Combining genome-wide association study and transcriptome analysis to identify molecular markers and genetic basis of population-asynchronous ovarian development in Coilia nasus.

Coilia nasus, a migratory fish species found in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and along offshore areas of China, possesses considerable aquacultural and economic potential. However, the species faces challenges due to significant variation in the gonadal development rate among females, resulting in inconsistent ovarian maturation times at the population level, an extended reproductive period, and limitations on fish growth rate due to ovarian prematurity. In the present study, we combined genome-wide association study (GWAS) and comparative transcriptome analysis to investigate the potential single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and candidate genes associated with population-asynchronous ovarian development in C. nasus. Genotyping of the female population based on whole-genome resequencing yielded 2 120 695 high-quality SNPs, 39 of which were suggestively associated with ovarian development. Of note, a significant SNP peak on LG21 containing 30 suggestively associated SNPs was identified, with cpne5a determined as the causal gene of the peak. Therefore, single-marker and haplotype association analyses were performed on cpne5a, revealing four genetic markers ( P<0.05) and seven haplotypes (r 2>0.9) significantly associated with the phenotype. Comparative transcriptome analysis of precociously and normally maturing individuals screened out 29 and 426 overlapping differentially expressed genes in the brain and ovary, respectively, between individuals of different body sizes. Integrating the GWAS and transcriptome analysis results, this study identified genes and pathways related to hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis hormone secretion, extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and gap junctions involved in population-asynchronous ovarian development. The insights gained from this study provide a basis for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian development in fish and may facilitate the genetic breeding of C. nasus strains exhibiting population-synchronous ovarian development in the future.

Gram-level NH3 Electrosynthesis via NOx reduction on a Cu Activated Co Electrode.

Ambient electrochemical ammonia (NH3 ) synthesis is one promising alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch route. However, the industrial requirement for the electrochemical NH3 production with amperes current densities or gram-level NH3 yield remains a grand challenge. Herein, we report the high-rate NH3 production via NO2 - reduction using the Cu activated Co electrode in a bipolar membrane (BPM) assemble electrolyser, wherein BPM maintains the ion balance and the liquid level of electrolyte. Benefited from the abundant Co sites and optimal structure, the target modified Co foam electrode delivers a current density of 2.64 A cm-2 with the Faradaic efficiency of 96.45 % and the high NH3 yield rate of 279.44 mg h-1 cm-2 in H-type cell using alkaline electrolyte. Combined with in situ experiments and theoretical calculations, we found that Cu optimizes the adsorption behavior of NO2 - and facilitates the hydrogenation steps on Co sites toward a rapid NO2 - reduction process. Importantly, this activated Co electrode affords a large NH3 production up to 4.11 g h-1 in a homemade reactor, highlighting its large-scale practical feasibility.

Altered functional connectivity of the nucleus tractus solitarii in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery: an rs-fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: To explore the altered functional connectivity (FC) of the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and the association between abnormal FC and clinical scale scores. METHODS: A total of 22 patients with chronic cough after lung surgery and 22 healthy controls were included. Visual analog scale (VAS), Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-MC), and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) scores were assessed, and rs-fMRI data were collected. The FC analysis was performed using the NTS as the seed point, and FC values with all voxels in the whole brain were calculated. A two-sample t-test was used to compare FC differences between the two groups. The FC values of brain regions with differences were extracted and correlated with clinical scale scores. RESULTS: In comparison to healthy controls, FC values in the NTS and anterior cingulate cortex(ACC) were reduced in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery (GRF correction, p-voxel < 0.005, p-cluster < 0.05) which were positively correlated with LCQ-MC scores (r = 0.534, p = 0.011), but with VAS (r = -0.500, p = 0.018), HAMA (r = -0.713, p < 0.001) scores were negatively correlated. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced FC of the NTS with ACC may be associated with cough hypersensitivity and may contribute to anxiety in patients with chronic cough after lung surgery.

Mechanism of electroacupuncture at acupoints of the lung meridian through PKA/PKC regulation of TRPV1 in chronic cough after lung surgery in guinea pigs.

Background: Acupuncture has achieved good results in the treatment of cough, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases, but the mechanism associated with acupuncture in the treatment of chronic cough induced by lung surgery is unknown. We investigated whether acupuncture therapy could improve the symptoms of chronic cough after lung surgery through cyclic-AMp dependent protein kinase A (PKA)/cyclic-AMp dependent protein kinase C (PKC) regulation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) signaling pathway. Methods: The guinea pigs were divided into 5 groups: the Sham operation Group (Sham), the Model Group (Model), the Electroacupuncture + Model Group (EA + M), the H89 + Model Group (H89 + M) and the Go6983 + Model Group (Go6983 + M). The effect of treatment was determined by measuring cough symptoms (number of coughs/cough incubation period) as the outcome criterion. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and blood were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Lung tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). The expression of p-PKA, p-PKC and p-TRPV1 proteins was measured by Western blotting. The mRNA levels of TRPV1, Substance P (SP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neurokinin-1R (NK1R) were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Acupuncture significantly reduced the cough frequency and prolonged the cough latency of chronic cough in guinea pigs after lung surgery. In addition, acupuncture reduced the damage to lung tissue. The levels of inflammatory cytokines decreased in all treatment groups, the expression levels of p-PKA, p-PKC and p-TRPV1 were significantly inhibited and the mRNA levels of TRPV1, SP, CGRP and NK1R decreased significantly after acupuncture treatment. Conclusions: Acupuncture therapy ameliorated chronic cough in guinea pigs after lung surgery by regulating the TRPV1 signaling pathway via PKA/PKC. Our results showed that acupuncture may be an effective treatment of chronic cough after lung surgery, and also clarified the potential mechanism, which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of patients with chronic cough after lung surgery.

Compound shougong powder inhibits the malignant phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by targeting the DNA damage repair pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Compound Shougong Powder (SGS), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation, has been used to treat cancer for many years with remarkable efficacy. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of SGS in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not completely clear. METHODS: The survival and metastasis of HCC cells were examined by CCK-8 assay, EdU assay, Wound-healing and Transwell assay. The anti-tumour effect of SGS was studied using hoechst 33258 staining and flow cytometry. RNA sequencing was applied to detect the underlying mechanism. Comet DNA, qRT-PCR and WB experiments were performed for validation. In addition, HCC nude mouse model was constructed to detect SGS effect in vivo. KEY FINDINGS: SGS inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells and induced apoptosis in vitro. In addition, SGS also suppressed tumour growth in a nude mouse model of HCC in a dose-dependent manner. RNA sequencing of the suitably treated HCC cells revealed significant changes in the expression levels of genes involved in the DNA damage repair pathway. The sequencing results were verified by Comet DNA, qRT-PCR, WB assays and molecular docking. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, SGS inhibits the malignant phenotype of HCC cells by down-regulating DNA repair genes and consequently inducing DNA damage.

Higher dietary acid load is associated with hyperuricemia in Chinese adults: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the association between dietary acid load and hyperuricemia in Chinese adults. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted. Adult participants with hyperuricemia were recruited as the cases and those without hyperuricemia were as the controls. Food consumption was evaluated by food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary acid load was assessed by potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Dietary acid load was divided into four levels: the first quartile (Q1), the second quartile (Q2), the third quartile (Q3) and the fourth quartile (Q4). Logistic regression model was applied for exploring the association between dietary acid load (PRAL and NEAP) and hyperuricemia. Odds ratio (OR) and its correspondence confidence interval (CI) were computed. RESULTS: A total of 290 participants were eligible in this study, in which there were 143 individuals in case group and 147 in control group. A higher level of PRAL was found to be associated with odds of hyperuricemia. ORs of hyperuricemia for Q2, Q3 and Q4 of PRAL were 2.74 (95%CI: 1.94 ~ 3.88, p-value: 0.004), 2.90 (95%CI: 2.05 ~ 4.10, p-value: 0.002) and 3.14 (95%CI: 2.22 ~ 4.45, p-value: 0.001), respectively. There was a positive association between elevated NEAP and hyperuricemia. OR of hyperuricemia for Q2 was not material significance (OR:1.54, 95%CI: 0.93 ~ 2.53, p-value: 0.210), however, ORs of hyperuricemia for Q3 (OR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.70 ~ 3.38, p-value: 0.011) and Q4 (OR: 3.27, 95%CI: 2.31 ~ 4.62, p-value: 0.001) were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Higher level of dietary acid load was found to be associated with hyperuricemia in Chinese adults, indicative of advocation of a well-balanced diet in this population.

Effects of N6-Methyladenosine Modification on Cancer Progression: Molecular Mechanisms and Cancer Therapy.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a major internal epigenetic modification in eukaryotic mRNA, which is dynamic and reversible. m6A is regulated by methylases ("writers") and demethylases ("erasers") and is recognized and processed by m6A-binding proteins ("readers"), which further regulate RNA transport, localization, translation, and degradation. It plays a role in promoting or suppressing tumors and has the potential to become a therapeutic target for malignant tumors. In this review, we focus on the mutual regulation of m6A and coding and non-coding RNAs and introduce the molecular mechanism of m6A methylation involved in regulation and its role in cancer treatment by taking common female malignant tumors as an example.

Surface-Alloyed Nanoporous Zinc as Reversible and Stable Anodes for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery.

Metallic zinc (Zn) is one of the most attractive multivalent-metal anode materials in post-lithium batteries because of its high abundance, low cost and high theoretical capacity. However, it usually suffers from large voltage polarization, low Coulombic efficiency and high propensity for dendritic failure during Zn stripping/plating, hindering the practical application in aqueous rechargeable zinc-metal batteries (AR-ZMBs). Here we demonstrate that anionic surfactant-assisted in situ surface alloying of Cu and Zn remarkably improves Zn reversibility of 3D nanoporous Zn electrodes for potential use as high-performance AR-ZMB anode materials. As a result of the zincophilic ZnxCuy alloy shell guiding uniform Zn deposition with a zero nucleation overpotential and facilitating Zn stripping via the ZnxCuy/Zn galvanic couples, the self-supported nanoporous ZnxCuy/Zn electrodes exhibit superior dendrite-free Zn stripping/plating behaviors in ambient aqueous electrolyte, with ultralow polarizations under current densities up to 50 mA cm‒2, exceptional stability for 1900 h and high Zn utilization. This enables AR-ZMB full cells constructed with nanoporous ZnxCuy/Zn anode and KzMnO2 cathode to achieve specific energy of as high as ~ 430 Wh kg‒1 with ~ 99.8% Coulombic efficiency, and retain ~ 86% after long-term cycles for > 700 h.

Roles of Major RNA Adenosine Modifications in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer malignancy worldwide and is known to have poor prognosis. The pathogenesis behind the development of HNSCC is not fully understood. Modifications on RNA are involved in many pathophysiological processes, such as tumor development and inflammation. Adenosine-related RNA modifications have shown to be linked to cancer and may play a role in cancer occurrence and development. To date, there are at least 170 different chemical RNA modifications that modify coding and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). These modifications affect RNA stability and transcription efficiency. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of the four major RNA adenosine modifications (N6-Methyladenosine, N1-Methyladenosine, Alternative Polyadenylation Modification and A-to-I RNA editing) and their potential molecular mechanisms related to HNSCC development and progression. We also touch on how these RNA modifications affect treatment of HNSCCs.

Steric Hindrance- and Work Function-Promoted High Performance for Electrochemical CO Methanation on Antisite Defects of MoS2 and WS2.

CO methanation from electrochemical CO reduction reaction (CORR) is significant for sustainable environment and energy, but electrocatalysts with excellent selectivity and activity are still lacking. Selectivity is sensitive to the structure of active sites, and activity can be tailored by work function. Moreover, intrinsic active sites usually possess relatively high concentration compared to artificial ones. Here, antisite defects MoS2 and WS2 , intrinsic atomic defects of MoS2 and WS2 with a transition metal atom substituting a S2 column, were investigated for CORR by density functional theory calculations. The steric hindrance from the special bowl structure of MoS2 and WS2 ensured good selectivity towards CO methanation. Coordination environment variation of the active sites, the under-coordinated Mo or W atoms, effectively lowered the work function, making MoS2 and WS2 highly active for CO methanation with the required potential of -0.47 and -0.49 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, respectively. Moreover, high concentration of active sites and minimal structural deformation during the catalytic process of MoS2 and WS2 enhanced their attraction for future commercial application.

Increased expression of TRPV1 in patients with acute or chronic cough after lung cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: We investigated preoperative and postoperative TRPV1, bradykinin (BK), and prostaglandin e-2 (PGE2) levels in patients who underwent lung cancer surgery and evaluated the correlations between these levels and the development of acute or chronic cough after surgery. METHODS: We evaluated 60 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who underwent lobectomy at our center between August and October 2018. TRPV1, BK, and PGE2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and postoperative cough was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The postoperative serum TRPV1, BK, and PEG2 levels of the 60 patients were significantly higher than the preoperative levels (P < 0.001). Thirty-five patients (58.3%) were diagnosed with acute cough (VAS ≥ 60 mm), and 25 were diagnosed with non-acute cough (41.7%). Three days after surgery, the serum TRPV1, BK, and PGE2 levels were significantly higher in the acute cough group than in the non-acute cough group (P < 0.001). Twenty-two patients (36.7%) were diagnosed with chronic cough (VAS ≥ 60 mm), and 25 (62.3%) were diagnosed with non-chronic cough. Eight weeks after surgery, the serum TRPV1, BK, and PGE2 levels were significantly higher in the chronic cough group than in the non-chronic cough group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative TRPV1, BK and PGE2 levels were significantly higher than the preoperative levels. The TRPV1 level was also higher in patients with an acute or chronic cough than in patients without. Postoperative acute or chronic cough symptoms can be improved and alleviated by blocking the TRPV1 pathway.

Analysis of factors related to chronic cough after lung cancer surgery.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the relationship between chronic cough and clinicopathological features in postoperative patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for the treatment of postoperative chronic cough in patients with NSCLC. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 171 patients with NSCLC who received lobectomy at our center between September 2017 and February 2018. The Mandarin Chinese version of the Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ-MC) was used to evaluate the degree of cough in patients. Postoperative cough was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The total LCQ-MC score for the whole group was 19.79 ± 0.53 before surgery and 18.40 ± 0.70 after surgery (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that right lung cancer, difficult airway, acute cough and history of COPD were independent predictors of chronic cough. Of the 68 patients diagnosed with chronic cough, 41 received acupuncture therapy (acupuncture therapy group), and 27 received no acupuncture therapy (no therapy group). No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of their LCQ-MC scores at eight weeks after surgery (p = 0.756). However, the acupuncture therapy group had a significantly higher LCQ-MC score than the no therapy group at 10 weeks after surgery (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Right lung cancer, difficult airway, acute cough, and history of COPD are independent predictors of chronic cough after surgery. For patients with chronic cough, acupuncture therapy can shorten the recovery time and improve quality of life after surgery.

High thermal stability of core-shell structures dominated by negative interface energy.

Nanoscale core/shell structures are of interest in catalysis due to their superior catalytic properties. Here we investigated the thermal stability of the coherent core-shell structures in a thermodynamic way by considering the impact from the core with the bulk melting point Tm(∞) lower or higher than the shell. When a low-Tm(∞) core is adopted, core-shell melting induced by the melting depression of the core does not occur upon heating because of the superheating, although the melting depression of the core can be triggered ultimately by the preferential melting of the high-Tm(∞) shell for small cores. The superheating of the core is contributed by the negative solid-solid interface energy, while the depression is originated from the positive solid-liquid interface energy. Owing to the presence of the negative interface energy, moreover, the low-Tm(∞)-core structure possesses a low difference in thermal expansion between the core and the shell, high activation energy of outward atomic diffusion from the core to shell, and low heat capacity. This result is beneficial for the core-shell structure design for its application in catalysis.

Facile Synthesis of Non-Graphitizable Polypyrrole-Derived Carbon/Carbon Nanotubes for Lithium-ion Batteries.

Graphite is usually used as an anode material in the commercial lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The relatively low lithium storage capacity of 372 mAh g(-1) and the confined rate capability however limit its large-scale applications in electrical vehicles and hybrid electrical vehicles. As results, exploring novel carbon-based anode materials with improved reversible capacity for high-energy-density LIBs is urgent task. Herein we present TNGC/MWCNTs by synthesizing tubular polypyrrole (T-PPy) via a self-assembly process, then carbonizing T-PPy at 900 °C under an argon atmosphere (TNGC for short) and finally mixing TNGC with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). As for TNGC/MWCNTs, the discharge capacity of 561 mAh g(-1) is maintained after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1). Electrochemical results demonstrate that TNGC/MWCNTs can be considered as promising anode materials for high-energy-density LIBs.

Self-grown Ni(OH)(2) layer on bimodal nanoporous AuNi alloys for enhanced electrocatalytic activity and stability.

Au nanostructures as catalysts toward electrooxidation of small molecules generally suffer from ultralow surface adsorption capability and stability. Here, we report Ni(OH)2 layer decorated nanoporous (NP) AuNi alloys with a three-dimensional and bimodal porous architecture, which are facilely fabricated by a combination of chemical dealloying and in situ surface segregation, for the enhanced electrocatalytic performance in biosensors. As a result of the self-grown Ni(OH)2 on the AuNi alloys with a coherent interface, which not only enhances adsorption energy of Au and electron transfer of AuNi/Ni(OH)2 but also prohibits the surface diffusion of Au atoms, the NP composites are enlisted to exhibit significant enhancement in both electrocatalytic activity and stability toward glucose electrooxidation. The highly reliable glucose biosensing with exceptional reproducibility and selectivity as well as quick response makes it a promising candidate as electrode materials for the application in nonenzymatic glucose biosensors.

Integrated solid/nanoporous copper/oxide hybrid bulk electrodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Nanoarchitectured electroactive materials can boost rates of Li insertion/extraction, showing genuine potential to increase power output of Li-ion batteries. However, electrodes assembled with low-dimensional nanostructured transition metal oxides by conventional approach suffer from dramatic reductions in energy capacities owing to sluggish ion and electron transport kinetics. Here we report that flexible bulk electrodes, made of three-dimensional bicontinuous nanoporous Cu/MnO2 hybrid and seamlessly integrated with Cu solid current collector, substantially optimizes Li storage behavior of the constituent MnO2. As a result of the unique integration of solid/nanoporous hybrid architecture that simultaneously enhances the electron transport of MnO2, facilitates fast ion diffusion and accommodates large volume changes on Li insertion/extraction of MnO2, the supported MnO2 exhibits a stable capacity of as high as ~1100 mA h g(-1) for 1000 cycles, and ultrahigh charge/discharge rates. It makes the environmentally friendly and low-cost electrode as a promising anode for high-performance Li-ion battery applications.