A Treasure Trove of Urban Microbial Diversity: Community and Diversity Characteristics of Urban Ancient Rhizosphere Microorganisms in Shanghai.

Rapid urbanization has exerted immense pressure on urban environments, severely constraining the growth of ancient trees. The growth of ancient trees is closely linked to the microbial communities in their rhizospheres, and studying their community characteristics may provide new insights into promoting the growth and rejuvenation of ancient trees. In this study, the rhizosphere soil and root systems of ancient trees (approximately 200 years old) and adult trees (approximately 50 years old) in Shanghai were selected as research subjects.

SARS-CoV-2 N protein-induced Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3 downregulation causes pneumonia.

Though RNAi and RNA-splicing machineries are involved in regulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication, their precise roles in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis remain unclear. Herein, we show that decreased RNAi component (Dicer and XPO5) and splicing factor (SRSF3 and hnRNPA3) expression correlate with increased COVID-19 severity. SARS-CoV-2 N protein induces the autophagic degradation of Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3, inhibiting miRNA biogenesis and RNA splicing and triggering DNA damage, proteotoxic stress, and pneumonia.

Heterozygous Spink1 c.194+2T>C mutation promotes chronic pancreatitis after acute attack in mice.

Background & Aims: Mutations in genes, including serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 1 (SPINK1), influence disease progression following sentinel acute pancreatitis event (SAPE) attacks. SPINK1 c.194+2T > C intron mutation is one of the main mutants of SPINK1，which leads to the impairment of SPINK1 function by causing skipping of exon 3.

Feasibility and effectiveness of automatic deep learning network and radiomics models for differentiating tumor stroma ratio in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Objective: This study aims to compare the feasibility and effectiveness of automatic deep learning network and radiomics models in differentiating low tumor stroma ratio (TSR) from high TSR in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a total of 207 PDAC patients from three centers (training cohort: n = 160; test cohort: n = 47). TSR was assessed on hematoxylin and eosin-stained specimens by experienced pathologists and divided as low TSR and high TSR.

Comprehensive analysis and identification of prognostic biomarkers and immunotherapeutic targets in the NADPH oxidase family (and its regulatory subunits) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the role of NADPH in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using bioinformatic analyses and experimental validations.

Methods: We compared the expression levels, performed GO and KEGG analysis of NADPH oxidase family and its regulatory subunits, and determined the survival of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by GEPIA, David and KM plotter. The relationship between their expression with immune infiltration levels, phagocytotic/NK cell immune checkpoints, recruitment-related molecules were detected by Timer 2.

Reverse-QTY code design of active human serum albumin self-assembled amphiphilic nanoparticles for effective anti-tumor drug doxorubicin release in mice.

uman erum lbumin (HSA) is a highly water-soluble protein with 67% alpha-helix content and three distinct domains (I, II, and III). HSA offers a great promise in drug delivery with enhanced permeability and retention effect. But it is hindered by protein denaturation during drug entrapment or conjugation that result in distinct cellular transport pathways and reduction of biological activities.

Effects of Glomalin-Related Soil Protein Driven by Root on Forest Soil Aggregate Stability and Carbon Sequestration during Urbanization in Nanchang, China.

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) is a hydrophobic protein released by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. It is an important component of the soil carbon pool, and it improves the soil aggregate structure; however, it remains unclear whether GRSP can enhance soil carbon sequestration and improve soil quality during rapid urbanization. The built-up area in Nanchang, China was the study area, and the proportion of impervious surface area was the parameter of urbanization intensity.

A survival nomogram model constructed with common clinical characteristics to assist clinical decisions for diffuse low-grade gliomas: A population analysis based on SEER database.

Background: The prognosis of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs, WHO grade 2) is highly variable, making it difficult to evaluate individual patient outcomes. In this study, we used common clinical characteristics to construct a predictive model with multiple indicators.

Methods: We identified 2459 patients diagnosed with astrocytoma and oligodendroglioma from 2000 to 2018 in the SEER database.

What Are the Effects of Moso Bamboo Expansion into Japanese Cedar on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi: Altering the Community Composition Rather than the Diversity.

The unbridled expansion of moso bamboo () occurs throughout the world and has a series of consequences. However, the effect of bamboo expansion on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is still poorly understood. We assessed the changes in the AMF community during bamboo expansion into Japanese cedar () forests by analyzing AMF in three forest types-Japanese cedar (JC), bamboo-cedar mixed (BC) and moso bamboo (MB)-using 454 pyrosequencing technology.

Computational identification of immune-related lncRNA signature for predicting the prognosis and immune landscape of human glioblastoma multiforme.

Emerging evidence shows immune-related long noncoding RNAs (ir-lncRNAs) perform critical roles in tumor progression and prognosis assessment. However, the identification of ir-lncRNAs and their clinical significance in human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) remain largely unexplored. Here, a designed computational frame based on immune score was used to identify differentially expressed ir-lncRNAs (DEir-lncRNAs) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) GBM program.

Comparison of Multiple Radiomics Models for Identifying Histological Grade of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Preoperatively Based on Multiphasic Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography: A Two-Center Study in Southwest China.

Background: We designed and validated the value of multiple radiomics models for diagnosing histological grade of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), holding a promise of assisting in precision medicine and providing clinical therapeutic strategies.

Methods: 198 PDAC patients receiving surgical resection and pathological confirmation were enrolled and classified as 117 low-grade PDAC and 81 high-grade PDAC group. An external validation group was used to assess models' performance.

A Novel Tree Shrew Model of Chronic Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis and Its Disruptive Application.

Background: Previous studies have established several animal models for experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in rodents without the fovea centralis in the human retina. This study aimed to develop and explore the application of a novel EAU model in tree shrews with a cone-dominated retina resembling the human fovea.

Methods: Tree shrews were clinically and pathologically evaluated for the development and characteristics of EAU immunized with six inter-photoreceptor retinoid-binding proteins (IRBPs).

Parental uveitis causes elevated hair loss in offspring of C57BL/6J mice.

Our previous study demonstrated that parental uveitis in a susceptible population can cause hair loss and increase the susceptibility to experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) in offspring. However, it is unclear whether parental uveitis affects the development of offspring in an EAU-moderate-susceptible population. Herein, moderate-susceptible C57BL/6J mice were immunized with inter-photoreceptor retinoid binding protein (IRBP) 651-670 to develop EAU and were kept together for mating.

An Enhancer-Driven Stem Cell-Like Program Mediated by SOX9 Blocks Intestinal Differentiation in Colorectal Cancer.

Background And Aims: Genomic alterations that encourage stem cell activity and hinder proper maturation are central to the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Key molecular mediators that promote these malignant properties require further elucidation to galvanize translational advances. We therefore aimed to characterize a key factor that blocks intestinal differentiation, define its transcriptional and epigenetic program, and provide preclinical evidence for therapeutic targeting in CRC.

Epigenetic identification of mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 as a functional tumor suppressor and clinical significance for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 () is a member of the c-jun N-terminal kinases () subgroup in the MAPK superfamily, and was proposed as a tumor suppressor inactivated epigenetically. Its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not yet been illustrated. We aimed to investigate the expression and epigenetic regulation of as well as its clinical significance in HCC.

PLZF and PLZF-MAPK10 can predict the prognosis of postoperative patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Objective: The current study aimed to explore the expression level of promyelocytic leukaemia zinc finger (PLZF) in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and to investigate the value of detecting the expression levels of PLZF and mitogen-activated protein kinase 10 (MAPK10) on predicting prognosis.

Methods: This study selected data from 53 patients with HCC who had undergone hepatectomy in our hospital. The expressions of PLZF and MAPK10 in tumor tissues and normal tissues were compared and related clinical factors were analyzed.

[Progress in CT and MRI of preoperative T staging of laryngeal carcinoma].

The T stage of laryngeal carcinoma is directly related to the choice of surgical, and CT and MRI are useful tools to assess staging of laryngeal carcinoma preoperatively. In this review, current status and progress of CT and MRI in preoperative T staging of laryngeal carcinoma were summarized. Conventional CT and MRI still have limitations in the evaluation of preoperative T staging of laryngeal carcinoma, however DECT, DWI and other technologies can provide more useful information.

Oncogenic KRAS Reduces Expression of FGF21 in Acinar Cells to Promote Pancreatic Tumorigenesis in Mice on a High-Fat Diet.

Background & Aims: Obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. In mice, a high-fat diet (HFD) and expression of oncogenic KRAS lead to development of invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by unknown mechanisms. We investigated how oncogenic KRAS regulates the expression of fibroblast growth factor 21, FGF21, a metabolic regulator that prevents obesity, and the effects of recombinant human FGF21 (rhFGF21) on pancreatic tumorigenesis.

High expression of GMⅡ is associated with poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Being an important N-glycosylation enzyme in eukaryotic cells, Golgi α-mannosidaseⅡ (GMⅡ) has been suggested to function as a target for cancer treatment based on the inhibitory effect on cancer growth and metastasis by the swainsonine, an inhibitor of GMⅡ. This study aims to investigate GMⅡ expression and its prognostic value in primary gastric cancer. The GMⅡ expression was examined by using the quantitative PCR and Western blotting in 37 paired gastric cancer and noncancerous tissues.

Medulloblastomas in cerebellopontine angle: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, molecular analysis and surgical outcome.

Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) medulloblastoma is rare and short of system description. We attempted to clarify its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, imaging features, pathological and molecular types, and surgical outcomes. 8 patients from 7 to 52 years old were enrolled in this retrospective study, with mean age 21.

ShRNA-mediated silencing of hTERT promote apoptosis and senescence in human ovarian cancer cells.

Background: Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is a crucial oncogene and a key factor in cell immortalization. Apart from hematopoiesis stem cell and germ cells, normal cells and tissues almost no expression of this gene. However, the positive expression rate of hTERT in malignant tumors is as high as 80-95%.

PPARD and Interferon Gamma Promote Transformation of Gastric Progenitor Cells and Tumorigenesis in Mice.

Background & Aims: The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD) regulates cell metabolism, proliferation, and inflammation and has been associated with gastric and other cancers. Villin-positive epithelial cells are a small population of quiescent gastric progenitor cells. We expressed PPARD from a villin promoter to investigate the role of these cells and PPARD in development of gastric cancer.

Mono-ADP-ribosylation of H3R117 traps 5mC hydroxylase TET1 to impair demethylation of tumor suppressor gene TFPI2.

Recently, nuclear poly-ADP-ribosylation had aroused research interest in epigenetics, but little attempt to explore functions of mono-ADP-ribosylation of histone, the major formation of histone ADP-ribosylated modification. We have previously reported a novel mono-ADP-ribosylation of H3R117, which promoted proliferation of LoVo cells. Here we showed that mono-ADP-ribosylated H3R117 of LoVo cells depressed demethylation of tumor suppressor TFPI2 promoter by suppressing TET1 expression and adjusting H3K9me3 enrichment of TFPI2 promoter to attenuate affinity of TET1, besides, since high H3K27me3 level was associated with hypermethylation, mono-ADP-ribosylated-H3R117-depended-H3K27me3 of TFPI2 promoter may contribute to hypermethylation of TFPI2.