficacy. Additionally, androgen receptor (AR)-amplified patients do not respond well to ARSIs, and PTEN mutation are associated with poorer docetaxel response. These findings support the genetic profiling of patients with mPC after diagnosis to guide treatment stratification to customize personalized treatment.

Limosilactobacillus reuteri ameliorates preeclampsia in mice via improving gut dysbiosis and endothelial dysfunction

BACKGROUND

As a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, preeclampsia (PE) remains enigmatic. We confirmed that PE is associated with gut dysbiosis. However, whether probiotics could improve PE via regulating gut microbiota remains unclear. Exploring specific probiotic that could alleviate PE by modulating gut microbiota and elucidating detailed mechanisms will be essential for treating PE.

METHODS

PE model was induced by nitric oxide (NO) inhibition with L-NAME in mice, and treated with Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri). 16 S rDNA analysis was conducted on feces from mice. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to explore the roles and mechanisms of L. reuteri in PE.

RESULTS

NO inhibition by L-NAME induced PE and gut dysbiosis in mice, characterized by differential gut microbiome, reduced alpha diversity, and markedly decreased abundance of Lactobacillales and L. reuteri. Importantly, L. reuteri could improve PE induced by L-NAME in mice, and ameliorate the gut dysbiosis of PE mice, including restorative gut microbiota composition, increased alpha diversity, and upregulated L. reuteri content. Moreover, L. reuteri could improve NO synthesis, angiogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress of PE mice. Consistently, L. reuteri could ameliorate NO synthesis, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation mediated by L-NAME in vitro.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results reveal that L. reuteri could ameliorate PE induced by NO inhibition in mice via improving gut dysbiosis and endothelial dysfunction, supporting gut microbiota serving as therapeutic target for treating PE originated from endothelial dysfunction and L. reuteri protecting patients from PE via modulating gut microbiota and endothelial function.

Spatiotemporal patterns of organic carbon burial over the last century in Lake Qinghai, the largest lake on the Tibetan Plateau

Lakes are important carbon sinks in terrestrial environments. However, the estimation of the global lake carbon sink has large uncertainty. Data from plateau and remote lakes are rare, and most studies of carbon sequestration in large lakes have been based on single or a few sediment cores. Here, twenty-five sediment cores were collected by grid sampling covering Lake Qinghai, the largest lake on the Tibetan Plateau. Age models were established by combining radionuclide ²¹⁰Pb¹³⁷Cs dating with magnetic susceptibility chronostratigraphy of sediment cores. Furthermore, the spatiotemporal variations of the organic carbon burial rate (OCBR) over the past century were investigated. The OCBR of Lake Qinghai has increased significantly since the 1990s in association with warm-humid climates, increased nutrient supply and, enhanced land-use changes. The spatial distributions of OCBR were insignificant during the 1900s-1960s and 1960s-1990s and then shifted to a pattern of high values occurring in the southwestern lake areas during the post-1990s period. The spatial distribution of OCBR was mainly determined by sediment mass accumulation rate, primary production, and potential mineralization. The average OCBR in the all sediment cores showed no correlation with water depth (12-30 m) and was within one standard deviation of the whole-lake average value for most cores. These results suggest that the average OCBR of a sediment core in a relatively flat lakebed can generally represent the whole-basin level of Lake Qinghai. The average OCBR was 22.5 ± 5.5 g m^-2 yr^-1, which is close to those values reported previously for lakes of boreal forest and taiga but significantly higher than those reported for tundra lakes. Our findings highlight that the remote lakes on the Tibetan Plateau have great carbon sequestration potential in sediments and may act as a significant natural carbon sink.

Extreme enhancement of optical force via the acoustic graphene plasmon mode

We have investigated the effect of enhanced optical force via the acoustic graphene plasmon (AGP) cavities with the ultra-small mode volumes. The AGP mode can generate stronger field confinement and higher momentum, which could provide giant optical force, and has no polarization preference for the optical source. We have demonstrated that the trapping potential and force applied on polystyrene nanoparticle in the AGP cavities are as high as -13.6 × 10² k_BT/mW and 2.5 nN/mW, respectively. The effect of radius of rounded corners and gap distance of AGP cavities on the optical force has been studied. Compared with an ideal nanocube, nanocube with rounded corners is more in line with the actual situation of the device. These results show that the larger radius of nanocube rounded corners, the smaller trapping potential and force provided by AGP cavities. Our results pave a new idea for the investigation of optical field and optical force via acoustic plasmon mode.

Suggestive evidence of genetic association of IL23R polymorphisms with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a worldwide public health problem. Previous genetic association studies have identified several susceptibility loci in the interleukin genes that may participate in the nosogenesis of COPD. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IL23R loci and COPD susceptibility in the Chinese population.

METHODS

Agena MassARRAY technology was applied to genotype five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL23R gene in 498 COPD patients and 498 healthy people. The association between IL23R SNPs and COPD risk was calculated by logistic regression analysis, with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The false-positive report probability analysis was noteworthy for evaluating the significant results. Also, haplotype analysis was performed among IL23R variants, and multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis was performed to assess the SNP-SNP interactions to predict the risk of COPD.

RESULTS

Overall analysis showed that rs7517847 had a significant association with an increased risk of COPD. Age-stratified analysis revealed that rs7517847 was significantly related to an increased risk of COPD in people aged over 68 years old. Sex-stratified analysis illustrated a significant association between rs2295359 and rs7517847 and COPD risk in the female population. The significant association of COPD risk with IL23R SNPs was assessed by false-positive report probability values. Additionally, we observed that the haplotypes AAC and GGA formed by rs2201841, rs12743974 and rs10889677 were associated with a reduced risk of COPD (p = 0.009, p = 0.026). Also, the five-loci interaction model formed by rs2295359, rs7517847, rs2201841, rs12743974 and rs10889677 became the best predictor of COPD, with 10/10 cross-validation consistency and 52.4% testing balance accuracy.

CONCLUSION

The research indicated a remarkable association between IL23R variants and COPD susceptibility in the Chinese population. Larger samples and functional research are required to ascertain the relationship between IL23R variants and COPD susceptibility.

Preoperative chemotherapy prior to primary tumor resection for asymptomatic synchronous unresectable colorectal liver-limited metastases: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

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Background: Most recently, there were 3 reports of prospective randomized clinical trials comparing the effects of primary tumor resection (PTR) for multiorgan metastatic colorectal cancer followed by chemotherapy with chemotherapy alone, but the results differed and unconvincing due to the prematurely study termination and research protocol changes. PTR was preferably performed for patients with asymptomatic synchronous unresectable colorectal liver-limited metastases (CRLMs) with conversion therapy purpose, including the CELIM, OLIVIA and our study (J Clin Oncol 2013;31:1931-8). This randomized phase III study investigated the superiority of preoperative chemotherapy prior to PTR for patients with asymptomatic synchronous unresectable CRLMs. Methods: Patients with asymptomatic synchronous unresectable CRLMs were randomly assigned to receive pre-PTR chemotherapy (arm A) or upfront PTR (arm B). Chemotherapy regimens of mFOLFOX6 plus cetuximab, mFOLFOX6 plus bevacizumab or mFOLFOX6 alone were decided according to the RAS genotype. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary end points included overall survival (OS), tumor response, disease control rate (DCR), liver metastases resection rate, surgical complications and chemotherapy toxicity. Results: Between June 2012 and June 2018, a total of 320 patients were randomly assigned to arm A (160 patients) or arm B (160 patients). The cutoff date for survival data was June 2021, the median follow-up time was 36.2 months. Patients were well balanced. For the intention-to-treat population, the median PFS, median OS, and 3-year OS rates were 9.9 months, 28.0 months, and 37.0%, respectively. The median PFS in arm A was significantly improved compared with arm B (10.5 v 9.1 months; hazard ratio [95% CI, 0.60 to 0.95], 0.76; P = 0.013). Patients in arm A also had a significantly better DCR (84.4% v 75.0%; P = 0.037). The median OS was not significantly different (29.4 v 27.2 months; hazard ratio [95% CI, 0.58 to 1.01], 0.77, P = 0.058), and the objective response rates were also not significantly different (53.1% v 45.0%; P = 0.146). The actual resection rate of liver metastases was not significantly different (21.9% v 18.1%; P = 0.402). There were mild morbidities and no 30-day postoperative mortalities in both arms. The rate of complications was not significantly different (37.7% v 30.8%, P = 0.201). The incidence of Clavien–Dindo 3-4 complications also did not reach statistical significance (4.5% v 3.8%, P = 0.759). Overall the observed toxicity was mostly mild. There was no significant difference in the overall incidence of predefined grade 3/4 events (42.2% v 40.4%, P = 0.744). There were no grade 5 events in either arm. Conclusions: For asymptomatic synchronous unresectable CRLMs, Pre-PTR chemotherapy improved the PFS compared with upfront PTR. Clinical trial information: NCT01307878 .

VEGF loaded nanofiber membranes inhibit chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced cognitive dysfunction by promoting HIF-1a/VEGF mediated angiogenesis

We investigated the potential effects and mechanisms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-nanofiber membranes (NFMs) treatment in a rat model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). VEGF-NFMs treatment promoted angiogenesis in surgical temporal cortex and hippocampus, alleviating decreased CBF in these two cerebral regions. VEGF-NFMs application improved reduced NAA/Cr ratio, preventing neuronal loss. VEGF-NFMs sticking decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells in surgical temporal cortex, ameliorated impaired synaptic plasticity, and inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of microglia and astrocytes in surgical temporal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, BDNF-TrkB/PI3K/AKT, BDNF-TrkB/ERK and HIF-1a/VEGF/ERK pathways were involved in the treatment of VEGF-NFMs against CCH-induced neuronal injury. These results showed the neuroprotective effects of VEGF-NFMs sticking may initiate from neurovascular repairing followed by inhibition of neuronal apoptosis and neuronal and synaptic damage, eventually leading to the suppression of cognitive dysfunction, which provided theoretical foundation for further clinical transformation of VEGF-NFMs.

Polaritonic coherent perfect absorption based on self-hybridization of a quasi-bound state in the continuum and exciton

Enhancement of light-matter interactions is of great importance for many nanophotonic devices, and one way to achieve it is to feed energy perfectly to the strongly coupled system. Here, we propose gap-perturbed dimerized gratings based on bulk WS₂ for flexible control of the strong coupling or self-hybridization of a quasi-bound state in the continuum (quasi-BIC) and exciton. The simulation results show that when a gap perturbation is introduced into the system resulting in the Brillouin zone folding, BIC transforms into quasi-BIC whose quality factor (Q-factor) is related to the value of gap perturbation. The strong coupling results in the anti-crossover behavior of the absorption spectra, and thus a Rabi splitting energy of 0.235 eV is obtained. With the assistance of temporal coupled-mode theory, the conditions for the strong critical coupling are obtained, and finally successful achievement of polaritonic coherent perfect absorption in the proposed system. This work could provide ideas for enhancing light-matter interactions and strong theoretical support for all-optical tuning and modulation.

Synergistic effects of climate warming and atmospheric nutrient deposition on the alpine lake ecosystem in the south-eastern Tibetan Plateau during the Anthropocene

Alpine lakes on the Tibetan Plateau are highly sensitive to global change and have been recognized as the sentinel of climate warming. However, anthropogenic impacts in populated area are migrating to these remote areas via transporting particulate nutrients by atmospheric deposition. Whether warming and nutrient deposition would impose additive or synergistic effects on the lake ecosystem remains largely unknown. Here, we present multi-proxy (sediment pigment and geochemistry) records during the past two centuries at the Cuoqia Lake in the southeast Tibetan Plateau. We found that the lake exhibited rapid ecological changes since 1980 AD characterized by an increase in primary productivity due to algal proliferation, with more rapid growth of green algae and diatoms. These findings are in concert with many other lakes (e.g., Moon Lake and Shade Co) in the same area, suggesting a consistent pattern of ecosystem evolution at the region scale. Statistical analyses suggested that nutrient deposition and climate warming were strongly associated with the variations in primary productivity and algae composition, exerting both individual and interactive effects. In addition, scenario analyses with a well-established process-based ecosystem model further revealed that the two factors not only individually, but also synergistically promoted the algal proliferation and community succession. Such synergy is evident in that the effect of lake warming would be more pronounced under higher nutrient deposition scenario, which is potentially due to higher temperature-driven mineralization in warmer conditions, and higher efficiency of nutrient utilization under enhanced light availability attributing to declining ice thickness and duration in cold seasons. Overall, our study proposes the existence and quantifies the synergistic impacts of climate warming and anthropogenic activities in driving the ecological changes in remote alpine lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. The lake ecological consequences driven by individual factor would be worsen by such synergy, so that we cannot predict the lake ecosystem trajectory in the future based on each factor separately, and more efforts than previously expected would be needed for the lake restoration and management.

Endometrial microbiota in women with and without adenomyosis: A pilot study

Introduction

The endometrial microbiota plays an essential role in the health of the female reproductive system. However, the interactions between the microbes in the endometrium and their effects on adenomyosis remain obscure.

Materials and methods

We profile endometrial samples from 38 women with (n=21) or without (n=17) adenomyosis to characterize the composition of the microbial community and its potential function in adenomyosis using 5R 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

The microbiota profiles of patients with adenomyosis were different from the control group without adenomyosis. Furthermore, analysis identified Lactobacillus zeae, Burkholderia cepacia, Weissella confusa, Prevotella copri, and Citrobacter freundii as potential biomarkers for adenomyosis. In addition, Citrobacter freundii, Prevotella copri, and Burkholderia cepacia had the most significant diagnostic value for adenomyosis. PICRUSt results identified 30 differentially regulated pathways between the two groups of patients. In particular, we found that protein export, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism were upregulated in adenomyosis. Our results clarify the relationship between the endometrial microbiota and adenomyosis.

Discussion

The endometrial microbiota of adenomyosis exhibits a unique structure and Citrobacter freundii, Prevotella copri, and Burkholderia cepacia were identified as potential pathogenic microorganisms associated with adenomyosis. Our findings suggest that changes in the endometrial microbiota of patients with adenomyosis are of potential value for determining the occurrence, progression, early of diagnosis, and treatment oadenomyosis.

Multi-stimuli-responsive metallosupramolecular gel based on pillararene hierarchical assembly

A metallosupramolecular polymer network (DSPy⊂SHP5@Zn) is constructed by the hierarchical self-assembly of a double-armed pillar[5]arene host (SHP5), a ditopic guest (DSPy), and Zn2+ ions, in which host-guest recognition and metal-ligand...

Case Report: Wernicke's encephalopathy after gastric surgery presenting as lactic acidosis and refractory thrombocytopenia

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder, mainly resulting from a nutritional deficiency of thiamine. WE is hard to detect at an early stage. Less than 20% of WE can be diagnosed during a patient's lifetime, and WE tends to occur in patients with chronic alcoholism. Therefore, a large proportion of non-alcoholic WE patients are misdiagnosed. Lactate is an important by-product of anaerobic metabolism when the aerobic metabolism is blocked without thiamine, which can potentially serve as an alerting index for WE. Here, we report a case of a patient with WE who suffered gastric outlet obstruction following postoperative fasting, accompanied by lactic acidosis and refractory thrombocytopenia. A 67-year-old non-alcoholic woman who suffered hyperemesis for 2 months was diagnosed with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Gastric biopsies with endoscopy revealed gastric cancer, and total gastrectomy, together with D2 nodal dissection, was performed. She developed a coma with refractory thrombocytopenia rapidly after the surgical procedures were performed. The above conditions were treated not by the administration of antibiotics but by that of thiamine. We also found before the start of the procedures that she had a high level of blood lactate for a long period of time. Early diagnosis of WE is important because permanent injury can be caused to the central nervous system. Even today, the diagnosis of WE mainly depends on clinical symptoms, but occasionally, a typical triad occurs among WE patients. Therefore, a sensitive index for early diagnosis is critical for WE. Rising levels of blood lactate as a result of thiamine deficiency can serve as a warning for WE. In addition, we noted that this patient had a non-typical thiamine-sensitive refractory thrombocytopenia.

The Association between Dietary Protein Diversity and Protein Patterns with Frailty in Older Chinese Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Frailty is a pervasive condition among older people worldwide. Despite the association between higher protein intake and lower frailty risk has been well documented, older individuals encounter barriers to enhancing their protein consumption due to reduced appetite and impaired digestive capacity. This study aims to delve into the potential correlation between dietary protein diversity, protein patterns, and the risk of frailty among older Chinese individuals.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Community-based.

PARTICIPANTS

2,216 participants aged 65 and above and not frail at the baseline were recruited from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) dataset spanning from 2014 to 2018.

MEASUREMENTS

Dietary protein diversity was evaluated utilizing a protein diversity score (PDS), calculated based on the results of a food frequency questionnaire. Dietary protein patterns were identified by employing principal component analysis (PCA). Frailty was ascertained using a 40-item frailty index (FI) where FI > 0.21 indicated frailty. Logistic analysis was employed to investigate the association between dietary variables and frailty.

RESULTS

541 participants were identified as frail after a 4-year follow-up. After adjusting for confounders, each 1-unit increase in PDS was linked to a 10% decrease in frailty risk. Compared to individuals with PDS ≤ 1, those with PDS scores of 2-3, 4-5, and 6 had lower risks of frailty, with OR (95% CI) of 0.78 (0.58-1.06), 0.58 (0.38-0.87), 0.42 (0.20-0.81), respectively (P trend = 0.038). Individuals who consistently maintained high PDS demonstrated a lower frailty risk in contrast to those who maintained low PDS (OR = 0.60, 95% CI, 0.41-0.87). Additionally, the "meat-fish" pattern exhibited a protective association with frailty, with OR Q4 versus Q1 (95% CI) of 0.54 (0.40-0.74), P trend < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Maintaining a variety of dietary protein sources and following a "meat-fish" protein pattern might decrease the likelihood of frailty among the older Chinese population.

Individual and combined contributions of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity to cardiovascular disease risk: Results of a prospective study using the Kailuan cohort

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to characterize the relationship of a combination of circulating non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) concentration and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of the residents of the Kailuan community, with data from a total of 45,051 participants being included in the final analysis. The participants were allocated to four groups according to their non-HDL-C and baPWV status, each of which was categorized as high or normal. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore the relationships of non-HDL-C and baPWV, individually and in combination, with the incidence of CVD.

RESULTS

During the 5.04-year follow-up period, 830 participants developed CVD. Compared with the Normal non-HDL-C group independently, the multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD in the High non-HDL-C was 1.25 (1.08-1.46). Compared with the Normal baPWV group independently, the HRs and 95% CIs for CVD in the High baPWV was 1.51 (1.29-1.76). In addition, compared with the Normal both non-HDL-C and baPWV group, the HRs and 95% CIs for CVD in the High non-HDL-C and normal baPWV, Normal non-HDL-C and high baPWV, and High both non-HDL-C and baPWV groups were 1.40 (1.07-1.82), 1.56 (1.30-1.88), and 1.89 (1.53-2.35), respectively.

CONCLUSION

High non-HDL-C concentration and high baPWV are independently associated with a higher risk of CVD, and individuals with high both non-HDL-C and baPWV are at a still higher risk of CVD.

Apolipoprotein L3 enhances CD8+ T cell antitumor immunity of colorectal cancer by promoting LDHA-mediated ferroptosis

Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading cause of cancer associated death worldwide and immune checkpoint blockade therapy only benefit a small set of CRC patients. Tumor ferroptosis of CRC reflected immune-activation in our previous findings. Understanding the mechanisms underlying how to bolster CD8+ T cells function through ferroptosis in CRC tumor microenvironment (TME) will greatly benefit cancer immunotherapy. Methods: Genes between ferroptosis and CD8+ T cell function in CRC were screened through Cox, WGCNA and differential expression analysis. Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence analysis were performed. Co-immunoprecipitation were performed to determine protein-protein interaction, mRNA level was determined by qRT-PCR. RSL3 was used to induce ferroptosis, and ferroptosis levels were evaluated by measuring Transmission Electron Microscope analysis, MDA, Fe²⁺level and cell viability. Results: We screened APOL3 as the significant modulator for ferroptosis-related CD8+ infiltration in CRC. Next, by in vitro and in vivo, we found that increased APOL3 expression was positively correlated with sensitivity to ferroptosis and antitumor ability of CD8+ T cells. Next, we demonstrated that APOL3 can binds LDHA and promote its ubiquitylation-related degradation. Then, based on in vivo analysis and tumor specimen, we discovered the APOL3-LDHA axis can facilitate the tumor ferroptosis and cytotoxic ability of CD8+ T cells through increased IFNγ and decreased lactic acid concentration. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that APOL3 promotes ferroptosis and immunotherapy in colorectal cancer cells. The present work provides us with a novel target to overcome drug resistance to ferroptosis and immunotherapy.

Fecal microbiota transplantation and replenishment of short-chain fatty acids protect against chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced colonic dysfunction by regulating gut microbiota, differentiation of Th17 cells, and mitochondrial energy metabolism

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the association between gut microbiota and intestinal injury under a state of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Here, the effects of gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as important metabolic products, on intestinal function and potential mechanisms after CCH were investigated.

METHODS

Rats were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAo) to induce CCH. The gut microbiota and metabolites of SCFAs were assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics, respectively. Transcriptomic analysis of colon tissues was also conducted. Subsequently, potential molecular pathways and differentially expressed genes were verified by western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence analyses. Furthermore, the integrity of the colonic barrier was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin and mucin 2 staining and expression levels of tight junction proteins. Besides, colonic inflammation was further assessed by flow cytometry and expression levels of inflammatory cytokines. In addition, colonic mitochondrial dysfunction was analyzed via membrane potential, reactive oxygen species, electron transport chain (ETC) activities, adenosine triphosphate content, and mitochondrial ultrastructure.

RESULTS

CCH modified gut microbial composition and microbial metabolism of SCFAs, which may be associated with inhibition of mitochondrial ETC activities and oxidative phosphorylation, leading to dysregulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism. Furthermore, CCH induced differentiation of pathogenic Th17 cells, promoted the formation of complexes of interferon regulatory factor 4 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and increased the phosphorylation of STAT3. This was associated with an impairment of colonic barrier function and chronic colonic inflammation. In contrast, FMT and SCFA replenishment ameliorated CCH-induced gut microbial dysbiosis by increasing the intestinal content of Ruminococcus_sp_N15_MGS_57 and modulating microbial metabolism of SCFAs by increasing acetic acid contents associated with an improvment of the balance between Tregs and Th17 cells, mitochondrial ETC activities, and oxidative phosphorylation to prevent colonic inflammation and dysregulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that FMT and SCFA replenishment present a promising therapeutic strategy against colonic dysfunction under a state of chronic cerebral ischemia.