Determination of temperature-dependent Fermi resonance in acetonitrile-water binary solution by two-dimensional correlation Raman spectroscopy

Acetonitrile (AN), as an organic solvent, has a wide range of applications. The C≡N stretching vibration mode (ν₂) and the combination mode (ν₃ + ν₄) are coupled by Fermi resonance (FR). In this work, the phase transition and the interaction mechanism of the 60% AN-water binary solution (AN-Water) were analyzed by calculating FR parameters and two-dimensional correlation Raman spectroscopy (2DCRS). The change in the ν₂ band and the base bands ν₃ and ν₄ caused energy transfer by anharmonic interaction, which led to a change in FR parameters. With a reduced temperature, the energy transfer was caused by microheterogeneity and the energy transfer effect (293-273 K), the phase separation (263-233 K), and the phase transition of AN (223-173 K). The 2DCRS and Gaussian deconvolution provided more information on FR, which revealed the interaction mechanism of the Fermi doublet. The polarity and binding modes of molecules provided a new perspective for analyzing the transmission of electrons and ions in the electrolyte at different temperatures.

P13.15 Pre-clinical trial of T601 oncolytic virus for high grade glima via intra-tumoral injection

BACKGROUND

An effective therapeutic method still hasn’t been devised for lethal high grade glioma. Thus, a method with high anti-tumoral efficiency, tumoral targeting, and acceptable side effect needs to be designed. Oncolytic virotherapy which can specifically lyse tumor cells via mass replication and deleting nucleotide metabolism related gene, like TK, required in viral replication and overexpressed in tumor cells, provides hope for patients. However, the virus only contained TK deletion is unable to show sufficient specificity of anti-tumoral response in tumor cells. Here, the adapted strain of vaccinia virus with high tumoral specificity due to TK and RR deletion and FUC1 insertion, named T601, is chosen in this project. In clinical application, intra-tumoral injection showed improved anti-tumoral efficiency and acceptable side effect. However, intra-tumoral viral injection in orthotropic glioma model is rare. In this project, various biosafety and antitumoral efficiency parameter would be tested for confirming the biosafety and reliability of intra-tumoral T601 viral injection for future clinical trials.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For measuring the IC50 of T601, 10 different amounts of virus was tested in vitro via calculating cell viability with CCK-8(cell counting kit-8). For measuring the further antitumoral response of FCU1, different concentration of the 5-FC was added into the medium with IC50 viral amount. To ensure the biosafety of T601, MTD (maximum tolerance dose) was measured. Based on the MTD result, for evaluating the anti-tumoral efficiency, 106 pfu,105 pfu,104 pfu of virus was intra-tumoral injected in orthotopic GBM bearing mice. Tumor size was measured once a week through in vivo bioimaging system.

RESULTS

0.022 MOI, the IC50 of T601, showed high cytotoxicity of T601. Moreover, the significantly decreased cell viability under the combined treatment of 5-FC and 0.22MOI T601 showed intact anti-tumoral function. In MTD assay, except for 107 group, no significant weight loss was found. However, in 107 pfu group, mean body weight decreased around 10% and animal fatality happened on day 9. According to the MTD result, certain amount of virus was intra-tumorally injected. In all treatment group, the tumor size was significantly shrined. At the same time, the survival rate of mice under viral treatment was significantly extended.

CONCLUSION

In summary, T601 exhibited efficient anti-tumoral function and acceptable side effect. T601 treatment prolonged the survival period of GBM mice with acceptable neurotoxicity, demonstrating that T601 contains necessary criterial for intra-tumoral injection. Ultimately, this project provided basic reference information of dose for future clinical trial.

Genetic control and phenotypic characterization of panicle architecture and grain yield-related traits in foxtail millet (Setaria italica)

Multi-environment QTL mapping identified 23 stable loci and 34 co-located QTL clusters for panicle architecture and grain yield-related traits, which provide a genetic basis for foxtail millet yield improvement. Panicle architecture and grain weight, both of which are influenced by genetic and environmental factors, have significant effects on grain yield potential. Here, we used a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 333 lines of foxtail millet, which were grown in 13 trials with varying environmental conditions, to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling nine agronomic traits related to panicle architecture and grain yield. We found that panicle weight, grain weight per panicle, panicle length, panicle diameter, and panicle exsertion length varied across different geographical locations. QTL mapping revealed 159 QTL for nine traits. Of the 159 QTL, 34 were identified in 2 to 12 environments, suggesting that the genetic control of panicle architecture in foxtail millet is sensitive to photoperiod and/or other environmental factors. Eighty-eight QTL controlling different traits formed 34 co-located QTL clusters, including the triple QTL cluster qPD9.2/qPL9.5/qPEL9.3, which was detected 23 times in 13 environments. Several candidate genes, including Seita.2G388700, Seita.3G136000, Seita.4G185300, Seita.5G241500, Seita.5G243100, Seita.9G281300, and Seita.9G342700, were identified in the genomic intervals of multi-environmental QTL or co-located QTL clusters. Using available phenotypic and genotype data, we conducted haplotype analysis for Seita.2G002300 and Seita.9G064000,which showed high correlations with panicle weight and panicle exsertion length, respectively. These results not only provided a basis for further fine mapping, functional studies and marker-assisted selection of traits related to panicle architecture in foxtail millet, but also provide information for comparative genomics analyses of cereal crops.

Role of Long Non-coding RNAs on Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common malignant tumor in the urinary system, and its early diagnosis is conducive to improving clinical prognosis and prolonging overall survival time. However, few biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity are used as diagnostic markers for BC. Multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are abnormally expressed in BC, and play key roles in tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis of BC. In this review, we summarize the expression, function, molecular mechanisms and the clinical significance of lncRNAs on bladder cancer. There are more than 100 dysregulated lncRNAs in BC, which are involved in the regulation of proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, migration, invasion, metabolism and drug resistance of BC. Meanwhile, the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in BC was explored, including lncRNAs interacting with DNA, RNA and proteins. Additionally, the abnormal expression of thirty-six lncRNAs is closely associated with multiple clinical characteristics of BC, including tumor size, metastasis, invasion, and drug sensitivity or resistance of BC. Furthermore, we summarize some potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of lncRNA for BC. This review provides promising novel biomarkers in early diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of BC based on lncRNAs.

The E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch limits the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in mice by inhibiting macrophage polarization

OBJECTIVE

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by articular cartilage loss, associated with synovial inflammation. We recently reported increased pro-inflammatory macrophages in murine post-traumatic OA (PTOA) joints, and blockade of the ubiquitin-proteasome system alleviates PTOA progression. However, the mechanisms whereby protein ubiquitination influences PTOA pathology are not well studied. We hypothesized that loss of the negative regulator of inflammation, E3 ligase Itch, in macrophages contributes to joint OA tissue damage by promoting pro-inflammatory polarization of macrophages.

METHODS

Mice deficient Itch in macrophages (MΔItch) were generated by crossing Itchfl/fl mice with LysM-Cre mice. PTOA surgery was performed on global Itch knockout, Itch-/-, mice and MΔItch mice. Joint tissue damage and synovial macrophages were examined. Itch-/- cells were treated with IL-1 and pro-inflammatory polarization was determined. Expression of Itch protein and mRNA in PTOA synovium were assessed at different time points post PTOA.

RESULTS

Similar to Itch-/- mice, MΔItch mice developed more severe joint damage than control mice following PTOA surgery (mean difference of OARSI score: 1.17 (95% CI 0.31-2.03) between MΔItch and Itchfl/fl mice), accompanied by increased the inflammatory macrophage infiltration in the synovium (mean difference of % F4/80 + CD86 + CD36-inflammatory macrophages: 14.81 (95% CI 8.90-20.73) between MΔItch and Itchfl/fl mice). Itch-/- macrophages exerted pro-inflammatory phenotype in response to IL-1β treatment. Itch protein, but not mRNA levels decreased during PTOA progression.

CONCLUSION

The negative regulator of inflammation, Itch, limits PTOA progression by inhibiting macrophage pro-inflammatory polarization. Itch protein degradation may contribute to PTOA pathology.

When does benevolent leadership inhibit silence? The joint moderating roles of perceived employee agreement and cultural value orientations

Purpose

This study's purpose is to examine benevolent leadership's effect on employee silence, as moderated by perceived employee agreement on leader behaviors and cultural value orientations.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave survey data were collected from 240 Chinese employees working in various industries. Hierarchical regression and simple slope analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Benevolent leadership was negatively related to employee silence. When perceived employee agreement on leader behaviors was high, employees with high power-distance orientation or low vertical individualism were more sensitive to benevolent leadership and engaged in less silence.

Practical implications

Managers are advised to exhibit benevolent behaviors to mitigate employees' tendency to remain silence. Organizations and managers can also design interventions to encourage employees with low power distance or high vertical individualism to speak up.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of the relationship between benevolent leadership and employee silence. By highlighting the moderating role of employees' perception of leader behaviors and their cultural value orientations, this study helps explain the conditions that when employees choose to keep silence or not.

Complex Crystal Structure Determination and in vitro Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Activity of Hsp90 N Inhibitor SNX-2112

SNX-2112, as a promising anticancer lead compound targeting heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), absence of complex crystal structure of Hsp90^N-SNX-2112 hindered further structural optimization and understanding on molecular interaction mechanism. Herein, a high-resolution complex crystal structure of Hsp90^N-SNX-2112 was successfully determined by X-ray diffraction, resolution limit, 2.14 Å, PDB ID 6LTK, and their molecular interaction was analyzed in detail, which suggested that SNX-2112 was well accommodated in the ATP-binding pocket to disable molecular chaperone activity of Hsp90, therefore exhibiting favorable inhibiting activity on three non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (IC₅₀, 0.50 ± 0.01 μM for A549, 1.14 ± 1.11 μM for H1299, 2.36 ± 0.82 μM for H1975) by inhibited proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and aggravated cell apoptosis. SNX-2112 exhibited high affinity and beneficial thermodynamic changes during the binding process with its target Hsp90^N confirmed by thermal shift assay (TSA, ΔTm, and −9.51 ± 1.00°C) and isothermal titration calorimetry (K_d, 14.10 ± 1.60 nM). Based on the complex crystal structure and molecular interaction analysis, 32 novel SNX-2112 derivatives were designed, and 25 new ones displayed increased binding force with the target Hsp90^N verified by molecular docking evaluation. The results would provide new references and guides for anti-NSCLC new drug development based on the lead compound SNX-2112.

LncRNA NR2F1-AS1 promotes proliferation and metastasis of ESCC cells via regulating EMT

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the expression of long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA) nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 1-antisense RNA 1 (NR2F1-AS1) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and cells and to investigate its effects on ESCC proliferation and metastasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression level of NR2F1-AS1 in 51 pairs of ESCC tissues and corresponding adjacent tissues was detected via quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Meanwhile, NR2F1-AS1 expression in ESCC cells was measured via qRT-PCR as well. Subsequently, specific interference sequences of NR2F1-AS1 were designed, synthesized, and transiently transfected into ESCC cells. 48 h later, qRT-PCR assay was performed to detect the interference efficiency. The effects of small interfering (si)-NR2F1-AS1 on the proliferation of ESCC cells were determined through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay. Wound healing and transwell assays were conducted to investigate the influences of si-NR2F1-AS1 on the migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Additionally, the changes in the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) molecular markers were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

QRT-PCR assay revealed that the expression level of NR2F1-AS1 was significantly up-regulated in 42 of 51 cases of ESCC tissues (42/51, 82.4%). Compared with esophageal mucosal epithelial HET-1A cells, NR2FA-AS1 was highly expressed in ESCC cells. CCK-8 and colony formation assay indicated that the proliferation of ESCC cells decreased remarkably after interference in NR2F1-AS1 expression. The results of wound healing and transwell assays showed that the migration and metastasis of cells were significantly lower in si-NR2F1-AS1 group than those in si-NC group. Western blotting demonstrated that the expressions of EMT molecular markers were changed after interfering with NR2F1-AS1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

NR2F1-AS1 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, high expression of NR2F1-AS1 promoted the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC cells by modulating EMT.

Anti-NSCLC activity in vitro of Hsp90N inhibitor KW-2478 and complex crystal structure determination of Hsp90N-KW-2478

KW-2478 is a promising anti-cancer lead compound targeting to the molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 ^N (Hsp90^N). Absence of complex crystal structure of Hsp90^N-KW-2478, however, hampered further structure optimization of KW-2478 and understanding on the molecular interaction mechanism. Herein, a high-resolution complex crystal structure of Hsp90^N-KW-2478 was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD, resolution limit: 1.59 Å; PDB ID: 6LT8) and their molecular interaction was analyzed in detail, which suggested that KW-2478 perfectly bound in the N-terminal ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90 to disable its molecular chaperone function, therefore suppressed or killed cancer cells. The results from thermal shift assay (TSA, ΔTm, 18.82 ± 0.51 °C) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC, K_d, 7.30 ± 2.20 nM) suggested that there is an intense binding force and favorable thermodynamic changes during the process of KW-2478 binding with Hsp90^N. Additionally, KW-2478 exhibited favorable anti-NSCLC activity in vitro, as it inhibited cell proliferation (IC₅₀, 8.16 μM for A549; 14.29 μM for H1975) and migration, induced cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis. Thirty-six novel KW-2478 derivatives were designed, based on the complex crystal structure and molecular interaction analysis of Hsp90^N-KW-2478 complex. Among them, twenty-two derivatives exhibited increased binding force with Hsp90^N evaluated by molecular docking assay. The results would provide new guidance for anti-NSCLC new drug development based on the lead compound KW-2478.

A crash risk identification method for freeway segments with horizontal curvature based on real-time vehicle kinetic response

With the development and maturation of vehicle-based data acquisition technology, in-vehicle data is increasingly being used to explore road safety. This paper reports on research that analyzed the real-time tire force data (kinetic response) obtained from vehicle kinetic experiments, and constructed a new approach for identifying the high-risk of crashes on freeway segments with horizontal curvature. First, the road was divided into 1km units. Then, taking into account the characteristics of freeway alignment, each segment with horizontal curve was selected as the object of subsequent analysis. Automotive instrumentation was used to obtain a measure of tire force in the course of normal driving. The entire data set was preprocessed according to rate of change and the density of the data was reduced. By defining the outliers of the kinetic data and conducting factor analysis, two representative crash risk indicators of longitudinal and lateral stability were obtained. Negative binomial regression model (NBR model) and random effects negative binomial regression model (RENBR model) were constructed and jointly applied based on the new indicators to predict the risk value of horizontal curve segments. The method showed good prediction performance (71.8 %) for high-risk road segments with design flaws, but the predicted effect for low-risk road segments was not ideal. This study not only illustrated the effectiveness of in-vehicle data in assessing road crash risk by coupling multiple kinetic parameters, but also provided support for freeway safety research using surrogate measures of risk when there is a lack of crash statistics.

QTL mapping for foxtail millet plant height in multi-environment using an ultra-high density bin map

Using a fixed RIL population derived from a widely used foxtail millet backbone breeding line and an elite cultivar, we constructed a high-density bin map and identified six novel multi-environment effect QTLs and seven candidate genes for dwarf phenotype. Plant height is an important trait that determines tradeoffs between competition and resource allocation, which is crucial for yield potential. To improve the C4 model plant foxtail millet (Setaria italica) productivity, it is necessary to isolate plant height-related genes that contribute to ideal plant architecture in breeding. In the present study, we generated a foxtail millet population of 333 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between a backbone line Ai 88 and an elite cultivar Liaogu 1. We evaluated plant height in 13 environmental conditions across 4 years, the mean plant height of the RIL population ranged from 89.5 to 149.9 cm. Using deep re-sequencing data, we constructed a high-density bin map with 3744 marker bins. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping identified 26 QTLs significantly associated with plant height. Of these, 13 QTLs were repeatedly detected under multiple environments, including six novel QTLs that have not been reported before. Seita.1G242300, a gene encodes gibberellin 2-oxidase-8, which was detected in nine environments in a 1.54-Mb interval of qPH1.3, was considered as an important candidate gene. Moreover, other six genes involved in GA biosynthesis or signaling pathways, and fifteen genes encode F-box domain proteins which might function as E3 ligases, were also considered as candidate genes in different QTLs. These QTLs and candidate genes identified in this study will help to elucidate the genetic basis of foxtail millet plant height, and the linked markers will be useful for marker-assistant selection of varieties with ideal plant architecture and high yield potential.

A single nucleotide distinguishes the SARS-CoV-2 in the Wuhan outbreak in December 2019 from that in Beijing-Xinfadi in June 2020, China

Two major locally transmitted outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 occurred in China, one in Wuhan from December 2019 to April 2020, another in Beijing-Xinfadi in June 2020. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 isolated from these two outbreaks can be distinguished by a conserved pyrimidine nucleotide located at nucleotide position 241 in the 5′-untranslated region of the virus genome.

Complex crystal structure determination and anti-non-small-cell lung cancer activity of the Hsp90N inhibitor Debio0932

Debio0932 is a promising lead compound in phase I clinical trials targeting the N-terminal ATP-binding pocket of the molecular chaperone heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90^N). The absence of a crystal structure of the Hsp90^N-Debio0932 complex, however, has impeded further structural optimization of Debio0932 and understanding of the molecular-interaction mechanism. Here, a high-resolution crystal structure of the Hsp90^N-Debio0932 complex was successfully determined (resolution limit 2.20 Å; PDB entry 6lr9) by X-ray diffraction and the molecular-interaction mechanism was analysed in detail, which suggested that Debio0932 suppresses cancer cells by accommodating itself in the ATP-binding pocket of Hsp90^N, disabling its molecular-chaperone capability. The results of a thermal shift assay (ΔT_m = 8.83 ± 0.90°C) and isothermal titration calorimetry (K_d = 15.50 ± 1.30 nM) indicated strong binding and favourable thermodynamic changes in the binding of Hsp90^N and Debio0932. Based on the crystal structure of the complex and on molecular-interaction analysis, 30 new Debio0932 derivatives were designed and nine new derivatives exhibited increased binding to Hsp90^N, as determined by molecular-docking evaluation. Additionally, Debio0932 suppressed cell proliferation (IC₅₀ values of 3.26 ± 2.82 µM for A549, 20.33 ± 5.39 µM for H1299 and 3.16 ± 1.04 µM for H1975), induced cell-cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in three non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. These results provide novel perspectives and guidance for the development of new anti-NSCLC drugs based on the lead compound Debio0932.

Immune landscape of periodontitis unveils alterations of infiltrating immunocytes and molecular networks-aggregating into an interactive web-tool for periodontitis related immune analysis and visualization

Background

Immunity reaction plays an essential role in periodontitis progress and we aim to investigate the underlying regulatory network of immune reactions in periodontitis.

Methods

CIBERSORT was used to estimate immunocyte fractions in different clinical statuses. Logistic regression was used to assess the immunocyte weight in periodontitis. Immune-related periodontitis subtypes were identified by the Nonnegative Matrix Factorization algorithm. Gene-set enrichment analysis and Gene-set variation analysis were conducted to analyze pathway activities. Immunocytes related gene modules were identified by Weighted gene co-expression network analysis.

Results

Altered immunocytes in healthy versus periodontitis, aggressive versus chronic, male versus female and age were identified. Immunocytes enriched in periodontitis were calculated, and their correlation was also explored. Two distinct immune-related periodontitis subtypes were identified and one is characterized by B cell reactions and the other is IL-6 cytokine reactions. 463 statistically significant correlations between 22 immunocytes and pathways were revealed. Immunocytes and clinical phenotypes matched their gene modules, and their functions were annotated. Last, an easy-to-use and user-friendly interactive web-tool were developed for periodontitis related immune analysis and visualization (https://118.24.100.193:3838/tool-PIA/).

Conclusions

This study systematically investigated periodontitis immune atlas and caught a glimpse of the underlying mechanism of periodontitis from gene-pathway-immunocyte networks, which can not only inspire researchers but also help them in periodontitis related immune researches.