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Introduction: The role of immune cells in the pathogenesis and advancement of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is crucial. The objective of this study was to identify immune-cell-related biomarkers that could potentially aid in the diagnosis and management of DN. Methods: The GSE96804 dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, screen for intersections between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune-related genes (IRGs). Identify core genes through protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and the Cytoscape plugin. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis was conducted. In addition, ROC analysis is performed to accurately identify diagnostic biomarkers. Apply the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate the proportion of immune cell infiltration. Finally, the mRNA, protein, and immunofluorescence expression of the biomarker was validated in the DN rat model. Results: The study yielded 74 shared genes associated with DN. Enrichment analysis indicated significant enrichment of these genes in focal adhesion, the humoral immune response, activation of the immune response, Cytokinecytokine receptor interaction, and IL-17 signaling pathway. The optimal candidate gene VCAM1 was identified. The presence of VCAM1 in DN was further validated using the ROC curve. Analysis of immune cell infiltration matrices revealed a high abundance of monocytes, naïve B cells, memory B cells, and Macrophages M1/M2 in DN tissues. Correlation analysis identified one hub biomarker associated with immune-infiltrated cells in DN. Furthermore, our findings were validated through in vivo RT qPCR, WB, and IF techniques. Conclusions: Our research indicates that VCAM1 is a signature gene associated with DN and is linked to the progression, treatment, and prognosis of DN. A comprehensive examination of immune infiltration signature genes may offer new perspectives on the clinical diagnosis and management of DN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bronze Zun was one of the more prevalent high-class wine containers of the Han dynasty, representing the highest level of decoration in bronze at the time. However, little has been reported about its technical characteristics and scientific value. In this paper, the samples were selected for analysis based on scientific analysis, following the principle of "minimal intervention", and a bronze Zun from the Han dynasty in the Gansu Provincial Museum collection was studied using ultra-deep field microscopy, X-ray flaw detection, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy spectrometry (EDS). The results show that the gold and silver decoration on the bronze is inlaid rather than gilt. Secondly, the body and lid of the vessel are molded in one shot, with the bird-head-shaped and animal-foot-shaped components cast separately and then attached to the lid and body. Thirdly, the corrosion of the bronze Zun is characterized by the copper matrix being corroded first and most severely, followed by the silver and, finally, the gold. The high purity of the gold wire embedded in this bronze Zun, the fine width of gold wire (154–190 μm), and the magnificent decoration show the excellent processing technology level of the precious metal and the high aesthetic level of ancient man during the Han dynasty. The results of the analysis of this bronze Zun can provide an essential reference for research on bronze vessels of the same type, the techniques of gold and silver misalignment, and the development of the history of bronze manufacture and technology during the Han dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peculiar magnetic properties of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SIONs) have spurred great interest in their potential application in enhancing medical images and drug delivery. Currently hindering the application of nanomagnetic particles in these fields is due to SIONs nonuniform size distribution, agglomeration, non-crystallinity, and low magnetic moment. In this paper, magnetic nanocrystals of different sizes and morphologies were prepared by the solvothermal method, which utilized an n-hexane-surfactant system with Fe(acac)3 and iron-powder precursors. The crystalline structure and particle size of grown SIONs are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). HRTEM showed that the SIONs were approximately 5.6–6.8 nm in size with no agglomeration and a uniform distribution. Within the reaction time, HRTEM also confirmed that the shape and nanocrystals of SIONs had changed from an irregular crystal shape to triangles and quadrilaterals, and finally to hexagonal nanoparticles. According to the test results of the magnetic properties test and the literature, the material that has been synthesized is a superparamagnetic material. And the maximum saturation magnetization was 62.65 emu/g, which is reported among the largest magnetic properties of SIONs at a size of 6.8 nm. Highlights: The SIONs are approximately 5.6–6.8 nm in size with no agglomeration and a uniform distribution. The maximum saturation magnetization was 62.65 emu/g, which is reported among the largest magnetic properties of SIONs at a size of 6.8 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionizing radiation (IR) can induce DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in tumor cells during radiotherapy (RT), but the efficiency of RT is limited because of the toxicity to normal cells. Locating an adjuvant treatment to alleviate damage in normal cells while sensitizing tumor cells to IR has attracted much attention. Here, using the 7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA)-induced malignant transformed MCF10A cells, we found that valproate (VPA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), radiosensitized transformed cells while alleviated IR-induced damage in normal cells at a safe dose (0.5 mM). We further demonstrated the decrease of homologous recombination (HR)-associated Rad51 in the transformed cells was related to the increase of its ubiquitination regulated by E3 ligase RFWD3 for the radiosensitization, which was opposite to normal cells, indicating that RFWD3-dependent ubiquitination on Rad51 was involved in the VPA-mediated radio-bidirectional effect. Through DMBA-transformed breast cancer rat model, VPA at 200 mg/kg radiosensitized tumor tissue cells by increasing RFWD3 and inhibited Rad51, while radioprotected normal tissue cells by decreasing RFWD3 and enhanced Rad51. In addition, we found high-level Rad51 was associated with tumorigenesis and poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. Our findings uncovered RFWD3-dependent Rad51 ubiquitination was the novel mechanism of VPA-mediated radio-bidirectional effect, VPA is a potential adjuvant treatment for tumor RT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer matrix composites with excellent electric field dependent nonlinear conductivity and high breakdown strength are widely used in cable accessory insulation materials. The addition of CaCu 3 Ti 4 O 12 (CCTO) can impart nonlinear conductivity to the silicone rubber materials, which can be used to improve the electric field distribution in the cable accessory. In this study, the two-component liquid silicone rubber (LSR) was chosen as polymer matrix, and CCTO nanoparticles (CCTO NPs) and CCTO nanofibers (CCTO NFs) were respectively prepared by sol-gel method and electrospinning and added into LSR polymer matrix respectively for obtaining CCTO NPs/LSR and CCTO NFs/LSR composites. The microstructures of the fillers and composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The conductivity and breakdown strength of composites at different temperatures were investigated systematically. The results showed that the electric field dependent nonlinear conductivity of composites became more and more obviously with the increase of filling content of the fillers. In addition, comparing the conductivity, breakdown strength and electric field distribution simulation of CCTO NPs/LSR with that of CCTO NFs/LSR composites, it could be found that CCTO NFs/LSR composite at a lower filling content (3 vol %) could homogenize the electric field distribution much more effectively. The results provide an effective way to solve the problem of the electric field distribution in cable accessory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial number of mouse genes, about 25%, are embryonically lethal when knocked out. Using current genetic tools, such as the CRISPR-Cas9 system, it is difficult—or even impossible—to produce viable mice with heritable embryonically lethal mutations. Here, we establish a one-step method for microinjection of CRISPR reagents into one blastomere of two-cell embryos to generate viable chimeric founder mice with a heritable embryonically lethal mutation, of either Virma or Dpm1. By examining founder mice, we identify a phenotype and role of Virma in regulating kidney metabolism in adult mice. Additionally, we generate knockout mice with a heritable postnatally lethal mutation, of either Slc17a5 or Ctla-4, and study its function in vivo. This one-step method provides a convenient system that rapidly generates knockout mice possessing lethal phenotypes. This allows relatively easy in vivo study of the associated genes' functions. Roughly 25% of mouse genes are embryonically lethal when knocked out, preventing the generation of viable mouse models. Here the authors use CRISPR-Cas9 to edit one blastomere of a two-cell embryo to generate viable chimeric mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has greatly facilitated genomic and transcriptomic studies, contributing significantly in expanding the current knowledge on genome and transcriptome. However, the continually evolving variety of sequencing platforms, protocols and analytical pipelines has led the research community to focus on cross-platform evaluation and standardization. As a NGS pioneer in China, the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) has announced its own NGS platform designated as BGISEQ-500, since 2016. The capability of this platform in large-scale DNA sequencing and small RNA analysis has been already evaluated. However, the comparative performance of BGISEQ-500 platform in transcriptome analysis remains yet to be elucidated. The Illumina series, a leading sequencing platform in China’s sequencing market, would be a preferable reference to evaluate new platforms. Methods: To this end, we describe a cross-platform comparative study between BGISEQ-500 and Illumina HiSeq4000 for analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana WT (Col 0) transcriptome. The key parameters in RNA sequencing and transcriptomic data processing were assessed in biological replicate experiments, using aforesaid platforms. Results: The results from the two platforms BGISEQ-500 and Illumina HiSeq4000 shared high concordance in both inter- (correlation, 0.88–0.93) and intra-platform (correlation, 0.95–0.98) comparison for gene quantification, identification of differentially expressed genes and alternative splicing events. However, the two platforms yielded highly variable interpretation results for single nucleotide polymorphism and insertion–deletion analysis. Conclusion: The present case study provides a comprehensive reference dataset to validate the capability of BGISEQ-500 enabling it to be established as a competitive and reliable platform in plant transcriptome analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]