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Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a fundamental crop essential for both human and animal consumption. Addressing the challenge of enhancing wheat yield involves sophisticated applications of molecular genetics and genomic techniques. This review synthesizes current research identifying and characterizing pivotal genes that impact traits such as grain size, number, and weight, critical factors influencing overall yield. Key genes including TaSPL17, ABP7, TaGNI, TaCKX6, TaGS5, TaDA1, WAPO1, TaRht1, TaTGW-7A, TaGW2, TaGS5-3A, TaSus2-2A, TaSus2-2B, TaSus1-7A, and TaSus1-7B are examined for their roles in these traits. The review also explores genes responsive to environmental changes, which are increasingly significant under current climate variability. Multi-trait regulatory genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that contribute to these traits are discussed, highlighting their dual influences on grain size and yield. Furthermore, the paper underscores the utility of emerging technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9, Case13, and multi-omics approaches. These innovations are instrumental for future discoveries and are poised to revolutionize wheat breeding by enabling precise genetic enhancements. Facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, the identification and utilization of these candidates is crucial. This review aims to be a comprehensive resource for researchers, providing an integrative understanding of complex traits in wheat and proposing new avenues for research and crop improvement strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is dedicated to studying the mean square exponential stability of switched stochastic time‐varying delay neural networks with asynchronous switching aperiodic intermittent control. By utilizing the Halanay‐type inequality and designing appropriate asynchronous switching aperiodic intermittent control, several novel stability criteria of switched stochastic delay neural networks with asynchronous aperiodic intermittent control are presented under the Lyapunov function method and Lyapunov functional method. Among them, asynchronous switching aperiodic intermittent controllers are more practical and flexible compared to state feedback controllers. Finally, we provide two examples to verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The interplay between gut microbiota and tumor microenvironment (TME) in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely unknown. Here, we elucidated the functional role of B. adolescentis and its possible mechanism on the manipulation of Decorin+ macrophages in colorectal cancer. Methods: The relative abundance of B. adolescentis in tumor or para-tumor tissue of CRC patients was analyzed. The role of B. adolescentis was explored in the CRC animal models. The single cell-RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to investigate the myeloid cells subsets in TME. The expression level of TLR2/YAP axis and its downstream Decorin in macrophages were tested by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Knockdown of Decorin in Raw264.7 was performed to investigate the effect of Decorin+ macrophages on subcutaneous tumor formation. Multi-immunofluorescence assay examined the number of Decorin+ macrophages on the CRC tissue. Results: We found that the abundance of B. adolescentis was significantly reduced in tumor tissue of CRC patients. Supplementation with B. adolescentis suppressed AOM/DSS-induced tumorigenesis in mice. ScRNA-seq and animal experiment revealed that B. adolescentis increased Decorin+ macrophages. Mechanically, Decorin was activated by TLR2/YAP axis in macrophages. The abundance of B. adolescentis was correlated with the number of Decorin+ macrophages and the expression level of TLR2 in tumor tissue of CRC patients. Conclusions: These results highlight that B. adolescentis induced Decorin+ macrophages and provide a novel therapeutic target for probiotic-based modulation of immune microenvironment in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a type of lung cancer, which belongs to non-small cell lung cancer and has seriously endangered the physical and mental health of people. The study of circRNAs (circRNAs) has been increasingly hot in recent years, in which circRNAs also play an important regulatory role in cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological molecular mechanisms of circ_0001715 in the progression of LUAD. The expression of circ_0001715, miR-1322 and calcium-activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1) in LUAD tissues and cell lines was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) and western bot assay. Clone formation assay, 5-Ethynyl-2'-Deoxyuridine (EDU) assay and wound healing assay were used to verify the proliferation ability of cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull-down assay were performed to characterize the interactions between the three factors. Finally, a mouse tumor model was constructed to assess the tumorigenicity of circ_0001715. RT-qPCR assay results showed that circ_0001715 expression was significantly increased in LUAD tissues and cell lines. Finally, knockdown of circ_0001715 could inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Circ_0001715 regulated the progression of LUAD through the miR-1322/CANT1 axis. The results of this study provided ideas for understanding the molecular mechanisms of circ_0001715 in LUAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a correction notice for an article titled "Bifidobacterium adolescentis induces Decorin+ macrophages via TLR2 to suppress colorectal carcinogenesis." The authors of the article identified an error in Figure 4F, where the images were mistakenly pasted. The corrected version of Figure 4 is provided in the document. The correction does not affect the overall conclusion of the article. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The interplay between gut microbiota and tumor microenvironment (TME) in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is largely unknown. Here, we elucidated the functional role of B. adolescentis and its possible mechanism on the manipulation of Decorin+ macrophages in colorectal cancer. Methods: The relative abundance of B. adolescentis in tumor or para-tumor tissue of CRC patients was analyzed. The role of B. adolescentis was explored in the CRC animal models. The single cell-RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to investigate the myeloid cells subsets in TME. The expression level of TLR2/YAP axis and its downstream Decorin in macrophages were tested by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Knockdown of Decorin in Raw264.7 was performed to investigate the effect of Decorin+ macrophages on subcutaneous tumor formation. Multi-immunofluorescence assay examined the number of Decorin+ macrophages on the CRC tissue. Results: We found that the abundance of B. adolescentis was significantly reduced in tumor tissue of CRC patients. Supplementation with B. adolescentis suppressed AOM/DSS-induced tumorigenesis in mice. ScRNA-seq and animal experiment revealed that B. adolescentis increased Decorin+ macrophages. Mechanically, Decorin was activated by TLR2/YAP axis in macrophages. The abundance of B. adolescentis was correlated with the number of Decorin+ macrophages and the expression level of TLR2 in tumor tissue of CRC patients. Conclusions: These results highlight that B. adolescentis induced Decorin+ macrophages and provide a novel therapeutic target for probiotic-based modulation of immune microenvironment in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

J-L HCT116 cells were injected into BALB/C nude mice combined with THP-1 cells pretreated with B.adolescentis or vehicle (PBS) for 24 h (n = 5 per group). Protein levels of TLR2 and DCN were tested by Western blot and mRNA level of DCN was tested by qRT-PCR. Protein levels of TLR2 and DCN were tested by Western blot and mRNA level of Dcn was tested by qRT-PCR. [Extracted from the article]

Background. Cytopenia is a frequent hematological disorder in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, the distribution and risk factors of cytopenia in patients starting highly active anti-retrovirus treatment (HAART) and the effect of HAART on cytopenia were not fully investigated. Methods. From November 2004 to August 2016, a retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of cytopenia in 4325 HAART-naïve patients. Risk factors of cytopenia at baseline and on recovery from cytopenia were analyzed using logistic regression analysis after 24 months of HAART in Beijing Ditan Hospital. Results. The prevalence of cytopenia was 19.1% in HIV-naïve patients. Risk factors for cytopenia in HAART-naïve patients were a CD4 cell count<200 cells/μL, femaleness, WHO stage IV, coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), BMI <18.5 kg/m2, a viral load ≥100,000 copies/ml, and age ≥40 years. In total, 70.2% and 76.4% of patients with cytopenia recovered after 6 and 24 months of HAART, respectively. The predictors of patients without normal blood cells after 24 months HAART were a CD4 cell count of <200 cells/μL at baseline, femaleness, WHO stage IV, coinfection with HBV, and treatment with AZT. Conclusion. Early detection could decrease the prevalence of HIV-related cytopenia, while starting HAART as early as possible seems to be effective for normalization of the blood cells in HIV-infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• p38α expression is increased in livers of human patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. • Macrophage p38α induces experimental steatohepatitis. • Macrophage p38α causes M1 macrophage polarization. • p38α deleted macrophages attenuate steatohepatitic changes in hepatocytes. • Pharmacological p38 inhibitors prevent steatohepatitis in mice. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases are important inflammatory factors. p38α alteration has been implicated in both human and mouse inflammatory disease models. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the cell type-specific role of p38α in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Human liver tissues were obtained from 27 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 20 control individuals. NASH was established and compared between hepatocyte-specific p38α knockout (p38αΔHep), macrophage-specific p38α knockout (p38αΔMΦ) and wild-type (p38αfl/fl) mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat/high-cholesterol diet (HFHC), or methionine-and choline-deficient diet (MCD). p38 inhibitors were administered to HFHC-fed wild-type mice for disease treatment. p38α was significantly upregulated in the liver tissues of patients with NAFLD. Compared to p38αfl/fl littermates, p38αΔHep mice developed significant nutritional steatohepatitis induced by HFD, HFHC or MCD. Meanwhile, p38αΔMΦ mice exhibited less severe steatohepatitis and insulin resistance than p38αfl/fl mice in response to a HFHC or MCD. The effect of macrophage p38α in promoting steatohepatitis was mediated by the induction of pro-inflammatory factors (CXCL2, IL-1β, CXCL10 and IL-6) secreted by M1 macrophages and associated signaling pathways. p38αΔMΦ mice exhibited M2 anti-inflammatory polarization as demonstrated by increased CD45+F4/80+CD11b+CD206+ M2 macrophages and enhanced arginase activity in liver tissues. Primary hepatocytes from p38αΔMΦ mice showed decreased steatosis and inflammatory damage. In a co-culture system, p38α deleted macrophages attenuated steatohepatitic changes in hepatocytes through decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CXCL10 and IL-6), which mediate M1 macrophage polarization in p38αΔMΦ mice. Restoration of TNF-α, CXCL10 or IL‐6 induced lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in p38αfl/fl hepatocytes co-cultured with p38αΔMΦ macrophages. Moreover, pharmacological p38 inhibitors suppressed HFHC-induced steatohepatitis. Macrophage p38α promotes the progression of steatohepatitis by inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and M1 polarization. p38 inhibition protects against steatohepatitis. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases are important inflammatory factors. In the present study, we demonstrated that p38α is upregulated in liver tissues of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Genetic deletion of p38α in macrophages led to ameliorated nutritional steatohepatitis in mice through decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and increased M2 macrophage polarization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular enzymatic activity plays an important role in carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorous (P) cycling, and consequently, serves as an indicator for soil function. However, microbial activities are inhibited in degraded lands due to nutrition limitations, which pose a challenge to ecological management. We investigated the effects of maize biochar addition (1, 3, and 5%) on soil and enzyme stoichiometries in a post‐mining area in Shanxi province. The results showed that soil organic C and total N increased significantly with increasing biochar addition, leading to significant increases in soil C:P (by 157.9%) and N:P (by 76.1%) under 5% of addition. Biochar addition stimulated enzyme activities significantly, and the maximum of enzyme activities occurred in treatment of 5% addition. Soil enzyme C:N increased significantly following biochar addition, while enzyme C:P and N:P decreased at 5% biochar addition. Vector analysis indicated that microbial activity tended to be limited by soil N before addition, whereas it was limited by P availability at high biochar addition. This was mainly because that biochar addition could promote sorption of P and lower P bioavailability in soil. Our research suggested that biochar application could substantially improve soil nutrition status and microbial activity in infertile land, however, it would likely result in imbalances between substrate stoichiometry and microbial demand. The result might provide a reference for the management of biochar application during soil restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We a new model of discrete-time switched stochastic non-autonomous systems with external inputs and time-varying delays under partially unstable subsystems. • Our model has wider applicability because we consider the existence of partially unstable subsystems in the switching subsystems and time-varying delays. • The mode-dependent average dwell time and the multiple Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional are used. • Some main idea of the research is overcome the influences caused by partially unstable subsystems in the switching subsystems and time-varying delays. • Some new stability criteria based on the related systems are derived. This paper addresses the globally stochastically exponentially input-to-state stability (ISS) and ISS of discrete-time switched stochastic systems with partially unstable subsystems under the influence of time-varying delays and external input by applying the mode-dependent average dwell time and the multiple Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional. Some main idea of the research is overcome the influences caused by partially unstable subsystems in the switching subsystems and time-varying delays. Some new stability criteria based on the related systems are derived, these criteria extend many models and relax some restrictions compared to previous work. Finally, we use two examples to verify the effectiveness of our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Sugarcane is the main source of sugar worldwide, and 80% of the sucrose production comes from sugarcane. However, the genetic differentiation and basis of agronomic traits remain obscure. Here, we sequenced the whole‐genome of 219 elite worldwide sugarcane cultivar accessions. A total of approximately 6 million high‐quality genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. A genome‐wide association study identified a total of 2198 SNPs that were significantly associated with sucrose content, stalk number, plant height, stalk diameter, cane yield, and sugar yield. We observed homozygous tendency of favor alleles of these loci, and over 80% of cultivar accessions carried the favor alleles of the SNPs or haplotypes associated with sucrose content. Gene introgression analysis showed that the number of chromosome segments from Saccharum spontaneum decreased with the breeding time of cultivars, while those from S. officinarum increased in recent cultivars. A series of selection signatures were identified in sugarcane improvement procession, of which 104 were simultaneously associated with agronomic traits and 45 of them were mainly associated with sucrose content. We further proposed that as per sugarcane transgenic experiments, ShN/AINV3.1 plays a positive role in increasing stalk number, plant height, and stalk diameter. These findings provide comprehensive resources for understanding the genetic basis of agronomic traits and will be beneficial to germplasm innovation, screening molecular markers, and future sugarcane cultivar improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation restoration tends to enhance soil carbon storage in severely degraded lands, which is of great significance to mitigate climate change. In this study, soil organic carbon, inorganic carbon and soil properties were investigated in a restored post-mining area in Shanxi province, eastern Loess Plateau. Through artificially planting Rhus typhina , Quercus liaotungensis and Pinus tabuliformis (referred to as RT, QL and PT, respectively), soil water and total nitrogen contents increased significantly. Soil organic carbon in restored sites increased by 101.9% compared with that of a non-restored site. Accumulation of litter and withered root with vegetation succession led to the increases of input of organic matter, which was beneficial to improve soil organic carbon storage. QL had significantly higher organic carbon sequestration rate (1.59 t ha−1 yr−1) than those of other tree species, which might be attributed to higher nitrogen content and litter input. Soil inorganic carbon accounted averagely for 70.1% of the total carbon storage. However, re-vegetation had no significant influence on soil inorganic carbon which was closely related with soil parent material and climate. Our results suggested that abandoned mine lands might serve as C sinks through appropriate restoration management. Indigenous QL would be suitable to be recommended as the preferred species for reclamation management of degraded lands. Because of a short duration of restoration, the dynamics of soil inorganic carbon during vegetation succession needs to be further studied to reveal potential C sequestration mechanism in arid and semi-arid regions. • Post-mining lands need to be restored to enhance soil C sequestration. • Soil organic C storage in restored sites increased significantly. • Soil inorganic C accounted for 70.1% of the total soil C storage. • Soil inorganic C is not significantly altered by re-vegetation in the short-term. • Indigenous tree species could be recommended for restoration management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have analyzed and discussed a flat-top Brewster filter that works in full conical mounting. Results reveal that flat-top reflection band can be formed by merging double peaks that corresponded to guided modes with different polarization states. Merging is achieved by adjusting the incident angle in the design. When the proposed single-layer waveguide grating structure is irradiated with transverse magnetic (TM) polarized plane wave at the Brewster angle, the filter has a highly efficient flat-top reflection spectral response with central wavelength of 547 nm, bandwidth of 15.5 nm (R > 90%), and sideband reflectance of <2.3%. • A flat-top Brewster filter that works in full conical mounting. • Flat-top reflection band can be formed by merging double peaks. • Brewster angle achieves sideband suppression. • The filter presents high-efficiency flat-top filter at the Brewster angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate stopband modulation in a corrugated parallel plate waveguide (PPWG) in terahertz (THz) frequency. Different from the traditional approaches to achieve narrow band-pass filter, a method based on the junction of two stopbands is provided. Two stopbands can come closer through adjustment of plate distance and controlling the grooves depth, which generate a narrowband transmission region. It is found that plate distance can control the interval of two stopbands. On optimization of plate distance, the filter can achieve a range of zero-sideband, high transmissivity (T=99.8%), narrow linewidth (5.8 GHz), and high-quality factor (Q ≈ 220). Furthermore, we also present the designs of tunable filter and modulate performance when liquid crystal (LC) is used as waveguide material. So, an excellent tunable filtering characteristic has been achieved. Finally, this work provides a new possibility for the designing of narrow band-pass filter devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly heterogeneous and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis. Pyroptosis triggered by gasdermins family proteins is reported vital for tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. However, pyroptosis-related gene expression and its relationship with immune infiltration and prognosis of HNSCC have not been fully defined. Material and methods: RNA-sequencing data of HNSCC patients were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A pyroptosis-related gene expression signature and infiltrated immune cells were analyzed. Univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox regression and nomogram analyses were used to construct a clinical-molecular risk model for survival prognosis. Results: HNSCC was classified into three different molecular subtypes based on the expression information of pyroptosis-related genes. Immune cell infiltration was demonstrated to be distinct between the three subtypes. The segregation of patients into the high-risk group and low-risk group, were carried out using the signature of differential expression genes (DEGs) signature among the three molecular subtypes. The precision of this signature was corroborated by Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis with the 3-year area under time-dependent ROC curve (AUC) reaching 0.711. The risk model was validated in another dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Subsequently we established a clinical-molecular nomogram which combined the risk score with age and stage. The calibration plots for predicting the overall survival rate of 1-, 3-, and 5-years indicated that the nomogram performs well. Conclusion: The expression signature that encompasses pyroptosis-related genes could be used as molecular classification for HNSCC and pyroptosis might be a promising therapeutic target in HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), exhibiting high morbidity and malignancy, is the most common type of oral cancer. The abnormal expression of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) plays important roles in the occurrence and progression of cancer. The objective of the present study was to establish a prognostic assessment model of RBPs and to evaluate the prognosis of OSCC patients. Methods: Gene expression data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed by univariate Cox regression analysis model that established a novel nine RBPs, which were used to build a prognostic risk model. A multivariate Cox proportional regression model and the survival analysis were used to evaluate the prognostic risk model. Moreover, the receive operator curve (ROC) analysis was tested further the efficiency of prognostic risk model based on data from TCGA database and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Results: Nine RBPs' signatures (ACO1, G3BP1, NMD3, RNGTT, ZNF385A, SARS, CARS2, YARS and SMAD6) with prognostic value were identified in OSCC patients. Subsequently, the patients were further categorized into high-risk group and low-risk in the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), and external validation dataset. ROC analysis was significant for both the TCGA and GEO. Moreover, GSEA revealed that patients in the high-risk group significantly enriched in many critical pathways correlated with tumorigenesis than the low, including cell cycle, adheres junctions, oocyte meiosis, spliceosome, ERBB signaling pathway and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Conclusions: Collectively, we developed and validated a novel robust nine RBPs for OSCC prognosis prediction. The nine RBPs could serve as an independent and reliable prognostic biomarker and guiding clinical therapy for OSCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important food and feed crop worldwide and serves as a a vital source of biological trace elements, which are important breeding targets. In this study, 170 maize materials were used to detect QTNs related to the content of Mn, Fe and Mo in maize grains through two GWAS models, namely MLM_Q + K and MLM_PCA + K. The results identified 87 (Mn), 205 (Fe), and 310 (Mo) QTNs using both methods in the three environments. Considering comprehensive factors such as co-location across multiple environments, strict significance threshold, and phenotypic value in multiple environments, 8 QTNs related to Mn, 10 QTNs related to Fe, and 26 QTNs related to Mo were used to identify 44 superior alleles. Consequently, three cross combinations with higher Mn element, two combinations with higher Fe element, six combinations with higher Mo element, and two combinations with multiple element (Mn/Fe/Mo) were predicted to yield offspring with higher numbers of superior alleles, thereby increasing the likelihood of enriching the corresponding elements. Additionally, the candidate genes identified 100 kb downstream and upstream the QTNs featured function and pathways related to maize elemental transport and accumulation. These results are expected to facilitate the screening and development of high-quality maize varieties enriched with trace elements, establish an important theoretical foundation for molecular marker assisted breeding and contribute to a better understanding of the regulatory network governing trace elements in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) contamination has resulted in serious reduction of crop yields. Silicon (Si), as a beneficial element, regulates plant growth to heavy metal toxicity mainly through reducing metal uptake and protecting plants from oxidative injury. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Si-mediated Cd toxicity in wheat has not been well understood. This study aimed to reveal the beneficial role of Si (1 mM) in alleviating Cd-induced toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum) seedlings. The results showed that exogenous supply of Si decreased Cd concentration by 67.45% (root) and 70.34% (shoot), and maintained ionic homeostasis through the function of important transporters, such as Lsi , ZIP , Nramp5 and HIPP. Si ameliorated Cd-induced photosynthetic performance inhibition through up-regulating photosynthesis-related genes and light harvesting-related genes. Si minimized Cd-induced oxidative stress by decreasing MDA contents by 46.62% (leaf) and 75.09% (root), and helped re-establish redox homeostasis by regulating antioxidant enzymes activities, AsA-GSH cycle and expression of relevant genes through signal transduction pathway. The results revealed molecular mechanism of Si-mediated wheat tolerance to Cd toxicity. Si fertilizer is suggested to be applied in Cd contaminated soil for food safety production as a beneficial and eco-friendly element. [Display omitted] • Si recovers Cd-induced growth inhibition in wheat seedlings. • Si reduced Cd uptake and maintained ionic homeostasis by regulating relevant transporters. • Si upregulates photosynthesis-related and light harvesting-related genes. • Signal transduction pathway plays important role in Si-mediated Cd toxicity alleviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The retinoic acid-inducible gene I product (RIG-I) is a cellular sensor of RNA virus infection that regulates the cellular beta interferon (IFN-β) response. The nucleoproteins (NP) of arenaviruses are reported to antagonize the IFN response by inhibiting interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3). Here, we demonstrate that the Z proteins of four New World (NW) arenaviruses, Guanarito virus (GTOV), Junin virus (JUNV), Machupo virus (MAVC), and Sabia virus (SABV), bind to RIG-I, resulting in downregulation of the IFN-β response. We show that expression of the four NW arenavirus Z proteins inhibits IFN-β mRNA induction in A549 cells in response to RNA bearing 5′ phosphates (5′pppRNA). NW arenavirus Z proteins interact with RIG-I in coimmunoprecipitation studies and colocalize with RIG-I. Furthermore, expression of Z proteins interferes with the interaction between RIG-I and MAVS. Z expression also impedes the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and IRF-3 activation. Our results indicate that NW arenavirus Z proteins, but not Z protein of the Old World (OW) arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) or Lassa virus, bind to RIG-I and inhibit downstream activation of the RIG-I signaling pathway, preventing the transcriptional induction of IFN-β. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugarcane is the most important crop for supplying sugar. Due to its high biomass, sugarcane needs to absorb a large amount of potassium (K) throughout its lifecycle. In South China, a deficiency of K available in soil restricts the production of sugarcane. Increasing the tolerance of sugarcane to low-K will be an effective approach for improving survival of the crop in this area. However, there is little information regarding the mechanism of tolerance to low-K stress in sugarcane. In this study, a customized microarray was used to analyze the changes in the level of transcripts of sugarcane genes 8 h, 24 h and 72 h after exposure to low-K conditions. We identified a total of 4153 genes that were differentially expressed in at least one of the three time points. The number of genes responding to low-K stress at 72 h was almost 2-fold more than the numbers at 8 h and 24 h. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that many genes involved in metabolic, developmental and biological regulatory processes displayed changes in the level of transcripts in response to low-K stress. Additionally, we detected differential expression of transcription factors, transporters, kinases, oxidative stress-related genes and genes in Ca+ and ethylene signaling pathways; these proteins might play crucial roles in improving the tolerance of sugarcane to low-K stress. The results of this study will help to better understand the molecular mechanisms of sugarcane tolerance to low-K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active transverse electric and transverse magnetic pass polarizers with lengths of only 1.92 μ m and 5.95 μ m based on silicon waveguides and phase change material VO 2 films are theoretically demonstrated. The optical characteristics of the polarizers are simulated by using finite difference mode simulation. By controlling the phase state of VO 2 film, the polarizers can realize the regulation of TE and TM polarizations. The insertion losses of both polarizers are less than 2.2 dB in the insulating state. When trigger to the metallic state, the unwanted polarization attenuation exceeds 21.07 dB while insertion losses are kept below 0.71 dB at a center wavelength of 1550 nm. Both polarizers have a high extinction ratio in the operating bandwidth of 200 nm. This provides a new way for polarizers based on VO 2 film and silicon waveguide. • The tunable TE and TM pass polarizers by using VO 2 films embedded in the SOI waveguides. • The states of the one-polarization-pass and both-polarizations-pass of the polarizers can be dynamically adjusted by the VO 2 phase transition. • The extinction ratios of TM and TE pass polarizers are 20.36 dB and 32 dB at 1550 nm, and the insertion losses of required polarizations are less than 0.71 dB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response in human cancers is closely linked to the gut microbiota. Here, we report that the abundance of commensal Lactobacillus johnsonii is positively correlated with the responsiveness of ICB. Supplementation with Lactobacillus johnsonii or tryptophan-derived metabolite indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) enhances the efficacy of CD8+ T cell-mediated αPD-1 immunotherapy. Mechanistically, Lactobacillus johnsonii collaborates with Clostridium sporogenes to produce IPA. IPA modulates the stemness program of CD8+ T cells and facilitates the generation of progenitor exhausted CD8+ T cells (T pex) by increasing H3K27 acetylation at the super-enhancer region of Tcf7. IPA improves ICB responsiveness at the pan-cancer level, including melanoma, breast cancer, and colorectal cancer. Collectively, our findings identify a microbial metabolite-immune regulatory pathway and suggest a potential microbial-based adjuvant approach to improve the responsiveness of immunotherapy. [Display omitted] • L. johnsonii enhances ICB efficacy via CD8+ T cells • L. johnsonii cooperates with C. sporogenes to produce IPA • IPA activates progenitor exhausted CD8+ T cells by H3K27 acetylation modification • IPA improves ICB responsiveness at the pan-cancer level L. johnsonii and C. sporogenes collaborate to produce indole-3-propionic acid, which modulates CD8+ T cell stemness by increasing H3K27 acetylation at the Tcf7 super-enhancer, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor effect of immune checkpoint blockade in pan-cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Percutaneous posterior full-endoscopic cervical foraminotomy and discectomy (PECFD) is recognized as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). However, the potential mechanisms of the degenerative changes and postoperative recurrence after PECFD are unclear. In this study, a finite element (FE) analysis and radiological assessment were performed to evaluate the biomechanical effects after PECFD. The FE model indicated that the ROM and IDP of C5–C6 increased significantly after PECFD in the extension loading. The radiological evaluation revealed that the extension ROM of C2–C7 and the operative level increased significantly at the one-year follow-up compared with that obtained preoperatively. Combining the FE results and radiological changes, we conclude that the increase in the ROM and IDP at the operative level in the extension loading is the potential cause of the degenerative changes and recurrences after PECFD surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain-based neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral abnormalities. Accumulating studies show that the gut microbiota plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of ASD, and gut microbiota transplantation (GMT) is a promising technique for the treatment of ASD. In clinical applications of GMT, it is challenging to obtain effective transplants because of the high costs of donor selection and heterogeneity of donors' gut microbiota, which can cause different clinical responses. In vitro batch culture is a fast, easy-to-operate, and repeatable method to culture gut microbiota. Thus, the present study investigates the feasibility of treating ASD with in vitro cultured gut microbiota as transplants. We cultured gut microbiota via the in vitro batch culture method and performed GMT in the maternal immune activation (MIA)–induced ASD mouse model with original donor microbiota and in vitro cultured microbiota. Open field, three-chamber social, marble burying, and self-grooming tests were used for behavioral improvement assessment. Serum levels of chemokines were detected. Microbial total DNA was extracted from mouse fecal samples, and 16S rDNA was sequenced using Illumina. Our results showed that GMT treatment with original and cultured donor gut microbiota significantly ameliorated anxiety-like and repetitive behaviors and improved serum levels of chemokines including GRO-α (CXCL1), MIP-1α (CCL3), MCP-3 (CCL7), RANTES (CCL5), and Eotaxin (CCL11) in ASD mice. Meanwhile, the gut microbial communities of the two groups that received GMT treatment were changed compared with the ASD mice groups. In the group treated with in vitro cultured donor gut microbiota, there was a significant decrease in the relative abundance of key differential taxa, including S24-7, Clostridiaceae, Prevotella_other, and Candidatus Arthromitus. The relative abundance of these taxa reached close to the level of healthy mice. Prevotella_other also decreased in the group treated with original donor gut microbiota, with a significant increase in Ruminococcaceae and Oscillospira. The present study demonstrated that GMT with in vitro cultured microbiota also improved behavioral abnormalities and chemokine disorders in an ASD mouse model compared with GMT with original donor gut microbiota. In addition, it significantly modified several key differential taxa in gut microbial composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, high-quality VO2 films were prepared on p-GaAs wafers by DC magnetron sputtering and post-annealing process. The results indicate that the optimum annealing temperature and time of the sample are 2 h and 420 °C with the excellent rectification characteristics originated from the n-VO2/p-GaAs interface before the occurrence of semiconductor-to-metal phase transition in VO2, which can be explained by the thermal electron emission model. The device's threshold voltage at 30 °C and 60 °C corresponds to 7.5 and 6 V. The responsivity of the as-fabricated photon detector under 980 and 1310 nm laser illumination was 0.013 and 0.022 A W−1 at an applied bias of 3 V as well as 0.0025 and 0.0048 A W−1 at zero bias, respectively. The NIR transmittance decreases with increasing voltage and temperature due to the combination of voltage and temperature to induce VO2 phase transition. The results will be beneficial to explore and improve the IR photon detector based on VO2 and provide ideas for new optoelectronic devices with phase transition characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zinc deficiency can change the concentrations of minerals and trace elements in the body. However, previous studies still had many limitations. Objective: To reveal the effects of zinc deficiency on homeostasis of 16 minerals and trace elements. Methods: Forty-five rats were divided randomly into three groups: normal zinc diet (30 mg/kg), low zinc diet (10 mg/kg), and pair-fed diet(30 mg/kg). The concentrations of 16 minerals and trace elements in serum, feces, urine, and liver were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The excretion of 16 elements in urine and feces were calculated and compared. Results: Zinc-deficient rats exhibited significant changes in up to 12 minerals and trace elements. The low zinc diet induced decreased excretion of zinc and concentrations of zinc in serum, feces, urine, and liver. Zinc deficiency increased feces concentrations of Mg, Cu, Se, K, Ag, Fe and Mn; decreased the concentrations of Mg, Cu, Se, K in liver and urine, and a diminished amount of Ag was observed in serum. Decreased urinary concentrations of Zn Ca, Mg, Cu, Se, K, Na, As and Cr, suggested that zinc-deficient rats increased the 9 elements' renal reabsorption. Decreased concentrations of Ca in liver, urine, and feces, decreased excretion in urine and feces and increased serum total Ca suggested that zinc deficiency increased the redistribution of Ca in serum or other tissues. Zinc deficiency increased excretion of Cu, Se, Fe; and decreased the excretion of other 8 elements except for Ag. Conclusions: Zinc deficiency changed the excretion, reabsorption and redistribution of 12 minerals and trace elements in rats. Our findings are the first to show that zinc deficiency alters the concentrations of Ag, Cr, and As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Serum exosome-derived miRNAs were differentially expressed in AR patients. • Serum exosomal miRNA-146a-3p levels were significantly upregulated in AR patients. • Serum exosomal miRNA-146a-3p levels were correlated with disease severity in AR patients. • Serum exosomal miRNA-146a-3p was a novel biomarker for predicting the efficacy of SLIT. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR), but its efficacy is variable among individuals. This study aimed to characterize serum exosome-derived microRNAs (miRNAs) and evaluate their abilities in predicting the efficacy of SLIT in AR. RNA sequencing was performed to explore differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs in serum exosomes between AR patients and healthy controls (HCs). Sequencing analysis results were verified in an independent cohort, and the correlations between the levels of exosome-derived miRNAs and disease severity were evaluated. The most promising miRNAs were further tested in two AR cohorts treated with SLIT to assess their abilities in predicting short and long-term efficacy, respectively. The exosome-derived miRNAs profiling in the AR group was significantly different from the HC group, and differentially expressed genes were enriched and clustered in pathways such as PI3K-Akt and ErbB signalling pathways. The top three most significant miRNAs were verified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and results showed that miR-146a-3p levels were significantly elevated in the AR group and correlated with the total and specific gE levels, the visual analogue scale of the total nasal symptom score (all p < 0.05). Further data in the first validation cohort suggested that miR-146a-3p levels were significantly downregulated in the effective group, and logistic regression showed that miR-146a-3p levels were associated with the short-term efficacy of SLIT(p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that miR-146a-3p could early predict SLIT efficacy (AUC = 0.669, p = 0.047). In the second validation cohort, miR-146a-3p levels were also decreased in the effective group and the ROC curve further confirmed its reliable accuracy in predicting the long-term efficacy of SLIT in AR patients (AUC = 0.749, p < 0.001). Serum exosome-derived miRNAs may be involved in the development of AR and associated with its disease severity. Serum exosome-derived miR-146a-3p seems to be a novel biomarker for predicting the short and long-term efficacies of SLIT in AR patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-quality W-doped V2O 5/FTO films were fabricated by sol-gel method at low cost. • The W-doped V 2 O 5 /FTO films with different doping molar ratios were studied. • W doping could reduce the phase transition temperature of V 2 O 5 /FTO composite films. • W doping could improve the electrical and optical properties of the composite films. V 2 O 5 /FTO composite films with different tungsten doping molar ratios were fabricated on soda-lime glass substrates by sol–gel spin coating method followed with annealing process. The analysis on crystallinity and surface morphology shows that W doping would induce V 2 O 5 lattice distortion and make the film surface rougher. The resistance and transmittance during the phase transition process were measured to explore the electrical and optical properties of W-doped V 2 O 5 /FTO films. The results show that 3% W doping molar ratio is the most effective in improving the properties of V 2 O 5 /FTO films. The resistance of the prepared films is reduced by about three orders of magnitude from room temperature to 320℃. Compared to the undoped films, the 1%, 3% and 5% W-doped V 2 O 5 /FTO films possess higher conductivity and the width of the thermal hysteresis loop is narrowed from 14℃ to 13℃, 10℃ and 8℃, respectively. For undoped, 1%, 3% and 5% W-doped V 2 O 5 /FTO films, the phase transition temperature is 245℃, 238℃, 222℃ and 223℃, and the average transmittance decreased 7.7%, 7.8%, 11.7% and 5.7% in the range of 900–1400 nm before and after the phase transition, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal optical absorption phenomena were observed in as-modified few-layer graphene thin films by 10.6-μm CO2 laser under ambient conditions. Saturable absorption (SA) responses were measured using z-scan technology. The graphene samples showed SA before laser modification, whereas they exhibited reverse SA behavior after laser modification due to the effects of thinning and damage to samples. The shift of 2D peak and appearance of D peak from Raman scattering spectra further confirm the effects of laser irradiation on graphene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Frying and heating changed numerous compounds of vegetable oils. • Different vegetable oils have common markers during heating and frying. • Each type of vegetable oil has its own unique markers. • The panel of common and unique markers can distinguish used frying oil. Fried foods have potential adverse effects on health. However, the compounds produced during the process of frying in different vegetable oils are unknown. In this work, ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Q-TOF MSMS) and chemical pattern recognition analysis was first conducted to analyze the changes in compounds in 8 different vegetable oils before and after thin-layer heating (without food) and to reveal the potential markers of oil used for deep-frying food. Then, these markers were validated in used frying oil. Our results of principal component analysis (PCA), partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) indicated that both thin-layer heating and deep-frying significantly change the compounds of vegetable oils. Thirty-six of the markers associated with thin-layer heating from the 8 different oils were identified in used frying oils and can be used as common markers of oil used for deep-frying. Additionally, 22 markers detected in individual vegetable oils provided unique markers of used frying oils. These markers can be used to distinguish used frying oil and have the potential to reveal the associated physiological harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dynamically tunable broadband infrared absorber is designed by integrating VO 2 /SiO 2 /VO 2 nanocolumn array on Al 2 O 3 substrate with W/VO 2 /W nanocolumn array on W substrate. The absorption rates under different structural parameters and temperatures are simulated by using finite-difference time-domain method. The absorption rate can be dynamically adjusted through thermally induced VO 2 phase transition. The absorber is polarization independent under perpendicular incidence and possesses wide incidence angle absorption characteristics. It has good application prospects in the fields of thermal photoelectric devices. • The absorption can be dynamically adjusted by utilizing the phase transition of VO 2 during working. • The absorber is polarization independent. • The absorption performance remains stable when the angle of incidence varies from 0° to 50°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]