Article
Hematology
Mads Harslof, Kasper M. Pedersen, Borge G. Nordestgaard, Shoaib Afzal
Summary: Using a Mendelian randomization approach, this study found that low HDL cholesterol is associated with high white blood cell counts, providing evidence for a potential causal relationship.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kaline de Brito Sousa, Daniela de Fatima Teixeira da Silva, Maria Fernanda Setubal Destro Rodrigues, Monica Pereira Garcia, Carolina de Oliveira Rodini, Raquel Agnelli Mesquita-Ferrari, Michael R. Hamblin, Sandra Kalil Bussadori, Fabio Daumas Nunes, Kristianne Porta Santos Fernandes
Summary: This study evaluated the optical absorbance spectrum of human monocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes, and found that cells exhibit greater absorbance in certain regions of the spectrum. Inflammatory cells showed increased absorbance at specific wavelengths, while immunoregulatory polarization had little effect on absorption. The findings suggest new perspectives for using photobiomodulation in clinical settings based on wavelengths and the stage of inflammation.
JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Pier Giorgio Puzzovio, Francesca Levi-Schaffer
Summary: The understanding of the pathologic mechanisms of asthma and atopic dermatitis has improved in recent years. However, the high heterogeneity of both diseases complicates diagnosis and treatment, with current strategies mainly focusing on symptom control rather than full healing. There is a need for more personalized approaches to improve diagnosis and treatment efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jiajun Yang, Dongyang Wang, Yanbo Yang, Wenqian Yang, Weiwei Jin, Xiaohui Niu, Jing Gong
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluated the impact of eight commonly used normalization methods on eQTL identification using RNA-seq and genotype data from different cancer samples. Our results showed that different methods could cause 20-30% differences in the final results, with TMM identified as the optimal normalization method.
The combination of methods was found to not only identify more cis-eQTLs, but also improve the performance of the ROC curve, suggesting the potential benefits of considering pairwise combinations of normalization methods in eQTL analysis.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xu Jiang, Xinyue Xiao, Hao Li, Yiyi Gong, Min Wang, Huaxia Yang, Lidan Zhao, Ying Jiang, Yanping Wei, Chongchong Zhao, Jin Li, Yuling Chen, Shan Feng, Haiteng Deng, Shiliang Ma, Yue Xu, Yudong Liu, George C. Tsokos, Minghong Jiang, Xuan Zhang
Summary: Inhibitory immune receptor VSTM1 is essential for maintaining neutrophil viability through its binding with soluble galectin-1. In patients with SLE, oxidized galectin-1 cannot be recognized by VSTM1, leading to increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and reduced neutrophil viability. Serum levels of glutathione are negatively correlated with SLE disease activity.
CELLULAR & MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Danying Liao, Jesse Sundlov, Jieqing Zhu, Heng Mei, Yu Hu, Debra K. Newman, Peter J. Newman
Summary: This study investigated the impact of amino acid substitutions at interfaces between PECAM-1 molecules on homophilic binding and endothelial cell function. It was found that substitutions at key residues within the IgD1-IgD1 and IgD1-IgD2 interfaces disrupted PECAM-1 homophilic binding and downstream effector functions.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Bocanegra, Gonzalo Fernandez-Hinojal, Daniel Ajona, Ester Blanco, Miren Zuazo, Maider Garnica, Luisa Chocarro, Elvira Alfaro-Arnedo, Sergio Pineiro-Hermida, Pilar Morente, Leticia Fernandez, Ana Remirez, Miriam Echaide, Maite Martinez-Aguillo, Idoia Morilla, Beatriz Tavira, Alejandra Roncero, Carolina Gotera, Alfonso Ventura, Nerea Recalde, Jose G. Pichel, Juan Jose Lasarte, Luis Montuenga, Ruth Vera, Ruben Pio, David Escors, Grazyna Kochan
Summary: Recent studies show that baseline functional immunity is crucial for the success of immune checkpoint blockade therapies. In this study, high-dimensional systemic immune profiling was performed on non-small-cell lung cancer patients undergoing PD-L1/PD-1 blockade immunotherapy. Responders had a higher diversity of myeloid phenotypes in their peripheral blood. A diversity index was defined as a potential biomarker of response. Fractalkine (FKN), a chemokine linked to immune chemotaxis and adhesion, was identified as a biomarker of response and correlated with myeloid cell diversity. FKN inhibited lung adenocarcinoma growth in both human and mouse models through the involvement of systemic effector NK cells and increased tumor immune infiltration. FKN also sensitized mouse lung cancer models resistant to anti-PD-1 treatment to immunotherapy, indicating its potential therapeutic use in combination with immunotherapy.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ryszard Pluta, Slawomir Januszewski, Stanislaw J. Czuczwar
Summary: The article focuses on neuroinflammation in brain tissue after ischemia, particularly emphasizing ischemic stroke and potential treatment strategies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Carmen Santos, Davide Coelho Martins, Maria Jose Gonzalez-Bernal, Diego Rubiales, Maria Carlota Vaz Patto
Summary: In this study, a combination of phenotyping, gene expression, and linkage mapping was used to prioritize four candidate genes relevant for disease-resistance precision breeding in Lathyrus cicera. These genes are involved in adaptation to biotic stress, cellular and organelle homeostasis, and proteins directly involved in plant defense.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jeong Min Cho, Jung Hun Koh, Seong Geun Kim, Soojin Lee, Yaerim Kim, Semin Cho, Kwangsoo Kim, Yong Chul Kim, Seung Seok Han, Hajeong Lee, Jung Pyo Lee, Kwon Wook Joo, Chun Soo Lim, Yon Su Kim, Dong Ki Kim, Sehoon Park
Summary: This study investigated the causal effect between serum interleukin (IL) levels and kidney function using two-sample summary-level Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The results demonstrated a significant association between higher genetically predicted serum IL-1 receptor antagonist levels and preserved kidney function, highlighting the clinical importance of IL-1 receptor antagonist in relation to kidney function.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Chang Hyung Lee, Hee Yang, Jung Han Yoon Park, Jong-Eun Kim, Ki Won Lee
Summary: This study found that Piceatannol can alleviate symptoms of atopic dermatitis and has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JAKSTAT proteins. Through interaction with JAK1, Piceatannol may have a mechanism of action for treating atopic dermatitis.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xinpeng Guo, Jinyu Han, Yafei Song, Zhilei Yin, Shuaichen Liu, Xuequn Shang
Summary: This study aims to address some challenges in multi-omics analysis and proposes a classification model that considers internal correlations, achieving high accuracy and easy interpretability in genotype-phenotype association analysis.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Hematology
Julia Moosmann, Anja Krusemark, Sven Dittrich, Tatjana Ammer, Manfred Rauh, Joachim Woelfle, Markus Metzler, Jakob Zierk
Summary: This study calculated reference intervals for NLR, PLR, and LMR from birth to 18 years using a data-mining approach, and investigated their diagnostic benefit in different inflammatory diseases. The results showed that NLR was significantly increased in patients with appendicitis and asthma, while PLR and LMR were not sensitive markers for the examined inflammatory diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Zimo Sha, Tianzhichao Hou, Taojie Zhou, Yang Dai, Yangyang Bao, Qi Jin, Jing Ye, Yiming Lu, Liqun Wu
Summary: This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine the causal association between atrial fibrillation (AF) and telomere length (LTL) using genetic variants. The findings suggest that AF leads to LTL shortening rather than the other way around. Aggressive intervention for AF may delay telomere attrition.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hye-Rim Kim, Hyun-Seok Jin, Yong-Bin Eom
Summary: The study showed that MANBA gene variants were associated with CKD and kidney function-related traits in a Korean cohort, with rs4496586 being the most significant variant affecting the traits. Carriers of the minor allele showed a decreased risk of CKD and improved kidney function.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Economics
Dilip Kumar
Summary: This study analyzes the impact of uncertainty changes on European travel and leisure sector stocks and finds that uncertainty variables have a significant effect on these stocks, especially at lower quantiles. The study also suggests that extreme movements in these uncertainty variables have significant downside and upside risk spillover effects on travel and leisure stocks.
Article
Allergy
Carol Ni Chaoimh, Dhanis Lad, Claudio Nico, Gerwin J. Puppels, X. F. Colin C. Wong, John E. Common, Deirdre M. Murray, Alan D. Irvine, Jonathan O'Brien Hourihane
Summary: This study has shown that early initiation of daily specialized emollient use can reduce the incidence of atopic dermatitis in high-risk infants during their first year of life.
Article
Biology
Chenlin Zhang, Huazhen Lin, Li Liu, Jin Liu, Yi Li
Summary: This article proposes a new functional regression model that links the covariance structures of response curves to external covariates. By allowing the variances of random scores to be dependent on covariates, it identifies eigenfunctions for each individual, resulting in improved interpretability and prediction power. The utility of the developed method is demonstrated through simulations and an analysis of real data concerning parental effects on offspring growth curves, yielding biologically interesting results.
Article
Immunology
Mengying Liu, Lei Jia, Xing Guo, Xiuli Zhai, Hanping Li, Yongjian Liu, Jingwan Han, Bohan Zhang, Xiaolin Wang, Tianyi Li, Yanglan Wang, Jingyun Li, Changyuan Yu, Lin Li
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the presence and distribution of HERV-K HML-8 sequences within the human genome and hominoids, as well as the characterization of their structure and evolution. The results show that HML-8 elements were integrated into the primate lineage around 35 to 42 million years ago during primates evolutionary speciation. These findings offer a detailed background for future functional studies.
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Helen J. von Richthofen, Geertje H. A. Westerlaken, Doron Gollnast, Sjanna Besteman, Eveline M. Delemarre, Karlijn Rodenburg, Petra Moerer, Daphne A. C. Stapels, Anand K. Andiappan, Olaf Rotzschke, Stefan Nierkens, Helen L. Leavis, Louis J. Bont, Suzan H. M. Rooijakkers, Linde Meyaard
Summary: In this study, it was found that activated neutrophils release signal inhibitory receptor on leukocytes-1 (SIRL-1) through proteolytic cleavage by proteinase 3 and inhibition by extracellular adherence protein from Staphylococcus aureus. This shedding of SIRL-1 may affect neutrophilic function in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 patients.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Fang Chen, Xingyan Wang, Seon-Kyeong Jang, Bryan C. Quach, J. Dylan Weissenkampen, Chachrit Khunsriraksakul, Lina Yang, Renan Sauteraud, Christine M. Albert, Nicholette D. D. Allred, Donna K. Arnett, Allison E. Ashley-Koch, Kathleen C. Barnes, R. Graham Barr, Diane M. Becker, Lawrence F. Bielak, Joshua C. Bis, John Blangero, Meher Preethi Boorgula, Daniel Chasman, Sameer Chavan, Yii-Der Chen, Lee-Ming Chuang, Adolfo Correa, Joanne E. Curran, Sean P. David, Lisa de Las Fuentes, Ranjan Deka, Ravindranath Duggirala, Jessica D. Faul, Melanie E. Garrett, Sina A. Gharib, Xiuqing Guo, Michael E. Hall, Nicola L. Hawley, Jiang He, Brian D. Hobbs, John E. Hokanson, Chao A. Hsiung, Shih-Jen Hwang, Thomas M. Hyde, Marguerite R. Irvin, Andrew E. Jaffe, Eric O. Johnson, Robert Kaplan, Sharon L. R. Kardia, Joel D. Kaufman, Tanika N. Kelly, Joel E. Kleinman, Charles Kooperberg, I-Te Lee, Daniel Levy, Sharon M. Lutz, Ani W. Manichaikul, Lisa W. Martin, Olivia Marx, Stephen T. McGarvey, Ryan L. Minster, Matthew Moll, Karine A. Moussa, Take Naseri, Kari E. North, Elizabeth C. Oelsner, Juan M. Peralta, Patricia A. Peyser, Bruce M. Psaty, Nicholas Rafaels, Laura M. Raffield, Muagututi'a Sefuiva Reupena, Stephen S. Rich, Jerome Rotter, David A. Schwartz, Aladdin H. Shadyab, Wayne H-H Sheu, Mario Sims, Jennifer A. Smith, Xiao Sun, Kent D. Taylor, Marilyn J. Telen, Harold Watson, Daniel E. Weeks, David R. Weir, Lisa R. Yanek, Kendra A. Young, Kristin L. Young, Wei Zhao, Dana B. Hancock, Bibo Jiang, Scott Vrieze, Dajiang J. Liu
Summary: Most TWASs conducted so far have focused on European ancestry and lacked diversity. To address this limitation, researchers aggregated GWAS summary statistics, whole-genome sequences, and eQTL data from diverse ancestries. They developed a new approach called TESLA, which integrates eQTL datasets with multi-ancestry GWAS, improving power and identifying more genes associated with tobacco use phenotypes compared to alternative TWAS methods. The study also suggests potential drug repurposing options for treating nicotine addiction.
Review
Immunology
Helen J. J. von Richthofen, Linde Meyaard
Summary: Similar to immune cells, non-hematopoietic cells possess mechanisms to sense environmental context and regulate their responses to microbial and endogenous threats. Inhibitory receptors on these cells can sense a wide range of signals and regulate various functions, including immune activation, proliferation, and migration. Investigating the functions of inhibitory receptors on non-hematopoietic cells systematically is important for understanding their role in immune response.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xuling Chang, Kevin Yiqiang Chua, Fang Lin Ng, Ling Wang, Jianjun Liu, Jian-Min Yuan, Chiea-Chuen Khor, Chew-Kiat Heng, Rajkumar Dorajoo, Woon-Puay Koh
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between body mass index (BMI) in midlife and functional mobility in late life. The results showed a causal effect of obesity on mobility dysfunction, with high BMI leading to poorer performance in the Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG). Genetic analyses also indicated potential neuronal dysfunctions in regulating the link between obesity and mobility dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBESITY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Arvind Ravi, Matthew D. Hellmann, Monica B. Arniella, Mark Holton, Samuel S. Freeman, Vivek Naranbhai, Chip Stewart, Ignaty Leshchiner, Jaegil Kim, Yo Akiyama, Aaron T. Griffin, Natalie I. Vokes, Mustafa Sakhi, Vashine Kamesan, Hira Rizvi, Biagio Ricciuti, Patrick M. Forde, Valsamo Anagnostou, Jonathan W. Riess, Don L. Gibbons, Nathan A. Pennell, Vamsidhar Velcheti, Subba R. Digumarthy, Mari Mino-Kenudson, Andrea Califano, John V. Heymach, Roy S. Herbst, Julie R. Brahmer, Kurt A. Schalper, Victor E. Velculescu, Brian S. Henick, Naiyer Rizvi, Pasi A. Jaenne, Mark M. Awad, Andrew Chow, Benjamin D. Greenbaum, Marta Luksza, Alice T. Shaw, Jedd Wolchok, Nir Hacohen, Gad Getz, Justin F. Gainor
Summary: Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of 393 non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with checkpoint inhibitors reveals molecular features associated with treatment response. The study analyzes data from the Stand Up To Cancer-Mark Foundation cohort, including whole exome and/or RNA sequencing, and identifies associations between molecular features and outcome, such as genomic subgroups, expression of immunoproteasome components, and tumor-intrinsic subtype. The findings demonstrate the complexity of immunotherapy outcomes and highlight the discovery potential of integrative analysis in well-curated cancer-specific cohorts.
Article
Immunology
Zhansong Lin, Arman A. Bashirova, Mathias Viard, Lee Garner, Max Quastel, Maya Beiersdorfer, Wojciech K. Kasprzak, Marjan Akdag, Yuko Yuki, Pedro Ojeda, Sudipto Das, Thorkell Andresson, Vivek Naranbhai, Amir Horowitz, Andrew J. McMichael, Angelique Hoelzemer, Geraldine M. Gillespie, Wilfredo F. Garcia-Beltran, Mary Carrington
Summary: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-E binds epitopes derived from HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C and HLA-G signal peptides (SPs) and serves as a ligand for CD94/NKG2A and CD94/NKG2C receptors. Carrington and colleagues provide comprehensive analysis of classical HLA class I SP variants and show that these can determine CD94/NKG2-HLA-E engagement. The systematic, quantitative approach described herein will facilitate development of prediction algorithms for accurately measuring the impact of CD94/NKG2-HLA-E interactions in disease resistance/susceptibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinbang Zhang, Jingwan Han, Hui Li, Zhengyang Li, Pengfei Zou, Jiaxin Li, Te Zhao, Junwei Che, Yang Yang, Meiyan Yang, Yuli Wang, Wei Gong, Zhiping Li, Lin Li, Chunsheng Gao, Haihua Xiao
Summary: A new system is constructed by functionalizing siRNA delivery lipid nanoparticles with the lymphocyte membrane and 12p1, which can escape immune recognition, has HIV-1 neutralizing capacity, and the ability to deliver siRNA specifically into HIV-1-infected cells. This system can escape uptake by the mononuclear phagocyte system, exhibits strong binding ability with gp120, and shows significant gene silencing effect on HIV-1-infected cells.
Article
Allergy
Qi Yi Ambrose Wong, Jun Jie Lim, Jun Yan Ng, Praneeth Malipeddi, Ying Eliza Lim, Yang Yie Sio, Fook Tim Chew
Summary: The study found that the lifetime asthma prevalence rate among young Chinese adults in Singapore was 19.1%, while the current asthma prevalence rate was 6.3%. Parental history of asthma was identified as the most important risk factor, and increased consumption of certain foods and television/computer usage were also associated with asthma risk. Future research should consider the interaction between various factors to better understand the impact of environment and lifestyle on asthma.
WORLD ALLERGY ORGANIZATION JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Hans J. Haubold, Ashik A. Kabeer, Dilip Kumar
Summary: This paper focuses on the study of the extension of non-resonant reaction rate integrals in nuclear fusion reactions, using Mittag-Leffler distribution and representing them with Fox's θ-function and generalized Wright function. A comparison is also made between the Mittag-Leffler non-resonant energy distributions and the standard Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distribution and pathway energy distribution.
PHYSICA A-STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND ITS APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Weiyu Luo, Chenfeng Xiong, Jiajun Wan, Ziteng Feng, Olawole Ayorinde, Natalia Blanco, Man Charurat, Vivek Naranbhai, Christina Riley, Anna Winters, Fati Murtala-Ibrahim, Alash'le Abimiku
Summary: We utilized emerging smartphone-based location data to analyze human mobility patterns and trends in Nigeria during the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Our study developed a data-driven analytical framework using proven algorithms to quantify daily human travel behavior and assess the effectiveness of mobility-restricting policies. The findings showed that travel bans and lockdown policies had a significant impact on travel distances but failed to restrict trip-making behavior. This study has the potential to contribute to quantitative studies on human mobility and health in sub-Saharan Africa using publicly available large datasets.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Catherine B. Meador, Vivek Naranbhai, Grace Hambelton, Julia Rivera, Christopher S. Nabel, Rebecca Lewinsohn, Mustafa Sakhi, Alejandro B. Balazs, A. John Iafrate, Justin F. Gainor
CLINICAL LUNG CANCER
(2023)