Integrative analysis of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming in early-stage colon and liver cancer

Gastrointestinal malignancies, including colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), remain leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of these cancers and identify potential therapeutic targets, we analyzed publicly accessible Cancer Genome Atlas datasets of COAD and LIHC. Our analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) during early tumorigenesis were associated with cell cycle regulation. Additionally, genes related to lipid metabolism were significantly enriched in both COAD and LIHC, suggesting a crucial role for dysregulated lipid metabolism in their development and progression. We also identified a subset of DEGs associated with mitochondrial function and structure, including upregulated genes involved in mitochondrial protein import and respiratory complex assembly. Further, we identified mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGCS2) as a crucial regulator of cancer cell metabolism. Using a genome-scale metabolic model, we demonstrated that HMGCS2 suppression increased glycolysis, lipid biosynthesis, and elongation while decreasing fatty acid oxidation in colon cancer cells. Our study highlights the potential contribution of dysregulated lipid metabolism, including ketogenesis, to COAD and LIHC development and progression and identifies potential therapeutic targets for these malignancies.

LY6D is crucial for lipid accumulation and inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious metabolic disorder characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver. Over the past decade, NAFLD prevalence and incidence have risen globally. There are currently no effective licensed drugs for its treatment. Thus, further study is required to identify new targets for NAFLD prevention and treatment. In this study, we fed C57BL6/J mice one of three diets, a standard chow diet, high-sucrose diet, or high-fat diet, and then characterized them. The mice fed a high-sucrose diet had more severely compacted macrovesicular and microvesicular lipid droplets than those in the other groups. Mouse liver transcriptome analysis identified lymphocyte antigen 6 family member D (Ly6d) as a key regulator of hepatic steatosis and the inflammatory response. Data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project database showed that individuals with high liver Ly6d expression had more severe NAFLD histology than those with low liver Ly6d expression. In AML12 mouse hepatocytes, Ly6d overexpression increased lipid accumulation, while Ly6d knockdown decreased lipid accumulation. Inhibition of Ly6d ameliorated hepatic steatosis in a diet-induced NAFLD mouse model. Western blot analysis showed that Ly6d phosphorylated and activated ATP citrate lyase, which is a key enzyme in de novo lipogenesis. In addition, RNA- and ATAC-sequencing analyses revealed that Ly6d drives NAFLD progression by causing genetic and epigenetic changes. In conclusion, Ly6d is responsible for the regulation of lipid metabolism, and inhibiting Ly6d can prevent diet-induced steatosis in the liver. These findings highlight Ly6d as a novel therapeutic target for NAFLD.

Extracellular Vesicle Proteomes Shed Light on the Evolutionary, Interactive, and Functional Divergence of Their Biogenesis Mechanisms

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membranous structures containing bioactive molecules, secreted by most cells into the extracellular environment. EVs are classified by their biogenesis mechanisms into two major subtypes: ectosomes (enriched in large EVs; lEVs), budding directly from the plasma membrane, which is common in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and exosomes (enriched in small EVs; sEVs) generated through the multivesicular bodies via the endomembrane system, which is unique to eukaryotes. Even though recent proteomic analyses have identified key proteins associated with EV subtypes, there has been no systematic analysis, thus far, to support the general validity and utility of current EV subtype separation methods, still largely dependent on physical properties, such as vesicular size and sedimentation. Here, we classified human EV proteomic datasets into two main categories based on distinct centrifugation protocols commonly used for isolating sEV or lEV fractions. We found characteristic, evolutionarily conserved profiles of sEV and lEV proteins linked to their respective biogenetic origins. This may suggest that the evolutionary trajectory of vesicular proteins may result in a membership bias toward specific EV subtypes. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that vesicular proteins formed distinct clusters with proteins in the same EV fraction, providing evidence for the existence of EV subtype-specific protein recruiters. Moreover, we identified functional modules enriched in each fraction, including multivesicular body sorting for sEV, and mitochondria cellular respiration for lEV proteins. Our analysis successfully captured novel features of EVs embedded in heterogeneous proteomics studies and suggests specific protein markers and signatures to be used as quality controllers in the isolation procedure for subtype-enriched EV fractions.

Producing persistent, high-current, high-duty-factor H- beams for routine 1 MW operation of Spallation Neutron Source (invited)

Since 2009, the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) has been producing neutrons with ion beam powers near 1 MW, which requires the extraction of ∼50 mA H(-) ions from the ion source with a ∼5% duty factor. The 50 mA are achieved after an initial dose of ∼3 mg of Cs and heating the Cs collar to ∼170 °C. The 50 mA normally persist for the entire 4-week source service cycles. Fundamental processes are reviewed to elucidate the persistence of the SNS H(-) beams without a steady feed of Cs and why the Cs collar temperature may have to be kept near 170 °C.

Clinical efficacy of facial masks containing yoghurt and Opuntia humifusa Raf. (F-YOP)

Facial packs or masks are popular beauty treatments that are thought to improve skin quality. We formulated a yoghurt pack using natural ingredients (F-YOP), with consideration of skin affinity, safety, health, and beauty. Then, we performed an in vitro assessment of biological activity and in vivo assessments of moisture, TEWL, melanin content, and elasticity. Facial areas treated with F-YOP showed increased moisture compared to control regions: 89±6.26% (forehead), 140.72±10.19% (cheek), and 123.29±6.67% (chin). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values were decreased in the treated areas compared to control: 101.38±6.95% (forehead), 50.37±5.93% (cheek), and l57.81±10.88% (chin). Elasticity was decreased in the control region, whereas the treatment region did not change. The initial elasticity was maintained in the cheek. F-YOP exhibited activity on DPPH radical scavenging, SOD-like activity, and lipoxygenase activity. F-YOP treatment successfully improved the moisture, brightness, and elasticity of treated skin.

rf improvements for Spallation Neutron Source H- ion source

The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is ramping up the accelerated proton beam power to 1.4 MW and just reached 1 MW. The rf-driven multicusp ion source that originates from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has been delivering approximately 38 mA H(-) beam in the linac at 60 Hz, 0.9 ms. To improve availability, a rf-driven external antenna multicusp ion source with a water-cooled ceramic aluminum nitride (AlN) plasma chamber is developed. Computer modeling and simulations have been made to analyze and optimize the rf performance of the new ion source. Operational statistics and test runs with up to 56 mA medium energy beam transport beam current identify the 2 MHz rf system as a limiting factor in the system availability and beam production. Plasma ignition system is under development by using a separate 13 MHz system. To improve the availability of the rf power system with easier maintenance, we tested a 70 kV isolation transformer for the 80 kW, 6% duty cycle 2 MHz amplifier to power the ion source from a grounded solid-state amplifier.

Computer simulations for rf design of a Spallation Neutron Source external antenna H- ion source

Electromagnetic modeling of the multicusp external antenna H(-) ion source for the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) has been performed in order to optimize high-power performance. During development of the SNS external antenna ion source, antenna failures due to high voltage and multicusp magnet holder rf heating concerns under stressful operating conditions led to rf characteristics analysis. In rf simulations, the plasma was modeled as an equivalent lossy metal by defining conductivity as sigma. Insulation designs along with material selections such as ferrite and Teflon could be included in the computer simulations to compare antenna gap potentials, surface power dissipations, and input impedance at the operating frequencies, 2 and 13.56 MHz. Further modeling and design improvements are outlined in the conclusion.

Deciduoid peritoneal mesothelioma: CT findings with pathologic correlation

We report a rare case of deciduoid peritoneal mesothelioma in a 47-year-old woman who had no history of asbestos exposure or previous surgery. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic findings showed that the tumor was a subtype of epithelioid mesothelioma. Awareness of this disease entity is helpful for the differential diagnosis of peritoneal masses.

Nonspecific motor disorder of the esophagus: a real disorder or a manometric curiosity?

BACKGROUND

Nonspecific esophageal motility disorder (NEMD) has become a catchall term to describe abnormal esophageal manometric findings that do not meet strict criteria for established esophageal motility disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether NEMD is a real esophageal motility disorder characterized by impairment of its motor function or simply a manometric disturbance with no clinical consequences.

METHODS

Esophageal transit of liquid and semisolids was studied using radioscintigraphic techniques in 10 symptomatic patients with manometrically diagnosed NEMD, 26 healthy control subjects, and 40 disease control subjects. The disease controls included 24 patients with achalasia, 9 with scleroderma, and 7 with diffuse esophageal spasm.

RESULTS

Patients with NEMD had no impairment of liquid emptying compared with healthy controls. Liquid emptying was markedly delayed in patients with achalasia and scleroderma. However, semisolid emptying was markedly delayed in patients with NEMD compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001), and the extent of its delayed emptying was similar to that seen in patients with achalasia, scleroderma, and diffuse esophageal spasm.

CONCLUSIONS

NEMD is not a manometric curiosity but a disorder characterized by selective impairment of semisolid emptying.

Reduction of RF penetration effects in high field imaging

A method of correcting for the RF inhomogeneity in the body by dielectric loading of the coil-to-shield space in an RF resonator (coil and shield assembly) is described. The presence of the RF coil and RF shield have significant effects on RF homogeneity. Based on theoretical calculations, a method for adjusting the RF homogeneity by manipulating the axial propagation constant, kappa z, is proposed. This is accomplished by loading the coil-to-shield space with dielectric material of suitable relative permittivity so as to increase kappa z and decrease the radial propagation constant, kappa rho. In this manner, the radial wavelength (lambda rho = 2 pi/kappa rho) can be increased relative to the body dimensions, and the field amplitude variations in the axial plane minimized. Theoretical calculations indicate that a value of between 30 and 40 for the relative permittivity of the dielectric material in the coil-to-shield space would reduce the RF field inhomogeneity from +/- 15% to about +/- 3% over a central 30-cm-diameter region of a homogeneous 40-cm-diameter body at both 64 and 170 MHz. The theoretical model was verified in laboratory measurements of the [formula; see text] field generated in a test coil at 170 MHz which was scaled to correspond to a body at 64 MHz. However, the improved RF field homogeneity would be accompanied by increased RF power requirements and reduced coil sensitivity.

Gastroparesis: diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

Impairment of gastrointestinal motility is common among patients with chronic dyspepsia. Gastroparesis can lead to devastating clinical consequences including malnutrition, weight loss, metabolic acidosis and psychological dysfunction. In this article, the current concepts of gastric motor function are reviewed and the diagnostic and treatment modalities of gastroparesis are discussed in detail.

An analytical model for the design of RF resonators for MR body imaging

A closed form, analytical solution describing the RF fields generated by an RF body coil resonator for MR imaging at 1.5 and 4.0 T is presented. This solution extends the results of earlier studies of RF penetration in the body by explicitly including the RF coil, the RF shield, and the field variation along the z axis for high-pass bird cage coils. A salient feature of this treatment is the calculation of the axial propagation constant, kz, which determines the z dependence of the RF field. We have determined the relative power deposition in the body, the B1 field homogeneity, and coil losses, which are functions of the coil-to-shield separation and body size. The relative power deposition in the body has been calculated to vary as the 1.58 power of the body radius. The calculations have also predicted that the field homogeneity in the z direction exhibits greater degradation at higher frequencies in a high-pass coil than in a low-pass coil. The model predicts an increase in coil losses by a factor of 2.8 as the coil-to-shield separation is reduced from 5 to 2 cm in a standard body resonator. Although the results for only a homogeneous cylindrical object or body are presented, the theory can be extended to a multilayered heterogeneous object of varying permittivity and conductivity.

Structure and transcription of the mitochondrial genome in heteroplasmic strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain FF1210-6C/170 is respiratory deficient due to a mutation of the penultimate base of the mitochondrial tRNA(Asp) gene. We have identified a number of progeny from this strain which have reverted to respiratory sufficiency by the excision and tandem amplification of a small region of the mitochondrial (mt) DNA carrying the tRNA(Asp) gene, while also maintaining the full-length mtDNA. We have studied the structure of the mtDNA and mitochondrial transcription in a number of these heteroplasmic strains. The exact site of the recombination involved in the excision of the repeating unit of the amplified mtDNA has been determined for five of the revertants. Recombination occurs between identical sequences 4-13 base pairs in length. Each of the different repeating units of the amplified DNA retains an active promoter which has been moved to a site just upstream of the tRNA(Asp) gene by the excision/amplification. Transcripts from the heteroplasmic strains have been characterized to determine the sites of mitochondrial RNA termini. We find that in addition to the 5' and 3' processing of the tRNAs, many of the transcripts terminate at a position about 300 base pairs downstream of the gene for tRNA(Asp). We also find that 3' processing of tRNA(Asp) precursors is absent in petite strains which lack 5' processing indicating that 5' processing of tRNA(Asp) may be a prerequisite for 3' processing in this mutant.

Nuclear and mitochondrial revertants of a yeast mitochondrial tRNA mutant

We isolated revertants capable of respiration from the respiratory deficient yeast mutant, FF1210-6C/170, which displays greatly decreased mitochondrial protein synthesis due to a single base substitution at the penultimate base of the tRNAAsp gene on mitochondrial (mt) DNA. Three classical types of revertant were identified: (1) same-site revertants; (2) intragenic revertants which restore the base pairing in the acceptor stem of the mitochondrial tRNAAsp; and (3) extragenic suppressors located in nuclear DNA. In addition a fourth type of revertant was identified in which the mutant tRNAAsp is amplified due to the maintenance of both the original mutant mtDNA and a modified form of the mutant mtDNA in which only a small region around the tRNAAsp gene is retained and amplified. The latter form resembles the mtDNA in vegetative petite (rho-) strains which normally segregates rapidly from the wild-type mtDNA. Each revertant type was characterized genetically and by both DNA sequence analysis of the mitochondrial tRNAAsp gene and analysis of the quantity and size of RNA containing the tRNAAsp sequence. These results indicate that the mitochondrial tRNAAsp of the mutant retains a low level of activity and that the presence of the terminal base pair in tRNAAsp is a determinant of both tRNAAsp function and the maintenance of wild-type levels of tRNAAsp.

A case with some components of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome in a family with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

A case with some components of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome such as onycholdystrophy, a large amount of diarrhea, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia in a 16 year-old man with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome was studied. His family members were conirmed to have Peutz-Jeghers syndrome by biopsy of polyps in the rectum and duodenum. This is the first case report of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome associated with some components of Cronkhite-Canada syndrome.