In-depth profile of biosignatures for T2DM cohort utilizing an integrated targeted LC-MS platform.

The profiling of metabolites provides an immediate snapshot that depicts crucial physiological information, holding immense potential for the early diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, including diabetes. Herein, we proposed an optimized and in-depth target-based metabolome platform through an integration of six distinct conditions, including a normal phase, a pre-column chemical derivatization and four reversed phase separation methods for the quantification of a total of 1609 small molecules (32 sub-classes) in serum after normalization using isotope-labeled internal standards. After undergoing rigorous methodological validation and comprehensive comparison with untargeted strategies, we present a new dataset of metabolomic profile encompassing a cohort of 200 healthy individuals and 100 newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients from the northern region of China.

Engineering bidirectional charge transport channels boosts solar driven sulfion oxidation upgrading coupled with hydrogen production.

The inefficient charge separation and transport remains a bottleneck in photocatalysis. While various strategies have been explored to improve this process, most focus on single-sided modulation either the conduction-band electrons or valence-band holes, limiting overall improvement. Herein, an innovative coupling modification approach is adopted where Ru and α-FeO (FO) nanoparticles are integrated onto ZnInS (ZIS) to prepare Ru/ZnInS/α-FeO, and constructs dual charge transfer pathways for electrons and holes.

A glucose-enriched lung pre-metastatic niche triggered by matrix stiffness-tuned exosomal miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Apart from the classic features, it is almost unknown whether there exist other new pathological features during pre-metastatic niche formation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our previous works have highlighted the contribution of increased matrix stiffness to lung pre-metastatic niche formation and metastasis in HCC. However, whether increased matrix stiffness influences glucose metabolism and supply of lung pre-metastatic niche remains largely unclear.

Disease burden and related risk factors of esophageal cancer in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, with forecast to 2035: An analysis and comparison.

Introduction: In this study we estimate the burden of esophageal cancer (EC) in China and globally from 1990 to 2021, with a forecast to 2035, using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data. We also analyze the related risk factors to investigate burden trends.

Methods: Mortality, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), crude rates, and age-standardized rates of EC were analyzed in China and globally from 1990 to 2035, utilizing GBD open data as a secondary dataset analysis of GBD data.

Nuclear translocation of metabolic enzyme PKM2 participates in high glucose-promoted HCC metastasis by strengthening immunosuppressive environment.

Although some cohort studies have indicated a close association between diabetes and HCC, the underlying mechanism about the contribution of diabetes to HCC progression remains largely unknown. In the study, we applied a novel HCC model in SD rat with diabetes and a series of high glucose-stimulated cell experiments to explore the effect of a high glucose environment on HCC metastasis and its relevant mechanism. Our results uncovered a novel regulatory mechanism by which nuclear translocation of metabolic enzyme PKM2 mediated high glucose-promoted HCC metastasis.

A synergistic regulation works in matrix stiffness-driven invadopodia formation in HCC.

Growing evidence has suggested that increased matrix stiffness can significantly strengthen the malignant characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, whether and how increased matrix stiffness regulates the formation of invadopodia in HCC cells remain largely unknown. In the study, we developed different experimental systems in vitro and in vivo to explore the effects of matrix stiffness on the formation of invadopodia and its relevant molecular mechanism.

A Nucleotide Metabolism-Related Gene Signature for Risk Stratification and Prognosis Prediction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on an Integrated Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Approach.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The in-depth study of genes and metabolites related to nucleotide metabolism will provide new ideas for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. This study integrated the transcriptome data of different cancer types to explore the characteristics and significance of nucleotide metabolism-related genes (NMGRs) in different cancer types.

Benefit evaluation of in-situ Cd immobilization with naturally occurring minerals using an analytical hierarchy process.

Immobilization has a wide range of applications in heavy metal-contaminated soil remediation, and immobilization agents serve as the key to the successful application of this technology. In this study, we designed a comprehensive and efficient scoring system based on an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of three immobilization agents (wollastonite, dolomite, and calcite) in remediating Cd-polluted soil. The scoring system comprised four criteria and 11 indicators, and the results showed that all three immobilization agents significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in rice.

A rapid, multiplex digital PCR assay to detect gene variants and fusions in non-small cell lung cancer.

Digital PCR (dPCR) is emerging as an ideal platform for the detection and tracking of genomic variants in cancer due to its high sensitivity and simple workflow. The growing number of clinically actionable cancer biomarkers creates a need for fast, accessible methods that allow for dense information content and high accuracy. Here, we describe a proof-of-concept amplitude modulation-based multiplex dPCR assay capable of detecting 12 single-nucleotide and insertion/deletion (indel) variants in EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and ERBB2, 14 gene fusions in ALK, RET, ROS1, and NTRK1, and MET exon 14 skipping present in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The Geras virtual frailty rehabilitation program to build resilience in older adults with frailty during COVID-19: a randomized feasibility trial.

Background: The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has exacerbated the risk for poor physical and mental health outcomes among vulnerable older adults. Multicomponent interventions could potentially prevent or reduce the risk of becoming frail; however, there is limited evidence about utilizing alternative modes of delivery where access to in-person care may be challenging. This randomized feasibility trial aimed to understand how a multicomponent rehabilitation program can be delivered remotely to vulnerable older adults with frailty during the pandemic.

Genome-wide identification of RNA modification-related single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: RNA modification plays important roles in many biological processes, such as gene expression control. The aim of this study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms related to RNA modification (RNAm-SNPs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as putative functional variants.

Methods: We examined the association of RNAm-SNPs with RA in summary data from a genome-wide association study of 19,234 RA cases and 61,565 controls.

RNA Modification-Related Genetic Variants in Genomic Loci Associated with Bone Mineral Density and Fracture.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified more than 500 loci for bone mineral density (BMD), but functional variants in these loci are less known. The aim of this study was to identify RNA modification-related SNPs (RNAm-SNPs) for BMD in GWAS loci. We evaluated the association of RNAm-SNPs with quantitative heel ultrasound BMD (eBMD) in 426,824 individuals, femoral neck (FN) and lumbar spine (LS) BMD in 32,961 individuals and fracture in ~1.

Activation of Piezo1 contributes to matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Despite integrin being highlighted as a stiffness-sensor molecule in matrix stiffness-driven angiogenesis, other stiffness-sensor molecules and their mechanosensory pathways related to angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain obscure. Here, we explored the interplay between Piezo1 and integrin β1 in the mechanosensory pathway and their effects on HCC angiogenesis to better understand matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis.

Methods: The role of Piezo1 in matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis was investigated using orthotopic liver cancer SD rat models with high liver stiffness background, and its clinical significance was evaluated in human HCC tissues.

RNA modification-related variants in genomic loci associated with body mass index.

Background: Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified hundreds of loci for body mass index (BMI), but functional variants in these loci are less known. The purpose of this study was to identify RNA modification-related SNPs (RNAm-SNPs) for BMI in GWAS loci. BMI-associated RNAm-SNPs were identified in a GWAS of approximately 700,000 individuals.

When Glycosylation Meets Blood Cells: A Glance of the Aberrant Glycosylation in Hematological Malignancies.

Among neoplasia-associated epigenetic alterations, changes in cellular glycosylation have recently received attention as a key component of hematological malignancy progression. Alterations in glycosylation appear to not only directly impact cell growth and survival, but also alter the adhesion of tumor cells and their interactions with the microenvironment, facilitating cancer-induced immunomodulation and eventual metastasis. Changes in glycosylation arise from altered expression of glycosyltransferases, enzymes that catalyze the transfer of saccharide moieties to a wide range of acceptor substrates, such as proteins, lipids, and other saccharides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus.

The pathological significance of LOXL2 in pre-metastatic niche formation of HCC and its related molecular mechanism.

Objective: The mechanisms underlying the contribution of primary tumour to pre-metastatic niche formation remains largely unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously reported that the released LOXL2 from HCC cells under higher stiffness stimulation facilitated the formation of lung pre-metastatic niche. Here, we further clarified the pathological role of LOXL2 in promoting lung pre-metastatic niche formation and lung metastasis occurrence in HCC and its relevant molecular mechanism.

Lactobacillus reuteri-derived extracellular vesicles maintain intestinal immune homeostasis against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses in broilers.

Background: Lactobacillus reuteri strains are widely used as probiotics to prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease by modulating the host's immune system. However, the underlying mechanisms by which they communicate with the host have not been clearly understood. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been considered as important mediators of host-pathogen interactions, but their potential role in commensals-host crosstalk has not been widely studied.

An OMV-Based Nanovaccine Confers Safety and Protection against Pathogenic via Both Humoral and Predominantly Th1 Immune Responses in Poultry.

Avian pathogenic (APEC) infection in poultry causes enormous economic losses and public health risks. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and nano-sized proteolipids enriched with various immunogenic molecules have gained extensive interest as novel nanovaccines against bacterial infections. In this study, after the preparation of APEC O2-derived OMVs (APEC_OMVs) using the ultracentrifugation method and characterization of them using electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analyses, we examined the safety and vaccination effect of APEC_OMVs in broiler chicks and investigated the underlying immunological mechanism of protection.

Hyperoside from Z. bungeanum leaves restores insulin secretion and mitochondrial function by regulating pancreatic cellular redox status in diabetic mice.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance and insufficient insulin secretion caused by pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of caspases in mitochondria inhibit insulin secretion and promote apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells. Studies have demonstrated that positive correlation between the consumption of flavonoid-rich diets and diabetes prevention.

Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917-derived outer membrane vesicles enhance immunomodulation and antimicrobial activity in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Background: Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) has been widely studied for the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases and infectious diarrhea, but the mechanisms by which they communicate with the host are not well-known. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are produced by Gram-negative bacteria and deliver microbial molecules to distant target cells in the host, which play a very important role in mediating bacteria-host communication. Here, we aimed to investigate whether EcN-derived OMVs (EcN_OMVs) could mediate immune regulation in macrophages.

Exploiting bacterial outer membrane vesicles as a cross-protective vaccine candidate against avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC).

Background: The well-known fact that avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is harder to prevent due to its numerous serogroups has promoted the development of biological immunostimulatory materials as new vaccine candidates in poultry farms. Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), known as spherical nanovesicles enriched with various immunostimulants, are naturally secreted by Gram-negative bacteria, and have gained much attention for developing effective vaccine candidates. Recent report has demonstrated that OMVs of APEC O78 can induce protective immunity in chickens.

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of rare painless keratitis caused by three pathogens: clinical practice and experiential discussion.

There have been numerous reports regarding the occurrence of keratitis in patients with soft contact lenses, but few reports in patients with rigid gas permeable contact lenses. To the best of our knowledge, the occurrence of infection associated with three species of pathogens has never been reported. Here, we describe a patient who exhibited refractory painless keratitis caused by three pathogens (, , and herpes simplex virus) and summarize similar reports published at multiple centers worldwide, with the aim of providing guidance for clinicians who might encounter mixed-type corneal infections.