LaMnO3-Type Perovskite Nanofibers as Effective Catalysts for On-Cell CH4 Reforming via Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

CH4 has become the most attractive fuel for solid oxide fuel cells due to its wide availability, narrow explosion limit range, low price, and easy storage. Thus, we present the concept of on-cell reforming via SOFC power generation, in which CH4 and CO2 can be converted into H2 and the formed H2 is electrochemically oxidized on a Ni-BZCYYb anode. We modified the porosity and specific surface area of a perovskite reforming catalyst via an optimized electrostatic spinning method, and the prepared LCMN nanofibers, which displayed an ideal LaMnO3-type perovskite structure with a high specific surface area, were imposed on a conventional Ni-BZCYYb anode for on-cell CH4 reforming. Compared to LCMN nanoparticles used as on-cell reforming catalysts, the NF-SOFC showed lower ohmic and polarization resistances, indicating that the porous nanofibers could reduce the resistances of fuel gas transport and charge transport in the anode. Accordingly, the NF-SOFC displayed a maximum power density (MPD) of 781 mW cm-2 and a stable discharge voltage of around 0.62 V for 72 h without coking in the Ni-BZCYYb anode. The present LCMN NF materials and on-cell reforming system demonstrated stability and potential for highly efficient power generation with hydrocarbon fuels.

Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of the elite rice variety Huizhan provide insight into disease resistance and heat tolerance.

The indica rice variety Huizhan shows elite traits of disease resistance and heat tolerance. However, the underlying genetic basis of these traits is not fully understood due to limited genomic resources. Here, we used Nanopore long-read and next-generation sequencing technologies to generate a chromosome-scale genome assembly of Huizhan. Comparative genomics analysis uncovered a large chromosomal inversion and expanded gene families that are associated with plant growth, development and stress responses. Functional rice blast resistance genes, including Pi2, Pib and Ptr, and bacterial blight resistance gene Xa27, contribute to disease resistance of Huizhan. Furthermore, integrated genomics and transcriptomics analyses showed that OsHIRP1, OsbZIP60, the SOD gene family, and various transcription factors are involved in heat tolerance of Huizhan. The high-quality genome assembly and comparative genomics results presented in this study facilitate the use of Huizhan as an elite parental line in developing rice varieties adapted to disease pressure and climate challenges.

Mechanisms of Cadmium stress response in watermelon: Insights from physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic analyses.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination of soil may lead to Cd stress for plants, which significantly hinders plant growth and development, posing a risk to human health through the consumption of Cd-contaminated foods. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), a widely consumed fruit, is particularly affected by Cd stress globally, yet the mechanisms underlying its response are not well understood. Here, we subjected watermelon seedlings to simulated Cd stress treatment and explored the physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolic response. Our findings revealed that Cd stress treatment led to increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in watermelon leaves. Transcriptome sequencing unveiled a multitude of osmotic and oxidative stress-responsive genes, including peroxidase (POD), MYB, voltage-dependent anion channel (SLAC1), and ABC transporter. KEGG enrichment analysis highlighted the predominant enrichment of Cd stress-responsive genes in pathways such as glutathione (GSH) metabolism, MAPK signaling, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Within the GSH metabolism pathway, several glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes were up-regulated, alongside phytochelatin synthetase (PCS) genes involved in phytochelatin synthesis. In the MAPK signaling pathway, genes associated with ABA and ethylene signal transduction showed up-regulation following Cd stress. Metabolomic analysis demonstrated that Cd stress enhanced the production of amino acids, phenolamines, and esters. Overall, our study elucidates that watermelon responds to Cd stress by activating its antioxidant system, GSH metabolism pathway, MAPK signal pathway, and biosynthesis of key metabolites. These findings offer valuable insights for the remediation of heavy metal pollution in soil affecting plant life.

AMPK Attenuation of ß-Adrenergic Receptor-Induced Cardiac Injury via Phosphorylation of ß-Arrestin-1-ser330.

BACKGROUND: ß-adrenergic receptor (ß-AR) overactivation is a major pathological cue associated with cardiac injury and diseases. AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), a conserved energy sensor, regulates energy metabolism and is cardioprotective. However, whether AMPK exerts cardioprotective effects via regulating the signaling pathway downstream of ß-AR remains unclear. METHODS: Using immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, site-specific mutation, in vitro kinase assay, and in vivo animal studies, we determined whether AMPK phosphorylates ß-arrestin-1 at serine (Ser) 330. Wild-type mice and mice with site-specific mutagenesis (S330A knock-in [KI]/S330D KI) were subcutaneously injected with the ß-AR agonist isoproterenol (5 mg/kg) to evaluate the causality between ß-adrenergic insult and ß-arrestin-1 Ser330 phosphorylation. Cardiac transcriptomics was used to identify changes in gene expression from ß-arrestin-1-S330A/S330D mutation and ß-adrenergic insult. RESULTS: Metformin could decrease cAMP/PKA (protein kinase A) signaling induced by isoproterenol. AMPK bound to ß-arrestin-1 and phosphorylated Ser330 with the highest phosphorylated mass spectrometry score. AMPK activation promoted ß-arrestin-1 Ser330 phosphorylation in vitro and in vivo. Neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes overexpressing ß-arrestin-1-S330D (active form) inhibited the ß-AR/cAMP/PKA axis by increasing PDE (phosphodiesterase) 4 expression and activity. Cardiac transcriptomics revealed that the differentially expressed genes between isoproterenol-treated S330A KI and S330D KI mice were mainly involved in immune processes and inflammatory response. ß-arrestin-1 Ser330 phosphorylation inhibited isoproterenol-induced reactive oxygen species production and NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3) inflammasome activation in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. In S330D KI mice, the ß-AR-activated cAMP/PKA pathways were attenuated, leading to repressed inflammasome activation, reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines, and mitigated macrophage infiltration. Compared with S330A KI mice, S330D KI mice showed diminished cardiac fibrosis and improved cardiac function upon isoproterenol exposure. However, the cardiac protection exerted by AMPK was abolished in S330A KI mice. CONCLUSIONS: AMPK phosphorylation of ß-arrestin-1 Ser330 potentiated PDE4 expression and activity, thereby inhibiting ß-AR/cAMP/PKA activation. Subsequently, ß-arrestin-1 Ser330 phosphorylation blocks ß-AR-induced cardiac inflammasome activation and remodeling.

Different parts of the mussel Gigantidas haimaensis holobiont responded differently to deep-sea sampling stress.

Acute environmental changes cause stress during conventional deep-sea biological sampling without in situ fixation and affect gene expressions of samples collected. However, the degree of influence and underlying mechanisms are hardly investigated. Here, we conducted comparative transcriptomic analyses between in situ and onboard fixed gills and between in situ and onboard fixed mantles of deep-sea mussel Gigantidas haimaensis to assess the effects of incidental sampling stress. Results showed that transcription, translation, and energy metabolism were upregulated in onboard fixed gills and mantles, thereby mobilizing rapid gene expression to tackle the stress. Autophagy and phagocytosis that related to symbiotic interactions between the host and endosymbiont were downregulated in the onboard fixed gills. These findings demonstrated that symbiotic gill and nonsymbiotic mantle responded differently to sampling stress, and symbiosis in the gill was perturbed. Further comparative metatranscriptomic analysis between in situ and onboard fixed gills revealed that stress response genes, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, and methane fixation were upregulated in the onboard fixed endosymbiotic Gammaproteobacteria inside the gills, implying that energy metabolism of the endosymbiont was increased to cope with sampling stress. Furthermore, comparative analysis between the mussel G. haimaensis and the limpet Bathyacmaea lactea transcriptomes resultedidentified six transcription factor orthologs upregulated in both onboard fixed mussel mantles and limpets, including sharply increased early growth response protein 1 and Kruppel-like factor 5. They potentially play key roles in initiating the response of sampled deep-sea macrobenthos to sampling stress. Our results clearly show that in situ fixed biological samples are vital for studying deep-sea environmental adaptation.

From sequences to sustainability: Exploring dipterocarp genomes for oleoresin production, timber quality, and conservation.

Dipterocarp species dominate tropical forest ecosystems and provide key ecological and economic value through their use of aromatic resins, medicinal chemicals, and high-quality timber. However, habitat loss and unsustainable logging have endangered many Dipterocarpaceae species. Genomic strategies provide new opportunities for both elucidating the molecular pathways underlying these desirable traits and informing conservation efforts for at-risk taxa. This review summarizes the progress in dipterocarp genomics analysis and applications. We describe 16 recently published Dipterocarpaceae genome sequences, representing crucial genetic blueprints. Phylogenetic comparisons delineate evolutionary relationships among species and provide frameworks for pinpointing functional changes underlying specialized metabolism and wood development patterns. We also discuss connections revealed thus far between specific gene families and both oleoresin biosynthesis and wood quality traits-including the identification of key terpenoid synthases and cellulose synthases likely governing pathway flux. Moreover, the characterization of adaptive genomic markers offers vital resources for supporting conservation practices prioritizing resilient genotypes displaying valuable oleoresin and timber traits. Overall, progress in dipterocarp functional and comparative genomics provides key tools for addressing the intertwined challenges of preserving biodiversity in endangered tropical forest ecosystems while sustainably deriving aromatic chemicals and quality lumber that support diverse human activities.

Interacted Ternary Component Ensuring High-Security Eutectic Electrolyte for High Performance Sodium-Metal Batteries.

Due to the intrinsic flame-retardant, eutectic electrolytes are considered a promising candidate for sodium-metal batteries (SMBs). However, the high viscosity and ruinous side reaction with Na metal anode greatly hinder their further development. Herein, based on the Lewis acid-base theory, a new eutectic electrolyte (EE) composed of sodium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (NaTFSI), succinonitrile (SN), and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) is reported. As a strong Lewis base, the ─C≡N group of SN can effectively weaken the interaction between Na+ and TFSI-, achieving the dynamic equilibrium and reducing the viscosity of EE. Moreover, the FEC additive shows a low energy level to construct thicker and denser solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the Na metal surface, which can effectively eliminate the side reaction between EE and Na metal anode. Therefore, EE-1:6 + 5% FEC shows high ionic conductivity (2.62 mS cm-1) and ultra-high transference number of Na+ (0.96). The Na||Na symmetric cell achieves stable Na plating/stripping for 1100 h and Na||Na3V2(PO4)3/C cell shows superior long-term cycling stability over 2000 cycles (99.1% retention) at 5 C. More importantly, the Na||NVP/C pouch cell demonstrates good cycling performance of 102.1 mAh g-1 after 135 cycles at 0.5 C with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.63%.

Feedback of chain elongation microorganisms on iron-based conductive materials: Enhanced microbial functions and biotoxicity adaptation mechanisms.

Despite the increased research efforts aimed at understanding iron-based conductive materials (CMs) for facilitating chain elongation (CE) to produce medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), the impact of these materials on microbial community functions and the adaptation mechanisms to their biotoxicity remain unclear. This study found that the supply of zero-valent iron (ZVI) and magnetite enhanced the MCFAs carbon-flow distribution by 26 % and 52 %, respectively. Metagenomic analysis revealed the upregulation of fatty acid metabolism, pyruvate metabolism and ABC transporters with ZVI and magnetite. The predominant functional microorganisms were Massilibacterium and Tidjanibacter with ZVI, and were Petrimonas and Candidatus_Microthrix with magnetite. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that CE microorganisms respond and adapt to the biotoxicity of iron-based CMs by adjusting Two-component system and Quorum sensing for the first time. In summary, this study provided a new deep-insight on the feedback mechanisms of CE microorganisms on iron-based CMs.

Upgrading soybean dreg to caproate via intermediate of lactate and mediator of biochar.

To address the environmental hazards posed by high-yield soybean dreg (SD), a high-value strategy is firstly proposed by synthesizing caproate through chain elongation (CE). Optimized conditions for lactate-rich broth as intermediate, utilizing 50 % inoculum ratio, 40 g/L substrate concentration, and pH 5, resulting in 2.05 g/L caproate from direct fermentation. Leveraging lactate-rich broth supplemented with ethanol, caproate was optimized to 2.76 g/L under a refined electron donor to acceptor of 2:1. Furthermore, incorporating 20 g/L biochar elevated caproate production to 3.05 g/L and significantly shortened the lag phase. Mechanistic insights revealed that biochar's surface-existed quinone and hydroquinone groups exhibit potent redox characteristics, thereby facilitating electron transfer. Moreover, biochar up-regulated the abundance of key genes involved in CE process (especially fatty acids biosynthesis pathway), also enriching Lysinibacillus and Pseudomonas as an unrecognized cooperation to CE. This study paves a way for sustainable development of SD by upgrading to caproate.

Synthesis of selenophene-containing flavonols and 2-styrylchromones: Evaluation of their activities compared with selenophene-containing chalcones as potential anticancer agents.

Previously, we documented the synthesis and assessed the biological effects of chalcones containing selenium against HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, demonstrating their significant potential. As research on selenium-containing flavonoids remains limited, this article outlines our design and synthesis of three selenium-based flavonols and three 2-styrylchromones. We conducted evaluations of these compounds to determine their impact on human lung cancer cells (A549, H1975, CL1-0, and CL1-5) and their influence on normal lung fibroblast MRC5 cells. Additionally, we included selenium-based chalcones in our testing for comparative purposes. Our findings highlight that the simplest compound, designated as compound 1, exhibited the most promising performance among the tested molecules.

Mining genomic regions associated with agronomic and biochemical traits in quinoa through GWAS.

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), an Andean crop, is a facultative halophyte food crop recognized globally for its high nutritional value and plasticity to adapt to harsh conditions. We conducted a genome-wide association study on a diverse set of quinoa germplasm accessions. These accessions were evaluated for the following agronomic and biochemical traits: days to 50% flowering (DTF), plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), stem diameter (SD), seed yield (SY), grain diameter (GD), and thousand-grain weight (TGW). These accessions underwent genotyping-by-sequencing using the DNBSeq-G400R platform. Among all evaluated traits, TGW represented maximum broad-sense heritability. Our study revealed average SNP density of ≈ 3.11 SNPs/10 kb for the whole genome, with the lowest and highest on chromosomes Cq1B and Cq9A, respectively. Principal component analysis clustered the quinoa population in three main clusters, one clearly representing lowland Chilean accessions, whereas the other two groups corresponded to germplasm from the highlands of Peru and Bolivia. In our germplasm set, we estimated linkage disequilibrium decay to be ≈ 118.5 kb. Marker-trait analyses revealed major and consistent effect associations for DTF on chromosomes 3A, 4B, 5B, 6A, 7A, 7B and 8B, with phenotypic variance explained (PVE) as high as 19.15%. Nine associations across eight chromosomes were also found for saponin content with 20% PVE by qSPN5A.1. More QTLs were identified for PL and TGW on multiple chromosomal locations. We identified putative candidate genes in the genomic regions associated with DTF and saponin content. The consistent and major-effect genomic associations can be used in fast-tracking quinoa breeding for wider adaptation across marginal environments.

BRCC3 Regulation of ALK2 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Implication in Pulmonary Hypertension.

BACKGROUND: An imbalance of antiproliferative BMP (bone morphogenetic protein) signaling and proliferative TGF-ß (transforming growth factor-ß) signaling is implicated in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The posttranslational modification (eg, phosphorylation and ubiquitination) of TGF-ß family receptors, including BMPR2 (bone morphogenetic protein type 2 receptor)/ALK2 (activin receptor-like kinase-2) and TGF-ßR2/R1, and receptor-regulated Smads significantly affects their activity and thus regulates the target cell fate. BRCC3 modifies the activity and stability of its substrate proteins through K63-dependent deubiquitination. By modulating the posttranslational modifications of the BMP/TGF-ß-PPARγ pathway, BRCC3 may play a role in pulmonary vascular remodeling, hence the pathogenesis of PAH. METHODS: Bioinformatic analyses were used to explore the mechanism by which BRCC3 deubiquitinates ALK2. Cultured pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), mouse models, and specimens from patients with idiopathic PAH were used to investigate the rebalance between BMP and TGF-ß signaling in regulating ALK2 phosphorylation and ubiquitination in the context of pulmonary hypertension. RESULTS: BRCC3 was significantly downregulated in PASMCs from patients with PAH and animals with experimental pulmonary hypertension. BRCC3, by de-ubiquitinating ALK2 at Lys-472 and Lys-475, activated receptor-regulated Smad1/5/9, which resulted in transcriptional activation of BMP-regulated PPARγ, p53, and Id1. Overexpression of BRCC3 also attenuated TGF-ß signaling by downregulating TGF-ß expression and inhibiting phosphorylation of Smad3. Experiments in vitro indicated that overexpression of BRCC3 or the de-ubiquitin-mimetic ALK2-K472/475R attenuated PASMC proliferation and migration and enhanced PASMC apoptosis. In SM22α-BRCC3-Tg mice, pulmonary hypertension was ameliorated because of activation of the ALK2-Smad1/5-PPARγ axis in PASMCs. In contrast, Brcc3-/- mice showed increased susceptibility of experimental pulmonary hypertension because of inhibition of the ALK2-Smad1/5 signaling. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a pivotal role of BRCC3 in sustaining pulmonary vascular homeostasis by maintaining the integrity of the BMP signaling (ie, the ALK2-Smad1/5-PPARγ axis) while suppressing TGF-ß signaling in PASMCs. Such rebalance of BMP/TGF-ß pathways is translationally important for PAH alleviation.

Role of diet in the risks of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma: an updated umbrella review.

PURPOSE: This updated umbrella review aimed to evaluate the evidence regarding the associations between dietary factors and the risks of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify relevant studies. The quality of the included meta-analyses was evaluated using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR 2). For each association, the number of cases, random effects pooled effect size, 95% confidence intervals (CIs), heterogeneity, 95% prediction interval (PrI), small-study effect, and excess significance bias were recalculated to determine the evidence level. RESULTS: We identified 33 meta-analyses describing 58 dietary factors associated with ESCC and 29 meta-analyses describing 38 dietary factors associated with EAC. There was convincing evidence regarding the association of 2 dietary factors (areca nut and high alcohol) with the risk of ESCC. There was highly suggestive evidence regarding the association of only 1 dietary factor (healthy pattern) with the risk of ESCC. There was suggestive evidence regarding the association of 11 dietary factors with the risk of ESCC, including fruit, citrus fruit, vegetables, pickled vegetables, maté tea, moderate alcohol, hot beverages and foods, hot tea, salt, folate, and vitamin B6. There was convincing evidence regarding the association of one dietary factor (vitamin B6) with the risk of EAC. There was suggestive evidence regarding the association of 4 dietary factors with the risk of EAC, including processed meat, dietary fibre, carbohydrate, and vitamin B12. The convincing evidence regarding the associations between dietary factors and the risks of ESCC and EAC remained robust in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This umbrella review highlighted convincing evidence regarding the associations of areca nut and high alcohol with a higher risk of ESCC. Additionally, an association between vitamin B6 and a decreased risk of EAC was observed. Further research is needed to examine the dietary factors with weak evidence regarding their associations with ESCC and EAC.

LettuceDB: an integrated multi-omics database for cultivated lettuce.

Crop genomics has advanced rapidly during the past decade, which generated a great abundance of omics data from multi-omics studies. How to utilize the accumulating data becomes a critical and urgent demand in crop science. As an attempt to integrate multi-omics data, we developed a database, LettuceDB (https://db.cngb.org/lettuce/), aiming to assemble multidimensional data for cultivated and wild lettuce germplasm. The database includes genome, variome, phenome, microbiome and spatial transcriptome. By integrating user-friendly bioinformatics tools, LettuceDB will serve as a one-stop platform for lettuce research and breeding in the future. Database URL: https://db.cngb.org/lettuce/.

Spatiotemporal transcriptomic atlas of rhizome formation in Oryza longistaminata.

Rhizomes are modified stems that grow underground and produce new individuals genetically identical to the mother plant. Recently, a breakthrough has been made in efforts to convert annual grains into perennial ones by utilizing wild rhizomatous species as donors, yet the developmental biology of this organ is rarely studied. Oryza longistaminata, a wild rice species featuring strong rhizomes, provides a valuable model for exploration of rhizome development. Here, we first assembled a double-haplotype genome of O. longistaminata, which displays a 48-fold improvement in contiguity compared to the previously published assembly. Furthermore, spatiotemporal transcriptomics was performed to obtain the expression profiles of different tissues in O. longistaminata rhizomes and tillers. Two spatially reciprocal cell clusters, the vascular bundle 2 cluster and the parenchyma 2 cluster, were determined to be the primary distinctions between the rhizomes and tillers. We also captured meristem initiation cells in the sunken area of parenchyma located at the base of internodes, which is the starting point for rhizome initiation. Trajectory analysis further indicated that the rhizome is regenerated through de novo generation. Collectively, these analyses revealed a spatiotemporal transcriptional transition underlying the rhizome initiation, providing a valuable resource for future perennial crop breeding.

Exploring particle concentrations and inside-to-outside ratios in vehicles: A real-time road test study.

In transportation microenvironments, humans exposed to particulate matter (PM) inside vehicles can experience higher levels of daily exposure. To make inside-vehicle PM exposure measurements more feasible and easy under real driving conditions, and to quantify the relationship between the concentrations and influencing factors, we assessed PM1, PM2.5, and PM10. levels. Additionally, we collected key influencing factors to develop predictive models. The measurements of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 concentrations showed that the ventilation setting was a significant influencing factor. The concentrations decreased significantly under the recirculation setting (RC) compared to the outside air setting (OA). The inside-to-outside (I/O) ratios of PM were 1.69 to 1.93-fold higher than those of RC under OA conditions. However, a substantial reduction in the I/O ratios was observed when RC was employed. Although both the concentrations and I/O ratios exhibited significant differences, they demonstrated strong potential relationships. PM2.5 I/O ratios accounted for over 85 % of the variation in the PM1 and PM10 I/O ratios. The developed models for the I/O ratios of PM accounted for >40 and 60 % of the variation in the measured I/O ratios for RC and OA, respectively. We used the vehicle age, vehicle interior volume, speed, cabin temperature, cabin humidity, and their higher-order terms as predictive variables. It is important to note that the influential predictive feature importance differed under RC and OA, and considering the vehicle characteristics between vehicles of the same type may be necessary when using RC. Overall, these findings indicate that the inside-vehicle PM exposure can be measured more easily under real driving conditions by considering the key influencing factors and utilizing the developed predictive models.

Electron deficient Bi3+δ serves as N2 absorption sites and inhibits carriers recombination to enhance N2 photo-fixation in BiOBr/TiO2 S-scheme heterojunction.

Efficient carriers separation and multiple nitrogen (N2) activation sites are essential for N2 photo-fixation. Here, we found that the BiOBr/TiO2 (BBTO) displayed an attractive reversible photochromism (white → grey) due to the generation of electron deficient Bi3+δ, which was produced by the hole trapping of Bi3+ under light irradiation. Interestingly, more Bi3+δ were detected in the BBTO heterojunction than in pure BiOBr, attributing that the hole trapping was promoted by the built-in electric field in the Step scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction. In the BBTO, the electron deficient Bi3+δ enhanced carriers separation and served as the reactive active site to adsorb more N2. Consequently, the BBTO possessed an excellent N2 photo-fixation activity (191 µmol gcat-1 h-1), which was 7.7 and 18 times higher than that of pure BiOBr (24.8 µmol gcat-1 h-1) and TiO2 (10.6 µmol gcat-1 h-1), respectively. Therefore, this work provides a new perspective for enhancing N2 photo-fixation by the electron deficient photocatalysts with S-scheme heterojunction.

Prognostic value and relapse pattern of HER2-low in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: A new concept of HER2-low has emerged in recent years. However, the prognostic value and the relapse pattern of HER2-low is unclear. METHODS: Our study included patients diagnosed with HER2-negative/hormone receptor-positive breast cancer to explore the differences in survival outcomes between the HER2-low group and the HER2-zero group. More importantly, we explored different recurrence patterns, including the comparison of metastatic sites and recurrence time curve between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 797 patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer were analyzed. Similar disease-free survival (DFS) was observed between the HER2-low group and HER2-zero group (HR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.61-1.16, p = 0.290). There was also no significant difference in OS between the HER2-low group and the HER2-zero group (HR 0.77, 95% CI: 0.46-1.28, p = 0.310). When IHC 1+ and 0 were taken as a group, the IHC 2+ group had significantly better DFS than the IHC 1+ and 0 group in some subgroups. The risk of bone metastasis in patients with HER2 IHC 1+ and 0 was significantly higher than that of patients with HER2 IHC 2+ (12.7% vs. 4.7%, p < 0.001). Compared with the HER2-zero group, we found that the HER2-low group had a more obvious peak in mortality at the time of postoperative 80th-100th month. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in DFS and OS between the HER2-low group and the HER2-zero group was observed. Patients with HER2 IHC 1+ and 0 tend to develop bone metastasis. The HER2-low group had a more obvious second peak in mortality.

Bayesian diagnostic test evaluation and true prevalence estimation of malnutrition in gastric cancer patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition is prevalent among gastric cancer (GC) patients, necessitating early assessment of nutritional status to guide monitoring and interventions for improved outcomes. We aim to evaluate the accuracy and prognostic capability of three nutritional tools in GC patients, providing insights for clinical implementation. METHODS: The present study is an analysis of data from 1308 adult GC patients recruited in a multicenter from July 2013 to July 2018. Nutritional status was assessed using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002), Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Bayesian latent class model (LCM) estimated the malnutrition prevalence of GC patients, sensitivity and specificity of nutritional tools. Cox regression model analyzed the relationship between nutritional status and overall survival (OS) in GC patients. RESULTS: Among 1308 GC patients, NRS-2002, PG-SGA, and GLIM identified 50.46%, 76.76%, and 68.81% as positive, respectively. Bayesian LCM analysis revealed that PG-SGA had the highest sensitivity (0.96) for malnutrition assessment, followed by GLIM criteria (0.78) and NRS-2002 (0.65). Malnutrition or being at risk of malnutrition were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS. Use any of these tools improved survival prediction in TNM staging system. CONCLUSION: PG-SGA is the most reliable tool for diagnosing malnutrition in GC patients, whereas NRS-2002 is suitable for nutritional screening in busy clinical practice. Given the lower sensitivity of NRS-2002, direct utilization of GLIM for nutritional assessment may be necessary. Each nutritional tool should be associated with a specific course of action, although further research is needed.