Genome-Wide Identification, Comprehensive Gene Feature, Evolution, and Expression Analysis of Plant Metal Tolerance Proteins in Tobacco Under Heavy Metal Toxicity

Plant metal tolerance proteins (MTPs) comprise a family of membrane divalent cation transporters that play essential roles in plant mineral nutrition maintenance and heavy metal stresses resistance. However, the evolutionary relationships and biological functions of MTP family in tobacco remain unclear. In the present study, 26, 13, and 12 MTPs in three main Nicotiana species (N. tabacum, N. sylvestris, and N. tomentosiformis) were identified and designated, respectively. The phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, chromosome distributions, conserved motifs, and domains of NtMTPs were systematic analyzed. According to the phylogenetic features, 26 NtMTPs were classified into three major substrate-specific groups that were Zn-cation diffusion facilitators (CDFs), Zn/Fe-CDFs, and Mn-CDFs, and seven primary groups (1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12). All of the NtMTPs contained a modified signature sequence and the cation_efflux domain, whereas some of them also harbored the ZT_dimer. Evolutionary analysis showed that NtMTP family of N. tabacum originated from its parental genome of N. sylvestris and N. tomentosiformis, and further underwent gene loss and expanded via one segmental duplication event. Moreover, the prediction of cis-acting elements (CREs) and the microRNA target sites of NtMTP genes suggested the diverse and complex regulatory mechanisms that control NtMTPs gene expression. Expression profile analysis derived from transcriptome data and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed that the tissue expression patterns of NtMTPs in the same group were similar but varied among groups. Besides, under heavy metal toxicity, NtMTP genes exhibited various responses in either tobacco leaves or roots. 19 and 15 NtMTPs were found to response to at least one metal ion treatment in leaves and roots, respectively. In addition, NtMTP8.1, NtMTP8.4, and NtMTP11.1 exhibited Mn transport abilities in yeast cells. These results provided a perspective on the evolution of MTP genes in tobacco and were helpful for further functional characterization of NtMTP genes.

[Artesunate attenuate chronic graft-versus-host disease by regulating Th17/Treg balance]

目的

探讨青蒿琥酯抗慢性移植物抗宿主病（cGVHD）的作用及可能机制。

方法

将B10D2小鼠的骨髓细胞和脾脏细胞混合悬液通过尾静脉输入近交系雌性BALB/c小鼠体内建立cGVHD模型，分别予青蒿琥酯（实验组）和丙酮腹腔（对照组）注射治疗。观察两组小鼠的cGVHD临床表现、生存时间和组织病理学改变；应用流式细胞术分析小鼠外周血和脾脏Th17和Treg细胞比例；免疫磁珠分选BALB/c小鼠脾脏CD4⁺T细胞，分别予丙酮和青蒿琥酯进行干预72 h，流式细胞术分析两组Th17/Treg细胞比例。

结果

①实验组小鼠cGVHD临床症状较对照组明显减轻，生存时间延长[（55.71±6.99）d对（46.57±7.83）d，χ²=5.457，P=0.020]。②实验组小鼠皮肤及肺脏cGVHD病理损伤较轻。③与对照组比较，实验组小鼠外周血、脾脏Th17细胞比例均降低[（0.58±0.19）%对（1.51±0.18）%，t=7.233，P<0.001；（0.71±0.18）%对（1.48±0.38）%，t=3.653，P=0.011]，Treg细胞比例增高[（8.40±0.23）%对（4.45±0.04）%，t=15.680，P<0.001；（10.48±0.48）%对（6.62±0.24）%，t=6.590，P=0.003]，Th17/Treg细胞比值均下降（0.09±0.03对0.34±0.05，t=7.621，P=0.002；0.06±0.02对0.19±0.03，t=6.993，P=0.002）。④体外培养小鼠脾脏CD4⁺T细胞，青蒿琥酯干预组较对照组Th17细胞比例减低[（0.82±0.37）%对（3.39±1.22）%，t=4.044，P=0.007]，Treg细胞比例明显增高[（34.63±1.29）%对（14.28±1.69）%，t=19.119，P<0.001]，Th17/Treg细胞比值下降（0.24±0.09对0.02±0.01，t=4.780，P=0.003）。

结论

青蒿琥酯可通过减少Th17细胞及增加Treg细胞，恢复Th17/Treg平衡，减轻cGVHD的临床与病理学损伤，从而发挥抗cGVHD作用。

Sexual Dimorphism in Wax Secretion Offers Ecological Adaptability During Ericerus pela (Hemiptera: Coccidae) Evolution

The scale insect, Ericerus pela Chavannes, shows a typical sexual dimorphism. Males and females are different not only in morphology, but also in their ability to secrete wax and ecological adaptability. Here we report the morphological and structural characteristics of wax glands on E. pela females and males. The differences in wax glands and wax secretion between females and males reflect their different needs for living habitats and different ecological strategies. Sciophilous male nymphs are with five types of wax glands, and the wax glands on the dorsum secrete a layer of wax filaments plausibly for protection against direct light irradiation. On the other hand, five types of wax glands were found on the abdomen of females. Heliophilous female nymphs hardly secrete any wax, but the wax glands located along the spiracle on the abdomen may help this insect to breathe. Female adults secrete wax filaments on eggs to protect them from predators and prevent themselves from sticking to each other. In summary, males appear to secreted wax for creating a shaded niche that fits their sciophilous life style, whereas females are likely to adopt an ecological strategy with thickened epidermis for heliophilous acclimatization and overwintering.

Charge density wave memory in a cuprate superconductor

Although CDW correlations are a ubiquitous feature of the superconducting cuprates, their disparate properties suggest a crucial role for pinning the CDW to the lattice. Here, we report coherent resonant X-ray speckle correlation analysis, which directly determines the reproducibility of CDW domain patterns in La_1.875Ba_0.125CuO₄ (LBCO 1/8) with thermal cycling. While CDW order is only observed below 54 K, where a structural phase transition creates inequivalent Cu-O bonds, we discover remarkably reproducible CDW domain memory upon repeated cycling to far higher temperatures. That memory is only lost on cycling to 240(3) K, which recovers the four-fold symmetry of the CuO₂ planes. We infer that the structural features that develop below 240 K determine the CDW pinning landscape below 54 K. This opens a view into the complex coupling between charge and lattice degrees of freedom in superconducting cuprates.

Macro- and Microscopic Analyses of Anatomical Structures of Chinese Gallnuts and Their Functional Adaptation

The galls induced by Schlechtendaia chinensis, Schlechtendaia peitan and Nurudea shiraii on Rhus chinensis and gall induced by Kaburagia rhusicola rhusicola on Rhus potaninii Maxim. are the largest plant galls and have great economic and medical values. We examined the structures of galls and their functional adaptation using various macro- and microscopic techniques. The highly adapted structures include a stalk at the base that is specialized for mechanical support and transport of nutrients for aphids, and a network of vascular bundles which accompanying schizogenous ducts arranged in a way to best support aphid feeding and population growth. There are many circular and semicircular xylems traces in an ensiform gall in cross sectional views, which would provide more nutrition and occupy less space. We infer the evolution trail was flower-like gall, horned gall, circular gall and ensiform gall. And the possible evolutionary trend of the gall was bigger chamber, more stable mechanical supporting, easier for exchanging substance and transporting nutrients.

[Prognostic significance of albumin/globulin ratio on postoperative survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the prognostic value of albumin/globulin ratio on postoperative survival outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: Data of 630 patients with HCC, who underwent surgical resection from February 2009 to July 2013, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into low-value group (A/G < 1.5, defined as L group) and high-value group (A/G≥1.5, defined as H group), and their distribution characteristics were observed with the normal A/G threshold value. Independent risk factors' affecting survival and prognosis was analyzed with univariate and multivariate Cox's regression model. Survival trend of all patients with low-value and high-value groups in A, B and C of Barcelona stage (BCLC stage) were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative A/G ratio (P = 0.007), alpha-fetoprotein (P < 0.001), gamma-glutamyltransferase (P = 0.006), RBC (P = 0.014), international normalized ratio (P = 0.009), preoperative BCLC staging (P < 0.001) and number of tumors (P = 0.003), and intraoperative blood transfusion (P < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors affecting long-term survival in HCC patients. The median overall survival time in-group L was 15 months, significantly lower than that in group H of 42 months (P < 0.001). Stratified analysis showed that the short-term survival advantage of patients with high A / G value was limited to those with Barcelona stage A (P < 0.001), and disappeared in patients with Barcelona stage B and C (P > 0.05). The long-term survival advantage existed in patients with Barcelona stage A (P < 0.001), B (P < 0.05), and disappeared in C (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative albumin/globulin ratio can predict postoperative prognosis and survival, and direct towards the treatment for early stage of HCC and thus representing as an indicator of high clinical value.

Partially Fluorinated Cu(I) Triazolate Frameworks with High Hydrophobicity, Porosity, and Luminescence Sensitivity

Solvothermal reactions of 3-methyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1,2,4-triazole (Hfmtz) with Cu(CH₃COO)₂ at 120 °C in the presence of Cl^- generate two partially fluorinated coordination polymers: i.e., [Cu₄Cl(fmtz)₃] (1 or MAF-51) and [Cu₇Cl(fmtz)₆] (2 or MAF-52). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed 1 to have a three-dimensional (3D) nonporous structure with pcu topology consisting of 6-connected Cu₄(μ₄-Cl) clusters and 2 to possess a highly porous (void ratio 48%) 3D bnn network consisting of 5-connected Cu₅(μ₅-Cl) clusters. Benefiting from the hydrophobic pendant groups, complete coordination of the ligand N atoms, and strong M-N coordination bonds, 1 and 2 possess high water stability (exposed to water for at least 1 year) and hydrophobicity (water contact angles of 141° and 148°, respectively). The N₂ sorption isotherm of activated 2 gave Langmuir/BET surface areas of 1023/848 m² g^-1 and a pore volume of 0.365 cm³ g^-1. Moreover, 2 can adsorb large amounts of benzene and methanol but barely adsorb water. Both 1 and 2 show phosphorescence of Cu(I) complexes, but only that of porous 2 is sensitive to O₂, showing a linear Stern-Volmer response below 1 mbar with an ultrahigh K_sv value of 5234 bar^-1 and ultralow limit of detection of 1.9 ppm.

Genome-wide Mapping for Stripe Rust Resistance Loci in Common Wheat Cultivar Qinnong 142

Stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici threatens worldwide wheat production. Growing resistant cultivars is the best way to control this disease. Chinese wheat cultivar Qinnong 142 (QN142) has a high level of adult-plant resistance to stripe rust. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to stripe rust resistance, we developed a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from a cross between QN142 and susceptible cultivar Avocet S. The parents and 165 F₆ RILs were evaluated in terms of their stripe rust infection type and disease severity in replicated field tests with six site-year environments. The parents and RILs were genotyped with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Four stable QTLs were identified in QN142 and mapped to chromosome arms 1BL, 2AL, 2BL, and 6BS. The 1BL QTL was probably the known resistance gene Yr29, the 2BL QTL was in a resistance gene-rich region, and the 2AL and 6BS QTLs might be new. Kompetitive allele specific polymerase chain reaction markers developed from the SNP markers flanking these QTLs were highly polymorphic in a panel of 150 wheat cultivars and breeding lines. These markers could be used in marker-assisted selection for incorporating the stripe rust resistance QTL into new wheat cultivars.

[A large scale cohort study on AIDS in communities in Dali, Yunnan province, 2014-2015]

Objective: To understand HIV incidence in community residents and epidemiological characteristics of newly detected HIV infection cases in Dali, Yunnan province. Methods: A cohort study was conducted among 146 720 community residents who were tested to be HIV negative during 2010-2011, they were followed-up from June 1, 2014 to May 31, 2015. Results: A total of 136 356 community residents received follow up (92.9%). The follow-up time was 0.23-5.40 years (medium: 3.43 years), cumulatively 459 675 person years, and 78 people were found to be HIV positive. The incidence rate of HIV infection was 0.170/1 000 person years. The incidence rate was 0.037/1 000 person years in age group 15-29 years, 0.288/1 000 person years in age group 30-44 years, 0.210/1 000 person years in age group 45-59 years, 0.204/1 000 person years in age ≥60 years; 0.213/1 000 person years in males, 0.130/1 000 person years in females; 0.248/1 000 person years in Han ethnic group, 0.149/1 000 person years in Minorities; 0.194/1 000 in people with education level ≤ junior middle school, 0.046/1 000 person years in people with education level > junior middle school; 0.070/1 000 person years in the unmarried, 0.194/1 000 person years in the married and 0.425/1 000 person years in the divorced/widowed. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that being male (HR=1.731), aged 30-44 years (HR=13.158), aged 45-59 years (HR=10.329), aged ≥60 years (HR=8.291), unmarried (HR=3.162) and divorced/widowed (HR=2.689) were the risk factors for HIV infection, while the education level > junior middle school (HR=0.132) was the protective factor for HIV infection. Conclusions: By medium 3.43 years follow up, the cohort study showed that incidence rate HIV infection was 0.170/1 000 person years in the community residents in Dali. Male, middle aged and old people, people with low education level, the unmarried and the divorced/widowed had relatively higher risk to be infected with HIV, Close attention should be paid to the prevention and control of AIDS in these populations.

The involvement of the mGluR5-mediated JNK signaling pathway in rats with diabetic retinopathy

OBJECTIVE

To understand the involvement of the mGluR5-mediated JNK signaling pathway in rats with diabetic retinopathy (DR).

METHODS

This study established rat models of diabetes mellitus (DM), which were divided into Normal, DM, DM + CHPG (mGluR5 agonist CHPG), and DM + MTEP (mGluR5 antagonist MTEP) groups. The blood glucose and weight of rats were recorded. EB staining was used for observation of blood-retinal barrier (BRB) damage. Neural retina function was measured by pattern electroretinogram (ERG). PAS and NG2 immunohistochemistry were conducted to evaluate the retinal vascular morphology. The TUNEL assay and active caspase-3 immunohistochemistry were performed to detect retinal cell apoptosis. Additionally, the expression levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) were measured. Moreover, expression levels of mGluR5 and JNK pathway-related proteins were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

When compared with control rats, rats in the DM group showed decreased amplitude and latency of the peak times in the ERG test; further, DM group rats presented increases in blood glucose, BRB permeability, a retinal capillary area density, retinal cell apoptosis with an increased number of active caspase-3-positive cells, MDA level, mGluR5 levels, and the ratio of p-JNK/JNK, and they showed reductions in body weight and SOD activity, as well as in the number of pericytes and in the pericyte coverage (all P < 0.05). However, rats in DM + CHPG group had stronger negative effects than those in DM group (all P < 0.05). Rats from DM + MTEP group showed an opposite trend compared with the DM rats (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The level of mGluR5 in DR rats was upregulated, whereas inhibition of mGluR5 alleviated retinal pathological damage and decreased cell apoptosis to improve DR via suppression of the JNK signaling pathway, which provided a scientific theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of DR.

Switching hydrogen bonds to readily interconvert two room-temperature long-term stable crystalline polymorphs in chiral molecular perovskites

Two room-temperature polymorphic forms could be long-term stable yet easily interconvertible by switching the inter-cationic H-bonds in chiral molecular perovskites.

A new ferroelastic hybrid material with a large spontaneous strain: (Me3NOH)2[ZnCl4]

A new organic–inorganic hybrid undergoes a ferroelastic phase transition at 351 K accompanied with a large spontaneous stain.

Single-side and double-side swing behaviours of a flexible porous coordination polymer with a rhombic-lattice structure

A rhombic porous coordination polymer can show special reversible–irreversible structural transformations with single-side and double-side swing, as well as sophisticated bond reconstitution behaviours.

Unprecedented water-controlled rotator–stator conversion of supramolecular rotors in crystals

A supramolecular rotor exhibits two switchable rotational states controlled by guest water in crystals.

A local hydrophobic environment in a metal–organic framework for boosting photocatalytic CO2 reduction in the presence of water

The methylene groups surrounding the metal center in a metal–organic framework provide hydrophobic repulsive forces to H₂O, resulting in a high catalytic activity (TOF = 73.8 h⁻¹, selectivity of 96%) for photodriven CO₂ reduction into CO.

Crystal structure of (2E,4Z)-dimethyl 4-((phenylamino)methylene)pent-2-enedioate, C14H15N1O4

C14H15N1O4, triclinic, P1̄, a = 8.2018(4) Å, b = 11.5512(5) Å, c = 14.4121(7) Å, α = 79.242(2)°, β = 78.647(3)°, γ = 85.496(3)°, V = 1313.93(11) Å3, Z = 2, R gt(F) = 0.0548, wR ref(F 2) = 0.1805, T = 296(2) K.

Non-3d Metal Modulation of a Cobalt Imidazolate Framework for Excellent Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution in Neutral Media

Cobalt imidazolate frameworks are classical electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) but suffer from the relatively low activity. Here, a non-3d metal modulation strategy is presented for enhancing the OER activity of cobalt imidazolate frameworks. Two isomorphous frameworks [Co₄ (MO₄ )(eim)₆ ] (M=Mo or W, Heim=2-ethylimidazole) having Co(eim)₃ (MO₄ ) units and high water stabilities were designed and synthesized. In different neutral media, the Mo-modulated framework coated on a glassy carbon electrode shows the best OER performances (1 mA cm^-2 at an overpotential of 210 mV in CO₂ -saturated 0.5 m KHCO₃ electrolyte and 2/10/22 mA cm^-2 at overpotential of 388/490/570 mV in phosphate buffer solution) among non-precious metal catalysts and even outperforms RuO₂ . Spectroscopic measurements and computational simulations revealed that the non-3d metals modulate the electronic structure of Co for optimum reactant/product adsorption and tailor the energy of rate-determining step to a more moderate value.

[Effects of occupational cadmium exposure on workers' cardiovascular system]

Objective: To investigate the effects of cadmium exposure on cardiovascular system of occupational workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study was applied to 992 workers in a nickel-cadmium battery plant in November, 2011, of which 749 were cadmium exposed workers and 243 were controls without cadmium and other expose. Urinary cadmium、electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure were examined simultaneously among 992 workers. The risk factors of ECG abnormality rate and hypertension rate were analyzed by Logistic regression. Results: The level of urinary cadmium in cadmium exposed workers was significantly higher than controls (8.89±4.00 vs 1.34±1.18 μg/g creatinine, P<0.01) . Urinary cadmium level in women was significantly higher than men in both exposure and control group (P<0.05) . According to the group of working years, Urinary cadmium level raised with the increase of working years (F=28.272, P<0.001) . The ECG abnormality rate and hypertension rate of cadmium exposed workers were higher than that of control group, the differences were all statistically significant (P<0.01) . The abnormal rate of ECG and the hypertension rate increased with the prolonging of working years and demonstrated dose-response relationship. With the increase of urinary cadmium level, the abnormal rate of ECG and hypertension rate raised (OR=1.11, P<0.01) and (OR=1.15, P<0.01) respectively. Conclusion: Occupational cadmium exposure increased the abnormal rate of ECG and blood pressure and therefore damaged cardiovascular system of workers. This study provided base data for protecting health of cadmium exposed workers.

Spin-reorientation-induced magnetodielectric coupling effects in two layered perovskite magnets

Spin-reorientation-induced magnetodielectric coupling effects were discovered in two layered perovskite magnets, [C6H5CH2CH2NH3]2[MCl4] (M = Mn2+ and Cu2+), via isothermal magnetodielectric measurements on single-crystal samples. Specifically, peak-like dielectric anomalies and spin-flop transitions appeared simultaneously at around ±34 kOe for the canted antiferromagnet (M = Mn2+) at below 44.3 K, while a low-field (1 kOe) controlled magnetodielectric effect was observed in the "soft" ferromagnet (M = Cu2+) at below 9.5 K. These isothermal magnetodielectric effects are highly reproducible and synchronous with the field-induced magnetization at different temperatures, well confirming the essential role of spin reorientation on inducing magnetodielectric coupling effects. These findings strongly imply that the layered perovskite magnets are new promising organic-inorganic hybrid systems to host magnetodielectric coupling effects.

[Congenital pyriform fistula with acute suppurative thyroiditis as the initial presentation]

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics of congenital pyriform fistula with acute suppurative thyroiditis as the initial presentation. Method: A total of 71 patients with congenital pyriform sinus fistula were treated, of which 33 cases had acute suppurative thyroiditis as the first symptom. For the patients with congenital pyriform sinus fistula who have acute suppurative thyroiditis as the first symptom, infection should be controlled first. Full drainage should be done when necessary, and the lesion should be completely excised during the stable period. Result: All the patients were followed up for 6 months to 216 months. No recurrence was found during follow-up. Conclusion: For patients with acute suppurative thyroiditis, the possibility of congenital pyriform sinus fistula should be considered.If the diagnosis of congenital pyriform sinus fistula is clear,the lesion should be completely resected by surgery. .

Combination of all-stage and high-temperature adult-plant resistance QTL confers high-level, durable resistance to stripe rust in winter wheat cultivar Madsen

Wheat cultivar Madsen has a new gene on the short arm of chromosome 1A and two QTL for all-stage resistance and three QTL for high-temperature adult-plant resistance that in combination confer high-level, durable resistance to stripe rust. Wheat cultivar Madsen has maintained a high-level resistance to stripe rust over 30 years. To map quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying the high-level, durable resistance, 156 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from cross Avocet S × Madsen were phenotyped with selected races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in the greenhouse seedling tests, and in naturally infected fields during 2015-2017. The RILs were genotyped by SSR and SNP markers from genotyping by sequencing and the 90 K wheat SNP chip. Three QTL for all-stage resistance were mapped on chromosomes 1AS, 1BS and 2AS, and two QTL for high-temperature adult-plant (HTAP) resistance were mapped on 3BS and 6BS. The most effective QTL on 2AS, explaining 8.97-23.10% of the phenotypic variation in seedling tests and 8.60-71.23% in field tests, contained Yr17 for all-stage resistance and an additional gene for HTAP resistance. The 6BS QTL, detected in all field tests, was identified as Yr78. The 1AS QTL, conferring all-stage resistance, was identified as a new gene, which explained 20.45 and 30.23% of variation in resistance to races PSTv-37 and PSTv-40, respectively, and contributed significantly to field resistance at Pullman in 2015-2017, but was not detected at Mount Vernon. The interactions among QTL were mostly additive, and RILs with all five QTL had the highest level of resistance in the field, similar to Madsen. Genotyping 148 US Pacific Northwest wheat cultivars with markers for the 1AS, 2AS and 6BS QTL validated the genes and markers, and indicated their usefulness for marker-assisted selection.

[Simulation of inferior turbinate reduction using computational fluid dynamics methods]

Objective:Two computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models of unilateral inferior turbinate reductions (ITR) were constructed and investigate the influences of aerodynamic consequences.Method:A unilateral hypertrophic inferior turbinate CFD model wasestablished. Two kinds of methods in removing of tissue bulk along the length of the hypertrophic inferior turbinate were used,and we got the model B and the model C. Nasal airflow distribution were computed before and after simulated unilateral inferior turbinate reduction in use of Fluent 6.3.26.Result:Simulated two kinds of ITR resulted in enlargement in the cross-section area of inferior nasal meatus, 0.36 cm² of the model B and 0.89 cm² of the model C in average. Model C produced a less reduction in intranasal pressures (approximately 3 Pa) than the model B and the original model which are the same as approximately 8 Pa. More air was predicted to flow in the affected nasal passage in the model C (approximately 80 ml/s) than the model B and the original model. Airspeed in the anterior valve region was improved significantly and more vortices happened in the model C.Conclusion:The model C is significantly better than the model B in restoring normal anatomy and ventilation physiological of the nasal cavity. So, in ITR recoverying normal anatomy structure of the nasal has decisive significance.

[De novo NFκB2 gene mutation associated common variable immunodeficiency]

Objective: To investigate the clinical, immunological, and molecular manifestations of nuclear factor kappa-B subunit 2 (NFκB2) gene mutation associated common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) . Methods: A 14-month-old boy diagnosed with NFκB2-mutated CVID was admitted into Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in December 2015. The clinical manifestations, biochemical tests, immunological function, molecular features, treatment, and follow-up of the patient were analyzed. The Chinese and PUBMED databases were searched with the key words "NFκB2" and "immune deficiency" and related literatures were reviewed. Results: The patient had 4 episodes of pneumonias and one otitis media since the age of 6 months. The serum immunoglobulin levels were IgG 2.73 g/L, IgA<0.07 g/L, and IgM 0.12 g/L. The percentage of peripheral lymphocyte subsets demonstrated increased CD3(+)T lymphocyte (81.8%), increased CD4(+) naïve T cell (39.1%), normal B cell (14.1%), low switched memory B and plasmablast B (respectively 0.1% and 0), and lightly diminished natural killer(NK) cell (4.13%). Within the peripheral CD4(+)T cells, the percentage of regulatory T cells (1.49% (control 4.08%)), T follicular helper (3.66% (control 11.0%)), and T helper 17 (9.65% (control 15.7%)) were decreased, while the percentage of T helper 2 (60.9% (control 46.5%)) was elevated. T lymphocyte proliferative response and T cell receptor repertoire diversity were normal. NK-cell cytotoxic activity was impaired. The whole-exome sequencing harbored a de novo heterozygous nonsense mutation in exon 22 (c.2557C>T; p. Arg853X) in the C-terminus of NF-κB2. The western blotting confirmed the decreased expression of NF-κB2 (p52) protein. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin infusion monthly (400-600 mg/kg), followed by improvement of pulmonary infection. After searching the databases, a total of 28 cases (1 Chinese and 27 non-Chinese) were identified. There were 12 cases of nonsense mutation (5 were gain-of-function mutation), and 8 cases of missense and frameshift mutations, respectively. The main clinical manifestation was respiratory infection, followed by autoimmune diseases such as alopecia and trachyonychia. Fifteen cases developed adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) deficiency. Conclusions: NF-κB2 signaling pathway played an important role in T and B lymphocyte differentiation, and NK-cell cytotoxic activity. NFκB2 mutation should be considered in cases with recurrent infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, and decreased memory B cells and plasma cells, especially when combined with ACTH deficiency.

Controlling Thermal Expansion Behaviors of Fence-Like Metal-Organic Frameworks by Varying/Mixing Metal Ions

Solvothermal reactions of 3-(4-pyridyl)-benzoic acid (Hpba) with a series of transition metal ions yielded isostructral metal-organic frameworks [M(pba)2]·2DMA (MCF-52; M = Ni2+, Co2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, or mixed Zn2+/Cd2+; DMA = N,N-dimethylacetamide) possessing two-dimensional fence-like coordination networks based on mononuclear 4-connected metal nodes and 2-connected organic ligands. Variable-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of these materials revealed huge positive and negative thermal expansions with |α| > 150 × 10-6 K-1, in which the larger metal ions give the larger thermal expansion coefficients, because the increased space not only enhance the ligand vibrational motion and hinged-fence effect, but also allow larger changes of steric hindrance between the layers. In addition, the solid-solution crystal with mixed metal ions further validates the abundant thermal expansion mechanisms of these metal-organic layers.

Gene expression pattern of TCR repertoire and alteration expression of IL-17A gene of γδ T cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

γδ T cells are associated with the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, but the relationship between the development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and γδ T cells is not clear. So we attempt to investigate the expression pattern and clonality of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire of γδ T cells in AMI patients, analyze the expression levels of regulatory genes Foxp3 and IL-17A, and characterize the correlation between γδ T cells and the pathogenesis of AMI.

METHODS

25 patients diagnosed with ST-segment-elevation AMI were enrolled and 14 healthy individuals were recruited as the controls. RT-PCR and GeneScan were used to analyze the complementarity-determining region 3 sizes of TCR γδ repertoire genes in sorted γδ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). RQ-PCR was used to detect the gene expression levels of Foxp3, IL-17A and TCR Vγ subfamilies in sorted γδ T cells. All the patients were followed up for recordings of clinical endpoints.

RESULTS

The mRNA gene expression levels of TCR Vγ1, Vγ2, and Vγ3 subfamilies in AMI patients were significantly higher than those in healthy controls. The expression pattern was Vγ1 > Vγ2 > Vγ3 in AMI patients, while Vγ1 > Vγ3 > Vγ2 in healthy controls. The significantly restricted expression of TCR Vδ subfamilies were also found in AMI patients. The expression frequencies of TCR Vδ7 and TCR Vδ6 in AMI patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls. The high clonal expansion frequencies of the TCR Vδ8, Vδ4 and Vδ3 were determined in AMI patients. High expression of Foxp3 gene was found in AMI PBMCs, while high expression of IL-17A was found in AMI γδ+ cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Restrictive expression of TCR γδ repertoire and alteration expression of IL-17A gene are the important characteristics of γδ T cells in AMI patients, which might be related to the immune response and clinical outcome. γδ T cells might play a key role in the pathological progress of AMI and associated with the IL-17A mediated pathway.

Ultrathin Transition Metal Dichalcogenide/3d Metal Hydroxide Hybridized Nanosheets to Enhance Hydrogen Evolution Activity

The vast majority of the reported hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts perform poorly under alkaline conditions due to the sluggish water dissociation kinetics. Herein, a hybridization catalyst construction concept is presented to dramatically enhance the alkaline HER activities of catalysts based on 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) (MoS₂ and WS₂ ). A series of ultrathin 2D-hybrids are synthesized via facile controllable growth of 3d metal (Ni, Co, Fe, Mn) hydroxides on the monolayer 2D-TMD nanosheets. The resultant Ni(OH)₂ and Co(OH)₂ hybridized ultrathin MoS₂ and WS₂ nanosheet catalysts exhibit significantly enhanced alkaline HER activity and stability compared to their bare counterparts. The 2D-MoS₂ /Co(OH)₂ hybrid achieves an extremely low overpotential of ≈128 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 in 1 m KOH. The combined theoretical and experimental studies confirm that the formation of the heterostructured boundaries by suitable hybridization of the TMD and 3d metal hydroxides is responsible for the improved alkaline HER activities because of the enhanced water dissociation step and lowers the corresponding kinetic energy barrier by the hybridized 3d metal hydroxides.

Molecular Dynamics, Phase Transition and Frequency-Tuned Dielectric Switch of an Ionic Co-Crystal

Dielectric switches that can be converted between high and low dielectric states by thermal stimuli have attracted much interest owing to their many potential applications. Currently one main drawback for practical application lies in the non-tunability of their switch temperatures (T_S ). We report here an ionic co-crystal (Me₃ NH)₄ [Ni(NCS)₆ ] that contains a multiply rotatable Me₃ NH⁺ ion and a solely rotatable one due to a more spacious supramolecular cage for the former one. This compound undergoes an isostructural order-disorder phase transition and it can function as a frequency-tuned dielectric switch with highly adjustable T_S , which is further revealed by the variable-temperature structure analyses and molecular dynamics simulations. In addition, the distinct arrangements and molecular dynamics of two coexisting Me₃ NH⁺ ions confined in different lattice spaces as well as the notable offset effect on the promoting/hindering of dipolar reorientation after dielectric transition provide a rarely observed but fairly good model for understanding and modulating the dipole motion in crystalline environment.

Edible insects in China: Utilization and prospects

The use of edible insects has a long history in China, where they have been consumed for more than 2000 years. In general, the level of acceptance is high for the consumption of insects in China. Many studies on edible insects have been conducted in the last 20 years, and the scope of the research includes the culture of entomophagy and the identification, nutritional value, farming and breeding of edible insects, in addition to food production and safety. Currently, 324 species of insects from 11 orders are documented that are either edible or associated with entomophagy in China, which include the common edible species, some less commonly consumed species and some medicinal insects. However, only approximately 10 to 20 types of insects are regularly consumed. The nutritional values for 174 species are available in China, including edible, feed and medicinal species. Although the nutritional values vary among species, all the insects examined contain protein, fat, vitamins and minerals at levels that meet human nutritional requirements. Edible insects were, and continue to be, consumed by different ethnic groups in many parts of China. People directly consume insects or food products made from insects. The processing of products from insect protein powder, oil and chitin, and the development of healthcare foods has been studied in China. People also consume insects indirectly by eating livestock that were fed insects, which may be a more acceptable pathway to use insects in human diets. Although limited, the data on the food safety of insects indicate that insects are safe for food or feed. Incidences of allergic reactions after consuming silkworm pupae, cicadas and crickets have been reported in China. Insect farming is a unique breeding industry in rural China and is a source of income for local people. Insects are reared and bred for human food, medicine and animal feed using two approaches in China: the insects are either fully domesticated and reared completely in captivity or are partially raised in captivity, and the insect habitat is manipulated to increase production. Depending on the type of relationship the insect has with humans, plants and the environment, different farming strategies are used. The social and scientific communities must work together to promote the use of insects as food and feed.

Characterization and functional assay of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene in the scale insect, Ericerus pela Chavannes (Hemiptera: Coccoidae)

Ericerus pela Chavannes (Hemiptera: Coccoidae) is an economically important scale insect because the second instar males secrete a harvestable wax-like substance. In this study, we report the molecular cloning of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase gene (EpFAR) of E. pela. We predicted a 520-aa protein with the FAR family features from the deduced amino acid sequence. The EpFAR mRNA was expressed in five tested tissues, testis, alimentary canal, fat body, Malpighian tubules, and mostly in cuticle. The EpFAR protein was localized by immunofluorescence only in the wax glands and testis. EpFAR expression in High Five insect cells documented the recombinant EpFAR reduced 26-0:(S) CoA and to its corresponding alcohol. The data illuminate the molecular mechanism for fatty alcohol biosynthesis in a beneficial insect, E. pela.

A Lethal Fungus Infects the Chinese White Wax Scale Insect and Causes Dramatic Changes in the Host Microbiota

The Chinese white wax scale insect (Ericerus pela) is an economically valuable species with an important role in wax production. Recently, in a greenhouse in Kunming, we identified a genus of fungus that infects and kills E. pela females. This study sought to perform the molecular detection of entomopathogens and analyze the changes in the host microbiota after entomopathogen infection. We used library construction, high-throughput sequencing and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to identify the fungi infecting adult E. pela, to understand the changes in the host organism, and to determine the distribution of the entomopathogens. Cladosporium langeronii and C. sphaerospermum were the main pathogenic species that infected the E. pela females, and they were most prevalent in the dorsal cuticle. In vivo, after infection, the proportion of Cladosporium clearly increased. The infection had little influence on the fungal community but had a strong influence on the bacterial community. After infection, Arsenophonus was dominant, and numerous bacterial genera disappeared. However, Rickettsia, instead of Arsenophonus, became dominant in the Cladosporium-infected individuals that had also been infected with Rickettsia. We identified the species that infected E. pela females and determined the influence of infection on the host microorganisms.

[Predictive value of early lactate area for mortality in elderly patients with septic shock]

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of early lactate area for mortality in elderly patients with septic shock. Methods: From January 2012 to December 2013, a prospective study was conducted in the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. A total of 115 septic shock patients with age ≥65 years were included in the study. Serum lactate was measured every 6 hours, the lactate indicators, including early lactate area, APACHE Ⅱ score etc were recorded. Results: The overall 28-day mortality rate was 67.0%. The top three primary infection sources were lung, abdominal cavity and bloodstream. When compared to survivors, non-survivors had significantly elevated early lactate area and APACHE Ⅱ score and lowered lactate clearance[(27.4±7.6) vs ( 20.3±6.5)], they were significantly more likely to have undergone mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy and inotropic or vasopressor support for ≥3 d, and more frequently displayed signs of cardiovascular, respiratory, and renal and hepatic dysfunction (all P<0.05) .Receiver Operating Characteristic curves indicated the lactate area score displayed a strong predictive power for 28 day mortality as indicated by an AUC of 0.758 (P<0.01) and had significantly greater predictive power when compared to the initial lactate or lactate clearance (all P<0.05). Conclusions: In geriatric patients with septic shock, the early lactate area is a useful predictor for early death and showed better predictive value than other lactate indicators.

Controlling guest conformation for efficient purification of butadiene

Conventional adsorbents preferentially adsorb the small, high-polarity, and unsaturated 1,3-butadiene molecule over the other C₄ hydrocarbons from which it must be separated. We show from single-crystal x-ray diffraction and computational simulation that a hydrophilic metal-organic framework, [Zn₂(btm)₂], where H₂btm is bis(5-methyl-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methane, has quasi-discrete pores that can induce conformational changes in the flexible guest molecules, weakening 1,3-butadiene adsorption through a large bending energy penalty. In a breakthrough operation at ambient temperature and pressure, this guest conformation-controlling adsorbent eluted 1,3-butadiene first, then butane, butene, and isobutene. Thus, 1,3-butadiene can be efficiently purified (≥99.5%) while avoiding high-temperature conditions that can lead to its undesirable polymerization.

Effect of body position on the pathogenesis of asymmetric primary open angle glaucoma

AIM

To explore the pathogenesis of asymmetric primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) in both eyes by comparing the intraocular pressure (IOP) of patients who sleep in different positions and to investigate the relationship between IOP variations and sleep positions.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty-one patients with asymmetric POAG and forty-six healthy volunteers were enrolled. All participants completed a questionnaire that provided information about their sleep laterality. The cup disc ratio (C/D) and visual field defect established binocular asymmetry. The IOP of both eyes was measured using iCare parameters after the patients were asked to change body position. The "worse" and "better" eyes were identified according to the diagnosis, whereas the "dependent" and "independent" eyes were defined according to the lateral position.

RESULTS

No significant difference in sleep laterality was observed between healthy people and patients with POAG (F=3.195, P=0.362). Among the enrolled patients, the IOP of the dependent eye was always greater than that of the independent eye in the lateral position (P<0.05). In the patients with binocular asymmetric POAG, the questionnaire clearly showed that 85.7% of left side preferences were found their left eyes to be the worse eyes and the right eyes of 71.4% patients with a right side preference were the more serious. When the asymmetric C/D ratio was greater than or equal to 0.2, the worse eye of patients with POAG and a preferred sleeping position was the dependent eye (χ² =16.762, P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

A higher IOP was measured in the dependent eye in the lateral position. The long-term tendency to choose a lateral sleeping position might lead the dependent eye to manifest more severe symptoms than the independent eye. Thus, the lateral sleeping position might be one cause of asymmetric POAG.

Optimizing the oxygen balance by changing the A-site cations in molecular perovskite high-energetic materials

Two new members of molecular perovskite high-energetic materials exhibit optimized oxygen balances by changing the A-site cations.

Room-temperature optic-electric duple bistabilities induced by plastic transition

A plastic crystal simultaneously exhibits room-temperature bistabilities in two physical channels: dielectric and nonlinear optics.

A flexible metal–organic framework with adaptive pores for high column-capacity gas chromatographic separation

A new zinc pyrazolyl-carboxylate framework with multi-mode and adaptive flexibility has been synthesized for efficient gas chromatographic separations.

Direct synthesis of an aliphatic amine functionalized metal–organic framework for efficient CO2 removal and CH4 purification

An aliphatic amine functionalized MOF was directly synthesized for CO₂ adsorption and CH₄ purification.

Mesoporous Metal-Organic Frameworks with Exceptionally High Working Capacities for Adsorption Heat Transformation

Pore size is one of the most important parameters of adsorbents, and mesoporous materials have received intense attention for large guests. Here, a series of mesoporous coordination polymers underlying a new framework prototype for fast expansion of pore size is reported and the profound effect of pore size on adsorption heat transformation is demonstrated. Three isostructural honeycomb-like frameworks are designed and synthesized by combining ditopic linear metal oxalate chains and triangular tris-pyridine ligands. Changing the ligand bridging length from 5.5 to 8.6 and 9.9 Å gives rise to effective pore diameter from 20 to 33 and 37 Å, surface area from 2096 to 2630 and 2749 m² g^-1 , and pore volume from 1.19 to 1.93 and 2.36 cm³ g^-1 , respectively. By virtue of the unique and tunable isotherm shape of mesopores, exceptionally large working capacity up to 1.19 g g^-1 or 0.38 g cm^-3 for adsorption heat transformation can be achieved using R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluroethane) as a working fluid.