Dynamic evolution of MADS-box genes in extant ferns via large-scale phylogenomic analysis.

Introduction: Several studies of MADS-box transcription factors in flowering plants have been conducted, and these studies have indicated that they have conserved functions in floral organ development; MIKC-type MADS-box genes has been proved to be expanded in ferns, however, few systematic studies of these transcription factors have been conducted in non-seed plants. Although ferns and seed plants are sister groups, they exhibit substantial morphological differences. Methods: Here, we clarified the evolution of MADS-box genes across 71 extant fern species using available transcriptome, genome, and gene expression data. Results: We obtained a total of 2,512 MADS-box sequences, ranging from 9 to 89 per species. The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of ferns contained approximately three type I genes and at least 5-6 type II MADS-box genes. The domains, motifs, expression of type I and type II proteins, and the structure of the both type genes were conserved in ferns as to other land plants. Within type II genes, MIKC*-type proteins are involved in gametophyte development in ferns; MIKCC-type proteins have broader expression patterns in ferns than in seed plants, and these protein sequences are likely conserved in extant seed plants and ferns because of their diverse roles in diploid sporophyte development. More than 90% of MADS-box genes are type II genes, and MIKCC genes, especially CRM1 and CRM6-like genes, have undergone a large expansion in leptosporangiate ferns; the diverse expression patterns of these genes might be related to the fuctional diversification and increased complexity of the plant body plan. Tandem duplication of CRM1 and CRM6-like genes has contributed to the expansion of MIKCC genes. Conclusion or Discussion: This study provides new insights into the diversity, evolution, and functions of MADS-box genes in extant ferns.

Deciphering the interplay of gut microbiota and metabolomics in retinal vein occlusion.

This study aims to explore the link between retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a blinding ocular condition, and alterations in gut microbiota composition, to offer insights into the pathogenesis of RVO. Fecal samples from 25 RVO patients and 11 non-RVO individuals were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Significant differences in the abundance of gut microbial species were noted between RVO and non-RVO groups. At the phylum level, the RVO group showed an elevation in the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. At the genus level, the RVO group showed higher abundance in Escherichia_Shigella (P < 0.05) and less abundance in Parabacteroides (P < 0.01) than the non-RVO group. Functional predictions indicated reduced folate synthesis, biotin metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation, with an increase in butyric acid metabolism in the RVO group. LC-MS analysis showed significant differences in purine metabolism, ABC transporters, and naphthalene degradation pathways, especially purine metabolism. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations between bacterial genera and fecal metabolites. Enrichment analysis highlighted connections between specific metabolites and bacterial genera. The findings showed that the dysregulation of gut microbiota was observed in RVO patients, suggesting the gut microbiota as a potential therapeutic target. Modulating the gut microbiota could be a novel strategy for managing RVO and improving patient outcomes. Furthermore, the study findings suggest the involvement of gut microbial dysbiosis in RVO development, underscoring the significance of understanding its pathogenesis for effective treatment development. IMPORTANCE: Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is a blinding ocular condition, and understanding its pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments. This study demonstrates significant differences in gut microbiota composition between RVO patients and non-RVO individuals, implicating the involvement of gut microbial dysbiosis in RVO development. Functional predictions and metabolic profiling provide insights into the underlying mechanisms, highlighting potential pathways for therapeutic intervention. These findings suggest that modulating the gut microbiota might be a promising strategy for managing RVO and improving patient outcomes.

Rapid and nondestructive watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) seed viability detection based on visible near-infrared hyperspectral imaging technology and machine learning algorithms.

The improper storage of seeds can potentially compromise agricultural productivity, leading to reduced crop yields. Therefore, assessing seed viability before sowing is of paramount importance. Although numerous techniques exist for evaluating seed conditions, this research leveraged hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology as an innovative, rapid, clean, and precise nondestructive testing method. The study aimed to determine the most effective classification model for watermelon seeds. Initially, purchased watermelon seeds were segregated into two groups: One underwent sterilization in a dehydrator machine at 40°C for 36 h, whereas the other batch was stored under favorable conditions. Watermelon seeds' spectral images were captured using an HSI with a charge-coupled device camera ranging from 400 to 1000 nm, and the segmented regions of all samples were measured. Preprocessing techniques and wavelength selection methods were applied to manage spectral data workload, followed by the implementation of a support vector machine (SVM) model. The initial hybrid-SVM model achieved a predictive accuracy rate of 100%, with a test set accuracy of 92.33%. Subsequently, an artificial bee colony (ABC) optimization was introduced to enhance model precision. The results indicated that, with kernel parameters (c, g) set at 13.17 and 0.01, respectively, and a runtime of 4.19328 s, the training and evaluation of the dataset achieved an accuracy rate of 100%. Hence, it was practical to utilize HSI technology combined with the PCA-ABC-SVM model to detect different watermelon seeds. As a result, these findings introduce a novel technique for accurately forecasting seed viability, intended for use in agricultural industrial multispectral imaging. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The traditional methods for determining the condition of seeds primarily emphasize aesthetics, rely on subjective assessment, are time-consuming, and require a lot of labor. On the other hand, HSI technology as green technology was employed to alleviate the aforementioned problems. This work significantly contributes to the field of industrial multispectral imaging by enhancing the capacity to discern various types of seeds and agricultural crop products.

Podocyte programmed cell death in diabetic kidney disease: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic prospects.

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the primary cause of chronic kidney and end-stage renal disease. Glomerular podocyte loss and death are pathological hallmarks of DKD, and programmed cell death (PCD) in podocytes is crucial in DKD progression. PCD involves apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. During DKD, PCD in podocytes is severely impacted and primarily characterized by accelerated podocyte apoptosis and suppressed autophagy. These changes lead to a gradual decrease in podocyte numbers, impairing the glomerular filtration barrier function and accelerating DKD progression. However, research on the interactions between the different types of PCD in podocytes is lacking. This review focuses on the novel roles and mechanisms of PCD in the podocytes of patients with DKD. Additionally, we summarize clinical drugs capable of regulating podocyte PCD, present challenges and prospects faced in developing drugs related to podocyte PCD and suggest that future research should further explore the detailed mechanisms of podocyte PCD and interactions among different types of PCD.

Treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau fractures: a narrative review and therapeutic strategy.

The posterolateral tibial plateau is crucial for maintaining knee stability during flexion, and fractures in this area often involve ligament and meniscus injuries, necessitating effective management. However, treating posterolateral tibial plateau fractures (PLF) poses significant challenges due to the complex anatomy. Therefore, this review aims to explore contemporary concepts of PLF, from identification to fixation, and proposes a comprehensive treatment strategy. In this article, the authors detail the injury mechanisms, fracture morphology, PLF classification systems, surgical approaches, and techniques for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as well as arthroscopic-assisted internal fixation (ARIF). The findings indicate that PLF is typically caused by flexion-valgus forces, resulting in depression or split-depression patterns. For isolated PLF, the supra-fibular head approach is often preferable, whereas posterior approaches are more suitable for combined fractures. Additionally, innovative plates, particularly the horizontal belt plate, have shown satisfactory outcomes in treating PLF. Currently, the 'bicondylar four-quadrant' concept is widely used for assessing and managing the tibial plateau fractures involving PLF, forming the cornerstone of the comprehensive treatment strategy. Despite challenges in surgical exposure and implant placement, ORIF remains the mainstream treatment for PLF, benefiting significantly from the supra-fibular head approach and the horizontal belt plate. Furthermore, ARIF has proven effective by providing enhanced visualization and surgical precision in managing PLF, emerging as a promising technique.

Patient satisfaction with letter-based communication of LCS pulmonary nodule results.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze patient satisfaction with letter-based communication of lung cancer screening (LCS) pulmonary nodule results. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial of LCS between May and December 2019. METHODS: All participants came from a prospective randomized controlled study on pulmonary nodule results in LCS with low-dose CT (LDCT) to analyze patient satisfaction, perception of information received via letters, preferred methods of receiving results, and dissatisfaction-related characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 153 patients were detected to have pulmonary nodules among 600 recruited participants in the lung cancer high-risk group screened using LDCT. Most of the patients were satisfied with receiving pulmonary nodule results via letters (78.4%; n = 120) and agreed that the letters contained an appropriate amount of information (83.7%; n = 128). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that satisfaction was related to age (OR, 0.905; 95% CI, 0.832-0.985), education level (OR, 0.367; 95% CI, 0.041-3.250), no family history of cancer (OR, 0.100; 95% CI, 0.011-0.914), and the number of nodules (OR, 6.028; 95% CI, 1.641-22.141). Of the patients who reported dissatisfaction with letter-based communication (7.2%; n = 11), the most common reasons cited were that they contained insufficient patient education materials and that it was difficult to comprehend the medical terminology. The majority of participants (61.4%; n = 94) reported that they would prefer the letter-based communication. No correlation was identified between satisfaction and gender, smoking status, alcohol consumption, risk factors, nodule size, or nodule location. CONCLUSIONS: Patients were generally satisfied with receiving their LCS pulmonary nodule results via letters, reporting that the letters included adequate information about their diagnosis and follow-up steps. This may provide a basis for feasible result communication via letters for cancer screening programs in underdeveloped regions in China.

Ribonuclease 4 functions as an intestinal antimicrobial protein to maintain gut microbiota and metabolite homeostasis.

Antimicrobial proteins contribute to host-microbiota interactions and are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but our understanding on antimicrobial protein diversity and functions remains incomplete. Ribonuclease 4 (Rnase4) is a potential antimicrobial protein with no known function in the intestines. Here we find that RNASE4 is expressed in intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) including Paneth and goblet cells, and is detectable in human and mouse stool. Results from Rnase4-deficient mice and recombinant protein suggest that Rnase4 kills Parasutterella to modulate intestinal microbiome, thereby enhancing indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) expression and subsequently kynurenic and xanthurenic acid production in IECs to reduce colitis susceptibility. Furthermore, deceased RNASE4 levels are observed in the intestinal tissues and stool from patients with IBD, correlating with increased stool Parasutterella. Our results thus implicate Rnase4 as an intestinal antimicrobial protein regulating gut microbiota and metabolite homeostasis, and as a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for IBD.

Comparison of vonoprazan bismuth-containing triple therapy with quadruple therapy in Helicobacter pylori-infected treatment-naive patients: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to various gastrointestinal conditions, such as chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Traditional treatment options encounter difficulties due to antibiotic resistance and adverse effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a new treatment plan that combines vonoprazan (VPZ), amoxicillin, and bismuth for the eradication of H. pylori. METHODS: A total of 600 patients infected with H. pylori were recruited for this multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients treated for H. pylori elimination were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive 14 days of vonoprazan-based triple therapy (vonoprazan + amoxicillin + bismuth, group A) or standard quadruple therapy (esomeprazole + clarithromycin + amoxicillin + bismuth, group B). Compliance and adverse effects were tracked through daily medication and side effect records. All patients underwent a 13C/14C-urea breath test 4 weeks after treatment completion. RESULTS: Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses revealed no substantial differences in H. pylori eradication rates between groups A and B (ITT: 83.7% vs 83.2%; PP: 90.9% vs 89.7%). However, significant differences were observed in the assessment of side effects (13.7% vs 28.6%, P < 0.001). Specifically, group A had significantly fewer "bitter mouths" than group B did (3.7% vs 16.2%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Triple therapy comprising vonoprazan (20 mg), amoxicillin (750 mg), and bismuth potassium citrate (220 mg) achieved a PP eradication rate ≥90%, paralleling standard quadruple therapy, and had fewer adverse events and lower costs (¥306.8 vs ¥645.8) for treatment-naive patients.

Phase interface engineering enables state-of-the-art half-Heusler thermoelectrics.

In thermoelectric, phase interface engineering proves effective in reducing the lattice thermal conductivity via interface scattering and amplifying the density-of-states effective mass by energy filtering. However, the indiscriminate introduction of phase interfaces inevitably leads to diminished carrier mobility. Moreover, relying on a singular energy barrier is insufficient for comprehensive filtration of low-energy carriers throughout the entire temperature range. Addressing these challenges, we advocate the establishment of a composite phase interface using atomic layer deposition (ALD) technology. This design aims to effectively decouple the interrelated thermoelectric parameters in ZrNiSn. The engineered coherent dual-interface energy barriers substantially enhance the density-of-states effective mass across the entire temperature spectrum while preser carrier mobility. Simultaneously, the strong interface scattering on phonons is crucial for curtailing lattice thermal conductivity. Consequently, a 40-cycles TiO2 coating on ZrNi1.03Sn0.99Sb0.01 achieves an unprecedented zT value of 1.3 at 873 K. These findings deepen the understanding of coherent composite-phase interface engineering.

Multi-level data fusion strategy based on spectral and image information for identifying varieties of soybean seeds.

Rapid identification of soybean seed varieties is crucial for agricultural production and seed quality. Identifying varieties of soybean seed using conventional chemical methods is time-consuming, destructive, and inappropriate for seed quality evaluation. This study utilized hyperspectral imaging technology (HSI) to identify four varieties of soybean seeds. The hyperspectral images of soybean seeds were collected in the spectral range of 400-1000 nm. A multi-level data fusion strategy based on spectral and image information was proposed to improve the accuracy of model. Subsequently, the multi-level data fusion strategy based on partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to establish the classification models of soybean seeds. Compared with the models using individual analytical sources, the results demonstrated that the models with multi-level data fusion strategy obtained better prediction performance. The high-level data fusion (HLDF) based on Bayesian consensus provided the optimal results with an accuracy (Acc) and F1-score of 93.13 % and 93.70 % in the prediction phase, respectively. Therefore, the multi-level data fusion strategy can be used as an identification method for soybean seed varieties and an effective approach to enhance the discriminatory capability of models.

Bioinformatic approaches of liquid-liquid phase separation in human disease.

ABSTRACT: Biomolecular aggregation within cellular environments via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) spontaneously forms droplet-like structures, which play pivotal roles in diverse biological processes. These structures are closely associated with a range of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and infectious diseases, highlighting the significance of understanding LLPS mechanisms for elucidating disease pathogenesis, and exploring potential therapeutic interventions. In this review, we delineate recent advancements in LLPS research, emphasizing its pathological relevance, therapeutic considerations, and the pivotal role of bioinformatic tools and databases in facilitating LLPS investigations. Additionally, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of bioinformatic resources dedicated to LLPS research in order to elucidate their functionality and applicability. By providing comprehensive insights into current LLPS-related bioinformatics resources, this review highlights its implications for human health and disease.

Dual function of carboxymethyl cellulose scaffold: A one-stone-two-birds strategy to prepare double-layer hollow ZIF-67 derivates for flame retardant epoxy composites.

Aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) has been used as a flame retardant for a long time. Previous studies about AHP employed in flame retardant materials mostly focus on coating, modification, and complex system. It is valuable to explore simple experimental steps to prepare nano hybrids with AHP and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). We found acidic substances could etch zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 (ZIF-67) to obtain MOF derivatives. Unfortunately, AHP and ZIF-67 could not directly form a hybrid. Therefore, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) is introduced as a dual function layer (buffer and support). The CMC resists the complete conversion of ZIF-67 etched by phosphoric acid to amorphous cobalt phosphate hydrate (ACP). Meanwhile, CMC containing hydroxyl groups combines with AHP through electrostatic interaction and coordination bonds. A double-layer hollow MOF derivative is synthesized through this one-stone-two-birds strategy. Due to multiple flame retardant elements and unique nanostructure, this MOF derivative endows epoxy (EP) resin with excellent flame retardancy. With 2.0 wt% addition, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of EP/AHP/ACP@CMC are decreased by 47.8 and 21.0 %, respectively. This study proposes a novel scheme that converts AHP into MOF derivatives as high-performance FRs.

[Value of single-phase gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test in diagnosis of central precocious puberty in girls with different levels of body mass index]. / 单时相GnRHæ¿€å‘è¯•éªŒå¯¹ä¸åŒä½“é‡æŒ‡æ•°å¥³ç«¥ä¸­æž¢æ€§æ€§æ—©ç†Ÿè¯Šæ–­ä»·å€¼çš„ç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of single-phase gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls with different levels of body mass index (BMI). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 760 girls with breast development before 7.5 years of age who attended the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2023. According to the results of GnRH stimulation test and clinical manifestations, they were divided into a CPP group (297 girls) and a non-CPP group (463 girls). According to the values of BMI, the girls were divided into a normal weight group (540 girls), an overweight group (116 girls), and an obese group (104 girls). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the value of single-phase GnRH stimulation test in the diagnosis of CPP in girls with different levels of BMI. RESULTS: Luteinizing hormone (LH)/follicle-stimulating hormone at 30 minutes after GnRH stimulation had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.985 in the diagnosis of CPP, which was higher than the AUC at 0, 60, and 90 minutes (P<0.05). LH at 30 minutes had a similar diagnostic value to LH at 60 minutes (P>0.05). LH at 30 minutes was negatively correlated with BMI and BMI-Z value (P<0.05).The AUC for diagnosing CPP in normal weight, overweight, and obese girls at 30 minutes LH was 0.952, 0.965, and 0.954, respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The 30-minute GnRH stimulation test has a good value in the diagnosis of CPP in girls with different levels of BMI and is expected to replace the traditional GnRH stimulation test, but the influence of BMI on LH level should be taken seriously.

A bio-based durable reactive flame retardant for cotton fabric based on lentinan.

Cotton fabric has extensive application due to its comfort and breathability. However, the inherent flammability limits its wide application. Durable polysaccharide-based flame retardants with a low impact on the softness of fabrics are rarely reported. In this work, a novel flame retardant ammonium phosphate of lentinan (APLNT) was synthesized and grafted on the surface of cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabric had a high limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of 43.3 % and passed the vertical burning test (VBT) with a 21.1 % weight gain of APLNT. Compared with control cotton, the peak heat release rate and total heat release values of Cotton-APLNT2 decreased by 92.8 % and 50.9 %, respectively. In addition, the cotton fabric still passed the VBT and kept an LOI value of 27.0 % even after 50 laundering cycles, indicating that the fabric can be used for daily needs. More importantly, the treated fabric remains soft. This research provided a new strategy for preparing bio-based durable flame retardant cotton fabrics.

Combined influence of the nanoplastics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure on microbial community in seawater environment.

Nanoplastics (NPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recognized as persistent organic pollutant (POPs) with demonstrated physiological toxicity. When present in aquatic environments, the two pollutants could combine with each other, resulting in cumulative toxicity to organisms. However, the combined impact of NPs and PAHs on microorganisms in seawater is not well understood. In this study, we conducted an exposure experiment to investigate the individual and synergistic effects of NPs and PAHs on the composition, biodiversity, co-occurrence networks of microbial communities in seawater. Exposure of individuals to PAHs led to a reduction in microbial community richness, but an increase in the relative abundance of species linked to PAHs degradation. These PAHs-degradation bacteria acting as keystone species, maintained a microbial network complexity similar to that of the control treatment. Exposure to individual NPs resulted in a reduction in the complexity of microbial networks. Furthermore, when PAHs and NPs were simultaneously present, the toxic effect of NPs hindered the presence of keystone species involved in PAHs degradation, subsequently limiting the degradation of PAHs by marine microorganisms, resulting in a decrease in community diversity and symbiotic network complexity. This situation potentially poses a heightened threat to the ecological stability of marine ecosystems. Our work strengthened the understanding of the combined impact of NPs and PAHs on microorganisms in seawater.

Targeting Hydrogel for Intelligent Recognition and Spatiotemporal Control in Cell-Based Therapeutics.

Smart drug platforms based on spatiotemporally controlled release and integration of tumor imaging are expected to overcome the inefficiency and uncertainty of traditional theranostic modes. In this study, a composite consisting of a thermosensitive hydrogel (polyvinyl alcohol-carboxylic acid hydrogel (PCF)) and a multifunctional nanoparticle (Fe3O4@Au/Mn(Zn)-4-carboxyphenyl porphyrin/polydopamine (FAMxP)) is developed to combine tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD)/immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy under the guidance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging (FI). It can not only further recognize the target cells through the folate receptor of tumor cells, but also produce thermal dissolution after exposure to near-infrared light to slowly release FAMxP in situ, thereby prolonging the treatment time and avoiding tumor recurrence. As FAMxP entered the tumor cells, it released FAMx in a pH-dependent manner. Chemodynamic, photothermal and photodynamic therapy can cause significant ICD in cancer cells. ICB can thus be further enhanced by injecting anti-programmed cell death ligand 1, improving the effectiveness of tumor treatment. The developed PCF-FAMxP composite hydrogel may represent an updated drug design approach with simple compositions for cooperative MRI/FI-guided targeted therapeutic pathways for tumors.

SIAH2 suppresses c-JUN pathway by promoting the polyubiquitination and degradation of HBx in hepatocellular carcinoma.

As an important protein encoded by hepatitis B virus (HBV), HBV X protein (HBx) plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been shown that seven in absentia homologue 1 (SIAH1) could regulates the degradation of HBx through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. However, as a member of SIAH family, the regulatory effects of SIAH2 on HBx remain unclear. In this study, we first confirmed that SIAH2 could reduce the protein levels of HBx depending on its E3 ligase activity. Moreover, SIAH2 interacted with HBx and induced its K48-linked polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Furthermore, we provided evidence that SIAH2 inhibits HBx-associated HCC cells proliferation by regulating HBx. In conclusion, our study identified a novel role for SIAH2 in promoting HBx degradation and SIAH2 exerts an inhibitory effect in the proliferation of HBx-associated HCC through inducing the degradation of HBx. Our study provides a new idea for the targeted degradation of HBx and may have great huge significance into providing novel evidence for the targeted therapy of HBV-infected HCC.