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Abstract Gasdermin-E (GSDME), the executioner of pyroptosis when cleaved by caspase 3, plays a crucial role in tumor defense and the response to chemotherapy drugs in cells. So far, there are poorly known mechanisms for the expression regulation of GSDME during cell death. Here, we identify the transcription factor Sp1 (Specificity protein 1) as a positive regulator of GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Sp1 directly interacts with the GSDME promoter at −36 ~ −28 site and promotes GSDME gene transcription. Further, Sp1 knockdown or inhibition suppresses GSDME expression, thus reducing chemotherapy drugs (topotecan, etoposide, doxorubicin, sorafinib and cisplatin) induced cell pyroptosis. The regulation process synergizes with STAT3 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) activity and antagonizes with DNA methylation but barely affects GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis or TNF-induced necroptosis. Our current finding reveals a new regulating mechanism of GSDME expression, which may be a viable target for the intervention of GSDME-dependent inflammatory diseases and cancer therapy.

Abstract Parkinson’s disease (PD), one of the most devastating neurodegenerative brain disorders, is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) and deposits of α-synuclein aggregates. Currently, pharmacological interventions for PD remain inadequate. The cell necroptosis executor protein MLKL (Mixed-lineage kinase domain-like) is involved in various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease and neurodegenerative diseases; however, its precise role in PD remains unclear. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective role of MLKL inhibition or ablation against primary neuronal cells and human iPSC-derived midbrain organoids induced by toxic α-Synuclein preformed fibrils (PFFs). Using a mouse model (Tg-Mlkl −/− ) generated by crossbreeding the SNCA A53T synuclein transgenic mice with MLKL knockout (KO)mice, we assessed the impact of MLKL deficiency on the progression of Parkinsonian traits. Our findings demonstrate that Tg-Mlkl −/− mice exhibited a significant improvement in motor symptoms and reduced phosphorylated α-synuclein expression compared to the classic A53T transgenic mice. Furthermore, MLKL deficiency alleviated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neuron loss and attenuated neuroinflammation by inhibiting the activation of microglia and astrocytes. Single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analysis of the SN of Tg-Mlkl −/− mice revealed a unique cell type-specific transcriptome profile, including downregulated prostaglandin D synthase (PTGDS) expression, indicating reduced microglial cells and dampened neuron death. Thus, MLKL represents a critical therapeutic target for reducing neuroinflammation and preventing motor deficits in PD.

Abstract Intention estimation has been widely studied in lane change scenarios, which explains a vehicle's behaviour and implies its future motion. However, in dense traffic, lane‐changing is more tactical and interactive. Due to the conflict between merging vehicles and adjacent vehicles, driving intentions become interdependent which fuses passing and yielding. In addition, lane change occurs without a fixed location. Drivers should be aware of each other's intentions along conflict process, and take instant responses. To address these challenges, this paper proposes semantic‐based interactive intention estimation (SIIE), to understand driving intentions during lane change conflict. The problem is addressed by combining driving semantics with probability inference model based on dynamic Bayesian network (DBN). Firstly, the DBN is modelled for the interaction process with Condition‐Intention‐Behaviour relationships. Secondly, the semantics are extracted from the lane change conflict and are inferred with observation methods. Thirdly, SIIE is trained and verified with real‐world driving data. The intention estimation results are demonstrated, and then utilized for multi‐modal motion identification and trajectory prediction. Lane change in dense traffic requires interactive cognition of driving intentions, the findings of this research shall inspire future studies into related scenarios, and promote interactive driving technologies.

This study investigated the beliefs, attitudes, and motivation of Thai and Chinese undergraduate students in relation to English language learning. Utilizing a mixed-method, explanatory sequential design, it aims to provide a better understanding of the three variables mentioned above. The quantitative data analysis showed disparities between the cohorts, with Chinese undergraduate students often displaying more robust orientations. However, the qualitative data analysis showed that both groups valued immersive learning experiences and technological integration. The research advocates for pedagogical frameworks in English education that align with overarching global paradigms while respecting individual cultural nuances. Such revelations are important for refining teaching practices and curricula to enhance genuine global literacy. It is also recommended that future research efforts diversify their cultural purview and give due consideration to variations in socio-economic contexts.

Previous studies have shown that the color red can affect basic motor functioning. However, these studies utilized simple gross motor tasks rather than those assessing complex fine motor skills. Moreover, these empirical studies were theoretically based on the threat–behavior link in human and non-human animals, and neglected the relationship between arousal and motor performance. According to the Yerkes–Dodson law and the inverted-U hypothesis in sport psychology, for simple motor tasks, high arousal (associated with the color red) is more advantageous than low arousal (associated with the color blue); for complex motor tasks, low arousal (blue color) is more advantageous than high arousal (red color). The current research examined the effect of color on different kinds of motor skills (fine motor and gross motor) based on the inverted U-hypothesis. In Experiment 1, we examined the effect of red and blue on dart-throwing performance, whereas in Experiment 2, we examined the effect of red and blue on grip strength performance. The results showed that performance of fine motor skill (dart-throwing) in the blue condition was better than in the red condition, and performance of gross motor skill (handgrip) in the red context was better than in the blue context. These results indicate that the type of motor skill assessed moderates the influence of red and blue on motor performance.

Previous studies have found a link between red and aggressive behavior. For example, athletes who wear red uniforms in sports are considered to have a competitive advantage. So far, most previous studies have adopted self-report methods, which have low face validity and were easily influenced by the social expectations. Therefore, the study used two implicit methods to further explore the association between red and aggressiveness. A modified Stroop task was used in Experiment 1 to probe college students’ differences between “congruent” tasks (i.e., red–aggressiveness and blue–agreeableness) and “incongruent” tasks (i.e., red–agreeableness and blue–aggressiveness). Result showed that participants responded more quickly to the congruent tasks than the incongruent tasks. Then, in order to adapt to the competitive context, Experiment 2 used an implicit association test with photos of athletes as the stimulus to college students and athletes to evaluate “congruent” tasks (i.e., red uniform photo-aggressiveness and blue uniform photo-agreeableness) as well as “incongruent” tasks (i.e., red uniform photo-agreeableness and blue uniform photo-aggressiveness), respectively. According to the results, both college students and athletes respond faster to congruent tasks than to incongruent tasks. Besides, athletes’ reactions to the red–aggressiveness association are faster than college students, which may relate to the athletes’ professional experience. The athletes may be more aggressive and impulsive. Overall, the study has attempted to examine the association between red and aggressiveness through implicit methods, but in the future, researches are need to find a deep association from brain mechanism aspect.

In order to well identify the 93 wild Cortex Daphnes samples from different species and habitats in western China and develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the authentication and quality of them in the future, a comprehensive and efficient identification system based on DNA barcoding and HPLC fingerprint technologies has been developed. The result showed that only 17 samples (18%) were Daphne giraldii Nitsche (DG), which is recorded in Chinese Pharmacopeia, while the others (82%) might have safety hazards. Additionally, the result of HPLC fingerprint analysis indicated that samples in the same species origins and wild distributions could be clustered together, which was consistent with DNA barcoding analysis. The study can provide a significant system for the authentication and quality of commercial Cortex Daphnes herbs. Undoubtedly, this study undoubtedly confirmed that the chemical compositions of Cortex Daphnes herbs were affected by both species origins and ecological environments, which is required more in-depth research.

This study investigated the beliefs, attitudes, and motivation of Thai and Chinese undergraduate students in relation to English language learning. Utilizing a mixed-method, explanatory sequential design, it aims to provide a better understanding of the three variables mentioned above. The quantitative data analysis showed disparities between the cohorts, with Chinese undergraduate students often displaying more robust orientations. However, the qualitative data analysis showed that both groups valued immersive learning experiences and technological integration. The research advocates for pedagogical frameworks in English education that align with overarching global paradigms while respecting individual cultural nuances. Such revelations are important for refining teaching practices and curricula to enhance genuine global literacy. It is also recommended that future research efforts diversify their cultural purview and give due consideration to variations in socio-economic contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The study of genetic diversity in oat germplasm resources not only contributes to the collection and evaluation of germplasm resources, but also has important guiding significance for the production and breeding of oats. [Methods] This study analyzed the diversity, variation, and clustering of 20 morphological traits in 260 oat germplasm resources, evaluated the genetic variation level of their morphological traits, and examined the traits and genetic diversity of oat germplasm resources, aiming to provide a basis for oat germplasm innovation and variety improvement. [Results] There was a significant genetic diversity of morphological traits in the 260 oat germplasm resources. The genetic diversity index of the qualitative traits was the highest in grain color (1.53) and the lowest in awn color (0.76). The genetic diversity index of the 12 quantitative traits was normally distributed, and that of the quantitative traits was the largest in thousand grain weight (2.03) and the smallest in effective tillers (1.22). The highest variable coefficient was the effective tillering number (89.02%), while the lowest was the plant height (11.19%). According to genetic difference of each characteristic varieties, the 260 accessions should be classified into 6 categories by cluster analysis. Germplasm group Ⅰ included 42 accessions which could be used as parent materials for seed type selection. Germplasm group Ⅱ had 31 accessions that could be used as parent materials for breeding high-yield forage varieties. Germplasm group Ⅳ includes 41 accessions that could be used for breeding large grain varieties. Germplasm group Ⅴ includes 46 accessions that could be used as parents for oat dwarfing. Germplasm group Ⅲ included 46 accessions and group Ⅵ included 54 accessions, and both were not outstanding in comprehensive characters analyzed. [Conclusion] This study could provide theoretical basis for the protection, development and utilization of oat germplasm resources in eastern Inner Mongolia.

Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) is a key enzyme in plant triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Investigating the function of Perilla frutescens LPAAT gene (PfLPAAT) in oil biosynthesis can help to reveal the molecular mechanism of plant oil accumulation. In this study, RT-PCR was used to obtain PfLPAAT, and the basic physical and chemical properties, transmembrane domain, and subcellular localization of the putative protein of PfLPAAT was analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and phylogenetic analysis of homologous proteins was conducted. The qRT-PCR was used to analyze the relative expression level of PfLPAAT in different tissues and developmental stages of seeds in Perilla. The expression vector pCAMBIA1303-PfLPAAT was constructed and transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana by floral dip method, and the oil content and fatty acid composition of transgenic Arabidopsis seeds were analyzed. The results showed that the PfLPAAT sequence was 1149 bp in length and encoded 382 amino acids. The theoretical isoelectric point of the putative protein was 9.60, and the molecular mass was 43.02 kD. Bioinformatics indicated that PfLPAAT functioned in endoplasmic reticulum and belonged to the PLN02380 superfamily. The qRT-PCR revealed that PfLPAAT expressed in all tissues of Perilla, and the highest level was observed in leaves and seeds of 15 days after flowering. Compared with wild-type Arabidopsis, the overexpression of PfLPAAT in Arabidopsis improved seed oil content significantly, with a range of 2.04% to 13.40%. Fatty acid composition analysis demonstrated that the content of oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidic acid increased significantly, while the content of palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) is a key enzyme in plant triacylglycerol biosynthesis. Investigating the function of Perilla frutescens LPAAT gene (PfLPAAT) in oil biosynthesis can help to reveal the molecular mechanism of plant oil accumulation. In this study, RT-PCR was used to obtain PfLPAAT, and the basic physical and chemical properties, transmembrane domain, and subcellular localization of the putative protein of PfLPAAT was analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and phylogenetic analysis of homologous proteins was conducted. The qRT-PCR was used to analyze the relative expression level of PfLPAAT in different tissues and developmental stages of seeds in Perilla. The expression vector pCAMBIA1303-PfLPAAT was constructed and transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana by floral dip method, and the oil content and fatty acid composition of transgenic Arabidopsis seeds were analyzed. The results showed that the PfLPAAT sequence was 1149 bp in length and encoded 382 amino acids. The theoretical isoelectric point of the putative protein was 9.60, and the molecular mass was 43.02 kD. Bioinformatics indicated that PfLPAAT functioned in endoplasmic reticulum and belonged to the PLN02380 superfamily. The qRT-PCR revealed that PfLPAAT expressed in all tissues of Perilla, and the highest level was observed in leaves and seeds of 15 days after flowering. Compared with wild-type Arabidopsis, the overexpression of PfLPAAT in Arabidopsis improved seed oil content significantly, with a range of 2.04% to 13.40%. Fatty acid composition analysis demonstrated that the content of oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidic acid increased significantly, while the content of palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) and culture in pathogen detection among intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU patients with suspected pulmonary infection. Methods: In this prospective study, sputum samples were collected from patients with suspected pulmonary infection for 2 consecutive days and then subjected to DNA or RNA sequencing by mNGS or culture; 62 ICU patients and 60 non-ICU patients were admitted. In the end, comparisons were made on the pathogen species identified by mNGS and culture, the overall performance of these two methods in pathogen detection, and the most common pathogens detected by mNGS between the ICU and non-ICU groups. Results: In DNA and RNA sequencing, the positive rate of pathogen detection reached 96.69% (117/121) and 96.43% (108/112), respectively. In culture tests, the positive rate of the pathogen was 39.34% (48/122), much lower than that of DNA and RNA sequencing. In general, the positive rate of pathogen detection by sputum mNGS was significantly higher than that of sputum culture in the total and non-ICU groups (p < 0.001) but did not show a significant difference when compared to the result of sputum culture in the ICU group (p = 0.08). Haemophilus spp., Candida albicans, Enterococcus spp., and viruses from the mNGS results were excluded before comparing the overall performance of these two methods in pathogen detection. Specifically, among the 10 most common bacteria implied from the mNGS results, significant differences were observed in the number of cases of Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis between the ICU and non-ICU groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the superiority of mNGS over culture in detecting all kinds of pathogen species in sputum samples. These results indicate that mNGS may serve as a valuable tool to identify pathogens, especially for ICU patients who are more susceptible to mixed infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]