Limited Biomarker Potential for IgG Autoantibodies Reactive to Linear Epitopes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or Spondyloarthropathy.

Background: Autoantibodies are commonly used as biomarkers in autoimmune diseases, but there are limitations. For example, autoantibody biomarkers have poor sensitivity or specificity in systemic lupus erythematosus and do not exist in the spondyloarthropathies, impairing diagnosis and treatment. While autoantibodies suitable for strong biomarkers may not exist in these conditions, another possibility is that technology has limited their discovery.

Ensembling methods for protein-ligand binding affinity prediction.

Protein-ligand binding affinity prediction is a key element of computer-aided drug discovery. Most of the existing deep learning methods for protein-ligand binding affinity prediction utilize single models and suffer from low accuracy and generalization capability. In this paper, we train 13 deep learning models from combinations of 5 input features.

Intratumoral radiation dose heterogeneity augments antitumor immunity in mice and primes responses to checkpoint blockade.

Radiation therapy (RT) activates multiple immunologic effects in the tumor microenvironment (TME), with diverse dose-response relationships observed. We hypothesized that, in contrast with homogeneous RT, a heterogeneous RT dose would simultaneously optimize activation of multiple immunogenic effects in a single TME, resulting in a more effective antitumor immune response. Using high-dose-rate brachytherapy, we treated mice bearing syngeneic tumors with a single fraction of heterogeneous RT at a dose ranging from 2 to 30 gray.

Invasive cancer and spontaneous regression two weeks after papillomavirus infection.

Development of invasive cancer in mammals is thought to require months or years after initial events such as mutation or viral infection. Rarely, invasive cancers regress spontaneously. We show that cancers can develop and regress on a timescale of weeks, not months or years.

Quantifying the Hydration-Dependent Dynamics of Cu Migration and Activity in Zeolite Omega for the Partial Oxidation of Methane.

Copper-exchanged zeolite omega (Cu-omega) is a potent material for the selective conversion of methane-to-methanol (MtM) via the oxygen looping approach. However, its performance exhibits substantial variation depending on the operational conditions. Under an isothermal temperature regime, Cu-omega demonstrates subdued activity below 230 °C, but experiences a remarkable increase in activity at 290 °C.

Nanofiber-reinforced self-healing polysaccharide-based hydrogel dressings for pH discoloration monitoring and treatment of infected wounds.

The escalating global health concern arises from chronic wounds induced by bacterial infections, posing a significant threat to individuals. Consequently, an imperative exist for the development of hydrogel dressings to facilitate prompt wound monitoring and efficacious wound management. To this end, pH-sensitive bromothymol blue (BTB) and pH-responsive drug tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) were introduced into the polysaccharide-based hydrogel to realize the integration of wound monitoring and controlled treatment.

Palmitic Acid Exerts Anti-Tumorigenic Activities by Modulating Cellular Stress and Lipid Droplet Formation in Endometrial Cancer.

Epidemiological and clinical evidence have extensively documented the role of obesity in the development of endometrial cancer. However, the effect of fatty acids on cell growth in endometrial cancer has not been widely studied. Here, we reported that palmitic acid significantly inhibited cell proliferation of endometrial cancer cells and primary cultures of endometrial cancer and reduced tumor growth in a transgenic mouse model of endometrial cancer, in parallel with increased cellular stress and apoptosis and decreased cellular adhesion and invasion.

Administration of intratumoral GD2-directed interleukin-2 immunocytokine and local radiation therapy to activate immune rejection of spontaneous canine melanoma.

Canine malignant melanoma provides a clinically relevant, large animal parallel patient population to study the GD2-reactive hu14.18-IL-2 immunocytokine as it is similar to human melanoma and expresses GD2. The objectives of this study were to evaluate safety, radiation fractionation, and identify informative biomarkers of an in-situ tumor vaccine involving local radiation therapy plus intratumoral-immunocytokine in melanoma tumor-bearing dogs.

Distance plus attention for binding affinity prediction.

Protein-ligand binding affinity plays a pivotal role in drug development, particularly in identifying potential ligands for target disease-related proteins. Accurate affinity predictions can significantly reduce both the time and cost involved in drug development. However, highly precise affinity prediction remains a research challenge.

Novel autoantibodies help diagnose anti-SSA antibody negative Sjögren disease and predict abnormal labial salivary gland pathology.

Objectives: Sjögren disease (SjD) diagnosis often requires either positive anti-SSA antibodies or a labial salivary gland biopsy with a positive focus score (FS). One-third of patients with SjD lack anti-SSA antibodies (SSA-), requiring a positive FS for diagnosis. Our objective was to identify novel autoantibodies to diagnose 'seronegative' SjD.

Intermittent energy restriction inhibits tumor growth and enhances paclitaxel response in a transgenic mouse model of endometrial cancer.

Objective: Overweight/obesity is the strongest risk factor for endometrial cancer (EC), and weight management can reduce that risk and improve survival. We aimed to establish the differential benefits of intermittent energy restriction (IER) and low-fat diet (LFD), alone and in combination with paclitaxel, to reverse the procancer effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in a mouse model of EC.

Methods: Lkb1p53 mice were fed HFD or LFD to generate obese and lean phenotypes, respectively.

Colloidal Atomic Layer Deposition on Nanocrystals Using Ligand-Modified Precursors.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a method to grow thin metal oxide layers on a variety of materials for applications spanning from electronics to catalysis. Extending ALD to colloidally stable nanocrystals promises to combine the benefits of thin metal oxide coatings with the solution processability of the nanocrystals. However, challenges persist in applying this method, which relate to finding precursors that promote the growth of the metal oxide while preserving colloidal stability throughout the process.

The Enigma of Methanol Synthesis by Cu/ZnO/AlO-Based Catalysts.

The activity and durability of the Cu/ZnO/AlO (CZA) catalyst formulation for methanol synthesis from CO/CO/H feeds far exceed the sum of its individual components. As such, this ternary catalytic system is a prime example of synergy in catalysis, one that has been employed for the large scale commercial production of methanol since its inception in the mid 1960s with precious little alteration to its original formulation. Methanol is a key building block of the chemical industry.

Intermittent energy restriction inhibits tumor growth and enhances paclitaxel response in a transgenic mouse model of endometrial cancer.

Objective: Overweight/obesity is the strongest risk factor for endometrial cancer (EC), and weight management can reduce that risk and improve survival. We aimed to establish the differential abilities of intermittent energy restriction (IER) and low-fat diet (LFD), alone and in combination with paclitaxel, to reverse the procancer effects of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity in a mouse model of EC.

Methods: mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) or LFD to generate obese and lean phenotypes, respectively.

Hybrid oxide coatings generate stable Cu catalysts for CO electroreduction.

Hybrid organic/inorganic materials have contributed to solve important challenges in different areas of science. One of the biggest challenges for a more sustainable society is to have active and stable catalysts that enable the transition from fossil fuel to renewable feedstocks, reduce energy consumption and minimize the environmental footprint. Here we synthesize novel hybrid materials where an amorphous oxide coating with embedded organic ligands surrounds metallic nanocrystals.

A ZIF-8-encapsulated interpenetrated hydrogel/nanofiber composite patch for chronic wound treatment.

Designing wound dressings necessitates the crucial considerations of maintaining a moist environment and implementing effective bacterial control. Furthermore, developing a three-dimensional framework emulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) confers advantages in fostering cellular migration and proliferation. Inspired by this, hydrogel/nanofiber composites have been demonstrated as promising materials for wound dressings.

Natural History of Colorectal Polyps Undergoing Longitudinal in Vivo CT Colonography Surveillance.

Background The natural history of colorectal polyps is not well characterized due to clinical standards of care and other practical constraints limiting in vivo longitudinal surveillance. Established CT colonography (CTC) clinical screening protocols allow surveillance of small (6-9 mm) polyps. Purpose To assess the natural history of colorectal polyps followed with CTC in a clinical screening program, with histopathologic correlation for resected polyps.

Development of a next-generation sequencing protocol for the canine T cell receptor beta chain repertoire.

Profiling the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire using next-generation sequencing has become common in both human and translational research. Companion dogs with spontaneous tumors, including canine melanoma, share several features, e.g.

NK cells propagate T cell immunity following in situ tumor vaccination.

We report an in situ vaccination, adaptable to nearly any type of cancer, that combines radiotherapy targeting one tumor and intratumoral injection of this site with tumor-specific antibody and interleukin-2 (IL-2; 3xTx). In a phase I clinical trial, administration of 3xTx (with an immunocytokine fusion of tumor-specific antibody and IL-2, hu14.18-IL2) to subjects with metastatic melanoma increases peripheral CD8 T cell effector polyfunctionality.

Surface Chemistry Dictates the Enhancement of Luminescence and Stability of InP QDs upon c-ALD ZnO Hybrid Shell Growth.

Indium phosphide quantum dots (InP QDs) are a promising example of Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive (RoHS)-compliant light-emitting materials. However, they suffer from low quantum yield and instability upon processing under ambient conditions. Colloidal atomic layer deposition (c-ALD) has been recently proposed as a methodology to grow hybrid materials including QDs and organic/inorganic oxide shells, which possess new functions compared to those of the as-synthesized QDs.

Oleic Acid Exhibits Anti-Proliferative and Anti-Invasive Activities via the PTEN/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Endometrial Cancer.

Reprogramming of fatty acid metabolism promotes cell growth and metastasis through a variety of processes that stimulate signaling molecules, energy storage, and membrane biosynthesis in endometrial cancer. Oleic acid is one of the most important monounsaturated fatty acids in the human body, which appears to have both pro- and anti-tumorigenic activities in various pre-clinical models. In this study, we evaluated the potential anti-tumor effects of oleic acid in endometrial cancer cells and the mouse model of endometrial cancer.

Progress of Hydrogel Dressings with Wound Monitoring and Treatment Functions.

Hydrogels are widely used in wound dressings due to their moisturizing properties and biocompatibility. However, traditional hydrogel dressings cannot monitor wounds and provide accurate treatment. Recent advancements focus on hydrogel dressings with integrated monitoring and treatment functions, using sensors or intelligent materials to detect changes in the wound microenvironment.

Novel autoantibodies help diagnose anti-SSA antibody negative Sjögren's disease and predict abnormal labial salivary gland pathology.

Objectives: Sj□gren's disease (SjD) diagnosis requires either positive anti-SSA antibodies or a labial salivary gland biopsy with a positive focus score (FS). One-third of SjD patients lack anti-SSA antibodies (SSA-), requiring a positive FS for diagnosis. Our objective was to identify novel autoantibodies to diagnose 'seronegative' SjD.

Growth rates and histopathological outcomes of small (6-9 mm) colorectal polyps based on CT colonography surveillance and endoscopic removal.

Background And Aims: The natural history of small polyps is not well established and rests on limited evidence from barium enema studies decades ago. Patients with one or two small polyps (6-9 mm) at screening CT colonography (CTC) are offered CTC surveillance at 3 years but may elect immediate colonoscopy. This practice allows direct observation of the growth of subcentimetre polyps, with histopathological correlation in patients undergoing subsequent polypectomy.

SURROGATE SELECTION OVERSAMPLES EXPANDED T CELL CLONOTYPES.

Inference from immunological data on cells in the adaptive immune system may benefit from modeling specifications that describe variation in the sizes of various clonal sub-populations. We develop one such specification in order to quantify the effects of surrogate selection assays, which we confirm may lead to an enrichment for amplified, potentially disease-relevant cell clones. Our specification couples within-clonotype birth-death processes with an exchangeable model across clonotypes.