Author Correction: Metabolic gatekeeper function of B-lymphoid transcription factors.

In Fig. 3c of this Letter, the the effects of CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of NR3C1, TXNIP and CNR2 in patient-derived B-lineage leukaemia cells were shown. For curves depicting NR3C1 (left graph), data s for TXNIP (middle graph) were inadvertently plotted. This figure has been corrected online, and the original Fig. 3c is shown as Supplementary Information to this Amendment for transparency. The error does not affect the conclusions of the Letter. In addition, Source Data files have been added for the Figs. 1-4 and Extended Data Figs. 1-10 of the original Letter.

Metabolic gatekeeper function of B-lymphoid transcription factors.

B-lymphoid transcription factors, such as PAX5 and IKZF1, are critical for early B-cell development, yet lesions of the genes encoding these transcription factors occur in over 80% of cases of pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The importance of these lesions in ALL has, until now, remained unclear. Here, by combining studies using chromatin immunoprecipitation with sequencing and RNA sequencing, we identify a novel B-lymphoid program for transcriptional repression of glucose and energy supply. Our metabolic analyses revealed that PAX5 and IKZF1 enforce a state of chronic energy deprivation, resulting in constitutive activation of the energy-stress sensor AMPK. Dominant-negative mutants of PAX5 and IKZF1, however, relieved this glucose and energy restriction. In a transgenic pre-B ALL mouse model, the heterozygous deletion of Pax5 increased glucose uptake and ATP levels by more than 25-fold. Reconstitution of PAX5 and IKZF1 in samples from patients with pre-B ALL restored a non-permissive state and induced energy crisis and cell death. A CRISPR/Cas9-based screen of PAX5 and IKZF1 transcriptional targets identified the products of NR3C1 (encoding the glucocorticoid receptor), TXNIP (encoding a glucose-feedback sensor) and CNR2 (encoding a cannabinoid receptor) as central effectors of B-lymphoid restriction of glucose and energy supply. Notably, transport-independent lipophilic methyl-conjugates of pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites bypassed the gatekeeper function of PAX5 and IKZF1 and readily enabled leukaemic transformation. Conversely, pharmacological TXNIP and CNR2 agonists and a small-molecule AMPK inhibitor strongly synergized with glucocorticoids, identifying TXNIP, CNR2 and AMPK as potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the empirical finding that glucocorticoids are effective in the treatment of B-lymphoid but not myeloid malignancies. Thus, B-lymphoid transcription factors function as metabolic gatekeepers by limiting the amount of cellular ATP to levels that are insufficient for malignant transformation.

Bacteria-derived metabolite, methylglyoxal, modulates the longevity of C. elegans through TORC2/SGK-1/DAF-16 signaling.

Gut microbes play diverse roles in modulating host fitness, including longevity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying their mediation of longevity remain poorly understood. We performed genome-wide screens using 3,792 Escherichia coli mutants and identified 44 E. coli mutants that modulated Caenorhabditis elegans longevity. Three of these mutants modulated C. elegans longevity via the bacterial metabolite methylglyoxal (MG). Importantly, we found that low MG-producing E. coli mutants, Δhns E. coli, extended the lifespan of C. elegans through activation of the DAF-16/FOXO family transcription factor and the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). Interestingly, the lifespan modulation by Δhns did not require insulin/insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling (IIS) but did require TORC2/SGK-1 signaling. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Δhns E. coli activated novel class 3 DAF-16 target genes that were distinct from those regulated by IIS. Taken together, our data suggest that bacteria-derived MG modulates host longevity through regulation of the host signaling pathways rather than through nonspecific damage on biomolecules known as advanced glycation end products. Finally, we demonstrate that MG enhances the phosphorylation of hSGK1 and accelerates cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts, suggesting the conserved role of MG in controlling longevity across species. Together, our studies demonstrate that bacteria-derived MG is a novel therapeutic target for aging and aging-associated pathophysiology.

Signalling thresholds and negative B-cell selection in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

B cells are selected for an intermediate level of B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) signalling strength: attenuation below minimum (for example, non-functional BCR) or hyperactivation above maximum (for example, self-reactive BCR) thresholds of signalling strength causes negative selection. In ∼25% of cases, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) cells carry the oncogenic BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase (Philadelphia chromosome positive), which mimics constitutively active pre-BCR signalling. Current therapeutic approaches are largely focused on the development of more potent tyrosine kinase inhibitors to suppress oncogenic signalling below a minimum threshold for survival. We tested the hypothesis that targeted hyperactivation--above a maximum threshold--will engage a deletional checkpoint for removal of self-reactive B cells and selectively kill ALL cells. Here we find, by testing various components of proximal pre-BCR signalling in mouse BCR-ABL1 cells, that an incremental increase of Syk tyrosine kinase activity was required and sufficient to induce cell death. Hyperactive Syk was functionally equivalent to acute activation of a self-reactive BCR on ALL cells. Despite oncogenic transformation, this basic mechanism of negative selection was still functional in ALL cells. Unlike normal pre-B cells, patient-derived ALL cells express the inhibitory receptors PECAM1, CD300A and LAIR1 at high levels. Genetic studies revealed that Pecam1, Cd300a and Lair1 are critical to calibrate oncogenic signalling strength through recruitment of the inhibitory phosphatases Ptpn6 (ref. 7) and Inpp5d (ref. 8). Using a novel small-molecule inhibitor of INPP5D (also known as SHIP1), we demonstrated that pharmacological hyperactivation of SYK and engagement of negative B-cell selection represents a promising new strategy to overcome drug resistance in human ALL.

Incidence and seasonality of respiratory viruses causing acute respiratory infections in the Northern United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: The data on the seasonality of respiratory viruses helps to ensure the optimal vaccination period and to monitor the possible outbreaks of variant type. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to describe the molecular epidemiology and seasonality of acute respiratory infection (ARI)-related respiratory viruses in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: Both upper and lower respiratory specimens were collected for the analysis from all the patients who visited the Sheikh Khalifa Specialty Hospital (SKSH) with ARI for over 2 years. The multiplex real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) test was used to detect respiratory viruses, which include human adenovirus, influenza virus (FLU) A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses, human rhinovirus (HRV), human metapneumovirus, human enterovirus, human coronavirus, and human bocavirus. RESULTS: A total of 1,362 respiratory samples were collected from 733 (53.8%) male and 629 (46.2%) female patients with ARI who visited the SKSH between November 2015 and February 2018. The rRT-PCR test revealed an overall positivity rate of 37.2% (507/1362). The positive rate increased during winter; it was highest in December and lowest in September. FLU was the most frequently detected virus (273/1362 [20.0%]), followed by human rhinovirus (146/1362 [10.7%]). The FLU positivity rate showed two peaks, which occurred in August and December. The peak-to-low ratio for FLU was 2.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.52-3.35). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of FLU in the UAE parallels to that of temperate countries. The trend of the small peak of FLU in the summer suggests a possibility of semi-seasonal pattern in the UAE.

Flexible h-BN foam sheets for multifunctional electronic packaging materials with ultrahigh thermostability.

Recently developed electronic packaging materials based on low dimensional materials such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) exhibit advantageous electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties for protecting electronic devices as well as dissipating heat flux from highly integrated circuits or high power electronic devices. Their thermal transport is mainly achieved by precise control of the nanostructure for nano-fillers to form the thermally conductive pathway. However, due to the viscoelastic behaviors of host polymeric materials, their phase or structural stability is significantly reduced by enhanced molecular motion at high temperature, resulting in poor thermal transport and mechanical strength. Here, we introduce flexible and robust h-BN foam sheets with a three-dimensional network structure, which exhibit much enhanced thermostability at high temperature. Furthermore, the additional infiltration of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into those structures results in relatively high electromagnetic absorbing performance. The combination of thermostability and mechanical strength based on the h-BN foam sheets provides novel opportunities for multifunctional thermally conductive materials in coatings and films without severely compromising auxiliary characteristics such as mechanical strength and thermal stability.

Biosynthesis of Oligomeric Anthocyanins from Grape Skin Extracts.

We synthesized oligomeric anthocyanins from grape skin-derived monomeric anthocyanins such as anthocyanidin and proanthocyanidin by a fermentation technique using Aspergillus niger, crude enzymes and glucosidase. The biosyntheses of the oligomeric anthocyanins carried out by the conventional method using Aspergillus niger and crude enzymes were confirmed by ESI-MS. The molecular weight of the synthesized anthocyanin oligomers was determined using MALDI-MS. The yield of anthocyanin oligomers using crude enzymes was higher than that of the synthesis using Aspergillus fermentation. Several studies have been demonstrated that oligomeric anthocyanins have higher antioxidant activity than monomeric anthocyanins. Fermentation-based synthesis of oligomeric anthocyanins is an alternative way of producing useful anthocyanins that could support the food industry.

Inorganic UV-Visible-SWIR Broadband Photodetector Based on Monodisperse PbS Nanocrystals.

Solution-processed inorganic UV-visible short-wave-infrared photodetectors with light sensitivity from 350 nm to 2000 nm are fabricated using highly monodispersed large PbS NCs. These devices showed detectivity values over 1 × 10(11) Jones from 350 nm to 2000 nm, and a maximum detectivity value of 1.2 × 10(12) Jones at 1800 nm.

Activation of the gluteus medius according to load during horizontal hip abduction in a one-leg stance.

[Purpose] This study researched the influences of different loads on muscle activity of the posterior fibers of the gluteus medius in a one-leg standing position. [Subjects] Twenty-four healthy adult men participated in this study. [Methods] All participants performed the one-leg standing position under four conditions: the standard no-load condition, in which the non-weight-bearing leg was lifted and kept parallel to the back and then pelvic or lumbar rotation was performed without thorax rotation, and the 0 kg, 1 kg, and 3 kg load conditions, in which horizontal shoulder abduction was performed with a load of 0 kg, 1 kg, or 3 kg added to the hand. The electromyographic activity of the posterior fibers of the gluteus medius was measured using a wireless surface electromyography under all conditions. The electromyographic activity of each muscle under the four conditions during the one-leg stance was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. [Results] The electromyographic activity of the posterior fiber of the gluteus medius was significantly increased under the 3 kg load condition compared with the no-load, 0 kg load, and 1 kg load conditions. [Conclusion] These findings indicated that muscle activation is affected by increases in load in the one-leg standing position. The load on the upper extremity influences the muscle activity of the contralateral lower extremity.

Enhanced Wettability and Adhesive Property of PTFE through Surface Modification with Fluorinated Compounds.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is prized for its unique properties in electrical applications, but its natural hydrophobicity poses challenges as it repels water and can cause electrical short circuits, shortening equipment lifespan. In this work, the mentioned issue has been tackled by using two different fluorinated compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)/perfluorooctanol (PFOL), along with plasma processing to enhance the surface hydrophilicity (water attraction) of PTFE. This method, demonstrated on Teflon membrane, quickly transformed their surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic in less than 30 s. The treated films achieved a water contact angle saturation of around 80°, indicating a significant increase in water affinity. High-resolution C 1s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the formation of new bonds, such as -COOH and -OH, on the surface, responsible for enhanced hydrophilicity. Extended plasma treatment led to further structural changes, evidenced by increased intensity in infrared (IR) and Raman spectra, particularly sensitive to vibrations associated with the C-F bond. Moreover, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed the formation of surface-linked functional groups, which contributed to the improved water attraction. These findings decisively show that treatment with fluoro-compound along with plasma processing can be considered as a highly effective and rapid method for converting PTFE surfaces from hydrophobic to hydrophilic, facilitating its broader use in various electrical applications.

Gene silencing by H-NS from distal DNA site.

In the modern concept of gene regulation, 'DNA looping' is the most common underlying mechanism in the interaction between RNA polymerase (RNAP) and transcription factors acting at a distance. This study demonstrates an additional mechanism by which DNA-bound proteins communicate with each other, by analysing the bacterial histone-like nucleoid-structuring protein (H-NS), a general transcriptional silencer. The LEE5 promoter (LEE5p) of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli was used as a model system to investigate the mechanism of H-NS-mediated transcription repression. We found that H-NS represses LEE5p by binding to a cluster of A tracks upstream of -114, followed by spreading to a site at the promoter through the oligomerization of H-NS molecules. At the promoter, the H-NS makes a specific contact with the carboxy terminal domain of the α subunit of RNAP, which prevents the processing of RNAP-promoter complexes into initiation-competent open promoter complexes, thereby regulating LEE5p from distance.

Obovatol improves cognitive functions in animal models for Alzheimer's disease.

Etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is obscure, but neuroinflammation and accumulation of ß-amyloid (Aß) are implicated in pathogenesis of AD. We have shown anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic properties of obovatol, a biphenolic compound isolated from Magnolia obovata. In this study, we examined the effect of obovatol on cognitive deficits in two separate AD models: (i) mice that received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of Aß(1-42) (2.0 µg/mouse) and (ii) Tg2576 mice-expressing mutant human amyloid precursor protein (K670N, M671L). Injection of Aß(1-42) into lateral ventricle caused memory impairments in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tasks, being associated with neuroinflammation. Aß(1-42) -induced abnormality was significantly attenuated by administration of obovatol. When we analyzed with Tg2576 mice, long-term treatment of obovatol (1 mg/kg/day for 3 months) significantly improved cognitive function. In parallel with the improvement, treatment suppressed astroglial activation, BACE1 expression and NF-κB activity in the transgenic mice. Furthermore, obovatol potently inhibited fibrillation of Aßin vitro in a dose-dependent manner, as determined by Thioflavin T fluorescence and electron microscopic analysis. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that obovatol prevented memory impairments in experimental AD models, which could be attributable to amelioration of neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis by inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway and anti-fibrillogenic activity of obovatol.

DACH1 regulates cell cycle progression of myeloid cells through the control of cyclin D, Cdk 4/6 and p21Cip1.

The cell-fate determination factor Dachshund, a component of the Retinal Determination Gene Network (RDGN), has a role in breast tumor proliferation through the repression of cyclin D1 and several key regulators of embryonic stem cell function, such as Nanog and Sox2. However, little is known about the role of DACH1 in a myeloid lineage as a cell cycle regulator. Here, we identified the differential expression levels of extensive cell cycle regulators controlled by DACH1 in myeloid progenitor cells. The forced expression of DACH1 induced p27(Kip1) and repressed p21(Cip1), which is a pivotal characteristic of the myeloid progenitor. Furthermore, DACH1 significantly increased the expression of cyclin D1, D3, F, and Cdk 1, 4, and 6 in myeloid progenitor cells. The knockdown of DACH1 blocked the cell cycle progression of HL-60 promyeloblastic cells through the decrease of cyclin D1, D3, F, and Cdk 1, 4, and 6 and increase in p21(Cip1), which in turn decreased the phosphorylation of the Rb protein. The expression of Sox2, Oct4, and Klf4 was significantly up-regulated by the forced expression of DACH1 in mouse myeloid progenitor cells.

Regulation of HOXA9 activity by predominant expression of DACH1 against C/EBPα and GATA-1 in myeloid leukemia with MLL-AF9.

Although MLL-AF9 caused by the chromosomal translocation t(9;11) has a critical role in acute myeloid leukemia, the molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we identified that the cell fate determination factor DACH1 is directly up-regulated by MLL-AF9. Recently we showed that the forced expression of DACH1 in myeloid cells induced p27(Kip1) and repressed p21(Cip1), which is a pivotal characteristic of the myeloid progenitor. Consistent with our previous study, ectopic expression of DACH1 contributed to the maintenance of colonogenic activity and blocked the differentiation of myeloid progenitors. Moreover, we here identified an endogenous HOXA9-DACH1 complex mediated by the carboxyl terminus of DACH1 in t(9;11) leukemia cells. qRT-PCR revealed that DACH1 has a stronger transcription-promoting activity with HOXA9 than does PBX2 with HOXA9. Furthermore, C/EBPα and GATA-1 can directly bind to the promoter of DACH1 and act as a transcriptional suppressor. Expression of DACH1 is down-regulated during myeloid differentiation and shows an inverse pattern compared to C/EBPα and GATA-1 expression. However, ectopic expression of C/EBPα and/or GATA-1 could not abrogate the over-expression of DACH1 induced by MLL-AF9. Therefore, we postulate that the inability of C/EBPα and GATA-1 to down-regulate DACH1 expression induced by MLL-AF9 during myeloid differentiation may contribute to t(9;11) leukemogenesis.

The effects of 5-HT4 receptor agonist, mosapride citrate, on visceral hypersensitivity in a rat model.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Mosapride citrate is known to affect gastric motility. However, whether mosapride citrate has any effect on visceral pain in the colon or rectum is not certain. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of mosapride citrate on visceral pain in a rat visceral hypersensitivity model. METHODS: The perception of visceral pain was evaluated by the visceromotor response to colorectal distension observed on electromyographs of the abdominal musculature in urethane-anesthetized rats. Visceral hypersensitivity was induced by the intrarectal instillation of 4% acetic acid or 1.5% zymosan. Mosapride citrate was administered intraperitoneally 3 h later. VMRs to CRD were recorded prior to the instillation of acetic acid or zymosan and before and after mosapride citrate treatment. RESULTS: The intracolonic instillation of acetic acid resulted in a significant increase in VMRs of the abdominal muscles to CRD, compared with the pretreatment state (174 ± 24%, P < 0.05). The intracolonic instillation of zymosan resulted in a significant increase in VMRs of the abdominal muscles to CRD, compared with the pretreatment state (144 ± 9%, P < 0.05). Intraperitoneal injection of mosapride citrate resulted in a significant reduction in the VMRs to CRD in an acetic acid-induced visceral hypersensitivity rat model (61 ± 9%, P < 0.05). The intraperitoneal injection of mosapride citrate also resulted in a significant reduction in the VMRs to CRD in a zymosan-induced visceral hypersensitivity rat model (67 ± 9%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mosapride citrate diminished visceral pain in rats.

PbSe nanocrystal-based infrared-to-visible up-conversion device.

Low-cost hybrid up-conversion devices with infrared sensitivity to 1.5 µm were obtained by integrating a colloidal PbSe nanocrystal near-infrared sensitizing layer on a green phosphorescent organic light emitting diode. A ZnO nanocrystal hole blocking layer is incorporated in the devices for keeping the device off in the absence of IR excitation. The maximum photon (1.3 µm)-to-photon (0.52 µm) conversion efficiency is 1.3%. The extension (until 1.5 µm) of the near-infrared wavelengths, which can be converted to visible light, may be able to improve night vision.

Leadership roles and initiatives for diversity and inclusion in academic anesthesiology departments.

A cultural change in medicine has placed a renewed focus on the importance of a diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce. The methods employed by anesthesiology departments in pursuit of diversity and inclusion needs to be examined. OBJECTIVE: This study's objective was to assess the frequency of established leadership infrastructures and initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within academic anesthesiology departments. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey study. The authors emailed an electronic survey to 98 academic anesthesiology departments to assess leadership roles, dissemination platforms and initiatives used to support diversity and inclusion. SETTING: Academic anesthesiology department in the United States with at least 60 residents. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES: The measure tested was the existence and quantification of leadership roles and initiatives directed at diversity and inclusion efforts at academic anesthesiology departments. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 49.4% (95% CI 39.3-59.6%). While 62.5% (95% CI 47.0-75.8%) of respondents reported having faculty members with a diversity and inclusion role, only 27.5% (95% CI 16.1-42.8%) reported a clearly defined leadership role such as vice-chair or committee chair. Seventy percent of respondents reported initiatives geared towards diversity using multiple platforms to showcase these initiatives. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these survey results, many anesthesia departments have developed initiatives to promote their departmental diversity. However, only a minority have established clearly defined leadership roles, which may be critical to enhance departmental success in promoting diversity and inclusion.

Determining the efficacy of 27 commercially available disinfectants against human noroviruses.

BACKGROUND: Recently, monoclonal-antibody-conjugated immunomagnetic separation (IMS) procedure combined with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) has been used for quantifying non-cultivated human noroviruses (HuNoVs). METHODS: We examined the efficacy of 27 commercially available disinfectants and a prototype against GII.4 strain HuNoV through the IMS/qRT-PCR assay. RESULTS: The average log reduction in viral titer in vitro varied among the disinfectants. The prototype was the most effective with an average log reduction of 6.86 log. CONCLUSIONS: The IMS/RT-qPCR assay is an effective method to evaluate the activities of disinfectants against GII.4 HuNoV in vitro. Further work is needed to enhance the virucidal activity of the prototype disinfectant against more resistant HuNoV strains.

Deciphering intratumoral heterogeneity using integrated clonal tracking and single-cell transcriptome analyses.

Cellular heterogeneity is a major cause of treatment resistance in cancer. Despite recent advances in single-cell genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, it remains difficult to relate measured molecular profiles to the cellular activities underlying cancer. Here, we present an integrated experimental system that connects single cell gene expression to heterogeneous cancer cell growth, metastasis, and treatment response. Our system integrates single cell transcriptome profiling with DNA barcode based clonal tracking in patient-derived xenograft models. We show that leukemia cells exhibiting unique gene expression respond to different chemotherapies in distinct but consistent manners across multiple mice. In addition, we uncover a form of leukemia expansion that is spatially confined to the bone marrow of single anatomical sites and driven by cells with distinct gene expression. Our integrated experimental system can interrogate the molecular and cellular basis of the intratumoral heterogeneity underlying disease progression and treatment resistance.