Left atrial reservoir longitudinal strain and its incremental value to the left ventricular global longitudinal strain in predicting anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) has been recommended by current guidelines for diagnosing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. However, little is known about the early changes in left atrial (LA) morphology and function in this population. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential usefulness of LA indices and their incremental value to LVGLS with three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) in the early detection of subclinical cardiotoxicity in patients with lymphoma receiving anthracycline. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who received six cycles of anthracycline-based treatment were enrolled. Echocardiography was performed at baseline (T0), after four cycles (T1), and after the completion of six cycles of chemotherapy (T2). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LVGLS, LA volumes, LA emptying fraction (LAEF), LA active emptying fraction (LAAEF), and LA reservoir longitudinal strain (LASr) were quantified with 3DE. Left atrioventricular global longitudinal strain (LAVGLS) was calculated as the sum of peak LASr and the absolute value of peak LVGLS (LAVGLS = LASr+|LVGLS|). LV cardiotoxicity was defined as a new LVEF reduction by ≥10 percentage points to an LVEF of ≤50%. RESULTS: Fourteen (17.5%) patients developed LV cardiotoxicity at T2. LA volumes, LAEF, and LAAEF remained stable over time. Impairment of LASr (28.35 ± 5.03 vs. 25.04 ± 4.10, p < .001), LVGLS (-22.77 ± 2.45 vs. -20.44 ± 2.62, p < .001), and LAVGLS (51.12 ± 5.63 vs. 45.61 ± 5.22, p < .001) was observed by the end of the fourth cycle of chemotherapy (T1). Statistically significant declines in LVEF (61.30 ± 4.73 vs. 57.08 ± 5.83, p < .001) were only observed at T2. The relative decrease in LASr (ΔLASr), LVGLS (ΔLVGLS), and LAVGLS (ΔLAVGLS) from T0 to T1 were predictors of LV cardiotoxicity. A ΔLASr of >19.75% (sensitivity, 71.4%; specificity, 87.9%; area under the curve (AUC), .842; p < .001), a ΔLVGLS of >13.19% (sensitivity, 78.6%; specificity, 74.2%; AUC, .763; p < .001), and a ΔLAVGLS of >16.80% (sensitivity, 78.6%; specificity, 93.9%; AUC, .905; p < .001) predicted subsequent LV cardiotoxicity at T2, with the AUC of ΔLAVGLS significantly larger than that of ΔLVGLS (.905 vs. .763, p = .027). Compared to ΔLVGLS, ΔLAVGLS showed improved specificity (93.9% vs. 74.2%, p = .002) and maintained sensitivity in predicting LV cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS: LASr could predict anthracycline-induced LV cardiotoxicity with excellent diagnostic performance. Incorporating LASr into LVGLS (LAVGLS) led to a significantly improved specificity and maintained sensitivity in predicting LV cardiotoxicity.

Risk of intracranial hemorrhage in patients using anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation after cerebral microbleeds combined with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To evaluate intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) risk in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) undergoing anticoagulation therapy for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, UpToDate, Scopus, WOS, and SinoMed. The search covered observational literature published from each database inception until February 1, 2023. We analyzed the prevalence of CMBs during the follow-up period, compared future ICH risk between patients with and without baseline CMBs (CMBs presence/absence, ≧5 CMBs), and examined factors influencing ICH occurrence in patients with CMBs. Also studied recurrent stroke during anticoagulation therapy, the risk of future ICH when white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and CMBs coexist, and the effects of anticoagulants vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) on future ICH. Results: We included 7 articles involving 5,134 participants. The incidence of CMBs was 24%; baseline CMBs were associated with an increased ICH risk compared to patients without CMBs. ICH-risk was more significant in patients with baseline ≥5 CMBs. After anticoagulant therapy, ICH risk was higher than that of recurrent IS. The risk of future ICH was significantly increased with anticoagulant VKAs compared with NOAC. Conclusion: Anticoagulant therapy for ischemic stroke patients with non-valvular AF and CMBs increases future ICH risk. Discontinuing anticoagulation due to ICH risk should be avoided. NOACs are safe and effective for patients with CMBs and IS.

Optical pulling force on a uniaxial anisotropic sphere by a high-order Bessel (vortex) beam.

Based on the generalized Lorenz-Mie theory (GLMT) and the scattering theory of uniaxial spheres, a theoretical approach is introduced to study the axial radiation force (AOF) exerted on a uniaxial anisotropic sphere illuminated by an on-axis high-order Bessel (vortex) beams (HOBVBs). Applying Maxwell's stress tensor, an analytical expression of the AOF on a uniaxial anisotropic sphere by the on-axis HOBVB is derived. The correctness of the theoretical and numerical results is verified by comparing the AOF on an isotropic sphere by a zero-order Bessel beam (ZOBB) with those results by a plane wave, Gaussian beam, and ZOBB. The focus of this study is to determine some conditions of the tractor beam, so as to realize the inverse motion of an anisotropic sphere through a Bessel beam. The range of optical pulling force (OPF) that can pull particles in reverse motion generated by zero-order and first-order Bessel beams is extended from isotropic spherical particles to anisotropic spherical particles. The effects of the sphere radius, conical angle, and especially electromagnetic anisotropy parameters on the OPF in water or a vacuum environment are discussed in detail. Moreover, the OPF exerted on the uniaxial anisotropic sphere illuminated by a HOBVB with l=2, 3, and 4 is also exhibited. It indicates that the HOBVB with l=2, 3 is also a good tractor beam for the uniaxial anisotropic sphere. The OPF generated by Bessel beams on uniaxial anisotropic spherical particles is not only affected by the conical angle and radius but is also significantly influenced by anisotropic parameters and topological charges. These properties of the OPF are different from those on an isotropic sphere. The theory and results are hopeful to provide an effective theoretical basis for the study of optical micromanipulation of biological and anisotropic complex particles by optical tractor (vortex) beams.

In Situ Chemical Modulation of Graphitization Degree of Carbon Fibers and Its Potassium Storage Mechanism.

Graphite is considered to be the most auspicious anode candidate for potassium ion batteries. However, the inferior rate performances and cycling stability restrict its practical applications. Few studies have investigated the modulating the graphitization degree of graphitic materials. Herein, a nitrogen-doped carbon-coated carbon fiber composite with tunable graphitization (CNF@NC) through etching growth, in-situ oxidative polymerization, and subsequent carbonization process is reported. The prepared CNF@NC with abundant electrochemical active sites and a rapid K+/electron transfer pathway, can effectively shorten the K+ transfer distance and promote the rapid insertion/removal of K+. Amorphous domains and short-range curved graphite layers can provide ample mitigation spaces for K+ storage, alleviating the volume expansion of the highly graphitized CNF during repeated K+ insertion/de-intercalation. As expected, the CNF@NC-5 electrode presents a high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 69.3%, an unprecedented reversible volumetric capacity of 510.2 mA h cm-3 at 0.1 A g-1 after 100 cycles with the mass-capacity of 294.9 mA h g-1. The K+ storage mechanism and reaction kinetic analysis are studied by combining in-situ analysis and first-principles calculation. It manifests that the K+ storage mechanism in CNF@NC-5 is an adsorption-insertion-insertion mechanism (i.e., the "1+2" model). The solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film forming is also detected.

Effects of high moisture ear corn on production performance, milk fatty acid composition, serum antioxidant status, and immunity in primiparous dairy cows.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of high moisture ear corn (HMEC) on production performance, milk fatty acid composition, serum antioxidant status, and immunity in primiparous dairy cows. Methods: A total of 45 healthy primiparous Holstein cows (36.50±4.30 kg of milk/day, 201±9.00 lactating days in milk) were sorted into 3 groups: control group (CG, n = 15), 50% HMEC (replacing 50% steam-flaked corn with HMEC, n = 15), and 100% HMEC (replacing steam-flaked corn with HMEC, n = 15) on an equal dry matter (DM) basis. The study consisted of adaptation period of 14 days, followed by a formal period of 60 days. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk and blood samples were collected on 1, 30, and 60 d of the experimental period. Results: The 50% HMEC group and 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) milk yield and dry matter intake (DMI) in dairy cows compared to the control group (CG). The 100% HMEC group showed an increase (p<0.05) in 4% fat-corrected milk (4% FCM). Both the 50% HMEC group and 100% HMEC group exhibited significant decreases (p<0.05) in the content of C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0 fatty acids, along with a significant increase (p<0.05) in cis-9C18:1 content. The saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the 50% HMEC and 100% HMEC groups than that of CG. Conversely, the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content was higher (p<0.05) in the 50% HMEC and 100% HMEC groups than that in CG. Notably, the 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) content, while also decreasing the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content (p<0.05). Moreover, the 100% HMEC group significantly increased (p<0.05) the content of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). Conclusion: High moisture ear corn could improve production performance and milk fatty acid levels and enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity in dairy cows. These results lay the foundation for the wider application of HMEC in ruminant animal diets.

Serotonin receptor 2B induces visceral hyperalgesia in rat model and patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Serotonin receptor 2B (5-HT2B receptor) plays a critical role in many chronic pain conditions. The possible involvement of the 5-HT2B receptor in the altered gut sensation of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) was investigated in the present study. AIM: To investigate the possible involvement of 5-HT2B receptor in the altered gut sensation in rat model and patients with IBS-D. METHODS: Rectosigmoid biopsies were collected from 18 patients with IBS-D and 10 patients with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation who fulfilled the Rome IV criteria and 15 healthy controls. The expression level of the 5-HT2B receptor in colon tissue was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and correlated with abdominal pain scores. The IBS-D rat model was induced by intracolonic instillation of acetic acid and wrap restraint. Alterations in visceral sensitivity and 5-HT2B receptor and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) expression were examined following 5-HT2B receptor antagonist administration. Changes in visceral sensitivity after administration of the TRPV1 antagonist were recorded. RESULTS: Here, we observed greater expression of the 5-HT2B receptor in the colonic mucosa of patients with IBS-D than in that of controls, which was correlated with abdominal pain scores. Intracolonic instillation of acetic acid and wrap restraint induced obvious chronic visceral hypersensitivity and increased fecal weight and fecal water content. Exogenous 5-HT2B receptor agonist administration increased visceral hypersensitivity, which was alleviated by successive administration of a TRPV1 antagonist. IBS-D rats receiving the 5-HT2B receptor antagonist exhibited inhibited visceral hyperalgesia.Moreover, the percentage of 5-HT2B receptor-immunoreactive (IR) cells surrounded by TRPV1-positive cells (5-HT2B receptor I+) and total 5-HT2B receptor IR cells (5-HT2B receptor IT) in IBS-D rats was significantly reduced by the administration of a 5-HT2B receptor antagonist. CONCLUSION: Our finding that increased expression of the 5-HT2B receptor contributes to visceral hyperalgesia by inducing TRPV1 expression in IBS-D patients provides important insights into the potential mechanisms underlying IBS-D-associated visceral hyperalgesia.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Alleviate Brain Damage Following Subarachnoid Hemorrhage via the Interaction of miR-140-5p and HDAC7.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) triggers severe neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment, where microglial M1 polarization exacerbates the injury and M2 polarization mitigates damage. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs), carrying microRNA (miR)-140-5p, offer therapeutic promise by targeting the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway and modulating microglial responses, demonstrating a novel approach for addressing SAH-induced brain injury. This research explored the role of miR-140-5p delivered by MSC-EVs in mitigating brain damage following SAH. Serum from SAH patients and healthy individuals was analyzed for miR-140-5p and cAMP levels. The association between miR-140-5p levels, brain injury severity, and patient survival was examined, along with the target relationship between miR-140-5p and histone deacetylases 7 (HDAC7). MSC-EVs were characterized for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and modulate the HDAC7/AKAP12/cAMP/PKA/CREB axis, reducing M1 polarization and inflammation. The therapeutic effect of MSC-EV-miR-140-5p was demonstrated in an SAH mouse model, showing reduced neuronal apoptosis and improved neurological function. This study highlights the potential of MSC-EV-miR-140-5p in mitigating SAH-induced neuroinflammation and brain injury, providing a foundation for developing MSC-EV-based treatments for SAH.

EEG complexity measures for detecting mind wandering during video-based learning.

This study explores the efficacy of various EEG complexity measures in detecting mind wandering during video-based learning. Employing a modified probe-caught method, we recorded EEG data from participants engaged in viewing educational videos and subsequently focused on the discrimination between mind wandering (MW) and non-MW states. We systematically investigated various EEG complexity metrics, including metrics that reflect a system's regularity like multiscale permutation entropy (MPE), and metrics that reflect a system's dimensionality like detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). We also compare these features to traditional band power (BP) features. Data augmentation methods and feature selection were applied to optimize detection accuracy. Results show BP features excelled (mean area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.646) in datasets without eye-movement artifacts, while MPE showed similar performance (mean AUC 0.639) without requiring removal of eye-movement artifacts. Combining all kinds of features improved decoding performance to 0.66 mean AUC. Our findings demonstrate the potential of these complexity metrics in EEG analysis for mind wandering detection, highlighting their practical implications in educational contexts.

Spatial-temporal Bayesian accelerated failure time models for survival endpoints with applications to prostate cancer registry data.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer after non-melanoma skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in US men. Its incidence and mortality rates vary substantially across geographical regions and over time, with large disparities by race, geographic regions (i.e., Appalachia), among others. The widely used Cox proportional hazards model is usually not applicable in such scenarios owing to the violation of the proportional hazards assumption. In this paper, we fit Bayesian accelerated failure time models for the analysis of prostate cancer survival and take dependent spatial structures and temporal information into account by incorporating random effects with multivariate conditional autoregressive priors. In particular, we relax the proportional hazards assumption, consider flexible frailty structures in space and time, and also explore strategies for handling the temporal variable. The parameter estimation and inference are based on a Monte Carlo Markov chain technique under a Bayesian framework. The deviance information criterion is used to check goodness of fit and to select the best candidate model. Extensive simulations are performed to examine and compare the performances of models in different contexts. Finally, we illustrate our approach by using the 2004-2014 Pennsylvania Prostate Cancer Registry data to explore spatial-temporal heterogeneity in overall survival and identify significant risk factors.

Longitudinal vibration control of a double-rod system by employing nonlinear energy sinks.

This study aims to potential the potential utilization of nonlinear energy sinks (NESs) for controlling longitudinal vibrations in a double-rod system. The research introduces a longitudinal vibration prediction model for a double-rod system equipped with NESs. The generalized Hamilton principle is employed to derive governing equations of the double-rod system. The longitudinal vibration responses of the double-rod system are numerically solved through the application of Galerkin truncation method. The longitudinal vibration responses of the double-rod system are impacted by NESs, as they yield accurate numerical results. The installation of both NES 1 and NES 2 concurrently is recommended for mitigating the vibration of the double-rod system. Under reasonable single-frequency excitations, modifying the parameters of NESs can significantly alter both the vibration state and magnitudes of vibration in the double-rod system. Furthermore, the synchronous optimization of parameters in NES 1 and NES 2 is crucial for effectively controlling vibrations in the double-rod system. Sensitive parameter areas of NESs provide the possibility of controlling the vibration of the double-rod system by utilizing NESs.

Clinical and pathological features of 52 patients with glomerulonephritis with dominant C3. / C3沉积为主的肾小球肾炎52ä¾‹ä¸´åºŠä¸Žç— ç†ç‰¹å¾.

OBJECTIVES: With the in-depth study of complement dysregulation, glomerulonephritis with dominant C3 has received increasing attention, with a variety of pathologic types and large differences in symptoms and prognosis between pathologic types. This study analyzes the clinical, pathological, and prognostic characteristics of different pathological types of glomerulonephritis with dominant C3, aiming to avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses. METHODS: The clinical, pathological, and follow-up data of 52 patients diagnosed as glomerulonephritis with dominant C3 by renal biopsy from June 2013 to October 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the clinical feature and results of pathology, 15 patients with post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) and 37 patients with of non-infectious glomerulonephritis (N-PIGN) were classified. N-PIGN subgroup analysis was performed, and 16 patients were assigned into a C3-alone-deposition group and 21 in a C3-dominant-deposition group, or 27 in a C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) group and 10 in a non-C3 nephropathy (N-C3G) group. RESULTS: The PIGN group had lower creatinine values (84.60 µmol/L vs179.62 µmol/L, P=0.001), lower complement C3 values (0.36 g/L vs0.74 g/L, P<0.001) at biopsy, and less severe pathological chronic lesions compared with the N-PIGN group. In the N-PIGN subgroup analysis, the C3-dominant-deposition group had higher creatinine values (235.30 µmol/L vs106.70 µmol/L, P=0.004) and higher 24-hour urine protein values (4 025.62 mg vs1 981.11 mg, P=0.037) than the C3-alone-deposition group. The prognosis of kidney in the PIGN group (P=0.049), the C3-alone-deposition group (P=0.017), and the C3G group (P=0.018) was better than that in the N-PIGN group, the C3-dominant-deposition group, and the N-C3G group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Glomerulonephritis with dominant C3 covers a variety of pathological types, and PIGN needs to be excluded before diagnosing C3G because of considerable overlap with atypical PIGN and C3G; in addition, the deposition of C1q complement under fluorescence microscope may indicate poor renal prognosis, and relevant diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up should be strengthened.

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of first-in-class FABP1 inhibitors for the treatment of NASH.

The fatty acid-binding protein 1 (FABP1) is a fatty acid transporter protein that is considered as an emerging target for metabolic diseases. Despite forceful evidence that the inhibition of FABP1 is essential for ameliorating NASH, pharmacological control and validation of FABP1 are hindered by a lack of relevant inhibitors as pharmacological tool. Therefore, the development of effective FABP1 inhibitors is a current focus of research. Herein, we firstly reported the comprehensive structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of novel FABP1 inhibitors derived from high throughput screening of our in-house library, which resulting in the identification of the optimal compound 44 (IC50 = 4.46 ± 0.54 µM). Molecular docking studies revealed that 44 forms stable hydrogen bonds with amino acids around the active pocket of FABP1. Moreover, 44 alleviated the typical histological features of fatty liver in NASH mice, including steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning and fibrosis. Additionally, 44 has been demonstrated to have lipid metabolism regulating, anti-oxidative stress and hepatoprotective properties. This study might be provided a promising insight into the field of NASH and inspiration for the development of FABP1 inhibitors.

[Significance and application of quality improvement in clinical medicine]. / 质量改进在临床医学中的意义和应用.

Quality improvement is a methodology which was initially developed and employed in the field of industrial manufacturing. This approach involves implementing a series of interventions aimed at elevating the existing quality standards to a higher level. In daily medical work, there are often spontaneous quality improvements. Medical quality improvements supported by scientific methodology can evaluate medical quality more scientifically and provide objective feedback on the quality of medical work for healthcare professionals. This article provides a concise introduction to quality improvement and shows its application and significance in the field of clinical medicine through examples.

Potential therapeutic applications of circular RNA in acute kidney injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid deterioration in renal function, manifested by a significant increase in creatinine and a sharp decrease in urine output. The incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with AKI is on the rise, with most patients progressing to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. Treatment options for patients with AKI remain limited. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a wide and diverse class of non-coding RNAs that are present in a variety of organisms and are involved in gene expression regulation. Studies have shown that circRNA acts as a competing RNA, is involved in disease occurrence and development, and has potential as a disease diagnostic and prognostic marker. CircRNA is involved in the regulation of important biological processes, including apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This study reviews the current status and progress of circRNA research in the context of AKI.

Non-uniformity correction algorithm for DoFP adapted to integration time variations.

Division of the focal plane (DoFP) polarization detector is a pivotal technology in real-time polarization detection. This technology integrates a micropolarization array (MPA) onto the conventional focal plane, introducing a more intricate non-uniformity than traditional focal plane detectors. Current non-uniformity correction algorithms for DoFP are difficult to adapt to changes in integration time and perform poorly in low-polarization scenarios. Analyzing the characteristics of DoFP, formulating a pixel response model, and introducing an adaptive non-uniformity correction algorithm tailored for varying integration time. The DoFP analysis vectors are decomposed into average polarization response and unit analysis vectors for correction separately to improve the performance of the correction algorithm in different polarization scenarios. The performance of modern correction algorithms was tested and evaluated using standard uniform images, and the proposed method outperformed existing algorithms in terms of polarization measurement accuracy under the root mean square error (RMSE) metric. Moreover, in natural scene images, our proposed algorithm shows favorable visual effects and distinguishes itself from its superior stability amid changes in the integration time.

Perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension during perimenopause in South China: prevalence, relationships and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: More than 2 billion women are experiencing the menopausal transition in China, and some of these women have hypertension. Limited studies has focused on perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension in a specific population, so we aimed to investigate the prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension and to analyse their relationships and risk factors in perimenopausal women in South China. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 3553 women aged 40 to 60 years from South China. We collected medical report, lifestyle, blood sample, general condition questionnaire, and modified Kupperman index (mKMI) data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for perimenopausal syndrome and hypertension during perimenopause. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension in perimenopause patients was 16.58%, and the prevalence of perimenopausal syndrome was 9.9%. Compared with women without hypertension during perimenopause, women with HTN during perimenopause had an increased risk of perimenopausal syndrome (26.4% vs. 8.7%, P < 0.001). Lipid levels and urinary tract infections were risk factors for hypertension and perimenopausal syndrome, in addition to the presence of breast nodules, the intake of snacks at night, high-salt diets, red meat and sugar-sweetened beverages, and a history of smoking and drinking for perimenopausal syndrome and the presence of gestational hypertension and diabetes for hypertension. CONCLUSION: We concluded that perimenopausal syndrome and HTN are common in perimenopausal women in South China, and the associations between them are strong and positive. Perimenopausal syndrome shares some common risk factors with HTN during perimenopause, such as BMI and dyslipidaemia. Therefore, gynaecological endocrinologists in China should consider screening for perimenopausal syndrome in hypertensive perimenopausal women, and appropriate management of perimenopause is needed to alleviate these conditions.

Cancer immunometabolism: advent, challenges, and perspective.

For decades, great strides have been made in the field of immunometabolism. A plethora of evidence ranging from basic mechanisms to clinical transformation has gradually embarked on immunometabolism to the center stage of innate and adaptive immunomodulation. Given this, we focus on changes in immunometabolism, a converging series of biochemical events that alters immune cell function, propose the immune roles played by diversified metabolic derivatives and enzymes, emphasize the key metabolism-related checkpoints in distinct immune cell types, and discuss the ongoing and upcoming realities of clinical treatment. It is expected that future research will reduce the current limitations of immunotherapy and provide a positive hand in immune responses to exert a broader therapeutic role.

Long Non-Coding RNA NUTM2A-AS1/miR-376a-3p/PRMT5 Axis Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, significant attention has been directed towards long non-coding RNA NUT family member 2A antisense RNA 1 (NUTM2A-AS1) for its oncogenic role in tumours. This study aimed to investigate the functional and molecular mechanisms underlying NUTM2A-AS1 in prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: NUTM2A-AS1, miR-376a-3p, and protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) levels were assessed in PCa samples and matched non-cancerous prostate samples. The DU145 cell line was conditioned to undergo transfection with relevant plasmids, and a cell counting kit-8 assay was performed to evaluate cell proliferation. A Transwell assay was conducted to analyse cell migration or invasion. Cell apoptosis was assessed using an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis detection kit and flow cytometry. A tumour sphere formation assay was conducted to assess the ability of PCa cells to form tumour spheres. RESULTS: We found elevated expression of NUTM2A-AS1 and PRMT5 and decreased expression of miR-376a-3p in PCa samples. Inhibition of NUTM2A-AS1 or overexpression of miR-376a-3p led to reduced cell proliferation and diminished cancer stem cell-like traits in vitro. NUTM2A-AS1 regulated miR-376a-3p through competitive absorption, thereby modulating PRMT5. Up-regulation of PRMT5 nullified the therapeutic effects of inhibiting NUTM2A-AS1 or overexpressing miR-376a-3p in DU145 cells. CONCLUSIONS: NUTM2A-AS1 promotes cancer stem cell-like traits in PCa cells by targeting PRMT5 through miR-376a-3p. Therefore, these NUTM2A-AS1-based novel insights into tumour therapy hold promise for patients with PCa.

Effects of different oxidants on the behaviour of microplastic hetero-aggregates.

Microplastic hetero-aggregates are stable forms of microplastics in the aqueous environment. However, when disinfecting water containing microplastic hetero-aggregates, the response of them in water to different oxidizing agents and the effect on water quality have not been reported. Our results showed that Ca(ClO)2, K2S2O8, and sodium percarbonate (SPC) treatment could lead to the disaggregation of microplastic hetero-aggregates as well as a rise in cell membrane permeability, which caused a large amount of organic matter to be released. When the amount of oxidant dosing is insufficient, the oxidant cannot completely degrade the released organic matter, resulting in DOC, DTN, DTP and other indicators being higher than before oxidation, thus causing secondary pollution of the water body. In comparison, K2FeO4 can purify the water body stably without destroying the microplastic hetero-aggregates, but it only weakly inhibits the toxic cyanobacteria Microcystis and Pseudanabaena, which may cause cyanobacterial bloom as well as algal toxin and odorant contamination in practical application. Compared with the other oxidizers, K2S2O8 provides better inhibition of toxic cyanobacteria and has better ecological safety. Therefore, when treating microplastic-containing water bodies, we should consider both water purification and ecological safety, and select appropriate oxidant types and dosages to optimize the water treatment.