Search

Fruit semi-russeting is an undesirable quality trait that occurs in fruit production. It is reported that preharvest fruit bagging could effectively alleviate fruit exocarp semi-russeting, but the physiological and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we performed an in-depth investigation into pear fruit semi-russeting from morphologic, metabolic and transcriptomic perspectives by comparing control (semi-russeted) and bagged (non-russeted) 'Cuiguan' pear fruits. The results showed that significant changes in cutin and suberin resulted in pear fruit semi-russeting. Compared with the skin of bagged fruits, the skin of the control fruits presented reduced cutin contents accompanied by an accumulation of suberin, which resulted in fruit semi-russeting; α, ω-dicarboxylic acids accounted for the largest proportion of typical suberin monomers. Moreover, combined transcriptomic and metabolic analysis revealed a series of genes involved in cutin and suberin biosynthesis, transport and polymerization differentially expressed between the two groups. Furthermore, the expression levels of genes involved in the stress response and in hormone biosynthesis and signaling were significantly altered in fruits with contrasting phenotypes. Finally, a number of transcription factors, including those of the MYB, NAC, bHLH and bZIP families, were differentially expressed. Taken together, the results suggest that the multilayered mechanism through which bagging alleviates pear fruit semi-russeting is complex, and the large number of candidate genes identified provides a good foundation for future functional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Gram-negative, nonspore forming, nonmotile, and short-rod-shaped aerobic bacterium, designated DY48A3-103T, was isolated from a seawater sample collected from the West Pacific Ocean. Strain DY48A3-103T showed oxidase-positive and catalase-positive activities. Growth was observed at 10–37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 6.5–9.5 (optimum 8.0) and in 1–11% NaCl (optimum 3%, w/v). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis exhibited 96.3%, 96.1%, 96.0%, and 94.9% sequence similarity to the type strains Rhodophyticola porphyridii MA-7-27T, Nioella sediminis JS7-11T, N. nitratireducens SSW136T, and Jannaschia helgolandensis DSM 14858T, respectively. Strain DY48A3-103T and the type strains of phylogenetically related species have 61.7–75.4% AAI values, which fell into to the genus boundary range (60–80% AAI). Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences and the genome sequences of strain DY48A3-103T revealed that it was affiliated to the members of the family Rhodobacteraceae. The G+C content was 65.4%. The sole isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. Major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (comprising C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c, and C16:0. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, and genomic properties, strain DY48A3-103t is proposed to represent a novel genus and a novel species, Alterinioella nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov., in the family Rhodobacteraceae. The type strain is DY48A3-103T (= KCTC 72738T = MCCC 1K04322T). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evulate the therapeutic effect and safety of reteplase in treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods Ninety-five patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction who admitted in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2013 were divided into 2 groups: reteplase group (54 cases) and urokinase group (41 cases). Patients in reteplase group were intravenous injection of 18mg of reteplase for twice, and the interval was 30 minute, and patients in urokinase group were given intravenous injection of 1500, 000U urokinase in 30 minutes. The recanalization rate of coronary artery, the incidence of cardiovascular complications, reocclusion, hemorrhage and mortality were compared between two groups. Results There was statistically significant difference in the recanalization rate of coronary artery between two groups (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of cardiovascular complications, reocclusion, hemorrhage and mortality between two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Reteplase is a highly active and safe thrombolytic drug in treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with earlier recanalization, higher recanalization rate of coronary artery, more convenient administration way, longer maintaining time and less adverse reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcone Isomerase (CHI) catalyzes the biosynthesis of flavonoids and secondary metabolism in plants. Currently, there is no systematic analysis of CHIs gene family in Fagaceae which is available. In this study, twenty-two CHI proteins were identified in five species of the Fagaceae family. The CHI superfamily in Fagaceae can be classified into three subfamilies and five groups using phylogenetic analysis, analysis of physicochemical properties, and structural prediction. Results indicated that serine (Ser) and isoleucine (Ile) residues determine the substrate preferred by active Type I Fagaceae CHI, and the chalcone isomerase-like (CHIL) of Fagaceae had active site residues. Adaptive analysis of CHIs showed that CHIs are subject to selection pressure. The active CHI gene of Fagaceae was located in the cytoplasm, and it had the typical gene structure of CHI and contains four exons. All the twenty-two identified CHIs had the conserved domain motif 3, and the different groups had their own structural characteristics. In the process of fatty acid binding protein (FAP) evolution to CHIL and CHI, the physical and chemical properties of proteins also had significant differences in addition to changes in protein functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed‐valence compounds with the iso‐cyanidometal‐ligand bridge in different oxidation states are used as models for the investigation of the electron‐transfer process. We synthesized a series of trimetallic isocyanidometal‐bridged compounds with [Fe–CN–Ru–NC–Fe]n+ (n=2–4), in which the one‐electron oxidation product (N3+) and two‐electron oxidation product (N4+) compounds possess an isocyanidometal bridge whose energy is, respectively lower and slightly higher than the terminal metal centers energies. For the N3+ compounds, the bridge state (FeII–RuIII–FeII) and mixed‐valence states (FeIII–RuII–FeII or FeII–RuII–FeIII) could be simultaneously observed on the IR timescale. For the N4+ compounds, as the donor becomes stronger the electron transfer bridge excited state (FeIII–RuII–FeIII) becomes more and more stable, and even becomes ground state due to the strong electronic coupling between Fe and Ru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed‐valence compounds with the iso‐cyanidometal‐ligand bridge in different oxidation states are used as models for the investigation of the electron‐transfer process. We synthesized a series of trimetallic isocyanidometal‐bridged compounds with [Fe–CN–Ru–NC–Fe]n+ (n=2–4), in which the one‐electron oxidation product (N3+) and two‐electron oxidation product (N4+) compounds possess an isocyanidometal bridge whose energy is, respectively lower and slightly higher than the terminal metal centers energies. For the N3+ compounds, the bridge state (FeII–RuIII–FeII) and mixed‐valence states (FeIII–RuII–FeII or FeII–RuII–FeIII) could be simultaneously observed on the IR timescale. For the N4+ compounds, as the donor becomes stronger the electron transfer bridge excited state (FeIII–RuII–FeIII) becomes more and more stable, and even becomes ground state due to the strong electronic coupling between Fe and Ru. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing (CCDC) is a large class of structural proteins containing left-handed supercoiled structure. The clinical value and the functional implication of CCDC in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unknown. Based on the genetic, transcriptional, and clinical data from The Cancer Genome Atlas, five of thirty-six CCDC proteins were differentially expressed in the CRC and associated with the survival of patients with CRC. A CCDC-score model was established to evaluate the prognosis of patients. The potential function of Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing 154 (CCDC154) was investigated using bioinformatical methods, which unveiled that high expression of CCDC154 indicates poor survival for patients with CRC and correlates with low infiltration of CD8+ T cells and high infiltration of neutrophils, indicating that CCDC154 enhances tumor growth and metastasis. CCDC154 interacts with Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 2 (MCM2) protein and promotes malignant phenotype via MCM2. We validated the expression level and survival prediction value of CCDC154 in clinical samples, and analyzed its co-expression of MCM2, Ki-67 and p53. This work discloses the role of CCDC in clinical setting and CCDC154 functions in CRC. • Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing proteins are differentially expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and can indicate the survival of patients with CRC. • Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing 154 (CCDC154) is high upregulated in CRC and patients with high expression of CCDC154 in CRC experience unfavorable survival. • CCDC154 interacts with Minichromosome Maintenance Complex Component 2 (MCM2) protein, and exerts its function of promoting tumor growth and metastasis by MCM2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Se vacancy-rich NiMoSe nanowire skeleton was constructed on NF. • NiAl-LDH nanosheets were grown around the nimose skeletons to form core-shell structure. • NiMoSe@LDH cathode had high specific capacity of 1381.1 C g −1. • NiMoSe@LDH//AC delivered the energy density of 50.2 wh kg−1 at 800 w kg−1. As promising electrode materials, transition metal selenides show great potential applications in energy storage devices. Here self-supported Ni 0.85 Se nanowires with Se vacancies (denoted as NiMoSe) on NF were synthesized by a solvothermal route and post-selenization using NiMoO 4 as the precursor, which electrochemical performance was optimized by adjusting the Se feeding during the selenization. Whereas, the supercapacitive properties of the optimal NiMoSe need to be further improved for achieving higher rate capability and electrochemical stability. So, an efficient strategy was proposed to improve the electrochemical performance through welding the NiAl hydrotalcite (NiAl-LDH) nanosheets on the NiMoSe surface to construct a novel 1D-2D-3D hierarchical core-shell material (NiMoSe@LDH), which provided more active sites and ensured a high rate-capability and long-term stability. Benefiting from the synergistic effect between NiMoSe nanowires core and NiAl-LDH shell, the NiMoSe@LDH delivered a favorable specific charge of 1381.1 C g −1 at 1 A g −1 with impressive rate capability and cyclic stability (85.2% retention after 5 000 cycles at 5 A g −1). Furthermore, the as-assembled NiMoSe@LDH//AC afforded a high energy density of 50.2 Wh kg–1 at a power density of 800 W kg–1 and good cycling stability (86.5% retention at 5 A g −1 after 10 000 cycles) compared to the NiMoSe//AC (36.3 Wh kg–1 at 800 W kg–1, 77.3% retention). This work provides a new strategy for the design of high-performance transition metal selenides in next-generation energy storage devices. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring Viremia of Carp Virus (SVCV) has a high fatality rate and is highly contagious. Once aquaculture is infected, significant economic losses will ensue. In this study, the influence of five temperatures on the activity and proteomic alterations of SVCV-infected carp epithelial cell line (EPC) was investigated. MTT results showed that at 26 °C, the activity of both uninfected and infected cells with the SVCV virus peaked, while virus titers peaked at 31 °C. For further research, 26 °C and 31 °C infected for 24 h were chosen. Flow cytometry revealed that the percentage of apoptosis increased at 26 °C and 31 °C. At 31 °C, qPCR results revealed that the expression of the SVCV-G gene was significantly different from that of the control group (p < 0.05). According to the results of proteomics, 1665 distinct proteins were identified. TLR3, IRF3, IFN-β, and SVCV-G expression was significantly upregulated following HSP70 knockdown. Through screening and validation, we explored the influence of Hsp70 replication with promising results in order to gain a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of SVCV and to develop new treatment and prevention strategies for SVCV. • EPC cell activity decreases at high temperatures, and SVCV replicates more readily at high temperatures. • Knockdown of HSP70 gene in the endoplasmic reticulum processing pathway could significantly regulate the expressions of TLR3, IRF3 and IFN-β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The slurry is hardened through the reorganization of the group and the reduction of the distance. • The confining pressure of the well wall helps increase the strength of the solidified body. • The increase in pore shrinkage causes the increase of relaxation time of intergranular water. The improper treatment of smelter slag is a prominent issue regarding environmental protection. To resolve this issue, we explored the possible application of a slag plugging fluid in the field of oil and gas field development. Specifically, the thermal effect during the hydration process, the microstructure, the water function mechanism, and the mechanical characteristics of a hardened body of the slag plugging fluid were investigated using a combination of characterization equipment including a hydration heat calorimeter, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, NMR crosslink density meter, and medium-sized NMR analysis and imaging system. The results of this study show that the degree of polymerization of Si increases during the hydration process, accompanied by the generation of a large amount of 6-coordinated Al. At the same time, the spacing between particles is reduced by the physical and chemical reactions in the hydration product formed through the hydration reaction of the slag. This behavior causes the slurry to cement and harden. During the hardening process of the slurry, the water binding force, the water form, and the pore structure are all affected and changed by the components in the slurry. These combined effects further cause the T 2 spectrum curve of water to change during the hydration process. Finally, a hardened slurry can form a slug that effectively seals the leaking channel. The theoretical results obtained from this study can help guide the recycling utilization of slag in the area of oil and gas field development. Such a direction will provide an effective means of resolving the slag treatment issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel data-driven model building method is proposed for predicting one-dimensional product crystal size distribution (CSD) or chord length distribution (CLD) of batch cooling crystallization processes, based on only batch run data. The proposed model relating the manipulated variable of cooling rate to the product CSD are constructed by two classes of basis functions, one is the wavelet basis function for reshaping the CSD and the other is the polynomial basis function for weighting the chosen wavelet basis functions to reflect the nonlinear relationship between the input and the density of individual crystal size among the product crystals. Correspondingly, a double-layer least-squares algorithm is established to estimate the model parameters, along with an adaptive strategy to determine the location and number of wavelet basis functions. By introducing an objective function that combines the information entropy of product CSD and the sample deviation of product crystals in each batch with respect to the target crystal size, the optimal input design of cooling rate for the desired product CSD is carried out by using a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm to solve the non-convex optimization problem with the established CSD model. Simulation tests on the hen-egg-white lysozyme crystallization process along with experiments on the L-glutamic acid cooling crystallization process are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantage of the proposed method. • Novel data-driven model for predicting product crystal size distribution (CSD). • Double-layer model building by two classes of basis functions. • An adaptive strategy for choosing the basis functions. • Optimal input design for obtaining the desired product CSD. • A synthetic quality index combining the information entropy of CSD and target size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) is an extremely rare monogenic autosomal disease associated with the HtrA serine protease 1 (HTRA 1) gene mutation. Recently, a few genetically confirmed CARASIL cases with novel HTRA 1 mutations have been reported in countries other than Japan. Here, we report a case of a patient presenting with worsening right hemiplegia and hemiparesthesia. Physical examination revealed that the patient had typical clinical features of CARASIL including thinning hair, cognitive impairment, emotional changes, lumbago, and gait disorder. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed abnormal diffuse symmetric changes in white matter and hypertensive diffusion-weighted imaging signals in the left centrum ovale and right splenium of the corpus callosum, and susceptibility-weighted imaging showed multiple cerebral microbleeds. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed herniated disks with degenerative changes. A genetic test showed a novel homozygous nucleotide variation of c.847G>T in the HTRA1 gene, thereby resulting in p.Gly283Ter. Thus the patient met the diagnostic criteria for CARASIL. We provide a literature review of genetically confirmed CARASIL cases reported to date. CARASIL is a rare autosomal recessive disease with an HTRA1 mutation. Familiarity with the early clinical and imaging features of CARASIL combined with a genetic test is key for its early diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in situ growth strategy for construction of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) TpBD on glassy carbon electrode using p-aminobenzoic acid and ethylenediamine as connector is introduced. The fabricated electrode was used for electrochemical biosensing of aflatoxin M1 in milk samples combined with magnetic nanoparticles, which acted as probe carriers. The developed electrochemical biosensor exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity toward aflatoxin M1 with a detection limit of 0.15 ng/mL (S/N = 3). Moreover, the covalent bonding of TpBD on the glassy carbon electrode has good stability, which retained 76% of the initial signal after 15 days storage at room temperature. This work provides a valuable case for in situ growth of COFs TpBD on the electrode, and the proposed synthetic route is expected to provide a powerful tool for the wide application of other functional COFs in electrochemical biosensor. • Covalent organic frameworks TpBD was grown in situ on the electrode. • The modified TpBD electrode possesses an excellent stability. • The electrochemical biosensor was developed for the determination of aflatoxin M1 in milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• CMO is exploited for gain-phase errors calibration of nonuniform linear array. • Two effective strategies are introduced to eliminate/reduce the failure problem. • An efficient way-subvector division is applied to form a full-rank covariance. • A theoretical analysis on the performance of the proposed algorithm is provided. • The CRB for underdetermined DOA estimation with partly calibrated array is derived. Recently proposed nested array can increase the number degrees of freedom (DOFs) greatly in comparison with uniform linear array, enabling us to extend it to tackle the problem of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in the presence of gain-phase errors. By exploiting continuous multiplication operator and an auxiliary source, the gain-phase error matrix is efficiently estimated under the assumption that part of sensors are well calibrated. After compensating the gain-phase errors, a full-rank virtual covariance matrix is obtained by subvector division and the DOAs are successfully obtained via the ESPRIT technique. The proposed algorithm is a general one, and can be easily applied to coprime array and other mainstream DOA solving techniques (such as MUSIC and sparsity-based approaches). The performance analysis and Cramér-Rao Bound for DOA estimation with partly calibrated nested array are given and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The border area between south-eastern Yunnan, China and northern Vietnam is one of the regions with richest biological diversity including that of the fern genus Angiopteris (Marattiaceae). Based on the analysis of morphology and DNA sequences of multiple chloroplast regions (atpB, rbcL, rps4-trnS spacer and trnL-F spacer), we revised Angiopteris tonkinensis (Hayata) J.M.Camus and proposed a new combination Angiopteris tamdaoensis (Hayata) J.Y.Xiang & T.Wang, comb. nov., which was previously regarded as a synonym of A. tonkinensis. We found support for a monophyletic Angiopteris including Protomarattia. This discovery adds two new distribution sites of A. tonkinensis, one in China (Malipo, Yunnan) and one in Vietnam (Quan Ba, Ha Giang). We suggest A. tonkinensis should be categorised as Critically Endangered (CR) species according to the criteria of IUCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although people of all ages are susceptible to the novel coronavirus infection, which is presently named "Coronavirus Disease 2019" (COVID-19), there has been relatively few cases reported among children. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 in children and the differences from adults.Case Presentation: We report one pediatric case of COVID-19. A 14-month-old boy was admitted to the hospital with a symptom of fever, and was diagnosed with a mild form of COVID-19. The child's mother and grandmother also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. However, the lymphocyte counts were normal. The chest computed tomography (CT) revealed scattered ground glass opacities in the right lower lobe close to the pleura and resorption after the treatment. The patient continued to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the nasopharyngeal swabs and stool at 17 days after the disappearance of symptoms.Conclusion: The present pediatric case of COVID-19 was acquired through household transmission, and the symptoms were mild. Lymphocyte counts did not significantly decrease. The RNA of SARS-CoV-2 in stool and nasopharyngeal swabs remained positive for an extended period of time after the disappearance of symptoms. This suggests that attention should be given to the potential contagiousness of pediatric COVID-19 cases after clinical recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx) serves an important role in the pathogenesis of the hepatitis B virus infection. Previous studies have reported that the interaction between HBx and hepatocyte mitochondria is an important factor leading to liver cell injury and apoptosis, ultimately inducing the formation of liver cancer. In the present study, a mouse model expressing HBx was constructed using hydrodynamic in vivo transfection based on the interaction between HBx and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit III. The specific mechanism of HBx-induced oxidative stress in mouse hepatocytes and the subsequent effect on mitochondrial function and inflammatory injury was assessed. The results demonstrated that HBx reduced the activity of COX and the expression of superoxide dismutase and upregulated the expression of malondialdehyde, NF-κB and phospho-AKT, thus increasing oxidative stress. In addition, HBx induced an increase in interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-18 expression levels, which created an inflammatory microenvironment in the liver, further promoting hepatocyte inflammatory injury. Therefore, it was proposed that HBx may affect hepatocyte mitochondrial respiration by reducing the activity of cytochrome c oxidase, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and inducing hepatocyte inflammation and injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C-Glycosides, a special type of glycoside, are frequently distributed in many kinds of medicinal plants, such as puerarin and mangiferin, showing various and significant bioactivities. C-Glycosides are usually characterized by the C–C bond that forms between the anomeric carbon of sugar moieties and the carbon atom of aglycon, which is usually resistant against acidic hydrolysis and enzymatic treatments. Interestingly, C-glycosides could be cleaved by several intestinal bacteria, but whether the enzymatic cleavage of C–C glycosidic bond is reduction or hydrolysis has been controversial; furthermore, whether existence of a "C-glycosidase" directly catalyzing the cleavage is not clear. Here we review research advances about the discovery and mechanism of intestinal bacteria in enzymatic cleavage of C–C glycosidic bond with an emphasis on the identification of enzymes manipulation the deglycosylation. Finally, we give a brief conclusion about the mechanism of C-glycoside deglycosylation and perspectives for future study in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epiphytic ferns have been found to flourish after angiosperms dominated forest communities, and they play important roles in rainforest canopies. How do epiphytic ferns adapt to tropical rainforest canopy habitats? At present, we know little about the molecular mechanism underlying this adaptation. Asplenium nidus is a well-known epiphytic fern that is closely related to the terrestrial species Asplenium komarovii. Here, RNA-seq and comparative transcriptomic analyses were performed to explore the underlying basis of the adaptation of A. nidus to extreme environments. A total of 44.04 and 44.57 Mb clean reads were obtained from A. nidus and A. komarovii, respectively, and they were assembled into 89,741 and 77,912 unigenes. Functional annotation showed that 52,305 (58.28% of the total genes for A. nidus) and 45,938 (58.96% of the total genes for A. komarovii) unigenes were annotated in public databases. Genes involved in stress responses and photosynthesis were found to have undergone positive selection in A. nidus. Compared to A. komarovii, transcription factors related to stress response, leaf development, and root development were found to be considerably expanded in A. nidus, especially in the ANR1 subclade of MADS-box family genes which played roles in lateral root development. This study improves our understanding of the adaptation of A. nidus to epiphytic habitats by forming unique strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circadian clock is important for cellular and organ function. However, its function in sickle cell disease (SCD), a life-threatening hemolytic disorder, remains unknown. Here, we performed an unbiased microarray screen, which revealed significantly altered expression of circadian rhythmic genes, inflammatory response genes, and iron metabolic genes in SCD Berkeley transgenic mouse lungs compared with controls. Given the vital role of period 2 (Per2) in the core clock and the unrecognized role of Per2 in SCD, we transplanted the bone marrow (BM) of SCD mice to Per2Luciferase mice, which revealed that Per2 expression was up-regulated in SCD mouse lung. Next, we transplanted the BM of SCD mice to period 1 (Per1)/Per2 double deficient [Per1/Per2 double knockout (dKO)] and wild-type mice, respectively. We discovered that Per1/Per2 dKO mice transplanted with SCD BM (SCD - Per1/Per2 dKO) displayed severe irradiation sensitivity and were more susceptible to an early death. Although we observed an increase of peripheral inflammatory cells, we did not detect differences in erythrocyte sickling. However, there was further lung damage due to elevated pulmonary congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, iron overload, and secretion of IL-6 in lavage fluid. Overall, we demonstrate that Per1/Per2 is beneficial to counteract elevated systemic inflammation, lung tissue inflammation, and iron overload in SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red tomato spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker & Pritchard, is a newly emerged and globally invasive pest of solanaceous plants. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of T. evansi was sequenced using Illumina Hiseq technology. The complete mitochondrial genome of T. evansi is a typical circular DNA with a length of 13,064 bp, which contains 37 genes arranged in consistent with the typical metazoan mitochondrial genomes. Highly truncated mitochondrial tRNAs were observed, with 18 of the 22 tRNAs appearing to lack the D- or T- arms or both. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis showed that mitochondrial genome can significantly improve the reliability of phylogenetic inference relative to short sequences, as indicated by the elevated bootstrap values. This mitochondrial genome provides a valuable source for the future phylogenetic analyses and helps clear the introduction origins of the Chinese T. evansi populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic framework TpBD was grafted on stainless steel wire with polydopamine as a linker. The fabricated TpBD bonded stainless steel wire was used as the solid-phase microextraction fiber to extract sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) for subsequent GC-MS/MS determination in grilled meat samples. The developed method gave the limits of detection (S/N = 3) from 0.02 (pyrene)-1.66 (naphthalene) ng L−1 and enhancement factors from 1069 (naphthalene)-10879 (benz(a)anthracene). The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for intra-day and inter-day study are in the range of 2.6%–8.5% and 4.5%–9.4%, respectively. The fiber-to-fiber RSDs for three parallel prepared fibers were 5.3%–10.0%. One TpBD bonded fiber can stand at least 200 cycles without significant loss of extraction efficiency. The developed method was successfully applied for the determination of trace PAHs in grilled meat samples with recoveries from 85.1% to 102.8%. Image 1 • TpBD was covalently linked on the stainless steel wire for SPME. • The TpBD bonded fiber possesses a long service time and high enhancement factors for PAHs. • A sensitive method was developed for determination of sixteen PAHs in grilled meat samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) is a rare entity. Ruptured BAA can cause life-threatening hemorrhage. It is recommended that treatment should be initiated immediately after diagnosis. We present the case of a 56-year-old female with multiple BAAs and interstitial lung disease. Aortic computed tomography angiography demonstrated that the largest aneurysm at the right hilum was fed by right subclavian artery and right bronchial artery. A fistula between the pulmonary trunk and the aneurysm was also revealed. The patient underwent transcatheter embolization. Coils were placed in the feeding vessels instead of the aneurysms to avoid nontarget embolization of the pulmonary arteries through the fistula. The procedure achieved reduction in aneurysmal blood flow. The patient's cough resolved at 6-month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• When Alg/KGM mixing ratio is lower than 6:4, they are compatible. • The compatibility assessed by dilute solution viscometry is consistent with SEM, AFM and TEM. • Alg/KGM gels show significant viscoelasticity, thixotropy. • Alg/KGM gels can be applied to produce low-fat mayonnaise substitutes/analogues. In this study, the compatibility of alginate (Alg) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) in aqueous solutions was evaluated by dilute solution viscometry (DSV). It was found that when Alg: KGM ratio was lower than 6:4 (w/w), Alg and KGM were compatible, which was subsequently confirmed by SEM, AFM and TEM. Moreover, by dispersing emulsified oil droplets into Alg gel matrix, followed by addition of KGM to thicken the system, where the ratio of Alg: KGM was 5:5, a class of emulsion gels with significant thixotropy and viscoelasticity could be obtained. The prepared emulsion gels displayed good thermal stability and freeze-thaw stability, with no oil droplet coalescence observed after heating at 100°C for 30 min or freezing the gels at -18°C for 24 h. Overall, the mixed Alg/KGM system is expected to provide a template for designing low-fat mayonnaise-like food emulsions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Perfluorocaproic acid (PFHxA) exposure causes oxidative stress in the brain. • GO enrichment analysis, the differentially expressed genes were involved in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. • MAPK, Ca2+, and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction were considerably enriched in the KEGG enrichment analysis. Perfluorocaproic acid (PFHxA) has received much attention as an emerging pollutant linked to neurological problems in humans and fish. However, the potential mechanism remains unknown. In this study, the pathological damage to tissue sections demonstrated that perfluorocaproic acid caused brain tissue damage, and the increased antioxidant index malondialdehyde (MDA) and decrease in superoxide Dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Catalase (CAT), and Lysozyme (LZM) that perfluorocaproic acid activated antioxidant stress and caused brain damage. Transcriptome sequencing discovered 1,532 divergent genes, 931 upregulated, and 601 down-regulated. Furthermore, according to GO enrichment analysis, the differently expressed genes were shown to be involved in biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. The MAPK, calcium, and Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction were considerably enriched in the KEGG enrichment analysis. We then analyzed qRT-PCR and chose ten essential differentially expressed genes for validation. The qRT-PCR results followed the same pattern as the RNA-Seq results. In conclusion, our study shows that perfluorocaproic acid exposure causes oxidative stress in the brain. It establishes a theoretical foundation for future research into genes linked to perfluorocaproic acid toxicity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is a lethal freshwater pathogen of cyprinid fish that has caused significant economic losses to aquaculture. To reduce the economic losses caused by SVCV, its pathogenic mechanism needs to be studied more thoroughly. Here, we report for the first time that SVCV infection of Epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells can induce cellular autophagy and apoptosis through endoplasmic reticulum stress. The presence of autophagic vesicles in infected EPC cells was shown by transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative fluorescence PCR and Western blot results showed that p62 mRNA expression was decreased, and the expression of Beclin1 and LC3 mRNA was increased. The p62 protein was decreased, and the Beclin1 protein and LC3 were increased in the endoplasmic reticulum stress activation state. To further clarify the mode of death of SVCV-infected EPC cells, we examined caspase3, caspase9, BCL-2, and Bax mRNA, which showed that they were all increased. Apoptosis of SVCV-infected cells increased upon activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Our results suggest that endoplasmic reticulum stress can regulate SVCV infection-induced autophagy and apoptosis. The results of this study provide theoretical data for the pathogenesis of SVCV and lay the foundation for future drug development and vaccine construction. • SVCV infection can induce the formation of autophagosomes in EPC cells. • SVCV infection-induced apoptosis can be regulated by endoplasmic reticulum stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorocaproic acid (PFHxA), a short-chain substitute for the emerging contaminant perfluorinated compounds, has been detected in the aquatic environment. However, its aquatic toxicity and health risk assessment are mainly unknown. In this study, we compared the toxic doses of 0 mg/L, 5 mg/L, 15 mg/L, 45 mg/L and 135 mg/L on the pathological damage to tissue sections, antioxidant indexes and inflammatory factor expressions in liver, spleen, kidney, Prosogaster, Mid-gut, Hid-gut as well as the changes of IgM, C3, C4, LZM, GOT, GPT in serum of crucian carp. We determined the response of the intestinal microbial community to PFHxA stress by 16S. The results showed that the growth performance of crucian carp was slowed with the increase of PFHxA dose, which caused different degrees of damage to the tissues. Meanwhile, the indexes of SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, ACP, AKP and LZM in each tissue were reduced, and the indexes of IgM, C3, C4 and LZM in serum were reduced. The levels of MDA, GOT and GPT in tissues and GOT and GPT in serum were promoted. In addition, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-KB, and KEAP-1 in each tissue increased compared with the control group. The levels of IL-10, Nrf2, CAT, and GPx were decreased. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that PFHxA significantly reduced the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiota. It is suggested that PFHxA is likely to cause different degrees of damage to various tissues by disrupting the diversity of the intestinal flora. These results provide insights to facilitate the risk assessment of PFHxA contaminants in the aquatic environment. [Display omitted] • Perfluorocaproic acid can cause damage to immune organs and intestinal tract. • Perfluorocaproic acid can disrupt the intestinal mucosal barrier. • Perfluorocaproic acid can reduce beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate MMCT excited states of MV complexes, two symmetrical tetranuclear cyanido-bridged localized MV complexes RuIICNRuIII,III2NCRuII have been designed and synthesized. The ultrafast time-resolved transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy experiment reveals that the MMCT rate of 1 and 2 is 0.18 × 1014 s−1 (τ = 5.7 × 10−14 s) and 0.29 × 1013 s−1 (τ = 3.46 × 10−13 s), respectively, which suggests that the MMCT rate or the lifetime of the MMCT excited state may be controlled by a slight change of the substituent group on the metal center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 12-Lipoxygenase (12-LOX) plays a major role in the progression and metastasis of various types of cancer. In gastric cancer (GC), the expression level of 12-LOX is significantly up-regulated; however, its function, and underlying mechanism of action remain unclear. Methods: The mRNA and protein expression levels of 12-LOX were assessed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses, respectively, in GC cell lines. 12-LOX expression was stably up-regulated using lentiviral vector in BGC823 and MGC803 cells, and cell-counting kit-8 (CCK8), colony formation, and invasion assays were performed to verify the function of 12-LOX in proliferation and metastasis. In addition, the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) differentiation markers and downstream targets of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were examined by Western blotting. A nude mouse model of tumor growth and metastasis was established to investigate the role of 12-LOX in vivo. Results: Our findings demonstrate that 12-LOX mRNA and protein were highly expressed in GC cell lines. 12-LOX overexpression promoted GC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, up-regulation of 12-LOX promoted the EMT in GC cells, as reflected by a decrease in E-cadherin expression and an increase in N-cadherin and Snail expression. 12-LOX overexpression in GC cells also increased the expression of multiple downstream targets of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion: These findings revealed that 12-LOX functions as an oncogene in promoting GC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. In addition, 12-LOX might regulate the EMT via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, indicating a potential role for 12-LOX as a target in GC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation plays a critical role in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Chemokine receptor CXCR2 mediates inflammatory cell chemotaxis in several diseases. However, the role of CXCR2 in AAA and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we found that the CXCR2 expressions in AAA tissues from human and angiotensin II (Ang II)-infused apolipoprotein E knockout (Apo E−/−) mice were significantly increased. The pharmacological inhibition of CXCR2 (SB265610) markedly reduced Ang II-induced AAA formation. Furthermore, SB265610 treatment significantly reduced collagen deposition, elastin degradation, the metal matrix metalloprotease expression and accumulation of macrophage cells. In conclusion, these results showed CXCR2 plays a pathogenic role in AAA formation. Inhibition of CXCR2 pathway may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat AAA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-molecular mass protein 7 (LMP7) is a proteolytic subunit of the immunoproteasome that is involved in regulating inflammatory responses. However, the role of LMP7 in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains unknown. In this study, ApoE knockout (KO) or LMP7/ApoE double KO (dKO) mice were infused with angiotensin II (Ang II, 1000 ng/kg per minute) for up to 28 d. We found that LMP7 expression was significantly upregulated in AAA tissues from ApoE KO mice and human patients. Moreover, Ang II infusion markedly increased the incidence and severity of AAA in ApoE KO mice, which was considerably reduced in LMP7/ApoE dKO mice. Histological alterations, including aortic wall thickening, collagen deposition, elastin fragmentation, and vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis in AAA tissue of ApoE KO mice, were also significantly attenuated in LMP7/ApoE dKO mice. Interestingly, LMP7/ApoE dKO mice showed a marked reduction of infiltration of CD3+ T cells, especially CD4+ T cells in AAA tissues compared with ApoE KO mice. Moreover, ablation of LMP7 substantially inhibited the differentiation of CD4+ T cells into Th1 and Th17 cells by reducing the activation of multiple transcriptional factors. We also investigated the effects of an LMP7-specific inhibitor PR-957 (also known as ONX 0914) on AAA formation in ApoE KO mice. PR-957 treatment could reduce the AAA incidence and severity. In conclusion, our results provide, to our knowledge, novel evidence that ablation or pharmacological inhibition of LMP7 attenuates Ang II-induced AAA formation, and LMP7 might be a novel therapeutic target for treating AAA in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phloem-feeding insects feed on plant phloem using their stylets. While ingesting phloem sap, these insects secrete saliva to circumvent plant defenses. Previous studies have shown that, to facilitate their feeding, many phloem-feeding insects can elicit the salicylic acid- (SA-) signaling pathway and thus suppress effective jasmonic acid defenses. However, the molecular basis for the regulation of the plant's defense by phloem-feeding insects remains largely unknown. Here, we show that Bt56, a whitefly-secreted low molecular weight salivary protein, is highly expressed in the whitefly primary salivary gland and is delivered into host plants during feeding. Overexpression of the Bt56 gene in planta promotes susceptibility of tobacco to the whitefly and elicits the SA-signaling pathway. In contrast, silencing the whitefly Bt56 gene significantly decreases whitefly performance on host plants and interrupts whitefly phloem feeding with whiteflies losing the ability to activate the SA pathway. Proteinprotein interaction assays show that the Bt56 protein directly interacts with a tobacco KNOTTED 1-like homeobox transcription factor that decreases whitefly performance and suppresses whiteflyinduced SA accumulation. The Bt56 orthologous genes are highly conserved but differentially expressed in different species of whiteflies. In conclusion, Bt56 is a key salivary effector that promotes whitefly performance by eliciting salicylic acid-signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe an endovascular technique combining the octopus and periscope techniques for the treatment of a patient with type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm in order to protect the patient’s visceral circulation. Case Report: An 84-year-old male patient was hospitalized for type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm involving celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery, and both renal arteries. The patient’s aneurysm was successfully treated by combining the octopus technique and periscope techniques. The 1-year follow-up computed tomography angiography showed that the endograft and the branches were patent. The gutters had thrombosed with no signs of endoleak. No spinal cord ischemia or impairment of the renal function was observed during the follow-up. Conclusions: This case is an example of the successful usage of the combined octopus and periscope techniques in protecting the renovisceral arteries arising from a type V thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm; this combined technique might be applicable in carefully selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two stable pairs of trimetallic compounds trans‐[Cp*(dppe)Ru(μ‐NC)Ru(dmap)4(μ‐CN)Ru(dppe)Cp*][PF6]n (1[PF6]n, n=2, 3; Cp*=1,2,3,4,5‐pentamethylcyclopentadiene; dppe=1,2‐bis‐(diphenylphosphino)ethane; dmap= 4‐dimethylaminopyridine) and trans‐[Cp*(dppe)Ru(μ‐CN)Ru(dmap)4(μ‐NC)Ru(dppe)Cp*][PF6]n (2[PF6]n, n=2, 3), which demonstrate cyanide/isocyanide isomerism, have been synthesized and fully characterized. 13+[PF6]3 and 23+[PF6]3 are the one‐electron oxidation products of 12+[PF6]2 and 22+[PF6]2, respectively. The results suggest that 1[PF6]3 is a class III mixed valence compound, whereas 2[PF6]3 might be an unusually symmetrical class II–III mixed valence compound composed of the two asymmetrical delocalized RuIII−NC−RuII mixed valence subunits. Isomeric triruthenium mixed valence (MV) compounds 13+[PF6]3 and 23+[PF6]3 contain CN bridges with different orientations. Upon isomerization, compound 13+ undergoes a change in the orientation of its ligating CN groups and the electron density of the cyanidometal‐bridged MV complex becomes fully delocalized (class III). Compound 23+ is composed of two asymmetrically delocalized RuII−CN−RuIII units and it behaves like a class II–III cyanide‐bridged MV species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction of lipid absorption has been recognized as an attractive approach for the discovery of new drugs to treat obesity and overweight. The leave extract of Ginkgo biloba has been widely used for the treatment of metabolic diseases (such as hyperlipidemia) in both eastern and western countries, but the bioactive compounds in Ginkgo biloba and the underlying mechanism have not been fully characterized. This study aimed to investigate the inhibition potentials and mechanism of major biflavones from G . biloba on pancreatic lipase (PL), a key target regulating lipid absorption. The results clearly demonstrated that all tested biflavones in G . biloba including isoginkgetin, bilobetin, ginkgetin and sciadopitysin, displayed strong to moderate inhibitory effects on PL with the IC 50 values ranging from 2.90 μM to 12.78 μM. Further investigations on both inhibition kinetic analyses and docking simulations demonstrated that isoginkgetin, bilobetin and ginkgetin were potent PL inhibitors ( K i  < 2.5 μM), which could create strong interactions with the catalytic triad of PL via hydrogen bonding. These findings provided a new powerful evidence for explaining the hypolipidemic effects of G . biloba , while these newly identified PL inhibitors from G . biloba could serve as lead compounds for the development of biflavonoid-type PL inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of tirofiban on stent thrombosis, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were investigated. A total of 94 AMI patients receiving PCI in Shouguang City People's Hospital from January 2016 to September 2016 were selected and randomly divided into control (n=47) and observation group (n=47). The control group was treated with aspirin + clopidogrel before and after operation, while the observation group was treated with tirofiban based on the treatment of control group. The postoperative stent thrombosis was compared between the two groups, and the serum Hs-CRP, IL-6 and sICAM-1 levels before operation and at 24 and 48 h after operation were also compared between two groups. Moreover, the incidence rates of adverse reactions in the groups were observed. Finally, patients were followed-up for 1 year to observe the total incidence rate of adverse cardiac events and life quality of patients in both groups. The thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grading in observation after treatment was significantly superior to that in control group (P<0.05). The levels of Hs-CRP, IL-6 and sICAM-1 in both groups at 24 and 48 h after operation were significantly decreased compared with those before operation, and they were decreased more obviously in observation group (P<0.05); there were no significant differences in the incidence rates of adverse reactions between the groups (P>0.05). Besides, the 1-year follow-up showed that the total incidence rate of adverse cardiac events in observation was significantly lower than that in control group, and the life quality scores were obviously higher than those in control group (P<0.05). The treatment of AMI patients undergoing PCI with tirofiban can effectively prevent stent thrombosis, and alleviate the inflammatory response of patients, it is safe and reliable with important clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic lipase (PL), a key enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of triacylglycerides in the gastrointestinal tract, has been identified as the therapeutic target for the regulation of lipid absorption. In the present study, six major constituents from a famous Chinese herbal medicine Cortex Mori Radicis (also named sangbaipi in Chinese), have been collected and their inhibitory effects on PL have been carefully investigated and well characterized by a fluorescence-based assay. The results clearly demonstrated that all tested bioactive constituents from Cortex Mori Radicis including sanggenone C (SC), sanggenone D (SD), kuwanon C (KC), kuwanon G (KG), morin and morusin displayed strong to moderate inhibitory effects towards PL with the IC 50 values ranging from 0.77 μM to 20.56 μM. Further investigations on inhibition kinetics demonstrated that SC, SD, KC and KG functioned as potent and mixed inhibitors against PL-mediated 4-MU oleate hydrolysis, with the K i values less than 5.0 μM. Furthermore, molecular docking simulations demonstrated that SD (the most potent PL inhibitor from Cortex Mori Radicis) could create strong interaction with Ser152 (the key amino acid in the catalytic triad) of PL via hydrogen bonding. All these findings provided a new powerful evidence for explaining the hypolipidemic effect of Cortex Mori Radicis, also suggested that some abundant natural compounds in this herbal medicine could be served as lead compounds for the development of new PL inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship of Hypolepis brooksiae , H. nigrescens , and H. scabristipes to the remainder of Hypolepis (Dennstaedtiaceae) has been questioned by previous authors based on their unique combination of morphological characters and different base chromosome number. Using four chloroplast genes including rbcL , atpA , rpL6 , and rps4 - trnS intergenic spacer (IGS) from 32 samples, representing 24 species of Dennstaedtiaceae, we recovered a clade comprising H. brooksiae and H. nigrescens , distinct from the remaining species of Hypolepis . This clade is resolved as sister to the clade comprising Blotiella , Paesia and Histiopteris . We reconstructed ancestral states of 16 morphological characters and found that this clade is distinguished by indeterminate, scandent leaves exhibiting rhythmic growth, provided with recurved black-tipped prickles, and stipule-like pinnules that protect the emerging crosier and pinnae departures, rachis-costa architecture where the adaxial sulcus is confluent with the next lower order, and a base chromosome number of x = 29. In light of this molecular and morphological evidence, we describe a new genus, Hiya , and provide nomenclatural combinations to accommodate the three known species segregated from Hypolepis : Hiya brooksiae , Hiya nigrescens , and Hiya scabristipes . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study a function space J N p based on a condition introduced by John and Nirenberg as a variant of BMO. It is known that L p ⊂ J N p ⊊ L p , ∞ , but otherwise the structure of J N p is largely a mystery. Our first main result is the construction of a function that belongs to J N p but not L p , showing that the two spaces are not the same. Nevertheless, we prove that for monotone functions, the classes J N p and L p do coincide. Our second main result describes J N p as the dual of a new Hardy kind of space H K p ′ . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The survival of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor due to high metastasis, and the indispensable step of metastasis includes epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the study, by analyzing the dataset of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we found that the expression of Canopy homolog 2 (CNPY2) is increased both in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which is further confirmed in NSCLC tissues. Not only that, there is a negative correlation between CNPY2 and E‐cadherin expression at mRNA level. Wound healing and transwell matrix penetration assay showed that overexpression of CNPY2 promotes the capability for invasion and metastasis of NSCLC cells. Further analysis uncovered that overexpression of CNPY2 can activate the AKT/GSK3β pathway, which leads to the inactivation of GSK‐3β. The inactivation of GSK‐3β increases the level of Snail, and then decreases the expression of E‐cadherin to promote EMT. Eventually, inhibition of AKT suppresses the malignant transformation of CNPY2‐upregulated cells. The above results suggest that CNPY2 may be served as a novel therapeutic target to therapy the NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arthropods, there is only a single copy of Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (Dscam) in the genome, but it can exist as numerous splice variants. There are three hypervariable exons in the extracellular domain and one hypervariable exon in the transmembrane domain. In Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), exons 4, 6 and 14 can produce 25, 34 and 18 alternative splice variants, respectively. In this study, through Illumina sequencing, we identified additional splice variants for exons 6 and 14, hence there may be > 50,000 Dscam protein variants. Sequencing of exons 4, 6 and 14 showed that alternative splicing was altered after bacterial stimulation. Therefore, we expressed and purified the extracellular variable region of Dscam (Es Dscam-Ig1-Ig7). Exons 4.3, 6.46 and 14.18, three variable exons of the recombinant protein, were randomly selected. The functions of Es Dscam-Ig1-Ig7 in immune defences of E. sinensis were subsequently explored. Es Dscam-Ig1-Ig7 was discovered to bind to both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Vibrio parahaemolyticus , but it did not exhibit antibacterial activity. By promoting hemocyte phagocytosis and bacterial removal, Es Dscam-Ig1-Ig7 can also shield the host from bacterial infection. The findings highlight the immunological activities of Dscam alternative splicing and reveal the potential for many more Dscam isoforms than were previously predicted in E. sinensis. • Sequencing identified additional splice variants for exons 6 and 14 of Es Dscam. • Alternative splicing of exons 4, 6 and 14 is altered after bacterial stimulation. • The extracellular variable region binds Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. • The variable region promotes phagocytosis of hemocytes and clearance of bacteria. • There are many more isoforms of Dscam in Eriocheir sinensis than previously predicted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A colorimetric-electrochemical dual-mode analytical method based on bismuth metal-organic framework nanozyme was developed for label-free and trace/ultra-trace Cr6+ detection. 3D ball-flower shaped bismuth oxide formate (BiOCOOH) was used as the precursor and template to facilely construct the metal-organic framework nanozyme BiO-BDC-NH 2 , which possesses intrinsic peroxidase-mimic activity to effectively catalyze the colorless 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine into blue oxidation products in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. Based on Cr6+ to promote the peroxide-mimic activity of BiO-BDC-NH 2 nanozyme, a colorimetric method for Cr6+ detection was developed with the detection limit of 0.44 ng mL−1. Cr6+ can be electrochemically reduced to Cr3+ that would specifically inhibit the peroxidase-mimic activity of BiO-BDC-NH 2 nanozyme. Thus, the colorimetric system for Cr6+ detection was converted into a low-toxic and signal-off electrochemical sensor. The electrochemical model showed upgraded sensitivity and a lower detection limit of 9.00 pg mL−1. The dual-model method was developed for selective appropriate sensing instruments in different detection scenarios, which can provide built-in correction for environmental effects, as well as the development and utilization of dual-signal sensing platforms for trace to ultra-trace Cr6+ rapid assay. [Display omitted] • A bismuth-based MOF nanozyme with 3D ball-flower shape was constructed. • The MOF showed Cr6+-promoted and Cr3+-inhibited peroxidase-mimic activity. • A dual-model colorimetric-electrochemical sensor for trace to ultra-trace Cr6+ detection. • The colorimetric model can convert into sensitive electrochemical model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cetuximab (CTX) or nimotuzumab (NTZ) in combination with chemotherapy for patients with recurrent and/or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (RM-NPC), and for this purpose, a single-group rate meta-analysis was performed. A systematic search of the Cochrane library, Pubmed, EMBASE, Chwina National Knowledge Infrastructure and WanFang databases for studies published until February 15, 2022 was performed. The 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were the primary endpoints. Complete response, partial response, stable disease, objective response rate, disease control rate and grade ≥3 toxicities were considered secondary endpoints. Cochran Q test and I2 statistics were performed to assess the heterogeneity among studies. A total of nine studies comprising 435 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 81.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 65.0-90.7%], 49.9% (95% CI: 35.3-64.5%), 46.3% (95% CI: 31.4-61.8%) and 31.0% (95% CI: 20.8-43.4%), respectively. The pooled disease control rate and objective response rate were 88.7% (95% CI: 78.4-94.5%) and 55.6% (95% CI: 39.9-70.1%), respectively. In addition, all grade 3–4 adverse events from the included studies were gathered. In conclusion, the use of CTX or NTZ in combination with chemotherapy may be a feasible and safe option for treating RM-NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current anti-platelet drugs inhibit platelet function permanently and have systemic side effects including thrombocytopenia and hemorrhage. There is a significant clinical interest in developing anti-platelet therapies based on novel mechanisms. We found thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), a platelet cytoplasmic protein, facilitates multiple agonist-induced platelet activations and enhances thrombosis. Hypothesis: Tipiracial (TPI), a potent TYMP inhibitor, is a novel and safe anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic medicine. Methods: By using platelet aggregation and adhesion assays, we examined the role of TYMP deficiency and TPI on platelet activation in vitro and thrombosis in vivo. TPI was delivered to mice via intraperitoneal injection (IP), intravenous injection (IV) or gavage (PO) and its anti-thrombotic effect were studied using a FeCl3 induced carotid artery injury thrombosis model. The potential side effects of TPI treatment on atherogenesis and hemostasis were studied on apoE-/- mice fed with high fat diet. Results: TYMP deficiency dramatically inhibited in vivo thrombosis regardless of genders. TPI dose-dependently and reversely inhibited collagen-related peptide induced wild type (WT) platelet aggregation. TYMP deficiency dramatically delayed ADP induced AKT activation. TPI significantly inhibited ADP induced WT platelet aggregation but have no effects on Tymp-/- platelets, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of TPI on platelet aggregation is TYMP dependent. Treatment of WT mice with TPI via IP (14 mg/Kg), IV (as low as 170 μg/kg) or PO (60 μg/Kg) dramatically inhibited in vivo thrombosis in WT mice. Feeding of Tymp-/-;Lyn-/- mice with 170 μg/Kg TPI did not affect in vivo thrombosis, further suggested that the inhibitory effect of TPI on thrombosis is mediated by TYMP inhibition. TYMP deficiency and inhibition of TYMP dramatically diminished platelet accumulation to the collagen-coated surface. TPI treatment did affect gain of body weight and weight of liver and visceral fat of a poE-/- mice fed with high fat diet. Area of atherosclerotic lesion was also not affected by TPI feeding. TPI treatment did not affect tail-bleeding time in all examined strains including WT, Tymp-/-;Lyn-/- and a poE-/- mice. Conclusions: This pharmacological study further demonstrated that TYMP participates in multiple platelet signaling pathways and plays a mechanistic role in regulating platelet activation and thrombosis. Tipiracil, the TYMP inhibitor, may be a novel safe anti-platelet and anti-thrombosis medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most prevalent cancer worldwide. Specially, Hepatitis B viurs X protein (HBx) is a leading factor in the progression of Hepatitis B viurs-related HCC. Nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironment also contributes to tumor development. However, the role of HBx in nutrient-deprived HCC has received little investigation. Here, we show that HBx elevates PINK1-Parkin mediating mitophagy in starvation. HBx not only increases the PINK1/Parkin gene expression but also accelerates Parkin recruitment to partial mitochondria. Further analysis indicates that, HBx either promotes mitochondrial unfolded protein response, with remarkable mitochondrial LONP1 increases, or reduces LONP1 expression in cytosol inducing LONP1-Parkin pathway, both consequently enhancing mitophagy. Moreover, the enhanced mitophagy lowers mitochondrial apoptosis in starved hepatoma cells, and Bax is implied in the machinery. In addition, we define differential centrifuge, 3000  g or 12,000  g to pellet mitochondria, as an effective method to obtain distinct mitochondria. In collect, HBx regulates diverse aspects of LONP1 and Parkin, enhancing mitophagy in starvation. This study may shed new insights into the machinery development of hepatocellular carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated how substitution of the ligand around the lower valent metal ion influences the electron transfer properties from the lower valent metal ion to the higher valent metal ion in heterometallic complexes. A series of new binuclear cyanido-bridged Ru/Fe complexes [TpmRu(L)(μ-CN)Fe(dppe)Cp][PF6]n (n = 2, 3) (Tpm = Tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane, dppe = bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, L = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (4,4′-(CH3)2-bpy)) were synthesized and characterized. In the one-electron oxidized [TpmRuII(L)(μ-CN)FeIII(dppe)Cp][PF6]3 binuclear system, the cyanide bridge promotes the electron transfer from the RuII ion to the FeIII ion. As the substitution of L changes from 1,10-phenanthroline to 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, their molecular structure, cyclic voltammetry, IR and UV present obvious changing trends. Moreover, the assignment of MM′CT transition and the differences of electronic properties in the different mixed complexes with different L ligands can be reasonably elucidated via time-dependent density functional theory/density functional theory calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spider mites are frequently associated with multiple endosymbionts whose infection patterns often exhibit spatial and temporal variation. However, the association between endosymbiont prevalence and environmental factors remains unclear. Here, we surveyed endosymbionts in natural populations of the spider mite, Tetranychus truncatus, in China, screening 935 spider mites from 21 localities and 12 host plant species. Three facultative endosymbiont lineages, Wolbachia, Cardinium, and Spiroplasma, were detected at different infection frequencies (52.5%, 26.3%, and 8.6%, respectively). Multiple endosymbiont infections were observed in most local populations, and the incidence of individuals with the Wolbachia-Spiroplasma coinfection was higher than expected from the frequency of each infection within a population. Endosymbiont infection frequencies exhibited associations with environmental factors: Wolbachia infection rates increased at localities with higher annual mean temperatures, while Cardinium and Spiroplasma infection rates increased at localities from higher altitudes. Wolbachia was more common in mites from Lycopersicon esculentum and Glycine max compared to those from Zea mays. This study highlights that host-endosymbiont interactions may be associated with environmental factors, including climate and other geographically linked factors, as well as the host's food plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on field observations and examinations of herbarium specimens (including type material), consulting the original literature and molecular phylogenetic analysis of the rbcL and trnL-F sequences, it is concluded that Hypolepis robusta is conspecific with Hypolepis alpina and is here formally treated as a synonym of it. Additionally H. alpina is reported with new distribution records in Guangdong, Guangxi and the Hainan Island of China, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]