CTC-neutrophil interaction: A key driver and therapeutic target of cancer metastasis.

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream, where they can seed new metastatic lesions in distant organs. CTCs are often associated with white blood cells (WBCs), especially neutrophils, the most abundant and versatile immune cells in the blood. Neutrophils can interact with CTCs through various mechanisms, such as cell-cell adhesion, cytokine secretion, protease release, and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation. These interactions can promote the survival, proliferation, invasion, and extravasation of CTCs, as well as modulate the pre-metastatic niche and the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, inhibiting CTC-neutrophils interaction could be a potential strategy to reduce tumor metastasis and improve the prognosis of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the current literature on CTC-neutrophils interaction' role in tumor metastasis and discuss the possible therapeutic approaches to target this interaction.

In-depth comparative pathogenome, virulome, and resistome analysis of an extensive drug resistant Ralstonia mannitolilytica strain isolated from blood.

INTRODUCTION: Ralstonia mannitolilytica is an global opportunistic pathogen responsible for various diseases. In this study, we reported the genome of a R. mannitolilytica isolate responsible for bacteremia in an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). METHODS: Bacterial identification was performed with a Vitek2™ Automated System and 16S rRNA sequencing with BLASTn against the Non-Redundant Protein Sequence (Nr) database. Genome sequencing and analysis were performed using PacBio RS II sequencer, Hierarchical Genome Assembly Process assembly, as well as multiple annotation databases to better understand the innate features. Antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors were specifically identified through Antibiotic Resistance Genes database and Virulence Factors of Pathogenic Bacteria databases. RESULTS: The complete genome sequence was assembled into two chromosomes with 3,495,817 bp and 1,342,871 bp in length and GC% of 65.37 % and 66.43 %, respectively. The two chromosomes were fully annotated. In chromosome 1 and 2, 19 and 14 antibiotic resistant genes and 48 and 55 virulence factors were predicted, respectively. Specifically, beta-lactam resistance genes blaOXA-443, blaOXA-444 were acquired. CONCLUSIONS: This study aids in the understanding of the innate features of R. mannitolilytica in AECOPD.

Hierarchical Interfacial Construction by Grafting Cellulose Nanocrystals onto Carbon Fiber for Improving the Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Composites.

Carbon fiber-reinforced composites have been widely used in the aerospace industry because of their superior comprehensive performance, including high strength, low density, fatigue resistance, long service life, etc. The interface between the fiber reinforcement and the matrix is one of the key factors that determines the performance of the composites. The construction of covalent bonding connections between the components has proven to be an effective strategy for improving the interfacial bonding strength but always reduces the toughness. In this work, dual silane coupling agents are applied to covalently connect cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) onto carbon fibers, constructing hierarchical interfacial connections between the fibers and the epoxy matrix and significantly improving the interfacial bonding strength. As a result, the tensile strength of the epoxy composites increased from 519 MPa to nearly 900 MPa, which provides a potential approach for significantly improving the mechanical performance of composites.

First Report on the Trophic Transfer and Priority List of Liquid Crystal Monomers in the Pearl River Estuary.

Liquid crystal monomers (LCMs) are emerging organic pollutants due to their potential persistence, toxicity, and bioaccumulation. This study first characterized the levels and compositions of 19 LCMs in organisms in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), estimated their bioaccumulation and trophic transfer potential, and identified priority contaminants. LCMs were generally accumulated in organisms from sediment, and the LCM concentrations in all organisms ranged from 32.35 to 1367 ng/g lipid weight. The main LCMs in organisms were biphenyls and analogues (BAs) (76.6%), followed by cyanobiphenyls and analogues (CBAs) (15.1%), and the least were fluorinated biphenyls and analogues (FBAs) (11.2%). The most abundant LCM monomers of BAs, FBAs, and CBAs in LCMs in organisms were 1-(4-propylcyclohexyl)-4-vinylcyclohexane (15.1%), 1-ethoxy-2,3-difluoro-4-(4-(4-propylcyclohexyl) cyclohexyl) benzene (EDPBB, 10.1%), and 4'-propoxy-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5.1%), respectively. The niche studies indicated that the PRE food web was composed of terrestrial-based diet and marine food chains. Most LCMs exhibited biodilution in the terrestrial-based diet and marine food chains, except for EDPBB and 4,4'-bis(4-propylcyclohexyl) biphenyl (BPCHB). The hydrophobicity, position of fluorine substitution of LCMs, and biological habits may be important factors affecting the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of LCMs. BPCHB, 1-(prop-1-enyl)-4-(4-propylcyclohexyl) cyclohexane, and EDPBB were characterized as priority contaminants. This study first reports the trophic transfer processes and mechanisms of LCMs and the biomonitoring in PRE.

Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction: A potent analgesic for neuropathic pain targeting the NMDAR2B/CaMKIIα/ERK/CREB pathway.

Neuropathic pain (NeP) is a condition charactesized by nervous system injury or dysfunction that affects a significant portion of the population. Current treatments are ineffective, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Mahuang Fuzi Xixin decoction (MFXD) has shown promise for treating pain conditions in clinical practice; however, its potential against NeP and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study identified 35 compounds in MFXD using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS). The analgesic effects of MFXD on chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats were evaluated through the detection of mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). The analgesic effects of MFXD in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) were evaluated by measuring the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL). Low-dose MFXD (L-MFXD) group (4.8 g/kg) and high-dose MFXD (H-MFXD) group (9.6 g/kg) exhibited significantly higher MWT and TWL values than the CCI group on days 11 and 15 post-CCI surgery, substantiating the remarkable analgesic efficacy of MFXD. Network pharmacology analysis identified 58 key targets enriched in pathways such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and glutamatergic synapse. The MCODE algorithm further identified core targets with significant enrichment in LTP. Molecular docking revealed that mesaconitine, rosmarinic acid, and delgrandine from MFXD exhibited high binding affinity with NMDAR2B (-11 kcal/mol), CaMKIIα (-14.3 kcal/mol), and ERK (-10.8 kcal/mol). Western blot and immunofluorescence confirmed that H-MFXD significantly suppressed the phosphorylation levels of NMDAR2B, CaMKIIα, ERK, and CREB in the spinal cord tissue of CCI rats. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MFXD possesses potent analgesic effects on NeP by suppressing the NMDAR2B/CaMKIIα/ERK/CREB signalling pathway. This study unlocks a path toward potentially revolutionising NeP treatment with MFXD, encouraging further research and clinical development.

Associations of oxidative balance score with lumbar spine osteopenia in 20-40 years adults: NHANES 2011-2018.

PURPOSE: Current research suggests that oxidative stress may decrease bone mineral density (BMD) by disrupting bone metabolism balance. However, no study investigated the relationship between systemic oxidative stress status and adult BMD. This study aims to investigate whether oxidative balance score (OBS) is associated with BMD in adults under 40. METHODS: 3963 participants were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. OBS is scored based on 20 dietary and lifestyle factors. Weighted multiple logistic regression and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the correlation between OBS and osteopenia. RESULTS: After adjusting for confounding factors, the weighted logistic regression results showed that compared with the first tertile of OBS, the highest tertile had a 38% (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.47-0.82) lower risk of osteopenia. The restrictive cubic spline curve indicates a significant nonlinear correlation between OBS and the risk of osteopenia. CONCLUSION: The research findings emphasize the relationship between OBS and the risk of osteopenia in young adults. Adopting an antioxidant diet and lifestyle may help young adults to maintain bone mass.

Preparation of a self-matting, anti-fingerprint and skin-tactile wood coating via biomimetic self-wrinkling patterns.

Inspired by natural wrinkled surfaces, artificial surfaces with biomimetic wrinkled structures have been widely used to improve optical properties, wettability, and antibacterial properties. However, the preparation of wrinkled structures has the disadvantages of long-time consumption and complex processes. Herein, we prepared a self-wrinkling polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) wood coating via biomimetic self-wrinkling patterns by using a light-emitting diode (LED)/excimer/mercury lamp curing system, which was capable of self-matting, anti-fingerprint and skin-tactile performance. By adjusting the irradiation intensity in the curing system, the wavelength (λ) and amplitude (A) of wrinkles on the coating surface were controlled to enhance the coating performance. After curing by the LED, excimer, and mercury lamps at energy intensities of 500, 30, and 300 mW/cm2 respectively, the self-wrinkling coating showed excellent surface performance. The self-wrinkling coating represented low gloss of 4.1 GU at 85°, high hardness of 4H. Interestingly, the coating surface had a high hydrophobicity (104.5°) and low surface energy (29-30 mN/m) and low coefficient (COF) of friction (0.1-0.2), which were consistent with those of the human skin surface. Besides, the wrinkled structure also improved the thermal stability of the coating samples. This study provided a promising technique for the mass production of self-wrinkling coatings that could be used in wood-based panels, furniture, and leather.

A robust, eco-friendly, and biodegradable cellulose nanofiber composite film for highly effective formaldehyde removal at room temperature.

Formaldehyde (HCHO) poses a significant threat as a common indoor air pollutant, leading to various health issues. However, effectively addressing HCHO removal at room temperature remains a considerable challenge. This paper presents the preparation of a robust, eco-friendly, and biodegradable composite cellulose nanofiber film, incorporating CeO2-Ag@MnO2 catalysts and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCNF), for high-efficiency HCHO removal at room temperature. A CeO2-Ag@MnO2 ternary catalyst with a core-shell structure was constructed to enhance the catalytic oxidation activity and stability. This structure increased the number of active sites on the catalyst surface and enhanced the interfacial synergistic effect of Ce-Ag-Mn. The TOCNF physically adsorbed HCHO in the composite film, while the catalyst oxidized it to CO2 and water. The composite films, particularly those with 20 wt% CeO2-Ag@MnO2 catalyst, exhibited high HCHO removal rates of 91.2 % at 20 °C and 99.6 % at 60 °C. Furthermore, the TOCNF/20 CAM composite films demonstrated excellent mechanical properties and degradability. This composite film offers an efficient and eco-friendly solution for the catalytic oxidation of HCHO at room temperature.

Tumor Stiffness Measurement at Multifrequency MR Elastography to Predict Lymphovascular Space Invasion in Endometrial Cancer.

Background Pathologic lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) is associated with poor outcome in endometrial cancer. Its relationship with tumor stiffness, which can be measured with use of MR elastography, has not been extensively explored. Purpose To assess whether MR elastography-based mechanical characteristics can aid in the noninvasive prediction of LVSI in patients with endometrial cancer. Materials and Methods This prospective study included consecutive adult patients with a suspected uterine tumor who underwent MRI and MR elastography between October 2022 and July 2023. A region of interest delineated on T2-weighted magnitude images was duplicated on MR elastography images and used to calculate c (stiffness in meters per second) and φ (viscosity in radians) values. Pathologic assessment of hysterectomy specimens for LVSI served as the reference standard. Data were compared between LVSI-positive and -negative groups with use of the Mann-Whitney U test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine variables associated with LVSI positivity and develop diagnostic models for predicting LVSI. Model performance was assessed with use of area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared using the DeLong test. Results A total of 101 participants were included, 72 who were LVSI-negative (median age, 53 years [IQR, 48-62 years]) and 29 who were LVSI-positive (median age, 54 years [IQR, 49-60 years]). The tumor stiffness in the LVSI-positive group was higher than in the LVSI-negative group (median, 4.1 m/sec [IQR, 3.2-4.6 m/sec] vs 2.2 m/sec [IQR, 2.0-2.8 m/sec]; P < .001). Tumor volume, cancer antigen 125 level, and tumor stiffness were associated with LVSI positivity (adjusted odds ratio range, 1.01-9.06; P range, <.001-.04). The combined model (AUC, 0.93) showed better performance for predicting LVSI compared with clinical-radiologic model (AUC, 0.77; P = .003) and similar performance to the MR elastography-based model (AUC, 0.89; P = .06). Conclusion The addition of tumor stiffness as measured at MR elastography into a clinical-radiologic model improved prediction of LVSI in patients with endometrial cancer. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Ehman in this issue.

Smart Microneedle Arrays Integrating Cell-Free Therapy and Nanocatalysis to Treat Liver Fibrosis.

Liver fibrosis is a chronic pathological condition lacking specific clinical treatments. Stem cells, with notable potential in regenerative medicine, offer promise in treating liver fibrosis. However, stem cell therapy is hindered by potential immunological rejection, carcinogenesis risk, efficacy variation, and high cost. Stem cell secretome-based cell-free therapy offers potential solutions to address these challenges, but it is limited by low delivery efficiency and rapid clearance. Herein, an innovative approach for in situ implantation of smart microneedle (MN) arrays enabling precisely controlled delivery of multiple therapeutic agents directly into fibrotic liver tissues is developed. By integrating cell-free and platinum-based nanocatalytic combination therapy, the MN arrays can deactivate hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, they promote excessive extracellular matrix degradation by more than 75%, approaching normal levels. Additionally, the smart MN arrays can provide hepatocyte protection while reducing inflammation levels by ≈70-90%. They can also exhibit remarkable capability in scavenging almost 100% of reactive oxygen species and alleviating hypoxia. Ultimately, this treatment strategy can effectively restrain fibrosis progression. The comprehensive in vitro and in vivo experiments, supplemented by proteome and transcriptome analyses, substantiate the effectiveness of the approach in treating liver fibrosis, holding immense promise for clinical applications.