Single-cell transcriptomic analyses reveal heterogeneity and key subsets associated with survival and response to PD-1 blockade in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Understanding the intricate tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the progression of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and its response to anti-PD-1 therapy.

Methods: In this study, we characterized 50,649 cells obtained from the CSCC for single-cell RNA sequencing and integrated bulk sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and clinical samples to explore their cell composition, metabolic processes, signaling pathways, specific transcription factors, lineage tracking and response to immunotherapy. In vivo experiments were performed to validate the function of key cell subsets.

Transcription-coupled AID deamination damage depends on ELOF1-associated RNA polymerase II.

In adaptive immunity, transcription-coupled damage (TCD) is introduced into antibody genes by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to diversify antibody repertoire. However, the coordination between transcription and DNA damage/repair remains elusive. Here, we find that transcription elongation factor 1 (ELOF1) stabilizes paused RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) at transcription barriers, providing a platform for transcription-coupled DNA damage/repair.

Dynamics of hippocampal reactivation for temporal association memory in mice.

Reactivation refers to the re-emergence of activity in neuronal ensembles that were active during information encoding. Hippocampal CA1 neuronal ensembles generate firing activities that encode the temporal association among time-separated events. However, whether and how temporal association memory-related CA1 neuronal ensembles reactivate during sleep and their role in temporal association memory consolidation remain unclear.

Decellularized tissue matrices hydrogels functionalized with extracellular vesicles promote macrophage reprogramming and neural stem cell differentiation for spinal cord injury repair.

This study investigates the application of decellularized tissue matrices (DSCM) hydrogels functionalized with extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) for spinal cord injury (SCI) treatment. The primary focus is on how these composites influence macrophage reprogramming and neural stem cell (NSC) differentiation by modulating Slamf9 expression. MSC-derived EVs were successfully isolated, and DSCM hydrogels were prepared from porcine spinal cords.

Preclinical tumor control with a laser-accelerated high-energy electron radiotherapy prototype.

Radiotherapy using very-high-energy electron (VHEE) beams (50-300 MeV) has attracted considerable attention due to its advantageous dose deposition characteristics, enabling deep penetration and easy manipulation by magnetic components. One promising approach to compactly delivering these high energy electron beams in a cost-effective manner is laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA), which offers ultra-strong accelerating gradients. However, the transition from this concept to a functional machine intended for tumor treatment remains elusive.

TFAP2A facilitates the metastasis and radioresistance of esophageal cancer by promoting EGFR transcription.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is considered to play tumor-promoting role in esophageal cancer (EC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of EGFR-mediated EC progression and radioresistance still need to be further revealed. The mRNA and protein levels of EGFR and transcription factor AP-2 alpha (TFAP2A) in EC tissues and cells were tested by qRT-PCR and western blot.

Sandwiched dual seed sources master oscillator power amplifier quantum cascade lasers.

To facilitate the development of compact multi-wavelengths lasers, we reported the experimental demonstration of dual seed sources master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) QCLs. The devices were based on a sandwich configuration consisting of dual seed sources and a central power amplifier. Emission spectrum of devices was modulated by switching seed sources.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of to Macrolides and Characterization of (T)-Carrying Mobile Elements on Chromosome.

is the etiological agent of Glässer's disease, which causes high morbidity and mortality in pigs worldwide. Macrolide resistance poses an urgent threat to their treatment, as macrolides are widely used for preventing and treating infections. Here, we determined the susceptibilities to five macrolides and characterized the genetic markers of macrolide resistance.

Lutein-loaded multifunctional hydrogel dressing based on carboxymethyl chitosan for chronic wound healing.

Oxidative stress is a major contributor to the difficulties in chronic wound healing. Although antioxidant hydrogels have been developed, they are still insufficient for addressing the entire chronic wound healing process. In this study, a lutein-loaded multifunctional hydrogel dressing (Lutein/CMC/PVP/TA, Lutein/CPT) with synergistic antioxidation properties was developed by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic crosslinking of tannic acid (TA) with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).

[Clinical analysis of endoscopic transnasal resection of skull base chondrosarcoma].

To explore the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of endoscopic transnasal approaches in the treatment of skull base chondrosarcomas. Data from patients diagnosed with skull base chondrosarcomas and treated via endoscopic transnasal surgery at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, from 2013 to 2022 were collected. This retrospective study analyzed the patients' clinical presentations, histopathological grading, involved sites and extents, and complications following the endoscopic transnasal surgery.

Projected epidemiological trends and burden of liver cancer by 2040 based on GBD, CI5plus, and WHO data.

Incidence of liver cancer as one of the most common cancers worldwide and become the significant contributor for the mortality among cancer patients. The disease burden, risk factors, and trends in incidence and mortality of liver cancer globally was described subsequently estimated the projections of liver cancer incidence or mortality by 2040. Data regarding age-standardized incidence and mortality rates for liver cancer was obtained from multiple databases, including GLOBOCAN 2020, CI5 volumes I-XI, WHO mortality database, and Global Burden of Disease (GBD)-2019.

Emerging insights into epigenetics and hematopoietic stem cell trafficking in age-related hematological malignancies.

Background: Hematopoiesis within the bone marrow (BM) is a complex and tightly regulated process predominantly influenced by immune factors. Aging, diabetes, and obesity are significant contributors to BM niche damage, which can alter hematopoiesis and lead to the development of clonal hematopoiesis of intermediate potential (CHIP). Genetic/epigenetic alterations during aging could influence BM niche reorganization for hematopoiesis or clonal hematopoiesis.

Ectopic Olfactory Neuroblastoma Arising in the Nasopharynx.

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB) is an uncommon malignant tumor typically located in the upper nasal cavity. Olfactory neuroblastoma originating in the nasopharynx is extremely rare and tends to be misdiagnosed. The authors describe a rare case of ONB arising ectopically in the nasopharynx.

The impact of digital financial development on corporate leverage ratio: The case of a-share listed non-financial enterprises in China's Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges.

This study investigates the impact of digital finance on corporate leverage ratios. The study employed a large sample of China's Shanghai and Shenzhen A-share non-financial listed enterprises from 2011-2020. The study's results depict that the development of digital finance can significantly reduce the leverage ratio of enterprises.

Correlation of time trends of air pollutants, greenspaces and tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer incidence and mortality among the adults in United States.

Background: Tracheal, Bronchus, and Lung (TBL) cancer continues to represent the majority of cancer-related incidence and mortality in United States (U.S.).

Interleukin-7 expression by CAR-T cells improves CAR-T cell survival and efficacy in chordoma.

Chordoma is a rare bone tumor that frequently recurs after surgery, and the prognosis is poor with current treatments. This study aimed to identify potential novel immunotherapeutic targets for chordomas by identifying target proteins in clinical samples as well as tumor microenvironmental factors to enhance efficacy. Fourteen chordoma samples were analyzed by single-cell RNA sequencing, and B7-H3 and IL-7 were identified as potential targets and potentiators, respectively.

Cuproptosis, the novel type of oxidation-induced cell death in thoracic cancers: can it enhance the success of immunotherapy?

Copper is an important metal micronutrient, required for the balanced growth and normal physiological functions of human organism. Copper-related toxicity and dysbalanced metabolism were associated with the disruption of intracellular respiration and the development of various diseases, including cancer. Notably, copper-induced cell death was defined as cuproptosis which was also observed in malignant cells, representing an attractive anti-cancer instrument.

Patients' perceptions matter: Risk communication and psychosocial factors in orthodontics.

Introduction: Effective risk communication is essential for achieving patient-centered oral health care, but the limited understanding of patients' subjective perceptions of orthodontic-related risks hinders this process. This study aimed to investigate adults' awareness, concerns, and risk-avoidance behaviors about long-term orthodontic risks, exploring their relationship with psychosocial factors.

Methods: We included 498 adult patients (mean age, 27.

Effect of Chinese outward FDI on youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa.

This paper investigates the effect of Chinese outward foreign direct investment (FDI) on youth unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by using a modified labour demand model to identify the investment sources that are helpful for reducing youth unemployment in the region. The model is applied to a panel of 42 countries for the period 2003-2021 using random-effect, and generalized method of moment (GMM) estimators for robustness check. Our results suggest that Chinese FDI has direct short-term reducing effect on youth unemployment in SSA.