Search

Abstract Background Plastids originated from an ancient endosymbiotic event and evolved into the photosynthetic organelles in plant cells. They absorb light energy and carbon dioxide, converting them into chemical energy and oxygen, which are crucial for plant development and adaptation. However, little is known about the plastid genome to light adaptation. Petrocosmea, a member of the Gesneriaceae family, comprises approximately 70 species with diverse light environment, serve as an ideal subject for studying plastomes adapt to light. Results In this study, we selected ten representative species of Petrocosmea from diverse light environments, assembled their plastid genomes, and conducted a comparative genomic analysis. We found that the plastid genome of Petrocosmea is highly conserved in both structure and gene content. The phylogenetic relationships reconstructed based on the plastid genes were divided into five clades, which is consistent with the results of previous studies. The vast majority of plastid protein-coding genes were under purifying selection, with only the rps8 and rps16 genes identified under positive selection in different light environments. Notably, significant differences of evolutionary rate were observed in NADH dehydrogenase, ATPase ribosome, and RNA polymerase between Clade A and the other clades. Additionally, we identified ycf1 and several intergenic regions (trnH-psbA, trnK-rps16, rpoB-trnC, petA-psbJ, ccsA-trnL, rps16-trnQ, and trnS-trnG) as candidate barcodes for this emerging ornamental horticulture. Conclusion We newly assembled ten plastid genomes of Petrocosmea and identified several hypervariable regions, providing genetic resources and candidate markers for this promising emerging ornamental horticulture. Furthermore, our study suggested that rps8 and rps16 were under positive selection and that the evolutionary patterns of NADH dehydrogenase, ATPase ribosome, and RNA polymerase were related to the diversity light environment in Petrocosmea. This revealed an evolutionary scenario for light adaptation of the plastid genome in plants.

MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a regulatory role in periodontitis. This study aimed to explore whether miR-29a could affect lipopolysaccharides (LPSs)-induced injury in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) through the competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) mechanism. Periodontal ligament (PDL) tissues and HGFs were derived from patients with periodontitis and healthy volunteers. Periodontitis cell model was established by treating HGFs with LPS. Expression levels of circ_0036490, miR-29a, and DKK1 were evaluated by the reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) method. Western blotting assay was performed to assess protein expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins and Wnt signalling related proteins. Cell viability was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Concentration of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pyroptosis rate were determined by flow cytometry assay to evaluate pyroptosis. The interaction between miR-29a and circ_0036490 or DKK1 was verified by dual-luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. MiR-29a expression was lower in PDL tissues of patients with periodontitis than that in healthy group; likewise, miR-29a was also downregulated in LPS-treated HGFs. Overexpression of miR-29a increased cell viability and decreased pyroptosis of HGFs induced by LPS while inhibition of miR-29a exerted the opposite role. MiR-29a binds to circ_0036490 and elevation of circ_0036490 contributed to dysfuntion of LPS-treated HGFs and reversed the protection function of elevated miR-29a. In addition, miR-29a targets DKK1. Overexpression of DKK1 abrogated the effects of overexpressed miR-29a on cell vaibility, pyroptosis, and protein levels of Wnt signalling pathway of LPS-treated HGFs. Circ_0036490 and DKK1 competitively bind miR-29a to promote LPS-induced HGF injury in vitro. Wnt pathway inactivated by LPS was activated by miR-29a. Thence, miR-29a may be a promising target for periodontitis.

In this work, hydrogen charged Zircaloy-4 has been investigated under an in-situ electron backscatter diffraction during tensile loading. Aim were, first, to distinguish the hydride phase type and its spatial distribution, second to determine hydride phase transformation (HPT) and orientation relationship (OR) subjected to uniaxial tensile condition, and third to correlate the hydrides evolution and their effect on the micromechanical behavior, such as slip mode activation and lattice rotation, of Zircaloy-4. Apart from the applied stress, the analysis reveals that hydride reorientation is strongly related to temperature and loading mode. We noted that deformation induced δ-ZrH1.5 transformed to γ-ZrH and ε-ZrH2, and the former follows the confirmed OR {0001}α//{111}δ/γ with α//δ/γ, while the latter's OR changed to {10 1‾ 0}α//{121}ε with α//ε after HPT. The coexistence of δ-ZrH1.5 and γ-ZrH or ε-ZrH2 is observed, and the main corresponding OR is {111}δ//{111}γ with δ//γ, and {100}δ//{110}ε with δ//ε, respectively. The characterized microstructure and the measured lattice rotation results indicate that HPT delayed cracking in hydride and promoted deformation in parent grains. As the strain increases, the maintenance of hydride-matrix (H-M) coherent interfaces restricts further lattice rotation. HPT accelerates the hydride decomposition ascribed to the intensification of hydrogen diffusion under stress, and the hydride and the H-M interfaces act as priority sites for initiating microcracks. The sequence of HPT depends on the possibility of activated slip mode among grains. These findings contribute to developing the understanding of the HPT and hydrogen embrittlement.

In recent years, the small-signal stability of modular multilevel converter (MMC)-based high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems has garnered significant attention. But little attention has been paid to the impact of extreme temperature weather, although it may change the parameters of outdoor devices and lead to oscillations in a weak system. To explore the impact of environmental temperature on the stability of the MMC-HVDC system, this paper firstly establishes a comprehensive harmonic state space (HSS) model, incorporating the effect of temperature on the impedance of AC and DC transmission lines based on the thermal balance equation. By comparing the theoretical and simulation results, the accuracy of the model is validated. Subsequently, the mechanisms through which extreme temperature conditions affect system stability were analyzed. The results indicate that under extreme high-temperature conditions, the impedance of the MMC is significantly affected, weakening system stability and potentially causing small-signal instability. In contrast, extreme low-temperature conditions show no noticeable impact on system stability.

To date, more than 150 chemical modifications have been disclosed in different RNA species, which are employed to diversify the structure and function of RNA in living organisms. The N 6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, which is found in the adenosine N 6 site of RNA, has been demonstrated to be the most heavy modification in the mRNA in cells. Moreover, the m6A modification in mRNAs of mammalian and other eukaryotic cells is highly conserved and mandatorily encoded. Increasing evidence indicates that the m6A modification plays a pivotal role in gene-expression regulation and cell-fate decisions. Here, we summarize the most recent m6A-sequencing technology, as well as the molecular mechanism underlying its occurrence, development, and potential use as a target for the treatment of human diseases. Furthermore, our review highlights other newly discovered chemical modifications of RNA that are associated with human disease, as well as their underlying molecular mechanisms. Thus, significant advancements have been made in qualitative/quantitative m6A detection and high-throughput sequencing, and research linking this RNA modification to disease. Efforts toward simplified and more accessible chemical/biological technologies that contribute to precision medicine are ongoing, to benefit society and patients alike.

Abstract Aims Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs), especially for persistent PLEs, are highly predictive of subsequent mental health problems. Hence, it is crucial to explore the psychopathological associations underlying the occurrence and persistence of PLEs. This study aimed to explore the above issues through a longitudinal dynamic network approach among PLEs and psychological and psychosocial factors. Methods A total of 3,358 college students completed two waves of online survey (from Oct 2021 to Oct 2022). Socio-demographic information was collected at baseline, and PLEs, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and adverse life events were assessed in both waves. Cross-lagged panel network analyses were used to establish networks among individuals with baseline PLEs as well as those without. Results At baseline, 455(13.5%) students were screened positive for PLEs. Distinct dynamic network structures were revealed among participants with baseline PLEs and those without. While ‘psychomotor disturbance’ had the strongest connection with PLEs in participants with baseline PLEs, ‘suicide/self-harm’ was most associated with PLEs in those without. Among all three subtypes of PLEs, bizarre experiences and persecutory ideation were the most affected nodes by other constructs in participants with baseline PLEs and those without, respectively. Additionally, wide interconnections within the PLEs construct existed only among participants without baseline PLEs. Conclusions The study provides time-variant associations between PLEs and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and adverse life events using network structures. These findings help to reveal the crucial markers of the occurrence and persistence of PLEs, and shed high light on future intervention aimed to prevent and relieve PLEs.

This study explored the relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy, employability, and emotional intelligence among senior vocational students in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau Bay Area. A questionnaire was surveyed to 1,078 senior vocational students, the results showed that: career decision-making self-efficacy of senior vocational students had a significant positive effect on employability; emotional intelligence of senior vocational students had a significant positive effect on employability; career decision-making self-efficacy of senior vocational students had a significant positive effect on emotional intelligence; Emotional intelligence of senior vocational students mediates the relationship between career decision-making self-efficacy and employability.

Abstract Background Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), a well-known traditional medicine, is traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory disorders, such as cough, sore throat, asthma and bronchitis. We aim to investigate the effects of liquiritin (LQ), the main bioactive compound in licorice against acute lung injury (ALI) and explore the potential mechanism. Methods Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation in RAW264.7 cells and zebrafish. Intratracheal instillation of 3 mg/kg of LPS was used for induction an ALI mice model. The concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were tested using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of JNK/Nur77/c-Jun related proteins. Protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured by BCA protein assay. The effect of JNK on Nur77 transcriptional activity was determined by luciferase reporter assay, while electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to examine the c-Jun DNA binding activity. Results LQ has significant anti-inflammatory effects in zebrafish and RAW264.7 cells. LQ inhibited the expression levels of p-JNK (Thr183/Tyr185), p-Nur77 (Ser351) and p-c-Jun (Ser63), while elevated the Nur77 expression level. Inhibition of JNK by a specific inhibitor or small interfering RNA enhanced the regulatory effect of LQ on Nur77/c-Jun, while JNK agonist abrogated LQ-mediated effects. Moreover, Nur77-luciferase reporter activity was suppressed after JNK overexpression. The effects of LQ on the expression level of c-Jun and the binding activity of c-Jun with DNA were attenuated after Nur77 siRNA treatment. LQ significantly ameliorated LPS-induced ALI with the reduction of lung water content and BALF protein content, the downregulation of TNF-α and IL-6 levels in lung BALF and the suppression of JNK/Nur77/c-Jun signaling, which can be reversed by a specific JNK agonist. Conclusion Our results indicated that LQ exerts significant protective effects against LPS-induced inflammation both in vivo and in vitro via suppressing the activation of JNK, and consequently inhibiting the Nur77/c-Jun signaling pathway. Our study suggests that LQ may be a potential therapeutic candidate for ALI and inflammatory disorders.

In the present research, we develop Hermite-Hadamard type inequalities for interval-valued exponential type pre-invex functions in Riemann-Liouville interval-valued fractional operator settings. Moreover, we develop He's inequality for interval-valued exponential type pre-invex functions.

Abstract Background The peri-operative effectiveness of ultrasound-guided great auricular nerve block (GANB) in patients, especially in adult patients undergoing middle ear microsurgery remains unclear. We hypothesized that ultrasound-guided GANB would decrease the hemodynamic responsiveness to incision and opioid consumption in middle ear microsurgery as well as the post-operative analgesia requirement. Methods Sixty patients undergoing middle ear microsurgery were randomized into two equal groups to receive either a GANB with 2 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine under ultrasound guidance (GANB group) or to receive a blank control intervention (without any performed injection) before general anesthesia inductions. The primary outcomes were hemodynamic changes of MAP (mean artery pressure) and HR (heart rate) to skin incision. The secondary endpoints were to determine the consumptions of propofol and remifentanil during the operation and the incidence of remedial analgesia 48 h post-operation to maintain VAS ≤ 3. Results The MAP post incision in GANB group was significantly lower than that in control group (GANB group 93.83 ± 11.72 mmHg vs. control group 100.87 ± 12.65 mmHg, P = 0.029). The increases for MAP and HR post incision were also lower in GANB group (∆MAP GANB group 11.90 ± 8.32 mmHg vs. control group 19.83 ± 10.37 mmHg, P = 0.002; ∆HR GANB group 3.67 ± 5.30 beat min− 1 vs. control group 8.23 ± 8.56 beat min− 1, P = 0.016). Remifentanil consumption was significantly decreased in GANB group (GANB group 401.55 ± 100.51 μg h− 1 vs. control group 697.34 ± 215.45 μg h− 1, P = 0.000). The incidence of remedial analgesia post-operation in GANB group (5/30) was significantly lower than that in control group (20/30, P = 0.000). Conclusion Ultrasound-guided GANB decreases the hemodynamic responsiveness to incision and remifentanil consumption in middle ear microsurgery as well as the post-operative analgesia requirement. Trial registration This trial was retrospectively registered at http://www.chictr.org.cn with the registration number of ChiCTR1800014333 on 6 January, 2018.

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening disease without effective chemotherapy at present. Liang-Ge-San (LGS) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine formula, which is used to treat ALI in China. However, only a few studies have addressed the mechanisms of LGS in ALI.Purpose: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of LGS on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI, and to explore its underlying molecular mechanism.Methods: Murine RAW264.7 cells were treated with LGS and LPS (1 μg/ml). The generation of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β was detected by ELISA. The protein expressions of STAT3 and P-STAT3 (Tyr705) were determined by Western blotting and fluorescence confocal microscopy. STAT3 transcriptional activity was investigated by luciferase reporter gene assay. qPCR was used to detect the expressions of microRNA-21 (miR-21), STAT3, and IL-6. DSS cross-linking assay was used to assess the change of STAT3 dimer. In vivo anti-inflammatory effects of LGS were evaluated in an ALI mouse model induced by tracheal instillation of LPS (3 mg/kg). The anti-ALI effects were evaluated by ELISA, qPCR, Western blotting, BCA, and H&E assays.Results: LGS suppressed LPS-stimulated IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β generation in murine macrophages RAW264.7. Moreover, LGS down-regulated protein levels of P-STAT3 (Tyr705) and STAT3, inhibited STAT3 transcriptional activity, and up-regulated miR-21. Furthermore, blockage of miR-21 antagonized the inhibitory effects of LGS on the production of IL-6 and the expressions of P-STAT3 (Tyr705) and STAT3 as well as the formation of STAT3 dimer. Critically, LGS up-regulated the expression of miR-21 and inhibited the protein expressions of STAT3 and P-STAT3 (Tyr705) to reduce the release of IL-6 and inflammatory cell infiltration as well as the degree of edema in LPS-induced ALI mice.Conclusion: LGS inhibited LPS-induced ALI through up-regulating miR-21 and subsequently inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway, thereby decreasing the release of IL-6.

Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, hygrogels have been applied in various industrial and agricultural fields. Biomedicine is another high value-added and attractive area for the application of hydrogels. For this reason, a novel temperature/pH sensitive cellulose based hydrogel was synthesized based on the cellulose from Phyllostachys heterocycla. Its synthesis conditions were optimized, and its loading and release capabilities for model drugs were investigated in detail. The resultant data showed that the synthesized hydrogel exhibited the highest swelling ratio at 37 °C and pH 7.4, corresponding to the temperature and pH of the human intestinal environment. The hydrogel held excellent load performance for model drug MB and an obvious temperature dependence at 37 °C (body temperature of human) when the model drug was released from it. These positive results suggest that the synthesized temperature/pH sensitive cellulose-based hydrogel has a great potential for oral drug delivery applications.