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Global research interest in near-infrared phosphors has increased due to their potential applications in night vision, agriculture, and bio-applications. This work utilized a high-temperature solid-state technique to synthesize a broadband near-infrared phosphor Na 2 Ca 1- x P 2 O 7 : x Cr3+ (x = 0.01–0.10). The phosphor exhibits a broadband emission with a peak centered at 850 nm and a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 176 nm when excited at 442 nm. The crystal field parameters, optical characteristics, and luminescence decay curves of the Na 2 Ca 1- x P 2 O 7 : x Cr3+ (x = 0.01–0.10) phosphors are discussed in detail. The sample shows the strongest emission when the Cr3+ doping concentration is 0.05. The critical energy transfer distance has been calculated, and the interaction mechanism in Na 2 Ca 1- x P 2 O 7 : x Cr3+ (x = 0.01–0.10) is verified to be a dipole-dipole interaction. The doping concentration of Cr3+ is effectively enhanced by isolated doping sites, which offers a new perspective on the design of NIR-emitting phosphors with high doping contents. • The NIR-emitting Na 2 CaP 2 O 7 :Cr3+ phosphors were synthesized by a high-temperature solid-state technique. • Na 2 CaP 2 O 7 :Cr3+ phosphors, with an FWHM 176 nm, achieve broadband NIR emissions ranging from NIR-I to NIR-II window. • The absorption efficiency of Na 2 CaP 2 O 7 :Cr3+ is 28 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there is accumulating evidence for the role of foreign genes in plant development and adaptation, many issues remain. A recent study by Wang et al. on a gene of fungal origin in wheatgrass disease resistance highlights the potential application of fungal genes in crop improvement and related areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the underlying molecule mechanism of herbal medicine in preventing ventricular remodeling (VR), we take a herbal formula that is clinically effective for preventing VR as an example, which composed of Pachyma hoelen Rumph, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Cassia Twig and Licorice. Due to multi-components and multi-targets in herbal medicine, it is extremely difficult to systematically explain its mechanisms of action. An innovative systematic investigation framework which combines with pharmacokinetic screening, target fishing, network pharmacology, DeepDDI algorithm, computational chemistry, molecular thermodynamics, in vivo and in vitro experiments was performed for deciphering the underlying molecular mechanisms of herbal medicine for treating VR. ADME screening and SysDT algorithm determined 75 potentially active compounds and 109 corresponding targets. Then, systematic analysis of networks reveals the crucial active ingredients and key targets in herbal medicine. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis identifies 33 key regulators during VR progression. Moreover, PPI network and biological function enrichment present four crucial signaling pathways, i.e. NF-κB and TNF, PI3K-AKT and C-type lectin receptor signaling pathways involved in VR. Besides, both molecular experiments at animal and cell levels reveal the beneficial effect of herbal medicine on preventing VR. Finally, MD simulations and binding free energy validate the reliability of drug-target interactions. Our novelty is to build a systematic strategy which combines various theoretical methods combined with experimental approaches. This strategy provides a deep understanding for the study of molecular mechanisms of herbal medicine on treating diseases from systematic level, and offers a new idea for modern medicine to explore drug interventions for complex diseases as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study is to explore the role of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) in glycolysis activity and its relationship with malignant biologic behaviors of cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the protein expression and distribution of HIF-1α and glucose transport protein 1 (GLUT1) in cervical tissue of 158 cases, including 28 with normal cervical epithelium, 32 with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and 98 with invasive cervical cancer. Cobalt(II) chloride was used to induce hypoxia in Hela and Siha cells; the biologic behaviors of cells cultured in normal or hypoxic environments were monitored by colorimetric, Transwell, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; immunocytochemistry, Western blot, and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction were used to observe gene and protein expression of HIF-1α, GLUT1, and hexokinase II in cell lines during normoxia and hypoxia. The expression of HIF-1α and GLUT1 gradually increased from normal cervical tissue to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, then to cervical cancer. There were significant differences among these groups (P < .05). HIF-1α was strongly associated with pathologic differentiation, clinic stage, magnitude of lesions, and patient age, whereas GLUT1 was associated with lymphatic metastasis (P < .05). HIF-1α was strongly associated with expression of GLUT1 (P < .05). In hypoxia, proliferation, invasion, resistance to apoptosis, and glycolysis of both Hela and Siha were enhanced compared with cells in normoxia (P < .05). Both gene and protein expressions of GLUT1 and hexokinase II were strengthened, whereas only the protein expression of HIF-1α was stronger in hypoxia than that in normoxia (P < .05). The results of Hela in normoxia and in hypoxia were similar to those of Siha (P > .05). HIF-1α plays a key role in cervical cancer both in vivo and in vitro. The role of HIF-1α can be implemented mainly by up-regulating its downstream gene, such as GLUT1, and the main mechanism may enhance glycolytic ability. Strong up-regulation and the role of HIF-1α suggest that HIF-1α could be an important factor in the onset and progression of cervical cancer and could be an attractive therapeutic molecular target for that type of cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is usually considered a disruptive force in recovering organismal phylogeny, it creates important phylogenetic information. In the ‘net of life’, the recipient of an ancient gene transfer can be the ancestor of a lineage that inherits the transferred gene; thus, the transferred gene marks the recipient and its descendants as a monophyletic group. Ancient gene transfer events can also reveal the order of emergence of donor and recipient lineages. In addition, these ancient events can significantly shape the genetic systems of the recipients and can play a part in their long-term evolution. In this article, we discuss the recent progress in phylogenetic application of ancient HGTs and describe two examples of transfer events to the ancestor of red algae and green plants that support a common origin of these two groups. We also address the potential pitfalls of this application. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports of plant-like and bacterial-like genes for a number of parasitic organisms, most notably those within the Apicomplexa and Kinetoplastida, have appeared in the literature over the last few years. Among the apicomplexan organisms, following discovery of the apicomplexan plastid (apicoplast), the discovery of plant-like genes was less surprising although the extent of transfer and the relationship of transferred genes to the apicoplast remained unclear. We used new genome sequence data to begin a systematic examination of the extent and origin of transferred genes in the Apicomplexa combined with a phylogenomic approach to detect potential gene transfers in four apicomplexan genomes. We have detected genes of algal nuclear, chloroplast (cyanobacterial) and proteobacterial origin. Plant-like genes were detected in species not currently harbouring a plastid (e.g. Cryptosporidium parvum) and putatively transferred genes were detected that appear to be unrelated to the function of the apicoplast. While the mechanism of acquisition for many of the identified genes is not certain, it appears that some were most likely acquired via intracellular gene transfer from an algal endosymbiont while others may have been acquired via horizontal gene transfer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Using quartz, talc and wollastonite as the initial minerals, silicone rubber reinforcement filler was prepared by ultra-fine crushing and surface chemical modifying with A-151 and B-5 coupling agent. The interaction between the silicone rubber matrix and the mineral filler was investigated from the aspects of the bound rubber in the uncured mix, the cross-linkage density in the relative vulcanite and the mechanical properties of the corresponding vulcanite. It was found that there are compact associations among the bound rubber in pure toluene, the total cross-linkage density and the tensile strength, and an association among the bound rubber in basic toluene, and the chemical cross-linkage density and modulus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Strigolactones (SLs) and karrikins (KARs) are butenolides that influence multiple aspects of plant growth and development. D14 and KAI2 are members of the α/β-fold hydrolase superfamily and act as receptors of SLs and KARs, as well as of unidentified endogenous KAI2-ligands (KLs). Phylogenetic analyses suggest that plant KAI2 was derived from bacterial RsbQ via horizontal gene transfer (HGT) before the emergence of streptophytes. The D14/KAI2 and RsbQ proteins share conserved tertiary structures and functional features. In this opinion article, we suggest that the acquisition of RsbQ by plant cells was fundamental to the formation of butenolide sensing systems. Recruitment of additional signal transduction components and gene duplication subsequently led to versatile butenolide signaling systems throughout land plants. Strigolactones (SLs) are not only phytohormones that play multiple roles in plant growth and development, but also rhizosphere signals for communication between plants and microbes. Karrikins (KARs) are exogenous compounds generated from burning vegetation which can stimulate seed germination. They contain a butenolide moiety similar to that of SLs. The KAR receptor KAI2 is believed to normally recognize endogenous karrikin-like compounds referred to as KAI2-ligands (KLs). The KAI2 signaling pathway influences various developmental and physiological processes in plants. The duplication and differentiation of KAI2 in seed plants led to the evolution of the SL receptor gene family D14. The perception and signaling of KLs by KAI2 is commonly considered to be a major innovation during the early evolution of land plants, but the origin of KAI2 and SL/KL signaling system is unclear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is known that novel genes facilitated plant colonization of land, the evolutionary origin of these genes remains largely unclear. A recent study by Cheng et al. suggests that some key genes related to plant development and stress responses were acquired from soil bacteria during the early evolution of land plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Broad red emitting phosphors are essential for the growth of indoor plants. Previous Mn4+-activated far-red phosphors typically displayed narrow emission, which could not well overlap with plant pigment absorption. A high temperature solid state technique was used to create the unique double perovskite LaGeSbO 6 :Mn4+ phosphor with an emission peak centered at 700 nm and an impressive full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 100 nm. The origin of ultra-broadband emission of LGS:Mn4+ phosphors was confirmed by crystal structure and time-resolved spectra owing to the occupation of the two octahedral [SbO 6 ] and [GeO 6 ] centers by the Mn4+ ion. The quenching mechanism is brought about by the dipole-dipole interaction. The broadband emission is substantially broader than that of other Mn4+-activated red emitting phosphors previously described. Besides, the emission spectrum of LaGeSbO 6 :0.4%Mn4+ matches well with the phytochrome P FR absorption band for plant development. All of the findings suggested that the novel LaGeSbO 6 :Mn4+ phosphor could be potentially used in light-emitting diodes for indoor plant culture. [Display omitted] • Time-resolved emission spectroscopy reveals that dual luminescence centers contribute to the ultra-broad emission band of LaGeSbO 6 :Mn4+. • The broad emission band is centered at 700 nm with an outstanding FWHM of 100 nm, which matches well with the absorption band of phytochrome P FR for plant growth. • Broad excitation bands ranging within 200–600 nm can be efficiently excited by near-UV and blue LED chips to emit deep red emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We studied development and senescence in daylily flowers over a 24 h period. • The loss of cell wall material and cohesion was associated with senescence. • Pectin-specific epitopes showed that the cell wall pectin had been remodeled. • Demethylesterification of the pectin was evident when the outer tepals opened. • The number of pectin side chains was greatly reduced during senescence. Ephemeral flower deaths occur within 24 h of flowering in the genus Hemerocallis. The senescence of plant organs is owing to the loss of cell wall cohesion. Pectin is the most structurally complex plant cell wall polysaccharide and has an important role in cell-to-cell adhesion. In this study, we used histological stains, immunolocalization and pectin characterization analyses to examine the dynamic changes in pectin in Hemerocallis citrina 'Datonghuanghua' tepals at eight stages (S1–S8). The pectin-specific antibodies JIM5 and JIM7, which hybridize to differently esterified regions of the homogalacturonan (HG) backbone, showed that demethylesterification of HG-type pectins was evident after the outer tepals had opened. Before flower opening, these two antibodies labelled tissue continuously across the cell wall, and the cells were round and tightly packed. The labeling of highly esterified epitopes recognized by JIM7 became deformed when the outer tepals opened. However, 12 h after blooming, low-and high-esterified epitope signals were disrupted near the vascular cylinder, and air space then appeared until these signals disappeared. labeling with the antibody LM5, which is specific for the (1 → 4)-β galactan side chains of rhamnogalacturonan-I, was disrupted near the vascular cylinder at the same stage. Moreover, the contents of neutral sugars in pectin analyses showed that galactose decreased significantly at 12 h after blooming. Three enzymes were involved in pectin remodeling at different developmental phases. The activities of pectin methylesterase continued to increase after the outer tepals opened and reached a significant peak at 12 h after blooming. The activities of polygalacturonase and pectate lyase also increased, but the difference was not significant. Our findings revealed that demethylesterification of HG-type pectins was evident after the outer tepals opened, and this remodeling greatly facilitated their degradation by pectic enzymes. The loss of cell wall material and cohesion that accompanied the activities of pectic enzymes was associated with senescence. Therefore, remodeling of the pectin in cell walls of the tepals is necessary for the occurrence of senescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An amphiphilic 2,10-di-sulfonato-18,26-di-phthalimidomethyl phthalocyanine zinc di-potassium salt (3) was synthesized by first direct condensation of hydrophilic precursor 4-sulfonic phthalic acid mono-potassium salt (1) with hydrophobic precursor 4-phthalimidomethyl phthalic acid (2). Then the condensed mixture was separated by reverse HPLC method and further purified by a membrane separation method. The composition of the title compound was characterized by elemental analysis, UV, 1H NMR, 13C NMR as well as TG and DTA, and its C 4h -structure was identified according to the 1H NMR signal of submethyl protons of the phthalimidomethyl groups in the phthalocyanine ring, polarity and synthetic mechanism. In vivo antitumor activity of the title compound as photosensitizer showed that its inhibitory rate was up to 90.3%. This amphiphilic photosensitizer has a potential application in the photodynamic therapy of cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Phthalocyanine zinc (ZnPc) is an important class of photosensitizers. Derivatization of phthalocyanine ring with chemical functional groups provides anchor points for covalent attachment of biological targeting agents, thus increasing the selectivity of the photosensitizers. ZnPc with symmetric and multiple functional groups, e.g., tetracarboxyphthalocyanine zinc, is easy to be prepared but is unfavorable for linking targeting agents due to many reasons. On the other hand, single-substituted ZnPc, is more challenging to synthesize and, especially, to purify. Here we report the synthesis of an unsymmetrical phthalocyanine, 2-carboxyphthalocyanine zinc 1, with a single carboxylic group on phthalocyanine ring, and the design of its chromatographic purification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) represents a new generation of antitumor agents targeting DNA topoisomerase I, which has been applied to treat various cancers with fewer side effects. Autophagy is emerging as an important biological mechanism in targeting human cancers, including cervical cancer. In this study, We have reported that HCPT could induce autophagy in Hela cells. Our investigation of the underlying mechanisms revealed that the decreased expression of miR-30a is involved in HCPT-induced autophagy. Futhermore, we showed that miR-30a could directly target a specific fragment in the 3′ untranslated region of Beclin-1 as demonstrated by luciferase assay and overexpression of hsa-miR-30a by transfecting with miR-30a mimic could block HCPT-induced autophagic activity. It is the first time provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms by which HCPT affect cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been accepted as an alternative treatment for cancer. The rationale for the development of PDT for cancer is that target specificity can be achieved by controlling the location at which light activates the drug, i.e. photosensitiser. Metal phthalocyanines represent a new class of photosensitisers developed for cancer treatment. In the present study, we focused on exploring molecular mechanisms of the lead photosensitiser PHOTOCYANINE on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells to guide our future development of PHOTOCYANINE. Growth inhibition potency of PHOTOCYANINE and its analogues was tested in vitro with and without irradiation at wavelength 670nm. Irradiation shifted the concentration-growth inhibition curves of PHOTOCYANINE to the left and decreased the IC50s of PHOTOCYANINE required to produce equivalent inhibition by 200-fold on various cell lines. The amphipathic PHOTOCYANINE permeated through HepG2 cell membrane and predominately distributed to lysosome and mitochondria, where it significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and increased caspase-3 activity in a concentration-dependent manner after irradiation. Early apoptosis of HepG2 occurred followed by necrosis when concentrations of PHOTOCYANINE were increased in the presence of irradiation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was significant following PHOTOCYANINE plus irradiation treatment and cell cycle was mainly arrested at G2/M stage. In conclusion, PHOTOCYANINE, once irradiated, induces HepG2 cells into apoptosis via reducing ΔΨm, producing ROS, activating caspase-3, and causing cell arrest at G2/M stage. This study provides important insights into molecular mechanisms of the anti-cancer PHOTOCYANINE, which now is being applied for in the clinical trials II in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Eight novel piperazine derivatives of metal (Zn, Co, Ni, Cu) phthalocyanine complexes were synthesized from two precursors obtained by the nucleophilic substitution of (N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine)-N′-2-ethane sulfonic acid (HEPES) with both 3-nitro-phthalonitrile and 4-nitro-phthalonitrile. The complexes are characterized by IR, elemental analysis, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopy; the UV–vis absorption spectra, rate of singlet oxygen yields, fluorescence spectra and quantum yields of the compounds are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) refers to the movement of genetic material between distinct species by means other than sexual reproduction. HGT has contributed tremendously to the genome plasticity and adaptive evolution of prokaryotes and certain unicellular eukaryotes. The evolution of green plants from chlorophyte algae to angiosperms and from water to land represents a process of adaptation to diverse environments, which has been facilitated by acquisition of genetic material from other organisms. In this article, we review the occurrence of HGT in major lineages of green plants, including chlorophyte and charophyte green algae, bryophytes, lycophytes, ferns, and seed plants. In addition, we discuss the significance of horizontally acquired genes in the adaptive innovations of green plants and their potential applications to crop breeding and improvement. • HGT is important for adaptive innovation and widespread in all major green plant lineages. • Green plants have acquired many genes related to stress responses. • The ancestor of green plants acquired some essential genes for the innovation of carbon and energy metabolism. • Some genes acquired by charophytes had further exapted into the functions that are important in plant terrestrialization. • Most HGT genes in non-seed plants are from bacteria, fungi or viruses, while plant-to-plant HGT is frequent in seed plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PHOTOCYANINE mainly distributes in plasma with high plasma protein binding. • HSA and LDL are two important plasma proteins for delivering of PHOTOCYANINE. • PHOTOCYANINE exhibits two plasma protein binding modes due to its amphiphilic property. Blood distribution and plasma protein binding are the important properties that can influence pharmacokinetics and ultimately the anticancer efficacy of photosensitizers in clinical photodynamic therapy. As a novel and promising phthalocyanine photosensitizer under clinical phase Ⅱ investigation in China, the superiority of PHOCYANINE is speculated on its attribution to its binding with plasma proteins. To verify this hypothesis, explore the targeting mechanism and further apply foundation for its clinical trial evaluation, we further study its in vitro and in vivo human blood distribution, in vitro plasma protein and lipoprotein binding in detail. PHOTOCYANINE was found to be mainly distributed in plasma with low K BP and K EP values. Moreover, its high binding rates to plasma proteins among various species (mouse, rat, dog, monkey, and human) were then determined. Among these plasma proteins, human serum albumin and α1-acid-glycoprotein were found to bind PHOTOCYANINE highly, and low-density lipoproteins have the highest percentage of PHOTOCYANINE over other lipoproteins. This study is expected to provide some guidance for PDT clinical evaluations and for further molecular design and development of photosensitizers. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]