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High‐sensitivity flow cytometers have been developed for multi‐parameter characterization of single extracellular vesicles (EVs), but performance varies among instruments and calibration methods. Here we compare the characterization of identical (split) EV samples derived from human colorectal cancer (DiFi) cells by three high‐sensitivity flow cytometers, two commercial instruments, CytoFLEX/CellStream, and a custom single‐molecule flow cytometer (SMFC). DiFi EVs were stained with the membrane dye di‐8‐ANEPPS and with PE‐conjugated anti‐EGFR or anti‐tetraspanin (CD9/CD63/CD81) antibodies for estimation of EV size and surface protein copy numbers. The limits of detection (LODs) for immunofluorescence and vesicle size based on calibration using cross‐calibrated, hard‐dyed beads were ∼10 PE/∼80 nm EV diameter for CytoFLEX and ∼10 PEs/∼67 nm for CellStream. For the SMFC, the LOD for immunofluorescence was 1 PE and ≤ 35 nm for size. The population of EVs detected by each system (di‐8‐ANEPPS+/PE+ particles) differed widely depending on the LOD of the system; for example, CellStream/CytoFLEX detected only 5.7% and 1.5% of the tetraspanin‐labelled EVs detected by SMFC, respectively, and median EV diameter and antibody copy numbers were much larger for CellStream/CytoFLEX than for SMFC as measured and validated using super‐resolution/single‐molecule TIRF microscopy. To obtain a dataset representing a common EV population analysed by all three platforms, we filtered out SMFC and CellStream measurements for EVs below the CytoFLEX LODs as determined by bead calibration (10 PE/80 nm). The inter‐platform agreement using this filtered dataset was significantly better than for the unfiltered dataset, but even better concordance between results was obtained by applying higher cutoffs (21 PE/120 nm) determined by threshold analysis using the SMFC data. The results demonstrate the impact of specifying LODs to define the EV population analysed on inter‐instrument reproducibility in EV flow cytometry studies, and the utility of threshold analysis of SMFC data for providing semi‐quantitative LOD values for other flow cytometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is an economic evaluation on the family‐based Helicobacter pylori screen‐and‐treat strategy (FBHS) in China. This study aimed to compare the cost‐effectiveness of the FBHS with the traditional H. pylori screen‐and‐treat strategy (TBHS). Materials and Methods: A seven‐state microsimulation model, including H. pylori infection and gastric cancer states, was constructed on the basis of the target family samples from 29 provinces in China. Taking a lifetime horizon from a healthcare system perspective, the long‐term costs and health outcomes of the FBHS and TBHS screening strategies were simulated separately, and economic evaluations were performed. The model parameters were primarily derived from real‐world data, published literature, and expert opinions. The primary outcome was the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) expressed as cost/quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY) gained. One‐way sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and scenario analysis were performed to assess the uncertainty of the results. Results: The base‐case analysis revealed that the average costs for FBHS and TBHS were 563.67 CNY and 574.08 CNY, respectively, with corresponding average QALYs of 14.83 and 14.79. The ICER for the comparison between the two strategies was −214.07, indicating that FBHS was an absolutely dominant strategy with better cost‐effectiveness. The results of both one‐way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were robust. When taking into account the added benefit of the higher H. pylori eradication rate in FBHS, the average costs were further reduced, and the average QALYs were increased, solidifying its position as an unequivocally dominant strategy. Conclusion: The FBHS is an absolutely dominant and cost‐effective strategy that enables an optimized allocation of screening resources. Decision‐makers should prioritize FBHS when developing H. pylori prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Observational studies had demonstrated a link between sleep disturbances and cognitive decline. Here, we aimed to investigate the causal association between genetically predicted sleep traits and cognitive impairment using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: Using strict criteria, we selected genetic variants from European ancestry Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) from the Sleep Disorders Knowledge Portal and UK Biobank as instrumental variables for several sleep traits, including insomnia, sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, daytime napping, and chronotype. Summary statistics related to cognitive impairment were derived from five different GWAS, including the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium. The role of self‐reported sleep trait phenotypes in the etiology of cognitive impairment was explored using inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) tests, MR‐Egger tests, and weighted medians, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure robustness. Results: In the main IVW analysis, sleep duration (reaction time: β = –0.05, 95% CI –0.07 to –0.04, p = 1.93×10−12), daytime sleepiness (average cortical thickness: β = –0.12, 95% CI –0.22 to –0.02, p = 0.023), and daytime napping (fluid intelligence: β = –0.47, 95% CI –0.87 to –0.07, p = 0.021; hippocampal volume in Alzheimer's disease: β = –0.99, 95% CI –1.64 to –0.35, p = 0.002) were significantly negatively correlated with cognitive performance. However, any effects of insomnia and chronotype on cognitive impairment were not determined. Conclusions: Our findings highlighted that focusing on sleep behaviors or distinct sleep patterns‐particularly sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and daytime napping, was a promising approach for preventing cognitive impairment. This study also shed light on risk factors for and potential early markers of cognitive impairment risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene oxide (GO) has arisen as an effective adsorbent for water treatment owing to its high removal efficiency for water pollutants. However, separating GO adsorbents from the pollutant solution is difficult after adsorption. The GO adsorbents are unsuitable for various dyes, and can only remove cationic dyes from an aqueous solution. To address these issues, this study utilized a simple and cost-effective layer-by-layer assembly technique to deposit multilayer films onto solid substrates. These films were composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)–dextran (PAHD) microgels and GO, and were designed to be highly effective while remaining affordable. The PAHD/GO multilayer films obtained produced an effortless separation process and demonstrated exceptional adsorption capabilities for cationic, anionic and non-ionic dyes. Specifically, the adsorption capacities for carmine and mulberry red were notably high, measuring 337.4 and 417.7 mg g−1, respectively. In addition, the PAHD/GO multilayer films could be regenerated well in sodium chloride solution without obvious compromise of removal efficiency. The adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics of dyes on the PAHD/GO multilayer films were also studied. Thanks to the straightforward manufacturing process and outstanding adsorption capabilities of PAHD/GO multilayer films, this study presents a significant opportunity to advance the practical application of GO in water treatment. A composite film composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride)–dextran microgels and graphene oxide can be employed repeatedly to remove cationic, anionic and non-ionic dyes in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is a serious complication that occurs in patients with osteoporosis or metastatic bone cancer treated with bisphosphonate. There is still no effective treatment and prevention strategy for BRONJ. Inorganic nitrate, which is abundant in green vegetables, has been reported to be protective in multiple diseases. To investigate the effects of dietary nitrate on BRONJ‐like lesions in mice, we utilized a well‐established mouse BRONJ model, in which tooth extraction was performed. Specifically, 4 mM sodium nitrate was administered in advance through drinking water to assess the short‐ and long‐term effects on BRONJ. Zoledronate injection could induce severe healing inhibition of the tooth extraction socket, while addition of pretreating dietary nitrate could alleviate the inhibition by reducing monocyte necrosis and inflammatory cytokines production. Mechanistically, nitrate intake increased plasma nitric oxide levels, which attenuated necroptosis of monocytes by downregulating lipid and lipid‐like molecule metabolism via a RIPK3 dependent pathway. Our findings revealed that dietary nitrate could inhibit monocyte necroptosis in BRONJ, regulate the bone immune microenvironment and promote bone remodelling after injury. This study contributes to the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of zoledronate and supports the feasibility of dietary nitrate for the clinical prevention of BRONJ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial resolution of single‐molecule localization microscopy is limited by the photon number of a single switching event because of the difficulty of correlating switching events dispersed in time. Here we overcome this limitation by developing a new class of photoswitching semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) with structured and highly dispersed single‐particle spectra. We imaged the Pdots at the first and the second vibronic emission peaks and used the ratio of peak intensities as a spectral coding. By correlating switching events using the spectral coding and performing 4–9 frame binning, we achieved a 2–3 fold experimental resolution improvement versus conventional superresolution imaging. We applied this method to count and map SV2 and proton ATPase proteins on synaptic vesicles (SVs). The results reveal that these proteins are trafficked and organized with high precision, showing unprecedented level of detail about the composition and structure of SVs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is among most common human inflammatory diseases and characterized by destruction of tooth-supporting tissues that will eventually lead to tooth loss. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic hyperglycemia which results from defects in insulin secretion and/or insulin resistance. Numerous studies have provided evidence for the inter-relationship between DM and periodontitis that has been considered as the sixth most frequent complication of DM. However, the mechanisms are not fully understood yet. The impact of DM on periodontitis through hyperglycemia and inflammatory pathways is well described, but the effects of DM on oral microbiota remain controversial according to previous studies. Recent studies using next-generation sequencing technology indicate that DM can alter the biodiversity and composition of oral microbiome especially subgingival microbiome. This may be another mechanism by which DM risks or aggravates periodontitis. Thus, to understand the role of oral microbiome in periodontitis of diabetics and the mechanism of shifts of oral microbiome under DM would be valuable for making specific therapeutic regimens for treating periodontitis patients with DM or preventing diabetic patients from periodontitis. This article reviews the role of oral microbiome in periodontal health (symbiosis) and disease (dysbiosis), highlights the oral microbial shifts under DM and summarizes the mechanism of the shifts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The measurement of viscosity coefficient of liquids is vital in plentiful fields. There are numerous ways to measure the viscosity coefficient such as capillary and rotary rheometry in which falling ball method is mostly widely used. The uncertainty of the terminal velocity and the limit of the viscosity coefficient scale are the principled disadvantages of the method. In our work, the relationship between the displacement and time is obtained by integral calculation. What's more, we considered the radius of the ball, the radius of the graduated cylinder, and the height of the graduated cylinder by theoretical correction of the stokes expression. The new correction expression broadens the measured viscosity coefficient scale and also improves the precision dramatically. Experimental verification is also well processed which fits well with our theory. The deviation between the viscosity coefficient of castor oil measured by the new correction method and the standard value is only 0.045. The relationship between displacement and time is consistent with the theoretical prediction, and the room mean square error of the two is 0.065. Based on them, this method can be widely used in scientific researches and teaching practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological amines are organic nitrogen compounds that can be produced by the decomposition of spoiled food. As an important biological amine, histamine has played an important role in food safety. Many methods have been used to detect histamine in foods. Compared with traditional analysis methods, fluorescence sensors as an adaptable detection tool for histamine in foods have the advantages of low cost, convenience, less operation, high sensitivity, and good visibility. In terms of food safety, fluorescence sensors have shown great utilization potential. In this review, we will introduce the applications and development of fluorescence sensors in food safety based on various types of materials. The performance and effectiveness of the fluorescence sensors are discussed in detail regarding their structure, luminescence mechanism, and recognition mechanism. This review may contribute to the exploration of the application of fluorescence sensors in food-related work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Methods Results Conclusion This study aimed to develop and validate an eMCI‐CHD tool based on clinical data to predict mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).This cross‐sectional study prospectively collected data from 400 patients with coronary heart disease (aged 55–90 years, 62% men) from July 2022 to September 2023 and randomized (7:3 ratio) them into training and validation sets. After determining the modeling variables through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, four ML classifiers were developed: logistic regression, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), support vector machine, and random forest. The performance of the models was evaluated using area under the ROC curve, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score. Decision curve analysis was used to assess the clinical performance of the established models. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was applied to determine the significance of the features, the predictive model was visualized with a nomogram, and an online web‐based calculator for predicting CHD‐MCI risk scores was developed.Of 400 CHD patients (average age 70.86 ± 8.74 years), 220 (55%) had MCI. The XGBoost model demonstrated superior performance (AUC: 0.86, accuracy: 78.57%, sensitivity: 0.74, specificity: 0.84, F1: 0.79) and underwent validation. An online tool (https://mr.cscps.com.cn/mci/index.html) with seven predictive variables (APOE gene typing, age, education, TyG index, NT‐proBNP, C‐reactive protein, and occupation) assessed MCI risk in CHD patients.This study highlights the potential for predicting MCI risk among CHD patients using an ML model‐driven nomogram and risk scoring tool based on clinical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrins refer to heterodimers consisting of subunits α and β. They serve as receptors on cell membranes and interact with extracellular ligands to mediate intracellular molecular signals. One of the least-studied members of the integrin family is integrin-α9β1, which is widely distributed in various human tissues and organs. Integrin-α9β1 regulates the physiological state of cells through a variety of complex signaling pathways to participate in the specific pathological processes of some intractable diseases. In recent years, an increasing amount of research has focused on the role of α9β1 in the molecular mechanisms of different refractory diseases and its promising potential as a therapeutic target. Accordingly, this review introduces and summarizes recent research related to integrin-α9β1, describes the synergistic functions of α9β1 and its corresponding ligands in cancer, autoimmune diseases, nerve injury and thrombosis and, more importantly, highlights the potential of α9β1 as a distinctive target for the treatment of these intractable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of metal ions such as Fe3+ ions at the cellular level is of vital importance for monitoring life activities and disease diagnosis. Coumarin-based molecules are uniquely selective fluorescence probes for detecting Fe3+ ions; however, due to their lower water solubility, applying them in biological detection is a bottleneck problem. Herein, a centrally hydrophobic/externally hydrophilic strategy is proposed and a novel coumarin-based fluorescence probe was successfully synthesized by using LaOBr via a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The hydrophobic part of each coumarin molecule faces inward, and the hydrophilic part (iron-ion-capturing group) faces outward, allowing each coumarin molecule to be fully stretched. Compared with the coumarin-based N-[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethyl]-7-hydroxycoumarin-3-carboxamide (DAT) solution, the water solubility of the LaOBr/DAT composite solution was greatly improved, with enhanced fluorescent properties and detection performance. In a water solvent, the detection limit of the composite considerably improved from 300 nM to 440 pM, and the composite demonstrated better stability and selectivity for detecting Fe3+. The composite probe was applied in Fe3+ detection at the cellular level and in invisible anti-counterfeiting. This material design is of universal significance for improving the performance of other organic molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tooth cementum is a bone‐like mineralized tissue and serves as a microbial barrier against invasion and destruction. Cementum is also responsible for tooth stability and defending pulp from outside stimuli, which is formed by cementoblasts. Although it is crucial for periodontal and periapical diseases, the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiological changes of cementoblasts and their inflammatory responses remain unclear. MiR‐181b is found to modulate vascular inflammation and endotoxin tolerance. In this study, miR‐181b‐5p was downregulated in tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐stimulated cementoblasts, whereas proinflammatory molecules increased. The mouse periapical lesions have similar results, which imitate an inflammatory environment for cementoblasts in vivo. The bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay suggested that miR‐181b‐5p targeted interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Overexpressing miR‐181b‐5p negatively regulated IL‐6 and proinflammatory chemokine. Western blot analysis and luciferase activity reporter assay verified that miR‐181b‐5p weakened the NF‐κB activity. Hence, miR‐181b‐5p moderated proinflammatory chemokine production by targeting IL‐6 in cementoblasts and NF‐κB signaling pathway was involved. Furthermore, miR‐181b‐5p promoted cementoblast apoptosis, which may enhance the resolution of inflammation. Overall, our data revealed that miR‐181b‐5p was a negative regulator of TNF‐α‐induced inflammatory responses in cementoblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative detection of RNA is important in molecular biology and clinical diagnostics. Nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), a single-step method to amplify single-stranded RNA, is attractive for use in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics because it is an isothermal technique that is as sensitive as RT-PCR with a shorter reaction time. However, NASBA is limited in its ability to provide accurate quantitative information, such as viral load or RNA copy number. Here we test a digital format of NASBA (dNASBA) using a self-digitization (SD) chip platform, and apply it to quantifying HIV-1 RNA. We demonstrate that dNASBA is more sensitive and accurate than the real-time quantitative NASBA, and can be used to quantify HIV-1 RNA in plasma samples. Digital NASBA is thus a promising POC diagnostics tool for use in resource-limited settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The design and fabrication of a self‐digitization dielectrophoretic (SD‐DEP) chip with simple components for single‐cell manipulation and downstream nucleic acid analysis is presented. The device employed the traditional DEP and insulator DEP to create the local electric field that is tailored to approximately the size of single cells, enabling highly efficient single‐cell capture. The multistep procedures of cell manipulation, compartmentalization, lysis, and analysis were performed in the integrated microdevice, consuming minimal reagents, minimizing contamination, decreasing lysate dilution, and increasing assay sensitivity. The platform developed here could be a promising and powerful tool in single‐cell research for precise medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neolissochilus stracheyi Day 1871 is a rare specie of fish inhabit clear forest streams and rivers. In order to discuss the phylogenetic position of N. stracheyi, the mitochondrial genome was obtained by sequencing. The genome was 16,587 bp in length with an accession number OM203155. The AT contents were 56.59%. The location and composition of genes are consistent with published Cyprinids containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and 1 main non-coding regions. Sequence analysis showed that the mitochondrial genome of N. stracheyi has high sequence homology with other cyprinid fishes. Phylogenetic tree results showed that N. stracheyi is most closely related to Neolissochilus heterostomus. The mitochondrial sequence is of great significance for fish conservation, taxonomic status and resource exploitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A typical and environment-friendly fluorescent polyamine-amine (PAMAM) features good compatibility and unique surface modification, while it is restricted by a low fluorescence property performance and an unclear fluorescence mechanism. In this work, we prepared blue fluorescent PAMAM polymer dots (PDs) via a simple hydrothermal method based on dichloromethane (DCM) and 2.0G PAMAM. The quantum yield achieved was 32.1%, which was 25 times stronger than that of 2.0G PAMAM due to the lone-pair electron leap of the amine groups, the aggregation of carbonyl groups, as well as the crosslinking induced by DCM inside the PAMAM. In addition, the fluorescent 2.0G PAMAM-DCM PDs show a great Fe3+ sensing property with the detection limit of 56.6 nM, which is much lower than the safety limits (5.36 μM) in drinking water, indicating its great potential for Fe3+ detection in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The previous study had investigated the students' speech perceptions in two primary school classrooms with similar reverberation time and found that the speech intelligibility in a classroom was better than that in other one. It is speculated that due to difference in the improvement in low frequency reverberation. In this study, the reverberation time and speech transmission index were obtained and compared from these two classrooms by simulated. The subjective Chinese speech intelligibility was evaluated through simulated binaural room impulse responses. The effect of low frequency reverberation on Chinese speech intelligibility in two classrooms was discussed. The result shows that improving the low frequency characteristic of reverberation time can be helpful to improve the Chinese speech intelligibility in classroom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traffic accidents are often caused by improper lane changes. Although the safety of lane-changing has attracted extensive attention in the vehicle and traffic fields, there are few studies considering the lateral comfort of vehicle users in lane-changing decision-making. Lane-changing decision-making by single-step dynamic game with incomplete information and path planning based on Bézier curve are proposed in this paper to coordinate vehicle lane-changing performance from safety payoff, velocity payoff, and comfort payoff. First, the lane-changing safety distance which is improved by collecting lane-changing data through simulated driving, and lane-changing time obtained by Bézier curve path planning are introduced into the game payoff, so that the selection of the lane-changing start time considers the vehicle safety, power performance and passenger comfort of the lane-changing process. Second, the lane-changing path without collision to the forward vehicle is obtained through the constrained Bézier curve, and the Bézier curve is further constrained to obtain a smoother lane-changing path. The path tracking sliding mode controller of front wheel angle compensation by radical basis function neural network is designed. Finally, the model in the loop simulation and the hardware in the loop experiment are carried out to verify the advantages of the proposed method. The results of three lane-changing conditions designed in the hardware in the loop experiment show that the vehicle safety, power performance, and passenger comfort of the vehicle controlled by the proposed method are better than that of human drivers in discretionary lane change and mandatory lane change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many free-living saprobic fungi are nature recruited organisms for the degradation of wastes, ranging from lignocellulose biomass to organic/inorganic chemicals, aided by their production of enzymes. In this study, fungal strains were isolated from contaminated crude-oil fields in Nigeria. The dominant fungi were selected from each site and identified as Aspergillus oryzae and Mucor irregularis based on morphological and molecular characterization, with site percentage incidences of 56.67% and 66.70%, respectively. Selected strains response/tolerance to complex hydrocarbon (used engine oil) was studied by growing them on Bushnell Haas (BH) mineral agar supplemented with the hydrocarbon at different concentrations, i.e., 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, with a control having dextrose. Hydrocarbon degradation potentials of these fungi were confirmed in BH broth culture filtrates pre-supplemented with 1% engine oil after 15 days of incubation using GC/MS. In addition, the presence of putative enzymes, laccase (Lac), manganese peroxidase (MnP), and lignin peroxidase (LiP) was confirmed in culture filtrates using appropriate substrates. The analyzed fungi grew in hydrocarbon supplemented medium with no other carbon source and exhibited 39.40% and 45.85% dose inhibition response (DIR) respectively at 20% hydrocarbon concentration. An enzyme activity test revealed that these two fungi produced more Lac than MnP and LiP. It was also observed through the GC/MS analyses that while A. oryzae acted on all hydrocarbon components in the used engine oil, M. irregularis only degraded the long-chain hydrocarbons and BTEX. This study confirms that A. oryzae and M. irregularis have the potential to be exploited in the bio-treatment and removal of hydrocarbons from polluted soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) bind at different positions of the pre-mRNA molecules to promote or reduce the usage of a particular exon. Seeking to understand the working principle of these positional effects, we develop a capture RIC-seq (CRIC-seq) method to enrich specific RBP-associated in situ proximal RNA-RNA fragments for deep sequencing. We determine hnRNPA1-, SRSF1-, and PTBP1-associated proximal RNA-RNA contacts and regulatory mechanisms in HeLa cells. Unexpectedly, the 3D RNA map analysis shows that PTBP1-associated loops in individual introns preferentially promote cassette exon splicing by accelerating asymmetric intron removal, whereas the loops spanning across cassette exon primarily repress splicing. These "positional rules" can faithfully predict PTBP1-regulated splicing outcomes. We further demonstrate that cancer-related splicing quantitative trait loci can disrupt RNA loops by reducing PTBP1 binding on pre-mRNAs to cause aberrant splicing in tumors. Our study presents a powerful method for exploring the functions of RBP-associated RNA-RNA proximal contacts in gene regulation and disease. [Display omitted] • CRIC-seq maps specific RBP-associated RNA-RNA spatial contacts • Positional rules of PTBP1-associated RNA loops in splicing regulation • PTBP1-associated intronic RNA loops facilitate asymmetrical intron removal • sQTLs disrupt PTBP1-associated RNA loops to promote tumor cell growth Ye et al. have developed a new method, named CRIC-seq, for the global profiling of PTBP1-associated RNA-RNA spatial contacts. The authors unravel the positional mechanisms by which PTBP1-associated RNA loops enhance or repress splicing, demonstrating that cancer-related splicing quantitative trait loci can disrupt PTBP1-associated RNA loops to promote tumor cell growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]