Integrating transcriptomes and somatic mutations to identify RNA methylation regulators as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma

Background:RNA methylation modifying plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of a range of human cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),which is characterized by a mass of genetic and epigenetic alterations.However,the treatment targeting these alterations is limited.Methods:We used comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to analyze the correlation between cancerassociated RNA methylation regulators and HCC malignant features in network datasets.Results:We identified two HCC subgroups(cluster 1 and 2),which had clearly distinct clinicopathological,biofunctional and prognostic characteristics,by consensus clustering.The cluster 2 subgroup correlated with malignancy of the primary tumor,higher tumor stage,higher histopathological grade and higher frequency of TP53 mutation,as well as with shorter survival when compared with cluster 1.Gene enrichment indicated that the cluster 2 correlated to the tumor malignancy signaling and biological processes.Based on these findings,an 11-gene risk signature was built,which not only was an independent prognostic marker but also had an excellent power to predict the tumor features.Conclusions:Our study indicated that RNA methylation regulators are vital for HCC malignant progression and provide an important evidence for RNA methylation,methylation regulators are actionable targets for anticancer drug discovery.

Magnetic resonance imaging focused on the ferritin heavy chain 1 reporter gene detects neuronal differentiation in stem cells

The neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells offers a new strategy for the treatment of neurological disorders.Thus,there is a need to identify a noninvasive and sensitive in vivo imaging approach for real-time monitoring of transplanted stem cells.Our previous study confirmed that magnetic resonance imaging,with a focus on the ferritin heavy chain 1 reporter gene,could track the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells that had been transduced with lentivirus carrying the ferritin heavy chain 1 reporter gene.However,we could not determine whether or when bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells had undergone neuronal differentiation based on changes in the magnetic resonance imaging signal.To solve this problem,we identified a neuron-specific enolase that can be differentially expressed before and after neuronal differentiation in stem cells.In this study,we successfully constructed a lentivirus carrying the neuron-specific enolase promoter and expressing the ferritin heavy chain 1 reporter gene;we used this lentivirus to transduce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Cellular and animal studies showed that the neuron-specific enolase promoter effectively drove the expression of ferritin heavy chain 1 after neuronal differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells;this led to intracellular accumulation of iron and corresponding changes in the magnetic resonance imaging signal.In summary,we established an innovative magnetic resonance imaging approach focused on the induction of reporter gene expression by a neuron-specific promoter.This imaging method can be used to noninvasively and sensitively detect neuronal differentiation in stem cells,which may be useful in stem cell-based therapies.

Achievements,challenges,and recommendations for waterbird conservation in China's coastal wetlands

China’s coastal wetlands provide breeding,migration stopover,and wintering habitats for about 230 waterbird species,which is more than a quarter of all waterbirds in the world.Large-scale and high intensity human activities have resulted in serious loss and degradation of coastal wetlands over the past half century,causing population declines in many waterbirds.Through a literature review and expert surveys,this article reviews conservation measures taken in recent decades to protect waterbirds in China’s coastal wetlands and provides recommendations for future conservation action from three aspects:policy and administration,habitat conservation and management,and multiparty participation.Over the past decades,many conservation legislation,regulations and action plans at the national level and more site-specific measures and interventions have been implemented,with notable improvement in the effectiveness in policy making and multi-stakeholder participation.Accordingly,some threats to waterbirds have been mitigated and many key sites for waterbirds have been designated as strictly protected nature reserves.However,some critical issues still remain,mostly related to habitat conservation and management,such as coastal wetland restoration,control of invasive Spartina alterniflora,control of environmental pollution,and improvement of artificial habitat quality.We highlight that protecting natural tidal wetlands and improving habitat quality are critical for the conservation of coastal waterbirds,especially those highly dependent on the intertidal wetlands.China has demonstrated strong commitment to ecological conservation and restoration for the future,in terms of both funding and policies for biodiversity and wetland ecosystems.It is important that this commitment to conserve coastal waterbirds is supported continuously by science-and evidence-based decisions and actions.

Corrigendum to“Achievements,challenges,and recommendations for waterbird conservation in China's coastal wetlands”[Avian Res.14(2023)100123]

The authors regret that Fig.1 and its caption should be replaced as below.

Helicobacter pylori intragastric colonization and migration:Endoscopic manifestations and potential mechanisms

After being ingested and entering the human stomach,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)adopts several effective strategies to adhere to and colonize the gastric mucosa and move to different regions of the stomach to obtain more nutrients and escape from the harsher environments of the stomach,leading to acute infection and chronic gastritis,which is the basis of malignant gastric tumors.The endoscopic manifestations and pathological features of H.pylori infection are diverse and vary with the duration of infection.In this review,we describe the endoscopic manifestations of each stage of H.pylori gastritis and then reveal the potential mechanisms of bacterial intragastric colonization and migration from the perspective of endoscopists to provide direction for future research on the effective therapy and management of H.pylori infection.

甘姜苓术汤结合电针治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床观察

【目的】观察甘姜苓术汤结合电针治疗腰椎间盘突出症的临床疗效。【方法】将102例腰椎间盘突出症患者随机分为甘姜苓术汤组、电针组和联用组,每组各34例,甘姜苓术汤组给予甘姜苓术汤口服治疗,电针组给予电针治疗,联用组给予甘姜苓术汤和电针联合治疗。14 d为1个疗程,共治疗1个疗程。治疗14 d后,评价3组患者的临床疗效,观察3组患者治疗前后视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分和中医症状积分的变化情况,以及Oswestry腰背、下肢功能障碍评分的情况,比较3组患者治疗前后腰椎前屈、后伸活动度及前屈、后伸最大肌力值的变化情况。【结果】(1)甘姜苓术汤组总有效率为67.65%(23/34),电针组为70.59%(24/34),联用组为91.18%(31/34)。联用组疗效优于电针组和甘姜苓术汤组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(2)治疗后,3组患者的VAS评分均明显改善(P<0.05),且联用组在改善VAS评分方面明显优于甘姜苓术汤组与电针组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(3)治疗后,3组患者的腰痛和下肢麻痛中医症状积分均明显改善(P<0.05),且联用组在改善腰痛和下肢麻痛中医症状积分方面明显优于甘姜苓术汤组与电针组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(4)治疗后,3组患者的腰背-下肢功能障碍评分均明显改善(P<0.05),且联用组在改善腰背-下肢功能障碍评分方面明显优于甘姜苓术汤组和电针组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。(5)治疗后,3组患者的腰椎前屈、后伸活动度及前屈、后伸最大肌力值均明显改善(P<0.05),且联用组在改善腰椎前屈、后伸活动度及前屈、后伸最大肌力值方面明显优于甘姜苓术汤组和电针组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。【结论】甘姜苓术汤结合电针治疗腰椎间盘突出症,能明显改善患者的临床症状,改善患者的疼痛程度,提高患者腰椎屈伸功能及最大肌力值,疗效显著。

Bilateral pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum during colonoscopy in a patient with intestinal Behcet’s disease:A case report

BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is essential for the diagnosis of intestinal Behcet’s disease(BD),which is characterized by a typical oval-shaped ulcer in the ileocecal region.However,potential risks of colonoscopy have rarely been reported.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we describe a patient with intestinal BD who presented with decreased oxygen saturation and shortness of breath during a diagnostic colonoscopy.Bilateral pneumothorax,pneumomediastinum,pneumoperitoneum,pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema of the neck,chest,abdomen,back and scrotum were confirmed by computed tomography scan.The sudden change in condition was considered to be associated with iatrogenic bowel perforation.After receiving closed thoracic drainage and conservative therapy,the patient was discharged in stable condition.CONCLUSION Endoscopists should be aware of the risks of colonoscopy in patients with intestinal BD and the possibility of pneumothorax associated with intestinal perforation and make adequate preparations before colonoscopy.

Carbon fiber reinforced liquid crystalline elastomer composites:a dual exploration in strength augmentation and transformation flexibility through 4D printing

Liquid Crystal Elastomers(LCEs)are renowned for their reversible deformation capabilities.Yet,enhancing their mechanical strength while retaining such flexibility has posed a considerable challenge.To overcome this,we utilized 4D printing to develop an innovative composite of LCE with carbon fiber fabric(LCEC).This approach has notably increased the tensile strength of LCE by eightfold,all the while maintaining its exceptional capacity for reversible deforma-tion.By adjusting the alignment angle between carbon fiber and the LCE printing direction from 0°to 90°,the LCEC demonstrates an array of new deformation patterns,including bending,twisting,wrapping,and S-shaped transformations,which are distinct from pure LCE materials.Our study unveils that LCE composites exhibit deformation processes markedly different from their pure material counterparts,with the ability of pure LCE to sustain tensile strains exceeding 1900%.These findings,previously undocumented and unexplored,represent a substantial contribution to the field of smart materials.Employing finite element analysis,we explored the carbon fiber and LcE matrix dynamics,revealing bending mechanics in LCECs.This combined experimental and simulation approach yields crucial insights for crafting durable,high-strength LCECs with diverse deformational properties,advancing smart material technology.

复杂金融网络中的系统性风险与流动性救助:基于不同网络拓扑结构的研究

以支付结算网络为例,通过构建复杂网络中的流动性循环模型,基于仿真模拟研究了不同网络拓扑结构和不同风险场景下的系统性风险与流动性救助问题.研究发现:1)网络拓扑结构对系统稳健性有显著影响,系统呈现出“稳健而脆弱”的特点,即网络节点间差异越小、相互连接越紧密,系统性风险发生的概率越小,但风险一旦形成,则后果更为严重;2)由于系统性风险的程度与系统流动性正缺口规模呈现线性正相关关系,在进行流动性救助时,基于节点流动性正缺口的救助资金配置方案均不劣于平均分配或基于冲击规模分配的方案,但在不同网络拓扑结构下,方案间的差异程度存在显著差异;3)在基于节点流动性正缺口的配置方案下,网络拓扑结构对不同救助顺序的效果也存在影响,但仅在网络节点间差异较大且中等救助规模下,影响才是显著的.