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With the increasing environmental pollution and environmental awareness, ecological efficiency has become a hot issue. Based on the traditional DEA model of unexpected output, a new super data envelopment analysis and slacks-based measure considering undesirable outputs (S-DEA-SBM-UO) efficiency model is proposed. Moreover, the weight S-DEA-SBM-UO (W–S-DEA-SBM-UO) is applied to evaluate the ecological efficiency of industrial enterprises. The experimental results show that the W–S-DEA-SBM-UO can measure the ecological efficiency including unexpected output more effectively than the conventional DEA-SBM to solve unexpected output. Finally, it is suggested that enterprises should make great efforts to improve the ecological efficiency and it is pointed out that the results have strong theoretical significance and research value for ecological improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression is closely linked to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). However, the role of this imbalance in mediating the effects of sleep deprivation (SD) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) on emotional well-being is not fully understood. A population-based analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between sleep duration, depression scores, and heart rate variability (HRV). Additionally, the chronic SD mouse model was established to assess the impact of preventive transcutaneous auricular VNS (taVNS) on pathological and behavioral changes. Our study found a significant link between sleep duration, depression severity, and HRV. Shorter sleep duration was associated with higher depression scores and lower RMSSD (a measure of HRV). In our rat model, insufficient sleep consistently impaired HRV. This effect was mitigated by taVNS, accompanied by corresponding changes in levels of IL-1β and IL-6, astrocyte and microglia activation, and tail suspension times. Using VNS as a preventive treatment for depression-risk individuals with insufficient sleep shows promise. It not only broadens the potential applications of VNS but also sheds light on its mechanism—particularly its role in enhancing vagal nerve function and balancing the ANS, as evidenced by HRV measurements. [Display omitted] • The imbalance of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) caused by sleep deprivation (SD) mediates the occurrence of depression. • Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), by ameliorating ANS, reduces SD-induced depression preventively. • The potential benefits of taVNS can be quantified using heart rate variability, which endows it with new application values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Heart failure is a major health concern and often requires echocardiography to confirm the diagnosis. We introduce a new method that uses a wearable heart sound and electrocardiogram (ECG) device that can be used in the outpatient setting.Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the value of synchronized analysis of heart sounds and ECG in identifying patients with depressed left ventricular ejection fraction (dLVEF) <50%.Methods: One hundred eighty-nine patients (76 with dLVEF; 113 with normal ejection fraction) were enrolled. All were admitted to the hospital because of dyspnea or chest discomfort. N-Terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was measured in all patients. LVEF was determined by echocardiography. Heart sound and ECG signals were simultaneously recorded using the wearable synchronized phonocardiogram and ECG device. Heart sound and ECG signals were automatically analyzed using wavelet analysis and utilized to determine electromechanical activation time (EMAT), EMAT/RR, S1-S2 time, and S1-S2/RR.Results: EMAT in the dLVEF group was significantly higher than that in the control group (159.82 ± 83 ms vs 91.58 ± 28 ms). Pearson correlation test showed a negative correlation between EMAT and LVEF (r = -0.449; P <.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity and specificity of EMAT ≥104 ms for the diagnosis of EF <50% were 92.1% and 92%, respectively. Patients with intermediate NT-proBNP values were identified as dLVEF by EMAT ≥104 ms, with sensitivity of 93.5% and specificity of 92.8%.Conclusion: The heart sound and ECG signal index EMAT contributes to the diagnosis of EF <50% and is especially helpful in patients with an inconclusive NT-proBNP value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Host factors and pathways were screened out in asthma and COVID-19 comorbidity. • Host factors of COVID-19 and asthma comorbidity involved in multiple pathways. • Networks of ACE2-related host factors in COVID-19 and asthma were revealed. • Estradiol and so on were identified as potential drugs for comorbidity treatment. ACE2 as a functional receptor for SARS coronavirus plays an important role in COVID-19 infection of the host. Thus, we aimed to explore interaction networks between ACE2 and common host factors in COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity. We identified 1,191 protein targets closely related to ACE2, and integrated the GEO database and multiple public databases to identify 305 host factors related to ACE2 between COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity. Further enrichment analyses showed that metabolic processes, Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation and PPAR signaling pathways had vital significance in the comorbidity of asthma and COIVD-19. HRAS, IFNG, CAT, CDH1, FASN, ACLY, CCL5, VCAM1, SCD and HMGCR were the key host factors related to ACE2. Tissue-specific enrichment and correlation analysis with ACE2 showed that SCD, CAT and FASN were highly expressed in the lung; and these 10 molecules were closely related to ACE2 and specifically expressed in multiple tissues. We also identified a series of drugs, such as estradiol, tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, resveratrol, cyclosporine, perfluorooctanoic acid and so on. Finally, the expression levels and diagnostic performance of HRAS and SCD showed statistical significance in external databases. This study explored the interaction networks of ACE2-related host factors in COVID-19 and asthma and identified several potential drugs for COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity. Although our research needs further verification, it still informs the mechanisms and treatment of COVID-19/Asthma comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H (hypothalamic)-P (pituitary)-I (interrenal) axis is critical in the stress response and other activities of fish. To further investigate cadmium (Cd) toxicity on the H-P-I axis and to identify its potential regulatory genes in fish, the adult female rare minnows ( Gobiocypris rarus ) were exposed to subchronic (5 weeks) levels of waterborne Cd in the present study. This kind of treatment caused dose-dependent decline in fish growth, with significance in the high dose group (100 μg/L). Correspondingly, low dose (5–50 μg/L) waterborne Cd disrupted the endocrine system of H-P-I axis just at the secretion level, while high dose Cd disrupted both the secretion and synthesis of cortisol and its downstream signals in rare minnows, revealed by the significantly upregulation and positive correlation of corticosteroidogenic genes including MC2R , StAR , CYP11A1 , and CYP11B1 in the kidney (including the interrenal tissue) ( P < 0.05), and the significant alteration of Glcci1 , Hsp90AA and Hsp90AB in the hepatopancreas, gill and intestine as well ( P < 0.05). The expression of Glcci1 was significantly decreased in hepatopancreas, gill and intestine of tested fish following treatment, and its positive correlation with GR (Glucocorticoid receptor) suggested its potential regulation on the cortisol and/or H-P-I axis in fish. The expression of FKBP5 in the intestine was positively and significantly correlated with that of Hsp90AA ( P < 0.05), and the Hsp90AB transcript in the hepatopancreas was positively correlated with that of Hsp90AA ( P < 0.05), which indicated that Hsp90AA and Hsp90AB were more likely to serve as cofactors of GR and FKBP5 in response to Cd exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rare minnow ( Gobiocypris rarus ) is a widely used experimental fish in risk assessments of aquatic pollutants in China. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metals in the world; however, few studies have used fish gills, a multi-functional organ. In this study, we characterized the differential expression of adult female rare minnow gills after sub-chronic waterborne Cd (75 μg/L CdCl 2 ) exposure for 35 d. A total of 452 genes (209 up-regulated and 243 down-regulated) were identified by gene expression profiling using RNA-Seq before and after treatment. Of these differentially expressed genes, 75, 21, and 54 differentially expressed genes are related to ion transport, oxidation-reduction processes, and the immune response, respectively. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, together with the altered transcript levels of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules and the significant increases in the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL1β) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), indicated a disruption of the immune system, particularly the induction of inflammation and autoimmunity. The significant down-regulation of coagulation factor XIII A1 polypeptide (F13A1), tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), and Golgi-associated plant pathogenesis-related protein (GAPr) during both acute (≤ 96 h) and sub-chronic (35 d) waterborne Cd exposure, as well as their dosage dependence, suggested that these three genes could be used as sensitive biomarkers for aquatic Cd risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The H (hypothalamic)–P (pituitary)–I (interrenal) axis plays a critical role in the fish stress response and is regulated by several factors. Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic heavy metals in the world, but its effects on the H–P–I axis of teleosts are largely unknown. Using rare minnow ( Gobiocypris rarus ) as an experimental animal, we found that Cd only disrupted the secretion and synthesis of cortisol. Neither hormones at the H or P level nor the expressions of their receptor genes (corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor ( CRHR ) and melanocortin receptor 2 ( MC 2 R )) were affected. Steroidogenic acute regulator ( StAR ), CYP11A1 and CYP11B1 , which encode the key enzymes in the cortisol synthesis pathway, were significantly up-regulated in the kidney (including the head kidney). The level of 11β-HSD2 , which is required for the conversion of cortisol to cortisone, was increased in the kidney, intestine, brain, and hepatopancreas, whereas the expression of 11β-HSD1 , which encodes the reverse conversion enzyme, was increased in the gill, kidney and almost unchanged in other tissues. The enzyme activity concentration of 11β-HSD2 was increased in the kidney as well. The level of glucocorticoid receptor ( GR ) decreased in the intestine, gill and muscle, and the key GR regulator FK506 binding protein5 ( FKBP5 ) was up-regulated in the GR-decreased tissues, whereas the level of nuclear receptor co-repressor 1 ( NCoR1 ), another GR regulator remained almost unchanged. Thus, GR , FKBP5 and 11 β-HSD2 may be involved in Cd-induced cortisol disruption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Mothers raising a child with ASD reported various levels of growth, mostly in the domain of personal strength. [•] Having another child may facilitate mothers’ growth in “appreciation of life” and mothers raising a boy with ASD experienced less “spiritual change” than those raising a girl. Length of diagnosis was not related to the growth. [•] Mothers’ growth could be promoted by increasing their deliberate rumination, reducing intrusive rumination, and increasing positive coping strategies after receiving their children's diagnosis of ASD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] HBO reduced long-term HI-induced behavior and histological impairment. [•] Improvements in behavioral outcomes were associated with morphological recovery. [•] HBO might exert protective effects by reducing caspase-3 and AIF-mediated apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Magnaporthe oryzae has been used as a model fungal pathogen to study the molecular basis of plant–fungus interactions due to its economic and genetic importance. In this study, we identified a novel gene, Moplaa, which is the homologue of Homo sapiens PLAA encoding a phospholipase A2-activating protein. Moplaa is conserved in some eukaryotic organisms by multiple alignment analysis. The function of the Moplaa gene was studied using the gene target replacement method. The Moplaa deletion mutant exhibited retarded growth and conidial germination, reduced conidiation, appressorial turgor pressure and pathogenicity to rice CO-39. Reintroduction of the gene restored defects of the Moplaa deletion mutant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Autophagy is a highly conserved process in lower to higher eukaryotic organisms, and occurs in many types of cells as tissues are remodeled during development. In this study, we investigated the functional role of the Trichoderma reesei TrATG5 gene, which encodes an essential protein required for autophagy. TrATG5 is conserved in structure and function in the filamentous fungi and might clearly rescue the pathogenicity function of MgATG5 in Magnaporthe oryzae. Target gene disruption was used to study the functions of TrATG5. It was found that the autophagic process was blocked in the TrATG5 deletion mutant. The mutant was sensitive to nutrient starvation, with abnormal conidiophores and reduced production of conidia. This new evidence might help to elucidate the molecular machinery of autophagy in filamentous fungi. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Ca2+ is a second messenger in pathways that transduce external signals and activate cellular processes in plants and animals. Ca2+-mediated signal transduction is involved in key pathways that contribute to a variety of fundamental physiological processes in eukaryotic cells. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of Ca2+-mediated signal transduction in filamentous fungi. In this study, the MoCMK1 gene, encoding a putative Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase, was identified in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Three MoCMK1 deletion mutants were obtained by a targeted gene replacement. Colonies of the MoCMK1 mutants had sparse aerial hyphae and fewer conidia than the wild-type strain on complete medium. Conidial germination and appressorial formation were delayed in the ΔMocmk1 mutants. In spray inoculation tests, ΔMocmk1 mutants exhibited a weakened ability to infect the susceptible rice cultivar CO-39, compared to the wild-type strain Guy11. These results showed that MoCMK1 plays key roles in the pathogenicity of the rice blast fungus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we consider an inverse problem of heat equation with Robin boundary condition for identifying heat transfer coefficient. Combining the method of fundamental solutions with discrepancy principle for the choice of the locations for source points, we give a method for solving the reconstruction problem. Since the resultant matrix is severe ill-conditioning, Tikhonov regularization with L-curve method is employed. Some numerical examples are given for verifying the efficiency and accuracy of the presented method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and exhibits the full range of malignant behaviors from the relatively indolent occult differentiated thyroid cancer to uniformly aggressive and lethal anaplastic thyroid cancer. Iodine is a well known key element in thyroid normal function maintenance and thyroid cancer development. However, the effects induced by iodine and the molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly understood in thyroid cancer. We investigated the apoptotic effect of iodine on three different subtypes of thyroid cancer cells. We observed that apoptosis induced by iodine was mitochondrial-mediated. Iodine treatment decreased the level of mutant p53 including the R273H mutant that possesses anti-apoptotic features, but increased the p21 level. Surprisingly, high doses of iodine promoted instead of suppressed the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xL expression. Moreover, iodine transiently activated the subfamily members of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) (ERK1/2, p38 and JNK1/2) which contribute to modulate p53, p21 and Bcl-xL expression. The further results showed the three subfamily members of MAPKs all worked as anti-apoptotic factors. Collectively, iodine-induced apoptotic pathway is involved in the activation of MAPKs-related p21, Bcl-xL and mutant p53 regulation. The findings provide solid molecular evidence to explain the potential pathway for iodine to influence thyroid cancer development. It may also reveal some novel molecular targets for the treatment of thyroid cancer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rechargeable aqueous lithium ion batteries have been developed by using olivine LiMn0.05Ni0.05Fe0.9PO4 as cathode material, Nasicon LiTi2(PO4)3 as anode material, and saturated Li2SO4 solution as electrolyte. The cycling performance and rate capability of these batteries have been investigated. At a current density of 0.2mA/cm2, the initial discharge capacity of the battery was approximately 103.9mAh/g, and the potential plateau was located at 0.92V. The rate capability of aqueous electrolyte was found to be preferable to that of organic electrolyte. Such inexpensive, secure and high rate rechargeable lithium ion battery should have a potential for use in many applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Autophagy is a ubiquitous degradative pathway for the bulk degradation of eukaryotic macromolecules and organelles in eukaryotic cells (Klionsky, 2005; Levine and Klionsky, 2004). Previously, the role of autophagy in turgor generation in plant pathogenic fungi was unknown. Currently, autophagy is confirmed as an important pathway for turgor accumulation in the appressorium (the tips of the invasive hyphae; Liu et al., 2007b) using a technique of targeted gene replacement, deleting the genes that code for Magnaporthe oryzae homologs of yeast autophagy‐related (ATG) genes ATG2, ATG4, ATG5, ATG8, ATG9, and ATG18 (Liu et al., 2007a). All of these null mutants fail to breach the cuticle of the host. This chapter will first look at some methodologies to analyze the functions of autophagy‐related gene products at the biological, cellular, and molecular level in this model plant pathogenic fungi, and then provide some research evidence of the role of autophagy in the promotion of the formation of the infection structure and pathogenicity to point out some significant areas for further research in this field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Accumulated evidence suggests that myogenesis and angiogenesis induced by implanted cells play important roles in restoring cardiac function after a myocardial infarction. The current study investigated the effects of transplanted autologous mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing angiogenin on myocardial perfusion and cardiac function in the porcine chronic ischemic model. Methods: Chronic ischemia was generated in Yorkshire pigs by placing an ameroid constrictor around the left circumflex artery. Four weeks after occlusion, the animals were randomly separated into 4 groups: pigs in the MSCAdAng or MSCAdNull groups were implanted with 6 × 108 mesenchymal stem cells infected with adenovirus containing angiogenin gene or null adenovirus, respectively; pigs in the AdAng or AdNull groups were injected intramyocardially with adenovirus (5 × 109 plaque forming unit/pig) containing angiogenin gene or null adenovirus, respectively. Four weeks after implantation, mesenchymal stem cells prelabeled with DiI were observed within the implanted area in both cell transplantation groups. Results: Angiogenin protein levels were significantly greater in the MSCAdAng and AdAng groups than in the other 2 groups and were associated with greater neovessel formation than in the other 2 groups. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation decreased scar size and increased scar thickness. Both the AdAng and MSCAdNull groups experienced improved cardiac function compared with that seen in the AdNull group. However, a synergistic effect of mesenchymal stem cells and angiogenin was observed in the MSCAdAng group because myocardial perfusion and cardiac function increased significantly (P < .05 for all groups) in this group compared with all the others. Conclusions: Transplantation of autologous mesenchymal stem cells transfected with the angiogenin gene revealed a synergistic effect on the improvement of heart perfusion and function after ameroid occlusion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations were performed on modeled kinase–substrate complexes in an attempt to establish a relationship between structural features and binding ability of the complexes. We found that the monitored distance between substrate nucleophilic oxygen (OG) and attacked phosphorus (PG) of ATP analog correlated closely with the binding affinity. With reference to 3.3Å, the van der Waals sum of oxygen and phosphorus, the calculated distances of good substrates were close to it whereas those of poor substrates were far apart from it. Therefore, it is reasonable to consider the OG–PG distance as a potential criterion to prefigure the kinase–substrate binding specificity and the simple computational techniques may work as an easy approach to distinguish good substrates from weak or poor substrates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: Spinal teratomas are extremely rare; they constitute <0.5% of all spinal cord tumors. These rare tumors have nonspecific manifestations but in most cases are accompanied by neurological deficits. Rupture of a mature teratoma can cause chemical meningitis. Patient Description: A 7-year-old boy presented with paroxysmal abdominal pain and a history of recurrent aseptic meningitis. Kernig and Brudzinski signs were present. Lumber puncture revealed pleocytosis with no evidence of bacteria growth. Imaging of the spine revealed a cystic lesion in spinal cord at thoracic level 9-11. Endoscopic excision of the cyst was successfully performed. Surgical and histopathological findings confirmed extramedullary matured teratoma. Conclusions: As the symptomatic attacks of spontaneous rupture of spinal teratoma resemble presentations of Mollaret meningitis, spinal teratoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of Mollaret meningitis. We describe a rare example of spinal teratoma causing recurrent meningitis. Spine imaging should be considered in individuals with recurrent aseptic meningitis as this promotes earlier diagnosis, more appropriate treatment, and improved neurological outcome. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Vascular wall chronic inflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Circulating and tissue angiotensin II can induce potent inflammatory responses in vascular cells and promotes atherosclerosis, whereas the underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. Several data indicated that the upregulation of Th17 response has been found in the local atherosclerotic lesions and circulating lymphocytes in atherosclerosis prone models and the onset of acute coronary syndrome. Evidence from animal models shown that angiotensin II not only induced the Th1 response, but also amplified Th17 response. In addition, angiotensin II-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction were abolished by blocking Th17/IL-17 effects. Therefore, we hypothesized that Th17 response may play an important role in angiotensin II-induced atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives Chinese people are generally unfamiliar with the concept of advance care planning or advance directives (ACP/ADs), which raises dilemmas in life-support choice and can even affect clinical decision making. To understand and address the issues involved better, we investigated the awareness of ACP/ADs in China, as well as people's attitudes toward medical autonomy and end-of-life care. Design A multicenter cross-sectional survey, conducted from August 1 to December 31, 2016. Setting Twenty-five hospitals located in 15 different provinces throughout mainland China. Participants Pairs of adult patients without dementia or malignancies, and a family member. Measurements Participants self-filled anonymous questionnaires, and the data collected were analyzed to relate patients' sociodemographic characteristics to their awareness of ACP/ADs and attitudes to health care autonomy and end-of-life care. Results Among 1084 patients who completed the questionnaire, 415 (38.3%) had heard about ACP/ADs. Having been informed about ACP/ADs, 995 (91.8%) were willing to find out their true health status and decide for themselves; 549 (50.6%) wanted to institute ACP/ADs. Regarding end-of-life care, 473 (43.6%) chose Do Not Resuscitate, and 435 (40.1%) wished to forgo life-support treatment if irreversibly moribund. Patients predominantly (481, 44.4%) chose general hospital as their preferred place to spend their last days of life; only 114 (10.5%) favored a special hospice facility. Patients' main concerns during end-of-life care were symptom control (35.1%), followed by functional maintenance and quality of life (29.8%), and prolonging life (18.9%). More highly educated patients had significantly greater awareness of ACP/ADs than less well educated ones (χ 2 = 59.22, P < .001) and were more willing to find out the truth for themselves (χ 2 = 58.30, P ≤ .001) and make medical decisions in advance (χ 2 = 55.92, P < .001). Younger patients were also more willing than older ones to know the truth (χ 2 = 38.23, P = .001) and make medical decisions in advance (χ 2 = 18.42, P = .018), and were also more likely to wish to die at home (χ 2 = 96.25, P < .001). Only 212 patients’ family members (19.6%) wanted life-support treatment for themselves if irreversibly moribund, whereas 592 (54.6%) would want their relative to receive such procedures in the same circumstances; a similar discrepancy was evident for end-of-life invasive treatment (18.3% vs 42.7%). Conclusions Awareness about ACP/ADs in China is still low. Providing culturally sensitive knowledge, education, and communication regarding ACP/ADs is a feasible first step to promoting this sociomedical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The local flexibility matrix of the inclined cracked functionally graded material (FGM) beam is studied and validated. • The bending and tensile stiffnesses of the inclined cracks and their interaction are taken into consideration. • The vibrations of the FGM beam with multiple inclined cracks are investigated. • The wave propagation characteristics of the cracked FGM beam are presented. This paper proposes an FEA method to study the vibration and wave propagation in functionally graded material (FGM) beams with multiple inclined cracks by introducing the local flexibility matrix caused by the cracks. The bending and tensile stiffnesses of the inclined cracks and their interaction are taken into consideration. Two-node (three degrees of freedom per node) beam element is used. The inclined cracks are equivalent to transversal cracks to calculate the additional flexibility matrix of the inclined cracked FGM beam element. The material properties of the FGM beam are supposed to satisfy the exponential law along its thickness. The governing equations of motion for the FGM beam with multiple inclined cracks are deduced in the frame of Euler-Bernoulli theory and Lagrange function, and numerically solved by the Newmark average acceleration method. Both theoretical and numerical comparisons are presented to validate the present method for the inclined cracked FGM beam with varying boundary conditions, arbitrary inclined crack angles as well as varying inclined crack lengths. The effects of the location, length, inclined angle and number of the inclined cracks as well as material property ratio on the fundamental frequencies and wave propagation characteristics of the inclined cracked cantilever FGM beams are comprehensively investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endophytic fungus Harpophora oryzae is a beneficial endosymbiont isolated from wild rice. H. oryzae can not only promote rice growth and biomass accumulation but also protect rice roots from invasion by its close relative Magnaporthe oryzae . Autophagy is a highly evolutionary conserved process from lower to higher eukaryotic organisms, and is involved in the maintenance of normal cell differentiation and development. In this study, we isolated a gene ( HoATG5 ) which encodes an essential protein required for autophagy from the beneficial endophyte fungus H. oryzae . Using targeted gene replacement, a ΔHoATG5 mutant was generated and used to investigate the biological functions of autophagy in H. oryzae . We found that the autophagic process was blocked in the HoATG5 deletion mutant. The mutant showed increased vegetative growth and sporulation, and was sensitive to nutrient starvation. The ΔHoATG5 mutant lost its ability to penetrate and infect the wounded barley leaves. These results provide new knowledge to elaborate the molecular machinery of autophagy in endophytic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]