Left ventricular remodeling and its association with mineral and bone disorder in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The assessment of left ventricular (LV) remodeling and its association with mineral and bone disorder (MBD) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have not been systematically studied. We aimed to evaluate LV remodeling changes one year after kidney transplantation (KT) and identify their influencing factors.

METHODS

Ninety-five KTRs (68 males; ages 40.2 ± 10.8 years) were followed before and one year after KT. Traditional risk factors and bone metabolism indicators were assessed. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) were measured using two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. The relationship between MBD and LV remodeling and the factors influencing LV remodeling were analyzed.

RESULTS

One year after KT, MBD was partially improved, mainly characterized by hypercalcemia, hypophosphatemia, hyperparathyroidism, 25-(OH) vitamin D deficiency, elevated bone turnover markers, and bone loss. LVMI, the prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and the prevalence of LVDD decreased, while LVEF increased. LVH was positively associated with postoperative intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and iPTH nonnormalization. △LVMI was positively associated with preoperative type-I collagen N-terminal peptide and postoperative iPTH. LVEF was negatively associated with postoperative phosphorous. △LVEF was negatively associated with postoperative iPTH. LVDD was positively associated with postoperative lumbar spine osteoporosis. Preoperative LVMI was negatively associated with △LVMI and positively associated with △LVEF. Advanced age, increased BMI, diabetes, longer dialysis time, lower albumin level, and higher total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were associated with LV remodeling.

CONCLUSIONS

LV remodeling partially improved after KT, showing a close relationship with MBD.

Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum In Vitro In Vivo

The genus Bifidobacterium has been widely used in functional foods for health promotion due to its beneficial effects on human health, especially in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). In this study, we characterize the anti-inflammatory potential of the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G7, isolated from a healthy male adult. G7 secretion inhibited inflammatory response in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, oral administration of bacteria G7 alleviated the severity of colonic inflammation in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated colitis mice, which was evidenced by a decreased disease activity index (DAI) and enhanced structural integrity of the colon. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing result illustrated that the G7 alleviated DSS-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis, accompanied by the modulated bile acids and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels. Overall, our results demonstrated the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum G7 on both in vitro and in vivo models, which provided a solid foundation for further development of a novel anti-inflammatory probiotic.

Establishment of the mid-sagittal reference plane for three-dimensional assessment of facial asymmetry: a systematic review : Establishment of the mid-sagittal reference plane: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the literature for mid-sagittal plane establishment approaches to identify the most effective method for constructing the mid-sagittal plane for the evaluation of facial asymmetry.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six electronic databases (PubMed, Medline (via Ovid), EMBASE (via Ovid), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus) and grey literature were searched for the studies that computed the mid-sagittal reference plane three-dimensionally, using a combination of MeSH terms and keywords. The methodological quality and the level of evidence for the included studies were analyzed using QUADAS-2 and GRADE, respectively.

RESULTS

The preliminary search yielded 6746 records, of which 42 articles that met the predefined inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. All the included articles reported the construction of the mid-sagittal reference plane (MSP) using varied methods. The risk of bias and concerns regarding the applicability of the included studies were judged to be 'low'. The level of evidence was determined to be 'low' for the effectiveness of the technique and 'moderate' for the ease of clinical applicability.

CONCLUSION

Despite methodological heterogeneity, this review substantiates the comparable efficacy of cephalometric and morphometric MSP construction methods. A fully automated morphometric MSP holds promise as a viable option for routine clinical use. Nevertheless, future prospective studies with an emphasis on the impact, accuracy, and clinical applicability of MSP construction techniques in cases of facial asymmetry are required.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present review will assist clinicians in selecting the most suitable method for MSP construction, leading to improved treatment planning and ultimately more favorable treatment outcomes.

Three-dimensional nasal asymmetry analysis between adolescence and adulthood in postoperative patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate using computed tomography

AIM

To investigate the differences of the nasal soft and hard tissue asymmetry in postoperative patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) between adolescence and adulthood, and to explore the correlation of nasal soft and hard tissue asymmetry.

METHODS

CT data from 47 repaired UCLP patients were included and divided into two groups:1. adolescent group: 23 patients (15 males, 8 females; age: 10-12 years old). 2. adult group: 24 patients (16 males, 8 females; age:18-32 years old). The three-dimensional asymmetry in nasal soft and hard tissues was analyzed. Additionally, the correlation between nasal soft and hard tissue asymmetry was also analyzed.

RESULTS

Both the adolescent group and adult group showed asymmetries in nasal soft and hard tissues. Compared to the adolescent group, the adult group had a significantly increased horizontal asymmetry of nasal soft tissues Sbal (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the sagittal asymmetry of soft tissue Glat (P < 0.05), Sbal (P < 0.001), Sni (P < 0.001) and hard tissue LPA (P < 0.05) also increased significantly. In the adult group, there were more landmarks with a correlation between the asymmetry of nasal hard tissue and soft tissue compared to the adolescent group. There were moderate to strong correlations between nasal hard and soft tissue symmetries in the horizontal and sagittal directions (0.444 < r < 764), but no correlation in the vertical direction in the adult group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The asymmetry of nasal soft and hard tissues in patients with repaired UCLP becomes more apparent in the horizontal and sagittal dimensions from adolescence to adulthood. The correlation between the asymmetry of nasal hard tissue and soft tissue becomes stronger in the horizontal and sagittal dimensions. These factors should be taken into account when performing treatment for repaired UCLP patients in adolescence and adulthood.

The use of CBCT in orthodontics with special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing

Applications of cone-beam CT (CBCT) in orthodontics have been increasingly discussed and evaluated in science and practice over the last two decades. The present work provides a comprehensive summary of current consolidated practice guidelines, cutting-edge innovative applications, and future outlooks about potential use of CBCT in orthodontics with a special focus on upper airway analysis in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. The present scoping review reveals that clinical applications of CBCT in orthodontics are broadly supported by evidence for the diagnosis of dental anomalies, temporomandibular joint disorders, and craniofacial malformations. On the other hand, CBCT imaging for upper airway analysis-including soft tissue diagnosis and airway morphology-needs further validation in order to provide better understanding regarding which diagnostic questions it can be expected to answer. Internationally recognized guidelines for CBCT use in orthodontics are existent, and similar ones should be developed to provide clear indications about the appropriate use of CBCT for upper airway assessment, including a list of specific clinical questions justifying its prescription.

Association of UGT1A Gene Polymorphisms with BKV Infection in Renal Transplantation Recipients

BACKGROUND

BK virus (BKV) infection is an opportunistic infectious complication and constitutes a risk factor for premature graft failure in kidney transplantation. Our research aimed to identify associations and assess the impact of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on metabolism-related genes in patients who have undergone kidney transplantation with BKV infection.

Material/Methods: The DNA samples of 200 eligible kidney transplant recipients from our center, meeting the inclusion criteria, have been collected and extracted. Next-generation sequencing was used to genotype SNPs on metabolism-associated genes (CYP3A4/5/7, UGT1A4/7/8/9, UGT2B7). A general linear model (GLM) was used to identify and eliminate confounding factors that may influence the outcome events. Multiple inheritance models and haplotype analyses were utilized to identify variation loci associated with infection caused by BKV and ascertain haplotypes, respectively.

Results: A total of 141 SNPs located on metabolism-related genes were identified. After Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) and minor allele frequency (MAF) analysis, 21 tagger SNPs were selected for further association analysis. Based on GLM results, no confounding factor was significant in predicting the incidence of BK polyomavirus-associated infection. Then, multiple inheritance model analyses revealed that the risk of BKV infection was significantly associated with rs3732218 and rs4556969. Finally, we detect significant associations between haplotype T-A-C of block 2 (rs4556969, rs3732218, rs12468274) and infection caused by BKV (P = 0.0004).

Conclusions: We found that genetic variants in the UGT1A gene confer BKV infection susceptibility after kidney transplantation.

Complementary imaging of nanoclusters interacting with mitochondria via stimulated emission depletion and scanning transmission electron microscopy

The emerging stress caused by nanomaterials in the environment is of great concern because they can have toxic effects on organisms. However, thorough study of the interactions between cells and diverse nanoparticles (NPs) using a unified approach is challenging. Here, we present a novel approach combining stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) for quantitative assessment, real-time tracking, and in situ imaging of the intracellular behavior of gold-silver nanoclusters (AuAgNCs), based on their fluorescence and electron properties. The results revealed an aggregated state of AuAgNCs within the mitochondria and an increase in sulfur content in AuAgNCs, presumably owing to their reaction with thiol-containing molecules inside the mitochondria. Moreover, AuAgNCs (100 μg/mL) induced a 75% decline in mitochondrial membrane potential and a 12-fold increase of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in comparison to control. This mitochondrial damage may be triggered by the reaction of AuAgNCs with thiol, which provides direct imaging evidence for uncovering the action mechanism of AuAgNCs on the mitochondria. The proposed dual-imaging strategy using STED and STEM is a potential tool to offer valuable insights into cytotoxicity between subcellular structures and diverse NPs, and can serve as a key strategy for nanomaterial biosafety assessment.

Radiographic Imaging for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients with Skeletal Class III Malocclusion

Skeletal Class III malocclusion is one type of dentofacial deformity that significantly affects patients' facial aesthetics and oral health. The orthodontic treatment of skeletal Class III malocclusion presents challenges due to uncertainties surrounding mandibular growth patterns and treatment outcomes. In recent years, disease-specific radiographic features have garnered interest from researchers in various fields including orthodontics, for their exceptional performance in enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment effect predictability. The aim of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the valuable radiographic features in the diagnosis and management of skeletal Class III malocclusion. Based on the existing literature, a series of analyses on lateral cephalograms have been concluded to identify the significant variables related to facial type classification, growth prediction, and decision-making for tooth extractions and orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion. Furthermore, we summarize the parameters regarding the inter-maxillary relationship, as well as different anatomical structures including the maxilla, mandible, craniofacial base, and soft tissues from conventional and machine learning statistical models. Several distinct radiographic features for Class III malocclusion have also been preliminarily observed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Discovery of betulinic acid derivatives as gut-restricted TGR5 agonists: Balancing the potency and physicochemical properties

The pleiotropic effects of TGR5 make it an appealing target for intervention of metabolic and inflammatory disorders, but systemic activation of TGR5 faces challenges of on-target side effects, especially gallbladder filling. Gut-restricted agonists were proved to be sufficient to circumvent these side effects, but extremely low systemic exposure may not be effective in activating TGR5 since it is located on the basolateral membrane. Herein, to balance potency and physicochemical properties, a series of gut-restricted TGR5 agonists with diversified kinetophores had been designed and synthesized. Compound 22-Na exhibited significant antidiabetic effect, and showed favorable gallbladder safety after 7 days of oral administration in humanized TGR5H88Y mice, confirming that gut-restricted agonism of TGR5 is a viable strategy to alleviate systemic target-related effects.

Dyssynchronous heart failure models in canines: New insights into electrocardiographic, echocardiographic and histological features

BACKGROUND

We investigated the similarities and differences between two experimental approaches using tachy-pacing technology to induce desynchronized heart failure in canines.

METHODS

A total of eight dogs were included in the experiment, four were tachy-paced in right ventricle apex (RVAP) and 4 were paced in right atrium after the ablation of left bundle branch to achieve left bundle branch block (RAP+LBBB). Three weeks of follow-up were conducted to observe the changes in cardiac function and myocardial staining was performed at the end of the experiment.

RESULTS

Both experimental approaches successfully established heart failure with reduced ejection fraction models, with similar trends in declining cardiac function. The RAP+LBBB group exhibited a prolonged overall ventricular activation time, delayed left ventricular activation, and lesser impact on the right ventricle. The RVAP approach led to a reduction in overall right ventricular compliance and right ventricular enlargement. The RAP+LBBB group exhibited significant reductions in left heart compliance (LVGLS, %: RAP+LBBB -12.60 ± 0.12 to -5.93 ± 1.25; RVAP -13.28 ± 0.62 to -8.05 ± 0.63, p = 0.023; LASct, %: RAP+LBBB -15.75 ± 6.85 to -1.50 ± 1.00; RVAP -15.75 ± 2.87 to -10.05 ± 6.16, p = 0.035). Histological examination revealed more pronounced fibrosis in the left ventricular wall and left atrium in the RAP+LBBB group while the RVAP group showed more prominent fibrosis in the right ventricular myocardium.

CONCLUSION

Both approaches establish HFrEF models with comparable trends. The RVAP group shows impaired right ventricular function, while the RAP+LBBB group exhibits more severe decreased compliance and fibrosis in left ventricle.

Orbital angular momentum-mediated machine learning for high-accuracy mode-feature encoding

Machine learning with optical neural networks has featured unique advantages of the information processing including high speed, ultrawide bandwidths and low energy consumption because the optical dimensions (time, space, wavelength, and polarization) could be utilized to increase the degree of freedom. However, due to the lack of the capability to extract the information features in the orbital angular momentum (OAM) domain, the theoretically unlimited OAM states have never been exploited to represent the signal of the input/output nodes in the neural network model. Here, we demonstrate OAM-mediated machine learning with an all-optical convolutional neural network (CNN) based on Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beam modes with diverse diffraction losses. The proposed CNN architecture is composed of a trainable OAM mode-dispersion impulse as a convolutional kernel for feature extraction, and deep-learning diffractive layers as a classifier. The resultant OAM mode-dispersion selectivity can be applied in information mode-feature encoding, leading to an accuracy as high as 97.2% for MNIST database through detecting the energy weighting coefficients of the encoded OAM modes, as well as a resistance to eavesdropping in point-to-point free-space transmission. Moreover, through extending the target encoded modes into multiplexed OAM states, we realize all-optical dimension reduction for anomaly detection with an accuracy of 85%. Our work provides a deep insight to the mechanism of machine learning with spatial modes basis, which can be further utilized to improve the performances of various machine-vision tasks by constructing the unsupervised learning-based auto-encoder.

Frontiers in Three-Dimensional Surface Imaging Systems for 3D Face Acquisition in Craniofacial Research and Practice: An Updated Literature Review

Digitalizing all aspects of dental care is a contemporary approach to ensuring the best possible clinical outcomes. Ongoing advancements in 3D face acquisition have been driven by continuous research on craniofacial structures and treatment effects. An array of 3D surface-imaging systems are currently available for generating photorealistic 3D facial images. However, choosing a purpose-specific system is challenging for clinicians due to variations in accuracy, reliability, resolution, and portability. Therefore, this review aims to provide clinicians and researchers with an overview of currently used or potential 3D surface imaging technologies and systems for 3D face acquisition in craniofacial research and daily practice. Through a comprehensive literature search, 71 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the qualitative analysis, investigating the hardware, software, and operational aspects of these systems. The review offers updated information on 3D surface imaging technologies and systems to guide clinicians in selecting an optimal 3D face acquisition system. While some of these systems have already been implemented in clinical settings, others hold promise. Furthermore, driven by technological advances, novel devices will become cost-effective and portable, and will also enable accurate quantitative assessments, rapid treatment simulations, and improved outcomes.

RNA-binding protein NOVA1 promotes acute T-lymphocyte leukemia progression by stabilizing USP44 mRNA

Acute T-lymphocyte leukemia (T-ALL) is a malignant tumor disease. RNA-binding protein neotumor ventral antigen-1 (NOVA1) is highly expressed in bone marrow mononuclear cells of T-ALL patients, while the role of NOVA1 in T-ALL progression remains unknown. The gain- and loss-of-function studies for NOVA1 were performed in Jurkat and CCRF-CEM cells. NOVA1 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. NOVA1 knockdown increased the apoptosis rate of T-ALL cells. Ubiquitin-specific protease 44 (USP44), a nuclear protein with deubiquitinase catalytic activity, has been reported to play an oncogene role in human T-cell leukemia. USP44 expression was positively associated with NOVA1, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay verified the binding of NOVA1 to the mRNA of USP44. USP44 knockdown partially abolished NOVA1-induced cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. The in vivo xenograft experiment was performed by injection of T-ALL tumor cells into the tail vein of NOD/SCID mice. The knockdown of NOVA1 had lower tumorigenicity. NOVA1 knockdown alleviated pathological changes in lung and spleen tissues, and increased the overall survival period and the weight of T-ALL mice. Thus, NOVA1 acts as an accelerator in T-ALL, and its function might be achieved by binding to and stabilizing USP44 mRNA.

The HN protein of Newcastle disease virus induces cell apoptosis through the induction of lysosomal membrane permeabilization

Lysosomes are acidic organelles that mediate the degradation and recycling of cellular waste materials. Damage to lysosomes can cause lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and trigger different types of cell death, including apoptosis. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) can naturally infect most birds. Additionally, it serves as a promising oncolytic virus known for its effective infection of tumor cells and induction of intensive apoptotic responses. However, the involvement of lysosomes in NDV-induced apoptosis remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that NDV infection profoundly triggers LMP, leading to the translocation of cathepsin B and D and subsequent mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in various tumor and avian cells. Notably, the released cathepsin B and D exacerbate NDV-induced LMP by inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, we uncover that the viral Hemagglutinin neuraminidase (HN) protein induces the deglycosylation and degradation of lysosome-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1) and LAMP2 dependent on its sialidase activity, which finally contributes to NDV-induced LMP and cellular apoptosis. Overall, our findings elucidate the role of LMP in NDV-induced cell apoptosis and provide novel insights into the function of HN during NDV-induced LMP, which provide innovative approaches for the development of NDV-based oncolytic agents.

A retrospective study of mineral and bone disorder in kidney transplant recipients: Single-center experience

BACKGROUND

The status of mineral and bone disorder (MBD) after kidney transplantation is not fully understood, and the assessment of abnormal mineral and bone metabolism in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) has not been standardized.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 292 KTRs in our center. The levels of biochemical markers of bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed. We evaluated the influencing factors of BMD using linear regression analysis. And correlation test was used for the correlation analysis between bone metabolism indicators and other indicators.

RESULTS

Postoperative MBD mainly manifested as hypercalcemia (8.9%), hypophosphatemia (27.1%), low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)vitD) (67.0%), hyperparathyroidism (50.6%), and high levels of bone turnover markers (BTMs). The prevalence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in the femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) was 20.1%/2.8% and 26.1%/3.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that FN BMD was positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and negatively associated with acute rejection history (p < 0.05); while LS BMD was positively associated with BMI, and negatively associated with intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) (p < 0.05). Biochemical markers of bone metabolism were affected by age, sex, preoperative dialysis mode and time, postoperative time, transplanted kidney function, and iPTH levels. LS BMD was negatively correlated with iPTH and BTMs (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MBD persisted after kidney transplantation. Decreased bone mass was associated with persistent hyperparathyroidism, acute rejection history, low BMI, advanced age, and menopause. Dynamic monitoring of bone metabolism index and BMD helps to assess MBD after kidney transplantation.

Metabolomics Profiling Predicts Ventricular Arrhythmia in Patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator

Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) reduce sudden cardiac death (SCD) when patients experience life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias (LTVA). However, current strategies determining ICD patient selection and risk stratification are inefficient. We used metabolomics to assess whether dysregulated metabolites are associated with LTVA and identify potential biomarkers. Baseline plasma samples were collected from 72 patients receiving ICDs. Over a median follow-up of 524.0 days (range 239.0-705.5), LTVA occurred in 23 (31.9%) patients (22 effective ICD treatments and 1 SCD). After confounding risk factors adjustment for age, smoking, secondary prevention, and creatine kinase MB, 23 metabolites were significantly associated with LTVA. Pathway analysis revealed LTVA associations with disrupted metabolism of glycine, serine, threonine, and branched chain amino acids. Pathway enrichment analysis identified a panel of 6 metabolites that potentially predicted LTVA, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.8. Future studies are necessary on biological mechanisms and potential clinical use.

Phosphorylation of PB2 at serine 181 restricts viral replication and virulence of the highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza virus in mice

Influenza A virus (IAV) continues to pose a pandemic threat to public health, resulting a high mortality rate annually and during pandemic years. Posttranslational modification of viral protein plays a substantial role in regulating IAV infection. Here, based on immunoprecipitation (IP)-based mass spectrometry (MS) and purified virus-coupled MS, a total of 89 phosphorylation sites distributed among 10 encoded viral proteins of IAV were identified, including 60 novel phosphorylation sites. Additionally, for the first time, we provide evidence that PB2 can also be acetylated at site K187. Notably, the PB2 S181 phosphorylation site was consistently identified in both IP-based MS and purified virus-based MS. Both S181 and K187 are exposed on the surface of the PB2 protein and are highly conserved in various IAV strains, suggesting their fundamental importance in the IAV life cycle. Bioinformatic analysis results demonstrated that S181E/A and K187Q/R mimic mutations do not significantly alter the PB2 protein structure. While continuous phosphorylation mimicked by the PB2 S181E mutation substantially decreases viral fitness in mice, PB2 K187Q mimetic acetylation slightly enhances viral virulence in mice. Mechanistically, PB2 S181E substantially impairs viral polymerase activity and viral replication, remarkably dampens protein stability and nuclear accumulation of PB2, and significantly weakens IAV-induced inflammatory responses. Therefore, our study further enriches the database of phosphorylation and acetylation sites of influenza viral proteins, laying a foundation for subsequent mechanistic studies. Meanwhile, the unraveled antiviral effect of PB2 S181E mimetic phosphorylation may provide a new target for the subsequent study of antiviral drugs.

The NP protein of Newcastle disease virus dictates its oncolytic activity by regulating viral mRNA translation efficiency

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been extensively studied as a promising oncolytic virus for killing tumor cells in vitro and in vivo in clinical trials. However, the viral components that regulate the oncolytic activity of NDV remain incompletely understood. In this study, we systematically compared the replication ability of different NDV genotypes in various tumor cells and identified NP protein determines the oncolytic activity of NDV. On the one hand, NDV strains with phenylalanine (F) at the 450th amino acid position of the NP protein (450th-F-NP) exhibit a loss of oncolytic activity. This phenotype is predominantly associated with genotype VII NDVs. In contrast, the NP protein with a leucine amino acid at this site in other genotypes (450th-L-NP) can facilitate the loading of viral mRNA onto ribosomes more effectively than 450th-F-NP. On the other hand, the NP protein from NDV strains that exhibit strong oncogenicity interacts with eIF4A1 within its 366-489 amino acid region, leading to the inhibition of cellular mRNA translation with a complex 5' UTR structure. Our study provide mechanistic insights into how highly oncolytic NDV strains selectively promote the translation of viral mRNA and will also facilitate the screening of oncolytic strains for oncolytic therapy.

A 3D nanoscale optical disk memory with petabit capacity

High-capacity storage technologies are needed to meet our ever-growing data demands1,2. However, data centres based on major storage technologies such as semiconductor flash devices and hard disk drives have high energy burdens, high operation costs and short lifespans2,3. Optical data storage (ODS) presents a promising solution for cost-effective long-term archival data storage. Nonetheless, ODS has been limited by its low capacity and the challenge of increasing its areal density4,5. Here, to address these issues, we increase the capacity of ODS to the petabit level by extending the planar recording architecture to three dimensions with hundreds of layers, meanwhile breaking the optical diffraction limit barrier of the recorded spots. We develop an optical recording medium based on a photoresist film doped with aggregation-induced emission dye, which can be optically stimulated by femtosecond laser beams. This film is highly transparent and uniform, and the aggregation-induced emission phenomenon provides the storage mechanism. It can also be inhibited by another deactivating beam, resulting in a recording spot with a super-resolution scale. This technology makes it possible to achieve exabit-level storage by stacking nanoscale disks into arrays, which is essential in big data centres with limited space.

[The application of full-length urethral preservation without anastomosis in single-port laparoscopic radical prostate cancer]

Objective: To preliminarily examine the feasibility and outcome of single-port laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with full-length urethral preservation (FLUP-SPRP). Method: This study was a prospective case series study. A total of 25 patients with prostate cancer who met the enrollment criteria and agreed to this surgical procedure from March 2022 to December 2022 were collected at the Department of Urology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The age of the patients was (67.2±7.6) years (range: 61 to 76 years). This novel procedure was performed by an experienced surgeon who performed single hole radical prostatectomy skillfully. Patient urinary control, tumor control, and related surgical complications after surgery were regularly monitored. Postoperative urinary control was evaluated using the daily amount of urine pad, 0 to 1 piece of urine pad was to restore urinary control, and 0 to 1 piece of pad within 24 hours after catheter removal was immediate urinary control. Result: All prodecures were successfully completed without transit to open surgery. The surgical time was (128.4±22.4) minutes (range: 100 to 145 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was (68.2±13.7) ml (range: 50 to 120 ml). The urethral injury occurred in 4 cases during surgery and was repaired by sutures. The urinary control recovery rates within 24 hours, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 7 weeks after surgery were 80.0%, 84.0%, 92.0% and 100%, respectively. Postoperative large section pathology revealed 1 case with a positive basal margin of the prostate and negative margins of all prostate glands around the urethra. Postoperative complications included urinary tract infection in 3 cases, urodynia in 2 cases, and acute urinary retention in 1 case. MRI follow-up 3 months after surgery showed normal anatomy of the bladder and urethra. The follow-up values of prostate specific antigen at 3 and 6 months after surgery were less than 0.1 μg/L. Conclusions: The preliminary results of this study indicate that the FLUP-SPRP procedure is safe and feasible. The early results of postoperative urinary control and oncology are as expected.

NSD2 modulates Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission in chronic renal allograft interstitial fibrosis by methylating STAT1

Renal interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA) is a prominent pathological feature of chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). Our previous study has demonstrated that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in shaping the development of IF/TA. Nuclear SET domain (NSD2), a histone methyltransferase catalyzing methylation at lysine 36 of histone 3, is crucially involved in the development and progression of solid tumors. But its role in the development of renal allograft interstitial fibrosis has yet to be elucidated. Here, we characterize NSD2 as a crucial mediator in the mouse renal transplantation model in vivo and a model of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulated-human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) in vitro. Functionally, NSD2 knockdown inhibits EMT, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated mitochondrial fission in mice. Conversely, NSD2 overexpression exacerbates fibrosis-associated phenotypes and mitochondrial fission in tubular cells. Mechanistically, tubular NSD2 aggravated the Drp-1 mediated mitochondrial fission via STAT1/ERK/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in TNF-α-induced epithelial cell models. Momentously, mass spectrometry (MS) Analysis and site-directed mutagenesis assays revealed that NSD2 interacted with and induced Mono-methylation of STAT1 on K173, leading to its phosphorylation, IMB1-dependent nuclear translocation and subsequent influence on TNF-α-induced EMT and mitochondrial fission in NSD2-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings shed light on the mechanisms and suggest that targeting NSD2 could be a promising therapeutic approach to enhance tubular cell survival and alleviate interstitial fibrosis in renal allografts during CAD.

Vectorial adaptive optics: expanding the frontiers of optical correction

Researchers at the University of Oxford have introduced a groundbreaking technique called vectorial adaptive optics (V-AO), which extends the capabilities of traditional adaptive optics to correct for both polarization and phase aberrations. This novel approach opens new possibilities for manipulating the complex vectorial field in optical systems, enabling higher-dimensional feedback correction.

[The Textual Relationship between Zhongguo Yixue Dacidian and YiJi ZhiJin]

Zhongguo Yixue Dacidian(The Dictionary of Chinese Medicine,«») is the first comprehensive dictionary of traditional Chinese medicine in China. The dictionary, edited by Xie Guan()and compiled for several years by the teachers and students of Shanghai Special School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, was first published by The Commercial Press in 1921. In 1919, Lu Simian() joined The Commercial Press to assist Xie Guan who is his old friend in compiling the contents on medical books for the dictionary . In the same year, Lu Simian wrote a book called YiJi ZhiJin(«»). Recently, some scholars believe that Xie Guan disassembled YiJi ZhiJin and compiled it into Zhongguo Yixue Dacidian. Through a comparative study of these two, it can be seen that YiJi ZhiJin and Zhongguo Yixue Dacidian do use homologous materials in the interpretation of some medical books, but YiJi ZhiJin as a whole is not compiled into Zhongguo Yixue Dacidian, and the idea of there is a plagiarism relationship between them is incorrect.

Effect of short-term cardiac function changes after cardiac resynchronization therapy on long-term prognosis in heart failure patients with and without diabetes

Background

The relationship between short-term cardiac function changes and long-term outcomes in heart failure (HF) patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains uncertain, especially when stratified by diabetes status.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the association between short-term cardiac function changes and outcomes such as all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization in patients undergoing CRT, stratified by diabetes status.

Design

This is a cohort longitudinal retrospective study.

Methods

A total of 666 HF patients, treated with CRT between March 2007 and March 2019, were included in this study. Among them, 166 patients (24.9%) were diagnosed with diabetes. Cardiac function was assessed at baseline and again at 6 months, incorporating evaluations of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left atrial diameter (LAD), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and QRS duration. The QRS duration represents the time required for a stimulus to spread through the ventricles (ventricular depolarization). The primary endpoints of the study were all-cause mortality and HF-related hospitalization.

Results

During a median follow-up of 2.51 years, 172 (25.8%) patients died and 197 (29.6%) were hospitalized for HF. Changes in LVEF, LVEDD, and LAD within 6 months had similar effects on adverse outcomes in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. However, the presence of diabetes significantly modified the association between changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration and adverse outcomes. Short-term changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration were positively associated with all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization in patients without diabetes. However, the relationship between short-term changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration and adverse outcomes was non-linear in diabetic patients.

Conclusion

Improvement of cardiac function after CRT implantation can reduce long-term risk of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization in HF patients. However, the presence of diabetes may affect the association between short-term changes in NT-proBNP and QRS duration and adverse outcomes.

IL-34 attenuates acute T cell-mediated rejection following renal transplantation by upregulating M2 macrophages polarization

Objective

To investigate the role of Interleukin-34 (IL-34) in acute T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR) following renal transplantation.

Methods

The mice acute TCMR model of renal transplantation was established and identified by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. Then, IHC staining of IL-34 was also performed to determine the expression of IL-34 in allografts. Recipients were infected with IL-34 overexpression adeno-associated virus, infection efficiency of which was estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. HE and IHC staining were used to estimate the grades of TCMR. Flow cytometry was performed on lymphocytes in spleens of recipients including regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2 macrophages. The expression of cytokines in vivo was analyzed by Mouse Cytokine Grp I Panel. Finally, Tregs and M2 macrophages were cultured in vitro and treated with IL-34 to observe the effects of IL-34 on the differentiation of the cells.

Results

The mouse TCMR model was successfully established by HE, periodic acid shiff (PAS), CD4 and CD8 IHC staining. The expression of IL-34 was significantly decreased in allografts with TCMR. BALB/c mice were successfully infected with IL-34 overexpression adeno-associated virus. Subsequently, the grade of rejection in mice TCMR model was evaluated by HE and IHC staining according to Banff criteria. It is suggested that the grade of TCMR in IL-34 overexpressed mice was significantly decreased. IHC staining and Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of Tregs and M2 macrophages in the spleens and allografts were significantly increased in IL-34 overexpressed mice. Serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), IL-17 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were downregulated in IL-34 overexpressed mice. Moreover, IL-34 could promote macrophage M2 polarization, while failed to promote differentiation of naïve T cells into Tregs in vitro.

Conclusion

Overexpression of IL-34 may attenuate the progression of TCMR episodes in allografts by increasing the polarization of M2 macrophages in the spleens and allografts, which may become a potential therapeutic strategy for TCMR.

A self-powered intracardiac pacemaker in swine model

Harvesting biomechanical energy from cardiac motion is an attractive power source for implantable bioelectronic devices. Here, we report a battery-free, transcatheter, self-powered intracardiac pacemaker based on the coupled effect of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction for the treatment of arrhythmia in large animal models. We show that the capsule-shaped device (1.75 g, 1.52 cc) can be integrated with a delivery catheter for implanting in the right ventricle of a swine through the intravenous route, which effectively converts cardiac motion energy to electricity and maintains endocardial pacing function during the three-week follow-up period. We measure in vivo open circuit voltage and short circuit current of the self-powered intracardiac pacemaker of about 6.0 V and 0.2 μA, respectively. This approach exhibits up-to-date progress in self-powered medical devices and it may overcome the inherent energy shortcomings of implantable pacemakers and other bioelectronic devices for therapy and sensing.

Causal effects of human serum metabolites on occurrence and progress indicators of chronic kidney disease: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often accompanied by alterations in the metabolic profile of the body, yet the causative role of these metabolic changes in the onset of CKD remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study investigates the causative links between metabolites and CKD by leveraging the results of genomewide association study (GWAS) from 486 blood metabolites, employing bulk two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Building on the metabolites that exhibit a causal relationship with CKD, we delve deeper using enrichment analysis to identify the metabolic pathways that may contribute to the development and progression of CKD.

Methods

In conducting the Mendelian randomization analysis, we treated the GWAS data for 486 metabolic traits as exposure variables while using GWAS data for estimated glomerular filtration rate based on serum creatinine (eGFRcrea), microalbuminuria, and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) sourced from the CKDGen consortium as the outcome variables. Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis was used to identify metabolites with a causal relationship to outcome. Using Bonferroni correction, metabolites with more robust causal relationships are screened. Additionally, the IVW-positive results were supplemented with the weighted median, MR-Egger, weighted mode, and simple mode. Furthermore, we performed sensitivity analyses using the Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, MR-PRESSO, and leave-one-out (LOO) test. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using two databases, KEGG and SMPDB, for eligible metabolites.

Results

During the batch Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, upon completion of the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) approach, sensitivity analysis, and directional consistency checks, 78 metabolites were found to meet the criteria. The following four metabolites satisfy Bonferroni correction: mannose, N-acetylornithine, glycine, and bilirubin (Z, Z), and mannose is causally related to all outcomes of CKD. By pathway enrichment analysis, we identified eight metabolic pathways that contribute to CKD occurrence and progression.

Conclusion

Based on the present analysis, mannose met Bonferroni correction and had causal associations with CKD, eGFRcrea, microalbuminuria, and UACR. As a potential target for CKD diagnosis and treatment, mannose is believed to play an important role in the occurrence and development of CKD.

Pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation in patients with acute aortic dissection based on coronary computed tomography angiography

Background

Periaortic fat is associated with coronary disease. Thus, it was hypothesized that the inflammation associated with acute aortic dissection (AAD) spreads to pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) via thoracic periaortic fat. Pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATa) serves as a marker for inflammation of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). This study sought to examine PCATa in individuals diagnosed with AAD.

Methods

Consecutive patients with chest pain from May 2020 to September 2022 were prospectively enrolled in this study and underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and/or aorta computed tomography angiography (CTA). Based on the results of the CTA, the patients were divided into the following two groups: (I) the AAD group; and (II) the non-AAD group. PCATa of the right coronary angiography (RCA), left anterior descending (LAD), and left circumflex (LCx) was quantified for each patient using semi-automated software. The PCATa values were compared between the AAD and non-AAD patients according to the atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Similarly, the PCATa values of the AAD patients were compared between the preoperative and postoperative steady states.

Results

A total of 136 patients (42 female, 94 male; mean age: 63.3±11.9 years) were divided into the two groups according to the presence of aortic dissection on CTA. The RCAPCATa, LADPCATa, and LCxPCATa values were significantly higher in the AAD subjects than the non-AAD subjects, regardless of the presence or absence of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries [-85.1±9.3 vs. -92.9±10.0 Hounsfield unit (HU); -83.2±7.4 vs. -89.9±9.1 HU; -77.5±8.4 vs. -85.6±7.9 HU, all P<0.001). The preoperative RCAPCATa, LADPCATa, and LCxPCATa values were higher in the AAD patients than the postoperative steady-state patients (-82.9±8.7 vs. -97.6±8.8 HU; -79.8±7.6 vs. -92.8±6.8 HU; -74.6±7.1 vs. -87.7±6.9 HU, all P<0.001). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, high RCAPCATa and LADPCATa values were associated with AAD regardless of the degree of stenosis [odds ratio (OR) =0.014; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.001-0.177; P=0.001 and OR =0.010; 95% CI: 0.001-0.189; P=0.002].

Conclusions

PCATa on computed tomography was increased in patients with AAD regardless of the presence or absence of coronary artery disease (CAD). This suggests that vascular inflammation is present in AAD independent of CAD. Further research should be conducted to investigate the potential of this imaging biomarker to predict AAD and monitor patients' responses to therapies for AAD.

Hemagglutinin affects replication, stability and airborne transmission of the H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus

H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) can transmit by direct as well as airborne contacts. It has been widespread in poultry and continued to contribute to zoonotic spillover events by providing its six internal genes for the reassortment of novel influenza viruses (eg, H7N9) that infect poultry and humans. Compared to H7N9, H9N2 virus displays an efficient airborne transmissibility in poultry, but the mechanisms of transmission difference have been insufficiently studied. The Hemagglutinin (HA) and viral polymerase acidic protein (PA) have been implicated in the airborne transmission of influenza A viruses. Accordingly, we generated the reassortant viruses of circulating airborne transmissible H9N2 and non-airborne transmissible H7N9 viruses carrying HA and/or PA gene. The introduction of the PA gene from H7N9 into the genome of H9N2 virus resulted in a reduction in airborne transmission among chickens, while the isolated introduction of the HA gene segment completely eliminated airborne transmission among chickens. We further showed that introduction of HA gene of non-transmissible H7N9 did not influence the HA/NA balance of H9N2 virus, but increased the threshold for membrane fusion and decreased the acid stability. Thus, our results indicate that HA protein plays a key role in replication, stability, and airborne transmission of the H9N2 subtype AIV.

Quantitative comparison of the computational complexity of optical, digital and hybrid neural network architectures for image classification tasks

By implementing neuromorphic paradigms in processing visual information, machine learning became crucial in an ever-increasing number of applications of our everyday lives, ever more performing but also computationally demanding. While a pre-processing of the information passively in the optical domain, before optical-electronic conversion, can reduce the computational requirements for a machine learning task, a comprehensive analysis of computational requirements for hybrid optical-digital neural networks is thus far missing. In this work we critically compare and analyze the performance of different optical, digital and hybrid neural network architectures with respect to their classification accuracy and computational requirements for analog classification tasks of different complexity. We show that certain hybrid architectures exhibit a reduction of computational requirements of a factor >10 while maintaining their performance. This may inspire a new generation of co-designed optical-digital neural network architectures, aimed for applications that require low power consumption like remote sensing devices.

Virulence and transmission characteristics of clade 2.3.4.4b H5N6 subtype avian influenza viruses possessing different internal gene constellations

Clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) has been predominant in poultry in China, and the circulating haemagglutinin (HA) gene has changed from clade 2.3.4.4h to clade 2.3.4.4b in recent years. In 2021, we isolated four H5N6 viruses from ducks during the routine surveillance of AIV in China. The whole-genome sequencing results demonstrated that the four isolates all belonged to the currently prevalent clade 2.3.4.4b but had different internal gene constellations, which could be divided into G1 and G2 genotypes. Specifically, G1 possessed H9-like PB2 and PB1 genes on the H5-like genetic backbone while G2 owned an H3-like PB1 gene and the H5-like remaining internal genes. By determining the characteristics of H5N6 viruses, including growth performance on different cells, plaque-formation ability, virus attachment ability, and pathogenicity and transmission in different animal models, we found that G1 strains were more conducive to replication in mammalian cells (MDCK and A549) and BALB/c mice than G2 strains. However, G2 strains were more advantageously replicated in avian cells (CEF and DF-1) and slightly more transmissible in waterfowls (mallards) than G1 strains. This study enriched the epidemiological data of H5 subtype AIV to further understand its dynamic evolution, and laid the foundation for further research on the mechanism of low pathogenic AIV internal genes in generating novel H5 subtype reassortants.

Mutations in HA and PA affect the transmissibility of H7N9 avian influenza virus in chickens

Low pathogenic (LP) H7N9 avian influenza virus (AIV) emerged in 2013 and had spread widely over several months in China, experienced a noteworthy reduction in isolation rate in poultry and human since 2017. Here, we examined the transmission of H7N9 viruses to better understand viral spread and dissemination mechanisms. Three out of four viruses (2013-2016) could transmit in chickens through direct contact, and airborne transmission was confirmed in the JT157 (2016) virus. However, we did not detect the transmission of the two 2017 viruses, WF69 and AH395, through either direct or airborne exposure. Molecular analysis of genome sequence of two viruses identified eleven mutations located in viral proteins (except for matrix protein), such as PA (K362R and S364N) and HA (D167N, H7 numbering), etc. We explored the genetic determinants that contributed to the difference in transmissibility of the viruses in chickens by generating a series of reassortants in the JT157 background. We found that the replacement of HA gene in JT157 by that of WF69 abrogated the airborne transmission in recipient chickens, whereas the combination of HA and PA replacement led to the loss of airborne and direct contact transmission. Failure with contact transmission of the viruses has been associated with the emergence of the mutations D167N in HA and K362R and S364N in PA. Furthermore, the HA D167N mutation significantly reduced viral attachment to chicken lung and trachea tissues, while mutations K362R and S364N in PA reduced the nuclear transport efficiency and the PA protein expression levels in both cytoplasm and nucleus of CEF cells. The D167N substitution in HA reduced the H7N9 viral acid stability and avian-like receptor binding, while enhanced human-like receptor binding. Further analysis revealed these mutants grew poorly in vitro and in vivo. To conclude, H7N9 AIVs that contain mutations in the HA and PA protein reduced the viral transmissibility in chicken, and may pose a reduced threat for poultry but remain a heightened public health risk.

Macrophage polarization induces endothelium-to-myofibroblast transition in chronic allograft dysfunction

Our research explores the role of M1 macrophage polarization in endothelium-to-myofibroblast transition (EndMT) and chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). GSE21374 transcriptome sequencing data were obtained. Transplanted nephrectomy specimens from CAD patients were collected and studied to explore the infiltration of M1 and M2 macrophages using immunofluorescence, PCR, and Western blotting (WB). A co-culture model of M1 macrophages, polarized from mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) or Raw264.7, and aortic endothelial cells was established, and EndMT was tested using PCR and WB. RNA-sequencing was performed on the macrophages from the mouse BMDM. The TNF-α secreted from the polarized M1 macrophages was verified using ELISA. Based on the GEO public database, it was observed that macrophages were significantly infiltrated in CAD allograft tissues, with CD68(+) iNOS(+) M1 macrophages significantly infiltrating the glomeruli of allograft tissues, and CD68(+)CD206(+) M2 macrophages notably infiltrating the allograft interstitial area. The mRNA expression of the M1 macrophage marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) and M1 macrophages were found to significantly promote the EndMT process in vitro. RNA-Sequencing analysis revealed that TNF signaling could be involved in the EndMT induced by M1 macrophages, and in vitro studies confirmed that TNF-α in the supernatant was significantly higher. The renal allograft tissues of CAD patients were found to be significantly infiltrated by M1 macrophages and could promote the progression of CAD by secreting the cytokine TNF-α to induce EndMT in endothelial cells.

Mineral and bone disorder after kidney transplantation: a single-center cohort study

BACKGROUND

The assessment and prevention of mineral and bone disorder (MBD) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have not been standardized. This study aimed to evaluate MBD one year after kidney transplantation (KT) and identify the influencing factors of MBD.

METHODS

A total of 95 KTRs in our center were enrolled. The changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism biochemical markers, including serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus(P), 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)vitD), intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin (OC), type I collagen N-terminal peptide and type I collagen C-terminal peptide (CTx), over one year after KT were assessed. The possible influencing factors of BMD were analyzed. The relationships between bone metabolism biochemical markers were evaluated. The indicators between groups with or without iPTH normalization were also compared.

RESULTS

MBD after KT was manifested as an increased prevalence of hypophosphatemia and bone loss, persistent 25(OH)vitD deficiency, and partially decreased PTH and bone turnover markers (BTMs). Femoral neck BMD was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and postoperative 25(OH)vitD, and negatively correlated with postoperative PTH. Lumbar spine BMD was positively correlated with BMI and preoperative TG, and negatively correlated with preoperative OC and CTx. BMD loss was positively associated with glucocorticoid accumulation. Preoperative and postoperative iPTH was negatively correlated with postoperative serum P and 25(OH)vitD, and positively correlated with postoperative Ca and BTMs. The recipients without iPTH normalization, who accounted for 41.0% of all KTRs, presented with higher Ca, lower P, higher BTMs, advanced age, and a higher prevalence of preoperative parathyroid hyperplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

MBD persisted after KT, showing a close relationship with hyperparathyroidism, high bone turnover, and glucocorticoid accumulation.

Emergence of a new designated clade 16 with significant antigenic drift in hemagglutinin gene of H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus in eastern China

H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose an increasing threat to the poultry industry worldwide and have pandemic potential. Vaccination has been principal prevention strategy to control H9N2 in China since 1998, but vaccine effectiveness is persistently challenged by the emergence of the genetic and/or antigenic variants. Here, we analysed the genetic and antigenic characteristics of H9N2 viruses in China, including 70 HA sequences of H9N2 isolates from poultry, 7358 from online databases during 2010-2020, and 15 from the early reference strains. Bayesian analyses based on hemagglutinin (HA) gene revealed that a new designated clade16 emerged in April 2012, and was prevalent and co-circulated with clade 15 since 2013 in China. Clade 16 viruses exhibited decreased cross-reactivity with those from clade 15. Antigenic Cartography analyses showed represent strains were classified into three antigenic groups named as Group1, Group2 and Group3, and most of the strains in Group 3 (15/17, 88.2%) were from Clade 16 while most of the strains in Group2 (26/29, 89.7%) were from Clade 15. The mean distance between Group 3 and Group 2 was 4.079 (95%CI 3.605-4.554), revealing that major switches to antigenic properties were observed over the emergence of clade 16. Genetic analysis indicated that 11 coevolving amino acid substitutions primarily at antigenic sites were associated with the antigenic differences between clade 15 and clade 16. These data highlight complexities of the genetic evolution and provide a framework for the genetic basis and antigenic characterization of emerging clade 16 of H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus.

Can smartphones be used for routine dental clinical application? A validation study for using smartphone-generated 3D facial images

OBJECTIVES

To compare the accuracy of smartphone-generated three-dimensional (3D) facial images to that of direct anthropometry (DA) and 3dMD with the aim of assessing the validity and reliability of smartphone-generated 3D facial images for routine clinical applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five anthropometric soft-tissue facial landmarks were labelled manually on 22 orthognathic surgery patients (11 males and 11 females; mean age 26.2 ± 5.3 years). For each labelled face, two imaging operations were performed using two different surface imaging systems: 3dMDface and Bellus3D FaceApp. Next, 42 inter-landmark facial measurements amongst the identified facial landmarks were measured directly on each labelled face and also digitally on 3D facial images. The measurements obtained from smartphone-generated 3D facial images (SGI) were statistically compared with those from DA and 3dMD.

RESULTS

SGI had slightly higher measurement values than DA and 3dMD, but there was no statistically significant difference between the mean values of inter-landmark measures across the three methods. Clinically acceptable differences (≤3 mm or ≤5°) were observed for 67 % and 74 % of measurements with good agreement between DA and SGI, and 3dMD and SGI, respectively. An overall small systematic bias of ± 0.2 mm was observed between the three methods. Furthermore, the mean absolute difference between DA and SGI methods was highest for linear (1.41 ± 0.33 mm) as well as angular measurements (3.07 ± 0.73°).

CONCLUSIONS

SGI demonstrated fair trueness compared to DA and 3dMD. The central region and flat areas of the face in SGI are more accurate. Despite this, SGI have limited clinical application, and the panfacial accuracy of the SGI would be more desirable from a clinical application standpoint.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The usage of SGI in clinical practice for region-specific macro-proportional facial assessment involving central and flat regions of the face or for patient education purposes, which does not require accuracy within 3 mm and 5° can be considered.

Improvement of parents' oral health knowledge by a school-based oral health promotion for parents of preschool children: a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Parents of preschool children have inadequate oral health knowledge in Hong Kong. Parents play a critical role in preschool children's dietary patterns and oral health behaviors. A school-based oral health promotion (OHP) for parents of preschoolers was developed and investigated.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of the school-based OHP for parents of preschool children on parents' oral health knowledge and preschool children's early childhood caries (ECC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a quasi-experimental study. Parents of preschool children were divided into the intervention group (IG) and the control group (CG) according to their own selection. Parents in the IG participated in a structured school-based OHP workshop, while those in the CG did not attend the OHP workshop. Parents in both groups were invited to complete a questionnaire assessing their oral health knowledge before (T0), one month after (T1), and twelve months after (T2) the OHP workshop. Preschool children's caries was examined via dmft score at T0 and T2.

RESULTS

Parents' oral health knowledge was negatively correlated with preschool children's dmft scores (R = -0.200, P < 0.001). Oral health knowledge was significantly improved in IG (P < 0.001) but not in CG (P = 0.392) at T1. Both groups experienced a significant improvement in oral health knowledge from T0 to T2 (P < 0.001). Parents' oral health knowledge in the IG was significantly higher compared to the CG at T1 (P < 0.001), but difference in the scores at T2 between the two groups showed no significant difference (P = 0.727). No significant difference was found in changes in children's dmft score from T0 to T2 between the IG and CG (p = 0.545).

CONCLUSION

Preschool children's high ECC is associated with the limited oral health knowledge of their parents. The school-based OHP workshop for parents increased parents' oral health knowledge within one month. This positive effect was maintained for twelve months and can be extended to a larger scale in the school setting.

Rare primary pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma misdiagnosed with tuberculosis: A case report

RATIONALE

Primary pulmonary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma with a relatively low incidence rate clinically. Atypical clinical symptoms and nonspecific chest computed tomography features of the disease make it difficult to determine and treatment is delayed. We discuss the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with primary pulmonary MALToma to raise clinicians' awareness of this condition.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 66-year-old male patient with a medical history of tuberculosis has been experiencing progressive exacerbation of respiratory symptoms and nonresponsive treatment without an unclear diagnosis for 5 years. He was transferred to our hospital because a nonspecific soft tissue mass in the right upper lobe of the lung was found on his chest computed tomography. Laboratory results with serum immunofixation electrophoresis showed polyclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, IgA, and λ-light chain on admission.

DIAGNOSIS

Pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining of lung biopsy revealed a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary MALToma with stage IV.

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

The patient received immunotherapy with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab), and showed significant clinical improvement at the 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS AND LESSONS

Diagnosis of primary pulmonary MALToma mainly relies on histopathological examination, and comprehensive laboratory examinations are also necessary. Clinicians should combine laboratory tests (such as immunofixation electrophoresis in our case) to assist in medical diagnosis in cases of atypical clinical manifestations and imaging characteristics. Immunotherapy appears to be the main treatment protocol for advanced patients.

Vascular calcification progression and its association with mineral and bone disorder in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

The assessment and prevention of vascular calcification (VC) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have not been systematically studied. We aimed to evaluate VC change one year after kidney transplantation (KT) and identify their influencing factors.

METHODS

95 KTRs (68 males; ages 40.2 ± 10.8 years) were followed one year after KT. Changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism biomarkers were assessed. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) were measured using 192-slice third-generation dual-source CT. The relationship between bone metabolism indicators and VC and the factors influencing VC were analyzed.

RESULTS

Postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate was 79.96 ± 24.18 mL/min*1.73 m2. One year after KT, serum phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), osteocalcin, type I collagen N-terminal peptide (NTx), type I collagen C-terminal peptide, and BMD decreased, 25-hydroxyvitamin D remained low, and VC increased. Post-CAC and TAC were negatively correlated with pre-femoral neck BMD, and TAC was positively correlated with post-calcium. CAC and TAC change were positively correlated with post-calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Increased CAC was positively associated with hemodialysis and pre-femoral neck osteopenia. CAC change was positively associated with prediabetes, post-calcium, and pre-CAC and negatively associated with preoperative and postoperative femoral neck BMD, and NTx change. Increased TAC was positively associated with age, prediabetes, preoperative parathyroid hyperplasia/nodule, post-calcium, and post-femoral neck osteopenia. TAC change was positively associated with age, diabetes, pre-triglyceride, pre-TAC, dialysis time, post-calcium and post-iPTH, and negatively associated with post-femoral neck BMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Mineral and bone disorders persisted, and VC progressed after KT, showing a close relationship.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis: A rare case report

BACKGROUND

Malignant schwannoma is a rare tumor in the peripheral nervous system, accounting for approximately 5% to 10% of systemic soft tissue sarcomas. Especially, malignant schwannoma occurring in the broad ligament of the uterus with hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis is extremely rare in clinical practice. Here, we report the first case of an patient diagnosed with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) of the broad ligament of the uterus with hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis, and share our reference clinical diagnosis and treatment experience.

CASE SUMMARY

A patient was diagnosed with MPNST of the uterus harboring hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis. She received combination, and repeated imaging revealed further encountered rare complications (hemophilia syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis) after two cycles of chemotherapy. Thereafter, combined treatment with pazopanib, gemcitabine, and dacarbazine was initiated. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to death at hospital after two weeks.

CONCLUSION

This report firstly provided reference clinical practice for a patient with MPNST of the uterus harboring hemophilic syndrome and bone marrow fibrosis. Our case raises a reminder about the tolerance and safety of combination therapy, especially in young women.

Ageing and Inflammation: What Happens in Periodontium?

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease with a high incidence and severity in the elderly population, making it a significant public health concern. Ageing is a primary risk factor for the development of periodontitis, exacerbating alveolar bone loss and leading to tooth loss in the geriatric population. Despite extensive research, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between ageing and periodontitis remain elusive. Understanding the intricate mechanisms that connect ageing and inflammation may help reveal new therapeutic targets and provide valuable options to tackle the challenges encountered by the rapidly expanding global ageing population. In this review, we highlight the latest scientific breakthroughs in the pathways by which inflammaging mediates the decline in periodontal function and triggers the onset of periodontitis. We also provide a comprehensive overview of the latest findings and discuss potential avenues for future research in this critical area of investigation.

Construction of predictive model of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy after kidney transplantation with machine learning algorithms

Background: Interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) are the histopathological manifestations of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and one of the causes of long-term renal loss in transplanted kidneys. Necroptosis as a type of programmed death plays an important role in the development of IFTA, and in the late functional decline and even loss of grafts. In this study, 13 machine learning algorithms were used to construct IFTA diagnostic models based on necroptosis-related genes. Methods: We screened all 162 "kidney transplant"-related cohorts in the GEO database and obtained five data sets (training sets: GSE98320 and GSE76882, validation sets: GSE22459 and GSE53605, and survival set: GSE21374). The training set was constructed after removing batch effects of GSE98320 and GSE76882 by using the SVA package. The differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis was used to identify necroptosis-related DEGs. A total of 13 machine learning algorithms-LASSO, Ridge, Enet, Stepglm, SVM, glmboost, LDA, plsRglm, random forest, GBM, XGBoost, Naive Bayes, and ANNs-were used to construct 114 IFTA diagnostic models, and the optimal models were screened by the AUC values. Post-transplantation patients were then grouped using consensus clustering, and the different subgroups were further explored using PCA, Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis, functional enrichment analysis, CIBERSOFT, and single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Results: A total of 55 necroptosis-related DEGs were identified by taking the intersection of the DEGs and necroptosis-related gene sets. Stepglm[both]+RF is the optimal model with an average AUC of 0.822. A total of four molecular subgroups of renal transplantation patients were obtained by clustering, and significant upregulation of fibrosis-related pathways and upregulation of immune response-related pathways were found in the C4 group, which had poor prognosis. Conclusion: Based on the combination of the 13 machine learning algorithms, we developed 114 IFTA classification models. Furthermore, we tested the top model using two independent data sets from GEO.

Efficacy of iguratimod on mineral and bone disorders after kidney transplantation: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

Iguratimod has been shown to promote bone formation and inhibit bone resorption in rheumatoid arthritis patients. We aimed to explore its effect on bone metabolism and vascular calcification (VC) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).

METHODS

A post hoc analysis was conducted among the subjects in our previous randomized clinical trial (NCT02839941). Forty-three KTRs completing bone metabolism 52 weeks after enrollment were selected for this analysis, among whom 27 patients received VC examinations. In the iguratimod group, iguratimod (25 mg twice daily) was added adjuvant to the traditional triple regimen. At the 52-week follow-up, the following parameters were assessed: serum calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin, type I collagen N-terminal peptide (NTx), type I collagen C-terminal peptide (CTx), bone mineral density (BMD) of the femoral neck and lumbar spine, coronary artery calcification (CAC) and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC). Bone metabolic and VC indices were compared between the two groups using the independent samples t test and Wilcoxon nonparametric test.

RESULTS

At 52 weeks after enrollment, the iguratimod group had lower osteocalcin (p = 0.010), BALP (p = 0.015), NTx (p = 0.007), CTx (p = 0.012), CAC (p = 0.080) and TAC scores (p = 0.036) than the control group. There was no significant difference in serum calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, iPTH and BMD between the groups. Iguratimod could reduce bone turnover markers (BTMs) at both high and low iPTH levels. The adverse effect of iguratimod was mild and tolerable.

CONCLUSION

Iguratimod is safe, can reduce BTMs and may could attenuate VC in the first year after KT.

Joint association of sedentary behavior and vitamin D status with mortality among cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

Sedentary behavior and vitamin D deficiency are independent risk factors for mortality in cancer survivors, but their joint association with mortality has not been investigated.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 2914 cancer survivors who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018) and followed up with them until December 31, 2019. Sedentary behavior was assessed by self-reported daily hours of sitting, and vitamin D status was measured by serum total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels.

RESULTS

Among 2914 cancer survivors, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in those with prolonged daily sitting time. During up to 13.2 years (median, 5.6 years) of follow-up, there were 676 deaths (cancer, 226; cardiovascular disease, 142; other causes, 308). The prolonged sitting time was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and noncancer mortality, and vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cancer mortality. Furthermore, cancer survivors with both prolonged sitting time (≥ 6 h/day) and vitamin D deficiency had a significantly higher risk of all-cause (HR, 2.05; 95% CI: 1.54-2.72), cancer (HR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.47-3.70), and noncancer mortality (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.33-2.74) than those with neither risk factor after adjustment for potential confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

In a nationally representative sample of U.S. cancer survivors, the joint presence of sedentary behavior and vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cancer-specific mortality.

Association between fibrosis-related gene polymorphism and long-term allograft outcome in renal transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Renal allograft fibrosis is one of characteristic causes of long-term renal function loss. The purpose of our study is to investigate the association between fibrosis-related genes single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) and kidney function in 5 years after kidney transplantation.

METHODS

A total of 143 recipients were eligible for screening with 5-year follow-up information and SNP sequencing information from blood samples were included in this study. Minor Allele Frequency (MAF) and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) analysis was conducted to identify tagger single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes. SNPs associated with the fifth year chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging were screened by SPSS and the "SNPassoc" package in RStudio and used for subsequent prediction model construction.

RESULTS

A total of 275 renal transplant-related SNPs identified after target sequencing analysis. 64 Tagger SNPs were selected, and two SNPs (rs13969 and rs243849) were statistically significant for stage of CKD in 5 years. Finally, a model based on Gender, Age, rs1396, and rs243849 was constructed by multivariate linear regression analysis. Additionally, this model has a good performance in predicting uremia five years after kidney transplantation.

CONCLUSION

Two SNPs (rs13969 and rs243849) were identified to be significantly associated with long-term renal allograft function. Based on this, a prediction model for long-term allograft function was established containing Gender, Age, rs1396, and rs243849. However, an independent cohort should be enrolled to validate the predicting performance.

Novel insights into IL-37: an anti-inflammatory cytokine with emerging roles in anti-cancer process

Interleukin-37 (IL-37) is a newly discovered member of IL-1 family. The cytokine was proved to have extensive protective effects in infectious diseases, allergic diseases, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases and tumors since its discovery. IL-37 was mainly produced by immune and some non-immune cells in response to inflammatory stimulus. The IL-37 precursors can convert into the mature forms after caspase-1 cleavage and activation intracellularly, and then bind to Smad-3 and transfer to the nucleus to inhibit the production and functions of proinflammatory cytokines; extracellularly, IL-37 binds to cell surface receptors to form IL-37/IL-18Rα/IL-1R8 complex to exert immunosuppressive function via inhibiting/activating multiple signal pathways. In addition, IL-37 can attenuate the pro-inflammatory effect of IL-18 through directly or forming an IL-37/IL-18BP/IL-18Rβ complex. Therefore, IL-37 has the ability to suppress innate and acquired immunity of the host, and effectively control inflammatory stimulation, which was considered as a new hallmark of cancer. Specifically, it is concluded that IL-37 can inhibit the growth and migration of tumor cells, prohibit angiogenesis and mediate the immunoregulation in tumor microenvironment, so as to exert effective anti-tumor effects. Importantly, latest studies also showed that IL-37 may be a novel therapeutic target for cancer monitoring. In this review, we summarize the immunoregulation roles and mechanisms of IL-37 in anti-tumor process, and discuss its progress so far and potential as tumor immunotherapy.

Cellular vimentin regulates the infectivity of Newcastle disease virus through targeting of the HN protein

The haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein plays a crucial role in the infectivity and virulence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV). In a previous study, the mutant HN protein was identified as a crucial virulence factor for the velogenic variant NDV strain JS/7/05/Ch, which evolved from the prototypic vaccine strain Mukteswar. Furthermore, macrophages are the main susceptible target cells of NDV. However, the possible involvement of cellular molecules in viral infectivity remains unclear. Herein, we elucidate the crucial role of vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, in regulating NDV infectivity through targeting of the HN protein. Using LC‒MS/MS mass spectrometry and coimmunoprecipitation assays, we identified vimentin as a host protein that differentially interacted with prototypic and mutant HN proteins. Further analysis revealed that the variant NDV strain induced more significant rearrangement of vimentin fibres compared to the prototypic NDV strain and showed an interdependence between vimentin rearrangement and virus replication. Notably, these mutual influences were pronounced in HD11 chicken macrophages. Moreover, vimentin was required for multiple infection processes of the variant NDV strain in HD11 cells, including viral internalization, fusion, and release, while it was not necessary for those of the prototypic NDV strain. Collectively, these findings underscore the pivotal role of vimentin in NDV infection through targeting of the HN protein, providing novel targets for antiviral treatment strategies for NDV.

FGFR1 variants contributed to families with tooth agenesis

BACKGROUND

Tooth agenesis is a common dental anomaly that can substantially affect both the ability to chew and the esthetic appearance of patients. This study aims to identify possible genetic factors that underlie various forms of tooth agenesis and to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms through which human dental pulp stem cells may play a role in this condition.

RESULTS

Using whole-exome sequencing of a Han Chinese family with non-syndromic tooth agenesis, a rare mutation in FGFR1 (NM_001174063.2: c.103G > A, p.Gly35Arg) was identified as causative and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Via GeneMatcher, another family with a known variant (NM_001174063.2: c.1859G > A, p.Arg620Gln) was identified and diagnosed with tooth agenesis and a rare genetic disorder with considerable intrafamilial variability. Fgfr1 is enriched in the ectoderm during early embryonic development of mice and showed sustained low expression during normal embryonic development of Xenopus laevis frogs. Functional studies of the highly conserved missense variant c.103G > A showed deleterious effects. FGFR1 (c.103G > A) was overexpressed compared to wildtype and promoted proliferation while inhibiting apoptosis in HEK293 and human dental pulp stem cells. Moreover, the c.103G > A variant was found to suppress the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The variant could downregulate ID4 expression and deactivate the TGF-beta signaling pathway by promoting the expression of SMAD6 and SMAD7.

CONCLUSION

Our research broadens the mutation spectrum associated with tooth agenesis and enhances understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms of this condition.

Nanoprinted Diffractive Layer Integrated Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Vortex Lasers with Scalable Topological Charge

Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) represent an attractive light source to integrate with OAM structures to realize chip-scale vortex lasers. Although pioneering endeavors of VCSEL-based vortex lasers have been reported, they cannot achieve large topological charges (less than l = 5) due to the insufficient space-bandwidth product (SBP) caused by the inherent limited device size. Here, by integrating a nanoprinted OAM phase structure on the VCSELs, we demonstrate a vortex microlaser with a low threshold and simple structure. A monolithic microlaser array with addressable control of vortex beams with different topological charges (l = 1 to l = 5) was achieved. Nanoprinting offers high degrees of freedom for the manipulation of spatial structures. To address the challenge of insufficient SBP, two-layer cascaded spiral phase plates were designed. Thereby, a vortex beam with l = 15 and mode purity of 83.7% was obtained. Our work paves the way for future chip-scale OAM-based information multiplexing with more channels.