Search

[Objective]A new pumpkin cultivar called Xinpin 1 for eating and processing dual-purpose was bred to provide technical support for selecting superior pumpkin cultivars in Guangxi. [Method]The female parent, inbred line YP, was derived from directional nine-generation selfing of Yipin pumpkin hybrid variety. The male parent, inbred line RT, was derived from eight-generation selfing of greenish-white pumpkin. The female parent was crossed with male parent, and variety comparison and production demonstration telts were carried out afterwards. [Result]The newly bred Xinpin 1 was proper both for eating and processing. The fruit was oval. Single fruit weight was 1.00-2.00 kg. The a-trovirens pericarp had light-color spots and pulp was orange-yellow with the thickness of 2.0-3.0 cm. With less water, starch and total sugar content was 18.0% and 3.01%, respectively. It tasted smooth and sweet with chestnut flavor. Due to tenacious pulp, it was resistant in transport. Only 65 days were required from sowing to tender pumpkin harvest and another 20 days for mature pumpkin harvest. The mean yield in variety comparison test was 24564.0 kg/ha, and it was 22440.0-25299.0 kg/ha in production demonstration. [Conclusion]Having outstanding yield and quality traits, Xinpin 1 can be extended as an early cultivation cultivar in winter and spring for Guangxi pumpkin planting area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective]A new tetraploid few-seed watermelon variety was bred suitable for open field and green-house to diversify watermelon varieties for enhancing competitiveness of Guangxi watermelon industry. [Method]In 2009, tetraploid watermelon 403 (female parent) and tetraploid watermelon JL (male parent) produced a new hybrid tetraploid watermelon Xinggui 6, which was tested for two consecutive years in open field (2009-2010) and greenhouse (2011-2012). [Result]The entire growth period of Xinggui 6 was 90-100 d in spring and 65-80 d in autumn. Its fruit maturity period was 29-35 d. Its single fruit weight was 3.5-4.5 kg and the fruit was round, dark green and bright covered by green stripes. The rind thickness was 1.0-1.2 cm. Xinggui 6 was resistant in storage and transportation. The pulp was bright red and smooth with less fiber, less seed and more juice. Xinggui 6 was firm, fresh and sweet with good quality and its sugar content was 11.5% in the center. In 2009-2010, its average yield was 38081.3 and 34602.8 kg/ha, up by 15.6% and 13.7% over the control. In 2011-2012, its average yield was 66577.5 and 63169.5 kg/ha, up by 18.1% and 15.0% over the control. In 2012, the average yield in Guangxi regional trial was 34182.0 kg/ha, up by 10.8%. In 2010-2012, the average yield in open field was 32550.0-36585.0 kg/ha, up by 10.6%-15.5% and the average yield in greenhouse was 60178.5-63168.0 kg/ha, up by 12.6%-15.2%. [Conclusion] This new hybrid tetraploid watermelon Xinggui 6, appropriate for open field and greenhouse, should be extended in watermelon planting areas of Guangxi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six flavonoids, persicogenin ( 1 ), artemetin ( 2 ), luteolin ( 3 ), penduletin ( 4 ), vitexicarpin ( 5 ) and chrysosplenol-D ( 6 ), have been isolated for the first time as new cell cycle inhibitors from Vitex trifolia L., a Chinese folk medicine used to treat cancers, through a bioassay-guided separation procedure. They were identified by spectroscopic methods. The inhibitory effects of 1 – 6 on the proliferation of mammalian cancer cells have been evaluated by the SRB (sulforhodamine B) method and their effects on cell cycle and apoptosis investigated by flow cytometry with the morphological observation under light microscope and by agarose-gel electrophoresis to detect internucleosomal DNA fragmentation. Compounds 1 – 6 inhibited the proliferation of mouse tsFT210 cancer cells with the IC50s (µg?ml -1 ) > 100 (inhibition rate at 100?µg?ml -1 , 47.9%) for 1 , >100 (inhibition rate at 100?µg?ml -1 , 49.6 %) for 2 , 10.7 for 3 , 19.8 for 4 , 0.3 for 5 , and 3.5 for 6 . Flow cytometric investigations for 1 – 6 demonstrated that 1 – 5 mainly inhibited cell cycle at the G2/M phase in a dose-dependent manner with a weak induction of apoptosis on the tsFT210 cells, while 6 induced mainly apoptosis of the same tsFT210 cells also in a dose-dependent manner together with a weak inhibition of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 and G2/M phases, demonstrating that 1 – 6 exert their anti-proliferative effect on tsFT210 cells through inhibiting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. In contrast to the cell cycle G2/M phase inhibitory main effect on tsFT210 cells, 5 induced mainly apoptosis on human myeloid leukemia K562 cells with a weak inhibition of the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. The present result provides flavonoids 1 – 6 as new cell cycle inhibitors and 1 and 4 as new anticancer flavonoids, which not only provide the first example of cell cycle G2/M phase inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing constituents of V. trifolia L. but also explain the use of Vitex trifolia L. by Chinese people to treat cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water-soluble fullerene derivative C60(OH)x was radiolabeled with 67GaCl3. The labeling yields were determined by radio-PLC. The effects of pH, reaction time, temperature and the amount of C60(OH)x on the labeling yields were studied. The stability of 67Ga-C60(OH)x was also examined. The results showed that the labeling yields could reach 97% under the best labeling conditions and the radiochemical purity of 67Ga-C60(OH)x solution kept at 37 °C remained at 88% after 212 hours. The biodistribution studies of 67Ga-C60(OH)x in mice showed a high localization of 67Ga-C60(OH)x in the bone marrow, bone, liver and spleen with slow clearance and a negligible accumulation in the blood. These data suggest that the water-soluble C60(OH)x, having the same properties as microcolloids, may be used as a carrier of drug system for lymphatic targeting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Acidic DES assisted bamboo delignification and promoted the cleavage of β- O -4′ linkages. • Elevated reaction temperature lead to increased phenolic OH groups but lower molecular weights. • The regenerated lignins exhibited higher thermal stability and excellent antioxidant activity. • Lignin condensation occurs with depolymerization process. Deep eutectic solvent (DES) as novel and green solvents can efficiently promote the fractionation of high-purity lignin from lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment. Revealing the fundamental chemistry of lignin during DES pretreatment will improve methodology to optimize the pretreatment in an integrated biorefinery. Herein, an acidic biomass-derived DES (choline chloride/oxalic acid) pretreatment was developed to deconstruct the recalcitrance of bamboo for enhanced lignin fractionation and valorization. The structure transformation of the regenerated lignin samples obtained at different pretreatment temperatures has been investigated in comparison with enzymatic mild acidolysis lignin (EMAL) by state-of-the-art NMR (2D HSQC, quantitative 13C, 31P), GPC, and TGA analysis. The results revealed that acidic DES assisted bamboo delignification and promoted the cleavage of β- O -4′ linkages at elevated reaction temperature, leading to an increase in the sustained rise of phenolic OH groups and lower molecular weights. Those lignin samples exhibited higher thermal stability and excellent antioxidant activity, suggesting great potential applications in lignin-based chemicals and material. Lignin condensation with unsaturated reactive intermediates which is accompanied by the depolymerization process during this acidic DES system. The results also highlight the utilization of acidic DES as a low-cost, high performance with a long delignification durability and thermal stability. Overall, the insights gained here could shed new light on the design and fabrication of efficient and durable DES-based pretreatment for the production of bio-fuel, bio-based materials and bio-chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Glioblastoma is one of the most common malignant tumors in the brain, and these glioblastoma patients have very poor prognosis. Ferroptosis is involved in the progression of various tumors, including the glioblastoma. This study aims to determine the involvement of microRNA (miR)-147a in regulating ferroptosis of glioblastoma in vitro. Methods. Human glioblastoma cell lines were transfected with the inhibitor, mimic and matched negative controls of miR-147a in the presence or absence of ferroptotic inducers. To knock down the endogenous solute carrier family 40 member 1 (SLC40A1), cells were transfected with the small interfering RNA against SLC40A1. In addition, cells with or without the miR-147a mimic treatment were also incubated with temozolomide (TMZ) to investigate whether miR-147a overexpression could sensitize human glioblastoma cells to TMZ chemotherapy in vitro. Results. We found that miR-147a level was decreased in human glioblastoma tissues and cell lines and that the miR-147a mimic significantly suppressed the growth of glioblastoma cells in vitro. In addition, miR-147a expression was elevated in human glioblastoma cells upon erastin or RSL3 stimulation. Treatment with the miR-147a mimic significantly induced ferroptosis of glioblastoma cells, and the ferroptotic inhibitors could block the miR-147a mimic-mediated tumor suppression in vitro. Conversely, the miR-147a inhibitor prevented erastin- or RSL3-induced ferroptosis and increased the viability of glioblastoma cells in vitro. Mechanistically, we determined that miR-147a directly bound to the 3 ′ -untranslated region of SLC40A1 and inhibited SLC40A1-mediated iron export, thereby facilitating iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, miR-147a mimic-treated human glioblastoma cells exhibited higher sensitivity to TMZ chemotherapy than those treated with the mimic control in vitro. Conclusion. We for the first time determine that miR-147a targets SLC40A1 to induce ferroptosis in human glioblastoma in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study aims to estimate the incidence of metachronous second primary lung cancer(SPLC) in initial primary lung cancer(IPLC) survivors and to determine whether radiotherapy affects the risk of metachronous SPLC in the first five years after the diagnosis of lung cancer. Incidence data of IPLC individuals who survived ≥2 years were obtained from SEER-18 database in 2004–2007. Joinpoint regression analysis and competing risk analysis were used to calculate the incidence of metachronous SPLC. Propensity score matching and decision analysis were available to estimate the effect of radiotherapy on metachronous SPLC. 264 of 11657 IPLC survivors with radiotherapy and 1090 of 24499 IPLC survivors without radiotherapy developed metachronous SPLC during 5-year follow-up, respectively. In joinpoint regression analysis, the 5-year incidence of metachronous SPLC in the radiotherapy group was lower than that in the nonradiotherapy group(2385 per 100,000 vs 4748 per 100,000, HR = 0.43,95% CI:0.39–0.47). Competing risk analysis showed that the survivors with radiotherapy were associated with the lower 5 year incidence of metachronous SPLC compared with those without radiotherapy(2.28% vs 4.47%, HR = 0.49,95% CI:0.43–0.57). Through propensity score matching, 4077 pairs of survivors were available to further study that radiotherapy potentially decreased the risk of developing metachronous SPLC with the adjustment of various factors(2.5% vs 3.3%, HR = 0.72, 95% CI:0.55–0.96). Decision analysis suggested that radiotherapy was a negative independent risk factor of metachronous SPLC with clinical net benefit in a range of risk thresholds (2% to 5%). Survivors of IPLC with radiotherapy likely had a low risk of metachronous SPLC during the first five years follow-up, especially non-small cell lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the performance of tandem organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), we study the novel NaCl as n-type dopant in Bphen:NaCl layer. By analyzing their relevant energy levels and carrier transporting characteristics, we discuss the mechanisms of the effective charge generation layer (CGL) of Bphen:NaCl (6 wt%)/MoO3. In addition, we use the Bphen:NaCl (20 wt%) layer as the electron injection layer (EIL) combining the CGL to further improve the performance of tandem device. For this tandem device, the maximal current efficiency of 9.32 cd/A and the maximal power efficiency of 1.93 lm/W are obtained, which are enhanced approximately by 2.1 and 1.1 times compared with those of the single-emissive-unit device respectively. We attribute this improvement to the increase of electron injection ability by introducing of Bphen:NaCl layer. Moreover, the CGL is almost completely transparent in the visible light region, which is also important to achieve an efficient tandem OLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid tumors and leads to the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. The role of epigenetic regulation between hypoxia and aberrant cholesterol metabolism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains elusive. Methods: Hypoxia-responsive circular RNAs (circRNAs) were identified by high throughput RNA sequencing between CRC cells cultured under normoxia or hypoxia. The protein-coding potential of circINSIG1 was identified by polysome profiling and LC–MS. The function of circINSIG1 was validated in vitro and in vivo by gain or loss of function assays. Mechanistic results were concluded by immunoprecipitation analyses. Results: A novel hypoxia-responsive circRNA named circINSIG1 was identified, which was upregulated in CRC tissues and correlated with advanced clinical stages and poor survival. Mechanistically, circINSIG1 encoded a 121 amino acid protein circINSIG1-121 to promote K48-linked ubiquitination of the critical cholesterol metabolism regulator INSIG1 at lysine 156 and 158 by recruiting CUL5-ASB6 complex, a ubiquitin E3 ligase complex, thereby inducing cholesterol biosynthesis to promote CRC proliferation and metastasis. The orthotopic xenograft tumor models and patient-derived xenograft models further identified the role of circINSIG1 in CRC progression and potential therapeutic target of CRC. Conclusions: circINSIG1 presents an epigenetic mechanism which provides insights into the crosstalk between hypoxia and cholesterol metabolism, and provides a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was high (36%). • Prevalence of MAFLD increased significantly in the past three decades. • Prevalence of metabolic unhealthy non-diabetes subtype was the highest, followed by mixed subtype. • MAFLD was associated with an increased all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. • A significant impact of metabolic parameters on the relationship between MAFLD and all-cause mortality was demonstrated. Given the escalating epidemic of obesity and diabetes coupled with redefined diagnostic criteria, it is critical to identify the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We sought to determine the prevalence and mortality outcomes of MAFLD subtypes based on diagnostic criteria in the USA over the past three decades. Eleven cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES; 1988–1994 and 1999–2020) were used, and 72,224 participants were included. MAFLD was defined according to the 2020 International Expert Consensus. Based on diagnostic criteria and risk factors, MAFLD was categorized into seven subtypes: type 1 (obesity subtype), 2 (metabolic unhealthy subtype), 3 (diabetes subtype), 4 (metabolic unhealthy non-diabetes subtype), 5 (obesity and diabetes subtype), 6 (metabolic unhealthy non-obesity subtype), and 7 (mixed subtype). Over the study period, the estimated prevalence of MAFLD increased significantly from 22% in 1988–1994 to 36% in 2017–2020. The prevalence of Type 4 was the highest, followed by that of Type 7, whereas other types were low and almost unchanged over time. Individuals with MAFLD had 19% and 38% increased mortality risks from all causes and cardiovascular disease, respectively. Among them, the metabolically unhealthy participants with normal weight demonstrated a 116% higher risk for all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR): 2.16, 95% CI: 1.52–3.08] and a 222% higher risk for cardiovascular mortality (HR: 3.22, 95% CI: 1.72–6.04). Interestingly, stratification and interaction analyses demonstrated a significant impact of metabolic parameters on the relationship between MAFLD and all-cause mortality. In conclusion, our study identified an increase in MAFLD prevalence and a significant association between metabolic derangements in MAFLD and all-cause or cardiovascular mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oxidized and polished multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were dispersed in aqueous solution, providing a highly stable suspension of purified, shortened, and functionalized carboxylic acid nanotubes. A gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), which was overexpressed in the plasma membrane of several types of cancer cells, was covalently anchored onto the surface of the oxidized MWCNTs via an amide linkage. The MWCNTs modified with GnRH (MWCNTs–GnRH) were characterized by UV–vis and emission spectra, and elemental analysis. Red-shift in the optical spectra consisting of the UV–vis absorption and emission spectra with the attraction of GnRH on the surface of the MWCNTs was observed due to the attraction of GnRH on the surface of the MWCNTs via π stacking, however, there was no property for a direct mixture of MWCNTs and GnRH, supporting the successful modification. Elemental analysis revealed that the sidewall coverage of MWCNTs by the GnRH was about 0.7% of the available surface area. The non toxic GnRH and MWCNTs can separately enter the DU 145 cells. In contrast, GnRH–MWCNTs entered the cells and showed toxicity in the malignant cells. These results showed that the newly formed toxic material had potential ability to kill the malignant cells with just a simple covalent bonding of the two. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Scorpion venom is composed of a large repertoire of biologically active polypeptides. However, most of these peptides remain to be identified and characterized. In this paper, we report the identification and characterization of four novel disulfide-bridged venom peptides (named BmKBTx, BmKITx, BmKKx1 and BmKKx2, respectively) from the Chinese scorpion, Mesobuthus martensii (also named Buthus martensii Karsch). BmKBTx is composed of 58 amino acid residues and cross-linked by three disulfide bridges. The sequence of BmKBTx shows some similarities to that of the toxin, birtoxin, and its analogs. It is likely that BmKBTx is a β-toxin active on Na+ channels, which is toxic to either insects or mammals. BmKITx is composed of 71 amino acid residues with four disulfide bridges. It is the longest venom peptide identified from M. martensii so far. BmKITx shows little sequence identity with scorpion α-toxins toxic to insects. It is likely that BmKITx is a new type of Na+-channel specific toxin active on both insects and mammals. BmKKx1 contains 38 amino acid residues cross-linked by three disulfide bridges and shows 84% sequence identity with BmTx3, an inhibitor of A-type K+ channel and HERG currents. BmKKx1 has been classified as α-KTx-15.8. BmKKx2 is composed of 36 residues and stabilized by three disulfide bridges. BmKKx2 is a new member of the γ-K+-channel toxin subfamily (classified as γ-KTx 2.2). The venoms of scorpions thus continue to provide novel toxins with potential novel actions on targets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel cDNA clone (named BmKT-u) which is a hybrid molecule of the 5′-terminal region of BmKT’ cDNA and the 3′-terminal region of an undocumented cDNA (named BmKu), was isolated from a cDNA library made from the venom gland of scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. BmKT-u codes for a 30 amino acid residue precursor peptide composed of a 20-residue signal sequence, and a putative 10-residue novel mature peptide. Northern blot hybridization showed BmKT-u cDNA is generated from a transcript. RT-PCR experiments excluded the possibility that BmKT-u cDNA is an artifact generated during reverse transcription. Genomic amplifications performed with three pairs of BmKT-u gene-specific primers showed the BmKT-u gene does not exist in the genome of the scorpion as a single transcriptional unit. Genomic cloning for BmKT’ showed that the BmKT’ gene contains an intron of 509bp inserted into the region encoding the C-terminal region of the signal peptide. A sequence alignment comparison of the cDNA of BmKT-u with genomic BmKT’ revealed that the junction site of the hybrid molecule is located at the 5′-splicing site of the intron. The data suggest that the BmKT-u transcript is a naturally occurring mature mRNA that is generated by trans-splicing. Trans-splicing may contribute to the diversity of venom peptides from venomous animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Infrared metamaterial absorber (MMA) based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) configuration with flexible design, perfect and selective absorption, has attracted much attention recently for passive radiative cooling applications. To cool objects passively, broadband infrared absorption (i.e. 8–14 μm) is desirable to emit thermal energy through atmosphere window. We present a novel MMA composed of multilayer MIM resonators periodically arranged on a PbTe/MgF2 bilayer substrate. Verified by the rigorous coupled-wave analysis method, the proposed MMA shows a relative bandwidth of about 45% (from 8.3 to 13.1 μm with the absorption intensity over 0.8). The broadband absorption performs stably over a wide incident angle range (below 50°) and predicts 12 K cooling below ambient temperature at nighttime. Compared with the previous passive radiative coolers, our design gets rid of the continuous metal substrate and provides an almost ideal transparency window (close to 100%) for millimeter waves over 1 mm. The structure is expected to have potential applications in thermal control of integrated devices, where millimeter wave signal compatibility is also required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The absolute configuration of cepharanthine (1), a strongly bioactive bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid exhibiting 12 specific bioactivities without any reported negative side-effects, has been reassigned from (1 R ,1′ S) to (1 R ,1′ R) using quantum theory. The absolute configurations (ACs) of 13 other analogues of 1 were also systematically reassigned. Six quaternary salts were prepared from 1 and one exhibited strong anti-bacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis with MIC 0.31 μ M, while Ciprofloxacin, the positive control medicine was 3.88 μ M. This work established the critical importance of correlating chiroptical experimental spectra with their quantum mechanically predicted spectra for accurate stereogenic center assignments. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Four binuclear Cu(I) complexes of neutral or deprotonated 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5- f ][1,10]-phenanthroline (pipH) and diphosphine were synthesized. The two Cu(I) complexes with deprotonated pipH show obvious blue shift and stronger emission compare to the other two with neutral pipH. Abstract Reaction of 2-(2-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5- f ][1,10]-phenanthroline (pipH), [Cu(MeCN) 4 ]ClO 4 and diphosphine ligand bis[(2-diphenylphosphino)phenyl] ether (POP) or 9,9-dimethyl-4,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)-9H-xanthene (xantphos) in a 1:2:2 ratio generated four binuclear copper(I) complexes, [Cu 2 (pipH)(PP) 2 ](ClO 4) 2 (PP = POP, 1a ; xantphos, 2a) and [Cu 2 (pip)(PP) 2 ]ClO 4 (PP = POP, 1b ; xantphos, 2b) in neutral and strong alkaline media, respectively. Complexes 1b and 2b containing deprotonated pipH show obvious blue shift and stronger emission compared to complexes 1a and 2a with neutral pipH due to the stronger binding ability, the higher rigidity and conjugate degree resulting from anionic pip ligand and less vibrational quenching due to the loss of N H bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The first example of RCF of fermentation residues was illustrated. • The fermented stover residues are abundant renewable lignin-rich bioresources. • Lignins of fermented residues contain lower molecular weight and β- O -4′ linkages. • 28.5 wt% yield of phenolic monomers was obtained at 220 °C over a Pd/C catalyst. The fermented corn stover residues are abundant renewable lignin-rich bioresources that show great potential to produce aromatic phenols. However, selective catalytic hydrogenolysis of this residual material still remains challenge to obtain high yields. Herein, a novel strategy to produce monophenolic compounds from the fermented stover over a commercial Pd/C catalyst was proposed. Taking the reaction temperature as the key variable, the highest monomer yield was 28.5 wt% at 220 °C in compaction with that of the pristine corn stover (22.8 wt%). The enhanced monophenol yield was due to the higher contents of lignin and less recalcitrance in the fermented stover. Moreover, the van Krevelen diagram revealed a slight selective C O bond scission of lignin macromolecular during fermentation as well as the dehydration and deoxygenation in hydrogenolysis reaction. Overall, this work opens a new avenue for the valorization of lignin through reductive catalytic fractionation of agricultural wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ZNF300, which plays the role in human embryonic development and some diseases, is a typical KRAB/C2H2 zinc finger gene expressed only in higher mammalians. Our data showed that expression of ZNF300 changed significantly in various leukemia blasts in the bone marrow aspirates of newly diagnosed leukemia patients. To investigate the potential relationship between expression of ZNF300 and the progression of leukemia development and hematopoietic differentiation, we cloned and characterized the putative human ZNF300 gene promoter and identified its transcription start sites (TSSs). Deletion and mutagenesis analysis demonstrated that a myeloid-specific transcription factor PU.1 binding site was responsible for myeloid-specific regulation of ZNF300 promoter activity. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that PU.1 bound to the PU.1 binding site within ZNF300 promoter region in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of PU.1 elevated ZNF300 promoter activity, whereas silencing of PU.1 expression significantly reduced the activity in myeloid-derived HL-60 cell but not in T-cell Jurkat. In vitro induced HL-60 cells into CD11b expressing cells by DMSO demonstrated that ZNF300 was upregulated along with upregulation of PU.1 expression. These results demonstrated that ZNF300 was activated by PU.1 and suggested that the regulation may be involved in the progression of leukemia development and hematopoietic differentiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An important biologically-relevant property of fullerenol is its ability to quench free radicals. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity model was used to investigate the possible mechanisms of fullerenol protection in Sprague–Dawley rats in this study. Rats were administrated with fullerenol (0, 1, 1.5 and 5mg/kgd) by intravenous or intraperitoneal injection for 3days before CCl4 challenge, 24h following the CCl4 challenge, all the rats were assessed using serum and tissue homogenates biomarkers as well as the pathological evaluation. All results showed that CCl4 caused significant increasing serum activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, as well as the concentration of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine. Malondialdehyde level was also increased significantly, whereas the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione was decreased in tissue homogenates. The pathological evaluation indicated the liver and kidney were damaged by CCl4. Fullerenol-pretreatment alleviated biomarker changes as well as histological changes significantly, and fullerenol-pretreatment alone can increase the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione, which indicated fullerenol could protect tissues against CCl4-induced oxidative stress by improving the antioxidant ability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An increasing number of studies have been devoted to studying the respiratory toxicity of carbon nanomaterials, but little information is known, thus far, on the biodistribution of these nanomaterials after inhalation or intratracheal instillation. We synthesized and labeled a polyhydroxylated derivative of fullerene C60(OH) x (x =22,24) with 99mTc. With single photon emission computed tomography imaging and 〈gamma〉-ray counting techniques, the biodistribution of 99mTc-C60(OH) x in Sprague–Dawley rats after intratracheal instillation was studied. It was found that, besides the highest retention in the lung, 99mTc-C60(OH) x is distributed mainly in the liver, bone, and spleen, with no uptake found in brain. The long-term retention in the lung and the very fast clearance from the blood revealed a transient characteristic of penetrating the alveolar-capillary barrier. The dimensions and size distribution, as well as in vivo aggregation of 99mTc-C60(OH) x , may affect the capability and kinetic process of penetrating the alveolar-capillary barrier. The results provide guidance for further study of the respiratory toxicity of carbon nanomaterials. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human ZNF268 gene is a typical Kruppel-associated box! C2H2 zinc finger gene whose homolog has been found only in higher mammals and not in lower mammals such as mouse. Its expression profiles have suggested that it plays a role in the differentiation of blood cells during early human embryonic development and the pathogenesis of leukemia. To gain additional insight into the molecular mechanisms controlling the expression of the ZNF268 gene and to provide the necessary tools for further genetic studies of leukemia, we have mapped the 5′-end of the human ZNF268 mRNA by reverse transcription-PCR and primer extension assays. We then cloned the 5′-flanking genomic DNA containing the putative ZNF268 gene promoter and analyzed its function in several different human and mouse tissue culture cell lines. Interestingly, our studies show that the ZNF268 gene lacks a typical eukaryotic promoter that is present upstream of the transcription start site and directs a basal level of transcription. Instead, the functional promoter requires an essential element that is located within the first exon of the gene. Deletion and mutational analysis reveals the requirement for a cAMP response-element-binding protein (CREB)-binding site within this element for promoter function. Gel mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirm that CREB-2 binds to the site in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, over- expression of CREB-2 enhances the promoter activity. These results demonstrate that the human ZNF268 gene promoter is atypical and requires an intragenic element located within the first exon that mediates the effect of CREB for its activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: At least 25 nondisulfide-bridged peptides (NDBPs) have been identified and characterized from scorpions. However, the genomic organization of the genes that encode these peptides have not been reported yet. BmKa1, BmKa2 and BmKb1 are three novel genes that code for NDBPs identified by our group from Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. Based on their cDNA sequences, the genomic DNA sequences encoding these peptides were obtained using the PCR method. Sequence analysis showed that three distinct genomic structural patterns are used to encode these three peptides. The BmKa1 gene is not interrupted by any introns. However, the BmKa2 gene is composed of two exons, interrupted by a 67bp intron that is located in the DNA region encoding the mature peptide. Two genomic homologues of the BmKb1 cDNA sequence, named BmKb1′ and BmKb2, respectively, were obtained. The BmKb1′ gene contains one intron of 593bp, inserted into the DNA region that encodes the signal peptide. Similarly, the BmKb2 gene also contains an intron that interrupts the exon that encodes the NDBP signal peptide. The amino acid sequences deduced for BmKb2 and BmKb1′ differ only at one position. The data suggest that the genomic organizational pattern of NDBPs displays more divergence than that exhibited by the genes that encode disulfide-bridged peptides from scorpions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To investigate the zinc finger genes involved in human embryonic development, we constructed a C2H2-ZNF enriched human embryonic cDNA library, from which a novel human gene named hKid3 was identified. The hKid3 cDNA encodes a 554 amino acid protein with an amino-terminal KRAB domain and 11 carboxyl-terminal C2H2 zinc finger motifs. Northern blot analysis indicates that two hKid3 transcripts of 6 and 8.5kb express in human fetal brain and kidney. The 6kb transcript can also be detected in human adult brain, heart, and skeletal muscle while the 8.5kb transcript appears to be embryo-specific. GFP-fused hKid3 protein is localized to nuclei and the ZF domain is necessary and sufficient for nuclear localization. To explore the DNA-binding specificity of hKid3, an oligonucleotide library was selected by GST fusion protein of hKid3 ZF domain, and the consensus core sequence 5′-CCAC-3′ was evaluated by competitive electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Moreover, The KRAB domain of hKid3 exhibits transcription repressor activity when tested in GAL4 fusion protein assay. These results indicate that hKid3 may function as a transcription repressor with regulated expression pattern during human development of brain and kidney. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The scorpion venom peptides with no disulfide bridge are rarely identified and poorly characterized so far. Here, we report the identification and characterization of four novel disulfide-bridge-free venom peptides (BmKa1, BmKa2, BmKb1 and BmKn2) from Buthus martensii Kasch. BmKa1 and BmKa2 are very acidic and hydrophilic, showing no any similarity to other proteins, whereas BmKb1 and BmKn2 both are basic, α-helical peptide with an amidated C-terminus, showing a little homology with other peptides. Functional tests with synthetic peptide showed that BmKn2 has strong antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas BmKb1 has weak activity in inhibiting the growth of these bacteria. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nearly one-third of Krupple-type C2H2 zinc finger proteins have a krupple-associated box (KRAB) domain, which may act as a transcriptional repressor. ZNF268, which was novelty isolated from early human embryo, is a typical krupple-type C2H2 zinc finger protein with a conserved KRAB domain. In this report, the KRAB domain of ZNF268 is identified to localize in the nucleus and has transcriptional repressor activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a cDNA library of Chinese scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, full-length cDNAs of 351 nucleotides encoding precursors (named BmKIM) that contain signal peptides of 21 amino acid residues, a mature toxin of 61 residues with four disulfide bridges, and an extra Gly-Lys-Lys tail, were isolated. The genomic sequence of BmKIM was cloned and sequenced; it consisted of two exons disrupted by an intron of 1622 bp, the largest known in scorpion toxin genomes, inserted in the region encoding the signal peptide. The cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli . The recombinant BmKIM was toxic to both mammal and insects. This is the first report that a toxin with such high sequence homology with an insect-specific depressant toxin group exhibits toxicity to mammals. Using whole cell patch-clamp recording, it was discovered that the recombinant BmKIM inhibited thesodium current in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons andventricular myocytes and protected against aconitine- induced cardiac arrhythmia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Structures and pyrolytic characteristics of organosolv lignins were studied. • Pine lignin had a high selectivity (77.26 %) for guaiacol-type products at 400 °C. • The dominant pyrolytic product of poplar lignin was phenol (23.19 %) at 600 °C. • 4-Vinyl phenol reached its highest content of 32.64 % at 500 °C from bamboo lignin. Three typical lignins from pine (softwood), poplar (hardwood), and bamboo (herbaceous biomass) were isolated using organosolv dioxane. Their chemical structures were identified and the pyrolytic characteristics were investigated comprehensively. The results indicated that pine lignin possessed the highest content of guaiacyl (G) units, the least β- O -4′ aryl ether linkages and best thermal-stability. A high selectivity of 77.26 % for guaiacol-type products from pine lignin was obtained at 400 °C. Bamboo lignin had the most uniform molecular distribution and 40.31 % p -coumarate (p CA) units. The dominant pyrolytic product of bamboo lignin was 4-vinyl phenol with a high content up to 32.64 % at 500 °C. 48.17 % p -hydroxybenzoates (PB) and abundant syringyl (S) units existed in poplar lignin, and phenol was the predominant pyrolytic product with the maximum content of 23.19 % at 600 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new imine ligand and its ionic and neutral cuprous complexes were synthesized, and their structures and naked-eye phosphorescence were studied. The ionic complexes show a weak emission in solution, but display a good emission in the solid state, while the neutral complexes exhibit good naked-eye phosphorescence both in solution and in the solid state. [Display omitted] Here, a new imine ligand, 2-(6-methoxynaphthyl)-1 H -imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (mipH), and three pairs of its ionic and neutral Cu(I) complexes were synthesized. Their crystal structures and naked-eye phosphorescence were studied. All the Cu(I) complexes show good phosphorescence emissive properties in the solid state in the visible region, but in dichloromethane solutions, only the neutral Cu(I) complexes emit good naked-eye phosphorescence, which contrasts sharply with the weak luminescence of the ionic Cu(I) complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well-documented etiologic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally, the mechanism by which HBV facilitates cancer development remains largely elusive. In this study, we employed advanced methodologies including, single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, western blot analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR and Cut&Tag to investigate the expression of DTL and its biological functions in HCC. We observed that DTL is overexpressed in HBV-positive HCC samples, with its elevated expression being associated with increased tumor cell proliferation and reduced overall and disease-free survival rates. The upregulation of DTL expression was specifically induced by the HBV regulatory protein HBx, thereby substantiating the oncogenic potential of HBV. Mechanistically, our findings indicated that the HBx protein augments DTL transcription by binding to its promoter region, subsequently facilitating HCC cell proliferation and modulating cell cycle progression, particularly by increasing the proportion of cells in the S phase. Furthermore, DTL was identified as a protein that interacts with HBx and associates with the Cullin4-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRL4s), thereby stabilizing HBx by reducing its ubiquitin-mediated degradation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that DTL not only facilitated cancer cell proliferation by modulating the cell cycle but also promoted tumorigenesis in nude mice. Moreover, DTL expression modifies the tumor immune microenvironment by increasing the proportion of regulatory T cells, thereby contributing to immune evasion. In summary, our findings underscore the pivotal role of DTL as a key regulator in HBV-related HCC by influencing cell cycle progression and establishing a positive feedback loop involving the HBx-DTL-CRL4s. These insights expand our understanding of HBV oncogenic mechanisms and suggest that DTL could serve as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target, potentially enhancing patient outcomes., (© 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Complex plasmas consist of ionized gas and charged solid microparticles, representing the plasma state of soft matter. We apply machine learning methods to investigate a melting transition in a two-dimensional complex plasma. A convolutional neural network is constructed and trained with the numerical simulation. The hexatic phase is successfully identified and the evolution of topological defects is studied during melting transition in both simulations and experiments.

Brain glymphatic dysfunction is critical in neurodegenerative processes. While animal studies have provided substantial insights, understandings in humans remains limited. Recent attention has focused on the non-invasive evaluation of brain glymphatic function. However, its association with brain parenchymal lesions in large-scale population remains under-investigated. In this cross-sectional analysis of 1030 participants (57.14 ± 9.34 years, 37.18% males) from the Shunyi cohort, we developed an automated pipeline to calculate diffusion-weighted image analysis along the perivascular space (ALPS), with a lower ALPS value indicating worse glymphatic function. The automated ALPS showed high consistency with the manual calculation of this index (ICC = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.662-0.898). We found that those with older age and male sex had lower automated ALPS values (β = -0.051, SE = 0.004, p < .001, per 10 years, and β = -0.036, SE = 0.008, p < .001, respectively). White matter hyperintensity (β = -2.458, SE = 0.175, p < .001) and presence of lacunes (OR = 0.004, 95% CI < 0.002-0.016, p < .001) were significantly correlated with decreased ALPS. The brain parenchymal and hippocampal fractions were significantly associated with decreased ALPS (β = 0.067, SE = 0.007, p < .001 and β = 0.040, SE = 0.014, p = .006, respectively) independent of white matter hyperintensity. Our research implies that the automated ALPS index is potentially a valuable imaging marker for the glymphatic system, deepening our understanding of glymphatic dysfunction., (© 2024 The Author(s). Human Brain Mapping published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)