The transcription factor HMGB2 indirectly regulates APRIL expression and Gd-IgA1 production in patients with IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide. Proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) was identified as an important cause of glycosylation deficiency of IgA1 (Gd-IgA1), which can 'trigger' IgAN. Our previous study indicated that high migration group protein B2 (HMGB2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with IgAN was associated with disease severity, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The location of HMGB2 was identified by immunofluorescence. qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to measure HMGB2, HMGA1, and APRIL expression. Gd-IgA1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, we used DNA pull-down, protein profiling, and transcription factor prediction software to identify proteins bound to the promoter region of the APRIL gene. RNA interference and coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to verify the relationships among HMGB2, high mobility group AT-hook protein 1 (HMGA1), and APRIL. RESULTS: HMGB2 expression was greater in IgAN patients than in HCs and was positively associated with APRIL expression in B cells. DNA pull-down and protein profiling revealed that HMGB2 and HMGA1 bound to the promoter region of the APRIL gene. The expression levels of HMGA1, APRIL, and Gd-IgA1 were downregulated after HMGB2 knockdown. Co-IP indicated that HMGB2 binds to HMGA1. The Gd-IgA1 concentration in the supernatant was reduced after HMGA1 knockdown. HMGA1 binding sites were predicted in the promoter region of the APRIL gene. CONCLUSION: HMGB2 expression is greater in IgAN patients than in healthy controls; it promotes APRIL expression by interacting with HMGA1, thereby inducing Gd-IgA1 overexpression and leading to IgAN.

Screening of salt tolerance of maize (Zea mays L.) lines using membership function value and GGE biplot analysis.

Soil salinization is a widely recognized global environmental concern that has a significant impact on the sustainable development of agriculture at a global scale. Maize, a major crop that contributes to the global agricultural economy, is particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of salt stress, which can hinder its growth and development from germination to the seedling stage. This study aimed to screen highly salt-tolerant maize varieties by using four NaCl concentrations of 0, 60, 120, and 180 mMol/L. Various agronomic traits and physiological and biochemical indices associated with salt tolerance were measured, and salt tolerance was evaluated using principal component analysis, membership function method, and GGE biplot analysis. A total of 41 local maize varieties were assessed based on their D values. The results show that stem thickness, germ length, radicle length, leaf area, germination rate, germination index, salt tolerance index, and seed vigor all decreased as salt concentration increased, while electrical conductivity and salt injury index increased with the concentration of saline solution. Under the stress of 120 mMol/L and 180 mMol/L NaCl, changes in antioxidant enzymes occurred, reflecting the physiological response mechanisms of maize under salt stress. Principal component analysis identified six major components including germination vigor, peroxidase (POD), plant height, embryo length, SPAD chlorophyll and proline (PRO) factors. After calculating the comprehensive index (D value) of each variety's performance in different environments using principal component analysis and the membership function method, a GGE biplot analysis was conducted to identify maize varieties with good salt tolerance stability: Qun Ce 888, You Qi 909, Ping An 1523, Xin Nong 008, Xinyu 66, and Hong Xin 990, as well as varieties with poor salt tolerance: Feng Tian 14, Xi Meng 668, Ji Xing 218, Gan Xin 2818, Hu Xin 712, and Heng Yu 369. Furthermore, it was determined that a 120 mMol/L NaCl concentration was suitable for screening maize varieties during germination and seedling stages. This study further confirmed the reliability of GGE biplot analysis in germplasm selection, expanded the genetic resources of salt-tolerant maize, and provided theoretical references and germplasm utilization for the introduction of maize in saline-alkali areas. These research findings contribute to a better understanding of maize salt tolerance and promote its cultivation in challenging environments.

SCP4ssd: A Serverless Platform for Nucleotide Sequence Synthesis Difficulty Prediction Using an AutoML Model.

DNA synthesis is widely used in synthetic biology to construct and assemble sequences ranging from short RBS to ultra-long synthetic genomes. Many sequence features, such as the GC content and repeat sequences, are known to affect the synthesis difficulty and subsequently the synthesis cost. In addition, there are latent sequence features, especially local characteristics of the sequence, which might affect the DNA synthesis process as well. Reliable prediction of the synthesis difficulty for a given sequence is important for reducing the cost, but this remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a new automated machine learning (AutoML) approach to predict the DNA synthesis difficulty, which achieves an F1 score of 0.930 and outperforms the current state-of-the-art model. We found local sequence features that were neglected in previous methods, which might also affect the difficulty of DNA synthesis. Moreover, experimental validation based on ten genes of Escherichia coli strain MG1655 shows that our model can achieve an 80% accuracy, which is also better than the state of art. Moreover, we developed the cloud platform SCP4SSD using an entirely cloud-based serverless architecture for the convenience of the end users.

[Current status and prospect of DNA synthesis in industrial biotechnology].

DNA synthesis is one of the most basic, widely-used tools in life science as well as a key enabling technology in synthetic biology. The rapid development of industrial biotechnology promoted by synthetic biology is creating an insatiable demand for large-scale DNA synthesis from more convenient, economical and safe sources. Industrial DNA synthesis platforms have remarkable advantages in terms of throughput, cost and speed. The research and development processes of industrial biotechnology benefit from these advantages, achieving a higher efficiency and lower cost. However, challenges in DNA manufacturing process remain, such as the use of large amounts of organic reagents, waste of resources and so on. With the continuous and rapid increase of DNA synthesis scale, the hazard of toxic chemicals, cost burden and environmental burden are becoming prominent. Based on our practical work on DNA synthesis, we discuss the demand and strategies for large-scale DNA synthesis in industrial biotechnology as well as the issues and potential solutions for sustainable development.

Investigation on synthesis of ion-imprinted mesoporous adsorbents by using ultrasound- and microwave-assisted preparation and their dynamic adsorption properties on heavy metals.

Removal of the heavy metal ions in aqueous solution is an important technology for waste water treatment. The effects of using ultrasonic and microwave on synthesizing Pb2+, Zn2+, and Cu2+ imprinted mesoporous adsorbents (Pb-IMA-UM, Zn-IMA-UM, and Cu-IMA-UM) and their dynamic adsorption properties were studied. The microstructure and composition of the ion-imprinted mesoporous adsorbents were discussed in detail by TEM, FTIR, N2 adsorption-desorption, XRD, and EDS. The pore sizes of mesoporous absorbents were improved more uniformly by using ultrasonic agitation than magnetic stirring. The elution efficiency of imprinting ions can be enhanced by microwave elution. Prepared Pb-IMA-UM, Zn-IMA-UM, and Cu-IMA-UM were used for dynamic adsorption study of heavy metals. The detected optimal feed rate was 20.0 mL/min and the influent concentration was 60 mg/L; the equilibrium adsorption capacities of Pb-IMA-UM, Cu-IMA-UM, and Zn-IMA-UM could reach 198 mg/g, 51.5 mg/g, and 57.3 mg/g, respectively. The dynamic regeneration performance of the adsorbent was also investigated with the Cu-IMA-UM sample. The adsorption rate remained above 89% after five dynamic regeneration experiments. At last, the actual wastewater from an electroplating industry was used as the research object. Three groups of dynamic adsorption coefficient contours of Pb-IMA-UM, Zn-IMA-UM, and Cu-IMA-UM were obtained when influents flowed into three adsorption columns separately. The experimental results showed that an ion-imprinted adsorbent had a much better adsorption capacity of imprinted ions under the various metals mixed conditions.

Correlation between Calpain-10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnoea syndrome with ischemic stroke in a Chinese population: A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a common chronic disorder which is followed by various complications. Calpain-10 belongs to a commonly expressed member of the Calpain-like cysteine protease family, which acts as risk marker for some diseases. The purpose of this study is to elucidate correlation between Calpain-10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the incidence of OSAHS followed by ischemic stroke (IS). METHODS: OSAHS patients were divided as OSAHS + IS, OSAHS, and control groups, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed for Calpain-10 protein expression, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism for detection of gene polymorphisms of SNP 43 and SNP 19, and PCR-allele specific amplification for SNP 44. Polysomnography was conducted to check the nocturnal polysomnography indicators, and also Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Scientific Data System scores cognition and anxiety of patients, respectively. Logistic analysis was used for the risky factors for OSAHS. RESULTS: Calpain-10 protein expression was significantly increased in the OSAHS + IS and OSAHS groups compared with the control group. Significant differences in SNP 43 and SNP 44 genotype, and also allele frequency were observed in 3 groups, among which the OSAHS + IS group had higher SNP 43 and SNP 44 allele frequency than the control and OSAHS groups. There were differences regarding apnea-hypopnea index, minimum fingertip blood oxygen saturation (LSaO2 [%]), oxygen reduction index (ODI) between patients with different genotypes of SNP 43 and SNP 44 in OSAHS patients, and also GC and AT frequency in the OSAHS + IS and OSAHS groups. As compared with the OSAHS group, the MoCA scores and MoCA subitems in the OSAHS + IS group were declined, whereas the Scientific Data System scores were elevated. Additionally, GG 43 genotype, high apnea-hypopnea index, and body mass index were detected as the risk factors of OSAHS. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the Calpain-10 SNP 43 may be related to OSAHS with IS, with SNP 43 GG genotype as a risk factor for OSAHS with IS.

ß-Asarone prevents autophagy and synaptic loss by reducing ROCK expression in asenescence-accelerated prone 8 mice.

ß-Asarone is an active component of the Acori graminei rhizome that is a traditional Chinese medicine clinically used in treating dementia in China. However, the cognitive effect of ß-asarone and its mechanism has remained elusive. Here, we used asenescence-accelerated prone 8 (SAMP8) mice, which mimic many of the salient features of Alzheimer׳s disease (AD), to further investigate whether modulation of the ROCK signaling pathway and/or autophagy, synaptic loss is involved in the effects of ß-asarone on learning and memory. SAMP8 mice at the age of 6 months were intragastrically administered by ß-asarone or a vehicle daily for 2 months. Senescence-accelerated-resistant (SAMR1) mice were used as the control. Our results demonstrate that autophagy and ROCK expression were increased significantly in 8 months SAMP8 mice, which were concomitant with that SAMP8 mice at the same age displayed a significant synaptic loss and cognitive deficits. The up-regulation of ROCK expression and autophage in the hippocampus of SAMP8 were significantly reduced by ß-asarone, and prevents synaptic loss and improved cognitive function of the SAMP8 mice. ß-asarone decreased neuronophagia and lipofuscin in the hippocampus of SAMP8 mice, but did not reduce Aß42 levels and malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase activities. Moreover, suppression of ROCK2 by siRNA significantly reduced the effects of ß-asarone on the autophage and synaptic proteins expression in PC12 cells damage induced by Aß1-40. Taken together, ß-asarone prevents autophagy and synaptic loss by reducing ROCK expression in SAMP8 mice.

The design of protein-imprinted polymers as antibody substitutes for investigating protein-protein interactions.

Co-immunoprecipitation is a very effective method for studying protein-protein interactions. However, the preparation of antibodies in this method involves the injection of antigen into mammals, and requires the use of the expensive protein A-Sepharose 4B. Molecular imprinting polymer can compensate for these deficiencies. In this paper, a new strategy for studying protein interactions is reported; this method is based on the use of protein-imprinted polymers (PIPs). PIP is a proper substitute for antibody. We designed and synthesized assistant recognition polymer chains (ARPCs), which were limited length polymer chains with randomly distributed recognition and immobilizing sites. The template protein was selectively assembled with ARPCs. The assemblies were adsorbed by macroporous microspheres, and were immobilized by cross-linking polymerization. After removing the templates, the two kinds of synthesized PIPs were used to adsorb natural BiP or FKBP23 from ER extract; both showed high selectivity. Furthermore, we investigated the binding specificity of BiP to FKBP23, using synthesized PIPs. The results showed that FKBP23 could bind to BiP in ER in a process regulated by the concentration of Ca(2+), which was consistent with the immunoprecipitation results. This strategy may provide a general solution for investigating protein interactions.

Poly[[(µ(3)-2,4,6-tri-4-pyridyl-1,3,5-triazine)copper(I)] nitrate monohydrate].

In the title compound, {[Cu(C(18)H(12)N(6))]NO(3)·H(2)O}(n), the Cu(I) ion is coordinated by three N atoms [Cu-N 1.962 (3)-2.019 (3) Å] from three 2,4,6-tri-4-pyridyl-1,3,5-triazine (L) ligands. Each L ligand bridges three Cu(I) atoms, generating a positively charged three-dimensional polymeric network with voids propagated along the b axis. These voids are filled with NO(3) (-) anions with a shortest Cu⋯O distance of 2.645 (3) Šand water mol-ecules, which are linked into negatively charged helical chains via inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds.

catena-Poly[[diaqua-bis-(formato-κO)nickel(II)]-µ-2,4,6-tris-(4-pyrid-yl)-1,3,5-triazine-κN:N].

In the title compound, [Ni(CHO(2))(2)(C(18)H(12)N(6))(H(2)O)(2)](n), the Ni(II) ion, lying on a crystallographic inversion center, has a distorted octa-hedral coordination comprising two water ligands, two O-atom donors from formate ligands and two N-atom donors from the 2,4,6-tris-(4-pyrid-yl)-1,3,5-triazine ligands. These ligands bridge the Ni(II) complex units, forming zigzag chains along the c axis. Adjacent chains are linked by O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supra-molecular network.

[Distribution characteristics of organic matter and total nitrogen in sediments of lake Wuliangsuhai].

Lake Wuliangsuhai is one of the representative inland freshwater lakes in grassland areas of China, and its shrinking and eutrophication is becoming more serious. The study on the ecological and environmental effects of the shrinking and eutrophication revealed that the total nitrogen (TN) content in the surface sediment of the lake had an obvious differentiation both in longitudinal and in latitudinal direction, and had a significant correlation with organic matter content. The mean C/N ratio of the sediment ranged from 12.07 to 19.95, which meant that the organic matter was mainly come from the hydrophytes of the lake, and the eutrophication of the lake was mostly caused by its internal load. Both TN and organic matter had a clear grain-size effect in different fractions of grain sizes of surface sediment, and their contents in IV (< 63 microm) were as 3.1 - 7.6 and 2.5 - 8.0 times as those in I (>250 microm), respectively.

Influence of the third-order parameter on diffuse reflectance at small source-detector separations.

Spatially resolved reflectance close to source has received a great deal of attention recently. This research is considered to develop a new noninvasive technique for measuring the optical properties of biological media. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we investigated the influence of third-order parameter 5 on diffuse reflectance and found that the reflectance decreased with an increase of delta at a short source-detector separation of approximately 0.7-2 transport mean free paths. We show that the effects of two parameters, y and second-order parameter delta, on the reflectance are contrary. As a result the influence of the second-order parameter y on the reflectance is irregular when the condition delta delta<