HIVEP3 inhibits fate decision of CD8+ invariant NKT cells after positive selection

CD8+ invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are functionally different from other iNKT cells and are enriched in human but not in mouse. To date, their developmental pathway and molecular basis for fate decision remain unclear. Here, we report enrichment of CD8+ iNKT cells in neonatal mice due to their more rapid maturation kinetics than CD8- iNKT cells. Along developmental trajectories, CD8+ and CD8- iNKT cells separate at stage 0, following stage 0 double-positive iNKT cells, and differ in HIVEP3 expression. HIVEP3 is lowly expressed in stage 0 CD8+ iNKT cells and negatively controls their development, whereas it is highly expressed in stage 0 CD8- iNKT cells and positively controls their development. Despite no effect on IFN-γ, HIVEP3 inhibits granzyme B but promotes interleukin-4 production in CD8+ iNKT cells. Together, we reveal that, as a negative regulator for CD8+ iNKT fate decision, low expression of HIVEP3 in stage 0 CD8+ iNKT cells favors their development and T helper 1-biased cytokine responses as well as high cytotoxicity.

[Investigation and factor analysis of postoperative surgical site infections in emergency abdominal surgery in China from 2018 to 2021 based on Chinese SSI Surveillance]

Objective: We investigated the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following emergency abdominal surgery (EAS) in China and further explored its risk factors, providing a reference for preventing and controlling SSI after EAS. Methods: This was an observational study. Data of patients who had undergone EAS and been enrolled in the Chinese SSI Surveillance Program during 2018-2021were retrospectively analyzed. All included patients had been followed up for 30 days after surgery. The analyzed data consisted of relevant patient characteristics and perioperative clinical data, including preoperative hemoglobin, albumin, and blood glucose concentrations, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, grade of surgical incision, intestinal preparation, skin preparation, location of surgical site, approach, and duration. The primary outcome was the incidence of SSI occurring within 30 days following EAS. SSI was defined as both superficial and deep incisional infections and organ/space infections, diagnoses being supported by results of microbiological culture of secretions and pus. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative mortality rates, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), duration of postoperative hospitalization, and associated costs. The patients were classified into two groups, SSI and non-SSI, based on whether an infection had been diagnosed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with SSI following EAS. Results: The study cohort comprised 5491 patients who had undergone EAS, comprising 3169 male and 2322 female patients. SSIs were diagnosed in 168 (3.1%) patients after EAS (SSI group); thus, the non-SSI group consisted of 5323 patients. The SSIs comprised superficial incision infections in 69 (41.1%), deep incision infections in 51 (30.4%), and organ or space infections in 48 (28.6%). Cultures of secretions and pus were positive in 115 (68.5%) cases. The most frequently detected organism was Escherichia coli (47/115; 40.9%). There were no significant differences in sex or body mass index between the SSI and non-SSI groups (both P>0.05). However, the proportion of individuals aged 60 years or older was significantly greater in the SSI than in the non-SSI group (49.4% [83/168] vs. 27.5% [1464/5323), χ2=38.604, P<0.001). Compared with the non-SSI group, the SSI group had greater proportions of patients with diabetes (11.9% [20/168] vs. 4.8% [258/5323], χ2=16.878, P<0.001), hypertension (25.6% [43/168] vs. 12.2% [649/5323], χ2=26.562, P<0.001); hemoglobin <110 g/L (27.4% [46/168] vs. 13.1% [697/5323], χ2=28.411, P<0.001), and albuminemia <30 g/L (24.4% [41/168] vs. 5.9% [316/5323], χ2=91.352, P<0.001), and a reduced rate of preoperative skin preparation (66.7% [112/168] vs. 75.9% [4039/5323], χ2=7.491, P=0.006). Furthermore, fewer patients in the SSI group had preoperative ASA scores of between one and two (56.0% [94/168] vs. 88.7% [4724/5323], χ2=162.869, P<0.001) in the non-SSI group. The incidences of contaminated and infected incisions were greater in the SSI group (63.1% [106/168] vs. 38.6% [2056/5323], χ2=40.854, P<0.001). There was a significant difference in surgical site distribution between the SSI and non-SSI groups (small intestine 29.8% [50/168] vs. 10.6% [565/5323], colorectal 26.2% [44/168] vs. 5.6% [298/5 323], and appendix 24.4% [41/168] vs. 65.1% [3465/5323]) χ2=167.897, P<0.001), respectively. There was a significantly lower proportion of laparoscope or robotic surgery in the non-SSI group (24.4 % [41/168] vs. 74.2% [3949/5323], χ2=203.199, P<0.001); the percentage of operations of duration less than 2 hours was significantly lower in the SSI than non-SSI group (35.7% [60/168] vs. 77.4% [4119/5323], χ2=155.487, P<0.001). As to clinical outcomes, there was a higher 30-day postoperative mortality rate (3.0%[5/168] vs. 0.2%[10/5323], χ2=36.807, P<0.001) and higher postoperative ICU occupancy rate (41.7% [70/168] vs. 19.7% [1046/5323], χ2=48.748, P<0.001) in the SSI group. The median length of stay in the ICU (0[2] vs. 0[0] days, U=328597.000, P<0.001), median total length of stay after surgery (16[13] vs. 6[5] days, U=128146.000, P<0.001), and median hospitalization cost (ten thousand yuan, 4.7[4.4] vs. 1.7[1.8], U=175965.000, P<0.001) were all significantly greater in the SSI group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the absence of skin preparation before surgery (OR=2.435,95%CI: 1.690-3.508, P<0.001), preoperative albuminemia <30 g/L (OR=1.680, 95%CI: 1.081-2.610, P=0.021), contaminated or infected incisions (OR=3.031, 95%CI: 2.151-4.271, P<0.001), and laparotomy (OR=3.436, 95% CI: 2.123-5.564, P<0.001) were independent risk factors of SSI. Operative duration less than 2 hours (OR=0.465, 95%CI: 0.312-0.695, P<0.001) and ASA score of 1-2 (OR=0.416, 95% CI: 0.289-0.601, P<0.001) were identified as independent protective factors for SSI. Conclusions: It is important to consider the nutritional status in the perioperative period of patients undergoing EAS. Preoperative skin preparation should be conducted and, whenever possible, laparoscope or robot-assisted surgery. Duration of surgery should be as short as possible while maintaining surgery quality and improving patient care.

Simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy in the treatment of panurothelial carcinoma: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis

Background

Panurothelial carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy that requires effective treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of English publications in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to May 2023. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the Methodological Quality and Synthesis of Case Series and Case Reports tool. Data statistics and analysis were performed using Stata 15.1 software (StataSE, USA).

Results

Six studies involving 339 patients were included in the analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that Simultaneous Radical Cystectomy and Nephroureterectomy had 2-year and 5-year overall survival rates of 68% (95% CI 60%-76%, I2 = 12.4%, P < 0.001) and 44% (95% CI 36%-53%, I2 = 0, P < 0.001), respectively. The 2-year and 5-year progression-free survival rates were 91% (95% CI 86%-95%, I2 = 95%, P < 0.001) and 65% (95% CI 58%-73%, I2 = 91.5%, P < 0.001), respectively. The 2-year and 5-year cancer-specific survival rates were 73% (95% CI 66%-81%, I2 = 16.7%, P < 0.001) and 57% (95% CI 49%-66%, I2 = 0, P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, the incidence of minor complications was 19% (95% CI 15%-23%, P < 0.01), major complications was 49% (95% CI 34%-63%, P < 0.01), and the intraoperative blood transfusion rate was 53% (95% CI 44%-61%, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Simultaneous radical cystectomy and nephroureterectomy represent feasible approaches for the treatment of Panurothelial carcinoma. Nonetheless, a comprehensive assessment of the surgical risks and benefits is imperative, and larger-scale prospective cohort studies are required to validate therapeutic efficacy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023426401.

The Effect of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Major Depressive Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Many people living with major depressive disorder (MDD) in China do not receive treatment owing to a lack of mental health services, along with significant stigma toward mental illness. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) has been proposed to increase access to mental health care for people with MDD.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to (1) evaluate the efficacy of ICBT for depressive symptoms in patients with MDD; (2) evaluate the effect of ICBT on anxiety symptoms, nonspecific psychological distress, general self-efficacy, depression stigma, social function, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and (3) explore the acceptability of and satisfaction with the ICBT program among participants.

METHODS

Patients with MDD were enrolled and randomized to the ICBT group or the waiting-list control (WLC) group. The ICBT group received ICBT delivered through a WeChat mini-program with general support by nonspecialists. Participants in the 2 groups were self-evaluated online at baseline and posttreatment for changes in the primary outcome (ie, depressive symptoms) and secondary outcomes (ie, anxiety symptoms, nonspecific psychological distress, general self-efficacy, depression stigma, social functional impairment, and HRQoL). Changes in outcomes were measured by changes in overall scores on respective scales, and response and remission rates were calculated based on depressive symptoms. The acceptability of and satisfaction with the ICBT program were measured by treatment adherence and participants' feelings (ie, modules seriously completed, perceived benefit, and satisfaction).

RESULTS

We included 40 patients who were randomly assigned to the ICBT group and 44 who were assigned to the WLC group. Compared with the WLC group, the ICBT group had fewer depressive symptoms, fewer anxiety symptoms, less nonspecific psychological distress, and greater general self-efficacy. Moreover, the ICBT group had higher response (18/31, 58%) and remission rates (17/31, 55%). The adherence rate in the ICBT group was 78% (31/40), and the majority of participants who completed all ICBT modules were satisfied with the ICBT program.

CONCLUSIONS

ICBT demonstrated greater improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, nonspecific psychological distress, and general self-efficacy among selected patients with MDD in comparison with the findings in waiting-list controls. The ICBT program in this study had good acceptability and satisfaction among participants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100046425); https://tinyurl.com/bdcrj4zv.

Magnetic Field-Induced Spin Nematic Phase Up to Room Temperature in Epitaxial Antiferromagnetic FeTe Thin Films Grown by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

Electronic nematicity, where strong correlations drive electrons to align in a way that lowers the crystal symmetry, is ubiquitous among unconventional superconductors. Understanding the interplay of such a nematic state with other electronic phases underpins the complex behavior of these materials and the potential for tuning their properties through external stimuli. Here, we report magnetic field-induced spin nematicity in a model system tetragonal FeTe, the parent compound of iron chalcogenide superconductors, which exhibits a bicollinear antiferromagnetic order. The studies were conducted on epitaxial FeTe thin films grown on SrTiO3(001) substrates by molecular beam epitaxy, where the bicollinear antiferromagnetic order was confirmed by in situ atomic resolution scanning tunneling microscopy imaging. A 2-fold anisotropy is observed in in-plane angle-dependent magnetoresistance measurements, indicative of magnetic field-induced nematicity. Such 2-fold anisotropy persists up to 300 K, well-above the bicollinear antiferromagnetic ordering temperature of 75 K, indicating a magnetic field-induced spin nematic phase up to room temperature in the antiferromagnet FeTe.

[Association between internet use and healthy lifestyles in urban adults in Hangzhou, China]

Objective: To explore the association between internet use and healthy lifestyles in urban adults. Methods: From May to August, 2022, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in residents aged 18-64 years selected in the urban area of Hangzhou by integrated cluster stratified random sampling and Kish grid method. The information about internet use included the internet use time in the past 7 days and 12 kinds of internet use contents. Using factor analysis and K-means clustering, three types of internet use were summarized, i.e. general type, video game type and working/learning type. Healthy lifestyles were defined as active physical activity, healthy diet habit, non-smoking, non-drinking, healthy weight, and healthy waist circumference. The correlations between internet use and healthy lifestyles were evaluated by using binary logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 1 624 participants were included. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, the longer internet use time group (≥8.5 h/d) was less likely to have healthy weight (OR=0.59, 95%CI:0.41-0.85) and 5-6 healthy lifestyles (OR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.32-0.96) compared with those with shorter internet use time group (<2.5 h/d). For different types of internet use, it was found that compared with working/learning type group, the general type group was less likely to have healthy diet habits (OR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.46-0.86), non-drinking (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.47-0.99), healthy waist circumference (OR=0.59, 95%CI: 0.42-0.84) and 5-6 healthy lifestyles (OR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.23-0.69), the video game type group was less likely to have active physical activity (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.55-0.97) and healthy diet habits (OR=0.79, 95%CI: 0.62-0.99). Conclusion: Too long internet use (≥8.5 h/d), general type and video game type of internet use were associated with unhealthy lifestyles.

Molecular characteristics and therapeutic implications of Toll-like receptor signaling pathway in melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes and is often considered immunogenic cancer. Toll-like receptor-related genes are expressed differently in most types of cancer, depending on the immune microenvironment inside cancer, and the key function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) for melanoma has not been fully elucidated. Based on multi-omics data from TCGA and GEO databases, we first performed pan-cancer analysis on TLR, including CNV, SNV, and mRNA changes in TLR-related genes in multiple human cancers, as well as patient prognosis characterization. Then, we divided melanoma patients into three subgroups (clusters 1, 2, and 3) according to the expression of the TLR pathway, and explored the correlation between TLR pathway and melanoma prognosis, immune infiltration, metabolic reprogramming, and oncogene expression characteristics. Finally, through univariate Cox regression analysis and LASSO algorithm, we selected six TLR-related genes to construct a survival prognostic model, divided melanoma patients into the training set, internal validation set 1, internal validation set 2, and external validation set for multiple validations, and discussed the correlation between model genes and clinical features of melanoma patients. In conclusion, we constructed a prognostic survival model based on TLR-related genes that precisely and independently demonstrated the potential to assess the prognosis and immune traits of melanoma patients, which is critical for patients' survival.

Karrow N, Mao Y. Identification and Classification of Long Non-Coding RNAs in the Mammary Gland of the Holstein Cow

The mammary glands, responsible for milk secretion, are regulated at a local level by various hormones, growth factors, non-coding RNAs, and other elements. Recent research has discovered the presence of lncRNAs in these glands, with suggestions that they may be essential for the maintenance and function of mammary glands. Besides directly controlling the gene and protein expression, lncRNAs are believed to play a significant part in numerous physiological and pathological processes. This study focused on examining the mammary gland tissues of Chinese Holstein cows, to identify and categorize long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The research intended to distinguish lncRNAs in the mammary tissues of Holstein cows and contrast them between lactation and non-lactation periods. In this study, mammary gland tissues were sampled from three Holstein cows in early lactation (n = 3, 30 days postpartum) and non-lactation (n = 3, 315 days postpartum) on a large dairy farm in Jiangsu province. Mammary tissue samples were collected during early lactation and again during non-lactation. In total, we detected 1905 lncRNAs, with 57.3% being 500 bp and 612 intronic lncRNAs. The exon count for lncRNAs varied from 2 to 10. It was observed that 96 lncRNA expressions markedly differed between the two stages, with 83 genes being upregulated and 53 downregulated. Enrichment analysis results revealed that Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was primarily abundant in cellular processes. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis indicated that target genes were predominantly abundant in metabolic pathways, fatty acid biosynthesis, the immune system, and glycosphingolipid biosynthesis. This study analyzed the expression profile and characteristics of lncRNAs in the mammary gland tissues of Holstein cows during both lactation and non-lactation stages, forming a foundation for further investigation into the functional roles of lncRNAs in Holstein cows throughout lactation.

Involvement of NADPH oxidases in the Na/K‑ATPase/Src/ROS oxidant amplification loop in renal fibrosis

The Na/K‑ATPase/Src complex is reportedly able to affect reactive oxygen species (ROS) amplification. However, it has remained elusive whether NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are involved in this oxidant amplification loop in renal fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, interactions between oxidative features and Na/K‑ATPase/Src activation were examined in a mouse model of unilateral urethral obstruction (UUO)‑induced experimental renal fibrosis. Both 1‑tert‑butyl‑3‑(4‑chlorophenyl)‑1H‑pyrazolo[3,4‑d]pyrimidin‑4‑amine (PP2) and apocynin significantly attenuated the development of UUO‑induced renal fibrosis. Apocynin administration attenuated the expression of NOXs and oxidative markers (e.g., nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2, heme oxygenase‑1,4‑hydroxynonenal and 3‑nitrotyrosine); it also partially restored Na/K‑ATPase expression and inhibited the activation of the Src/ERK cascade. Furthermore, administration of PP2 after UUO induction partially reversed the upregulation of NOX2, NOX4 and oxidative markers, while inhibiting the activation of the Src/ERK cascade. Complementary experiments in LLC‑PK1 cells corroborated the in vivo observations. Inhibition of NOX2 by RNA interference attenuated ouabain‑induced oxidative stress, ERK activation and E‑cadherin downregulation. Thus, it is indicated that NOXs are major contributors to ROS production in the Na/K‑ATPase/Src/ROS oxidative amplification loop, which is involved in renal fibrosis. The disruption of this vicious feed‑forward loop between NOXs/ROS and redox‑regulated Na/K‑ATPase/Src may have therapeutic applicability for renal fibrosis disorders.

Impact of preoperative therapy on surgical outcomes of laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer

Objective

As laparoscopic surgery is widely applied for primarily treated gastric cancer (GC)/gastroesophageal junction cancer (GEJC) and gains many advantages, the feasibility of laparoscopic total gastrectomy (LTG) for GC/GEJC patients who have received preoperative therapy (PT) has come to the fore. This study aims to analyze the safety and feasibility of LTG after PT for GC/GEJC patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 511 patients with GC/GEJC undergoing LTG, of which 405 received LTG (LTG group) and 106 received PT+LTG (PT-LTG group) at Nanfang Hospital between June 2018 and September 2022. The surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

The surgical duration was significantly longer in the PT-LTG group (P<0.001), while the incidence of intraoperative complications (P=1.000), postoperative complications (LTG group vs. PT-LTG group: 26.2% vs. 23.6%, P=0.587), the classification of complication severity (P=0.271), and postoperative recovery was similar between two groups. Notably, the incidence of anastomotic complications of esophagojejunostomy was also comparable between the two groups (LTG group vs. PT-LTG group: 5.9% vs. 5.7%, P=0.918). The univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed that positive proximal margin [positive vs. negative: odds ratio (OR)=14.094, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.639-75.260, P=0.002], rather than PT, has an impact on anastomotic complications after LTG (OR=0.945, 95% CI: 0.371-2.408, P=0.905).

Conclusions

PT did not increase the surgical risk of LTG for GC/GEJC. Therefore, considering the positive effect of PT on long-term survival, the broader application of PT and LTG for GC/GEJC is supported by our findings.

Hedgehog receptors exert immune-surveillance roles in the epidermis across species

Hedgehog signaling plays pivotal roles in the development and homeostasis of epithelial barrier tissues. However, whether and how Hedgehog signaling directly regulates innate immunity in epithelial cells remains unknown. By utilizing C. elegans epidermis as the model, we found that several Hedgehog receptors are involved in cell-autonomous regulation of the innate immune response in the epidermis. Particularly, loss of the Patched family receptor induces aberrant up-regulation of epidermal antimicrobial peptides in a STAT-dependent manner. External or internal insult to the epidermis triggers rapid rearrangement of Patched distribution along the plasma membrane, indicating that the Hedgehog (Hh) receptor is likely involved in recognition and defense against epidermal damage. Loss of PTCH1 function in primary human keratinocytes and intact mouse skin also results in STAT-dependent immune activation. These findings reveal an evolutionally conserved immune-surveillance function of Hedgehog receptors and an insult-sensing and response strategy of epithelial tissues.

Multimodal roles of transient receptor potential channel activation in inducing pathological tissue scarification

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are a class of transmembrane proteins that can sense a variety of physical/chemical stimuli, participate in the pathological processes of various diseases and have attracted increasing attention from researchers. Recent studies have shown that some TRP channels are involved in the development of pathological scarification (PS) and directly participate in PS fibrosis and re-epithelialization or indirectly activate immune cells to release cytokines and neuropeptides, which is subdivided into immune inflammation, fibrosis, pruritus and mechanical forces increased. This review elaborates on the characteristics of TRP channels, the mechanism of PS and how TRP channels mediate the development of PS, summarizes the important role of TRP channels in the different pathogenesis of PS and proposes that therapeutic strategies targeting TRP will be important for the prevention and treatment of PS. TRP channels are expected to become new targets for PS, which will make further breakthroughs and provide potential pharmacological targets and directions for the in-depth study of PS.

QTL Mapping and Genome-Wide Association Study Reveal Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes Related to Soluble Solids Content in Melon

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is an economically important Cucurbitaceae crop grown around the globe. The sweetness of melon is a significant factor in fruit quality and consumer appeal, and the soluble solids content (SSC) is a key index of melon sweetness. In this study, 146 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from two oriental melon materials with different levels of sweetness containing 1427 bin markers, and 213 melon accessions containing 1,681,775 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to identify genomic regions influencing SSC. Linkage mapping detected 10 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) distributed on six chromosomes, seven of which were overlapped with the reported QTLs. A total of 211 significant SNPs were identified by genome-wide association study (GWAS), 138 of which overlapped with the reported QTLs. Two new stable, co-localized regions on chromosome 3 were identified by QTL mapping and GWAS across multiple environments, which explained large phenotypic variance. Five candidate genes related to SSC were identified by QTL mapping, GWAS, and qRT-PCR, two of which were involved in hydrolysis of raffinose and sucrose located in the new stable loci. The other three candidate genes were involved in raffinose synthesis, sugar transport, and production of substrate for sugar synthesis. The genomic regions and candidate genes will be helpful for molecular breeding programs and elucidating the mechanisms of sugar accumulation.

Supportive care needs of patients who had a stroke: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Incidences of stroke are on the rise and approximately 80 million stroke survivors worldwide live with disabilities. Supportive care needs of stroke survivors are not adequately defined, and the assessment tools to help care service providers identify these needs are unclear. The overall aim of this scoping review will be to map the supportive care needs of stroke survivors against the Supportive Care Needs Framework.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This scoping review will be conducted following Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) updated methodological guidance for scoping review. This review will mainly use Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework as the basic framework. The review will also follow JBI's updated methodological guidance for scoping reviews to optimise the review. For the search strategy, the three-step method recommended by the JBI will be used in the study. The review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. Six English databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and PsycInfo, and four Chinese databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and China Biomedical Literature Database will be systematically searched from inception to the present. Studies published in English and Chinese will be included.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval is not required as this scoping review does not involve human participants. The findings shall be disseminated at scientific conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

A bistable cholesteric liquid crystal film stabilized by a liquid-crystalline epoxy/thiol compound-based polymer

Bistable cholesteric liquid crystals have promising application prospects in various fields, such as smart windows and displays. However, the long-term stability of two individual states is not easy to achieve, hindering their practical use. In this research, the bistable feature was enhanced by constructing a microsphere-type polymer with a liquid-crystalline epoxy/thiol monomer in negative dielectric anisotropic cholesteric liquid crystals. Spectroscopic and optical examinations revealed that either the transparent planar state or the opaque focal conic state can be maintained without the aid of an external field. Moreover, they can be switched to each other by applying a high- or low-frequency electric field. Further, factors such as the chemical structure of thiol compounds, curing temperature and curing time were investigated to explore their influences on the micro morphology of the polymer and thereby the electro-optical properties. In addition, the frequency-dependent driving scheme was analysed. Finally, bistable switching was demonstrated using an optimized sample. This energy-efficient bistable film shines light on future applications in smart windows, photonic paper and other electro-optical devices.

Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in patients who had a stroke: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is a common chronic disease with high rates of morbidity and disability and a great burden on patients. As a result, it affects daily activities of patients and causes negative emotions, which seriously affect their quality of life. As a new type of cognitive-behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may be useful to improve the mental health of patients who had a stroke. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the intervention effect of ACT in patients who had a stroke, which may provide further clinical evidence.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A systematic search of databases, including CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, CBM, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and APA PsycArticles, will be conducted from their inception to 31 October 2022. All randomised controlled trials, quasi-experiments and case studies relevant to ACT will be included in English and Chinese. Two independent reviewers will conduct the review, with data extraction and quality evaluation. Review Manager V.5.4 will be used to assess the risk of bias and meta-analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This systematic review does not require formal ethical approval, because all data will be analysed anonymously. The results will provide an overall review and evidence of the efficacy of ACT in patients who had a stroke. These findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022355629.

Effect of HER2-low-positive status on neoadjuvant chemotherapy and survival outcome of breast cancer: a 10-year dual-center retrospective study

Various novel HER2-targeted antibody-conjugated drugs (ADCs) have shown satisfactory antitumor activity in HER2-low-positive breast cancer (BC). It is urgent to clarify whether HER2-low-positive tumors have unique biological behavior and should be considered a new molecular subtype. We screened eligible BC patients and collected relevant information at the First Hospital of Jilin University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2010 to December 2020. A total of 1027 patients were included in our study cohort, and 66.0% (678/1027) had HER2-low-positive tumors. Compared to HER2-zero patients, HER2-low-positive patients tended to have more lymph node metastasis, a larger proportion of hormone receptor (HR)-positive tumors, and a lower proliferation rate (Ki-67). The pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of HER2-low-positive patients was lower than that of HER2-zero patients (19.3% vs 26.1%), especially in the HR-positive subgroup (12.00% vs 20.29%). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HER2 status was not an independent factor for predicting pCR. HER2-low-positive patients had a higher overall survival (OS) rate in the HR-positive subgroup. The Cox regression model analysis suggested that HER2-low-positive status did not statistically significantly affect the survival outcomes, regardless of disease-free survival (DFS) (P=0.308) or OS (P=0.066). In conclusion, HER2-low-positive tumors have unique clinical and pathological characteristics, with a lower pCR rate in the HR-positive subgroup and better survival in the HR-negative subgroup compared to HER2-zero tumors. However, the effect of HER2-low-positive status on pCR or survival outcomes was not statistically significant.

Texture-structure-based liquid metal filling for blind-end microchannels and its application on multi-layer chips

This research work reports a novel method to achieve fast liquid metal (LM) injection in blind-end microchannels which is especially suitable for multi-layer microfluidic chips. This method is based on a texture-like surface bonding technology. The texture-like surface is fabricated on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab with standard soft-lithography technology and bonded with another PDMS slab with microelectrode patterns on it. When injected with LM, the texture-like structure can prevent the LM from entering but allows the air inside to be released during the injection to achieve perfect blind-end complex LM electrodes. The experimental results show that it can achieve fast and perfect LM injection in the blind-end pattern and can also prevent the large area of the flat chamber from collapsing during bonding. We also parametrically studied the texture structure's size for bonding strength between the texture structure and the blank PDMS surface. In addition, we integrate three layers of blind-end complex liquid metal patterns into one multi-layer chip using this technology and later use this structure to realize series connection of two LM-based electroosmotic micropumps (EOP). Compared with the conventional LM-based EOP, the structure of the EOP chip was greatly simplified and resulted in a higher level of integration.

Global disease burden attributed to unsafe sex in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019: results from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Unsafe sex has become a public safety problem that endangers society, and research on deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to unsafe sex is valuable for global policy-making. We aimed to estimate the deaths and DALYs attributable to unsafe sex by country, gender, age group, and sociodemographic status from 1990 to 2019. We extracted data on disease burden from the Global Disease Burden 2019 (GBD 2019) database for unsafe sex, including deaths, DALYs and age-standardized rates (ASRs). Comparative analyses were performed on data about deaths, DALYs and the responding ASRs attributable to unsafe sex in different countries and regions using the Social Demographic Index (SDI). The global age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALY rate (ASDR) attributable to unsafe sex were 11.98 (95% uncertainty intervals (UI): 10.97-13.52) per 100,000 people and 570.78 (95% UI: 510.24-658.10) per 100,000 people, respectively. Both the ASMRs and ASDRs were the highest in southern sub-Saharan Africa and lowest in Australasia and decreased with increasing SDI levels. About unsafe-sex-related disease, HIV/AIDS has the highest ASMR [8.48 (95% UI: 7.62-9.95)/100,000 people] and ASDR [447.44 (95% UI: 394.82-533.10)/100,000 people], followed by Cervical cancer [ASMR: 3.40 (95% UI: 2.90-3.81)/100,000 people and ASDR: 107.2 (95% UI: 90.52-119.43)/100,000 people] and sexually transmitted infections excluding HIV [ASMR: 0.10 (95% UI: 0.08-0.11)/100,000 people and ASDR: 16.14 (95% UI: 10.51-25.83)/100,000 people]. The death and DALY burden caused by these three diseases were more serious in the over 75 years old age group. The 40-44 age group for men and the 35-39 age group for women had the highest population of unsafe sex-related deaths and DALYs, respectively. In addition, the burden of unsafe sex in women was more serious than those in men. Unsafe sex is an important risk factor for global disease burden and a leading cause of substantial health loss. We found that the risk of ASMRs and ASDRs attributable to unsafe sex had negative correlation with SDI levels. These results demonstrate that the need for revised policies that focus on efforts to reduce overall unsafe sex worldwide.

FACS-based genome-wide CRISPR screens define key regulators of DNA damage signaling pathways

DNA damage-activated signaling pathways are critical for coordinating multiple cellular processes, which must be tightly regulated to maintain genome stability. To provide a comprehensive and unbiased perspective of DNA damage response (DDR) signaling pathways, we performed 30 fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-based genome-wide CRISPR screens in human cell lines with antibodies recognizing distinct endogenous DNA damage signaling proteins to identify critical regulators involved in DDR. We discovered that proteasome-mediated processing is an early and prerequisite event for cells to trigger camptothecin- and etoposide-induced DDR signaling. Furthermore, we identified PRMT1 and PRMT5 as modulators that regulate ATM protein level. Moreover, we discovered that GNB1L is a key regulator of DDR signaling via its role as a co-chaperone specifically regulating PIKK proteins. Collectively, these screens offer a rich resource for further investigation of DDR, which may provide insight into strategies of targeting these DDR pathways to improve therapeutic outcomes.

Identification of potential key genes of TGF-beta signaling associated with the immune response and prognosis of ovarian cancer based on bioinformatics analysis

Background

TGF-beta signaling is a key regulator of immunity and multiple cellular behaviors in cancer. However, the prognostic and therapeutic role of TGF-beta signaling-related genes in ovarian cancer (OV) remains unexplored.

Methods

Data of OV used in the current study were sourced from TCGA and GEO databases. Consensus clustering was applied to classify OV patients into different clusters using TGF-beta signaling-related genes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different clusters were screened by the "limma" R package. Prognostic genes were screened from DEGs by univariate Cox regression, followed by the construction of the TGF-beta signaling-related score. The prognostic value of TGF-beta signaling-related score was evaluated in both training and testing OV cohorts. Moreover, the immune status, GSEA and therapeutic response between low- and high-score groups were performed to further reveal the potential mechanisms.

Results

By consensus clustering, OV patients were classified into two clusters with different tumor immune environments. After differential expression and univariate Cox regression analyses, GMPR, PIEZO1, EMP1, CXCL13, GADD45B, SORCS2, FOSL2, PODN, LYNX1 and SLC38A5 were selected as prognostic genes. Using PCA algorithm, the TGF-beta signaling-related score of OV patients was calculated based on prognostic genes. Then OV patients were divided into low- and high-TGF-beta signaling-related score groups. We observed that the two score groups had significantly different survivals, tumor immune environments and expressions of immune checkpoints. In addition, GSEA results showed that immune-related pathways and biological processes, like chemokine signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and T cell migration were significantly enriched in the low-score group. Moreover, patients in the low- and high-score groups had remarkably different sensitivity to chemo- and immunotherapy.

Conclusion

For the first time, our study identified ten prognostic genes associated with TGF-beta signaling, constructed a prognostic TGF-beta signaling-related score and investigated the effect of TGF-beta signaling-related score on OV immunity and therapy. These findings may enrich our knowledge of the TGF-beta signaling in OV prognosis and help to improve the prognosis prediction and treatment strategies in OV.

A zero energy-input nitrogen removal reactor based on a short-circuited microfluidic fuel cell

Excessive discharge of ammonia nitrogen would deteriorate water quality. In this work, we designed an innovative microfluidic electrochemical nitrogen-removal reactor (MENR) based on a short-circuited ammonia-air microfluidic fuel cell (MFC). The MENR utilizes the laminar characteristics of two flows (an anolyte containing nitrogen-rich wastewater and a catholyte of acid electrolyte solution) in a microchannel to establish an efficient reactor system. At anode, ammonia was catalyzed by a NiCu/C modified electrode to N2, while O2 in the air was reduced at cathode. In essence, the MENR reactor is a short-circuited MFC. Maximum discharge currents were achieved accompanied with strong ammonia oxidation reaction. Factors indicating electrolyte flow rate, initial nitrogen concentration, electrolyte concentration, and electrode geometry have various effects on the nitrogen removal performance of the MENR. Results indicate that the MENR showed efficient nitrogen removal properties. This work proposes an energy-saving process by using the MENR to remove nitrogen from ammonia-rich wastewater.

Higher energy density of MoSe2/polyaniline capsule nanospheres for enhanced performance supercapacitor

It is very important to develop novel nanocomposites as electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs). MoSe2 porous nanospheres were prepared by one-step hydrothermal method, and polyaniline (PANI) nanosheets were grown in-situ to obtain MoSe2/PANI capsule nanospheres (CNs). By changing the amount of aniline, it was found that MoSe2/PANI-16 CNs had the best electrochemical performance, and a high specific capacitance of 753.2 F/g was obtained at a current density of 1 A/g. In addition, the interface electron transport path was clarified that a C-Mo-Se bridge bond may be formed for rapid electron transfer. The reaction kinetics was also explored. The large specific surface area of MoSe2/PANI CNs provided more reactive sites, so that the contribution of pseudocapacitance was much larger than diffusion capacitance. The assembled MoSe2/PANI//activated carbon asymmetric supercapacitor has a energy density of 20.1 Wh/kg at a power density of 650 W/kg. These results indicate that the MoSe2/PANI CNs are a promising electrode material.

Genome-wide association study reveals novel SNPs and genes in Gossypium hirsutum underlying Aphis gossypii resistance

A. gossypii resistance showed great variability in G. hirsutum varieties. One hundred and seventy-six SNPs associated with A. gossypii resistance were identified using GWAS. Four candidate resistance genes were functionally validated. Aphis gossypii is an economically important sap-feeding pest and is widely distributed in the world's cotton-producing regions. Identification of cotton genotypes and developing cultivars with improved A. gossypii resistance (AGR) is essential and desirable for sustainable agriculture. In the present study, A. gossypii was offered no choice but to propagate on 200 Gossypium hirsutum accessions. A relative aphid reproduction index (RARI) was used to evaluate the AGR, which showed large variability in cotton accessions and was classified into 6 grades. A significantly positive correlation was found between AGR and Verticillium wilt resistance. A total of 176 SNPs significantly associated with the RARI were identified using GWAS. Of these, 21 SNPs could be repeatedly detected in three replicates. Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence, a restriction digestion-based genotyping assay, was developed using SNP1 with the highest observed -log10(P-value). Four genes within the 650 kb region of SNP1 were further identified, including GhRem (remorin-like), GhLAF1 (long after far-red light 1), GhCFIm25 (pre-mRNA cleavage factor Im 25 kDa subunit) and GhPMEI (plant invertase/pectin methylesterase inhibitor superfamily protein). The aphid infection could induce their expression and showed a significant difference between resistant and susceptible cotton varieties. Silencing of GhRem, GhLAF1 or GhCFIm25 could significantly increase aphid reproduction on cotton seedlings. Silencing of GhRem significantly reduced callose deposition, which is reasonably believed to be the cause for the higher AGR. Our results provide insights into understanding the genetic regulation of AGR in cotton and suggest candidate germplasms, SNPs and genes for developing cultivars with improved AGR.

Advances in Immunomodulatory Mechanisms of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Exosome on Immune Cells in Scar Formation

Pathological scars are the result of over-repair and excessive tissue proliferation of the skin injury. It may cause serious dysfunction, resulting in psychological and physiological burdens on the patients. Currently, mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) displayed a promising therapeutic effect on wound repair and scar attenuation. But the regulatory mechanisms are opinions vary. In view of inflammation has long been proven as the initial factor of wound healing and scarring, and the unique immunomodulation mechanism of MSC-Exo, the utilization of MSC-Exo may be promising therapeutic for pathological scars. However, different immune cells function differently during wound repair and scar formation. The immunoregulatory mechanism of MSC-Exo would differ among different immune cells and molecules. Herein, this review gave a comprehensive summary of MSC-Exo immunomodulating different immune cells in wound healing and scar formation to provide basic theoretical references and therapeutic exploration of inflammatory wound healing and pathological scars.