Dynamics of magnetization at infinite temperature in a Heisenberg spin chain

Understanding universal aspects of quantum dynamics is an unresolved problem in statistical mechanics. In particular, the spin dynamics of the one-dimensional Heisenberg model were conjectured as to belong to the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) universality class based on the scaling of the infinite-temperature spin-spin correlation function. In a chain of 46 superconducting qubits, we studied the probability distribution of the magnetization transferred across the chain's center, [Formula: see text]. The first two moments of [Formula: see text] show superdiffusive behavior, a hallmark of KPZ universality. However, the third and fourth moments ruled out the KPZ conjecture and allow for evaluating other theories. Our results highlight the importance of studying higher moments in determining dynamic universality classes and provide insights into universal behavior in quantum systems.

Stable quantum-correlated many-body states through engineered dissipation

Engineered dissipative reservoirs have the potential to steer many-body quantum systems toward correlated steady states useful for quantum simulation of high-temperature superconductivity or quantum magnetism. Using up to 49 superconducting qubits, we prepared low-energy states of the transverse-field Ising model through coupling to dissipative auxiliary qubits. In one dimension, we observed long-range quantum correlations and a ground-state fidelity of 0.86 for 18 qubits at the critical point. In two dimensions, we found mutual information that extends beyond nearest neighbors. Lastly, by coupling the system to auxiliaries emulating reservoirs with different chemical potentials, we explored transport in the quantum Heisenberg model. Our results establish engineered dissipation as a scalable alternative to unitary evolution for preparing entangled many-body states on noisy quantum processors.

Identification and characterization of circular RNAs involved in the fertility stability of cotton CMS-D2 restorer line under heat stress

BACKGROUND

As a vital type of noncoding RNAs, circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in plant growth and development and stress response. However, little is known about the biological roles of circRNAs in regulating the stability of male fertility restoration for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) conditioned by Gossypium harknessii cytoplasm (CMS-D2) cotton under high-temperature (HT) stress.

RESULTS

In this study, RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed on pollen grains of isonuclear alloplasmic near-isogenic restorer lines NH [N(Rf1rf1)] and SH [S(Rf1rf1)] with obvious differences in fertility stability under HT stress at two environments. A total of 967 circRNAs were identified, with 250 differentially expressed under HT stress. We confirmed the back-splicing sites of eight selected circRNAs using divergent primers and Sanger sequencing. Tissue-specific expression patterns of five differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs) were also verified by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR. Functional enrichment and metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the parental genes of DECs were significantly enriched in fertility-related biological processes such as pollen tube guidance and cell wall organization, as well as the Pentose and glucuronate interconversions, Steroid biosynthesis, and N-Glycan biosynthesis pathways. Moreover, we also constructed a putative circRNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network consisting of 21 DECs, eight predicted circRNA-binding miRNAs, and their corresponding 22 mRNA targets, especially the two ceRNA modules circRNA346-miR159a-MYB33 and circRNA484-miR319e-MYB33, which might play important biological roles in regulating pollen fertility stability of cotton CMS-D2 restorer line under HT stress.

CONCLUSIONS

Through systematic analysis of the abundance, characteristics and expression patterns of circRNAs, as well as the potential functions of their parent genes, our findings suggested that circRNAs and their mediated ceRNA networks acted vital biological roles in cotton pollen development, and might be also essential regulators for fertility stability of CMS-D2 restorer line under heat stress. This study will open a new door for further unlocking complex regulatory mechanisms underpinning the fertility restoration stability for CMS-D2 in cotton.

Heat-responsive microRNAs participate in regulating the pollen fertility stability of CMS-D2 restorer line under high-temperature stress

Anther development and pollen fertility of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) conditioned by Gossypium harknessii cytoplasm (CMS-D2) restorer lines are susceptible to continuous high-temperature (HT) stress in summer, which seriously hinders the large-scale application of "three-line" hybrids in production. Here, integrated small RNA, transcriptome, degradome, and hormone profiling was performed to explore the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating fertility stability in mature pollens of isonuclear alloplasmic near-isogenic restorer lines NH and SH under HT stress at two environments. A total of 211 known and 248 novel miRNAs were identified, of which 159 were differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs). Additionally, 45 DEMs in 39 miRNA clusters (PmCs) were also identified, and most highly expressed miRNAs were significantly induced in SH under extreme HT, especially four MIR482 and six MIR6300 family miRNAs. PmC28 was located in the fine-mapped interval of the Rf1 gene and contained two DEMs, gra-miR482_L-2R + 2 and gma-miR2118a-3p_R + 1_1ss18TG. Transcriptome sequencing identified 6281 differentially expressed genes, of which heat shock protein (HSP)-related genes, such as HSP70, HSP22, HSP18.5-C, HSP18.2 and HSP17.3-B, presented significantly reduced expression levels in SH under HT stress. Through integrating multi-omics data, we constructed a comprehensive molecular network of miRNA-mRNA-gene-KEGG containing 35 pairs of miRNA/target genes involved in regulating the pollen development in response to HT, among which the mtr-miR167a_R + 1, tcc-miR167c and ghr-miR390a, tcc-miR396c_L-1 and ghr-MIR169b-p3_1ss6AG regulated the pollen fertility by influencing ARF8 responsible for the auxin signal transduction, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and the sugar and lipid metabolism and transport pathways, respectively. Further combination with hormone analysis revealed that HT-induced jasmonic acid signaling could activate the expression of downstream auxin synthesis-related genes and cause excessive auxin accumulation, followed by a cascade of auxin signal transduction, ultimately resulting in pollen abortion. The results provide a new understanding of how heat-responsive miRNAs regulate the stability of fertility restoration for CMS-D2 cotton under heat stress.

Dose effects of restorer gene modulate pollen fertility in cotton CMS-D2 restorer lines via auxin signaling and flavonoid biosynthesis

KEY MESSAGE

Dose effects of Rf1 gene regulated retrieval mechanism of pollen fertility for CMS-D2 cotton. Cytoplasmic male sterility conditioned by Gossypium harknessii cytoplasm (CMS-D2) is an economical pollination control system for producing hybrid cotton seeds compared to artificial and chemical emasculation methods. However, the unstable restoring ability of restorer lines is a main barrier in the large-scale application of "three-line" hybrid cotton in China. Our phenotypic investigation determined that the homozygous Rf1Rf1 allelic genotype had a stronger ability to generate fertile pollen than the heterozygous Rf1rf1 allelic genotype. To decipher the genetic mechanisms that control the differential levels of pollen fertility, an integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis was performed at two environments using pollen grains of four cotton genotypes differing in Rf1 alleles or cytoplasm. Totally 5,391 differential metabolite features were detected, and 369 specific differential metabolites (DMs) were identified between homozygous and heterozygous Rf1 allelic genotypes with CMS-D2 cytoplasm. In addition, transcriptome analysis identified 2,490 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 96 unique hub DEGs with dynamic regulation in this comparative combination. Further integrated analyses revealed that several key DEGs and DMs involved in indole biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, and sugar metabolism had strong network linkage with fertility restoration. In vitro application of auxin analogue NAA and inhibitor Auxinole confirmed that over-activated auxin signaling might inhibit pollen development, whereas suppressing auxin signaling partially promoted pollen development in CMS-D2 cotton. Our results provide new insight into how the dosage effects of the Rf1 gene regulate pollen fertility of CMS-D2 cotton.

Measurement-induced entanglement and teleportation on a noisy quantum processor

Measurement has a special role in quantum theory1: by collapsing the wavefunction, it can enable phenomena such as teleportation2 and thereby alter the 'arrow of time' that constrains unitary evolution. When integrated in many-body dynamics, measurements can lead to emergent patterns of quantum information in space-time3-10 that go beyond the established paradigms for characterizing phases, either in or out of equilibrium11-13. For present-day noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) processors14, the experimental realization of such physics can be problematic because of hardware limitations and the stochastic nature of quantum measurement. Here we address these experimental challenges and study measurement-induced quantum information phases on up to 70 superconducting qubits. By leveraging the interchangeability of space and time, we use a duality mapping9,15-17 to avoid mid-circuit measurement and access different manifestations of the underlying phases, from entanglement scaling3,4 to measurement-induced teleportation18. We obtain finite-sized signatures of a phase transition with a decoding protocol that correlates the experimental measurement with classical simulation data. The phases display remarkably different sensitivity to noise, and we use this disparity to turn an inherent hardware limitation into a useful diagnostic. Our work demonstrates an approach to realizing measurement-induced physics at scales that are at the limits of current NISQ processors.

Tumor Cell-Intrinsic PD-L1 Effects on Radiation-Induced Locoregional Antitumor Immunity

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Targeting PD-L1 is a beneficial strategy to reinvigorate antitumor immunity, however variable response and resistance are challenging and suggest the need for multimodality approaches. Tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signals also regulate non-canonical pathogenic pathways that may impact treatment resistance. Ionizing radiation (IR) can induce antitumor immunity and has demonstrated therapeutic synergy with immunotherapy in some cases, however tumor-driven immunologic mechanisms affecting clinical outcomes remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signals on IR-induced locoregional immune response and tumor control.

MATERIALS/METHODS

We used orthotopic B16-F10 melanoma (WT-B16) and 4T1 triple negative breast cancer (WT-4T1) murine tumor models, as well as PD-L1 disabled variants (KO) generated by CRISPR/Cas9, implanted bilaterally. IR (10 Gy) was targeted at one tumor alone to evaluate both direct and indirect IR effects based on tumor PD-L1 status. We evaluated response by tumor volume (TV) measurements, flow cytometry of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) in both irradiated and unirradiated compartments, and granzyme B (GZB) PET imaging to assess functional in vivo changes. Chemokine-based multiplex assays were used to assess cell lines receiving IR (4Gy) and ex vivo tumor lysates and serum.

RESULTS

IR-induced local tumor control was not significantly affected based on tumor PD-L1 status, however deactivation of tumor cell PD-L1 enhanced IR-induced regional tumor control. Unirradiated WT tumors in mice harboring irradiated KO but not irradiated WT tumors demonstrated a significant mean reduction in TV with instances of complete distant tumor regression. PET imaging demonstrated a nearly 2-fold higher concentration of GZB in KO versus WT tumors, in line with known locally immunosuppressive effects of tumor PD-L1. Remarkably, GZB levels were >1.5-fold higher in unirradiated WT tumors in mice harboring an irradiated KO versus WT tumor, which correlated with a 50% increase in PD-1+CD8+ T cells. Higher levels of CD62+CD44- naïve CD4+ (4-fold) and CD8+ (2-fold) memory T cells were seen in TDLNs of irradiated KO versus WT tumors. Cytokine levels positively correlated with immune recruitment and activation status, as CXCL10, CCL2 and CCL5 were significantly upregulated in PD-L1 KO versus WT tumors cells.

CONCLUSION

Results from this study demonstrate cell-intrinsic PD-L1 inhibits IR-induced locoregional immune activation and frequency of regional tumor control, with clinical implications including therapeutic targeting of tumor cell-intrinsic PD-L1 signals to enhance IR-induced immunogenicity, utility of IR based on tumor PD-L1 status particularly in the metastatic setting, and immunotherapy combinations. Future studies investigating mechanisms of resistance to IR-induced immune activation to enhance responsiveness are warranted.

Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of CMS-D2 and CMS-D8 Systems Characterizes Fertility Restoration Genes Network in Upland Cotton

Resolving the genetic basis of fertility restoration for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) can improve the efficiency of three-line hybrid breeding. However, the genetic determinants of male fertility restoration in cotton are still largely unknown. This study comprehensively compared the full-length transcripts of CMS-D2 and CMS-D8 systems to identify potential genes linked with fertility restorer genes Rf₁ or Rf₂. Target comparative analysis revealed a higher percentage of differential genes in each restorer line as compared to their corresponding sterile and maintainer lines. An array of genes with specific expression in the restorer line of CMS-D2 had functional annotations related to floral development and pathway enrichments in various secondary metabolites, while specifically expressed genes in the CMS-D8 restorer line showed functional annotations related to anther development and pathway enrichment in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Further analysis identified potentially key genes located in the target region of fertility restorer genes Rf₁ or Rf₂. In particular, Ghir_D05G032450 can be the candidate gene related to restorer gene Rf₁, and Ghir_D05G035690 can be the candidate gene associated with restorer gene Rf₂. Further gene expression validation with qRT-PCR confirmed the accuracy of our results. Our findings provide useful insights into decoding the potential regulatory network that retrieves pollen fertility in cotton and will help to further reveal the differences in the genetic basis of fertility restoration for two CMS systems.

Non-Abelian braiding of graph vertices in a superconducting processor

Indistinguishability of particles is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics¹. For all elementary and quasiparticles observed to date-including fermions, bosons and Abelian anyons-this principle guarantees that the braiding of identical particles leaves the system unchanged^2,3. However, in two spatial dimensions, an intriguing possibility exists: braiding of non-Abelian anyons causes rotations in a space of topologically degenerate wavefunctions^4-8. Hence, it can change the observables of the system without violating the principle of indistinguishability. Despite the well-developed mathematical description of non-Abelian anyons and numerous theoretical proposals^9-22, the experimental observation of their exchange statistics has remained elusive for decades. Controllable many-body quantum states generated on quantum processors offer another path for exploring these fundamental phenomena. Whereas efforts on conventional solid-state platforms typically involve Hamiltonian dynamics of quasiparticles, superconducting quantum processors allow for directly manipulating the many-body wavefunction by means of unitary gates. Building on predictions that stabilizer codes can host projective non-Abelian Ising anyons^9,10, we implement a generalized stabilizer code and unitary protocol²³ to create and braid them. This allows us to experimentally verify the fusion rules of the anyons and braid them to realize their statistics. We then study the prospect of using the anyons for quantum computation and use braiding to create an entangled state of anyons encoding three logical qubits. Our work provides new insights about non-Abelian braiding and, through the future inclusion of error correction to achieve topological protection, could open a path towards fault-tolerant quantum computing.

Ultra-high-resolution observations of persistent null-point reconnection in the solar corona

Magnetic reconnection is a key mechanism involved in solar eruptions and is also a prime possibility to heat the low corona to millions of degrees. Here, we present ultra-high-resolution extreme ultraviolet observations of persistent null-point reconnection in the corona at a scale of about 390 km over one hour observations of the Extreme-Ultraviolet Imager on board Solar Orbiter spacecraft. The observations show formation of a null-point configuration above a minor positive polarity embedded within a region of dominant negative polarity near a sunspot. The gentle phase of the persistent null-point reconnection is evidenced by sustained point-like high-temperature plasma (about 10 MK) near the null-point and constant outflow blobs not only along the outer spine but also along the fan surface. The blobs appear at a higher frequency than previously observed with an average velocity of about 80 km s^-1 and life-times of about 40 s. The null-point reconnection also occurs explosively but only for 4 minutes, its coupling with a mini-filament eruption generates a spiral jet. These results suggest that magnetic reconnection, at previously unresolved scales, proceeds continually in a gentle and/or explosive way to persistently transfer mass and energy to the overlying corona.

Formation of robust bound states of interacting microwave photons

Systems of correlated particles appear in many fields of modern science and represent some of the most intractable computational problems in nature. The computational challenge in these systems arises when interactions become comparable to other energy scales, which makes the state of each particle depend on all other particles1. The lack of general solutions for the three-body problem and acceptable theory for strongly correlated electrons shows that our understanding of correlated systems fades when the particle number or the interaction strength increases. One of the hallmarks of interacting systems is the formation of multiparticle bound states2-9. Here we develop a high-fidelity parameterizable fSim gate and implement the periodic quantum circuit of the spin-½ XXZ model in a ring of 24 superconducting qubits. We study the propagation of these excitations and observe their bound nature for up to five photons. We devise a phase-sensitive method for constructing the few-body spectrum of the bound states and extract their pseudo-charge by introducing a synthetic flux. By introducing interactions between the ring and additional qubits, we observe an unexpected resilience of the bound states to integrability breaking. This finding goes against the idea that bound states in non-integrable systems are unstable when their energies overlap with the continuum spectrum. Our work provides experimental evidence for bound states of interacting photons and discovers their stability beyond the integrability limit.

Cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase CYP703A2 plays a central role in sporopollenin formation and ms5ms6 fertility in cotton

The double-recessive genic male-sterile (ms) line ms5 ms6 has been used to develop cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) hybrids for many years, but its molecular-genetic basis has remained unclear. Here, we identified the Ms5 and Ms6 loci through map-based cloning and confirmed their function in male sterility through CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Ms5 and Ms6 are highly expressed in stages 7-9 anthers and encode the cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenases CYP703A2-A and CYP703A2-D. The ms5 mutant carries a single-nucleotide C-to-T nonsense mutation leading to premature chain termination at amino acid 312 (GhCYP703A2-A^312aa ), and ms6 carries three nonsynonymous substitutions (D98E, E168K, and G198R) and a synonymous mutation (L11L). Enzyme assays showed that GhCYP703A2 proteins hydroxylate fatty acids, and the ms5 (GhCYP703A2-A^312aa ) and ms6 (GhCYP703A2-D^{D98E,E168K,G198R} ) mutant proteins have decreased enzyme activities. Biochemical and lipidomic analyses showed that in ms5 ms6 plants, C12-C18 free fatty acid and phospholipid levels are significantly elevated in stages 7-9 anthers, while stages 8-10 anthers lack sporopollenin fluorescence around the pollen, causing microspore degradation and male sterility. Overall, our characterization uncovered functions of GhCYP703A2 in sporopollenin formation and fertility, providing guidance for creating male-sterile lines to facilitate hybrid cotton production and therefore exploit heterosis for improvement of cotton.

Integrated analysis of metabolome and transcriptome reveals the cytoplasmic effects of CMS-D2 on pollen fertility resulting from disrupted lipid metabolism

Using cytoplasmic male sterility of Gossypium harknesii (CMS-D2) is an economical and effective method to produce cotton hybrids. However, the detrimental cytoplasmic effects of CMS-D2 on pollen fertility and fiber yields greatly limit the further development of three-line hybrid cotton in China. In this study, an integrated non-targeted metabolomics and transcriptome analysis was performed on mature pollens of maintainer line NB, isonuclear alloplasmic near-isogenic restorer lines NH and SH under two environments. A total of 820 metabolites were obtained, of which lipids and lipid-like molecules were the most, followed by organic acids derivatives, phenylpropanoids, and polyketides. Transcriptome analysis revealed significantly more differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SH versus NH both in Anyang and Jiujiang, and most of the DEGs were significantly upregulated. Further KEGG analysis showed that most DEGs were enriched in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, phenylalanine metabolism, and phagosome. Based on the weighted gene co-expression network analysis, totally 74 hub genes were also identified, of which three transcription factors, i.e., WRKY22, WRKY53, and ARF18 were significantly upregulated in SH and may play a negative regulatory role in pollen development by directly or indirectly regulating the jasmonic acid synthesis and signal transduction. Moreover, we found that the negative effects of CMS-D2 cytoplasm on pollen fertility were mainly due to disturbed lipid metabolism, especially the metabolic balance of unsaturated fatty acids, ultimately resulting in the decline of pollen fertility. Meanwhile, in the presence of CMS-D2 sterile cytoplasm, the cytoplasmic-nucleus interaction effects generated a substantial quantity of flavonoids involved in the fertility restoration process. This study preliminarily clarified some of the reasons for the negative effects of CMS-D2 cytoplasm on pollen fertility, and our results will provide an important theoretical reference for further breeding and improvement of three-line hybrid cotton in the future.

Homoeolog gene expression analysis reveals novel expression biases in upland hybrid cotton under intraspecific hybridization

Hybridization is useful to enhance the yield potential of agronomic crops in the world. Cotton has genome doubling due to the allotetraploid process and hybridization in coordination with duplicated genome can produce more yield and adaptability. Therefore, the expression of homoeologous gene pairs between hybrids and inbred parents is vital to characterize the genetic source of heterosis in cotton. Investigation results of homoeolog gene pairs between two contrasting hybrids and their respective inbred parents identified 36853 homoeolog genes in hybrids. It was observed both high and low hybrids had similar trends in homoeolog gene expression patterns in each tissue under study. An average of 96% of homoeolog genes had no biased expression and their expressions were derived from the equal contribution of both parents. Besides, very few homoeolog genes (an average of 1%) showed no biased or novel expression in both hybrids. The functional analysis described secondary metabolic pathways had a majority of novel biased homoeolog genes in hybrids. These results contribute preliminary knowledge about how hybridization affects expression patterns of homoeolog gene pairs in upland cotton hybrids. Our study also highlights the functional genomics of metabolic genes to explore the genetic mechanism of heterosis in cotton.

Transcript Complexity and New Insights of Restorer Line in CMS-D8 Cotton Through Full-Length Transcriptomic Analysis

Hybrid utilization has proficiently increased crop production worldwide. The cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system has emerged as an efficient tool for commercial hybrid cotton seed production. The restorer line with dominant Rf₂ gene can restore the fertility of the CMS-D8 sterile line. However, the molecular mechanism of fertility restoration remains unclear in CMS-D8 cotton that limits wider utilization of three-line hybrid breeding. In our study, the Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Iso-Seq technology was applied to understand fertility restoration mechanism of CMS-D8 cotton. In total, 228,106 full-length non-chimeric transcriptome sequences were obtained from anthers of developing flowering buds. The analysis results identified 3,174 novel isoforms, 2,597 novel gene loci, 652 long non-coding RNAs predicted from novel isoforms, 7,234 alternative splicing events, 114 fusion transcripts, and 1,667 genes with alternative polyadenylation. Specially, two novel genes associated with restoration function, Ghir_D05.742.1 and m64033_190821_201011/21103726/ccs were identified and showed significant higher levels of expression in restorer line than sterile and maintainer lines. Our comparative full-length transcriptome analysis provides new insights into the molecular function of Rf₂ fertility restorer gene. The results of this study offer a platform for fertility restoration candidate gene discovery in CMS-D8 cotton.

Short period-administration of myo-inositol and metformin on hormonal and glycolipid profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aims to perform an updated meta-analysis to evaluate myo-inositol (myo-ins) and the classical insulin sensitizer metformin in terms of efficacy and safety for treating women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PhRMA Clinical Study Results, Wan Fang, and CNKI databases; the database was searched from inception to June 2021. The random effects model was chosen to synthesize the effect sizes of individual trails. The registration number is CRD42021239786.

RESULTS

Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 612 patients were included in the analysis. Compared with metformin, myo-ins might be more effective in lowering triglycerides (TG) levels (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.24, p=0.0001, I2 = 0%) and avoiding side effects (RR=0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.24, p<0.00001, I2 = 2%), while no significant differences were observed in other relevant indexes, such as total testosterone (TT) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with metformin, the suitable supplemental dosage of myo-ins may be helpful in lowering levels of TG and avoiding adverse events (AEs).

[Interventional effect of asiaticosdide on rats exposed to silica dust]

Objective: To investigate the effect of asiaticoside for fibrosis in lung tissues of rats exposed to silica and to explore its possible mechanism. Methods: 144 SD male rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, positive drug control group, asiaticoside high-dose group, medium-dose group and low-dose group, each group included 24 rats. Rats in the control group were perfused with 1.0 ml of normal saline, and the other groups were given 1.0 ml 50 mg/ml SiO(2) suspension. Gavage of herbal was given from the next day after model establishment, once a day. Rats in the positive drug control group were administration with 30 mg/kg tetrandrine and rats in the low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group were given 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg asiaticoside for fibrosis respectively. Rats in the control group and the model group were given 0.9% normal saline. The rats were sacrificed in on the 14th, 28th and 56th day after intragastric administration and collect the lung tissues to detect the content of hydroxyproline, TGF-β(1) and IL-18, observe the pathological changes of the lung tissues by HE and Masson staining and determine the expressions of Col-I, a-SMA, TGF-β in lung tissues by Western Blot. Results: On the 14th day, 28th day and 56th day after model establishment, the lung tissues of rats in the model group showed obvious inflammatory response and accumulation of collagen fibers, and the degree of inflammation and fibrosis increased with time. The intervention of asiaticoside could effectively inhibit the pathological changes of lung tissues. The contents of hydroxyproline, IL-18 and TGF-β1 in lung tissues of model group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05) , while the level of hydroxyproline, IL-18 and TGF-β1 in asiaticoside groups were significantly decreased, and the difference was statistically signicant (P<0.05) . Compared with the control group, the expression levels of Col-I, TGF-β1and α-SMA in lung tissue of model group were increased (P<0.05) , while the expression level of Col-I, TGF-β1 and α-SMA were decreased after the intervention of asiaticoside, and the difference was statistically signicant (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Asiaticoside can inhibit the increase of Col-I, TGF-β1 and α-SMA content in the SiO(2)-induced lung tissues of rats, reduce the release of TGF-β1 and IL-18 inflammatory factors in lung tissue, and then inhibit the synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix in rat lung tissue, and improve silicosis fibrosis.

Single-molecule real-time transcript sequencing of developing cotton anthers facilitates genome annotation and fertility restoration candidate gene discovery

Heterosis refers to the superior phenotypes observed in hybrids. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) system plays an important role in cotton heterosis utilization. However, the global gene expression patterns of CMS-D2 and its interaction with the restorer gene Rf1 remain unclear. Here, the full-length transcript sequencing was performed in anthers of the CMS-D2 restorer line using PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing technology. Combining PacBio SMRT long-read isoforms and Illumina RNA-seq data, 107,066 isoforms from 44,338 loci were obtained, including 10,086 novel isoforms of novel genes and 66,419 new isoforms of known genes. Totally 56,572 alternative splicing (AS) events, 1146 lncRNAs, 61 fusion transcripts and 10,466 genes exhibited alternative polyadenylation (APA), and 60,995 novel isoforms with predicted open reading frames (ORFs) were further identified. Furthermore, the specifically expressed genes in restorer line were selected and confirmed by qRT-PCR. These findings provide a basis for upland cotton genome annotation and transcriptome research, and will help to reveal the molecular mechanism of interaction between Rf1 and CMS-D2 cytoplasm.

The cellulose synthase (CesA) gene family in four Gossypium species: phylogenetics, sequence variation and gene expression in relation to fiber quality in Upland cotton

Cellulose synthases (CesAs) are multi-subunit enzymes found on the plasma membrane of plant cells and play a pivotal role in cellulose production. The cotton fiber is mainly composed of cellulose, and the genetic relationships between CesA genes and cotton fiber yield and quality are not fully understood. Through a phylogenetic analysis, the CesA gene family in diploid Gossypium arboreum and Gossypium raimondii, as well as tetraploid Gossypium hirsutum ('TM-1') and Gossypium barbadense ('Hai-7124' and '3-79'), was divided into 6 groups and 15 sub-groups, with each group containing two to five homologous genes. Most CesA genes in the four species are highly collinear. Among the five cotton genomes, 440 and 1929 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CesA gene family were identified in exons and introns, respectively, including 174 SNPs resulting in amino acid changes. In total, 484 homeologous SNPs between the A and D genomes were identified in diploids, while 142 SNPs were detected between the two tetraploids, with 32 and 82 SNPs existing within G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, respectively. Additionally, 74 quantitative trait loci near 18 GhCesA genes were associated with fiber quality. One to four GhCesA genes were differentially expressed (DE) in ovules at 0 and 3 days post anthesis (DPA) between two backcross inbred lines having different fiber lengths, but no DE genes were identified between these lines in developing fibers at 10 DPA. Twenty-seven SNPs in above DE CesA genes were detected among seven cotton lines, including one SNP in Ghi_A08G03061 that was detected in four G. hirsutum genotypes. This study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the cotton CesA gene family, which may play important roles in determining cotton fiber quality.

Community diversity and abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in shrimp pond sediment at different culture stages

AIMS

Ammonia oxidation is a significant process of nitrogen cycles in a lot of ecosystems sediments while there are few studies in shrimp culture pond (SCP) sediments. This paper attempted to explore the community diversity and abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in SCP sediments at different culture stages.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We collected SCP sediments and analysed the community diversity and abundance of AOA and bacteria in shrimp pond sediment at different culture stages using the ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) gene with quantitative PCR (qPCR) and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The AOB-amoA gene abundance was showed higher than AOA-amoA gene abundance in SCP sediments on Day 50 and Day 60 after shrimp larvae introducing into the pond, and the diversity of AOA in SCP sediments was higher than that of AOB. The phylogenetic tree revealed that the most of AOA were the member of Nitrosopumilus and Nitrososphaera, and the majority of AOB sequences were clustered into Nitrosospira, Nitrosomonas clusters 6a and 7. The AOA community has close relationship with total organic carbon (TOC), pH, total phosphorus (TP), nitrate reductase, urease, acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase. The AOB community was related to TOC, C/N and nitrate reductase.

CONCLUSIONS

AOA and AOB play the different ecological roles in SCP sediments at different culture stages.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Our results suggested that the different community diversity and abundance of AOA and AOB in SCP sediments, which may improve our ecological cognition of shrimp culture stages in SCP ecosystems.

Identification of novel monoclonal antibodies targeting the outer membrane protein C and lipopolysaccharides for Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection

AIMS

To identify and evaluate the application of two novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) 2G12 against outer membrane protein (Omp) C and mAb 12B1 targeting the O chain of the lipopolysaccharides (LPS) of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ECO157).

METHODS AND RESULTS

The sensitivity and specificity of these two antibodies were evaluated with eight ECO157 strains and 68 untargeted strains. mAb 2G12 and 12B1 had no detectable binding with any of the non-O157 strains at 6·0 log₁₀ CFU per ml, while its high specificity and affinity remained with all ECO157 strains. When a higher level (8·0 log₁₀ CFU per ml) was tested, 2G12 and 12B1 did not react with 82·35 and 97·06% of the non-O157 strains respectively. Based on the pair of two antibodies, the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detected 100% (8/8) of ECO157 strains and none of the non-ECO157 strains. The detection limit of ECO157 strains in pure culture were 4·2 ± 0·2 log₁₀ CFU per ml. When the developed test was applied to artificially inoculated beef samples, the detection limit was 6·0 log₁₀ CFU per gram without enrichment and 1·0 log₁₀ CFU per gram after 12 h of enrichment.

CONCLUSIONS

The two novel antibodies identified in this study served as great candidates for the recovery, and detection of ECO157 from different environmental and food samples.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

ECO157-specific detection was improved by a combination of the novel OmpC mAb and LPS mAb with defined target antigen and good specificity.

Analysis of the nanoscale phase characteristics of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures via AFM

A peak force quantitative nanomechanical mode (PF-QNM) can be used to simultaneously measure the topographical and nanomechanical property maps of samples. Currently, few studies used this mode to investigate the phase characteristics of bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The present study adopted hot-bitumen-pouring methods to prepare base bitumen surface samples and further used frozen-storage and low-temperature-cutting methods to prepare the internal samples of base bitumen in mastics and mixtures. Then, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) PF-QNM mode was used to collect data on the topographical and nanomechanical properties of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The results indicated that a typical bee structure only appeared on the bitumen surface. In contrast to the bitumen surface, the bitumen interior showed two phases, A- and B-phase, which were close in some properties to the periphase and paraphase of the bitumen surface, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of mineral aggregates affected the phase characteristics of the free bitumen interior. With an increase in the mineral aggregate surface area, the proportion of A-phase decreased and that of B-phase increased in the free bitumen interior. LAY DESCRIPTION: Bitumen is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons primarily applied for pavement materials. In the pavement industry, the bituminous mixture is a multilevel system, in which bitumen acts as a binder binding the aggregates and fillers to form bituminous mixture. Currently, atomic force microscopy (AFM), which is an advanced microscopy technology, has been used to investigate bitumen surface phase characteristics at the nanoscale. However, few studies have directly explored the nanoscale phase characteristics of bitumen in mastics or mixtures. Recently, with the progress of technology, a peak-force-quantitative-nanomechanical mode (PF-QNM) can be used to simultaneously measure the topographical and nanomechanical property maps of samples. Relying on this advanced mode, this study analyzed the nanoscale phase characteristics of the bitumen surface and interior, and further explored the effect of mineral aggregates on bitumen interior phase characteristics. In detail, we used hot-bitumen-pouring methods to prepare bitumen surface samples and adopted frozen-storage and low-temperature-cutting methods to prepare the internal samples of bitumen in mastics and mixtures. Subsequently, AFM PF-QNM mode was used to collect topographical and nanomechanical property maps of bitumen and bitumen in mastics and mixtures. The results indicated that the bitumen interior only consisted of two phases, where the A-phase presented low adhesion, deformation, and dissipation, while the B-phase presented high adhesion, deformation, and dissipation. A-phase and B-phase of the bitumen interior were close to the periphase and paraphase of the bitumen surface, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of mineral aggregates significantly affected the bitumen interior phase characteristics.

Comparative transcriptome analysis between inbred and hybrids reveals molecular insights into yield heterosis of upland cotton

BACKGROUND

Utilization of heterosis has greatly improved the productivity of many crops worldwide. Understanding the potential molecular mechanism about how hybridization produces superior yield in upland cotton is critical for efficient breeding programs.

RESULTS

In this study, high, medium, and low hybrids varying in the level of yield heterosis were screened based on field experimentation of different years and locations. Phenotypically, high hybrid produced a mean of 14% more seed cotton yield than its better parent. Whole-genome RNA sequencing of these hybrids and their four inbred parents was performed using different tissues of the squaring stage. Comparative transcriptomic differences in each hybrid parent triad revealed a higher percentage of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each tissue. Expression level dominance analysis identified majority of hybrids DEGs were biased towards parent like expressions. An array of DEGs involved in ATP and protein binding, membrane, cell wall, mitochondrion, and protein phosphorylation had more functional annotations in hybrids. Sugar metabolic and plant hormone signal transduction pathways were most enriched in each hybrid. Further, these two pathways had most mapped DEGs on known seed cotton yield QTLs. Integration of transcriptome, QTLs, and gene co-expression network analysis discovered genes Gh_A03G1024, Gh_D08G1440, Gh_A08G2210, Gh_A12G2183, Gh_D07G1312, Gh_D08G1467, Gh_A03G0889, Gh_A08G2199, and Gh_D05G0202 displayed a complex regulatory network of many interconnected genes. qRT-PCR of these DEGs was performed to ensure the accuracy of RNA-Seq data.

CONCLUSIONS

Through genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis, the current study identified nine key genes and pathways associated with biological process of yield heterosis in upland cotton. Our results and data resources provide novel insights and will be useful for dissecting the molecular mechanism of yield heterosis in cotton.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of inbred lines and contrasting hybrids reveals overdominance mediate early biomass vigor in hybrid cotton

Background

Heterosis breeding is the most useful method for yield increase around the globe. Heterosis is an intriguing process to develop superior offspring to either parent in the desired character. The biomass vigor produced during seedling emergence stage has a direct influence on yield heterosis in plants. Unfortunately, the genetic basis of early biomass vigor in cotton is poorly understood.

Results

Three stable performing F₁ hybrids varying in yield heterosis named as high, medium and low hybrids with their inbred parents were used in this study. Phenotypically, these hybrids established noticeable biomass heterosis during the early stage of seedling growth in the field. Transcriptome analysis of root and leaf revealed that hybrids showed many differentially expressed genes (DEGs) relative to their parents, while the comparison of inbred parents showed limited number of DEGs indicating similarity in their genetic constitution. Further analysis indicated expression patterns of most DEGs were overdominant in both tissues of hybrids. According to GO results, functions of overdominance genes in leaf were enriched for chloroplast, membrane, and protein binding, whereas functions of overdominance genes in root were enriched for plasma membrane, extracellular region, and responses to stress. We found several genes of circadian rhythm pathway related to LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) showed downregulated overdominant expressions in both tissues of hybrids. In addition to circadian rhythm, several leaf genes related to Aux/IAA regulation, and many root genes involved in peroxidase activity also showed overdominant expressions in hybrids. Twelve genes involved in circadian rhythm plant were selected to perform qRT-PCR analysis to confirm the accuracy of RNA-seq results.

Conclusions

Through genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis, we strongly predict that overdominance at gene expression level plays a pivotal role in early biomass vigor of hybrids. The combinational contribution of circadian rhythm and other metabolic process may control vigorous growth in hybrids. Our result provides an important foundation for dissecting molecular mechanisms of biomass vigor in hybrid cotton.

Single-base resolution methylome of cotton cytoplasmic male sterility system reveals epigenomic changes in response to high-temperature stress during anther development

Anther development in flowering plants is highly sensitive to high-temperature (HT) stress. Understanding the potential epigenetic mechanism of anther infertility induced by HT stress in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is crucial for the effective use of genetic resources to guide plant breeding. Using the whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, we map cytosine methylation at single-base resolution across the whole genome of cotton anthers, and changes in the methylome of the cytoplasmic male sterility system associated with HT stress were analysed in two cotton lines with contrasting HT stress tolerance. The cotton anther genome was found to display approximately 31.6%, 68.7%, 61.8%, and 21.8% methylation across all sequenced C sites and in the CG, CHG, and CHH sequence contexts, respectively. In an integrated global methylome and transcriptome analysis, only promoter-unmethylated genes showed higher expression levels than promoter-methylated genes, whereas gene body methylation presented an obvious positive correlation with gene expression. The methylation profiles of transposable elements in cotton anthers were characterized, and more differentially methylated transposable elements were demethylated under HT stress. HT-induced promoter methylation changes led to the up-regulation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme-associated genes GhNDUS7, GhCOX6A, GhCX5B2, and GhATPBM, ultimately promoting a series of redox processes to form ATP for normal anther development under HT stress. In vitro application of the common DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine and accelerator methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate demonstrated that DNA demethylation promoted anther development, while increased methylation only partially inhibited anther development under HT stress.

Gm6377 suppressed SP 2/0 xenograft tumor by down-regulating Myc transcription

PURPOSE

Disturbed process of B-cell differentiation into plasmablasts (PBs)/plasma cells (PCs) is involved in multiple myeloma (MM). New strategies will be required to eliminate the MM cell clone for a long-term disease control. Because of its PB-like characteristics, the mus musculus myeloma SP 2/0 cell line was used in this study to search novel targets for PBs/PCs.

METHODS/PATIENTS

Affymetrix microarrays and RNA-sequencing assays were used to search a novel different molecule (Gm6377) between PBs/PCs and mature B cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK8), flow cytometry (FACS), xenograft mouse model, and the luciferase reporter system were used to assess the effect of Gm6377 on SP 2/0 cell proliferation, cell cycle, tumor growth, and Myc promoter activation, respectively.

RESULTS

We found that B cells expressed a high level of Gm6377 mRNA, whereas Gm6377 mRNA was decreased in PCs. In addition, SP 2/0 cells also expressed low levels of Gm6377 mRNA. Critically, Gm6377 overexpression suppressed SP 2/0 cell proliferation but not cell cycle. Furthermore, Gm6377 overexpression suppressed tumor progression in the SP 2/0 xenograft mouse model. Finally, we found that Gm6377 suppressed SP 2/0 cell proliferation by reducing the activation of the Myc promoter.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that Gm6377 suppresses myeloma SP 2/0 cell growth by suppressing Myc. Thus, modulation of Gm6377 may be a potential therapeutic way to treat MM.

Transcriptome Analysis Implicates Involvement of Long Noncoding RNAs in Cytoplasmic Male Sterility and Fertility Restoration in Cotton

The cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)/restorer-of-fertility system is an important tool to exploit heterosis during commercially hybrid seed production. The importance of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in plant development is recognized, but few analyses of lncRNAs during anther development of three-line hybrid cotton (CMS-D2 line A, maintainer line B, restorer-of-fertility line R) have been reported. Here, we performed transcriptome sequencing during anther development in three-line hybrid cotton. A total of 80,695 lncRNAs were identified, in which 43,347 and 44,739 lncRNAs were differentially expressed in A–B and A–R comparisons, respectively. These lncRNAs represent functional candidates involved in CMS and fertility restoration. GO analysis indicated that cellular hormone metabolic processes and oxidation–reduction reaction processes might be involved in CMS, and cellular component morphogenesis and small molecular biosynthetic processes might participate in fertility restoration. Additionally, 63 lncRNAs were identified as putative precursors of 35 miRNAs, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed a similar expression pattern to RNA-seq data. Furthermore, construction of lncRNA regulatory networks indicated that several miRNA–lncRNA–mRNA networks might be involved in CMS and fertility restoration. Our findings provide systematic identification of lncRNAs during anther development and lays a solid foundation for the regulatory mechanisms and utilization in hybrid cotton breeding.

MiR-205 enhances cisplatin sensitivity of glioma cells by targeting E2F1

OBJECTIVE

miR-205 has been previously identified as a diagnostic and prognostic factor in glioma. However, its exact functions in glioma remain unclear. The current research aimed to decipher the role of miR-205 in the development of cisplatin resistance in glioma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

miR-205 expressions in both cisplatin sensitive and resistant cell lines were compared by the Real-time PCR method. The dose-response to cisplatin of U87/DDP cells was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry, caspase 3/7 activity assay and Western blot assay. The direct repression of E2F1 by miR-205 was confirmed by luciferase assay and Western blot assay.

RESULTS

miR-205 expression was decreased in cisplatin resistant glioma cell lines, and cisplatin treatment led to a decrease of miR-205 in glioma cells. Overexpression of miR-205 in U87/DDP restored its cisplatin sensitivity by enhancing apoptosis and G1/S cell cycle arrest; notably, all these effects were then partially abrogated by E2F1 overexpression. Luciferase assay and Western blot assay confirmed E2F1 as the direct target of miR-205 in U87/DDP cells.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that down-regulation of miR-205 confers the cisplatin resistance in glioma cells via upregulation of E2F1. It might serve as a candidate for glioma therapy.

A genome-wide analysis of pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein-encoding genes in four Gossypium species with an emphasis on their expression in floral buds, ovules, and fibers in upland cotton

Cotton is the most important natural fiber used in textiles. Breeding for "three-lines", i.e., cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)-based sterile (A), maintainer (B), and restorer (R) line, is a promising approach to harness hybrid vigor in cotton. Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein-encoding genes play an important role in plant growth and development including restoration of CMS plants to male fertility. However, PPRs, especially those contributing to CMS and fiber development, remain largely unknown in cotton. In this study, a genome-wide identification and characterization of PPR gene family in four Gossypium species with genome sequences (G. arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense) were performed, and expressed PPR genes in developing floral buds, ovules, and fibers were compared to identify possible PPRs related to CMS restoration and fiber development. A total of 539, 558, 1032, and 1055 PPRs were predicted in the above four species, respectively, which were further mapped to chromosomes for a synteny analysis. Through an RNA-seq analysis, 86% (882) PPRs were expressed in flowering buds of upland cotton (G. hirsutum); however, only 11 and 6 were differentially expressed (DE) between restorer R and its near-isogenic (NI) B and between R and its NI A line, respectively. Another RNA-seq analysis identified the expression of only 54% (556) PPRs in 0 and 3 day(s) post-anthesis (DPA) ovules and 24% (247) PPRs in 10 DPA fibers; however, only 59, 6, and 27 PPRs were DE in 0 and 3 DPA ovules, and 10 DPA fibers between two backcross inbred lines (BILs) with differing fiber length, respectively. Only 2 PPRs were DE between Xuzhou 142 and its fiberless and fuzzless mutant. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed the validity of the RNA-seq results for the gene expression pattern. Therefore, only a very small number of PPRs may be associated with fertility restoration of CMS and genetic differences in fiber initiation and elongation. These results lay a foundation for understanding the roles of PPR genes in cotton, and will be useful in the prioritization of candidate PPR gene functional validation for cotton CMS restoration and fiber development.

A combined small RNA and transcriptome sequencing analysis reveal regulatory roles of miRNAs during anther development of Upland cotton carrying cytoplasmic male sterile Gossypium harknessii (D2) cytoplasm

BACKGROUND

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in flowering plants is usually caused by incompatibility between mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, and can be restored by nuclear genes known as restorer-of-fertility (Rf). Although the CMS/Rf system is useful and convenient for economic production of commercial hybrid seed, the molecular mechanisms of CMS occurrence and fertility restoration in cotton are unclear.

RESULTS

Here, a combined small RNA and transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed on floral buds at the meiosis stage in three-line hybrid cotton system, and differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) and their target genes were identified and further analyzed for a possible involvement in CMS and fertility restoration. Totally 10 and 30 differentially expressed miRNA-target gene pairs were identified in A-B and A-R comparison group, respectively. A putative regulatory network of CMS occurrence and fertility restoration-related miRNA-target pairs during anther development were then constructed. The RLM-RACE analysis showed that gra-miR7505b regulates a PPR gene (Gh_D05G3392) by cleaving precisely at the 643 nt and 748 nt sites. The further analysis indicated that the sequence variation in the binding regions of Gh_D05G3392 and Gh_D05G3356 may cause a lower cleavage efficiency of the PPR genes by miR7505b and miR7505 in R line, respectively, leading to the up-regulation of the PPR genes and fertility restoration. These results have established their genetic involvement in fertility restoration in the CMS-D2 system.

CONCLUSION

Our combined miRNA and transcriptome analysis in three-line hybrid cotton system provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CMS occurrence and fertility restoration, which will contribute to further hybrid breeding in cotton.

The Src homology and collagen A (ShcA) adaptor protein may participate in the pathogenesis of membranous lupus nephritis

The Src homology and collagen A (ShcA) adaptor protein that binds to tyrosine kinase receptors. ShcA plays a role in insulin signaling, stress resistance and energy metabolism. The 66-kDa Src homology 2 domain-containing protein (p66shc) belongs to the ShcA family and has been associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS); increased ROS is involved in the pathology of lupus nephritis (LN). However, whether ShcA can act as a biomarker for oxidative injury in LN is unknown. This study is aimed to investigate the ShcA expression in kidney tissues from patients presenting with LN and the association between ShcA expression and clinical parameters. Renal biopsy tissues were obtained from 62 LN, 20 primary membranous nephropathy (MN) and 10 other secondary MN patients. ShcA was measured by immunofluorescence. The expression of ShcA in the membranous lupus nephritis (class V) group showed a higher trend but there were no significant differences compared with pure mesangial disease (class II) and proliferative (Class III/IV) lupus nephritis. ShcA deposits were negative in primary and other secondary MN. ShcA might act as a new biomarker and a diagnostic tool to identify membranous lupus nephritis with other MN.

Transcriptome, cytological and biochemical analysis of cytoplasmic male sterility and maintainer line in CMS-D8 cotton

Key message This research based on RNA-seq, biochemical, and cytological analyses sheds that ROS may serve as important signaling molecules of cytoplasmic male sterility in CMS-D8 cotton. To understand the mechanism of cytoplasmic male sterility in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), transcriptomic, cytological, and biochemical analysis were performed between the cytoplasmic male sterility CMS-D8 line, Zhong41A, and its maintainer line Zhong41B. A total of 2335 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the CMS line at three different stages of anther development. Bioinformatics analysis of these DEGs indicated their relationship to reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, including reduction-oxidation reactions and the metabolism of glutathione and ascorbate. At the same time, DEGs associated with tapetum development, especially the transition to secretory tapetum, were down-regulated in the CMS line. Biochemical analysis indicated that the ability of the CMS line to eliminate ROS was decreased, which led to the rapid release of H₂O₂. Cytological analysis revealed that the most crucial defect in the CMS line was the abnormal tapetum. All these results are consistent with the RNA sequencing data. On the basis of our findings, we propose that ROS act as signal molecules, which are released from mitochondria and transferred to the nucleus, triggering the formation of abnormal tapetum.

Genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis of CMS-D2 and its maintainer and restorer lines in upland cotton

BACKGROUND

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) conferred by the cytoplasm from Gossypium harknessii (D2) is an important system for hybrid seed production in Upland cotton (G. hirsutum). The male sterility of CMS-D2 (i.e., A line) can be restored to fertility by a restorer (i.e., R line) carrying the restorer gene Rf1 transferred from the D2 nuclear genome. However, the molecular mechanisms of CMS-D2 and its restoration are poorly understood.

RESULTS

In this study, a genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in flower buds among the isogenic fertile R line and sterile A line derived from a backcross population (BC8F1) and the recurrent parent, i.e., the maintainer (B line). A total of 1464 DEGs were identified among the three isogenic lines, and the Rf1-carrying Chr_D05 and its homeologous Chr_A05 had more DEGs than other chromosomes. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed differences in circadian rhythm between the fertile and sterile lines. Eleven DEGs were selected for validation using qRT-PCR, confirming the accuracy of the RNA-seq results.

CONCLUSIONS

Through genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis, the differential expression profiles of CMS-D2 and its maintainer and restorer lines in Upland cotton were identified. Our results provide an important foundation for further studies into the molecular mechanisms of the interactions between the restorer gene Rf1 and the CMS-D2 cytoplasm.

A genome-wide identification and analysis of the DYW-deaminase genes in the pentatricopeptide repeat gene family in cotton (Gossypium spp.)

The RNA editing occurring in plant organellar genomes mainly involves the change of cytidine to uridine. This process involves a deamination reaction, with cytidine deaminase as the catalyst. Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins with a C-terminal DYW domain are reportedly associated with cytidine deamination, similar to members of the deaminase superfamily. PPR genes are involved in many cellular functions and biological processes including fertility restoration to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in plants. In this study, we identified 227 and 211 DYW deaminase-coding PPR genes for the cultivated tetraploid cotton species G. hirsutum and G. barbadense (2n = 4x = 52), respectively, as well as 126 and 97 DYW deaminase-coding PPR genes in the ancestral diploid species G. raimondii and G. arboreum (2n = 26), respectively. The 227 G. hirsutum PPR genes were predicted to encode 52-2016 amino acids, 203 of which were mapped onto 26 chromosomes. Most DYW deaminase genes lacked introns, and their proteins were predicted to target the mitochondria or chloroplasts. Additionally, the DYW domain differed from the complete DYW deaminase domain, which contained part of the E domain and the entire E+ domain. The types and number of DYW tripeptides may have been influenced by evolutionary processes, with some tripeptides being lost. Furthermore, a gene ontology analysis revealed that DYW deaminase functions were mainly related to binding as well as hydrolase and transferase activities. The G. hirsutum DYW deaminase expression profiles varied among different cotton tissues and developmental stages, and no differentially expressed DYW deaminase-coding PPRs were directly associated with the male sterility and restoration in the CMS-D2 system. Our current study provides an important piece of information regarding the structural and evolutionary characteristics of Gossypium DYW-containing PPR genes coding for deaminases and will be useful for characterizing the DYW deaminase gene family in cotton biology and breeding.

Splenic preservation in laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy

Background

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) is designed principally for the removal of benign and low-grade malignant lesions in the left pancreas. The aims of this study were to compare LSPDP with laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (LDPS), compare two splenic preservation techniques (splenic vessel preservation and Warshaw technique) and investigate factors that influence splenic preservation.

Methods

Information from patients who underwent laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy between December 2004 and January 2016 at a single institution was reviewed. Data were extracted from a prospectively developed database. Intention-to-treat and propensity score matching analyses were employed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to investigate factors affecting splenic preservation.

Results

There were 206 patients in total (126 planned LSPDP and 80 planned LDPS procedures), of whom 108 underwent LSPDP and 98 LDPS. In intention-to-treat analysis, the duration of surgery was significantly shorter in the LSPDP group than in the LDPS group (mean 191·0 versus 220·5 min respectively; P &lt; 0·001). Tumour size was an independent risk factor for splenic vessel resection in planned splenic vessel preservation operations, and a cut-off value of 3 cm provided optimal diagnostic accuracy. After a median follow-up of 35·9 months, there were no clinically significant splenic infarctions and no patient developed gastrointestinal bleeding after LSPDP.

Conclusion

Planned LSPDP had a high splenic preservation rate and was associated with significantly shorter operating time than LDPS. Splenic vessel preservation could be predicted using a tumour cut-off size of 3 cm.

The miR-181d-regulated metalloproteinase Adamts1 enzymatically impairs adipogenesis via ECM remodeling

The extracellular matrix (ECM) maintenance is crucial to the structural integrity of adipocytes and whole adipose tissue formation. However, the potential impact of the ECM on adipocyte lineage commitment is unclear. Herein, we demonstrate that forced expression of matrix-associated metalloproteinase Adamts1 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 1), which we show is targeted by microRNA-181d (miR-181d) during BMP4-induced adipocytic lineage commitment, markedly impairs adipocyte commitment. Conversely, siRNA-induced inhibition of Adamts1 promotes adipocyte commitment. Adamst1 metalloprotease activity is required for this inhibition and is determined to function via remodeling ECM components followed by activating FAK-ERK signaling pathway during the commitment process. Furthermore, ablation of Adamts1 in adipose tissue increases adipose tissue mass, reduces insulin sensitivity, and disrupts lipid homeostasis. This finding is consistent with Adamts1 decreased expression in the adipose tissue of obese mice and an inverse correlation of Adamts1 expression with body mass index in humans. Collectively, our results indicate that Adamts1 acts as an ECM 'modifier', with miR-181d-induced downregulation, that regulates adipocyte lineage commitment and obesity.

[Epidemiological features of heatstroke in Shaoxing, China in 2008-2014]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the epidemiological features of heatstroke in Shaoxing, China in 2008-2014, and to provide a reference for developing prevention and control measures for heatstroke.

METHODS

The reports on heatstroke in Shaoxing in 2008-2014 were collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and the data were summarized and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1 676 heatstroke cases were reported in Shaoxing in 2008-2014, among which 1 485 cases(88.6%) were mild heatstroke and 191 cases(11.4%) were severe heatstroke. Nine persons died of severe heatstroke, and the fatality rate was 0.5%(9/1 676). Among these persons, 4(44.4%, 4/9) were the elderly living at home, 4 (44.4%, 4/9) were farmers (working outdoors), and 1(11.2%, 1/9) was unemployed. The male patients with heatstroke accounted for 66.3%(1 111/1 676), and those with severe heatstroke accounted for 13.1%(146/1 111); the female patients with heatstroke accounted for 33.7%(565/1 676), and those with severe heatstroke accounted for 8.0%(45/565); there were significant differences between male and female patients(χ(2)=9.94, P=0.002). The mean age of patients with heatstroke was 48.7±18.8 years; the mean age of male patients was 49.8±17.9 years, and that of female patients was 46.6±20.3 years, with a significant difference between the male and female patients(t=3.19, P<0.001). Most of the patients experiencing heatstroke were in their forties or fifties, each accounting for 19.2%(321/1 676); in male patients who experienced heatstroke, those in their fifties accounted for the highest percentage(21.5%, 239/1 111), and in female patients who experienced heatstroke, those in their twenties accounted for the highest percentage (18.9%, 107/565). Based on stratification by age, the severity of heatstroke differed significantly between male and female patients in their forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, and eighties(P<0.05). Most of the cases of heatstroke occurred in June to September, accounting for 98.9%(1 657/1 676), particularly in July and August, accounting for 87.1%(1 460/1 676).

CONCLUSION

In Shaoxing, heatstroke usually occurs in summer, and most cases are mild. Middle-aged and elderly men and farmers(working outdoors) are susceptible to heatstroke, and warnings on heatstroke and emergency treatment of severe heatstroke should be enhanced.

Artificial pneumothorax for pain relief during microwave ablation of subpleural lung tumors

BACKGROUND

When microwave ablation (MWA) is used for subpleural lesions, severe pain was the common side effect under the local anesthesia conditions during the procedure and postprocedure. To study the pain relief effect of artificial pneumothorax in the treatment of subpleural lung tumors with MWA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From February 2012 to October 2014, 37 patients with 40 subpleural lung tumors underwent MWA, including 17 patients of 19 sessions given artificial pneumothorax prior to MWA (group-I), and 20 patients of 21 sessions without artificial pneumothorax (group-II). Patient's pain assessment scores (10-point visual analog scale [VAS]) at during-procedure, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after the MWA procedure and mean 24 h morphine dose were compared between the two groups. Complications of the artificial pneumothorax were also summarized.

RESULTS

Pain VAS were 0.53, 0.65, 1.00, 0.24, and 0.18 at during-procedure, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h for group-I and 5.53, 2.32, 2.82, 1.21, and 0.21 for group-II, respectively. Pain VAS in group I was significantly decreased at during-procedure, 6, 12, and 24 h after the MWA (P < 0.001). No statistical pain VAS difference was observed at 48 h after the MWA between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean 24 h morphine dose was 5.00 mg in group-I and 12.63 mg in group-II (P = 0.000). "Artificial pneumothorax" related complications occurred in two patients from group-I, including one pleural effusion and one minor hemoptysis. No patient in group-I and group-II died during the procedure or in 30 days after MWA.

CONCLUSION

Artificial pneumothorax is a safe and effective method for pain relief during MWA of subpleural lung tumors.

Short hairpin ribonucleic acid constructs targeting insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 rehabilitated dyslipidaemia in diabetic rats

It was investigated whether short hairpin ribonucleic acid constructs targeting insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3 shRNA) can rehabilitate dyslipidaemia in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. After 12 weeks of intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA, intracavernous pressure responses to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves were evaluated. The concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride and cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate were all detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The per cent of smooth muscle in corpus cavernous tissue was also evaluated. It was found that the cavernosal pressure was significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic control group after 12 weeks of intracavernous administration of IGFBP-3 shRNA (P < 0.01). The concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly decreased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic control group, while no significant changes of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration were found (P < 0.01). At the same time, cavernous cyclic guanosine monophosphate concentrations and the percentage of cavernosal smooth muscle were both significantly increased in the IGFBP-3 shRNA treatment group compared to the diabetic control group (P < 0.01). This study indicated that IGFBP-3 shRNA might rehabilitate erectile function via a decrease in concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride, an increase in the percentage of cavernosal smooth muscle and an improvement in the nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Late onset systemic lupus erythematosus with severe hypercalcaemia

We report a case of a 76-year old female presenting with symptomatic severe hypercalcaemia, and subsequently diagnosed with late onset SLE due to the presence of anaemia, leucopenia, antibodies of antinuclear (ANA), anti-dsDNA, and also kidney impairment. Serum levels of FGF23 and intact-parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were low in this patient. Serum calcium, FGF23 and iPTH levels responded to steroids, which occurred simultaneously with disease activity. On follow-up, the faster increase in FGF23 than in parathyroid hormone suggested that FGF23 might be involved in the pathogenesis of hypercalcaemia in SLE.