Iron 3D-Orbital Configuration Dependent Electron Transfer for Efficient Fenton-Like Catalysis.

Transition metals are excellent active sites to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for water treatment, but the favorable electronic structures governing  reaction mechanism still remain elusive. Herein, the authors construct typical d-orbital configurations on iron octahedral (FeOh ) and tetrahedral (FeTd ) sites in spinel ZnFe2 O4 and FeAl2 O4 , respectively. ZnFe2 O4 (136.58 min-1 F-1 cm2 ) presented higher specific activity than FeAl2 O4 (97.47 min-1 F-1 cm2 ) for tetracycline removal by PMS activation. Considering orbital features of charge amount, spin state, and orbital arrangement by magnetic spectroscopic analysis, ZnFe2 O4 has a larger bond order to decompose PMS. Using this descriptor, high-spin FeOh is assumed to activate PMS mainly to produce nonradical reactive oxygen species (ROS) while high-spin FeTd prefers to induce radical species. This hypothesis is confirmed by the selective predominant ROS of 1 O2 on ZnFe2 O4 and O2 •- on FeAl2 O4 via quenching experiments. Electrochemical determinations reveal that FeOh has superior capability than FeTd for feasible valence transformation of iron cations and fast interfacial electron transfer. DFT calculations further suggest octahedral d-orbital configuration of ZnFe2 O4 is beneficial to enhancing Fe-O covalence for electron exchange. This work attempts to understand the d-orbital configuration-dependent PMS activation to design efficient catalysts.

Combined effects of copper and cadmium exposure on ovarian function and structure in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

With the rapid development of industrialization and urbanization, the issue of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) pollution in aquatic ecosystems has become increasingly severe, posing threats to the ovarian tissue and reproductive capacity of aquatic organisms. However, the combined effects of Cu and Cd on the ovarian development of fish and other aquatic species remain unclear. In this study, female Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were individually or co-exposed to Cu and/or Cd in water. Ovarian and serum samples were collected at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days, and the bioaccumulation, ovarian development, and hormone secretion were analyzed. Results showed that both single and combined exposure significantly reduced the gonadosomatic index and serum hormone levels, upregulated estrogen receptor (er) and progesterone receptor (pr) gene transcription levels, and markedly affected ovarian metabolite levels. Combined exposure led to more adverse effects than single exposure. The data demonstrate that the Cu and Cd exposure can impair ovarian function and structure, with more pronounced adverse effects under Cu and Cd co-exposure. The Cu and Cd affect the metabolic pathways of nucleotides and amino acids, leading to ovarian damage. This study highlights the importance of considering combined toxicant exposure in aquatic toxicology research and provides insights into the potential mechanisms underlying heavy metal-induced reproductive toxicity in fish.

Constant ratio between the genomic components of bipartite begomoviruses during infection and transmission.

The genomic components of multipartite viruses are encapsidated in separate virus particles, and the frequencies of genomic components represent one of the key genetic features. Many begomoviruses of economic significance are bipartite, and the details of the association between their genomic components remain largely unexplored. We first analyzed the temporal dynamics of the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B and the B/A ratio of the squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV) in plants and found that while the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B varied significantly during infection, the B/A ratio remained constant. We then found that changes in the B/A ratio in agrobacteria inoculum may significantly alter the B/A ratio in plants at 6 days post inoculation, but the differences disappeared shortly thereafter. We next showed that while the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B among plants infected by agrobacteria, sap transmission and whitefly-mediated transmission differed significantly, the B/A ratios were similar. Further analysis of gene expression revealed that the ratio of the expression of genes encoded by DNA-A and DNA-B varied significantly during infection. Finally, we monitored the temporal dynamics of the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B and the B/A ratio of another bipartite begomovirus, and a constant B/A ratio was similarly observed. Our findings highlight the maintenance of a constant ratio between the two genomic components of bipartite begomoviruses during infection and transmission, and provide new insights into the biology of begomoviruses.

Selective Complexation and Separation of Uranium(VI) from Thorium(IV) with New Tetradentate N,O-Hybrid Diamide Ligands: Synthesis, Extraction, Spectroscopy, and Crystallographic Studies.

An unmet challenge in the thorium-uranium fuel cycle is the efficient separation of uranium from thorium. Herein, two new tetradentate N,O-hybrid ligands, N,N'-diethyl-N,N'-di-p-tolyl-2,2'-bipyridine-6,6'-dicarboxamide (Et-Tol-BPDA) and N,N'-diethyl-N,N'-di-p-tolyl-2,2'-bipyrimidine-4,4'-dicarboxamide (Et-Tol-BPymDA), comprising a bipyridine or bipyrimidine core and amide moieties were designed and synthesized for selectively complexing and separating U(VI) from Th(IV). The high U(VI)/Th(IV) extraction selectivity was achieved by Et-Tol-BPDA (SFU/Th = 33 at 3 M HNO3) and Et-Tol-BPymDA (SFU/Th = 73 at 3 M HNO3) in nitric acid solutions. The extraction process for U(VI) or Th(IV) with these two ligands primarily proceeded through the solvation mechanism, as evidenced by slope analyses. Thermodynamic studies for the extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) revealed a spontaneous process. Results from UV-vis spectroscopic titration and slope analyses demonstrated that U(VI) and Th(IV) each form a 1:1 complex with the two ligands both in the monophasic organic solution and the biphasic extraction system. The stability constants of the 1:1 complexes of Et-Tol-BPDA or Et-Tol-BPymDA with U(VI) were found to be larger than those with Th(IV), which coincide well with the high U(VI)/Th(IV) extraction selectivity. The solid-state structures of Et-Tol-BPDA, Et-Tol-BPymDA, and 1:1 complexes of the two ligands with U(VI) or Th(IV) were analyzed by X-ray diffraction technique. The results from this work implicate the potential of bipyridine- and bipyrimidine-derived diamide ligands for uranium/thorium separation.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia in critically pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for the diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PCP) in critically pediatric patients. METHODS: Seventeen critically pediatric patients with PCP and sixty patients diagnosed with non-PCP pneumonia who were admitted in pediatric intensive care unit between June 2018 and July 2021 were enrolled. Conventional methods and mNGS for detecting Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) were compared. The patients' demographics, comorbidities, laboratory test results, antibiotic treatment response and 30 day mortality were analyzed. RESULT: The mNGS showed a satisfying diagnostic performance with a sensitivity of 100% in detecting P. jirovecii compared with Gomori methenamine silver staining (5.9%), serum (1,3)-ß-D-glucan (86.7%) and and LDH (55.6%). The diagnostic specificity of mNGS for PCP was higher than that of serum BDG (56.7%) and LDH (71.4%). In PCP group, over one thirds' cases had mixed infections. Compared with survivors, non-survivors had higher stringently mapped read numbers (SMRNs) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) sample (P < 0.05), suggesting SMRNs were closely associated with the severity of response. The detection for P. jirovecii by mNGS both in BALF and blood samples reached a concordance rate of 100%, and the SMRNs in the BALF were remarkably higher than that in blood samples. Initial antimicrobial treatment was modified in 88.2% of PCP patients based on the mNGS results. CONCLUSION: The mNGS is a potential and efficient technology in diagnosing PCP and shows a satisfying performance in the detection of co-pathogens. Both blood and BALF samples for mNGS are suggested for the presumptive diagnosis of PCP.

Novel Phenylethanoid Glycosides Improve Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity via the Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate-CREB-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Growth Factor Pathway in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major public health concern worldwide, but there are still no drugs available that treat it effectively. Previous studies have shown that phenylethanoid glycosides have pharmacological effects, which include anti-AD properties, but the underlying mechanisms by which they ameliorate AD symptoms remain unknown. METHODS: In this study, we used an APP/PS1 AD mouse model to explore the function and mechanisms underlying savatiside A (SA) and torenoside B (TB) in the treatment of AD. SA or TB (100 mg·kg-1·d-1) was orally administered to 7-month-old APP/PS1 mice for 4 weeks. Cognitive and memory functions were measured using behavioral experiments (including the Morris water maze test and the Y-maze spontaneous alternation test). Molecular biology experiments (including Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays) were used to detect any corresponding changes in signaling pathways. RESULTS: The results showed that SA or TB treatment could significantly reduce cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice. We also showed that chronic treatment with SA/TB could prevent spine loss, synaptophysin immunoreactivity, and neuronal loss in mice, thereby improving synaptic plasticity and moderating learning and memory deficits. SA/TB administration also promoted the expression of synaptic proteins in APP/PS1 mouse brains and upregulated phosphorylation of proteins in the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/CREB/brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF) pathway that are responsible for synaptic plasticity. Additionally, chronic SA/TB treatment increased the levels of BDNF and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the brains of APP/PS1 mice. Both astrocyte and microglia volumes, as well as the generation of amyloid ß, were also decreased in SA/TB-treated APP/PS1 mice compared to control APP/PS1 mice. CONCLUSION: In summary, SA/TB treatment was associated with activation of the cAMP/CREB/BDNF pathway and increased BDNF and NGF expression, indicating that SA/TB improves cognitive functioning via nerve regeneration. SA/TB is a promising candidate drug for the treatment of AD.

New two-dimensional nanocomposites combined with target-induced strategy in an electrochemical aptasensor for sensitive determination of sulfadimethoxine.

Ni-Zn bimetallic organic framework nanosheets (NiZn-MOF NSs) were modified onto PEI-functionalized MXene for the first time. The combination of the two kinds of nanosheets forms a sensing platform with superior conductivity and biocompatibility. On this basis, a highly sensitive biosensor was developed for the determination of sulfadimethoxine (SDM). Furthermore, Au and Mn nanoparticles decorated reduced graphene oxide (Au-Mn/rGO) was introduced as a signal hindering molecule under the target-induced amplification strategy. When the Au-Mn/rGO-labelled SDM-binding aptamer (Au-Mn/rGO-SBA) specifically bound to target SDM, it detached from the electrode, thereby further amplifying the electrochemical signal of [Fe(CN)6]3-/4-. The developed aptasensor for SDM showed excellent response signals in the range 1 pg mL-1 to 100 ng mL-1, with a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 0.22 pg mL-1. Significantly, the proposed sensor also showed satisfactory results in milk samples with recoveries ranging from 87.0 to 96.4% and RSD from 1.5 to 5.1%, which is believed to be useful in food safety assays.

Tumor-Promoting Effects of Microrna-421/4-Aminobutyrate Aminotransferase Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: MicroRNA-421 (miR-421) has been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its potential mechanism in HCC remains unclear. Objectives: The study aimed to study the potential mechanism of miR-421 in HCC which is necessary. Methods: The downstream target genes of miR-421 were screened in HCC tissues and cells using miDIP, Targetscan, and starBase databases. Differential analysis, survival analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed between miR-421 and its downstream target genes. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to assay RNA and protein levels of 4-aminobutyrate aminotransferase (ABAT) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. Cell-based assays, including CCK-8, wound healing, transwell, flow cytometry, and metabolic measurements, were implemented to assess proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle, and apoptosis of HCC cells with different treatments. Dual-luciferase assay was utilized to detect the targeting relationship between miR-421 and ABAT. Results: miR-421 level was elevated in HCC tissues and cells, and low miR-421 expression hindered phenotype progression of HCC cells. ABAT was identified as a direct target of miR-421 in HCC cells, and miR-421 could inhibit ABAT expression. Rescue assay revealed that miR-421 promoted HCC cell tumorigenesis progress and affected cell metabolic remodeling through down-regulating ABAT. Conclusion: The miR-421/ABAT regulatory axis promoted HCC cell tumorigenesis progress, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for HCC.

Changes in aggression and locomotor behaviors in response to zinc is accompanied by brain cell heterogeneity and metabolic and circadian dysregulation of the brain-liver axis.

Zinc is an essential nutrient for life, but over-accumulation can result in toxicity. Anthropogenic activities can increase zinc concentrations in aquatic environments (e.g., to ∼0.46-1.00 mg/L), which are above the safe level of 0.1 mg/L. We investigated the behavior and physiology of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in response to environment-related exposure to zinc chloride at 0.0 (Ctrl), 1.0 (ZnCl2-low) and 1.5 (ZnCl2-high) mg/L for 6 weeks (the zinc conversion ratio of zinc chloride is ∼0.48 and the nominal (measured) values were: Ctrl, 0 (∼0.01); ZnCl2-low, 0.48 (∼0.51); ZnCl2-high, 0.72 (∼0.69) mg/L). Low-zinc exposure resulted in significantly increased locomotion and fast moving behaviors, while high-zinc exposure resulted in significantly increased aggression and freezing frequency. Single cell RNA-seq of neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes of the brain revealed expression of genes related to ion transport, neuron generation, and immunomodulation that were heterogeneously regulated by zinc exposure. Astrocyte-induced central nervous system inflammation potentially integrated neurotoxicity and behavior. Integrated analyses of brain and hepatic transcriptional signatures showed that genes (and pathways) dysregulated by zinc were associated with sensory functions, circadian rhythm, glucose and lipid metabolism, and amyloid ß-protein clearance. Our results showed that environment-related zinc contamination can be heterogeneously toxic to brain cells and can disturb coordination of brain-liver physiology. This may disrupt neurobehavior and cause a neurodegeneration-like syndrome in adult zebrafish.

Identifying 13 Hub Genes Associated with Progression and Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of common cancer, often accompanied by tumor recurrence and metastasis after surgery with poor prognosis. Therefore, searching into potential biomarkers that can effectively predict the prognosis and progression of HCC is crucial. In this study, we identified 1,981 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using mRNA expression profiles from the TCGA-LIHC dataset. Subsequently, weighted gene co-expression network analysis found that the turquoise module closely associated with the pathological grade and clinical stage of HCC was identified. Then, from the key genes in the turquoise module and protein-protein interaction network analysis, 13 hub genes significantly related to the prognosis of HCC were screened. Through co-expression and functional enrichment analyses, these 13 hub genes were found to play an important role in mitosis. Finally, we evaluated the relationship between these hub genes and overall survival and disease-free survival through survival analysis. The result indicated that HCC patients with high hub gene expression had a poorer prognosis than HCC patients with low expression. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that each hub gene could predict the prognosis of HCC patients. In summary, a total of 13 hub genes were identified that play an important role in the progression of HCC, which can be used as potential biomarkers for HCC patients.

Sesamin attenuates histological alterations, oxidative stress and expressions of immune-related genes in liver of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to fluoride.

Sesamin is the main lignan in sesame and is reported to have many benefits and medicinal properties. However, its protective effects against fluoride-induced damage in the liver of zebrafish have not been elucidated. Our previous studies found that fluoride exposure caused damage to the liver of zebrafish. In the study, the effects of sesamin on oxidative stress and immune damage in liver of zebrafish exposed to fluoride were measured. The results indicated that fluoride exposure damaged the microstructures of liver, increased significantly the oxidative stress, decreased remarkably the activities of ACP, AKP, and LZM, and affected obviously the expressions of immune-related genes. Treatment with sesamin remarkably attenuated fluoride-induced liver damage in a dose-dependent manner, indicated by the histopathological observation. Furthermore, sesamin treatment also significantly inhibited the production of ROS and oxidative stress, such as the decrease of lipid peroxidation level and the increase of CAT and SOD activities in liver. Sesamin treatment reversed the activities of immune-related enzymes and the expressions of immune-related genes in liver exposed to fluoride. These findings suggested that sesamin could protect the liver from fluoride-induced immune damage by oxidative stress downstream-mediated changes in reversing the activities of immune-related enzymes and the expressions of immune-related genes. Taken together, sesamin plays an important role in maintaining hepatic health and preventing liver from toxic damage caused by fluoride.

EZH2 upregulation by ERα induces proliferation and migration of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has been increasing worldwide in recent years. Therefore, novel potential therapeutic targets for PTC are urgently needed. Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a methyltransferase belonging to PRC2, plays important roles in epigenetic silencing and cell cycle regulation. EZH2 overexpression has been found in several malignant tumor tissues, while its expression and function in PTC are largely unknown. METHODS: Sixty-five cases of PTC tissue confirmed by pathology and 30 cases of normal thyroid tissue adjacent to PTC tissue were collected from patients undergoing surgical treatment, between February 2003 and February 2006. We investigated the clinic pathologic significance of EZH2 expression using Realtime-PCR and IHC in 65 human PTC tissues and 30 normal thyroid tissue samples. The EZH2 expression in human PTC cell lines (K1 and W3) and the normal thyroid follicular epithelial cell line Nthy-ori 3-1 was analyzed by Western blotting and Realtime PCR. The expressions of ERα and ERß in cell lines were analyzed by Realtime PCR.The tumor cell biological behavior was evaluated by CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell migration assay and xenograft tumors model. RESULTS: Higher rate of EZH2 expression was found in PTC tissues than in normal thyroid tissues, EZH2 expression is associated with lymph node metastasis and recurrent. Inhibition of EZH2 in PTC cell lines downregulates cellular proliferation and migration. PTC is a disease with high incidence of female and E2-ERα upregulates EZH2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a potential role of EZH2 for the PTC growth and metastasis. As a novel therapy, a pharmacological therapy targeting EZH2 has full potential in treatment of PTC.

Gender Disparity in the Relationship between Prevalence of Thyroid Nodules and Metabolic Syndrome Components: The SHDC-CDPC Community-Based Study.

The study is aimed to investigate the pathogenesis underlying the increased prevalence of thyroid nodule (TN) in different levels of metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and analyze the relationships between TN and MetS components. A total of 6,798 subjects, including 2201 patients with TN, were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric, biochemical, thyroid ultrasonographic, and other metabolic parameters were all measured. There was obviously sexual difference in the prevalence of TN (males 26.0%, females 38.5%, resp.). The prevalence of TN in hyperuricemia (45.7% versus 37.4%, P = 0.001), NAFLD (41.2% versus 36.4%, P < 0.05), and MetS (41.4% versus 35.4%, P < 0.001) groups was significantly increased only in females. Insulin resistance [OR = 1.31 (1.15, 1.49)], MetS [OR = 1.18 (1.03, 1.35)], and diabetes [OR = 1.25 (1.06, 1.48)] were all independent risk factors for TN in total subjects, whereas, after stratified analysis of gender, MetS [OR = 1.29, (1.09, 1.53)] and diabetes [OR = 1.47, (1.17, 1.84)] are still strongly and independently associated with the higher risks of TN in female subjects, but not in males. Our results suggest that the components of MetS might associate with the higher risks of TN in women than in men, but further cohort study of this gender disparity in the association between TN and MetS is required.

Synergistic contributions by decreasing overpotential and enhancing charge-transfer in α-Fe2O3/Mn3O4/graphene catalysts with heterostructures for photocatalytic water oxidation.

A novel nanocomposite consisting of α-Fe2O3, Mn3O4 and reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) has been facilely synthesized through a two-step method: solvothermal reaction for Mn3O4-modified α-Fe2O3 (α-Fe2O3/Mn3O4) and self-assembly process for combining α-Fe2O3/Mn3O4 with r-GO (α-Fe2O3/Mn3O4/r-GO). The morphology and structure of the nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results demonstrated that rod-like hematite was modified by Mn3O4 and dispersed on the surface of r-GO. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) showed superior interfacial contacts between α-Fe2O3/Mn3O4 and r-GO. Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoelectrochemical characterization revealed a high light-harvesting efficiency, a lowered overpotential for water oxidation and an excellent charge transfer performance of α-Fe2O3/Mn3O4/r-GO nanocomposite with heterostructures. The photocatalytic oxygen evolution from the optimized photocatalyst was up to 1406.2 µmol g(-1) in 10 h of UV-vis light irradiation and the quantum yield was ca. 4.35% at 365 nm. Our investigation suggests that constructing a catalyst with heterostructures is a promising method to enhance photocatalytic activity.

A novel "on-off-on" electrochemiluminescence aptasensor based on resonance energy transfer as signal amplification strategy for ultrasensitive detection of sulfadiazine in different samples.

The misuse of antibiotics may contaminate the environment and cause harm to human health. Therefore, rapid and accurate detection of antibiotics is essential. In this study, a novel electrochemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (ECL-RET) pair was designed using a new ECL emitter (CPM, Ce-TBAPy) as the donor and Co-MOF@AuPt as the acceptor. Moreover, a highly sensitive and specific "on-off-on" ECL aptasensor was constructed for detecting sulfadiazine (SDZ). The aptasensor exhibited a broad linear range (from 10.0 fg mL-1 to 100 ng mL-1) for the SDZ concentration, with limit of detection and limit of quantification values of 1.14 fg mL-1and 3.75 fg mL-1, respectively. The aptasensor achieved good results in spiking experiments with milk and egg samples, and successfully quantified SDZ in fish meal quality control sample. The prepared aptasensor presents great potential for food and environmental safety by detecting antibiotics.

Design and characterization of a novel tumor-homing cell-penetrating peptide for drug delivery in TGFBR3 high-expressing tumors.

Targeted therapy has attracted more and more attention in cancer treatment in recent years. However, due to the diversity of tumor types and the mutation of target sites on the tumor surface, some existing targets are no longer suitable for tumor therapy. In addition, the long-term administration of a single targeted drug can also lead to drug resistance and attenuate drug potency, so it is important to develop new targets for tumor therapy. The expression of Type III transforming growth factor ß receptor (TGFBR3) is upregulated in colon, breast, and prostate cancer cells, and plays an important role in the occurrence and development of these cancers, so TGFBR3 may be developed as a novel target for tumor therapy, but so far there is no report on this research. In this study, the structure of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), one of the ligands of TGFBR3 was analyzed through the docking analysis with TGFBR3 and sequence charge characteristic analysis, and a functional tumor-targeting penetrating peptide T3BP was identified. The results of fluorescent labeling experiments showed that T3BP could target and efficiently enter tumor cells with high expression of TGFBR3, especially A549 cells. When the expression of TGFBR3 on the surface of tumor cells (HeLa) was knocked down by RNA interference, the high delivery efficiency of T3BP was correspondingly reduced by 40%, indicating that the delivery was TGFBR3-dependent. Trichosanthin (TCS, a plant-derived ribosome inactivating protein) fused with T3BP can enhance the inhibitory activity of the fusion protein on A549 cells by more than 200 times that of TCS alone. These results indicated that T3BP, as a novel targeting peptide that can efficiently bind TGFBR3 and be used for targeted therapy of tumors with high expression of TGFBR3. This study enriches the supply of tumor-targeting peptides and provides a new potential application option for the treatment of tumors with high expression of TGFBR3.

Temporal Dynamic of the Ratio between Monopartite Begomoviruses and Their Associated Betasatellites in Plants, and Its Modulation by the Viral Gene ßC1.

The begomovirus-betasatellite complex constantly threatens crops in Asia. However, the quantitative relationship between begomoviruses and betasatellites remains largely unknown. The quantities of tobacco curly shoot virus (TbCSV) and its betasatellite (TbCSB) and their ratio varied significantly in initial infection, and thereafter, the ratio tended to become constant. The TbCSB/TbCSV ratio in agrobacteria inoculum significantly affected that in plants in the initial infection but not thereafter. Null-mutation of ßC1 that encodes a multifunctional protein important for pathogenesis in TbCSB significantly reduced the TbCSB/TbCSV ratio in plants. Viral inoculum plants with higher TbCSB/TbCSV ratios promoted whitefly transmission of the virus. The expression of AV1 encoded by TbCSV, ßC1 encoded by TbCSB and the ßC1/AV1 ratio varied significantly in the initial infection and thereafter the ratio tended to become constant. Additionally, the temporal dynamics of the ratio between another begomovirus and its betasatellite was similar to that of TbCSV and was positively regulated by ßC1. These results indicate that the ratio between monopartite begomoviruses and betasatellites tend to become constant as infection progresses, and is modulated by ßC1, but a higher betasatellite/begomovirus ratio in virally inoculated plants promotes virus transmission by whiteflies. Our findings provide novel insights into the association between begomoviruses and betasatellites.

Safety and Effectiveness of a Novel Tips Access Set with Steerable Cannula in a Swine Model.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of the Liverty™ transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) access set, which has an ergonomic handle that allows for in situ cannula tip deflection and a distal steerable cannula angle, versus the COOK® Rosch-Uchida Transjugular Liver Access Set (RUPS-100) in healthy pigs. METHODS: Twelve pigs randomly underwent TIPS with the Liverty™ set or the RUPS-100 set. Three interventionalists performed 4 TIPS procedures, 2 with each set. The primary outcome was procedural success, defined as successful establishment of the intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and stent placement. RESULTS: The shunt was successfully established in 11 pigs. The procedural success was achieved in all 6 pigs in the Liverty™ group and 5 out of 6 pigs for the RUPS-100 group (Fisher exact test, P > 0.999). The mean duration of puncture was shorter in the Liverty™ group versus the RUPS-100 group (12.3 ± 4.5 min vs. 16.2 ± 8.5 min), but without significant statistical difference (two sample t test, P = 0.359). The cannula angle was adjusted 69% of passes in the Liverty™ group, which was significantly higher than that in the RUPS-100 group (12%, P = 0.004). Overall, the TIPS procedural performance was comparable between the groups. Both sets were safe. No intraabdominal hemorrhage, vascular injuries, tissue or organ injuries, porto-biliary fistula, biliary peritonitis, and infection or abscess occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: The Liverty™ set is safe and has similar procedural metrics to the COOK® RUPS-100 set. It allows in situ adjustment of the angle of the stiffening cannula without increasing procedure time and lessens the occurrences of periprocedural complications.

Plant resistance against whitefly and its engineering.

Plants face constant threats from insect herbivores, which limit plant distribution and abundance in nature and crop productivity in agricultural ecosystems. In recent decades, the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, a group of phloem-feeding insects, has emerged as pests of global significance. In this article, we summarize current knowledge on plant defenses against whitefly and approaches to engineer plant resistance to whitefly. Physically, plants deploy trichome and acylsugar-based strategies to restrain nutrient extraction by whitefly. Chemically, toxic secondary metabolites such as terpenoids confer resistance against whitefly in plants. Moreover, the jasmonate (JA) signaling pathway seems to be the major regulator of whitefly resistance in many plants. We next review advances in interfering with whitefly-plant interface by engineering of plant resistance using conventional and biotechnology-based breeding. These breeding programs have yielded many plant lines with high resistance against whitefly, which hold promises for whitefly control in the field. Finally, we conclude with an outlook on several issues of particular relevance to the nature and engineering of plant resistance against whitefly.

Effects of four hormones on the mitigation of ovarian damage in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) after copper and cadmium exposure.

Female tilapia of the Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strain were selected as an animal model to study the effects of four hormonal drugs in mitigating ovarian damage following exposure to copper and cadmium. After combined exposure to copper and cadmium in aqueous phase for 30 d, tilapia were randomly injected with oestradiol (E2), human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH), or coumestrol and raised in clear water for 7 d Ovarian samples were collected after combined exposure to heavy metals for 30 d and after recovery for 7 d Gonadosomatic index (GSI), copper and cadmium levels in the ovary, reproductive hormone levels in serum, and mRNA expression of key reproductive regulatory factors were determined. After 30 d of exposure to the combined copper and cadmium in aqueous phase, the Cd2+ content in tilapia ovarian tissue increased by 1,242.46% (p < 0.05), whereas the Cu2+ content, body weight, and GSI decreased by 68.48%, 34.46%, and 60.00% (p < 0.05), respectively. Additionally, E2 hormone levels in tilapia serum decreased by 17.55% (p < 0.05). After drug injection and recovery for 7 d, compared to the negative control group, the HCG group exhibited an increase of 39.57% (p < 0.05) in serum vitellogenin levels. Increases of 49.31%, 42.39%, and 45.91% (p < 0.05) in serum E2 levels were observed, and mRNA expression of 3ß-HSD increased by 100.64%, 113.16%, and 81.53% (p < 0.05) in the HCG, LHRH, and E2 groups, respectively. The mRNA expression of CYP11A1 in tilapia ovaries increased by 282.26% and 255.08% (p < 0.05) and mRNA expression of 17ß-HSD increased by 109.35% and 111.63% in the HCG and LHRH groups, respectively (p < 0.05). All four hormonal drugs, particularly HCG and LHRH, promoted the restoration of tilapia ovarian function to varying degrees after injury induced by combined exposure to copper and cadmium. This study presents the first hormonal treatment protocol for the mitigation of ovarian damage in fish exposed to combined aqueous phases of copper and cadmium as a strategy to prevent and treat fish ovarian damage induced by heavy metals.