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Targeted fluorescence probes for imaging and differentiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are highly desirable from its scientific research and clinical applications. However, most of the current targeted fluorescence probes focus on the variation of intracellular microenvironment caused by the cancerization of hepatocyte, which causes a fluorescence intensity alteration but fails to produce a spatial differentiation due to the lack of robust parameters for further improving accuracy. Herein, the study develops a new fluorescent carbon dot (CTF‐CDs) that can target the overexpressed GABAA receptor (GABAAR) on cell membrane for accurate and high‐contrast imaging of HCC and differentiation. The competition response between CTF‐CDs and typical receptor‐binding ligands reveals their affinity toward the picrotoxin‐binding site of GABAAR. Based on this GABAAR‐targeting ability, accurate imaging of HCC cells is realized by lighting their membranes, along with a big difference from the intracellular fluorescence of normal liver cells and other cancer cells. In addition, the CTF‐CDs have also been used to visualize the anticancer drug‐induced variations on HCC cell membrane and fluorescent imaging in HCC tissue. This work extends the targeting object of fluorescence probes from intracellular microenvironment to membrane protein, adding a new dimension to the imaging and differentiation of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we conducted a 10‐week culture experiment to investigate the effects of taurine on the growth performance, antioxidant properties, and muscle quality of the common carp fed an oxidized lipid diet. There were five experimental groups with three replicates each. Based on the fresh fish oil group (FO), equal amounts of oxidized fish oil (with a thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances value of 49.57 ± 2.34 mg/kg) and 0 g/kg (OFO), 4 g/kg (OT4), 8 g/kg (OT8), and 12 g/kg (OT12) taurine were added to the diet, while the same composition ratio was maintained by changing the microcrystalline cellulose content. Compared to the FO group, the feed conversion ratio, weight gain rate, muscle crude lipid, and n‐3/n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) ratio were significantly lower in the group OFO (P < 0.05). In addition, compared to the FO group, OFO fish showed an increased content of malondialdehyde and protein carbonylation and decreased hardness, brightness, pH, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels in the muscle (P < 0.05). Notably, the growth index significantly improved in the OT4 group compared to that in the OFO group (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary taurine increased the crude lipid content, n‐3/n‐6 PUFA, antioxidant capacity, hardness, springiness, brightness, pH, and collagen content in the muscle compared with OFO fish (P < 0.05). Moreover, taurine supplementation significantly reduced myofiber diameter and increased myofiber density (P < 0.05) and enhanced the expression levels of paired box 7 (pax7), myogenic factor 5 (myf5), myogenic differentiation antigen (myod), and myogenic regulatory factor 4 (mrf4) compared with that of the OFO group (P < 0.05). Considering growth performance and muscle quality, the optimal supplemental levels of taurine in the oxidized lipid diet were 4 g/kg and 6.84–7.70 g/kg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a histone demethylase that specifically catalyzes the demethylation of histone H3K4 (H3K4me1/2) and regulates gene expression. In addition, it can mediate the process of autophagy through its demethylase activity. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a stress‐induced protein and a positive regulator of autophagy. In NaAsO2‐induced mouse fibrotic livers and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), LSD1 expression is decreased, SESN2 expression is increased, and autophagy levels are also increased. Overexpression of LSD1 and silencing of SESN2 decreased the level of autophagy and attenuated the activation of HSCs induced by NaAsO2. LSD1 promoted SESN2 gene transcription by increasing H3K4me1/2 in the SESN2 promoter region. 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) and chloroquine were used to inhibit autophagy of HSCs, and the degree of activation was also alleviated. Taken together, LSD1 positively regulates SESN2 by increasing H3K4me1/2 enrichment in the SESN2 promoter region, which in turn increases the level of autophagy and promotes the activation of HSCs. Our results may provide new evidence for the importance of LSD1 in the process of autophagy and activation of HSCs induced by arsenic poisoning. Increasing the expression and activity of LSD1 is expected to be an effective way to reverse the autophagy and activation of HSCs induced by arsenic poisoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cornichon homolog 4 (CNIH4) belongs to the CNIH family. It functions as an oncogene in many tumors. However, CNIH4's significance in the immune landscape and its predictive potential in cervical cancer (CESC) is unexplored. Methods: CNIH4 levels and its effect on the survival of patients with CESC were evaluated using data retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The oncogenic effect of CNIH4 in CESC was determined using small interfering RNA‐mediated transfected cell lines and tumorigenesis experiments in animal models. Results: Higher expression of CNIH4 was found in advanced tumor and pathological stages, as well as lymph node metastasis. CNIH4 expression correlated positively with the infiltration of macrophages M2 and resting dendritic cells into the affected tissue. Additionally, functional enrichment of RNA‐sequencing of CNIH4‐knocked down CESC cell lines showed the association of CNIH4 to the PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis highlighted several immune pathways that were elevated in the CESC samples with enhanced levels of CNIH4, including Type‐I and Type‐II IFN‐response pathways. The impact of CNIH4 on drug sensitivity was further assessed using the GDSC database. As CNIH4 is linked to the immune landscape in CESC, this study determined a four‐gene risk prediction signature utilizing CNIH4‐related immunomodulators. The risk score quantified from the prediction signature was an independent predictive indicator in CESC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis verified the good predictive ability of the four‐gene signature in TCGA‐CESC cohort. Thus, the CNIH4‐related model showed potential as an auxiliary TNM staging system tool. Conclusion: CNIH4 may be an effective predictive biomarker for patients with cervical cancer, thus providing new ideas and research directions for CESC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A novel metabolomics analysis technique, termed matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging‐based plant tissue microarray (MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA), was successfully developed for high‐throughput metabolite detection and imaging from plant tissues. This technique completely overcomes the disadvantage that metabolites cannot be accessible on an intact plant tissue due to the limitations of the special structures of plant cells (e.g. epicuticular wax, cuticle and cell wall) through homogenization of plant tissues, preparation of PTMA moulds and matrix spraying of PTMA sections. Our study shows several properties of MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA, including no need of sample separation and enrichment, high‐throughput metabolite detection and imaging (>1000 samples per day), high‐stability mass spectrometry data acquisition and imaging reconstruction and high reproducibility of data. This novel technique was successfully used to quickly evaluate the effects of two plant growth regulator treatments (i.e. 6‐benzylaminopurine and N‐phenyl‐N′‐1,2,3‐thiadiazol‐5‐ylurea) on endogenous metabolite expression in plant tissue culture specimens of Dracocephalum rupestre Hance (D. rupestre). Intra‐day and inter‐day evaluations indicated that the metabolite data detected on PTMA sections had good reproducibility and stability. A total of 312 metabolite ion signals in leaves tissues of D. rupestre were detected, of which 228 metabolite ion signals were identified, they were composed of 122 primary metabolites, 90 secondary metabolites and 16 identified metabolites of unknown classification. The results demonstrated the advantages of MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA technique for enhancing the overall detection ability of metabolites in plant tissues, indicating that MALDI‐MSI‐PTMA has the potential to become a powerful routine practice for high‐throughput metabolite study in plant science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic membrane contacts between lipid droplets (LDs) and mitochondria play key roles in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis. Understanding the dynamics of LDs under energy stimulation is thereby crucial to disclosing the metabolic mechanism. Here, the reversible interactions between LDs and mitochondria are tracked in real‐time using a robust LDs‐specific fluorescent probe (LDs‐Tags). Through tracking the dynamics of LDs at the single‐particle level, spatiotemporal heterogeneity is revealed. LDs in starved cells communicate and integrate their activities (i.e., lipid exchange) through a membrane contact site‐mediated mechanism. Thus the diffusion is intermittently alternated between active and confined states. Statistical analysis shows that the translocation of LDs in response to starvation stress is non‐Gaussian, and obeys nonergodic‐like behavior. These results provide deep understanding of the anomalous diffusion of LDs in living cells, and also afford guidance for rationally designing efficient transporter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if aging would lead to greater decline in neuromuscular function during a fatiguing task under severe whole‐body hyperthermia conditions. Methods: Twelve young (aged 19–21 years) and 11 older (aged 65–80 years) males were enrolled in the study, which comprised a randomized control trial under a thermoneutral condition at an ambient temperature of 23°C (CON) and an experimental trial with passive lower body heating in 43°C water (HWI‐43°C). Changes in neuromuscular function and fatigability, and physical performance‐influencing factors such as psychological, thermoregulatory, neuroendocrine, and immune responses to whole‐body hyperthermia were measured. Results: A slower increase in rectal temperature, and a lower heart rate, thermal sensation, and sweating rate were observed in older males than young males in response to HWI‐43°C trial (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, prolactin increased more in response to hyperthermia in young males, while interleukin‐6 and cortisol levels increased more in older males (p < 0.05). Peripheral dopamine levels decreased in older males and increased in young males in response to hyperthermia (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, older males demonstrated greater neuromuscular fatigability resistance and faster maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) torque recovery after a 2‐min sustained isometric MVC task under thermoneutral and severe hyperthermic conditions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Neuromuscular performance during fatigue‐provoking sustained isometric exercise under severe whole‐body hyperthermia conditions appears to decline in both age groups, but a lower relative decline in torque production for older males may relate to lower psychological and thermophysiological strain along with a diminished dopamine response and prolactin release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, in order to clarify the influence of structural parameters of laminates on the modal characteristics of high-aspect-ratio wings under prestress, the CFD/CSD coupling method was used to study the modal characteristics of nonlinear structures under the influence of layering angle, layering unbalanced coefficient, and layering reference direction. The results show that the first six order modal frequencies of wing structure increase with the increase of layering angle, and the increment change of frequency increases with the increase of layering angle. The frequency results of positive and negative layering angles are basically the same, and there is no great difference. The modal frequency of airfoil structure is not very sensitive to the change of unbalanced coefficient. The modal frequencies obtained by the mixed angle layering scheme are obviously larger than those obtained by the layering scheme composed of only two angles. With the change of the reference direction of laying, the lowest frequency is generally present in the 0° reference direction and has one or two minima in each order of modal frequency. The layer reference direction angle mainly in the second quadrant is beneficial to the enhancement of modal frequency. After determining the related layer parameters, the appropriate adjustment of the layer reference direction will be beneficial to change the vibration characteristics of the wing structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the influence of the unbalanced coefficient and the change in lay-up angle on the failure characteristics of the laminate in the static aeroelastic problem of the aircraft, numerical simulations were performed based on the classical laminate theory and the Tsai-Wu failure criterion, as well as the fluid-structure coupling calculation method. The structure's stress-strain and failure curves are found to decrease as the unbalanced coefficient increases. The stress curve's slope is relatively stable, whereas the strain and failure curves' slopes change three times, indicating that strain may be the primary cause of structural failure. Unbalanced coefficient laminates are classified into three types based on their mechanical properties low unbalanced coefficient laminates (Unbalanced coefficient 0.2 to 0.3), quasi-balanced coefficient laminates (Unbalanced coefficient 0.4 to 0.6, Balanced laminate when the Unbalanced coefficient is 0.5), and high unbalanced coefficient laminates (Unbalanced coefficient 0.7 to 0.8). Within their respective spanning intervals, the mechanical properties of the three types of laminates remain relatively stable. An increase in the ply angle reduces both the elastic deformation of the structure and the failure factor. The variation patterns of structural strain and failure at 45° and 60° ply angles decrease as unbalanced coefficients increase, whereas the opposite is true for 30° ply angles. Finally, a two-level optimization method based on "equalized plies" and "equal-angle plies" was developed, resulting in a 23.93% reduction in elastic deformation and a 37.04% reduction in the laminated structure's failure coefficient when compared to the preoptimization results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagellum (MMAF) have been reported to be an important cause of male infertility and reflect a heterogeneous genetic disorder. Previous studies have identified dozens of candidate pathogenic genes for MMAF, but the aetiology in approximately 50% of cases remains unexplained. The present study aimed to identify novel potentially pathogenic gene variants of MMAF. A Chinese family with a 32‐year‐old infertile proband presenting with MMAF was recruited, and sperm morphology of the patient was examined by Papanicolaou staining. Whole exome sequencing was performed on the proband and Sanger sequencing was used to identify genetic variants in the family. The frequencies of variants were assessed using public databases and the effects on protein structure and function were predicted by online bioinformatics tools. The patient exhibited asthenozoospermia and a MMAF phenotype. Novel compound heterozygous variants (c.5368C > T, p.R1790C and c.13183C > T, p.R4395W) of the DNAH17 gene were identified in the patient, and showed autosomal recessive inheritance in this family. These variants were very rare in the GnomAD database. The two mutated amino acids were located in a highly conserved region of the DNAH17 protein. In silico analysis revealed that the compound heterozygous variants may compromise the function of DNAH17. Our findings expand upon the spectrum of pathogenic DNAH17 variants that are responsible for MMAF, and provide new knowledge for genetic counselling of male infertility due to MMAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PT‐relaxor ferroelectrics exhibit excellent piezoelectric and quadratic nonlinear optical properties, making them prominent candidates for realization of phononic and nonlinear photonic crystals which rely on spatially patterned ferroelectric domains. However, formation of domain patterns, especially in three dimensions, has been challenging. This paper presents the first experimental demonstration of localized ferroelectric domains and their 2D and 3D patterns inside 0.62Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.38PbTiO3 (PMN‐38PT) single‐domain crystals engineered with focused near‐infrared femtosecond laser pulses. Two types of domains are optically induced. Primary domains are formed in the focal volume of the beam, and secondary domains appearing at higher laser power, in the shape of hollow cylindrical structures, are formed around the beam. A physical mechanism of optical domain inversion involving thermoelectric and space charge fields is proposed. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of domain formation and structuring in PMN‐PT relaxor‐based ferroelectrics, paving the way to integrate electromechanical, acoustic, and nonlinear optical effects in a single crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bitter melon extract (BME), which contains a variety of natural bioactive substances, has diversified biological functions. The present study is aimed at evaluating the effects of dietary supplementation of BME on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory cytokine expression, and intestinal microbiota in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). An 8-week feeding trial was conducted using four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing different levels of BME (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% for control, LBME, MBME, and HBME groups, respectively). The results showed that there were no significant differences in the growth performance of common carp among all groups, including final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and viscera index (VSI) (p > 0.05), but the condition factor (CF) was decreased by all BME treatments (p < 0.05). Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly improved in all BME groups (p < 0.05), and serum catalase (CAT) activity was significantly higher in the MBME group (p < 0.05). Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level was lowest while serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was highest in the HBME group (p < 0.05). Dietary BME supplementation inhibited proinflammatory cytokine (il-1β and il-8) mRNA expression, while anti-inflammatory cytokine (il-6 and il-10) mRNA expressions were promoted (p < 0.05). Furthermore, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that there were no differences in bacterial communities among different groups, and Shannon index and Simpson index of intestinal microbiota were unaffected (p > 0.05). Whereas dietary BME reduced Firmicutes abundance and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes at phylum level, the relative abundance of streptococcaceae at family level, Streptococcus and Exiguobacterium at genus level were also decreased (p < 0.05). Overall, these results suggested that dietary supplementation of BME improved serum antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, and modified intestinal microbiota in common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of high‐efficiency, low‐cost, and long‐term stability catalysts for water electrolysis is significant for the sustainable production of hydrogen. The aim of this study is to reduce the overpotential and thus energy consumption. Toward this aim, transition metal sulfide catalyst (marked as S5‐40 doped Ni4Mo) is successfully prepared by a fast one‐step electrodeposition process on a copper foam (CF) substrate. The S20 doped Ni4Mo/CF catalyst displays an exceedingly low overpotential of 140 and −128 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for (oxygen evolution reaction) and (hydrogen evolution reaction), respectively. The S20 doped Ni4Mo/CF can be powered by a commercial AA alkaline battery (1.5 V) in 1.0 m KOH. It shows a lower cell voltage of 1.595 V at 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting (OWS). Up to 60 h of stability testing, compared with the S20 doped Ni4Mo/CF catalyst before electrolysis, their performance is improved by 15.5% and 41.1% at 2 and −0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively. This study offers an avenue to fabricate transition metal sulfide bi‐functional catalysts for OWS and provides deep insights into the relationships among the S‐doping Ni4Mo at the 1.0 m KOH electrolyte physical characterization and electrocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. MutS homolog 2 (MSH2), with the function of identifying mismatches and participating in DNA repair, is the "housekeeping gene" in the mismatch repair (MMR) system. MSH2 deficiency has been reported to enhance cancer susceptibility for the association of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. However, the expression and prognostic significance of MSH2 have not been studied from the perspective of pan-cancer. Methods. The GTEx database was used to analyze the expression of MSH2 in normal tissues. The TCGA database was used to analyze the differential expression of MSH2 in pan-cancers. The prognostic value of MSH2 in pan-cancer was assessed using Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Spearman correlations were used to measure the relationship between the expression level of MSH2 in pan-cancer and the level of immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). Results. MSH2 is highly expressed in most type of cancers and significantly correlated with prognosis. In COAD, KIRC, LIHC, and SKCM, the expression of MSH2 was significantly positively correlated with the abundance of B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. In THCA, MSH2 expression correlated with CD8+T Cell showed a significant negative correlation. MSH2 had significantly negative correlations with stromal score and immune score in a variety of cancers and significantly correlated with TMB and MSI of a variety of tumors. Conclusions. MSH2 may play an important role in the occurrence, development, and immune infiltration of cancer. MSH2 can emerge as a potential biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, in order to understand the influence of the unbalanced coefficient of composite laminates on the static aeroelasticity of high aspect wings, a series of numerical simulation calculations were carried out, and this work wants to provide some reference for the structural design of aircraft. Considering the influence of geometric nonlinearity, the unidirectional fluid-solid coupling calculation method based on loose coupling is used to control the change of unbalanced coefficient of laminates on the basis of layering angle, layering thickness, and layering region, so as to observe the changes caused to the wings. The relationship between the unbalanced coefficient and the constant thickness layup and the variable thickness layup with 0° and ±45° layup angles was studied, respectively. Then, the layup angle of 90° was added to study the influence of the unbalanced coefficient on the static aeroelasticity of the wing structure with the change of the layup angle and the different choice of layup region. The results show that the deformation is the smallest when the unbalanced coefficient is 0.5, and the deformation trend is evenly distributed along both sides when the unbalanced coefficient is 0.5. When the unbalanced coefficient is changed, adding the 90° layup angle can significantly reduce the overall deformation of the wing and show different sensitivity characteristics to different layup areas. The increase of the unbalanced coefficient makes the chordal displacement gradually change from linear distribution to nonlinear distribution along the spread direction, and the displacement will gradually decrease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via mass spectrometry is highly sensitive but targets a limited number of compounds and the instrumentation is not available in many laboratories. We developed a methodology to determine total organofluorine by modifying a total organic carbon analyzer, which is common in laboratories across disciplines. Evolved hydrogen fluoride was captured in an impinger and analyzed by ion chromatography. Recovery of fluorine from 20 PFAS was dependent on terminal functional group and alkyl chain length. The method detection limit based on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) spiked samples was 36 μg‐F/L (52 μg PFOA/L). Fluorine recoveries of spiked PFAS in river water and wastewater were similar to those spiked in deionized water. The recovery of inorganic fluorine present in sodium fluoride was 91%. Therefore, researchers should be cautious when applying methods that pre‐combust samples to differentiate organo‐ and inorganic fluorine, because the combustion process may cause inadvertent losses of inorganic fluorine, resulting in an overestimation of organofluorine. Article Impact Statement: Results enable the quantification of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances using equipment present in a greater number of laboratories than mass spectrometry‐based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The principal factor restricting large‐scale hydrogen production via water electrolysis is the development of inexpensive and efficient catalysts that attain high current densities to produces hydrogen at low potentials. In this study, a series of iron‐based phosphide catalysts (denoted as: PX‐doped Fe/NF) were prepared via one‐step electrodeposition from a eutectic solvent to examine their oxygen evolution reaction (OER) or hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. Notably, P30‐doped Fe/NF forms a porous interconnected nanosheet structure, providing a large active surface areas, abundant active sites and low charge transfer resistance. P30‐doped Fe/NF attained the lowest OER (284.15 mV) and HER (158.17 mV) overpotentials at 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH of all the tested catalysts. When used in overall water splitting, the catalyst displayed outstanding adaptability to a range of potentials and current densities. This study provides a facile route for the synthesis of bifunctional transition‐metal phosphide catalysts for the electrolysis of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The berberine (Ber) is an isoquinoline alkaloid compound extracted from Rhizoma coptidis and has the effect that reduces adipose. MicroRNA‐192 (miR‐192) is related to fat metabolism. However, the relevant mechanism of berberine on lipid metabolism during in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes remains unclear. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism by which berberine promotes the IVM and lipid metabolism of porcine oocytes via miR‐192. Methods: Ber was added to IVM medium of porcine oocytes. MiR‐192 agomir, miR‐192 antagomir and negative control fragment were microinjected into the cytoplasm of oocytes without Ber. Rates of oocyte IVM and embryonic development in each group were observed. The content of lipid droplets in IVM oocytes in each group was analyzed by Nile red staining. Expression levels of miR‐192 and FABP3, SREBF1 and PPARG, were detected by qPCR and western blotting. The target genes of miR‐192 were determined by luciferase reporter assays. Results and Conclusions: We found that Ber significantly increased the rate of oocytes IVM and blastocyst development, and decreased the area and numbers of lipid droplets in IVM oocytes. Ber significantly increased the expression of miR‐192 in IVM oocytes, and significantly decreased the expression of SREBF1 and PPARG, which were target genes of miR‐192. This study indicates that Ber promotes lipid metabolism in porcine oocytes by activating the expression of miR‐192 and down‐regulating SREBF1 and PPARG, thus, improving IVM of porcine oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Calcium (Ca2+) is a second messenger for plant cell surface and intracellular receptors mediating pattern‐triggered and effector‐triggered immunity (respectively, PTI and ETI). Several CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE‐GATED CHANNELS (CNGCs) were shown to control transient cytosolic Ca2+ influx upon PTI activation. The contributions of specific CNGC members to PTI and ETI remain unclear.ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBLITY1 (EDS1) regulates ETI signaling. In an Arabidopsis genetic screen for suppressors of eds1, we identify a recessive gain‐of‐function mutation in CNGC20, denoted cngc20‐4, which partially restores disease resistance in eds1.cngc20‐4 enhances PTI responses and ETI hypersensitive cell death. A cngc20‐4 single mutant exhibits autoimmunity, which is dependent on genetically parallel EDS1 and salicylic acid (SA) pathways. CNGC20 self‐associates, forms heteromeric complexes with CNGC19, and is phosphorylated and stabilized by BOTRYTIS INDUCED KINASE1 (BIK1). The cngc20‐4 L371F exchange on a predicted transmembrane channel inward surface does not disrupt these interactions but leads to increased cytosolic Ca2+ accumulation, consistent with mis‐regulation of CNGC20 Ca2+‐permeable channel activity.Our data show that ectopic Ca2+ influx caused by a mutant form of CNGC20 in cngc20‐4 affects both PTI and ETI responses. We conclude that tight control of the CNGC20 Ca2+ ion channel is important for regulated immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is the most common inherited disorder in the Chinese population, there is scarce evidence regarding the epidemiology, evolutionary origin, and malaria‐induced positive selection effects of G6PD‐deficient alleles in various Chinese ethnic populations. Methods: We performed a large population‐based screening (n = 15,690) to examine the impact of selection on human nucleotide diversity and to infer the evolutionary history of the most common deficiency alleles in Chinese populations. Results: The frequencies of G6PD deficiency ranged from 0% to 11.6% in 12 Chinese ethnic populations. A frequency map based on geographic information showed that G6PD deficiency was highly correlated with historical malaria prevalence in China and was affected by altitude and latitude. The five most frequently occurring G6PD gene variants were NM_001042351.3:c.1376G>T, NM_001042351.3:c.1388G>A, NM_001042351.3:c.95A>G, NM_001042351.3:c.1311T>C, and NM_001042351.3:c.1024C>T, which were distributed with ethnic features. A pathogenic but rarely reported variant site (NM_001042351.3:c.448G>A) was identified in this study. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a strong and recent positive selection targeting the NM_001042351.3:c.1376G>T allele that originated in the past 3125 to 3750 years and another selection targeting the NM_001042351.3:c.1388G>A allele that originated in the past 5000 to 6000 years. Additionally, both alleles originated from a single ancestor. Conclusion: These results indicate that malaria has had a major impact on the Chinese genome since the introduction of rice agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in children accounts for a small proportion of all infections and is usually mild or asymptomatic. There are few studies on the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children, and the causes of the low prevalence in children remain unclear. Herein, we compared the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection between adults and children. Fifty-two patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were retrospectively analyzed, including 38 adults and 14 children. Their clinical information such as epidemiological exposure history, laboratory indicators, chest computed tomography (CT) performance, and number of SARS-CoV-2 positive days were analyzed and compared. In children, 5 (35.71%) had mild COVID-19 and 9 (64.29%) had common type, while, in adults, 9 (23.68%) cases were mild, and 29 (76.32%) were common COVID-19. Among them, family clustering infection accounted for 50% (7/14) of child cases and 23.68% (9/36) of adult cases. Epidemiological exposure history, clinical classification, clinical symptoms, chest CT manifestations, and number of SARS-CoV-2-positive days were not significantly different between children and adults. However, the percentage of neutrophils in adults was significantly higher than that in children (P < 0.05). The percentage and absolute value of lymphocytes, platelet counts, aspartate aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase in adults were lower than those in children (P < 0.05). Conclusively, children infected with SARS-CoV-2 show the characteristics of family clustering, and the proportion of mild and asymptomatic infections is higher. For families with a history of epidemiological exposure, routine SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing and chest CT examination should be performed in asymptomatic children to determine whether they are infected. Unlike adults, although the reduction of lymphocytes and platelets in children is not common, it is necessary to be alert to the increased risk of liver damage in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we assessed the effects of Radix Rehmanniae Preparata polysaccharides (RRPP) on the digestive enzymes, morphology, microbial communities and mucosal barrier function of the intestine of Luciobarbus capito. Fish were fed different amounts of RRPP (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4%) for 60 days. The results revealed that intestinal amylase and trypsin activities significantly increased after the 0.2% RRPP treatment (p <.05). Increases in intestinal fold height, wall thickness and fold density were observed in Luciobarbus capito fed an RRPP‐supplemented diet, and the best effect was observed in the proximal intestine. Sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA V4 region showed that dietary RRPP reduced intestinal microbial community richness and species diversity. Fusobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia were the dominant bacterial phyla in the intestine of Luciobarbus capito. Dietary RRPP affected the overall microbial community and increased the abundance of the genus Cetobacterium. Moreover, RRPP significantly upregulated the expression of occludin, zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 and claudin‐c in the intestine (p <.05). In summary, supplementing the diet of Luciobarbus capito with RRPP can improve digestive enzymes activities and intestinal morphology, modulate the microbial composition and enhance intestinal mucosal barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ACTN4, a gene which codes for the protein α-actinin-4, is critical for the maintenance of the renal filtration barrier. It is well known that ACTN4 mutations can lead to kidney dysfunction, such as familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a common cause of primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS). To elucidate whether other mutations of ACTN4 exist in PNS patients, we sequenced the ACTN4 gene in biopsies collected from 155 young PNS patients (≤16 years old). The patients were classified into five groups: FSGS, minimal change nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, and those without renal puncture. Ninety-eight healthy people served as controls. Samples were subjected to Illumina's next generation sequencing protocols using FastTarget target gene capture method. We identified 5 ACTN4 mutations which occurred only in PNS patients: c.1516G > A (p.G506S) on exon 13 identified in two PNS patients, one with minimal change nephropathy and another without renal puncture; c.1442 + 10G > A at the splice site in a minimal change nephropathy patient; c.2191-4G > A at the cleavage site, identified from two FSGS patients; and c.1649A > G (p.D550G) on exon 14 together with c.2191-4G > A at the cleavage sites, identified from two FSGS patients. Among these, c.1649A > G (p.D550G) is a novel ACTN4 mutation. Patients bearing the last two mutations exhibited resistance to clinical therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new fluorescence probe L was rationally designed and synthesized for the recognition of Cu2+ ions by the combination of coumarin hydrazide and 2-acetylpyrazine. The photochemical properties and selectivity of L for Cu2+ ions in a CH3CN/HEPES (3 : 2, v/v) buffer were investigated by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra. A highly selective and sensitive response of L for Cu2+ ions over other competing metal ions was observed with limit of detection in 3 μM. The coordination stoichiometry of L to Cu2+ ions was determined to be 1 : 1 by the UV-vis absorption spectrum, the fluorescence titrations, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Moreover, L was applied successfully for recognition of intracellular Cu2+ ions in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bonded or nonbonded interactions at the interface of ligands and surface atoms are a core issue in engineering the surface chemistry and (photo)electronic properties of semiconductor colloidal solids. Herein, we demonstrate the interfacial Lewis acid‐base N→Sb nonbonded interaction: N atoms in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) molecules acting as an electron donor to enhance the photoconductivity and ‐responsivity of PVP‐capped Sb2S3 amorphous semiconductor colloids. The electron donation effect of PVP N atoms in the N→Sb interaction is backed by the upper shift of N 1s binding energy in the X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) and the relevant literature. The repulsion of lone pair electrons (LPEs) of N atoms is thought to make 5 s2 LPEs of Sb atoms retract from Sb nuclei with an increased orbital volume, giving rise to high probability for the overlap and coupling of 5 s2 LPEs among neighboring Sb atoms on the surface of Sb2S3 amorphous colloids. Such a spatially and energetically matched electron‐electron coupling greatly contributes to the photoelectronic performance enhancement of amorphous Sb2S3. We believe that the electron coupling and improved (photo)electronics can be generalized in many semiconductors containing ns2 LPE metal cations by the surface/interface Lewis acid‐base interactions with suitable ligands. Interfacial Lewis acid‐base N→Sb nonbonded interactions, in which N atoms of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) donate electrons to Sb atoms at the surface of Sb2S3, enhance the overlap and coupling of Sb 5 s2 lone‐pair electrons, leading to high photoelectronic performance of PVP‐capped Sb2S3 amorphous colloids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refracturing is an encouraging way to uplift gas flow rate and ultimate gas recovery from shale gas wells. A numerical model, considering the stimulated reservoir volume and multiscale gas transport, is applied to simulate the gas production from a refractured shale gas well. The model is verified against field data from a shale gas reservoir in Sichuan Basin. Two refracturing scenarios: refracturing through existing perforation clusters and refracturing through new perforation zones, are included in the simulation work. Three years after production is determined to be the optimum time for refracturing based on the evolution analysis of reservoir pressure, effective stress, fracture permeability, and gas recovery. The role that the hydraulic fracture conductivity and hydraulic fracture half-length play in gas production for different refracturing cases is explored. Pumping parameters of the refracturing job in Sichuan Basin are discussed combining with sensitivity analysis, and suggestions for pumping parameters optimization are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The quenching process of poly( l‐lactic acid) spherulites obtained by isothermal crystallization is simulated by ANSYS software in order to study the mechanism of crack formation. Regular concentric circular or hexagon crack is found by polarizing optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The rapid temperature variation which brings large thermal stress is considered to be the main reason for the crack, so a spherulite with diameter of 160 µm is modeled by ANSYS to compute the transient change of thermal stress. According to the temperature nephogram, it is found that the spherulites temperature almost reduces to zero during 1 s, also the thermal stress dropped by five orders of magnitude. The stress fluctuation of 35 nodes, which are equally spaced from spherulite center to outer, present regular attenuation of vibration periodically from 10−6 to 10−4 s while the peak values are different from each other. Furthermore, the differential result of the peak value shows a bell‐shaped curve while the maximum difference between two adjacent nodes reaches 0.12 MPa. Although insufficient of boundary condition will introduce error of calculation, this research is still an important attempt for simulation technique to solve problem in polymer crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As regards the ticket allotment issue of the intercity passenger corridor designed for different train grades, the matching relationship between the ticket allotment and the passenger flow demand is studied. The passenger flow conversion equation which is based on the collaborative optimization of the intercity train stop schedule plan and ticket allotment is established. Then the mathematical model aiming at the maximum revenue of intercity train system and the highest satisfaction from the passengers is established. The particle swarm harmony search algorithm is designed to solve the model. The example verifies the effectiveness of the model and algorithm, which indicates that, through the collaborative optimization of the stop schedule plan and ticket allotment for different grades intercity trains, the sectional utilization rate of the train can be improved; meanwhile, the optimum matching between the intercity train revenue and the passenger satisfaction can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between human serum albumin (HSA) and N6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-adenosine (HEA) was investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with UV absorption spectroscopy for the first time. The results of spectroscopic measurements suggested that the hydrophobic interaction was the predominant intermolecular force stabilizing the complex, which was in good agreement with the results of molecular modelling study. The enthalpy change (Δ H) and the entropy change (Δ S) were calculated, according to the Van't Hoff equation, to be -24.05 kJ/mol and 30.23 J/mol/K, respectively. The effects of common ions on the binding constant of the HEA-HSA complex at room temperature were also investigated. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To investigate the repolarization reserve of normal controls (NCs) and patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Methods. From January 1st, 2010 to December 31st, 2018, 200 age- and gender-matched inpatients in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University and Heji Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College were selected for treadmill exercise test (TET), including 67 patients in the myocardial ischemia group, 66 patients in the suspected myocardial ischemia group, and 67 patients in the normal control group. Coronary angiography (CAG) was performed on 49 of 133 patients in the myocardial ischemia group and the suspected myocardial ischemia group, and 9 positives and 40 negatives were identified. The heart rate (HR) and QT interval of TET examiners before exercise, during exercise (90 beats/min, 120 beats/min, maximum HR), and in the recovery period (1 minute and 3 minutes after exercise) were reviewed, and QTc values were calculated after being corrected by BaZett's. Results. The mean QTc values in NCs were all below 452 ms, before exercise, during exercise (90 beats/min, 120 beats/min and maximum HR), and during the recovery period (1 minute and 3 minutes after exercise). The comparison results of the RR interval between the two groups revealed P > 0.05 , indicating no statistical significance. Significant differences were present when comparing the QT intervals when the HRs were 90 beats/minute and 120 beats/minute during exercise (P < 0.05). And comparing the QTc values, it was found that the QTc values during different exercise periods were statistically different between groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions. NCs have good repolarization reserve. CAG can confirm true myocardial ischemia patients (i.e., patients with CHD) among myocardial ischemia and suspected myocardial ischemia patients screened by TET. Patients with positive CAG have poor repolarization reserve as QT interval represents ventricular repolarization adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing number of studies have documented atypical protein kinase C isoform ι (PKCι) as an oncoprotein playing multifaceted roles in pancreatic carcinogenesis, including sustaining the transformed growth, prohibiting apoptosis, strengthening invasiveness, facilitating autophagy, as well as promoting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment of pancreatic tumors. In this study, we present novel evidence that PKCι overexpression increases STAT3 phosphorylation at the Y705 residue while decreasing STAT3 phosphorylation at the S727 residue in pancreatic cancer cells. We further demonstrate that STAT3 phosphorylation at Y705 and S727 residues is mutually antagonistic, and that STAT3 Y705 phosphorylation is positively related to the transcriptional activity of STAT3 in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, we discover that PKCι inhibition attenuates STAT3 transcriptional activity via Y705 dephosphorylation, which appears to be resulted from enhanced phosphorylation of S727 in pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, we investigate and prove that by modulating the STAT3 activity, the PKCι inhibitor can synergistically enhance the antitumor effects of pharmacological STAT3 inhibitors or reverse the anti-apoptotic side effects incited by the MEK inhibitor, thereby posing as a prospective sensitizer in the treatment of pancreatic cancer cells., (© 2023. The International CCN Society.)