The influence of CLEC5A on early macrophage-mediated inflammation in COPD progression.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex syndrome with poorly understood mechanisms driving its early progression (GOLD stages 1-2). Elucidating the genetic factors that influence early-stage COPD, particularly those related to airway inflammation and remodeling, is crucial. This study analyzed lung tissue sequencing data from patients with early-stage COPD (GSE47460) and smoke-exposed mice. We employed Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and machine learning to identify potentially pathogenic genes. Further analyses included single-cell sequencing from both mice and COPD patients to pinpoint gene expression in specific cell types. Cell-cell communication and pseudotemporal analyses were conducted, with findings validated in smoke-exposed mice. Additionally, Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to confirm the association between candidate genes and lung function/COPD. Finally, functional validation was performed in vitro using cell cultures. Machine learning analysis of 30 differentially expressed genes identified 8 key genes, with CLEC5A emerging as a potential pathogenic factor in early-stage COPD. Bioinformatics analyses suggested a role for CLEC5A in macrophage-mediated inflammation during COPD. Two-sample Mendelian randomization linked CLEC5A single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second (FEV1), FEV1/Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and early/later on COPD. In vitro, the knockdown of CLEC5A led to a reduction in inflammatory markers within macrophages. Our study identifies CLEC5A as a critical gene in early-stage COPD, contributing to its pathogenesis through pro-inflammatory mechanisms. This discovery offers valuable insights for developing early diagnosis and treatment strategies for COPD and highlights CLEC5A as a promising target for further investigation.

First case report of sunvozertinib for the treatment of HER2 exon 20 insertion in lung adenocarcinoma.

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein receptor with intracellular tyrosine kinase activity. It is generally considered as a poor prognostic marker. Targeted therapies, such as small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), showed limited efficacy in HER2-mutant advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the 2023 National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for NSCLC, antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab emtansine is recommended for the treatment of HER2-mutant lung cancer. However, this medication is currently not approved in certain regions. So it is necessary to explore alternative treatment options for HER2-mutant NSCLC patients. In our study of a patient with HER2 exon 20 insertion lung adenocarcinoma who had previously failed multiple epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-TKI treatments, we discovered that sunvozertinib could stabilize the patient's condition, achieving a progression-free survival of 87 days. This is a novel finding that may provide new treatment options for HER2 exon 20 insertion patients who have failed TKI therapy.

Neoadjuvant Camrelizumab for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Multicenter, Real-World Study (CTONG2004).

BACKGROUND: Camrelizumab has shown encouraging efficacy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), either as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy. However, evidence of neoadjuvant camrelizumab for NSCLC remains lacking. METHODS: Patients with NSCLC treated with neoadjuvant camrelizumab-based therapy followed by surgery between December 2020 and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data, details of neoadjuvant therapy and surgical information were retrieved. RESULTS: In this multicenter retrospective real-world study, 96 patients were included. Ninety-five patients (99.0%) received neoadjuvant camrelizumab combined with platinum-based chemotherapy, with a median of 2 cycles (range 1-6). The median interval from the last dose to surgery was 33 days (range 13-102 days). Seventy patients (72.9%) underwent minimally invasive surgery. Lobectomy was the most frequent surgical procedure (94 [97.9%]). The median estimated intraoperative blood loss was 100 mL (range 5-1200 mL), and the median operative time was 3.0 h (range 1.5-6.5 h). The R0 resection rate was 93.8%. Twenty-one patients (21.9%) experienced postoperative complications, with the most common being cough and pain (both 6 [6.3%]). The overall response rate was 77.1% (95% CI 67.4-85.0%), and the disease control rate was 93.8% (95% CI 86.9-97.7%). Twenty-six patients (27.1%, 95% CI 18.5-37.1%) had pathological complete response. Neoadjuvant treatment-related adverse events of grade ≥ 3 were reported in seven patients (7.3%), with the most frequent being abnormal liver enzymes (two [2.1%]). No treatment-related deaths were reported. CONCLUSION: The real-world data indicated that camrelizumab-based therapy had promising efficacy for NSCLC in the neoadjuvant setting, with manageable toxicities. Prospective studies investigating neoadjuvant camrelizumab are warranted.

The Effects of Drug Exposure and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Aaptinib-Induced Severe Toxicities in Solid Tumors.

To investigate the value of drug exposure and host germline genetic factors in predicting apatinib (APA)-related toxicities. METHOD: In this prospective study, plasma APA concentrations were quantified using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, and 57 germline mutations were genotyped in 126 advanced solid tumor patients receiving 250 mg daily APA, a vascular endothelial growth factor receptor II inhibitor. The correlation between drug exposure, genetic factors, and the toxicity profile was analyzed. RESULTS: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was more prone to APA-related toxicities and plasma concentrations of APA, and its main metabolite M1-1 could be associated with high-grade adverse events (AEs) (P < 0.01; M1-1, P < 0.01) and high-grade antiangiogenetic toxicities (APA, P = 0.034; P < 0.05), including hypertension, proteinuria, and hand-foot syndrome, in the subgroup of NSCLC. Besides, CYP2C9 rs34532201 TT carriers tended to have higher levels of APA (P < 0.001) and M1-1 (P < 0.01), whereas CYP2C9 rs1936968 GG carriers were predisposed to higher levels of M1-1 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Plasma APA and M1-1 exposures were able to predict severe AEs in NSCLC patients. Dose optimization and drug exposure monitoring might need consideration in NSCLC patients with CYP2C9 rs34532201 TT and rs1936968 GG. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Apatinib is an anti-VEGFR2 inhibitor for the treatment of multiple cancers. Though substantial in response, apatinib-induced toxicity has been a critical issue that is worth clinical surveillance. Few data on the role of drug exposure and genetic factors in apatinib-induced toxicity are available. Our study demonstrated a distinct drug-exposure relationship in NSCLC but not other tumors and provided invaluable evidence of drug exposure levels and single nucleotide polymorphisms as predictive biomarkers in apatinib-induced severe toxicities.

SETD2 variation correlates with tumor mutational burden and MSI along with improved response to immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: SETD2 protects against genomic instability via maintenance of homologous recombination repair (HRR) and mismatch repair (MMR) in neoplastic cells. However, it remains unclear whether SETD2 dysfunction is a complementary or independent factor to microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) and tumor mutational burden-high (TMB-H) for immunocheckpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment, and little is known regarding whether this type of dysfunction acts differently in various types of cancer. METHODS: This cohort study used multidimensional genomic data of 6726 sequencing samples from our cooperative and non-public GenePlus institute from April 1 through April 10, 2020. MSIsensor score, HRD score, RNAseq, mutational data, and corresponding clinical data were obtained from the TCGA and MSKCC cohort for seven solid tumor types. RESULTS: A total of 1021 genes underwent target panel sequencing reveal that SETD2 mutations were associated with a higher TMB. SETD2 deleterious mutation dysfunction affected ICI treatment prognosis independently of TMB-H (p < 0.01) and had a lower death hazard than TMB-H in pancancer patients (0.511 vs 0.757). Significantly higher MSI and lower homologous recombination deficiency were observed in the SETD2 deleterious mutation group. Improved survival rate was found in the MSKCC-IO cohort (P < 0.0001) and was further confirmed in our Chinese cohort. CONCLUSION: We found that SETD2 dysfunction affects ICI treatment prognosis independently of TMB-H and has a lower death hazard than TMB-H in pancancer patients. Therefore, SETD2 has the potential to serve as a candidate biomarker for ICI treatment. Additionally, SETD2 should be considered when dMMR is detected by immunohistochemistry.

Selpercatinib monotherapy in a Chinese patient with RET fusion/ EGFR co-mutated nonsmall cell lung cancer from the Phase II LIBRETTO-321 study: a case report.

Rearranged during transfection ( RET ) fusions and epidermal growth factor receptor ( EGFR ) mutations are potent oncogenic drivers in patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but rarely co-exist. Concurrent RET/EGFR mutations have been reported in patients with NSCLC who develop resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors but are even less frequent in treatment-naïve patients. Consequently, there is no standard treatment for RET/EGFR -mutated NSCLC. We report a case of RET/EGFR mutant NSCLC successfully treated with the oral, potent, highly selective RET inhibitor selpercatinib (160 mg daily for 28-day cycles) in an ongoing phase II study in Chinese patients with NSCLC (LIBRETTO-321). The patient, a female nonsmoker, was diagnosed with de-novo left lung adenocarcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation, and a RET fusion was detected by next-generation sequencing testing. The patient had two tumors in the pleura, a third in the subcarinal lymph node, and a nontarget tumor in the pleura. Pleural biopsy analysis confirmed a RET fusion KIF5B (K15;R12) and an EGFR exon 19 deletion. The patient achieved a partial response (PR) with selpercatinib (absence of target tumors in pleura and reduction in the size of lymph node tumor). The PR persisted for 14.7 months, with disease progression in the nontarget lesion in the pleura and a new lesion in the liver (the PR had persisted), resulting in the discontinuation of selpercatinib. The only notable adverse event was grade 3 elevated transaminase, that was effectively managed by dose reduction. These data may support the use of selpercatinib in patients with RET/EGFR co-mutated NSCLC.

Combined coagulation and membrane treatment for anaerobically digested manure centrate: Contaminant residuals and membrane fouling.

To realize water and resource recovery from anaerobically digested manure centrate, the effect of combined coagulation and membrane treatment on contaminant residuals and membrane fouling was investigated. Two combined treatments were used to explore the properties of the retention of nutrients and the removal of risk pollutants. Behaviors and reversibility of membrane fouling after combined treatment were also examined. The result showed that the combined treatment significantly improved the water recovery rate by more than 60% and achieved better nutrient enrichment. Meanwhile, the combined treatment had certain removal effects on heavy metals and antibiotics, which promoted the safety of farmland utilization of anaerobically digested manure centrate. Moreover, the combined treatment reduced the membrane fouling by removing most suspended solids in the digested centrate. Combined coagulation and membrane treatment show great potential for practical applications in the treatment of anaerobically digested manure centrate due to the easy operation and excellent effect. This work provides a technical reference for the harmless and resource recovery of anaerobically digested manure centrate.

A case report and literature review on respiratory failure with immune checkpoint inhibitors: a life-threatening adverse event.

Neuromuscular associated respiratory failure is a rare toxicity of immunotherapy for malignant tumors. In most cases, it may overlap with the symptoms of the primary disease or myocarditis, myositis and myasthenia gravis, resulting in difficult etiological diagnosis. Early detection and optimal treatment are still topics that need attention. Here, a case of 51-year-old male lung cancer patient with sintilimab-associated myasthenia gravis, myositis, and myocarditis overlap syndrome involving the diaphragm who developed severe type II respiratory failure was reported. After high-dose methylprednisolone, immunoglobulin and pyridostigmine intravenous injection with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation, the patient's symptoms improved significantly and was discharged. One year later, the patient received immunotherapy again due to tumor progression. After 53 days, he developed dyspnea again. Chest X-ray demonstrated marked elevation of the diaphragm, and the electromyogram demonstrated dysfunction of diaphragm. With rapid diagnosis and timely treatment, the patient was finally discharged safely. A comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE was performed to identify all previously reported cases of immune checkpoint inhibitors-associated respiratory failure. The potential mechanisms of respiratory failure caused by ICI-associated diaphragmatic dysfunction may be related to T cell-mediated immune disturbances and we proposed possible diagnostic processes. For patients with unexplained respiratory failure who are receiving immunotherapy, standardized diagnostic strategies should be implemented immediately on admission before deciding whether to conduct a more invasive diagnostic procedure or empirical treatment.

Comprehensive characterization reveals sputum supernatant as a valuable alternative liquid biopsy for genome profiling in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sputum biopsies offer unique advantages such as non-invasiveness and convenient collection. The one investigation so far on sputum for genome profiling in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) suggested promising performance. However, it remains undefined whether clinicohistologic characteristics were associated with performance and how this knowledge could help guide choice of liquid biopsy. METHODS: Targeted sequencing with a 520-gene panel was performed on prospectively collected matched tumor tissue (TIS), plasma (PLA), and sputum supernatant (SPU) from 71 aNSCLC patients (NCT05034445). Genomic alteration detection was characterized in a series of aspects and interrogated for association with 14 clinicohistologic features. Nomograms were constructed with logistic regression for predicting the liquid biopsy type with greater sensitivity. RESULTS: Compared with PLA, SPU showed comparable quality control metrics, mutation detection rate (SPU: 67.6%, PLA: 70.4%), concordance with tumor tissue (67.6% vs. 73.2%), and correlation with tissue-based tumor mutation burden levels (r = 0.92 vs. 0.94). For driver alterations, detection was less sensitive with SPU (50.0%) than PLA (63.5%) in the entire cohort but similarly or more sensitive in patients with centrally located lung tumors or smoking history or for altered ALK or KRAS. Two nomograms were constructed and enabled predicting the probability of superior sensitivity with SPU with moderate to borderline high accuracy. CONCLUSION: In addition to demonstrating comparable performance in multiple aspects, this study is the first to propose nomograms for choosing liquid biopsy based on clinicohistologic characteristics. Future research is warranted to delineate the clinical utility of sputum for genome profiling.

Response to osimertinib plus trametinib in a heavily treated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive NSCLC harboring a rare, acquired rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma B-type (BRAF) p.D594N mutation: a case report.

Heterogeneity in the acquired genetic cause of osimertinib resistance leads to difficulties in understanding and addressing molecular mechanisms of resistance in clinical practice. Recent studies and clinical cases established that altered BRAF could drive osimertinib resistance in an EGFR-independent manner. Herein, we present a case in which an EGFR-positive, MET-amplified nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patient acquired BRAF p.D594N mutation on third-line osimertinib plus crizotinib and responded to seventh-line treatment with osimertinib plus MEK inhibitor trametinib. Disease control was maintained for 6 months. BRAF p.D594N is a kinase impaired mutation but leads to increased MEK/ERK signaling, which could activate the downstream signaling of EGFR and induce drug resistance. There has been preclinical evidence supporting dual inhibition of MEK and EGFR for overcoming this resistance. To the best of our knowledge, our case is the first to provide clinical evidence that trametinib plus osimertinib was effective for EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with acquired BRAF p.D594N mutation. More supporting data and systematic validation studies are needed for comprehensive understanding of this therapy strategy and future applications.

Ascorbic acid enhanced MnFe2O4/peroxymonosulfate oxidation of organic pollutant: Key role of singlet oxygen generation and Fe/Mn cycling.

The activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process has been widely applied for degrading organic pollutants. However, its application is limited by low metal cycling, and the contribution of oxygen species remains unclear. Here, the crystal structure, surface morphology, and elemental valence of the synthesized manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) catalyst were investigated by SEM, HRTEM, XRD, and XPS. A novel MnFe2O4/PMS/ascorbic acid (AA) system was constructed to enhance the Fe/Mn cycling on the surfaces of the MnFe2O4 catalyst. The addition of AA can significantly increase the decomposition of organic pollutants, and the apparent rate constant of the MnFe2O4/PMS/AA system is 8.2 times higher than that of MnFe2O4/PMS. AA facilitates the reduction of Fe/Mn(III) and the dissolution of Fe/Mn(II), creating a Fe/Mn cycle between the heterogeneous and homogeneous interfaces of the catalyst. Furthermore, AA greatly increases the activity of adsorbed oxygen on the catalyst surfaces, generating a large amount of singlet oxygen (1O2), which contributes significantly to the destruction of organic pollutants. The efficient, fast, and environmentally friendly PMS activation method in this study can provide reliable technical support for treating refractory organic pollutants in water.

In-situ electrodeposition synthesis of Z-scheme rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs photoelectrodes and its degradation mechanism for oxytetracycline in dual-chamber photoelectrocatalytic system.

The dual-chamber photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) system possess advantages in the degradation efficiency and processing cost of organic contaminants. In this study, TiO2 nanotube arrays modified by rGO and g-C3N4 (rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs) photoelectrodes were successfully prepared. The surface micromorphology, chemical structure, crystal structure, and basic element composition of rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs photoelectrodes were studied by SEM, FTIR, XRD, Raman, and XPS. UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and photoelectrochemical (PECH) tests were used to explore the photoelectrochemical characteristics of rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs photoelectrodes. Under simulated sunlight illumination, the dual-chamber PEC system with external bias voltage was used to investigate the degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC) on rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs photoelectrodes. The results showed that rGO and g-C3N4 were successfully loaded on TNAs, and the separation efficiency of electrons and holes at rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs photoelectrodes was improved. The light absorption range of rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs photoelectrodes extends to the visible light region and has better light absorption performance. Compared with the photocatalytic process, when 1.2 V bias voltage was applied, the degradation efficiency of OTC in anode and cathode chambers in PEC were increased by 3.28% and 44.01% within 60 min, respectively. In addition, the anode and cathode chambers have different degradation effects on OTC. Both the external bias voltage and initial pH have significant effects in cathode chamber, but have little effect in photoanode chamber. The fluorescence excitation-emission matrix spectra and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry showed that there were different intermediates in the degradation process of OTC. This study indicated that for the dual-chamber PEC system, rGO/g-C3N4/TNAs photoelectrodes exhibited excellent photocatalytic performance and have potential application prospects in water environmental remediation.

A multicenter analysis of genomic profiles and PD-L1 expression of primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of the lung.

To understand the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis of pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma and explore potential therapeutic strategies, we investigated the genomic profiles and PD-L1 expression of 29 Chinese pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma patients at various stages. We performed capture-based targeted sequencing on tissue samples collected from 27 patients with sufficient samples using a panel consisting of 520 cancer-related genes, spanning 1.64 Mb of the human genome. We identified 184 somatic mutations in 109 genes from 26 patients. One patient had no mutations detected by this panel. Copy number variations were detected in 52% (14/27) of the patients, with a majority having advanced-stage disease (10/14). Except for the detection of ERBB2 amplification and KRAS mutation in two patients, no other classic lung cancer driver mutations were detected. Interestingly, 78% (21/27) of the patients had mutations in epigenetic regulators. Of the 184 mutations identified, 51 occurred in 29 epigenetics-related genes. Furthermore, we performed PD-L1 immunohistochemistry staining using the Dako 22C3 assay and demonstrated that 69% (20/29) of the cohort had positive PD-L1 expression, of which three patients received and benefited from a PD-1 inhibitor. In conclusion, we elucidated a distinct genomic landscape associated with pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma with no classic lung cancer driver mutation but an enrichment of mutations in epigenetic regulators. The detection of high PD-L1 expression and lack of any canonical druggable driver mutations raises the potential of checkpoint immunotherapy for pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma.

Ferrous metal-organic frameworks with strong electron-donating properties for persulfate activation to effectively degrade aqueous sulfamethoxazole.

Three novel persulfate activators, Fe(II)-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX). The degradation experiment results showed that all the Fe(II)MOFs could effectively activate persulfate and degrade more than 97% SMX within 180 min, with higher than 77% persulfate decomposition efficiencies. It was found by Mössbauer spectra that the variation of organic ligands for synthesis have an influence on the content of Fe(II) of these MOFs, thus resulted in the order of activation capacities: Fe(Nic) > Fe(PyBDC) > Fe(PIP). It was demonstrated that the activation of persulfate was mainly ascribed to the heterogeneous process that accomplished by surface-bounded Fe(II) acted as the main active site to provided electrons for persulfate or dissolved oxygen. EPR and molecular probe studies confirmed the coexistence of SO4·-, ·OH, and O2·-, and differentiated their contributions in SMX degradation. Possible degradation pathways of SMX were proposed based on the detection results of intermediates by UPLC-MS/MS. This work provides a new prospect into the synthesis of high-performance MOFs with strong electron-donating properties as efficient persulfate activators, which may encourage the employ of MOFs in the wastewater treatment process.

Successful therapy with bevacizumab combined with corticosteroids for crizotinib-induced interstitial lung disease.

We present the case of an old woman with ALK-rearranged stage IV lung adenocarcinoma who received crizotinib. She presented with severe dyspnea on the 34th day, and diffuse ground-glass opacifications in her chest. A diagnosis of crizotinib-induced ILD was confirmed. Corticosteroids were administered. However, the disease was still progressing rapidly. Therefore, as a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor, bevacizumab was administered in low doses (200 mg on days one and three). Her symptoms began to improve. Our clinical experience indicates that bevacizumab combined with corticosteroids might be a promising treatment in crizotinib-induced ILD patients.

High CTHRC1 expression may be closely associated with angiogenesis and indicates poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the potential biomarker collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. METHODS: A total of 210 LUAD patients diagnosed between 2003 and 2016 in the Department of Pathology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included in this study. The expression of CTHRC1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and microvessel density (MVD, determined by CD34 immunostaining) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry in LUAD tissues. The association between the expression of these proteins and clinicopathological features or clinical outcomes was analyzed. RESULTS: Here, we confirmed that CTHRC1 expression was associated with prognosis and can serve as a significant predictor for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in LUAD. Additionally, we observed that CTHRC1 expression was positively associated with tumor angiogenesis markers, such as VEGF expression (P < 0.001) and MVD (P < 0.01). Then, we performed gene set enrichment analysis (GESA) and cell experiments to confirm that enhanced CTHRC1 expression can promote VEGF levels. Based on and cox regression analysis, a predictive model that included CTHRC1, VEGF and MVD was constructed and confirmed as a more accurate independent predictor for OS (P = 0.001) and PFS (P < 0.001) in LUAD than other parameters. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that high CTHRC1 expression may be closely related to tumor angiogenesis and poor prognosis in LUAD. The predictive model based on the CTHRC1 level and tumor angiogenesis markers can be used to predict LUAD patient prognosis more accurately.

Photodegradation of 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (UV-P) in coastal seawaters: Important role of DOM.

Benzotriazole UV stabilizers (BT-UVs) have attracted concerns due to their ubiquitous occurrence in the aquatic environment, and their bioaccumulative and toxic properties. However, little is known about their aquatic environmental degradation behavior. In this study, photodegradation of a representative of BT-UVs, 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)benzotriazole (UV-P), was investigated under simulated sunlight irradiation. Results show that UV-P photodegrades slower under neutral conditions (neutral form) than under acidic or alkaline conditions (cationic and anionic forms). Indirect photodegradation is a dominant elimination pathway of UV-P in coastal seawaters. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) from seawaters accelerate the photodegradation rates mainly through excited triplet DOM (3DOM⁎), and the roles of singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radical are negligible in the matrixes. DOM from seawaters impacted by mariculture exhibits higher steady-state concentration of 3DOM⁎ ([3DOM⁎]) relative to those from pristine seawaters, leading to higher photosensitizing effects on the photodegradation. Halide ions inhibit the DOM-sensitized photodegradation of UV-P by decreasing [3DOM⁎]. Photodegradation half-lives of UV-P are estimated to range from 24.38 to 49.66 hr in field water bodies of the Yellow River estuary. These results are of importance for assessing environmental fate and risk UV-P in coastal water bodies.

ImmTAC/Anti-PD-1 antibody combination to enhance killing of cancer cells by reversing regulatory T-cell-mediated immunosuppression.

Recently, bi-functional molecules that can redirect immune effectors to tumour cells have emerged as potentially robust mediators of tumour regression in clinical trials. Two modalities in particular, bi-specific antibodies for T-cell redirection and activation (BiTe) and immune-mobilizing monoclonal T-cell receptors against cancer (ImmTAC), are being evaluated in efficacy studies as 'off-the-shelf' reagents. Optimal therapy will require an understanding and means to address regulatory mechanisms of limiting efficacy. In light of this, we evaluated the impact of induced regulatory T (iTreg) cells on the efficacy of tumour cell killing redirected by ImmTAC and demonstrated down-regulation of T-cell proliferation and expression of CD25, CD107a, Granzyme B and Perforin by ImmTAC-redirected T cells. Significant recovery of ImmTAC potency, however, could be achieved when combined with an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody. Furthermore, we found that among lung cancer patients failing to respond to ImmTAC therapy, there was a significantly higher fraction of Treg cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of lung cancer patients than in healthy donors. These results provide in vitro evidence for an iTreg cell-mediated immunosuppression of ImmTAC-redirected T-cell responses. Whilst immune checkpoint blockade can reverse the Treg cell suppression, it forms a rational basis for a combination of the blockade with ImmTAC in clinical trials.

Phototransformation of 2,3-Dibromopropyl-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (DPTE) in Natural Waters: Important Roles of Dissolved Organic Matter and Chloride Ion.

Novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) have become ubiquitous emerging organic pollutants. However, little is known about their transformation in natural waters. In this study, aquatic photochemical behavior of a representative NBFR, 2,3-dibromopropyl-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (DPTE), was investigated by simulated sunlight irradiation experiment. Results show that DPTE can undergo direct photolysis (apparent quantum yield 0.008 ± 0.001) and hydroxyl radical (·OH) initiated oxidation (second order reaction rate constant 2.4 × 109 M-1·s-1). Dissolved organic matter (DOM) promotes the photodegradation due to generation of excited triplet DOM and ·OH. Two chlorinated intermediates were identified in the photodegradation of DPTE in seawaters. Density functional theory calculation showed that ·Cl or ·Cl2- addition reactions on C-Br sites of the phenyl group and H-abstraction reactions from the propyl group are main reaction pathways of DPTE with the chlorine radicals. The ·Cl or ·Cl2- addition proceeds via a replacement mechanism to form chlorinated intermediates. Environmental half-lives of DPTE relevant with photodegradation are estimated to be 6.5-1153.9 days in waters of the Yellow River estuarine region. This study provides valuable insights into the phototransformation behavior of DPTE in natural waters, which is helpful for persistence assessment of the NBFRs.

RACK1 forms a complex with FGFR1 and PKM2, and stimulates the growth and migration of squamous lung cancer cells.

Phosphorylation of Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2) on Tyr105 by fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) has been shown to promote its nuclear localization as well as cell growth in lung cancer. Better understanding the regulation of this process would benefit the clinical treatment for lung cancer. Here, it has been found that the adaptor protein receptor for activated PKC kinase (RACK1) formed a complex with FGFR1 and PKM2, and activated the FGFR1/PKM2 signaling. Knocking down the expression of RACK1 impaired the phosphorylation on Tyr105 of PKM2 and inhibited the growth and migration of lung cancer cells, while over-expression of RACK1 in lung cancer cells led to the resistance to Erdafitinib. Moreover, knocking down the expression of RACK1 impaired the tumorigenesis of lung cancer driven by LKB loss and mutated Ras (KrasG12D). Taken together, our study demonstrated the pivotal roles of RACK1 in FGFR1/PKM2 signaling, suggesting FGFR1/RACK1/PKM2 might be a therapeutic target for lung cancer treatment.