The Expression and Function of Notch Involved in Ovarian Development and Fecundity in Basilepta melanopus

Basilepta melanopus is a pest that severely affects oil tea plants, and the Notch signaling pathway plays a significant role in the early development of insect ovaries. In this study, we explored the function of the notch gene within the Notch signaling pathway in the reproductive system of B. melanopus. The functional domains and expression patterns of Bmnotch were analyzed. Bmnotch contains 45 epidermal growth factor-like (EGF-like) domains, one negative regulatory region, one NODP domain and one repeat-containing domain superfamily. The qPCR reveals heightened expression in early developmental stages and specific tissues like the head and ovaries. The RNA interference (RNAi)-based suppression of notch decreased its expression by 52.1%, exhibiting heightened sensitivity to dsNotch at lower concentrations. Phenotypic and mating experiments have demonstrated that dsNotch significantly impairs ovarian development, leading to reduced mating frequencies and egg production. This decline underscores the Notch pathway's crucial role in fecundity. The findings advocate for RNAi-based, Notch-targeted pest control as an effective and sustainable strategy for managing B. melanopus populations, signifying a significant advancement in forest pest control endeavors.

Effect of ciliary sulcus angle on the prediction of the vault for phakic implantable collamer lens in the KS formula

PURPOSE

We aimed to explore the effects of the ciliary sulcus angle (CSA) on accurate prediction of the vault after phakic implantable collamer lens (EVO ICL Model V4c) using the KS formula.

METHODS

Patients were classified according to the size of CSA: group A, narrow angle (CSA < 30°); group B, normal angle (CSA = 30-90°); and group C, wide angle (CSA > 90°). Further, differences between the actual vault dimensions at 3 months postoperatively and the preoperatively predicted vault dimensions in the three groups were analyzed.

RESULTS

This study included 223 eyes of 223 individuals. In groups A-C, the difference in the preoperative vault dimensions of the three groups predicted with the KS formula was not statistically significant (P = 0.056). The actual vault dimensions at 3 months postoperatively were significantly different between the three groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, the difference between the actual and predicted vaults by the KS formula was statistically significant (P < 0.001). In the 3 months, after surgery, the percentages of patients with a low vault (< 250 μm) were 0%, 3%, and 29% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Further, the percentages of patients with an ideal vault (250-750 μm) in the postoperative period were 66%, 84%, and 71% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Finally, the percentages of patients with a high vault (> 750 μm) in the postoperative period were 34%, 13%, and 0% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Notably, the distribution of the vault among the three groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The size of CSA significantly affects the predictiveness of the vault by the KS formula, with the most pronounced effect on the angles < 30° and > 90°. Therefore, CSA should be considered when selecting the lens size using the KS formula preoperatively.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2200065501.

Effects of Purine Metabolism-Related LINC01671 on Tumor Heterogeneity in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma has several subtypes, with kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) being the most common and heterogeneous. Purine metabolism is associated with cancer progression. However, the role of purine metabolism-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in KIRC remains unknown.

METHODS

KIRC were grouped into Cluster-1 and Cluster-2 based on purine genes. Limma package was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs between two classes of purine genes. Single-factor screening was used followed by random forest dimensionality reduction and Lasso method to screen lncRNAs. A risk score model (Purine Score) containing the 3 lncRNAs was developed using the Lasso method.

RESULTS

A total of 22 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified. These were reduced to a final set of three (LINC01671, ARAP1-AS1 and LINC02747). Age and metastasis (M) were identified as independent prognostic factors for KIRC using univariate and multivariate Cox analysis. An abnormal immune cell response was also associated with patient survival. The Purine Score correlated with abnormal expression of immune checkpoint genes. Genetic analysis of KIRC found somatic mutations in TP53, TRIOBP, PBRM1, PKHD1, VHL, NPHP3, TLN2, CABIN1, ABCC6, XIRP2, and CHD4. In vitro cell experiments showed that knockdown of LINC01671 promoted the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells, while inhibiting apoptosis. Overexpression of LINC01671 inhibited the proliferation and migration of CAKI-1 cells, while promoting apoptosis. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) analysis revealed that LINC01671 was significantly enriched in the MAPK, NF-kappa B, mTOR, PI3K-Akt, and Wnt signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

LINC01671 may be a novel prognostic marker with important therapeutic value for KIRC.

[Resistance to deltamethrin and its association with mutation sites in the sodium iron channel domain III gene in Rhipicephalus microplus in Huaihua City of Hunan Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the level of deltamethrin resistance and mutation sites in the sodium iron channel gene in Rhipicephalus microplus in Huaihua City, Hunan Province, and to examine the correlation between deltamethrin resistance and mutation sites in the sodium iron channel gene in Rh. microplus.

METHODS

Rh. microplus was sampled from multiple yellow cattle farms in Huaihua City, Hunan Province from June to September 2022, and the level of resistance to deltamethrin was determined in ticks using the adult immersion test. The sodium iron channel domain III gene was amplified in deltamethrin-resistant and wild-type Rh. microplus using PCR assay. Following sequencing and sequence alignment, mutation sites were detected in bases. The sodium iron channel domain III gene in Rh. microplus was translated, and the signal peptide, transmembrane domain, and phosphorylation and glycosylation sites were detected in amino acid sequences. The tertiary structures of the sodium iron channel domain III protein of deltamethrin-resistant and wild-type Rh. microplus were deduced and compared, and the association be tween mutation sites in bases and resistance to deltamethrin was examined in Rh. microplus according the level of deltamethrin resistance, sequence alignment and protein tertiary structure.

RESULTS

The median (LC50) and 95% lethal concentrations (LC95) of deltamethrin were 121.39 mg/L and 952.61 mg/L against Rh. microplus, with a resistance factor of 9.24 and level II resistance. The sequence of the sodium ion channel domain III gene was 1 010 bp in size, and mutation sites were detected in two neighboring bases in the sequence of the sodium ion channel domain III gene in deltamethrin-resistant Rh. microplus. Although no signal peptides were found in the sodium iron channel domain III protein of deltamethrin-resistant or wild-type Rh. microplus, 6 trans-membrane domains, 42 phosphorylation sites and 8 glycosylation sites were identified, with a significant difference in the tertiary structure of the sodium iron channel domain III protein between deltamethrin-resistant and wild-type Rh. microplus.

CONCLUSIONS

Level II resistance to deltamethrin is detected in Rh. microplus in Huaihua City, Hunan Province, and two mutation sites that correlate with the emergence of deltamethrin resistance are identified in the sequence of the sodium iron channel domain III gene in deltamethrin-resistant Rh. microplus.

Comparative effectiveness of different exercise interventions for elderly patients with hip fracture: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis protocol of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Exercise intervention (EI) is a promising and economical way for elderly patients with hip fracture, but the evidence regarding effective EIs remains fragmented and controversial, and it is unclear which type of exercise is optimal. The purpose of this Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare and rank the efficacy of various EIs in elderly patients with hip fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using a systematic approach across various databases including Medline (via PubMed), CINAHL, CNKI, Web of Science, Wan Fang, Embase, VIP, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CBM databases. The search encompasses all available records from the inception of each database until December 2022. The Inclusion literature comprises randomized controlled trials that incorporate at least one EI for elderly patients with hip fracture. We will assess the risk of bias of the studies in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, and assess each evidence of outcome quality in accordance with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework. The NMA will be performed by STATA 15.0 software and OpenBUGS version 3.2.3. The identification of publication bias will be accomplished through the utilization of a funnel plot. We will rank the EIs effects according to the cumulative ranking probability curve (surface under the cumulative ranking area, SUCRA). The primary outcomes will be hip function in elderly patients, and the secondary outcomes will be activities of daily living, walking capacity and balance ability of elderly patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD4202022340737.

An Overview of Stimuli-Responsive Intelligent Antibacterial Nanomaterials

Drug-resistant bacteria and infectious diseases associated with biofilms pose a significant global health threat. The integration and advancement of nanotechnology in antibacterial research offer a promising avenue to combat bacterial resistance. Nanomaterials possess numerous advantages, such as customizable designs, adjustable shapes and sizes, and the ability to synergistically utilize multiple active components, allowing for precise targeting based on specific microenvironmental variations. They serve as a promising alternative to antibiotics with diverse medical applications. Here, we discuss the formation of bacterial resistance and antibacterial strategies, and focuses on utilizing the distinctive physicochemical properties of nanomaterials to achieve inherent antibacterial effects by investigating the mechanisms of bacterial resistance. Additionally, we discuss the advancements in developing intelligent nanoscale antibacterial agents that exhibit responsiveness to both endogenous and exogenous responsive stimuli. These nanomaterials hold potential for enhanced antibacterial efficacy by utilizing stimuli such as pH, temperature, light, or ultrasound. Finally, we provide a comprehensive outlook on the existing challenges and future clinical prospects, offering valuable insights for the development of safer and more effective antibacterial nanomaterials.

The effectiveness of optimal exercise-based strategy for patients with hip fracture: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis

The implementation of exercise intervention (EI) presents a promising and economical way for patients with hip fracture. However, the optimal type of EI remains unclear. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of various EI approaches and identify the optimal intervention for improving the prognosis of patients with hip fracture. A comprehensive search of Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, CNKI, Wan Fang, VIP, and CBM was conducted from their earliest records to June 2022. The included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included at least one type of exercise for patients with hip fracture. The methodological quality of these trials was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. All direct and indirect comparisons were analyzed by Stata 14.0 and OpenBUGS 3.2.3 software. The primary outcome was hip function, and the secondary outcomes were activity of daily living (ADL), walking capacity and balance ability of patients. Based on the ranking probabilities, resistance exercise (RE) was ranked as the most effective among all exercise interventions (surface under cumulative ranking curve values [SUCRA]: 94.8%, [MD]: - 11.07, [Crl]: - 15.07 to - 7.08) in improving the efficacy of patients' hip function, followed by balance exercise (BE) ([SUCRA]:81.1%, [MD]: - 8.79, [Crl]: - 13.41 to - 4.18) and muscle strength exercise ([SUCRA]:57.6%, [MD]: - 5.35, [Crl]: - 9.70 to - 0.95). For the improvement of ADL for patients with hip fracture, BE ([SUCRA]:98.4%, [MD]: - 17.38, [Crl]: - 23.77 to - 11.04) may be the best EI. The findings of this study indicate that RE and BE might be the best approach to improve prognosis for patients with hip fracture. However, further rigorous and meticulously planned RCTs are required to substantiate the conclusions drawn from this study.

Contrasting effects of experiencing temporally heterogeneous light availability versus homogenous shading on plant subsequent responses to light conditions

Temporally heterogeneous environments is hypothesized to correlate with greater plasticity of plants, which has rarely been supported by direct evidence. To address this issue, we subjected three species from different ranges of habitats to a first round of alternating full light and heavy shading (temporally heterogeneous light experience), constant moderate shading and full light conditions (temporally homogeneous light experiences, control) and a second round of light-gradient treatments. We measured plant performance in a series of morphological, biomass, physiological and biochemical traits at the end of each round. Compared to constant full light experience, temporally heterogeneous light conditions induced immediate active biochemical responses (in the first round) with improved late growth in biomass (during the second round); constant moderate shading experience increased photosynthetic physiological and biomass performances of plants in early response, and decreased their late growth in biomass. The karst endemic species of Kmeria septentrionalis showed greater improvement in late growth of biomass and lower decrease in biochemical performance, due to early heterogeneous experience, compared to the non-karst species of Lithocarpus glaber and the karst adaptable species of Celtis sinensis. Results suggested plants will prefer to produce morphological and physiological responses that are less reversible and more costly in the face of more reliable environmental cues at early stage in spite of decreased future growth potential, but to produce immediate biochemical responses for higher late growth potential when early environmental cues are less reliable, to avoid the loss of high costs and low profits. Typical karst species should be more able to benefit from early temporally heterogeneous experience, due to long-term adaptation to karst habitats of high environmental heterogeneity and low resource availability.

Insight into the pollution characteristics of road and roof runoff in Changsha, China

Non-point source pollution from rainwater runoff presents a serious challenge for urban water management in many cities undergoing urbanization and experiencing climate change. To alleviate water resource conflicts in Changsha, China, this study comprehensively evaluated the pollution characteristics and first flush effect (FFE) of runoff from asphalt roads and colored steel plate roofs under seven rainfall events in April-May 2022. The runoff was collected and purified using bioretention ponds. The results showed that the peak runoff pollutant concentrations occurred within the first 20 min of runoff generation and then decreased to relatively stable levels, with maximum total suspended solids (TSS) concentration and chemical oxygen demand (COD_Cr) reaching 873.5 and 207.32 mg/L, respectively, for road runoff and 162 and 73.31 mg/L for roof runoff, respectively. The main pollutants were TSS and COD_Cr, followed by ammonia nitrogen (NH₄⁺-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃^--N), total phosphorus (TP), and nitrite nitrogen (NO₂^--N). Concentrations of pollutants and FFE for roof runoff were lower than those for road runoff. Road runoff had a more obvious FFE for TP and NH₄⁺-N, whereas the roof runoff showed the presence of TP and NO₃^--N. An important implication is that treating the first 30% of surface runoff from rainfall events with long antecedent dry days or high rainfall amounts is necessary to improve water quality before discharge or utilization. The study also found that road and roof runoff, after treatment with bioretention ponds, exhibit good water quality, thus, allowing their use as reclaimed water or for miscellaneous purposes in urban areas. Overall, this study provides useful information for designing management measures to mitigate runoff pollution and reuse in Changsha.

[Sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene and prediction of structure and antigenic epitopes of its encoding protein]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene, and to predict the secondary and tertiary structure and antigenic epitopes of the Enolase protein.

METHODS

Sixty-two engorged female R. microplus were sampled from a yellow cattle breeding farm in Zhijiang County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province in June 25, 2022. Genomic DNA was isolated from R. microplus, and the Enolase gene was amplified using PCR assay, followed by cloning, sequencing and expression of the amplification product. The sequence characteristics of the Enolase gene were analyzed using the software Clustal X, and the gene sequence was translated into amino acid sequences. The secondary and tertiary structures of the Enolase protein were deduced using the software PRABI, and the physicochemical properties of the Enolase protein were analyzed using the software PRABI. In addition, the B- and T-cell epitopes of the Enolase protein were predicted using the software ABCpred Prediction, Scratch, IEDB and NetCTL.

RESULTS

The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence was 1 323 bp in size, and the contents of A, T, G and C bases were 24.5%, 22.5%, 27.0% and 26.0%,with 47.0% of A + T content and 53.0% of G + C content. The R. microplus Enolase gene encoded 434 amino acids, and the Enolase protein had a molecular weight of 47.12 kDa. The secondary structure of the Enolase protein contained 186 α-helixes (42.86%), 32 β-turns (7.37%), 144 random coils (33.18%) and 72 extended strands (16.59%). The Enolase protein was most probably present in cytoplasm (76.7%), followed by in mitochondrion (39.1%) and nucleus (21.7%), and the Enolase protein had no signal peptide or transmembrane domain. In addition, the Enolase protein had 14 B-cell dominant epitopes and 8 T-cell dominant epitopes.

CONCLUSIONS

The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence exhibits a GC preference, and its encoding Enolase protein is an acidic and hydrophilic protein, with α-helixes and random coils as its primary structure, and presenting B- and T-cell dominant epitopes, which is a potential target for development of vaccines against R. microplus.