Deformability of Heterogeneous Red Blood Cells in Aging and Related Pathologies

Aging is interrelated with changes in red blood cell parameters and functionality. In this article, we focus on red blood cells (RBCs) and provide a review of the known changes associated with the characterization of RBC deformability in aging and related pathologies. The biophysical parameters complement the commonly used biochemical parameters and may contribute to a better understanding of the aging process. The power of the deformability measurement approach is well established in clinical settings. Measuring RBCs' deformability has the advantage of relative simplicity, and it reflects the complex effects developing in erythrocytes during aging. However, aging and related pathological conditions also promote heterogeneity of RBC features and have a certain impact on the variance in erythrocyte cell properties. The possible applications of deformability as an early biophysical biomarker of pathological states are discussed, and modulating PIEZO1 as a therapeutic target is suggested. The changes in RBCs' shape can serve as a proxy for deformability evaluation, leveraging single-cell analysis with imaging flow cytometry and artificial intelligence algorithms. The characterization of biophysical parameters of RBCs is in progress in humans and will provide a better understanding of the complex dynamics of aging.

B and T cell responses to the 3rd and 4th dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in dialysis patients

Patients on dialysis (PoD) are at high risk of severe morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. Characterizing long-term vaccine immune responses in these patients will help optimize vaccine schedule for PoD. This study aimed to determine whether long-term humoral and B and T cell-responses post 3rd and 4th dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine differed between PoD and controls. Non-infected PoD and controls vaccinated with BNT162b2 were recruited in Ziv Medical Center, Israel, between 2021 and 2022. Specimens were collected 1-2 months pre 3rd dose; 1-3 months post 3rd dose; 4-5 months post 3rd dose and 3-5 months post the 4th dose. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike (spike) specific antibodies, spike specific memory B cells, and spike specific CD154+ T cells as well as cytokines producing CD4+/CD8+ T cells were measured using standardized assays and compared between PoD and controls at each time point using Mann Whitney and Fisher's exact tests. We recruited 22 PoD and 20 controls. Antibody levels in PoD were lower compared to controls pre 3rd dose but not post 3rd and 4th doses. Frequencies of spike specific memory B cell populations were similar between PoD and controls overall. Frequencies of spike specific T cells, including those producing IFNγ and TNFα, were not lower in PoD. B and T cell mediated immune response in PoD following a 3rd and a 4th dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine was not inferior to controls up to 5 months post vaccination. Our results suggest that standard BNT162b2 vaccination is suitable for this group.

Recent progress in mRNA cancer vaccines

The research and development of messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccines have gradually overcome numerous challenges through the application of personalized cancer antigens, structural optimization of mRNA, and the development of alternative RNA-based vectors and efficient targeted delivery vectors. Clinical trials are currently underway for various cancer vaccines that encode tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), or immunomodulators. In this paper, we summarize the optimization of mRNA and the emergence of RNA-based expression vectors in cancer vaccines. We begin by reviewing the advancement and utilization of state-of-the-art targeted lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), followed by presenting the primary classifications and clinical applications of mRNA cancer vaccines. Collectively, mRNA vaccines are emerging as a central focus in cancer immunotherapy, offering the potential to address multiple challenges in cancer treatment, either as standalone therapies or in combination with current cancer treatments.

Bidirectional crosstalk between the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and immunotherapy: A bibliometric study

Immunotherapy has recently attracted considerable attention. However, currently, a thorough analysis of the trends associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immunotherapy is lacking. In this study, we used bibliometric tools to provide a comprehensive overview of the progress in EMT-immunotherapy research. A total of 1,302 articles related to EMT and immunotherapy were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC). The analysis indicated that in terms of the volume of research, China was the most productive country (49.07%, 639), followed by the United States (16.89%, 220) and Italy (3.6%, 47). The United States was the most influential country according to the frequency of citations and citation burstiness. The results also suggested that Frontiers in Immunotherapy can be considered as the most influential journal with respect to the number of articles and impact factors. "Immune infiltration," "bioinformatics analysis," "traditional Chinese medicine," "gene signature," and "ferroptosis" were found to be emerging keywords in EMT-immunotherapy research. These findings point to potential new directions that can deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the combined effects of immunotherapy and EMT and help develop strategies for improving immunotherapy.

Clinical value of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in predicting sepsis-associated acute kidney injury

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a critical illness and is often associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is an important immune mediator and is involved in kidney injury. However, its diagnostic value in S-AKI patients remains unclear. Therefore, we assessed the early predictive value of suPAR for S-AKI patients.

METHODS

We prospectively enrolled adult patients, immediately after fulfilling the sepsis-3 criteria. Plasma suPAR levels at 0-, 12-, 24-, and 48-h post-sepsis diagnosis were measured. S-AKI development was the primary outcome. S-AKI risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression, and the value of plasma suPAR for early S-AKI diagnosis was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Of 179 sepsis patients, 63 (35.2%) developed AKI during hospitalization. At 12-, 24-, and 48-h post-sepsis diagnosis, plasma suPAR levels were significantly higher in patients with S-AKI than in patients without S-AKI (p < 0.05). The plasma suPAR had the highest area under the ROC curve of 0.700 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.621-0.779) at 24-h post-sepsis diagnosis, at which the best discrimination ability for S-AKI was achieved with suPAR of ≥6.31 ng/mL (sensitivity 61.9% and specificity 71.6%). Logistic regression analysis showed that suPAR at 24-h post-sepsis diagnosis remained an independent S-AKI risk factor after adjusting for mechanical ventilation, blood urea nitrogen, and pH.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that plasma suPAR may be a potential biomarker for early S-AKI diagnosis.

TAK-242 improves sepsis-associated acute kidney injury in rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to observe the effect of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway activity on sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI), thereby providing new considerations for the prevention and treatment of SA-AKI.

METHODS

The rats were divided into Sham, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), CLP + vehicle, and CLP + TAK-242 groups. Except the Sham group, a model of CLP-induced sepsis was established in other groups. After 24 h, the indicators related to kidney injury in blood samples were detected. The pathological changes in the kidneys were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, and tubular damage was scored. Oxidative stress-related factors, mitochondrial dysfunction-related indicators in each group were measured; the levels of inflammatory factors in serum and kidney tissue of rats were examined. Finally, the expression of proteins related to the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway was observed by western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the CLP + vehicle and CLP + TAK-242 groups, the CLP + TAK-242 group reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), cystatin-C (Cys-C), reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory factors levels (p < 0.01), as well as increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of CLP rats (p < 0.01). Additionally, TAK-242 treatment improved the condition of CLP rats that had glomerular and tubular injuries and mitochondrial disorders (p < 0.01). Further mechanism research revealed that TAK-242 can inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activated by CLP (p < 0.01). Above indicators after TAK-242 treatment were close to those of the Sham group.

CONCLUSION

TAK-242 can improve oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammatory response by inhibiting the activity of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby preventing rats from SA-AKI.

Nanoparticles transfected with plasmid-encoded lncRNA-OIP5-AS1 inhibit renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice via the miR-410-3p/Nrf2 axis

Nanostructures composed of liposomes and polydopamine (PDA) have demonstrated efficacy as carriers for delivering plasmids, effectively alleviating renal cell carcinoma. However, their role in acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the plasmid-encoded lncRNA-OIP5-AS1@PDA nanoparticles (POP-NPs) on renal ischemia/reperfusion (RI/R) injury and explore the underlying mechanisms. RI/R or OGD/R models were established in mice and HK-2 cells, respectively. In vivo, vector or POP-NPs were administered (10 nmol, IV) 48 h after RI/R treatment. In the RI/R mouse model, the OIP5-AS1 and Nrf2/HO-1 expressions were down-regulated, while miR-410-3p expression was upregulated. POP-NPs treatment effectively reversed RI/R-induced renal tissue injury, restoring altered levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, malondialdehyde, inflammatory factors (IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α), ROS, apoptosis, miR-410-3p, as well as the suppressed expression of SOD and Nrf2/HO-1 in the model mice. Similar results were obtained in cell models treated with POP-NPs. Additionally, miR-410-3p mimics could reverse the effects of POP-NPs on cellular models, partially counteracted by Nrf2 agonists. The binding relationship between OIP5-AS1 and miR-410-3p, alongside miR-410-3p and Nrf2, has been substantiated by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. The study revealed that POP-NPs can attenuate RI/R-induced injury through miR-410-3p/Nrf2 axis. These findings lay the groundwork for future targeted therapeutic approaches utilizing nanoparticles for RI/R-induced AKI.

From molecular mechanisms of prostate cancer to translational applications: based on multi-omics fusion analysis and intelligent medicine

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men worldwide and has a high mortality rate. The complex and heterogeneous development of prostate cancer has become a core obstacle in the treatment of prostate cancer. Simultaneously, the issues of overtreatment in early-stage diagnosis, oligometastasis and dormant tumor recognition, as well as personalized drug utilization, are also specific concerns that require attention in the clinical management of prostate cancer. Some typical genetic mutations have been proved to be associated with prostate cancer's initiation and progression. However, single-omic studies usually are not able to explain the causal relationship between molecular alterations and clinical phenotypes. Exploration from a systems genetics perspective is also lacking in this field, that is, the impact of gene network, the environmental factors, and even lifestyle behaviors on disease progression. At the meantime, current trend emphasizes the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques to process extensive multidimensional data, including multi-omics. These technologies unveil the potential patterns, correlations, and insights related to diseases, thereby aiding the interpretable clinical decision making and applications, namely intelligent medicine. Therefore, there is a pressing need to integrate multidimensional data for identification of molecular subtypes, prediction of cancer progression and aggressiveness, along with perosonalized treatment performing. In this review, we systematically elaborated the landscape from molecular mechanism discovery of prostate cancer to clinical translational applications. We discussed the molecular profiles and clinical manifestations of prostate cancer heterogeneity, the identification of different states of prostate cancer, as well as corresponding precision medicine practices. Taking multi-omics fusion, systems genetics, and intelligence medicine as the main perspectives, the current research results and knowledge-driven research path of prostate cancer were summarized.

Exploring therapeutic mechanisms of Chuan Huang Fang-II in the treatment of acute kidney injury on chronic kidney disease patients from the perspective of lipidomics

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of CHF-II in combination with RG for treating AKI on CKD (A on C), and to explore potential therapeutic mechanisms through lipidomics analysis.

METHODS

98 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the RG or RG + CHF groups. Both groups received RG therapy, with RG + CHF group additionally receiving CHF-II treatment over a duration of two weeks. Evaluation endpoints included changes in renal function, blood lipid profiles, urinary AKI biomarkers, and TCM symptoms before and after treatment. Serum samples were collected for lipid metabolite analysis.

RESULTS

The total clinical effective rate in RG + CHF group was 73.5%, and that of RG group was 40.8%. TCM syndrome scores in RG + CHF group showed a more pronounced decrease (p < 0.05). Scr, BUN, and UA levels decreased while eGFR levels increased in both groups (p < 0.05), with a greater magnitude of change observed in the RG + CHF group. Urinary AKI biomarkers decreased more in RG + CHF group (p < 0.05). No serious adverse events occurred during the trial. 58 different lipid metabolites and 48 lipid biomarkers were identified. According to the KEGG database, the possible metabolic pathways involved triglyceride metabolic pathway and fat digestion and absorption metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSION

CHF-II effectively alleviated kidney injury and improved TCM syndrome scores in patients with A on C. Lipid differential metabolites could serve as diagnostic indicators for AKI in patients with CKD. The possible metabolic pathways might be implicated in therapeutic action of CHF-II in the prevention and treatment of patients with A on C.

The identification of metabolites from gut microbiota in coronary heart disease via network pharmacology

Although the gut microbial metabolites exhibit potential effects on coronary heart disease (CHD), the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the active gut microbial metabolites acting on CHD and their potential mechanisms of action were explored through a network pharmacological approach. We collected a total of 208 metabolites from the gutMgene database and 726 overlapping targets from the similarity ensemble approach (SEA) and SwissTargetPrediction (STP) database, and ultimately identified 610 targets relevant to CHD. In conjunction with the gutMGene database, we identified 12 key targets. The targets of exogenous substances were removed, and 10 core targets involved in CHD were eventually retained. The microbiota-metabolites-targets-signalling pathways network analysis revealed that C-type lectin receptor signalling pathway, Lachnospiraceae, Escherichia, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, prostaglandin-endoperoxidase synthase 2, phenylacetylglutamine and alcoholic acid are notable components of CHD and play important roles in the development of CHD. The results of molecular docking experiments demonstrated that AKT1-glycocholic acid and PTGS2-phenylacetylglutamine complexes may act on C-type lectin receptor signalling pathways. In this study, the key substances and potential mechanisms of gut microbial metabolites were analysed via network pharmacological methods, and a scientific basis and comprehensive idea were provided for the effects of gut microbial metabolites on CHD.

Development of mRNA nano-vaccines for COVID-19 prevention and its biochemical interactions with various disease conditions and age groups

This review has focused on the development of mRNA nano-vaccine and the biochemical interactions of anti-COVID-19 mRNA vaccines with various disease conditions and age groups. It studied five major groups of individuals with different disease conditions and ages, including allergic background, infarction background, adolescent, and adult (youngsters), pregnant women, and elderly. All five groups had been reported to have background-related adverse effects. Allergic background individuals were observed to have higher chances of experiencing allergic reactions and even anaphylaxis. Individuals with an infarction background had a higher risk of vaccine-induced diseases, e.g. pneumonitis and interstitial lung diseases. Pregnant women were seen to suffer from obstetric and gynecological adverse effects after receiving vaccinations. However, interestingly, the elderly individuals (> 65 years old) had experienced milder and less frequent adverse effects compared to the adolescent (<19 and >9 years old) and young adulthood (19-39 years old), or middle adulthood (40-59 years old) age groups, while middle to late adolescent (14-17 years old) was the riskiest age group to vaccine-induced cardiovascular manifestations.

Essential roles of Rad6 in conidial property, stress tolerance, and pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana

Rad6 functions as a ubiquitin-conjugating protein that regulates cellular processes in many fungal species. However, its role in filamentous entomopathogenic fungi remains poorly understood. This study characterizes Rad6 in Beauveria bassiana, a filamentous fungus widely employed as a critical fungicide globally. The results demonstrate a significant association between Rad6 and conidial properties, heat shock response, and UV-B tolerance. Concurrently, the mutant strain exhibited heightened sensitivity to oxidative stress, cell wall interfering agents, DNA damage stress, and prolonged heat shock. Furthermore, the absence of Rad6 significantly extended the median lethal time (LT50) of Galleria mellonella infected by B. bassiana. This delay could be attributed to reduced Pr1 proteases and extracellular cuticle-degrading enzymes, diminished dimorphic transition rates, and dysregulated antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, the absence of Rad6 had a more pronounced effect on genetic information processing, metabolism, and cellular processes under normal conditions. However, its impact was limited to metabolism in oxidative stress. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the pivotal roles of Rad6 in conidial and hyphal stress tolerance, environmental adaptation, and the pathogenesis of Beauveria bassiana.

The impacts of dipeptidyl- peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on common female malignancies: A systematic review

The inhibition of dipeptidyl- peptidase 4 (DPP-4) is an essential therapy for controlling hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, the role of DPP-4 in cancer is not yet clear, with some studies suggesting that it may either promote or suppress tumors. This makes it crucial to have personalized treatment for diabetic women with cancer to effectively manage their diabetes whilst and preventing cancer mortality. To address this issue, we conducted an integrative in-silico analysis and systematic review of the literature to comprehensively examine the relationship between DPP-4 expression and the effects of its inhibitors on prevalent female malignancies. We specifically chose studies that examined the effects of DPP-4 expression and DPP-4 inhibition (DPP-4i) on prevalent cancers in women, such as breast cancer (BC), ovarian cancer (OV), cervical cancer (CC), and endometrial cancer (EC). These studies comprised those conducted both in vivo and in vitro. The review of the literature indicated that DPP-4i may worsen aggressive traits such as metastasis, Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and chemotherapy resistance in BC cells. However, cohort studies on diabetic and BC patients did not confirm these findings. In vitro studies indicate that on OV, DPP-4 upregulation has been shown to prevent metastasis, while CCappears to be influenced by DPP-4 expression in terms of cell migration. sitagliptin, a pharmaceutical inhibitor of DPP-4, had a significant impact on reducing adhesion in CC cells in vitro. Overexpression of DPP-4 increased cell migration and proliferation in CC and EC cells, and hence the application of sitagliptin is expected to prevent this effect. On the other hand, the result of in-silico data confirmed that a significant correlation exists between DPP-4 expression and immune cell infiltration in breast, ovarian, cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) as well as downregulated in these cancers compared to their normal tissue samples. Furthermore, a significant (p < 0.05) effect on OS of BC and CESC patients has been reported due to the elevation of DPP-4 methylation on a specific CPG Island. These findings could aid in creating specialized treatments for diabetic women with specific malignancies, but caution should be exercised when considering the patient's medical history and cancer type.

A multiplex SNaPshot assay for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphism associated with clinical severity of enterovirus infections

Non-polio enterovirus infections are known to cause a variety of diseases and neurological complications. It is also known that the severity of these diseases largely differs among individuals with different genotypes and alleles. The Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within specific genes have a considerable effect on the immune response to enteroviruses and on the outcome of disease, leading to variations in complications and infection susceptibility. Knowing the distribution of such SNPs can be valuable for individual case management and studying epidemiological parameters of enterovirus infections. In this feasibility study, a multiplex version of the primer extension-based technique called the SNaPshot Assay has been developed to examine SNPs in various relevant genes for predicting the clinical severity of enterovirus infections. It is already established that this technique is precise, consistent, scalable, and likely to exhibit high throughput. The multiplex SNaPshot can investigate multiple genetic susceptibility markers simultaneously, and the assay can be used to identify vulnerable populations, understand the epidemiology of infections, and manage the outbreaks of enteroviruses. Based on the literature, 15 SNPs were identified which are suspected for higher susceptibility to the worst outcomes after enterovirus infection and the assay was developed. Blood samples of 100 healthy volunteers were collected and tested for assay feasibility as well as to know the proportions of 15 selected SNPs. After the analysis, seven SNPs have been identified and suggested to be considered for future assays. Based on the pilot test results, it appears that positivity for any three out of the identified seven SNPs might indicate a higher risk, and future studies correlated with clinical studies among patients with and without severe diseases utilizing this assay will provide robust parameters to determine at-risk individuals more accurately.

Study on breast cancerization and isolated diagnosis in situ by HOF-ATR-MIR spectroscopy with deep learning

Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy can characterize the content and structural changes of macromolecular components in different breast tissues, which can be used for feature extraction and model training by machine learning to achieve accurate classification and recognition of different breast tissues. In parallel, the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) stands out in the field of deep learning for its ability to efficiently process sequential data, such as spectroscopic signals. In this study, MIR spectra of breast tissue were collected in situ by coupling the self-developed MIR hollow optical fiber attenuated total reflection (HOF-ATR) probe with a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrometer. Staging analysis was conducted on the changes in macromolecular content and structure in breast cancer tissues. For the first time, a trinary classification model was established based on 1D-CNN for recognizing normal, paracancerous and cancerous tissues. The final predication results reveal that the 1D-CNN model based on baseline correction (BC) and data augmentation yields more precise classification results, with a total accuracy of 95.09%, exhibiting superior discrimination ability than machine learning models of SVM-DA (90.00%), SVR (88.89%), PCA-FDA (67.78%) and PCA-KNN (70.00%). The experimental results suggest that the application of 1D-CNN enables accurate classification and recognition of different breast tissues, which can be considered as a precise, efficient and intelligent novel method for breast cancer diagnosis.

Red cell distribution width-to-albumin ratio is a simple promising prognostic marker in acute cholangitis requiring biliary drainage

BACKGROUND

It is crucial to assess the severity of acute cholangitis (AC). There are currently several prognostic markers. However, the accuracies of these markers are not satisfied. The present study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the red cell distribution width (RDW)-to-albumin ratio (RAR) for the prognosis of AC.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients diagnosed with AC between May 2019 and March 2022. RAR was calculated, and its predictive ability for in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization were analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of 438 patients, 34 (7.8%) died. Multivariate analysis showed that malignant etiology [odds ratio (OR) = 4.816, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.936-11.980], creatinine (OR = 1.649, 95% CI: 1.095-2.484), and RAR (OR = 2.064, 95% CI: 1.494-2.851) were independent risk factors for mortality. When adjusted for relevant covariates, including age, sex, malignant etiology, Tokyo severity grading (TSG), Charlson comorbidity index, and creatinine, RAR significantly predicted mortality (adjusted OR = 1.833, 95% CI: 1.280-2.624). When the cut-off of RAR was set to 3.8, its sensitivity and specificity for mortality were 94.1% and 56.7%, respectively. Patients with an RAR of > 3.8 had a 20.9-fold (OR = 20.9, 95% CI: 4.9-88.6) greater risk of mortality than the remaining patients. The area under the curve value of RAR for mortality was 0.835 (95% CI: 0.770-0.901), which was significantly higher than that of TSG and the other prognostic markers, such as C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, and procalcitonin-to-albumin ratio. Lastly, RAR was not inferior to TSG in predicting ICU admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS

RAR successfully predicted the in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, bacteremia, and the length of hospitalization of patients with AC, especially in-hospital mortality. RAR is a promising marker that is more convenient than TSG and other prognostic markers for predicting the prognosis of patients with AC.

Precision detection of select human lung cancer biomarkers and cell lines using honeybee olfactory neural circuitry as a novel gas sensor

Human breath contains biomarkers (odorants) that can be targeted for early disease detection. It is well known that honeybees have a keen sense of smell and can detect a wide variety of odors at low concentrations. Here, we employ honeybee olfactory neuronal circuitry to classify human lung cancer volatile biomarkers at different concentrations and their mixtures at concentration ranges relevant to biomarkers in human breath from parts-per-billion to parts-per-trillion. We also validated this brain-based sensing technology by detecting human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell lines using the 'smell' of the cell cultures. Different lung cancer biomarkers evoked distinct spiking response dynamics in the honeybee antennal lobe neurons indicating that those neurons encoded biomarker-specific information. By investigating lung cancer biomarker-evoked population neuronal responses from the honeybee antennal lobe, we classified individual human lung cancer biomarkers successfully (88% success rate). When we mixed six lung cancer biomarkers at different concentrations to create 'synthetic lung cancer' vs. 'synthetic healthy' human breath, honeybee population neuronal responses were able to classify those complex breath mixtures reliably with exceedingly high accuracy (93-100% success rate with a leave-one-trial-out classification method). Finally, we employed this sensor to detect human NSCLC and SCLC cell lines and we demonstrated that honeybee brain olfactory neurons could distinguish between lung cancer vs. healthy cell lines and could differentiate between different NSCLC and SCLC cell lines successfully (82% classification success rate). These results indicate that the honeybee olfactory system can be used as a sensitive biological gas sensor to detect human lung cancer.

Integration of a Cas12a-mediated DNAzyme actuator with efficient RNA extraction for ultrasensitive colorimetric detection of viral RNA

Developing highly sensitive and specific on-site tests is imperative to strengthen preparedness against future emerging infectious diseases. Here, we describe the construction of a Cas12a-mediated DNAzyme actuator capable of converting the recognition of a specific DNA sequence into an amplified colorimetric signal. To address viral RNA extraction challenges for on-site applications, we developed a rapid and efficient method capable of lysing the viral particles, preserving the released viral RNA, and concentrating the viral RNA. Integration of the DNAzyme actuator with the viral RNA extraction method and loop-mediated isothermal amplification enables a streamlined colorimetric assay for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of respiratory RNA viruses in gargle and saliva. This assay can detect as few as 83 viral particles/100 μL in gargle and 166 viral particles/100 μL in saliva. The entire assay, from sample processing to visual detection, was completed within 1 h at a single controlled temperature. We validated the assay by detecting SARS-CoV-2 in 207 gargle and saliva samples, achieving a clinical sensitivity of 96.3 % and specificity of 100%. The assay is adaptable for detecting specific nucleic acid sequences in other pathogens and is suitable for resource-limited settings.

Advances and opportunities in process analytical technologies for viral vector manufacturing

Viral vectors are an emerging, exciting class of biologics whose application in vaccines, oncology, and gene therapy has grown exponentially in recent years. Following first regulatory approval, this class of therapeutics has been vigorously pursued to treat monogenic disorders including orphan diseases, entering hundreds of new products into pipelines. Viral vector manufacturing supporting clinical efforts has spurred the introduction of a broad swath of analytical techniques dedicated to assessing the diverse and evolving panel of Critical Quality Attributes (CQAs) of these products. Herein, we provide an overview of the current state of analytics enabling measurement of CQAs such as capsid and vector identities, product titer, transduction efficiency, impurity clearance etc. We highlight orthogonal methods and discuss the advantages and limitations of these techniques while evaluating their adaptation as process analytical technologies. Finally, we identify gaps and propose opportunities in enabling existing technologies for real-time monitoring from hardware, software, and data analysis viewpoints for technology development within viral vector biomanufacturing.

Association between red blood cell distribution width and the all-cause mortality of patients with aortic stenosis: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

It is essential to assess the risk stratification of patients with aortic stenosis (AS).

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the predictive value of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in AS patients using a large cohort from the MIMIC-IV database.

METHODS

Restricted cubic spline, the Kaplan-Meier method, and logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to explore the association between RDW and all-cause mortality in AS patients. Multivariate adjustments, propensity score matching and weighting, and subgroup analysis were conducted to exclude confounding factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were drawn to evaluate the predictive performance of RDW.

RESULTS

1,148 patients with AS were included. Their death risks gradually increased with the elevation of RDW. Multivariate-adjusted 90-day (OR: 2.12; HR: 1.90; p = 0.001) and 1-year (OR: 2.07; HR: 1.97; p < 0.001) all-cause mortalities were significantly higher in patients with RDW≥14.7 %, which remained robust after propensity score matching and subgroup analysis. For AS patients with high RDW, those < 75 years old had higher death risks than those ≥ 75 years old. The area under the ROC curve of RDW were 0.741 and 0.75 at 90-day and 1-year follow-ups, respectively, exhibiting comparable performance to acute physiology score III and outperforming other critical illness scores in predicting the prognosis of AS patients. DCA curves also illustrated that RDW had a wide range of net benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

High RDW was independently associated with increased 90-day and 1-year all-cause mortalities of AS patients, with strong predictive capability of prognosis.

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide on cytokines in adolescents with subthreshold depression: a randomized controlled study

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202409000-00036/figure1/v/2024-01-16T170235Z/r/image-tiff Strong evidence has accumulated to show a correlation between depression symptoms and inflammatory responses. Moreover, anti-inflammatory treatment has shown partial effectiveness in alleviating depression symptoms. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), derived from Goji berries, exhibits notable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In our recent double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial, we found that LBP significantly reduced depressive symptoms in adolescents with subthreshold depression. It is presumed that the antidepressant effect of LBP may be associated with its influence on inflammatory cytokines. In the double-blinded randomized controlled trial, we enrolled 29 adolescents with subthreshold depression and randomly divided them into an LBP group and a placebo group. In the LBP group, adolescents were given 300 mg/d LBP. A 6-week follow up was completed by 24 adolescents, comprising 14 adolescents from the LBP group (15.36 ± 2.06 years, 3 men and 11 women) and 10 adolescents from the placebo group (14.9 ± 1.6 years, 2 men and 8 women). Our results showed that after 6 weeks of treatment, the interleukin-17A level in the LBP group was lower than that in the placebo group. Network analysis showed that LBP reduced the correlations and connectivity between inflammatory factors, which were associated with the improvement in depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that 6-week administration of LBP suppresses the immune response by reducing interleukin-17A level, thereby exerting an antidepressant effect.

Arsenic-Induced Thyroid Hormonal Alterations and Their Putative Influence on Ovarian Follicles in Balb/c Mice

Thyroid issues are common among women in their reproductive years, and women with thyroid dysfunction often encounter challenges with fertility. Arsenic is known for its toxic effects on the thyroid and ovaries, investigated independently. However, there is no known study directly or indirectly addressing the association between arsenic, thyroid function, and ovarian reserve. This study aims to investigate the effect of arsenic on thyroid function and its possible implications on ovarian follicular reserve. Female Balb/c mice were given sodium arsenite (0.2 ppm, 2 ppm, and 20 ppm) via drinking water for 30 days. Findings showed that arsenic decreased thyroid hormone levels (fT3 and fT4) while increasing TSH levels, which might have led to elevated levels of FSH and LH. Furthermore, arsenic treatment not only decreased thyroid follicle sizes but also altered the ovarian follicular count. The finding demonstrates that arsenic significantly reduced the expression of LAMP1, a lysosomal marker protein. This reduction leads to increased lysosomal permeability in the thyroid, resulting in a significant release of cathepsin B. These changes led to hypothyroidism, which might indirectly affect the ovaries. Also, the elevated levels of growth differentiation factor-8 in arsenic-treated ovaries indicate impaired folliculogenesis and ovulation. Furthermore, arsenic significantly increased the expressions of pAkt and pFoxo3a, implying that arsenic accelerated the activation of the primordial follicular pools. In conclusion, arsenic disrupts lysosomal stabilization, potentially leading to a decline in circulating fT3 and fT4 levels. This disturbance could, in turn, affect the estrous cycle and may alter the pattern of follicular development.

LncRNAs are involved in regulating ageing and age-related disease through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signalling pathway

A long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is longer than 200 bp. It regulates various biological processes mainly by interacting with DNA, RNA, or protein in multiple kinds of biological processes. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is activated during nutrient starvation, especially glucose starvation and oxygen deficiency (hypoxia), and exposure to toxins that inhibit mitochondrial respiratory chain complex function. AMPK is an energy switch in organisms that controls cell growth and multiple cellular processes, including lipid and glucose metabolism, thereby maintaining intracellular energy homeostasis by activating catabolism and inhibiting anabolism. The AMPK signalling pathway consists of AMPK and its upstream and downstream targets. AMPK upstream targets include proteins such as the transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), liver kinase B1 (LKB1), and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase β (CaMKKβ), and its downstream targets include proteins such as the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α), and silencing information regulatory 1 (SIRT1). In general, proteins function relatively independently and cooperate. In this article, a review of the currently known lncRNAs involved in the AMPK signalling pathway is presented and insights into the regulatory mechanisms involved in human ageing and age-related diseases are provided.

Co-delivery of Plinabulin and Tirapazamine boosts anti-tumor efficacy by simultaneously destroying tumor blood vessels and killing tumor cells

It is imperative to optimize chemotherapy for heightened anti-tumor therapeutic efficacy. Unrestrained tumor cell proliferation and sustained angiogenesis are pivotal for cancer progression. Plinabulin, a vascular disrupting agent, selectively destroys tumor blood vessels. Tirapazamine (TPZ), a hypoxia-activated prodrug, intensifies cytotoxicity in diminishing oxygen levels within tumor cells. Despite completing Phase III clinical trials, both agents exhibited modest treatment efficiency due to dose-limiting toxicity. In this study, we employed methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactide) (mPEG-b-PDLLA) to co-deliver Plinabulin and TPZ to the tumor site, concurrently disrupting blood vessels and eliminating tumor cells, addressing both symptoms and the root cause of tumor progression. Plinabulin was converted into a prodrug with esterase response (PSM), and TPZ was synthesized into a hexyl chain-containing derivative (TPZHex) for effective co-delivery. PSM and TPZHex were co-encapsulated with mPEG-b-PDLLA, forming nanodrugs (PT-NPs). At the tumor site, PT-NPs responded to esterase overexpression, releasing Plinabulin, disrupting blood vessels, and causing nutritional and oxygen deficiency. TPZHex was activated in response to increased hypoxia, killing tumor cells. In treating 4T1 tumors, PT-NPs demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy, achieving a 92.9 % tumor suppression rate and a 20 % cure rate. This research presented an innovative strategy to enhance synergistic efficacy and reduce toxicity in combination chemotherapy.

Decoding the role of aldosterone in glycation-induced diabetic complications

Diabetes-mediated development of micro and macro-vascular complications is a global concern. One of the factors is hyperglycemia induced the non-enzymatic formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Accumulated AGEs bind with receptor of AGEs (RAGE) causing inflammation, oxidative stress and extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) modifications responsible for fibrosis, cell damage and tissue remodeling. Moreover, during hyperglycemia, aldosterone (Aldo) secretion increases, and its interaction with mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) through genomic and non-genomic pathways leads to inflammation and fibrosis. Extensive research on individual involvement of AGEs-RAGE and Aldo-MR pathways in the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and impaired immune system has led to the discovery of therapeutic drugs. Despite mutual repercussions, the cross-talk between AGEs-RAGE and Aldo-MR pathways remains unresolved. Hence, this review focuses on the possible interaction of Aldo and glycation in DN and CVDs, considering the clinical significance of mutual molecular targets.

Epigenetic biomarkers in aging and longevity: Current and future application

The aging process has been one of the most necessary research fields in the current century, and knowing different theories of aging and the role of different genetic, epigenetic, molecular, and environmental modulating factors in increasing the knowledge of aging mechanisms and developing appropriate diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive ways would be helpful. One of the most conserved signs of aging is epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, noncoding RNAs, and extracellular RNAs. Numerous biological processes and hallmarks are vital in aging development, but epigenomic alterations are especially notable because of their importance in gene regulation and cellular identity. The mounting evidence points to a possible interaction between age-related epigenomic alterations and other aging hallmarks, like genome instability. To extend a healthy lifespan and possibly reverse some facets of aging and aging-related diseases, it will be crucial to comprehend global and locus-specific epigenomic modifications and recognize corresponding regulators of health and longevity. In the current study, we will aim to discuss the role of epigenomic mechanisms in aging and the most recent developments in epigenetic diagnostic biomarkers, which have the potential to focus efforts on reversing the destructive signs of aging and extending the lifespan.

A homogeneous electrochemiluminescence immunoassay platform based on carbon quantum dots and magnetic beads enrichment for detection of thyroglobulin in serum

Considering the high probability of recurrence or metastasis after thyroidectomy, it is meaningful to develop a rapid, sensitive and specific method for monitoring thyrophyma-related biomarkers. In this study, a homogeneous electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (HO-ECLIA) coupled with magnetic beads (MBs)-based enrichment tactic was established for the determination of thyrophyma-related thyroglobulin (Tg). Importantly, owing to the abundant surface groups and good biocompatibility of carbon quantum dots (CQDs), the incorporation of CQDs onto the Tg antigen surface was achieved, resulting in the formation of Tg-encapsulated CQDs (CQDs-Tg), which served not only as an ECL probe but as a biorecognition element. Under optimal experimental conditions, the proposed platform demonstrated a wide linear range from 0.01 to 100 ng·mL-1 with a detection limit of 6.9 pg·mL-1 (S/N = 3), and performed well in real serum sample analysis against interference. Collectively, the proposed platform exhibited the rapid response, satisfactory sensitivity and specificity toward Tg in complex serum milieu, and held a considerable potential for clinical prognosis monitoring of thyrophyma.

Aptamer-based sensors for fluid biopsies of protein disease markers

Fluid biopsy technology, characterized by its minimally invasive nature, speed, and continuity, has become a rapidly advancing and widely applied real-time diagnostic technique. Among various biomarkers, proteins represent the most abundant class of disease indicators. The sensitive and accurate detection of protein markers in bodily fluids is significantly influenced by the control exerted by recognition ligands. Aptamers, which are structurally dynamic functional oligonucleotides, exhibit high affinity, specific recognition of targets, and notable characteristics of high editability and modularity. These features make aptamer universal "recognition-capture" components, contribute to a significant leap in their applications within the biosensor domain. In this context, we provide a comprehensive review of the extensive application of aptamer-based biosensors in fluid biopsy. We systematically compile the characteristics and construction strategies of aptamer-based biosensors tailored for fluid biopsy, including aptamer sequences, affinity (KD), fluid background, sensing technologies, sensor construction strategies, incubation time, detection performance, and influencing factors. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of their advantages and disadvantages was conducted. In conclusion, we delineate and deliberate on prospective research trajectories and challenges that lie ahead in the realm of aptamer-based biosensors for fluid biopsy.

Rapid fluorescent nucleic acid sensing with ultra-thin gold nanosheets

Fluorescently labeled DNA oligonucleotides and gold nanospheres have been frequently utilized in biosensors, providing efficient nucleic acid detection. Nevertheless, the restricted loading capacity of gold nanospheres undermines overall sensitivity. In this study, we employed four-atom-thick ultrathin gold nanosheets (AuNSs), utilizing a "pre-mix model" for rapid target nucleic acid detection. In this approach, fluorescently labeled DNA probes were pre-incubated with the target nucleic acid, followed by the addition of AuNSs for probe adsorption and fluorescence quenching. With the developed method, we efficiently and rapidly detected the SARS-CoV-2 N gene sequence within 30 min, involving a brief 15-min target pre-incubation and a subsequent 15-min adsorption of free probes and fluorescence quenching by AuNSs. This method exhibited heightened sensitivity compared to gold nanospheres, boasting a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.808 nM. Furthermore, exceptional recovery was achieved in simulated biological samples. The study introduces an effective strategy for nucleic acid sensing characterized by rapidity, heightened sensitivity, ease of operation, and robustness. These findings encourage further development of rapid biomarker sensing methods employing 2D nanomaterials.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization matrix incorporation evaluation algorithm for improved peak coverage and signal-to-noise ratio in mass spectrometry imaging

RATIONALE

Despite decades of implementation, the selection of optimal sample preparation conditions for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) imaging is still ambiguous due to the lack of a universal and comprehensive evaluation methodology. Thus, numerous experiments with different matrix application conditions accompany a translation of the method to novel sample types and matrices.

METHODS

Mouse brain tissues were covered with 9-aminoacridine through sublimation, followed by recrystallization in vapors of 5% (v/v) methanol solution in water. The samples were analyzed by MALDI time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and the efficiency of lipid and small-molecule ionization was evaluated with different metrics.

RESULTS

We first investigate the dependency of matrix density and recrystallization conditions on the thickness of an analyte-empty matrix layer to roughly evaluate the laser shot number required to obtain an intense signal with minimal noise. Then, we introduce metrics for the analysis of small imaging datasets (small sample regions) of model samples based on median quantity of peaks in spectra (medQP) and weighted median signal-to-noise ratio (wmSNR). The evaluation of small regions and taking median values for metrics help overcome the sample heterogeneity and allow for the simultaneous comparison of different acquisition parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we propose a methodology based on gradual laser ablation of small regions of sample and further implementation of weighted signal-to-noise ratio to assess various matrix application conditions. The proposed approach helps reduce the number of test samples required to determine optimal sample preparation conditions and improve the overall quality of images.

Associations of urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites and their mixture with thyroid hormone concentration during pregnancy in the LIFECODES cohort: A repeated measures study

BACKGROUND

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are endocrine disruptors resulting from incomplete combustion. Pregnancy represents a particularly vulnerable period to such exposures, given the significant influence of hormone physiology on fetal growth and pregnancy outcomes. Maternal thyroid hormones play crucial roles in fetal development and pregnancy outcomes. However, limited studies have examined gestational PAH exposure and maternal thyroid hormones during pregnancy.

METHODS

Our study included 439 women enrolled in the LIFECODES birth cohort in Boston, aiming to explore the relationship between urinary PAH metabolites and thyroid hormones throughout pregnancy. Urine samples for PAH metabolite analysis and plasma samples for thyroid hormone were measured up to four visits throughout gestation. Single pollutant analyses employed linear mixed effect models to investigate individual associations between each PAH metabolite and thyroid hormone concentration. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess potential susceptibility windows and fetal-sex-specific effects of PAH exposure. Mixture analyses utilized quantile g-computation to evaluate the collective impact of eight PAH metabolites on thyroid hormone concentrations. Additionally, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was employed to explore potential non-linear associations and interactions between PAH metabolites. Subject-specific random intercepts were incorporated to address intra-individual correlation of serial measurements over time in both single pollutant and mixture analyses.

RESULTS

Our findings revealed positive trends in associations between PAH metabolites and thyroid hormones, both individually and collectively as a mixture. Sensitivity analyses indicated that these associations were influenced by the study visit and fetal sex. Mixture analyses suggested non-linear relationships and interactions between different PAH exposures.

CONCLUSIONS

This comprehensive investigation underscores the critical importance of understanding the impact of PAH exposures on thyroid hormone physiology during pregnancy. The findings highlight the intricate interplay between environmental pollutants and human pregnancy physiology, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions and public health policies to mitigate adverse outcomes associated with prenatal PAH exposure.

Lycopene possess an antimalarial effect on chloroquine-resistant malaria and its hematological aberrations in murine model

Malaria remains a major public health issue worldwide, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The resistance of Plasmodium parasites to commonly used antimalarial drugs has necessitated the development of novel drugs and targets for malaria treatment. Lycopene is a natural compound present in tomatoes and other red fruits and vegetables. This study aimed to evaluate the antimalarial activity of lycopene and its co-administration with chloroquine against chloroquine-resistant malaria, as well as to assess its impact on hematological abnormalities associated with malaria infection. The experimental animals for this study were infected with 10 7 NK65 Plasmodium berghei-infected red blood cells via intraperitoneal injection. The animals were then treated with artemether-lumefantrine, chloroquine, and varying doses of lycopene. The study evaluated percentage parasitemia, mean survival time, and various hematological parameters, including red blood cell count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width - coefficient of variation, red blood cell distribution width - standard deviation, white blood cell count, granulocyte count, lymphocyte count, monocyte count, and procalcitonin level. The study revealed that lycopene demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) antimalarial activity and the ability to ameliorate hematological abnormalities associated with acute malaria infection. The findings of this study highlight the potential of lycopene as a novel antimalarial agent. The results of this study may contribute to the development of new drugs for malaria treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Sialic acid in the regulation of blood cell production, differentiation and turnover

Sialic acid is a unique sugar moiety that resides in the distal and most accessible position of the glycans on mammalian cell surface and extracellular glycoproteins and glycolipids. The potential for sialic acid to obscure underlying structures has long been postulated, but the means by which such structural changes directly affect biological processes continues to be elucidated. Here, we appraise the growing body of literature detailing the importance of sialic acid for the generation, differentiation, function and death of haematopoietic cells. We conclude that sialylation is a critical post-translational modification utilized in haematopoiesis to meet the dynamic needs of the organism by enforcing rapid changes in availability of lineage-specific cell types. Though long thought to be generated only cell-autonomously within the intracellular ER-Golgi secretory apparatus, emerging data also demonstrate previously unexpected diversity in the mechanisms of sialylation. Emphasis is afforded to the mechanism of extrinsic sialylation, whereby extracellular enzymes remodel cell surface and extracellular glycans, supported by charged sugar donor molecules from activated platelets.

Identification of a macrocyclic compound targeting the lassa virus polymerase

There are no approved vaccines or therapeutics for Lassa virus (LASV) infections. To identify compounds with anti-LASV activity, we conducted a cell-based screening campaign at biosafety level 4 and tested almost 60,000 compounds for activity against an infectious reporter LASV. Hits from this screen included several structurally related macrocycles. The most potent, Mac128, had a sub-micromolar EC50 against the reporter virus, inhibited wild-type clade IV LASV, and reduced viral titers by 4 orders of magnitude. Mechanistic studies suggested that Mac128 inhibited viral replication at the level of the polymerase.

Contamination of trace, non-essential/heavy metals in nutraceuticals/dietary supplements: A chemometric modelling approach and evaluation of human health risk upon dietary exposure

Across the world, nutraceuticals/dietary supplements are commonly consumed without medical supervision, and believing these products are harmless to health. However, these products may contain trace (TMs) and non-essential/heavy metals (nHMs) as contaminants at levels higher than the recommended daily allowance (RDA), which can be hazardous to human health. Consequently, it is crucial to assess the levels of these metals to ensure the safety of these products. This study aimed to analyze the concentration of TMs (Mn, Cu and Zn) and nHMs (Al, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb) in nutraceuticals/dietary supplements. Metal analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Multivariate and bivariate analysis including principle component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) were applied to understand inter-metal association and sources of these metals. Concentration ranges for TMs were found as, Mn (0.2-4.3 mg/kg), Cu (0.11-2.54 mg/kg), and Zn (0.1-22.66 mg/kg) while the nHMs concentration ranges were: Al (0.046-3.336 mg/kg), Cr (0.11-1.63 mg/kg), Ni (0.18-0.72 mg/kg), Cd (0.04-0.92 mg/kg), and Pb (0.18-1.08 mg/kg). The levels of tolerable dietary intake (TDI) for Cr and Ni, and the provisional tolerable monthly intake (PTMI) limit for Cd, exceeded the values set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The estimation of the target hazard quotient (THQ <1), hazard index (HI < 1) and cumulative cancer risk (CCR <1 ✕ 10-3) indicated no significant non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks associated with consuming these products. Therefore, the primary recommendation from this study is to use the nutraceuticals/dietary supplements should be under the supervision of dietitian.

An inexpensive UV-LED photoacoustic based real-time sensor-system detecting exhaled trace-acetone

In this research we present a low-cost system for breath acetone analysis based on UV-LED photoacoustic spectroscopy. We considered the end-tidal phase of exhalation, which represents the systemic concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - providing clinically relevant information about the human health. This is achieved via the development of a CO2-triggered breath sampling system, which collected alveolar breath over several minutes in sterile and inert containers. A real-time mass spectrometer is coupled to serve as a reference device for calibration measurements and subsequent breath analysis. The new sensor system provided a 3σ detection limit of 8.3 ppbV and an NNEA of 1.4E-9 Wcm-1Hz-0.5. In terms of the performed breath analysis measurements, 12 out of 13 fell within the error margin of the photoacoustic measurement system, demonstrating the reliability of the measurements in the field.

Unravelling the diagnostic methodologies for SARS-CoV-2; the Indispensable need for developing point-of-care testing

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-caused COVID-19 pandemic that continues to be a global menace and since its emergence in the late 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has been vigorously spreading throughout the globe putting the whole world into a multidimensional calamity. The suitable diagnosis strategies are on the front line of the battle against preventing the spread of infections. Since the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 is shared between various diseases, detection of the unique impacts of the pathogen on the host along with the diagnosis of the virus itself should be addressed. Employing the most suitable approaches to specifically, sensitively and effectively recognize the infected cases may be a real game changer in controlling the outbreak and the crisis management. In that matter, point-of-care assays (POC) appears to be the potential option, due to sensitivity, specificity, affordable, and availability. Here we brief the most recent findings about the virus, its variants, and the conventional methods that have been used for its detection, along with the POC strategies that have been applied to the virus diagnosis and the developing technologies which can accelerate the diagnosis procedure yet maintain its efficiency.

What do stimulated beta cells have in common with cancer cells?

This study investigates the metabolic parallels between stimulated pancreatic beta cells and cancer cells, focusing on glucose and glutamine metabolism. Addressing the significant public health challenges of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and cancer, we aim to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms driving insulin secretion and cellular proliferation. Our analysis of anaplerotic cycles and the role of NADPH in biosynthesis elucidates their vital functions in both processes. Additionally, we point out that both cell types share an antioxidative response mediated by the Nrf2 signaling pathway, glutathione synthesis, and UCP2 upregulation. Notably, UCP2 facilitates the transfer of C4 metabolites, enhancing reductive TCA cycle metabolism. Furthermore, we observe that hypoxic responses are transient in beta cells post-stimulation but persistent in cancer cells. By synthesizing these insights, the research may suggest novel therapeutic targets for T2D, highlighting the shared metabolic strategies of stimulated beta cells and cancer cells. This comparative analysis not only illuminates the metabolic complexity of these conditions but also emphasizes the crucial role of metabolic pathways in cell function and survival, offering fresh perspectives for tackling T2D and cancer challenges.

Is exposure to pesticides associated with biological aging? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Exposure to pesticides is a risk factor for various diseases, yet its association with biological aging remains unclear. We aimed to systematically investigate the relationship between pesticide exposure and biological aging.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and Web of Science were searched from inception to August 2023. Observational studies investigating the association between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging were included. Three-level random-effect meta-analysis was used to synthesize the data. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

RESULTS

Twenty studies evaluating the associations between pesticide exposure and biomarkers of biological aging in 10,368 individuals were included. Sixteen reported telomere length and four reported epigenetic clocks. Meta-analysis showed no statistically significant associations between pesticide exposure and the Hannum clock (pooled β = 0.27; 95 %CI: -0.25, 0.79), or telomere length (pooled Hedges'g = -0.46; 95 %CI: -1.10, 0.19). However, the opposite direction of effects for the two outcomes showed an indication of possible accelerated biological aging. After removal of influential effect sizes or low-quality studies, shorter telomere length was found in higher-exposed populations.

CONCLUSION

The existing evidence for associations between pesticide exposure and biological aging is limited due to the scarcity of studies on epigenetic clocks and the substantial heterogeneity across studies on telomere length. High-quality studies incorporating more biomarkers of biological aging, focusing more on active chemical ingredients of pesticides and accounting for potential confounders are needed to enhance our understanding of the impact of pesticides on biological aging.

Interference of Parenteral Nutrition Components in Silicon-Mediated Protection Against Aluminum Bioaccumulation

Aluminum and silicon are contaminants found in formulations used to prepare parenteral nutrition. Both elements are leached from glass containers, mainly during the heating cycle for sterilization. Insoluble and biologically inactive species of hydroxyaluminosilicates have been shown to form in solutions containing Al and Si. Therefore, this interaction may play an important role in protecting the body against Al toxicity. In this study, the bioavailability of Al in the presence of Si, calcium gluconate (Gluc.), and potassium phosphate (Phosf.) was investigated in rats. The rats were divided into 10 groups of 5 animals each: control, Al, Si, Al + Si, Gluc, Gluc + Al, Gluc + Al + Si, Phosf, Phosf + Al, and Phosf + Al + Si. The doses, consisting of 0.5 mg/kg/day Al and 2 mg/kg/day Si in the presence or absence of Gluc. or Phosf., were intraperitoneally administered for 3 months. Tissues were analyzed for Al and Si content. Al accumulated in the liver, kidneys, and bones, and the simultaneous administration of Si decreased Al accumulation in these tissues. The presence of Si reduced the amount of Al present by 72% in the liver, by 45% in the kidneys, and by 16% in bone. This effect was lees pronounced in the presence of parenteral nutrition compounds though. Si tissue accumulation was also observed, mainly when administered together with phosphate. These results suggest that Si may act as a protector against Al toxicity, by either reducing Al absorption or increasing its excretion, probably through hydroxyaluminosilicates formation. The presence of calcium gluconate and potassium phosphate decreases or inhibits this effect.

Effects of hazardous chemicals on secondary sex ratio: A comprehensive review

The secondary sex ratio (SSR), defined as the ratio of male to female offspring at birth, has garnered significant scientific interest due to its potential impact on population dynamics and evolution. In recent years, there has been a growing concern regarding the potential consequences of environmental chemicals on the SSR, given their widespread exposure and potential enduring ramifications on the reproductive system. While SSR serves as an indicator of health, ongoing research and scientific inquiry are being conducted to explore the potential relationship between chemicals and offspring ratio. Although some studies have suggested a possible correlation, others have yielded inconclusive results, indicating that the topic is intricate and still needs to be elucidated. The precise mechanism by which chemical agents exert their influence on the SSR remains ambiguous, with disruption of the endocrine system being a prominent justification. In light of the complex interplay between chemical exposure and SSR, the present review aims to comprehensively examine and synthesize existing scientific literature to gain a deeper understanding of how specific chemical exposures may impact SSR. Insights into chemical hazards that shift SSR patterns or trends could guide prevention strategies, including legislative bans of certain chemicals, to minimize environmental and public health risks.

Long noncoding RNA AI504432 upregulates FASN expression by sponging miR-1a-3p to promote lipogenesis in senescent adipocytes

Aging affects lipid metabolism and can cause obesity as it is closely related to the disorder of many lipogenic regulatory factors. LncRNAs have been recognized as pivotal regulators across diverse biological processes, but their effects on lipogenesis in aging remain to be further studied. In this work, using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), we found that the expression of lncRNA AI504432 was significantly upregulated in the eWAT (epididymal white adipose tissue) of aging mice, and the knockdown of AI504432 notably reduced the expression of several adipogenic genes (e.g., Cebp/α, Srebp-1c, Fasn, Acaca, and Scd1) in senescent adipocytes. The bioinformatics investigation revealed that AI504432 possessed a binding site for miR-1a-3p, and the discovery was verified by the luciferase reporter assay. The expression of Fasn was increased upon the inhibition of miR-1a-3p but restored upon the simultaneous silencing of AI504432. Taken together, our results suggested that AI504432 controlled lipogenesis through the miR-1a-3p/Fasn signaling pathway. The findings may inspire new therapeutic approaches to target imbalanced lipid homeostasis due to aging.

Dual Pandemics: Race-Related COVID Stress and Mental Health Outcomes in Black Individuals

Black individuals have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due in part to historically rooted stressors that lie at the intersection of the COVID-19 pandemic and racism. We used secondary data from The Association of Black Psychologists' multi-state needs assessment of 2480 Black adults to examine the link between race-related COVID stress (RRCS) and mental health outcomes. We also examined the moderating roles of everyday discrimination, cultural mistrust, Black activism, Black identity, and spirituality/religiosity in these associations. T-tests revealed that several demographic and cultural factors are associated with RRCS endorsement. A series of regression analyses showed that endorsement of RRCS is associated with higher psychological distress and lower well-being, above and beyond several sociodemographic characteristics. While traditional cultural protective factors did not buffer against the effects of RRCS on mental health, cultural mistrust strengthened the positive association between RRCS and psychological distress; nonetheless, the association of cultural mistrusts with psychological distress was only seen in those who endorsed RRCS. We provide recommendations for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to consider the impact of RRCS when addressing Black mental health and well-being in the age of COVID-19.

Potential Association of Blood Transfusion in Deceased Donors With Outcomes of Liver Transplantation in the United States

BACKGROUND

Donor blood transfusion may potentially affect transplant outcomes through an inflammatory response, recipient sensitization, or transmission of infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of donor blood transfusion with outcomes of liver transplantation (LT).

METHODS

From January 2004 to December 2022, donor blood transfusion information was available for 113,017 adult recipients of LT in the United Network for Organ Sharing database and was classified into 4 levels of transfusion: no-transfusion (N = 68,130), transfusion of 1-5 units (N = 33,629), 6-10 units (N = 8067), and >10 units (N = 5329). Recipient survival analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox-hazard model.

RESULTS

Among this cohort, 40.8% of donors (N = 46,261) received blood transfusion during the index hospitalization. Compared to no-blood transfusion donors, blood transfusion donors were younger (median age 37 versus 46 y P < 0.001) and were more brain death donors (94.5% versus 92.1%, P < 0.001). An increased risk of rejection at 6-mo (transfusion 10.3% versus no-transfusion 9.9%, P = 0.055) and 1 y (transfusion 12.5% versus no-transfusion 11.9%, P = 0.0036) post-LT was noted in this cohort. Multivariable Cox-hazard model showed blood transfusion was associated with increased 1-y mortality (transfusion 1.07; 95% CI 1.02-1.12, P = 0.007) and graft failure (transfusion 1.09; 95% CI 1.04-1.13, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Donor blood transfusion was associated with an increased risk of rejection at 6 mo and 1 y among LT recipients and worse post-transplant graft and overall survival. Additional information regarding donor blood transfusion, along with other known factors, may be considered when deciding the optimization of overall immune suppression in LT recipients to decrease the risk of delayed rejection.

Non-coding RNAs as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in ischaemic heart disease

The adult heart is a complex, multicellular organ that is subjected to a series of regulatory stimuli and circuits and has poor reparative potential. Despite progress in our understanding of disease mechanisms and in the quality of health care, ischaemic heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, owing to adverse cardiac remodelling, leading to ischaemic cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Therapeutic targets are urgently required for the protection and repair of the ischaemic heart. Moreover, personalized clinical biomarkers are necessary for clinical diagnosis, medical management and to inform the individual response to treatment. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) deeply influence cardiovascular functions and contribute to communication between cells in the cardiac microenvironment and between the heart and other organs. As such, ncRNAs are candidates for translation into clinical practice. However, ncRNA biology has not yet been completely deciphered, given that classes and modes of action have emerged only in the past 5 years. In this Review, we discuss the latest discoveries from basic research on ncRNAs and highlight both the clinical value and the challenges underscoring the translation of these molecules as biomarkers and therapeutic regulators of the processes contributing to the initiation, progression and potentially the prevention or resolution of ischaemic heart disease and heart failure.

Atypical BCR-ABL1 transcript in mixed phenotype acute leukemia with bone marrow necrosis

Mixed phenotype acute leukemia (MPAL) is a type of acute leukemia in which encompasses mixed features of myeloid, T-lymphoid, and/or B-lymphoid differentiation. Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) MPAL is a rare subgroup with a poor prognosis and accounts for ＜1% of adult acute leukemia. Until now, there is still no consensus on how to best treat Ph+ MPAL. Here, we report a 62-year-old male with Ph+ (atypical e13a2 BCR-ABL1 fusion protein) MPAL. This patient presented with recurrent and intense bone pain due to bone marrow necrosis (BMN). Besides, he did not achieve a complete remission for the first two chemotherapies, until he received flumatinib combined with hyper-CVAD (B) (a dose-intensive regimen include methotrexate and cytarabine). To our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the coexistence of BMN and atypical e13a2 BCR-ABL1 transcripts in patients with MPAL. This finding will bring new understandings in the diagnosis and treatment of Ph+ MPAL.

Proteomics profiling of extracellular vesicle for identification of potential biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive review

The intricate origins and diverse symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) pose significant challenges for both diagnosis and treatment. Exosomes and microvesicles, which carry disease-specific cargo from a variety of central nervous system cell types, have emerged as promising reservoirs of biomarkers for AD. Research on the screening of possible biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease using proteomic profiling of EVs is systematically reviewed in this comprehensive review. We highlight key methodologies employed in EV isolation, characterization, and proteomic analysis, elucidating their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, we summarize the evolving landscape of EV-associated biomarkers implicated in AD pathogenesis, including proteins involved in amyloid-beta metabolism, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, and neuronal injury. The literature review highlights the necessity for robust validation strategies and standardized protocols to effectively transition EV-based biomarkers into clinical use. In the concluding section, this review delves into potential future avenues and technological advancements pivotal in crafting EV-derived biomarkers applicable to AD diagnostics and prognostics. This review contributes to our comprehension of AD pathology and the advancement of precision medicine in neurodegenerative diseases, hinting at a promising era in AD precision medicine.

Correlation between double-stranded DNA and acute urticaria

BACKGROUND

Acute urticaria is a prevalent inflammatory dermatosis characterized by fulminant wheals, often accompanied by severe pruritis. It may also cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Numerous studies have substantiated the pivotal involvement of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in autoimmunity. However, the role of dsDNA in the pathogenesis of acute urticaria is unclear.

METHODS

We measured serum dsDNA levels in patients and controls. The relationship between dsDNA levels and environmental exposures (temperature, ultraviolet [UV] index, and season) was investigated by correlating disease onset dates with archived meteorological data. Finally, we used quantitative PCR to determine the expressions of genes encoding dsDNA receptors, single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) receptors, exosome formation, and type I interferon in the peripheral blood of patients and controls.

RESULTS

Serum dsDNA levels were significantly higher in patients with acute urticaria compared with controls (mean values 1.38 and 0.94 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.001). dsDNA levels were higher in patients exposed to higher environmental temperatures and UV indices and were higher during the summer months. We also found that the expressions of genes encoding dsDNA receptors, ssRNA receptors, absent in melanoma factor 2 (AIM2)-related inflammatory factors, and interferon alpha were up-regulated in patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that serum dsDNA levels are elevated in acute urticaria and are influenced by climatic factors such as temperature, ultraviolet index, and season. We also found that elevated dsDNA promotes the expression of AIM2-related factors and type I interferons. This study generates new hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of acute urticaria and suggests novel therapeutic targets.

Age of obesity onset affects subcutaneous adipose tissue cellularity differently in the abdominal and femoral region

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the effect of age of obesity onset, sex, and their interaction on abdominal and femoral subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) morphology (degree of adipocyte hyperplasia or hypertrophy).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we isolated adipocytes via collagenase digestion from abdominal and femoral SAT biopsies taken from male and female adults with childhood-onset obesity (CO; n = 8 males, n = 16 females) or adult-onset obesity (AO; n = 8 males, n = 13 females). Regional body composition was measured with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and a single-slice abdominal computed tomography scan. Mean adipocyte size was measured in abdominal and femoral SAT and was used to quantify morphology in android and gynoid subcutaneous fat, respectively.

RESULTS

Abdominal SAT morphology was more hyperplastic in females with CO than females with AO (p = 0.004) but did not differ between males with CO and males with AO (p = 0.996). Conversely, femoral SAT morphology was more hypertrophic in males and females with CO than those with AO.

CONCLUSIONS

Age of obesity onset appears to affect SAT morphology differently in the abdominal and femoral regions of male and female adults. Our findings challenge the notion that SAT is uniformly hyperplastic in CO and hypertrophic in AO.