Supervised graph contrastive learning for cancer subtype identification through multi-omics data integration

Cancer is one of the most deadly diseases in the world. Accurate cancer subtype classification is critical for patient diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Ever-increasing multi-omics data describes the characteristics of the patients from different views and serves as complementary information to promote cancer subtype identification. However, omics data generally have different distributions and high dimensions. How to effectively integrate multiple omics data to classify cancer subtypes accurately is a challenge for researchers. This work proposes a method integrating multi-omics data based on supervised graph contrast learning (MCRGCN) to classify cancer subtypes. The method considers the unique feature distribution of each omics data and the interaction of different omics data features to improve the accuracy of cancer subtype classification. To achieve this, MCRGCN first constructs different sample networks based on the multi-omics data of the samples. Then, it puts the omics data and adjacency matrix of the sample into different residual graph convolution models to get multi-omics features of the samples, which are trained with a supervised comparison loss to maintain that the sample features of each omics should be as consistent as possible. Finally, we input the sample features combining multi-omics features into a classifier to obtain the cancer subtypes. We applied MCRGCN to the invasive breast carcinoma (BRCA) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) datasets, integrating gene expression, miRNA expression, and DNA methylation data. The results demonstrate that our model is superior to other methods in integrating multi-omics data. Moreover, the results of survival analysis experiments demonstrate that the cancer subtypes identified by our model have significant clinical features. Furthermore, our model can help to identify potential biomarkers and pathways associated with cancer subtypes.

Association of serum concentrations of remnant cholesterol with incident cardiovascular disease in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A real-world data from 2001 to 2022

BACKGROUND

Remnant cholesterol (RC) promotes cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population, but its role among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients remains unknown. We aimed to investigate circulating RC levels associated with incident CVD among Chinese patients with RA.

METHODS

A total of 1018 RA patients free of baseline CVD were included and followed up in a prospective RA CVD cohort from 2001 to 2022. Fasting serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), low-density (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured, while RC and Non-HDL-C levels were calculated. The primary exposure was RC levels. A LASSO Cox model was used to select covariates. The Fine-Gray competing risk model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs).

RESULTS

RA patients had a mean age of 53.9 years, and 802 (78.8%) were females. After a median follow-up of 5.54 years, 131 patients developed CVD with an incidence rate of 21.6 per 1000 person-years. Continuous and quartile-categorized RC levels were associated with incident CVD before and after multivariate adjustment and Bonferroni correction (all P < 0.001). There were no robust associations of other lipids with incident CVD. The fully adjusted HRs for RC were 2.30 (95% CI 1.58-3.35) per 1 mmol/L increase, and 2.40 (1.36-4.25) and 2.81 (1.60-4.94) for patients in the 3rd and 4th versus the 1st quartile, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating RC levels are positively associated with incident CVD among Chinese RA patients independent of known risk factors, implying its clinically preferable use for improving the stratification of CVD risk in RA patients.

Degradation and fermentation of hyaluronic acid by Bacteroides spp. from the human gut microbiota

Bacteroides spp. are prominent members of the human gut microbiota that play critical roles in the metabolism of complex carbohydrates from the daily diet. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a multifunctional polysaccharide which has been extensively used in the food and biomedical industry. However, how HA is degraded and fermented by Bacteroides spp. has not been fully characterized. Here, we comprehensively investigated the detailed degradation profiles and fermentation characteristics of four different HAs with discrete molecular weight (Mw) by fourteen distinctive Bacteroides spp. from the human gut microbiota. Our results indicated that high-Mw HAs were more degradable and fermentable than low-Mw HAs. Interestingly, B. salyersiae showed the best degrading capability for both high-Mw and low-Mw HAs, making it a keystone species for HA degradation among Bacteroides spp.. Specifically, HA degradation by B. salyersiae produced significant amounts of unsaturated tetrasaccharide (udp4). Co-culture experiments indicated that the produced udp4 could be further fermented and utilized by non-proficient HA-degraders, suggesting a possible cross-feeding interaction in the utilization of HA within the Bacteroides spp.. Altogether, our study provides novel insights into the metabolism of HA by the human gut microbiota, which has considerable implications for the development of new HA-based nutraceuticals and medicines.

Probing the geometric and electronic structures of the transition metal oxides RhOn-1/0 (n = 1-4) clusters

The photoelectron spectroscopies of RhOn- (n = 1-2) were obtained via using the photoelectron velocity-map imaging (PE-VMI) approach. The experimental values of the adiabatic detachment energy (ADE) and vertical detachment energy (VDE) for RhO- were reported to be 1.58 ± 0.02 eV. The experimental AED and VDE values of RhO2- were reported to be 2.70 ± 0.02 eV and 2.79 ± 0.02 eV, respectively. The vibrational frequencies of RhO- and RhO2- measured from photoelectron spectra (PES) were 817(76) cm-1 and 932(55) cm-1, respectively. Based on the density functional theory (DFT), the RhOn-1/0 (n = 1-4) clusters were investigated. The optimized configurations of corresponding ground states and low-lying clusters were discovered. Meanwhile, the simulated photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) of RhOn- (n = 1-4) and the theoretical ADE and VDE values of RhOn- (n = 1-4) clusters were unveiled to assist future experimental studies of Rhodium oxide clusters. Moreover, the associated molecular orbitals (MOs), natural population analysis (NPA) and bond order analysis have been utilized to investigate the chemical bonding in these groups.

An SSVEP-based BCI with 112 targets using frequency spatial multiplexing

Objective.Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems with large directly accessible instruction sets are one of the difficulties in BCI research. Research to achieve high target resolution (⩾100) has not yet entered a rapid development stage, which contradicts the application requirements. Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) based BCIs have an advantage in terms of the number of targets, but the competitive mechanism between the target stimulus and its neighboring stimuli is a key challenge that prevents the target resolution from being improved significantly.Approach.In this paper, we reverse the competitive mechanism and propose a frequency spatial multiplexing method to produce more targets with limited frequencies. In the proposed paradigm, we replicated each flicker stimulus as a 2 × 2 matrix and arrange the matrices of all frequencies in a tiled fashion to form the interaction interface. With different arrangements, we designed and tested three example paradigms with different layouts. Further we designed a graph neural network that distinguishes between targets of the same frequency by recognizing the different electroencephalography (EEG) response distribution patterns evoked by each target and its neighboring targets.Main results.Extensive experiment studies employing eleven subjects have been performed to verify the validity of the proposed method. The average classification accuracies in the offline validation experiments for the three paradigms are 89.16%, 91.38%, and 87.90%, with information transfer rates (ITR) of 51.66, 53.96, and 50.55 bits/min, respectively.Significance.This study utilized the positional relationship between stimuli and did not circumvent the competing response problem. Therefore, other state-of-the-art methods focusing on enhancing the efficiency of SSVEP detection can be used as a basis for the present method to achieve very promising improvements.

Aging microplastics and coupling of "microplastic-electric fields" can affect soil water-stable aggregates' stability

As plastic waste continues to accumulate in natural environments, the impact of aged microplastics (MPs) on soil ecosystems is increasingly becoming a matter of global concern. However, the effects of aged MPs on the stability of water-stable soil aggregates have not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the influence of two types of aged MPs, namely, polystyrene and polypropylene, on soil aggregate stability. We found that MPs have a notable effect on the fundamental structural units of soil aggregates, including organic matter and microorganisms. Consequently, reducing the structural stability of soil aggregates by disrupting the bonding mechanisms of soil particles affects the erosion resistance of coarse aggregates. Furthermore, we investigated the coupled effects of "soil electric field-MPs" on aggregate stability. The results showed that the critical potential for aggregate explosive fragmentation corresponds to an electric field intensity at an electrolyte concentration of 10-2 mol·L-1. In this study, we have clarified the primary factors through which MPs affect the stability of water-stable soil aggregates, providing new insights for a more accurate assessment of the impact of MPs on soil aggregates.

Exploring the casual association between gut microbiome, circulating inflammatory cytokines and chronic pancreatitis: A Mendelian randomization analysis

It has been established that gut dysbiosis contributed to the pathogenesis of digestive disorders. We aimed to explore the causal relationships between intestinal microbiota, circulating inflammatory cytokines and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of intestinal microbiome was retrieved from the MiBioGen study and the GWAS data of 91 circulating inflammatory cytokines and CP were obtained from the GWAS catalog. The 2-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed between gut microbiota, circulating inflammatory cytokines and CP, in which the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was regarded as the primary analysis approach. To prove the reliability of the causal estimations, multiple sensitivity analyses were utilized. IVW results revealed that genetically predicted 2 genera, including Sellimonas and Eubacteriumventriosumgroup, and plasm C-C motif chemokine 23 (CCL23) level were positively associated with CP risk, while genus Escherichia Shigella, Eubacteriumruminantiumgroup and Prevotella9, and plasma Caspase 8, Adenosine Deaminase (ADA), and SIR2-like protein 2 (SIRT2) level, demonstrated an ameliorative effect on CP. Leave-one-out analysis confirmed the robustness of the aforementioned causal effects and no significant horizontal pleiotropy or heterogeneity of the instrumental variables was detected. However, no association was found from the identified genera to the CP-related circulating inflammatory cytokines. Besides, the reverse MR analysis demonstrated no causal relationship from CP to the identified genera and circulating inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our comprehensive analyses offer evidence in favor of the estimated causal connections from the 5 genus-level microbial taxa and 4 circulating inflammatory cytokines to CP risk, which may help to reveal the underlying pathogenesis of CP.

Event-Triggered Constrained Optimal Control for Organic Rankine Cycle Systems via Safe Reinforcement Learning

The organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is an effective application for converting low-grade heat sources into power and is crucial for environmentally friendly production and energy recovery. However, the inherent complexity of the mechanism, its strong and unidentified nonlinearity, and the presence of control constraints severely impair the design of its optimal controller. To solve these issues, this study provides a novel event-triggered (ET) constrained optimal control approach for the ORC systems based on a safe reinforcement learning technique to find the optimal control law. Instead of employing the usual non-quadratic integral form to solve the control-limited optimal control problems, a constraint handling strategy based on a relaxed weighted barrier function (BF) technique is proposed. By adding the BF terms to the original value function, a modified value iteration algorithm is developed to make the control input solutions that tend to violate the constraints be pushed back and maintained in their safe sets. In addition, the ET mechanism proposed in this article is critically required for the ORC systems, and it can significantly reduce the computational load. The combination of these two techniques allows the ORC systems to achieve set-point tracking control and satisfy the control restrictions. The proposed approach is conducted based on a heuristic dynamic programming framework with three neural networks (NNs) involved. The safety and convergence of the proposed approach and the stability of the closed-loop system are analyzed. Simulation results and comparisons are presented to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Insights into growth stages and genotypes in airborne Pb accumulation in Oryza sativa L. grains: Utilizing isotope fingerprinting alongside a model study

Atmospheric exposure is an important pathway of accumulation of lead (Pb) in Oryza sativa L. grains. In this study, source contributions of soil, early atmospheric exposure, and late atmospheric exposure, along with their bioaccumulation ratios were examined both in the pot and field experiments using stable Pb isotope fingerprinting technology combined with a three-compartment accumulation model. Furthermore, genotype differences in airborne Pb accumulation among four field-grown rice cultivars were investigated using the partial least squares path model (PLS-PM) linking rice Pb accumulation to agronomic traits. The findings revealed that during the late growth period, the air-foliar-grain transfer of Pb was crucial for rice Pb accumulation. Approximately 69-82% of the Pb found in polished rice was contributed by atmospheric source, with more than 80% accumulating during the late growth stage. The air accumulation ratios of rice grains were genotype-specific and estimated to be 0.364-1.062 m3/g during the late growth. Notably, grain size exhibited the highest standardized total effects on the airborne Pb concentrations in the polished rice, followed by leaf Pb and the upward translocation efficiency of Pb. The present study indicates that mitigating the health risks associated with Pb in rice can be achieved by controlling atmospheric Pb levels during the late growth stage and choosing Japonica inbred varieties characterized by large grain size.

Analysis of emission characteristics associated with vessel activities states in port waters

This study investigates AIS data from March 2019 to February 2020 in Shanghai Port waters. The ship activities of berthing, waiting, and ingress/egress are extracted in detail to elucidate the emission characteristics of ships in Shanghai Port, differentiating emissions patterns across various ship activity. The findings reveal that the top three pollutants within Shanghai Port are CO2, NOX, and SO2. Container ships have the highest emissions, followed by bulk carriers. Berthed container ships and oil tankers exhibit the highest emission. Waiting container ships emit the most, followed by oil tankers and bulk carriers. Among ships entering and leaving the port, low-speed navigation produces the most emissions, followed by maneuvering and steady-speed navigation. Emission hotspots include the Yangtze River Estuary Anchorage and the main navigation channel into and out of the port. This study offers robust data support for an in-depth understanding and evaluation of ship emission characteristics in Shanghai Port.

Machine learning assisted combined systems of wastewater treatment plants with constructed wetlands optimal decision-making

This study proposed an efficient framework for optimizing the design and operation of combined systems of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and constructed wetlands (CW). The framework coupled a WWTP model with a CW model and used a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm to identify trade-offs between energy consumption, effluent quality, and construction cost. Compared to traditional design and management approaches, the framework achieved a 27 % reduction in WWTP energy consumption or a 44 % reduction in CW cost while meeting strict effluent discharge limits for Chinese WWTP. The framework also identified feasible decision variable ranges and demonstrated the impact of different optimization strategies on system performance. Furthermore, the contributions of WWTP and CW in pollutant degradation were analyzed. Overall, the proposed framework offers a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for optimizing the design and operation of a combined WWTP and CW system.

Associations of maternal sleep trajectories during pregnancy and adverse perinatal outcomes: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Sleep problems are common in pregnant women and sleep is altered during pregnancy. However, the associations between sleep trajectory patterns and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes are unclear. The current study aims to identify sleep trajectory patterns and explore their associations with adverse perinatal outcomes in a prospective cohort study.

METHODS

Pregnant women (N = 232) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index each trimester during pregnancy in Tianjin, China. Perinatal outcomes were extracted from the hospital delivery records. Latent class growth analysis (LCGA) described the trajectories of sleep timing, duration, and efficiency. Multivariable linear regression and multivariable logistic regression were employed to evaluate associations between sleep trajectory patterns and perinatal outcomes.

RESULTS

Trajectories were identified for bedtime (early, 49.1%; delaying, 50.9%), wake-up time (early, 82.8% of the sample; late, 17.2%), duration (short, 5.2%; adequate 78.0%; excessive, 16.8%), and efficiency (high, 88.4%; decreasing, 11.6%). Compared with women in more optimal sleep groups, those in the late wake-up, excessive duration, and decreasing efficiency groups had babies with shorter birth lengths (β range, -0.50 to -0.28, p < 0.05). Moreover, women in the decreasing efficiency group had babies with lower birth weight (β, -0.44; p < 0.05). Women in the delaying bedtime group had greater odds of preterm delivery (OR, 4.57; p < 0.05), while those in the decreasing efficiency group had greater odds of cesarean section (OR, 3.12; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Less optimal sleep trajectory patterns during pregnancy are associated with perinatal outcomes. Therefore, early assessment of maternal sleep during pregnancy is significant for identifying at-risk women and initiating interventions to reduce perinatal outcomes.

Investigating neuropathological changes and underlying neurobiological mechanisms in the early stages of primary blast-induced traumatic brain injury: Insights from a rat model

The utilization of explosives and chemicals has resulted in a rise in blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) in recent times. However, there is a dearth of diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for bTBI due to a limited understanding of biological mechanisms, particularly in the early stages. The objective of this study was to examine the early neuropathological characteristics and underlying biological mechanisms of primary bTBI. A total of 83 Sprague Dawley rats were employed, with their heads subjected to a blast shockwave of peak overpressure ranging from 172 to 421 kPa in the GI, GII, and GIII groups within a closed shock tube, while the body was shielded. Neuromotor dysfunctions, morphological changes, and neuropathological alterations were detected through modified neurologic severity scores, brain water content analysis, MRI scans, histological, TUNEL, and caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining. In addition, label-free quantitative (LFQ)-proteomics was utilized to investigate the biological mechanisms associated with the observed neuropathology. Notably, no evident damage was discernible in the GII and GI groups, whereas mild brain injury was observed in the GIII group. Neuropathological features of bTBI were characterized by morphologic changes, including neuronal injury and apoptosis, cerebral edema, and cerebrovascular injury in the shockwave's path. Subsequently, 3153 proteins were identified and quantified in the GIII group, with subsequent enriched neurological responses consistent with pathological findings. Further analysis revealed that signaling pathways such as relaxin signaling, hippo signaling, gap junction, chemokine signaling, and sphingolipid signaling, as well as hub proteins including Prkacb, Adcy5, and various G-protein subunits (Gnai2, Gnai3, Gnao1, Gnb1, Gnb2, Gnb4, and Gnb5), were closely associated with the observed neuropathology. The expression of hub proteins was confirmed via Western blotting. Accordingly, this study proposes signaling pathways and key proteins that exhibit sensitivity to brain injury and are correlated with the early pathologies of bTBI. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of G-protein subunits in bTBI pathophysiology, thereby establishing a theoretical foundation for early diagnosis and treatment strategies for primary bTBI.

Optimizing hybrid energy systems for remote communities in Asia's least developed countries

In least-developed countries (LDCs), electricity shortages are the primary barrier to economic and social growth. Some remote areas in LDC rely on diesel-based systems. However, renewable energy must be taken into account for generating electricity because of the uncertainty of diesel fuel prices and the emissions of carbon dioxide. Hybrid energy systems (HES) are becoming increasingly popular, which is unsurprising given the rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies, which have made them the preferred method to respond to the current unreliable electricity supply, reduce the impact of global warming that occurs from electricity production, and contribute to cost reduction. This study explores the feasibility of utilizing a combination of solar PV, wind energy, and battery systems with the existing diesel generator in four different locations in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Hybrid optimization multiples for electric renewables (HOMER) is used as a tool for techno-economic analysis and finding the possible combination of solar PV, wind, diesel, and battery. The multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) technique was used to verify all configurations obtained from HOMER's results. This approach considers environmental, economic, and technological factors by utilizing the AHP, TOPSIS, EDAS, and PROMETHEEE II techniques. The results show that PV/diesel with batteries is the optimum solution. This hybrid system comprises 89% PV penetration, a cost of electricity (COE) of 0.257 $/kWh, an initial capital cost (IC) of $244,277, and a net present cost (NPC) of $476,216 for a case study in Cambodia. Furthermore, this system can reduce almost 51,005 kg/year of carbon dioxide compared to a diesel-only system, while the cost of electricity is reduced.

Unexpected thermal transport properties of MgSiO3monolayer at extreme conditions

The thermal transport properties of mantle minerals are of paramount importance to understand the thermal evolution processes of the Earth. Here, we perform extensively structural searches of two-dimensional (2D) MgSiO3monolayer by CALYPSO method and first-principles calculations. A stable MgSiO3monolayer withPmm2 symmetry is uncovered, which possesses a wide indirect band gap of 4.39 eV. The calculations indicate the lattice thermal conductivities of MgSiO3monolayer are 49.86 W/mK and 9.09 W/mK inxandydirections at room temperature. Our findings suggest that MgSiO3monolayer is an excellent low-dimensional thermoelectric material with highZTvalue of 4.58 from n-type doping in theydirection at 2000 K. The unexpected anisotropic thermal transport of MgSiO3monolayer is due to the puckered crystal structure and the asymmetric phonon dispersion as well as the distinct electron states around the Fermi level. These results offer a detailed description of structural and thermal transport properties of MgSiO3monolayer at extreme conditions.

Psilocybin promotes neuroplasticity and induces rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects in mice

BACKGROUND

Psilocybin offers new hope for treating mood disorders due to its rapid and sustained antidepressant effects, as standard medications require weeks or months to exert their effects. However, the mechanisms underlying this action of psilocybin have not been identified.

AIMS

To investigate whether psilocybin has rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects in mice and investigate whether its potential mechanisms of action are related to promoted neuroplasticity.

METHODS

We first examined the antidepressant-like effects of psilocybin in normal mice by the forced swimming test and in chronic corticosterone (CORT)-exposed mice by the sucrose preference test and novelty-suppressed feeding test. Furthermore, to explore the role of neuroplasticity in mediating the antidepressant-like effects of psilocybin, we measured structural neuroplasticity and neuroplasticity-associated protein levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus.

RESULTS

We observed that a single dose of psilocybin had rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects in both healthy mice and chronic CORT-exposed mice. Moreover, psilocybin ameliorated chronic CORT exposure-induced inhibition of neuroplasticity in the PFC and hippocampus, including by increasing neuroplasticity (total number of dendritic branches and dendritic spine density), synaptic protein (p-GluA1, PSD95 and synapsin-1) levels, BDNF-mTOR signalling pathway activation (BDNF, TrkB and mTOR levels), and promoting neurogenesis (number of DCX-positive cells).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that psilocybin elicits robust, rapid and sustained antidepressant-like effects which is accompanied by the promotion of neuroplasticity in the PFC and hippocampus.

The Zn2+ transporter ZIP7 enhances endoplasmic-reticulum-associated protein degradation and prevents neurodegeneration in Drosophila

Proteotoxic stress drives numerous degenerative diseases. Cells initially adapt to misfolded proteins by activating the unfolded protein response (UPR), including endoplasmic-reticulum-associated protein degradation (ERAD). However, persistent stress triggers apoptosis. Enhancing ERAD is a promising therapeutic approach for protein misfolding diseases. The ER-localized Zn2+ transporter ZIP7 is conserved from plants to humans and required for intestinal self-renewal, Notch signaling, cell motility, and survival. However, a unifying mechanism underlying these diverse phenotypes was unknown. In studying Drosophila border cell migration, we discovered that ZIP7-mediated Zn2+ transport enhances the obligatory deubiquitination of proteins by the Rpn11 Zn2+ metalloproteinase in the proteasome lid. In human cells, ZIP7 and Zn2+ are limiting for deubiquitination. In a Drosophila model of neurodegeneration caused by misfolded rhodopsin (Rh1), ZIP7 overexpression degrades misfolded Rh1 and rescues photoreceptor viability and fly vision. Thus, ZIP7-mediated Zn2+ transport is a previously unknown, rate-limiting step for ERAD in vivo with therapeutic potential in protein misfolding diseases.

Unlocking the potential of exosomes: a breakthrough in the theranosis of degenerative orthopaedic diseases

Degenerative orthopaedic diseases pose a notable worldwide public health issue attributable to the global aging population. Conventional medical approaches, encompassing physical therapy, pharmaceutical interventions, and surgical methods, face obstacles in halting or reversing the degenerative process. In recent times, exosome-based therapy has gained widespread acceptance and popularity as an effective treatment for degenerative orthopaedic diseases. This therapeutic approach holds the potential for "cell-free" tissue regeneration. Exosomes, membranous vesicles resulting from the fusion of intracellular multivesicles with the cell membrane, are released into the extracellular matrix. Addressing challenges such as the rapid elimination of natural exosomes in vivo and the limitation of drug concentration can be effectively achieved through various strategies, including engineering modification, gene overexpression modification, and biomaterial binding. This review provides a concise overview of the source, classification, and preparation methods of exosomes, followed by an in-depth analysis of their functions and potential applications. Furthermore, the review explores various strategies for utilizing exosomes in the treatment of degenerative orthopaedic diseases, encompassing engineering modification, gene overexpression, and biomaterial binding. The primary objective is to provide a fresh viewpoint on the utilization of exosomes in addressing bone degenerative conditions and to support the practical application of exosomes in the theranosis of degenerative orthopaedic diseases.

AhR signaling modulates Ferroptosis by regulating SLC7A11 expression

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is pivotal in development, metabolic homeostasis, and immune responses. While recent research has highlighted AhR's significant role in modulating oxidative stress responses, its mechanistic relationship with ferroptosis-an iron-dependent, non-apoptotic cell death-remains to be fully elucidated. In our study, we discovered that AhR plays a crucial role in ferroptosis, in part by transcriptionally regulating the expression of the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11). Our findings indicate that both pharmacological inactivation and genetic ablation of AhR markedly enhance erastin-induced ferroptosis. This enhancement is achieved by suppressing SLC7A11, leading to increased lipid peroxidation. We also obtained evidence of post-translational modifications of SLC7A11 during ferroptosis. Additionally, we observed that indole 3-pyruvate (I3P), an endogenous ligand of AhR, protects cells from ferroptosis through an AhR-dependent mechanism. Based on these insights, we propose that AhR transcriptionally regulates the expression of SLC family genes, which in turn play a pivotal role in mediating ferroptosis. This underscores AhR's essential role in suppressing lipid oxidation and ensuring cell survival under oxidative stress.

Effects of cycloplegia on crystalline lens morphology and location in acute acquired concomitant esotropia

PURPOSE

The study aims to compare morphology and location of crystalline lens between acute acquired concomitant esotropia (AACE) patients and control subjects, both before and after cycloplegia.

METHODS

This is a prospective and observational clinical study. Morphological and locational parameters of the crystalline lens in 53 AACE patients and 32 control subjects were assessed before and after cycloplegia using CASIA2 system, which represents the latest swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Cycloplegic refraction was recorded by administering 1% atropine in patients younger than 12 years and 1% cyclopentolate in those > 12 years old. Morphological parameters included anterior radius of curvature (ARC), posterior radius of curvature (PRC), lens thickness (LTH), and equivalent diameter of lens (LED). Locational parameters comprised lens decentration (LD) and lens tilt (LT). Comparison of these parameters before and after cycloplegia were conducted between AACE and controls. Additionally, the study analyzed and compared the changes in these parameter post-cycloplegia.

RESULTS

Our findings suggest no significant difference in morphological parameters including ARC, PRC, LTH and LED between AACE patients and controls before or after cycloplegia. However, 2D-modeling data in the 0° meridian revealed that variation post-cycloplegia of LD (lens shift) in right eyes was different in AACE patients, measuring - 0.03(0.08) [median(interquartile range)] which was significantly distinct from the control group, exhibiting a measurement of 0.01(0.06) (z =  - 2.373, p = 0.018). In left eyes, a similar trend was observed with lens shift in the 0° meridian being 0.02(0.06) in AACE, significantly differing from control group's measurement of - 0.02(0.08) (z =  - 2.809, p = 0.005). Further, correlation analysis revealed that larger temporal shift of lens was associated with greater changes in ARC (r = 0.294, p = 0.006) and LTH (r =  - 0.230, p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

The morphological features of the crystalline lens were similar in AACE patients and controls; however, the change of lens location by cycloplegia was observed only in AACE patients, suggesting an association with excessive accommodation.

Unveiling Gene Expression Dynamics during Early Embryogenesis in Cynoglossus semilaevis: A Transcriptomic Perspective

Commencing with sperm-egg fusion, the early stages of metazoan development include the cleavage and formation of blastula and gastrula. These early embryonic events play a crucial role in ontogeny and are accompanied by a dramatic remodeling of the gene network, particularly encompassing the maternal-to-zygotic transition. Nonetheless, the gene expression dynamics governing early embryogenesis remain unclear in most metazoan lineages. We conducted transcriptomic profiling on two types of gametes (oocytes and sperms) and early embryos (ranging from the four-cell to the gastrula stage) of an economically valuable flatfish-the Chinese tongue sole Cynoglossus semilaevis (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae). Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that large-scale zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs in the blastula stage, aligning with previous findings in zebrafish. Through the comparison of the most abundant transcripts identified in each sample and the functional analysis of co-expression modules, we unveiled distinct functional enrichments across different gametes/developmental stages: actin- and immune-related functions in sperms; mitosis, transcription inhibition, and mitochondrial function in oocytes and in pre-ZGA embryos (four- to 1000-cell stage); and organ development in post-ZGA embryos (blastula and gastrula). These results provide insights into the intricate transcriptional regulation of early embryonic development in Cynoglossidae fish and expand our knowledge of developmental constraints in vertebrates.

Comparison of early patient-reported outcomes between uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy and wedge resection for peripheral small-sized non-small-cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Analysis of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) offers valuable insights into distinguishing the effects of closely related medical procedures from the patient's perspective. In this study we compared symptom burden in patients undergoing uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy and wedge resection for peripheral small-sized non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODS

This study included patients with peripheral NSCLC from an ongoing longitudinal prospective cohort study (CN-PRO-Lung 3) who underwent segmentectomy or wedge resection with tumor diameter ≤ 2 cm and consolidation tumor ratio (CTR) ≤ 0.5. PROs data were collected using the Perioperative Symptom Assessment for Lung Surgery questionnaire pre-operatively, daily post-surgery up to the fourth hospitalization day, and weekly post-discharge up to the fourth week. Propensity score matching and a generalized estimation equation model were employed to compare symptom severity. In addition, short-term clinical outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

In total, data of 286 patients (82.4%) undergoing segmentectomy and 61 patients (17.6%) undergoing wedge resection were extracted from the cohort. No statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of moderate-to-severe symptoms and mean scores for pain, cough, shortness of breath, disturbed sleep, fatigue, drowsiness, and distress during the 4-day postoperative hospitalization or the 4-week post-discharge period before or after matching (all p > 0.05). Compared with segmentectomy, wedge resection showed better short-term clinical outcomes, including shorter operative time (p = 0.001), less intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.046), and lower total hospital costs (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings indicate that uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy and wedge resection exert similar early postoperative symptom burden in patients with peripheral NSCLC (tumor diameter ≤ 2 cm and CTR ≤ 0.5).

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Combination of retagliptin and henagliflozin as add-on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, phase 3 trial

AIM

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of co-administering retagliptin and henagliflozin versus individual agents at corresponding doses in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were inadequately controlled with metformin.

METHODS

This multicentre, phase 3 trial consisted of a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled period. Patients with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between 7.5% and 10.5% were randomized to receive once-daily retagliptin 100 mg (R100; n = 155), henagliflozin 5 mg (H5; n = 156), henagliflozin 10 mg (H10; n = 156), co-administered R100/H5 (n = 155), or R100/H10 (n = 156). The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24.

RESULTS

Based on the primary estimand, the least squares mean reductions in HbA1c at week 24 were significantly greater in the R100/H5 (-1.51%) and R100/H10 (-1.54%) groups compared with those receiving the corresponding doses of individual agents (-0.98% for R100, -0.86% for H5 and -0.95% for H10, respectively; p < .0001 for all pairwise comparisons). Achievement of HbA1c <7.0% at week 24 was observed in 27.1% of patients in the R100 group, 21.2% in the H5 group, 24.4% in the H10 group, 57.4% in the R100/H5 group and 56.4% in the R100/H10 group. Reductions in fasting plasma glucose and 2-h postprandial glucose were also more pronounced in the co-administration groups compared with the individual agents at corresponding doses. Decreases in body weight and systolic blood pressure were greater in the groups containing henagliflozin than in the R100 group. The incidence rates of adverse events were similar across all treatment groups, with no reported episodes of severe hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled by metformin monotherapy, the co-administration of retagliptin and henagliflozin yielded more effective glycaemic control through 24 weeks compared with the individual agents at their corresponding doses.

Retagliptin as add-on therapy to metformin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin: A multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retagliptin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled with metformin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This multicentre, phase 3 trial consisted of a 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled period, where patients with HbA1c levels between 7.5% and 11.0% were randomized to receive either once-daily (QD) retagliptin 100 mg (n = 87) or placebo (n = 87), both as an add-on to metformin. The primary endpoint was the change in HbA1c from baseline to week 16.

RESULTS

At week 16, the least squares mean change in HbA1c from baseline, compared with placebo, was -0.82% (95% CI, -1.05% to -0.58%) for the retagliptin 100 mg QD group (P < .0001) per treatment policy estimand. Significantly higher proportions of patients in the retagliptin 100 mg QD group achieved HbA1c levels of less than 6.5% (11.5%) and less than 7.0% (26.4%) compared with those receiving placebo (0% and 4.6%; P = .0016 and P < .0001, respectively) at week 16. Retagliptin 100 mg QD also lowered fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour postprandial plasma glucose levels. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) during the treatment period was similar between the two groups. However, slightly higher proportions of increased lipase and increased amylase in the retagliptin 100 mg QD group were observed. No patients discontinued treatment permanently because of AEs, and no episodes of severe hypoglycaemia were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Retagliptin 100 mg QD as an add-on therapy to metformin offers a new therapeutic option for treating Chinese patients with T2D inadequately controlled by metformin alone, and is generally well tolerated.

Design of a synthetic enzyme cascade for the in vitro fixation of formaldehyde to acetoin

Formaldehyde (FALD) has gained prominence as an essential C1 building block in the synthesis of valuable chemicals. However, there are still challenges in converting FALD into commodities. Recently, cell-free biocatalysis has emerged as a popular approach for producing such commodities. Acetoin, also known as 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, has been widely used in food, cosmetic, agricultural and the chemical industry. It is valuable to develop a process to produce acetoin from FALD. In this study, a cell-free multi-enzyme catalytic system for the production of acetoin using FALD as the substrate was designed and constructed. It included three scales: FALD utilization pathway, glycolysis pathway and acetoin synthesis pathway. After the optimization of the reaction system, 20.17 mM acetoin was produced from 122 mM FALD, with a yield of 0.165 mol/mol, reaching 99.0% of the theoretical yield. The pathway provides a new approach for high-yield acetoin production from FALD, which consolidates the foundation for the production of high value-added chemicals using cheap one-carbon compounds.

High expression of PPP1CC promotes NHEJ-mediated DNA repair leading to radioresistance and poor prognosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Protein phosphatase 1 catalytic subunit gamma (PPP1CC) promotes DNA repair and tumor development and progression, however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of PPP1CC's involvement in DNA repair and the potential clinical implications. High expression of PPP1CC was significantly correlated with radioresistance and poor prognosis in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. The mechanistic study revealed that PPP1CC bound to Ku70/Ku80 heterodimers and activated DNA-PKcs by promoting DNA-PK holoenzyme formation, which enhanced nonhomologous end junction (NHEJ) -mediated DNA repair and led to radioresistance. Importantly, BRCA1-BRCA2-containing complex subunit 3 (BRCC3) interacted with PPP1CC to enhance its stability by removing the K48-linked polyubiquitin chain at Lys234 to prevent PPP1CC degradation. Therefore, BRCC3 helped the overexpressed PPP1CC to maintain its high protein level, thereby sustaining the elevation of DNA repair capacity and radioresistance. Our study identified the molecular mechanism by which PPP1CC promotes NHEJ-mediated DNA repair and radioresistance, suggesting that the BRCC3-PPP1CC-Ku70 axis is a potential therapeutic target to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy.

Vectorized dataset of silted land formed by check dams on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Check dams on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) have captured billions of tons of eroded sediment, substantially reducing sediment load in the Yellow River. However, uncertainties persist regarding the precise sediment capture and the role of these dams in Yellow River flow and sediment dynamics due to the lack of available spatial distribution datasets. We produced the first vectorized dataset of silted land formed by check dams on the CLP, combining high-resolution and easily accessible Google Earth images with object-based classification methods. The accuracy of the dataset was verified by 1947 collected test samples, and the producer's accuracy and user's accuracy of the dam lands were 88.9% and 99.5%, respectively. Our dataset not only provides fundamental information for accurately assessing the ecosystem service functions of check dams, but also helps to interpret current changes in sediment delivery of the Yellow River and plan future soil and water conservation projects.

Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome-Based Symptom Management Versus Usual Care After Lung Cancer Surgery: Long-Term Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.We previously reported superior symptom control of electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO)-based symptom management after lung cancer surgery for up to 1 month postdischarge. Here, we present the long-term results (1-12 months) of this multicenter, randomized trial, where patients were assigned 1:1 to receive postoperative ePRO-based symptom management or usual care daily postsurgery, twice weekly postdischarge until 1 month, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postdischarge. Long-term patient-reported outcomes were assessed with MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer module. Per-protocol analyses were performed with 55 patients in the ePRO group and 57 in the usual care group. At 12 months postdischarge, the ePRO group reported significantly fewer symptom threshold events (any of the five target symptom scored ≥4; median [IQR], 0 [0-0] v 0 [0-1]; P = .040) than the usual care group. From 1 to 12 months postdischarge, the ePRO group consistently reported significantly lower composite scores for physical interference (estimate, -0.86 [95% CI, -1.32 to -0.39]) and affective interference (estimate, -0.70 [95% CI, -1.14 to -0.26]). Early intensive ePRO-based symptom management after lung cancer surgery reduced symptom burden and improved functional status for up to 1 year postdischarge, supporting its integration into standard care.

A new perspective on structural characterisation and immunomodulatory activity of arabinogalactan in Larix kaempferi from Qinling Mountains

In this study, crude polysaccharide (LAG-C) and homogeneous arabinogalactan (LAG-W) were isolated from Qinling Larix kaempferi of Shaanxi Province. Bioactivity assays showed that LAG-W and LAG-C enhanced the phagocytic ability, NO secretion, acid phosphatase activity, and cytokine production (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) of RAW264.7 macrophages. Notably, LAG-W exhibited a significantly stronger immunomodulatory effect than LAG-C. The primary structure of LAG-W was characterised by chemical methods (monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis, and alkali treatment) and spectroscopic techniques (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and 1D/2D nuclear magnetic resonance). LAG-W was identified as a 22.08 kilodaltons (kDa) neutral polysaccharide composed of arabinose and galactose at a 1:7.5 molar ratio. Its backbone consisted of repeated →3)-β-Galp-(1→ residues. Side chains, connected at the O-6 position, were mainly composed of T-β-Galp-(1→ and T-β-Galp-(1→6)-β-Galp-(1→ residues. And it also contained small amounts of T-β-Arap-(1→, T-α-Araf-(1→6)-β-Galp-(1→6)-β-Galp-(1→, and T-α-Araf-(1→3)-α-Araf-(1→6)-β-Galp-(1→ residues. By structurally and functionally characterising L. kaempferi polysaccharides, this study opens the way for the valorisation of this species.

Multidisciplinary management and surgical resection of a rare posterior mediastinal haemangioma

Mediastinal haemangiomas pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges owing to their rarity and complex anatomy. A 36-year-old man, with a history of smoking and drinking, presented with a posterior mediastinal mass with back pain. Initial investigations suggested a lymphangioma. However, owing to persistent symptoms and complex pathology, we performed surgical intervention involving open resection of the tumour, which was closely associated with the descending aorta and extended into the right posterior mediastinum. The surgical approach was influenced by the proximity of the tumour to vital structures, necessitating an open procedure. Postoperative complications included chylothorax, managed with a fat-free diet. The final pathological diagnosis was consistent with a benign vascular tumour with a low proliferative rate. Two months post-surgery, computed tomography revealed no complications, and the patient's pain had decreased. A multidisciplinary approach and surgical intervention played important roles in the diagnosis and treatment of this posterior mediastinal haemangioma.

Geriatric nutrition risk index: a more powerful index identifying muscle mass loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association of geriatric nutrition risk index (GNRI), a traditional albumin-body weight calculation, with myopenia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and compare its ability to identify myopenia with protein indicators.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out based on a Chinese RA cohort. Clinical data and protein indicators (including albumin, globulin, albumin to globulin ratio, prealbumin, hemoglobin) were collected. GNRI was estimated by serum albumin and body weight. Myopenia was indicated as muscle mass loss measured by bioelectric impedance analysis.

RESULTS

There were 789 RA patients included with mean age 52.6 ± 12.6 years and 77.6% female. There were 41.3%, 18.0%, 27.5%, 13.2% patients with no (GNRI > 98), low (GNRI 92 to ≤ 98), moderate (GNRI 82 to < 92), and major nutrition-related risk (GNRI < 82). There were 406 (51.5%) RA patients with myopenia, RA patients with major nutrition-related risk had the highest prevalence of myopenia (87.5% vs. 73.3% vs. 50.0% vs. 26.1%). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that compared with no risk, RA patients with low (OR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.86-5.61), moderate (OR = 9.56, 95% CI: 5.70-16.01), and major nutrition-related risk (OR = 28.91, 95% CI: 13.54-61.71) were associated with higher prevalence of myopenia. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that GNRI (AUC = 0.79) performed a better identifiable ability toward myopenia than serum albumin (AUC = 0.66) or others indicators (AUC range 0.59 to 0.65), respectively.

CONCLUSION

GNRI, an objective and convenient albumin-weight index, may be preferable for identifying myopenia in RA patients. Key Points • We firstly elucidated the association of GNRI with muscle mass loss among RA patients, and compared its ability to identify muscle mass loss with serum albumin or other protein indicators. • Major nutrition-related risk identified by GNRI showed the highest risk of muscle mass loss, GNRI demonstrated a greater ability to identify myopenia in RA patients. which indicated GNRI was an objective and convenient albumin-weight index to identify myopenia in RA patients.

Overwintering and summer survival of Ulva prolifera in sediments: Indoor simulation of temperature impacts

Green tides, a globally prevalent marine ecological anomaly observed in coastal regions, have received substantial attention. However, there is limited research on the burial of Ulva prolifera in sediments during the late stages of green tide outbreaks. This study investigates the effect of temperature on U. prolifera buried in sediment over 30 days. The measurements included the length, biomass, relative growth rate, chlorophyll composition and maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) of PS II at different stages. The results indicate that at -20 °C, numerous seedlings emerged after 14 days of recovery culture, suggesting the release of spores or gametes; survival was possible from -2 °C to 15 °C; but at 20 °C and 30 °C, all U. prolifera died. The U. prolifera buried in sediment during the late stage of green tide outbreaks may serve as one of the sources for the subsequent year's green tide eruption. This research provides insights into the origins of green tide outbreaks in the southern Yellow Sea.

Engineering diaryl alcohol dehydrogenase KpADH reveals importance of retaining hydration shell in organic solvent tolerance

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are synthetically important biocatalysts for the asymmetric synthesis of chiral alcohols. The catalytic performance of ADHs in the presence of organic solvents is often important since most prochiral ketones are highly hydrophobic. Here, the organic solvent tolerance of KpADH from Kluyveromyces polyspora was semi-rationally evolved. Using tolerant variants obtained, meticulous experiments and computational studies were conducted to explore properties including stability, activity and kinetics in the presence of various organic solvents. Compared with WT, variant V231D exhibited 1.9-fold improvement in ethanol tolerance, while S237G showed a 6-fold increase in catalytic efficiency, a higherT 50 15 $$ {\mathrm{T}}_{50}^{15} $$ , as well as 15% higher tolerance in 7.5% (v/v) ethanol. Based on 3 × 100 ns MD simulations, the increased tolerance of V231D and S237G against ethanol may be ascribed to their enhanced ability in retaining water molecules and repelling ethanol molecules. Moreover, 6.3-fold decreased KM value of V231D toward hydrophilic ketone substrate confirmed its capability of retaining hydration shell. Our results suggest that retaining hydration shell surrounding KpADH is critical for its tolerance to organic solvents, as well as catalytic performance. This study provides useful guidance for engineering organic solvent tolerance of KpADH and other ADHs.

Multi-target mechanism of misoprostol in pregnancy termination based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analogue that contracts the uterus, prompting the expulsion of the embryo. No systematic evaluation of the mechanisms of misoprostol has previously been performed. In this study, known targets of misoprostol were obtained from the DrugBank database; potential targets of misoprostol were predicted using data from the SwissTargetPrediction and PharmMapper databases; and the main targets of pregnancy termination were obtained from the GeneCards database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the shared genes between misoprostol and pregnancy termination was constructed using data from the STRING database, and the "misoprostol-pregnancy termination-pathway" network was constructed and potential targets was verified through molecular docking. We analyzed 37 shared target genes and obtained a network diagram of 134 potential targets, which the core therapeutic targets were HSP90AA1, EGFR, and MAPK1. GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that misoprostol can modulate the VEGF signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and NF-κB signaling pathway in pregnancy termination and mainly interferes with protein phosphorylation, cell localization, and protein hydrolysis regulation processes. This research illustrates the mechanism underlying the pharmacological effect of misoprostol, namely pregnancy termination. However, further experimental verification is warranted for optimal use of misoprostol during clinical practice.

The Role of Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which contributes to tumor development and influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in NPC. Natural killer (NK) cells, as part of the innate immune system, play a crucial role in responding to viral infections and malignant cell transformations. Notably, NK cells possess a unique ability to target tumor cells independent of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression. This means that MHC I-deficient tumor cells, which can escape from effective T cell attack, are susceptible to NK-cell-mediated killing. The activation of NK cells is determined by the signals generated through inhibitory and activating receptors expressed on their surface. Understanding the role of NK cells in the complex TIME of EBV+ NPC is of utmost importance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of NK cells in NPC, focusing on their subpopulations, interactions, and cytotoxicity within the TIME. Moreover, we discuss the potential translational therapeutic applications of NK cells in NPC. This review aims to enhance our knowledge of the role of NK cells in NPC and provide valuable insights for future investigations.

Extended radical resection and chest wall reconstruction for a pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare and highly malignant type of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), for which the treatment of choice is surgery. For peripheral PSC growing outward and invading the chest wall, a complete resection of the affected lung lobes and the invaded chest wall can improve long-term prognosis. However, when the extent of the resected chest wall is large, reconstruction is often required to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. Here, we present a case of PSC invading the chest wall treated with successful extended radical resection for lung cancer and chest wall reconstruction.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old male patient with a nodule in the right upper lobe that had been identified on physical examination 2 years before presentation presented to our hospital with a recent cough, expectoration, and chest pain. Imaging revealed a mass in the right upper lobe that had invaded the chest wall. Preoperative puncture pathology revealed poorly differentiated NSCLC. We performed extended radical resection for lung cancer under open surgery and reconstructed the chest wall using stainless steel wire and polypropylene meshes. The procedure was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 7 days postoperatively. Furthermore, the final pathology revealed PSC.

CONCLUSIONS

This case underscores the feasibility of surgical R0 resection in patients with PSC with chest wall invasion and no lymph node metastasis, potentially enhancing long-term outcomes. The novel aspect of this case lies in the individualized chest wall reconstruction for a large defect, using cost-effective materials that offered satisfactory structural support and postoperative recovery, thereby providing a valuable reference for similar future surgical interventions.

An improved transformer-based concrete crack classification method

In concrete structures, surface cracks are an important indicator for assessing the durability and serviceability of the structure. Existing convolutional neural networks for concrete crack identification are inefficient and computationally costly. Therefore, a new Cross Swin transformer-skip (CSW-S) is proposed to classify concrete cracks. The method is optimized by adding residual links to the existing Cross Swin transformer network and then trained and tested using a dataset with 17,000 images. The experimental results show that the improved CSW-S network has an extended range of extracted image features, which improves the accuracy of crack recognition. A detection accuracy of 96.92% is obtained using the trained CSW-S without pretraining. The improved transformer model has higher recognition efficiency and accuracy than the traditional transformer model and the classical CNN model.

Correction: Jiménez-Ortigosa et al. Cryo-Electron Tomography of Candida glabrata Plasma Membrane Proteins. J. Fungi 2021, 7, 120

The authors wish to update the article title to "Cryo-Electron Tomography of Candida glabrata Plasma Membrane Proteins" [...].

Global epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with type 2 diabetes, making them significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological feature of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD at global levels.

METHODS

Published studies were searched for terms that included type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD or MAFLD using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from their inception to December 2022. The pooled global and regional prevalence and incidence density of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD were evaluated using random-effects meta-analysis. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression.

RESULTS

A total of 395 studies (6,878,568 participants with NAFLD; 1,172,637 participants with MAFLD) from 40 countries or areas were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of type 2 diabetes among NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 28.3% (95% confidence interval 25.2-31.6%) and 26.2% (23.9-28.6%) globally. The incidence density of type 2 diabetes in NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 24.6 per 1000-person year (20.7 to 29.2) and 26.9 per 1000-person year (7.3 to 44.4), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study describes the global prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD. The study findings serve as a valuable resource to assess the global clinical and economic impact of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD.

Establishment and Characterization of an Epstein-Barr Virus-positive Cell Line from a Non-keratinizing Differentiated Primary Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a cancer that is etiologically associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is endemic in Southern China and Southeast Asia. The scarcity of representative NPC cell lines owing to the frequent loss of EBV episomes following prolonged propagation and compromised authenticity of previous models underscores the critical need for new EBV-positive NPC models. Herein, we describe the establishment of a new EBV-positive NPC cell line, designated NPC268 from a primary non-keratinizing, differentiated NPC tissue. NPC268 can undergo productive lytic reactivation of EBV and is highly tumorigenic in immunodeficient mice. Whole-genome sequencing revealed close similarities with the tissue of origin, including large chromosomal rearrangements, while whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing demonstrated a hypomethylated genome and enrichment in immune-related pathways, respectively. Drug screening of NPC268 together with six other NPC cell lines using 339 compounds, representing the largest high-throughput drug testing in NPC, revealed biomarkers associated with specific drug classes. NPC268 represents the first and only available EBV-positive non-keratinizing differentiated NPC model, and extensive genomic, methylomic, transcriptomic, and drug response data should facilitate research in EBV and NPC, where current models are limited.

SIGNIFICANCE

NPC268 is the first and only EBV-positive cell line derived from a primary non-keratinizing, differentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, an understudied but important subtype in Southeast Asian countries. This model adds to the limited number of authentic EBV-positive lines globally that will facilitate mechanistic studies and drug development for NPC.

Longitudinal patterns of patient-reported sleep disturbances after surgery for lung cancer

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify longitudinal heterogeneous trajectories of sleep status, adjusted for the effect of pain over time, among patients who had surgery for lung cancer and to quantify how disturbed sleep in the hospital affects functional recovery after discharge.

METHODS

We included patients from a surgical cohort (CN-PRO-Lung 1). All patients reported symptoms using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Lung Cancer (MDASI-LC) daily during postoperative hospitalization. Group-based dual trajectory modeling was used to investigate trajectories of disturbed sleep and pain during the first 7 days of postoperative hospitalization. Cox regression was used to compare the recovery of walking ability between the different sleep trajectories.

RESULTS

Among 421 patients, disturbed sleep trajectories comprised low (31%), moderate (52%), and high (17%) groups. The surgical approach and number of chest tubes were associated with pain, and the number of chest tubes was also associated with sleep disturbances (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.08-3.67). Recovery of walking ability after discharge was significantly slower in the high (median days = 16; 95% CI: 5-NA) and moderate disturbed sleep trajectory groups (median days = 5; 95%CI: 4-6) than in the low group (median days = 3; 95% CI: 3-4).

CONCLUSION

Changes in disturbed sleep among patients with lung cancer followed three distinct trajectories over the first 7 days of hospitalization after surgery. Dual trajectory analyses highlighted the high concordance between specific trajectories of disturbed sleep and pain. Patients at high sleep disturbance and high levels of pain may benefit from appropriate interventions for both symptoms in combination with the patient's surgical approach and the number of chest tubes.

First Family Case of Hemoglobinopathy Titusville in China with Falsely Low SpO2 and Unmeasurable SaO2

BACKGROUND

Normal hemoglobin is a tetrameric structure, consisting of two alpha-globin chains and two nonalpha (beta, gamma, delta) chains. Hemoglobinopathies occur when the presence of gene mutations affect the molecular structure or expression of the globin chains.

METHODS

We reported the case of a 9-year-old Chinese girl who presented with abnormal low oxygen saturation values on pulse oximetry and no oximetry results were obtained during blood gas analysis (BGA).

RESULTS

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis demonstrated that the presence of a low oxygen affinity hemoglobin variant, characterized as hemoglobin Titusville, was proven by gene sequencing. The patient's mother and aunt also carry the hemoglobin variant, representing the first Chinese family case reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Hemoglobin Titusville is a rare genetic hemoglobin structural defect. early diagnosis can help patients and clinicians avoid unnecessary anxiety and costly or excessive clinical investigations.

Integration of human organoids single-cell transcriptomic profiles and human genetics repurposes critical cell type-specific drug targets for severe COVID-19

Human organoids recapitulate the cell type diversity and function of their primary organs holding tremendous potentials for basic and translational research. Advances in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology and genome-wide association study (GWAS) have accelerated the biological and therapeutic interpretation of trait-relevant cell types or states. Here, we constructed a computational framework to integrate atlas-level organoid scRNA-seq data, GWAS summary statistics, expression quantitative trait loci, and gene-drug interaction data for distinguishing critical cell populations and drug targets relevant to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity. We found that 39 cell types across eight kinds of organoids were significantly associated with COVID-19 outcomes. Notably, subset of lung mesenchymal stem cells increased proximity with fibroblasts predisposed to repair COVID-19-damaged lung tissue. Brain endothelial cell subset exhibited significant associations with severe COVID-19, and this cell subset showed a notable increase in cell-to-cell interactions with other brain cell types, including microglia. We repurposed 33 druggable genes, including IFNAR2, TYK2, and VIPR2, and their interacting drugs for COVID-19 in a cell-type-specific manner. Overall, our results showcase that host genetic determinants have cellular-specific contribution to COVID-19 severity, and identification of cell type-specific drug targets may facilitate to develop effective therapeutics for treating severe COVID-19 and its complications.

Gene point mutation information translation and detection: Leveraging single base extension and CRISPR/Cas12a

Gene point mutations play a significant role in the development of cancer. Therefore, developing a sensitive, specific, and universally applicable method for detecting gene point mutation is crucial for clinical diagnosis, prognosis, and cancer treatment. Recently, gene point mutation detection methods based on CRISPR/Cas12a detection have emerged. However, existing methods generally lack universality and specificity. In this study, we have developed a CRISPR/Cas12a-based method that combines improved allele-specific polymerase chain reaction and single base extension to translate the point mutation information in the target dsDNA into length information in ssDNA activators to overcome the limitations associated with PAM sequences in the CRISPR/Cas12a system. Our method achieved a detection limit of 0.002% for clinically significant EGFR T790M mutation. The CRISPR/Cas12a system we constructed demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, and universality in detecting gene point mutations, making it a promising tool for clinical cancer screening.

Bacteroides salyersiae is a potent chondroitin sulfate-degrading species in the human gut microbiota

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) has widely been used as a symptomatic slow-acting drug or a dietary supplement for the treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis. However, CS could not be absorbed after oral intake due to its polyanionic nature and large molecular weight. Gut microbiota has recently been proposed to play a pivotal role in the metabolism of drugs and nutrients. Nonetheless, how CS is degraded by the human gut microbiota has not been fully characterized. In the present study, we demonstrated that each human gut microbiota was characterized with a unique capability for CS degradation. Degradation and fermentation of CS by the human gut microbiota produced significant amounts of unsaturated CS oligosaccharides (CSOSs) and short-chain fatty acids. To uncover which microbes were responsible for CS degradation, we isolated a total of 586 bacterial strains with a potential CS-degrading capability from 23 human fecal samples. Bacteroides salyersiae was a potent species for CS degradation in the human gut microbiota and produced the highest amount of CSOSs as compared to other well-recognized CS-degraders, including Bacteroides finegoldii, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides xylanisolvens, and Bacteroides ovatus. Genomic analysis suggested that B. salyersiae was armed with multiple carbohydrate-active enzymes that could potentially degrade CS into CSOSs. By using a spent medium assay, we further demonstrated that the unsaturated tetrasaccharide (udp4) produced by the primary degrader B. salyersiae could serve as a "public goods" molecule for the growth of Bacteroides stercoris, a secondary CS-degrader that was proficient at fermenting CSOSs but not CS. Taken together, our study provides insights into the metabolism of CS by the human gut microbiota, which has promising implications for the development of medical and nutritional therapies for osteoarthritis. Video Abstract.

Hydroxyethylcellulose-Directed Synthesis of Gold Microplates with Hydrogen Peroxide in an Aqueous Phase

In this study, we successfully synthesized well-defined polygonal gold microplates for the first time in an aqueous phase using hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). HEC played a pivotal role during the synthesis, acting not only as a biotemplate but also as an in situ reduction site for the nucleation and growth of gold (Au) microplates. H2O2 played a crucial role in accelerating the growth of Au microplates from the Au nucleus. This methodology is ecofriendly and easy to operate and has potential applications in various fields, such as electronics, photonics, and biotechnology.

Unfolding the Complexity of Exosome-Cellular Interactions on Tumour Immunity and Their Clinical Prospects in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an epithelial malignancy situated in the posterolateral nasopharynx. NPC poses grave concerns in Southeast Asia due to its late diagnosis. Together with resistance to standard treatment combining chemo- and radiotherapy, NPC presents high metastatic rates and common recurrence. Despite advancements in immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and cytotoxic-T-lymphocytes (CTLs)-based cellular therapy, the exhaustive T cell profile and other signs of immunosuppression within the NPC tumour microenvironment (TME) remain as concerns to immunotherapy response. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles of 30-150 nm in diameter, are increasingly studied and linked to tumourigenesis in oncology. These bilipid-membrane-bound vesicles are packaged with a variety of signalling molecules, mediating cell-cell communications. Within the TME, exosomes can originate from tumour, immune, or stromal cells. Although there are studies on tumour-derived exosomes (TEX) in NPC and their effects on tumour processes like angiogenesis, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, there is a lack of research on their involvement in immune evasion. In this review, we aim to enhance the comprehension of how NPC TEX contribute to cellular immunosuppression. Furthermore, considering the detectability of TEX in bodily fluids, we will also discuss the potential development of TEX-related biomarkers for liquid biopsy in NPC as this could facilitate early diagnosis and prognostication of the disease.

Preparation and Properties of Porous Concrete Based on Geopolymer of Red Mud and Yellow River Sediment

Red mud (RM) and Yellow River sediment (YRS) are challenging to handle as waste materials. In this study, RM with geopolymer and heavy metal adsorption characteristics was combined with YRS and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) to develop a porous geopolymer with high strength and high adsorption performance. A geopolymer cementitious material with high strength was prepared using high temperature water bath curing of 90 °C and different dosages of YRS, and a porous geopolymer concrete was further prepared. The compressive strength, fluidity and setting time of geopolymer cementitious materials were tested, and the compressive strength, porosity and permeability of porous geopolymer concrete were also tested. The environmental impact assessment of geopolymer cementitious materials was further conducted. The hydration products and microstructure of geopolymer gel materials were analyzed by XRD, SEM and FT-IR tests. The results show that the addition of YRS can effectively prolong the setting time of the geopolymer cementitious material, and the enhancement rate is as high as 150% compared with the geopolymer cementitious materials without the addition of YRS. An appropriate amount of YRS can improve the compressive strength of the geopolymer cementitious materials, and its early compressive strength can be further improved under the high temperature water bath curing of 90 °C, and the compressive strength at an age of 3 d can be up to 86.7 MPa. Meanwhile, the compressive strength of porous geopolymer concrete at an age of 28 d is up to 28.1 MPa. YRS can participate in geopolymer reactions, and high temperature water bath curing can promote the reaction degree. Curing method and YRS dosages have little effect on the porosity and permeability of the porous geopolymer concrete. The porous geopolymer has a good heavy metal adsorption effect, and the alkaline pH values can be gradually diluted to neutral.

A pilot study on a patient with refractory headache: Personalized deep brain stimulation through stereoelectroencephalography

The integration of stereoelectroencephalography with therapeutic deep brain stimulation (DBS) holds immense promise as a viable approach for precise treatment of refractory disorders, yet it has not been explored in the domain of headache or pain management. Here, we implanted 14 electrodes in a patient with refractory migraine and integrated clinical assessment and electrophysiological data to investigate personalized targets for refractory headache treatment. Using statistical analyses and cross-validated machine-learning models, we identified high-frequency oscillations in the right nucleus accumbens as a critical headache-related biomarker. Through a systematic bipolar stimulation approach and blinded sham-controlled survey, combined with real-time electrophysiological data, we successfully identified the left dorsal anterior cingulate cortex as the optimal target for the best potential treatment. In this pilot study, the concept of the herein-proposed data-driven approach to optimizing precise and personalized treatment strategies for DBS may create a new frontier in the field of refractory headache and even pain disorders.

Non-Volatile Component and Antioxidant Activity: A Comparative Analysis between Litsea cubeba Branches and Leaves

Litsea cubeba, which is found widely distributed across the Asian region, functions as both an economic tree and a medicinal plant with a rich historical background. Previous investigations into its chemical composition and biological activity have predominantly centered on volatile components, leaving the study of non-volatile components relatively unexplored. In this study, we employed UPLC-HRMS technology to analyze the non-volatile components of L. cubeba branches and leaves, which successfully resulted in identifying 72 constituents. Comparative analysis between branches and leaves unveiled alkaloids, organic acids, and flavonoids as the major components. However, noteworthy differences in the distribution of these components between branches and leaves were observed, with only eight shared constituents, indicating substantial chemical variations in different parts of L. cubeba. Particularly, 24 compounds were identified for the first time from this plant. The assessment of antioxidant activity using four methods (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC) demonstrated remarkable antioxidant capabilities in both branches and leaves, with slightly higher efficacy observed in branches. This suggests that L. cubeba may act as a potential natural antioxidant with applications in health and therapeutic interventions. In conclusion, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of L. cubeba provides a scientific foundation for its development and utilization in medicine and health products, offering promising avenues for the rational exploitation of L. cubeba resources in the future.