The STING-IRF3 pathway is involved in lipotoxic injury of pancreatic β cells in type 2 diabetes

Lipotoxic injury of pancreatic β cells is an important pathological feature in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) can recognize its own DNA leaked into the cytoplasm from damaged mitochondria or nuclei of the host cell, thus activating its downstream factor interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), causing inflammation and apoptosis. The STING-IRF3 signaling pathway is closely related to glycolipid metabolism, but its relationship with the lipotoxicity of pancreatic β cells has rarely been reported. Here, we investigated the role of the STING-IRF3 signaling pathway in lipotoxicity-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and dysfunction of pancreatic β cells. We examined the activation of STING and IRF3 in islets of db/db mice and identified the role of the STING-IRF3 signaling pathway in palmitic acid (PA)-induced lipotoxic injury of INS-1, a rat insulinoma cell line. STING and phosphorylated IRF3 including downstream interferon-β were upregulated in islets of db/db mice and PA-induced INS-1 cells. Gene silencing of STING or IRF3 ameliorated PA-induced INS-1 cell inflammation and apoptosis, and reversed impaired insulin synthesis. Additionally, PA induced downregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signaling pathway, and impaired high glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was reversed after knockdown of STING or IRF3. Our results suggest that activation of the STING-IRF3 pathway triggers inflammation and apoptosis of pancreatic β cells, leading to β-cell damage and dysfunction. Hence, inhibition of this signaling pathway may represent a novel approach for β-cell protection in T2DM.

Selaginellin B induces apoptosis and autophagy in pancreatic cancer cells via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Selaginella tamariscina (ST), a well-known traditional medicinal plant, has been used to treat various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However, the underlying mechanism by which Selaginellin B, a natural pigment isolated and purified from ST, protects against pancreatic cells has yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the biological functions of Selaginellin B were investigated using apoptosis, migration and colony formation assays in ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cells. In addition, apoptosis-associated proteins were detected by Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that Selaginellin B induced apoptosis, as evidenced by the increased cleaved caspase-3 level and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Moreover, Selaginellin B led to a marked up-regulation of the ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I in ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cells, respectively. Furthermore, reverse pharmacophore screening, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) may be a potential target for Selaginellin B. In summary, the results of the present research have demonstrated that Selaginellin B is an effective anticancer agent against PANC-1 and ASPC-1 cells, and the compound holds great promise for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Automated Measurements of Key Morphological Features of Human Embryos for IVF

A major challenge in clinical In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is selecting the highest quality embryo to transfer to the patient in the hopes of achieving a pregnancy. Time-lapse microscopy provides clinicians with a wealth of information for selecting embryos. However, the resulting movies of embryos are currently analyzed manually, which is time consuming and subjective. Here, we automate feature extraction of time-lapse microscopy of human embryos with a machine-learning pipeline of five convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Our pipeline consists of (1) semantic segmentation of the regions of the embryo, (2) regression predictions of fragment severity, (3) classification of the developmental stage, and object instance segmentation of (4) cells and (5) pronuclei. Our approach greatly speeds up the measurement of quantitative, biologically relevant features that may aid in embryo selection.

Clinical and immunologic features among COVID-19-affected mother-infant pairs: antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 detected in breast milk

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains threatening to women and children, but clinical evidence regarding women during pregnancy, puerperium and lactation is limited. We assessed clinical and immunologic features of and breastfeeding advice provided to mother–infant pairs. This observational analysis was conducted in a tertiary-care centre in Wuhan, China. Pregnant patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who delivered during hospitalization were enrolled. Clinical characteristics and serial specimens of the mother–infant pairs were examined, supplemented with follow-ups regarding recovery and breastfeeding. Fourteen pregnant patients had live births and recovered well; four patients continued breastfeeding while taking precautions. No neonatal infections were observed. No infants developed COVID-19 during breastfeeding. Common maternal symptoms were fever (11/14, 78.1%) and cough (6/14, 42.9%). A pregnancy-specific symptom was abnormal foetal movement, which was noticed by three patients (21.4%). The mean virus shedding time was 9 days (standard deviation, 6 days; range, 1–22 days). The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome was not detected in breast milk or maternal vaginal secretions. Immunologic assay revealed seroconversion of IgM on day 8 after onset and IgG on day 28. Both IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in breast milk, cord blood and neonatal serum. The study results suggest that passive acquisition of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is available by ingesting breast milk. Breastfeeding has a low risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 or escalating maternal disease, so continuing breastfeeding with prudent precautions is encouraged.

Oncogenic AURKA-enhanced N6-methyladenosine modification increases DROSHA mRNA stability to transactivate STC1 in breast cancer stem-like cells

RNase III DROSHA is upregulated in multiple cancers and contributes to tumor progression by hitherto unclear mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that DROSHA interacts with β-Catenin to transactivate STC1 in an RNA cleavage-independent manner, contributing to breast cancer stem-like cell (BCSC) properties. DROSHA mRNA stability is enhanced by N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification which is activated by AURKA in BCSCs. AURKA stabilizes METTL14 by inhibiting its ubiquitylation and degradation to promote DROSHA mRNA methylation. Moreover, binding of AURKA to DROSHA transcript further strengthens the binding of the m⁶A reader IGF2BP2 to stabilize m⁶A-modified DROSHA. In addition, wild-type DROSHA, but not an m⁶A methylation-deficient mutant, enhances BCSC stemness maintenance, while inhibition of DROSHA m⁶A modification attenuates BCSC traits. Our study unveils the AURKA-induced oncogenic m⁶A modification as a key regulator of DROSHA in breast cancer and identifies a novel DROSHA transcriptional function in promoting the BCSC phenotype.

Sox2 Controls Periderm and Rugae Development to Inhibit Oral Adhesions

In humans, ankyloglossia and cleft palate are common congenital craniofacial anomalies, and these are regulated by a complex gene regulatory network. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of ankyloglossia and cleft palate will be an important step toward rational treatment of these complex anomalies. We inactivated the Sry (sex-determining region Y)-box 2 (Sox2) gene in the developing oral epithelium, including the periderm, a transient structure that prevents abnormal oral adhesions during development. This resulted in ankyloglossia and cleft palate with 100% penetrance in embryos examined after embryonic day 14.5. In Sox2 conditional knockout embryos, the oral epithelium failed to differentiate, as demonstrated by the lack of keratin 6, a marker of the periderm. Further examination revealed that the adhesion of the tongue and mandible expressed the epithelial markers E-Cad and P63. The expanded epithelia are Sox9-, Pitx2-, and Tbx1-positive cells, which are markers of the dental epithelium; thus, the dental epithelium contributes to the development of oral adhesions. Furthermore, we found that Sox2 is required for palatal shelf extension, as well as for the formation of palatal rugae, which are signaling centers that regulate palatogenesis. In conclusion, the deletion of Sox2 in oral epithelium disrupts palatal shelf extension, palatal rugae formation, tooth development, and periderm formation. The periderm is required to inhibit oral adhesions and ankyloglossia, which is regulated by Sox2. In addition, oral adhesions occur through an expanded dental epithelial layer that inhibits epithelial invagination and incisor development. This process may contribute to dental anomalies due to ankyloglossia.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among contacts of individuals with COVID-19 in Hangzhou, China

Objectives

This study determined the rate of secondary infection among contacts of individuals with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hangzhou according to the type of contacts, the intensity of contacts, and their relationship with the index patient.

Study design

This is a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

The analysis used the data of 2994 contacts of 144 individuals with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The contacts were categorized according to the information source, type of contact, location, intensity of contact, and relationship with the index patient.

Results

The incidence of infection differed significantly according to contact type. Of the contacts, 186 (6.2%) developed symptoms, and 71 (2.4%) had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The main symptoms were cough and fever. Compared with those who had brief contact with the index case, those who had dined with the index case had 2.6 times higher risk of acquiring infection; those who had shared transport with, had visited, or had contact with the index case in a medical institution had 3.6 times higher risk of acquiring infection; and household contacts had 41.7 times higher risk of acquiring infection. Family members had 31.6 times higher risk of acquiring infection than healthcare providers or other patients exposed to an index case.

Conclusions

The form and frequency of contact are the main factors affecting the risk of infection among contacts of individuals with COVID-19. Centralized isolation and observation of close contacts of individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, in addition to population-based control measures, can reduce the risk of secondary infections and curb the spread of the infection.

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The incidence of infection differed significantly according to contact type.

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Contact form and frequency are important to the risk of COVID-19.

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Centralized isolation and observation of contacts curbed the spread of the infection.

Using IL-2R/lymphocytes for predicting the clinical progression of patients with COVID-19

Effective laboratory markers for the estimation of disease severity and predicting the clinical progression of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is urgently needed. Laboratory tests, including blood routine, cytokine profiles and infection markers, were collected from 389 confirmed COVID-19 patients. The included patients were classified into mild (n = 168), severe (n = 169) and critical groups (n = 52). The leukocytes, neutrophils, infection biomarkers [such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and ferritin] and the concentrations of cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α] were significantly increased, while lymphocytes were significantly decreased with increased severity of illness. The amount of IL-2R was positively correlated with the other cytokines and negatively correlated with lymphocyte number. The ratio of IL-2R to lymphocytes was found to be remarkably increased in severe and critical patients. IL-2R/lymphocytes were superior compared with other markers for the identification of COVID-19 with critical illness, not only from mild but also from severe illness. Moreover, the cytokine profiles and IL-2R/lymphocytes were significantly decreased in recovered patients, but further increased in disease-deteriorated patients, which might be correlated with the outcome of COVID-19. Lymphopenia and increased levels of cytokines were closely associated with disease severity. The IL-2R/lymphocyte was a prominent biomarker for early identification of severe COVID-19 and predicting the clinical progression of the disease.

Engineering CRISPR interference system to enhance the production of pyrroloquinoline quinone in Klebsiella pneumonia

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a cofactor of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and thus participates in glucose utilization. In Klebsiella pneumoniae, glucose utilization involves PQQ-dependent direct oxidation pathway (DOP) and phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent transport system (PTS). It is challenging to overproduce PQQ, as its biosynthesis remains unclear. Here, we report that PQQ production can be enhanced by stimulating the metabolic demand for it. First, we developed CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) system to block PTS and thereby intensify DOP. In shake-flask cultivation, the strain with CRISPRi system (simultaneously inhibiting four PTS-related genes) produced 225·65 nmol l^-1 PQQ, which was 2·14 times that of wild type. In parallel, an exogenous soluble glucose dehydrogenase (sGDH) was overexpressed in K. pneumoniae. In the shake-flask cultivation, this sGDH-overexpressing strain accumulated 140·05 nmol l^-1 PQQ, which was 1·33 times that of wild type. To combine the above two strategies, we engineered a strain harbouring both CRISPRi vector and sGDH-overexpressing vector. In the shake-flask cultivation, this two-plasmid strain generated 287·01 nmol l^-1 PQQ, which was 2·72 times that of wild type. In bioreactor cultivation, this two-plasmid strain produced 2206·1 nmol l^-1 PQQ in 57 h, which was 7·69 times that in shake-flask cultivation. These results indicate that PQQ production can be enhanced by intensifying DOP, as the apo-enzyme GDH is intrinsically coupled with cofactor PQQ. This study provides a strategy for the production of cofactors whose biosynthesis mechanisms remain ambiguous. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is an economically important chemical, which typically serves as a cofactor of glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) and thus participates in glucose metabolism. Klebsiella pneumoniae can naturally synthesize PQQ, but current yield constrains its commercialization. In this study, the PQQ level was improved by stimulating metabolic demand for PQQ, instead of overexpressing PQQ synthetic genes, as the synthetic mechanism remains ambiguous.

[Genomic analysis of a 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) strain in the first COVID-19 patient found in Hangzhou]

Objective: To understand the viral genomic characteristics of a 2019-novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) strain in the first COVID-19 patient found in Hangzhou, China. Methods: Viral RNA was extracted in throat swab and sputum sample of the patient and was performed real-time reverse transcription PCR detection and obtained viral genome by high-throughput sequencing method. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using 29 2019-nCoV genomes and 30 β-coronavirus genomes deposited in NCBI GenBank. Fifteen genomes from Wuhan were grouped by mutation sites and others were identified by Wuhan's or specific mutation sites. Results: A 29 833 bp length genome of the first 2019-nCoV strain in Hangzhou was obtained, covering full length of the coding regions of coronavirus. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genome was closest to the genome of a bat SARS-like coronavirus strain RaTG13 with an identity of 96.11% (28 666/29 826). Among the genes between two genomes, E genes were highly conserved (99.56%), while S genes had lowest identity (92.87%). The genome sequence similarities among 29 strains from China (Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Shenzhen), Japan, USA, and Finland, were all more than 99.9%; however, some single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in some strains. Conclusion: The genome of Hangzhou 2019-nCoV strain was very close to the genomes of strains from other cities in China and overseas collected at early epidemic phase. The 2019-nCoV genome sequencing method used in this paper provides an useful tool for monitoring variation of viral genes.

[The impact of carbapenem-resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections on mortality of patients with hematological disorders]

Objective: To assess the risk factors for mortality and clinical outcome of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) infections in patients with hematological disorders. Methods: The data of in-patients with hematological disorders infected by CRPA or carbapenem-susceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CSPA) were recorded in a seven-year retrospective cohort study. Risk factors for CRPA infections and impact of on mortality were identified. The primary end point was 30-day all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 81 patients with PA infections were included in the study, including 58 CSPA and 23 CRPA. Most of the primary diseases were acute leukemia or lymphoma (79.0%, 64/81). The median absolute neutrophil count at infection onset was 0.24×10(9)/L. Independent risk factors associated with carbapenem-resistance included longer duration of hospital stay (P=0.013, OR=1.045) and carbapenem exposure one month prior to infections (P=0.005, OR=8.132). The 30-day all-cause mortality of the whole cohort was 29.6%(24/81), and 30-day attributable mortality was 13.6%(11/81). Pulmonary infection was the leading cause of death, accounting for 41.7%(10/24). The adjusted 30-day mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with CRPA compared with CSPA [60.9%(14/23) vs. 17.2%(10/58), P<0.001, respectively]. CRPA infection was an independent prognostic factor for 30-day mortality(P=0.011, OR=5.427). Other factors included old age, longer duration of neutropenia and poor functional performance. Conclusions: Patients with hematological disorders have high mortality rate and poor prognosis caused by CRPA infections, which mainly develop in lungs.

The status and characteristics of urinary stone composition in China

OBJECTIVES

To explore characteristics of urinary stone composition in China, and determine the effects of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), stone location, and geographical region on stone composition.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We prospectively used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to analyse stones from consecutive patients presenting with new-onset urolithiasis at 46 hospitals in seven geographical areas of China, between 1 June 2010 and 31 May 2015. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analyses were used to determine associations between stone composition and gender, age, BMI, stone location, and geographical region.

RESULTS

The most common stone constituents were: calcium oxalate (CaOx; 65.9%), carbapatite (15.6%), urate (12.4%), struvite (2.7%), and brushite (1.7%). CaOx and urate stones occurred more frequently in males, whereas carbapatite and struvite were more common in females (P < 0.01). CaOx and carbapatite were more common in those aged 30-50 and 20-40 years than in other groups. Brushite and struvite were most common amongst those aged <20 and >70 years. The detection rate of urate increased with age, whilst cystine decreased with age. Obese patients were more likely to have urate stones than carbapatite or brushite stones (P < 0.01). CaOx, carbapatite, brushite, and cystine stones were more frequently found in the kidney than other types, whereas urate and struvite were more frequent in the bladder (P < 0.01). Stone composition varied by geographical region.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common stone composition was CaOx, followed by carbapatite, urate, struvite, and brushite. Stone composition differed significantly in patients grouped by gender, age, BMI, stone location, and geographical region.

X-ray operators' self-perceived competence, barriers and facilitators in general radiography practice in Western Australia

INTRODUCTION

Australian X-ray operators (XROs) are health workers qualified with a limited radiography licence to perform basic radiography examinations in rural areas of Australia. However, no previous study explored Western Australian (WA) XROs' radiography practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate WA XROs' self-perceived competence in the general radiography practice, and barriers and facilitators to their competence for determination of appropriate strategies to improve quality and safety of the radiographic service provided by them.

METHODS

Institutional review board approval and informed consent from participants were obtained. Interviews were conducted with the WA XROs to obtain demographic information and identify their self-perceived competence in the general radiography practice, and the barriers and facilitators to their competence. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data.

RESULTS

A total of nine interviews were conducted (eight nurses and one paramedic). Participants indicated that they felt highly competent in patient care in radiography and adequately competent in the production of diagnostically acceptable images. The self-perceived barriers include overload of responsibilities, a lack of continuing professional development, and inadequacy of communication, support and XRO courses. The facilitators, post-qualification/course training, support in undertaking examinations, primary professional roles and a small population of the rural and remote areas were identified.

CONCLUSION

Based on interview data from nine WA XROs, the perception is that they have competence adequate for providing an acceptable quality radiographic service.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A continuous XRO course review, and provision of a video conference support channel, an online XRO networking forum and additional XROs and/or radiographers working with XROs undertaking the radiography examinations were perceived as the appropriate strategies to improve the WA XROs' radiography practice. However, these require financial and/or managerial support from governments.