Search

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important forage crops used to feed livestock, such as cattle and sheep, and the sulfur amino acid (SAA) content of alfalfa is used as an index of its nutritional value. Aspartate kinase (AK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of aspartate to Asp-phosphate, the first step in the aspartate family biosynthesis pathway, and adenylylsulfate reductase (APR) catalyzes the conversion of activated sulfate to sulfite, providing reduced sulfur for the synthesis of cysteine, methionine, and other essential metabolites and secondary compounds. To reduce the feedback inhibition of other metabolites, we cloned bacterial AK and APR genes, modified AK, and introduced them into alfalfa. Compared to the wild-type alfalfa, the content of cysteine increased by 30% and that of methionine increased substantially by 60%. In addition, a substantial increase in the abundance of essential amino acids (EAAs), such as aspartate and lysine, was found. The results also indicated a close connection between amino acid metabolism and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The total amino acid content and the forage biomass tested showed no significant changes in the transgenic plants. This approach provides a new method for increasing SAAs and allows for the development of new genetically modified crops with enhanced nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We used negative stain electron microscopy (EM) to examine the conformational changes in the ectodomains required for activation of the leukocyte integrins αXβ2 and αLβ2. They transitioned between a bent conformation and two extended conformations in which the headpiece was in either a closed or an open state. Extended integrins exhibited marked flexibility at the α subunit genu and between integrin epidermal growth factor-like (I-EGF) domains 1 and 2. A clasp to mimic juxtamembrane association between the integrin α and β subunits stabilized the bent conformation strongly for αXβ2 and less so for αLβ2. A small molecule allosteric antagonist induced the extended, open headpiece conformation. A Fab known to activate β2 integrins on leukocytes induced extension, and a Fab reporter of activation bound only after extension had been induced. The results establish an intimate relationship between extension of β2 integrins and their activation in immune responses and leukocyte trafficking. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nfbp6 was a floral homeotic gene isolated from tobacco. It showed high homology with other class C genes. Using in situ hybridization technique, the expression of Nfbp6 was investigated in various stages of flower development. The results showed that Nfbp6 was expressed at low level during the initiation period of stamen and carpel primordia. In the later stage of flower bud development, the transcription level of Nfbp6 gene increased especially during the formation of pollen and ovule. The Nfbp6 gene expression was also observed in the transmitting tissue of style, stomium and circular cell clusters of the anther. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cephalopods have remarkable ability to change their body color across a wide range of wavelengths, yet the structural basis remains largely unknown. Reflectin, a protein family assumed to be responsible for structural color in cephalopods, has unique features of higher-order assembly that are tightly regulated by aromatic molecules. Here, we reconstructed the dynamic and reversible color change using purified reflectin protein and demonstrated how the conformational change and the status of assembly led to the change in optical properties. In addition, optical spectral and structural analyses indicated that the "cephalopod-blue" primarily resulted from wavelength-dependent light scattering rather than reflection. Our results suggest a possible role of reflectin in color dynamics. The in vitro reconstruction system we present here may serve as an initial step for designing bio-inspired optical materials based on reflectin protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor plant growth and low pollutant bioavailability in contaminated soils limit phytoremediation efficiency. Pot experiments were conducted to investigate the effects and mechanisms of Piriformospora indica inoculation on the phytoremediation of Cd–Cr co-contaminated soils from farmland using king grass. P. indica colonization increased plant biomass by 20.4–24.6% and enhanced Cd/Cr accumulation in root, stem and leave tissues. Root vascular cylinder and cortex were the major structures for Cd/Cr transportation in plants. The amounts of Cd and Cr extracted by king grass considerably increased in the presence of P. indica (by 31.5–88.9% and 22.4–38.4%, respectively), as did the removal efficiency of both metals from soils (by 13.2–32.2% and 23.2–33.5%, respectively). Cd/Cr phytoextraction was closely related to the contents of alkanes, lipids and acids in root exudates. Following inoculation, the respiration of microbial sulfur compounds was promoted in soils at low and medium pollution levels, whereas nitrogen fixation and nitrification were reduced at high pollution level. This study demonstrates that P. indica inoculation enhances the phytoremediation efficiency of king grass for Cd–Cr co-contaminated soils through multiple regulation of plant growth, rhizosphere environment, root exudation and soil microbial function. [Display omitted] • Cd–Cr co-contaminated soils were remediated by king grass with Piriformospora indica. • P. indica successfully colonized the roots and promoted plant growth. • Cd/Cr mainly accumulated in the epidermis and cortex of roots, stems and leaves. • Root exudates, rhizosphere microbiota and soil environment regulated Cd/Cr uptake. • P. indica enhanced soil remediation partly via respiration of microbial sulfur compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increase in people's living standards, the number of patients suffering from liver injury keeps on increasing. Traditional diagnostic methods can no longer meet the needs of early and accurate diagnosis due to their limitations in application. However, fluorescent probes based on different fluorophores and nanomaterials have been gradually lighting up medical research due to their unique properties, such as high specificity and non-invasiveness. In addition, accurate identification of the different types of liver injury biomarkers can significantly improve the level of early diagnosis. Therefore, this review reviews the fluorescent probes used in the detection of biomarkers of liver injury over recent years and briefly summarizes the corresponding biomarkers of different types of liver injury. Impressively, this review also lists the structures and the response mechanisms of the different probes, and concludes with an outlook, suggesting directions in which improvements can be made. Finally, we hope that this review will contribute to the further development of fluorescent probes for the early diagnosis and assessment of liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd), a widespread and highly toxic environmental contaminant, has seriously impacted the growth of rice and the quality of its products. Hence, it is crucial to monitor and employ robust means to reduce Cd levels in rice, and selenium (Se) has been proven to chelate cadmium ion (Cd2+) in rice with rational use. Herein, for the first time, the reported selenocysteine (Sec) probe NN-Sec and the newly designed Cd2+ probe SCP were chosen as visualization tools to monitor Sec-inhibited Cd2+ uptake in rice. Specifically, reduced fluorescence of rice precultured with Cd2+ was observed by SCP after Se application, while similarly decreased fluorescence of rice pretreated with Se was observed by NN-Sec after Cd2+ addition. The diminished fluorescence indicated the formation of Cd-Se complexes reduced the Cd2+ content in rice. Additionally, it was Cd2+ and Se that entered the rice causing the fluorescence generation, as demonstrated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To conclude, the two probes successfully visualized Se inhibited Cd2+ uptake in rice, which could provide a robust tool for supporting the development of novel organic fertilizers and reagents to reduce Cd2+ content in rice and the environment. [Display omitted] • Fluorescent probes for visualizing selenium inhibition of cadmium uptake in rice. • A Cd2+ fluorescent probe and a Sec fluorescent probe for rice imaging. • The content of Cd2+ in Se treated rice was decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescence imaging plays an increasingly important role in biomedicine field due to its superior sensitivity and selectivity along with dynamic, real-time, in situ monitoring the occurrence and development of biological events. Therefore, it is crucial to construct a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent molecule with excellent optical properties. Herein a NIR robust out mitochondria-targeting dye NN has been designed, synthesized and characterized, whose fluorescence properties are easily adjusted by changing the substitution position of the nitro group at the benzene ring in this fluorescent dye. NN was a unique fluorescence-enhanced nitro dye with high fluorescence quantum yields∼0.17, a large Stokes shift∼120 nm and stable chemical structure. Encouraged by this, a novel fluorescent probe NN - Sec based on intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) was constructed by grafting NN with a selenocysteine (Sec) recognition group 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl (DNBS), and it exhibited a targeted ability with great sensitivity and selectivity. Subsequently, the probe was used for NIR imaging in living cells and mice, and deep imaging results further illustrate its potential application in biosystems. The successful design of NN and NN - Sec offer a valuable theoretical basis and technical support for investigating the occurrence and development of Sec-related diseases. • A novel NIR fluorescent dye NN bearing nitro was reported with an enhanced fluorescence quantum yields. • The recognition group 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl of Sec was grafted with dye NN to synthesize fluorescent probe NN-Sec. • ANN-Sec can detect Sec in live cells and mice by high sensitivity and selectivity, accompanied by bright NIR emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kodamaea ohmeri is a rare pathogen with high mortality and is found among blood samples in a considerable proportion; however, gastrointestinal infection of K. ohmeri is extremely rare. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is also an uncommon fungal; these two fungal infections reported concomitantly are unprecedented. Case presentation: We described a case of a 37-year-old male who got infected with K. ohmeri and invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. We used the mass spectrometry and histopathology to identify these two fungal infections separately. For the treatment of K. ohmeri, we chose caspofungin. As for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, we used voriconazole, amphotericin B, and then surgery. The patient was treated successfully through the collaboration of multiple disciplines. Conclusions: We speculate that the destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier can make the intestine one of the ways for certain fungi to infect the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiSe 2 as a potential electrode for potassium-ion batteries, has garnered significant attention owing to its stable ion storage property. Nevertheless, the inadequate electronic conductivity of TiSe 2 impedes its practical implementation. In this investigation, we adopt a polymerization method to fabricate TiSe 2 @PPy, which boasts enhanced conductivity and exceptional performance. Once coated with polypyrrole, the TiSe 2 @PPy composites demonstrate the optimum electrochemical performance, providing a charge capacity of 67.4 mAh g−1 at 1 C with a capacity retention of 68.4 % after 170 cycles. The PPy coating enhances the conductivity of TiSe 2 and enables potassium-ion batteries to exhibit outstanding electrochemical performance. Ex-situ Raman and FTIR tests are utilized to comprehend the electrochemical reaction between K+ and the TiSe 2 @PPy electrode during cycling. Overall, this work introduces a PPy coating on TiSe 2 , which presents a novel concept for the development. • A polypyrrole layer has been coated onto TiSe 2 , resulting in stable potassium-ion storage. • The synthesis of TiSe 2 @PPy via a polymerization approach is simple and efficient. • The capacity retention of TiSe 2 @PPy is 68.4 % at 1 C after 170 cycles. • The reaction mechanism of TiSe 2 @PPy is analyzed by ex-situ Raman and FTIR tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A special composite material (CCPB) was constructed to rapidly enrich and remove Cd2+ in water. • CCPB was continuously reused and its recovery of Cd2+ remains close to 100 % after multiple uses. • CCPB can indicate the removal of cadmium ions by fluorescence signal. Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread and highly toxic environmental pollutant, seriously threatening animal and plant growth. Therefore, monitoring and employing robust tools to enrich and remove Cd from the environment is a major challenge. In this work, by conjugating a fluorescent indicator (CCP) with a functionalized glass slide, a special composite material (CCPB) was constructed to enrich, remove, and monitor Cd2+ in water rapidly. Then Cd2+ could be effectively eluted by immersing the Cd-enriched CCPB in an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. With this, the CCPB was continuously reused. Its recovery of Cd2+was above and below 100 % after multiple uses by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), which was excellent for practical use in enriching and removing Cd2+ in real aqueous samples. Therefore, CCPB is an ideal material for monitoring, enriching, and removing Cd2+ in wastewater, providing a robust tool for future practical applications of Cd enrichment and removal in the environment. A special composite material (CCPB) was designed and synthesized by conjugating a fluorescent indicator (CCP) with a functionalized glass slide. It can effectively remove cadmium ions (Cd2+) from real aqueous samples [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron–sulfur clusters are essential cofactors found in all kingdoms of life and play essential roles in fundamental processes, including but not limited to respiration, photosynthesis, and nitrogen fixation. The chemistry of iron–sulfur clusters makes them ideal for sensing various redox environmental signals, while the physics of iron–sulfur clusters and its host proteins have been long overlooked. One such protein, MagR, has been proposed as a putative animal magnetoreceptor. It forms a rod-like complex with cryptochromes (Cry) and possesses intrinsic magnetic moment. However, the magnetism modulation of MagR remains unknown. Here in this study, iron–sulfur cluster binding in MagR has been characterized. Three conserved cysteines of MagR play different roles in iron–sulfur cluster binding. Two forms of iron–sulfur clusters binding have been identified in pigeon MagR and showed different magnetic properties: [3Fe–4S]-MagR appears to be superparamagnetic and has saturation magnetization at 5 K but [2Fe–2S]-MagR is paramagnetic. While at 300 K, [2Fe–2S]-MagR is diamagnetic but [3Fe–4S]-MagR is paramagnetic. Together, the different types of iron–sulfur cluster binding in MagR attribute distinguished magnetic properties, which may provide a fascinating mechanism for animals to modulate the sensitivity in magnetic sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium-contaminated water and food are seriously hazardous to the human health, especially liver injury. To understand the entanglement relationship between cadmium ion (Cd2+)-induced liver injury and the biomarker sulfur dioxide (SO 2), a reliable bioanalytical tool is urgently needed, detecting SO 2 to diagnose and evaluate the extent of liver injury in vivo. Herein, based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism, a novel SO 2 -tunable NIR ratiometric fluorescent probe (SMP) was developed, it was used to diagnose and treat liver injury induced by Cd2+ in biosystems. Specifically, it was constructed by conjugating a NIR dicyanoisophorone with a NIR benzopyranate as the donor and acceptor, respectively, and the ratiometric response of SO 2 - regulated by the Michael addition reaction. In addition, SMP exhibits rapid reaction time (<15 s), two well-resolved emission peaks (68 nm) with less cross-talk between channels for high imaging resolution, superior selectivity, and low limit of detection (LOD=80.3 nM) for SO 2 detection. Impressively, SMP has been successfully used for intracellular ratiometric imaging of Cd2+-induced SO 2 and diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation in liver injury mice models with satisfactory results. Therefore, SMP may provide a powerful molecular tool for revealing the occurrence and development relationship between SO 2 and Cd2+-induced liver injury. Cadmium ions are one of the well-known toxic environmental pollutants, which are enriched in the human body through inhalation of cadmium-contaminated air or from the food chain, leading to damage in various organs, especially liver injury. Therefore, we developed a novel fluorescent probe that can specifically detect SO 2 in Cd2+-induced liver injury, which is critically important for the diagnosis and evaluation of Cd2+-induced liver injury diseases. The specific detection of SO 2 of this probe has been successfully demonstrated in live HepG2 cells and Cd2+-induced liver injury mice. [Display omitted] • A biomarker-activated probe SMP for fluorescence image of Cd2+-induced liver injury. • SMP contained two NIR fluorophores with dual NIR emission ratiometric signal output. • SMP has a rapid response time (~15 s) and outstanding LOD as low as 80.3 nM. • SMP was successfully used to detect endogenous SO 2 in Cd2+-induced biosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The negative impacts of soil heavy metals composite pollution on agricultural production and human health are becoming increasingly prevalent. The applications of green chelating agents and microorganisms have emerged as promising alternate methods for enhancing phytoremediation. The regulatory effects of root secretion composition, microbial carbon source utilization, key gene expression, and soil microbial community structure were comprehensively analyzed through a combination of HPLC, Biolog EcoPlates, qPCR, and high-throughput screening techniques. The application of EDDS resulted in a favorable rhizosphere ecological environment for the king grass Piriformospora indica , characterized by a decrease in soil pH by 0.41 units, stimulation of succinic acid and fumaric acid secretion, and an increase in carbon source metabolic activity of amino acids and carbohydrates. Consequently, this improvement enhanced the bioavailability of Cd/Cr and increased the biomass of king grass by 25.7%. The expression of dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria was significantly upregulated by 99.2%, while there was no significant difference in Clostridium abundance. Furthermore, the richness of the soil rhizosphere fungal community (Ascomycota: 45.8%, Rozellomycota: 16.7%) significantly increased to regulate the proportion of tolerant microbial dominant groups, promoting the improvement of Cd/Cr removal efficiency (Cd: 23.4%, Cr: 18.7%). These findings provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of chelating agent-assisted plants-microorganisms combined remediation of heavy metals in soil. [Display omitted] • Use of EDDS / P. indica enhanced the phytoextraction of Cd-Cr from contaminated soil. • EDDS enhanced the synergistic effect of king grass- P. indica combined system for remediation. • KG + PI + EDDS improved the physiological and metabolic activity of soil microorganisms. • Relative expression of dissimilatory iron-reducing bacteria was significantly upregulated in KG + PI + EDDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High temperatures and rainy climate conditions result in a very low nutrient utilization rate during crop cultivation in tropical regions. To determine whether slow-release fertilizers could have a positive impact on the yield and quality of litchi, and the soil ecology of orchards while reducing chemical fertilizer application, a field plot experiment with two fertilizer types (chemical fertilizers and lignin-based slow-release fertilizers) combined with a 0 %, 15 % and 30 % reduction of fertilizer application rates was set up from 2018 to 2019. Subsequently, a demonstration trial with an optimum dose of slow-release fertilizers with chemical fertilizers was carried out from 2019 to 2020 in acidic soils. The results demonstrated that all treatments could maintain the yield of litchi between 11,825–13,056 kg/hm2 in 2018–2019. Furthermore, compared to conventional chemical fertilizer treatment, the treatment of lignin-based slow-release fertilizer application with a 15 % fertilizer reduction significantly reduced the concentration of alkaline nitrogen by 19.9 % and available phosphorus by 22.0 % at the 20–40 cm soil layer during the maturity period of litchi growth. The result of the demonstration trial in 2019–2020 further confirmed that a slow-release fertilizer, along with a 25 % reduction in fertilizer application, could maintain high levels of soil alkaline nitrogen and available potassium at the 0–20 cm soil layer without affecting soil bulk density, total soil porosity, and soil aeration. Moreover, the treatment of lignin-based slow-release fertilizer application with a 15 % fertilizer reduction significantly increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria (1.21 times) and decreased the abundance of Firmicutes (0.81 times) compared to conventional fertilization treatment at the 0–20 cm soil layer. In contrast, it decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes (0.67 times) and Proteobacteria (0.37 times) at the 20–40 cm soil layer. Meanwhile, the fertilizer application only affected the soil fungi richness but did not increase their diversity. Applying slow-release fertilizers can realize the goal of reducing chemical fertilizers and ensuring excellent litchi production in tropical acidic soils. [Display omitted] • Lignin-based slow-release fertilizers optimized soil microbial communities. • Lignin-based slow-release fertilizers maintained litchi yield and improved quality. • Use of slow-release fertilizers can reduce the nutrient inputs. • Slow-release fertilizers application may achieve litchi sustainable production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NOD-like receptors (NLRs) localize in the cytosol to recognize intracellular pathogen products and initialize the innate immune response. However, the ligands and ligand specificity of many NLRs remain unclear. One such NLR, NLRP6, plays an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis and protecting against various intestinal diseases such as colitis and intestinal tumorigenesis. Here, we show that the major component of the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), binds NLRP6 directly and induces global conformational change and dimerization. Following stimulation by ATP, the NLRP6 homodimer can further assemble into a linear molecular platform, and ASC is recruited to form higher molecular structures, indicative of a step-by-step activation mechanism. Our study sheds light on the mystery of LPS-induced inflammasome initiation, reveals the architecture and structural basis of potential pre-inflammasome, and suggests a novel molecular assembly pattern for immune receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fluorescent probes for visualizing H 2 O 2 in rice roots under Cd2+ stress. • A H 2 O 2 fluorescent probe YFE-1 and a Cd2+ fluorescent probe for rice roots imaging. • YFE-1 has a large Stokes shift (181 nm) and a low LOD (26.4 nM). • The content of H 2 O 2 under Cd2+ stress in rice roots was increased. Abiotic stress and oxidative stress are closely related to the health status of plants. Plants will produce oxidative stress under abiotic stress, induce mitochondrial dysfunction, cause programmed cell death, and decrease plant survival rate. It is well known that rice is an essential crop for humans, but its cadmium tolerance is poor. Therefore, it is crucial to determine whether cadmium stress causes oxidative stress in rice in order to guide rice cultivation. Hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2), a highly reactive oxygen species (ROS), is one of the most critical signals in corps under oxidative stress. In this work, we adopted a near-infrared (NIR) H 2 O 2 fluorescent probe YFE-1 and a cadmium ion (Cd2+) fluorescent probe SCP to observe the fluctuation of H 2 O 2 in rice roots under Cd2+ co-incubation conditions. Due to the advantages of fast response (within 2 min), a large Stokes shift (181 nm), good selectivity, and a low detection limit (LOD:26.4 nM), YFE-1 achieved the visualization of H 2 O 2 produced by Cd2+ stress in rice roots. This study provides a new idea for assessing the risk of oxidative stress of Cd2+ in rice roots. It is expected to guide the control of Cd2+ in the rice planting industry to improve rice yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent occurrence of food safety incidents has aroused public concern about food safety and key contaminants. Foodborne pathogen contamination, pesticide residues, heavy metal residues, and other food safety problems will significantly impact human health. Therefore, developing efficient and sensitive detection method to ensure food safety early warning is paramount. The aptamer-based sensor (aptasensor) is a novel analytical tool with strong targeting, high sensitivity, low cost, etc. It has been extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical industry, biomedicine, environmental engineering, food safety detection, and in other diverse fields. This work reviewed the latest research progress of aptasensors for food analysis and detection, mainly introducing their application in detecting various key food contaminants. Subsequently, the sensing mechanism and performance of aptasensors are discussed. Finally, the review will examine the challenges and opportunities related to aptasensors for detecting major contaminants in food, and advance implementation of aptasensors in food safety and detection. [Display omitted] • The review summarizes the applications of aptasensors in food detection early warning. • The review summarizes the major global public health risks of food contamination. • The review discusses the challenges and prospects of aptasensor to food contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In situ leaching of ion-adsorption rare earth element (REE) deposits has released large amounts of REE-containing wastewater. However, the origin, speciation, distribution and migration of REEs in aqueous systems of the mining catchment are poorly understood. Groundwater, surface water, in situ leachates and weathered granite soil samples were collected from a catchment affected by mining activities in South China. The REE concentrations in groundwater (6.18 × 10–3–0.49 μmol L–1) and surface water (2.54–44.05 μmol L–1) decreased from upstream to downstream. REEs in groundwater were detected in organic matter associated (FA-REE) colloids, while the REE3+ and REE(SO 4)+ were converted to REE(CO 3)+ and FA-REE colloids from leachates and upstream surface water to downstream. The REE patterns of leachates and upstream groundwater (light and middle REE enrichment) resembled those of soil, but showed heavy REE enrichment due to FA-REE colloids in the downstream. REE in surface water were derived from middle REE enriched leachate. The Ce and Eu anomalies in the water samples indicated the REE origin (i.e., mining activities) and the hydrological variations (e.g., oxidation environment and water-rock interaction). Our results reveal the origin and fate of REE in aqueous systems of ion-adsorption REE mining catchments. [Display omitted] • REE concentration in groundwater is lower than in surface water. • REE speciation differs in groundwater and surface water. • REE pattern in leachate and groundwater upstream reflects the parent rock pattern. • Organic matter-associated colloids dominate the REE pattern of groundwater. • Ce and Eu anomalies indicate REE origin and hydrological variations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) and nitric oxide (NO), known as sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, are toxic air pollutants and seriously threaten human health. Herein, for the first time, a robust dual-response fluorescent sensor CGT with two different emission fluorophores and dual well-known response-group for visual bisulphites (HSO 3 -) and nitrites (NO 2 -) detection was reported. Specifically, once CGT was incubated with HSO 3 - firstly, the color of the test solution changed to dark yellow with no-fluorescence emission, following added NO 2 -, the color of the test solution changed to yellow with a bright cyan emission. However, NO 2 - was added firstly, the color of the test solution changed to dark purple with a white emission, and then added HSO 3 -, the color of the test solution changed to yellow with a bright cyan emission. Furthermore, CGT showed high sensitivity and selectivity toward HSO 3 - and NO 2 - detecting with good detection limits as low as 20.17 nM and 4.14 nM, respectively. Impressively, CGT showed good detection capability in complex aqueous samples and was successfully used for the detection of HSO 3 - and NO 2 - in biosystems. Thus, the experimental results indicated CGT as a powerful novel visual detecting tool for HSO 3 - and NO 2 - detecting in complex acid rain and biosystems. [Display omitted] • A dual-response fluorescent sensor CGT was constructed for NO and SO 2 detecting. • CGT contained a xanthane fluorophore and a naphthalimide fluorophore, connected by FRET strategy. • CGT can report HSO 3 -, NO 2 -, and HSO 3 -/NO 2 - with three different sets of fluorescence signals. • CGT was successfully adopted to detect endogenous HSO 3 - and NO 2 - in acid rain and biosysytems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of levofloxacin 750 mg for 5 days versus 500 mg for 7–14 days intravenous (IV) in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This clinical trial was the first of its kind conducted in Chinese people and also in Asian population. A total of 241 were enrolled and randomized to 750 mg group (n = 121) or 500 mg (n = 120) group from 10 study centers. The median treatment duration was 5.0 days in 750 mg and 9.0 days in 500 mg group. The median total dose was 3750 mg in 750 mg and 4500 mg in 500 mg group. The bacterial eradication rate was 100% in both groups. The overall efficacy rate in 750 mg group was 86.2% (94/109), and 84.7% (94/111), in 500 mg group of full analysis set visit 4, 95% confidence interval of 1.6% (−7.8–10.9%); the statistical results showed that 750 mg group was non-inferior to 500 mg group. The most common clinical adverse drug reactions were injection site adverse reactions in both 750 mg group and 500 mg group; the other common adverse drug reactions were insomnia, nausea, skin rash, etc. The most common drug-related laboratory abnormalities were neutrophil percentage decreased, decreased white blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase elevation in both 750 mg group and 500 mg group. Most of adverse drug reactions were mild in severity and well-tolerated. In summary, the regimen of levofloxacin 750 mg IV for 5 days was at least as effective and well tolerated as 500 mg IV for 7–14 days for the treatment of CAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simple and fast GP-MSE for separating carboxylic acids from oils was proposed. • Derivatization was performed at the beginning of sample preparation. • Abundant carboxylic acid homologues and isomer signals were identified in GC × GC–MS. • The contents of CAs in reservoir biodegraded oils varied with biodegradation degree. Carboxylic acids (CAs) are important molecular markers in petroleum geochemistry, which can indicate the origin, migration and biodegradation of oils. In this work, an easy and fast method was developed for the separation and analysis of CAs in crude oils by the combination of gas purge microsyringe extraction (GP-MSE) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC × GC–MS). CAs in oils were firstly reacted with a silylation reagent to improve their volatility and thermal stability. The silylated CAs were then separated from oils together with light hydrocarbons with GP-MSE treatment at a relatively low temperature (200 °C). Subsequently, direct analysis of the extract solutions by GC × GC–MS was performed. Profited from the extremely high peak capacity of GC × GC, the signals of silylated CAs could be easily distinguished from hydrocarbon signals. Under optimal conditions, the extraction time and the solvent consumption of GP-MSE were 8 min and 150 μL, respectively. In the analysis of reservoir crude oils with different biodegradation degrees, abundant CA signals were successfully detected, and the contents of CAs were found to vary regularly with the biodegradation degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the entangled relationship between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and arthritis, it is of great interest to urgently need an effective bioanalytical method to detect biomarker peroxynitrite (ONOO-) of arthritis in vivo. In contrast to the previously reported ONOO- fluorescent probes, multicolor fluorescent probe could be applied to complex environments for multi-component analysis and provide multichannel imaging results. However, multicolor fluorescent probes for ONOO- detecting have not been reported so far. Herein, an ONOO--activated multicolor fluorescent probe (MULTI-ONOO) based on FRET was developed for quantitative detecting and visualization of ONOO- levels in arthritis. This probe mainly contained an acceptor (near-infrared xanthane fluorophore) and a donor (naphthalimide fluorophore). In the presence of ONOO-, the oxonium ion undergoes a strong nucleophilic response between ONOO- and xanthane to generate coumarin (CM) and naphthimide (NP) fluorophores with multicolor signal output. Impressively, MULTI-ONOO has a rapid response time (~20 s) and outstanding detection limits as low as 11.6 nM. Finally, this probe was successfully adopted to detect endogenous ONOO- in living cells, arthritis tissues and rat model. Thus, this ONOO--activated multicolor probe could provide a robust tool for investigating the role of ONOO- between in different inflamed diseases. [Display omitted] • A biomarker-activated multicolor probe MULTI-ONOO was constructed for arthritis detecting. • MULTI-ONOO contained a NIR xanthane fluorophore and a naphthalimide fluorophore. • MULTI-ONOO has a rapid response time (~20 s) and outstanding LOD as low as 11.6 nM. • MULTI-ONOO was successfully adopted to detect endogenous ONOO in arthritis rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) are frequently detected in agricultural soils, which poses a threat to public health. This study investigated the effects of inoculation of king grass with Piriformospora indica on the remediation of soils co-contaminated with Cd and DDTs. After treatment for 90 days, the dry shoot and root biomass of king grass inoculated with P. indica markedly increased by 13.0–15.8% and 24.1–46.4%, respectively, compared with those of uninoculated plants. Inoculation with P. indica also increased the uptake of Cd and DDTs by shoots and roots of king grass. The removal efficiency of Cd and DDTs from soils reached 4.88–17.4% and 48.4–51.0%, respectively, in the presence of king grass inoculated with P. indica. Under three Cd–DDTs contamination conditions, root secretion of organic acids, alcohol, and polyamines was distinctively stimulated by P. indica inoculation of king grass compared with planting king grass alone. After phytoremediation, changes in soil bacterial and fungal community composition occurred at different contamination levels. Overall, the results showed that king grass associated with P. indica can be adopted for phytoextraction of Cd and DDTs from moderately contaminated soils by regulating root excretion and reshaping rhizosphere microbial community structure. [Display omitted] • Piriformospora indica colonized the roots of king grass and promoted plant growth. • Inoculation with P. indica increased Cd accumulation in plants and DDT degradation in soils. • The presence of P. indica stimulated root secretion of organic acid-like substances. • The symbiosis of king grass and P. indica increased soil bacterial diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, based on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism strategy, a new dual-increasing emission proportional near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe Lay-1 was designed for fast benzoyl peroxide (BPO) detection in real food samples and biosystems. Specifically, it employed a naphthylimide derivative and a NIR fluorophore dicyanoisophorone derivative as the energy transfer donor and acceptor, respectively, and a phenylboronic acid (Ph-B(OH) 2 ) as the responding group of BPO. In addition, the results exhibited that the fluorescence color of Lay-1 was changed from red to orange in the absence and the presence of BPO with a fast response time (∼120 s), high sensitivity, and an excellent limit of detection as low as 60.8 nM. Impressively, Lay-1 has been successfully used for BPO detection in real food samples and biosystems with satisfactory results. Therefore, Lay-1 can be a robust molecular tool to further investigate the physiological and pathological function of BPO., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a convenient dietary intervention for multiple diseases, including type 2 diabetes. However, whether it can be used as a long-term antidiabetic approach is still unknown. Here, we confirm that IF alone is beneficial for both moderate and severe diabetic mice, but its antidiabetic effects clearly diminish at later stages, especially for severe diabetic db/db mice, which have obviously impaired autophagy. We found that static magnetic fields can directly promote actin assembly and boost IF-induced autophagy. Consequently, the pancreatic islet and liver were improved, and the antidiabetic effects of IF were boosted. In fact, at later stages, combined static magnetic field and IF could reduce the blood glucose level of moderate type 2 diabetic mice by 40.5% ( P < 0.001) and severe type 2 diabetes by 34.4% ( P < 0.05), when IF alone no longer has significant blood glucose reduction effects. Therefore, although IF is generally beneficial for diabetes, our data reveal its insufficiency for late-stage diabetes, which can be compensated by a simple, noninvasive, long-lasting, and nonpharmacological strategy for effective long-term diabetic control., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Ying Wang et al.)

Magnetic sense, or termed magnetoreception, has evolved in a broad range of taxa within the animal kingdom to facilitate orientation and navigation. MagRs, highly conserved A-type iron-sulfur proteins, are widely distributed across all phyla and play essential roles in both magnetoreception and iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis. However, the evolutionary origins and functional diversification of MagRs from their prokaryotic ancestor remain unclear. In this study, MagR sequences from 131 species, ranging from bacteria to humans, were selected for analysis, with 23 representative sequences covering species from prokaryotes to Mollusca, Arthropoda, Osteichthyes, Reptilia, Aves, and mammals chosen for protein expression and purification. Biochemical studies revealed a gradual increase in total iron content in MagRs during evolution. Three types of MagRs were identified, each with distinct iron and/or iron-sulfur cluster binding capacity and protein stability, indicating continuous expansion of the functional roles of MagRs during speciation and evolution. This evolutionary biochemical study provides valuable insights into how evolution shapes the physical and chemical properties of biological molecules such as MagRs and how these properties influence the evolutionary trajectories of MagRs.

Static magnetic field (SMF) plays important roles in various biological processes of many organisms including plants, though the molecular mechanism remains largely unclear. Here in this study, we evaluated different magnetic setups to test their effects on growth and development on Arabidopsis ( Arabidopsis thaliana ), and discovered that plant growth was significantly enhanced by inhomogeneous SMF generated by a regular triangular prism magnet perpendicular to the direction of gravity. Comparative transcriptomic analysis revealed that auxin synthesis and signal transduction genes were upregulated by SMF exposure. SMF also facilitated plants to maintain the iron homeostasis. The expression of iron metabolism-related genes was downregulated by SMF, however, the iron content in plant tissues remains relatively unchanged. Furthermore, SMF exposure also helped the plants to reduce ROS level and synergistically maintain the oxidant balance by enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes and accumulation of nicotinamide. Taken together, our data suggested that SMF is involved in regulating the growth and development of Arabidopsis thaliana through maintaining iron homeostasis and balancing oxidative stress, which could be beneficial for plant survival and growth. The work presented here would extend our understanding of the mechanism and the regulatory network of how magnetic field affects the plant growth, which would provide insights into the development of novel plant synthetic biology technologies to engineer stress-resistant and high-yielding crops., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zhou, Zhang, Zhang, Xu, Song, Chang, Cai and Xie.)

Environmental public interest litigation (EPIL) is a significant part of the judicial system; it is aimed at strengthening judicial protections and safeguarding public interests. Based on the quasi-natural experimental setting of China's EPIL pilot project, this study examines the impact of EPIL on the country's urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE). The findings show that effectively implementing EPIL enhances ULGUE. Specifically, this policy has led to a 6.6% increase in ULGUE in pilot cities, and its impact has grown stronger over time. Mechanism analysis results show that EPIL mainly enhances ULGUE by strengthening environmental supervision and law enforcement, by increasing public participation in environmental governance, and by promoting green innovation and industrial structure upgrades. Furthermore, heterogeneity analysis revealed that the positive effects of this policy implementation are more pronounced in resource-based cities, cities with open environmental information, and cities with high marketization. This paper provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of environmental governance via EPIL., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Zhao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Iron-sulfur clusters are essential cofactors for proteins involved in various biological processes, such as electron transport, biosynthetic reactions, DNA repair, and gene expression regulation. Iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein IscA1 (or MagR) is found within the mitochondria of most eukaryotes. Magnetoreceptor (MagR) is a highly conserved A-type iron and iron-sulfur cluster-binding protein, characterized by two distinct types of iron-sulfur clusters, [2Fe-2S] and [3Fe-4S], each conferring unique magnetic properties. MagR forms a rod-like polymer structure in complex with photoreceptive cryptochrome (Cry) and serves as a putative magnetoreceptor for retrieving geomagnetic information in animal navigation. Although the N-terminal sequences of MagR vary among species, their specific function remains unknown. In the present study, we found that the N-terminal sequences of pigeon MagR, previously thought to serve as a mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS), were not cleaved following mitochondrial entry but instead modulated the efficiency with which iron-sulfur clusters and irons are bound. Moreover, the N-terminal region of MagR was required for the formation of a stable MagR/Cry complex. Thus, the N-terminal sequences in pigeon MagR fulfil more important functional roles than just mitochondrial targeting. These results further extend our understanding of the function of MagR and provide new insights into the origin of magnetoreception from an evolutionary perspective.

Background: Liver fibrosis is a compensatory response during the tissue repair process in chronic liver injury, and finally leads to liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis is associated with the progressive accumulation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which can transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts to produce an excess of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Myofibroblasts are the main source of the excessive ECM responsible for hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), the principal ECM producing cells in the injured liver, are a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis., Aim: To explore the effect of taurine on aHSC proliferation and the mechanisms involved., Methods: Human HSCs (LX-2) were randomly divided into five groups: Normal control group, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) (20 ng/mL) treated group, and low, medium, and high dosage of taurine (10 mmol/L, 50 mmol/L, and 100 mmol/L, respectively) with PDGF-BB (20 ng/mL) treated group. Cell Counting Kit-8 method was performed to evaluate the effect of taurine on the viability of aHSCs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate the effect of taurine on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, glutathione, and iron concentration. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the effect of taurine on the autophagosomes and ferroptosis features in aHSCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the effect of taurine on the expression of α-SMA, Collagen I, Fibronectin 1, LC3B, ATG5, Beclin 1, PTGS2, SLC7A11, and p62., Results: Taurine promoted the death of aHSCs and reduced the deposition of the ECM. Treatment with taurine could alleviate autophagy in HSCs to inhibit their activation, by decreasing autophagosome formation, downregulating LC3B and Beclin 1 protein expression, and upregulating p62 protein expression. Meanwhile, treatment with taurine triggered ferroptosis and ferritinophagy to eliminate aHSCs characterized by iron overload, lipid ROS accumulation, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that taurine had a direct targeting effect on nuclear receptor coactivator 4, exhibiting the best average binding affinity of -20.99 kcal/mol., Conclusion: Taurine exerts therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis via mechanisms that involve inhibition of autophagy and trigger of ferroptosis and ferritinophagy in HSCs to eliminate aHSCs., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

The morphology is the consequence of evolution and adaptation. Escherichia coli is rod-shaped bacillus with regular dimension of about 1.5 μm long and 0.5 μm wide. Many shape-related genes have been identified and used in morphology engineering of this bacteria. However, little is known about if specific metabolism and metal irons could modulate bacteria morphology. Here in this study, we discovered filamentous shape change of E. coli cells overexpressing pigeon MagR, a putative magnetoreceptor and extremely conserved iron-sulfur protein. Comparative transcriptomic analysis strongly suggested that the iron metabolism change and iron accumulation due to the overproduction of MagR was the key to the morphological change. This model was further validated, and filamentous morphological change was also achieved by supplement E. coli cells with iron in culture medium or by increase the iron uptake genes such as entB and fepA. Our study extended our understanding of morphology regulation of bacteria, and may also serves as a prototype of morphology engineering by modulating the iron metabolism., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)