Carbon dots as a novel photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy of cancer and bacterial infectious diseases: recent advances

Carbon dots (CDs) are novel carbon-based nanomaterials that have been used as photosensitizer-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) in recent years due to their good photosensitizing activity. Photosensitizers (PSs) are main components of PDT that can produce large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) when stimulated by light source, which have the advantages of low drug resistance and high therapeutic efficiency. CDs can generate ROS efficiently under irradiation and therefore have been extensively studied in disease local phototherapy. In tumor therapy, CDs can be used as PSs or PS carriers to participate in PDT and play an extremely important role. In bacterial infectious diseases, CDs exhibit high bactericidal activity as CDs are effective in disrupting bacterial cell membranes leading to bacterial death upon photoactivation. We focus on recent advances in the therapy of cancer and bacteria with CDs, and also briefly summarize the mechanisms and requirements for PSs in PDT of cancer, bacteria and other diseases. We also discuss the role CDs play in combination therapy and the potential for future applications against other pathogens.

Revealing the specific regulations of nitric oxide on the postharvest ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit

Bitter melon fruit is susceptible to yellowing, softening, and rotting under room-temperature storage conditions, resulting in reduced commercial value. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule and plays a crucial role in regulating the fruit postharvest quality. In this study, we investigated the effects of NO treatment on changes in sensory and firmness of bitter melon fruit during postharvest storage. Moreover, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and proteomic analyses were performed to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms through which NO treatment delays the ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit. Our results show that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were involved in fruit texture (CSLE, β-Gal, and PME), plant hormone signal transduction (ACS, JAR4, and AUX28), and fruit flavor and aroma (SUS2, LOX, and GDH2). In addition, proteins differentially abundant were associated with fruit texture (PLY, PME, and PGA) and plant hormone signal transduction (PBL15, JAR1, and PYL9). Moreover, NO significantly increased the abundance of key enzymes involved in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway, thus enhancing the disease resistance and alleviating softening of bitter melon fruit. Finally, differential metabolites mainly included phenolic acids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. These results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the physiological changes associated with postharvest ripening and senescence of bitter melon fruit.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42994-023-00110-y.

Efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: an umbrella review of meta-analyses

Many meta-analyses have assessed the efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the strength and quality of evidence to date. Systematic reviews of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials, which evaluated the effect of preventive strategies on the incidence of VAP in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation for at least 48 h, were included in this article. We identified a total of 34 interventions derived from 31 studies. Among these interventions, 19 resulted in a significantly reduced incidence of VAP. Among numerous strategies, only selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) was supported by highly suggestive (Class II) evidence (risk ratio (RR)=0.439, 95% CI: 0.362-0.532). Based on data from the sensitivity analysis, the evidence for the efficacy of non-invasive ventilation in weaning from mechanical ventilation (NIV) was upgraded from weak (Class IV) to highly suggestive (Class II) (RR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.22-0.46). All preventive interventions were not supported by robust evidence for reducing mortality. Early mobilization exhibited suggestive (Class III) evidence in shortening both intensive length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU) (mean difference (MD)=-0.85, 95% CI: -1.21 to -0.49) and duration of mechanical ventilation (MD=-1.02, 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.63). In conclusion, SDD and NIV are supported by robust evidence for prevention against VAP, while early mobilization has been shown to significantly shorten the LOS in the ICU and the duration of mechanical ventilation. These three strategies are recommendable for inclusion in the ventilator bundle to lower the risk of VAP and improve the prognosis of critically ill patients.

China's prevention and control experience of echinococcosis: A 19-year retrospective

Echinococcosis poses a significant threat to public health. The Chinese government has implemented prevention and control measures to mitigate the impact of the disease. By analyzing data from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Council of the People's Republic of China, we found that implementation of these measures has reduced the infection rate by nearly 50% between 2004 to 2022 (from 0.3975 to 0.1944 per 100,000 person-years). Nonetheless, some regions still bear a significant disease burden, and lack of detailed information limites further evaluation of the effects on both alveolar and cystic echinococcosis. Our analysis supports the continuing implementation of these measures and suggests that enhanced wildlife management, case-based strategies, and surveillance systems will facilitate disease control.

A review of carbon nanomaterials/bacterial cellulose composites for nanomedicine applications

Carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) mainly include fullerene, carbon nanotubes, graphene, carbon quantum dots, nanodiamonds, and their derivatives. As a new type of material in the field of nanomaterials, it has outstanding physical and chemical properties, such as minor size effects, substantial specific surface area, extremely high reaction activity, biocompatibility, and chemical stability, which have attracted widespread attention in the medical community in the past decade. However, the single use of carbon nanomaterials has problems such as self-aggregation and poor water solubility. Researchers have recently combined them with bacterial cellulose to form a new intelligent composite material to improve the defects of carbon nanomaterials. This composite material has been widely synthesized and used in targeted drug delivery, biosensors, antibacterial dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, and other nanomedicine fields. This paper mainly reviews the research progress of carbon nanomaterials based on bacterial cellulose in nanomedicine. In addition, the potential cytotoxicity of these composite materials and their components in vitro and in vivo was discussed, as well as the challenges and gaps that need to be addressed in future clinical applications.

Integrative analysis reveals the recurrent genetic etiologies in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is increasingly recognized as a chronic, progressive and fatal lung disease with an unknown etiology. Current studies focus on revealing the genetic factors in the risk of IPF, making the integrative analysis of genetic variations and transcriptomic alterations of substantial value.

AIM

This study aimed to improve the understanding of the molecular basis of IPF through an integrative analysis of whole-exome sequencing (WES), bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data.

METHODS

WES is a powerful tool for studying the genetic basis of IPF, allowing for the identification of genetic variants that may be associated with the development of the disease. RNA-seq data provide a comprehensive view of the transcriptional changes in IPF patients, while scRNA-seq data offer a more granule view of cell-type-specific alterations.

RESULTS

In this study, we identified a comprehensive mutational landscape of recurrent genomic and transcriptomic variations, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, CNVs and differentially expressed genes, in IPF populations, which may play a significant role in the development and progression of IPF.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided valuable insights into the genetic and transcriptomic variations associated with IPF, revealing changes in gene expression that may contribute to disease development and progression. These findings highlight the importance of an integrative approach to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying IPF and may pave the way for identifying potential therapeutic targets.

[Molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in hilly regions]

OBJECTIVE

To establish a snail control approach for spraying chemicals with drones against Oncomelania hupensis in complex snail habitats in hilly regions, and to evaluate its molluscicidal effect.

METHODS

The protocol for evaluating the activity of spraying chemical molluscicides with drones against O. hupensis snails was formulated based on expert consultation and literature review. In August 2022, a pretest was conducted in a hillside field environment (12 000 m2) north of Dafengji Village, Dacang Township, Weishan County, Yunnan Province, which was assigned into four groups, of no less than 3 000 m2 in each group. In Group A, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group B, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with drones at a dose of 40 g/m2, while in Group C, environmental cleaning was not conducted and 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules were sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2, and in Group D, environmental cleaning was performed, followed by 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules sprayed with knapsack sprayers at a dose of 40 g/m2. Then, each group was equally divided into six sections according to land area, with Section 1 for baseline surveys and sections 2 to 6 for snail surveys after chemical treatment. Snail surveys were conducted prior to chemical treatment and 1, 3, 5, 7 days post-treatment, and the mortality and corrected mortality of snails, density of living snails and costs of molluscicidal treatment were calculated in each group.

RESULTS

The mortality and corrected mortality of snails were 69.49%, 69.09%, 53.57% and 83.48%, and 68.58%, 68.17%, 52.19% and 82.99% in groups A, B, C and D 14 days post-treatment, and the density of living snails reduced by 58.40%, 63.94%, 68.91% and 83.25% 14 days post-treatment relative to pre-treatment in four groups, respectively. The median concentrations of chemical molluscicides were 37.08, 35.42, 42.50 g/m2 and 56.25 g/m2 in groups A, B, C and D, and the gross costs of chemical treatment were 0.93, 1.50, 0.46 Yuan per m2 and 1.03 Yuan per m2 in groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The molluscicidal effect of spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones against O. hupensis snails is superior to manual chemical treatment without environmental cleaning, and chemical treatment with drones and manual chemical treatment show comparable molluscicidal effects following environmental cleaning in hilly regions. The cost of chemical treatment with drones is slightly higher than manual chemical treatment regardless of environmental cleaning. Spraying 5% niclosamide ethanolamine salt granules with drones is recommended in complex settings with difficulty in environmental cleaning to improve the molluscicidal activity and efficiency against O. hupensis snails.

Applications of Bacterial Cellulose-Based Composite Materials in Hard Tissue Regenerative Medicine

BACKGROUND

Cartilage, bone, and teeth, as the three primary hard tissues in the human body, have a significant application value in maintaining physical and mental health. Since the development of bacterial cellulose-based composite materials with excellent biomechanical strength and good biocompatibility, bacterial cellulose-based composites have been widely studied in hard tissue regenerative medicine. This paper provides an overview of the advantages of bacterial cellulose-based for hard tissue regeneration and reviews the recent progress in the preparation and research of bacterial cellulose-based composites in maxillofacial cartilage, dentistry, and bone.

METHOD

A systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases using selected keywords and Medical Subject Headings search terms.

RESULTS

Ideal hard tissue regenerative medicine materials should be biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, easy to use, and not burdensome to the human body; In addition, they should have good plasticity and processability and can be prepared into materials of different shapes; In addition, it should have good biological activity, promoting cell proliferation and regeneration. Bacterial cellulose materials have corresponding advantages and disadvantages due to their inherent properties. However, after being combined with other materials (natural/ synthetic materials) to form composite materials, they basically meet the requirements of hard tissue regenerative medicine materials. We believe that it is worth being widely promoted in clinical applications in the future.

CONCLUSION

Bacterial cellulose-based composites hold great promise for clinical applications in hard tissue engineering. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. Further research is needed to incorporate multiple disciplines and advance biological tissue engineering techniques. By enhancing the adhesion of materials to osteoblasts, providing cell stress stimulation through materials, and introducing controlled release systems into matrix materials, the practical application of bacterial cellulose-based composites in clinical settings will become more feasible in the near future.

[Research progress of optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography in noninfectious uveitis: a review]

Non-infectious uveitis (NIU) is a challenging type of intraocular inflammatory disease that tends to recur and can be resistant to treatment. It can cause both transient and permanent pathological changes in the retina and choroid. Accurate diagnosis and monitoring of these changes rely heavily on ophthalmic imaging methods. In recent years, the enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), and swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) have emerged as rapidly evolving ophthalmic imaging techniques that offer significant advantages in evaluating choroidal thickness, displaying the whole choroid, and monitoring choroidal blood flow. This review provides an overview of the current research status of EDI-OCT, SS-OCT, and SS-OCTA in evaluating intraocular inflammation and other choroid-related complications in noninfectious intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis, and also highlights their future prospects.

[Progress of schistosomiasis control in People's Republic of China in 2022]

This report presented the endemic status of schistosomiasis and analyzed the data collected from the national schistosomiasis prevention and control system and national schistosomiasis surveillance program in the People's Republic of China in 2022. Among the 12 provinces (municipality and autonomous region) endemic for schistosomiasis, Shanghai Municipality, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Guangdong Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region continued to maintain the achievements of schistosomiasis elimination, and Sichuan and Jiangsu provinces maintained the criteria of transmission interruption, while Yunnan, Hubei, Anhui, Jiangxi and Hunan provinces maintained the criteria of transmission control by the end of 2022. A total of 452 counties (cites, districts) were found to be endemic for schistosomiasis in China in 2022, with 27 434 endemic villages covering 73 424 400 people at risk of infections. Among the 452 endemic counties (cities, districts), 75.89% (343/452), 23.45% (106/452) and 0.66% (3/452) achieved the criteria of elimination, transmission interruption and transmission control of schistosomiasis, respectively. In 2022, 4 317 356 individuals received serological tests for schistosomiasis, and 62 228 were sero-positive. A total of 208 646 individuals received stool examinations for schistosomiasis, with one positive and another two cases positive for urine microscopy, and these three 3 cases were imported schistosomiasis patients from Africa. There were 28 565 cases with advanced schistosomiasis documented in China by the end of 2022. Oncomelania hupensis snail survey was performed in 18 891 endemic villages in China in 2022 and O. hupensis snails were found in 6 917 villages (36.62% of all surveyed villages), with 8 villages identified with emerging snail habitats. Snail survey was performed at an area of 655 703.01 hm² and 183 888.60 hm² snail habitats were found, including 110.58 hm² emerging snail habitats and 844.35 hm² re-emerging snail habitats. There were 477 200 bovines raised in the schistosomiasis endemic areas of China in 2022, and 113 946 bovines received serological examinations for schistosomiasis, with 204 sero-positives detected. Among the 131 715 bovines received stool examinations, no positives were identified. In 2022, there were 19 726 schistosomiasis patients receiving praziquantel chemotherapy, and expanded chemotherapy was performed in 714 465 person-time for humans and 234 737 herd-time for bovines in China. In 2022, snail control with chemical treatment was performed at an area of 119 134.07 hm², and the actual area of chemical treatment was 65 825.27 hm², while environmental improvements were performed at an area of 1 163.96 hm². Data from the national schistosomiasis surveillance program of China showed that the mean prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections was both zero in humans and bovines in 2022, and no S. japonicum infection was detected in O. hupensis snails. These data demonstrated that the endemic status of schistosomiasis continued to decline in China in 2022, with 3 confirmed schistosomiasis patients that had a foreign nationality and all imported from Africa, and the areas of snail habitats remained high. Further improvements in the construction of the schistosomaisis surveillance and forecast system, and reinforcement of O. hupensis survey and control are required to prevent the re-emerging schistosomiasis.

A positive feedback circuit between RN7SK snRNA and m6A readers is essential for tumorigenesis

N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification, methylation at the N6 position of adenosine, plays critical roles in tumorigenesis. m6A readers recognize m6A modifications and thus act as key executors for the biological consequences of RNA methylation. However, knowledge about the regulatory mechanism(s) of m6A readers is extremely limited. In this study, RN7SK was identified as a small nuclear RNA that interacts with m6A readers. m6A readers recognized and facilitated secondary structure formation of m6A-modified RN7SK, which in turn prevented m6A reader mRNA degradation from exonucleases. Thus, a positive feedback circuit between RN7SK and m6A readers is established in tumor cells. From findings on the interaction with RN7SK, new m6A readers, such as EWS RNA binding protein 1 (EWSR1) and KH RNA binding domain containing, signal transduction-associated 1 (KHDRBS1), were identified and shown to boost Wnt/β-catenin signaling and tumorigenesis by suppressing translation of Cullin1 (CUL1). Moreover, several Food and Drug Administration-approved small molecules were demonstrated to reduce RN7SK expression and inhibit tumorigenesis. Together, these findings reveal a common regulatory mechanism of m6A readers and indicate that targeting RN7SK has strong potential for tumor treatment.

NMT1 sustains ICAM-1 to modulate adhesion and migration of tumor cells

Protein modifications have significant effects on tumorigenesis. N-Myristoylation is one of the most important lipidation modifications, and N-myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT1) is the main enzyme required for this process. However, the mechanism underlying how NMT1 modulates tumorigenesis remains largely unclear. Here, we found that NMT1 sustains cell adhesion and suppresses tumor cell migration. Intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was a potential functional downstream effector of NMT1, and its N-terminus could be N-myristoylated. NMT1 prevented ubiquitination and proteasome degradation of ICAM-1 by inhibiting Ub E3 ligase F-box protein 4, which prolonged the half-life of ICAM1 protein. Correlations between NMT1 and ICAM-1 were observed in liver and lung cancers, which were associated with metastasis and overall survival. Therefore, carefully designed strategies focusing on NMT1 and its downstream effectors might be helpful to treat tumors.

Occupancy of orbitals and the quadrupole collectivity in 45Sc nucleus

In the present work, the Doppler Shift Attenuation method (DSAM) was used to analyze the observed lineshapes of transitions from excited states in ⁴⁵Sc, populated in the reaction ³⁶Ar + ¹²C at a beam energy of 145 MeV. The interpretation and comparison of the experimental results have been performed with large-scale shell model calculations, involving different interactions like: GX1A, GX1J, FPD6, KB3 and ZBM2. KB3 and FPD6 (present work) interactions in the negative parity states, and in positive parity states ZBM2 are most pre-eminent in reproducing the results, due to the large configuration space describing strong collective effects. Furthermore, the present work also looks at the details of the shell model helping in improving the understanding for the occupancy of orbitals. The present investigation suggests the observation of stronger collectivity for positive parity states over negative parity states with predicted enhanced collectivity of states in ⁴⁵Sc nucleus.

[Activation of GABAergic neurons in the zona incerta accelerates anesthesia induction with sevoflurane and propofol without affecting anesthesia maintenance or awakening in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the regulatory effects of GABAergic neurons in the zona incerta (ZI) on sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia.

METHODS

Forty-eight male C57BL/6J mice divided into 8 groups (n=6) were used in this study. In the study of sevoflurane anesthesia, chemogenetic experiment was performed in 2 groups of mice with injection of either adeno-associated virus carrying hM3Dq (hM3Dq group) or a virus carrying only mCherry (mCherry group). The optogenetic experiment was performed in another two groups of mice injected with an adeno-associated virus carrying ChR2 (ChR2 group) or GFP only (GFP group). The same experiments were also performed in mice for studying propofol anesthesia. Chemogenetics or optogenetics were used to induce the activation of GABAergic neurons in the ZI, and their regulatory effects on anesthesia induction and arousal with sevoflurane and propofol were observed; EEG monitoring was used to observe the changes in sevoflurane anesthesia maintenance after activation of the GABAergic neurons.

RESULTS

In sevoflurane anesthesia, the induction time of anesthesia was significantly shorter in hM3Dq group than in mCherry group (P < 0.05), and also shorter in ChR2 group than in GFP group (P < 0.01), but no significant difference was found in the awakening time between the two groups in either chemogenetic or optogenetic tests. Similar results were observed in chemogenetic and optogenetic experiments with propofol (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Photogenetic activation of the GABAergic neurons in the ZI did not cause significant changes in EEG spectrum during sevoflurane anesthesia maintenance.

CONCLUSION

Activation of the GABAergic neurons in the ZI promotes anesthesia induction of sevoflurane and propofol but does not affect anesthesia maintenance or awakening.

Detection of haemodynamic obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy using the sub-aortic complex: a cardiac MRI and Doppler study

AIM

To investigate the "sub-aortic complex (SAC)", a new cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI)-derived parameter, for the evaluation of left ventricular (LV) outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), compared with conventional CMRI parameters and Doppler echocardiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 157 consecutive patients with HCM were recruited retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups, 87 with LVOT obstruction and 70 without obstruction. The SAC was defined as a specific anatomical SAC affecting the LVOT, which were measured on the LV three-chamber steady-state free precession (SSFP) cine image at the end-systolic phase. The relations between the existence and severity of obstruction and SAC index (SACi) were evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The SACs were significantly different between the obstructive and non-obstructive groups. The ROC curves indicated that the SACi was able to discriminate obstructive and non-obstructive patients with the best predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.949, p<0.001). The SACi was an independent predictor of LVOT obstruction and there was a significant negative correlation between resting LVOT pressure gradient and SACi (r=0.72 p<0.001). In the subgroup of patients with or without severe basal septal hypertrophy, the SACi was still able to predict LVOT obstruction with excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.944 and 0.948, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The SAC is a reliable and straightforward CMRI marker for assessing LVOT obstruction. It is more effective than CMRI two-dimensional flow in diagnosing the severity of obstruction in patients with HCM.

Transcriptomic, metabolomic, and ATAC-seq analysis reveal the regulatory mechanism of senescence of post-harvest tomato fruit

Several physiological changes occur during fruit storage, which include the regulation of genes, metabolisms and transcription factors. In this study, we compared 'JF308' (a normal tomato cultivar) and 'YS006' (a storable tomato cultivar) to determine the difference in accumulated metabolites, gene expression, and accessible chromatin regions through metabolome, transcriptome, and ATAC-seq analysis. A total of 1006 metabolites were identified in two cultivars. During storage time, sugars, alcohols and flavonoids were found to be more abundant in 'YS006' compared to 'JF308' on day 7, 14, and 21, respectively. Differentially expressed genes, which involved in starch and sucrose biosynthesis were observed higher in 'YS006'. 'YS006' had lower expression levels of CesA (cellulose synthase), PL (pectate lyase), EXPA (expansin) and XTH (xyglucan endoglutransglucosylase/hydrolase) than 'JF308'. The results showed that phenylpropanoid pathway, carbohydrate metabolism and cell wall metabolism play important roles in prolonging the shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit. The ATAC-seq analysis revealed that the most significantly up-regulated transcription factors during storage were TCP 2,3,4,5, and 24 in 'YS006' compared to 'JF308' on day 21. This information on the molecular regulatory mechanisms and metabolic pathways of post-harvest quality changes in tomato fruit provides a theoretical foundation for slowing post-harvest decay and loss, and has theoretical importance and application value in breeding for longer shelf life cultivars.

[Prevalence and related factors of visual disability, hearing disability and comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly in China]

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of visual disability, hearing disability and comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly in China, and explore the related factors of comorbidity of visual and hearing disability in the elderly. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Based on the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006, the data of the elderly with visual and hearing disability were extracted and combined for descriptive analysis. Meanwhile, multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the related factors of comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly. Results: A total of 250 752 cases were in the final analysis (119 120 males and 131 632 females), and there were 164 003, 74 156 and 12 593 cases with the age of 65-<75, 75-<85 and ≥ 85 years, respectively. The prevalence of visual disability and hearing disability of the elderly in China was 8.10% (95%CI: 8.00%-8.21%), 13.41% (95%CI: 13.29%-13.54%), respectively, while the prevalence of comorbidity of visual and hearing disability was 1.97% (95%CI: 1.92%-2.02%). The severity of disability of the elderly with comorbidity of visual and hearing disability was higher, and the percentage of mild disabilities (18.31%, 966/5 277) was lower than those with visual (53.06%, 11 208/21 123) or hearing disabilities (32.96%, 11 536/34 995). Moreover, 19.40% (1 024/5 277) of visual or hearing disability occurred in the same year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that education level below primary school (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.61-0.70, P<0.001), having a spouse (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.64-0.72, P<0.001), living in an urban area (OR=0.77, 95%CI: 0.71-0.82, P<0.001) and having a per capita household income higher than the national average (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.68-0.78, P<0.001) were protective factors for comorbidity of visual and hearing disability among the elderly. Conclusions: Visual disability is correlated with hearing disability in the elderly. Attention should be paid to the prevention and control of associated disabilities such as visual and hearing co-disabilities in the elderly population, with emphasis on strengthening publicity and education on prevention and control of visual and hearing disabilities for the elderly who are economically disadvantaged, have no spouse and live in remote areas.

A Case of ALECT2 Renal Amyloidosis Associated with IgG4 Related Kidney Disease, Membranous Nephropathy and Early Diabetic Kidney Injury

Introduction/Objective

ALECT-2 amyloidosis is a rare type of amyloidosis that mostly involves kidneys with other organs rarely affected. It has a high prevalence among patients of Hispanic descent. Membranous nephropathy is one of the most common causes of proteinuria in adults. IgG4-related disease is a systemic disease, which commonly involves the pancreas, but occasionally affects the kidney and manifests as chronic renal insufficiency. Here we describe a very unusual case of concurrence of membranous nephropathy, IgG4 disease involving the kidney, ALECT2 amyloidosis, and early diabetic kidney injury.

Methods/Case Report

A 49-year-old Hispanic male patient with a history of diabetes and IgG4-related autoimmune pancreatitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis presented with abrupt onset of proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. A kidney biopsy was performed and showed severe interstitial plasma cell-rich inflammatory infiltrates and interstitial fibrosis which had a storiform pattern. The glomerular basement membranes (GBM) showed focal pinpoint holes but no spikes by silver stain. Immunofluorescence microscopy (IF) showed diffuse and finely granular capillary loop staining for IgG, with Kappa and lambda light chains of equal intensity. IF for Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) was negative. Immunohistochemical (IHC) stain showed IgG4 positivity in about 60% of IgG-positive plasma cells. Congo red was positive for birefringent deposits predominantly in the interstitium and arteriolar walls with focal deposits in the glomerular mesangium and capillary wall. IHC stain for Amyloid AA and DNAJB9 were negative. Electron microscopy showed scattered subepithelial immune complex-type electron dense deposits consistent with membranous nephropathy, randomly oriented fibrils in interstitium, mesangium and GBM, consistent with amyloidosis, and thickening of GBM (average 559 nm), consistent with early diabetic kidney change. The tissue was sent for mass spectrometry which showed a peptide profile consistent with ALECT-2 (Leukocyte chemotactic factor 2) type amyloidosis.

Results (if a Case Study enter NA)

NA

Conclusion

In up to a third of cases reported in the literature, a concomitant renal pathology was present. Diabetic nephropathy was the most common concurrent pathology, to be followed by IgA nephropathy and membranous nephropathy. However, the concurrence of membranous nephropathy, IgG4 disease involving the kidney, ALECT2 amyloidosis, and early diabetic kidney injury has never been described before.

DNA and coding/non-coding RNA methylation analysis provide insights into tomato fruit ripening

Ripening is the last, irreversible developmental stage during which fruit become palatable, thus promoting seed dispersal by frugivory. In Alisa Craig fruit, mRNAs with increasing m5C levels, such as STPK and WRKY 40, were identified as being involved in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, two mRNAs involved in cell wall metabolism, PG and EXP-B1, also presented increased m5C levels. In the Nr mutant, several m5C-modified mRNAs involved in fruit ripening, including those encoding WRKY and MADS-box proteins, were found. Targets of long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs with different m5C sites were also found; these targets included 2-alkenal reductase, soluble starch synthase 1, WRKY, MADS-box, and F-box/ketch-repeat protein SKIP11. A combined analysis of changes in 5mC methylation and mRNA revealed many differentially expressed genes with differentially methylated regions encoding transcription factors and key enzymes related to ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction; these included ERF084, EIN3, AP2/ERF, ACO5, ACS7, EIN3/4, EBF1, MADS-box, AP2/ERF, and ETR1. Taken together, our findings contribute to the global understanding of the mechanisms underlying fruit ripening, thereby providing new information for both fruit and post-harvest behavior.

[Clinical features and risk factors for early relapse of pediatric ulcerative colitis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features of pediatric ulcerative colitis (UC) and analyze the risk factors of disease relapse. Methods: The clinical data of 79 children with UC diagnosed in Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into early relapse group and non-early relapse group according to the clinical relapse within 12 months after diagnosis. T-test, rank sum test, χ² test or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the variables between the 2 groups, including the clinical features, laboratory examination results and treatments. The Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of early relapse. The cumulative relapse rate during follow-up was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Among the 79 UC children, 46 were males and 33 were females, and the age of onset was 10.6 (6.4, 12.7) years. The children were mainly characterized by extensive disease (E3) and pancolitis (E4) (51/79, 65%), moderate to severe activity (48/79, 61%) and moderate to severe inflammation of colonic mucosa (71/79, 90%). Thirty-eight (48%) patients had atypical phenotype and 17 (22%) had extraintestinal manifestations. The follow-up period was 43.9 (22.8, 61.3) months, and of the 41 patients rechecked with colonoscopy, 7 (17%) had disease progression. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the cumulative relapse rate of the 79 cases at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after diagnosis were 27% (21/79), 47% (37/79), 57% (45/79) and 73% (53/73), respectively. There were 45 children (57%) in early relapse group and 34 (43%) in non-early relapse group. In early relapse group, hemoglobin and mucosal healing rate were both significantly lower (105 (87, 122) vs. 120 (104, 131) g/L, 28% (7/25) vs. 7/9, Z=-2.38, χ²=4.87, both P<0.05). The rate of steroid-dependent, E3 and step-up therapy during the induction period were all significantly higher than those in non-early relapse group (11/19 vs. 1/12, 24% (11/45) vs. 6% (2/34), 29% (13/45) vs. 6% (2/34), χ²=5.67, 4.85, 6.66, all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that extraintestinal manifestations (OR=4.33, 95%CI 1.05-17.83), E3 (OR=8.27, 95%CI 1.47-46.46) and step-up therapy during the induction period (OR=5.58, 95%CI 1.01-30.77) were independent risk factors for early relapse. Conclusions: Pediatric UC is usually extensive and severe, with atypical phenotype, a high rate of relapse and a risk of disease progression. Extraintestinal manifestations, E3 and step-up therapy during the induction period are independent risk factors for early relapse.

Probing ^{93m}Mo Isomer Depletion with an Isomer Beam

The isomer depletion of ^{93m}Mo was recently reported [Chiara et al., Nature (London) 554, 216 (2018)NATUAS0028-083610.1038/nature25483] as the first direct observation of nuclear excitation by electron capture (NEEC). However, the measured excitation probability of 1.0(3)% is far beyond the theoretical expectation. In order to understand the inconsistency between theory and experiment, we produce the ^{93m}Mo nuclei using the ^{12}C(^{86}Kr,5n) reaction at a beam energy of 559 MeV and transport the reaction residues to a detection station far away from the target area employing a secondary beam line. The isomer depletion is expected to occur during the slowdown process of the ions in the stopping material. In such a low γ-ray background environment, the signature of isomer depletion is not observed, and an upper limit of 2×10^{-5} is estimated for the excitation probability. This is consistent with the theoretical expectation. Our findings shed doubt on the previously reported NEEC phenomenon and highlight the necessity and feasibility of further experimental investigations for reexamining the isomer depletion under low γ-ray background.

A Versatile Electrochemical Biosensor for the Detection of Circulating MicroRNA toward Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can be used as noninvasive biomarkers and are also found circulating in body fluids such as blood. Dysregulated miRNA expression is associated with many diseases, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and the miRNA assay is helpful in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. In this work, a versatile electrochemical biosensing system is developed for miRNA detection by DNAzyme-cleavage cycling amplification and hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification. With cleavage by Mn²⁺ targeted DNAzyme, DNA-walker can move along the predesigned DNA tracks and contribute to the transduction and enhancement of signals. For the electrochemical process, the formation of multiple G-quadruplex-incorporated long double-stranded DNA (dsDNA/G-quadruplex) structures is triggered through HCR amplification. The introduction of G-quadruplex allows sensitive measurement of miRNA down to 5.68 fM with good specificity. Furthermore, by profiling miRNA in the NSCLC cohort, this designed strategy shows high efficiency (area under the curve (AUC) of 0.879 using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis) with the sensitivity of 80.0% for NSCLC early diagnosis (stage I). For the discrimination of NSCLC and benign disease, the assay displays an AUC of 0.907, superior to six clinically-acceptable protein tumor markers. Therefore, this platform holds promise in clinical application toward NSCLC diagnosis and prognosis.

MicroRNA-29a-3p regulates chemosensitivity in hypopharyngeal carcinoma via targeting Cdc42

INTRODUCTION

Hypopharyngeal carcinoma is one kind of high malignant tumour followed by poor prognosis in head and neck carcinomas. This study aimed to detect miR-29a-3p and Cdc42 in patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The expression of miR-29a-3p and Cdc42 mRNA were detected, and the correlation between miR-29a-3p/Cdc42 and clinical stages was investigated.

RESULTS

The relative expression of miR-29a-3p in stage II, III and IV hypopharyngeal carcinoma tissues was significantly lower than that of stage I (P< 0.05). The relative expression of Cdc42 mRNA in stage I, III and IV tissues was significantly higher than that of stage I (P< 0.05). The expression of miR-29a-3p in hypopharyngeal carcinoma with lymph node metastasis was significantly lower than that without lymph node metastasis (P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

MiR-29a-3p and Cdc42 mRNA could be potential diagnostic biomarkers of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

The effect of neuropilin-1 silencing on the transforming growth factor-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer SW480 cells and its effect on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells

This study aimed to investigate the effect of neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) silencing on epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) mediated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and on the proliferation and migration of colon cancer SW480 cells. After transfection of small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA)-NRP-1 into colon cancer SW480 cells, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels of NRP-1 were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Four EMT models were induced using 0, 2, 5, and 10 ng/mL TGF-β1, respectively. Cell proliferation was detected using Cell Counting Kit-8, and the protein levels of EMT markers E-cadherin and vimentin were detected using Western blot. EMT was induced in the transfected SW480 cells using TGF-β1, after which four groups were created: a negative control group (siRNA-Ncontrol), a transfection group (siRNA-NRP-1), an induction group (TGF-β1), and a transfection + induction group (siRNA-NRP-1+TGF-β1). Western blot was then used to detect the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin, and cell proliferation and migration were detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and scratch assay. After transfection with siRNA-NRP-1, the mRNA and protein expression levels of SW480 cells were significantly decreased (P<0.05). After 48 hours of induction with 10 ng/mL TGF-β1, cell proliferation was obvious, E-cadherin expression decreased, and vimentin expression significantly increased (P<0.05), indicating that EMT had been successfully induced compared with the induction group, the transfection + induction group had significantly increased E-cadherin expression after corresponding treatments (including transfection and induction alone) (P<0.05), and the proliferation and migration of colon cancer cells decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion: silencing, NRP-1 in colon cancer SW480 cells can partially reverse TGF-β1-mediated EMT, reduce the proliferation activity of colon cancer cells, and slow their migration ability. Therefore, NRP-1 may become a new target for the treatment of colon cancer.

[Analysis of failure causes and countermeasures of automatic coagulation analyzer detection of thrombin time]

To study the failure alarm information displayed on the automatic coagulation analyzer (coagulation method) of thrombin time (TT), and formulate the coping strategies combined with clinical information. Methods: A total of 233 failed TT blood samples [132 males, 101 females, with a median age of 73 (66, 79) years] were selected from 21 359 inpatients in Peking University First Hospital from January to June 2021. The statistical analysis was made and the failure causes and solutions were summarized according to the coagulation curve and the error codes displayed on the coagulation instrument, in combination with the clinical information, sample characteristics, medication status and other reasons. Meanwhile, a total of 96 TT detection failed lipid blood samples [56 males, 40 females, with a median age of 72 (65, 79) years] were analyzed from the inpatients in Peking University First Hospital from July to November 2021. TT results were obtained by artificial coagulation curve interpretation method, magnetic bead method and high-speed centrifugal re-detection method, respectively. The TT results of the three methods were compared. Results: The proportion of 233 failed TT tests from the total number of samples was 1.1% (233/21 359). There were 41.2% (96/233) samples with lipids, 23.2% (54/233) samples with heparin interference, 22.3% (52/233) samples with oral anticoagulant, and 13.3% (31/233) samples with micro-coagulation or insufficient plasma volume among these test failure samples. The classifications for these alarm information of coagulation curves showed on the instrument were as follows: 32.6% (76/233) of samples with higher changes in absorbance at baseline (SD>2 mAbs), 30.5% (71/233) of samples without peak values of second derivative, 25.8% (60/233) of samples with absorbance difference<35 mAbs between baseline and plateau period, 8.6% (20/233) samples with too low starting point or no starting point, and 2.6% (6/233) samples without coagulation curves. Among these 233 samples, there were 55.8% (130/233) samples that could be manually judged according to the reaction principle and standard coagulation curve pattern. Among the 96 samples that failed in coagulation method due to lipemia, there were 78 samples with sufficient blood volume tested by magnetic bead method. The TT results of the high-speed centrifugal redetection method, artificial coagulation curve interpretation method and magnetic bead method were 14.10 (14.80, 13.38) s, 14.30 (14.99, 13.60) s, and 15.65 (17.25, 14.65) s, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.055). For 78 lipid samples, there was a correlation between the results of the artificial coagulation curve interpretation method and the results of magnetic bead method (r=0.99,P=0.001). Conclusions: For those samples failed in TT detection by coagulation method on automatic coagulation instrument, the cause of failure can be analyzed through coagulation curve and alarm information. For the lipid samples, TT results can be obtained by manual interpretation method, high-speed centrifugation method and magnetic bead method.

Tumour cells are sensitised to ferroptosis via RB1CC1‐mediated transcriptional reprogramming

Background

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death, is an important topic in the field of cancer research. However, the signalling pathways and factors that sensitise tumour cells to ferroptosis remain elusive.

Methods

We determined the level of ferroptosis in cells by measuring cell death and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The expression of RB1‐inducible coiled‐coil 1 (RB1CC1) and related proteins was analyzed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence was used to determine the subcellular localization of RB1CC1. We investigated the mechanism of RB1CC1 nuclear translocation by constructing a series of RB1CC1 variants. To examine the ferroptosis‐ and RB1CC1‐dependent transcriptional program in tumour cells, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing was performed. To assess the effect of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) agonists on strenthening imidazole ketone erastin (IKE) therapy, we constructed cell‐derived xenograft mouse models. Mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma to elucidate the importance of Rb1cc1 in IKE‐based therapy of liver tumourigenesis.

Results

RB1CC1 is upregulated by lipid ROS and that nuclear translocation of phosphorylation of RB1CC1 at Ser537 was essential for sensitising ferroptosis in tumour cells. Upon ferroptosis induction, nuclear RB1CC1 sharing forkhead box (FOX)‐binding motifs recruits elongator acetyltransferase complex subunit 3 (ELP3) to strengthen H4K12Ac histone modifications within enhancers linked to ferroptosis. This also stimulated transcription of ferroptosis‐associated genes, such as coiled‐coil–helix–coiled‐coil–helix domain containing 3 (CHCHD3), which enhanced mitochondrial function to elevate mitochondrial ROS early following induction of ferroptosis. FDA‐approved JNK activators reinforced RB1CC1 nuclear translocation and sensitised cells to ferroptosis, which strongly suggested that JNK is upstream of RB1CC1. Nuclear localisation of RB1CC1 correlated with lipid peroxidation in clinical lung cancer specimens. Rb1cc1 was essential for ferroptosis agonists to suppress liver tumourigenesis in mice.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that RB1CC1‐associated signalling sensitises tumour cells to ferroptosis and that targeting RB1CC1 may be beneficial for tumour treatment.

[Preliminary study on differentially expressed proteins in a mouse model of secondary cystic echinococcosis based on data independent acquisition proteomics]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the differentially expressed proteins in different liver tissues in the mouse model of cystic echinococcosis (CE), so as to provide insights into the research and development of therapeutic drugs targeting CE.

METHODS

Female Kunming mice at ages of 6 to 8 weeks were randomly assigned into the CE group and the control group. Mice in the CE group were intraperitoneally infected with 2 000 Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces, while mice in the control group were injected with the same volume of physiological saline. All mice in both groups were sacrificed after breeding for 350 d, and the lesions (the lesion group) and peri-lesion specimens (the peri-lesion group) were sampled from the liver of mice in the CE group and the normal liver specimens (the normal group) were sampled from mice in the control group for data independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics analysis, and the differentially expressed proteins were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 26 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the lesion group and the normal group and between the peri-lesion group and the normal group, including 8 up-regulated proteins and 18 down-regulated proteins. GO term enrichment analysis showed that these differentially expressed proteins were predominantly enriched in endoplasmic reticulum membrane (biological components), oxidoreductase activity (molecular function) and oxoacid metabolic process and monocarboxylic acid metabolic process (biological processes). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the differentially expressed protein Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1), which contributed to primary bile acid biosynthesis during the fatty acid oxidation, was involved in peroxisome signaling pathway, and the differentially expressed protein fatty acid binding protein 1 (Fabp1), which contributed to fatty acid transport, was involved in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Differentially expressed proteins are identified in the liver specimens between mouse models of CE and normal mice, and some differentially expressed proteins may serve as potential drug targets for CE.

[Preliminary study on differentially expressed proteins in a mouse model of secondary alveolar echinococcosis based on data independent acquisition proteomics]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the differentially expressed proteins in different liver tissues in the mouse model of alveolar echinococcosis using high-resolution mass spectrometry with data independent acquisition (DIA), and to identify the key proteins contributing to the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis.

METHODS

Protoscoleces were isolated from Microtus fuscus with alveolar echinococcosis and the experimental model of alveolar echinococcosis was established in female Kunming mice aged 6 to 8 weeks by infection with Echinococcus multilocularis protoscoleces. Mice were divided into the experimental and control groups, and animals in the experimental group was injected with approximately 3 000 protoscoleces, while mice in the control group were injected with the same volume of physiological saline. Mouse liver specimens were sampled from both groups one year post-infection and subjected to pathological examinations. In addition, the lesions (the lesion group) and peri-lesion specimens (the peri-lesion group) were sampled from the liver of mice in the experimental group and the normal liver specimens (the normal group) were sampled from mice in the control group for DIA proteomics analysis, and the differentially expressed proteins were subjected to bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 1 020 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the lesion group and the normal group, including 671 up-regulated proteins and 349 down-regulated proteins, and 495 differentially expressed proteins were identified between the peri-lesion group and the normal group, including 327 up-regulated proteins and 168 down-regulated proteins. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these differentially expressed proteins were involved in peroxisome, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and fatty acid degradation pathways, and the peroxisome and PPAR signaling pathways were found to correlate with liver injury. Several differentially expressed proteins that may contribute to the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis were identified in these two pathways, including fatty acid binding protein 1 (Fabp1), Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1 (Acsl1), Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1), Enoyl-CoA hydratase and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (Ehhadh) and Acetyl-Coenzyme A acyltransferase 1B (Acaa1b), which were down-regulated in mice in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS

A large number of differentially expressed proteins are identified in the liver of the mouse model of alveolar echinococcosis, and Fabp1, Acsl1, Acox1, Ehhadh and Acaa1b may contribute to the pathogenesis of alveolar echinococcosis.

Essential roles of exosome and circRNA_101093 on ferroptosis desensitization in lung adenocarcinoma

Background

Resistance to ferroptosis, a regulated cell death caused by iron‐dependent excessive accumulation of lipid peroxides, has recently been linked to lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Intracellular antioxidant systems are required for protection against ferroptosis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether and how extracellular system desensitizes LUAD cells to ferroptosis.

Methods

Established human lung fibroblasts MRC‐5, WI38, and human LUAD H1650, PC9, H1975, H358, A549, and H1299 cell lines, tumor and matched normal adjacent tissues of LUAD, and plasma from healthy individuals and LUAD patients were used in this study. Immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were used to analyze protein expression, and quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR was used to analyze mRNA expression. Cell viability, cell death, and the lipid reactive oxygen species generation were measured to evaluate the responses to ferroptosis. Exosomes were observed using transmission electron microscope. The localization of arachidonic acid (AA) was detected using click chemistry labeling followed by confocal microscopy. Interactions between RNAs and proteins were detected using RNA pull‐down, RNA immunoprecipitation and photoactivatable ribonucleoside‐enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation methods. Proteomic analysis was used to investigate RNA‐regulated proteins, and metabolomic analysis was performed to analyze metabolites. Cell‐derived xenograft, patient‐derived xenograft, cell‐implanted intrapulmonary LUAD mouse models and plasma/tissue specimens from LUAD patients were used to validate the molecular mechanism.

Results

Plasma exosome from LUAD patients specifically reduced lipid peroxidation and desensitized LUAD cells to ferroptosis. A potential explanation is that exosomal circRNA_101093 (cir93) maintained an elevation in intracellular cir93 in LUAD to modulate AA, a poly‐unsaturated fatty acid critical for ferroptosis‐associated increased peroxidation in the plasma membrane. Mechanistically, cir93 interacted with and increased fatty acid‐binding protein 3 (FABP3), which transported AA and facilitated its reaction with taurine. Thus, global AA was reduced, whereas N‐arachidonoyl taurine (NAT, the product of AA and taurine) was induced. Notably, the role of NAT in suppressing AA incorporation into the plasma membrane was also revealed. In pre‐clinical in vivo models, reducing exosome improved ferroptosis‐based treatment.

Conclusion

Exosome and cir93 are essential for desensitizing LUAD cells to ferroptosis, and blocking exosome may be helpful for future LUAD treatment.

The essential roles of m6A RNA modification to stimulate ENO1-dependent glycolysis and tumorigenesis in lung adenocarcinoma

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)  is the most common subtype of lung cancer. Patient prognosis is poor, and the existing therapeutic strategies for LUAD are far from satisfactory. Recently, targeting N6-methyladenosine (m⁶A) modification of RNA has been suggested as a potential strategy to impede tumor progression. However, the roles of m⁶A modification in LUAD tumorigenesis is unknown.

Methods

Global m⁶A levels and expressions of m⁶A writers, erasers and readers were evaluated by RNA methylation assay, dot blot, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and ELISA in human LUAD, mouse models and cell lines. Cell viability, 3D-spheroid generation, in vivo LUAD formation, experiments in cell- and patient-derived xenograft mice and survival analysis were conducted to explore the impact of m⁶A on LUAD. The RNA-protein interactions, translation, putative m⁶A sites and glycolysis were explored in the investigation of the mechanism underlying how m⁶A stimulates tumorigenesis.

Results

The elevation of global m⁶A level in most human LUAD specimens resulted from the combined upregulation of m⁶A writer methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) and downregulation of eraser alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5). Elevated global m⁶A level was associated with a poor overall survival in LUAD patients. Reducing m⁶A levels by knocking out METTL3 and overexpressing ALKBH5 suppressed 3D-spheroid generation in LUAD cells and intra-pulmonary tumor formation in mice. Mechanistically, m⁶A-dependent stimulation of glycolysis and tumorigenesis occurred via enolase 1 (ENO1). ENO1 mRNA was m⁶A methylated at 359 A, which facilitated it’s binding with the m⁶A reader YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (YTHDF1) and resulted in enhanced translation of ENO1. ENO1 positively correlated with METTL3 and global m⁶A levels, and negatively correlated with ALKBH5 in human LUAD. In addition, m⁶A-dependent elevation of ENO1 was associated with LUAD progression. In preclinical models, tumors with a higher global m⁶A level showed a more sensitive response to the inhibition of pan-methylation, glycolysis and ENO activity in LUAD.

Conclusions

The m⁶A-dependent stimulation of glycolysis and tumorigenesis in LUAD is at least partially orchestrated by the upregulation of METTL3, downregulation of ALKBH5, and stimulation of YTHDF1-mediated ENO1 translation. Blocking this mechanism may represent a potential treatment strategy for m⁶A-dependent LUAD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02200-5.

[Microscopic observation of the enamel microstructures of SD rats with different degrees of fluorosis]

Objective: To establish a dental fluorosis model of SD rats with various degrees, to observe the microstructures of enamel samples under scanning electron microscope and to clarify the changes of enamel microstructures with various degrees of dental fluorosis, so as to provide clinical reference for the treatment of patients with moderate and severe dental fluorosis. Methods: Thirty male SD rats (6 weeks of age) were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 rats in each group. The control group was fed with deionized water without fluoride, the low fluoride group was fed with 50 mg/L NaF deionized water and the high fluoride group was fed with 100 mg/L NaF deionized water in order to establish the dental fluorosis model of rats. After feeding for 6 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the mandibular incisor teeth were collected and recorded. The surface and sagittal plane of each tooth were observed by scanning electron microscopy and the enamel thickness was measured. Results: In the control group, the enamel color was brown yellow. Enamel color discoloration occurred both in low-fluoride group and high-fluoride group. The enamel color in low-fluoride group was mostly yellow and white striped while in high-fluoride group was mostly chalky white. Under electronic microscope, the enamel rods were alternately arranged and their structure was clear and plump in the control group. The enamel rods of moderate fluorosis were arranged in a straight orientation like tips of bamboo shoots. The enamel rods of severe fluorosis, however, became thinner and the tips of rods were broken. In the control group, sagittal images of enamel turned out to be a dense outer structure with clear boundaries among the inner. The structure of the middle layer was reticulated showing a clear boundary with middle and outer layers. The structure of enamel rods in the inner layers was arranged vertically and horizontally. In the moderate fluorosis group, the outer layer of the enamel became thinner and the middle layer disappeared although the boundary between the outer and middle layers was still clear. In the inner layer, the vertically arranged enamel rods seemed still clear, however the horizontal enamel rods disappeared. In the severe fluorosis group, the outer layer could not be traced. The middle layer was exposed to the air and the inner enamel rods contracted. The inner layers of the enamel had gradually become thinner with the development of the dental fluorosis. The thicknesses of inner layers in control, moderate and the severe groups were (180.71±7.01), (157.10±11.04) and (121.10±12.56) μm respectively. As for the thicknesses of the full layers in the above mentioned three groups, the same trend was observed. The thicknesses, in order of the severity of dental fluorosis, were (241.54±7.76), (207.42±14.36) and (143.79±14.60) μm. Conclusions: With the development of dental fluorosis, the outer enamel layers became thinner or disappeared and the inner enamel layers became thinner or lost its normal structure as well. It is highly recommended that the resin penetration could be used for the proper treatment of moderate and severe dental fluorosis and the strong bleaching and the micro-grinding should be used cautiously.

[Study on epidemic trend of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in Zhejiang province, 2005-2020]

Objective: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal distribution of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) in Zhejiang province from 2005 to 2020, and provide scientific information for the precise prevention and control of HFRS. Methods: Data on HFRS cases in Zhejiang province during 2005-2020 were collected from the China National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting Information System (NNDS) for a descriptive analysis, and software ArcGIS 10.2 was used for global autocorrelation and local autocorrelation analyses. Spatiotemporal clusters were scanned with SaTScan 9.4.4 and visualized with ArcGIS 10.2. Results: A total of 7 724 HFRS cases were reported in Zhejiang province from 2005 to 2020, including 25 deaths. There were two incidence peaks each year, in late spring and early summer (May-June) and in winter (November-January). The top three areas with high cumulative cases were Ningbo (1 875, 24.27%), Taizhou (1 642, 21.25%), and Shaoxing (1 123, 14.54%). Among the reported cases, with a male to female ratio of 2.73∶1(5 656∶2 068). The majority of HFRS cases were middle-aged and elderly people, with cases aged 41-70 years accounting for 60.95%. Most HFRS cases were farmers, accounting for 69.89% (5 398/7 724). The spatial distribution of HFRS in most years was correlated. SaTScan was used for retrospective spatiotemporal scanning and three clusters were detected: the first type clusters were in 21 counties in eastern Zhejiang province and central Zhejiang province, among which 4 were in Ningbo, Shaoxing and Jinhua, 8 were in Taizhou, and 1 was in Lishui (RR=13.69, LLR=5 522.60, P<0.001); the second type clusters were in Longquan and Qingyuan counties (RR=31.20, LLR=1 232.46, P<0.001); the third types of clusters were in Changxing and Anji counties of Huzhou in northern Zhejiang province (RR=3.42, LLR=23.93, P<0.001). Conclusions: HFRS mainly occurred in middle-aged,elderly and male farmers in Zhejiang province. The incidence was high in late spring, early summer and winter in eastern Zhejiang province. Precise prevention and control measures are needed for populations at high risk before the epidemic season.