In situ single iron atom doping on Bi2WO6 monolayers triggers efficient photo-fenton reaction

Developing an efficient photocatalytic system for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) activation in Fenton-like processes holds significant promise for advancing water purification technologies. However, challenges such as high carrier recombination rates, limited active sites, and suboptimal H2O2 activation efficiency impede optimal performance. Here we show that single-iron-atom dispersed Bi2WO6 monolayers (SIAD-BWOM), designed through a facile hydrothermal approach, can offer abundant active sites for H2O2 activation. The SIAD-BWOM catalyst demonstrates superior photo-Fenton degradation capabilities, particularly for the persistent pesticide dinotefuran (DNF), showcasing its potential in addressing recalcitrant organic pollutants. We reveal that the incorporation of iron atoms in place of tungsten within the electron-rich [WO4]2- layers significantly facilitates electron transfer processes and boosts the Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycle efficiency. Complementary experimental investigations and theoretical analyses further elucidate how the atomically dispersed iron induces lattice strain in the Bi2WO6 monolayer, thereby modulating the d-band center of iron to improve H2O2 adsorption and activation. Our research provides a practical framework for developing advanced photo-Fenton catalysts, which can be used to treat emerging and refractory organic pollutants more effectively.

Assembling Ag2S quantum dots onto peptide nanosheet as a biomimetic two-dimensional nanoplatform for synergistic near infrared-II fluorescent imaging and photothermal therapy of tumor

Fluorescent bioimaging and photothermal therapy (PTT) techniques have potential significance in cancer diagnosis and treatment and have been widely applied in biomedical and practical clinical trials. This study proposes the molecular design and biofabrication of a two-dimensional (2D) nanoplatform, exhibiting promising prospects for synergistic bioimaging and PTT of tumors. First, biocompatible 2D peptide nanosheets (PNSs) were designed and prepared through peptide self-assembly. These served as a support matrix for assembling polyethylene glycol-modified Ag2S quantum dots (PEG-Ag2SQDs) to form a 2D nanoplatform (PNS/PEG-Ag2SQDs) with unique fluorescent and photothermal properties. The designed 2D nanoplatform not only showed improved photothermal efficacy and an elevated photothermal conversion efficiency of 52.46 %, but also demonstrated significant lethality against tumors in both in vitro and in vivo cases. Additionally, it displays excellent imaging effects in the near-infrared II region, making it suitable for synergistic fluorescent imaging-guided PTT of tumors. This study not only provides a facile approach for devising and synthesizing 2D peptide assemblies but also presents new biomimetic strategies to create functional 2D organic/inorganic nanoplatforms for biomedical applications.

A novel dual-color fluorescent sensor with two pKas for on-site detection of pH in food

Tracking pH fluctuations in food samples is important for ensuring food freshness. Fluorescent probes have been widely applied as promising tools for the on-site detection of pH changes; however, most of them can be applied only at either lower or higher pH ranges because their response structures commonly have a single acid dissociation constant (pKa). To address this problem, we designed a fluorescent sensor, called HMB, containing a methylpiperazine group with two pKa values, which exhibited a unique dual-color response to pH changes over a wide pH range. Furthermore, the HMB-based test strips are easily prepared and used as portable labels for the visual monitoring of food spoilage that results in microbial and anaerobic glycolytic pathways in real food (such as cheese and shrimp). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first fluorescent pH sensor with two pKa values, and we expect that this work will inspire more sensor designs for food quality control.

Modulation of protein-ligand interactions in the presence of ZIF-8: Spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation

In this paper, we investigated the protein-ligand interactions in the presence of ZIF-8 using multi-spectroscopic approaches and molecular dynamics simulation. Fluorescence experiments and molecular docking results showed that ZIF-8 did not change the type of quenching and interaction force between ciprofloxacin (CIP) and human serum albumin (HSA), but made the binding constant of HSA-CIP to be smaller, suggesting that ZIF-8 maybe accelerate the dissociation of CIP from HSA-CIP complex. Moreover, the effect of ZIF-8 on the physiological function of HSA was explored. Multi-spectroscopic methods revealed that ZIF-8 did not significantly alter the microenvironment of amino acid groups, but cause a slight decrease in the content of α-helical conformation, and a sparse and flexible structure of the protein backbone. These peculiarities might lead to the diminution of HSA's ability to control drugs. In short, ZIF-8 might enhance drug effect due to affecting the binding of drugs to proteins. However, the present study is only a preliminary investigation of the suitability of ZIF-8 as a drug carrier in vitro, and subsequent in vivo experimental studies will be required to further confirm the idea.

Excitation functions for fast neutron induced reactions on iron and lead

Cross sections of the 54Fe(n,p)54Mn, 54Fe(n,α)51Cr, 56Fe(n,p)56Mn and 204Pb (n,2n)203Pb reactions induced by D-T neutrons were obtained with activation method and γ-ray spectrometry technique. Experimental values measured in this work are consistent with most of the previous literature data. These reactions cross sections were theoretically calculated by using the TALYS-1.96 and EMPIRE-3.2.3 codes from threshold up to 20 MeV, and significant discrepancies were found between calculated results and experiment data. In addition, experimental values are compared with evaluated nuclear data of the CENDL-3.2, ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-5, BROND-3.1 and JEFF-3.3 libraries, and significant difference was found for the 54Fe(n,α)51Cr reaction in ENDF/B-VIII.0 library but not for other reactions.

The regulatory pathway of transcription factor MYB36 from Trichoderma asperellum Tas653 resistant to poplar leaf blight pathogen Alternaria alternata Aal004

In fungi, MYB transcription factors (TFs) mainly regulate growth, development, and resistance to stress. However, as major disease-resistance TFs, they have rarely been studied in biocontrol fungi. In this study, MYB36 of Trichoderma asperellum Tas653 (Ta) was shown to respond strongly to the stress caused by Alternaria alternata Aa1004. Compared with wild-type Ta (Ta-Wt), the inhibition rate of the MYB36 knockout strain (Ta-Kn) on Aa1004 decreased by 11.06%; the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities decreased by 82.15 U/g, 0.19 OD470/min/g, and 1631.2 μmol/min/g, respectively. The MYB36 overexpression strain (Ta-Oe) not only enhanced hyperparasitism on Aa1004, caused its hyphae to swell, deform, or even rupture, but also reduced the incidence rate of poplar leaf blight. MYB36 regulates downstream (TFs, detoxification genes, defense genes, and other antifungal-related genes by binding to the cis-acting elements "ACAT" and "ATCG". Zinc finger TFs, as the main antifungal TFs, account for 90% of the total TFs, and Zn37.5 (23.24-) and Zn83.7 (23.18-fold) showed the greatest expression difference when regulated directly by MYB36. The detoxification genes mainly comprised 11 major major facilitator superfamily (MFS) genes, among which MYB36 directly increased the expression levels of three genes by more than 2-3.44-fold. The defense genes mainly encoded cytochrome P450 (P450) and hydrolases. e.g., P45061.3 (2-10.95-), P45060.2 (2-7.07-), and Hyd44.6 (2-2.30-fold). This study revealed the molecular mechanism of MYB36 regulation of the resistance of T. asperellum to A. alternata and provides theoretical guidance for the biocontrol of poplar leaf blight and the anti-disease mechanism of biocontrol fungi.

Response of tree growth to nutrient addition is size dependent in a subtropical forest

Understanding how nutrient addition affects the tree growth is critical for assessing forest ecosystem function and processes, especially in the context of increased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deposition. Subtropical forests are often considered N-rich and P-poor ecosystems, but few existing studies follow the traditional "P limitation" paradigm, possibly due to differences in nutrient requirements among trees of different size classes. We conducted a three-year fertilization experiment with four treatments (Control, N-treatment, P-treatment, and NP-treatment). We measured soil nutrient availability, leaf stoichiometry, and relative growth rate (RGR) of trees across three size classes (small, medium and large) in 64 plots. We found that N and NP-treatments increased the RGR of large trees. P-treatment increased the RGR of small trees. RGR was mainly affected by N addition, the total effect of P addition was only 10 % of that of N addition. The effect of nutrient addition on RGR was mainly regulated by leaf stoichiometry. This study reveals that nutrient limitation is size dependent, indicating that continuous unbalanced N and P deposition will inhibit the growth of small trees and increase the instability of subtropical forest stand structure, but may improve the carbon sink function of large trees.

Inhibition of MST1 ameliorates neuronal apoptosis via GSK3β/β-TrCP/NRF2 pathway in spinal cord injury accompanied by diabetes

AIMS

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disease that often results in tremendous loss of motor function. Increasing evidence demonstrates that diabetes worsens outcomes for patients with SCI due to the higher levels of neuronal oxidative stress. Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase (MST1) is a key mediator of oxidative stress in the central nervous system; however, the mechanism of its action in SCI is still not clear. Here, we investigated the role of MST1 activation in induced neuronal oxidative stress in patients with both SCI and diabetes.

METHODS

Diabetes was established in mice by diet induction combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). SCI was performed at T10 level through weight dropping. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) were applied to mimic diabetic conditions in PC12 cell line in vitro. We employed HE, Nissl staining, footprint assessment and Basso mouse scale to evaluate functional recovery after SCI. Moreover, immunoblotting, qPCR, immunofluorescence and protein-protein docking analysis were used to detect the mechanism.

RESULTS

Regarding in vivo experiments, diabetes resulted in up-regulation of MST1, excessive neuronal apoptosis and weakened motor function in SCI mice. Furthermore, diabetes impeded NRF2-mediated antioxidant defense of neurons in the damaged spinal cord. Treatment with AAV-siMST1 could restore antioxidant properties of neurons to facilitate reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance, which subsequently promoted neuronal survival to improve locomotor function recovery. In vitro model found that AGEs worsened mitochondrial dysfunction and increased cellular oxidative stress. While MST1 inhibition through the chemical inhibitor XMU-MP-1 or MST1-shRNA infection restored NRF2 nuclear accumulation and its transcription of downstream antioxidant enzymes, therefore preventing ROS generation. However, these antioxidant effects were reversed by NRF2 knockdown. Our in-depth studies showed that over-activation of MST1 in diabetes directly hindered the neuroprotective AKT1, and subsequently fostered NRF2 ubiquitination and degradation via the GSK3β/β-TrCP pathway.

CONCLUSION

MST1 inhibition significantly restores neurological function in SCI mice with preexisting diabetes, which is largely attributed to the activation of antioxidant properties via the GSK3β(Ser 9)/β-TrCP/NRF2 pathway. MST1 may be a promising pharmacological target for the effective treatment of spinal cord injury patients with diabetes.

FeNi (oxy)hydroxides embedded with high-valence Mo atoms: A efficient and robust water oxidation electrocatalyst

The incorporation of high-valence transition metal atoms into FeNi (oxy)hydroxides may be a promising strategy to regulate the intrinsic electronic states, thereby reducing the thermodynamic barrier and accelerating oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, a high-valence Mo atoms doping route is proposed by an efficient self-reconstruction strategy to prepare MoFeNi (oxy)hydroxides for efficient alkaline OER. By using borides (MoNiB) as sacrificial template and Mo source, FeNi (oxy)hydroxides nanoflakes embedded with high-valence Mo atoms (MoFeNi) is successfully synthesized, which can modulate the electron coordination to improve the intrinsic catalytic activity. Remarkably, the obtained MoFeNi exhibits extremely low overpotential (η100 = 252 mV and η500 = 288 mV) and small Tafel slope (18.35 mV dec-1). The robust catalyst can run stably for hours at 500 mA cm-2. Characterization results and theoretical calculations confirmed that the addition of high-valence Mo effectively modulated the intrinsic electronic structure of metal sites and optimized the adsorption/desorption energy of the intermediates, accelerating OER reactions kinetics. By coupling MoFeNi anode with Pt/C cathode, anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyser can operate stably at 500 mA cm-2 with about less than 2.2 V. This research introduces a novel approach to develop ideal electrocatalysts through the incorporation of high-valence molybdenum species.

Isolation and identification of active components from Grifola frondosa and its anti-EV71 virus effect

BACKGROUND

It is reported that anti-enterovirus 71 (EV71) drugs have some side effects on human health. Notably, fungi plays a crucial role in promoting human health and anti-virus. Grifola frondosa is a type of large medicinal and edible fungi, rich in active substances. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-EV71 effect of G. frondosa and the potential active substances.

RESULTS

In the present study, the water extract of G. frondosa was subjected to ethanol precipitation to obtain the water-extracted supernatant of G. frondosa (GFWS) and water-extracted precipitation of G. frondosa. Their inhibitory effects on EV71 virus were studied based on a cell model. The results showed that GFWS had stronger security and anti-EV71 effects. In addition, the chemical constituents of GFWS were identified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which were selected for further separation and purification. Three compounds, N-butylaniline, succinic acid and l-tryptophan, were isolated from GFWS by NMR spectroscopy. It is noteworthy that N-butylaniline and l-tryptophan were isolated and identified from the G. frondosa fruiting bodies for the first time. Our study found that l-tryptophan has anti-EV71 virus activity, which reduced EV71-induced apoptosis and significantly inhibited the replication process after virus adsorption. Furthermore, it could also bind to capsid protein VP1 to prevent the virus from attaching to the cells.

CONCLUSION

l-tryptophan was an inhibitor of the EV71 virus, which could be used in infant nutrition and possibly provide a new drug to treat hand, foot and mouth disease. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Human papillomavirus-16 E6 activates the pentose phosphate pathway to promote cervical cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting G6PD lactylation

High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are the causative agents of cervical cancer. Here, we report that HPV16 E6E7 promotes cervical cancer cell proliferation by activating the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). We found that HPV16 E6 activates the PPP primarily by increasing glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity. Mechanistically, HPV16 E6 promoted G6PD dimer formation by inhibiting its lactylation. Importantly, we suggest that G6PD K45 was lactylated during G6PD-mediated antioxidant stress. In primary human keratinocytes and an HPV-negative cervical cancer C33A cells line ectopically expressing HPV16 E6, the transduction of G6PD K45A (unable to be lactylated) increased GSH and NADPH levels and, correspondingly, decreasing ROS levels. Conversely, the re-expression of G6PD K45T (mimicking constitutive lactylation) in HPV16-positive SiHa cells line inhibited cell proliferation. In vivo, the inhibition of G6PD enzyme activity with 6-aminonicotinamide (6-An) or the re-expression of G6PD K45T inhibited tumor proliferation. In conclusion, we have revealed a novel mechanism of HPV oncoprotein-mediated malignant transformation. These findings might provide effective strategies for treating cervical and HPV-associated cancers.

The CXCLs-CXCR2 axis modulates the cross-communication between tumor-associated neutrophils and tumor cells in cervical cancer

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to check the expression profile of the C-X-C motif chemokine ligands (CXCLs)-C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) axis in cervical cancer and to explore the cross-talk between cervical cancer cells and neutrophils via CXCLs-CXCR2 axis.

METHODS

Available RNA-sequencing data based on bulk tissues and single-cell/nucleus RNA-sequencing data were used for bioinformatic analysis. Cervical cancer cell lines Hela and SiHa cells were utilized for in vitro and in vivo studies.

RESULTS

Except for neutrophils, CXCR2 mRNA expression is limited in other types of cells in the cervical tumor microenvironment. CXCLs bind to CXCR2 and are mainly expressed by tumor cells. CXCL1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8, which are consistently associated with neutrophil infiltration, are also linked to poor prognosis. SB225002 (a CXCR2 inhibitor) treatment significantly impairs SiHa cell-induced neutrophil migration. CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL5, or CXCL8 neutralized conditioned medium from SiHa cells have weaker recruiting effects. The conditioned medium of neutrophils from healthy donors can slow cancer cell proliferation. Conditioned medium of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can drastically enhance cervical cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The CXCLs-CXCR2 axis is critical in neutrophil recruitment and tumor cell proliferation in the cervical cancer microenvironment.

Flowering time regulator qFT13-3 involved in soybean adaptation to high latitudes

Soybean is a short-day plant that typically flowers earlier when exposed to short-day conditions. However, the identification of genes associated with earlier flowering time but without a yield penalty is rare. In this study, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using two re-sequencing datasets that included 113 wild soybeans (G. soja) and 1192 cultivated soybeans (G. max), respectively, and simultaneously identified a candidate flowering gene, qFT13-3, which encodes a protein homologous to the pseudo-response regulator (PRR) transcription factor. We identified four major haplotypes of qFT13-3 in the natural population, with haplotype H4 (qFT13-3H4) being lost during domestication, while qFT13-3H1 underwent natural and artificial selection, increasing in proportion from 4.5% in G. soja to 43.8% in landrace and to 81.9% in improve cultivars. Notably, most cultivars harbouring qFT13-3H1 were located in high-latitude regions. Knockout of qFT13-3 accelerated flowering and maturity time under long-day conditions, indicating that qFT13-3 functions as a flowering inhibitor. Our results also showed that qFT13-3 directly downregulates the expression of GmELF3b-2 which is a component of the circadian clock evening complex. Field trials revealed that the qft13-3 mutants shorten the maturity period by 11 days without a concomitant penalty on yield. Collectively, qFT13-3 can be utilized for the breeding of high-yield cultivars with a short maturity time suitable for high latitudes.

The Chan-Lam-type synthesis of thioimidazolium salts for thiol-(hetero)arene conjugation

The design of stable and variable aryl linkers for conjugating drug moieties to the metabolism-related thiols is of importance in drug discovery. We disclosed that thioimidazolium groups are unique scaffolds for the thiol-(hetero)arene conjugation under mild conditions. The drug bound thioimidazolium salts, which are easily accessible via a copper-mediated Chan-Lam process in gram-scale, could be successfully applied to the late-stage coupling of bioactive thiols to construct a broad array of drug-like molecules.

Ratiometric determination of etomidate based on an albumin-based indicator displacement assay (IDA)

The first fluorescent sensor based on the indicator displacement assay (IDA) for on-site determination of etomidate.

Defect-Repaired g-C3N4 Nanosheets: Elevating the Efficacy of Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy Through Enhanced Charge Carrier Migration

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has garnered growing interest owing to its high tissue penetration depth and minimal side effects. However, the lack of efficient sonosensitizers remains the primary limiting factor for the clinical application of this treatment method. Here, defect-repaired graphene phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets are prepared and utilized for enhanced SDT in anti-tumor treatment. After defect engineering optimization, the bulk defects of g-C3N4 are significantly reduced, resulting in higher crystallinity and exhibiting a polyheptazine imide (PHI) structure. Due to the more extended conjugated structure of PHI, facilitating faster charge transfer on the surface, it exhibits superior SDT performance for inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. This work focuses on introducing a novel carbon nitride nanomaterial as a sonosensitizer and a strategy for optimizing sonosensitizer performance by reducing bulk defects.

Glutathione Induced In situ Synthesis of Cu Single-Atom Nanozymes with Anaerobic Glycolysis Metabolism Interference for Boosting Cuproptosis

Single-atom nanozyme (SAzyme) has sparked increasing interest for catalytic antitumor treatment due to their more tunable and diverse active sites than natural metalloenzymes in complex physiological conditions. However, it is usually a hard task to precisely conduct catalysis at tumor sites after intravenous injection of those SAzyme with high reactivity. Moreover, the explorations of SAzymes in the anticancer application are still in its infancy and need to be developed. Herein, an in situ synthesis strategy for Cu SAzyme was constructed to convert adsorbed copper ions into isolated atoms anchored by oxygen atoms (Cu-O2/Cu-O4) via GSH-responsive deformability of supports. Our results suggest that the in situ activation process could further facilitate the dissociation of copper ions and the consumption of glutathione, thereby leading to copper deposition in cytoplasm and triggering cuproptosis. Moreover, the in situ synthesis of Cu SAzyme with peroxidase-like activity enabled the intracellular reactive oxygen species production, resulting in specifically disturbance of copper metabolism pathway. Meanwhile, the in situ exposed glucose transporter (GLUT) inhibitor phloretin (Ph) can block the glycose uptake to boost cuproptosis efficacy. Overall, this in situ activation strategy effectively diminished the off-target effects of SACs-induced catalytic therapies and introduced a promising treatment paradigm for advancing cuproptosis-associated therapies.

[Efficacy analysis of 7 cases of mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasm of the duodenal papilla]

The clinical data of 7 patients diagnosed with mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasm were analyzed in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2016 to December 2022. Among the 7 patients, 5 were male and 2 were female, with an average age of 59.3 years. Its clinical characteristics are similar to malignant ampulla tumors, and it is difficult to differentiate them. The preoperative puncture biopsy positivity rate is low, making it difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and the prognosis is worse.Comprehensive treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy can be the preferred treatment option for this disease.

Suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), a HDAC inhibitor, suppresses the effect of Treg cells by targeting the c-Myc/CCL1 pathway in glioma stem cells and improves PD-L1 blockade therapy

PURPOSE

A strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) represents the major barrier responsible for the failure of current immunotherapy approaches in treating Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). Within the TME, the regulatory T cells (Tregs) exert immunosuppressive effects on CD8+ T cell - mediated anti-cancer immune killing. Consequently, targeting and inhibiting their immunosuppressive function emerges as an effective therapeutic strategy for GBM. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and effects of Suberanilohydroxamic Acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, on immunosuppressive Tregs.

METHODS

The tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the immunocompetent GBM intracranial implanted xenograft mouse model were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry techniques. The mRNA expressions were assessed through the RT-qPCR method, while the related protein expressions were determined using western blot, ELISA, immunofluorescence (IF), and flow cytometry techniques. The relationship between c-Myc and C-C motif Chemokine Ligand 1 (CCL1) promotor was validated through a dual-luciferase reporter assay system and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

SAHA suppressed effectively tumor growth and extended significantly overall survival in the immunocompetent GBM intracranial xenograft mouse model. Additionally, it promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes while suppressed the infiltration of CD4+ CD25+ Tregs. Furthermore, SAHA enhanced anti-PD-L1 immune therapy in the intracranial xenograft of mice. Mechanistically, SAHA exerted its effects by inhibiting histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), thereby suppressing the binding between c-Myc and the CCL1 promotor.

CONCLUSION

SAHA inhibited the binding of c-Myc with the CCL1 promoter and then suppressed the transcription of CCL1.Additionally, it effectively blocked the interplay of CCL1-CCR8, resulting in reduced activity of Tregs and alleviation of tumor immunosuppression.

Functionalized Phenanthrene Imide-Based Polymers for n-Type Organic Thin-Film Transistors

High-performing n-type polymers are crucial for the advance of organic electronics field, however strong electron-deficient building blocks with optimized physicochemical properties for constructing them are still limited. The imide-functionalized polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with extended π-conjugated framework, high electron deficiency and good solubility serve as promising candidates for developing high-performance n-type polymers. Among the PAHs, phenanthrene (PhA) features a well-delocalized aromatic π-system with multiple modifiable active sites . However, the PhA-based imides are seldom studied, mainly attributed to the synthetic challenge. Herein, we report two functionalized PhAs, CPOI and CPCNI, by simultaneously incorporating imide with carbonyl or dicyanomethylene onto PhA. Notably, the dicyanomethylene-modified CPCNI exhibits a well stabilized LUMO energy level (-3.84 eV), attributed to the synergetic inductive effect from imide and cyano groups. Subsequently, based on CPOI and CPCNI, two polymers PCPOI-Tz and PCPCNI-Tz were developed. Applied to organic thin-film transistors, owing to the strong electron-deficiency of CPCNI, polymer PCPCNI-Tz shows an improved electron mobility and largely decreased threshold voltage compared with PCPOI-Tz. This work affords two structurally novel electron-deficient building blocks and highlights the effectiveness of dual functionalization of PhAs with strong electron-withdrawing groups for devising n-type polymers.

Potential neuroprotective benefits of plant-based fermented foods in Alzheimer's disease: an update on preclinical evidence

Alzheimer's disease (AD) currently lacks effective treatments, making its prevention a critical focus. While accumulating evidence supports that plant-based fermented foods may contribute to AD prevention, the neuroprotective effect of plant-based fermented foods on AD has not been comprehensively reviewed. In this study, we conducted a systematic review of preclinical studies on the efficacy of plant-based fermented foods in AD. The literature search was based on databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus. The PICO approach was employed for report inclusion, and each report was assessed for risk of bias using the SYRCLE's RoB tool. From the analysis of 25 retrieved reports, we extracted essential details, including bibliographic information, animal models and characteristics, sources of plant-based fermented foods, dosages, administration routes, durations, and outcome measures. Our findings indicate that plant-based fermented foods may positively impact acute and long-term cognitive function, as well as beta-amyloid-mediated neurodegeneration. This review sheds light on the potential neuroprotective benefits of plant-based fermented foods for various AD-related aspects, including oxidative stress, synaptotoxicity, neuroinflammation, tau hyperphosphorylation, dysfunctional amyloidogenic pathways, and cognitive deficits, as observed in rodent models of AD. However, the small number of studies obtained from our literature search and the finding that many of them were of moderate methodological quality suggest the need for further investigation to substantiate the beneficial potential of this class of functional food for the management of AD.

hUC-MSCs therapy for Crohn's disease: efficacy in TNBS-induced colitis in rats and pilot clinical study

BACKGROUND

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has recently emerged as a promising new therapeutic strategy for many diseases including perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (CD). Whether hUC-MSCs can promote the healing of luminal ulcer in CD has not been studied so far.

METHODS

The model of TNBS-induced colitis in rats was used to confirm the efficacy of hUC-MSCs in the treatment of CD. Then, seventeen CD patients refractory to or unsuitable for currently available therapies were enrolled and received once submucosal local injection through colonoscopy combined with once intravenous drip on the next day. All patients received a 24-week follow-up. Clinical and laboratory assessments were monitored at baseline, week 4, 8, 12, and 24. Endoscopic evaluations were conducted at baseline and week 12. Mucosal specimens were obtained at the margin of lesions by endoscopy biopsies and used for RNA sequencing. Two hUC-MSCs co-culture systems were established in vitro, one with the mucosa specimens and the other with M1 macrophages induced from THP1. The expressions of genes representing inflammation (TNFα, IL-6, and IL-1β) and intestinal barrier function (ZO1, CLAUDIN1, and CDH1) were tested by RT-PCR.

FINDINGS

hUC-MSCs treatment increased body weight and decreased disease activity index (DAI), colon macroscopic damage index (CMDI), and histopathological score (HPS) of rats with TNBS-induced colitis. The results of the clinical study also showed that this mode of hUC-MSCs application was associated with regression of intestinal ulceration. Eight patients (47%) got endoscopic responses (SES-CD improvement of ≥50% from baseline) and three patients (17.65%) got mucosal healing (SES-CD is zero), with a parallel improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters without serious adverse events. RNA sequencing showed hUC-MSCs therapy was associated with an upregulation of transcripts linked to intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and a downregulation of inflammatory signaling pathways in the intestinal mucosa, especially the TNF signaling pathway, IL-17 signaling pathway, and TLR signaling pathway. RNA expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction protein (ZO1, CLAUDIN1, and CDH1), and the RNA expression of major intestinal inflammatory factors in CD (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα, p < 0.001 for all) were improved significantly. Moreover, hUC-MSCs could attenuate the polarization of M1 macrophage induced from THP1, thereby decreasing the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα significantly (p < 0.05 for all). TSG-6 expression was evaluated in hUC-MSCs culture supernatant after treatment with TNFα, IFNγ, and LPS for 48 h. And hUC-MSCs could inhibit the phosphorylation of JAK/STAT1 in the intestinal mucosa of CD patients.

INTERPRETATION

hUC-MSCs transplantation alleviated TNBS-induced colitis in rats. In this pilot clinical study, preliminary data suggested that this approach to administering hUC-MSCs might have potential for clinical efficacy and manageable safety in treating refractory CD, potentially providing hope for better outcomes. No serious adverse events were observed.

FUNDING

This work was funded by General Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82270639), the Scientific research project of Shanghai Municipal Health Committee (Grant No. 202240001), Specialty Feature Construction Project of Shanghai Pudong New Area Health Commission (Grant No. PWZzb2022-05), Shanghai East Hospital Youth Research and Cultivation Foundation program (Grant No. DFPY2022015), Peak Disciplines (Type IV) of Institutions of Higher Learning in Shanghai and Technology Development Project of Pudong Science, Technology and Economic Commission of Shanghai (Grant No. PKJ2021-Y08).

Caspase-3-Responsive, Fluorogenic Bivalent Bottlebrush Polymers

Controlling the access of proteases to cleavable peptides placed at specific locations within macromolecular architectures represents a powerful strategy for biologically responsive materials design. Here, we report the synthesis of peptide-containing bivalent bottlebrush (co)polymers (BBPs) featuring polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) pendants on each backbone repeat unit. The AMCs are linked via caspase-3-cleavable peptides which, upon enzymatic cleavage, provide a "turn-on" fluorescence signal due to the release of free AMC. Time-dependent fluorscence measurements demonstrate that the caspase-3-induced peptide cleavage and AMC release from BBPs is strongly dependent on the BBP backbone length and the AMC-peptide linker location within the BBP architecture, revealing fundamental insights into the interactions of enzymes with BBPs.

A Dual-Signal Sensing for the Visual and Luminescent Detection of p-Phenylenediamine Based on Cerium-Nitrogen-Co-Doped Carbon Dots

Herein, a visual and luminescent dual-mode (colorimetric and fluorometric) method for the detection of P-phenylenediamine (PPD) in hair dye was successfully established based on cerium-nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (Ce, N-CDs) that displayed remarkable luminescence and peroxidase activity. Ce, N-CDs catalyzed H2O2 to produce superoxide anion, which then oxidized the colorless 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) into blue oxidized TMB (oxTMB), capable of quenching the fluorescence through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between Ce, N-CDs and oxTMB. The reducing properties of PPD could reduce oxTMB back to TMB, leading to a decrease in the absorption intensity of oxTMB and a fluorescence recovery of Ce, N-CDs. As a result, the quantitative detection of PPD could be achieved by measuring the absorption values of oxTMB and the fluorescence signal of Ce, N-CDs. The detection limits for PPD were calculated as 0.36 µM and 0.10 µM for colorimetry and fluorimetry, respectively. Furthermore, smartphone application (ColorPicker) capable of measuring the RGB value of the color was utilized in the detection system, facilitating on-site quantitative detection. This approach effectively shortens the detection time and simplifies the operation, offering a powerful and convenient tool for real-time monitoring of PPD.

Serum iron element: A novel biomarker for predicting PD-1 immunotherapy efficacy

This study aims to explore the relationship between serum iron by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and potential mechanism. Totally 113 patients from 233 patients with advanced metastatic lung cancer, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer who treated with immunotherapy in Shandong Provincial Hospital were divided into training group (n=68) and validation group (n=45), whose patients were divided into clinical benefit response (CBR) and non-clinical benefit (NCB) by RECIST (v1.1) respectively. We found for the first time that high serum iron level (>1036 μg/L) was a novel biomarker of better PFS (10.13 months vs 7.37 months; p = 0.0015) and OS(16.00 months vs 11.00 months; p = 0.0235) by ROC curve (sensitivity: 78.13 %; Specificity: 80.56 %; p < 0.0001) of CBR (n=32) and NCB (n=36) patients in training group. Interestingly, consistently stable and high serum iron level predicted better efficacy during immunotherapy. Noteworthy, the predictive efficacy of PD-L1 expression was significantly inferior than serum iron (accuracy:63.49% vs 79.41%, p=0.0432), while serum iron detected by spectrophotometry did not predict the efficacy of immunotherapy (p=0.0671) indicating higher sensitivity of ICP-MS. Bioinformatics analysis showed that serum iron could enhance innate immunity and cytokine release and was verified by proteomics that KEGG and GO analysis enriched innate immune and cytokine signaling pathways. Flow cytometry showed that IL-17 (p=0.0002) increased and IL-6 (p=0.0112) decreased after immunotherapy. Based on this, Nomogram with better prediction was constructed by multiple clinical and independent factors. Our results revealed that serum iron is positively associated with ICIs efficacy by enhancing innate immunity and cytokine release in advanced metastatic cancers, and can be a biomarker for predicting ICIs response.

TaoHe ChengQi decoction ameliorates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction through anti-ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction (SICD) is a serious complication of sepsis that is associated with increased mortality. Ferroptosis has been reported in the SICD. TaoHe ChengQi decoction (THCQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has multiple beneficial pharmacological effects. The potential effects of THCQD on the SICD remain unknown.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of THCQD on SICD and explore whether this effect is related to the regulation of myocardial ferroptosis through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation.

METHODS

We induced sepsis in a mouse model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) and administered THCQD (2 and 4 g/kg) and dexamethasone (40 mg/kg). Mice mortality was recorded and survival curves were plotted. Echocardiography, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and analysis of serum myocardial injury markers and inflammatory factors were used to evaluate cardiac pathology. Myocardial ferroptosis was detected by quantifying specific biomarker content and protein levels. Through HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS analysis, we identified the components of the THCQD. Network pharmacology analysis and Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA) were utilized to predict the targets of THCQD for treating SICD. We detected the expression of Nrf2 using Western blotting or immunofluorescence. An RSL3-induced ferroptosis model was established using neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) to further explore the pharmacological mechanism of THCQD. In addition to measuring cell viability, we observed changes in NRCM mitochondria using electron microscopy and JC-1 staining. NRF2 inhibitor ML385 and Nrf2 knockout mice were used to validate whether THCQD exerted protective effects against SICD through Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis signaling.

RESULTS

THCQD reduced mortality in septic mice, protected against CLP-induced myocardial injury, decreased systemic inflammatory response, and prevented myocardial ferroptosis. Network pharmacology analysis and CETSA experiments predicted that THCQD may protect against SICD by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Western blotting and immunofluorescence showed that THCQD activated Nrf2 in cardiac tissue. THCQDs consistently mitigated RSL3-induced ferroptosis in NRCM, which is related to Nrf2. Furthermore, the pharmacological inhibition of Nrf2 and genetic Nrf2 knockout partially reversed the protective effects of THCQD on SICD and ferroptosis.

CONCLUSION

The effect of THCQD on SICD was achieved by activating Nrf2 and its downstream pathways.

CXXC5 drove inflammation and ovarian cancer proliferation via transcriptional activation of ZNF143 and EGR1

CXXC5, a zinc-finger protein, is known for its role in epigenetic regulation via binding to unmethylated CpG islands in gene promoters. As a transcription factor and epigenetic regulator, CXXC5 modulates various signaling processes and acts as a key coordinator. Altered expression or activity of CXXC5 has been linked to various pathological conditions, including tumorigenesis. Despite its known role in cancer, CXXC5's function and mechanism in ovarian cancer are unclear. We analyzed multiple public databases and found that CXXC5 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer, with high expression correlating with poor patient prognosis. We show that CXXC5 expression is regulated by oxygen concentration and is a direct target of HIF1A. CXXC5 is critical for maintaining the proliferative potential of ovarian cancer cells, with knockdown decreasing and overexpression increasing cell proliferation. Loss of CXXC5 led to inactivation of multiple inflammatory signaling pathways, while overexpression activated these pathways. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we confirmed ZNF143 and EGR1 as downstream transcription factors of CXXC5, mediating its proliferative potential in ovarian cancer. Our findings suggest that the CXXC5-ZNF143/EGR1 axis forms a network driving ovarian cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, and highlight CXXC5 as a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment.

Analyzing the spatiotemporal pattern of the decoupling degree between carbon metabolism and economic development in village and town units

In the context of green and sustainable development and rural revitalization, analysis of the relationship between economic development and the evolution of carbon metabolism is of great significance for China's future transformation of development models. This study analyzed the spatial characteristics and spatiotemporal evolution pattern of the decoupling status between carbon metabolism and economic development of Laiwu during two periods from 2001 to 2018 at the village and town unit scales by using the Tapio decoupling model. The results showed that the growth rate of carbon metabolism from 2001 to 2009 was significantly higher than that from 2009 to 2018. The spatial heterogeneity of the decoupling states between economic development and carbon metabolism from 2009 to 2018 was significantly stronger than that from 2001 to 2009 in two units. From 2001 to 2018, the development trend gradually trended towards spatial imbalance. The decoupling status between villages and towns had a high degree of consistency from 2001 to 2009 and inconsistency from 2009 to 2018. From 2001 to 2009, the decoupling status of about 78% of villages was consistent with that of towns. Moreover, from 2009 to 2018, the consistency reduced to 32.2%, and the decoupling status of about 48% of villages was weaker than that of towns. According to the reclassification results of different decoupling state change types, from 2001 to 2018, about 52.2% of the villages had a decoupling state evolution type of eco-deteriorated economic development, which is an unsatisfactory development trend in a short time. Moreover, about 12.1% of the villages had a decoupling state evolution type of eco-improved economic development, which is a satisfactory development trend.

Integration of single-cell RNA-seq and bulk RNA-seq to construct liver hepatocellular carcinoma stem cell signatures to explore their impact on patient prognosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) is a prevalent form of primary liver cancer. Research has demonstrated the contribution of tumor stem cells in facilitating tumor recurrence, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Despite this, there remains a lack of established cancer stem cells (CSCs)-associated genes signatures for effectively predicting the prognosis and guiding the treatment strategies for patients diagnosed with LIHC.

METHODS

The single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA transcriptome data were obtained based on public datasets and computerized firstly using CytoTRACE package and One Class Linear Regression (OCLR) algorithm to evaluate stemness level, respectively. Then, we explored the association of stemness indicators (CytoTRACE score and stemness index, mRNAsi) with survival outcomes and clinical characteristics by combining clinical information and survival analyses. Subsequently, weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and Cox were applied to assess mRNAsi-related genes in bulk LIHC data and construct a prognostic model for LIHC patients. Single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) analysis were employed for immune infiltration assessment. Finally, the potential immunotherapeutic response was predicted by the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE), and the tumor mutation burden (TMB). Additionally, pRRophetic package was applied to evaluate the sensitivity of high and low-risk groups to common chemotherapeutic drugs.

RESULTS

A total of four genes (including STIP1, H2AFZ, BRIX1, and TUBB) associated with stemness score (CytoTRACE score and mRNAsi) were identified and constructed a risk model that could predict prognosis in LIHC patients. It was observed that high stemness cells occurred predominantly in the late stages of LIHC and that poor overall survival in LIHC patients was also associated with high mRNAsi scores. In addition, pathway analysis confirmed the biological uniqueness of the two risk groups. Personalized treatment predictions suggest that patients with a low risk benefited more from immunotherapy, while those with a high risk group may be conducive to chemotherapeutic drugs.

CONCLUSION

The current study developed a novel prognostic risk signature with genes related to CSCs, which provides novel ideas for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of LIHC.

Adaptive cascaded transformer U-Net for MRI brain tumor segmentation

OBJECTIVE

Brain tumor segmentation on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays an important role in assisting the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Recently, cascaded U-Net models have achieved excellent performance via conducting coarse-to-fine segmentation of MRI brain tumors. However, they still suffer from obvious global and local differences among various brain tumors, which are difficult to solve with conventional convolutions.

APPROACH

To address the issue, this work proposes a novel Adaptive Cascaded Transformer U-Net (ACTransU-Net) for MRI brain tumor segmentation, which simultaneously integrates Transformer and dynamic convolution into a single cascaded U-Net architecture to adaptively capture global information and local details of brain tumors. ACTransU-Net first cascades two 3D U-Nets into a two-stage network to segment brain tumors from coarse to fine. Subsequently, it integrates omni-dimensional dynamic convolution modules into the second-stage shallow encoder and decoder, thereby enhancing the local detail representation of various brain tumors through dynamically adjusting convolution kernel parameters. Moreover, 3D Swin-Transformer modules are introduced into the second-stage deep encoder and decoder to capture image long-range dependencies, which helps adapt the global representation of brain tumors.

MAIN RESULTS

Extensive experiment results evaluated on the public BraTS 2020 and BraTS 2021 brain tumor datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of ACTransU-Net, with average DSC of 84.96% and 91.37%, and HD95 of 10.81 mm and 7.31 mm, proving competitiveness with the state-of-the-art methods.

SIGNIFICANCE

The proposed method focuses on adaptively capturing both global information and local details of brain tumors, aiding physicians in their accurate diagnosis. Additionally, it has the potential to extend ACTransU-Net for segmenting other types of lesions. The source code is available at: https: //github.com/chenbn266/ACTransUnet.

A three-dimensional network structure of metal-based nanozymes for the construction of colorimetric sensors for the detection of antioxidants

Although many excellent nanozymes have been developed, designing and synthesizing highly active nanozymes is still challenging. Here, we developed a metal-based nanozyme (metal = Co, Fe, Cu, Zn) with a three-dimensional network structure. It possesses excellent peroxidase activity and catalyzes the reaction between H2O2 and TMB to produce blue oxTMB, while antioxidants have different reducing power on the oxidation product of TMB (oxTMB), which leads to different absorbance and color changes. Using these color reactions, different nanozymes were used to form a colorimetric sensor array with seven antioxidants, and seven antioxidants were sensitively identified. And the differences between the three nanozymes were compared by density functional theory calculations and enzyme kinetic curve results. In conclusion, the colorimetric sensor array based on metal-based nanozymes provides a good strategy for the identification and detection of antioxidants, which has a broad application prospect.

Extended Clopidogrel Monotherapy vs DAPT in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes at High Ischemic and Bleeding Risk: The OPT-BIRISK Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Purinergic receptor P2Y12 (P2Y12) inhibitor monotherapy after a certain period of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may be an attractive option of maintenance antiplatelet treatment for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who are at both high bleeding and ischemic risk (birisk).

Objective

To determine if extended P2Y12 inhibitor monotherapy with clopidogrel is superior to ongoing DAPT with aspirin and clopidogrel after 9 to 12 months of DAPT after PCI in birisk patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial including birisk patients with ACS who had completed 9 to 12 months of DAPT after drug-eluting stent implantation and were free from adverse events for at least 6 months at 101 China centers between February 2018 and December 2020. Study data were analyzed from April 2023 to May 2023.

Interventions

Patients were randomized either to clopidogrel plus placebo or clopidogrel plus aspirin for an additional 9 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding 9 months after randomization. The key secondary end point was major adverse cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE; the composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke or clinically driven revascularization). The primary end point was tested for superiority, and the MACCE end point was tested for sequential noninferiority and superiority.

Results

A total of 7758 patients (mean [SD] age, 64.8 [9.0] years; 4575 male [59.0%]) were included in this study. The primary end point of BARC types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding occurred in 95 of 3873 patients (2.5%) assigned to clopidogrel plus placebo and 127 of 3885 patients (3.3%) assigned to clopidogrel plus aspirin (hazard ratio [HR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-0.97; difference, -0.8%; 95% CI, -1.6% to -0.1%; P = .03). The incidence of MACCE was 2.6% (101 of 3873 patients) in the clopidogrel plus placebo group and 3.5% (136 of 3885 patients) in the clopidogrel plus aspirin group (HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57-0.96; difference, -0.9%; 95% CI, -1.7% to -0.1%; P < .001 for noninferiority; P = .02 for superiority).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among birisk patients with ACS who completed 9 to 12 months of DAPT after drug-eluting stent implantation and were free from adverse events for at least 6 months before randomization, an extended 9-month clopidogrel monotherapy regimen was superior to continuing DAPT with clopidogrel in reducing clinically relevant bleeding without increasing ischemic events.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03431142.

Phosphine-Capped Effects Enable Full-Color Clusteroluminescence in Nonconjugated Polyesters

Full-color luminophores have advanced applications in materials and engineering, but constructing color-tunable clusteroluminescence (CL) from nonconjugated polymers based on through-space interactions remains a huge challenge. Herein, we develop phosphine-capped nonconjugated polyesters exhibiting blue-to-red CL (400-700 nm) based on phosphine-initiated copolymerization of epoxides and cyclic anhydrides, especially P1-0.5TPP, which exhibits red CL (610 nm) with a high quantum yield of 32%. Experiments and theoretical calculations disclose that the phosphine-capped effect in polyesters brings about conformational changes and induces phosphine-ester clusters by through-space (n,π*) interactions. Moreover, CL colors and efficiencies can be easily tailored by types of phosphines, compositions and structures of polyesters, and concentration. Significantly, the role of polymer motions (group, segmental, and chain motions) on CL originating from microregions inside polyesters is revealed. Further, phosphine-capped nonconjugated polyesters are demonstrated to be nonconjugated dyes and fluorescent fibers and are also used for multicolor light-emitting diodes including white light. This work not only provides an engineering strategy based on the end-group effect to prepare full-color clusteroluminogens but also broadens the prospects for material applications.

Salvia miltiorrhiza suppresses cardiomyocyte ferroptosis after myocardial infarction by activating Nrf2 signaling

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ferroptosis, a recently identified non-apoptotic form of cell death reliant on iron, is distinguished by an escalation in lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are iron-dependent. This phenomenon has a strong correlation with irregularities in iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (DS), a medicinal herb frequently utilized in China, is highly esteemed for its therapeutic effectiveness in enhancing blood circulation and ameliorating blood stasis, particularly during the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Numerous pharmacological studies have identified that DS manifests antioxidative stress effects as well as inhibits lipid peroxidation. However, ambiguity persists regarding the potential of DS to impede ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes and subsequently improve myocardial damage post-myocardial infarction (MI).

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present work focused on investigating whether DS could be used to prevent the ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes and improve post-MI myocardial damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In vivo experiments: Through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, we constructed both a wild-type (WT) and NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 knockout (Nrf2-/-) mouse model of MI. Effects of DS and ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) on post-MI cardiomyocyte ferroptosis were examined through detecting ferroptosis and myocardial damage-related indicators as well as Nrf2 signaling-associated protein levels. In vitro experiments: Erastin was used for stimulating H9C2 cardiomyocytes to construct an in vitro ferroptosis cardiomyocyte model. Effects of DS and Fer-1 on cardiomyocyte ferroptosis were determined based on ferroptosis-related indicators and Nrf2 signaling-associated protein levels. Additionally, inhibitor and activator of Nrf2 were used for confirming the impact of Nrf2 signaling on DS's effect on cardiomyocyte ferroptosis.

RESULTS

In vivo: In comparison to the model group, DS suppressed ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes post-MI and ameliorated myocardial damage by inducing Nrf2 signaling-related proteins (Nrf2, xCT, GPX4), diminishing tissue ferrous iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Additionally, it enhanced glutathione (GSH) levels and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, effects that are aligned with those of Fer-1. Moreover, the effect of DS on alleviating cardiomyocyte ferroptosis after MI could be partly inhibited through Nrf2 knockdown. In vitro: Compared with the erastin group, DS inhibited cardiomyocyte ferroptosis by promoting the expression of Nrf2 signaling-related proteins, reducing ferrous iron, ROS, and MDA levels, but increasing GSH content and SOD activity, consistent with the effect of Fer-1. Additionally, Nrf2 inhibition increased erastin-mediated ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes through decreasing Nrf2 signaling-related protein expressions. Co-treatment with DS and Nrf2 activator failed to further enhance the anti-ferroptosis effect of DS.

CONCLUSION

MI is accompanied by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis, whose underlying mechanism is probably associated with Nrf2 signaling inhibition. DS possibly suppresses ferroptosis of cardiomyocytes and improves myocardial damage after MI through activating Nrf2 signaling.

Comprehensive characterization of β-alanine metabolism-related genes in HCC identified a novel prognostic signature related to clinical outcomes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands out as the most prevalent type of liver cancer and a significant contributor to cancer-related fatalities globally. Metabolic reprogramming, particularly in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, plays a crucial role in HCC progression. However, the functions of β-alanine metabolism-related genes (βAMRGs) in HCC remain understudied. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation of βAMRGs is required, specifically in HCC. Initially, we explored the pan-cancer landscape of βAMRGs, integrating expression profiles, prognostic values, mutations, and methylation levels. Subsequently, scRNA sequencing results indicated that hepatocytes had the highest scores of β-alanine metabolism. In the process of hepatocyte carcinogenesis, metabolic pathways were further activated. Using βAMRGs scores and expression profiles, we classified HCC patients into three subtypes and examined their prognosis and immune microenvironments. Cluster 3, characterized by the highest βAMRGs scores, displayed the best prognosis, reinforcing β-alanine's significant contribution to HCC pathophysiology. Notably, immune microenvironment, metabolism, and cell death modes significantly varied among the β-alanine subtypes. We developed and validated a novel prognostic panel based on βAMRGs and constructed a nomogram incorporating risk degree and clinicopathological characteristics. Among the model genes, EHHADH has been identified as a protective protein in HCC. Its expression was notably downregulated in tumors and exhibited a close correlation with factors such as tumor staging, grading, and prognosis. Immunohistochemical experiments, conducted using HCC tissue microarrays, substantiated the validation of its expression levels. In conclusion, this study uncovers β-alanine's significant role in HCC for the first time, suggesting new research targets and directions for diagnosis and treatment.

Stereotactic ablative brachytherapy versus percutaneous microwave ablation as salvage treatments for lung oligometastasis from colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The treatment for lung oligometastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) remains challenging. This retrospective study aimed to compare the local tumor control, survival and procedure-related complications in CRC patients undergoing low-dose rate stereotactic ablative brachytherapy (L-SABT) versus percutaneous microwave ablation (MWA) for lung oligometastasis.

METHODS

Patients between November 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Local tumor progression-free survival (LTPFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed in the entire cohort as well as by stratified analysis based on the minimal ablation margin (MAM) around the tumor.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 122 patients: 74 and 48 in the brachytherapy and MWA groups, respectively, with a median follow-up of 30.5 and 35.3 months. The 1- and 3-year LTPFS rate was 54.1% and 40.5% in the brachytherapy group versus 58.3% and 41.7% in the MWA group (P = 0.524 and 0.889, respectively). The 1- and 3-year OS rate was 75.7% and 48.6% versus 75.0% and 50.0% (P = 0.775 and 0.918, respectively). Neither LTPFS nor OS differed significantly between the patients with MAM of 5-10 mm versus > 10 mm. Pulmonary complication rate did not differ in the overall analysis, but was significantly higher in the MWA group in the subgroup analysis that only included patients with lesion within 10 mm from the key structures (P = 0.005). The increased complications was primarily bronchopleural fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the caveats associated with radioisotope use in L-SABT, MWA is generally preferable. In patients with lesion within 10 mm from the key pulmonary structures, however, L-SABT could be considered as an alternative due to lower risk of bronchopleural fistula.

Substrate and functional characterization of the lysine acetyltransferase MsKat and deacetylase MsCobB in Mycobacterium smegmatis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious cause of infectious death worldwide. Recent studies have reported that about 30% of the Mtb proteome was modified post-translationally, indicating that their functions are essential for drug resistance, mycobacterial survival, and pathogenicity. Among them, lysine acetylation, reversibly regulated by acetyltransferase and deacetylase, has important roles involved in energy metabolism, cellular adaptation, and protein interactions. However, the substrate and biological functions of these two important regulatory enzymes remain unclear. Herein, we utilized the non-pathogenic M. smegmatis strain as a model and systematically investigated the dynamic proteome changes in response to the overexpressing of MsKat/MsCobB in mycobacteria. A total of 4179 proteins and 1236 acetylated sites were identified in our data. Further analysis of the dynamic changes involved in proteome and acetylome showed that MsKat/MsCobB played a regulatory role in various metabolic pathways and nucleic acid processes. After that, the quantitative mass spectrometric method was utilized and proved that the AMP-dependent synthetase, Citrate synthase, ATP-dependent specificity component of the Clp protease, and ATP-dependent DNA/RNA helicases were identified to be the substrates of MsKat. Overall, our study provided an important resource underlying the substrates and functions of the acetylation regulatory enzymes in mycobacteria. SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, we systematically analyzed the dynamic molecular changes in response to the MsKat/MsCobB overexpression in mycobacteria at proteome and lysine acetylation level by using a TMT-based quantitative proteomic approach. Pathways related with glycolysis, degradation of branched chain amino acids, phosphotransferase system were affected after disturbance of the two regulates enzymes involved in lysine acetylation. We also proved that AMP-dependent synthetase Clp protease, ATP-dependent DNA/RNA helicases and citrate synthase was the substrate of MsKat according to our proteomic data and biological validation. Together, our study underlined the substrates and functions of the acetylation regulatory enzymes in mycobacteria.

CXCL9/10-engineered dendritic cells promote T cell activation and enhance immune checkpoint blockade for lung cancer

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition has revolutionized the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Durable responses, however, are observed only in a subpopulation of patients. Defective antigen presentation and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) can lead to deficient T cell recruitment and ICB resistance. We evaluate intratumoral (IT) vaccination with CXCL9- and CXCL10-engineered dendritic cells (CXCL9/10-DC) as a strategy to overcome resistance. IT CXCL9/10-DC leads to enhanced T cell infiltration and activation in the TME and tumor inhibition in murine NSCLC models. The antitumor efficacy of IT CXCL9/10-DC is dependent on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, as well as CXCR3-dependent T cell trafficking from the lymph node. IT CXCL9/10-DC, in combination with ICB, overcomes resistance and establishes systemic tumor-specific immunity in murine models. These studies provide a mechanistic understanding of CXCL9/10-DC-mediated host immune activation and support clinical translation of IT CXCL9/10-DC to augment ICB efficacy in NSCLC.

ATP13A3 variants promote pulmonary arterial hypertension by disrupting polyamine transport

AIMS

Potential loss-of-function variants of ATP13A3, the gene encoding a P5B-type transport ATPase of undefined function, were recently identified in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) patients. ATP13A3 is implicated in polyamine transport but its function has not been fully elucidated. Here, we sought to determine the biological function of ATP13A3 in vascular endothelial cells and how PAH-associated variants may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied the impact of ATP13A3 deficiency and overexpression in endothelial cell (EC) models (human pulmonary ECs, blood outgrowth ECs (BOECs) and HMEC-1 cells), including a PAH patient-derived BOEC line harbouring an ATP13A3 variant (LK726X). We also generated mice harbouring an Atp13a3 variant analogous to a human disease-associated variant to establish whether these mice develop PAH.ATP13A3 localised to the recycling endosomes of human ECs. Knockdown of ATP13A3 in ECs generally reduced the basal polyamine content and altered the expression of enzymes involved in polyamine metabolism. Conversely, overexpression of wild-type ATP13A3 increased polyamine uptake. Functionally, loss of ATP13A3 was associated with reduced EC proliferation, increased apoptosis in serum starvation and increased monolayer permeability to thrombin. Assessment of five PAH-associated missense ATP13A3 variants (L675V, M850I, V855M, R858H, L956P) confirmed loss-of-function phenotypes represented by impaired polyamine transport and dysregulated EC function. Furthermore, mice carrying a heterozygous germ-line Atp13a3 frameshift variant representing a human variant spontaneously developed a PAH phenotype, with increased pulmonary pressures, right ventricular remodelling and muscularisation of pulmonary vessels.

CONCLUSION

We identify ATP13A3 as a polyamine transporter controlling polyamine homeostasis in ECs, deficiency of which leads to EC dysfunction and predisposes to PAH. This suggests a need for targeted therapies to alleviate the imbalances in polyamine homeostasis and EC dysfunction in PAH.

Direct conversion of methane to aromatics and hydrogen via a heterogeneous trimetallic synergistic catalyst

Non-oxidative methane dehydro-aromatization reaction can co-produce hydrogen and benzene effectively on a molybdenum-zeolite based thermochemical catalyst, which is a very promising approach for natural-gas upgrading. However, the low methane conversion and aromatics selectivity and weak durability restrain the realistic application for industry. Here, a mechanism for enhancing catalysis activity on methane activation and carbon-carbon bond coupling has been found to promote conversion and selectivity simultaneously by adding platinum-bismuth alloy cluster to form a trimetallic catalyst on zeolite (Pt-Bi/Mo/ZSM-5). This bimetallic alloy cluster has synergistic interaction with molybdenum: the formed CH3* from Mo2C on the external surface of zeolite can efficiently move on for C-C coupling on the surface of Pt-Bi particle to produce C2 compounds, which are the key intermediates of oligomerization. This pathway is parallel with the catalysis on Mo inside the cage. This catalyst demonstrated 18.7% methane conversion and 69.4% benzene selectivity at 710 °C. With 95% methane/5% nitrogen feedstock, it exhibited robust stability with slow deactivation rate of 9.3% after 2 h and instant recovery of 98.6% activity after regeneration in hydrogen. The enhanced catalytic activity is strongly associated with synergistic interaction with Mo and ligand effects of alloys by extensive mechanism studies and DFT calculation.

Monitoring the Mitochondrial Viscosity Changes During Cuproptosis with Iridium(III) Complex Probe via In Situ Phosphorescence Lifetime Imaging

Cuproptosis is a novel copper-dependent form of programmed cell death, displaying important regulatory functions in many human diseases, including cancer. However, the relationship between the changes in mitochondrial viscosity, a key factor associated with cellular malfunction, and cuproptosis is still unclear. Herein, we prepared a phosphorescent iridium (Ir) complex probe for precisely monitoring the changes of mitochondrial viscosity during cuprotosis via phosphorescence lifetime imaging. The Ir complex probe possessed microsecond lifetimes (up to 1 μs), which could be easily distinguished from cellular autofluorescence to improve the imaging contrast and sensitivity. Benefiting from the long phosphorescence lifetime, excellent viscosity selectivity, and mitochondrial targeting abilities, the Ir complex probe could monitor the increase in the mitochondrial viscosity during cuproptosis (from 46.8 to 68.9 cP) in a quantitative manner. Moreover, through in situ fluorescence imaging, the Ir complex probe successfully monitored the increase in viscosity in zebrafish treated with lipopolysaccharides or elescolomol-Cu2+, which were well-known cuproptosis inducers. We anticipate that this new Ir complex probe will be a useful tool for in-depth understanding of the biological effects of mitochondrial viscosity during cuproptosis.

Confining Polymer Electrolyte in MOF for Safe and High-Performance All-Solid-State Sodium Metal Batteries

Nanoconfined polymer molecules exhibit profound transformations in their properties and behaviors. Here, we present the synthesis of a polymer-in-MOF single ion conducting solid polymer electrolyte, where polymer segments are partially confined within nanopores ZIF-8 particles through Lewis acid-base interactions for solid-state sodium-metal batteries (SSMBs). The unique nanoconfinement effectively weakens Na ion coordination with the anions, facilitating the Na ion dissociation from salt. Simultaneously, the well-defined nanopores within ZIF-8 particles provide oriented and ordered migration channels for Na migration. As a result, this pioneering design allows the solid polymer electrolyte to achieve a Na ion transference number of 0.87, Na ion conductivity of 4.01×10-4 S cm-1, and an extended electrochemical voltage window up to 4.89 V vs. Na/Na+. The assembled SSMBs (with Na3V2(PO4)3 as the cathode) exhibit dendrite-free Na-metal deposition, promising rate capability, and stable cycling performance with 96 % capacity retention over 300 cycles. This innovative polymer-in-MOF design offers a compelling strategy for advancing high-performance and safe solid-state metal battery technologies.

Single-cell and Spatial Transcriptomics Identified Fatty Acid-binding Proteins Controlling Endothelial Glycolytic and Arterial Programming in Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease characterized by obliterative vascular remodeling and persistent increase of vascular resistance, leading to right heart failure and premature death. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms will help develop novel therapeutic approaches for PAH patients. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) analysis found that both FABP4 and FABP5 were highly induced in endothelial cells (ECs) of Egln1 Tie2Cre (CKO) mice, which was also observed in pulmonary arterial ECs (PAECs) from idiopathic PAH (IPAH) patients, and in whole lungs of pulmonary hypertension (PH) rats. Plasma levels of FABP4/5 were upregulated in IPAH patients and directly correlated with severity of hemodynamics and biochemical parameters using plasma proteome analysis. Genetic deletion of both Fabp4 and 5 in CKO mice ( Egln1 Tie2Cre /Fabp4-5 -/- , TKO) caused a reduction of right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) and RV hypertrophy, attenuated pulmonary vascular remodeling and prevented the right heart failure assessed by echocardiography, hemodynamic and histological analysis. Employing bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq, and spatial transcriptomic analysis, we showed that Fabp4/5 deletion also inhibited EC glycolysis and distal arterial programming, reduced ROS and HIF-2α expression in PH lungs. Thus, PH causes aberrant expression of FABP4/5 in pulmonary ECs which leads to enhanced ECs glycolysis and distal arterial programming, contributing to the accumulation of arterial ECs and vascular remodeling and exacerbating the disease.

Wallerian Degeneration Assessed by Multi-Modal Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cervical Spinal Cord Is Associated With Neurological Impairment After Spinal Cord Injury

While Wallerian degeneration (WD) is a crucial pathological process induced with spinal cord injury (SCI), its underlying mechanisms is still understudied. In this study, we aim to assess structural alterations and clinical significance of WD in the cervical cord following SCI using multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which combines T2*-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). T2*-weighted images allow segmentation of anatomical structures and the detection of WD on macrostructural level. DTI, on the other hand, can identify the reduction in neuroaxonal integrity by measuring the diffusion of water molecules on the microstructural level. In this prospective study, 35 SCI patients (19 paraplegic and 16 tetraplegic patients) and 12 healthy controls were recruited between July 2020 and May 2022. The hyperintensity voxels in the dorsal column was manually labeled as WD on T2*-weighted images. The mean cross-sectional area (CSA) and mean DTI indexes of WD at the C2 level were calculated and compared between groups. Correlation analysis was used to determine the associations of the magnitude of WD with lesion characteristics and clinical outcomes. Compared with controls, SCI patients showed evident hyperintensity (35/35) and decreased neuroaxonal integrity (p < 0.05) within the dorsal column at the C2 level. A higher neurological level of injury was associated with a larger mean CSA and reduction in neuroaxonal integrity within WD (p < 0.05). Smaller total and dorsal tissue bridges were related to greater mean CSA and lower fractional anisotropy values in WD (p < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, SCI participants with significantly larger CSAs and significantly lower microstructural integrity had worse sensory outcomes (p < 0.05). This comprehensive evaluation of WD can help us better understand the mechanisms of WD, monitor progression, and assess the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions after SCI.

A real-world observation on thrombopoietic agents for patients with cancer treatment-induced thrombocytopenia in China: A multicenter, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Studies on various thrombopoietic agents for cancer treatment-induced thrombocytopenia (CTIT) in China are lacking. This study aimed to provide detailed clinical profiles to understand the outcomes and safety of different CTIT treatment regimens.

METHODS

In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, 1664 questionnaires were collected from 33 hospitals between March 1 and July 1, 2021. Patients aged >18 years were enrolled who were diagnosed with CTIT and treated with recombinant interleukin 11 (rhIL-11), recombinant thrombopoietin (rhTPO), or a thrombopoietin receptor agonist (TPO-RA). The outcomes, compliance, and safety of different treatments were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 1437 analyzable cases, most patients were treated with either rhTPO alone (49.3%) or rhIL-11 alone (27.0%). The most common combination regimen used was rhTPO and rhIL-11 (10.9%). Platelet transfusions were received by 117 cases (8.1%). In multivariate analysis, rhTPO was associated with a significantly lower proportion of platelet recovery, platelet transfusion, and hospitalization due to chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) than rhIL-11 alone. No significant difference was observed in the time taken to achieve a platelet count of >100 × 109/L and chemotherapy dose reduction due to CIT among the different thrombopoietic agents. The outcomes of thrombocytopenia in 170 patients who received targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy are also summarized. The results show that the proportion of platelet recovery was similar among the different thrombopoietic agents. No new safety signals related to thrombopoietic agents were observed in this study. A higher proportion of physicians preferred to continue treatment with TPO-RA alone than with rhTPO and rhIL-11.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey provides an overview of CTIT and the application of various thrombopoietic agents throughout China. Comparison of monotherapy with rhIL-11, rhTPO, and TPO-RA requires further randomized clinical trials. The appropriate application for thrombopoietic agents should depend on the pretreatment of platelets, treatment variables, and risk of bleeding.

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

To provide an overview of the outcome of cancer treatment-induced thrombocytopenia in China, our cross-sectional study analyzed 1437 cases treated with different thrombopoietic agents. Most of the patients were treated with recombinant interleukin 11 (rhIL-11) and recombinant thrombopoietin (rhTPO). rhTPO was associated with a significantly lower proportion of platelet recovery and platelet transfusion compared with rhIL-11.

Internal multiple interactions-adsorption and external zwitterionic polymer-exclusion of restricted access materials as adsorbent for offline and online extraction of neonicotinoid pesticides in Goji samples

A method based on novel restricted access materials (RAMs) for the determination of neonicotinoid pesticides in Goji samples using offline and online solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (LC). RAMs were synthesized using poly(chloromethylstyrene-co-divinylbenzene) (PVBC/DVB) microspheres as substrate, styrene (St) and n-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) were first copolymerized on the interior to construct adsorption sites, and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) was then polymerized on the exterior to form exclusion sites via two-step surface initiated-atom transfer polymerization. The prepared PVBC/DVB@poly(St-co-NVP)@poly(SBMA) RAMs could efficiently extract neonicotinoid pesticides and automatically exclude proteins. Under the optimized conditions, the developed methods of offline (magnetic SPE and SPE column) and online extraction coupled with LC both using PVBC/DVB@poly(St-co-NVP)@poly(SBMA) RAMs as the extractant, exhibit a wide linearity, low limits of detection and limit of quantification and good inter-day and intra-day precision with satisfactory recoveries. Among these methods, online extraction coupled with LC based on novel RAMs exhibits clear advantages for the determination of neonicotinoid pesticides in Goji samples has clear advantages, such as simple operation by direct injection, short extraction times, and high accuracy with less human error.

Pangenome-Wide Association Study and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal a Novel QTL and Candidate Genes Controlling both Panicle and Leaf Blast Resistance in Rice

Cultivating rice varieties with robust blast resistance is the most effective and economical way to manage the rice blast disease. However, rice blast disease comprises leaf and panicle blast, which are different in terms of resistance mechanisms. While many blast resistant rice cultivars were bred using genes conferring resistance to only leaf or panicle blast, mining durable and effective quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for both panicle and leaf blast resistance is of paramount importance. In this study, we conducted a pangenome-wide association study (panGWAS) on 9 blast resistance related phenotypes using 414 international diverse rice accessions from an international rice panel. This approach led to the identification of 74 QTLs associated with rice blast resistance. One notable locus, qPBR1, validated in a F4:5 population and fine-mapped in a Heterogeneous Inbred Family (HIF), exhibited broad-spectrum, major and durable blast resistance throughout the growth period. Furthermore, we performed transcriptomic analysis of 3 resistant and 3 sensitive accessions at different time points after infection, revealing 3,311 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) potentially involved in blast resistance. Integration of the above results identified 6 candidate genes within the qPBR1 locus, with no significant negative effect on yield. The results of this study provide valuable germplasm resources, QTLs, blast response genes and candidate functional genes for developing rice varieties with enduring and broad-spectrum blast resistance. The qPBR1, in particular, holds significant potential for breeding new rice varieties with comprehensive and durable resistance throughout their growth period.

Combining fecal 16 S rRNA sequencing and spinal cord metabolomics analysis to explain the modulatory effect of PPARα on neuropathic pain

BACKGROUND

Existing evidence suggests that the composition of the gut microbiota is associated with neuropathic pain (NP), but the mechanistic link is elusive. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) has been shown to be a pharmacological target for the treatment of metabolic disorders, and its expression is also involved in inflammatory regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the important modulatory effects of PPARα on gut microbiota and spinal cord metabolites in mice subjected to chronic constriction injury.

METHODS

We analyzed fecal microbiota and spinal cord metabolic alterations in mice from the sham, CCI, GW7647 (PPARα agonist) and GW6471 (PPARα antagonist) groups by 16 S rRNA amplicon sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis. On this basis, the intestinal microbiota and metabolites that were significantly altered between treatment groups were analyzed in a combined multiomics analysis. We also investigated the effect of PPARα on the polarization fractionation of spinal microglia.

RESULTS

PPARα agonist significantly reduce paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal thermal latency, while PPARα antagonist significantly increase paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal thermal latency. 16 S rRNA gene sequencing showed that intraperitoneal injection of GW7647 or GW6471 significantly altered the abundance, homogeneity and composition of the gut microbiome. Analysis of the spinal cord metabolome showed that the levels of spinal cord metabolites were shifted after exposure to GW7647 or GW6471. Alterations in the composition of gut microbiota were significantly associated with the abundance of various spinal cord metabolites. The abundance of Licheniformes showed a significant positive correlation with nicotinamide, benzimidazole, eicosanoids, and pyridine abundance. Immunofluorescence results showed that intraperitoneal injection of GW7647 or GW6471 altered microglial activation and polarization levels.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that PPARα can promote M2-type microglia polarization, as well as alter gut microbiota and metabolites in CCI mice. This study enhances our understanding of the mechanism of PPARα in the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Circ-10720 as a ceRNA adsorbs microRNA-1238 and modulates ZEB2 to boost NSCLC development by activating EMT

BACKGROUND

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are critical regulators in the progression of tumors. This experimental design aimed to explore the mechanism of circ-10720 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

We used RT-qPCR to measure circ-10720 expression in clinical samples and analyzed its relationship with the clinicopathological characteristics of NSCLC patients. The expression levels of microRNA-1238 (miR-1238) and Zinc Finger E-box-binding Homeobox 2 (ZEB2) in clinical samples were detected by RT-qPCR. NSCLC cells were transfected with relevant plasmids or sequences. Circ-10720, miR-1238, and ZEB2 expressions in cells were analyzed via RT-qPCR or western blot. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were assessed with CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. The protein expression of ZEB2 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin) were detected via western blot. Xenograft assay was used to determine the effect of circ-10720 on NSCLC in vivo. Circ-10720 and ZEB2 expressions in tumors were detected using RT-qPCR or Western blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate E-cadherin and N-cadherin expression in tumors. Finally, the binding relationship between miR-1238 with circ-10720 or ZEB2 was verified by the bioinformatics website, dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull-down assay, and RIP assay.

RESULTS

Circ-10720 was upregulated in NSCLC and correlated with TNM stage of NSCLC patients. MiR-1238 was lowly expressed but ZEB2 was highly expressed in NSCLC. Circ-10720 silencing suppressed the proliferation, metastasis, and EMT of NSCLC cells. Mechanically, circ-10720 was a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR-1238, and ZEB2 was a target of miR-1238. circ-10720-modulated ZEB2 via competitively binding with miR-1238 to control NSCLC progression. In addition, circ-10720 knockdown suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Circ-10720 acts as a ceRNA to adsorb miR-1238 and modulate ZEB2 to facilitate the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of NSCLC cells.

Disentangling sex-dependent effects of APOE on diverse trajectories of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease

Current diagnostic systems for Alzheimer's disease (AD) rely upon clinical signs and symptoms, despite the fact that the multiplicity of clinical symptoms renders various neuropsychological assessments inadequate to reflect the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Since putative neuroimaging biomarkers play a crucial role in understanding the etiology of AD, we sought to stratify the diverse relationships between AD biomarkers and cognitive decline in the aging population and uncover risk factors contributing to the diversities in AD. To do so, we capitalized on a large amount of neuroimaging data from the ADNI study to examine the inflection points along the dynamic relationship between cognitive decline trajectories and whole-brain neuroimaging biomarkers, using a state-of-the-art statistical model of change point detection. Our findings indicated that the temporal relationship between AD biomarkers and cognitive decline may differ depending on the synergistic effect of genetic risk and biological sex. Specifically, tauopathy-PET biomarkers exhibit a more dynamic and age-dependent association with Mini-Mental State Examination scores (p<0.05), with inflection points at 72, 78, and 83 years old, compared with amyloid-PET and neurodegeneration (cortical thickness from MRI) biomarkers. In the landscape of health disparities in AD, our analysis indicated that biological sex moderates the rate of cognitive decline associated with APOE4 genotype. Meanwhile, we found that higher education levels may moderate the effect of APOE4, acting as a marker of cognitive reserve.