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Transcriptomic insights into the coordinated regulation of signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during Sinonovacula constricta larval metamorphosis.

Metamorphosis is a critical ontogenetic transition for marine bivalves, marking the shift from planktonic to benthic lifestyles, where successful transformation dictates survival. The razor clam Sinonovacula constricta is economically important; however, low larval metamorphosis rates remain a major bottleneck in seedling production. To elucidate the mechanisms governing this process, we performed a comparative transcriptome analysis of S. constricta larvae at pre- and post-metamorphosis stages using Illumina sequencing. A total of 3701 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 3254 up-regulated and 447 down-regulated genes. Functional annotation of the respective top 20 significantly up-regulated and down-regulated DEGs indicated their potential pivotal roles in signal transduction (e.g., up-regulated: CAV1, CHRNA2; down-regulated: APP, NOTCH1), cellular proliferation and differentiation (e.g., up-regulated: TUBA, EGF1; down-regulated: KIF23, TTC25), transcriptional and epigenetic regulation (e.g., up-regulated: NFIL3; down-regulated: OVO, HMX1), substance transport (e.g., up-regulated: LRP2, LRP1B; down-regulated: SLC51A, Slc33a1), substance metabolism (e.g., up-regulated: CPK3, CYP26A1; down-regulated: RDMT1, ADAC), immunomodulation (e.g., up-regulated: CPN2, CRISP2), and protein homeostasis (e.g., up-regulated: HSP27, NAS-27). Functional enrichment analysis further revealed that DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways related to signal transduction and developmental regulation (e.g., Ras, TNF), cell death and homeostasis (e.g., apoptosis), immune responses (e.g., Toll-like receptor), energy metabolism (e.g., lipid), cardiovascular related (e.g., Fluid shear stress), cell junction and architecture (e.g., Tight junction), and infectious disease (e.g., measles). These results suggest a synergistic interplay between signaling, apoptosis, immunity, and metabolism during S. constricta metamorphosis. This study advances our understanding of marine bivalve metamorphosis and offers candidate genes for further mechanistic studies.

Animals

MET expression by immunohistochemistry as a biomarker in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.

INTRODUCTION: MET (c-MET) is a receptor tyrosine kinase implicated in numerous cancers, including pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs), by promoting cell proliferation, survival, invasion and angiogenesis. Recognizing its oncogenic potential, there is significant interest in MET-targeted therapies for malignancies like pNETs, which often develop treatment resistance. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) has become a practical method for detecting MET overexpression in cancers. This study evaluates MET expression in pNETs by IHC and assesses its correlation with prognostic variables and survival outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Tissue microarrays containing well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumours from the gastrointestinal tract were analysed. The study included 125 pNET cores from 112 patients after application of inclusion criteria. MET expression was determined using the H-score system. Different variables were assessed for H-score distribution and cross-tables. Survival analyses were conducted based on progression-free survival and overall survival. Positive MET expression was found in 83.5% of cases. Higher MET H-scores were seen in patients with lymphovascular invasion (LVI), distant metastases and higher tumour grade (P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). When assessing different variables for higher MET H-scores, a significant association emerged at the 150-cut-off-point for LVI, perineural invasion, radiological evidence of progression and overall survival. For survival analysis, at a MET H-score threshold of 200, high MET expression was significantly associated with shorter progression-free survival (mean 8.7 versus 13.4&#x2009;years, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) and overall survival (mean 3.6 versus 7.7&#x2009;years, P&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). CONCLUSION: Elevated MET expression is linked to adverse histopathological features and worse clinical outcomes in pNET. Standardizing MET IHC evaluation is critical as anti-MET therapies develop, and identifying patients likely to benefit from these treatments remains essential.

MET protein

Integrative machine learning and transcriptomic analysis reveals molecular mechanisms underlying low survival rate in larval Chinese Bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis).

Chinese Bahaba (Bahaba taipingensis) is a Class I protected marine fish endemic to China. Low larvae survival during artificial breeding severely hinder population recovery. To investigate the molecular mechanism of high mortality in larval fish, this study performed RNA-seq on liver from naturally deceased (ND) and mass-dead (MD) individuals, combined with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and random forest (RF) algorithms to screen for core signature genes. A total of 873 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 112 upregulated and 761 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed significant enrichment in amino acid metabolism disorders, one&#x2011;carbon folate pool impairment, PPAR signaling abnormalities, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion pathway, indicating widespread metabolic suppression accompanied by extracellular matrix remodeling and signaling disturbances in the livers of MD fish. MAD pre-filtering combined with dual machine learning algorithms yielded 18 robust core signature genes, among which SLC38A4, MMP1, FADD, FKBP5, and APOB were consistently identified as high-frequency core genes by both algorithms. SLC38A4 exhibited the highest importance score in the RF model and was significantly downregulated, making it the primary molecule distinguishing ND from MD phenotypes. ROC curve analysis showed that both models achieved an AUC of 1.000 (95% CI lower bound: 0.610), confirming the precise discriminatory ability of the core genes. GSEA further demonstrated significant enrichment of this core gene set in ND samples. This study provides the first systematic elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying liver dysfunction in low survival rate B. taipingensis, characterized by amino acid transport impairment, metabolic reprogramming, and structural remodeling, offering theoretical foundations for health assessment, early mortality risk warning, and artificial breeding conservation of this species.

Animals

Transcriptomic insights into temperature regulation of proliferation and differentiation in skeletal muscle cells of Nibea albiflora.

Myogenesis involves sequential stages of muscle satellite cell activation, myoblast proliferation, differentiation, and fusion into multinucleated myotubes. Teleost muscle exhibits indeterminate growth and is highly sensitive to environmental temperature, yet the underlying mechanisms by which temperature regulate proliferation and differentiation remain poorly understood. In this study, we established a primary skeletal muscle cell culture from the yellow drum (Nibea albiflora), an economically important marine fish, and integrated morphological observations with comparative transcriptomics analysis to characterize cellular and molecular responses at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C and 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C during both proliferation and differentiation stages. Phenotypic analysis revealed that 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C significantly enhanced both myoblast proliferation and myogenic differentiation ability compared with 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C, differentiation upregulated extracellular matrix(ECM) organization, calcium signaling, and sarcomere assembly, while proliferation enhanced focal adhesion, growth factor signaling, and lipid metabolism. At 20&#xa0;&#xb0;C, differentiation was characterized by glutathione metabolism, and ferroptosis, while proliferation involved cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and negative regulation of signal transduction. Core myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), particularly myogenin, were strongly upregulated at 28&#xa0;&#xb0;C during the differentiation stage, serving as an internal control. Based on these findings, we propose a testable model that elevated temperature coordinates Ca2+-dependent MRF activation with ECM-integrin signaling to drive sarcomere assembly and muscle growth. Key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulating myogenesis in N. albiflora were also identified. This study provides a mechanistic framework for temperature adaptation in teleost skeletal muscle and identifies candidate genes for functional validation and marker-assisted selection, as well as a rationale for temperature management strategies to improve aquaculture yield of N. albiflora.

Animals

Generation of spCAS9 expressing human mesenchymal stem cell line to study gene function during osteoblast differentiation.

Human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (hMSCs) are a great resource for studying how genes influence cell fate and differentiation into various cell types like osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes, among other cell types. However, genetic manipulation of primary hMSCs has been challenging due to their short lifespan and cellular senescence after limited passaging. Their low and unstable transfection efficiency also complicates gene delivery or inactivation, hindering long-term functional studies. The limited lifespan has been effectively solved by immortalizing hMSCs with telomerase reverse transcriptase (hMSCs-TERT). The use of these cells is ideal for functional studies of osteoblast and adipocyte differentiation through genetic manipulation, providing a stable and reliable model. Here, we have engineered a stable CAS9 expressing hMSC-TERT cell line (hMSC-TERTCAS9) via lentiviral transduction. The constitutive expression of spCas9 enables efficient and reproducible gene editing. We demonstrate the potential of these hMSC-TERTCAS9 cells for generating gene disruptions using plasmid delivery of guide RNAs as a fast and efficient strategy for targeted genome editing. The edited cells can be sorted and expanded as single cells to obtain homogenous clonal cell lines with mono- as well as bi-allelic gene deletions, a crucial step for producing reliable experimental results. We further validate this cell line as a powerful tool for studying gene function during hMSC proliferation and differentiation, providing 3 distinct examples of its utility. Through the generation of indels, single-cell sorting, and clonal selection, we have efficiently inactivated the vitamin D receptor and created both larger (256 nucleotides) gene disruptions in Forkhead box protein O1 and precise removals of a small genomic sequence (73 nucleotides) coding for microRNA MIR675. This novel hMSC-TERTCAS9 cell line represents a significant advancement, offering a stable, efficient, and versatile platform for advanced genetic studies, high-throughput screening, and the creation of reliable cellular disease models.

CRISPR-Cas9

Reduced Length of ADT and ARTA With XRT in High-Risk Prostate Cancer (RELAX): A Randomised Controlled Trial.

AIM: To assess the efficacy of a short, intensified regimen of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and androgen receptor-targeted agent (ARTA) with curative-intent external beam radiotherapy (XRT) for high-risk prostate cancer (HRPCa) staged with prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The RELAX (Reduced Length of ADT and ARTA with XRT in high-risk prostate cancer) trial is a multicentre, phase II randomised non-inferiority trial comparing 9 months of ADT and 6 months of ARTA against the standard 24-month ADT, with definitive dose-escalated hypofractionated pelvic radiotherapy for PSMA-staged non-metastatic HRPCa. The primary endpoint is 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), defined from randomisation to first biochemical or clinico-radiological recurrence or any-cause death. Secondary endpoints include biochemical failure-free survival, metastasis-free survival, overall survival, testosterone recovery, treatment-related adverse effects, and patient-reported outcomes. Participants are monitored with serial serum PSA and testosterone levels, CTCAE and PRO-CTCAE assessments, and PSMA-PETCT at recurrence. The non-inferiority margin is set at 10% absolute difference from an expected 5-year DFS of 85% in the standard arm, with intention-to-treat analysis. The trial is ethics board approved and funded by institutional intramural grant, and registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06818682). RESULTS: The planned accrual of 206 participants commenced in February 2025, with nearly a third of enrolment completed till date. CONCLUSION: The RELAX trial incorporates contemporary standards of PSMA-based staging, dose-escalated hypofractionated radiotherapy, and ARTA for HRPCa. The results are expected to inform the efficacy of a shorter, intensified androgen suppression strategy against the prevailing standard of long-term ADT for these patients.

Humans

Naltrexone Is Superior to Placebo for Abstinence and Craving Reduction in Alcohol-Associated Cirrhosis: NAL-CI Trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) coexisting with cirrhosis carries high morbidity and mortality, with no approved pharmacotherapy for AUD. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, in patients with compensated alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AaC) and AUD. METHODS: One hundred patients with compensated AaC and DSM-5 AUD were randomised 1:1 to naltrexone (50&#x2009;mg/day) or placebo for 12&#x2009;weeks. The primary endpoint was point-prevalence abstinence at 12&#x2009;weeks, defined as no alcohol use in the four preceding weeks. Secondary endpoints included craving (Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale [OCDS]-Obsessive and Compulsive subscales), lapses, relapses, and hepatic safety. Standardised psychosocial support was provided to both arms. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well matched between groups (mean MELD 12.6 vs. 12.7; CTP score 5.9 vs. 6.2; age 42.9 vs. 44.3&#x2009;years). AUDIT and OCDS scores were comparable between groups. Abstinence at 12&#x2009;weeks was significantly higher with naltrexone: 64% (32/50) versus 22% (11/50), p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.001; OR 10.86 (95% CI: 1.89-62.2). Naltrexone significantly reduced lapses at 3&#x2009;months (28% vs. 54%, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.008) and showed a trend toward fewer heavy-drinking relapses (12% vs. 28%, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.07). Maintenance of abstinence at 6&#x2009;months favoured naltrexone (22% vs. 8%, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.09). No patient developed hepatic decompensation attributable to study medication, and no AST/ALT elevation exceeding 5&#xd7; ULN was observed in either group. Mean craving scores were lower with naltrexone by week 12 than with placebo: OCDS-O score (6.63&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;1.16 vs. 9.29&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;1.78, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01) and OCDS-C score (6.35&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;1.23 vs. 9.02&#x2009;&#xb1;&#x2009;1.86, p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). Adverse events were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Naltrexone is safe and effective in patients with compensated alcohol-associated cirrhosis, achieving a threefold higher abstinence rate and significantly reducing craving compared with placebo. These findings support the use of naltrexone as a pharmacological option in patients with compensated AaC and AUD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04391764.

Humans

Multicenter randomized effectiveness/implementation trial of a digital self-management support tool to improve the quality of life during adjuvant hormonal therapy for patients with early breast cancer: The HOPE trial.

BACKGROUND: For patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive early breast cancer (BC), adjuvant endocrine therapy (ET) represents the cornerstone of treatment. However, 75% of patients experience ET-related symptoms that negatively affect their quality of life (QOL). Despite their high prevalence, these symptoms are often underestimated and under-addressed during consultations. As a result, non-adherence to ET is common and remains a major barrier for optimal disease and survival outcomes. METHODS: National, prospective, randomized, open-label hybrid type 1 effectiveness/implementation trial conducted in France comparing a personalized digital health pathway plus standard of care (SoC) vs. SoC alone in patients with HR+ early BC reporting ET-related symptoms. 180 patients will be randomized 1:1 to receive either 12&#xa0;weeks of the digital health pathway or 12&#xa0;weeks of SoC. The intervention is anchored by the Resilience&#xa9; digital companion including remote symptom and needs assessment, an introductory nurse-navigator phone call, and access to personalized, symptom-specific online educational and self-management programs (physical activity, yoga, meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy). In both arms, patients will be invited to wear a wearable device to objectively monitor behavioral parameters. The primary endpoint is the ET symptoms scale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-BR45 over 12-weeks. Secondary endpoints include other QOL domains, self-reported ET adherence, eHealth literacy, self-efficacy, and evaluation of the implementation process. DISCUSSION: This study should provide evidence on the effectiveness and real-world implementation of a personalized digital health pathway to improve QOL in patients experiencing ET-related symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06781996; Protocol version 3.0.

Humans

Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity (STEP 12): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, phase 3b trial.

BACKGROUND: Semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces bodyweight, and provides other cardiometabolic benefits, among people with a BMI at least 30 kg/m2 or at least 27 kg/m2 and with weight-related comorbidities. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg in adults from mainland China and Taiwan with overweight or obesity according to locally defined, BMI thresholds. METHODS: This completed randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre, two-armed, parallel-group, phase 3b trial (STEP 12) was conducted at 19 sites across mainland China and Taiwan. Adults with a BMI of 24-<28 kg/m2 and at least one weight-related comorbidity, or a BMI of 28-<30 kg/m2, with or without type 2 diabetes, were randomly assigned (2:1) to once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg or placebo, plus lifestyle intervention, for 44 weeks. Randomisation was performed by the study sponsor using the Randomisation Trial Supplies Management System. Coprimary endpoints were percentage change in bodyweight and the proportion of participants achieving at least 5% bodyweight reduction. Safety was analysed descriptively in all participants who received the trial intervention. Missing data at week 44 were imputed with washout multiple imputation. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06041217, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Sept 15, 2023, and May 7, 2025, of 254 screened participants, 161 (66&#xb7;5%) of 242 participants were randomly assigned to semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg and 81 (33&#xb7;5%) to placebo; 121 (50&#xb7;0%) participants were female, and 47 (19&#xb7;4%) participants had type 2 diabetes. Bodyweight reduction was greater with semaglutide versus placebo (-12&#xb7;1% [SE 0&#xb7;6] vs -2&#xb7;2% [0&#xb7;8]; estimated treatment difference -9&#xb7;9 percentage points [95% CI -11&#xb7;8 to -8&#xb7;0]; p<0&#xb7;0001), with a greater proportion of participants achieving at least 5% bodyweight reduction (80&#xb7;5% vs 24&#xb7;4%; odds ratio [OR] 14&#xb7;8 [95% CI 7&#xb7;4 to 29&#xb7;6]; p<0&#xb7;0001). Adverse events were reported in 141 (87&#xb7;6%) of 161 participants in the semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg group and 61 (75&#xb7;3%) of 81 participants in the placebo group, with gastrointestinal disorders being the most common. INTERPRETATION: Semaglutide 2&#xb7;4 mg provided a superior reduction in bodyweight versus placebo in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity. The safety profile was consistent with the known profile of semaglutide. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk A/S. TRANSLATION: For the Mandarin translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Adult

Impact of oliceridine versus sufentanil on postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing thyroid surgery: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common complication following thyroid surgery, often exacerbated by opioid use. Oliceridine, a novel G protein-biased &#x3bc;-opioid receptor agonist, may reduce opioid-related adverse events. This study aimed to compare the impact of oliceridine versus sufentanil on the incidence and severity of PONV in patients undergoing thyroid surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled trial conducted between May 2025 and February 2026, 232 patients scheduled for thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to receive either oliceridine or sufentanil for intraoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of PONV during the first 48&#x2009;h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included PONV severity, need for rescue anti-emetics, postoperative pain scores, recovery quality, and other adverse events. RESULTS: The incidence of PONV within 48&#x2009;h postoperatively was significantly lower in the oliceridine group [13/107 (12%)] compared with the sufentanil group [31/110 (28%)] (OR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.17-0.72, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.006). Postoperative pain scores, rescue analgesia requirements, and Quality of Recovery-15 scores were comparable between the two groups (p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Besides, exploratory unadjusted analyses revealed fewer rescue anti-emetics: O group 8/107 (8%) vs S group 25/110 (23%) (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12-0.64, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.002); and less abdominal distension: O group 4/107 (4%) vs S group 19/110 (17%) (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06-0.57, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.001). CONCLUSION: For young ASA I-II patients undergoing thyroid surgery, oliceridine yields adequate postoperative analgesia and lower PONV rates versus sufentanil. Additional trials involving high-intensity surgical procedures are needed to confirm consistent equivalence.

Humans

Proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiles of time-dependent dynamic changes in LPS-induced macrophage polarization.

The temporal proteomic and phosphoproteomic reprogramming during early M1 macrophage polarization (0-6&#xa0;h) remains poorly understood. We performed time-resolved proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages at seven time points within 6&#xa0;h. Time-clustering of differentially expressed molecules revealed two patterns: initial change with partial recovery, and sustained dysregulation. Upregulated proteins and phosphorylation sites were enriched in the Rho GTPase signaling pathway, T-cell receptor signaling pathway, NF-&#x3ba;B cascade, osteoclast differentiation pathway, and antiviral immune pathway. Downregulated pathways were associated with cell cycle regulation, chromatin remodeling, RNA metabolism, and mRNA processing, indicating resource reallocation to prioritize acute inflammatory responses. Kinase-substrate network analysis confirmed the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), protein kinase B (AKT), and ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) families as core upstream phosphorylation regulators. Integrated analysis revealed synergistic and antagonistic relationships between proteomic and phosphoproteomic changes. This study provides a temporal molecular atlas of M1 polarization, delineating inflammatory signaling dynamics and offering a basis for therapeutic target discovery in inflammatory diseases. SIGNIFICANCE: Macrophage M1 polarization is a central event in innate immune defense against pathogenic invasion, yet its dysregulation is a pivotal driver of the onset and progression of a broad spectrum of inflammation-associated disorders, spanning autoimmune diseases, infectious conditions and inflammatory bone diseases, making the dissection of its molecular regulatory mechanisms an urgent research priority in immunology and translational medicine. Dynamic molecular events within 0-6&#xa0;h after LPS stimulation are critical for initiating and shaping M1 inflammatory activation, yet systematic time-resolved proteomic and phosphoproteomic profiling remains insufficient.In this study, we comprehensively characterized temporal proteome and phosphoproteome changes at seven consecutive time points during macrophage polarization, clarified two distinct dynamic molecular patterns, identified core signaling pathways and key kinase regulators involved in inflammatory reprogramming, and uncovered the leading role of post-translational phosphorylation modifications in initiating polarization. This work delineates the time-series molecular atlas of early macrophage activation, provides novel insights into the temporal regulatory mechanism of inflammatory signaling networks, and lays a solid experimental foundation for exploring new intervention targets and regulatory nodes in clinical translational research.

Lipopolysaccharides

Long-term safety of oral orforglipron in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes (ACHIEVE-J): a multicentre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: Orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist, requires further evaluation in east Asian populations with type 2 diabetes, given this group's distinct pathophysiological characteristics. This study aimed to assess orforglipron as add-on treatment to diet and exercise alone or to oral antihyperglycaemic medications in Japanese participants with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This multicentre, randomised, open-label phase 3 study was conducted in 40 medical research centres and hospitals in Japan. Adults with type 2 diabetes and elevated glucose levels managing their condition with diet and exercise alone or with one or two oral antihyperglycaemic medications were assigned (1:1:1) via computer-generated random sequence to receive once-daily oral orforglipron (3 mg, 12 mg, or 36 mg). Randomisation was stratified by background therapy, baseline HbA1c (&#x2264;8&#xb7;5% or >8&#xb7;5%), and metformin use (yes vs no; applied only to &#x3b1;-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinedione, and glinides). Investigators, participants, and site staff were not masked to treatment. The primary endpoint was safety for 52 weeks, assessed in all randomly assigned participants who received at least one dose of orforglipron. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06010004 (ACHIEVE-J). FINDINGS: Between Sept 28, 2023, and June 5, 2025, 450 participants were screened and 401 were randomly assigned to three groups (3 mg, n=132; 12 mg, n=135; and 36 mg, n=134). 352 (88%) completed study treatment. 339 participants (85%, 95% CI 80&#xb7;7-87&#xb7;8) had at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), more frequently in the 36-mg group (118 [88%, 95% CI 81&#xb7;5-92&#xb7;5]) than in the 3-mg (107 [81%, 73&#xb7;5-86&#xb7;8]) and 12-mg (114 [84%, 77&#xb7;4-89&#xb7;6]) groups. Most TEAEs were of mild (267 [67%, 61&#xb7;8-71&#xb7;0]) or moderate (63 [16%, 12&#xb7;5-19&#xb7;6]) severity. Discontinuations due to an adverse event occurred in 19 of 134 participants (14%, 95% CI 9&#xb7;3-21&#xb7;1) in the 36-mg group compared with seven of 132 (5%, 2&#xb7;6-10&#xb7;5) in the 3-mg group and 11 of 135 (8%, 4&#xb7;6-14&#xb7;0) in the 12-mg group. Across treatment groups, gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common TEAEs leading to study treatment discontinuation (3 mg: 5 [3&#xb7;8%, 1&#xb7;6-8&#xb7;6]; 12 mg: 8 [5&#xb7;9%, 3&#xb7;0-11&#xb7;3]; and 36 mg: 11 [8&#xb7;2%, 4&#xb7;7-14&#xb7;1]). Level 2 (blood glucose <54 mg/dL) hypoglycaemia events occurred in three of 135 participants in the 12-mg group (2%, 0&#xb7;8-6&#xb7;3) and in three of 134 in the 36-mg group (2%, 0&#xb7;8-6&#xb7;4) groups. No level 3 (severe) hypoglycaemia events occurred. Outcomes were generally similar across background therapies. INTERPRETATION: Treatment with orforglipron in combination with diet and exercise alone or one or two oral antihyperglycaemic medications for 52 weeks demonstrated an acceptable safety profile in Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes. FUNDING: Eli Lilly. TRANSLATION: For the Japanese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Aged

EZH1/2 inhibition selectively targets SMARCA4/2 co-deficient lung cancer cells by suppressing stemness and proliferation.

SMARCA4-deficient thoracic malignancies comprise biologically heterogeneous tumors, ranging from conventional non-small cell lung cancer with SMARCA4 alterations to thoracic SMARCA4-deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4-UT), an aggressive entity frequently associated with concomitant SMARCA2 loss. However, the extent to which SMARCA4-deficient lung cancer cell lines recapitulate SMARCA4-UT-like biology remains incompletely defined. Here, we characterized lung cancer cell lines across distinct SMARCA4 and SMARCA2 states and identified a subgroup with SMARCA4/2 co-deficiency that exhibited reduced expression of epithelial lineage markers and transcriptional similarity to SMARCA4-UT and other SWI/SNF-deficient malignancies. The EZH1/2 inhibitor HM97662 selectively suppressed growth in SMARCA4/2-deficient cells, with limited effects in SMARCA2-proficient cells. EZH1/2 inhibition broadly reduced H3K27me3 and induced derepression of PRC2 targets regardless of drug sensitivity. However, its biological effects were most pronounced in SMARCA4/2-deficient cells, where it promoted apoptosis, reduced stemness marker expression, attenuated the SMARCA4-UT-associated transcriptional signature, and suppressed proliferative and mTORC1-related programs. Chromatin accessibility analysis further revealed cell-line-specific patterns of accessibility loss, with reduced accessibility at stemness-associated transcription factor motif-enriched regions coupled with transcriptional repression of nearby genes in SMARCA4/2-deficient cells. These findings support dual EZH1/2 inhibition as a potential therapeutic vulnerability in SMARCA4/2-deficient, SMARCA4-UT-like lung cancer cells.

Humans

F-URS with FANS versus mPCNL for 2-3&#x2009;cm UUTS: a RCT with a subgroup analysis of 2-2.5&#x2009;cm stones.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) with a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) compared with mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) in the treatment of 2-3&#x2009;cm upper urinary tract stones (UUTS), with a prespecified subgroup analysis for stones &#x2265;2 to <2.5&#x2009;cm. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial enrolled 326 patients with 2-3&#x2009;cm UUTS between June 2023 and December 2025. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo either f-URS with FANS or mPCNL. A prespecified subgroup analysis was conducted for stones measuring &#x2265;2 to <2.5&#x2009;cm. The primary outcomes were the immediate and 1-month stone-free rate (SFR). Secondary outcomes included the operative duration, decrease in haemoglobin, hospital stay, and complication rate. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. In the overall 2-3&#x2009;cm cohort, the FANS group achieved immediate and 1-month SFRs comparable to those of the mPCNL group. Although the operative time was longer in the FANS group, it was associated with significantly less haemoglobin loss and a shorter hospital stay, with no significant difference in infection-related complications. Notably, in the subgroup of stones &#x2265;2 to <2.5&#x2009;cm, the FANS group demonstrated a non-inferior SFR at both time points, and the operative time was not significantly longer than that of the mPCNL group. CONCLUSION: For 2-3&#x2009;cm UUTS, f-URS with FANS offers a SFR comparable to that of mPCNL, along with the advantages of reduced blood loss and shorter hospitalization. In the &#x2265;2 to <2.5&#x2009;cm subgroup, FANS shows comprehensive benefits over mPCNL. These findings support FANS as an effective alternative to mPCNL for 2-3&#x2009;cm stones and a potentially preferred option for stones measuring 2-2.5&#x2009;cm.

Humans

Duration and characteristics of hypoglycemia with once-weekly insulin efsitora alfa versus once-daily basal insulins in adults with type 2 diabetes: Exploratory safety analysis of QWINT 2-4.

AIMS: Efsitora is a novel once-weekly basal insulin. Efsitora demonstrated similar efficacy and safety compared with once-daily basal insulin comparators across four phase 3 clinical trials for type 2 diabetes. This exploratory safety analysis further characterizes hypoglycemia events in the efsitora and once-daily treatment groups in three of these trials (QWINT-2, -3, and -4). METHODS: Median duration of hypoglycemia events was assessed with masked continuous glucose monitoring. Incidence of persistent-recurrent (PR) hypoglycemia was assessed by investigators and by a pre-specified algorithm using SMBG e-diary data. Factors contributing to hypoglycemia, characteristics of hypoglycemia, and treatment methods were reported by participants and assessed across groups. RESULTS: Across the three trials, durations of hypoglycemic events for efsitora vs once-daily basal insulin comparators were: Level 1 and 2 [<70&#xa0;mg/dL]: 40-42.5 vs 40&#xa0;min; Level 2 [<54&#xa0;mg/dL]: 35-39.9 vs 35&#xa0;min. Few incidences of PR hypoglycemia were reported for efsitora or once-daily comparators. No major descriptive differences were observed between hypoglycemia contributing factors, characteristics, or treatment methods in efsitora and once-daily treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: No clinically relevant differences were observed between the duration or characteristics of hypoglycemic events in efsitora and once-daily treatment groups in the QWINT-2, -3, and -4 trials.

Adult

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and gastrointestinal neoplasm risk in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The potential carcinogenic effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain controversial, particularly regarding site-specific gastrointestinal (GI) neoplasms. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the relationship between SGLT2 inhibitors and the risk of GI neoplasms in patients with T2DM. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science through March 17, 2025, for RCTs in T2DM comparing SGLT2 inhibitors with placebo or active comparators. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. The primary outcome was GI neoplasms reported in publications, supplementary materials, or trial registries, usually as adverse events rather than centrally adjudicated cancer endpoints. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated in Stata 17.0. In 48 RCTs (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;48,765), SGLT2 inhibitor therapy was not associated with overall GI neoplasm risk (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.10, 95% CI: 0.84-1.44; p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.46; I&#xb2; = 0%). Site-specific analyses showed no statistically significant association for esophageal (OR&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.12, 95% CI 0.37-3.45), gastric (1.20, 0.65-2.23), hepatic (0.62, 0.31-1.22), pancreatic (0.91, 0.51-1.64), colonic (1.28, 0.78-2.08), colorectal (0.76, 0.27-2.17), and rectal neoplasms (0.98, 0.49-1.97), with all p-values&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05. Subgroup analyses by agents (e.g., canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin), baseline age, body mass index (BMI), HbA1c, treatment duration, and dose were also non-significant (all p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Approximately half of the trials had follow-up of one year or less, limiting our ability to evaluate long-term risk. Available RCT evidence does not show a clear increase in GI neoplasm risk with SGLT2 inhibitors in T2DM. However, limited follow-up, low event counts, and non-cancer-specific outcome ascertainment, the findings should be interpreted as reassuring but not definitive evidence of long-term oncologic safety.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO No. CRD42024619019.

Humans

Immunogenicity of Two Versus Three Doses of Hepatitis B Vaccine When Administered to Children Aged 2-18 Months: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: A 2-dose hepatitis B vaccination schedule is highly immunogenic in children aged &#x2265;1 year, but data for infants are scarce. Our goal was to compare the immunogenicity of 2- and 3-dose hepatitis B vaccination schedules in this population. METHODS: Children in the experimental group were recruited at 2 months of age and randomized to receive a homologous (Infanrix-hexa/Infanrix-hexa) or heterologous (Infanrix-hexa/Twinrix) 2-dose schedule at 2 and 12 months. Children in the control group were recruited at 18 months and had received a homologous 3-dose schedule (Infanrix-hexa/Infanrix-hexa/Infanrix-hexa) at 2, 4, and 18 months. All groups received a challenge dose (Twinrix) 3 years later. RESULTS: One month after the primary series, seroprotection rates (anti-HBs &#x2265;10 mIU/mL) were high and similar among the 3 groups (heterologous 2-dose, 91.7%; homologous 2-dose, 90.9%; 3-dose, 94.2%). Geometric mean titers (GMTs) were lower in the 2-dose groups than in the 3-dose group. Post-challenge dose, the majority exhibited an anamnestic response, similar across all 3 groups (heterologous 2-dose, 97.2%; homologous 2-dose, 95.5%; 3-dose, 92.7%). GMTs were numerically higher in the heterologous 2-dose group (9380.5 mIU/mL) than in the 3-dose group (6900.6 mIU/mL) (P = .4). The proportion exhibiting local reactions was significantly lower after the heterologous 2-dose schedule than after the homologous 2-dose schedule. CONCLUSIONS: The anamnestic response 3 years after 2-dose (2 and 12 months) and 3-dose (2, 4, and 18 months) hepatitis B vaccination schedules was similar. The heterologous 2-dose schedule was more immunogenic and less reactogenic than the homologous 2-dose schedule.

Humans

De Novo 2.2&#x2009;Mb 19q13.42-q13.43 Microdeletion Encompassing U2AF2: Support for a Haploinsufficiency Model.

U2 small nuclear RNA auxiliary factor 2 (U2AF2) is an essential pre-mRNA splicing factor involved in the early stages of pre-mRNA splicing. To date, multiple individuals have been reported with predominantly heterozygous missense variants presenting intellectual disability, speech and motor delays, seizures, hypotonia, and thin or hypoplastic corpus callosum. Here, we describe a patient with a de novo 2.2&#x2009;Mb interstitial deletion involving chromosome 19q13.42-q13.43, encompassing U2AF2, presenting with intellectual disability, epilepsy, corpus callosum hypoplasia, dysmorphic features, and congenital heart disease. The patient's clinical features overlap substantially with those reported in individuals harboring heterozygous U2AF2 variants, supporting haploinsufficiency as a plausible disease mechanism. To our knowledge, this represents the first postnatal report of complete U2AF2 gene deletion. In addition, this is the first detailed phenotypic characterization of a distal 19q chromosomal interstitial deletion, further delineating the clinical spectrum associated with this genomic region.

Humans