ROS-Responsive Nanocomplex of aPD-L1 and Cabazitaxel Improves Intratumor Delivery and Potentiates Radiation-Mediated Antitumor Immunity.

Despite the promising benefits of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in clinical cancer treatments, the therapeutic efficacy is largely restricted by low antitumor immunity and limited intratumor delivery in solid tumors. Herein, we designed a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive albumin nanocomplex of antiprogrammed cell death receptor ligand 1 (aPD-L1) and cabazitaxel (RAN-PC), which exhibited prominent tumor accumulation and intratumor permeation in 4T1 tumors. Compared with the negative control, the RAN-PC + radiation treatment (RAN-PC+X) produced a 3.61- and 5.10-fold enhancement in CD3+CD8+ T cells and the interferon (IFN)-γ-expressing subtype, respectively, and notably reduced versatile immunosuppressive cells. Moreover, RAN-PC+X treatment resulted in notable retardation of tumor growth, with a 78.97% inhibition in a 4T1 breast tumor model and a 90.30% suppression in a CT-26 colon tumor model. Therefore, the ROS-responsive albumin nanocomplex offers an encouraging platform for ICIs with prominent intratumor delivery capacity for cancer immunotherapy.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Strictosidine Synthase-like Gene Family Revealed Their Response to Biotic/Abiotic Stress in Poplar.

The strictosidine synthase-like (SSL) gene family is a small plant immune-regulated gene family that plays a critical role in plant resistance to biotic/abiotic stresses. To date, very little has been reported on the SSL gene in plants. In this study, a total of thirteen SSLs genes were identified from poplar, and these were classified into four subgroups based on multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis, and members of the same subgroup were found to have similar gene structures and motifs. The results of the collinearity analysis showed that poplar SSLs had more collinear genes in the woody plants Salix purpurea and Eucalyptus grandis. The promoter analysis revealed that the promoter region of PtrSSLs contains a large number of biotic/abiotic stress response elements. Subsequently, we examined the expression patterns of PtrSSLs following drought, salt, and leaf blight stress, using RT-qPCR to validate the response of PtrSSLs to biotic/abiotic stresses. In addition, the prediction of transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks identified several TFs, such as ATMYB46, ATMYB15, AGL20, STOP1, ATWRKY65, and so on, that may be induced in the expression of PtrSSLs in response to adversity stress. In conclusion, this study provides a solid basis for a functional analysis of the SSL gene family in response to biotic/abiotic stresses in poplar.

Physiological and Transcriptome Analysis on Diploid and Polyploid Populus ussuriensis Kom. under Salt Stress.

Populus ussuriensis Kom. is a valuable forest regeneration tree species in the eastern mountainous region of Northeast China. It is known that diploid P. ussuriensis (CK) performed barely satisfactorily under salt stress, but the salt stress tolerance of polyploid (i.e., triploid (T12) and tetraploid (F20)) P. ussuriensis is still unknown. In order to compare the salt stress tolerance and salt stress response mechanism between diploid and polyploid P. ussuriensis, phenotypic observation, biological and biochemistry index detections, and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) were performed on CK, T12, and F20. Phenotypic observation and leaf salt injury index analysis indicated CK suffered more severe salt injury than T12 and F20. SOD and POD activity detections indicated the salt stress response capacity of T12 was stronger than that of CK and F20. MDA content, proline content and relative electric conductivity detections indicated CK suffered the most severe cell-membrane damage, and T12 exhibited the strongest osmoprotective capacity under salt stress. Transcriptome analysis indicated the DEGs of CK, T12, and F20 under salt stress were different in category and change trend, and there were abundant WRKY, NAM, MYB and AP2/ERF genes among the DEGs in CK, T12, and F20 under salt stress. GO term enrichment indicated the basic growth progresses of CK, and F20 was obviously influenced, while T12 immediately launched more salt stress response processes in 36 h after salt stress. KEGG enrichment indicated the DEGs of CK mainly involved in plant−pathogen interaction, ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, degradation of aromatic compounds, plant hormone signal transduction, photosynthesis, and carbon metabolism pathways. The DEGs of T12 were mainly involved in plant−pathogen interaction, cysteine and methionine metabolism, phagosomes, biosynthesis of amino acids, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. The DEGs of F20 were mainly involved in plant hormone signal transduction, plant−pathogen interaction, zeatin biosynthesis, and glutathione metabolism pathways. In conclusion, triploid exhibited stronger salt stress tolerance than tetraploid and diploid P. ussuriensis (i.e., T12 > F20 > CK). The differences between the DEGs of CK, T12, and F20 probably are the key clues for discovering the salt stress response signal transduction network in P. Ussuriensis.

Functional analysis of PagERF021 gene in salt stress tolerance in Populus alba × P. glandulosa.

Poplar trees are crucial for timber and greening, but high levels of salt in the soil have severely limited the yield of poplar. ETS2 repressor factor (ERF) transcription factors play an important role in growth, development, and stress response in eukaryotes. Our study focused on the PagERF021 gene from Populus alba × P. glandulosa, which was significantly upregulated in various tissues under salt stress. Both the tissue-specific expression pattern and ß-glucuronidase (GUS) staining of proPagERF021-GUS plants indicated that this gene was predominantly expressed in the roots and stems. The subcellular localization showed that the protein was only localized in the nucleus. The yeast assay demonstrated that this protein had transcriptional activation activity at its C-terminal and could specifically binding to the MYB-core cis-element. The overexpression of PagERF021 gene could scavenge the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and reduce the degree of cellular membrane damage, indicating that this gene enhanced the salt tolerance of poplars. This finding will provide a feasible insight for future research into the regulatory mechanisms of ERF genes in resisting to abiotic stress and the development of new stress-resistant varieties in plants.

Bioinspired nanovehicle of furoxans-oxaliplatin improves tumoral distribution for chemo-radiotherapy.

The spatiotemporal distribution of therapeutic agents in tumors remains an essential challenge of radiation-mediated therapy. Herein, we rationally designed a macrophage microvesicle-inspired nanovehicle of nitric oxide donor-oxaliplatin (FO) conjugate (M-PFO), aiming to promote intratumor permeation and distribution profiles for chemo-radiotherapy. FO was responsively released from M-PFO in intracellular acidic environments, and then be activated by glutathione (GSH) into active oxaliplatin and NO molecules in a programmed manner. M-PFO exhibited notable accumulation, permeation and cancer cell accessibility in tumor tissues. Upon radiation, the reactive peroxynitrite species (ONOO-) were largely produced, which could diffuse into regions over 400 µm away from the tumor vessels and be detectable after 24 h of radiation, thereby exhibiting superior efficacy in improving the spatiotemporal distribution in tumors versus common reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, M-PFO mediated chemo-radiotherapy caused notable inhibition of tumor growth, with an 89.45% inhibition in HT-29 tumor models and a 92.69% suppression in CT-26 tumor models. Therefore, this bioinspired design provides an encouraging platform to improve intratumor spatiotemporal distribution to synergize chemo-radiotherapy.

Claudin18.2 bispecific T cell engager armed oncolytic virus enhances antitumor effects against pancreatic cancer.

Bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs) represent a promising immunotherapy, but their efficacy against immunologically cold tumors such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma remains unclear. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) can transform the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into the active state and also serve as transgene vectors to selectively express the desired genes in tumor cells. This study aimed to investigate whether the therapeutic benefits of tumor-targeting Claudin18.2 BiTE can be augmented by combining cancer selectively and immune-potentiating effects of OVs. Claudin18.2/CD3 BiTE was inserted into herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) to construct an OV-BiTE. Its expression and function were assessed using reporter cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) co-culture assays. Intratumoral application of OV-BiTE restrained tumor growth and prolonged mouse survival compared with the unarmed OV in xenograft models and syngeneic mice bearing CLDN18.2-expressing KPC or Pan02 pancreatic cancer cells. Flow cytometry of tumor-infiltrating immune cells suggested both OV-BiTE and the unarmed OV remodeled the tumor microenvironment by increasing CD4+ T cell infiltration and decreasing regulatory T cells. OV-BiTE further reprogrammed macrophages to a more pro-inflammatory antitumor state, and OV-BiTE-induced macrophages exhibited greater cytotoxicity on the co-cultured tumor cell. This dual cytotoxic and immunomodulatory approach warrants further development for pancreatic cancer before clinical investigation.

OX40L-Armed Oncolytic Virus Boosts T-cell Response and Remodels Tumor Microenvironment for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment.

Rationale: The resistance of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to immunotherapies is caused by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and dense extracellular matrix. Currently, the efficacy of an isolated strategy targeting stromal desmoplasia or immune cells has been met with limited success in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Oncolytic virus (OV) therapy can remodel the TME and damage tumor cells either by directly killing them or by enhancing the anti-tumor immune response, which holds promise for the treatment of PDAC. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of OX40L-armed OV on PDAC and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Murine OX40L was inserted into herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) to construct OV-mOX40L. Its expression and function were assessed using reporter cells, cytopathic effect, and immunogenic cell death assays. The efficacy of OV-mOX40L was then evaluated in a KPC syngeneic mouse model. Tumor-infiltrating immune and stromal cells were analyzed using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing to gain insight into the mechanisms of oncolytic virotherapy. Results: OV-mOX40L treatment delayed tumor growth in KPC tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice. It also boosted the tumor-infiltrating CD4+ T cell response, mitigated cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) exhaustion, and reduced the number of regulatory T cells. The treatment of OV-mOX40L reprogrammed macrophages and neutrophils to a more pro-inflammatory anti-tumor state. In addition, the number of myofibroblastic cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) was reduced after treatment. Based on single-cell sequencing analysis, OV-mOX40L, in combination with anti-IL6 and anti-PD-1, significantly extended the lifespan of PDAC mice. Conclusion: OV-mOX40L converted the immunosuppressive tumor immune microenvironment to a more activated state, remodeled the stromal matrix, and enhanced T cell response. OV-mOX40L significantly prolonged the survival of PDAC mice, either as a monotherapy or in combination with synergistic antibodies. Thus, this study provides a multimodal therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer treatment.

Microvesicle-inspired oxygen-delivering nanosystem potentiates radiotherapy-mediated modulation of tumor stroma and antitumor immunity.

The efficacy of radiotherapy is greatly challenged by intense hypoxia, intricate stroma and suppressive immune microenvironments in tumors. Herein, we rationally designed a microvesicle-inspired oxygen-delivering polyfluorocarbon nanosystem loading DiIC18(5) and halofuginone (M-FDH) with prominent capacity of improving tumor oxygenation and intratumor distribution, synergizing radiation to disrupt tumor stroma and boost antitumor immunity for combinational cancer therapy. M-FDH produced a 10.98-fold enhancement of tumor oxygenation and caused efficient production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon radiation. M-FDH + X ray treatment resulted in notable DNA damages, over 90% elimination of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and major components of extracellular matrix, significant enhancement of tumoricidal CD3+CD8+ T cells, and profound elimination of suppressive immune cells in 4T1 tumors. The therapeutic benefits of M-FDH + X ray on suppressing tumor growth were confirmed in two murine tumor models. Therefore, this study provides an encouraging microvesicle-inspired strategy to target cancer cells and CAFs in tumors and synergize radiotherapy for effective cancer treatment.

Phase transformation and heterojunction construction of bismuth oxyiodides by grinding-assisted calcination in the presence of thiourea and their photoactivity.

Bismuth-rich oxyhalides are promising photocatalysts due to their special layered structure and adjustable band gap energy. In this work, a series of bismuth oxyiodides were fabricated by grinding-assisted calcination in the presence of thiourea, where grinding-induced mechanical force could accelerate the decomposition reaction and thiourea could prohibit the crystal particles from growing due to coordination action. The combined effect of grinding and thiourea could decrease the temperature of phase transformation of bismuth oxyiodides. Among these, heterojunction Bi4O5I2/Bi5O7I containing uniform flower-like microspheres assembled by ultra-thin nanosheets exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity and favorable stability for the degradation of the antibiotic tetracycline under visible light irradiation. This work could provide a good reference for the design of bismuth-rich oxyhalide heterojunction for photocatalytic applications.

Genetic variation and structure of Ubame oak, Quercus phillyraeoides, in Japan revealed by chloroplast DNA and nuclear microsatellite markers.

Genetic variation and structure of Ubame oak (Quercus phillyraeoides A. Gray), a shrub tree on the Pacific coast of Japan, were examined to elucidate historical population dynamics using five chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) marker regions and 11 nuclear microsatellite loci. Three cpDNA haplotypes (A, B and C) were identified in a screen of 41 populations across the entire distribution range in Japan. Haplotype A was the most prevalent and was found in the entire range. Haplotype B was locally restricted to the Kii Peninsula, while haplotype C was restricted to the southwestern part of Japan. These haplotypes corresponded with the nuclear genetic constitution revealed by microsatellite markers. Two genetically differentiated major groups were identified by STRUCTURE analysis applied to 536 individuals from 28 populations, and they mostly corresponded with the two major cpDNA haplotypes, A and C. These populations were further divided into three geographically identified groups: group 1 in the area including Kanto and Tokai regions, the Kii Peninsula and the Muroto-misaki Cape on the Pacific coast; group 2 in the Bungo-suido Channel area; and group 3 in southern Kyushu and Okinawa. Populations in the Seto Inland Sea were divided into two groups: one was included in group 1 and appears to have originated from last glacial maximum (LGM) refugia located in the Kii Peninsula, while the other was included in group 2 and appears to have originated from LGM refugia located in southern Kyushu. These groups can be considered as conservation units for the preservation of unique seashore ecosystems, or as a seed source to foster coastal protection forests and next-generation production forests. Considerable care should be taken to protect isolated populations that may be specialized to unique local environments, such as those on the islands of Koshikijima and Izenajima.

[Arthroscopy-guided core decompression and bone grafting combined with selective arterial infusion for treatment of early stage avascular necrosis of femoral head].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of arthroscopy-guided core decompression and bone grafting combined with selective arterial infusion for early stage avascular necrosis of femoral head. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2014, 76 patients(76 hips) diagnosed as Ficat II stage avascular necrosis of femoral head were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. In the experimental group, there were 27 males and 8 females aged from 24 to 55 years old with an average of (43.96±6.81) years, treated with arthroscopic-guided core decompression and bone grafting combined with selective arterial infusion. Along the direction of the femoral neck, an 8 mm-diameter tunnel to necrotic areas was drilled, then curettage of necrotic bone was performed under arthroscope, and the iliac bone was grafted. In the control group, there were 29 males and 12 females aged from 26 to 56 years old with an average of (44.62±7.33) years, treated with percutaneous core decompression combined with selective arterial infusion. The preoperative and postoperative Harris scores were recorded and the changes of X-rays were analyzed. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up with an average of 30 months. Postoperative follow-up at 12 months showed that there was significant difference in imaging outcome between two groups(P<0.05), the experimental group was better than that of control group. According to Harris hip score system, at the final follow-up, Harris score of the experimental group was 86.72±4.37 on average, 6 cases got excellent results, 24 good, 4 fair and 1 poor. Harris score of the control group was 78.62±5.62 on average, 2 cases got excellent results, 20 good, 15 fair and 4 poor. After Ridit analysis, there was significant difference in the effect between the two groups(P<0.05). By pairing sample t test, there was significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative Harris score in the both groups(P<0.05). Between the two groups, there was no significant difference in preoperative Harris score(P>0.05), but there was significant difference in postoperative Harris score(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The two surgical procedures for early femoral head necrosis are effective. Using arthroscopic-guided core decompression method, the necrotic bone can be positioned and scraped more accurately, and can obtain better results.

Stepwise Splitting Growth and Pseudocapacitive Properties of Hierarchical Three-Dimensional Co3O4 Nanobooks.

Three-dimensional hierarchical Co3O4 nanobooks have been synthesized successfully on a large scale by calcining orthorhombic Co(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O precursors with identical morphologies. Based on the influence of reaction time and urea concentration on the nanostructures of the precursors, a stepwise splitting growth mechanism can be proposed to understand the formation of the 3D nanobooks. The 3D Co3O4 nanobooks exhibit excellent pseudocapacitive performances with specific capacitances of 590, 539, 476, 453, and 421 F/g at current densities of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 A/g, respectively. The devices can retain ca. 97.4% of the original specific capacitances after undergoing charge-discharge cycle tests 1000 times continuously at 4 A/g.

Overexpression of a MADS-box gene from birch (Betula platyphylla) promotes flowering and enhances chloroplast development in transgenic tobacco.

In this study, a MADS-box gene (BpMADS), which is an ortholog of AP1 from Arabidopsis, was isolated from birch (Betula platyphylla). Transgenic Arabidopsis containing a BpMADS promoter::GUS construct was produced, which exhibited strong GUS staining in sepal tissues. Ectopic expression of BpMADS significantly enhanced the flowering of tobacco (35S::BpMADS). In addition, the chloroplasts of transgenic tobacco exhibited much higher growth and division rates, as well rates of photosynthesis, than wild-type. A grafting experiment demonstrated that the flowering time of the scion was not affected by stock that overexpressed BpMADS. In addition, the overexpression of BpMADS resulted in the upregulation of some flowering-related genes in tobacco.

Lipase-catalyzed esterification of ferulic Acid with oleyl alcohol in ionic liquid/isooctane binary systems.

Lipase-catalyzed synthesis of ferulic acid oleyl alcohol ester in an ionic liquid (IL)/isooctane system was investigated. Considerable bioconversion and volumetric productivity were achieved in inexpensive 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Hmim][PF(6)]) and 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([Omim][PF(6)]) mediated systems, and thus, the two types of ILs were selected for further optimization of variables. The results showed that, before reaching a maximum, the increase of ferulic acid concentration, temperature, or enzyme dosage led to an increase in volumetric productivity. Variations of the ratios of IL/isooctane and concentrations of oleyl alcohol also profoundly affected the volumetric productivity. To a higher extent, [Hmim][PF(6)]/isooctane and [Omim][PF(6)]/isooctane show similar reaction behaviors. Under the optimized reaction conditions (60 °C, 150 mg of Novozym 435 and 100 mg of molecular sieves), up to 48.50 mg/mL productivity of oleyl feruleate could be achieved for the [Hmim][PF(6)]/isooctane (0.5 mL/1.5 mL) system with a substrate concentration of ferulic acid of 0.08 mmol/mL and oleyl alcohol of 0.32 mmol; while an optimum volumetric productivity of 26.92 mg/mL was obtained for the [Omim][PF(6)]/ isooctane (0.5 mL/1.5 mL) system under a similar reaction condition other than the substrate concentrations of ferulic acid at 0.05 mmol/mL and oleyl alcohol at 0.20 mmol.