Promoter variations of ClERF1 gene determines flesh firmness in watermelon

BACKGROUND

Flesh firmness is a critical factor that influences fruit storability, shelf-life and consumer's preference as well. However, less is known about the key genetic factors that are associated with flesh firmness in fresh fruits like watermelon.

RESULTS

In this study, through bulk segregant analysis (BSA-seq), we identified a quantitative trait locus (QTL) that influenced variations in flesh firmness among recombinant inbred lines (RIL) developed from cross between the Citrullus mucosospermus accession ZJU152 with hard-flesh and Citrullus lanatus accession ZJU163 with soft-flesh. Fine mapping and sequence variations analyses revealed that ethylene-responsive factor 1 (ClERF1) was the most likely candidate gene for watermelon flesh firmness. Furthermore, several variations existed in the promoter region between ClERF1 of two parents, and significantly higher expressions of ClERF1 were found in hard-flesh ZJU152 compared with soft-flesh ZJU163 at key developmental stages. DUAL-LUC and GUS assays suggested much stronger promoter activity in ZJU152 over ZJU163. In addition, the kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) genotyping datasets of RIL populations and germplasm accessions further supported ClERF1 as a possible candidate gene for fruit flesh firmness variability and the hard-flesh genotype might only exist in wild species C. mucosospermus. Through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual luciferase assay, we found that ClERF1 could directly bind to the promoters of auxin-responsive protein (ClAux/IAA) and exostosin family protein (ClEXT) and positively regulated their expressions influencing fruit ripening and cell wall biosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that ClERF1 encoding an ethylene-responsive factor 1 is associated with flesh firmness in watermelon and provide mechanistic insight into the regulation of flesh firmness, and the ClERF1 gene is potentially applicable to the molecular improvement of fruit-flesh firmness by design breeding.

Future in the past: paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the epigenetic mechanisms

That certain preconceptual paternal exposures reprogram the developmental phenotypic plasticity in future generation(s) has conceptualized the "paternal programming of offspring health" hypothesis. This transgenerational effect is transmitted primarily through sperm epigenetic mechanisms-DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and associated RNA modifications, and histone modifications-and potentially through non-sperm-specific mechanisms-seminal plasma and circulating factors-that create 'imprinted' memory of ancestral information. The epigenetic landscape in sperm is highly responsive to environmental cues, due to, in part, the soma-to-germline communication mediated by epididymosomes. While human epidemiological studies and experimental animal studies have provided solid evidences in support of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, how ancestral information is memorized as epigenetic codes for germline transmission is poorly understood. Particular elusive is what the downstream effector pathways that decode those epigenetic codes into persistent phenotypes. In this review, we discuss the paternal reprogramming of offspring phenotype and the possible underlying epigenetic mechanisms. Cracking these epigenetic mechanisms will lead to a better appreciation of "Paternal Origins of Health and Disease" and guide innovation of intervention algorithms to achieve 'healthier' outcomes in future generations. All this will revolutionize our understanding of human disease etiology.

A comprehensive review on signaling attributes of serine and serine metabolism in health and disease

Serine is a metabolite with ever-expanding metabolic and non-metabolic signaling attributes. By providing one‑carbon units for macromolecule biosynthesis and functional modifications, serine and serine metabolism largely impinge on cellular survival and function. Cancer cells frequently have a preference for serine metabolic reprogramming to create a conducive metabolic state for survival and aggressiveness, making intervention of cancer-associated rewiring of serine metabolism a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Beyond providing methyl donors for methylation in modulation of innate immunity, serine metabolism generates formyl donors for mitochondrial tRNA formylation which is required for mitochondrial function. Interestingly, fully developed neurons lack the machinery for serine biosynthesis and rely heavily on astrocytic l-serine for production of d-serine to shape synaptic plasticity. Here, we recapitulate recent discoveries that address the medical significance of serine and serine metabolism in malignancies, mitochondrial-associated disorders, and neurodegenerative pathologies. Metabolic control and epigenetic- and posttranslational regulation of serine metabolism are also discussed. Given the metabolic similarities between cancer cells, neurons and germ cells, we further propose the relevance of serine metabolism in testicular homeostasis. Our work provides valuable hints for future investigations that will lead to a deeper understanding of serine and serine metabolism in cellular physiology and pathology.

Bioinformatics-based identification of key candidate genes and signaling pathways in patients with Parkinson's disease and obstructive sleep apnea

OBJECTIVES

Existing evidence exhibits that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a potential consequence of Parkinson's disease (PD) or a contributor to PD progression. This investigation aimed to detect potential critical genes and molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between PD and OSA through bioinformatics analyses.

METHODS

The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was employed to obtain the expression profiles GSE20163 and GSE135917. The identification of common genes connected to PD and OSA was performed utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis and the R 4.0.4 program. The Cytoscape program was utilized to generate a network of protein-protein interactions (PPI), and the CytoHubba plugin was utilized to detect hub genes. Subsequently, functional enrichment analyses of the hub genes were conducted. Markers with increased diagnostic values for PD and OSA were confirmed using the GEO datasets GSE8397 and GSE38792.

RESULTS

Typically, 57 genes that are common were identified in PD and OSA. Among these common genes, the top 10 hub genes in the PPI network were chosen. The verified datasets confirmed the presence of three important genes: CADPS, CHGA, and SCG3. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these hub genes mostly participate in GABAergic synapses.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that CADPS, CHGA, and SCG3 are key genes involved in molecular mechanisms underlying interactions between OSA and PD. Functional enrichment of hub genes indicated a link between GABAergic synapses and the shared pathogenesis of PD and OSA. These candidate genes and corresponding pathways offer novel insights regarding biological targets that underlie the transcriptional connection between OSA and PD.

A hemodynamic analysis of energy loss in abdominal aortic aneurysm using three-dimension idealized model

Objective: The aim of this study is to perform specific hemodynamic simulations of idealized abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) models with different diameters, curvatures and eccentricities and evaluate the risk of thrombosis and aneurysm rupture. Methods: Nine idealized AAA models with different diameters (3 cm or 5 cm), curvatures (0° or 30°) and eccentricities (centered on or tangent to the aorta), as well as a normal model, were constructed using commercial software (Solidworks; Dassault Systemes S.A, Suresnes, France). Hemodynamic simulations were conducted with the same time-varying volumetric flow rate extracted from the literature and 3-element Windkessel model (3 EWM) boundary conditions were applied at the aortic outlet. Several hemodynamic parameters such as time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), relative residence time (RRT), endothelial cell activation potential (ECAP) and energy loss (EL) were obtained to evaluate the risk of thrombosis and aneurysm rupture under different conditions. Results: Simulation results showed that the proportion of low TAWSS region and high OSI region increases with the rising of aneurysm diameter, whereas decreases in the curvature and eccentric models of the corresponding diameters, with the 5 cm normal model having the largest low TAWSS region (68.5%) and high OSI region (40%). Similar to the results of TAWSS and OSI, the high ECAP and high RRT areas were largest in the 5 cm normal model, with the highest wall-averaged value (RRT: 5.18 s, ECAP: 4.36 Pa-1). Differently, the increase of aneurysm diameter, curvature, and eccentricity all lead to the increase of mean flow EL and turbulent EL, such that the highest mean flow EL (0.82 W · 10-3) and turbulent EL (1.72 W · 10-3) were observed in the eccentric 5 cm model with the bending angle of 30°. Conclusion: Collectively, increases in aneurysm diameter, curvature, and eccentricity all raise mean flow EL and turbulent flow EL, which may aggravate the damage and disturbance of flow in aneurysm. In addition, it can be inferred by conventional parameters (TAWSS, OSI, RRT and ECAP) that the increase of aneurysm diameter may raise the risk of thrombosis, whereas the curvature and eccentricity appeared to have a protective effect against thrombosis.

Proteolytic cleavage and inactivation of the TRMT1 tRNA modification enzyme by SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Nonstructural protein 5 (Nsp5) is the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 that cleaves viral polyproteins into individual polypeptides necessary for viral replication. Here, we show that Nsp5 binds and cleaves human tRNA methyltransferase 1 (TRMT1), a host enzyme required for a prevalent post-transcriptional modification in tRNAs. Human cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit a decrease in TRMT1 protein levels and TRMT1-catalyzed tRNA modifications, consistent with TRMT1 cleavage and inactivation by Nsp5. Nsp5 cleaves TRMT1 at a specific position that matches the consensus sequence of SARS-CoV-2 polyprotein cleavage sites, and a single mutation within the sequence inhibits Nsp5-dependent proteolysis of TRMT1. The TRMT1 cleavage fragments exhibit altered RNA binding activity and are unable to rescue tRNA modification in TRMT1-deficient human cells. Compared to wildtype human cells, TRMT1-deficient human cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit reduced levels of intracellular viral RNA. These findings provide evidence that Nsp5-dependent cleavage of TRMT1 and perturbation of tRNA modification patterns contribute to the cellular pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Retinoic acid signaling in development and differentiation commitment and its regulatory topology

Retinoic acid (RA), the derivative of vitamin A/retinol, is a signaling molecule with important implications in health and disease. It is a well-known developmental morphogen that functions mainly through the transcriptional activity of nuclear RA receptors (RARs) and, uncommonly, through other nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Intracellular RA is under spatiotemporally fine-tuned regulation by synthesis and degradation processes catalyzed by retinaldehyde dehydrogenases and P450 family enzymes, respectively. In addition to dictating the transcription architecture, RA also impinges on cell functioning through non-genomic mechanisms independent of RAR transcriptional activity. Although RA-based differentiation therapy has achieved impressive success in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, RA also has pro-tumor activity. Here, we highlight the relevance of RA signaling in cell-fate determination, neurogenesis, visual function, inflammatory responses and gametogenesis commitment. Genetic and post-translational modifications of RAR are also discussed. A better understanding of RA signaling will foster the development of precision medicine to improve the defects caused by deregulated RA signaling.

[Efficacy observation and compliance analysis of pollen allergen drops in seasonal allergic rhinitis]

To study the efficacy and compliance analysis of pollen allergen drops in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The method of single-center controlled was used to analyze the dates' results. From July 2021 to September 2021, 80 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis were referred to the clinic of otorhinolaryngology in First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University.40 patients received sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT group), and the other 40 patients received symptomatic drug treatment as the control group. The total rhinoconjunctivitis symptom score (TRSS), the visual analogue scale(VAS), total medication score (TMS) and combined scores of medication and rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms (CSMRS) of the patient before the start of the treatment and after the first year of the treatment were compared to assess the efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy of Artemisia pollen. Follow the shedding during the study, the safety of the drug and the causes for compliance analysis were analyzed and recorded. The results of comparison with TRSS, VAS, TMS and CSMRS in two groups in the period of pretherapy were as follows: TRSS(12.393±3.023, 12.450±3.029, t=-0.077, P=0.939), VAS(8.357±1.026, 8.400±0.982, t=-0.173, P=0.862), TMS(3.214±0.568, 3.175±0.501, t=0.301, P=0.764), CSMRS (5.286±0.680, 5.253±0.677, t=0.199, P=0.843), there was no significant difference (P>0.05); lower observed symptom scores were got in the post-treatment pollen peak SLIT group compared to the control group, TRSS(3.964±1.551, 7.750±2.169, t=-7.918, P<0.05), VAS(2.893±0.956, 5.175±1.481, t=-8.286, P<0.05), TMS (1.821±0.863, 3.175±0.501, t=-8.163, P<0.05), CSMRS (2.489±0.921, 4.468±0.601, t=-10.723, P<0.05), and the differences between the groups were statistically significant (P<0.05); the SLIT group significantly reduced all symptom scores at the first peak compared to the starting, TRSS(12.393±3.023, 3.964±1.551, t=20.576, P<0.05), VAS (8.357±1.026, 2.893±0.956, t=30.070, P<0.05), TMS (3.214±0.568, 1.821±0.863, t=7.151, P<0.05), CSMRS(5.286±0.680, 2.489±0.921, t=14.533, P<0.05) and there was statistical difference (P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions occured during medication in the SLIT group. A total of 12 cases were shed in the SLIT group, so the compliance rate was 70%. The four reasons were that patients considered the course was long (4 cases, 33%); the drugs were expensive (3 cases, 25%); patients were busy with their work and life (3 cases, 25%); patients were affected by the outbreak (2 cases, 17%). In summary, Artemisia pollen sublingual drops may improve the symptoms of the patients who got allergic rhinitis caused by Artemisia pollen after the treatment for one year. However, due to the lack of sufficient understanding of immunotherapy or the difficulty in adhering to standardized medication, the compliance with sublingual immunotherapy is still poor, the compliance with sublingual immunotherapy needs to be further improved through patient education.

Hyperoside mediates protection from diabetes kidney disease by regulating ROS-ERK signaling pathway and pyroptosis

Renal tubular injury is a key factor in the progression of diabetic kidney disease to end-stage renal disease. Hyperoside, a natural flavonol glycoside in various plants, is a potentially effective drug for the clinical treatment of diabetic kidney disease. However, the specific mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, this study will explore the effect and mechanism of hyperoside on renal tubulointerstitium in diabetic kidney disease. db/db mouse (C57BL/KsJ) is a model of type 2 diabetes resulting from Leptin receptor point mutations, with the appearance of diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, db/db mice were used for in vivo experimental studies. In vitro, human renal tubular epithelial cells were incubated with bovine serum albumin to simulate the injury of renal tubular epithelial cells caused by excessive albumin in primary urine. The experimental results showed that hyperoside could improve kidney function and reduce kidney tissue damage in mice, and could inhibit oxidative stress, extracellularly regulated protein kinases 1/2 signaling activation, and pyroptosis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Therefore, hyperoside inhibited oxidative stress by regulating the activation of the extracellularly regulated protein kinases 1/2/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, thereby alleviating proteinuria-induced pyroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells. This study provides novel evidence that could facilitate the clinical application of hyperoside in diabetic kidney disease treatment.

Exploring the ignored role of escaped algae in a pilot-scale DWDS: Disinfectant consumption, DBP yield and risk formation

Insufficient treatments during bloom-forming seasons allow algae to enter the subsequent drinking water distribution system (DWDS). Yet, scarce information is available regarding the role escaped algae to play in the DWDS, and how they interact with the system. Thus, three scenarios were conducted: a pilot DWDS with algae (a), pipe water (b), and pipe water with algae (c). Experimental results showed that, compared to biofilm and bulk water, escaped algae required fewer disinfectants. Competition for disinfectants varied with algal strains (Microcystis aeruginosa, MA; Pseudanabaena sp., PS) and disinfectant types (chlorine, Cl2; chloriamine, NH2Cl). Algae in the MA-Cl2 group showed the highest demand (6.25%-36.02%). However, the low-concentration disinfectants distributed to algae could trigger distinct algal status alternations. Cl2 diffused into intact MA cells and reacted with intracellular compositions. Damaged PS cells reached 100% within 2 h. Typical disinfection byproducts (DBPs), including trihalomethanes (THMs), haloacetic acids and halogenated acetonitriles were examined. Disinfectant types and algal strains affected DBP yield and distribution. Although disinfectants consumed by algae might not promote dissolved DBP formation, especially for THMs. DBP formation of the other components was affected by escaped algae via changing disinfectant assignment (reduced by 45.45% for MA-Cl2) and transformation efficiency (by 34.52%). The cytotoxicity risks were estimated. Dissolved DBP-induced risks were not added when escaped algae occurred, whereas disruption and release of intracellular substances increased risks; the maximum cytotoxicity did not occur at 12 h rather than at the end (24 h). Overall, this study provided an innovative perspective on algal-related water quality issues in water systems.

Pan-genome analysis sheds light on structural variation-based dissection of agronomic traits in melon crops

Sweetness and appearance of fresh fruits are key palatable and preference attributes for consumers and are often controlled by multiple genes. However, fine-mapping the key loci or genes of interest by single genome-based genetic analysis is challenging. Herein, we present the chromosome-level genome assembly of 1 landrace melon accession (Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis) with wild morphologic features and thus construct a melon pan-genome atlas via integrating sequenced melon genome datasets. Our comparative genomic analysis reveals a total of 3.4 million genetic variations, of which the presence/absence variations (PAVs) are mainly involved in regulating the function of genes for sucrose metabolism during melon domestication and improvement. We further resolved several loci that are accountable for sucrose contents, flesh color, rind stripe, and suture using a structural variation (SV)-based genome-wide association study. Furthermore, via bulked segregation analysis (BSA)-seq and map-based cloning, we uncovered that a single gene, (CmPIRL6), determines the edible or inedible characteristics of melon fruit exocarp. These findings provide important melon pan-genome information and provide a powerful toolkit for future pan-genome-informed cultivar breeding of melon.

Allelic variations of ClACO gene improve nitrogen uptake via ethylene-mediated root architecture in watermelon

KEY MESSAGE

The ClACO gene encoding 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase enabled highly efficient 15N uptake in watermelon. Nitrogen is one of the most essential nutrient elements that play a pivotal role in regulating plant growth and development for crop productivity. Elucidating the genetic basis of high nitrogen uptake is the key to improve nitrogen use efficiency for sustainable agricultural productivity. Whereas previous researches on nitrogen absorption process are mainly focused on a few model plants or crops. To date, the causal genes that determine the efficient nitrogen uptake of watermelon have not been mapped and remains largely unknown. Here, we fine-mapped the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ClACO) gene associated with nitrogen uptake efficiency in watermelon via bulked segregant analysis (BSA). The variations in the ClACO gene led to the changes of gene expression levels between two watermelon accessions with different nitrogen uptake efficiencies. Intriguingly, in terms of the transcript abundance of ClACO, it was concomitant with significant differences in ethylene evolutions in roots and root architectures between the two accessions and among the different genotypic offsprings of the recombinant BC2F1(ZJU132)-18. These findings suggest that ethylene as a negative regulator altered nitrogen uptake efficiency in watermelon by controlling root development. In conclusion, our current study will provide valuable target gene for precise breeding of 'green' watermelon varieties with high-nitrogen uptake efficiencies.

The emerging era of lactate: A rising star in cellular signaling and its regulatory mechanisms

Cellular metabolites are ancient molecules with pleiotropic implications in health and disease. Beyond their cognate roles, they have signaling functions as the ligands for specific receptors and the precursors for epigenetic or posttranslational modifications. Lactate has long been recognized as a metabolic waste and fatigue product mainly produced from glycolytic metabolism. Recent evidence however suggests lactate is an unique molecule with diverse signaling attributes in orchestration of numerous biological processes, including tumor immunity and neuronal survival. The copious metabolic and non-metabolic functions of lactate mediated by its bidirectional shuttle between cells or intracellular organelles lead to a phenotype called "lactormone." Importantly, the mechanisms of lactate signaling, via acting as a molecular sensor and a regulator of NAD+ metabolism and AMP-activated protein kinase signaling, and via the newly identified lactate-driven lactylation, have been discovered. Further, we include a brief discussion about the autocrine regulation of efferocytosis by lactate in Sertoli cells which favoraerobic glycolysis. By emphasizing a repertoire of the most recent discovered mechanisms of lactate signaling, this review will open tantalizing avenues for future investigations cracking the regulatory topology of lactate signaling covered in the veil of mystery.

Decoding algae under abnormal temperature variability with odorant as a responsive indicator

Harmful algal blooms impair the aesthetic quality and healthy performance of in-situ water. Worse yet, dramatic temperature variability arises additional difficulty in algal-induced risk assessment, which is so far poorly explored. Microcystis aeruginosa (FACHB 905), was selected to explore the odor-producing pattern (β-cyclocitral, the major odorant of the test alga) under several temperature-varying scenarios. Significant differences were observed in total β-cyclocitral yield between these scenarios, e.g., a rapid yield response as a result of acute temperature variation. Yield response was not only dependent on absolute temperature, but influenced by temperature variability stress. Acute increase (AI) or sequential increase (SI) in temperature caused extra production response, while the opposite was observed in groups with acute decrease (AD) and sequential decrease (SD) in temperature. Cell growth in AD group showed severe inhibition, with the specific growth rates fluctuating around half of that in 16-control. Whereas, SD could relieve such detrimental growth effects. Cell quota of β-cyclocitral yield was sensitive to temperature variation, with notable increase in AI and SI. Further, peaks in cell quota for SI group (79.3 %) were higher than for AI group (57.9 %). Cell quota variations in temperature-varying conditions contributed to the total yield response (R² = 0.566-0.980) more than cell intensity variations (R² = 0.0397-0.548). Further, it was also found that the internal mechanism by reactive oxygen species and pigments varied in various thermal scenarios. Overall, it was demonstrated that more than absolute value differences, temperature varying patterns across time influence algal behavior and related hazards, which should be noted in resource water quality management.

[Research progress in immunomodulation in orthodontic tooth movement]

In the process of orthodontic tooth movement, the secretion of cytokines by immune cells or cell-cell interaction affects the regulation of osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation. Increasingly, studies have focused on the role in the immune system in orthodontic bone remodeling. Based on the biological role of different immune cells or cytokines, this article briefly presents the research progress of immunomodulation in orthodontic tooth movement and future perspective, hopefully providing a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the biological mechanism in orthodontic tooth movement.

Evaluating the accuracy of automated cephalometric analysis based on artificial intelligence

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of automatic cephalometric landmark localization and measurements using cephalometric analysis via artificial intelligence (AI) compared with computer-assisted manual analysis.

METHODS

Reconstructed lateral cephalograms (RLCs) from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in 85 patients were selected. Computer-assisted manual analysis (Dolphin Imaging 11.9) and AI automatic analysis (Planmeca Romexis 6.2) were used to locate 19 landmarks and obtain 23 measurements. Mean radial error (MRE) and successful detection rate (SDR) values were calculated to assess the accuracy of automatic landmark digitization. Paired t tests and Bland‒Altman plots were used to compare the differences and consistencies in cephalometric measurements between manual and automatic analysis programs.

RESULTS

The MRE for 19 cephalometric landmarks was 2.07 ± 1.35 mm with the automatic program. The average SDR within 1 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 and 4 mm were 18.82%, 58.58%, 71.70%, 82.04% and 91.39%, respectively. Soft tissue landmarks (1.54 ± 0.85 mm) had the most consistency, while dental landmarks (2.37 ± 1.55 mm) had the most variation. In total, 15 out of 23 measurements were within the clinically acceptable level of accuracy, 2 mm or 2°. The rates of consistency within the 95% limits of agreement were all above 90% for all measurement parameters.

CONCLUSION

Automatic analysis software collects cephalometric measurements almost effectively enough to be acceptable in clinical work. Nevertheless, automatic cephalometry is not capable of completely replacing manual tracing. Additional manual supervision and adjustment for automatic programs can increase accuracy and efficiency.

Cytoskeletal orchestration of glucose uptake in Sertoli cell to support efferocytosis of apoptotic germ cells

Efferocytosis of non-viable germ cells by Sertoli cells (SCs) constitutes a sentinel for testis homeostasis, yet how SCs signal for the metabolic and cytoskeletal adaption to this energetically costly process remains unexplored. Spectrin is membrane-associated periodic skeleton assembled into an actin-spectrin-based cytoskeletal structure with an interaction with glucose transporter Glut1. The contribution of spectrin to glucose uptake and efferocytosis is unknown. In this study, we identified a cross-regulation between glucose metabolism and efferocytosis in SCs. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of glucose uptake or glycolysis compromises efferocytosis activity. We further found that βII-spectrin is a hitherto unappreciated regulator of glucose metabolism and cytoskeletal architecture. βII-spectrin deficiency impairs glucose uptake and lactate production in SCs. Moreover, a defective assembly of cytoskeleton and a loss of blood-testis barrier integrity are also featured by SCs deficient in βII-spectrin. The disruption in glucose metabolism and cytoskeletal organization synergistically lead to a defective efferocytosis. In vivo siRNA-mediated targeting of βII-spectrin in testis causes an obvious morphological aberration in seminiferous epithelium with the presence of exfoliated germ cells and multinucleated giant cells. Importantly, a decrease in expression of αII/βII-spectrin was observed in testes of Adjudin-induced infertility model. By exploring the functional relevance of βII-spectrin to the metabolic and cytoskeletal regulation of efferocytosis, our study proposes a potential link between βII-spectrin deregulation and male infertility.

Evaluating the accuracy of automated cephalometric analysis based on artificial intelligence

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of automatic cephalometric landmark localization and measurements using cephalometric analysis via artificial intelligence (AI) compared with computer-assisted manual analysis.

METHODS

Reconstructed lateral cephalograms (RLCs) from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in 85 patients were selected. Computer-assisted manual analysis (Dolphin Imaging 11.9) and AI automatic analysis (Planmeca Romexis 6.2) were used to locate 19 landmarks and obtain 23 measurements. Mean radial error (MRE) and successful detection rate (SDR) values were calculated to assess the accuracy of automatic landmark digitization. Paired t tests and Bland‒Altman plots were used to compare the differences and consistencies in cephalometric measurements between manual and automatic analysis programs.

RESULTS

The MRE for 19 cephalometric landmarks was 2.07 ± 1.35 mm with the automatic program. The average SDR within 1 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 and 4 mm were 18.82%, 58.58%, 71.70%, 82.04% and 91.39%, respectively. Soft tissue landmarks (1.54 ± 0.85 mm) had the most consistency, while dental landmarks (2.37 ± 1.55 mm) had the most variation. In total, 15 out of 23 measurements were within the clinically acceptable level of accuracy, 2 mm or 2°. The rates of consistency within the 95% limits of agreement were all above 90% for all measurement parameters.

CONCLUSION

Automatic analysis software collects cephalometric measurements almost effectively enough to be acceptable in clinical work. Nevertheless, automatic cephalometry is not capable of completely replacing manual tracing. Additional manual supervision and adjustment for automatic programs can increase accuracy and efficiency.

Electrochemistry-Driven Interphase Doubly Protects Graphite Cathodes for Ultralong Life and Fast Charge of Dual-Ion Batteries

Dual-ion batteries (DIBs) with graphite as cathode material, show superiority in terms of sustainability, affordability, and environmental impact over Li-ion batteries that rely on transition-metal based cathodes. However, graphite cathodes severely suffer from poor structural stability during anion storage at high potentials because of the co-intercalation and oxidative decomposition of electrolytes. This work presents an in situ electrochemistry-driven route to create a bifunctional interphase through implantation of diethylenetriaminepenta(methylene-phosphonic acid) (DTPMP) on the surface of graphite particles. The reaction mechanisms and functions of DTPMP are investigated both experimentally and theoretically. The DTPMP-derived interphase not only improves the antioxidative stability of electrolytes but also benefits the desolvation of PF₆ ^- anions, which doubly protect the graphitic structure and give rise to fast-charge and ultralong cycling performance of graphite cathodes in DIBs.

Mechanical force induces macrophage-derived exosomal UCHL3 promoting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell osteogenesis by targeting SMAD1

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), a process of alveolar bone remodelling, is induced by mechanical force and regulated by local inflammation. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) play a fundamental role in osteogenesis during OTM. Macrophages are mechanosensitive cells that can regulate local inflammatory microenvironment and promote BMSCs osteogenesis by secreting diverse mediators. However, whether and how mechanical force regulates osteogenesis during OTM via macrophage-derived exosomes remains elusive.

RESULTS

Mechanical stimulation (MS) promoted bone marrow-derived macrophage (BMDM)-mediated BMSCs osteogenesis. Importantly, when exosomes from mechanically stimulated BMDMs (MS-BMDM-EXOs) were blocked, the pro-osteogenic effect was suppressed. Additionally, compared with exosomes derived from BMDMs (BMDM-EXOs), MS-BMDM-EXOs exhibited a stronger ability to enhance BMSCs osteogenesis. At in vivo, mechanical force-induced alveolar bone formation was impaired during OTM when exosomes were blocked, and MS-BMDM-EXOs were more effective in promoting alveolar bone formation than BMDM-EXOs. Further proteomic analysis revealed that ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase isozyme L3 (UCHL3) was enriched in MS-BMDM-EXOs compared with BMDM-EXOs. We went on to show that BMSCs osteogenesis and mechanical force-induced bone formation were impaired when UCHL3 was inhibited. Furthermore, mothers against decapentaplegic homologue 1 (SMAD1) was identified as the target protein of UCHL3. At the mechanistic level, we showed that SMAD1 interacted with UCHL3 in BMSCs and was downregulated when UCHL3 was suppressed. Consistently, overexpression of SMAD1 rescued the adverse effect of inhibiting UCHL3 on BMSCs osteogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that mechanical force-induced macrophage-derived exosomal UCHL3 promotes BMSCs osteogenesis by targeting SMAD1, thereby promoting alveolar bone formation during OTM.

Ultrafast Charge and Long Life of High-Voltage Cathodes for Dual-Ion Batteries via a Bifunctional Interphase Nanolayer on Graphite Particles

Dual-ion batteries (DIBs) with Co/Ni-free cathodes especially graphite cathodes are very attractive energy storage systems in the long run because of the cost effectiveness and sustainability. However, graphite cathodes severely suffer from poor structural stability during anions storage at high potentials owing to the oxidative decomposition of electrolytes and volume expansion. This work proposes an artificial cathode/electrolyte interphase (CEI) strategy by implanting polyphosphoric acid (PPA) nanofilms tightly on natural graphite (NG) particles via interfacial hydrogen bonding. The electrochemical results show that the PPA-modified graphite cathodes possess enhanced charge-discharge reversibility, accelerated electrode reaction kinetic, decreased resistance, decelerated self-discharge, and prolonged cycling life. Through post-analyses on the cycled graphite cathodes, the improved performance is mainly attributed to the PPA-based CEI, which effectively mitigates the electrolyte decomposition and protects the graphitic structure. More interestingly, the hydrogen bonding interactions between poly(vinyldifluoride) (PVDF) binder and PPA as validated through density functional theory calculations and practical experiments can increase the contact sites of PVDF chains on NG@PPA particles. Meanwhile, the cross-linking effect of PPA can enhance the mechanical strength of PVDF, thus the long life of NG@PPA cathode is also correlated with the improved mechanical stability of the entire electrode.

Cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent investigation of O-methylated pollutant-producing bacteria in three drinking water treatment plants

O-methylated pollutants (OMPs) are emerging contaminants in drinking water and mainly produced through bacterial O-methylation. However, the information of OMP-producing bacteria (OMPPB) in drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) is largely unknown so far. In this study, the OMPPB in water samples from three DWTPs (XL, JX and NX) were investigated by using cultivation-dependent and cultivation-independent technologies. Four OMPs were detected and their odor and toxicity risks were assessed. Formation potentials (FPs) of 2,4,6-trichloanisole, 2,3,6-trichloanisole, 2,4,6-tribromoanisole, pentachloroanisole and diclofenac methyl ester were determined in water samples and their values shifted significantly among DWTPs. A most probable number (MPN) method was established to quantify OMPPB numbers and the relationships between total haloanisole FPs (HAFPs) (y) and OMPPB numbers (x) in three DWTPs could be described by the following functions: y = 0.496×^0.373 (XL), y = 0.041×^0.465 (JX) and y = 0.218×^0.237 (NX). Several genera like Bacillus, Ralstonia, Brevundimonas, etc. were newly found OMPPB among the cultivable bacteria, and their OMP products were evaluated in terms of quantity and environment risks (odor, toxicity and bioaccumulation). High-throughput sequencing revealed treatment process was the main driving factor to shape the OMPPB community structures and Mantel test showed HAFP profile was significantly influenced by Mycobacterium and Pelomonas. PICURSt2 analysis discovered four phenolic O-methyltransferases (OMTs) and four carboxylic OMTs which might be responsible for OMP formation. Several strategies were recommended to assess risk and control contamination brought by OMPPB in DWTPs.

DL-3-n-butylphthalide Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury By Inhibiting Mitochondrial Omi/HtrA2-Mediated Apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and disability worldwide and results from inadequate cerebrovascular blood supply; mitochondrial dysfunction plays an essential role in its pathogenesis. DL-3-n-butylphthalide (NBP) is an effective medicine for ischemic stroke that reduces cell apoptosis and improves long-term prognosis.

OBJECTIVE

Whether and how NBP regulates mitochondria-associated apoptosis in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury remains unclear.

METHODS

Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke and treated with low (20 mg/kg) or high (80 mg/kg) concentrations of NBP. The Omi/HtrA2 inhibitor UCF-101 was used as a positive control. Cerebral infarction, neuron injury and neuronal apoptosis were assessed to determine the efficacy of NBP compared to UCF-101. We assessed the expression of the Omi/HtrA2 signaling pathway by western blotting and tested the mRNA expression of mitochondrial metabolism-related genes by PCR.

RESULTS

Compared to the MCAO group, both low and high concentrations of NBP substantially improved cerebral infarction, neuron injury, and neuronal apoptosis; high concentrations of NBP were more potent than low concentrations. The expression of proteins of the mitochondrial Omi/HtrA2 signaling pathway, including Omi/HtrA2, XIAP, PARL, OPA1, CHOP, and ClpP, was inhibited in the NBP group.

CONCLUSION

Overall, early application of NBP attenuated cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting mitochondrial Omi/HtrA2-mediated apoptosis in rats. Our study supports a novel neuroprotective mechanism of NBP, making it a promising therapeutic agent for ischemic stroke.

A Predictive Model to Evaluate Pathologic Complete Response in Rectal Adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (nCRT) before surgery was a standard treatment strategy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the predictive factors and pathological complete response (pCR) in rectal cancer patients, especially in ultra-low ones. Method: A total of 402 patients were involved in this retrospective study. The logistic regression analyses were used to compare the different subgroups in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent predictive factors of pCR by using a logistic regression model. Results: A total of 402 patients received preoperative CRT. In all patients, multivariate analysis revealed that circumferential tumor extent rate (CER) (≤ 2/3cycle vs >2/3 cycle, P < .001, OR = 4.834, 95% CI: 2.309-10.121), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level (both ≤ 5 vs pre > 5 and post ≤ 5 vs both > 5, P = .033, OR = 1.537, 95% CI: 1.035-2.281), and interval time between the end of CRT and surgery (P = .031, OR = 2.412, 95% CI: 1.086-5.358) were predictive factors for pCR. The area under the curve (AUC) of the predictive model was 0.709 (95% CI: 0.649-0.769), which was significantly higher than the CER (0.646, 95% CI: 0.584-0.709), interval time (0.563, 95% CI: 0.495-0.631) and CEA level (0.586, 95% CI: 0.518-0.655). In ultra-low rectal patients, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that CER (≤ 2/3 cycle vs > 2/3 cycle, P = .003, OR = 7.203, 95% CI: 1.934-26.823) and mismatch repair (MMR) status (pMMR vs dMMR, P = .016, OR = 0.173, 95% CI: 0.041-0.720) were predictive factors for pCR. The AUC of the predictive model was 0.653 (95% CI: 0.474-0.832). Conclusion: New predictive models were varied by the histologic types and MMR statuses to evaluate the trend of tumor response to nCRT in all RC cases and ultra-low RC patients, which may be used to individualize stratify for selected LARC patients.

DNA/RNA helicase DHX36 is required for late stages of spermatogenesis

Spermatogenesis is a highly complex developmental process that typically consists of mitosis, meiosis, and spermiogenesis. DNA/RNA helicase DHX36, a unique guanine-quadruplex (G4) resolvase, plays crucial roles in a variety of biological processes. We previously showed that DHX36 is highly expressed in male germ cells with the highest level in zygotene spermatocytes. Here, we deleted Dhx36 in advanced germ cells with Stra8-GFPCre and found that a Dhx36 deficiency in the differentiated spermatogonia leads to meiotic defects and abnormal spermiogenesis. These defects in late stages of spermatogenesis arise from dysregulated transcription of G4-harboring genes, which are required for meiosis. Thus, this study reveals that Dhx36 plays crucial roles in late stages of spermatogenesis.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of bunching onion illuminates genome evolution and flavor formation in Allium crops

The Allium genus is cultivated globally as vegetables, condiments, or medicinal plants and is characterized by large genomes and strong pungency. However, the genome evolution and genomic basis underlying their unique flavor formation remain poorly understood. Herein, we report an 11.27-Gb chromosome-scale genome assembly for bunching onion (A. fistulosum). The uneven bursts of long-terminal repeats contribute to diversity in genome constituents, and dispersed duplication events largely account for gene expansion in Allium genomes. The extensive duplication and differentiation of alliinase and lachrymatory factor synthase manifest as important evolutionary events during flavor formation in Allium crops. Furthermore, differential selective preference for flavor-related genes likely lead to the variations in isoalliin content in bunching onions. Moreover, we reveal that China is the origin and domestication center for bunching onions. Our findings provide insights into Allium genome evolution, flavor formation and domestication history and enable future genome-assisted breeding of important traits in these crops.

An allelic variant in the ACS7 gene promotes primary root growth in watermelon

Gene mining in a C. lanatus × C. amarus population revealed one gene, ACS7, linked to primary root elongation in watermelon. Watermelon is a xerophytic crop characterized by a long primary root and robust lateral roots. Therefore, watermelon serves as an excellent model for studying root elongation and development. However, the genetic mechanism underlying the primary root elongation in watermelon remains unknown. Herein, through bulk segregant analysis we identified a genetic locus, qPRL.Chr03, controlling primary root length (PRL) using two different watermelon species (Citrullus lanatus and Citrullus amarus) that differ in their root architecture. Fine mapping revealed that xaa-Pro dipeptidase and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase 7 (ACS7) are candidate regulators of the primary root growth. Allelic variation in the delimited region among 193 watermelon accessions indicated that the long-root alleles might only exist in C. amarus. Interestingly, the discrepancy in PRL among the C. amarus accessions was clearly associated with a nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism variant within the ACS7 gene. The ACS7 expression and ethylene levels in the primary root tips suggested that ethylene is a negative regulator of root elongation in watermelon, as supported by the application of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC, the ethylene precursor) or 2-aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG, an ACS inhibitor). To the best of our knowledge, these findings provide the first description of the genetic basis of root elongation in watermelon. The detected markers of the ACS7 gene will facilitate marker-assisted selection for the PRL trait to improve water and nutrient use efficacy in watermelon and beyond.

Joint majorization of waterworks and secondary chlorination points considering the chloric odor and economic investment in the DWDS using machine learning and optimization algorithms

The traditional methods of increasing the chlorine disinfectant dosage in the drinking water distribution system (DWDS) to control microorganisms and improve the safety of drinking water quality are subjected to several challenges. One noticeable problem is the unpleasant odor generated by chlorine and chloramines. However, the generally proposed chlorine dosage optimization model ignores the chloric odor distribution in the DWDS. This study proposes a comprehensive multi-parameter water quality model and aims to balance the trade-offs between: (i) minimize the flavor profile analysis (FPA) degree of the chloric odor produced by chlorine and chloramines in the DWDS, and (ii) minimize the economic investment (chlorine dosage and operation cost). EPANET and back propagation (BP) network integrated with the Borg algorithm were employed as innovative approaches to simulate the chlorine, chloramines, and chloric odor intensity in the DWDS. Moreover, the application of the multi-parameter model was demonstrated in a real-world DWDS case study. 0.5 mg-Cl₂/L (mg/L) chlorine at 8 secondary chlorination points was added to the DWDS as an optimized chlorine dosing scheme considering the olfactory and financial objective functions simultaneously. When switching to a superior water source, the FPA of the chloric odor in DWDS increased by a maximum of 1.4 at most if the initial chlorine dosage remained as before. To avoid the occurrence of chloric odor and also control the residual free chlorine (residual chlorine) at a suitable value, the initial and secondary chlorine dosages were optimized to 0.4 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L, respectively. Under this condition, the initial chlorine dosage was reduced by 50% compared to the original operation scheme in City J, China, the qualification rate of the residual chlorine reached 97.2%, basically consistent with that before water source switching, and the chloric odor intensity of the DWDS was controlled below FPA 3.4.

Smtnl2 regulates apoptotic germ cell clearance and lactate metabolism in mouse Sertoli cells

Smtnl2 is an epithelial Smoothelin that binds to actin filaments and is crucial for epithelial morphogenesis. We examined the role of Smtnl2 in Sertoli cells, which undergo dynamic cytoskeleton reorganization to phagocytose apoptotic germ cells, a process known as efferocytosis. We observed Smtnl2 expression in primary mouse Sertoli cells and the 15P1 Sertoli cell line. Smtnl2 expression increased in 15P1 cells committing efferocytosis. Smtnl2-deficient Sertoli cells exhibited defective ability to engulf apoptotic germ cells and importantly, the phenomenon occurred in the setting of an unaffected maturation of phagosome. We demonstrated that Smtnl2 regulates the engulfment process through the function of branched actin nucleation protein ARP3, an actin assembly dictator. Intriguingly, a shift in glucose metabolism that restricts lactate production in Sertoli cells was induced upon Smtnl2 depletion, leading to the activation of downstream AMPK and AKT signaling. Using an in vivo RNAi approach, we found that silencing of Smtnl2 in testis triggers an obvious disruption in cytoskeleton architecture and blood-testis barrier integrity across seminiferous epithelium, causing the detachment of massive germ cells from their nest, as evidenced by their exfoliation into the lumen. Overall, our study identifies Smtnl2 as a determinant for Sertoli cells' functioning in supporting spermatogenesis.

NeDSeM: Neutrosophy Domain-Based Segmentation Method for Malignant Melanoma Images

Skin lesion segmentation is the first and indispensable step of malignant melanoma recognition and diagnosis. At present, most of the existing skin lesions segmentation techniques often used traditional methods like optimum thresholding, etc., and deep learning methods like U-net, etc. However, the edges of skin lesions in malignant melanoma images are gradually changed in color, and this change is nonlinear. The existing methods can not effectively distinguish banded edges between lesion areas and healthy skin areas well. Aiming at the uncertainty and fuzziness of banded edges, the neutrosophic set theory is used in this paper which is better than fuzzy theory to deal with banded edge segmentation. Therefore, we proposed a neutrosophy domain-based segmentation method that contains six steps. Firstly, an image is converted into three channels and the pixel matrix of each channel is obtained. Secondly, the pixel matrixes are converted into Neutrosophic Set domain by using the neutrosophic set conversion method to express the uncertainty and fuzziness of banded edges of malignant melanoma images. Thirdly, a new Neutrosophic Entropy model is proposed to combine the three memberships according to some rules by using the transformations in the neutrosophic space to comprehensively express three memberships and highlight the banded edges of the images. Fourthly, the feature augment method is established by the difference of three components. Fifthly, the dilation is used on the neutrosophic entropy matrixes to fill in the noise region. Finally, the image that is represented by transformed matrix is segmented by the Hierarchical Gaussian Mixture Model clustering method to obtain the banded edge of the image. Qualitative and quantitative experiments are performed on malignant melanoma image dataset to evaluate the performance of the NeDSeM method. Compared with some state-of-the-art methods, our method has achieved good results in terms of performance and accuracy.

Odor-producing response pattern by four typical freshwater algae under stress: Acute microplastic exposure as an example

Algae-induced odor problems in water have been repeatedly occurred concerns for drinking water quality. However, present researches mostly focus on the odor-producing pattern of algae in normal growth, and there is scarce discussion on those under stress. Microplastics (MPs) pollution have been global concern for their negative ecological impacts and frequently co-occurs with odor-producing algal bloom in freshwaters. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the effects and mechanisms of MPs as an environmental stress on algal odorant production for good illustration of odor-producing response pattern under stress. Variation in MP size (polystyrene microspheres; 100 nm, 1000 nm and 10 μm) had significant effects on odorant formation (β-cycloidal, 2-methylisopropanol, 2,4-heptandienal and 2,4-decadienal) by four freshwater algae (Microcystis aeruginosa, Pseudanabaena sp., Cyclotella meneghiniana and Melosira varians). The size ratio of MPs over cells (SRMC) was proposed to categorize the size-ratio dependent effects on the algal odorant production. Interestingly, when SRMC was in the range of 0.1-1, there were always promoting effects; when SRMC < 0.1 or SRMC > 1, there exhibited inhibiting effects, and the inhibiting effects of SRMC < 0.1 were far more severe than those of SRMC > 1. The promotion on odorant production in the SRMC range of 0.1-1 was mainly attributed to the increase in cellular yield, which was related to the increased odorant precursors derived from the oxidation products of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Alternatively, the inhibition of odorant production caused by MPs with SRMC < 0.1 was the results of simultaneously inhibiting cellular density and cellular yield, which might be attributed to the cellular internalization of MPs, inducing the extensive toxic effects. This study illustrated the possibilities of MPs in impairing the esthetics of the source water and provided guidance for the future algal odor issues under stress.

CMSuG: Competitive mechanism-based superpixel generation method for image segmentation

During the last years, object-based image segmentation (OBIA) has seen a considerable increase in the image segmentation. OBIA is generally based on superpixel methods, in which the clustering-based method plays an increasingly important role. Most clustering methods for generating superpixels suffer from inaccurate classification points with inappropriate cluster centers. To solve the problem, we propose a competitive mechanism-based superpixel generation (CMSuG) method, which both accelerates convergence and promotes robustness for noise sensitivity. Then, image segmentation results will be obtained by a region adjacent graph (RAG)-based merging algorithm after constructing an RAG. However, high segmentation accuracy is customarily accompanied by expensive time-consuming costs. To improve computational efficiency, we address a parallel CMSuG algorithm, the time of which is much less than the CMSuG method. In addition, we present a parallel RAG method to decrease the expensive time-consuming cost in serial RAG construction. By leveraging parallel techniques, the running time of the whole image segmentation method decline sharply with the time complexity from O (N) + O (K 2) to O (N/K) or O (K 2), in which N is the size of an input image and K is the given number of the superpixel. In the experiments, both nature image and remote sensing image segmentation results demonstrate that our CMSuG method outperforms the state-of-the-art superpixel generation methods, and then performs well for image segmentation in turn. Compared with the serial segmentation method, our parallel techniques gain more than four times acceleration in both remote sensing image dataset and nature image dataset.

Perfluorooctanoic acid alters the developmental trajectory of female germ cells and embryos in rodents and its potential mechanism

The epidemiological studies regarding perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) suggests that its exposure causes reproductive health issues, the underlying mechanisms of which are still in its infancy. Here, we report that PFOA deteriorates female reproduction at multiple development stages. Oocyte meiosis and preimplantation development are severely impaired by PFOA with oxidative stress being a contributor. Supplementing with antioxidant melatonin partially rescues oocyte meiotic maturation and non-apoptotic demise. The attenuation in ovarian follicle development however can be improved by metformin but not melatonin. Importantly, metformin blunts PFOA-induced fetal growth retardation (FGR) and such protective effect could be recapitulated by transplantation of fecal material and pharmacological activation of AMPK. Mechanistically, PFOA causes gut microbiota dysbiosis, which might thereby rewire host metabolism of L-phenylalanine, histamine and L-palmitoylcarnitine that triggers hyperphenylalaninaemia, inflammation and ferroptosis to initiate FGR. Deregulated serine metabolism by the gut microbe constitutes an alternative mechanism underlying PFOA-induced FGR in that modulation of serine in dam's diet phenocopied the FGR. Our study expands the understanding of risk factors that impair human reproductive health, and proposes restoration of gut microbiota diversity and intervention of metabolism as therapeutics mitigating health risks predisposed by environmental perturbation.

Intercellular transport of Tau protein and β-amyloid mediated by tunneling nanotubes

Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are thin channel-like structures connecting distant cells, providing a route for intercellular communication. In this study, we investigated the physical properties, including the cytoskeletal components, length and diameter, of the TNTs formed by HEK293T, U87 MG, and U251 cell lines. We found that organelles such as lysosomes, mitochondria, and Golgi bodies can be transported through TNTs, indicating that TNTs can mediate material transport. Moreover, we investigated the transport of the Tau protein and β-amyloid (Aβ), which are both closely related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, through TNTs. The results showed that TNTs formed by various neuronal cell lines can mediate the transport of different forms of the Tau protein and fluorescently labeled Aβ and that this transport is bidirectional, with different velocities in various cell lines. Our results confirmed the transport of the Tau protein and Aβ between cells and provided a possible explanation for the cascade of cell death in specific brain regions during the progression of AD. Our findings suggest new possibilities for the treatment of AD.

Progressive Stroke Caused by Neurosyphilis With Concentric Enhancement in the Internal Cerebral Artery on High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report

Background: Neurosyphilis can initially present as a stroke. However, the general management strategy for stroke may not be effective for this condition. Intracranial vessel wall imaging indicating arteritis can help differentiate neurosyphilis from other causes of stroke.

Case presentation: A 59-year-old Chinese woman presented with an acute infarct in the left basal ganglia and multiple stenoses in the bilateral middle cerebral arteries, anterior cerebral artery, and basilar artery, which aggravated twice, despite antiplatelet treatment. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) suggested concentric enhancement in the left middle cerebral artery. Treponema pallidum test results were positive, suggesting neurosyphilis.

Conclusions: HR-MRI provides valuable information regarding arteritis, which is helpful in differentiating neurosyphilis from other causes of stroke. Antiplatelet medication should be used judiciously for neurosyphilis-related stroke.

Dynamic Change in Oral Microbiota of Children With Cleft Lip and Palate After Alveolar Bone Grafting

To investigate the longitudinal influence of alveolar bone grafting on the oral microbiota of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP).

Twenty-eight children with nonsyndromic CLP were recruited and underwent secondary alveolar bone grafting at the first time. Unstimulated saliva and plaque samples were collected from the subjects preoperatively and at 2 days, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. The v3-v4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene from bacterial DNA were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq sequencing platform.

The alpha diversity of the saliva and plaque microbiota was significantly decreased at 2 days postoperatively and then increased at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The saliva and plaque microbiota compositions at 2 days postoperatively differed from those at the other time points, and the microbiota compositions at 1 and 3 months postoperatively showed a gradual shift toward the preoperative composition. The saliva, but not plaque, microbiota composition 3 months postoperatively was similar to that preoperatively.

The effect of secondary alveolar bone grafting on the plaque microbiota in children with CLP lasted longer than the saliva microbiota. Alveolar bone grafting altered the saliva microbiota in children with CLP within 3 months postoperatively.

Ascorbic acid enhanced ciprofloxacin degradation with nanoscale zero-valent copper activated molecular oxygen

The remediation of water polluted by fluroquinolones antibiotics remains an important issue. Although zero-valent copper (ZVC) coupled with molecular oxygen can destruct refractory organic pollutants, the activation efficiency still needs to be further improved. In this study, the introduction of ascorbic acid (AA) in ZVC/air process maintained a high-concentration of Cu(Ⅰ), which can efficiently activate molecular oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species (ROSs). Superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals coexisted in nZVC/AA/air system. The former contributed to the yield of H₂O₂ and also acted as a mediator for Cu(Ⅱ)/Cu(Ⅰ) redox cycles, the latter was the pivotal ROSs for ciprofloxacin (CIP) destruction. The CIP degradation decelerated through the addition of excessive nZVC and AA, and the optimum dosages of nZVC and AA were determined to be 0.2 g/L and 1 mM, respectively. The developed nZVC/AA/air process could efficiently operate in a relative broad pH range of 3.0-7.0, which was due to the fact that AA prevented the precipitation of copper ions in solution via forming stable chelates. The coexistence of Cl^- severely retarded the CIP removal. According to the results of UPLC-MS/MS analysis and density functional theory calculations, the plausible degradation pathways including the decarboxylation, defluorination, hydroxylation and cleavage of C-C bond in piperazine ring were proposed.

Role of bulk nanobubbles in removing organic pollutants in wastewater treatment

The occurrence of a variety of organic pollutants has complicated wastewater treatment; thus, the search for sustainable and effective treatment technology has drawn significant attention. In recent years, bulk nanobubbles, which have extraordinary properties differing from those of microbubbles, including high stability and long residence times in water, large specific surface areas, high gas transfer efficiency and interface potential, and the capability to generate free radicals, have shown attractive technological advantages and promising application prospects for wastewater treatment. In this review, the basic characteristics of bulk nanobubbles are summarized in detail, and recent findings related to their implementation pathways and mechanisms in organic wastewater treatment are systematically discussed, which includes improving the air flotation process, increasing water aeration to promote aerobic biological technologies including biological activated carbon, activated sludge, and membrane bioreactors, and generating active free radicals that oxidise organic compounds. Finally, the current technological difficulties of bulk nanobubbles are analysed, and future focus areas for research on bulk nanobubble technology are also proposed.

Integrated study of circRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA networks in mediating the effects of testicular heat exposure

The World Health Organization has recognized that testicular function is temperature dependent. Testicular heat exposure caused by occupational factors, lifestyle, and clinical diseases can lead to different degrees of reproductive problems. The aim of this study was to reveal the transcriptional regulatory network and its potential crucial roles in mediating the effects of testicular heat exposure. Testicular tissue was collected from a group of mice subjected to scrotal heat exposure as well as a control group. RNA was isolated from both groups and used for high-throughput sequencing. Using differential transcriptome expression analysis, 172 circRNAs, 279 miRNAs, 465 lncRNAs, and 2721 mRNAs were identified as significantly differentially expressed in mouse testicular tissue after heat exposure compared with the control group. Through Gene Ontology (GO) term and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs were found to have potentially important functions in meiotic cell cycle (GO:0051321), cytoplasm (GO:0005737), membrane raft (GO:0045121), MAPK signaling (mmu04010), purine metabolism (mmu00230), and homologous recombination (mmu03440). Some of the most upregulated and downregulated lncRNAs and circRNAs were predicted to be associated with numerous miRNAs and mRNAs through competing endogenous RNA regulatory network analysis, which were validated with molecular biology experiments. This research provides high-throughput sequencing data of a testicular heat exposure model and lays the foundation for further study on circRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs that are involved in male reproductive diseases related to elevated testicular temperature.

Pyroptosis: A New Frontier in Kidney Diseases

Pyroptosis is a pattern of programmed cell death that significantly differs from apoptosis and autophagy in terms of cell morphology and function. The process of pyroptosis is characterized predominantly by the formation of gasdermin protein family-mediated membrane perforation, cell collapse, and the release of inflammatory factors, including IL-1β and IL-18. In recent years, with the rise of pyroptosis research, scholars have devoted time to study the mechanism of pyroptosis in kidney-related diseases. Pyroptosis is probably involved in kidney diseases through two pathways: the caspase-1-mediated canonical pathway and the caspase-4/5/11-mediated noncanonical pathway. In addition, some scholars have identified targets for the treatment of kidney-related diseases from the viewpoint of pyroptosis and developed corresponding medicines, which may become a recommendation for prognosis, targeted treatment, and clinical diagnosis of kidney diseases. This paper focuses on the up-to-date advances in the field of pyroptosis, especially on the key pathogenic role of pyroptosis in the development and progression of kidney diseases. It presents a more in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of kidney diseases and introduces novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and clinical treatment of kidney diseases.

Resilience revisited: AIDS and resilience among a Yi ethnic minority in Southwest China

This study attempts to widen the conceptual space of resilience in (Western) psychology in order to better capture the resilience landscape of an ethnic minority group ravaged by the HIV/AIDS pandemic—the Nuosu-Yi in Southwest China. Without decolonizing the construct of resilience, non-Western versions of coping with adversities cannot be properly understood. Our process of decolonization of resilience involved two steps: First, we conducted semistructured interviews with the target population ( N = 21) to take inventory of their Indigenous notions of resilience. Second, for conceptual comparison, we mapped the themes and categories, derived from thematic analysis, of the interview data onto the conceptual space of the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), which we used as proxy for mainstream conceptualizations of resilience. This mapping revealed multiple lacunae in the theoretical framework of RSA, and unique properties in the Indigenous approach to adversities in contrast. Far reaching theoretical and practical implications of this investigation are discussed.

Abstract P594: Cardiac Natriuretic Peptides for Diagnosis of Covert AtrialFibrillation After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies

Background and purpose: Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after acute ischemic stroke is pivotal for the timely initiation of anticoagulation to prevent recurrence. Besides heart rhythm monitoring, various blood biomarkers have been suggested as complimentary diagnostic tools for AF. We aimed to summarize data on the performance of cardiac natriuretic peptides for the diagnosis of covert AF after acute ischemic stroke and to assess their potential clinical utility.

Methods: We searched PubMed and Embase for prospective studies reporting the performance of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for the diagnosis of covert AF after acute ischemic stroke. Summary diagnostic performance measures were pooled using bivariate meta-analysis with random-effects model.

Results: We included six studies focusing on BNP (n = 1930) and three studies focusing on NT-proBNP (n = 623). BNP had a sensitivity of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.64-0.93), a specificity of 0.74 (0.67-0.81), a positive likelihood ratio of 3.2 (2.6-4.0), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.23 (0.11-0.49). NT-proBNP had a sensitivity of 0.91 (0.65-0.98), a specificity of 0.77 (0.52-0.91), a positive likelihood ratio of 3.9 (1.8-8.7), and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.12 (0.03-0.48). Considering a pre-test probability of 20%, BNP and NT-proBNP had post-test probabilities of 45% and 50%.

Conclusions: NT-proBNP has a better performance than BNP for the diagnosis of covert AF after acute ischemic stroke. Both biomarkers have low post-test probabilities and may not be used as a stand-alone decision-making tool for the diagnosis of covert AF in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, they may be useful for a screening strategy aiming to select patients for long-term monitoring of the heart rhythm.

The defluorination of perfluorooctanoic acid by different vacuum ultraviolet systems in the solution

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is one kind of persistent organic pollutants that is often detected in water. In recent years, the effective degradation technologies of PFOA have attracted widespread attentions. Thus, in this study, the defluorination efficiency of PFOA in different systems (i.e., ultraviolet (UV), vacuum ultraviolet (VUV), vacuum ultraviolet/persulfate (VUV/PS) and vacuum ultraviolet/residual chlorine (VUV/RC)) was evaluated. Moreover, the different impact factors (i.e., the initial concentrations of persulfate and PFOA, temperature, anions, and initial pH values) on PFOA degradation by VUV/PS system were investigated. The results showed that VUV system was more effective than UV system for PFOA defluorination. VUV system combined with persulfate would further enhance the defluorination efficiency while residual chlorine would decrease it. In VUV/PS system, the defluorination efficiency of PFOA was the best as the molar ratio of PFOA and persulfate at 1:60. Moreover, higher temperature, lower initial PFOA concentration, and acid condition were favorable for the defluorination of PFOA. Under the different influence factors, the defluorination efficiency of PFOA fitted well to the first-order reaction kinetic model. When the temperature was range from 20°C to 40°C, the value of activation energy was 8.73 kJ/mol. Besides, the inhibition effect of three kinds of anions on PFOA defluorination followed the order: NO 3 -  > Cl^-  >  CO 3 2 - . PRACTITIONER POINTS: The defluorination efficiency of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in water by different VUV systems was compared. VUV system is more effective than UV system for PFOA defluorination. Persulfate will enhance the defluorination efficiency by VUV system. Hypochlorite will decrease the defluorination efficiency by VUV system.

Characteristics of biostability of drinking water in aged pipes after water source switching: ATP evaluation, biofilms niches and microbial community transition

Delivering quality-changed water often contributes to the biological instability of drinking water distribution systems (DWDS). However, the potential effects of quality-changed water on the biostability within DWDS are not well understood, especially after water switching to quality-improved water. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of quality-improved water on DWDS, focusing on the stability of biofilm. The practical aged-pipe was assembled into pipe reactors to simulate the effect of switching to quality-improve water. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration of bulk water in the pipe reactors increased from ∼1.2 ng/L to almost above 5 ng/L when fed water switching to TP 2. Biomass quantified by measuring ATP concentration confirmed that the risk of biofilm release through aged cast-iron (CI) pipe surfaces after water source switching. The changes in water characteristics due to quality-improved water source could cause bacteria release in DWDS at the initial period (at the first 7 days). However, the DWDS can establish the new stable phase after 42 days. Over time, biomass in the bulk water of the distribution system decreased significantly (The ATP concentration in the bulk maintains around 3 ng/L) after 42 days, indicating the improvement of water quality. The biofilm was dominated by bacteria related to iron-cycling process, and at the genus level, Desulfovibrio had the highest relative abundance, however, it decreased significantly (from 48% to 9.3%) after water source switching. And there was a slightly increase in the fraction of iron-oxidizing bacteria (IOB) and siderophore-producing bacteria (SPB), but a relatively higher increase in nitrate-reducing bacteria (NRB), nitrobacteria (NOB), and iron-reducing bacteria (IRB) was observed. Taken together, these results and the corrosion morphology, indicate that pipe biofilm and corrosion were chemically and microbially stable after re-stability under water source switching. In addition, the bulk water environment showed a marked decrease in selected bacteria at genus level, including pathogenic species, indicating the improvement of quality in drinking water.