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Aplastic anemia (AA) is a bone marrow (BM) failure syndrome mediated by hyperactivated T‐cells with heterogeneous pathogenic factors. The onset of BM failure cannot be accurately determined in humans; therefore, exact pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, a cellular atlas and microenvironment interactions is established using unbiased single‐cell RNA‐seq, along with multi‐omics analyses (mass cytometry, cytokine profiling, and oxidized fatty acid metabolomics). A new KIR+CD8+ regulatory T cells (Treg) subset is identified in patients with AA that engages in immune homeostasis. Conventional CD4+ T‐cells differentiate into highly differentiated T helper cells with type 2 cytokines (IL‐4, IL‐6, and IL‐13), GM‐SCF, and IL‐1β. Immunosuppressive homeostasis is impaired by enhanced apoptosis of activated Treg cells. Pathological Vδ1 cells dominated the main fraction of γδ T‐cells. The B/plasma, erythroid, and myeloid lineages also exhibit substantial pathological features. Interactions between TNFSF12‐TNFRSF12A, TNF‐TNFRSF1A, and granzyme‐gasdermin are associated with the cell death of hematopoietic stem/progenitor (HSPCs), Treg, and early erythroid cells. Ferroptosis, a major driver of HSPCs destruction, is identified in patients with AA. Furthermore, a case of twins with AA is reported to enhance the persuasiveness of the analysis. These results collectively constitute the cellular atlas and microenvironment interactions in patients with AA and provide novel insights into the development of new therapeutic opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging wearable plant sensors demonstrate the capability of in-situ measurement of physiological and micro-environmental information of plants. However, the stretchability and breathability of current wearable plant sensors are restricted mainly due to their 2D planar structures, which interfere with plant growth and development. Here, origami-inspired 3D wearable sensors have been developed for plant growth and microclimate monitoring. Unlike 2D counterparts, the 3D sensors demonstrate theoretically infinitely high stretchability and breathability derived from the structure rather than the material. They are adjusted to 100% and 111.55 mg cm−2·h−1 in the optimized design. In addition to stretchability and breathability, the structural parameters are also used to control the strain distribution of the 3D sensors to enhance sensitivity and minimize interference. After integrating with corresponding sensing materials, electrodes, data acquisition and transmission circuits, and a mobile App, a miniaturized sensing system is produced with the capability of in-situ and online monitoring of plant elongation and microclimate. As a demonstration, the 3D sensors are worn on pumpkin leaves, which can accurately monitor the leaf elongation and microclimate with negligible hindrance to plant growth. Finally, the effects of the microclimate on the plant growth is resolved by analyzing the monitored data. This study would significantly promote the development of wearable plant sensors and their applications in the fields of plant phenomics, plant-environment interface, and smart agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

aimed to clarify whether liraglutide, a GLP-1 analogue, can ameliorate Aβ pathology through the regulation of autophagy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to explore the related mechanisms thereof. Methods: We used SH-SY5Y cells transiently transfected with APP695swe plasmid as an AD cellular model. Transfected cells were treated with liraglutide for 24 h in the presence or absence of 3-MA. Autophagy markers and the Aβ level were then evaluated by Western blot and ELISA. We also investigated the potential involvement of mTOR and JNK pathway in liraglutide-mediated autophagy. Results: Our results showed that liraglutide reduced Aβ 42 generation and enhanced autophagy in APPswe/SH-SY5Y cells; however, these effects could be counteracted with 3-MA. Furthermore, our data showed that liraglutide-induced autophagy does not follow the mTOR pathway. Liraglutide might promote autophagy in APPswe/SH-SY5Y cells by activating the JNK pathway and inhibiting the beclin-1/bcl-2 complex. Conclusion: Here, we report a novel mechanism underlying liraglutide-attenuated Aβ 42 generation through the activation of autophagy in AD cellular model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19 are specifically in response to Cd and salt stress in maize. • ZmUBP15, ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19 are conserved in maize and localized in cell membrane. • Over-expression of ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 or ZmUBP19 partially rescue ub p16 -1 tolerance to Cd and salt stress in Arabidopsis. • Over-expression of ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 or ZmUBP19 enhance Arabidopsis tolerance to Cd stress and salt stress. Abstract Ubiquitin-Specific Protease16 (UBP16) has been described involved in cadmium stress and salt stress in Arabidopsis , however nothing is known about the functions of its homologs in maize. In this study, we investigate the functions of ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19 , three Arabidopsis UBP16 homologs in maize. Our results indicate that ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19 are ubiquitously expressed throughout plant development, and ZmUBP15, ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19 proteins are mainly localized in plasma membrane. Complementation analyses show that over-expression of ZmUBP15 or ZmUBP16 can rescue the defective phenotype of ub p16 -1 in cadmium stress. In addition, over-expression of ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 or ZmUBP19 can increase the plant tolerance to cadmium stress. These results indicate that ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19 are required for plant to tolerance the cadmium stress. Consistent with this point, cadmium-related genes are markedly up-regulated in seedlings over-expressing ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 or ZmUBP19. Furthermore, our data indicate that ZmUBP15 , ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19 partially rescue the salt-stress phenotype of ub p16 -1. Thus, our research uncover the functions of three novel maize proteins, ZmUBP15, ZmUBP16 and ZmUBP19, which are required for plants in response to cadmium stress and salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shell matrix proteins (SMPs) which participate in shell formation are important components in shells of Pinctada fucata. The 72 unique SMPs of P. fucata were identified before, among which, PNU9, which is a part of an EDTA-insoluble matrix (EISM) of prism and nacre, got our attention. The expression of PNU9 mRNA concentrated on the outer fold (OF) and mantle pallial (MP) of the mantle, which is an important tissue for biomineralization. The result of a shell notching assay suggested that PNU9 participated in shell damage repairing processes. The injection of dsRNA of PNU9 could lead to the overgrowth of nacreous lamellas but had no significant influence on the prismatic layer. According to the results of the crystallization experiment in vitro, rPNU9 (mbp-PNU9) was able to inhibit crystal growth during aragonite crystallization and influence the morphology of calcite. What's more, rPNU9 could inhibit precipitation of calcium carbonate and the amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) transition in the aragonite system. The above results may offer new thoughts on the role of shell matrix proteins in the biomineralization process of the nacreous layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hematologic malignancies are the most common hematopoietic diseases and a major public health concern. However, the mechanisms underlying myeloid tumors remain unknown owing to the intricate interplay between mutations and diverse clonal evolution patterns, as evidenced by the analysis of bulk cell‐derived omics data. Several single‐cell omics techniques have been used to characterize the hierarchies and altered immune microenvironments of hematologic malignancies. The comprehensive single‐cell atlas of hematologic malignancies provides novel opportunities for personalized combinatorial targeted treatments, avoiding unwanted chemo‐toxicity. In the present study, we performed transcriptome sequencing by combining single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) with a targeted oncogenic gene panel for acute myeloid leukemia, overcoming the limitations of scRNA‐seq in detecting oncogenic mutations. The distribution of oncogenic IDH1, IDH2, and KRAS mutations in each cell type was identified in the bone marrow (BM) samples of each patient. Our findings suggest that ferroptosis and metabolic reprogramming are involved in the tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance of oncogenic mutation‐carrying cells. Biological progression via IDH1, IDH2, and KRAS mutations arrests hematopoietic maturation. Our study findings provide a rationale for using primary BM cells for personalized treatment in clinical settings. Significance statement: The co‐occurrence of mutations in leukemia cells poses challenges in comprehending the occurrence and progression of leukemia, thereby impeding the adoption of personalized therapeutic approaches. By employing transcriptome sequencing that integrates single‐cell RNA sequencing with a targeted oncogenic gene panel, it becomes possible to identify oncogenic mutations at the individual cell level. This approach enhances our comprehension of disease heterogeneity, disease evolution, novel targeted treatment possibilities, and resistance to chemotherapy. Additionally, our investigation revealed a correlation between IDH1/2 and KRAS mutations and the processes of ferroptosis and metabolic reprogramming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Life in the modern world depends on multiple critical services provided by infrastructure systems which are interdependent at multiple levels. To effectively respond to infrastructure failures, this paper proposes a model for developing optimal joint restoration strategy for interdependent infrastructure systems following a disruptive event. First, models for (i) describing structure of interdependent infrastructure system and (ii) their interaction process, are presented. Both models are considering the failure types, infrastructure operating rules and interdependencies among systems. Second, an optimization model for determining an optimal joint restoration strategy at infrastructure component level by minimizing the economic loss from the infrastructure failures, is proposed. The utility of the model is illustrated using a case study of electric-water systems. Results show that a small number of failed infrastructure components can trigger high level failures in interdependent systems; the optimal joint restoration strategy varies with failure occurrence time. The proposed models can help decision makers to understand the mechanisms of infrastructure interactions and search for optimal joint restoration strategy, which can significantly enhance safety of infrastructure systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grasping the characteristics of stock market performance is the key to maintaining its operation and development. This paper applies approaches in complex system to study the risk response problem of stock market. Based on the price interdependencies among stocks, we build stock network to represent the microstructure of the market. According to occurrence probability of different types and levels of risks, we propose resilience computing model to measure the characteristics of stock network performance macroscopically. Taking Shanghai stock market as an example, grounded on the rules of risk occurrence and stock price change, this study investigates the effects of three risk response strategies on network resilience. The results show that different strategies are appropriate to different types of risk. The research is helpful to grasp the operational mechanism of the stock market, and provides decision supports to the construction of risk response strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An efficient and general method for the synthesis of difluoroalkylated uracils, pyridinones, and coumarins through visible-light-induced reaction with commercial materials is developed. The strategy proceeds with high efficiency under mild reaction conditions and shows excellent functional group compatibility, even toward bromide and hydroxyl group, thus demonstrates high potent application in a late-stage fluoroalkylation. Moreover, the difluoroalkylated products can be further transformed to a diverse variety of difluoroalkylated heterocycles, including molecules of potential biological activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synovitis is an important disease that causes intractable pain in TMJ. Some investigations suggested that the increasing expression of IL-1β secreted by synovial lining cells plays an important role in synovial inflammation and cartilage destruction in TMJ. In our previous research, the results demonstrated that TLR4 is involved in the expression of IL-1β in SFs from TMJ with lipopolysaccharide stimulation. However, the inflammatory response that occurred in synovial membrane is not caused by bacterial infection. In the current study, we investigated whether or not TLR4 participates in the inflammatory responses and the expression of IL-1β in synovial membrane of rats induced by occlusal interference. The results showed that obvious inflammation changes were observed in the synovial membranes and the expression of TLR4 and IL-1β was increased at both mRNA and protein levels in the occlusal interference rats. In addition, the inflammation reactions and the increased expression of IL-1β could be restrained by treatment with TAK-242, a blocker of TLR4 signaling. The results prompted us that the activation of TLR4 may be involved in the inflammatory reactions and increased expression of IL-1β in patients with synovitis and participate in the mechanisms of the initiation and development of synovial injury by regulating the expression of inflammatory mediators like IL-1β in synovial membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WRKY gene family, which encodes proteins in the regulation processes of diverse developmental stages, is one of the largest families of transcription factors in higher plants. In this study, by searching for interspecies gene colinearity (microsynteny) and dating the age distributions of duplicated genes, we found 35 chromosomal segments of subgroup I genes of WRKY family (WRKY I) in four Gramineae species (Brachypodium, rice, sorghum, and maize) formed eight orthologous groups. After a stepwise gene-by-gene reciprocal comparison of all the protein sequences in the WRKY I gene flanking areas, highly conserved regions of microsynteny were found in the four Gramineae species. Most gene pairs showed conserved orientation within syntenic genome regions. Furthermore, tandem duplication events played the leading role in gene expansion. Eventually, environmental selection pressure analysis indicated strong purifying selection for the WRKY I genes in Gramineae, which may have been followed by gene loss and rearrangement. The results presented in this study provide basic information of Gramineae WRKY I genes and form the foundation for future functional studies of these genes. High level of microsynteny in the four grass species provides further evidence that a large-scale genome duplication event predated speciation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulating evidence from previous studies suggested that interleukin-1 (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) play an important role in pathogenesis of temporomandibular disorders (TMD). However, the cell surface receptors and the intracellular signal pathways leading to these cytokines expression are not fully understood. In the current study, we investigated the roles of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and its adaptor myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in the expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in synovial fibroblasts (SFs) separated from rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The results showed that treatment with LPS could increase TLR4, MyD88, IL-1β, and TNF-α expression at both mRNA and protein levels. In addition, increased expression of IL-1β and TNF-α could be blocked by treatment with TAK-242, a blocker of TLR4 signaling, and also by MyD88 inhibitory peptide (MIP). These findings suggested that maybe TLR4/MyD88 signal transduction pathway participates in enhanced expression of IL-1 and TNF-α in patients with TMD. The activation of TLR4/MyD88 signal transduction pathway which results in production of proinflammatory factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two kinds of polyimide membranes 6F-AP and 6F-AP/DA (APAF:DABA=3:2) were synthesized and heated between 300–450 °C to study the effect of thermal treatment on the chain structure and gas transport performance of membranes. Fourier Transform Infrared (FI-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements show that heating causes rearrangement of polyimide into rigid polybenzoxazole which prevents the effective stacking of polymer chains leading to the increase of d-spacing and fractional free volume. Positron annihilation results confirm the increase of both size and number of free volume due to the thermal rearrangement. The addition of DABA monomer into 6F-AP causes crosslinking during heating, which results in tightening of the rigid chain spacing of benzoxazole, thus leading to slight decrease in the size and number of free volume. The increase in fraction free volume induced by thermal rearrangement can significantly improve the gas permeability of 6F-AP series membranes, which increases from 16.2 and 3.9 barrer to 271.4 and 200.3 barrer for H 2 and CO 2 , respectively, after increasing the heating temperature from 300 to 450 °C. But this is accompanied by a decrease in gas selectivity due to the increase in free volume size. Finally, by careful tailoring the free volume structure through thermal rearrangement and crosslinking, the 6F-AP/DA polyimide treated at 400 °C exhibits a H 2 permeability of 196.4 barrer and a H 2 /CH 4 ideal selectivity of 90, which is above the 2008 Robeson upper bound. Our results indicate that by designing the functional groups of the reaction monomer plus appropriate thermal treatment, the microstructure of polyimide membrane can be effectively adjusted for high-performance gas separation. [Display omitted] • Cross-Linked Thermally Rearranged Poly(benzoxazole-co-imide) membranes were prepared by heating at varying temperatures. • Thermal rearrangement and thermal crosslinking had been analyzed to understand the change of free volume of polymers. • The free volume of membranes was accurately measured by positron annihilation. • Cross-Linked TR membrane treated at 400 °C exhibited excellent H 2 /CH 4 separation performance exceeding the 2008 upper bound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nicorandil, an ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel opener, is known to have protective effects on ischemic injury in heart and brain. One of the most important protective mechanisms is the anti-apoptotic effect on cardiomyocytes and neurons. This study explored the anti-apoptotic effect of nicorandil against neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells overexpressing the Swedish mutant APP (APPsw) and the possible mechanisms involved. We used SH-SY5Y cells transiently transfected with APPsw as a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease. Cells were treated with nicorandil (0.1, 0.5, 1 mM) for 24 h with and without glibenclamide (10 μM), a KATP channel inhibitor. The cells were then collected for MTT, apoptosis assay, and Western blot. In addition, we also investigated the potential involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway in nicorandil-mediated neuroprotection of APPsw cells. Our results showed that nicorandil dose-dependently increased cell viability and reduced the rate of apoptosis as measured by MTT assay and annexin V/PI staining. Western blot showed that nicorandil could upregulate Bcl-2 levels and downregulate Bax and caspase-3 expression. Further studies showed that nicorandil increased the levels of phospho-Akt and upregulated element-binding protein activity by PI3K activation. Applying a PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 blocked the protection. All these findings suggest that nicorandil might be a potential treatment option for Alzheimer's disease. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effect of norfloxacin (Nor) on the sorption of 1,3-dinitrobenzene (1,3-DNB), and PAHs (naphthalene (NAPH), phenanthrene (PHEN) and pyrene (PYR)) to K+-montmorillonite was studied. Nor suppressed 1,3-DNB sorption due to their competition for the same sorption sites. 1,3-DNB was sorbed on K+-montmorillonite surface via cation–polar interaction and n–π electron donor–acceptor interaction. Nor also was sorbed on these sites through cation exchange, cation bridging and/or surface complexation. Nor increased three PAHs sorption on montmorillonite and the enhanced magnitude was positively correlated with the π-donor strength of three PAHs. The enhanced sorption of PAHs by Nor was primarily attributed to π–π interaction between π-electron-depleted quinoline ring of Nor and π-electron-rich PAHs. Compared with cation (Nor+) and anion (Nor−), zwitterion (Nor±) of Nor increased PHEN and PYR sorption more pronounced due to additional cation–π interaction between the sorbed Nor± and PAHs. 1H NMR spectrum provided direct evidence for π–π and cation–π complexation between PAHs and Nor+ in solution by ring-current-induced upfield chemical shifts of amino group and methylene group of Nor+. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A model for optimizing the resilience of interdependent infrastructure systems with combined improvement measures. • Requirements on the system performance under disruptions are incorporated in the model. • Present a solution method applying heuristics and Monte Carlo simulations. • Managerial insights are drawn from a specific case study. Critical infrastructure systems are important for continuous functioning of the modern society. This paper proposes a model for developing infrastructure resilience improvement strategy to natural hazards on a regional scale, with combined pre- and post-disaster resilience improvement measures (RIMs). The main objective of the model is to maximize the expected value of the resilience of interdependent infrastructure systems. The interdependencies between infrastructure systems, the requirements on the proactive and reactive capacities of the interdependent systems, and the limit of specialized resources are incorporated in the model. A numerical solution method applying heuristics and Monte Carlo simulations is presented. The proposed model is validated using a case study on the Greater Toronto Area energy infrastructure systems. The results show that: (i) comparing with individual RIM, the combined RIMs can increase the resilience value of interdependent infrastructure systems while keeping the system properties within acceptable levels; (ii) the optimal combination of RIMs changes with the requirements on the proactive and reactive capacities; and (iii) the intensity of natural hazards and the response time of restoration activities have significant impacts on the optimal combination of RIMs. The proposed model can assist the decision makers to select effective combined RIMs under different regional natural hazard scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colonoscopy is a classic diagnostic method with possible complications including abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In this study, gut microbiota dynamics and related metabolic products during and after colonoscopy were explored to accelerate gut microbiome balance through probiotics. Methods: The gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed in four healthy subjects before and after colonoscopy, along with seven individuals supplemented with Clostridium butyricum. We employed 16S rRNA sequencing and GC–MS to investigate these changes. We also conducted bioinformatic analysis to explore the buk gene, encoding butyrate kinase, across C. butyricum strains from the human gut. Results: The gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) of four healthy subjects were recovered on the 7th day after colonoscopy. We found that Clostridium and other bacteria might have efficient butyric acid production through bioinformatic analysis of the buk and assessment of the transcriptional level of the buk. Supplementation of seven healthy subjects with Clostridium butyricum after colonoscopy resulted in a quicker recovery and stabilization of gut microbiota and fecal SCFAs on the third day. Conclusion: We suggest that supplementation of Clostridium butyricum after colonoscopy should be considered in future routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shell matrix proteins (SMPs) have important functions in biomineralization. In the past decades, the roles of SMPs were gradually revealed. In 2015, our group identified 72 unique SMPs in Pinctada fucata, among which Alveoline-like (Alv) protein was reported to have homologous genes in Pinctada maxima and Pinctada margaritifera. In this study, the full-length cDNA sequence of Alv and the functional analysis of Alv protein during shell formation were explored. The deduced protein (Alv), which has a molecular mass of 24.9 kDa and an isoelectric point of 11.34, was characterized, and the functional analyses was explored in vivo and in vitro. The Alv gene has high expression in mantle and could response to notching damage. The functional inhibition of Alv protein in vivo by injecting recombinant Alv (rAlv) antibodies destroyed prism structure but accelerated nacre growth. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining showed that native Alv exists in the EDTA-insoluble matrix of both prismatic and nacreous layers and has different distribution patterns in the inner or outer prismatic layer. Taken together, the characterization and functional analyses of matrix protein Alv could expand our understanding of basic matrix proteins and their functions during shell formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The metabolomics and proteomics of CSF exhibit significant disparities between neuro-PASC patients and healthy volunteers. • Elevated sphinganine and ST1A1, disrupted sphingolipid metabolism and attenuated inflammatory response may lead to neuro-PASC. • Decreased 7,8-dihydropterin and upregulated steroid hormone biosynthesis may be a reparative mechanism for neuro-PASC. • Biomarker cohort consisting of sphinganine, 7,8-dihydroneopterin, and ST1A1 shows promising efficacy in diagnosing neuro-PASC. The mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 causes neurological post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (neuro-PASC) remains unclear. Herein, we conducted proteomic and metabolomic analyses of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 21 neuro-PASC patients, 45 healthy volunteers, and 26 inflammatory neurological diseases patients. Our data showed 69 differentially expressed metabolites and six differentially expressed proteins between neuro-PASC patients and healthy individuals. Elevated sphinganine and ST1A1, sphingolipid metabolism disorder, and attenuated inflammatory responses may contribute to the occurrence of neuro-PASC, whereas decreased levels of 7,8-dihydropterin and activation of steroid hormone biosynthesis may play a role in the repair process. Additionally, a biomarker cohort consisting of sphinganine, 7,8-dihydroneopterin, and ST1A1 was preliminarily demonstrated to have high value in diagnosing neuro-PASC. In summary, our study represents the first attempt to integrate the diagnostic benefits of CSF with the methodological advantages of multi-omics, thereby offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of neuro-PASC and facilitating the work of neuroscientists in disclosing different neurological dimensions associated with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ZmbZIP22 gene encodes a bZIP transcription factor, can interact with the promoters of key starch enzyme genes. • ZmbZIP22 can inhibit the expression of GBSSIa and enhance the expression of most starch synthesis genes, resulting in a loss of amylose content in mature seeds. • Overexpressing ZmbZIP22 showed reductions in the size and alterations in the chemical structure of starch granules, and reduced amylose content. • We provide candidate regulators and show that ZmbZIP22 has a similar adjustment mechanism of starch biosynthesis in maize and rice. • The function of ZmbZIP22 can act as a negative regulator in the starch synthesis. Starch content and composition are major determinants of yield and quality in maize. In recent years, the major genes for starch metabolism have been cloned in this species. However, the role of transcription factors in regulating the starch metabolism pathway remains unclear. The ZmbZIP22 gene encodes a bZIP transcription factor. In our study, plants overexpressing ZmbZIP22 showed reductions in the size of starch granules, the size and weight of seeds, reduced amylose content, and alterations in the chemical structure of starch granules. Also, overexpression of ZmbZIP22 resulted in increases in the contents of soluble sugars and reducing sugars in transgenic rice and maize. ZmbZIP22 promotes the transcription of starch metabolism genes by binding to their promoters. Screening by yeast one-hybrid assays indicated a possible interaction between ZmbZIP22 and the promoters of eight key starch enzyme genes. Collectively, our results indicated that ZmbZIP22 functions as a negative regulator of starch synthesis, and suggest that this occurs through the regulation of key sugar and starch metabolism genes in maize. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and efficient protocol for difluoromethylation of isoflavones, flavonoids, and coumarins has been developed. The protocol uses readily available, non-ozone-depleting and easy handling BrCF2PO(OEt)2 as difluorocarbene precursor. The reaction underwent the formation of difluorocarbene under mild reaction conditions with relatively weak base therefore demonstrates high selectivity. Application of the reaction led to difluoromethylated biologically relevant molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of hydrolyzed polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) membranes were successfully synthesized under alkaline conditions. Positron annihilation lifetime measurement is employed to analyze the pore structure of the hydrolyzed PIMs. In the original PIM-1, there are two kinds of pores, i.e. micropores with radius of 4.32 Å and ultramicropores with radius of 2.58 Å. The size of all the pores shows a continuous decrease with increasing hydrolysis time, which is confirmed by the reduced chain-to-chain spacing in the hydrolyzed PIMs measured by X-ray diffraction. Meanwhile, the fractional free volume also shows decrease after the hydrolysis process, while the relative number of ultramicropores increases. Benefiting from the smaller pore size in the hydrolyzed PIMs membrane, the gas molecules with smaller size (such as CO 2) can be separated more efficiently. The selectivity of CO 2 /CH 4 of hydrolyzed PIMs reaches up to 30.05 with a relatively high CO 2 permeability of 140.58 Barrer, which exceeds the Robeson's 1991 upper bound. Our results indicate that the hydrolyzed polymers of intrinsic microporosity membranes are promising candidates for gas separation membrane in the future. [Display omitted] • A series of hydrolyzed PIMs membranes were synthesized under alkaline conditions. • The process shortens the reaction time and improves the gas separation performance. • The logarithm of P shows a linear relationship with 1/FFV. • Positron lifetime measurements indicate the free volume adjusts the selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of 6FDA-based co-polyimide membranes were synthesized by adding different diamine monomer containing special functional groups: APAF (containing OH) and DABA (containing -COOH). The ODA/APAF and ODA/DABA series were heat treated at 450 °C and 350 °C, respectively. Thermal rearrangement of polymer chain segments is confirmed in ODA/APAF membranes by infrared spectroscopy, while addition of DABA in ODA/DABA membranes causes decarboxylation crosslinking. Positron lifetime measurements reveal existence of ultramicropores in polyimides. The thermal rearrangement in ODA/APAF membranes induces remarkable increase in both size and number of ultramicropores and therefore increase in fractional free volume (FFV), but the crosslinking in ODA/DABA causes significant decrease in both size and number of ultramicropores. The increase in FFV is favorable for gas permeation, but too large size of the micropore drastically deteriorates the gas selectivity. Finally, the ODA/APAF(3:7) shows a high CO 2 permeability of 127.4 Barrer with CO 2 /CH 4 selectivity of 34.2, which surpasses the 1991 Robeson upper bound. Besides, the ODA/DABA(3:7) exhibits a H 2 permeability of 22.6 Barrer with H 2 /CH 4 selectivity of 256.8, which also exceeds the 1991 Robeson upper bound. Our results indicate that the gas permeability and selectivity of polymer membranes can be effectively adjusted by tailoring the ultramicropore structures, and positron can provide precise information about micropores. • Positron annihilation results show that the adding of APAF and DABA can change the FFV by changing both size and number of ultramicropores. • The positron annihilation results prove the increase in FFV is favorable for gas permeation, but too large size of the micropore drastically deteriorates the gas selectivity. • The positron annihilation results confirm gas selectivity depends on the difference in the diameter of the gas pairs to be separated as proposed by Robeson et al. • ODA/APAF(3:7) surpasses the 1991 CO 2 /CH 4 Robeson upper bound, while ODA/DABA(3:7) surpassing the 1991 H 2 /CH 4 Robeson upper bound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori infection remain to be defined, and potential interventional microbiota are just beginning to be identified. In this study, gene‐set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to integrate three H. pylori infection microarray data sets from the gene expression omnibus database and identified ten hallmark gene sets and 35 Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathways that differed between healthy and Helicobacter pylori‐infected individuals. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) performed on two of the data sets identified three key gene coexpression modules. These modules contained 54 enriched KEGG pathways, 25 of which overlapped with the GSEA analysis, suggesting potentially important roles in H. pylori‐infection. We selected 116 hub genes from the three key modules for in vitro validation at the transcriptional level using H. pylori Sydney Strain 1 and verified the upregulation of 80. WGCNA of the microbiomes based on 20 mucosal samples and a sequence read archive data set revealed four microbiota modules correlated with H. pylori infection. The negatively correlated modules contained 11 microbiome families. These findings provide new insight into the pathogenesis of H. pylori infection and systematically identify 25 key pathways, 80 upregulated hub genes, and 11 families of candidate interventional microbiota for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synovitis is characterized by the infiltration of inflammatory cells and often accompanies the pathological progression of the clinical symptoms affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), such as pain, snapping, and limited mouth opening. It has been suggested that the signal transduction pathway and resultant proinflammatory mediators play important roles in the pathogenesis of synovitis. Therefore, in this present research, we aimed to investigate the changes in the expressions of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and interleukin (IL)-1β in rats with occlusal interference.Materials and Methods: We divided 36 male Wistar rats into the following groups: Group A (control group), Group B (occlusal interference group), and Group C (AMD3100 group). Synovial inflammation was induced in the rats in Groups B and C to establish the occlusal interference model. The inflammatory changes were detected, and the expressions of SDF-1 and IL-1β in the synovium were assayed via immunostaining and a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results: In Group B, obvious inflammatory changes were observed in the synovial membranes; additionally, the SDF-1 and IL-1β expression levels were significantly higher at the protein and mRNA levels. However, in Group C, these experimental results were inhibited by an injection with AMD3100.Conclusion: These results may indicate that SDF-1 regulates the expression level of inflammatory factors, such as IL-1β, in the synovial membranes of rats with occlusal interference. Our findings suggest that the SDF-1 axis may contribute to the onset of synovitis during the development of TMJ joint disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MADS-box family proteins play an important role in grain formation and flower development; however, the molecular mechanisms by which transcription factors regulate the starch metabolism pathway are unclear in maize. Here, we report a transcription factor, ZmMADS1a, that controls starch biosynthesis in maize (Zea mays L.). We demonstrate the expression of ZmMADS1a in tassel, silk, and endosperm, and show that the protein is localized to the cell nucleus. Compared with the control, seeds of overexpressing ZmMADS1a increased starch content (especially amylose content), had smaller starch granules and altered chemical structure. Meanwhile, overexpression of ZmMADS1a resulted in increases in the contents of soluble sugars and reducing sugars in maize. ZmMADS1a plays a positive regulatory role in the starch biosynthesis pathway by up-regulating several starch biosynthesis related genes. We also show that ZmMADS1a has a similar adjustment mechanism of starch biosynthesis in rice. Collectively, our study suggests that ZmMADS1a functions as a positive regulator of starch biosynthesis by regulating the expression of key starch metabolism genes during seed development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Multidrug resistance (MDR), defined as the cross-resistance of cancer cells toward a broad range of chemotherapeutic agents, is a universal and intractable problem in chemotherapy. The understanding of MDR mechanisms is essential to discover the potential biomarkers for predicting multidrug resistance and more importantly, tackling and preventing multidrug resistance. Multiple technologies have been used to study MDR mechanisms including comparative genomic hybridization, DNA array, differential display RT-PCR and various immunoassays. Compared with these approaches, proteomic technologies allow a high through-put analysis of protein detection, protein quantification and protein interaction with high accuracy. With the rapid development of proteomic studies in recent years, proteomic technologies have made substantial contributions to the characterization of MDR mechanisms including MDR-related protein detection and quantification, as well as the characterization of drug-transporter binding sites. This review offers a comprehensive illustration of MDR, proteomic technologies and the discoveries made in understanding MDR mechanisms using proteomic approaches. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major problem in the treatment of cancer. • Comparative proteomic approaches have been used to study multidrug resistance mechanisms in drug-selected model cancer cells. • This article is mainly to review the potential multidrug resistance mechanisms by comparative proteomic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LIM and SH3 Protein 2 (LASP2), a member of the nebulin family of actin-binding proteins, is associated with the development of cancers. However, little was known about the role of LASP2 in human bladder cancer. In the current study, LASP2 expression was evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis in bladder cancer cell lines and tissue samples. The role of LASP2 in cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and angiogenesis was explored. The association between prognostic outcomes and LASP2 expression were examined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. LASP2 expression was decreased in bladder cancer cells and tissues. LASP2 expression was associated with tumor size (P=0.016) and T classification (P=0.001). Patients with lower LASP2 expression had shorter overall and recurrent-free survival times. Overexpression of LASP2 inhibited and silencing of LASP2 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of bladder cancer cells, and angiogenesis in bladder cancer. Furthermore, it was determined that the tumor suppressing effect of LASP2 may be associated with the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. LASP2 may represent a novel and useful prognostic indicator, and could serve as a potential therapeutic target for bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shells of pearl oysters, Pinctada fucata, are composed of calcite and aragonite and possess remarkable mechanical properties. These shells are formed under the regulation of macromolecules, especially shell matrix proteins (SMPs). Identification of diverse SMPs will lay a foundation for understanding biomineralization process. Here, we identified 72 unique SMPs using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of proteins extracted from the shells of P. fucata combined with a draft genome. Of 72 SMPs, 17 SMPs are related to both the prismatic and nacreous layers. Moreover, according to the diverse domains found in the SMPs, we hypothesize that in addition to controlling CaCO3 crystallization and crystal organization, these proteins may potentially regulate the extracellular microenvironment and communicate between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Immunohistological localization techniques identify the SMPs in the mantle, shells and synthetic calcite. Together, these proteomic data increase the repertoires of the shell matrix proteins in P. fucata and suggest that shell formation in P. fucata may involve tight regulation of cellular activities and the extracellular microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]