EPIXplorer: A web server for prediction, analysis and visualization of enhancer-promoter interactions.

Long distance enhancers can physically interact with promoters to regulate gene expression through formation of enhancer-promoter (E-P) interactions. Identification of E-P interactions is also important for profound understanding of normal developmental and disease-associated risk variants. Although the state-of-art predictive computation methods facilitate the identification of E-P interactions to a certain extent, currently there is no efficient method that can meet various requirements of usage. Here we developed EPIXplorer, a user-friendly web server for efficient prediction, analysis and visualization of E-P interactions. EPIXplorer integrates 9 robust predictive algorithms, supports multiple types of 3D contact data and multi-omics data as input. The output from EPIXplorer is scored, fully annotated by regulatory elements and risk single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In addition, the Visualization and Downstream module provide further functional analysis, all the output files and high-quality images are available for download. Together, EPIXplorer provides a user-friendly interface to predict the E-P interactions in an acceptable time, as well as understand how the genome-wide association study (GWAS) variants influence disease pathology by altering DNA looping between enhancers and the target gene promoters. EPIXplorer is available at https://www.csuligroup.com/EPIXplorer.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors versus TACE in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has been increasingly used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, the superiority of combination therapy to TACE monotherapy remains controversial. Therefore, here we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TACE plus TKIs in patients with uHCC. METHODS: We searched four databases for eligible studies. The primary outcome was time to progression (TTP), while the secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), tumor response rates, and adverse events (AEs). Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were collected for TTP and OS, and the data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis models in STATA software. OR and 95% CIs were used to estimate dichotomous variables (complete remission[CR], partial remission[PR], stable disease[SD], progressive disease[PD], objective response rate[ORR], disease control rate[DCR], and AEs) using RStudio's random-effects model. Quality assessments were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) for observational studies and the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: The meta-analysis included 30 studies (9 RCTs, 21 observational studies) with 8246 patients. We judged the risk of bias as low in 44.4% (4/9) of the RCTs and high in 55.6% (5/9) of the RCTs. All observational studies were considered of high quality, with a NOS score of at least 6. Compared with TACE alone or TACE plus placebo, TACE combined with TKIs was superior in prolonging TTP (combined HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.65-0.80), OS (combined HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.49-0.67), and objective response rate (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.23-3.67) in patients with uHCC. However, TACE plus TKIs caused a higher incidence of AEs, especially hand-foot skin reactions (OR 87.17%, 95%CI 42.88-177.23), diarrhea (OR 18.13%, 95%CI 9.32-35.27), and hypertension (OR 12.24%, 95%CI 5.89-25.42). CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis found that TACE plus TKIs may be beneficial for patients with uHCC in terms of TTP, OS, and tumor response rates. However, combination therapy is also associated with a significantly increased risk of adverse reactions. Therefore, we must evaluate the clinical benefits and risks of combination therapy. Further well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm our findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022298003.

The Immunological Microenvironment and the Emerging Role of Stem Cells Therapy in Peyronie's Disease: A Systematic Narrative Review.

Current literature has indicated that Peyronie's disease (PD) could be initiated by microtrauma and the subsequent inflammation episodes that follow. PD could be sorted into acute or chronic status, and it can differ when selecting the clinical therapeutics. PD would cause pain and penile deformity to diseased men and impair their erectile function. Occasionally, surgical revision of the penis might be needed to correct the penile curvature. We find that there are limited effective options of intra-lesion injections for the PD plaques. By searching the databases and screening the literature with the PRISMA 2020 guideline, we observed that several preclinical studies that applied stem cell therapy in treating PD were fruitful in the acute phase. Although in the chronic phase of PD, erectile parameters were not significantly improved, and therefore, future studies might be better elevated in certain aspects, such as the sites selected for harvesting stem cells or changing the centrifugation forces. In this review, we concluded the contemporary understanding of inflammatory microenvironments in PD, the stem cell therapy in PD, and our perspectives on future studies. We concluded that there may be great potential in stem cell therapy for treating both acute and chronic phases PD.

A multicolor biosensor for alkaline phosphatase activity detection based on the peroxidase activity of copper nanoclusters and etching of gold nanorods.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) plays a vital role in clinical diagnoses and biomedical research. It is important to develop some convenient but sensitive methods for ALP activity detection. In this study, a multicolor biosensor for ALP activity has been developed based on the peroxidase activity of copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) and etching of gold nanorods (AuNRs). The presence of CuNCs can catalyze the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to produce blue TMB+. In acid solution, TMB+ can cause the etching of AuNRs accompanied by a significant color change of the system. The presence of sodium pyrophosphate (PPi) can inhibit the peroxidase activity of CuNCs, which can be recovered after the addition of ALP. Different ALP added results in the recovery of the catalytic activity of CuNCs to different degrees and generates different amounts of TMB+. This consequently affected the morphology of the AuNRs in the system and results in the output of a vivid color change, which can be recognized with the naked eyes easily without any complicated instruments. The biosensor has a linear relationship with ALP activity in the range of 10.0-80.0 U L-1, and the detection limit is 4.6 U L-1. The proposed method has been applied to detect ALP activity in human serum samples with satisfactory results.

Green dialysate and gallbladder perforation in a peritoneal dialysis patients: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder perforation is a rare but lethal condition and its diagnosis is usually difficult and delayed. Frequently, gallbladder rupture is associated with cholecystitis, but spontaneous perforation was ever described. However, spontaneous rupture of gallbladder has never been reported in patients underwent peritoneal dialysis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 62-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain for 2 days to clinic. Peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis was diagnosed initially. It was followed by spontaneous gallbladder perforation with greenish dialysate. The patient was managed successfully by antibiotic treatment and primary closure of gallbladder perforation with external drainage. He recovered from this critical condition and stayed on dialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention yields a good prognosis in PD patients with gallbladder perforation. Surgical intervention and antibiotic treatment are the mainstay of treatment. Both of them should take place promptly.

Association of ABO blood group with P-selectin levels in Chinese Han healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Recent genome-wide association studies in Caucasians suggested that an association exists between the ABO gene locus and soluble levels of P-selectin (sP-selectin). However, it is unclear if the relationship corresponds to the phenotypic expression of ABO groups or is present in different ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to verify this observation at both genotypic and phenotypic levels in a healthy Chinese population. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The ABO blood groups were determined by both phenotypes and genotypes in 440 healthy Chinese Han volunteers, while P-selectin levels were evaluated for sP-selectin and total platelet P-selectin (pP-selectin). RESULTS: ABO phenotyping and quantitative analysis of individual sP-selectin plasma levels were combined to demonstrate that individuals phenotypically expressing the A antigen have approximately 20% lower sP-selectin plasma levels than those carrying the B or O phenotype (p < 0.0001), but that no difference exists between A and AB and between B and O phenotypes. Genotyping data revealed that the presence of the A gene could be attributed to the observed difference in phenotype comparison, with no difference between A/A, A/B, and A/O genotypes. There were also no associations between ABO blood groups, either phenotypes or genotypes, and pP-selectin levels. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated an association between sP-selectin levels and ABO groups in a Chinese Han population, implicating its generalizability to other ethnic groups. This finding will improve the understanding of the mechanism of ABO blood group-associated diseases.

A case report on the atypical metastatic pathway of prostate cancer to the kidney and stomach.

Prostate cancer rarely metastasizes to the stomach and kidneys. We report a 73-year-old male with such spread, highlighting significant clinical challenges. Initially diagnosed via biopsy and imaging, he received hormone therapy and cytoreductive radical prostatectomy. Despite initial management, the cancer progressed to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, with gastric and renal metastases confirmed by imaging and biopsy. This case emphasizes the need for awareness of rare metastatic sites, comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, and further research into these atypical metastases to improve patient outcomes and develop better treatment strategies for managing advanced prostate cancer effectively.

Physical activity modifies cognitive impairment-associated mortality risks among chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Older chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients frequently face unrecognized cognitive impairment and excess mortality. Physical activity (PA) reduces cognitive decline but whether PA modifies cognitive impairment-associated mortality remains unknown. METHODS: From 2005 to 2011, 30,561 older Taiwanese CKD patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into intact cognition (≥8 scores), mild (6-7 scores), and severe (≤5 scores) cognitive impairment groups by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ), and were also categorized into high-PA (≥60 min/week of moderate-intensity PA), low-PA (20-60 min/week) or inactive (<20 min/week) groups. Cox regression was conducted to evaluate the individual and joint associations of cognitive impairment and PA on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 4.52 years, the all-cause mortality were higher in CKD patients with severe (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.05-2.60) and mild (aHR 1.74; CI 1.51-1.99) cognitive impairment than cognitively intact ones. Remarkably, decreased PA amount interacted and amplified the cognitive impairment-associated mortality risks. Notably, the high-PA status linked to lower overall mortality risks both in mild (aHR 0.65; CI 0.45-0.93) and severe (aHR 0.73; CI 0.54-0.99) cognitively-impaired patients as compared to inactivity. Survival tree analysis indicated the least mortality in those with high PA and >8 SPMSQ scores. Similar associations were found in the cardiovascular mortality. LIMITATIONS: Residual confounding and single ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive impairment defined by SPMSQ was progressively associated with higher mortality among elderly CKD. Higher PA linked to lower cognitive impairment-associated death risks, and could be promoted for longevity benefits.

One-Step Robot-Assisted Complete Urinary Tract Extirpation in Man with End-Stage Renal Disease on Dialysis: The First Case Report.

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) could be observed in urinary bladder (UBUC) and upper urinary tracts (UTUC). In the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for bladder cancer, extirpative surgery is indicated in certain cases. However, some extreme cases might also need the extirpation of the majority of the urinary tract, which is called complete urinary tract extirpation (CUTE). We present a patient diagnosed with high-grade UBUC and UTUC. He underwent dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) at the same time. Considering his non-functional kidneys and removing his high-risk urothelium at the same time, we performed robot-assisted CUTE to extirpate both his upper urinary tracts, urinary bladder, and prostate. In our experience, the console time was not significantly elongated, and the perioperative course was uneventful. To our knowledge, this is the first case report adopting a robotic system in such an extreme case. We conclude that robot-assisted CUTE is worth further study regarding its oncological survival outcomes and perioperative safety in patients with ESRD on dialysis.

Incorporating VR-RENDER Fusion Software in Robot-Assisted Partial Prostatectomy: The First Case Report.

Currently, the active surveillance of men with favorable intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) is a longstanding controversy, in terms of their oncological outcomes, and radical prostatectomy would constitute a similar concern of overtreatment, regarding its functional outcomes. Thus, focal therapy could be considered in men belonging to favorable intermediate-risk group. Among all focal therapies, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was the most studied methodology in clinical trials. Although HIFU provided better functional outcomes than radical prostatecomy, the oncological outcomes were inferior in men with intermediate-risk localized PCa. Two articles have been published discussing the feasibility and clinical outcomes of robot-assisted partial prostatectomy (RAPP), and both the functional and oncological outcomes were superior than those with HIFU. However, the rate of positive surgical margins (PSMs) was reported as high in the literature. Here, we present a case of favorable intermediate-risk localized PCa with an isolated tumor at the anterior apex. After reconstructing a personal three-dimensional (3D) image, we utilized it in a 3D image-guided precise excise, followed by intraoperative frozen specimen review. We found that this method may present a resolution to the high PSM rate documented in the current literature regarding RAPP. This method merits further study with a well-designed prospective study.

Effect of different odors on the fighting behavior of weaning piglets after merging into a large pen.

In intensive pig production, the fighting behavior of weaning piglets after merging pens is relatively common. Fighting behavior not only easily causes injury in pigs but also affects the production performance of pigs. To reduce fighting behavior in farms, this study aimed to explore the possible effect of odorous substances on piglet fighting behavior after merging into a large pen. Six different sprays were tested: original creamy, cheese flavor, orange flavor, truffle, vanilla and pigpen flavor. In each experiment, two groups were set (one odor-sprayed and no sprayed control), and 12 pigs were used per group. After mixing, the frequency of occurrence of various piglet behaviors in different pens was recorded. During this period, salivary cortisol levels and skin lesion scores were evaluated. As a result, the piglets sprayed with the original creamy, cheese flavor and vanilla substances obtained significantly higher average daily gain and feed intake and showed a significantly lower incidence of fighting behavior, and the skin lesion score and salivary cortisol of piglets were also reduced significantly. All the other odorous substances had no significant effects on the fighting behavior and production performance of piglets.

Robotic partial nephrectomy for renal tumor: The pentafecta outcomes of a single surgeon experience.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the oncological and functional surgical outcomes for patients with renal tumor who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (PN) by a single surgeon in Taiwan from 2006 to 2019. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed patients who underwent robot-assisted PN for renal tumor. Patient data were analyzed for age, sex, body mass index, operative time and total ischemic time, surgical margin (positive/negative), and surgical complications. To evaluate functional and oncological outcomes, achievement of trifecta, and pentafecta criteria was used. Trifecta criteria were defined as a negative surgical margin, no postoperative complications, warm ischemia time <25 min. Pentafecta criteria were the trifecta criteria, >90% preservation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preservation, and no stage progression of chronic kidney disease at 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of 101 patients who received robot-assisted PN, the most common type of renal tumor was clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) (38%), followed by angiomyolipoma (26%). Patient characteristics were mean age 54.59 ± 13.8 years; mean RENAL Nephrometry score 6.63 ± 2.16; mean operative time 102.34 ± 50.06 min; and warm ischemia time 20.01 ± 14.12 min. The mean eGFR was 104.43 ± 31.73 mL/min/1.73 m2 preoperatively and 89.39 ± 32.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 postoperatively. Pathologic evaluation showed malignant tumors in 57 patients, among whom achievement of trifecta criteria occurred for 39 (68.42%) and pentafecta criteria for 18 (31.57%). Operation time was the only predictor for pentafecta achievement. CONCLUSION: Robotic PN is a safe and effective approach for patients with renal tumor that can preserve most renal function and achieve oncological control. Pentafecta criteria can be used to more clearly define the surgical outcome of RAPN.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy using hugo RAS system: The pioneer experience in Taiwan and Northeast Asia.

BACKGROUND: Among the novel robotic platforms, the Hugo RAS system is the second most studied platform, next to the da Vinci system, and we aim to address our experiences in radical prostatectomy (RP) with the Hugo RAS system. METHODS: We recorded our first 12 cases of prostate cancer undergoing RP with the Hugo RAS system. The median console time was 145 min and median hospital stay was 7 days. Hedge' g was applied to search for the cut-off case in four parameters in surgeries. RESULTS: Pre-console preparation was significantly improved after the first seven cases, and the console time was remarkably shortened after the first two cases. The intraoperative pause for trouble shooting was remarkably shortened after the first three cases. CONCLUSIONS: We found that RP with the Hugo RAS system was feasible, and the learning curve was short as surgeons may benefit from the previous experience with the da Vinci system.

The Clinical Benefits of Antiresorptive Agents in Patients with Primary Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy: A Systematic Review with Pairwise and Network Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Clinical trials have investigated the role of antiresorptive agents, including bisphosphonates and denosumab, in patients with primary breast cancer receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy, aiming for better bone protection and/or improving survival. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical effects of antiresorptive agents in patients with early breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy. METHODS: We systematically reviewed and synthesized the clinical benefits and harms of antiresorptive agents in patients with early breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy by calculating the risk ratios (RRs). RESULTS: In the pooled meta-analysis, antiresorptive agents had significant clinical benefits on disease recurrence (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.90) and locoregional recurrence (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.49-0.95) in patients with breast cancer receiving endocrine therapy. Early use of antiresorptive agents has a beneficial effect on secondary endocrine therapy resistance instead of primary resistance. Safety analysis revealed that potential risk for osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ, RR 3.29, 95% CI 1.12-9.68) with antiresorptive agents; however, there is an insignificant difference in arthralgia. The subgroup analyses revealed that intervention with bisphosphonates might have profound clinical benefits, but also increased the occurrence of ONJ. A network meta-analysis further supported the clinical effects of early antiresorptive agent use compared with delayed use or placebo. CONCLUSION: Using antiresorptive agents early in patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy may provide additional benefits in risk reduction of recurrence, but there is a potential risk of ONJ.

The importance of p-n junction interfaces for efficient small molecule-based organic solar cells.

The efficiency of small-molecule solar cells critically depends on the match of the junction of the donor and acceptor semiconductors used in these devices to create charged carriers and on the mobility of individual components to transport holes and electrons. In the present study, a 2% efficient bilayer organic solar cell consisting of a p-type semiconductor, pentacene, and an n-type semiconductor, N,N'-diheptyl-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C(7)), is fabricated. The morphology of PTCDI-C(7) interestingly follows pentacene due to the matched surface energy of these two active layers and the easily deposited PTCDI-C(7) monomers on an inclined plane of the pentacene grains. This condition results in the low trap states in the PTCDI-C(7) film and at the pentacene/PTCDI-C(7) interface for the enhancement of exciton dissociation and carrier transport compared with the photoactive layer comprised of pentacene and N,N-ditridecyl-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide (PTCDI-C(13)). The detailed exciton and carrier transport mechanisms are investigated using time-resolved photoluminescence and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy.

Multicolor hydrogen sulfide sensor for meat freshness assessment based on Cu2+-modified boron nitride nanosheets-supported subnanometer gold nanoparticles.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as an important indicator in the spoilage process of meat. In this study, a mimetic enzyme based on Cu2+-modified boron nitride nanosheets-supported gold nanoparticles (AuNPs/Cu2+-BNNS) was synthesized, which can be used to catalyze the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). The H2S gas can inhibit the activity of AuNPs/Cu2+-BNNS toward catalytic oxidation of TMB. Meanwhile, the usage of headspace method could avoid most interferences in the rotten sample. Various concentrations of TMB+ could change the aspect ratio of the gold nanoroads (AuNRs), which results in vivid color changing and UV-vis spectra shifting. The sensor had a good linear relationship with H2S concentration ranging from 10.0 to 90.0 µmol/L, and the detection limit is 7.8 µmol/L. The AuNPs/Cu2+-BNNS sensors were successfully applied to detect H2S produced by meat spoilage with satisfying results.

Dehydrated Human Amnion-Chorion Membrane Extracts Can Ameliorate Interstitial Cystitis in Rats by Down-Regulating Inflammatory Cytokines and Protein Coding Genes: A Preclinical Study.

The study aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of intravesical instillation of dehydrated human amnion-chorion membrane (HACM) extracts based on the primary pathological feature of interstitial cystitis (IC). We divided 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats into three groups: sham control, IC, and treatment group. IC was induced by 400-µL lipopolysaccharide (1 µg/µL), and it was replaced with normal saline in the sham control group. After IC induction, 300 µL dehydrated HACM extracts (3 mg/kg) were instilled into rats' urinary bladder weekly for 3 weeks. General histology, inflammatory cytokines, NF-κB, oxidative markers, and western blots results were examined. The urothelial denudation, mast-cell infiltration, and tissues fibrosis were all ameliorated. The elevated TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and NF-κB were all down-regulated by dehydrated HACM extracts (p < 0.05). For reactive oxygen species, increased malondialdehyde, decreased superoxide dismutase, and decreased glutathione peroxidase were all reversed (p < 0.05). In apoptosis of IC, elevated Bax and suppressed Bcl-2 were improved (p < 0.05) after instillation. In fibrosis, dysregulated TGFß/R-Smads/Snail was corrected by the instillation of dehydrated HACM (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dehydrated HACM extracts could be a powerful remedy in treating IC by reconstructing the damaged urothelium, reducing mast-cell infiltration and inflammatory reactions, and ameliorating fibrotic changes.

Phloretin in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer: A Contemporary Systematic Review.

Currently, medication for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) are mainly based on modulating the hormone and nervous systems. However, side effects often affect patients, and might decrease their commitment to continuing the medication and lower their quality of life. Some studies have indicated that chronic inflammation might be the cause of BPH and PCa. Based on this hypothesis, the effect of phloretin, a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative flavonoid, has been researched since 2010. Results from animal and in-vitro studies, obtained from databases, also indicate that the use of phloretin in treating BPH and PCa is promising. Due to its effect on inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis or anti-apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, anti-oxidant enzymes and oxidative stress, phloretin is worthy of further study in human clinical trials regarding safety and effective dosages.

Evaluation of an artificial intelligence algorithm for assisting the Paris System in reporting urinary cytology: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (TPS) has been shown to improve bladder cancer diagnosis. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) may assist and improve the clinical workflow by applying TPS in routine diagnostic services. METHODS: A deep-learning-based algorithm was developed to identify urothelial cancer candidate cells using whole-slide images (WSIs). In the testing cohort, 131 urine cytology slides were retrospectively retrieved and analyzed using this AI algorithm. The authors compared the performance of one cytopathologist and two cytotechnologists using AI-assisted digital urine cytology. Then, the AI-assisted WSIs were evaluated in the clinical workflow. The cytopathologist first made a diagnosis by reviewing the AI-inferred WSIs and quantitative data (nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and nuclear size) for each sample. After a washout period, the same cytopathologist made a diagnosis for the same samples using direct microscopy. All diagnosis results were compared with the expert panel consensus. RESULTS: The AI-assisted diagnosis by the two cytotechnologists and the one cytopathologist demonstrated performance results that were comparable to the expert panel consensus (sensitivity, 79.5% and 82.1% vs. 92.3%, respectively; specificity, 100% and 98.9% vs. 100%, respectively). Furthermore, the performance of the AI-assisted WSIs compared with the microscopic diagnosis by the cytopathologist demonstrated superior sensitivity (92.3% vs. 87.2%) and negative predictive value (96.8% vs. 94.8%). In addition, the AI-assisted reporting demonstrated near perfect agreement with the expert panel consensus (κ = 0.944) and the microscopic diagnosis (κ = 0.862). CONCLUSIONS: The AI algorithm developed by the authors effectively assisted TPS-based reporting by providing AI-inferred WSIs and quantitative data.

Dynamics of H3K27me3 Modification on Plant Adaptation to Environmental Cues.

Given their sessile nature, plants have evolved sophisticated regulatory networks to confer developmental plasticity for adaptation to fluctuating environments. Epigenetic codes, like tri-methylation of histone H3 on Lys27 (H3K27me3), are evidenced to account for this evolutionary benefit. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and PRC1 implement and maintain the H3K27me3-mediated gene repression in most eukaryotic cells. Plants take advantage of this epigenetic machinery to reprogram gene expression in development and environmental adaption. Recent studies have uncovered a number of new players involved in the establishment, erasure, and regulation of H3K27me3 mark in plants, particularly highlighting new roles in plants' responses to environmental cues. Here, we review current knowledge on PRC2-H3K27me3 dynamics occurring during plant growth and development, including its writers, erasers, and readers, as well as targeting mechanisms, and summarize the emerging roles of H3K27me3 mark in plant adaptation to environmental stresses.