Identification of a family with van der Hoeve's syndrome harboring a novel COL1A1 mutation and generation of patient-derived iPSC lines and CRISPR/Cas9-corrected isogenic iPSCs

Van der Hoeve's syndrome, also known as osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), is a genetic connective tissue disorder characterized by fragile, fracture-prone bone and hearing loss. The disease is caused by a gene mutation in one of the two type I collagen genes COL1A1 or COL1A2. In this study, we identified a novel frameshift mutation of the COL1A1 gene (c.1607delG) in a family with OI using whole-exome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and Sanger sequencing. This mutation may lead to the deletion of a portion of exon 23 and the generation of a premature stop codon in the COL1A1 gene. To further investigate the impact of this mutation, we established two induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of OI patients carrying a novel mutation in the COL1A1 gene. Osteoblasts (OB) derived from OI-iPSCs exhibited reduced production of type I collagen and diminished ability to differentiate into osteoblasts. Using a CRISPR-based homology-directed repair strategy, we corrected the OI disease-causing COL1A1 novel mutations in iPSCs generated from an affected individual. Our results demonstrated that the diminished expression of type I collagen and osteogenic potential were enhanced in OB induced from corrected OI-iPSCs compared to those from OI-iPSCs. Overall, our results provide new insights into the genetic basis of Van der Hoeve's syndrome and highlight the potential of iPSC technology for disease modeling and therapeutic development.

Bioinspired Tumor Calcification-Guided Early Diagnosis and Eradication of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Tumor calcification is found to be associated with the benign prognostic, and which shows considerable promise as a somewhat predictive index of the tumor response clinically. However, calcification is still a missing area in clinical cancer treatment. A specific strategy is proposed for inducing tumor calcification through the synergy of calcium peroxide (CaO2)-based microspheres and transcatheter arterial embolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The persistent calcium stress in situ specifically leads to powerful tumor calcioptosis, resulting in diffuse calcification and a high-density shadow on computed tomography that enables clear localization of the in vivo tumor site and partial delineation of tumor margins in an orthotopic HCC rabbit model. This osmotic calcification can facilitate tumor clinical diagnosis, which is of great significance in differentiating tumor response during early follow-up periods. Proteome and phosphoproteome analysis identify that calreticulin (CALR) is a crucial target protein involved in tumor calcioptosis. Further fluorescence molecular imaging analysis also indicates that CALR can be used as a prodromal marker of calcification to predict tumor response at an earlier stage in different preclinical rodent models. These findings suggest that upregulated CALR in association with tumor calcification, which may be broadly useful for quick visualization of tumor response.

A Bioengineered Nanovesicle Vaccine Boosts T-B cell Interaction for Immunotherapy of Echinococcus multilocularis

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease, resulting from being infected with the metacestode larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis). Novel prophylactic and therapeutic interventions are urgently needed since the current chemotherapy displays limited efficiency in AE treatment. Bioengineered nano cellular membrane vesicles are widely used for displaying the native conformational epitope peptides because of their unique structure and biocompatibility. In this study, four T-cells and four B-cells dominant epitope peptides of E. multilocularis with high immunogenicity were engineered into the Vero cell surface to construct a membrane vesicle nanovaccine for the treatment of AE. The results showed that the nanovesicle vaccine can efficiently activate dendritic cells, induce specific T/B cells to form a mutually activated circuit, and inhibit E. multilocularis infection. This study presents for the first time a nanovaccine strategy that can completely eliminate the burden of E. multilocularis.

FXR agonists for MASH therapy: Lessons and perspectives from obeticholic acid

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, also called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is the most common liver disease worldwide and has no approved pharmacotherapy. Due to its beneficial effects on metabolic regulation, inflammation suppression, cell death prevention, and fibrogenesis inhibition, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is widely accepted as a promising therapeutic target for nonalcoholic steatosis (NASH) or called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Many FXR agonists have been developed for NASH/MASH therapy. Obeticholic acid (OCA) is the pioneering frontrunner FXR agonist and the first demonstrating success in clinical trials. Unfortunately, OCA did not receive regulatory approval as a NASH pharmacotherapy because its moderate benefits did not outweigh its safety risks, which may cast a shadow over FXR-based drug development for NASH/MASH. This review summarizes the milestones in the development of OCA for NASH/MASH and discuss its limitations, including moderate hepatoprotection and the undesirable side effects of dyslipidemia, pruritus, cholelithiasis, and liver toxicity risk, in depth. More importantly, we provide perspectives on FXR-based therapy for NASH/MASH, hoping to support a successful bench-to-clinic transition.

EGF-driven EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 promotes rat FSH synthesis and secretion

The adenopituitary secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which plays a crucial role in regulating the growth, development, and reproductive functions of organisms. Investigating the process of FSH synthesis and secretion can offer valuable insights into potential areas of focus for reproductive research. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a significant paracrine/autocrine factor within the body, and studies have demonstrated its ability to stimulate FSH secretion in animals. However, the precise mechanisms that regulate this action are still poorly understood. In this research, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by EGF induces the upregulation of miR-27b-3p and that miR-27b-3p targets and inhibits Foxo1 mRNA expression, resulting in increased FSH synthesis and secretion. In summary, this study elucidates the precise molecular mechanism through which EGF governs the synthesis and secretion of FSH via the EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 pathway.

Recent Advances of Engineered Cell Membrane-Based Nanotherapeutics to Combat Inflammatory Diseases

An immune reaction known as inflammation serves as a shield from external danger signals, but an overactive immune system may additionally lead to tissue damage and even a variety of inflammatory disorders. By inheriting biological functionalities and serving as both a therapeutic medication and a drug carrier, cell membrane-based nanotherapeutics offer the potential to treat inflammatory disorders. To further strengthen the anti-inflammatory benefits of natural cell membranes, researchers alter and optimize the membranes using engineering methods. This review focuses on engineered cell membrane-based nanotherapeutics (ECMNs) and their application in treating inflammation-related diseases. Specifically, this article discusses the methods of engineering cell membranes for inflammatory diseases and examines the progress of ECMNs in inflammation-targeted therapy, inflammation-neutralizing therapy, and inflammation-immunomodulatory therapy. Additionally, the article looks into the perspectives and challenges of ECMNs in inflammatory treatment and offers suggestions as well as guidance to encourage further investigations and implementations in this area.

Structural Modification Strategies, Interfacial Charge-Carrier Dynamics, and Solar Energy Conversion Applications of Organic-Inorganic Halide Perovskite Photocatalysts

Over the past few decades, organic-inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) as novel photocatalyst materials have attracted intensive attention for an impressive variety of photocatalytic applications due to their excellent photophysical (chemical) properties. Regarding practical application and future commercialization, the air-water stability and photocatalytic performance of OIHPs need to be further improved. Accordingly, studying modification strategies and interfacial interaction mechanisms is crucial. In this review, the current progress in the development and photocatalytic fundamentals of OIHPs is summarized. Furthermore, the structural modification strategies of OIHPs, including dimensionality control, heterojunction design, encapsulation techniques, and so on for the enhancement of charge-carrier transfer and the enlargement of long-term stability, are elucidated. Subsequently, the interfacial mechanisms and charge-carrier dynamics of OIHPs during the photocatalytic process are systematically specified and classified via diverse photophysical and electrochemical characterization methods, such as time-resolved photoluminescence measurements, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, transient photocurrent densities, and so forth. Eventually, various photocatalytic applications of OIHPs, including hydrogen evolution, CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation, and photocatalytic conversion of organic matter.

Modeling of pigmentation disorders associated with MITF mutation in Waardenburg syndrome revealed an impaired melanogenesis pathway in iPS-derived melanocytes

Waardenburg Syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to congenital hearing loss and pigmentation defects. Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is one of its significant pathogenic genes. Despite the comprehensive investigation in animal models, the pathogenic mechanism is still poorly described in humans due to difficulties accessing embryonic tissues. In this work, we used induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a WS patient carrying a heterozygous mutation in the MITF gene c.626A>T (p.His209Leu), and differentiated toward melanocyte lineage, which is the most affected cell type involved in WS. Compared with the wild-type cell line, the MITFmut cell line showed a reduced expression of the characteristic melanocyte-related genes and a lesser proportion of mature, fully pigmented melanosomes. The transcriptome analysis also revealed widespread gene expression changes at the melanocyte stage in the MITFmut cell line. The differentially expressed genes were enriched in melanogenesis and cell proliferation-related pathways. Interestingly, ion transport-related genes also showed a significant difference in MITFmut -induced melanocytes, indicating that the MITF mutant may lead to the dysfunction of potassium channels and transporters produced by intermediate cells in the cochlea, further causing the associated phenotype of deafness. Altogether, our study provides valuable insights into how MITF mutation affects WS patients, which might result in defective melanocyte development and the related phenotype based on the patient-derived iPSC model.

Synchronous detection of Burkholderia pseudomallei and its ceftazidime resistance mutation based on RNase-HII hydrolysis combined with lateral flow strip assay

IMPORTANCE

This study focused on the development of a reaction system using rhPCR to amplify a specific gene, ORF2, of B. pseudomallei and to identify the P174L mutation associated with increased drug resistance to ceftazidime (CAZ). The system incorporated universal primer probes and a simple temperature cycle reaction. The amplified products were then analyzed using lateral flow strip assay (LFSA) for strain identification and mutation interpretation. The developed system provides a reliable basis for diagnosing melioidosis and selecting appropriate drugs. Its potential impact is particularly significant in resource-limited settings where access to advanced diagnostic techniques is limited. This platform stands out for its simplicity, convenience, sensitivity, specificity, and portability. It shows promise as a point-of-care testing method for detecting single nucleotide polymorphism in genes associated with other diseases. By leveraging the advantages of this platform, researchers and healthcare professionals can potentially expand its use beyond melioidosis and apply it to the rapid detection of genetic variations in other disease-related genes.

Simulation and Optimization: A New Direction in Supercritical Technology Based Nanomedicine

In recent years, nanomedicines prepared using supercritical technology have garnered widespread research attention due to their inherent attributes, including structural stability, high bioavailability, and commendable safety profiles. The preparation of these nanomedicines relies upon drug solubility and mixing efficiency within supercritical fluids (SCFs). Solubility is closely intertwined with operational parameters such as temperature and pressure while mixing efficiency is influenced not only by operational conditions but also by the shape and dimensions of the nozzle. Due to the special conditions of supercriticality, these parameters are difficult to measure directly, thus presenting significant challenges for the preparation and optimization of nanomedicines. Mathematical models can, to a certain extent, prognosticate solubility, while simulation models can visualize mixing efficiency during experimental procedures, offering novel avenues for advancing supercritical nanomedicines. Consequently, within the framework of this endeavor, we embark on an extensive review encompassing the application of mathematical models, artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques within the medical domain of supercritical technology. We undertake the synthesis and discourse of methodologies for calculating drug solubility in SCFs, as well as the influence of operational conditions and experimental apparatus upon the outcomes of nanomedicine preparation using supercritical technology. Through this comprehensive review, we elucidate the implementation procedures and commonly employed models of diverse methodologies, juxtaposing the merits and demerits of these models. Furthermore, we assert the dependability of employing models to compute drug solubility in SCFs and simulate the experimental processes, with the capability to serve as valuable tools for aiding and optimizing experiments, as well as providing guidance in the selection of appropriate operational conditions. This, in turn, fosters innovative avenues for the development of supercritical pharmaceuticals.

Iodine status and associated dietary factors among preschool children in Shanghai

Children aged 3-6 years undergo a critical stage of growth and development and are irreversibly affected by their iodine status. In order to reveal iodine status in preschool children, we detected iodine concentrations in urine samples from 1382 children aged 3-6 years based on a cross-sectional study. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of children was 193.36 μg/L and was 336.96 μg/g·Cr corrected for creatinine. The study developed a link between dietary habits and iodine status, revealing that regular calcium supplement (OR: 1.79, (95% CI: 1.03, 3.12)) increased deficiency risk, while moderate seafood consumption (OR: 0.60, (95% CI: 0.38, 0.95)) decreased it. Additionally, modest intake of shellfish (OR: 0.58, (95% CI: 0.33, 1.00)), vegetables (OR: 0.61, (95% CI: 0.38, 0.97)), and eggs (OR: 0.53, (95% CI: 0.30, 0.95)) was found to protect against excess iodine. The findings underline the importance of balanced diets and various nutrients' roles in preschoolers' iodine status.

XBP1 Modulates the Aging Cardiorenal System by Regulating Oxidative Stress

X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) is a unique basic-region leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor. Over recent years, the powerful biological functions of XBP1 in oxidative stress have been gradually revealed. When the redox balance remains undisturbed, oxidative stress plays a role in physiological adaptations and signal transduction. However, during the aging process, increased cellular senescence and reduced levels of endogenous antioxidants cause an oxidative imbalance in the cardiorenal system. Recent studies from our laboratory and others have indicated that these age-related cardiorenal diseases caused by oxidative stress are guided and controlled by a versatile network composed of diversified XBP1 pathways. In this review, we describe the mechanisms that link XBP1 and oxidative stress in a range of cardiorenal disorders, including mitochondrial instability, inflammation, and alterations in neurohumoral drive. Furthermore, we propose that differing degrees of XBP1 activation may cause beneficial or harmful effects in the cardiorenal system. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of how XBP1 exerts influence on the aging cardiorenal system by regulating oxidative stress will enhance our ability to provide new directions and strategies for cardiovascular and renal safety outcomes.

B7H3 targeting gold nanocage pH-sensitive conjugates for precise and synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy against NSCLC

BACKGROUND

The combination of drug delivery with immune checkpoint targeting has been extensively studied in cancer therapy. However, the clinical benefit for patients from this strategy is still limited. B7 homolog 3 protein (B7-H3), also known as CD276 (B7-H3/CD276), is a promising therapeutic target for anti-cancer treatment. It is widely overexpressed on the surface of malignant cells and tumor vasculature, and its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis. Herein, we report B7H3 targeting doxorubicin (Dox)-conjugated gold nanocages (B7H3/Dox@GNCs) with pH-responsive drug release as a selective, precise, and synergistic chemotherapy-photothermal therapy agent against non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

RESULTS

In vitro, B7H3/Dox@GNCs exhibited a responsive release of Dox in the tumor acidic microenvironment. We also demonstrated enhanced intracellular uptake, induced cell cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis in B7H3 overexpressing NSCLC cells. In xenograft tumor models, B7H3/Dox@GNCs exhibited tumor tissue targeting and sustained drug release in response to the acidic environment. Wherein they synchronously destroyed B7H3 positive tumor cells, tumor-associated vasculature, and stromal fibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

This study presents a dual-compartment targeted B7H3 multifunctional gold conjugate system that can precisely control Dox exposure in a spatio-temporal manner without evident toxicity and suggests a general strategy for synergistic therapy against NSCLC.

JARID2 coordinates with the NuRD complex to facilitate breast tumorigenesis through response to adipocyte-derived leptin

BACKGROUND

Proteins containing the Jumonji C (JmjC) domain participated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect are still poorly understood. Our objective was to investigate the role of Jumonji and the AT-rich interaction domain-containing 2 (JARID2) - a JmjC family protein - in breast cancer, as well as its latent association with obesity.

METHODS

Immunohistochemistry, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, and other databases were used to analyze the expression of JARID2 in breast cancer cells. Growth curve, 5-ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine (EdU), colony formation, and cell invasion experiments were used to detect whether JARID2 affected breast cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Spheroidization-based experiments and xenotumor transplantation in NOD/SCID mice were used to examine the association between JARID2 and breast cancer stemness. RNA-sequencing, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were used to identify the cell processes in which JARID2 participates. Immunoaffinity purification and silver staining mass spectrometry were conducted to search for proteins that might interact with JARID2. The results were further verified using co-immunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down experiments. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing, we sought the target genes that JARID2 and metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1) jointly regulated; the results were validated by ChIP-PCR, quantitative ChIP (qChIP) and ChIP-reChIP assays. A coculture experiment was used to explore the interactions between breast cancer cells and adipocytes.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that JARID2 was highly expressed in multiple types of cancer including breast cancer. JARID2 promoted glycolysis, lipid metabolism, proliferation, invasion, and stemness of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, JARID2 physically interacted with the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex, transcriptionally repressing a series of tumor suppressor genes such as BRCA2 DNA repair associated (BRCA2), RB transcriptional corepressor 1 (RB1), and inositol polyphosphate-4-phosphatase type II B (INPP4B). Additionally, JARID2 expression was regulated by the obesity-associated adipokine leptin via Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) pathway in the breast cancer microenvironment. Analysis of various online databases also indicated that JARID2/MTA1 was associated with a poor prognosis of breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicated that JARID2 promoted breast tumorigenesis and development, confirming JARID2 as a target for cancer treatment.

Machine learning-based analysis of risk factors for chronic total occlusion in an Asian population

OBJECTIVES

Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a form of coronary artery disease (CAD) requiring percutaneous coronary intervention. There has been minimal research regarding CTO-specific risk factors and predictive models. We developed machine learning predictive models based on clinical characteristics to identify patients with CTO before coronary angiography.

METHODS

Data from 1473 patients with CAD, including 317 patients with and 1156 patients without CTO, were retrospectively analyzed. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) models were used to identify CTO-specific risk factors and predict CTO development. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed for model validation.

RESULTS

For CTO prediction, the PLS-DA model included 10 variables; the ROC value was 0.706. The RF model included 42 variables; the ROC value was 0.702. The SVM model included 20 variables; the ROC value was 0.696. DeLong's test showed no difference among the three models. Four variables were present in all models: sex, neutrophil percentage, creatinine, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

CONCLUSIONS

Validation of machine learning prediction models for CTO revealed that the PLS-DA model had the best prediction performance. Sex, neutrophil percentage, creatinine, and BNP may be important risk factors for CTO development.

Direct Fast-Neutron Detection by 2D Perovskite Semiconductor

Fast-neutrons play a critical role in a range of applications, including medical imaging, therapy, and nondestructive inspection. However, direct detecting fast-neutrons by semiconductors has proven to be challenging due to their weak interaction with most matter and the requirement of high carrier mobility-lifetime (µτ) product for efficient charge collection. Herein, a novel approach is presented to direct fast-neutron detection using 2D Dion-Jacobson perovskite semiconductor BDAPbBr4 . This material features a high fast-neutron caption cross-section, good electrical stability, high resistivity, and, most importantly, a record-high µτ product of 3.3 × 10-4 cm2 V-1 , outperforming most reported fast-neutron detection semiconductors. As a result, BDAPbBr4 detector exhibited good response to fast-neutrons, not only achieving fast-neutron energy spectra in counting mode, but also obtaining linear and fast response in integration mode. This work provides a paradigm-shifting strategy for designing materials that efficiently detect fast-neutrons and paves the way toward exciting applications in fast-neutron imaging and therapy.

Advances in nanomedicines for lymphatic imaging and therapy

Lymph nodes play a pivotal role in tumor progression as key components of the lymphatic system. However, the unique physiological structure of lymph nodes has traditionally constrained the drug delivery efficiency. Excitingly, nanomedicines have shown tremendous advantages in lymph node-specific delivery, enabling distinct recognition and diagnosis of lymph nodes, and hence laying the foundation for efficient tumor therapies. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the key factors affecting the specific enrichment of nanomedicines in lymph nodes, and systematically summarize nanomedicines for precise lymph node drug delivery and therapeutic application, including the lymphatic diagnosis and treatment nanodrugs and lymph node specific imaging and identification system. Notably, we delve into the critical challenges and considerations currently facing lymphatic nanomedicines, and futher propose effective strategies to address these issues. This review encapsulates recent findings, clinical applications, and future prospects for designing effective nanocarriers for lymphatic system targeting, with potential implications for improving cancer treatment strategies.

SCG10 is required for peripheral axon maintenance and regeneration in mice

Proper microtubule dynamics is critical for neuronal morphogenesis and functions, and its dysregulation results in neurological disorders and regeneration failure. Superior cervical ganglion-10 (SCG10, also known as Stathmin-2) is a well-known regulator of microtubule dynamics in neurons, but its functions in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) remain largely unknown. Here, we show that Scg10 knockout mice exhibit severely progressive motor and sensory dysfunctions with significant sciatic nerve myelination deficits and neuromuscular degeneration. Furthermore, increased microtubule stability, shown by a significant increase in tubulin acetylation and decrease in tubulin tyrosination, and decreased axonal transport occur in Scg10 knockout DRG neurons. Meanwhile, SCG10 depletion impairs axon regeneration in both injured mouse sciatic nerve and cultured DRG neurons following replating, and the impaired axon regeneration was found to be induced by a lack of SCG10-mediated microtubule dynamics in the neurons. Thus, our results highlight the importance of SCG10 in peripheral axon maintenance and regeneration.

The PRMT6/PARP1/CRL4B Complex Regulates the Circadian Clock and Promotes Breast Tumorigenesis

Circadian rhythms, as physiological systems with self-regulatory functions in living organisms, are controlled by core clock genes and are involved in tumor development. The protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) serves as an oncogene in a myriad of solid tumors, including breast cancer. Hence, the primary aim of the current study is to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which the PRMT6 complex promotes breast cancer progression. The results show that PRMT6, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), and the cullin 4 B (CUL4B)-Ring E3 ligase (CRL4B) complex interact to form a transcription-repressive complex that co-occupies the core clock gene PER3 promoter. Moreover, genome-wide analysis of PRMT6/PARP1/CUL4B targets identifies a cohort of genes that is principally involved in circadian rhythms. This transcriptional-repression complex promotes the proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer by interfering with circadian rhythm oscillation. Meanwhile, the PARP1 inhibitor Olaparib enhances clock gene expression, thus, reducing breast carcinogenesis, indicating that PARP1 inhibitors have potential antitumor effects in high-PRMT6 expression breast cancer.

Single-pulse characterization of the focal spot size of X-ray free-electron lasers using coherent diffraction imaging

The characterization of X-ray focal spots is of great significance for the diagnosis and performance optimization of focusing systems. X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) are the latest generation of X-ray sources with ultrahigh brilliance, ultrashort pulse duration and nearly full transverse coherence. Because each XFEL pulse is unique and has an ultrahigh peak intensity, it is difficult to characterize its focal spot size individually with full power. Herein, a method for characterizing the spot size at the focus position is proposed based on coherent diffraction imaging. A numerical simulation was conducted to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The focal spot size of the Coherent Scattering and Imaging endstation at the Shanghai Soft X-ray Free Electron Laser Facility was characterized using the method. The full width at half-maxima of the focal spot intensity and spot size in the horizontal and vertical directions were calculated to be 2.10 ± 0.24 µm and 2.00 ± 0.20 µm, respectively. An ablation imprint on the silicon frame was used to validate the results of the proposed method.

Sub-Nanosecond 2D Perovskite Scintillators by Dielectric Engineering

Perovskite materials have demonstrated great potential for ultrafast scintillators with high light yield. However, the decay time of perovskite still cannot be further minimized into sub-nanosecond region, while sub-nanosecond scintillators are highly demanded in various radiation detection, including high speed X-ray imaging, time-of-flight based tomography or particle discrimination, and timing resolution measurement in synchrotron radiation facilities, etc. Here, a rational design strategy is showed to shorten the scintillation decay time, by maximizing the dielectric difference between organic amines and Pb-Br octahedral emitters in 2D organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites (OIHP). Benzimidazole (BM) with low dielectric constant inserted between [PbBr₆ ]^2- layers, resulting in a surprisingly large exciton binding energy (360.3 ± 4.8 meV) of 2D OIHP BM₂ PbBr₄ . The emitting decay time is shortened as 0.97 ns, which is smallest among all the perovskite materials. Moreover, the light yield is 3190 photons MeV^-1 , which is greatly higher than conventional ultrafast scintillator BaF₂ (1500 photons MeV^-1 ). The rare combination of ultrafast decay time and considerable light yield renders BM₂ PbBr₄ excellent performance in γ-ray, neutron, α-particle detection, and the best theoretical coincidence time resolution of 65.1 ps, which is only half of the reference sample LYSO (141.3 ps).

Antiviral Nanobiologic Therapy Remodulates Innate Immune Responses to Highly Pathogenic Coronavirus

Highly pathogenic coronavirus (CoV) infection induces a defective innate antiviral immune response coupled with the dysregulated release of proinflammatory cytokines and finally results in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A timely and appropriate triggering of innate antiviral response is crucial to inhibit viral replication and prevent ARDS. However, current medical countermeasures can rarely meet this urgent demand. Here, an antiviral nanobiologic named CoVR-MV is developed, which is polymerized of CoVs receptors based on a biomimetic membrane vesicle system. The designed CoVR-MV interferes with the viral infection by absorbing the viruses with maximized viral spike target interface, and mediates the clearance of the virus through its inherent interaction with macrophages. Furthermore, CoVR-MV coupled with the virus promotes a swift production and signaling of endogenous type I interferon via deregulating 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) inhibition of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) activation in macrophages. These sequential processes re-modulate the innate immune responses to the virus, trigger spontaneous innate antiviral defenses, and rescue infected Syrian hamsters from ARDS caused by SARS-CoV-2 and all tested variants.

Mechanochemical Synthesis of High-Entropy Perovskite toward Highly Sensitive and Stable X-ray Flat-Panel Detectors

Perovskites are attracting attention for optoelectronic devices. Despite their promise, the large-scale synthesis of perovskite materials with exact stoichiometry, especially high-entropy perovskites, has been a major challenge. Moreover, the difficulty in stoichiometry control also hinders the development of perovskite X-ray flat-panel detectors. Previous reports all employed simple MAPbI₃ as the active layer, while the performance still falls short of optimized single-crystal-based single-pixel detectors. Herein, a scalable and universal strategy of a mechanochemical method is adopted to synthesize stoichiometric high-entropy perovskite powders with high quality and high quantity (>1 kg per batch). By utilizing these stoichiometric perovskites, the first FA_0.9 MA_0.05 Cs_0.05 Pb(I_0.9 Br_0.1 )₃ -based X-ray flat-panel detector with low trap density and large mobility-lifetime product (7.5 × 10^-3 cm² V^-1 ) is reported. The assembled panel detector exhibits close-to-single-crystal performance (high sensitivity of 2.1 × 10⁴ µC Gy_air ^-1 cm^-2 and ultralow detection limit of 1.25 nGy_air s^-1 ), high spatial resolution of 0.46 lp/pixel, as well as excellent thermal robustness under industrial standards. The high performance in the high-entropy perovskite-based X-ray FPDs has the potential to facilitate the development of new-generation X-ray-detection systems.

Sulfur, sterol and trehalose metabolism in the deep-sea hydrocarbon seep tubeworm Lamellibrachia luymesi

BACKGROUND

Lamellibrachia luymesi dominates cold sulfide-hydrocarbon seeps and is known for its ability to consume bacteria for energy. The symbiotic relationship between tubeworms and bacteria with particular adaptations to chemosynthetic environments has received attention. However, metabolic studies have primarily focused on the mechanisms and pathways of the bacterial symbionts, while studies on the animal hosts are limited.

RESULTS

Here, we sequenced the transcriptome of L. luymesi and generated a transcriptomic database containing 79,464 transcript sequences. Based on GO and KEGG annotations, we identified transcripts related to sulfur metabolism, sterol biosynthesis, trehalose synthesis, and hydrolysis. Our in-depth analysis identified sulfation pathways in L. luymesi, and sulfate activation might be an important detoxification pathway for promoting sulfur cycling, reducing byproducts of sulfide metabolism, and converting sulfur compounds to sulfur-containing organics, which are essential for symbiotic survival. Moreover, sulfide can serve directly as a sulfur source for cysteine synthesis in L. luymesi. The existence of two pathways for cysteine synthesis might ensure its participation in the formation of proteins, heavy metal detoxification, and the sulfide-binding function of haemoglobin. Furthermore, our data suggested that cold-seep tubeworm is capable of de novo sterol biosynthesis, as well as incorporation and transformation of cycloartenol and lanosterol into unconventional sterols, and the critical enzyme involved in this process might have properties similar to those in the enzymes from plants or fungi. Finally, trehalose synthesis in L. luymesi occurs via the trehalose-6-phosphate synthase (TPS) and trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatase (TPP) pathways. The TPP gene has not been identified, whereas the TPS gene encodes a protein harbouring conserved TPS/OtsA and TPP/OtsB domains. The presence of multiple trehalases that catalyse trehalose hydrolysis could indicate the different roles of trehalase in cold-seep tubeworms.

CONCLUSIONS

We elucidated several molecular pathways of sulfate activation, cysteine and cholesterol synthesis, and trehalose metabolism. Contrary to the previous analysis, two pathways for cysteine synthesis and the cycloartenol-C-24-methyltransferase gene were identified in animals for the first time. The present study provides new insights into particular adaptations to chemosynthetic environments in L. luymesi and can serve as the basis for future molecular studies on host-symbiont interactions and biological evolution.

Affinity selection of double-click triazole libraries for rapid discovery of allosteric modulators for GLP-1 receptor

The recently developed double-click reaction sequence [G. Meng et al., Nature 574, 86-89 (2019)] is expected to vastly expand the number and diversity of synthetically accessible 1,2,3-triazole derivatives. However, it remains elusive how to rapidly navigate the extensive chemical space created by double-click chemistry for bioactive compound discovery. In this study, we selected a particularly challenging drug target, the glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R), to benchmark our new platform for the design, synthesis, and screening of double-click triazole libraries. First, we achieved a streamlined synthesis of customized triazole libraries on an unprecedented scale (composed of 38,400 new compounds). By interfacing affinity-selection mass spectrometry and functional assays, we identified a series of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) with unreported scaffolds that can selectively and robustly enhance the signaling activity of the endogenous GLP-1(9-36) peptide. Intriguingly, we further revealed an unexpected binding mode of new PAMs which likely act as a molecular glue between the receptor and the peptide agonist. We anticipate the merger of double-click library synthesis with the hybrid screening platform allows for efficient and economic discovery of drug candidates or chemical probes for various therapeutic targets.

Measurement and Analysis of Root Anchorage Effect on Stalk Forces in Lodged Corn Harvesting

The effect of root anchorage on corn stalk is the main cause of difficulties in stalk lifting and ear picking of lodged corn. To quantify the forces on the stalks caused by root anchorage in corn harvesting, a root force measurement system was designed and applied in this study. The bending moment and torsional moment on the upright and lodged corn stalks were measured in corn harvesting with the designed system and the results were compared with the manually measured failure boundaries. The manually measured results showed bending moments to push down the upright stalks, to lift the lodged corn stalks, and to slip the lodged corn stalks were 35.12, 23.33, and 40.36 Nm, respectively, whereas the torsional moments needed to twist off the upright and lodged corn stalks were 4.02 and 3.33 Nm, respectively. The bending moments that the corn header applied to the upright, forward lodged, reverse lodged, and lateral lodged corn stalks were 10.68, 22.24, 16.56, and 20.42 Nm, respectively, whereas the torsional moments on them were 1.32, 1.59, 1.55, and 1.77 Nm, respectively. The bending force was the main factor that broke the root anchorage and influenced the stalk movement of lodged corn in harvesting. By analyzing the bending moment curves on the lodged corn stalks, it was proposed that for the harvesting of corn lodged in the forward, reverse, and lateral direction, the corresponding harvester header improvement suggestions are enlarging the size of pins on the gathering chains, reducing the speed of gathering chains, and lengthening the snouts with a sleeker surface, respectively. This study provides base data for the root anchorage effect on lodged corn and provides references for the improved design of the corn harvester header.

Diabetes duration and weight loss are associated with onset age and remote metastasis of pancreatic cancer in patients with diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with pancreatic cancer (PC) and diabetes and to explore the impact of diabetes duration, weight loss, and hypoglycemic drugs on the tumor biological behavior of PC.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study on patients with PC and diabetes. Subjects were grouped according to the onset age of PC, distant metastasis, duration of diabetes, degree of weight loss (∆Wt), and type of hypoglycemic drugs. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between diabetes duration, weight loss, hypoglycemic drugs, and early-onset PC, distant metastasis.

RESULTS

Compared with late-onset PC, patients with early-onset PC had a higher proportion of new-onset DM (35 [79.5%] vs. 217 [46.9%], p < 0.001), smoker, drinker, and more obvious weight loss (8.5 [3.8, 15] kg vs. 5 [0, 10] kg, p < 0.001). Patients with remote metastasis had an earlier diagnosis age, heavier weight loss, lower body mass index, and were more likely to be smokers but had cancer less likely to be localized in the head of pancreas. Regression analysis showed that new-onset diabetes and weight loss were independently correlated to early-onset PC: odds ratio (OR) = 3.38 (95% CI 1.36-8.4, p = 0.09; OR = 1.56 (95% CI 1.16-2.1), p = 0.003, respectively. In contrast, long-term diabetes, and heavy weight loss were independently associated with remote metastasis: OR = 3.38 (95% CI 1.36-8.4, p = 0.09; OR = 1.56 (95% CI 1.16-2.1), p = 0.003, respectively.

CONCLUSION

New-onset diabetes and weight loss were common presentation and risk factors of early-onset PC, which required more attention. Long-term diabetes and heavy weight loss were risk factors contributing to distant metastases, indicating potential risk factors contributing to the adverse prognosis of patients with PC.

Lesion characteristics and procedural complications of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with prior bypass surgery: A meta-analysis

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) accelerates the prevalence of native coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO), and this kind of CTO shows extensive challenging and complex atherosclerotic pathology. As a result, the procedural success rate of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is inferior to another kind of lesions. The present meta-analysis aims to compare the lesion characteristics and procedural complications of CTO-PCI in patients with or without prior CABG. A total of 8 studies, comprising of 13439 patients, published from inception to August 2021 were included in this meta-analysis. Results were pooled using random effects model and are presented as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). From the 13439 patients enrolled, 3349 (24.9%) patients had previous CABG and 10090 (75.1%) formed the control group in our analysis. For the clinical characteristic, compared to the non-CABG patients, prior CABG patients were older (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 3.19-4.78; p < .001; I2  = 72%), had more male (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.14-1.49; p < .001; I2  = 6%), diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.36-1.73; p < .001; I2  = 37%), dyslipidemia (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.33-2.69; p < .001; I2  = 81%), hypertension (OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.46-2.41; p < .001; I2  = 71%), previous myocardial infarction (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.48-2.56; p < .001; I2  = 85%), and previous PCI (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.52-1.98; p < .001; I2  = 22%). Non-CABG patents had more current smoker (OR, .45; 95% CI, 0.27-0.74; p < .001; I2  = 91%). BMI (OR, -0.01; 95% CI, -0.07-0.06; p = .85; I2  = 36%) were similar in both groups. For lesions location, the right coronary artery (RCA) was predominant target vessel in both groups (50.5% vs 48.7%; p＝.49), although, the left circumflex (LCX) was more frequently CTO in the prior CABG group (27.3% vs 18.9%; p＜.01), while left anterior descending artery (LAD) in non-CABG ones (16.0% vs 29.1%; p＜0.01). For lesions characteristics, prior CABG patients had more blunt stump (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.46-2.00; p < .001; I2  = 40%), proximal cap ambiguity (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.28-1.64; p < .001; I2  = 0.0%), severe calcifications (OR, 2.91; 95% CI, 2.19-3.86; p < .001; I2  = 83%), more bending (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 2.61-3.62; p < .001; I2  = 0%), lesion length > 20 mm (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.10-2.29; p = .01; I2  = 83%), inadequate distal landing zone (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.75-2.18; p＜.001; I2  = 0.0%), distal cap at bifurcation (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.46-1.88; p < .001; I2  = 0.0%), and higher J-CTO score (SMD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.42-0.63; p < .001; I2  = 65%). But side branch at proximal entry (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.72-1.07; p = .21; I2  = 45%), in-stent CTO (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.86-1.14; p = .88; I2  = 0.0%), lack of interventional collaterals (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.55-1.15; p = .23; I2  = 78%), and previously failed attempt (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.48-1.11; p = .14; I2  = 89%) were similar in both groups. For complication, prior CABG patients had more perforation with need for intervention (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.36-2.69; p < 0.001; I2  = 34%), contrast-induced nephropathy (OR, 3.40; 95% CI, 1.31-8.78; p = .01; I2  = 0.0%). Non-CABG patents had more tamponade (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.72; p = .01; I2  = 0.0%), and the major bleeding complication (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.57-2.44; p = .65; I2  = 0%) were no significant difference in both groups. In conclusion, Patients with prior CABG undergoing CTO-PCI have more complex lesion characteristics, though procedural complication rates were comparable.

Repurposing ICG enables MR/PA imaging signal amplification and iron depletion for iron-overload disorders

Precise and noninvasive theranostic methods to quantify and deplete focal iron are of crucial importance for iron-overload disorders. Here, we developed an indocyanine green (ICG)–based imaging platform to reveal Fe³⁺ in vitro and in vivo. The high sensitivity and specificity of ICG-Fe interaction facilitated MR images with a marked correlation between T₁ signal intensity ratio (T₁SIR) changes and Fe³⁺ concentration in rodent models and humans. On the basis of these findings, a rational design for coordination-driven self-assembly ICG-Lecithin (ICG/Leci) was proposed to determine Fe³⁺. The enhancement of photoacoustic signal at 890 nm with increasing Fe³⁺ concentration showed an over 600% higher linear slope than that of T₁SIR changes in animal models. ICG/Leci also promoted a 100% increase in iron depletion in the liver compared with deferoxamine. The high MR sensitivity and superior photoacoustic contrast, combined with enhanced iron depletion, demonstrate that ICG/Leci is a promising theranostic agent for simultaneous detection and treatment of iron-overload disorders.

Impacts of biochar-based fertilization on soil arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community structure in a karst mountainous area

The application of biochar-based fertilizer can improve soil properties in part by stimulating microbial activity and growth. Karst ecosystems, which make up large areas of Southwest China, are prone to degradation. Understanding the response of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) community structure to biochar-based fertilizer application is of great significance to karst soil restoration. A field experiment was conducted in a typical karst soil (calcareous sandy loam) in Southwest China. A high-throughput sequencing approach was used to investigate the effect of biochar-based fertilization on AMF community structure in the karst soil. With the control (CK), compost with NPK fertilizer (MF), biochar (B), a lower amount of biochar with compost and NPK fertilizer (B1MF), biochar with compost and NPK fertilizer (BMF), and a higher amount of biochar with compost and NPK fertilizer (B4MF), the field trials were set up for 24 months. Soil amendments increased soil nutrient content and AMF diversity. The composition and structure of the AMF community varied among the treatments. AMF community composition was significantly impacted by soil chemical properties such as TC (total carbon), TN (total nitrogen), TP (total phosphorus), and AP (available phosphorus). Furthermore, network analysis showed that biochar-based fertilization increased the scale and complexity of the microbial co-occurrence network. Biochar-based fertilization enabled more keystone species (such as order Diversisporales and Glomerales) in the soil AMF network to participate in soil carbon resource management and soil nutrient cycling, indicating that biochar-based fertilizer is beneficial for the restoration of degraded karst soils.

Activatable Second Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes: A New Accurate Diagnosis Strategy for Diseases

Recently, second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescent imaging has been widely applied in biomedical diagnosis, due to its high spatiotemporal resolution and deep tissue penetration. In contrast to the "always on" NIR-II fluorescent probes, the activatable NIR-II fluorescent probes have specific targeting to biological tissues, showing a higher imaging signal-to-background ratio and a lower detection limit. Therefore, it is of great significance to utilize disease-associated endogenous stimuli (such as pH values, enzyme existence, hypoxia condition and so on) to activate the NIR-II probes and achieve switchable fluorescent signals for specific deep bioimaging. This review introduces recent strategies and mechanisms for activatable NIR-II fluorescent probes and their applications in biosensing and bioimaging. Moreover, the potential challenges and perspectives of activatable NIR-II fluorescent probes are also discussed.

Genetically Engineered Cellular Membrane Vesicles as Tailorable Shells for Therapeutics

Benefiting from the blooming interaction of nanotechnology and biotechnology, biosynthetic cellular membrane vesicles (Bio-MVs) have shown superior characteristics for therapeutic transportation because of their hydrophilic cavity and hydrophobic bilayer structure, as well as their inherent biocompatibility and negligible immunogenicity. These excellent cell-like features with specific functional protein expression on the surface can invoke their remarkable ability for Bio-MVs based recombinant protein therapy to facilitate the advanced synergy in poly-therapy. To date, various tactics have been developed for Bio-MVs surface modification with functional proteins through hydrophobic insertion or multivalent electrostatic interactions. While the Bio-MVs grow through genetically engineering strategies can maintain binding specificity, sort orders, and lead to strict information about artificial proteins in a facile and sustainable way. In this progress report, the most current technology of Bio-MVs is discussed, with an emphasis on their multi-functionalities as "tailorable shells" for delivering bio-functional moieties and therapeutic entities. The most notable success and challenges via genetically engineered tactics to achieve the new generation of Bio-MVs are highlighted. Besides, future perspectives of Bio-MVs in novel bio-nanotherapy are provided.

Genetic prion disease-related mutation E196K displays a novel amyloid fibril structure revealed by cryo-EM

Prion diseases are caused by the conformational conversion of prion protein (PrP). Forty-two different mutations were identified in human PrP, leading to genetic prion diseases with distinct clinical syndromes. Here, we report the cryo–electron microscopy structure of an amyloid fibril formed by full-length human PrP with E196K mutation, a genetic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease–related mutation. This mutation disrupts key interactions in the wild-type PrP fibril, forming an amyloid fibril with a conformation distinct from the wild-type PrP fibril and hamster brain–derived prion fibril. The E196K fibril consists of two protofibrils. Each subunit forms five β strands stabilized by a disulfide bond and an unusual hydrophilic cavity stabilized by a salt bridge. Four pairs of amino acids from opposing subunits form four salt bridges to stabilize the zigzag interface of the two protofibrils. Our results provide structural evidences of the diverse prion strains and highlight the importance of familial mutations in inducing different strains.

Hyperspectral image spectral-spatial classification via weighted Laplacian smoothing constraint-based sparse representation

As a powerful tool in hyperspectral image (HSI) classification, sparse representation has gained much attention in recent years owing to its detailed representation of features. In particular, the results of the joint use of spatial and spectral information has been widely applied to HSI classification. However, dealing with the spatial relationship between pixels is a nontrivial task. This paper proposes a new spatial-spectral combined classification method that considers the boundaries of adjacent features in the HSI. Based on the proposed method, a smoothing-constraint Laplacian vector is constructed, which consists of the interest pixel and its four nearest neighbors through their weighting factor. Then, a novel large-block sparse dictionary is developed for simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit. Our proposed method can obtain a better accuracy of HSI classification on three real HSI datasets than the existing spectral-spatial HSI classifiers. Finally, the experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method.

Predictive biomarkers and potential drug combinations of epi-drugs in cancer therapy

Epigenetics studies heritable genomic modifications that occur with the participation of epigenetic modifying enzymes but without alterations of the nucleotide structure. Small-molecule inhibitors of these epigenetic modifying enzymes are known as epigenetic drugs (epi-drugs), which can cause programmed death of tumor cells by affecting the cell cycle, angiogenesis, proliferation, and migration. Epi-drugs include histone methylation inhibitors, histone demethylation inhibitors, histone deacetylation inhibitors, and DNA methylation inhibitors. Currently, epi-drugs undergo extensive development, research, and application. Although epi-drugs have convincing anti-tumor effects, the patient's sensitivity to epi-drug application is also a fundamental clinical issue. The development and research of biomarkers for epi-drugs provide a promising direction for screening drug-sensitive patients. Here, we review the predictive biomarkers of 12 epi-drugs as well as the progress of combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs or immunotherapy. Further, we discuss the improvement in the development of natural ingredients with low toxicity and low side effects as epi-drugs.

Extracellular vesicle-encapsulated IL-10 as novel nanotherapeutics against ischemic AKI

Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been attracting strong research interest for use as natural drug delivery systems. We report an approach to manufacturing interleukin-10 (IL-10)-loaded EVs (IL-10⁺ EVs) by engineering macrophages for treating ischemic acute kidney injury (AKI). Delivery of IL-10 via EVs enhanced not only the stability of IL-10, but also its targeting to the kidney due to the adhesive components on the EV surface. Treatment with IL-10⁺ EVs significantly ameliorated renal tubular injury and inflammation caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury, and potently prevented the transition to chronic kidney disease. Mechanistically, IL-10⁺ EVs targeted tubular epithelial cells, and suppressed mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, thereby promoting mitophagy to maintain mitochondrial fitness. Moreover, IL-10⁺ EVs efficiently drove M2 macrophage polarization by targeting macrophages in the tubulointerstitium. Our study demonstrates that EVs can serve as a promising delivery platform to manipulate IL-10 for the effective treatment of ischemic AKI.

A predatory myxobacterium controls cucumber Fusarium wilt by regulating the soil microbial community

BACKGROUND

Myxobacteria are micropredators in the soil ecosystem with the capacity to move and feed cooperatively. Some myxobacterial strains have been used to control soil-borne fungal phytopathogens. However, interactions among myxobacteria, plant pathogens, and the soil microbiome are largely unexplored. In this study, we aimed to investigate the behaviors of the myxobacterium Corallococcus sp. strain EGB in the soil and its effect on the soil microbiome after inoculation for controlling cucumber Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum (FOC).

RESULTS

A greenhouse and a 2-year field experiment demonstrated that the solid-state fermented strain EGB significantly reduced the cucumber Fusarium wilt by 79.6% (greenhouse), 66.0% (2015, field), and 53.9% (2016, field). Strain EGB adapted to the soil environment well and decreased the abundance of soil-borne FOC efficiently. Spatiotemporal analysis of the soil microbial community showed that strain EGB migrated towards the roots and root exudates of the cucumber plants via chemotaxis. Cooccurrence network analysis of the soil microbiome indicated a decreased modularity and community number but an increased connection number per node after the application of strain EGB. Several predatory bacteria, such as Lysobacter, Microvirga, and Cupriavidus, appearing as hubs or indicators, showed intensive connections with other bacteria.

CONCLUSION

The predatory myxobacterium Corallococcus sp. strain EGB controlled cucumber Fusarium wilt by migrating to the plant root and regulating the soil microbial community. This strain has the potential to be developed as a novel biological control agent of soil-borne Fusarium wilt. Video abstract.

Identification of key genes and pathways in diabetic nephropathy by bioinformatics analysis

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to identify candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and pathways using bioinformatics analysis, and to improve our understanding of the cause and potential molecular events of diabetic nephropathy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two cohort profile datasets (GSE30528 and GSE33744) were integrated and used for deep analysis. We sorted DEGs and analyzed differential pathway enrichment. DEG-associated ingenuity pathway analysis was carried out. The screened gene expression feature was verified in the db/db mouse kidney cortex. Then, rat mesangial cells cultured with high-concentration glucose were used for verification. The target genes of transcriptional factor E26 transformation-specific-1 (ETS1) were predicted with online tools and validated using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The two GSE datasets identified 89 shared DEGs; 51 were upregulated; and 38 were downregulated. Most of the DEGs were significantly enriched in cell adhesion, the plasma membrane, the extracellular matrix and the extracellular region. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis validated the upregulated expression of Itgb2, Cd44, Sell, Fn1, Tgfbi and Il7r, and the downregulated expression of Igfbp2 and Cd55 in the db/db mouse kidney cortex. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed that Itgb2 was the target gene of transcription factor Ets1. ETS1 knockdown in rat mesangial cells decreased integrin subunit beta 2 expression.

CONCLUSION

We found that EST1 functioned as an important transcription factor in diabetic nephropathy development through the promotion of integrin subunit beta 2 expression. EST1 might be a drug target for diabetic nephropathy treatment.

The wild sweetpotato (Ipomoea trifida) genome provides insights into storage root development

BACKGROUND

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is the seventh most important crop in the world and is mainly cultivated for its underground storage root (SR). The genetic studies of this species have been hindered by a lack of high-quality reference sequence due to its complex genome structure. Diploid Ipomoea trifida is the closest relative and putative progenitor of sweetpotato, which is considered a model species for sweetpotato, including genetic, cytological, and physiological analyses.

RESULTS

Here, we generated the chromosome-scale genome sequence of SR-forming diploid I. trifida var. Y22 with high heterozygosity (2.20%). Although the chromosome-based synteny analysis revealed that the I. trifida shared conserved karyotype with Ipomoea nil after the separation, I. trifida had a much smaller genome than I. nil due to more efficient eliminations of LTR-retrotransposons and lack of species-specific amplification bursts of LTR-RTs. A comparison with four non-SR-forming species showed that the evolution of the beta-amylase gene family may be related to SR formation. We further investigated the relationship of the key gene BMY11 (with identity 47.12% to beta-amylase 1) with this important agronomic trait by both gene expression profiling and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. And combining SR morphology and structure, gene expression profiling and qPCR results, we deduced that the products of the activity of BMY11 in splitting starch granules and be recycled to synthesize larger granules, contributing to starch accumulation and SR swelling. Moreover, we found the expression pattern of BMY11, sporamin proteins and the key genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and stele lignification were similar to that of sweetpotato during the SR development.

CONCLUSIONS

We constructed the high-quality genome reference of the highly heterozygous I. trifida through a combined approach and this genome enables a better resolution of the genomics feature and genome evolutions of this species. Sweetpotato SR development genes can be identified in I. trifida and these genes perform similar functions and patterns, showed that the diploid I. trifida var. Y22 with typical SR could be considered an ideal model for the studies of sweetpotato SR development.

Hepatic splenosis: Rare yet important - A case report and literature review

Hepatic splenosis is an uncommon condition that occurs following traumatic splenic rupture or splenectomy. The case of a 41-year-old male patient with multiple isolated liver masses indistinguishable from primary and metastatic liver tumours is reported. Following laparotomy, the liver lesions were resected and histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of hepatic splenosis. At an 18-month follow-up examination, no abnormalities in routine blood test, liver function, and liver computed tomography (CT) scanning were observed. After review of the literature, the following diagnostic criteria for hepatic splenosis are proposed: (1) a history of splenic trauma or splenectomy; (2) lesion(s) with a surrounding rim, particularly near the liver capsule identified by CT scanning; (3) findings on superparamagnetic iron oxide-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging or technetium-99m heat-damaged red cell scanning; and (4) histopathological findings (needle biopsy or surgical pathology). The following diagnostic process is also proposed: suspect diagnosis when criteria 1 and 2 are met; make diagnosis when criterion 3 is met; confirm diagnosis when criterion 4 is met. Laparotomy is recommended for either diagnosis or treatment when invasive procedures are necessary.

Structural organization and functional divergence of high isoelectric point α-amylase genes in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

BACKGROUND

High isoelectric point α-amylase genes (Amy1) play major roles during cereal seed germination, and are associated with unacceptable high residual α-amylase activities in ripe wheat grains. However, in wheat and barley, due to extremely high homology of duplicated copies, and large and complex genome background, the knowledge on this multigene family is limited.

RESULTS

In the present work, we identified a total of 41 Amy1 genes among 13 investigated grasses. By using genomic resources and experimental validation, the exact copy numbers and chromosomal locations in wheat and barley were determined. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses revealed tandem gene duplication and chromosomal rearrangement leading to separation of Amy1 into two distinct loci, Amy1θ and Amy1λ. The divergence of Amy1λ from Amy1θ was driven by adaptive selection pressures performed on two amino acids, Arg97 and Asn233 (P > 0.95*). The predicted protein structural alteration caused by substitution of Asp233Asn in the conserved starch binding surface site, and significantly expressional differentiation during seed germination and grain development provided evidence of functional divergence between Amy1θ and Amy1λ genes. We screened out candidate copies (TaAmy1-A1/A2 and TaAmy1-D1) associated with high residual α-amylase activities in ripe grains. Furthermore, we proposed an evolutionary model for expansion dynamics of Amy1 genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides comprehensive analyses of the Amy1 multigene family, and defines the fixation of two spatially structural Amy1 loci in wheat and barley. Potential functional divergence between them is reflected by their sequence features and expressional patterns, and driven by gene duplication, chromosome rearrangement and natural selections during gene family evolution. Furthermore, the discrimination of differentially effective copies during seed germination and/or grain development will provide guidance to manipulation of α-amylase activity in wheat and barley breeding for better yield and processing properties.

A methylation-phosphorylation switch determines Plk1 kinase activity and function in DNA damage repair

Polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) is a crucial regulator of cell cycle progression; but the mechanism of regulation of Plk1 activity is not well understood. We present evidence that Plk1 activity is controlled by a balanced methylation and phosphorylation switch. The methyltransferase G9a monomethylates Plk1 at Lys209, which antagonizes phosphorylation of T210 to inhibit Plk1 activity. We found that the methyl-deficient Plk1 mutant K209A affects DNA replication, whereas the methyl-mimetic Plk1 mutant K209M prolongs metaphase-to-anaphase duration through the inability of sister chromatids separation. We detected accumulation of Plk1 K209me1 when cells were challenged with DNA damage stresses. Ablation of K209me1 delays the timely removal of RPA2 and RAD51 from DNA damage sites, indicating the critical role of K209me1 in guiding the machinery of DNA damage repair. Thus, our study highlights the importance of a methylation-phosphorylation switch of Plk1 in determining its kinase activity and functioning in DNA damage repair.

Extrapolation of point measurements and fertilizer-only emission factors cannot capture statewide soil NO x emissions

Maaz et al. argue that inconsistencies across scales of observation undermine our working hypothesis that soil NO _x emissions have been substantially overlooked in California; however, the core issues they raise are already discussed in our manuscript. We agree that point measurements cannot be reliably used to estimate statewide soil NO _x emissions-the principal motivation behind our new modeling/airplane approach. Maaz et al.'s presentation of fertilizer-based emission factors (a nonmechanistic scaling of point measures to regions based solely on estimated nitrogen fertilizer application rates) includes no data from California or other semiarid sites, and does not explicitly account for widely known controls of climate, soil, and moisture on soil NO _x fluxes. In contrast, our model includes all of these factors. Finally, the fertilizer sales data that Maaz et al. highlight are known to suffer from serious errors and do not offer a logically more robust pathway for spatial analysis of NO _x emissions from soil.

Agriculture is a major source of NO x pollution in California

Nitrogen oxides (NO _x = NO + NO₂) are a primary component of air pollution-a leading cause of premature death in humans and biodiversity declines worldwide. Although regulatory policies in California have successfully limited transportation sources of NO _x pollution, several of the United States' worst-air quality districts remain in rural regions of the state. Site-based findings suggest that NO _x emissions from California's agricultural soils could contribute to air quality issues; however, a statewide estimate is hitherto lacking. We show that agricultural soils are a dominant source of NO _x pollution in California, with especially high soil NO _x emissions from the state's Central Valley region. We base our conclusion on two independent approaches: (i) a bottom-up spatial model of soil NO _x emissions and (ii) top-down airborne observations of atmospheric NO _x concentrations over the San Joaquin Valley. These approaches point to a large, overlooked NO _x source from cropland soil, which is estimated to increase the NO _x budget by 20 to 51%. These estimates are consistent with previous studies of point-scale measurements of NO _x emissions from the soil. Our results highlight opportunities to limit NO _x emissions from agriculture by investing in management practices that will bring co-benefits to the economy, ecosystems, and human health in rural areas of California.

Identification of the quinolinedione inhibitor binding site in Cdc25 phosphatase B through docking and molecular dynamics simulations

Cdc25 phosphatase B, a potential target for cancer therapy, is inhibited by a series of quinones. The binding site and mode of quinone inhibitors to Cdc25B remains unclear, whereas this information is important for structure-based drug design. We investigated the potential binding site of NSC663284 [DA3003-1 or 6-chloro-7-(2-morpholin-4-yl-ethylamino)-quinoline-5, 8-dione] through docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Of the two main binding sites suggested by docking, the molecular dynamics simulations only support one site for stable binding of the inhibitor. Binding sites in and near the Cdc25B catalytic site that have been suggested previously do not lead to stable binding in 50 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In contrast, a shallow pocket between the C-terminal helix and the catalytic site provides a favourable binding site that shows high stability. Two similar binding modes featuring protein-inhibitor interactions involving Tyr428, Arg482, Thr547 and Ser549 are identified by clustering analysis of all stable MD trajectories. The relatively flexible C-terminal region of Cdc25B contributes to inhibitor binding. The binding mode of NSC663284, identified through MD simulation, likely prevents the binding of protein substrates to Cdc25B. The present results provide useful information for the design of quinone inhibitors and their mechanism of inhibition.

Assessment of a 96-Well Plate Assay of Quantitative Drug Susceptibility Testing for Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Complex in China

Objective

To evaluate the performance of the Sensitire MYCOTB MIC Plate (MYCOTB) which could measure the twelve anti-tuberculosis drugs susceptibility on one 96-wells plate.

Methods

A total of 140 MDR-TB strains and 60 non-MDR strains were sub-cultured and 193 strains were finally tested for drug resistance using MYCOTB and agar proportion method (APM) and another 7 strains failed of subculture. The drugs included ofloxacin (Ofx), moxifloxacin (Mfx), rifampin (RFP), amikacin (Am), rifabutin (Rfb), para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), ethionamide (Eth), isoniazid (INH), kanamycin (Km), ethambutol (EMB), streptomycin (Sm), and cycloserine(Cs). The categorical agreement, conditional agreement, sensitivity and specificity of MYCOTB were assessed in comparison with APM. For strains with inconsistent results between MYCOTB and APM, the drug resistance related gene fragments were amplified and sequenced: gyrA for Ofx and Mfx; rpoB for RFP and Rfb; embB for EMB; rpsl for Sm; katG and the promoter region of inhA for INH, ethA and the promoter region of inhA for Eth. The sequence results were compared with results of MYCOTB and APM to analyze the consistency between sequence results and MYCOTB or APM.

Results

The categorical agreement between two methods for each drug ranged from 88.6% to 100%. It was the lowest for INH (88.6%). The sensitivity and specificity of MYCOTB ranged from 71.4% to 100% and 84.3% to 100%, respectively. The sensitivity was lowest for Cs(71.4%), EMB at 10μg/ml (80.0%) and INH at 10.0μg/ml (84.6%). The specificity was lowest for Rfb (84.3%). Overall discordance between the two phenotypic methods was observed for 96 strains, of which 63 (65.6%) were found susceptible with APM and resistant with MYCOTB and the remaining 33(34.4%) strains were resistant by APM and susceptible with MYCOTB. 34/52 (65.4%) sequenced APM susceptible and MYCOTB resistant(APM-S/MYCOTB-R) strains had mutations or insertions in the amplified regions. 20/30 (66.7%) sequenced APM resistant and MYCOTB susceptible strains had mutations in the sequenced genes. MICs of twenty-nine of these thirty isolates were equal to or within 1 doubling dilution of the critical concentration.

Conclusion

MYCOTB had good performance for most of tested drugs and could be used as an alternative to the more labor demanding and longer turnaround time solid culture based DST method for detection of drug susceptibility in China.

Cu2+1O coated polycrystalline Si nanoparticles as anode for lithium-ion battery

Cu2+1O coated Si nanoparticles were prepared by simple hydrolysis and were investigated as an anode material for lithium-ion battery. The coating of Cu2+1O on the surface of Si particles remarkably improves the cycle performance of the battery than that made by the pristine Si. The battery exhibits an initial reversible capacity of 3063 mAh/g and an initial coulombic efficiency (CE) of 82.9 %. With a current density of 300 mA/g, its reversible capacity can remains 1060 mAh/g after 350 cycles, corresponding to a CE ≥ 99.8 %. It is believed that the Cu2+1O coating enhances the electrical conductivity, and the elasticity of Cu2+1O further helps buffer the volume changes during lithiation/delithiation processes. Experiment results indicate that the electrode maintained a highly integrated structure after 100 cycles and it is in favour of the formation of stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) on the Si surface to keep the extremely high CE during long charge and discharge cycles.

Self-Assembled Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoclusters for Universal Cell Labeling and MRI

Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles have been widely used in a variety of biomedical applications, especially as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cell labeling. In this study, SPIO nanoparticles were stabilized with amphiphilic low molecular weight polyethylenimine (PEI) in an aqueous phase to form monodispersed nanocomposites with a controlled clustering structure. The iron-based nanoclusters with a size of 115.3 ± 40.23 nm showed excellent performance on cellular uptake and cell labeling in different types of cells, moreover, which could be tracked by MRI with high sensitivity. The SPIO nanoclusters presented negligible cytotoxicity in various types of cells as detected using MTS, LDH, and flow cytometry assays. Significantly, we found that ferritin protein played an essential role in protecting stress from SPIO nanoclusters. Taken together, the self-assembly of SPIO nanoclusters with good magnetic properties provides a safe and efficient method for universal cell labeling with noninvasive MRI monitoring capability.

The Relationship between Cell Number, Division Behavior and Developmental Potential of Cleavage Stage Human Embryos: A Time-Lapse Study

Day 3 cleavage embryo transfer is routine in many assisted reproductive technology centers today. Embryos are usually selected according to cell number, cell symmetry and fragmentation for transfer. Many studies have showed the relationship between cell number and embryo developmental potential. However, there is limited understanding of embryo division behavior and their association with embryo cell number and developmental potential. A retrospective and observational study was conducted to investigate how different division behaviors affect cell number and developmental potential of day 3 embryos by time-lapse imaging. Based on cell number at day 3, the embryos (from 104 IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) treatment cycles, n = 799) were classified as follows: less than 5 cells (< 5C; n = 111); 5–6 cells (5–6C; n = 97); 7–8 cells (7–8C; n = 442), 9–10 cells (9–10C; n = 107) and more than 10 cells (>10C; n = 42). Division behavior, morphokinetic parameters and blastocyst formation rate were analyzed in 5 groups of day 3 embryos with different cell numbers. In <5C and 5–6C embryos, fragmentation (FR; 62.2% and 30.9%, respectively) was the main cause for low cell number. The majority of 7–8C embryos exhibited obvious normal behaviors (NB; 85.7%) during development. However, the incidence of DC in 9–10C and >10C embryos increased compared to 7–8C embryos (45.8%, 33.3% vs. 11.1%, respectively). In ≥5C embryos, FR and DC significantly reduced developmental potential, whereas <5C embryos showed little potential irrespective of division behaviors. In NB embryos, the blastocyst formation rate increased with cell number from 7.4% (<5C) to 89.3% (>10C). In NB embryos, the cell cycle elongation or shortening was the main cause for abnormally low or high cell number, respectively. After excluding embryos with abnormal division behaviors, the developmental potential, implantation rate and live birth rate of day 3 embryos increased with cell number.