Specific Sites Research Articles

Head-to-Head Comparison Between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi And [18F]F-FDG PET/CT Imaging in Patients With Sarcoma.

This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacy of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT for detecting primary and metastatic lesions in sarcoma patients. The analysis included both patient-based and lesion-based comparisons of PET/CT scans in individuals with histologically confirmed sarcoma. A total of 23 sarcoma patients (mean age 43.0 ± 16.5 years; range: 21-76 years) underwent both [18F]F-FDG and [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi PET/CT scans. Histological distribution included 30% synovial sarcoma, 13% liposarcoma, and 21.7% leiomyosarcoma, with 70% of patients presenting with distant metastases. Detection rates for primary tumors were similar between [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi and [18F]F-FDG PET/CT (85.7% vs 100%, P = 0.149). Lymph node detection rates were also comparable (80% vs 100%, P = 0.146). Lesion-based analysis revealed that [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi detected 220 lesions (83% efficiency) compared with 249 lesions (94% efficiency) for [18F]F-FDG (P < 0.0001). Notably, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi demonstrated superior detection of liver (54 vs 38 lesions, P < 0.0001) and bone metastases (125 vs 102 lesions, P < 0.0001). Our study shows that although [18F]F-FDG PET/CT offers superior overall lesion detection efficiency, [68Ga]Ga-DOTA.SA.FAPi PET/CT excels in identifying specific metastatic sites, particularly in bone and liver. These findings highlight the complementary roles of both imaging modalities in sarcoma evaluation.

RECQL4 requires PARP1 for recruitment to DNA damage, and PARG dePARylation facilitates its associated role in end joining.

RecQ helicases, highly conserved proteins with pivotal roles in DNA replication, DNA repair and homologous recombination, are crucial for maintaining genomic integrity. Mutations in RECQL4 have been associated with various human diseases, including Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. RECQL4 is involved in regulating major DNA repair pathways, such as homologous recombination and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ). RECQL4 has more prominent single-strand DNA annealing activity than helicase activity. Its ability to promote DNA damage repair and the precise role of its DNA annealing activity in DNA repair are unclear. Here we demonstrate that PARP1 interacts with RECQL4, increasing its single-stranded DNA strand annealing activity. PARP1 specifically promoted RECQL4 PARylation at both its N- and C-terminal regions, promoting RECQL4 recruitment to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Inhibition or depletion of PARP1 significantly diminished RECQL4 recruitment and occupancy at specific DSB sites on chromosomes. After DNA damage, PARG dePARylated RECQL4 and stimulated its end-joining activity. RECQL4 actively displaced replication protein A from single-stranded DNA, promoting microhomology annealing in vitro. Furthermore, depletion of PARP1 or RECQL4 substantially impacted classical-NHEJ- and alternative-NHEJ-mediated DSB repair. Consequently, the combined activities of PARP1, PARG and RECQL4 modulate DNA repair.

Frequently arising ESX-1-associated phase variants influence Mycobacterium tuberculosis fitness in the presence of host and antibiotic pressures.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is responsible for more deaths worldwide than any other single infectious agent. Understanding how this pathogen adapts to the varied environmental pressures imposed by host immunity and antibiotics has important implications for the design of more effective therapies. In this work, we show that the genome of Mtb contains multiple contingency loci that control the activity of the ESX-1 secretion system, which is critical for interactions with the host. These loci consist of homopolymeric DNA tracts in gene regulatory regions that are subject to high-frequency reversible variation and act to tune the activity of ESX-1. We find that variation at these sites increases the fitness of Mtb in the presence of antibiotic and/or during infection. These findings indicate that Mtb has the ability to diversify its genome in specific sites to create subpopulations of cells that are preadapted to new conditions.

Recombinant SpTransformer proteins bind to specific sites on sea urchin phagocytes and modulate SpTransformer gene expression and immune responsiveness

Recombinant SpTransformer proteins bind to specific sites on sea urchin phagocytes and modulate SpTransformer gene expression and immune responsiveness

Localized Nanopore Fabrication in Silicon Nitride Membranes by Femtosecond Laser Exposure and Subsequent Controlled Breakdown.

Controlled breakdown has emerged as an effective method for fabricating solid-state nanopores in thin suspended dielectric membranes for various biomolecular sensing applications. On an unpatterned membrane, the site of nanopore formation by controlled breakdown is random. Nanopore formation on a specific site on the membrane has previously been realized using local thinning of the membrane by lithographic processes or laser-assisted photothermal etching under immersion in an aqueous salt solution. However, these approaches require elaborate and expensive cleanroom-based lithography processes or involve intricate procedures using custom-made equipment. Here, we present a rapid cleanroom-free approach using single pulse femtosecond laser exposures of 50 nm thick silicon nitride membranes in air to localize the site of nanopore formation by subsequent controlled breakdown to an area less than 500 nm in diameter on the membrane. The precise positioning of the nanopores on the membrane could be produced both using laser exposure powers which caused significant thinning of the silicon nitride membrane (up to 60% of the original thickness locally), as well as at laser powers which caused no visible modification of the membrane at all. We show that nanopores made using our approach can work as single-molecule sensors by performing dsDNA translocation experiments. Due to the applicability of femtosecond laser processing to a wide range of membrane materials, we expect our approach to simplify the fabrication of localized nanopores by controlled breakdown in a variety of thin film material stacks, thereby enabling more sophisticated nanopore sensors.

Methylation sites of human papillomavirus 16 as potential biomarkers for cervical cancer progression

ObjectiveTo investigate the methylation levels at 13 specific sites of the human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) L1 gene as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of cervical cancer.MethodsSamples were collected from the gynecological outpatient and inpatient departments of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People’s Hospital. A total of 107 women participated in this study, including 54 with cervical cancer (32 Uygur, 22 Han) and 53 with cervical inflammation (32 Uygur, 21 Han). Methylation analysis was performed using pyrosequencing to quantitatively assess methylation levels at specified CpG sites within the HPV16 L1 gene.ResultsHigh methylation levels were predominantly observed at sites 5927, 5963 and 6367 in cervical cancer cells compared with inflammatory cells. Methylation patterns exhibited no significant differences between the Han and Uygur ethnic groups but correlated with viral load and age within each group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of these methylation sites indicated high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing between high-grade lesions and less severe conditions.ConclusionsMethylation of specific CpG sites in the HPV16 L1 gene holds promise as a biomarker for cervical cancer progression. The gene locus at position 6367 has important features in the methylation pattern of cervical cancer, and high accuracy shown in diagnosis make it a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.

ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ПОЛИМЕРАЗНОЙ ЦЕПНОЙ РЕАКЦИИ В ВЫЯВЛЕНИИ ИНФЕКЦИОННЫХ АГЕНТОВ У КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА

The aim of our work was to identify bacterial and viral infectious agents in biological material from cows and calves with different clinical manifestations of diseases by PCR. Biological materials from animals were sent to the PCR laboratory from 23 agricultural organizations in the Ural Region. A total of 808 samples were studied, of which genomes of pathogens were found in 11.9 % of cases: Mycoplasma bovis DNA in 2.4 % of samples, Bovine virus diarrhoea RNA in 2.3 % of samples, Mycoplasma spp. and Chlamydia spp DNA in 2 % of samples, Mycoplasma bovigenitalium, Bovine herpesvirus (type 1), Chlamydophila abortus, Chlamydophila pecorum were found singly. Out of 80 samples in 36.2 % of biomaterials, specific DNA sites of Cl. difficile were found – 31.2 % of samples, Cl. perfringens – 20.0 % of samples, Cl. difficile + Cl. perfringens – 25.0 % of biosamples. Toxins were found in Cl. difficile: CDT toxin in 41.0 % of clostridia, toxin B in 6.0 % of pathogens, less often toxin A. In some cases, clostridia (Cl. perfringens, Cl. difficile B) were found in the biomaterial from dead calves, which confirmed the diagnosis – infectious anaerobic enterotoxemia of calves. Bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella enterica spp. entericaserogroup C (0:9, 2), Cl. perfringens and Cl. difficile CDT DNA) were detected in the biomaterial from dead cows, which confirmed the diagnosis of acute intestinal infection. All detected pathogens were presented in the form of monoinfection and singly in the form of mixed infections. Using PCR, it was possible to detect DNA and RNA of infectious agents in various clinical manifestations of diseases of bacterial and viral etiology in cattle herds in the Ural Region.

Opportunities for gas-phase science at short-wavelength free-electron lasers with undulator-based polarization control

Free-electron lasers (FELs) are the world's most brilliant light sources with rapidly evolving technological capabilities in terms of ultrabright and ultrashort pulses over a large range of photon energies. Their revolutionary and innovative developments have opened new fields of science regarding nonlinear light-matter interaction, the investigation of ultrafast processes from specific observer sites, and approaches to imaging matter with atomic resolution. A core aspect of FEL science is the study of isolated and prototypical systems in the gas phase with the possibility of addressing well-defined electronic transitions or particular atomic sites in molecules. Notably for polarization-controlled short-wavelength FELs, the gas phase offers new avenues for investigations of nonlinear and ultrafast phenomena in spin-orientated systems, for decoding the function of the chiral building blocks of life as well as steering reactions and particle emission dynamics in otherwise inaccessible ways. This roadmap comprises descriptions of technological capabilities of facilities worldwide, innovative diagnostics and instrumentation, as well as recent scientific highlights, novel methodology, and mathematical modeling. The experimental and theoretical landscape of using polarization controllable FELs for dichroic light-matter interaction in the gas phase will be discussed and comprehensively outlined to stimulate and strengthen global collaborative efforts of all disciplines. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Super-Resolved Mapping of Electrochemical Reactivity in Single 3D Catalysts.

Crystals with three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic structures, characterized by diverse shapes, crystallographic planes, and morphologies, represent a significant advancement in catalysis. Differentiating and quantifying the catalytic activity of specific surface facets and sites at the single-particle level is essential for understanding and predicting catalytic performance. This study employs super-resolution radial fluctuations electrogenerated chemiluminescence microscopy (SRRF-ECLM) to achieve high-resolution mapping of electrocatalytic activity on individual 3D Cu2O crystals, including cubic, octahedral, and truncated octahedral structures. With a spatial resolution below 100 nm, SRRF-ECLM precisely delineates the contours of Cu2O crystals, enabling detailed analysis of activity distribution across distinct facets and interfaces. By quantitatively measuring ECL emission intensities from different planes and joint interfaces, we constructed 3D catalytic activity distributions, offering an intuitive and comprehensive perspective of single-catalyst activity. This approach advances single-particle electrochemical analysis and provides valuable insights for designing more efficient catalysts in energy conversion and chemical synthesis applications.

Significance of KLK7 expression, polymorphisms, and function in sheep horn growth

BackgroundSheep horns play a critical role in the survival and reproduction of sheep. Research on sheep horns not only aids in comprehending their biological roles but is also vital for developing hornless breeds. Although previous studies have suggested that KLK7 may be associated with keratin growth, there are few studies that have focused on the role of KLK7 in sheep horns. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between KLK7 and sheep horns by analyzing the expression, genetic polymorphisms, and potential functions of KLK7 in sheep horns.ResultsThis study utilized RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data to analyze the expression levels of the KLK7 gene across different species, as well as among different breeds, tissue types, and genders in sheep. Potential functional sites of KLK7 were explored using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. Allele specific expression sites in the KLK7 gene sequence were identified. Finally, the WGS data were linked with sheep horn length for association analysis, and significantly different single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected and validated by Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that KLK7 was highly expressed in soft horn and skin tissues, and its expression was significantly higher in small-horned sheep than it was in large-horned sheep, suggesting that KLK7 may have an inhibitory effect on horn growth. By comparing the amino acid sequence of KLK7 with KLK7 sequences in other species, we discovered eight amino acids at specific positions in the KLK7 protein sequence that may have regulatory functions in determining the size of horns in ruminant animals. Thirteen SNPs with F-statistic value (Fst) > 0.15 were identified. By integrating RNA-Seq and WGS data, we discovered two SNPs (g.56695395 T > C and g.56695484A > C) with allele specific expression between the large- and small-horned sheep. The two SNPs were validated and were found to have significantly different (P < 0.05) effects on horn length. Our findings suggest a strong association between KLK7 and sheep horn length, indicating the potential role of KLK7 in inhibiting horn growth and providing novel insights into the functionality of KLK7.

Significance of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels in lung cancer

High blood levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) have been shown in various malignancies. In lung cancer, the importance of NT-proBNP is not clear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the significance of the correlation of NT-proBNP levels in lung cancer with tumor stage, tumor diameter, histopathology, and specific sites of mediastinal metastasis: lymphadenopathy; pericardial, cardiac, major vessel, other mediastinal organ or lymphatic involvement/invasion. A total of 105 lung cancer and 120 control patients (chronic obstructive lung disease, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary thromboembolism, and pneumonia; 30/subgroup) with measured NT-proBNP levels were included retrospectively. Demographics, comorbidities, and echocardiographic findings in all patients, as well as histologic subtype, diameter, stage, and radiologic and/or pathologic mediastinal involvement/invasion of the tumor to the mediastinum in patients with lung cancer, were studied with regards to blood NT-proBNP levels. When lung cancer and control groups were compared globally or as subgroups with comorbidities, NT-proBNP levels did not show meaningful differences. However, NT-proBNP levels were determined to be 249 pg/mL and 88 pg/mL in lung cancer (n=68) and control subgroups (n=58) without comorbidities, respectively (p=0.001). Among lung cancer patients without comorbidities and those with cardiac, pericardial, major vascular, or other mediastinal involvement/invasion (lymphadenopathy, lymphatic, or other organ invasion) (n=27), the NT-proBNP level was 303 pg/mL, whereas it was 166 pg/mL in those without these mediastinal invasions (n=41) (p=0.031). There is a need for much larger, randomized studies to obtain evidence for the potential role of NT-proBNP as a helpful diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer. Clinical suspicion of malignancy may be posed if high NT-proBNP levels cannot be explained by all other risk factors and disorders or diseases. Furthermore, pericardial, cardiac, major vessel, or other mediastinal invasion/involvement should be sought when high NT-proBNP levels are determined in lung cancer patients without any comorbidities or risk factors for high NT-proBNP levels.

Transforming tomatoes into GABA-rich functional foods through genome editing: A modern biotechnological approach.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter which blocks the impulses between nerve cells in the brain. Due to the increasing awareness about the health promoting benefits associated with GABA, it is also artificially synthesized and consumed as a nutritional supplement by people in some regions of the world. Though among the fresh vegetables, tomato fruits do contain a comparatively higher amount of GABA (0.07 to 2.01mgg-1 FW), it needs to be further enhanced to fully impart its potential health benefits. Achieving this feat through classical breeding approaches is time and resource consuming, and is also associated with linkage drag. On the other hand, precise targeting of specific sites in the genome with less off- target effects is mediated by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing tool and is widely used to overcome the barriers associated with traditional breeding approaches. Combining genome editing with speed breeding techniques can enable the rapid development of GABA-rich tomato cultivars, paving a way to unlock a new era of functional foods, where every bite contributes to cognitive well-being and holistic health. This review highlights the significance of GABA boosted functional foods and explores the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology for developing GABA enriched tomatoes.

Surveying Community Environmental Justice: Urban Runoff Patterns in Eastern Tijuana, México

In an urban region of eastern Tijuana, there are long-standing water runoff sites which community members have identified as having an impact on residents, including contributing to flooding. This community-based participatory research (CBPR) project in collaboration with the Colectivo Salud y Justicia Ambiental (CSJA) used the geospatial surveying tool Survey 123 to conduct community-based monitoring of five runoff sites. Results from 170 completed surveys showed that water runoff was present at these sites on forty-five percent of the days surveyed, although there was no significant relationship between the temporal factors studied and the water quality characteristics surveyed. These findings contribute to the field of border environmental justice by focusing on the understudied issues of runoff and urban flooding as environmental exposures that some communities experience disproportionately. Moreover, while there was a significant relationship between water runoff volume and precipitation events at the water runoff sites, there were sixty-five surveys collected that showed water present when there had been no precipitation event at the site. This finding supports the CSJA members’ assertions that the runoff experienced in the study area is not always connected to precipitation events or pluvial flooding. This project’s results contribute to policy advocacy by countering the policy narrative that this issue is simply a stormwater issue, and by identifying the specific runoff sites to be prioritized in this region.

Evaluation of Pan-Cancer Immune Heterogeneity Based on DNA Methylation

Abstract: Background/Objectives: The heterogeneity of the tumor immune microenvironment is a key determinant of tumor oncogenesis. This study aims to evaluate the composition of seven immune cells across 5323 samples from 14 cancers using DNA methylation data. Methods: A deconvolution algorithm was proposed to estimate the composition of seven immune cells using 1256 immune cell population-specific methylation genes. Based on the immune infiltration features of seven immune cell fractions, 42 subtypes of 14 tumors (2–5 subtypes per tumor) were identified. Results: Significant differences in immune cells between subtypes were revealed for each cancer. The study found that the methylation values of the selected specific sites correlated with gene expression in most tumor subtypes. Immune infiltration results were integrated with phenotypic data, including survival data and tumor stages, revealing significant correlations between immune infiltration and phenotypes in some tumors. Subtypes with high proportions of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD56+ NK cells, CD19+ B cells, CD14+ monocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils were identified, with subtype counts of 9, 24, 22, 13, 19, 9, and 11, respectively. Additionally, 2412 differentially expressed genes between these subtypes and normal tissues were identified. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were mainly enriched in pathways related to drug response and chemical carcinogens. Differences in ESTIMATE scores for subtypes of seven tumors and TIDE scores for eight tumors were also observed. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the intra-tumor and inter-tumor immune heterogeneity of pan-cancer through DNA methylation analysis, providing assistance for tumor diagnosis.

Circularity in polydiketoenamine thermoplastics via control over reactive chain conformation.

Controlling the reactivity of bonds along polymer chains enables both functionalization and deconstruction with relevance to chemical recycling and circularity. Because the substrate is a macromolecule, however, understanding the effects of chain conformation on the reactivity of polymer bonds emerges as important yet underexplored. Here, we show how oxy-functionalization of chemically recyclable condensation polymers affects acidolysis to monomers through control over distortion and interaction energies in the rate-limiting transition states. Oxy-functionalization of polydiketoenamines at specific sites on either the amine or triketone monomer segments increased acidolysis rates by more than three orders of magnitude, opening the door to efficient deconstruction of linear chain architectures. These insights substantially broaden the scope of applications for polydiketoenamines in a circular manufacturing economy, including chemically recyclable adhesives for a diverse range of surfaces.

Unveiling the significance of AKAP79/150 in the nervous system disorders: An emerging opportunity for future therapies?

A-kinase anchoring protein 79/150 (AKAP79/150) is a crucial scaffolding protein that positions various proteins at specific synaptic sites to modulate excitatory synaptic intensity. As our understanding of AKAP79/150's biology deepens, along with its significant role in the pathophysiology of various human disorders, there is growing evidence that reveals new opportunities for therapeutic interventions. In this review, we examine the fundamental structure and primary functions of AKAP79/150, emphasizing its pathophysiological mechanisms in different nervous system disorders, particularly inflammatory pain, epilepsy, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. We also discuss its potential therapeutic implications for patients suffering from these conditions.

Spatial Localization of Collagen Hydroxylated Proline Site Variation as an Ancestral Trait in the Breast Cancer Microenvironment.

Collagen stroma interactions within the extracellular microenvironment of breast tissue play a significant role in breast cancer, including risk, progression, and outcomes. Hydroxylation of proline (HYP) is a common post-translational modification directly linked to breast cancer survival and progression. Changes in HYP status lead to alterations in epithelial cell signaling, extracellular matrix remodeling, and immune cell recruitment. In the present study, we test the hypothesis that the breast cancer microenvironment presents unique PTMs of collagen, which form bioactive domains at these sites that are associated with spatial histopathological characteristics and influence breast epithelial cell signaling. Mass spectrometry imaging proteomics targeting collagens were paired with comprehensive proteomic methods to identify novel breast cancer-related collagen domains based on spatial localization and regulation in 260 breast tissue samples. As ancestry plays a significant role in breast cancer outcomes, these methods were performed on ancestry diverse breast cancer tissues. Lumpectomies from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n=10) reported increased levels of prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-3 (P4HA3) accompanied by spatial regulation of fibrillar collagen protein sequences. A concise set of triple negative breast cancer lumpectomies (n=10) showed spatial regulation of specific domain sites from collagen alpha-1(I) chain. Tissue microarrays identified proteomic alterations around post-translationally modified collagen sites in healthy breast (n=81) and patient matched normal adjacent (NAT; n=76) and invasive ductal carcinoma (n=83). A collagen alpha-1(I) chain domain encompassing amino acids 506-514 with site-specific proline hydroxylation reported significant alteration between patient matched normal adjacent tissue and invasive breast cancer. Functional testing of domain 506-514 on breast cancer epithelial cells showed proliferation, chemotaxis and cell signaling response dependent on site localization of proline hydroxylation within domain 506-514 variants. These findings support site localized collagen HYP forms novel bioactive domains that are spatially distributed within the breast cancer microenvironment and may play a role in ancestral traits of breast cancer.

P0276 Psoriasis is more frequently induced and displays a distinct phenotype in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Abstract Background Specific psoriasis (Pso) phenotypes seem to emerge in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Our study explored Pso phenotypes under and outside biologic therapy in IBD, comparing them to those in chronic inflammatory rheumatism (IRD). Methods From a prospective university hospital cohort of patients with IBD, IRD, and Pso, we selected those with IBD and/or IRD (axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) associated with Pso, excluding psoriatic arthritis cases. Each case was reviewed to classify psoriasis as therapy-induced or not, define prevalence with phenotype description, examine treatments responsible for induced Pso, and assess risk factors for therapy-induced Pso in IBD. Results Among 2,412 patients in the database, 237 (9.8%) had psoriasis associated with IBD and/or IRD: 98 with IBD, 110 with IRD, and 29 with both IBD and IRD. Pso prevalence was 12.1% in IBD vs. 8.5% in IRD (p=0.0056). After analysis, 92 (93.9%) IBD and 86 (78.2%) IRD patients had been exposed to systemic therapy (p=0.0013). The mean age for IBD+Pso and IRD+Pso was 46.4 (±15.8) and 52.8 (±15.5) years, respectively (p=0.0034); 62 (63.3%) and 49 (45%) were women (p=0.0083). Phenotypic details of Pso were available in 97/98 IBD and 90/110 IRD cases: 70 (71.4%) vs. 33 (30%) were therapy-induced Pso, respectively (p&amp;lt;0.0001). The main systemic therapy linked to induced Pso was biologics: adalimumab in 44 (62.9%) IBD and 15 (45.5%) IRD patients (p=0.0957). Plaque and inverse psoriasis were noted in 72 (73.5%) and 39 (39.8%) IBD vs. 53 (48.2%) and 6 (5.4%) IRD patients (p=0.0002 and p&amp;lt;0.0001). Lesions appeared on the face in 26 (26.5%) IBD vs. 6 (5.4%) IRD (p&amp;lt;0.0001), on the scalp in 40 (40.8%) IBD vs. 30 (27.3%) IRD (p=0.0391), and on nasal wings in 13 (13.3%) IBD patients only (p&amp;lt;0.0001), suggesting this as a specific site. In IBD, inverse and scalp Pso were more frequent in therapy-induced cases. Regarding Pso treatments, biologic therapy was discontinued in 13 (13.3%) IBD patients vs. 2 (1.8%) IRD patients (p=0.0014), and a swap out of biologic class was made in 32 (32.7%) IBD patients vs. 5 (4.5%) IRD patients (p&amp;lt;0.0001). Factors associated to therapy-induced Pso in IBD were active smoking (OR= 2.02, 95% CI [1.14–3.56], p=0.0193), inflammatory phenotype in Crohn’s disease (OR=1.94, 95% CI [1.21;3.10], p=0.0047), and female sex (OR=2.04 [1.25–3.31], p=0.0041). Conclusion In this large cohort, Pso prevalence in IBD was high, with therapy-induced Pso being more frequent among women and smokers. Specific phenotypes were observed (induced, inverse, scalp, nasal wings), suggesting a common pathophysiology with the underlying inflammatory disease.

EpiAge: a next-generation sequencing-based ELOVL2 epigenetic clock for biological age assessment in saliva and blood across health and disease.

This study introduces EpiAgePublic, a new method to estimate biological age using only three specific sites on the gene ELOVL2, known for its connection to aging. Unlike traditional methods that require complex and extensive data, our model uses a simpler approach that is well-suited for next-generation sequencing technology, which is a more advanced method of analyzing DNA methylation. This new model overcomes some of the common challenges found in older methods, such as errors due to sample quality and processing variations. We tested EpiAgePublic with a large and varied group of over 4,600 people to ensure its accuracy. It performed on par with, and sometimes better than, more complicated models that use much more data for age estimation. We examined its effectiveness in understanding how factors like HIV infection and stress affect aging, confirming its usefulness in real-world clinical settings. Our results prove that our simple yet effective model, EpiAgePublic, can capture the subtle signs of aging with high accuracy. We also used this model in a study involving patients with Alzheimer's Disease, demonstrating the practical benefits of next-generation sequencing in making precise age-related assessments. This study lays the groundwork for future research on aging mechanisms and assessing how different interventions might impact the aging process using this clock.

Application of human-in-the-loop hybrid augmented intelligence approach in security inspection system

A security inspection system exemplifies human-machine collaboration, and enhancing its safety and reliability through advanced technology remains a key research priority. While deep learning has incrementally improved the autonomous capabilities of security inspection equipment for automatic contraband detection, a gap persists between current technological capabilities and practical implementation. Recognizing that humans excel at learning, reasoning, and collaborating, while artificial intelligence offers normative, repeatable, and logical processing, we propose a human-in-the-loop hybrid augmented intelligence approach. This approach addresses the practical needs of security inspection systems by introducing a hybrid decision-making method that leverages two distinct strategies: “Reject-priority” and “Clear-priority.” These strategies play complementary roles in bolstering the decision-making process’s overall performance. Comparative experiments on a dataset from a specific security inspection site confirmed the hybrid method’s effectiveness, drawing several conclusions. This “Hybrid decision-making” method not only enhances risk perception, thereby widening the safety margin of the security inspection system, but also reduces the need for human labor, leading to increased efficiency and reduced labor costs. Additionally, it is less time-consuming, further improving the system’s overall efficiency. By integrating human and machine intelligence, this method significantly boosts decision-making effectiveness. Tailored to their unique characteristics, the method based on “Reject-priority” strategy is particularly well-suited for security inspection scenarios that demand stringent safety protocols, while the “Clear-priority” method is ideal for scenarios with high-volume traffic flow, where efficiency is paramount. As the volume of collected data grows, this approach will enable seamless adaptation of the method to evolving application needs.