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The small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), is an efficient vector of several economically important plant viruses. In this study, a novel reovirus-like virus was identified in L. striatellus , named Laodelphax striatellus reovirus (LSRV). The complete genome of LSRV was 28,207 nt, comprising of ten segments encoded 11 deduced proteins. All genome segments were conserved with AGUAA at the 5′-terminal and GUUGUC at 3′-terminal and segment-specific inverted terminal repeats. In addition, genomic characteristics and phylogenetic analysis suggested that LSRV was a new member of genus Fijivirus. Importantly, LSRV was widely distributed in various tissues and highest expressed in adult heads. However, LSRV was unable to horizontal replication in rice plants. Moreover, typical profiles of LSRV-derived small interfering RNAs indicated host antiviral RNA interference pathway was involved in LSRV infection. In conclusion, LSRV may be considered as a new species of the genus Fijivirus in the order Reovirales. • A novel reovirus-like virus with complete sequence identified in L. striatellus. • Laodelphax striatellus reovirus as a new species of genus Fijivirus in Reovirales. • Widely distribution in various tissues and highly expression in adult heads. • Laodelphax striatellus reovirus failed to horizontal replication in rice plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice stripe tenuivirus (RSV) is a filamentous, negative-strand RNA virus causing severe diseases on rice in Asian countries. The viral particle is composed predominantly of a nucleocapsid protein (NP) and genomic RNA. However, the molecular details of how the RSV NP interacts with genomic RNA during particle assembly remain largely unknown. Here, we modeled the NP-RNA complex and show that polar amino acids within a predicted groove of NP are critical for RNA binding and protecting the RNA from RNase digestion. RSV NP formed pentamers, hexamers, heptamers, and octamers. By modeling the higher-order structures, we found that oligomer formation was driven by the N-terminal amino arm of the NP. Deletion of this arm abolished oligomerization; the N-terminally truncated NP was less able to interact with RNA and protect RNA than was the wild type. These findings afford valuable new insights into molecular mechanism of RSV NPs interacting with genomic RNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The possible cancer preventive activity of tea has received much attention in recent years. The inhibitory activities of tea and tea constituents against carcinogenesis at different organ sites have been demonstrated in many animal models. The effect of tea consumption on human cancers, however, remains inconclusive. The mechanisms of action of tea polyphenols, especially EGCG, the most abundant and active catechin, have been extensively investigated. Most of the studies, however, were based on cell culture systems, and these mechanisms need to be evaluated and verified in animal models or humans in order to gain more understanding on the effect of tea consumption on human cancer. Human intervention trials are warranted to determine the possible prevention of cancer of specific sites by preparation of tea constituents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Existence of traveling wave fronts for delayed lattice differential equations is established by Schauder fixed point theorem. The main result is applied to a delayed and discretely diffusive model for the population of Daphnia magna. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Multilayer biogenic capsules with a micrometer scale were fabricated by self-assembly of proteins and lipids at the interface of emulsion droplets. The optical microscopy images demonstrate that spherical capsules at a fluid interface have uniform walls and the dried capsules possess a high mechanical strength. The hollow shells obtained provide a novel class of assembly with encapsulating drug molecules based on the layer-by-layer technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Geometrical description of the egg shape is of a great importance in a variety of studies and can be instrumental in predicting quality traits of table and hatching poultry eggs. Importantly, developments of non-destructive oomorphological models can drive novel insights in engineering and physical science and lead to new egg-related technologies and egg sorting systems for poultry industry. We attempted to test the Hügelschäffer's egg model according to which an egg profile curve can be transformed from an ellipse using a specific parameter w. For this purpose, two-dimensional digital imaging and follow-up image processing techniques of chicken eggs were employed. The formulae for recalculation of the egg volume and surface area were consequently deduced from the Hügelschäffer's equation. Eventually, we refined the Hügelschäffer's egg model and proved its applicability for defining the contours of hen's eggs. For practical use in poultry industry and food engineering, the proposed non-destructive methodology can be contributory in defining accurately the contour of any avian egg and determining such characteristics of the egg shape as volume, surface area, etc., with an expected potential in designing automated systems in poultry industry and in egg-related applications in biology, physical science, engineering and other areas. • Egg volume and surface area are valuable predictors of egg quality traits. • Hügelschäffer's egg model was examined to describe contours of hen's eggs. • The formulae for recalculation of the egg volume and surface area were deduced. • 2D digital imaging and image processing were applied to describe the egg geometry. • Amended Hügelschäffer's method is excellent for calculating volume (R = 0.962, SE < 1%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Photocatalytic hydrogen evolution on Au/TiO 2 is boosted after being selectively functionalized with cysteamine molecules. • The HER enhancement is attributed to the cysteamine-induced separation of photo-generated hot carriers. • The cysteamine-induced HER enhancement can be further tuned by changing the pH value of the reaction system. • Our strategy is highly simple, convenient and effective, easily extended to many other nanocatalysts / catalytic reactions. Photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen is becoming a research hotspot because it can help to produce clean energy and reduce environmental pollution. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) and its composites are photocatalysts that are widely used in hydrogen evolution because of their high abundance in nature, low price, and high photo/chemical stability. However, their catalytic performances still need to be further improved, particularly in the visible light spectrum. Herein, visible light-driven photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen on Au/TiO 2 nanocomposite is enhanced ∼ 10 folds by selectively functionalizing the nanocomposite with cysteamine molecules. It is revealed that the amine group (–NH 2) in cysteamine favors the transfer and separation of photo-generated hot carriers. The rate of hydrogen produced can be further tuned by varying the ionization of the functionalized molecules at different pH values. This work provides a simple, convenient, and effective method that can be used to improve the photocatalytic evolution of hydrogen. This method can also be used for many other nanocatalysts (e.g., Au-MoS 2 , Au-BiVO 4) and catalytic reactions (e.g., carbon dioxide reduction, nitrogen reduction). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Janus nanosheets composed of AuNPs/PdNPs and rGO were prepared by a simple method. • The obtained Janus nanosheets were useful in emulsion stabilization and catalysis. • Largely enhanced hydrogenation and photocatalytic degradation were demonstrated. Interface/emulsion catalysis is an effective approach for many organic and inorganic chemical reactions. Positioning catalysts at the interface is essential for highly efficient interface/emulsion catalysis. The sheet-like Janus nanostructures may have great advantages in stabilizing emulsions and improving reaction efficiency. In this work, by using a simple emulsion reaction and photodeposition, we successfully prepare the Janus nanosheets with opposite sides composed of AuNPs/PdNPs and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) respectively, referred to as AuNP-rGO/PdNP-rGO Janus nanosheets. Due to the distinct hydrophilicities on opposite sides, the prepared Janus nanosheets demonstrate high efficiency in emulsion stabilization and emulsion catalysis. By introducing the prepared PdNP-rGO and AuNP-rGO Janus nanosheets in emulsion reactions, highly efficient hydrogenation of p -nitroanisole and photocatalytic degradation of Nile red are demonstrated. This work provides a simple and cost-effective method to prepare Janus nanosheets and realize highly efficient emulsion reactions, and this strategy can be extended to promote many other interface/emulsion reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Zebrafish has gained increased popularity as an aquatic model species in various research fields, and its widespread use has led to numerous mutant strains and transgenic lines. This creates the need to store these important genetic materials as frozen gametes. Sperm cryopreservation in zebrafish has been shown to yield very low post-thaw survival and many protocols suffer from great variability and poor reproducibility. The present study was intended to develop a freezing protocol that can be reliably used to cryopreserve zebrafish sperm with high post-thaw survival. In particular, our study focused on cooling protocol optimization with the aid of cryomicroscopy. Specifically, sperm suspended in 8% DMSO or 4% MeOH were first incubated with live/dead fluorescent dyes (SYBR14/PI) and then cooled at various rates from 4°C to different intermediate stopping temperatures such as −10, −20, −30 and −80°C before rewarming to 35°C at the rate of 100°C/min. %PI-positive (dead) cells were monitored throughout the cooling process and this screening yielded an optimal rate of 25°C/min for this initial phase of freezing. We then tested the optimal cooling rate for the second phase of freezing from various intermediate stopping temperatures to −80°C before plunging into liquid nitrogen. Our finding yielded an optimal intermediate stopping temperature of −30°C and an optimal rate of 5°C/min for this second phase of freezing. When we further applied this two-step cooling protocol to the conventional controlled-rate freezer, the average post-thaw motility measured by CASA was 46.8±6.40% across 11 males, indicating high post-thaw survival and consistent results among different individuals. Our study indicates that cryomiscroscopy is a powerful tool to devise the optimal cooling conditions for species with sperm that are very sensitive to cryodamage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we discuss the viscosity solutions of the weakly coupled systems of fully nonlinear second-order degenerate parabolic equations and their Cauchy–Dirichlet problem. We prove the existence, uniqueness and continuity of viscosity solution by combining Perron''s method with the technique of coupled solutions. The results here generalize those in Proc. London Math. Soc. 63 (1991) 212–240 and Comm. Partial Differential Equations 16 (1991) 1095–1128. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Combination of theory and experiment achieved in-situ regulation of FAOR via elastic strain. • Theory predicts compressive strains can lower reaction overpotential. • Compressive strains boost the formate pathway and alleviate CO poisoning. • The experimental observations confirm the theoretical predictions. • No obvious activity loss during the chronoamperometry test at 0.6 V. The capability to actively control chemical reactions has enormous implications for energy generation and conversion. By integrating theory and experiments, we achieved an in-situ regulation of formic acid oxidation on a Pt (1 1 1) surface via externally applied strains. The first-principles theory predicted that compressive strains can lower the reaction overpotential to boost the formate pathway and alleviate CO poisoning on the Pt surface, while tensile strains should have the opposite effects. The experimental observations confirmed the theoretical predictions. Compressive elastic strains (approximately -0.4%) could create over 75 mV overpotential decrease, far beyond what was achieved in previous works. A mass activity (~700 mA/mg) of Pt was achieved in a broad potential range of 0.4–0.85 V (vs RHE) under compressive strains. There was no evident activity loss during the chronoamperometry test at 0.6 V. The first-principles theory, controlled synthesis and in-situ measurements were combined to achieve active control, which represents important progress in tuning the electrocatalytic activity of formic acid oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β-galactoside-binding protein, galectin-3, is extensively involved in cancer development, progression and metastasis through multiple mechanisms. Inhibition of the galectin-3-mediated actions is increasingly considered as a promising therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Our early studies have identified several novel galectin-3 binding inhibitors from chemical modification of the anticoagulant drug heparin. These heparin-derived galectin-3 binding inhibitors, which show no anticoagulant activity and bind to the galectin-3 canonical carbohydrate-binding site, induce galectin-3 conformational changes and inhibit galectin-3-mediated cancer cell adhesion, invasion and angiogenesis in vitro and reduce metastasis in mice. In this study, we determined the binding affinities of these heparin-derived ligands to galectin-3 using an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) ligand displacement approach. Such ITC experiments showed that the 2-de-O-sulphated, N-acetylated (compound E) and 6-de-O-sulphated, N-acetylated (F) heparin-derived ligands and their ultra-low molecular weight sub-fractions (E3 and F3) bind to galectin-3 with K D ranging from 0.96 to 1.32 mM.Differential scanning fluorimetry analysis revealed that, in contrast to the disaccharide ligand, N-acetyl-lactosamine, which binds to the fully folded form of galectin-3 and promotes galectin-3 thermal stability, the heparin-derived ligands preferentially bind to the unfolded state of galectin-3 and cause destabilization of the galectin-3 protein structure. These results provide molecular insights into the interaction of galectin-3 with the heparin-derived ligands and explain the previously demonstrated in vitro and in vivo effects of these binding inhibitors on galectin-3-mediated cancer cell behaviours. • The heparin derived inhibitors bind to galectin-3 with affinity at low mM range. • These inhibitors preferentially bind to the unfolded state of galectin-3. • Their binding de-stabilizes the galectin-3 protein structure. • A molecular insight of galectin-3 interaction with these novel binding inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Bismuth vanadate (BiVO 4) microcrystals enclosed with up to 42 low and high index facets were synthesized through truncation of BiVO 4 octahedral crystals via a simple and highly reproducible hydrothermal method. The size and shape of the truncated BiVO 4 crystals could be tuned by varying the acid concentration, reaction temperature and reaction period. Compared to the BiVO 4 octahedral crystals without truncation, the 42-faceted ones showed an enhanced photocatalytic activity in the degradation of rhodamine B molecules due to the enhanced charge separation on the exposed low and high index facets. This was confirmed at sub-particle level by the photo-deposition of gold and manganese oxide nanoparticles selectively on hot electron and hole accumulated facets, respectively. Our results will provide a guideline for the synthesis of more efficient BiVO 4 and many other multinary metal oxide-based photocatalysts. Moreover, the synthesized microcrystals are perfect materials for the study of photocatalytic property of BiVO 4 at single and sub-particle level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Characterization of the genetic landscapes of familial ovarian cancer through integrated analysis of microRNA and mRNA by partial least squares (PLS) and Monte Carlo technique based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Methods The miRNA and mRNA transcriptional data in familial ovarian cancer were characterized from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The miRNA and mRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of 74 familial ovarian cancer patients and 47 control subjects were analyzed with the integration of partial least squares (PLS) and Monte Carlo techniques. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were also performed. Results Total of 16 miRNA-mRNA pairs were identified with the target gene prediction results of miRNAs and mRNAs. An innovated miRNA-mRNA integrated network was constructed in which 6 downregulated miRNAs and 1 upregulated miRNAs were included. KEGG and GO pathway enrichment analysis revealed over-representation of dysregulated miRNAs in various biological processes especially in cancer pathology. Hsa-miR-34b played a pivotal role in this network and interacted with other miRNAs. Hsa-miR-136 and hsa-miR-335 were associated with p53 and Erk1/2 pathways and tumor suppressors, such as PTEN. Conclusions The results from this research provide insights on miRNA-mRNA networks and offer new tools for studying transcriptional variants in familial ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been used as a sensitive marker for liver injury in people and in preclinical toxicity studies. But measurement of ALT isoenzymes, ALT1 and ALT2, was reported to be of more diagnostic value. The aim of this study is to develop an ideal pair of anti-ALT1 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of high specificity and affinity, and subsequently prepare a Immunochromatographic lateral flow device (LFD) for rapid test of ALT1 in human serums. Methods The complete coding sequence of ALT1 gene (1500 bp) was cloned from human hepatoma G2 cells (HepG2) and inserted into the expression vector pET-32a(+). ALT1 recombinant protein was routinely prepared by E . coli BL21 (DE3) expression and Ni 2+ affinity purification. Balb/c mice were immunized with purified ALT1 and the splenocytes were fused with Sp2/0 myeloma cells. The positive clones, verified by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using purified ALT1, were subcloned to single clones by limiting dilution process. A MAb pair was selected from the obtained MAbs according the sandwich ELISA pairing results and then used for lateral flow device (LFD) production. After evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity, the LFD strips were employed to test human serum samples with known ALT activity levels. Results ALT1 recombinant protein was expectedly prepared by expression and purification. A total of 8 stable clones that produced antibodies specifically recognizing ALT1 protein were developed. After sandwich ELISA pairing, an ideal pair of anti-ALT1 MAbs, designated as BD7 and DG3, were selected and proved to be of high specificity, titer and affinity. Based on the MAb pair, LFD strips specifically for ALT1 rapid test were subsequently prepared. The detection threshold of the LFD strips was 12 U/L. No cross reaction was found. Conclusions The ALT1 LFD with high sensitivity and specificity was successfully developed. It is valuable for testing ALT1 protein in human sera and can be a beneficial complement for traditional ALT test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of polyepoxysuccinic acid (PESA) on the phase composition and crystal morphology of calcium oxalate was investigated in this paper. It was found that the presence of PESA inhibited the growth of the monoclinic calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystal and promoted the nucleation of the tetragonal calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD). In addition, with the increase in PESA concentration, the aggregation of COD crystals was reduced but the particle size was increased. Under the conditions of low calcium-to-oxalate ratio and high CaOx concentration, PESA could not effectively stabilize the formation of COD. Based on molecular dynamic simulations, the adsorption of PESA on CaOx crystal faces was confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollen development is particularly susceptible to drought stress. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are known to play a role in plant development and responses to drought stress. However, the expression profile and putative function of lncRNAs in drought-induced male sterility remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the lncRNA transcriptome landscape of tomato anthers at early and late stages—tetrad-vacuolated microspore (TED-VUM) and binucleate-mature pollen (BIN-MP) anthers, respectively—in response to drought stress using RNA-sequencing. In total, we identified 67,770 lncRNAs, of which 3053 lncRNAs were drought responsive. Interestingly, there were more differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs in TED-VUM (2879) than in BIN-MP (174) anthers, which was consistent with the TED-VUM anthers being more drought sensitive. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of DE lncRNAs were significantly enriched in diverse metabolic processes, including in carbohydrate metabolism and hormone synthesis. Co-expression analysis also identified 1407 lncRNAs that strongly co-expressed with 8 target genes that are involved in hormone (abscisic acid and jasmonic acid) and carbohydrate (sucrose and starch) metabolisms and tapetum development, highlighting the potential of lncRNA–target–gene modulation of anther development under drought stress. Our results serve as a baseline for future investigations of the potential function of lncRNAs in plant reproductive development under drought stress. • Identified 67,770 lncRNAs, among which 3053 lncRNAs were drought-responsive. • Functional enrichment analysis revealed that target genes of DE lncRNAs were significantly enriched in diverse metabolic processes. • Coexpresion analysis identified 1407 lncRNAs that strongly coexpressed with 8 target genes involved in hormone and carbohydrate metabolisms and tapetum development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chemokine CC-motif receptor-like 2 (CCRL2) is a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor which plays a key role in lung dendritic cell trafficking to peripheral lymph nodes. The function and expression of CCRL2 in cancer is not understood at present. Here we report that CCRL2 expression level is elevated in human glioma patient samples and cell lines. The magnitude of increase is positively associated with increasing tumor grade, with the highest level observed in grade IV glioblastoma. By gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies, we further showed that CCRL2 did not regulate the growth of human glioblatoma U87 and U373 cells. Importantly, we demonstrated that over-expression of CCRL2 significantly enhanced the migration rate and invasiveness of the glioblastoma cells. Taken together, these results suggest for the first time that elevated CCRL2 in glioma promotes cell migration and invasion. The potential roles of CCRL2 as a novel therapeutic target and biomarker warrant further investigations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tea made from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis is a popular beverage. The possible cancer-preventive activity of tea and tea polyphenols has been studied extensively. This article briefly reviews studies in animal models, cell lines, and possible relevance of these studies to the prevention of human cancer. The cancer-preventive activity of tea constituents have been demonstrated in many animal models including cancer of the skin, lung, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, colon, bladder, prostate, and mammary gland. The major active constituents are polyphenols, of which (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is most abundant, most active, and most studied, and caffeine. The molecular mechanisms of the cancer-preventive action, however, are just beginning to be understood. Studies in cell lines led to the proposal of many mechanisms on the action of EGCG. However, mechanisms based on studies with very high concentrations of EGCG may not be relevant to cancer prevention in vivo. The autooxidation of EGCG in cell culture may also produce activities that do not occur in many internal organs. In contrast to the cancer prevention activity demonstrated in different animal models, no such conclusion can be convincingly drawn from epidemiological studies on tea consumption and human cancers. Even though the human data are inconclusive, tea constituents may still be used for the prevention of cancer at selected organ sites if sufficient concentrations of the agent can be delivered to these organs. Some interesting examples in this area are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We aimed to optimize non-viral transfection of human stromal cell derived factor (SDF-1α) gene into skeletal myoblasts (SkM) and, transplant these cells to establish transient SDF-1α gradient to favor extra-cardiac stem cell translocation into infarcted heart. Optimized conditions for transfection of SDF-1α gene into syngenic SkM were achieved using FuGene™6/phSDF-1α (3:2v/w, 4 h transfection) with 125 μM ZnCl2 (p <0.001). After characterization for transgene overexpression by immunostaining, ELISA and PCR, the cells were transplanted in female rat model of myocardial infarction. Thirty-six rats were grouped (n =12/group) to receive 70 μl DMEM without cells (group-1) or containing 1.5×106 non-transfected (group-2) or SDF-1α transfected SkM (group-3). On day 4 post-transplantation (in 4 animals/group), marked expression of SDF-1α/sry-gene (p =0.003), total Akt, phospho-Akt and Bcl2 was observed in group-3. The number of CD31+, C-kit+ and CD34+ cells was highest in group-3 hearts (p <0.01). Blood vessel density in group-3 was higher in both scar and peri-scar regions (p <0.001) as compared with other groups. Echocardiography showed improved indices of left ventricle contractile function and remodeling in group-3 (p <0.05) as compared with groups-1 and -2. We conclude that ex vivo SDF-1α transgene delivery promotes stem and progenitor cell migration to the heart, activates cell survival signaling and enhances angiomyogenesis in the infarcted heart. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with a crude case fatality rate of about 0.5–10 % depending on locality. A few clinically approved drugs, such as remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, nafamostat, camostat, and ivermectin, exhibited anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro and/or in a small number of patients. However, their clinical use may be limited by anti-SARS-CoV-2 50 % maximal effective concentrations (EC 50) that exceeded their achievable peak serum concentrations (Cmax), side effects, and/or availability. To find more immediately available COVID-19 antivirals, we established a two-tier drug screening system that combines SARS-CoV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cell viability assay, and applied it to screen a library consisting 1528 FDA-approved drugs. Cetilistat (anti-pancreatic lipase), diiodohydroxyquinoline (anti-parasitic), abiraterone acetate (synthetic androstane steroid), and bexarotene (antineoplastic retinoid) exhibited potent in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity (EC 50 1.13–2.01 μM). Bexarotene demonstrated the highest Cmax:EC 50 ratio (1.69) which was higher than those of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin. These results demonstrated the efficacy of the two-tier screening system and identified potential COVID-19 treatments which can achieve effective levels if given by inhalation or systemically depending on their pharmacokinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]