CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate: A potential non-nucleoside inhibitor targeting the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of norovirus

Human norovirus (HuNoV), a primary cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis, currently lacks approved treatment. RdRp is vital for virus replication, making it an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. By application of structure-based virtual screening procedure, we present CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate as a potent RdRp non-nucleoside inhibitor, effectively inhibiting HuNoV RdRp activity with an IC50 of 3.61 μM. Importantly, this compound inhibits viral replication in cell culture, with an EC50 of 0.88 μM. In vitro binding assay validate that CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate binds to RdRp through interaction with the "B-site" binding pocket. Interestingly, CX-6258-contacting residues such as R392, Q439, and Q414 are highly conserved among major norovirus GI and GII variants, suggesting that it may be a general inhibitor of norovirus RdRp. Given that CX-6258 hydrochloride hydrate is already utilized as an orally efficacious pan-Pim kinase inhibitor, it may serve as a potential lead compound in the effort to control HuNoV infections.

Quantifying the influence of size, shape, and density of microplastics on their transport modes: A modeling approach

Microplastics (MPs) pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and human health, necessitating accurate predictions of their distributions in aquatic environments for effective risk mitigation. However, understanding MP transport dynamics is challenging because of the inadequate representation of MP characteristics such as size, shape, and density in numerical models. Further, the accuracy of the MP vertical profiles in existing models has not been thoroughly validated. Thus, we developed an MP transport model within the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model framework (FVCOM-MP) by integrating MP characteristics. We validated FVCOM-MP against experimental and analytical data, focusing on various MP transport modes and transitions. FVCOM-MP successfully replicates MP profiles in different transport modes, including the bedload, surface load, suspended load, and mixed load modes. Additionally, we introduce phase diagrams for classifying MP transport modes based on particle characteristics, enhancing our understanding of MP dynamics in aquatic systems. The transport modes for a number of real-world MP particles, including fishing line, plastic bag/bottle fragments, synthetic fibers, tire wear particles, polyvinyl chloride and expanded polystyrene pellets, were analyzed with these phase diagrams.

Targeting tumor cell-to-macrophage communication by blocking Vtn-C1qbp interaction inhibits tumor progression via enhancing macrophage phagocytosis

Background: Cancer cells are capable of evading clearance by macrophages through overexpression of anti-phagocytic surface proteins known as "don't eat me" signals. Monoclonal antibodies that antagonize the "don't-eat-me" signaling in macrophages and tumor cells by targeting phagocytic checkpoints have shown therapeutic promises in several cancer types. However, studies on the responses to these drugs have revealed the existence of other unknown "don't eat me" signals. Moreover, identification of key molecules and interactions regulating macrophage phagocytosis is required for tumor therapy. Methods: CRISPR screen was used to identify genes that impede macrophage phagocytosis. To explore the function of Vtn and C1qbp in phagocytosis, knockdown and subsequent functional experiments were conducted. Flow cytometry were performed to explore the phagocytosis rate, polarization of macrophage, and immune microenvironment of mouse tumor. To explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, RNA sequencing, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and immunofluorescence were conducted. Then, in vivo experiments in mouse models were conducted to explore the probability of Vtn knockdown combined with anti-CD47 therapy in breast cancer. Single-cell sequencing data from the Gene Expression Omnibus from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed. Results: We performed a genome-wide CRISPR screen to identify genes that impede macrophage phagocytosis, followed by analysis of cell-to-cell interaction databases. We identified a ligand-receptor pair of Vitronectin (Vtn) and complement C1Q binding protein (C1qbp) in tumor cells or macrophages, respectively. We demonstrated tumor cell-secreted Vtn interacts with C1qbp localized on the cell surface of tumor-associated macrophages, inhibiting phagocytosis of tumor cells and shifting macrophages towards the M2-like subtype in the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, the Vtn-C1qbp axis facilitated FcγRIIIA/CD16-induced Shp1 recruitment, which reduced the phosphorylation of Syk. Furthermore, the combination of Vtn knockdown and anti-CD47 antibody effectively enhanced phagocytosis and infiltration of macrophages, resulting in a reduction of tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions: This work has revealed that the Vtn-C1qbp axis is a new anti-phagocytic signal in tumors, and targeting Vtn and its interaction with C1qbp may sensitize cancer to immunotherapy, providing a new molecular target for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.

Targeting carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT1A) induces ferroptosis and synergizes with immunotherapy in lung cancer

Despite the successful application of immune checkpoint therapy, no response or recurrence is typical in lung cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified as a crucial player in immunotherapy-related resistance. Ferroptosis, a form of cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, is highly regulated by cellular metabolism remolding and has been shown to have synergistic effects when combined with immunotherapy. Metabolic adaption of CSCs drives tumor resistance, yet the mechanisms of their ferroptosis defense in tumor immune evasion remain elusive. Here, through metabolomics, transcriptomics, a lung epithelial-specific Cpt1a-knockout mouse model, and clinical analysis, we demonstrate that CPT1A, a key rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid oxidation, acts with L-carnitine, derived from tumor-associated macrophages to drive ferroptosis-resistance and CD8+ T cells inactivation in lung cancer. Mechanistically, CPT1A restrains ubiquitination and degradation of c-Myc, while c-Myc transcriptionally activates CPT1A expression. The CPT1A/c-Myc positive feedback loop further enhances the cellular antioxidant capacity by activating the NRF2/GPX4 system and reduces the amount of phospholipid polyunsaturated fatty acids through ACSL4 downregulating, thereby suppressing ferroptosis in CSCs. Significantly, targeting CPT1A enhances immune checkpoint blockade-induced anti-tumor immunity and tumoral ferroptosis in tumor-bearing mice. The results illustrate the potential of a mechanism-guided therapeutic strategy by targeting a metabolic vulnerability in the ferroptosis of CSCs to improve the efficacy of lung cancer immunotherapy.

Fiber Optic SPR POCT: A Novel Nucleic Acid Detection Biosensor for Environmental Viruses

In the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, the long-term surveillance of pathogens is still important. The rapid detection of pathogens facilitates the accurate and convenient real-time monitoring of microbial contamination and improves the management of diseases. Here, a novel surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based point of care testing (POCT) approach of microorganism nucleic acids with the guidance of CRISPR enzyme is described, including the application of optical fiber-based detection of trace SARS-CoV2 virus in sewage water on SPR and validation of the plasmonic biosensor for the detection of single-nucleotide mutations in natural water samples.

Analysis of Efficacy and Safety of Small-Volume-Plasma Artificial Liver Model in the Treatment of Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure

To explore the efficacy and safety of a small-volume-plasma artificial liver support system (ALSS) in the treatment of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). A retrospective analysis was performed. All ACLF patients received ALSS of plasma exchange & double plasma molecular absorb system (PE+DPMAS) treatment, and successfully completed this treatment. Patients were divided into small-volume and half-volume plasma groups. We compared the changes of the indicators on liver function, kidney function, blood coagulation function, and blood ammonia level before and after PE+DPMAS treatment; we compared the short-term and long-term curative effects between small-volume and half-volume plasma groups; and the factors influencing Week 4 and Week 12 mortality of ACLF patients were analyzed. The Week 4 improvement rates were 63.96 % and 66.86 % in the small-volume and half-volume plasma groups, respectively. The Week 12 survival rates in the small-volume-plasma and half-volume plasma groups were 66.72 % and 64.61 %, respectively. We found several risk factors affecting Week 4 and Week 12 mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival curves suggested no significant difference in Week 4 and Week 12 survival rates between the small-volume and half-volume plasma groups (P=0.34). The small-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS treatment could effectively reduce bilirubin and bile acids, and this was an approach with high safety and few complications, similar to the half-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS treatment. The small-volume-plasma PE+DPMAS has the advantage of greatly reducing the need for intraoperative plasma, which is especially of importance in times of shortage of plasma.

IGF2BP3 Enhances the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumors by Regulating the Properties of Macrophages and CD8+ T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment

Background and Aims

Overexpression of IGF2BP3 is associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its role in regulating tumor immune microenvironment (TME) is not well characterized. Here, we investigated the effects of IGF2BP3 on macrophages and CD8+ T cells within the TME of HCC.

Methods

The relationship between IGF2BP3 and immune cell infiltration was analyzed using online bioinformatics tools. Knockout of IGF2BP3 in mouse hepatoma cell line Hepa1-6 was established using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. In vitro cell coculture and subcutaneously implanted hepatoma mice model were used to explore the effects of IGF2BP3 on immune cells. Expression of CCL5 or transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) was detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The binding of IGF2BP3 and its target RNA was verified by trimolecular fluorescence complementation system and RNA immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative or semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

IGF2BP3 expression was elevated in HCC and was positively correlated with macrophage infiltration. Patients with higher IGF2BP3 expression and lower macrophage infiltration had a better survival rate. We found that IGF2BP3 could bind to the mRNA of CCL5 or TGF-β1, increasing their expression, and inducing macrophage infiltration and M2 polarization while inhibiting the activation of CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, inhibition of IGF2BP3 combined with anti-CD47 antibody treatment significantly suppressed the growth of hepatoma in Hepa1-6 xenograft tumor mice.

Conclusions

IGF2BP3 promoted the infiltration and M2-polarization of macrophages and suppressed CD8+ T activation by enhancing CCL5 and TGF-β1 expression, which facilitated the progression of Hepa1-6 xenograft tumor.

Chimeric antigen receptor macrophages activated through TLR4 or IFN-γ receptors suppress breast cancer growth by targeting VEGFR2

Chimeric antigen receptor macrophage (CAR-M) is a promising immunotherapy strategy of anti-tumor due to its high infiltration, direct phagocytosis of tumor cells, immunomodulation of tumor microenvironment (TME) and linkage of innate and adaptive immunity. Here a series of novelly designed CAR-Ms by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2), which highly expressed in tumor cells and TME, were evaluated. Their activation signals were transduced by Tlr4 or Ifn-γ receptors either alone or in combination, which were designed to mediate M1 polarization of macrophages as the downstream of lipopolysaccharide or Ifn-γ that had been widely reported. Our results showed that VEGFR2-targeting CAR-Ms could be activated under the stimulation of VEGFR2-expressing cells. They exhibited higher expression of CD86, MHCII and TNF-α in vitro and enhanced tumor suppressive abilities in vivo. Implantation of these CAR-Ms into 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice could obviously inhibit the progression of tumor without significant toxic side effects, especially the group of mmC in which constructed with Tlr4 as the intracellular domain of CAR. In conclusion, this research provides a promising design of CAR that induce macrophages activation by Tlr4 and/or Ifn-γ receptors, and these CAR-Ms could effectively inhibit tumor growth through targeting VEGFR2.

Nanobody-Based ImmunoPET for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

HCC accounts for 75-90% of all primary liver cancers, the majority of which are treated with liver-directed therapy. Treatment response and recurrence are difficult to discern using conventional imaging with MR/CT. Tumor-selective PET imaging could help with clinical management in this setting. Here, we engineer HN3, a single-domain antibody (nanobody) specific to GPC3, a histopathologically-defining HCC marker, as an immunoPET agent. We compared both conventional and sortase-based site-specific modification methods for synthesizing HN3 immunoPET tracers.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Stochastic lysine conjugation with deferoxamine (DFO-NCS) was done to synthesize nHN3-DFO. ssHN3-DFO was engineered utilizing sortase-mediated conjugation of HN3 containing an LPETG C-terminal tag and a triglycine-DFO chelator. Biolayer interferometry (BLI) and radioligand saturation assays were done to determine binding affinity pre- and post-Zirconium-89 labeling. Following, PET/CT with a terminal 3-hour biodistribution was done in mice inoculated with isogenic A431 and A431-GPC3+ xenografts to determine conjugate specificity for GPC3. Finally, conjugates were evaluated in a HepG2 liver cancer model via ex vivo biodistribution studies and a comparative PET/CT study in mice bearing HepG2 tumors that were imaged with both [18F]FDG and 89Zr-ssHN3.

RESULTS

Both conjugates exhibited nanomolar binding affinity for GPC3 in vitro (11-30 nM for nHN3 and 10-15 nM for ssHN3). A431 and A431-GPC3+ PET/CT and biodistribution studies showed specificity to GPC3 by both probes, with more favorable tumor uptake by 89Zr-ssHN3 at 3 hours post-injection (14% IA/g vs. 7% IA/g for nHN3). Both tracers also displayed uptake in HepG2 (GPC3+) liver tumors, again with the site specifically conjugated probe having higher tumor accumulation and lower liver signal than the conventionally modified HN3 (7% IA/g vs. 5 % IA/g for tumor and 2% IA/g vs. 4% IA/g for liver at 1-hour post-injection). PET/CT studies in mice imaged with [18F]FDG and 89Zr-ssHN3 demonstrated more consistent tumor accumulation for the nanobody conjugate (4/4 mice had uptake by the tumor vs. 1/4 for FDG).

CONCLUSION

We successfully designed, synthesized, and characterized novel GPC3-selective nanobody PET probes that can image liver tumors in vivo. The site-specifically conjugated tracer showed more favorable biodistribution and pharmacokinetic properties, resulting in a much higher tumor: liver signal compared to 89Zr-nHN3. We also show the superiority of the 89Zr-ssHN3 imaging over conventional [18F]FDG, highlighting a clear advantage in using targeted tumor imaging for this cancer type. Successful translation of the site-specifically conjugated nanobody may ultimately aid in characterizing lesions following liver-directed therapy and allow for more comprehensive screening, early diagnosis, and post-treatment surveillance of HCC.

[Advances of human oral viral vaccine development]

Development of a vaccine that can simultaneously induce effective mucosal immunity and systemic immunity is an ideal goal to prevent mucosal pathogenic infections. The digestive tract has many sites for inducing mucosal immunity, including the mouth, stomach and small intestine. An ideal oral viral vaccine can not only induce better local and distal mucosal immunity, but also produce better systemic immunity. The oral viral vaccine has also attracted much attention because of its painless vaccination, self-administration and other advantages. Due to the complexity of human digestive tract environment and mucosal immunity, only three oral attenuated live vaccines have been successfully marketed for human use. This review summarizes the characteristics of gastrointestinal mucosal immunity, the current types and research status of oral viral vaccines, and the challenges faced by oral viral vaccines, with the hope to facilitate the research and development of oral viral vaccines for human use in China.

The G allele of SNP rs3922 reduces the binding affinity between IGF2BP3 and CXCR5 correlating with a lower antibody production

Effective vaccines that function through humoral immunity seek to produce high-affinity antibodies. Our previous research identified the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs3922G in the 3'UTR of CXCR5 as being associated with nonresponsiveness to the hepatitis B vaccine. The differential expression of CXCR5 between the dark zone (DZ) and light zone (LZ) is critical for organizing the functional structure of the germinal center (GC). In this study, we report that the RNA-binding protein IGF2BP3 can bind to CXCR5 mRNA containing the rs3922 variant to promote its degradation via the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. Deficiency of IGF2BP3 leads to increased CXCR5 expression, which results in the disappearance of CXCR5 differential expression between DZ and LZ, disorganized GCs, aberrant somatic hypermutations, and reduced production of high-affinity antibodies. Furthermore, the affinity of IGF2BP3 for the rs3922G-containing sequence is lower than that for the rs3922A counterpart, which may explain the nonresponsiveness to the hepatitis B vaccination. Together, our findings suggest that IGF2BP3 plays a crucial role in the production of high-affinity antibodies in the GC by binding to the rs3922-containing sequence to regulate CXCR5 expression.

Reassortment and genomic analysis of a G9P[8]-E2 rotavirus isolated in China

OBJECTIVE

To isolate a prevalent G9P[8] group A rotavirus (RVA) (N4006) in China and investigate its genomic and evolutionary characteristics, with the goal of facilitating the development of a new rotavirus vaccine.

METHODS

The RVA G9P[8] genotype from a diarrhea sample was passaged in MA104 cells. The virus was evaluated by TEM, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The complete genome of virus was obtained by RT-PCR and sequencing. The genomic and evolutionary characteristics of the virus were evaluated by nucleic acid sequence analysis with MEGA ver. 5.0.5 and DNASTAR software. The neutralizing epitopes of VP7 and VP4 (VP5* and VP8*) were analyzed using BioEdit ver. 7.0.9.0 and PyMOL ver. 2.5.2.

RESULTS

The RVA N4006 (G9P[8] genotype) was adapted in MA104 cells with a high titer (105.5 PFU/mL). Whole-genome sequence analysis showed N4006 to be a reassortant rotavirus of Wa-like G9P[8] RVA and the NSP4 gene of DS-1-like G2P[4] RVA, with the genotype constellation G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1 (G9P[8]-E2). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that N4006 had a common ancestor with Japanese G9P[8]-E2 rotavirus. Neutralizing epitope analysis showed that VP7, VP5*, and VP8* of N4006 had low homology with vaccine viruses of the same genotype and marked differences with vaccine viruses of other genotypes.

CONCLUSION

The RVA G9P[8] genotype with the G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1 (G9P[8]-E2) constellation predominates in China and may originate from reassortment between Japanese G9P[8] with Japanese DS-1-like G2P[4] rotaviruses. The antigenic variation of N4006 with the vaccine virus necessitates an evaluation of the effect of the rotavirus vaccine on G9P[8]-E2 genotype rotavirus.

Exosomal miRNA-223-3p derived from tumor associated macrophages promotes pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer 4T1 cells

Research about the effect of exosomes derived from tumor associated macrophages (TAM-exos) in the distant organ metastasis of breast cancer is limited. In this study, we found that TAM-exos could promote the migration of 4T1 cells. Through comparing the expression of microRNAs in 4T1 cells, TAM-exos, and exosomes from bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM-exos) by sequencing, miR-223-3p and miR-379-5p were screened out as two noteworthy differentially expressed microRNAs. Furthermore, miR-223-3p was confirmed to be the reason for the improved migration and metastasis of 4T1 cells. The expression of miR-223-3p was also increased in 4T1 cells isolated from the lung of tumor-bearing mice. Cbx5, which has been reported to be closely related with metastasis of breast cancer, was identified to be the target of miR-223-3p. Based on the information of breast cancer patients from online databases, miR-223-3p had a negative correlation with the overall survival rate of breast cancer patients within a three-year follow-up, while Cbx5 showed an opposite relationship. Taken together, miR-223-3p in TAM-exos can be delivered into 4T1 cells and exosomal miR-223-3p promotes pulmonary metastasis of 4T1 cells by targeting Cbx5.

[A semi-supervised material quantitative intelligent imaging algorithm for spectral CT based on prior information perception learning]

OBJECTIVE

To propose a semi-supervised material quantitative intelligent imaging algorithm based on prior information perception learning (SLMD-Net) to improve the quality and precision of spectral CT imaging.

METHODS

The algorithm includes a supervised and a self- supervised submodule. In the supervised submodule, the mapping relationship between low and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) data was constructed through mean square error loss function learning based on a small labeled dataset. In the self- supervised sub-module, an image recovery model was utilized to construct the loss function incorporating the prior information from a large unlabeled low SNR basic material image dataset, and the total variation (TV) model was used to to characterize the prior information of the images. The two submodules were combined to form the SLMD-Net method, and pre-clinical simulation data were used to validate the feasibility and effectiveness of the algorithm.

RESULTS

Compared with the traditional model-driven quantitative imaging methods (FBP-DI, PWLS-PCG, and E3DTV), data-driven supervised-learning-based quantitative imaging methods (SUMD-Net and BFCNN), a material quantitative imaging method based on unsupervised learning (UNTV-Net) and semi-supervised learning-based cycle consistent generative adversarial network (Semi-CycleGAN), the proposed SLMD-Net method had better performance in both visual and quantitative assessments. For quantitative imaging of water and bone materials, the SLMD-Net method had the highest PSNR index (31.82 and 29.06), the highest FSIM index (0.95 and 0.90), and the lowest RMSE index (0.03 and 0.02), respectively) and achieved significantly higher image quality scores than the other 7 material decomposition methods (P < 0.05). The material quantitative imaging performance of SLMD-Net was close to that of the supervised network SUMD-Net trained with labeled data with a doubled size.

CONCLUSIONS

A small labeled dataset and a large unlabeled low SNR material image dataset can be fully used to suppress noise amplification and artifacts in basic material decomposition in spectral CT and reduce the dependence on labeled data-driven network, which considers more realistic scenario in clinics.

Environmental assessment of landfill gas mitigation using biocover and gas collection with energy utilisation at aging landfills

A life cycle-based environmental assessment was conducted on the mitigation of landfill gas emissions, by implementing biocover and gas collection along with energy utilisation at aging landfills. Based on recent studies about gas generation at Danish landfills, the efficiency of the mitigation technologies involved and the composition of substituted energy production, 15 scenarios were modelled using the EASETECH life cycle assessment model, through which potential environmental impacts in the category "Climate change" were calculated. In all scenarios, biocover and gas collection systems with energy utilisation led to significant environmental improvements compared to the baseline scenario with no emission mitigation action. Scenarios representing biocovers with methane oxidation efficiencies between 70 and 90 % were environmentally superior in terms of climate change impact - in comparison to scenarios with 20-30 years of gas collection and energy utilisation (collection efficiencies between 40 and 80 %). Combining gas collection with energy utilisation and the subsequent installation of a biocover saw major improvements in comparison to where only gas collection and energy utilisation were in effect. Overall, it can be concluded that a biocover under the given assumptions is environmentally more appropriate than gas collection and utilisation at aging landfills, mainly due to methane emissions escaping through the landfill cover during and after the gas collection period playing a crucial role in the latter situation. Maintaining high methane oxidation efficiency for a biocover throughout the lifetime of a landfill is vital for reducing environmental impacts.

An oral NoV-rAd5 vaccine with built-in dsRNA adjuvant elicits systemic immune responses in mice

Norovirus (NoV) is an enteric pathogen notorious for causing epidemics of acute gastroenteritis. An effective vaccine against NoV is therefore urgently needed. A short double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) has been described that acts as a retinoic-acid-inducible gene-I agonist to induce the production of type I interferon; it also exhibits adjuvant activity. Using built-in dsRNA of different lengths (DS1 and DS2), we developed a recombinant adenovirus 5 (rAd5) expressing NoV VP1, and evaluated its immunogenicity following oral administration in a mouse model. An in vitro study demonstrated that the dsRNA adjuvants significantly enhanced VP1 protein expression in infected cells. The oral administration of both rAd5-VP1-DS vaccines elicited high serum levels of VP1-specific IgG and blocking antibodies, as well as strong and long-lasting mucosal immunity. There was no apparent difference in immunostimulatory effects in immunised mice between the two dsRNA adjuvants. This study indicates that an oral NoV-rAd5 vaccine with a built-in dsRNA adjuvant may be developed to prevent NoV infection in humans.

Genomic and evolutionary characteristics of G9P[8], the dominant group a rotavirus in China (2016–2018)

G9P[8] became the predominant rotavirus A (RVA) genotype in China in 2012. To evaluate its genetic composition at the whole-genome level, 115 G9P[8] RVA strains isolated from children under 5 years old were sequenced and characterized. All 13 strains in 2016 and 2017 and an additional 54 strains in 2018 were genotyped as G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1. The other 48 strains in 2018 were all genotyped as G9-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E2-H1, with the NSP4 gene characterized as a DS-1-like genotype. The time of the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) and evolution rates of the VP7, VP4, and NSP4 (E1 and E2) genes of these strains were estimated by Bayesian evolutionary dynamics analysis. We estimated the evolution rates (nt substitutions per site per year) as 1.38 × 10^–3 [the 95% highest posterior density (HPD) was 1.09–1.72 × 10^–3] for VP7, 0.87 × 10^–3 (95% HPD: 0.75–1.00 × 10^–3) for VP4, 0.56 × 10^–3 (95% HPD: 0.41–0.73 × 10^–3) for NSP4-E1, and 1.35 × 10^–3 (95% HPD: 0.92–1.86 × 10^–3) for NSP4-E2. The tMRCA was estimated to be 1935.4 (95% HPD: 1892.4–1961.3) for VP7, 1894.3 (95% HPD: 1850.5–1937.8) for VP4, 1929.4 (95% HPD: 1892.4–1961.3) for NSP4-E1, and 1969.2 (95% HPD: 1942.2–1985.3) for NSP4-E2. The baseline genetic information in this study is expected to improve our understanding of the genomic and evolutionary characteristics of the rotavirus genome. Furthermore, it will provide a basis for the development of next-generation rotavirus vaccines for humans.

A novel cardiovirus species identified in feces of wild Himalayan marmots

Recently a growing number of novel cardioviruses have been frequently discovered, which boosts interest in the search for the genetic diversity of cardioviruses. However, wild-marmot cardioviruses have been rarely reported. Here, a novel cardiovirus (tentatively named HHMCDV) was identified in fecal samples from wild Himalayan marmots in Qinghai Tibetan Plateau, China, by viral metagenomics analysis. 3 out of 99 fecal samples from Himalayan marmots were positive for HHMCDV, with the viral loads ranging from 2.7 × 10⁵ to 1.3 × 10⁷ gene copies/g. The complete genomic sequence of HHMCDV was 8108 nucleotides in length, with the typical cardiovirus genome organization and motifs. Coincidentally, while the data was analyzing, one marmot cardiovirus HT7 partial sequence was available in the Genbank, showing 95.1%, 95.6% and 96.0% amino acid (aa) identity in P1, P2 and P3, respectively. However, sequence analysis revealed that HHMCDV and HT7 are more closely related to species Cardiovirus F strain with 65.7%, 61.9-65.6%, 58.9-59.7%, 71.1-71.7%, 69.1-69.4% and 71.4-72.2% aa identity in polyprotein, P1, P2, P3, 2C and 3CD proteins, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of P1, P2, P3 and 3CD aa sequences indicated that HHMCDV and HT7 clustered tightly and formed a distinct cluster in the Cardiovirus genus. Based on these data, we propose that HHMCDV and HT7 should be two different members of a potential novel species within the genus Cardiovirus. Further studies are needed to investigate the epidemiology and potential pathogenicity of the virus in Himalayan marmots.

Phylogenetic analysis of the viral proteins VP4/VP7 of circulating human rotavirus strains in China from 2016 to 2019 and comparison of their antigenic epitopes with those of vaccine strains

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are the most common etiological agents of severe acute diarrhea among children under 5 years old worldwide. At present, two live-attenuated RVA vaccines, LLR (G10P[15]) and RotaTeq (G1–G4, G6 P[8], P[5]), have been introduced to mainland China. Although RVA vaccines can provide homotypic and partially heterotypic protection against several strains, it is necessary to explore the genetic and antigenic variations between circulating RVAs and vaccine strains. In this study, we sequenced viral protein VP7 and VP4 outer capsid proteins of 50 RVA strains circulating in China from 2016 to 2019. The VP7 and VP4 sequences of almost all strains showed high homology to those of previously reported human strains and vaccine strains of the same genotype. However, in the presumed antigenic epitopes of the VP7 and VP4, multiple amino acid variations were found, regardless of the G and P genotypes of these strains. Moreover, all circulating G3 RVA strains in China potentially possess an extra N-linked glycosylation site compared with the G3 strain of RotaTeq. The potential N-linked glycosylation site at residues 69–71 was found in all G9 strains in China but not in the G9 strain of the Rotavac or Rotasill vaccine. These variations in antigenic sites might result in the selection of strains that escape the RVA neutralizing-antibody pressure imposed by vaccines. Furthermore, the G4 and P[6] genotypes in this study showed high homology to those of porcine strains, indicating the transmission of G4 and P[6] genotypes from pigs to humans in China. More genetic surveillance with antigenic evaluation in prevalent RVAs is necessary for developing and implementing rotavirus vaccines in China.

Genomic and evolutionary characteristics of G3P[8] group a rotavirus strains in China, 2016 to 2018

Rotavirus A (RVA) G3P[8] is sporadically detected in China, although G9P[8] predominates. To evaluate their genetic composition at the whole-genome level, 24 G3P[8] RVA strains isolated from children under five years were sequenced and characterized. The 24 strains were genotyped as G3-P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1, indicating the Wa-like genotype constellation. A maximum clade credibility (MCC) tree for VP7 indicated that G3 had an estimated mean evolutionary rate of 7.279 × 10^-4 substitutions/site/year; thus, 3-5 years would pass from the generation of an ancestor virus to the epidemic spread of that virus throughout China. Considering the ongoing prevalence as well as rapid evolution, it is important to monitor G3P[8] RVA epidemics; continuous nationwide surveillance is essential.

Identification of a novel norovirus species in fox

A novel Norovirus (NoV) was identified by viral metagenomic analysis in fox fecal samples from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. The virus exhibited typical genomic characteristics of NoVs. It was closely related to the canine NoV GVII strains with 86.0-86.2% and 91.9% amino acid identities in the capsid protein VP1 and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), respectively. The fox NoV clustered phylogenetically with the two canine NoV GVII strains, and it was distant from other NoVs. According to the new classification criteria of NoVs, the new fox NoV belongs to the same genotype as GVII, similar to canine GVII NoVs. Moreover, key amino acid residues in the Histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) binding sites and the HBGA binding pattern of the fox NoV differed significantly from those of human and canine GVII NoVs. This study identified a new GVII norovirus from wild foxes in China. These findings enrich our understanding of the diversity of NoVs and provide further evidence regarding the genetic heterogeneity of NoVs in carnivores.

Methotrexate/mifepristone-combined with embryo removal in the treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of different administration modalities of methotrexate (MTX)/mifepristone in the initial medication stage, followed by embryo transfer in the treatment of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 66 CSP patients who received treatment in our hospital from January 2015 to July 2021 was performed, and participants were divided into three groups: Group one (n=14) received mifepristone followed by embryo removal treatment, Group two (n=29) received MTX followed by embryo removal, and Group three (n=23) received a methotrexate/mifepristone combined treatment followed by embryo removal. The basic findings were analysed, along with the curative effects between the three groups. Risk factors predicting additional treatment after initial intervention failure were analysed.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in gestational age, hospitalization days, costs, myometrial thickness, cardiac activity, and mean sac diameter between groups (p<0.05) after grouping by eight weeks. The initial intervention success rates were 92.86%, 89.66%, and 65.22% in Group one, two, and three, respectively (p<0.05), while the complication rates were 14.29%, 6.90%, and 26.87%, respectively (p>0.05). After grouping according to eight weeks of gestational age, the difference in initial serum β-hCG between Group two and three was statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean sac diameter was a risk factor for additional treatment after initial intervention failure, with an odds ratio of 1.113 (p<0.05). A cut-off of 22.75 mm was a preferable indicator.

CONCLUSIONS

MTX/mifepristone followed by embryo removal is a reliable way to treat CSP. Mean sac diameter was a risk factor for additional treatment after initial intervention failure.

Gestational bisphenol A exposure impairs hepatic lipid metabolism by altering mTOR/CRTC2/SREBP1 in male rat offspring

Lipid metabolism is an important biochemical process in the body. Recent studies have found that environmental endocrine disruptors play an important role in the regulation of lipid metabolism. Bisphenol A (BPA), a common environmental endocrine disruptor, has adverse effects on lipid metabolism, but the mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational BPA exposure on hepatic lipid metabolism and its possible mechanism in male offspring. The pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to BPA (0, 0.05, 0.5, 5 mg/kg/day) from day 5 to day 19 of gestation to investigate the levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), and the expression of liver lipid metabolism-related genes in male offspring rats. The results showed that compared with the control group, the TG and TC levels in serum and liver in BPA-exposed groups was increased. And the expressions of liver fatty acid oxidation related genes, such as peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α (CPT1α), were down-regulated. However, the expressions of fatty acid synthesis related genes, such as sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1 (SREBP-1), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1), were up-regulated. The increased protein levels of mTOR and p-CRTC2 suggested that CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 2 (CRTC2) might be an important mediator in the mTOR/SREBP-1 pathway. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that mTOR/CRTC2/SREBP-1 could be affected by gestational BPA exposure, which may involve in the lipid metabolic disorders in later life.

Molecular Epidemiological Characteristics of Gastroenteritis Outbreaks Caused by Norovirus GII.4 Sydney [P31] Strains - China, October 2016-December 2020

Introduction

Human noroviruses are the leading cause of acute viral gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide in all age groups. GII.4 strains have been the predominant genotype circulating globally over the last 2 decades and since 2012. GII.4 Sydney viruses have emerged and caused the majority of AGE outbreaks worldwide.

Methods

Data from norovirus outbreaks from the laboratory-based surveillance of norovirus outbreaks in China (CaliciNet China) between October 2016-December 2020 were analyzed.

Results

During October 2016-December 2020, 1,954 norovirus outbreaks were reported, and positive fecal samples from 1,352 (69.19%) outbreaks were genotyped. GII.4 Sydney [P31] viruses accounted for 2.1% (October 2016-August 2017), 5.5% (September 2017-August 2018), 3.3% (September 2018-August 2018), 26.6% (September 2019-August 2020), and and 1.1% (September 2020-December 2020) of GII outbreaks, respectively. Compared to reference strains of GII.4 Sydney [P31] from 2012 to 2013, 7 amino acid mutations in epitopes[A (297, 372 and 373), B (333), E (414), and H (309 and 310)] and 1 in human histo-blood group antigens binding site at site II 372 were found by analyzing 9 GII.4 Sydney [P31] complete genomic sequences.

Conclusions

This report identified the genomic variation of GII.4 Sydney [P31] from CaliciNet China. Continued surveillance with prompt genotyping and genetic analysis is necessary to monitor the emergence of novel GII.4 variants.

Norovirus GII.2[P16] strain in Shenzhen, China: a retrospective study

Background

Norovirus (NoV) is the main cause of non-bacterial acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks worldwide. From September 2015 through August 2018, 203 NoV outbreaks involving 2500 cases were reported to the Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Methods

Faecal specimens for 203 outbreaks were collected and epidemiological data were obtained through the AGE outbreak surveillance system in Shenzhen. Genotypes were determined by sequencing analysis. To gain a better understanding of the evolutionary characteristics of NoV in Shenzhen, molecular evolution and mutations were evaluated based on time-scale evolutionary phylogeny and amino acid mutations.

Results

A total of nine districts reported NoV outbreaks and the reported NoV outbreaks peaked from November to March. Among the 203 NoV outbreaks, 150 were sequenced successfully. Most of these outbreaks were associated with the NoV GII.2[P16] strain (45.3%, 92/203) and occurred in school settings (91.6%, 186/203). The evolutionary rates of the RdRp region and the VP1 sequence were 2.1 × 10^–3 (95% HPD interval, 1.7 × 10^–3–2.5 × 10^–3) substitutions/site/year and 2.7 × 10^–3 (95% HPD interval, 2.4 × 10^–3–3.1 × 10^–3) substitutions/site/year, respectively. The common ancestors of the GII.2[P16] strain from Shenzhen and GII.4 Sydney 2012[P16] diverged from 2011 to 2012. The common ancestors of the GII.2[P16] strain from Shenzhen and previous GII.2[P16] (2010–2012) diverged from 2003 to 2004. The results of amino acid mutations showed 6 amino acid substitutions (*77E, R750K, P845Q, H1310Y, K1546Q, T1549A) were found only in GII.4 Sydney 2012[P16] and the GII.2[P16] recombinant strain.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the molecular epidemiological patterns in Shenzhen, China, from September 2015 to August 2018 and provides evidence that the epidemic trend of GII.2[P16] recombinant strain had weakened and the non-structural proteins of the recombinant strain might have played a more significant role than VP1.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06746-9.

Structural and functional characterization of bovine G1P[5] rotavirus VP8* protein

The widely used rotavirus (RV) vaccine, Rotateq, contained reassortment strains of human and bovine G1/2/3/4P[5] RVs. The functional and structural features of bovine G1P[5] VP8* were investigated. Bovine G1P[5] VP8* was identified to interact with sialic acids and sialic acid-containing glycans. In addition, P[5] VP8* recognized α-Gal histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs). Bovine G1P[5] VP8* did not hemagglutinate the tested red blood cells. The crystal structure of P[5] VP8* was determined at 1.7 Å. Structural superimposition revealed that P[5] VP8* was most close to human P[8] VP8*, while much further to VP8*s of porcine P[7] and rhesus P[3]. Sequence alignment showed that amino acids of the putative glycan binding site in P[5] VP8* were different to those in P[3]/P[7] VP8*s, indicating that P[5] VP8* may interact with glycans using different mechanism. This study provided more understanding of P[5] RV infection and the interactions of RV VP8* and glycans.

Structural Basis of Glycan Recognition of Rotavirus

Rotavirus (RV) is an important pathogen causing acute gastroenteritis in young humans and animals. Attachment to the host receptor is a crucial step for the virus infection. The recent advances in illustrating the interactions between RV and glycans promoted our understanding of the host range and epidemiology of RVs. VP8*, the distal region of the RV outer capsid spike protein VP4, played a critical role in the glycan recognition. Group A RVs were classified into different P genotypes based on the VP4 sequences and recognized glycans in a P genotype-dependent manner. Glycans including sialic acid, gangliosides, histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), and mucin cores have been reported to interact with RV VP8*s. The glycan binding specificities of VP8*s of different RV genotypes have been studied. Here, we mainly discussed the structural basis for the interactions between RV VP8*s and glycans, which provided molecular insights into the receptor recognition and host tropism, offering new clues to the design of RV vaccine and anti-viral agents.

Lactate Dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A) Preserves Cancer Stemness and Recruitment of Tumor-Associated Macrophages to Promote Breast Cancer Progression

Increasing evidence reveals that breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) subtypes with distinct properties are regulated by their abnormal metabolic changes; however, the specific molecular mechanism and its relationship with tumor microenvironment (TME) are not clear. In this study, we explored the mechanism of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a crucial glycolytic enzyme, in maintaining cancer stemness and BCSCs plasticity, and promoting the interaction of BCSCs with tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). Firstly, the expression of LDHA in breast cancer tissues was much higher than that in adjacent tissues and correlated with the clinical progression and prognosis of breast cancer patients based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data set. Moreover, the orthotopic tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis were remarkable inhibited in mice inoculated with 4T1-shLdha cells. Secondly, the properties of cancer stemness were significantly suppressed in MDA-MB-231-shLDHA or A549-shLDHA cancer cells, including the decrease of ALDH⁺ cells proportion, the repression of sphere formation and cellular migration, and the reduction of stemness genes (SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG) expression. However, the proportion of ALDH⁺ cells (epithelial-like BCSCs, E-BCSCs) was increased and the proportion of CD44⁺ CD24^- cells (mesenchyme-like BCSCs, M-BCSCs) was decreased after LDHA silencing, suggesting a regulatory role of LDHA in E-BCSCs/M-BCSCs transformation in mouse breast cancer cells. Thirdly, the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin, proved to interact with LDHA, was obviously increased in LDHA-silencing cancer cells. The recruitment of TAMs and the secretion of CCL2 were dramatically reduced after LDHA was knocked down in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, LDHA mediates a vicious cycle of mutual promotion between BCSCs plasticity and TAMs infiltration, which may provide an effective treatment strategy by targeting LDHA for breast cancer patients.

The Functional Characterization of Bat and Human P[3] Rotavirus VP8*s

P[3] rotavirus (RV) has been identified in many species, including human, simian, dog, and bat. Several glycans, including sialic acid, histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) are reported as RV attachment factors. The glycan binding specificity of different P[3] RV VP8*s were investigated in this study. Human HCR3A and dog P[3] RV VP8*s recognized glycans with terminal sialic acid and hemagglutinated the red blood cells, while bat P[3] VP8* showed neither binding to glycans nor hemagglutination. However, the bat P[3] VP8* mutant of C189Y obtained the ability to hemagglutinate the red blood cells, while human P[3] HCR3A/M2-102 mutants of Y189C lost the ability. Sequence alignment and structural analysis indicated that residue 189 played an important role in the ligand recognition and may contribute to the cross-species transmission. Structural superimposition exhibited that bat P[3] VP8* model was quite different from the simian P[3] Rhesus rotavirus (RRV) P[3] VP8*, indicating that bat P[3] RV was relatively distinct and partially contributed to the no binding to tested glycans. These results promote our understanding of P[3] VP8*/glycans interactions and the potential transmission of bat/human P[3] RVs, offering more insight into the RV infection and prevalence.

Targeting macrophages in cancer immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is regarded as the most promising treatment for cancers. Various cancer immunotherapies, including adoptive cellular immunotherapy, tumor vaccines, antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and small-molecule inhibitors, have achieved certain successes. In this review, we summarize the role of macrophages in current immunotherapies and the advantages of targeting macrophages. To better understand and make better use of this type of cell, their development and differentiation characteristics, categories, typical markers, and functions were collated at the beginning of the review. Therapeutic strategies based on or combined with macrophages have the potential to improve the treatment efficacy of cancer therapies.

Norovirus Outbreak Surveillance, China, 2016-2018

CaliciNet China, a network of provincial, county, and city laboratories coordinated by the Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was launched in October 2016 to monitor the epidemiology and genotype distribution of norovirus outbreaks in China. During October 2016–September 2018, a total of 556 norovirus outbreaks were reported, and positive fecal samples from 470 (84.5%) outbreaks were genotyped. Most of these outbreaks were associated with person-to-person transmission (95.1%), occurred in childcare centers or schools (78.2%), and were reported during November–March of each year (63.5%). During the 2-year study period, 81.2% of all norovirus outbreaks were typed as GII.2[P16]. In China, most norovirus outbreaks are reported by childcare centers or schools; GII.2[P16] is the predominant genotype. Ongoing surveillance by CaliciNet China will provide information about the evolving norovirus genotype distribution and outbreak characteristics important for the development of effective interventions, including vaccines.

MicroRNA-3613-3p functions as a tumor suppressor and represents a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer

BACKGROUND

MicroRNAs have been reported to participate in tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, and tumor metastasis. Novel microRNAs need to be identified and investigated to guide the clinical prognosis or therapy for breast cancer.

METHOD

The copy number variations (CNVs) of MIR3613 from Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) or Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) were analyzed, and its correlation with breast cancer subtypes or prognosis was investigated. The expression level of miR-3613-3p in tumor tissues or serum of breast cancer patients was detected using in situ hybridization and qPCR. Gain-of-function studies were performed to determine the regulatory role of miR-3613-3p on proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor sphere formation of human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 or MCF-7. The effects of miR-3613-3p on tumor growth or metastasis in an immunocompromised mouse model of MDA-MB-231-luciferase were explored by intratumor injection of miR-3613-3p analogue. The target genes, interactive lncRNAs, and related signaling pathways of miR-3613-3p were identified by bioinformatic prediction and 3'-UTR assays.

RESULTS

We found that MIR3613 was frequently deleted in breast cancer genome and its deletion was correlated with the molecular typing, and an unfavorable prognosis in estrogen receptor-positive patients. MiR-3613-3p level was also dramatically lower in tumor tissues or serum of breast cancer patients. Gain-of-function studies revealed that miR-3613-3p could suppress proliferation and sphere formation and promote apoptosis in vitro and impeded tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. Additionally, miR-3613-3p might regulate cell cycle by targeting SMS, PAFAH1B2, or PDK3 to restrain tumor progression.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate a suppressive role of miR-3613-3p in breast cancer progression, which may provide an innovative marker or treatment for breast cancer patients.

Intrinsic apoptosis and cytokine induction regulated in human tonsillar epithelial cells infected with enterovirus A71

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) has emerged as a clinically important neurotropic virus following poliovirus eradication. Recent studies have shown that human tonsillar epithelial cell lines (UT-SCC-60A and UT-SCC-60B) were susceptible to EV-A71, suggesting that human tonsillar crypt epithelium could be important in EV-A71 pathogenesis. However, the mechanism about how EV-A71 infects the upper oro-digestive tract remains largely unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the human tonsillar epithelial cells infected with EV-A71 underwent apoptotic, in which cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria to the cytosol and caspase-9 was activated, while caspase-2 and -8 were not cleaved or activated during the infection. A selective inhibitor of caspase-9, Z-LEHD-FMK, inhibited the cleavage of the executioner caspase-3 and -7, indicating that only mitochondria-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway was activated in EV-A71-infected tonsillar epithelial cells. No evidence of pyroptosis or necroptosis was involved in the cell death. EV-A71 infection induced interferon, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IFN-β, IL-6, CCL5, and TNF-α in tonsillar epithelial cells, which may play a critical role in EV-A71-caused herpangina. Our data indicated that the induction of the cytokines was partially regulated by the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathway. The findings unveiled the host response to EV-A71 and its regulation mechanism, and will further our understanding the significance about the tonsillar crypt epithelium as the initial and primary portal in viral pathogenesis for EV-A71 infection.

Experimental observations and density functional simulations on the structural transition behavior of a two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide

In this work, we show an obvious evidence of nondestructive Raman spectra for the structural transition, i.e., the existence of a charge density wave (CDW) in monolayer 2H-TaS₂, which can exhibit a much higher transition temperature than bulk and results in additional vibrational modes, indicating strong interactions with light. Furthermore, we reveal that the degenerate breath and wiggle modes of 2H-TaS₂ originated from the periodic lattice distortion can be probed using the optical methods. Since recently several light-tunable devices have been proposed based on the CDW phase transition of 1 T-TaS₂, our study and in particular, the theoretical results will be very helpful for understanding and designing electronic devices based on the CDW of 2H-TaS₂.

An outbreak of gastroenteritis associated with a novel GII.8 sapovirus variant-transmitted by vomit in Shenzhen, China, 2019

Background

Human Sapoviruses (SaVs) has been reported as one of the causative agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide. An outbreak of SaVs affected 482 primary school students during spring activities from February 24 to March 11, 2019 in Shenzhen City, China. Our study was aimed at determining the epidemiology of the outbreak, investigating its origins, and making a clear identification of the SaVs genetic diversity.

Methods

Epidemiological investigation was conducted for this AGE outbreak. Stool samples were collected for laboratory tests of causative agents. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) and conventional RT-PCR were used for detecting and genotyping of SaVs. The nearly complete genome of GII.8 SaV strains were amplified and sequenced by using several primer sets designed in this study. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to characterize the genome of GII.8 SaV strains.

Results

The single factor analysis showed that the students who were less than 1.5 m away from the vomitus in classroom or playgroundwere susceptible (P < 0.05). Seven of 11 fecal samples from patients were positive for GII.8 SaV genotype. In this study, we obtained the genome sequence of a SaV GII.8 strain Hu/SaV/2019008Shenzhen/2019 /CHN (SZ08) and comprehensively analyzed the genetic diversity. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the GII.8 strain SZ08 formed an independent branch and became a novel variant of GII.8 genotype. Strain SZ08 harbored 11 specific amino acid variations compared with cluster A-D in full-length VP1.

Conclusions

This study identified SaVs as the causative agents for the AGE outbreak. Strain Hu SZ08 was clustered as independent branch and there was no recombination occurred in this strain SZ08. Further, it might become the predominant strain in diarrhea cases in the near future. Constant surveillance is required to monitor the emerging variants which will improve our knowledge of the evolution of SaVs among humans.

[The exploration of Hujia Pasture wooden slip medicine prescription]

Some features in the medical prescriptions of western Han dynasty on the wooden slips unearthed in Hujia Pasture were interpreted, and the words were annotated and translated. The study found that this recipe with male magpie excrement treatment epileptic disease is the first moxibustion combined with drugs to treat epilepsy. This is the earliest recorded treatment. The drug is still administered to lactate children by applying it to the mother's nipple and making the child to suck, and it is the earliest recorded of its kind.

Mouse 4T1 Breast Cancer Cell-Derived Exosomes Induce Proinflammatory Cytokine Production in Macrophages via miR-183

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in the tumor inflammatory microenvironment and facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. Most types of tumors aberrantly express microRNAs (miRNAs), which can be transferred between cells by exosomes and can regulate gene expression in recipient cells, but it remains unclear whether tumor-derived miRNAs are transferred by exosomes and regulate the TAM phenotype. We report that mouse 4T1 breast cancer cell-derived exosomes enhanced TAM expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and that inhibition of 4T1-cell exosome secretion through short hairpin RNA-mediated Rab27a/b depletion repressed tumor growth and metastasis and markedly downregulated IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in a 4T1 breast tumor model. Furthermore, miRNA expression profiling revealed that three miRNAs (miR-100-5p, miR-183-5p, and miR-125b-1-3p) were considerably more abundant in 4T1 cell exosomes than in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages, indicating potential exosome-mediated transfer of the miRNAs, and, notably, miR-183-5p was found to be transferred from 4T1 cells to macrophages through exosomes. Moreover, PPP2CA was verified as an miR-183-5p target gene, and PPP2CA downregulation enhanced NF-κB signaling and promoted macrophage expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Lastly, when miR-183-5p was downregulated in exosomes through miR-183-5p sponge expression in 4T1 cells, these 4T1-derived exosomes triggered diminished p65 phosphorylation and IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α secretion, and the miRNA downregulation also led to repression of tumor growth and metastasis in the 4T1 breast tumor model in vivo. Thus, miR-183-5p expressed in tumor cells was transferred to macrophages by exosomes and promoted the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by inhibiting PPP2CA expression, which contributed to tumor progression in a breast cancer model.

Long non-coding RNA Loc490 inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by upregulating RNA-binding protein Quaking

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumor types worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have important epigenetic effects, including altering the proliferation and metastasis of malignant tumors. We used gene chip technology to search for lncRNAs that were differentially expressed in GC and metastatic lymph node tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. The lncRNA Loc490 and the RNA-binding protein Quaking (QKI) were downregulated in GC tissues and lymph node metastases compared with normal tissues, and the levels of these two genes correlated positively with one another. Loc490 expression correlated negatively with lymph node metastasis and vein/nerve invasion, while it correlated positively with overall and disease-free survival. In vitro, Loc490 post-translationally enhanced the expression of QKI and suppressed the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related molecules. Overexpression of Loc490 inhibited GC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis and exerted strong antitumor effects in vivo, while silencing of QKI antagonized these effects. A potential binding site between Loc490 and QKI was detected through bioinformatics analysis and confirmed through RNA immunoprecipitation and mutant analyses. Our results suggest that lncRNA Loc490 inhibits GC cell proliferation and metastasis by upregulating RNA-binding protein QKI.

Identification of a Broad-Spectrum Viral Inhibitor Targeting a Novel Allosteric Site in the RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerases of Dengue Virus and Norovirus

All RNA viruses encode the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) which replicates and transcribes viral RNA. This essential viral enzyme does not exist in mammalian cells, thus presents a main target for the development of antiviral drugs with potential pan-antiviral activity. In this study, we take advantage of the structurally equivalent site in the dengue virus (DENV) RdRp, the N-pocket, and in the human norovirus (hNV) RdRp, the B-site, and performed a parallel structure-based virtual screening to discover compounds that can inhibit the RdRps of both hNV and DENV. We successfully identified a small molecule called Entrectinib (RAI-13) as a potent inhibitor of both hNV and DENV infection. Specifically, RAI-13 binds directly to hNV and DENV RdRps, effectively inhibits the polymerase activity in the in vitro biochemical assays, and exhibits does-responsive inhibition of murine norovirus (MNV) and DENV2 infection with IC50 values of 2.01 and 2.43 μM, respectively. Most promisingly, RAI-13 inhibits hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by 95% at the 2 μM concentration. We have therefore discovered a small molecule compound that targets an allosteric site that is shared by different viral RdRps and strongly inhibits multiple pathogenic RNA viruses, thus holding the potential of being developed into a broad-spectrum antiviral drug.

Structural Basis of Glycan Recognition in Globally Predominant Human P[8] Rotavirus

Rotavirus (RV) causes acute gastroenteritis in infants and children worldwide. Recent studies showed that glycans such as histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) function as cell attachment factors affecting RV host susceptibility and prevalence. P[8] is the predominant RV genotype in humans, but the structural basis of how P[8] RVs interact with glycan ligands remains elusive. In this study, we characterized the interactions between P[8] VP8*s and glycans which showed that VP8*, the RV glycan binding domain, recognized both mucin core 2 and H type 1 antigens according to the ELISA-based oligosaccharide binding assays. Importantly, we determined the structural basis of P[8] RV-glycans interaction from the crystal structures of a Rotateq P[8] VP8* in complex with core 2 and H type 1 glycans at 1.8 Å and 2.3 Å, respectively, revealing a common binding pocket and similar binding mode. Structural and sequence analysis demonstrated that the glycan binding site is conserved among RVs in the P[II] genogroup, while genotype-specific amino acid variations determined different glycan binding preference. Our data elucidated the detailed structural basis of the interactions between human P[8] RVs and different host glycan factors, shedding light on RV infection, epidemiology, and development of anti-viral agents.

Underwater spatially, spectrally, and temporally resolved optical monitoring of aquatic fauna

A continuous-wave (CW) Scheimpflug underwater multi-spectral lidar system was constructed to monitor aquatic fauna with spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution. Utilizing a 1 W 414 nm diode laser and a detection set-up with a reflective grating, measurements of shrimp pleopod movements at fixed range, and the swimming of small fish trapped in a clear tube were performed in a 5 m ×0.6 m ×0.6 m water tank. The spatial resolution is about 5 mm, the spectral resolution is 10 nm (from 400 nm to 700 nm), and with proper binning of the CCD, a read-out repetition rate up to 150 Hz can be reached. The experimental results demonstrate that the underwater Scheimpflug lidar system has great potential for detailed monitoring of the small aquatic fauna in oceanic environments.

Correction to: Acute-on-chronic liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Asian Pacific association for the study of the liver (APASL): an update

The article Acute-on-chronic liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Asian Pacific association for the study of the liver (APASL): an update, written by [Shiv Sarin], was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on June 06, 2019 without open access.

Genetic Analysis of Reemerging GII.P16-GII.2 Noroviruses in 2016-2017 in China

Background

During 2016-2017, the previously rare GII.P16-GII.2 norovirus suddenly emerged as the predominant genotype causing gastroenteritis outbreaks in China and other countries. Its origin, phylodynamics, and mechanism behind the predominance remain unclear.

Methods

Bayesian phylogenetic analyses were performed on 180 full capsid and 150 polymerase sequences of 2016-2017 GII.P16-GII.2 noroviruses in China, and those for all publicly available GII.P16 and GII.2 sequences. Saliva-based histo-blood group antigen (HBGA) binding assays and crystal structural analysis were conducted by using the P proteins of 2016-2017 GII.P16-GII.2 noroviruses.

Results

The reemerging GII.P16-GII.2 norovirus showed a rapid genetic diversification after its emergence in 2012-2013. The antigenicity and HBGA binding profile of the early 2016-2017 and pre-2016 GII.2 noroviruses were similar. A further variant with a single Val256Ile mutation and the conventionally orientated Asp382 in the VP1 protein showed an expanded HBGA-binding spectrum. Mutations on the surface of polymerase that could alter its function were seen, which may help to accelerate the VP1 gene evolution to 5.5 × 10-3 substitutions per site per year. This virus can be traced back to Pearl River Delta, China.

Conclusions

Our findings provide new insights into GII.2 norovirus epidemics and highlight the necessity of enhanced global surveillance for potential epidemics of rare-genotype noroviruses.

Overview of recycled concrete research through development years (2004-2018)

Along with the urbanization process, large amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste during the construction, reconstruction, expansion or demolition of buildings is generated. Meanwhile, the impact on environment due to natural aggregate mining has become increasingly significant. These factors have driven the building industry to look for environmentally friendly materials and focusing on sustainable construction. Through nearly a decade of research, recycled concrete (RC) made with recycled aggregates manufactured from construction and demolition (C&D) waste has shown a competitive performance compared to natural materials and has already achieved industrial application. Researches on sustainably recycled concrete have become an essential part of sustainable development and continue to play a vital role for future research.

This paper engages in the discussion and the overview of research done by the Research Group for Recycled Concrete Structures and Construction at Tongji University, Shanghai. The first part discusses the necessary mechanical and durability properties of recycled concrete with recycled aggregate as well as recycled powder focusing on workability, strength, Poisson’s ratio, stress-strain behaviour along with carbonation, chloride penetration shrinkage and creep. The second part throws light on the elements and structures made with recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), discussing the behaviours of RAC components and structures.

Profiling of Human Milk Oligosaccharides for Lewis Epitopes and Secretor Status by Electrostatic Repulsion Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography Coupled with Negative-Ion Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are one of the most abundant ingredients in breast milk, and they play a beneficial role for newborns and are important for infant health. The peripheral fucosylated sequences of HMOs, such as the histo-blood group ABH(O) and Lewis a, b, x, and y antigens, are determined by the expression of the secretor (Se) and Lewis (Le) genes in the mammary gland, and are often the recognition motifs and serve as decoy receptors for microbes. In this work, we developed a method for determination of secretor status and Lewis blood phenotype and assignment of Lewis blood-group epitopes. The method was based on electrostatic repulsion/hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (ERLIC-MS/MS). A specifically designed stationary phase, aspartic acid-bonded silica (ABS), was used to separate the acidic and neutral HMOs by electrostatic repulsion followed by HILIC. Negative-ion electrospray MS/MS was then used for analysis of secretor status and Lewis blood phenotypes and assignment of important epitopes of HMOs from the lactating mothers by selecting a specific set of unique fragment ions.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Asian Pacific association for the study of the liver (APASL): an update

The first consensus report of the working party of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) set up in 2004 on acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was published in 2009. With international groups volunteering to join, the "APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC)" was formed in 2012, which continued to collect prospective ACLF patient data. Based on the prospective data analysis of nearly 1400 patients, the AARC consensus was published in 2014. In the past nearly four-and-a-half years, the AARC database has been enriched to about 5200 cases by major hepatology centers across Asia. The data published during the interim period were carefully analyzed and areas of contention and new developments in the field of ACLF were prioritized in a systematic manner. The AARC database was also approached for answering some of the issues where published data were limited, such as liver failure grading, its impact on the 'Golden Therapeutic Window', extrahepatic organ dysfunction and failure, development of sepsis, distinctive features of acute decompensation from ACLF and pediatric ACLF and the issues were analyzed. These initiatives concluded in a two-day meeting in October 2018 at New Delhi with finalization of the new AARC consensus. Only those statements, which were based on evidence using the Grade System and were unanimously recommended, were accepted. Finalized statements were again circulated to all the experts and subsequently presented at the AARC investigators meeting at the AASLD in November 2018. The suggestions from the experts were used to revise and finalize the consensus. After detailed deliberations and data analysis, the original definition of ACLF was found to withstand the test of time and be able to identify a homogenous group of patients presenting with liver failure. New management options including the algorithms for the management of coagulation disorders, renal replacement therapy, sepsis, variceal bleed, antivirals and criteria for liver transplantation for ACLF patients were proposed. The final consensus statements along with the relevant background information and areas requiring future studies are presented here.

Replication and transcriptionomic analysis of human noroviruses in human intestinal enteroids

Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) are a major cause of epidemic and sporadic cases of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Recently, human intestinal enteroids (HIEs) have been shown to support the replication of HuNoVs, and be an excellent model to study HuNoV-host interactions. We implemented the HIE system in our laboratory and investigated the global molecular events associated with the mechanism of HuNoV-host interactions. Successful replication was observed for several norovirus GII genotypes, and totally 5,376 genes with different expression in HIEs were identified during infection. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that several important pathways, especially the "Signal transduction" and "Immune system" pathways, were involved in the HuNoV-host interaction. Quantitative PCR results validated that IFN-λ instead of IFN-β was elevated in HIEs after infection. Our study showed the holistic understanding of the transcriptome events in the HIE model infected by HuNoVs, and highlighted the important role of IFN-λ signaling in the HuNoV-host interactions.

Solving the Structure and Dynamics of Metal Nanoparticles by Combining X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Spectroscopy and Atomistic Structure Simulations

Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy is a premiere method for analysis of the structure and structural transformation of nanoparticles. Extraction of analytical information about the three-dimensional structure and dynamics of metal-metal bonds from EXAFS spectra requires special care due to their markedly non-bulk-like character. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the first-principles modeling of structure and properties of nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize new approaches for EXAFS data analysis that incorporate particle structure modeling into the process of structural refinement.