Molecular alterations and targeted therapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignancy characterized by a poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Genetic mutations and altered molecular pathways serve as targets in precise therapy. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), these aberrant alterations can be identified and used to develop strategies that will selectively kill cancerous cells in patients with PDAC. The realization of targeted therapies in patients with PDAC may be summarized by three approaches. First, because oncogenes play a pivotal role in tumorigenesis, inhibition of dysregulated oncogenes is a promising method (Table 3). Numerous researchers are developing strategies to target oncogenes, such as KRAS, NRG1, and NTRK and related molecules, although most of the results are unsatisfactory. Accordingly, emerging strategies are being developed to target these oncogenes, including simultaneously inhibiting multiple molecules or pathways, modification of mutant residues by small molecules, and RNA interference. Second, researchers have attempted to reactivate inactivated tumour suppressors or modulate related molecules. TP53, CDKN2A and SMAD4 are three major tumour suppressors involved in PDAC. Advances have been achieved in clinical and preclinical trials of therapies targeting these three genes, and further investigations are warranted. The TGF-β-SMAD4 signalling pathway plays a dual role in PDAC tumorigenesis and participates in mediating tumour-stroma crosstalk and modulating the tumour microenvironment (TME); thus, molecular subtyping of pancreatic cancer according to the SMAD4 mutation status may be a promising precision oncology technique. Finally, genes such as KDM6A and BRCA have vital roles in maintaining the structural stability and physiological functions of normal chromosomes and are deficient in some patients with PDAC, thus serving as potential targets for correcting these deficiencies and precisely killing these aberrant tumour cells. Recent clinical trials, such as the POLO (Pancreas Cancer Olaparib Ongoing) trial, have reported encouraging outcomes. In addition to genetic event-guided treatment, immunotherapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), antibody-drug conjugates, and immune checkpoint inhibitors also exhibit the potential to target tumours precisely, although the clinical value of immunotherapies as treatments for PDAC is still limited. In this review, we focus on recent preclinical and clinical advances in therapies targeting aberrant genes and pathways and predict the future trend of precision oncology for PDAC.

Estrogen inhibits autophagy and promotes growth of endometrial cancer by promoting glutamine metabolism

BACKGROUND

Excessive estrogen exposure is an important pathogenic factor in uterine endometrial cancer (UEC). Recent studies have reported the metabolic properties can influence the progression of UEC. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated.

METHODS

Glutaminase (GLS), MYC and autophagy levels were detected. The biological functions of estrogen-MYC-GLS in UEC cells (UECC) were investigated both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

Our study showed that estrogen remarkably increased GLS level through up-regulating c-Myc, and enhanced glutamine (Gln) metabolism in estrogen-sensitive UEC cell (UECC), whereas fulvestrant (an ER inhibitor antagonist) could reverse these effects. Estrogen remarkably promoted cell viability and inhibited autophagy of estrogen sensitive UECC. However, CB-839, a potent selective oral bioavailable inhibitor of both splice variants of GLS, negatively regulated Gln metabolism, and inhibited the effects of Gln and estrogen on UECC's growth and autophagy in vitro and / or in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

CB-839 triggers autophagy and restricts growth of UEC by suppressing ER/Gln metabolism, which provides new insights into the potential value of CB-839 in clinical treatment of estrogen-related UEC.

Single-cell RNA-Seq analysis reveals dynamic trajectories during mouse liver development

BACKGROUND

The differentiation and maturation trajectories of fetal liver stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) are not fully understood at single-cell resolution, and a priori knowledge of limited biomarkers could restrict trajectory tracking.

RESULTS

We employed marker-free single-cell RNA-Seq to characterize comprehensive transcriptional profiles of 507 cells randomly selected from seven stages between embryonic day 11.5 and postnatal day 2.5 during mouse liver development, and also 52 Epcam-positive cholangiocytes from postnatal day 3.25 mouse livers. LSPCs in developing mouse livers were identified via marker-free transcriptomic profiling. Single-cell resolution dynamic developmental trajectories of LSPCs exhibited contiguous but discrete genetic control through transcription factors and signaling pathways. The gene expression profiles of cholangiocytes were more close to that of embryonic day 11.5 rather than other later staged LSPCs, cuing the fate decision stage of LSPCs. Our marker-free approach also allows systematic assessment and prediction of isolation biomarkers for LSPCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide not only a valuable resource but also novel insights into the fate decision and transcriptional control of self-renewal, differentiation and maturation of LSPCs.

The Relationship Between the Blood-Brain-Barrier and the Central Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors

Diabetes and obesity are growing problems worldwide and are associated with a range of acute and chronic complications, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke. Novel anti-diabetic medications designed to treat T2DM, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2is), exert beneficial effects on metabolism and the cardiovascular system. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. GLP-1RAs induce anorexic effects by inhibiting the central regulation of food intake to reduce body weight. Central/peripheral administration of GLP-1RAs inhibits food intake, accompanied by an increase in c-Fos expression in neurons within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), amygdala, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), area postrema (AP), lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPB) and arcuate nucleus (ARC), induced by the activation of GLP-1 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Therefore, GLP-1RAs need to pass through the blood-brain barrier to exert their pharmacological effects. In addition, studies revealed that SGLT-2is could reduce the risk of chronic heart failure in people with type 2 diabetes. SGLT-2 is extensively expressed throughout the CNS, and c-Fos expression was also observed within 2 hours of administration of SGLT-2is in mice. Recent clinical studies reported that SGLT-2is improved hypertension and atrial fibrillation by modulating the "overstimulated" renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and suppressing the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) by directly/indirectly acting on the rostral ventrolateral medulla. Despite extensive research into the central mechanism of GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2is, the penetration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remains controversial. This review discusses the interaction between GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2is and the BBB to induce pharmacological effects via the CNS.

Surgical trauma induces postoperative T-cell dysfunction in lung cancer patients through the programmed death-1 pathway

The programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) pathway have been shown to be involved in tumor-induced and sepsis-induced immunosuppression. However, whether this pathway is involved in the surgery-induced dysfunction of T lymphocytes is not known. Here, we analyzed expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on human peripheral mononuclear cells during the perioperative period. We found that surgery increased PD-1/PD-L1 expression on immune cells, which was correlated with the severity of surgical trauma. The count of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells reduced after surgery, probably due to the increased activity of caspase-3. Caspase-3 level was positively correlated with PD-1 expression. Profile of perioperative cytokines and hormones in plasma showed a significantly increased level of interferon-α, as well as various inflammatory cytokines and stress hormones. In ex vivo experiments, administration of anti-PD-1 antibody significantly ameliorated T-cell proliferation and partially reversed the T-cell apoptosis induced by surgical trauma. We provide evidences that surgical trauma can induce immunosuppression through the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. This pathway could be a target for preventing postoperative cellular immunosuppression.

PGAM1 Inhibition Promotes HCC Ferroptosis and Synergizes with Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy

The combination of immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy exhibits promising therapeutic efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Here, phosphoglycerate mutase 1 (PGAM1) is identified as a novel immunometabolic target by using a bioinformatic algorithm based on multiple HCC datasets. PGAM1 is highly expressed in HCC and associated with a poor prognosis and a poor response to immunotherapy. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that targeting PGAM1 inhibited HCC cell growth and promoted the infiltration of CD8+ T-cells due to decreased enzymatic activity. Mechanistically, inhibition of PGAM1 promotes HCC cell ferroptosis by downregulating Lipocalin (LCN2) by inducing energy stress and ROS-dependent AKT inhibition, which can also downregulate Programmed death 1-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Moreover, an allosteric PGAM1 inhibitor (KH3) exhibits good antitumor effects in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models and enhanced the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC models. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that PGAM1 inhibition exerts an antitumor effect by promoting ferroptosis and CD8+ T-cell infiltration and can synergize with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in HCC. Targeting PGAM1 can be a promising new strategy of "killing two birds with one stone" for HCC treatment.

Designed Concave Octahedron Heterostructures Decode Distinct Metabolic Patterns of Epithelial Ovarian Tumors

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a polyfactorial process associated with alterations in metabolic pathways. A high-performance screening tool for EOC is in high demand to improve prognostic outcome but is still missing. Here, a concave octahedron Mn₂ O₃ /(Co,Mn)(Co,Mn)₂ O₄ (MO/CMO) composite with a heterojunction, rough surface, hollow interior, and sharp corners is developed to record metabolic patterns of ovarian tumors by laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI-MS). The MO/CMO composites with multiple physical effects induce enhanced light absorption, preferred charge transfer, increased photothermal conversion, and selective trapping of small molecules. The MO/CMO shows ≈2-5-fold signal enhancement compared to mono- or dual-enhancement counterparts, and ≈10-48-fold compared to the commercialized products. Subsequently, serum metabolic fingerprints of ovarian tumors are revealed by MO/CMO-assisted LDI-MS, achieving high reproducibility of direct serum detection without treatment. Furthermore, machine learning of the metabolic fingerprints distinguishes malignant ovarian tumors from benign controls with the area under the curve value of 0.987. Finally, seven metabolites associated with the progression of ovarian tumors are screened as potential biomarkers. The approach guides the future depiction of the state-of-the-art matrix for intensive MS detection and accelerates the growth of nanomaterials-based platforms toward precision diagnosis scenarios.

Lotus Effect Inspired Hydrophobic Strategy for Stable Zn Metal Anodes

Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) have long suffered from the unstable Zn metal anode, which faces numerous challenges concerning dendrite growth, corrosion, and hydrogen evolution reaction. The absence of H2 O adsorption control techniques has become a bottleneck for the further development of ZIBs. Using the stearic acid (SA)-modified Cu@Zn (SA-Cu@Zn) anode as an example, this work illustrates how the lotus effect controls the H2 O adsorption energy on the Zn metal anode. In situ integrated Cu nanorods arrays and hydrophobic long-chain alkyl groups are constructed, which provide zincophilic ordered channels and hydrophobic property. Consequently, the SA-Cu@Zn anode exhibits long-term cycling stability over 2000 h and high average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.83% at 1 mA cm-2 for 1 mAh cm-2 , which improves the electrochemical performance of the Zn||V2 O5 full cell. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with water contact angle (CA) measurements demonstrate that the SA-Cu@Zn exhibits larger water CA and weaker H2 O adsorption than Zn. Moreover, the presence of Cu ensures the selective adsorption of Zn on the SA-Cu@Zn anode, well explaining how the excellent reversibility is achieved. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of the lotus effect on controllable H2 O adsorption and Zn deposition mechanism, offering a universal strategy for achieving stable ZIB anodes.

A Factor-Free Hydrogel with ROS Scavenging and Responsive Degradation for Enhanced Diabetic Bone Healing

In view of the increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that disturb the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), the repair of diabetic bone defects remains a great challenge. Herein, a factor-free hydrogel is reported with ROS scavenging and responsive degradation properties for enhanced diabetic bone healing. These hydrogels contain ROS-cleavable thioketal (TK) linkers and ultraviolet (UV)-responsive norbornene (NB) groups conjugated with 8-arm PEG macromers, which are formed via UV crosslinking-mediated gelation. Upon reacting with high levels of ROS in the bone defect microenvironment, ROS-cleavable TK linkers are destroyed, allowing the responsive degradation of hydrogels, which promotes the migration of BMSCs. Moreover, ROS levels are reduced through hydrogel-mediated ROS scavenging to reverse BMSC differentiation from adipogenic to osteogenic phenotype. As such, a favorable microenvironment is created after simultaneous ROS scavenging and hydrogel degradation, leading to the effective repair of bone defects in diabetic mouse models, even without the addition of growth factors. Thus, this study presents a responsive hydrogel platform that regulates ROS scavenging and stromal degradation in bone engineering.

GJA1-20K Enhances Mitochondria Transfer from Astrocytes to Neurons via Cx43-TnTs After Traumatic Brain Injury

Astrocytes are crucial in neural protection after traumatic brain injury (TBI), a global health problem causing severe brain tissue damage. Astrocytic connexin 43 (Cx43), encoded by GJA1 gene, has been demonstrated to facilitate the protection of astrocytes to neural damage with unclear mechanisms. This study aims to explore the role of GJA1-20K/Cx43 axis in the astrocyte-neuron interaction after TBI and the underlying mechanisms. Primarily cultured cortical neurons isolated from embryonic C57BL/6 mice were treated by compressed nitrogen-oxygen mixed gas to simulate TBI-like damage in vitro. The transwell astrocyte-neuron co-culture system were constructed to recapitulate the interaction between the two cell types. Quantitative PCR was applied to analyze mRNA level of target genes. Western blot and immunofluorescence were conducted to detect target proteins expression. GJA1-20K overexpression significantly down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated Cx43 (p-Cx43) without affecting the total Cx43 protein level. Besides, GJA1-20K overexpression obviously enhanced the dendrite length, as well as the expression levels of function and synthesis-related factors of mitochondria in damaged neurons. GJA1-20K up-regulated functional Cx43 expression in astrocytes, which promoted mitochondria transmission from astrocytes to neurons which might be responsible to the protection of astrocyte to neurons after TBI-like damage in vitro.

Peptide-Mediated Tumor Targeting by a Degradable Nano Gene Delivery Vector Based on Pluronic-Modified Polyethylenimine

Polyethylenimine (PEI) is considered to be a promising non-viral gene delivery vector. To solve the toxicity versus efficacy and tumor-targeting challenges of PEI used as gene delivery vector, we constructed a novel non-viral vector DR5-TAT-modified Pluronic-PEI (Pluronic-PEI-DR5-TAT), which was based on the attachment of low-molecular-weight polyethylenimine (LMW-PEI) to the amphiphilic polymer Pluronic to prepare Pluronic-modified LMW-PEI (Pluronic-PEI). This was then conjugated to a multifunctional peptide containing a cell-penetrating peptide (TAT) and a synthetic peptide that would bind to DR5-a receptor that is overexpressed in cancer cells. The vector showed controlled degradation, favorable DNA condensation and protection performance. The Pluronic-PEI-DR5-TAT/DNA complexes at an N/P ratio of 15:1 were spherical nanoparticles of 122 ± 11.6 nm and a zeta potential of about 22 ± 2.8 mV. In vitro biological characterization results indicated that Pluronic-PEI-DR5-TAT/DNA complexes had a higher specificity for the DR5 receptor and were taken up more efficiently by tumor cells than normal cells, compared to complexes formed with PEI 25 kDa or Pluronic-PEI. Thus, the novel complexes showed much lower cytotoxicity to normal cells and higher gene transfection efficiency in tumor cells than that exhibited by PEI 25 kDa and Pluronic-PEI. In summary, our novel, degradable non-viral tumor-targeting vector is a promising candidate for use in gene therapy.

Confining Prepared Ultrasmall Nanozymes Loading ATO for Lung Cancer Catalytic Therapy/Immunotherapy

Nanozymes with inherent enzyme-mimicking catalytic properties combat malignant tumor progression via catalytic therapy, while the therapeutic efficacy still needs to be improved. In this work, ultrasmall platinum nanozymes (nPt) in a confined domain of a wormlike pore channel in gold nanobipyramidal-mesoporous silica dioxide nanocomposites, producing nanozyme carriers AP-mSi with photoenhanced peroxidase ability, are innovatively synthesized. Afterward, based on the prepared AP-mSi, a lung-cancer nanozymes probe (AP-HAI) is ingeniously produced by removing the SiO2 template, modifying human serum albumin, and loading atovaquone molecules (ATO) as well as IR780. Under NIR light irradiation, inner AuP and IR780 collaborate for photothermal process, thus facilitating the peroxidase-like catalytic process of H2 O2 . Additionally, loaded ATO, a cell respiration inhibitor, can impair tumor respiration metabolism and cause oxygen retention, hence enhancing IR780's photodynamic therapy (PDT) effectiveness. As a result, IR780's PDT and nPt nanozymes' photoenhanced peroxidase-like ability endow probes a high ROS productivity, eliciting antitumor immune responses to destroy tumor tissue. Systematic studies reveal that the obvious reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation is obtained by the strategy of using nPt nanozymes and reducing oxygen consumption by ATO, which in turn enables lung-cancer synergetic catalytic therapy/immunogenic-cell-death-based immunotherapy. The results of this work would provide theoretical justification for the practical use of photoenhanced nanozyme probes.

Langmuir-Blodgett-Mediated Formation of Antibacterial Microneedles for Long-Term Transdermal Drug Delivery

Microneedles (MNs) have become versatile platforms for minimally invasive transdermal drug delivery devices. However, there are concerns about MN-induced skin infections with long-term transdermal administration. Using the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique, a simple method for depositing antibacterial nanoparticles of various shapes, sizes, and compositions onto MNs is developed. This strategy has merits over conventional dip coating techniques, including controlled coating layers, uniform and high coverage, and a straightforward fabrication process. This provides MNs with a fast-acting and long-lasting antibacterial effect. This study demonstrates that antibacterial MNs achieve superior bacterial elimination in vitro and in vivo without sacrificing payload capacity, drug release, or mechanical strength. It is believed that such a functional nanoparticle coating technique offers a platform for the expansion of MNs function, especially in long-term transdermal drug delivery fields.

Curcumin Scaffold as a Multifunctional Tool for Alzheimer's Disease Research

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, which is caused by multi-factors and characterized by two histopathological hallmarks: amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles of Tau proteins. Thus, researchers have been devoting tremendous efforts to developing and designing new molecules for the early diagnosis of AD and curative purposes. Curcumin and its scaffold have fluorescent and photochemical properties. Mounting evidence showed that curcumin scaffold had neuroprotective effects on AD such as anti-amyloidogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and metal chelating. In this review, we summarized different curcumin derivatives and analyzed the in vitro and in vivo results in order to exhibit the applications in AD diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring and therapy. The analysis results showed that, although curcumin and its analogues have some disadvantages such as short wavelength and low bioavailability, these shortcomings can be conquered by modifying the structures. Curcumin scaffold still has the potential to be a multifunctional tool for AD research, including AD diagnosis and therapy.

Exploring the Pathogenesis and Mechanism-Targeted Treatments of Rosacea: Previous Understanding and Updates

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurrent erythema, flushing, telangiectasia, papules, pustules, and phymatous changes in the central area of the face. Patients with this condition often experience a significant negative impact on their quality of life, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Despite its prevalence, the pathogenesis of rosacea is not yet fully understood. Recent research advances are reshaping our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of rosacea, and treatment options based on the pathophysiological perspective hold promise to improve patient outcomes and reduce incidence. In this comprehensive review, we investigate the pathogenesis of rosacea in depth, with a focus on emerging and novel mechanisms, and provide an up-to-date overview of therapeutic strategies that target the diverse pathogenic mechanisms of rosacea. Lastly, we discuss potential future research directions aimed at enhancing our understanding of the condition and developing effective treatments.

Doxorubicin Encapsulated in TPGS-Modified 2D-Nanodisks Overcomes Multidrug Resistance

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is regarded as a main obstacle for effective chemotherapy, and P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated drug efflux has been demonstrated to be the key factor responsible for MDR. In this study, a novel pH-responsive hybrid drug delivery system was developed by conjugating d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS), a kind of P-gp inhibitor, on the surface of laponite nanodisks to overcome MDR. The prepared LM-TPGS display excellent colloidal stability, a high encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin (DOX), and a pH-responsive drug release profile. In vitro experiments verified that LM-TPGS/DOX could exhibit significantly enhanced therapeutic efficacy in treating DOX-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/ADR) through inhibiting the activity of P-gp-mediated drug efflux and effectively accumulating DOX within cancer cells. In vivo results revealed that LM-TPGS/DOX outstandingly suppressed MCF-7/ADR tumors with low side effects. Therefore, the high drug payload, enhanced inhibition efficacy to drug-resistant cells, and low side effects make the LM-TPGS/DOX a promising nanoplatform to reverse MDR for effective chemotherapy.

A New Specimen for Syphilis Diagnosis: Evidence by High Loads of Treponema pallidum DNA in Saliva

BACKGROUND

DNA from many pathogens can be detected in saliva. However, the presence and quantity of Treponema pallidum DNA in patients with syphilis in saliva is unknown.

METHODS

234 patients with syphilis with different stages and 30 volunteers were enrolled. Paired saliva and plasma samples were collected from all participants. Consecutive saliva samples from 9 patients were collected every 4 hours following treatment. Treponema pallidum DNA in samples was determined by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and droplet digital PCR targeting polA and Tpp47.

RESULTS

Treponema pallidum DNA detection rates in saliva and plasma were 31.0% (9/29) and 51.7% (15/29) in primary syphilis (P = .11), 87.5% (63/72) and 61.1% (44/72) in secondary syphilis (P < .001), 25.6% (21/82) and 8.5% (7/82) in latent syphilis (P = .004), and 21.6% (11/51) and 5.9% (3/51) in symptomatic neurosyphilis (P = .021), respectively. Median (range) loads of Tpp47 and polA in saliva were 627 (0-101 200) and 726 (0-117 260) copies/mL, respectively, for patients with syphilis. In plasma, however, loads of Tpp47 and polA were low: medians (range) of 0 (0-149.6) and 0 (0-176) copies/mL, respectively. Loads of T. pallidum DNA in saliva during treatment fluctuated downward; the clearance time was positively correlated with the loads of T. pallidum DNA before treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Collection of saliva is noninvasive and convenient. The high loads of T. pallidum DNA in saliva and reduction after treatment indicated that saliva can be not only a diagnostic fluid for syphilis but also an indicator of therapeutic effectiveness.

Plasma Aβ as a biomarker for predicting Aβ-PET status in Alzheimer's disease：a systematic review with meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Amyloid-β positron emission tomography (Aβ-PET) scan has been proposed to detect amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition in the brain. However, this approach is costly and not ideal for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Blood-based Aβ measurement offers a scalable alternative to the costly or invasive biomarkers. The aim of this study was to statistically validate whether plasma Aβ could predict Aβ-PET status via meta-analysis.

METHODS

We systematically searched for eligible studies from PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, which reported plasma Aβ levels of amyloid-β positron emission tomography-positive (PET (+)) and amyloid-β positron emission tomography-negative (PET (-)) subjects. We generated pooled estimates using random effects meta-analyses. For any study that has significant heterogeneity, metaregression and subgroup analysis were further conducted. Publication bias was appraised by funnel plots and Egger's test.

RESULTS

16 studies with 3047 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Among all the enrolled studies, 10 studies reported plasma Aβ40 values, while 9 studies reported plasma Aβ42 values and 13 studies reported Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. The pooled standardised mean difference (SMD) was 0.76 (95% CI -0.61 to 2.14, p=0.28) in the plasma Aβ40 values group. Plasma Aβ42 values group has a pooled SMD of -0.60 (95% CI -0.80 to -0.41, p<0.0001). In the plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio group, the pooled SMD was -1.44 (95% CI -2.17 to -0.72, p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Plasma Aβ40 values might not distinguish between PET (+) and PET (-) people. However, plasma Aβ42 values and plasma Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio could be served as independent biomarkers for predicting Aβ-PET status.

Integrating Chinese Herbs and Western Medicine for New Wound Dressings through Handheld Electrospinning

In this nanotechnology era, nanostructures play a crucial role in the investigation of novel functional nanomaterials. Complex nanostructures and their corresponding fabrication techniques provide powerful tools for the development of high-performance functional materials. In this study, advanced micro-nanomanufacturing technologies and composite micro-nanostructures were applied to the development of a new type of pharmaceutical formulation, aiming to achieve rapid hemostasis, pain relief, and antimicrobial properties. Briefly, an approach combining a electrohydrodynamic atomization (EHDA) technique and reversed-phase solvent was employed to fabricate a novel beaded nanofiber structure (BNS), consisting of micrometer-sized particles distributed on a nanoscale fiber matrix. Firstly, Zein-loaded Yunnan Baiyao (YB) particles were prepared using the solution electrospraying process. Subsequently, these particles were suspended in a co-solvent solution containing ciprofloxacin (CIP) and hydrophilic polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and electrospun into hybrid structural microfibers using a handheld electrospinning device, forming the EHDA product E3. The fiber-beaded composite morphology of E3 was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the amorphous state of CIP in the BNS membrane due to the good compatibility between CIP and PVP. The rapid dissolution experiment revealed that E3 exhibits fast disintegration properties and promotes the dissolution of CIP. Moreover, in vitro drug release study demonstrated the complete release of CIP within 1 min. Antibacterial assays showed a significant reduction in the number of adhered bacteria on the BNS, indicating excellent antibacterial performance. Compared with the traditional YB powders consisting of Chinese herbs, the BNS showed a series of advantages for potential wound dressing. These advantages include an improved antibacterial effect, a sustained release of active ingredients from YB, and a convenient wound covering application, which were resulted from the integration of Chinese herbs and Western medicine. This study provides valuable insights for the development of novel multiscale functional micro-/nano-composite materials and pioneers the developments of new types of medicines from the combination of herbal medicines and Western medicines.

Functional brain activity in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: an rs-fMRI study

Background

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is an early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) are employed to explore spontaneous brain function in patients with aMCI. This study applied ALFF and ReHo indicators to analyze the neural mechanism of aMCI by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods

Twenty-six patients with aMCI were included and assigned to the aMCI group. The other 26 healthy subjects were included as a healthy control (HC) group. Rs-fMRI was performed for all participants in both groups. Between-group comparisons of demographic data and neuropsychological scores were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Functional imaging data were analyzed using DPARSF and SPM12 software based on MATLAB 2017a. Gender, age, and years of education were used as covariates to obtain ALFF and ReHo indices.

Results

Compared with HC group, ALFF decreased in the left fusiform gyrus, left superior temporal gyrus, and increased in the left cerebellum 8, left inferior temporal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus (BA11), and right inferior temporal gyrus (BA20) in the aMCI group (p < 0.05, FWE correction). In addition, ReHo decreased in the right middle temporal gyrus and right anterior cuneiform lobe, while it increased in the left middle temporal gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, cerebellar vermis, right parahippocampal gyrus, left caudate nucleus, right thalamus, and left superior frontal gyrus (BA6) (p < 0.05, FWE correction). In the aMCI group, the ALFF of the left superior frontal gyrus was negatively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score (r = -0.437, p = 0.026), and the ALFF of the left superior temporal gyrus was positively correlated with the MoCA score (r = 0.550, p = 0.004). The ReHo of the right hippocampus was negatively correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score (r = -0.434, p = 0.027), and the ReHo of the right middle temporal gyrus was positively correlated with MMSE score (r = 0.392, p = 0.048).

Conclusion

Functional changes in multiple brain regions rather than in a single brain region have been observed in patients with aMCI. The abnormal activity of multiple specific brain regions may be a manifestation of impaired central function in patients with aMCI.

Contribution and interaction of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and triglyceride to diabetes in hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Hypertension is one of the most significant risk factors for diabetes. The present study aimed to investigate the associations of lipid profiles, including the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels, as well as their interactions, with type 2 diabetes in hypertensive patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hypertensive patients without a history of diabetes and hypolipidemic agents were enrolled continuously at the Hypertension Clinic, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University (Shanghai, China) from 2014 to 2016. General clinical data, including body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose and 2-h post-load glucose levels, and lipid profiles, were collected. The LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, TG/HDL-C ratio and TC/HDL-C ratio were separately calculated. Statistical analyses were carried out by using SPSS software (version 13.0).

RESULTS

In total, 935 hypertensive patients were included, of which 114 patients (12.2%) were diagnosed with diabetes. After multivariate adjustments, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and TG levels had the most significant and independent associations with diabetes. In the multivariate logistic regression, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and TG were independently associated with diabetes. After the interaction variable was included, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio remained independently associated with diabetes, but TG was replaced by TG*LDL-C/HDL-C.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, elevated LDL-C/HDL-C ratios and TG levels were associated with diabetes in patients with hypertension, with an interactive effect of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and TG on diabetes in the hypertensive population.

Temporal responses of conserved miRNAs to drought and their associations with drought tolerance and productivity in rice

BACKGROUND

Plant miRNAs play crucial roles in responses to drought and developmental processes. It is essential to understand the association of miRNAs with drought-tolerance (DT), as well as their impacts on growth, development, and reproduction (GDP). This will facilitate our utilization of rice miRNAs in breeding.

RESULTS

In this study, we investigated the time course of miRNA responses to a long-term drought among six rice genotypes by high-throughput sequencing. In total, 354 conserved miRNAs were drought responsive, representing obvious genotype- and stage-dependent patterns. The drought-responsive miRNAs (DRMs) formed complex regulatory network via their coexpression and direct/indirect impacts on the rice transcriptome. Based on correlation analyses, 211 DRMs were predicted to be associated with DT and/or GDP. Noticeably, 14.2% DRMs were inversely correlated with DT and GDP. In addition, 9 pairs of mature miRNAs, each derived from the same pre-miRNAs, were predicted to have opposite roles in regulating DT and GDP. This suggests a potential yield penalty if an inappropriate miRNA/pre-miRNA is utilized. miRNAs have profound impacts on the rice transcriptome reflected by great number of correlated drought-responsive genes. By regulating these genes, a miRNA could activate diverse biological processes and metabolic pathways to adapt to drought and have an influence on its GDP.

CONCLUSION

Based on the temporal pattern of miRNAs in response to drought, we have described the complex network between DRMs. Potential associations of DRMs with DT and/or GDP were disclosed. This knowledge provides valuable information for a better understanding in the roles of miRNAs play in rice DT and/or GDP, which can facilitate our utilization of miRNA in breeding.

Analysis of Gene Expression Profiles in the Human Brain Stem, Cerebellum and Cerebral Cortex

The human brain is one of the most mysterious tissues in the body. Our knowledge of the human brain is limited due to the complexity of its structure and the microscopic nature of connections between brain regions and other tissues in the body. In this study, we analyzed the gene expression profiles of three brain regions-the brain stem, cerebellum and cerebral cortex-to identify genes that are differentially expressed among these different brain regions in humans and to obtain a list of robust, region-specific, differentially expressed genes by comparing the expression signatures from different individuals. Feature selection methods, specifically minimum redundancy maximum relevance and incremental feature selection, were employed to analyze the gene expression profiles. Sequential minimal optimization, a machine-learning algorithm, was employed to examine the utility of selected genes. We also performed a literature search, and we discuss the experimental evidence for the important physiological functions of several highly ranked genes, including NR2E1, DAO, and LRRC7, and we give our analyses on a gene (TFAP2B) that have not been investigated or experimentally validated. As a whole, the results of our study will improve our ability to predict and understand genes related to brain regionalization and function.

Emerging Roles of Lysophosphatidic Acid in Macrophages and Inflammatory Diseases

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid that regulates physiological and pathological processes in numerous cell biological functions, including cell migration, apoptosis, and proliferation. Macrophages are found in most human tissues and have multiple physiological and pathological functions. There is growing evidence that LPA signaling plays a significant role in the physiological function of macrophages and accelerates the development of diseases caused by macrophage dysfunction and inflammation, such as inflammation-related diseases, cancer, atherosclerosis, and fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the roles of LPA in macrophages, analyze numerous macrophage- and inflammation-associated diseases triggered by LPA, and discuss LPA-targeting therapeutic strategies.

Benchmarking and integrating genome-wide CRISPR off-target detection and prediction

Systematic evaluation of genome-wide Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) off-target profiles is a fundamental step for the successful application of the CRISPR system to clinical therapies. Many experimental techniques and in silico tools have been proposed for detecting and predicting genome-wide CRISPR off-target profiles. These techniques and tools, however, have not been systematically benchmarked. A comprehensive benchmark study and an integrated strategy that takes advantage of the currently available tools to improve predictions of genome-wide CRISPR off-target profiles are needed. We focused on the specificity of the traditional CRISPR SpCas9 system for gene knockout. First, we benchmarked 10 available genome-wide off-target cleavage site (OTS) detection techniques with the published OTS detection datasets. Second, taking the datasets generated from OTS detection techniques as the benchmark datasets, we benchmarked 17 available in silico genome-wide OTS prediction tools to evaluate their genome-wide CRISPR off-target prediction performances. Finally, we present the first one-stop integrated Genome-Wide Off-target cleavage Search platform (iGWOS) that was specifically designed for the optimal genome-wide OTS prediction by integrating the available OTS prediction algorithms with an AdaBoost ensemble framework.