Deep pan-cancer analysis and multi-omics evidence reveal that ALG3 inhibits CD8+ T cell infiltration by suppressing chemokine secretion and is associated with 5-fluorouracil sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: α-1,3-mannosyltransferase (ALG3) holds significance as a key member within the mannosyltransferase family. Nevertheless, the exact function of ALG3 in cancer remains ambiguous. Consequently, the current research aimed to examine the function and potential mechanisms of ALG3 in various types of cancer. METHODS: Deep pan-cancer analyses were conducted to investigate the expression patterns, prognostic value, genetic variations, single-cell omics, immunology, and drug responses associated with ALG3. Subsequently, in vitro experiments were executed to ascertain the biological role of ALG3 in breast cancer. Moreover, the link between ALG3 and CD8+ T cells was verified using immunofluorescence. Lastly, the association between ALG3 and chemokines was assessed using qRT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: Deep pan-cancer analysis demonstrated a heightened expression of ALG3 in the majority of tumors based on multi-omics evidence. ALG3 emerges as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker across diverse cancer types. In addition, ALG3 participates in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Elevated levels of ALG3 were closely linked to the infiltration of bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and CD8+ T cells. According to in vitro experiments, ALG3 promotes proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Moreover, ALG3 inhibited CD8+ T cell infiltration by suppressing chemokine secretion. Finally, the inhibition of ALG3 enhanced the responsiveness of breast cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil treatment. CONCLUSION: ALG3 shows potential as both a prognostic indicator and immune infiltration biomarker across various types of cancer. Inhibition of ALG3 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment.

Two-Dimensional Metal Halide Perovskites Created by Binary Conjugated Organic Cations for High-Performance Perovskite Photovoltaics.

Studies indicated that two-dimensional (2D) metal halide perovskites (MHPs) embodied with three-dimensional (3D) MHPs were a facile way to realize efficient and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and perovskite photodetectors (PPDs). Here, high-performance PSCs and PPDs, which are based on 2D/3D MHPs bilayer thin films, where the 2D MHPs are created by binary conjugated organic cations, are reported. Systemically studies reveal that the above novel 2D/3D MHPs bilayer thin films possess an enlarged crystal size, balanced charge transport, reduced charge carrier recombination, smaller charge-transfer resistance, and accelerated charge-extraction process compared to the 2D/3D MHPs bilayer thin films, where the 2D MHPs are created by a single conjugated organic cation. As a result, the PSCs based on the above novel 2D/3D MHPs bilayer thin film exhibit a power conversion efficiency of 22.76%. Moreover, unencapsulated PSCs possess dramatically enhanced stability compared with those based on the 2D/3D MHPs bilayer thin films, where the 2D MHPs are created by a single conjugated organic cation. In addition, the PPDs based on the above novel 2D/3D MHPs bilayer thin film exhibit a projected detectivity of 1016 cm Hz1/2/W and a linear dynamic range of 108 dB at room temperature. Our studies indicate that the development of binary conjugated organic cation-based 2D MHPs incorporated with 3D MHPs is a simple method to realize high-performance PSCs and PPDs.

Passive magnetic-free broadband optical isolator based on unidirectional self-induced transparency.

Achieving a broadband nonreciprocal device without gain and any external bias is very challenging and highly desirable for modern photonic technologies and quantum networks. Here we theoretically propose a passive and magnetic-free all-optical isolator for a femtosecond laser pulse by exploiting a new mechanism of unidirectional self-induced transparency, obtained with a nonlinear medium followed by a normal absorbing medium at one side. The transmission contrast between the forward and backward directions can reach 14.3 dB for a 2π - 5 fs laser pulse. The 20 dB bandwidth is about 56 nm, already comparable with a magneto-optical isolator. This work provides a new mechanism which may benefit non-magnetic isolation of ultrashort laser pulses.

Pan-cancer analysis of NUP155 and validation of its role in breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis.

NUP155 is reported to be correlated with tumor development. However, the role of NUP155 in tumor physiology and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has not been previously examined. This study comprehensively investigated the expression, immunological function, and prognostic significance of NUP155 in different cancer types. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that NUP155 was upregulated in 26 types of cancer. Additionally, NUP155 upregulation was strongly correlated with advanced pathological or clinical stages and poor prognosis in several cancers. Furthermore, NUP155 was significantly and positively correlated with DNA methylation, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and stemness score in most cancers. Additionally, NUP155 was also found to be involved in TIME and closely associated with tumor infiltrating immune cells and immunoregulation-related genes. Functional enrichment analysis revealed a strong correlation between NUP155 and immunomodulatory pathways, especially antigen processing and presentation. The role of NUP155 in breast cancer has not been examined. This study, for the first time, demonstrated that NUP155 was upregulated in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) cells and revealed its oncogenic role in BRCA using molecular biology experiments. Thus, our study highlights the potential value of NUP155 as a biomarker in the assessment of prognostic prediction, tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic response in pan-cancer.

Identification of CREB5 as a prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarker in glioma through multi-omics pan-cancer analysis.

BACKGROUND: The functional relevance of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-response element-binding protein 5 (CREB5) in cancers remains elusive, despite its significance as a member of the CREB family. The current research aims to explore the role of CREB5 in multiple cancers. METHODS: Pan-cancer analysis was performed to explore the expression patterns, prognostic value, mutational landscape as well as single-cell omic, immunologic, and drug sensitivity profiles of CREB5. Furthermore, we incorporated five distinct machine learning algorithms and determined that the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-COX (LASSO-COX) algorithm, which exhibited the highest C index, was the optimal selection. Subsequently, we constructed a prognostic model centered around CREB5-associated genes. To elucidate the biological function of CREB5 in glioma cells, several assays including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), wound healing, transwell, flow cytometric were performed. RESULTS: CREB5 was overexpressed in pan-cancer and was linked to unfavorable prognosis, particularly in glioma. Furthermore, genetic alterations were determined in various types of cancer, and modifications in the CREB5 gene were linked to the prognosis. The single-cell omics and enrichment analyses showed that CREB5 was predominantly expressed in malignant glioma cells and was critically involved in the regulation of various oncogenic processes. Elevated levels of CREB5 were strongly linked with the infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the Th1 subset of CD4+ T cells. The validated CREB5-associated prognostic model reliably predicted the prognosis and drug response of glioma patients. The in vitro experiments showed that CREB5 promoted glioma cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and gap phase 2/mitotic (G2/M) phase arrest and recruited M2 macrophages into glioma cells. CONCLUSION: CREB5 has the potential to act as an oncogene and a biological marker in multiple cancers, particularly glioma.

A pan-cancer multi-omics analysis of lactylation genes associated with tumor microenvironment and cancer development.

Background: Lactylation is a significant post-translational modification bridging the gap between cancer epigenetics and metabolic reprogramming. However, the association between lactylation and prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), and response to drug therapy in various cancers remains unclear. Methods: First, the expression, prognostic value, and genetic and epigenetic alterations of lactylation genes were systematically explored in a pan-cancer manner. Lactylation scores were derived for each tumor using the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm. The correlation of lactylation scores with clinical features, prognosis, and TME was assessed by integrating multiple computational methods. In addition, GSE135222 data was used to assess the efficacy of lactylation scores in predicting immunotherapy outcomes. The expression of lactylation genes in breast cancers and gliomas were verified by RNA-sequencing. Results: Lactylation genes were significantly upregulated in most cancer types. CREBBP and EP300 exhibited high mutation rates in pan-cancer analysis. The prognostic impact of the lactylation score varied by tumor type, and lactylation score was a protective factor for KIRC, ACC, READ, LGG, and UVM, and a risk factor for CHOL, DLBC, LAML, and OV. In addition, a high lactylation score was associated with cold TME. The infiltration levels of CD8+ T, γδT, natural killer T cell (NKT), and NK cells were lower in tumors with higher lactylation scores. Finally, immunotherapy efficacy was worse in patients with high lactylation scores than other types. Conclusion: Lactylation genes are involved in malignancy formation. Lactylation score serves as a promising biomarker for predicting patient prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy.

Fiber optic cadmium ion sensors based on functionalization of a magnetic ion-imprinted polymer.

Cadmium poisoning is a chronic accumulation process, and long-term drinking of even low cadmium content water will cause kidney damage, so an ultra-low detection limit is particularly important. However, at the present stage, the traditional detection method cannot reach a sufficiently low detection limit, the response time is too long, and the cost of detection is very high, so that real-time measurement cannot be realized. Therefore, the traditional cadmium ion detection method has a slow response and an insufficient detection limit. This paper presents a fiber optic cadmium ion sensor functionalized based on an Fe3O4@SiO2@CS magnetic ion imprinting polymer (M-IIP). The sensor is based on the coupling characteristics of the optical microfiber coupler (OMC) cone region to achieve a highly sensitive response to the change in the cadmium ion concentration. M-IIP materials were prepared by surface imprinting polymerization to achieve low cross-sensitivity and thus improve the detection limit of the sensor. The results show that the developed fiber sensor has high specificity and a rapid response to cadmium ions. The experimental limit of detection (LOD) reached 0.051 nM within 0-1 µM with a response time of less than 50 s. Moreover, the proposed fiber cadmium ion sensor exhibits excellent performance in terms of sensitivity, stability, repeatability and biocompatibility.

Understand the Chinese Z Generation consumers' Green hotel visit intention: An Extended Theory of Planned Behavior Model.

In the context of growing environmental concerns and a shift towards sustainable tourism, understanding the behaviors of younger generations, particularly Generation Z, becomes crucial for the hotel industry. This study investigates the intentions of Chinese Generation Z consumers to visit green hotels, using an extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model incorporating multi-dimensional green perceived value. A questionnaire survey with 436 participants was conducted, and structural equation modeling was employed for data analysis. The study reveals that Functional value significantly shapes the inclination towards green hotels among Chinese Generation Z. Emotional value and Subjective norms also positively influence visit intentions, whereas social value, although not a significant driver, provides insights into the distinct nature of green consumption behaviors. This study's findings offer strategic insights for green hotel operators and policymakers to attract this demographic segment, emphasizing Chinese Generation Z consumers' unique preferences and values.

Down-selection of biomolecules to assemble "reverse micelle" with perovskites.

Biological molecule-semiconductor interfacing has triggered numerous opportunities in applied physics such as bio-assisted data storage and computation, brain-computer interface, and advanced distributed bio-sensing. The introduction of electronics into biological embodiment is being quickly developed as it has great potential in providing adaptivity and improving functionality. Reciprocally, introducing biomaterials into semiconductors to manifest bio-mimetic functionality is impactful in triggering new enhanced mechanisms. In this study, we utilize the vulnerable perovskite semiconductors as a platform to understand if certain types of biomolecules can regulate the lattice and endow a unique mechanism for stabilizing the metastable perovskite lattice. Three tiers of biomolecules have been systematically tested and the results reveal a fundamental mechanism for the formation of a "reverse-micelle" structure. Systematic exploration of a large set of biomolecules led to the discovery of guiding principle for down-selection of biomolecules which extends the classic emulsion theory to this hybrid systems. Results demonstrate that by introducing biomaterials into semiconductors, natural phenomena typically observed in biological systems can also be incorporated into semiconducting crystals, providing a new perspective to engineer existing synthetic materials.

Nucleation Regulation and Mesoscopic Dielectric Screening in α-FAPbI3.

While significant advancements in power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of α-FAPbI3perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been made, attaining controllable perovskite crystallization is still a considerable hurdle. This challenge stems from the initial formation of δ-FAPbI3, a more energetically stable phase than the desired black α-phase, during film deposition. This disrupts the heterogeneous nucleation of α-FAPbI3, causing the formation of mixed phases and defects. To this end, polarity engineering using molecular additives, specifically ((methyl-sulfonyl)phenyl)ethylamines (MSPEs) are introduced. The findings reveal that the interaction of PbI2-MSPEs-FAI intermediates is enhanced with the increased polarity of MSPEs, which in turn expedites the nucleation of α-FAPbI3. This leads to the development of high-quality α-FAPbI3 films, characterized by vertical crystal orientation and reduced residual stresses. Additionally, the increased dipole moment of MSPE at perovskite grain boundaries attenuates Coulomb attractions among charged defects and screens carrier capture process, thereby diminishing non-radiative recombination. Utilizing these mechanisms, PSCs treated with highly polar 2-(4-MSPE) achieve an impressive PCE of 25.2% in small-area devices and 20.5% in large-area perovskite solar modules (PSMs) with an active area of 70 cm2. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy in achieving controllable crystallization of α-FAPbI3, paving the way for scalable-production of high-efficiency PSMs.

Prognostic value analysis of cholesterol and cholesterol homeostasis related genes in breast cancer by Mendelian randomization and multi-omics machine learning.

Introduction: The high incidence of breast cancer (BC) prompted us to explore more factors that might affect its occurrence, development, treatment, and also recurrence. Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism has been widely observed in BC; however, the detailed role of how cholesterol metabolism affects chemo-sensitivity, and immune response, as well as the clinical outcome of BC is unknown. Methods: With Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, the potential causal relationship between genetic variants of cholesterol and BC risk was assessed first. Then we analyzed 73 cholesterol homeostasis-related genes (CHGs) in BC samples and their expression patterns in the TCGA cohort with consensus clustering analysis, aiming to figure out the relationship between cholesterol homeostasis and BC prognosis. Based on the CHG analysis, we established a CAG_score used for predicting therapeutic response and overall survival (OS) of BC patients. Furthermore, a machine learning method was adopted to accurately predict the prognosis of BC patients by comparing multi-omics differences of different risk groups. Results: We observed that the alterations in plasma cholesterol appear to be correlative with the venture of BC (MR Egger, OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.35-0.84, p<0.006). The expression patterns of CHGs were classified into two distinct groups(C1 and C2). Notably, the C1 group exhibited a favorable prognosis characterized by a suppressed immune response and enhanced cholesterol metabolism in comparison to the C2 group. In addition, high CHG score were accompanied by high performance of tumor angiogenesis genes. Interestingly, the expression of vascular genes (CDH5, CLDN5, TIE1, JAM2, TEK) is lower in patients with high expression of CHGs, which means that these patients have poorer vascular stability. The CAG_score exhibits robust predictive capability for the immune microenvironment characteristics and prognosis of patients(AUC=0.79). It can also optimize the administration of various first-line drugs, including AKT inhibitors VIII Imatinib, Crizotinib, Saracatinib, Erlotinib, Dasatinib, Rapamycin, Roscovitine and Shikonin in BC patients. Finally, we employed machine learning techniques to construct a multi-omics prediction model(Risklight),with an area under the feature curve (AUC) of up to 0.89. Conclusion: With the help of CAG_score and Risklight, we reveal the signature of cholesterol homeostasis-related genes for angiogenesis, immune responses, and the therapeutic response in breast cancer, which contributes to precision medicine and improved prognosis of BC.

The pan-cancer multi-omics landscape of key genes of sialylation combined with RNA-sequencing validation.

BACKGROUND: Sialylation, the process of salivary acid glycan synthesis, plays a pivotal function in tumor growth, immune escape, tumor metastasis, and resistance to drugs. However, the association between sialylation and prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), and treatment response in a variety of cancers remains unclear. METHODS: A comprehensive survey of the expression profile, prognostic value, and genetic and epigenetic alterations of sialylation-related genes was performed in pan-cancer. Subsequently, the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was used to compute sialylation pathway scores in pan-cancer. Correlations of sialylation pathway scores with clinical features, prognosis, and TME were evaluated using multiple algorithms. Finally, the efficacy of the sialylation pathway score in determining the effect of immunotherapy was evaluated. The expression of sialylation-related genes were verified by RNA-sequencing. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in sialylation-related genes expression between tumors and adjacent normal tissues for most cancer types. Sialylation pathway scores differed according to the type of tumor, where the poor prognosis was correlated with high sialylation pathway scores in uveal melanoma (UVM) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD). In addition, sialylation pathway scores were positively associated with the ImmuneScore, StromalScore and immune-related pathways. Moreover, the level of immune cells infiltration was higher in tumors with higher sialylation pathway scores. Finally, patients with high sialylation pathway scores were more sensitive to immunotherapy. CONCLUSION: Sialylation-related genes are essential in pan-cancer. The sialylation pathway score may be used as a biomarker in oncology patients.

Acetyl-cinobufagin suppresses triple-negative breast cancer progression by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of breast cancer (BC) worldwide has increased substantially in recent years. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) refers to a crucial event impacting tumor heterogeneity. Although cinobufagin acts as an effective anticancer agent, the clinical use of cinobufagin is limited due to its strong toxicity. Acetyl-cinobufagin, a pre-drug of cinobufagin, was developed and prepared with greater efficacy and lower toxicity. METHODS: A heterograft mouse model using triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, was used to evaluate the potency of acetyl-cinobufagin. Signal transducer and stimulator of transcription 3 (STAT3)/EMT involvement was investigated by gene knockout experiments using siRNA and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Acetyl-cinobufagin inhibited proliferation, migration, and cell cycle S/G2 transition and promoted apoptosis in TNBC cells in vitro. In general, IL6 triggered the phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT3 thereby activating the STAT3 pathway and inducing EMT. Mechanistically, acetyl-cinobufagin suppressed the phosphorylation of the transcription factor STAT3 and blocked the interleukin (IL6)-triggered translocation of STAT3 to the cell nucleus. In addition, acetyl-cinobufagin suppressed EMT in TNBC by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway. Experiments in an animal model of breast cancer clearly showed that acetyl-cinobufagin was able to reduce tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study support the potential clinical use of acetyl-cinobufagin as a STAT3 inhibitor in TNBC adjuvant therapy.

Multiplexed optical fiber cell temperature sensing system with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Significance: A multiplexed fiber laser sensing system for cell temperature is proposed. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first multilongitudinal mode (MLM) optical fiber laser sensor array designed for cell temperature sensing. Aim: A two-channel cell temperature sensing system with high sensitivity and real-time sensing capability is achieved. The temperature change of human hepatoellular carcinomas (HepG2) cells under the influence of exogenous chemical aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) can be monitored in real time. Approach: A fiber laser cavity consists of a pair of fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) with matched central wavelengths and a piece of erbium-doped fiber (EDF). The static FBG is utilized for design of fiber laser cavity and laser modes selection. In comparison, the sensing FBG is used for cell temperature sensing. The sensing FBG has a length of 10 mm and a diameter of 200 µ m . Beat frequency signals (BFS) are generated by MLM lasers after optical-to-electrical conversion at a photodetector. Frequency change of a BFS is closely related to the reflected wavelength change of the sensing FBG. Through frequency division multiplexing, two fiber laser cavities are designed in the sensing system for two-channel temperature sensing. Frequency shift of a BFS that represents temperature change of cells can be automatically recorded in seconds. Results: A two-channel cell temperature sensing system is designed with high sensitivities of 101.62 and 119.82 kHz / ° C , respectively. The temperature change of HepG2 cells under the influence of exogenous chemical AFB1 is monitored in real time. Conclusions: The proposed system has the advantages of simple structure, high sensitivity, and two-channel sensing capability. Our study provides a simple and effective method to design a fiber laser sensor system without complex demodulation techniques and expensive optical components.

ß, ß-Dimethylacrylshikonin potentiates paclitaxel activity, suppresses immune evasion and triple negative breast cancer progression via STAT3Y705 phosphorylation inhibition based on network pharmacology and transcriptomics analysis.

BACKGOUND: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an extremely aggressive and rapidly progressing cancer, wherein existing therapies provide little benefit to patients. ß, ß-Dimethylacrylshikonin (DMAS), an active naphthoquinone derived from comfrey root, has potent anticancer activity. However, the antitumor function of DMAS against TNBC remains to be proved. PURPOSE: Explore effects of DMAS on TNBC and clarify the mechanism. STUDY DESIGN: Network pharmacology, transcriptomics and various cell functional experiments were applied to TNBC cells to explore the effects of DMAS on TNBC. The conclusions were further validated in xenograft animal models. METHODS: MTT, EdU, transwell, scratch tests, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblot were utilized to assess the activity of DMAS on three TNBC cell lines. The anti-TNBC mechanism of DMAS was clarified by overexpression and knockdown of STAT3 in BT-549 cells. In vivo efficacy of DMAS was analysed using a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS: In vitro analysis revealed that DMAS inhibited the G2/M phase transition and suppressed TNBC proliferation. Additionally, DMAS triggered mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis and reduced cell migration by antagonizing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistically, DMAS exerted its antitumour effects by inhibiting STAT3Y705 phosphorylation. STAT3 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effect of DMAS. Further studies showed that treatment with DMAS inhibited TNBC growth in a xenograft model. Notably, DMAS potentiated the sensitivity of TNBC to paclitaxel and inhibited immune evasion by downregulating the immune checkpoint PD-L1. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, our study revealed that DMAS potentiates paclitaxel activity, suppresses immune evasion and TNBC progression by inhibiting STAT3 pathway. It has the potential as a promising agent for TNBC.

Improvement of biodegradation of PET microplastics with whole-cell biocatalyst by interface activation reinforcement.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is an important basic polymer, which was used widely in variety of fields. Due to its high crystallinity, compact structure and strong surface hydrophobicity, PET has prominent resistance to biodegradation. In recent years, microplastics, especially polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics, was considered as serious threaten to ecosystems. In this study, alkali-resistant bacteria were used as whole-cell catalysts to try to improve the biodegradation of PET microplastics by increasing the bio-interfacial activity of the polymer substrate. Surfactants were applicated to enhance interfacial activation of enzyme and PET interactions. And an integrated strategy was constructed based on alkali resistant bacteria to catalysis the hydrolysis of PET. The results showed that Tween 20 had the most obvious promoting effect among the four interfacial biocatalysts on biological-chemical combined hydrolysis of PET microplastics with whole-cell biocatalysts in alkaline environment. Obvious etching and fracture were observed on the PET fibre surface after biodegradation in presence of surfactant. The weight loss rate of PET substrate can reach 11.04% after 5 days of biodegradation. Thus, this research provides a promising method for efficient degradation of PET microplastics.

A universal all-solid synthesis for high throughput production of halide perovskite.

Halide perovskites show ubiquitous presences in growing fields at both fundamental and applied levels. Discovery, investigation, and application of innovative perovskites are heavily dependent on the synthetic methodology in terms of time-/yield-/effort-/energy- efficiency. Conventional wet chemistry method provides the easiness for growing thin film samples, but represents as an inefficient way for bulk crystal synthesis. To overcome these, here we report a universal solid state-based route for synthesizing high-quality perovskites, by means of simultaneously applying both electric and mechanical stress fields during the synthesis, i.e., the electrical and mechanical field-assisted sintering technique. We employ various perovskite compositions and arbitrary geometric designs for demonstration in this report, and establish such synthetic route with uniqueness of ultrahigh yield, fast processing and solvent-free nature, along with bulk products of exceptional quality approaching to single crystals. We exemplify the applications of the as-synthesized perovskites in photodetection and thermoelectric as well as other potentials to open extra chapters for future technical development.

Ultralow-power all-optical switching via a chiral Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

It is a challenge for all-optical switching to simultaneous achieve ultralow power consumption, broad bandwidth and high extinction ratio. We experimentally demonstrate an ultralow-power all-optical switching by exploiting chiral interaction between light and optically active material in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer. We achieve switching extinction ratio of 20.0 ± 3.8 and 14.7 ± 2.8 dB with power cost of 66.1 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.1 fJ/bit, respectively. The bandwidth of our all-optical switching is about 4.2 GHz. Moreover, our all-optical switching has the potential to be operated at few-photon level. Our scheme paves the way towards ultralow-power and ultrafast all-optical information processing.

Downstream Neighbor of Son Overexpression is Associated With Breast Cancer Progression and a Poor Prognosis.

PURPOSE: The incidence rate of breast cancer (BC) has increased annually. Downstream neighbor of son (DONSON) critically affects cell cycle progression and maintains stable genomic properties; however, its relevant effects on BC growth and progression require in-depth investigation. METHODS: DONSON upregulation was validated in public databases. DONSON expression in matched BC and adjacent tissues and cell lines (MDA-MB-231, BT-549, and HS-578T) was determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. In vitro apoptosis, invasion, migration, and proliferation tests were performed to ascertain the functions of DONSON in BC cell lines. Then, using western blot analysis, the levels of DONSON downstream proteins were determined. RESULTS: Compared to the control, DONSON was expressed at higher levels in BC tissues and cell lines. DONSON knockdown facilitated apoptosis and limited proliferation, migration, invasion, and S/G2 transition of BC cells in vitro. Furthermore, DONSON overexpression promoted BC cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, DONSON knockdown reduced cyclin A1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 levels. Moreover, DONSON knockdown limited the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CONCLUSION: DONSON critically affects BC growth and serves as a possible target and marker for the efficacy of subsequent therapies.

Amino Acid Metabolism-Related lncRNA Signature Predicts the Prognosis of Breast Cancer.

Background and Purpose: Breast cancer (BRCA) is the most frequent female malignancy and is potentially life threatening. The amino acid metabolism (AAM) has been shown to be strongly associated with the development and progression of human malignancies. In turn, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert an important influence on the regulation of metabolism. Therefore, we attempted to build an AAM-related lncRNA prognostic model for BRCA and illustrate its immune characteristics and molecular mechanism. Experimental Design: The RNA-seq data for BRCA from the TCGA-BRCA datasets were stochastically split into training and validation cohorts at a 3:1 ratio, to construct and validate the model, respectively. The amino acid metabolism-related genes were obtained from the Molecular Signature Database. A univariate Cox analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and a multivariate Cox analysis were applied to create a predictive risk signature. Subsequently, the immune and molecular characteristics and the benefits of chemotherapeutic drugs in the high-risk and low-risk subgroups were examined. Results: The prognostic model was developed based on the lncRNA group including LIPE-AS1, AC124067.4, LINC01655, AP005131.3, AC015802.3, USP30-AS1, SNHG26, and AL589765.4. Low-risk patients had a more favorable overall survival than did high-risk patients, in accordance with the results obtained for the validation cohort and the complete TCGA cohort. The elaborate results illustrated that a low-risk index was correlated with DNA-repair-associated pathways; a low TP53 and PIK3CA mutation rate; high infiltration of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and M1 macrophages; active immunity; and less-aggressive phenotypes. In contrast, a high-risk index was correlated with cancer and metastasis-related pathways; a high PIK3CA and TP53 mutation rate; high infiltration of M0 macrophages, fibroblasts, and M2 macrophages; inhibition of the immune response; and more invasive phenotypes. Conclusion: In conclusion, we attempted to shed light on the importance of AAM-associated lncRNAs in BRCA. The prognostic model built here might be acknowledged as an indispensable reference for predicting the outcome of patients with BRCA and help identify immune and molecular characteristics.