Structural basis of peptide secretion for Quorum sensing by ComA

Quorum sensing (QS) is a crucial regulatory mechanism controlling bacterial signalling and holds promise for novel therapies against antimicrobial resistance. In Gram-positive bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, ComA is a conserved efflux pump responsible for the maturation and secretion of peptide signals, including the competence-stimulating peptide (CSP), yet its structure and function remain unclear. Here, we functionally characterize ComA as an ABC transporter with high ATP affinity and determined its cryo-EM structures in the presence or absence of CSP or nucleotides. Our findings reveal a network of strong electrostatic interactions unique to ComA at the intracellular gate, a putative binding pocket for two CSP molecules, and negatively charged residues facilitating CSP translocation. Mutations of these residues affect ComA's peptidase activity in-vitro and prevent CSP export in-vivo. We demonstrate that ATP-Mg2+ triggers the outward-facing conformation of ComA for CSP release, rather than ATP alone. Our study provides molecular insights into the QS signal peptide secretion, highlighting potential targets for QS-targeting drugs.

hnRNPM suppressed IRF7-mediated IFN signaling in the antiviral innate immunity in triploid hybrid fish

Mammalian heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins M (hnRNPM) is a critical splicing regulatory protein that has been reported to negatively regulate the RLR signaling pathway by impairing the binding of RIG-I and MDA5 to viral RNA. To explore the role of hnRNPM in the antiviral innate immune response in teleost fish, the hnRNPM homologue of triploid fish (3nhnRNPM) has been cloned and identified in this paper. The CDS of 3nhnRNPM gene is composed of 2016 nucleotides and encodes 671 amino acids. 3nhnRNPM migrated around 71 kDa in immunoblotting assay and was mainly detected in the nucleus in nucleo-cytoplasmic separation assay and immunofluorescent staining test. When 3nhnRNPM and 3nIRF7 were co-expressed in EPC cells, 3nhnRNPM significantly reduced the 3nIRF7-induced interferon (IFN) promoter transcription. Correspondingly, the mRNA levels of the SVCV-M, -N, -P, and -G genes were noteworthily enhanced, but the transcription levels of epcIFNφ1, epcMx1, epcPKR, and epcISG15 were dramatically decreased. Additionally, the knockdown of 3nhnRNPM resulted in restricted SVCV replication and enhanced host cell antiviral activity. Furthermore, the association between 3nhnRNPM and 3nIRF7 has been identified by the co-immunoprecipitation assay. In addition, we found that 3nIRF7 was detained in the nucleus when co-expressed with 3nhnRNPM. To sum up, our data supported the conclusion that 3nhnRNPM suppressed 3nIRF7-mediated IFN signaling in the antiviral innate immunity.

Prenatal Exposure to Heavy Metals and Adverse Birth Outcomes: Evidence From an E-Waste Area in China

Electronic waste that has not been properly treated can lead to environmental contamination including of heavy metals, which can pose risks to human health. Infants, a sensitive group, are highly susceptible to heavy metals exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between prenatal heavy metal exposure and infant birth outcomes in an e-waste recycling area in China. We analyzed cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As) concentrations in 102 human milk samples collected 4 weeks after delivery. The results showed that 34.3% of participants for Cr, which exceeds the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, as well as the mean exposure of Cr exceeded the WHO guidelines. We collected data on the birth weight (BW) and length of infants and analyzed the association between metal concentration in human milk and birth outcomes using multivariable linear regression. We observed a significant negative association between the Cd concentration in maternal milk and BW in female infants (β = -162.72, 95% CI = -303.16, -22.25). In contrast, heavy metals did not associate with birth outcomes in male infants. In this study, we found that 34.3% of participants in an e-waste recycling area had a Cr concentration that exceeded WHO guidelines, and there was a significant negative association between prenatal exposure to the Cd and infant BW in females. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to heavy metals in e-waste recycling areas may lead to adverse birth outcomes, especially for female infants.

TRIM25 negatively regulates IKKε-mediated interferon signaling in black carp

IKKε plays an important role in the activation of IRF3/IRF7 and the production of interferon (IFN), however, its regulation remains obscure in human. E3 ligase TRIM25 has been reported to manipulate the K63-linked ubiquitination of RIG-I, leading to the activation of RIG-I/IFN signaling. To elucidate the role of TRIM25 in teleost, a TRIM25 homolog (bcTRIM25) was cloned and characterized from black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). bcTRIM25 contains 653 amino acids, possessing conservative RING, B-box and SPRY domain, which is highly expressed in muscle, spleen and skin. bcTRIM25 knock-down enhanced the antiviral ability of host cells. bcTRIM25 over-expression alone in EPC cells attenuated bcIFNa promoter transcription in the reporter assays and impeded PKR and MX1 expression in qRT-PCR. Interestingly, co-IP assays indicated that bcTRIM25 interacted with bcIKKε and the induced bcIFNa promoter transcription by bcIKKε was notably hindered by bcTRIM25. Furthermore, bcIKKε-induced expression of interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) and antiviral activity were dampened by bcTRIM25. Further exploration showed that bcTRIM25 visibly enhanced the ubiquitination of bcIKKε but significantly attenuated the phosphorylation of bcIKKε. Thus, our data demonstrate for the first time in vertebrate that TRIM25 negatively regulates IKKε through enhancing its ubiquitination, which sheds a light on the regulation of IKKε/IFN signaling.

Multiple exposures to heavy metals and changes in steroid hormones production in 4-year-old children

BACKGROUND

Prenatal exposure to multiple heavy metals can interfere with early neurodevelopment, lead to changes in sex hormone concentrations in children, and affect female reproductive health. To date, the influence of prenatal exposure to heavy metals on the endocrine system of children in Chinese electronic waste (e-waste) recycling areas has not been elucidated.

METHODS

Four weeks after delivery, 10 mL of human milk was collected for analysis of three heavy metals (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg)) via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Four serum steroid hormones, including progesterone, testosterone, androstenedione (A-dione), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), were analyzed in 4-year-old children (25 boys and 17 girls). A multiple linear regression (MLR) model was implemented to investigate the association between each individual metal and serum steroid hormone. The exposure-response relationships were explored by generalized additive models (GAMs). Additionally, a Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model was used to assess the effects of multiple heavy metal exposures on each steroid hormone.

RESULTS

The MLR results show a significant positive association between a natural log unit increase in Hg and DHEA levels after adjusting for confounders (β = 65.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.37, 126.62). According to the GAM, the univariate exposure-response relationship of Hg on DHEA was almost linear. However, this association was attenuated based on the multiple metal MLR and BKMR results after accounting for multiple heavy metal exposures.

SIGNIFICANCE

Prenatal Hg exposure may affect sex hormones in children by affecting DHEA levels.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Prenatal maternal exposure to Hg may have long-term effects on the next generation. Hence, regulatory measures to reduce Hg exposure and long-term monitoring of children's health in e-waste areas are needed.

Racial and Ethnic Differences Among Adult Patients Hospitalized for Skin and Soft Tissue Infection: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of 2012-2017 New York State Data

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) can result in hospitalizations and lead to increased healthcare costs and morbidity. Racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access, utilization, and outcomes are well-documented. However, limited studies exist on racial and ethnic differences among adult patients hospitalized for SSTI. Our study utilized a large dataset from New York State to investigate such differences. Findings suggest that racial and ethnic minority patients hospitalized for SSTI are younger, primarily covered by Medicaid, and have a higher cost of hospitalization compared to White patients, even after controlling for length of stay and severity of illness. Possible explanations for these disparities include differences in comorbidities and structural vulnerabilities. Further studies are needed to elucidate potential causes of these disparities and their impact on clinical outcomes.

Estradiol and Benzo[a]pyrene Co-Exposure Contributes to Lung Cancer Cell A549 Proliferation through AHR/AKT/ERK1/2 Pathway

OBJECTIVE

Estrogen may have a certain role in promoting lung cancer caused by tobacco. Our understanding of the carcinogenic effects and mechanisms of carcinogen mixture estrogen is limited and mostly relies on the findings from studying individual factors.

METHODS

To test this hypothesis, an in-vitro study was used to investigate the effects of 17 β-estradiol (E2) on benzo[a]pyrene (Bap)-induced lung cancer cell A549 proliferation.

RESULTS

We first found that E2 was increased in serum samples from lung adenocarcinoma cancer (LUAD) patients, even to a small extent. We found that Bap could enhance colony formation ability, up-regulate proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) expression, induce cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis in A549 cells. E2 promoted these effects of Bap. Moreover, E2 and Bap co-exposure promoted lung cancer cell proliferation by activating the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)/protein kinase B (AKT)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. Inhibition of the AKT and ERK1/2 signaling pathways suppressed E2 and Bap co-exposure's effect on A549 cells proliferation and apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, we conclude that E2 could promote the proliferative and antiapoptotic effects of Bap on A549 cells, and activation of the AHR/AKT/ERK1/2 pathway may be involved in this process.

Comparison of prescribing patterns of non-physician clinicians and dermatologists in the Medicare population

Non-physician clinicians (NPCs) are playing an increasing role in dermatologic patient care. This study expands upon existing workforce assessments of dermatology NPCs through the use of publicly-available Medicare datasets to better clarify prescribing patterns among independently-billing dermatology NPCs. The findings demonstrate prescribing similarities between NPCs and dermatologists for most medications, including biologic and immunosuppressive medications, although with higher use of oral prednisone, gabapentin, and hydroxyzine among NPCs. Dermatologists more frequently utilized high-potency topical steroids. These data provide initial insights into NPC prescribing patterns and should motivate further study of the identified differences and potential implications for patient care.

Sex-dependent and long-lasting effects of adolescent sleep deprivation on social behaviors in adult mice

Increasing evidence indicates that sleep deprivation (SD) can exert multiple negative effects on neuronal circuits, resulting in memory impairment, depression, and anxiety, among other consequences. The long-term effects of SD during early life on behavioral phenotypes in adulthood are still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the long-lasting effects of SD in adolescence on social behaviors, including empathic ability and social dominance, and the role of the gut microbiota in these processes, using a series of behavioral paradigms in mice combined with 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Behavioral assay results showed that SD in adolescence significantly reduced the frequency of licking, the total time spent licking, and the time spent sniffing during the emotional contagion test in male mice, effects that were not observed in female mice. These findings indicated that SD in adolescence exerts long-term, negative effects on empathic ability in mice and that this effect is sex-dependent. In contrast, SD in adolescence had no significant effect on locomotor activities, social dominance but decreased social interaction in male mice in adulthood. Meanwhile, 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing results showed that gut microbial richness and diversity were significantly altered in adult male mice subjected to SD in adolescence. Our data provide direct evidence that SD in youth can induce alterations in empathic ability in adult male mice, which may be associated with changes in the gut microbiota. These findings highlight the long-lasting effects of sleep loss in adolescence on social behaviors in adulthood and the role played by the brain-gut axis.

The phenylalanine-28 is crucial for black carp RIG-I mediated antiviral signaling

Retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) functions as a cytosolic sensor to recognize RNA products of the invading microorganisms and induce the production of type I interferons（IFNs）. In this study, two RIG-I variants, named as bcRIG-Ia and bcRIG-Ib, were characterized in black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) respectively. RNA pull-down assay revealed that both bcRIG-Ia and bcRIG-Ib could bind to synthetic poly(I:C) and the RD domain was crucial for RNA binding of these two molecules. However, over-expression of bcRIG-Ib, but not bcRIG-Ia, induced the transcription of IFN promoter, and led to the improved antiviral activity against both spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) and grass carp reovirus (GCRV). And knockdown of bcRIG-I dampened the transcription of bcViperin and bcIFNb in host cells. Truncation mutation and site mutation analysis identified that phenylalanine (F)- 28 was crucial for bcRIG-Ib oligomerization and its mediated IFN signaling. Interestingly, F28 was conserved among teleost RIG-Is and site mutation analysis revealed that F28 was essential for RIG-I mediated IFN signaling in the cyprinid fish. Thus, our study concludes that F28 is crucial for black carp RIG-I mediated antiviral signaling and suggests F28 is also essential for the activation of IFN signaling by RIG-Is from other teleost fish.

Identification of key circadian rhythm genes in skin aging based on bioinformatics and machine learning

Skin aging is often accompanied by disruption of circadian rhythm and abnormal expression of circadian rhythm-related genes. In this study, we downloaded skin aging expression datasets from the GEO database and utilized bioinformatics and machine learning methods to explore circadian rhythm genes and pathways involved in skin aging, revealing the pathological and molecular mechanisms of skin aging. Results showed that 39 circadian rhythm-related genes (CRGs) were identified in skin aging, and these CRGs were enriched in signaling pathways such as glucagon signaling pathway, insulin resistance, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, and adipocytokine signaling pathway. Three key skin aging-related CRGs, SIRT1, ARNTL, and ATF4, were identified based on machine learning. Additionally, we found that skin aging was associated with infiltration of immune cells including NK cells activated, Macrophages M1, Mast cells resting, T cells CD4 memory activated, and Macrophages M2, and the expression of the three key skin aging-related CRGs was correlated with these immune cells. Finally, SIRT1, ARNTL, and ATF4 were all down-regulated in skin aging and had a good ability to distinguish young skin tissue from aging skin tissue. In conclusion, three key CRGs, including SIRT1, ARNTL, and ATF4, which are closely related to skin aging, were obtained based on bioinformatics and machine learning technology screening. These three key CRGs were potential risk genes for skin aging and also associated with changes in the immune microenvironment in skin aging. The language used in this paragraph follows the guidelines for scientific writing specified by SCI, making it clear and concise.

Model-Aware Pre-Training for Radial Distortion Rectification

Camera lenses often suffer from optical aberrations, causing radial distortion in the captured images. In those images, there exists a clear and general physical distortion model. However, in existing solutions, such rich geometric prior is under-utilized, and the formulation of an effective prediction target is under-explored. To this end, we introduce Radial Distortion TRansformer (RDTR), a new framework for radial distortion rectification. Our RDTR includes a model-aware pre-training stage for distortion feature extraction and a deformation estimation stage for distortion rectification. Technically, on the one hand, we formulate the general radial distortion (i.e., barrel distortion and pincushion distortion) in camera-captured images with a shared geometric distortion model and perform a unified model-aware pre-training for its learning. With the pre-training, the network is capable of encoding the specific distortion pattern of a radially distorted image. After that, we transfer the learned representations to the learning of distortion rectification. On the other hand, we introduce a new prediction target called backward warping flow for rectifying images with any resolution while avoiding image defects. Extensive experiments are conducted on our synthetic dataset, and the results demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance while operating in real-time. Besides, we also validate the generalization of RDTR on real-world images. Our source code and the proposed dataset are publicly available at https://github.com/wwd-ustc/RDTR.

Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Revealed Potential Differential Mechanisms of Grass Carp Reovirus Pathogenicity

Grass carp reovirus (GCRV), one of the most serious pathogens threatening grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), can lead to grass carp hemorrhagic disease (GCHD). Currently, GCRV can be divided into three genotypes, but the comparison of their pathogenic mechanisms and the host responses remain unclear. In this study, we utilized the Ctenopharyngodon idella kidney (CIK) model infected with GCRV to conduct comparative studies on the three genotypes. We observed a cytopathic effect (CPE) in the GCRV-I and GCRV-III groups, whereas the GCRV-II group did not show any CPE. Moreover, a consistent trend in the mRNA expression levels of antiviral-related genes across all experimental groups of CIK cells was detected via qPCR and further explored through RNA-seq analysis. Importantly, GO/KEGG enrichment analysis showed that GCRV-I, -II, and -III could all activate the immune response in CIK cells, but GCRV-II induced more intense immune responses. Intriguingly, transcriptomic analysis revealed a widespread down-regulation of metabolism processes such as steroid biosynthesis, butanoate metabolism, and N-Glycan biosynthesis in infected CIK cells. Overall, our results reveal the CIK cells showed unique responses in immunity and metabolism in the three genotypes of GCRV infection. These results provide a theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenesis and prevention and control methods of GCRV.

Epidemiological Data Mining for Assisting with Foodborne Outbreak Investigation

Diseases caused by the consumption of food are a significant but avoidable public health issue, and identifying the source of contamination is a key step in an outbreak investigation to prevent foodborne illnesses. Historical foodborne outbreaks provide rich data on critical attributes such as outbreak factors, food vehicles, and etiologies, and an improved understanding of the relationships between these attributes could provide insights for developing effective food safety interventions. The purpose of this study was to identify hidden patterns underlying the relations between the critical attributes involved in historical foodborne outbreaks through data mining approaches. A statistical analysis was used to identify the associations between outbreak factors and food sources, and the factors that were strongly significant were selected as predictive factors for food vehicles. A multinomial prediction model was built based on factors selected for predicting "simple" foods (beef, dairy, and vegetables) as sources of outbreaks. In addition, the relations between the food vehicles and common etiologies were investigated through text mining approaches (support vector machines, logistic regression, random forest, and naïve Bayes). A support vector machine model was identified as the optimal model to predict etiologies from the occurrence of food vehicles. Association rules also indicated the specific food vehicles that have strong relations to the etiologies. Meanwhile, a food ingredient network describing the relationships between foods and ingredients was constructed and used with Monte Carlo simulation to predict possible ingredients from foods that cause an outbreak. The simulated results were confirmed with foods and ingredients that are already known to cause historical foodborne outbreaks. The method could provide insights into the prediction of the possible ingredient sources of contamination when given the name of a food. The results could provide insights into the early identification of food sources of contamination and assist in future outbreak investigations. The data-driven approach will provide a new perspective and strategies for discovering hidden knowledge from massive data.

Predictors of successful endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute intracranial large artery occlusion

BACKGROUND

Endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute intracranial large artery occlusion (ILAO) has been reported to be feasible, but technically challenging. This study aimed to determine the predictors of successful endovascular recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute ILAO.

METHODS

The outcomes of endovascular recanalization attempts performed in 70 consecutive patients showing symptomatic nonacute ILAO with hemodynamic cerebral ischemia between January 2016 to December 2022 were reviewed. Potential variables, including clinical and radiological characteristics related to technical success, were collected. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors of successful recanalization for nonacute ILAO.

RESULTS

Technically successful recanalization was achieved in 57 patients (81.4%). The periprocedural complication rate was 21.4% (15 of 70), and the overall 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 7.1% (5 of 70) and 2.9% (2 of 70), respectively. Univariate analysis showed that successful recanalization was associated with occlusion duration, stump morphology, occlusion length, slow distal antegrade flow sign, and the presence of bridging collateral vessels. Multivariate analysis showed that occlusion duration ≤ 3 months (odds ratio [OR]: 22.529; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.636-310.141), tapered stump (OR: 7.498; 95% CI: 1.533-36.671), and occlusion length < 10 mm (OR: 7.049; 95% CI: 1.402-35.441) were independent predictive factors for technical success of recanalization.

CONCLUSIONS

Occlusion duration ≤ 3 months, tapered stump, and occlusion length < 10 mm were independent positive predictors of technical success of endovascular recanalization for symptomatic nonacute ILAO. These findings may help predict the likelihood of successful recanalization in patients with symptomatic nonacute ILAO and also provide a reference for the selection of appropriate patients. Further prospective and multicenter studies are required to validate our findings.

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by replacing inorganic fertilizer with organic fertilizer in wheat-maize rotation systems in China

Combining organic and inorganic fertilizer applications can help reduce inorganic fertilizer use and increase soil fertility. However, the most suitable proportion of organic fertilizer is unknown, and the effect of combining organic and inorganic fertilizers on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is inconclusive. This study aimed to identify the optimum ratio of inorganic fertilizer to organic fertilizer in a winter wheat-summer maize cropping system in northern China to achieve high grain yields and low GHG intensities. The study compared six fertilizer treatments: no fertilization (CK), conventional inorganic fertilization (NP), and constant total nitrogen input with 25% (25%OF), 50% (50%OF), 75% (75%OF), or 100% (100%OF) organic fertilizer. The results showed that the 75%OF treatment increased the winter wheat and summer maize yields the most, by 7.2-25.1% and 15.3-16.7%, respectively, compared to NP. The 75%OF and 100%OF treatments had the lowest nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, 187.3% and 200.2% lower than the NP treatment, while all fertilizer treatments decreased methane (CH4) absorption (by 33.1-82.0%) compared to CK. Carbon dioxide flux increased in the summer maize growing season (by 7.7-30.5%) compared to CK but did not significantly differ between fertilizer treatments. The average global warming potential (GWP) rankings across two wheat-maize rotations were NP > 50%OF > 25%OF > 100%OF > 75%OF > CK, and greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI) rankings were NP > 25%OF > 50%OF > 100%OF > 75%OF > CK. We recommend using 75% organic fertilizer/25% inorganic fertilizer to reduce GHG emissions and ensure high crop yields in wheat-maize rotation systems in northern China.

Development of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases in China

Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic diseases (PGT-M) can effectively interrupt the transmission of genetic diseases from parents to the offspring before pregnancy. In China, there are over ten million individuals afflicted with monogenic disorders. This literature review summarizes the development of PGT-M in China for the past 24 years, covering the general steps such as the indications and contraindications, genetic and reproductive counselling, biopsy methods, detecting techniques and strategies during PGT-M application in China. The ethical considerations of PGT-M are also be emphasized, including sexual selection, transferring for mosaic embryos, the three-parent baby, and the different opinions for serious adult-onset conditions. Some key policies of the Chinese government for the application of PGT-M are also considered. Methods for regulation of this technique, as well as specific management to increase the accuracy and reliability of PGT-M, are regarded as priority issues in China. The third-generation sequencing and variants testing from RNA level, and non-invasive preimplantation genetic testing using blastocoel fluid and free DNA particles within spent blastocyst medium might be potential techniques and strategies for PGT-M in future.

Performance and Quality Measure Selection by Mohs Surgeons in the 2020 Merit-Based Incentive Payment System

BACKGROUND

The Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) seeks to promote value-based care through quality-adjusted Medicare payments.

OBJECTIVE

To assess 2020 MIPS performance and quality measure selection by Mohs surgeons.

METHODS

Retrospective, cross-sectional review of Medicare Quality Payment Program and Part B billing data sets.

RESULTS

In 2020, 8,778 dermatologists and 2,148 Mohs surgeons received a MIPS score. Mohs surgeons primarily participated through groups (51.6%) or individuals (36.4%). Most of them (77.4%) received a final score enabling a positive payment adjustment in 2022, with a notable proportion (22.3%) being eligible for a neutral payment adjustment in the setting of COVID-19 exemptions. The members of the American College of Mohs Surgery were more likely to meet the exceptional performance threshold (71.5% vs 59.0%, p < .0001), as were Mohs surgeons with <15 years of experience (73.3% vs 54.8%, p < .0001). Measures related to dermatology or Mohs surgery were reported by most individuals (92.0%) and dermatology groups (90.4%), yet less frequently by multispecialty groups (5.9%).

CONCLUSION

Many Mohs surgeons exceeded the performance threshold and used dermatology- or Mohs-related quality measures in 2020. Further assessments correlating quality measures with patient outcomes are needed to better understand the utility and appropriateness of the current value-based payment system and guide further policies.

How does population aging affect China's energy consumption?

In China, the proportion of elderly population is growing, influencing economic development and energy consumption. Our study investigates the relationship between population aging and energy consumption in China from 1997 to 2020, considering both short and long-term effects. The analysis employs the pooled mean group (PMG) estimation and explores the underlying mechanisms using mediating effects and threshold effects models. The PMG results reveal a negative long-term impact of population aging on energy consumption, indicating that a 1% increase in population aging leads to a 0.348% decrease in energy consumption. Additionally, GDP per capita and capital stock exhibit positive correlations with energy consumption, while the industrial structure shows a negative correlation. Technological progress is found to significantly increase energy consumption. The mechanism analysis suggests that the mediating role of scale and technological effects contributes to the negative effect of population aging on energy consumption. Furthermore, a nonlinear relationship between population aging and energy consumption is observed, influenced by both population size and technological progress. The policy implications call for a comprehensive approach that addresses elderly population growth, enhances energy efficiency, and promotes sustainable technologies to ensure sustainable economic development.

Structure and mechanism of a neuropeptide-activated channel in the ENaC/DEG superfamily

Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-amide (FMRFamide)-activated sodium channels (FaNaCs) are a family of channels activated by the neuropeptide FMRFamide, and, to date, the underlying ligand gating mechanism remains unknown. Here we present the high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of Aplysia californica FaNaC in both apo and FMRFamide-bound states. AcFaNaC forms a chalice-shaped trimer and possesses several notable features, including two FaNaC-specific insertion regions, a distinct finger domain and non-domain-swapped transmembrane helix 2 in the transmembrane domain (TMD). One FMRFamide binds to each subunit in a cleft located in the top-most region of the extracellular domain, with participation of residues from the neighboring subunit. Bound FMRFamide adopts an extended conformation. FMRFamide binds tightly to A. californica FaNaC in an N terminus-in manner, which causes collapse of the binding cleft and induces large local conformational rearrangements. Such conformational changes are propagated downward toward the TMD via the palm domain, possibly resulting in outward movement of the TMD and dilation of the ion conduction pore.

Water hammer detection based on FIV online analysis using a distributed fiber optic sensor

In long-distance oil pipelines, the abnormal flow state of the fluid in the pipeline can cause continuous water hammer effects, which can damage the pipeline and even cause leakage or collapse. Based on this phenomenon, this paper proposes a new, to the best of our knowledge, detection method based on sensing optical fiber and phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometry (φ-OTDR) system to solve the problem of continuous water hammer detection in long-distance pipelines. The method uses a non-invasive, low-cost, real-time approach to monitor pipeline wall deformation characteristics and assess flow-induced vibration (FIV) intensity by statistically distinguishing water hammer signals from normal vibration signals and calculating the peak-to-average ratio (PAR) of these signals. Experimental results show that the FIV status of different types of pipelines can be effectively monitored by calculating the PAR of water hammer signals and vibration signals. The measured PAR based on the φ-OTDR system has high consistency with the PAR variation trend of simulation results, the distributed fiber optic sensor is less affected by environmental factors, and its detection distance and anti-interference ability are better than those of high-precision commercial triaxial acceleration sensors.

Differential patient travel distance and time to psoriasis clinical trial sites

Considering the known disparities in racial representation in psoriasis clinical trials, this study sought to characterize travel distance and time to reach a psoriasis clinical trial site as a potential barrier to trial participation for multiple demographic and geographic variables. We determined travel distance and time from every census tract population center in the United States to the nearest psoriasis clinical trial site using ArcGIS and linked travel estimates to demographic characteristics in each census tract based on 2020 American Community Survey. The average distance and time traveled to reach a psoriasis clinical trial site nationally were 45.6 miles and 51.8 min, respectively. Urban residence and Northeast location had significantly lower travel distance and time relative to their geographic counterparts. Travel burden was significantly greater among Native American and Black races, individuals without college education and Veterans Affairs beneficiaries relative to their counterparts. These findings reveal disparate access regarding rurality, race, education and insurance type, which may encourage investigators to increase travel funding for underrepresented groups and diversity recruitment efforts to promote access to psoriasis clinical trials.

PD-L1 Inhibitors Combined with Thoracic Radiotherapy in First-Line Treatment of Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Propensity Score-Matched, Real-World Study

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The CREST study showed that the addition of thoracic radiotherapy (TRT) could improve the survival of extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), but whether TRT can bring survival benefit in the era of immunotherapy is controversial. This study aims to explore the efficacy and safety of adding TRT to the combination of PD-L1 inhibitors and chemotherapy.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Thepatients who received PD-L1 inhibitors combined with platinum-based chemotherapy as the first-line treatment of ES-SCLC from January 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected. According to whether they received TRT, they were divided into two groups, and the follow-up analysis was performed. Propensity score matching (PSM) in with a 1:1 ratio was performed to balance the baseline characteristics of the two cohorts. The endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and OS.

RESULTS

A total of 211 patients with ES-SCLC were enrolled, of whom 70 (33.2%) patients received standard therapy plus TRT as first-line treatment, and 141 (66.8%) patients in the control group received PD-L1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy. After PSM, a total of 65 pairs of patients were enrolled in the analysis. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups of patients who received TRT and those who did not. In all patients, the median PFS (mPFS) in the TRT group and the non-TRT groupwere 9.5 months and 7.2 months, respectively, with HR = 0.60 (95% CI 0.41-0.87, p = 0.007). The median OS (mOS) in the TRT group was also significantly longer than that in the non-TRT group (24.1 months vs. 18.5 months, HR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.32-0.85, p = 0.009). Multivariable analysis showed that baseline liver metastasis and bone metastasis were independent prognostic factors for OS. In terms of safety, immunotherapy combined with thoracic radiotherapy increased the incidence of treatment-related pneumonia (p<0.001), most of which were grade 1-2.

CONCLUSION

This real-world study shows that adding TRT to durvalumab or atezolizumab plus chemotherapy significantly improves survival in ES-SCLC. It leads to more treatment-related pneumonia, but most of them can be relieved after symptomatic treatment. This treatment model deserves to be explored in prospective clinical trials.

Exploration of glycosyltransferases mutation status in cervical cancer reveals PARP14 as a potential prognostic marker

This study investigates the potential role of Glycosyltransferases (GTs) in the glycosylation process and their association with malignant tumors. Specifically, the study focuses on PARP14, a member of GTs, and its potential as a target for tumors in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. To gather data, the study used somatic mutation data, gene expression data and clinical information from TCGA-CESE dataset as well as tissue samples from cervical cancer patients. Further verification was conducted through RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry staining on cervical cancer tissues to confirm the expression of PARP14. The study utilized Kaplan-Meier for survival analysis of cervical cancer patient and found significant mutational abnormalities in GTs. The high frequency mutated gene was identified as PARP14. RT-qPCR revealed significantly higher mRNA expression of PARP14 compared to precancerous tissue. Using IHC combined with Kaplan-Meier,patients in the PARP14 high expression group had a better prognosis than the low expression group. The study identified PARP14 as a frequently mutated gene in cervical cancer and proposed its potential role in diagnosis and treatment.

imply: improving cell-type deconvolution accuracy using personalized reference profiles

Real-world clinical samples are often admixtures of signal mosaics from multiple pure cell types. Using computational tools, bulk transcriptomics can be deconvoluted to solve for the abundance of constituent cell types. However, existing deconvolution methods are conditioned on the assumption that the whole study population is served by a single reference panel, which ignores person-to-person heterogeneity. Here we present imply, a novel algorithm to deconvolute cell type proportions using personalized reference panels. imply can borrow information across repeatedly measured samples for each subject, and obtain precise cell type proportion estimations. Simulation studies demonstrate reduced bias in cell type abundance estimation compared with existing methods. Real data analyses on large longitudinal consortia show more realistic deconvolution results that align with biological facts. Our results suggest that disparities in cell type proportions are associated with several disease phenotypes in type 1 diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Our proposed tool imply is available through the R/Bioconductor package ISLET at https://bioconductor.org/packages/ISLET/.