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Abstract Zn–CO2 batteries are excellent candidates for both electrical energy output and CO2 utilization, whereas the main challenge is to design electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reactions with high selectivity and low cost. Herein, the three‐phase heterojunction Cu‐based electrocatalyst (Cu/Cu2O‐Sb2O3‐15) is synthesized and evaluated for highly selective CO2 reduction to CO, which shows the highest faradaic efficiency of 96.3% at −1.3 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, exceeding the previously reported best values for Cu‐based materials. In situ spectroscopy and theoretical analysis indicate that the Sb incorporation into the three‐phase heterojunction Cu/Cu2O‐Sb2O3‐15 nanomaterial promotes the formation of key *COOH intermediates compared with the normal Cu/Cu2O composites. Furthermore, the rechargeable aqueous Zn–CO2 battery assembled with Cu/Cu2O‐Sb2O3‐15 as the cathode harvests a peak power density of 3.01 mW cm−2 as well as outstanding cycling stability of 417 cycles. This research provides fresh perspectives for designing advanced cathodic electrocatalysts for rechargeable Zn–CO2 batteries with high‐efficient electricity output together with CO2 utilization.

Abstract To compare the clinical efficacy of an innovative modified single-incision technique without special extraperitoneal PORT with that of transperitoneal multi-incision robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and to explore the feasibility and safety of the former. A retrospective analysis was performed on 259 patients who received robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in the Robot Minimally Invasive Center of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital between September 2018 and August 2021. Among them were 147 cases involving extraperitoneal single incision with no special PORT (Group A) and 112 cases involving multiple incisions by the transperitoneal method (Group B). Differences in age, PSA level, Gleason score, prostate volume, body mass index, clinical stage, lower abdominal operation history, and lymph node dissection ratio between the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). All operations were performed by the same operator. In this study, all 259 operations were completed successfully, and there was no conversion. There was no significant difference in transperitoneal blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, positive rate of incision margin, indwelling time of urinary catheter, satisfaction rate of immediate urine control, satisfaction rate of urine control 3 months after operation, positive rate of postoperative lymph node pathology or postoperative pathological stage between the two groups (P > 0.05). There were significant differences in operation time, postoperative exhaust time and incision length (P

Plants are vulnerable to many abiotic stresses, resulting in reduced plant productivity. Its adaptation to unfavorable environments relies on transmitting external stress signals into internal signaling pathways. A series of stress response mechanisms have been developed. Among them, brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of steroid hormones that are widely involved in plant growth, development, and stress response. Via genetics, proteomics, and genomics studies, the major components of signaling and signaling pathways through a series of phosphorylation cascade reactions have been identified in model plants such as Arabidopsis. Numerous studies have shown that BRs play important roles in plant responses to drought, temperature, salt, heavy metals, and other environmental stresses. The application of BRs to improve plant stress resistance has become the focus of research in recent years, especially the regulation of stress via endogenous BRs. Therefore, this paper systematically summarizes the research progress related to endogenous BR levels and provides an overview of BR biosynthesis and the signaling pathway, as well as the function of endogenous BRs in the response to abiotic stresses.

IntroductionNitrogen and arsenic contaminants often coexist in groundwater, and microbes show the potential for simultaneous removal of nitrogen and arsenic. Here, we reported that Hydrogenophaga sp. H7 was heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification (HNAD) and arsenite [As(III)] oxidation bacterium.MethodsThe appearance of nitrogen removal and As(III) oxidation of Hydrogenophaga sp. H7 in liquid culture medium was studied. The effect of carbon source, C/N ratio, temperature, pH values, and shaking speeds were analyzed. The impact of strains H7 treatment with FeCl3 on nitrogen and As(III) in wastewater was assessed. The key pathways that participate in simultaneous nitrogen removal and As(III) oxidation was analyzed by genome and proteomic analysis.Results and discussionStrain H7 presented efficient capacities for simultaneous NH4+-N, NO3−-N, or NO2−-N removal with As(III) oxidation during aerobic cultivation. Strikingly, the bacterial ability to remove nitrogen and oxidize As(III) has remained high across a wide range of pH values, and shaking speeds, exceeding that of the most commonly reported HNAD bacteria. Additionally, the previous HNAD strains exhibited a high denitrification efficiency, but a suboptimal concentration of nitrogen remained in the wastewater. Here, strain H7 combined with FeCl3 efficiently removed 96.14% of NH4+-N, 99.08% of NO3−-N, and 94.68% of total nitrogen (TN), and it oxidized 100% of As(III), even at a low nitrogen concentration (35 mg/L). The residues in the wastewater still met the V of Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard of China after five continuous wastewater treatment cycles. Furthermore, genome and proteomic analyses led us to propose that the shortcut nitrification-denitrification pathway and As(III) oxidase AioBA are the key pathways that participate in simultaneous nitrogen removal and As(III) oxidation.

During meiosis, chromosomes undergo dramatic changes in morphology and intranuclear positioning. Here the authors mapped the 3D genome architecture throughout mouse spermatogenesis by Hi-C of sorted cells to reveal the contributions of transcriptional activity and mechanical force in modulating homolog alignment and recombination.

The opioid system plays a crucial role in maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis. Endogenous opioid peptide enkephalins have anti-inflammatory effect and participate in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). Here, we investigated the effect of natural enkephalinase inhibitor human opiorphin (HO) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice. Our results showed that central administration of HO attenuated DSS-induced colitis, as indicated by the reduction of disease activity index (DAI) scores, macroscopic scores, histological scores, and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Moreover, HO alleviated DSS-induced inflammation by decreasing inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in both serum and colon tissues in DSS-treated mice. The potential anti-inflammatory effect of HO at a dose of 40 μg/kg was observed as evidenced by a decrease in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65, toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), iNOS, and COX-2. HO also improved intestinal barrier function by enhancing the expression of tight junction proteins. Furthermore, HO treatment significantly inhibited activities of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and aminopeptidase N (APN), elevated serum enkephalins concentrations, and increased expressions of mu and delta opioid receptors. In addition, pretreatment with opioid receptor antagonist naloxone hydrochloride (NH) compromised the protective effect of HO and aggravated colitis symptoms, as indicated by inhibited anti-inflammatory effects, disrupted intestinal barrier function, and decreased opioid receptor activity. In conclusion, these data indicate that HO protects against DSS-induced colitis by inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation and improving intestinal barrier function through activation of the endogenous opioid system. Therefore, targeting the opioid system with peptidase inhibitors intervention would be a novel strategy in the therapy of IBD.

In China, Codonopsis Radix (CR) is frequently consumed both as food and medicine. Here, a comprehensive strategy based on fingerprinting and chemometric approaches was created to explore the influence of origins, storage time and kneading processing on the quality of CR. Firstly, high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection was used to obtain the fingerprints of 35 batches of CR from six different origins and 33 batches of CR from varying storage times or kneading procedures. Secondly, chemometric methods including similarity analysis (SA), principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), and two-way orthogonal partial least square with discriminant analysis (O2PLS—DA) were used to evaluate the differences of chemical components in CR so as to identify its source and reflect its quality. Moreover, 13 and 16 major compounds were identified as marker compounds for the discrimination of CR from different origins, storage time and kneading processing, respectively. Furthermore, the relative content of the marker components and the exact content of Lobetyolin were measured, indicating that the contents of these components vary significantly between various CR samples. Meanwhile, the chemical components of CR were identified using Mass spectrometry. According to the findings of our investigation, the quality of CR from Gansu was the best, followed by Shanxi and then Sichuan. The quality of CR from Chongqing and Guizhou was poor. At the same time, the quality of CR was the best when it was kneaded and stored for 0 years, indicating that the traditional kneading process of CR is of great significance. Conclusively, HPLC fingerprint in conjunction with chemical pattern recognition and component content determination can be employed to differentiate the raw materials of different CR samples. Additionally, it is also a reliable, comprehensive and prospective method for quality control and evaluation of CR.

Abstract Background Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) with multiple pathological types is extremely rare in the clinic, but the recurrence rate and mortality these patients are high. At present, there is no standard treatment for such cases. Case presentation We reported a case of ureteral urothelial carcinoma with squamous cell carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma differentiation and rapid ileal metastasis and reviewed the literature related to different pathological types of upper urinary tract tumours to explore the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis characteristics of the disease, enhance our understanding of its clinical manifestations and history of evolution and provide guidance for avoiding missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Conclusion There is no standard treatment for urinary malignant tumours with multiple pathological types; radical surgery is considered a suitable choice. Chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy and immunotherapy may be beneficial to the survival of patients. In short, these patients have a high risk of recurrence and metastasis and a poor prognosis.

Abstract Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein serine kinase (CASK) is a key player in vesicle transport and release in neurons. However, its precise role, particularly in nonneuronal systems, is incompletely understood. We report that CASK functions as an important regulator of insulin secretion. CASK depletion in mouse islets/β cells substantially reduces insulin secretion and vesicle docking/fusion. CASK forms a ternary complex with Mint1 and Munc18-1, and this event is regulated by glucose stimulation in β cells. The crystal structure of the CASK/Mint1 complex demonstrates that Mint1 exhibits a unique “whip”-like structure that wraps tightly around the CASK-CaMK domain, which contains dual hydrophobic interaction sites. When triggered by CASK binding, Mint1 modulates the assembly of the complex. Further investigation revealed that CASK-Mint1 binding is critical for ternary complex formation, thereby controlling Munc18-1 membrane localization and insulin secretion. Our work illustrates the distinctive molecular basis underlying CASK/Mint1/Munc18-1 complex formation and reveals the importance of the CASK-Mint1-Munc18 signaling axis in insulin secretion.

Stereocilia are actin-based cell protrusions on the apical surface of inner ear hair cells, playing a pivotal role in hearing and balancing sensation. The development and maintenance of stereocilia is tightly regulated and deficits in this process usually lead to hearing or balancing disorders. The Rho GTPase cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) is a key regulator of the actin cytoskeleton. It has been reported to localize in the hair cell stereocilia and play important roles in stereocilia maintenance. In the present work, we utilized hair cell-specific Cdc42 knockout mice and CDC42 inhibitor ML141 to explore the role of CDC42 in stereocilia development. Our data show that stereocilia height and width as well as stereocilia resorption are affected in Cdc42-deficient cochlear hair cells when examined at postnatal day 8 (P8). Moreover, ML141 treatment leads to planar cell polarity (PCP) deficits in neonatal hair cells. We also show that overexpression of a constitutively active mutant CDC42 in cochlear hair cells leads to enhanced stereocilia developmental deficits. In conclusion, the present data suggest that CDC42 plays a pivotal role in regulating hair cell stereocilia development.

Using biomass-derived solvents in various organic reactions is challenging for the fine chemicals industry. We herein report a Pd/C catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in water extract of suaeda salsa (WES) without using external phosphine ligand, base, and organic solvent. The cross-coupling reactions were carried out in a basic WES medium with a broad substrate scope and wide functional group tolerance. Furthermore, the high purity of solid biaryl products can be obtained by column chromatography or filtration.

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a reactive substance that reacts with most biomolecules and is essential in physiological and pathological processes. Abnormally elevated HOCl levels may cause inflammation and other disease responses. To further understand its key role in inflammation, HOCl must be detected in situ. Here, we designed a hydroxytricyanopyrrole-based small-molecule fluorescent probe (HTCP-NTC) to monitor and identify trace amounts of HOCl in biological systems. In the presence of HOCl, HTCP-NTC released hydroxyl groups that emit strong fluorescence covering a wide wavelength range from the visible to near-infrared region owing to the resumption of the intramolecular charge transfer process. Additionally, HTCP-NTC demonstrated a 202-fold fluorescence enhancement accompanied by a large Stokes shift and a low detection limit (21.7 nM). Furthermore, HTCP-NTC provided a rapid response to HOCl within 18 s, allowing real-time monitoring of intracellular HOCl. HTCP-NTC exhibited rapid kinetics and biocompatibility, allowing effective monitoring of the exogenous and endogenous HOCl fluctuations in living cells. Finally, based on fluorescence imaging, HTCP-NTC is a potential method for understanding the relationship between inflammation and HOCl.

Abstract It has been reported that Cavin1 deficiency causes lipodystrophy in both humans and mice by affecting lipid metabolism. The ablation of Cavin1 in rodents also causes a significant deviation from Mendelian ratio at weaning in a background‐dependent manner, suggesting the presence of undiscovered functions of Cavin1. In the current study, the results show that Cavin1 deficiency causes neonatal death in C57BL/6J mice by dampening the storage and mobilization of glycogen in the liver, which leads to lethal neonatal hypoglycemia. Further investigation by electron microscopy reveals that Cavin1 deficiency impairs the fenestration in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and impacts the permeability of endothelial barrier in the liver. Mechanistically, Cavin1 deficiency inhibits the RhoA‐Rho‐associated protein kinase 2‐LIM domain kinase‐Cofilin signaling pathway and suppresses the dynamics of the cytoskeleton, and eventually causes the reduction of fenestrae in LSECs. In addition, the defect of fenestration in LSECs caused by Cavin1 deficiency can be rescued by treatment with the F‐actin depolymerization reagent latrunculin A. In summary, the current study reveals a novel function of Cavin1 on fenestrae formation in LSECs and liver glycogen metabolism, which provide an explanation for the neonatal death of Cavin1 null mice and a potential mechanism for metabolic disorders in patients with Cavin1 mutation.

Background Angelica sinensis seedlings are grown in alpine uncultivated meadow soil with rainfed agroecosystems to ensure the quality of A. sinensis after seedling transplantation. The aim was to investigate the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities during the growth stages of A. sinensis seedlings. Methods The bacterial and fungal communities were investigated by HiSeq sequencing of 16S and 18S rDNA, respectively. Results Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were bacterial dominant phyla throughout growth stages. Fungal dominant phyla varied with growth stages, dominant phyla Ascomycota and Chytridiomycota in AM5, dominant phyla Basidiomycota, Ascomycota and Zygomycota in BM5, and dominant phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota in CM5. There was no significant variation in the alpha-diversity of the bacterial and fungal communities, but significant variation was in the beta-diversity. We found that the variation of microbial community composition was accompanied by the changes in community function. The relative abundance of fungal pathogens increased with plant growth. We also identified the core microbes, significant-changing microbes, stage-specific microbes, and host-specific microbes. Plant weight, root length, root diameter, soil pH, rainfall, and climate temperature were the key divers to microbial community composition. Conclusions Our findings reported the variation and environmental drivers of rhizosphere bacterial and fungal communities during the growth of A. sinensis seedlings, which enhance the understanding of the rhizosphere microbial community in this habitat.

Abstract RNA interference (RNAi) is a nucleic acid metabolism system utilized for the post‐translational regulation of endogenous genes or for defense against exogenous RNA or transposable elements. Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐mediated RNAi shows broad application prospects to improve existing plant traits and combat invading pathogens or pests. To improve dsRNA transcriptional efficiency using a prokaryotic expression system, Trxz gene, an essential gene for the early development of chloroplasts in Arabidopsis thaliana, was chosen for a functional study. Two types of recombinant expression vectors, pDP‐Trxz and phP‐Trxz‐N/L, were constructed to generate dsTrxz, the dsRNA which specifically induces Trxz gene silencing. Gel electrophoresis tests showed that phP vectors performed better and produced more dsRNA than the pDP vector under the same conditions. Purification of dsTrxz by enzymatic digestion indicated that highly purified dsRNA can be obtained through the use of DNase enzymatic hydrolysis assay. To confirm the knockdown effect of the dsRNA, a root immersion assay was performed, and we found that the root immersion culture could continue to affect the growth and development of A. thaliana. This included inhibiting the development of new leaves, causing weak plant development, leaf whitening, and other symptoms. This indicated that in vitro expressed dsRNA can be absorbed through Arabidopsis roots and can continue to trigger Trxz gene silencing. To delay dsRNA degradation and extend the effectiveness of RNAi, nanomaterial layered double hydroxide (LDH)‐mediated BioClay was performed. We found that LDH‐mediated BioClay alleviates the degree of dsRNA degradation, which provides a new idea for the storage and transportation of dsRNA.

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is critical for cytosolic DNA-triggered innate immunity. STING is modified by several types of polyubiquitin chains. Here, we report that the deubiquitinase CYLD sustains STING signaling by stabilizing the STING protein. CYLD deficiency promoted the K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation of STING, attenuating the induction of IRF3-responsive genes after HSV-1 infection or the transfection of DNA ligands. Additionally, CYLD knockout mice were more susceptible to HSV-1 infection than their wild-type (WT) littermates. Mechanistically, STING translocated from the ER to the Golgi upon HSV-1 stimulation; CYLD partially accumulated with STING and interacted selectively with K48-linked polyubiquitin chains on STING, specifically removing the K48-linked polyubiquitin chains from STING and ultimately boosting the innate antiviral response. Our study reveals that CYLD is a novel checkpoint in the cGAS-STING signaling pathway and sheds new light on the dynamic regulation of STING activity by ubiquitination.

Reporter gene systems are useful for studying bacterial molecular biology, including the regulation of gene expression and the histochemical analysis of protein products. Here, two genes, β-1,4-mannanase (manB) from Bacillus pumilus and β-glucuronidase (gusA) from Escherichia coli K12, were cloned into the expression vector pELX1. The expression patterns of these reporter genes in Lactobacillus casei were investigated by measuring their enzymatic activities and estimating their recombinant protein yields using western blot analysis. Whereas mannanase activity was positively correlated with the accumulation of ManB during growth, GusA activity was not; western blot analysis indicated that while the amount of GusA protein increased during later growth stages, GusA activity gradually decreased, indicating that the enzyme was inactive during cell growth. A similar trend was observed in E. coli JM109. We chose to use the more stable mannanase gene as the reporter to test secretion expression in L. casei. Two pELX1-based secretion vectors were constructed: one carried the signal peptide of the unknown secretion protein Usp45 from Lactococcus lactis (pELSH), and the other contained the full-length SlpA protein from the S-layer of L. acidophilus (pELWH). The secretion of ManB was detected in the supernatant of the pELSH-ManB transformants and in the S-layer of the cell surface of the pELWH-ManB transformants. This is the first report demonstrating that the B. pumilus manB gene is a useful reporter gene in L. casei and E.coli.