Anoikis-related genes combined with single cell sequencing: Insights into model specification of lung adenocarcinoma and applicability for prognosis and therapy

Background: Anoikis has therapeutic potential against different malignancies including lung adenocarcinoma. This study used anoikis and bioinformatics to construct a prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma and explore new therapeutic strategies.Methods: Several bioinformatic algorithms (co-expression analysis, univariate Cox analysis, multivariate Cox analysis, and cross-validation) were used to screen anoikis-related genes (ARGs) to construct a risk model. Lung adenocarcinoma patients were divided into training and testing groups at a ratio of 1:1. The prognostic model was validated by risk score comparison between high- and low-risk groups using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), nomograms, independent prognostic analysis and principal component analysis. In addition, two anoikis-related genes patterns were classified utilizing consensus clustering method and were compared with each other in survival time, immune microenvironment, and regulation in pathway. Single cell sequencing was applied to analyze anoikis-related genes constructed the model.Results: This study demonstrated the feasibility of the model based on seven anoikis-related genes, as well as identifying axitinib, nibtinib and sorafenib as potential therapeutic strategies for LUAD. Risk score based on this model had could be used as an independent prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma (HR > 1; p < 0.001) and had the highest accuracy to predict survival compared with the clinical characteristics. Single cell sequencing analysis discovered Keratin 14 (KRT14, one of the seven anoikis-related genes) was mainly expressed in malignant cells in various cancers.Conclusion: We identified seven anoikis-related genes and constructed an accurate risk model based on bioinformatics analysis that can be used for prognostic prediction and for the design of therapeutic strategies in clinical practice

Fracture characterization using diffraction attributes in tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study from Keshen Gas Field, Tarim Basin

Reservoir characterization is indispensable in the development of the Cretaceous structural fractured Bashijiqike tight sandstone reservoir formation, which is the main production zone and known to exhibit high structural variability imparting on production at different scales. We performed an improved workflow based on diffraction extraction and analysis to characterize the fractures especially in locations proximal to the wellbore. Diffraction attributes significantly provide more details in the area, which are proven by three well FMI images and dipmeter logs. The results show that structural fractures in the study area are dominated by the upright shearing stress forming fractures with medium to high angles. The tending direction is also delineated to be similar despite the significant well offset, which is an indication of the underlying tectonic framework responsible for the overall architecture of this section of the basin. We opine due to our success that the proposed approach may be helpful to describe the distribution and direction of fractures in naturally fractured reservoirs tied by the well logs

Predictive value of the resistance of the probe to pass through the lesion in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions using radial probe endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath

BackgroundTransbronchial lung biopsy guided by radial probe endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS-TBLB) is becoming a significant approach for diagnosing peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs). We aimed to explore the clinical value of the resistance of the probe to pass through the lesion in the diagnosis of PPLs when performing EBUS-GS-TBLB, and to determine the optimum number of EBUS-GS-TBLB.MethodsWe performed a prospective, single-center study of 126 consecutive patients who underwent EBUS-GS-TBLB for solid and positive-bronchus-sign PPLs where the probe was located within the lesion from September 2019 to May 2022. The classification of probe resistance for each lesion was carried out by two bronchoscopists independently, and the final result depended on the bronchoscopist responsible for the procedures. The primary endpoint was the diagnostic yield according with the resistance pattern. The secondary endpoints were the optimum number of EBUS-GS-TBLB and factors affecting diagnostic yield. Procedural complications were also recorded.ResultsThe total diagnostic yield of EBUS-GS-TBLB was 77.8%, including 83.8% malignant and 67.4% benign diseases (P=0.033). Probe resistance type II displayed the highest diagnostic yield (87.5%), followed by type III (81.0%) and type I (61.1%). A significant difference between the diagnostic yield of malignant and benign diseases was detected in type II (P = 0.008), whereas others did not. Although most of the malignant PPLs with a definitive diagnosis using EBUS-GS-TBLB in type II or type III could be diagnosed in the first biopsy, the fourth biopsy contributed the most sufficient biopsy samples. In contrast, considerably limited tissue specimens could be obtained for each biopsy in type I. The inter-observer agreement of the two blinded bronchoscopists for the classification of probe resistance was excellent (κ = 0.84).ConclusionThe probe resistance is a useful predictive factor for successful EBUS-GS-TBLB diagnosis of solid and positive-bronchus-sign PPLs where the probe was located within the lesion. Four serial biopsies are appropriate for both probe resistance type II and type III, and additional diagnostic procedures are needed for type I

Multi-Refinement Effect of Rare Earth Lanthanum on α-Al and Eutectic Si Phase in Hypoeutectic Al-7Si Alloy

The effect of La addition on primary α-Al and the eutectic Si phase of Al-7Si alloy is investigated systematically in this work. The results indicate that La addition causes a multi-refining efficiency on the microstructure of Al-7Si alloy, including refinement of α-Al grains and secondary dendrite arm spacing as well as eutectic Si particles. The grain size, secondary dendrite arm spacing and area of eutectic Si particles are decreased by 26.8%, 7.7% and 26.7%, respectively, with the addition of 0.1 wt.% La. It is also found that La-rich phases of Al2Si2La form and distribute in the vicinity of the eutectic Si phase. The crystal structure and lattice parameter of Al2Si2La phase are determined to be hexagonal (a = b = 0.405 nm, c = 6.944 nm) based on the TEM analysis results. The multi-refinement effects are mainly attributed to the increased constitutional undercooling caused by the low solubility of La in Al alloy and the growth-restricting factor caused by the Al2Si2La phase

Effect of Austenitizing Temperature on the Work Hardening Behavior of Air-Hardening Steel LH800

In this paper, we present the effect of austenitizing temperature on the work hardening behavior of air-hardening steel LH800 by evaluating the influence of austenitizing temperature on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties, using Hollomon, Differential Crussard–Jaoul (DC-J), and Modified C-J (MC-J) work hardening models. The results reveal that with an increase in austenitizing temperature, there is an increase in the percentage of martensite, along with an increase in the strength and hardness of the LH800 steel; on the other hand, there is a decrease in the plasticity. Austenitized at 825 °C, LH800 steel exhibits its highest strength and good plasticity, with a tensile strength of 897 MPa and an elongation of 13.6%. The comparison between the three strain hardening models revealed that the Hollomon model was the finest fit for the experimental data utilized and could illustrate the work hardening behavior of LH800 steel most suitably. This model manifests a two-stage work hardening mechanism; the first stage is related to the plastic deformation of ferrite phase, while the second stage deals with the co-deformation of ferrite and martensite/bainite phase. As austenitizing temperature increases, the work hardening ability of LH800 steel diminishes at each stage, the transition strain decreases, and the plastic deformation of martensite starts earlier

Cadmium isotope fractionation during adsorption onto calcite

Adsorption on mineral surfaces is a crucial process controlling (bio)geochemical cycling of Cd, and Cd isotopic behaviour during adsorption is an important but little investigated aspect of Cd isotope systematics. This work looked at the fractionation of Cd isotopes during Cd adsorption onto calcite, which is an important sink of Cd but isotopic behaviour has only previously been investigated in co-precipitation experiments. The Cd isotope composition of calcite adsorbed components was determined to be lighter and consistent with equilibrium fractionation in all experiments. And degree of fractionation observed in our experiments is not influenced by the Cd/CaCO3 ratio, pH value or Cd/PO43− ratio in the studied range. In MQ water, the observed fractionation value αsorbed-aqueous is 0.99934 but this α value is affected by the presence of other compounds. Notably, αsorbed-aqueous = 0.99984, a reduced but resolvably lower value fractionation, was observed in the presence of PO43− which may be an important factor to be considered when interpreting Cd isotope signatures in nature. The enrichment of lighter Cd isotopes may result from highly distorted octahedral Cdsingle bondO6 sites of inner-sphere Cd complexes on calcite, indicated by extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). However, near identical coordination environments of the aqueous and sorbed Cd species in the presence of PO43− likely led to the reduced Cd isotope fractionation. This work suggests adsorption of Cd onto carbonates minerals may produce significant Cd isotope fractionation between fluids and solid phase. Our observations offer an alternative process apart from co-precipitation when interpreting Cd isotope ratios in the presence of calcite in paleo-geological studies and could be helpful to better understand Cd (bio)geochemical cycling

Ore Genesis and Geodynamic Setting of Laochang Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu Deposit, Southern Sanjiang Tethys Metallogenic Belt, China: Constraints from Whole Rock Geochemistry, Trace Elements in Sphalerite, Zircon U-Pb Dating and Pb Isotopes

The Laochang Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu deposit, located in the southern margin of the Sanjiang Tethys Metallogenic Belt (STMB), is the typical Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu deposit in this region. Its orebodies are hosted in the Carboniferous Yiliu Formation volcanic-sedimentary cycle and occur as stratiform, stratoid and lenticular. Whether or not the stratabound ore belong to the volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposit remains unclear and controversial. In this paper, the whole rock geochemistry, trace elements in sphalerite, U-Pb zircon chronology and Pb isotopes were investigated, aiming to provide significant insights into the genesis and geodynamic setting of the Laochang deposit. Lead isotope ratios of pyrite and sphalerite from the stratabound ore are 18.341 to 18.915 for 206Pb/204Pb; 15.376 to 15.770 for 207Pb/204Pb; and 38.159 to 39.200 for 208Pb/204Pb—which display a steep linear trend on Pb-Pb diagrams. This indicates a binary mixing of lead components derived from leaching between the host volcanic rock and mantle reservoir. Sphalerite from stratabound ores is relatively enriched in Fe, Mn, In, Sn, and Ga—similar to typical VMS deposits. Moreover, the Carboniferous volcanic rock hosting the stratabound Ag-Pb-Zn-Cu ores has a zircon U-Pb age of 312 ± 4 Ma; together with previous geochronological and geological evidences, thus, we consider that the stratabound mineralization occur in the Late Paleozoic (~323⁻308 Ma). Collectively, these geologic, geochemical, and isotopic data confirm that the stratabound ores should be assigned to Carboniferous VMS mineralization. In addition, volcanic rocks hosting the stratabound ore exhibit elevated high field strength elements (HFSEs, Nb, Ta, Zr and Hf) abundance, slight enrichment of light rare earth element (LREE), and depletion of Ba and Sr with obvious Nb-Ta anomalies. Such characteristics suggest that their magma is similar to typical oceanic island basalt. In addition, the oceanic island basalt (OIB)-like volcanic rocks were formed at Late Paleozoic, which could be approximately synchronous with the VMS mineralization at Laochang. Thus, it is suggested that the Laochang VMS mineralization was generated in the oceanic island setting prior to the initial subduction of the Changning-Menglian Paleo-Tethys Ocean

Molecular photoswitches for super-resolution optical imaging

We report a series of fluorescence molecular switches including spiropyrans (SPs), dithienylethenes (DTEs) and hexaarylbiimidazoles (HABIs) and investigate their optical properties such as photochromism and photoswitchable aggregation-induced emission (condensed-state). © OSA 2013.Link_to_subscribed_fulltex