The MaNAP1-MaMADS1 transcription factor module mediates ethylene-regulated peel softening and ripening in banana.

The banana (Musa spp.) peel undergoes rapid softening during ripening, leading to finger drop and a shortened shelf life. The regulatory mechanism behind this process remains to be elucidated. In this study, we confirmed the role of peel softening in banana finger drop and uncovered the underlying transcriptional regulatory network. Cell wall-related (CWR) genes were substantially upregulated in both the peel and finger drop zone during ethylene-induced ripening. Transcriptome analysis and genome-wide profiling of chromatin accessibility and transcription factor (TF) binding revealed that two key regulators of fruit ripening, Musa acuminata NAC-like, Activated by apetala3/Pistillata1 (MaNAP1) and MaMADS1, regulate CWR genes by directly binding to their promoters or by targeting other ripening-related TFs to form a hierarchical regulatory network. Notably, MaNAP1 and MaMADS1 were directly targeted by ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (MaEIN3), and MaNAP1 and MaMADS1 associated with tissue-specific histone modifications, enabling them to integrate MaEIN3-mediated ethylene signaling and undergo epigenetic regulation. Overexpression of MaNAP1, MaMADS1 or other identified regulatory TFs upregulated CWR genes and promoted peel softening. Our findings unveil a MaNAP1-MaMADS1-centered regulatory cascade governing banana peel softening and finger drop, offering potential targets for enhancing banana texture and shelf life.

Nanoparticles Fueled by Enzyme for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemic Acute Pancreatitis.

Hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HAP) is a serious inflammatory pancreatic disease commonly seen in patients with disorders of lipid metabolism. Decreasing blood triglyceride levels and proinflammatory factors can alleviate hyperlipidemic pancreatitis. The lipase that enhanced the Brownian motion of mesoporous silica in triglyceride solutions could accelerate decomposition of the lipid and improve the efficiency of absorption. In this study, we developed a mesoporous silica nanoparticle with dual modification of IL-6 aptamer and lipase for the treatment of HAP. The nanoparticle could increase the ability of particles to absorb inflammatory factor IL-6 and decompose triglycerides. For every 10 mg of the dual-modified nanoparticles, the efficiency of capturing IL-6 was approximately 9.67 pg/mL and of decomposing triglycerides was approximately 3.88 mg/mL in the plasma of HAP patients within 2 h. In summary, the mesoporous silica nanoparticle could absorb the IL-6 inflammatory factor through IL-6 aptamers and decompose triglycerides through lipase. Furthermore, based on clinically available plasma exchange technology, combined with our developed dual-modified nanoparticles, we designed an absorption device for the treatment of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis; it works to promote the treatment of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis.

High performance filtering and high-sensitivity concentration retrieval of methane in photoacoustic spectroscopy utilizing deep learning residual networks.

A novel method is introduced to improve the detection performance of photoacoustic spectroscopy for trace gas detection. For effectively suppressing various types of noise, this method integrates photoacoustic spectroscopy with residual networks model which encompasses a total of 40 weighted layers. Firstly, this approach was employed to accurately retrieve methane concentrations at various levels. Secondly, the analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of multiple sets of photoacoustic spectroscopy signals revealed significant enhancement. The SNR was improved from 21 to 805, 52-962, 98-944, 188-933, 310-941, and 587-936 across the different concentrations, respectively, as a result of the application of the residual networks. Finally, further exploration for the measurement precision and stability of photoacoustic spectroscopy system utilizing residual networks was carried out. The measurement precision of 0.0626 ppm was obtained and the minimum detectable limit was found to be 1.47 ppb. Compared to traditional photoacoustic spectroscopy method, an approximately 46-fold improvement in detection limit and 69-fold enhancement in measurement precision were achieved, respectively. This method not only advances the measurement precision and stability of trace gas detection but also highlights the potential of deep learning algorithms in spectroscopy detection.

Literature review and case study of recurrent EPGA with elevated IgG4 and positive HBsAg successfully treated with rituximab.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare form of autoimmune vasculitis. The involvement of IgG4 and HBsAg in EGPA is less common but can occur and may present unique challenges in management. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case study of a 70-year-old female diagnosed with EGPA confirmed via renal biopsy. She initially presented with recurrent purpura, diarrhea and progressive numbness in the hands and feet, accompanied by general weakness. Complete remission was achieved with a one-year course of prednisone acetate and cyclophosphamide treatment. However, upon discontinuation of self-medication, the disease relapsed, manifesting as a generalized rash and weakness in the extremities.Skin biopsy revealed eosinophil infiltration, with inflammatory cells predominantly surrounding blood vessels. Notably, during treatment, the patient's hepatitis B markers transitioned from negative to positive for HBsAg. Subsequent administration of entecavir, along with monitoring for a decrease in HBV DNA levels, preceded the initiation of steroids and rituximab to attain remission once more. Among the remaining 15 patients analyzed, all exhibited elevated serum IgG4 levels, with none testing positive for hepatitis B. Notably, only one patient was diagnosed with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD), suggesting that elevated IgG4 levels alone may not necessarily indicate IgG4-RD. CONCLUSIONS: Our case report highlights the first instance of recurrent EGPA accompanied by elevated IgG4 and positivity for hepatitis B, which was successfully treated with rituximab. In cases of concurrent hepatitis B, rituximab treatment may be considered once viral replication is under control. However, emphasis on maintenance therapy is crucial following the induction of disease remission.

Synthesis and Biological Activities of C1-Substituted Acylhydrazone ß-Carboline Analogues as Antifungal Candidates.

In our ongoing work to create potential antifungal agents, we synthesized and tested a group of C1-substituted acylhydrazone ß-carboline analogues 9a-o and 10a-o for their effectiveness against Valsa mali, Fusarium solani, Fusarium oxysporum, and Fusarium graminearum. Their compositions were analyzed using different spectral techniques, such as 1H/13C NMR and HRMS, with the structure of 9l being additionally confirmed through X-ray diffraction. The antifungal evaluation showed that, among all the target ß-carboline analogues, compounds 9n and 9o exhibited more promising and broad-spectrum antifungal activity than the commercial pesticide hymexazol. Several intriguing findings regarding structure-activity relationships (SARs) were examined. In addition, the cytotoxicity test showed that these acylhydrazone ß-carboline analogues with C1 substitutions exhibit a preference for fungi, with minimal harm to healthy cells (LO2). The reported findings provide insights into the development of ß-carboline analogues as new potential antifungal agents.

Two-dimensional phosphorus carbides (ß-PC) as highly efficient metal-free electrocatalysts for lithium-sulfur batteries: a first-principles study.

Li-S batteries are considered as the next-generation batteries due to their exceptional theoretical capacity. However, their practical application is hampered by the shuttling effects of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and the sluggish Li2S decomposition, particularly the slow conversion from Li2S2 to Li2S. Addressing these challenges, the quest for effective catalysts that can accelerate the conversion of LiPSs and enhance the performance of Li-S batteries is crucial. In this study, we explored the electrocatalytic activity of two-dimensional phosphorus carbides (ß0-PC and ß1-PC) in Li-S batteries based on first-principles calculations. Our findings reveal that these materials demonstrate optimal binding strengths (ranging from 1.09 to 1.83 eV) with long-chain LiPSs, effectively preventing them from dissolving into the electrolyte. Additionally, they show remarkable catalytic activity during the sulfur redox reaction (SRR), with ΔG being only 0.37 eV for ß0-PC and 0.13 eV for ß1-PC. The low energy barrier induced by ß-PC enhances ion migration barrier and significantly expedites the charge/discharge cycles of Li-S batteries. Furthermore, we investigated the conversion dynamics of Li2S2 to Li2S, employing the computational lithium electrode (CLE) model. The excellent performance in these aspects underscores the potential of these materials as electrocatalysts for Li-S batteries, paving the way for advanced high-efficiency energy storage solutions.

Bioorthogonal conjugation and responsive nanocoating of probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is closely associated with dysregulated immune response, gut mucosal barrier, and microbiota. Conventional treatments suffer from inferior bioavailability and inadequate efficiency. Herein, we present a synergistic therapeutic strategy based on multifunctionalized probiotics to mitigate IBD through single oral administration. The probiotic (Escherichia coli Nissle 1917) is bioorthogonally conjugated with immunomodulators and subsequently encapsulated by an enteric coating. The viability and bioactivity of probiotics are not affected by the modifications. And the armored probiotics are able to resist the harsh environment of the stomach and shed their enteric coating in the intestinal tract, exposing immunomodulators to polarize pro-inflammatory M1-type macrophages into anti-inflammatory M2-type. In a mouse colitis model, orally administered multifunctionalized probiotics cooperatively alleviate IBD with increased body weight to 1.13 folds and decreased disease activity index to 0.43 folds, through downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, upregulating the epithelial tight junction-associated proteins levels to restore the intestinal barrier, and increasing the microbiota richness and abundance. This work exhibits a feasible approach to construct functionalized orally administered probiotics for enhanced synergistic therapy of IBD.

Canthin-6-one analogs block Newcastle disease virus proliferation via suppressing the Akt and ERK pathways.

Newcastle disease virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family, causes significant economic losses in poultry worldwide. To identify novel antiviral agents against NDV, 36 canthin-6-one analogs were evaluated in this study. Our data showed that 8 compounds exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on NDV replication with IC50 values in the range of 5.26 to 11.76 µM. Besides, these analogs inhibited multiple NDV strains with IC50 values within 12 µM and exerted antiviral activity against peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and canine distemper virus (CDV). Among these analogs, 16 presented the strongest anti-NDV activity (IC50 = 5.26 µM) and minimum cytotoxicity (CC50 > 200 µM) in DF-1 cells. Furthermore, 16 displayed antiviral activity in different cell lines. Our results showed that 16 did not affect the viral adsorption while it can inhibit the entry of NDV by suppressing the Akt pathway. Further study found that 16-treatment inhibited the NDV-activated ERK pathway, thereby promoting the expression of interferon-related genes. Our findings reveal an antiviral mechanism of canthin-6-one analogs through inhibition of the Akt and ERK signaling pathways. These results point to the potential value of canthin-6-one analogs to serve as candidate antiviral agents for NDV.

Protective effects of sugarcane polyphenol against UV-B-induced photoaging in Balb/c mouse skin: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycosylation Effects.

Although the benefits of sugarcane polyphenol (SP) are well documented, its function in preventing photoaging has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of SP in preventing ultraviolet (UV)-B-induced skin photoaging in Balb/c mice, as well as the underlying mechanism. Chlorogenic acid was determined to be the primary component of SP by using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. SP and chlorogenic acid were orally administrated to mice for 56 days, and UV-B radiation exposure was administered 14 days after SP and chlorogenic acid administration and lasted 42 days to cause photoaging. SP and chlorogenic acid administrations significantly alleviated the UV-B-induced mouse skin photoaging, as indicated by the decrease in epidermal thickness, increase in the collagen (COL) volume fraction, and elevation in type 1 and type 3 COL contents. Notably, both SP and chlorogenic acid effectively reversed the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase induced by UV-B exposure in the mouse skin. Furthermore, SP and chlorogenic acid reduced the expression of receptor for advanced glycosylation end products in the mice; amplified the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase; reduced malondialdehyde levels; and decreased inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1ß, interleukin 6, and tumor necrosis factor α levels. SP could be a prospective dietary supplement for anti-photoaging applications due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-glycosylation attributes, and chlorogenic acid might play a major role in these effects. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study can provide a scientific basis for the practical application of sugarcane polyphenols. We expect that sugarcane polyphenols can be used in food and beverage products to provide flavor while combating skin aging.

3-Amide-ß-carbolines block the cell cycle by targeting CDK2 and DNA in tumor cells potentially as anti-mitotic agents.

ß-Carboline alkaloids are natural and synthetic products with outstanding antitumor activity. C3 substituted and dimerized ß-carbolines exert excellent antitumor activity. In the present research, 37 ß-carboline derivatives were synthesized and characterized. Their cytotoxicity, cell cycle, apoptosis, and CDK2- and DNA-binding affinity were evaluated. ß-Carboline monomer M3 and dimer D4 showed selective activity and higher cytotoxicity in tumor cells than in normal cells. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) indicated that the amide group at C3 enhanced the antitumor activity. M3 blocked the A549 (IC50 = 1.44 ± 1.10 µM) cell cycle in the S phase and inhibited A549 cell migration, while D4 blocked the HepG2 (IC50 = 2.84 ± 0.73 µM) cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, both of which ultimately induced apoptosis. Furthermore, associations of M3 and D4 with CDK2 and DNA were proven by network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and western blotting. The expression level of CDK2 was downregulated in M3-treated A549 cells and D4-treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, M3 and D4 interact with DNA and CDK2 at sub-micromolar concentrations in endothermic interactions caused by entropy-driven adsorption processes, which means that the favorable entropy change (ΔS > 0) overcomes the unfavorable enthalpy change (ΔH > 0) and drives the spontaneous reaction (ΔG < 0). Overall, these results clarified the antitumor mechanisms of M3 and D4 through disrupting the cell cycle by binding DNA and CDK2, which demonstrated the potential of M3 and D4 as novel antiproliferative drugs targeting mitosis.

LINC01559 promotes lung adenocarcinoma metastasis by disrupting the ubiquitination of vimentin.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastasis is the major cause of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD)-associated mortality. However, molecular mechanisms involved in LUAD metastasis remain to be fully understood. While the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer development, progression, and treatment resistance is being increasingly appreciated, the list of dysregulated lncRNAs that contribute to LUAD pathogenesis is also rapidly expanding. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to interrogate publicly available LUAD datasets. In situ hybridization and qRT-PCR assays were used to test lncRNA expression in human LUAD tissues and cell lines, respectively. Wound healing as well as transwell migration and invasion assays were employed to examine LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro. LUAD metastasis was examined using mouse models in vivo. RNA pulldown and RNA immunoprecipitation were carried out to test RNA-protein associations. Cycloheximide-chase assays were performed to monitor protein turnover rates and Western blotting was employed to test protein expression. RESULTS: The expression of the lncRNA LINC01559 was commonly upregulated in LUADs, in particular, in those with distant metastasis. High LINC01559 expression was associated with poor outcome of LUAD patients and was potentially an independent prognostic factor. Knockdown of LINC01559 diminished the potential of LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro and reduced the formation of LUAD metastatic lesions in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01559 binds to vimentin and prevents its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, leading to promotion of LUAD cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. CONCLUSION: LINC01559 plays an important role in LUAD metastasis through stabilizing vimentin. The expression of LINC01559 is potentially an independent prognostic factor of LUAD patients, and LINC01559 targeting may represent a novel avenue for the treatment of late-stage LUAD.

Major quality regulation network of flavonoid synthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry.

Black wolfberry (Lycium ruthenicum Murr.) contains various bioactive metabolites represented by flavonoids, which are quite different among production regions. However, the underlying regulation mechanism of flavonoid biosynthesis governing the bioactivity of black wolfberry remains unclear. Presently, we compared the bioactivity of black wolfberry from five production regions. Multi-omics were performed to construct the regulation network associated with the fruit bioactivity. The detailed regulation mechanisms were identified using genetic and molecular methods. Typically, Qinghai (QH) fruit exhibited higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The higher medicinal activity of QH fruit was closely associated with the accumulation of eight flavonoids, especially Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (K3R) and Quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (rutin). Flavonoid biosynthesis was found to be more active in QH fruit, and the upregulation of LrFLS, LrCHS, LrF3H and LrCYP75B1 caused the accumulation of K3R and rutin, leading to high medicinal bioactivities of black wolfberry. Importantly, transcription factor LrMYB94 was found to regulate LrFLS, LrCHS and LrF3H, while LrWRKY32 directly triggered LrCYP75B1 expression. Moreover, LrMYB94 interacted with LrWRKY32 to promote LrWRKY32-regulated LrCYP75B1 expression and rutin synthesis in black wolfberry. Transgenic black wolfberry overexpressing LrMYB94/LrWRKY32 contained higher levels of K3R and rutin, and exhibited high medicinal bioactivities. Importantly, the LrMYB94/LrWRKY32-regulated flavonoid biosynthesis was light-responsive, showing the importance of light intensity for the medicinal quality of black wolfberry. Overall, our results elucidated the regulation mechanisms of K3R and rutin synthesis, providing the basis for the genetic breeding of high-quality black wolfberry.

Comparative transcriptomic analyses of brain-liver-muscle in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) with differential growth rate.

Growth is an important economically trait for aquatic animals. The popularity of farmed channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) in China has recently surged, prompting a need for research into the genetic mechanisms that drive growth and development to expedite the selection of fast-growing variants. In this study, the brain, liver and muscle transcriptomes of channel catfish between fast-growing and slow-growing groups were analyzed using RNA-Seq. Totally, 63, 110 and 86 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were from brain, liver and muscle tissues. DEGs are primarily involved in growth, development, metabolism and immunity, which are related to the growth regulation of channel catfish, such as growth hormone receptor b (ghrb), fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (fgfr4), bone morphogenetic protein 1a (bmp1a), insulin-like growth factor 2a (igf2a), collagen, type I, alpha 1a (col1a1a), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 2 (acsl2) and caveolin 1 (cav1). This study advances our knowledge of the genetic mechanisms accounting for differences in growth rate and offers crucial gene resources for future growth-related molecular breeding programs in channel catfish.

Discovery of new quaternized norharmane dimers as potential anti-MRSA agents.

INTRODUCTION: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-caused infections greatly threaten public health. The discovery of natural-product-based anti-MRSA agents for treating infectious diseases has become one of the current research focuses. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to identify promising anti-MRSA agents with a clear mechanism based on natural norharmane modified by quaternization or dimerization. METHODS: A total of 32 norharmane analogues were prepared and characterized. Their antibacterial activities and resistance development propensity were tested by the broth double-dilution method. Cell counting kit-8 and hemolysis experiments were used to assess their biosafety. The plasma stability, bactericidal mode, and biofilm disruption effects were examined by colony counting and crystal violet staining assays. Fluorescence microscopy, metabolomic analysis, docking simulation and spectra titration revealed its anti-MRSA mechanisms. The mouse skin infection model was used to investigate the in vivo efficacy. RESULTS: Compound 5a was selected as a potential anti-MRSA agent, which exhibited potent anti-MRSA activity in vitro and in vivo, low cytotoxicity and hemolysis under an effective dose. Moreover, compound 5a showed good stability in 50% plasma, a low tendency of resistance development and capabilities to disrupt bacterial biofilms. The mechanism studies revealed that compound 5a could inhibit the biosynthesis of bacteria cell walls, damage the membrane, disturb energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism pathways, and interfere with protein synthesis and nucleic acid function. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that compound 5a is a promising candidate for combating MRSA infections, providing valuable information for further exploiting a new generation of therapeutic antibiotics.

Visual design of green information in urban environment based on global similarity calculation and multi-dimensional visualization technology.

In recent years, the escalating prevalence of elevated consumption and carbon emissions within urban operations has reached a disconcerting extent. This surge in resource depletion and environmental pollution exerts an adverse influence on the well-being of individuals, while impeding societal progress and hindering the enhancement of overall quality of life. Within the domain of urban environmental design, the integration of visual displays emerges as a superior approach to facilitate the assimilation and analysis of green and low-carbon information. However, urban environmental data usually contains multiple dimensions, so it is a problem to realize the data representation of multiple dimensions while maintaining the correlation and interactivity between data. To surmount the challenge of visualizing such intricate information, this investigation initially employs a sophisticated memory-based clustering algorithm for information extraction, accompanied by a global similarity algorithm that meticulously computes attribute component quantities within specific dimensions of the vector. Furthermore, leveraging the inherent power of Vue's bidirectional data binding capabilities, the study adopts the esteemed MVVM (Model-View-View-Model) pattern, fostering seamless two-way interaction through the established logical relationship. As a result, the amalgamation of multidimensional visualization technology empowers comprehensive data mining through a captivating visual augmentation. Concurrently, the application of data visualization dimension control delivers tailored displays tailored to green and low-carbon scenarios within urban environmental design. Experimental results impeccably validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, substantiated by a mere 1.77% false alarm rate for data stream difference detection and a clustering difference of 1.34%. The aforementioned algorithm accentuates the efficacy of visual displays, thus engendering a profound synergy between the industrial and supply chains. Moreover, it facilitates the design, production, and utilization of environmentally friendly products and energy sources. This, in turn, serves as a catalyst, propelling the widescale adoption of green and low-carbon practices throughout the entire industrial chain, fueled by the seamless integration of multimedia data.

Molecular phylogeny and inflorescence evolution of Prunus (Rosaceae) based on RAD-seq and genome skimming analyses.

Prunus is an economically important genus widely distributed in the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Previous studies on the genus using a variety of loci yielded conflicting phylogenetic hypotheses. Here, we generated nuclear reduced representation sequencing data and plastid genomes for 36 Prunus individuals and two outgroups. Both nuclear and plastome data recovered a well-resolved phylogeny. The species were divided into three main clades corresponding to their inflorescence types, - the racemose group, the solitary-flower group and the corymbose group - with the latter two sister to one another. Prunus was inferred to have diversified initially in the Late Cretaceous around 67.32 million years ago. The diversification of the three major clades began between the Paleocene and Miocene, suggesting that paleoclimatic events were an important driving force for Prunus diversification. Ancestral state reconstructions revealed that the most recent common ancestor of Prunus had racemose inflorescences, and the solitary-flower and corymb inflorescence types were derived by reduction of flower number and suppression of the rachis, respectively. We also tested the hybrid origin hypothesis of the racemose group proposed in previous studies. Prunus has undergone extensive hybridization events, although it is difficult to identify conclusively specific instances of hybridization when using SNP data, especially deep in the phylogeny. Our study provides well-resolved nuclear and plastid phylogenies of Prunus, reveals substantial cytonuclear discord at shallow scales, and sheds new light on inflorescence evolution in this economically important lineage.

Deciphering the Influence of Anionic Electrons of Surface-Functionalized Two-Dimensional Electrides in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Using transition metal compounds as sulfur hosts is regarded as a promising approach to suppress the polysulfide shuttle and accelerate redox kinetics for lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Herein, we report that a new kind of compound, electrides (exotic ionic crystalline materials in which electrons serve as anions), is efficient sulfur hosts for Li-S batteries for the first time. Based on the first-principles calculations, we found that two-dimensional (2D) electrides M2C (M = Sc, Y) exhibit unprecedentedly strong binding strength toward sulfur species and surface functionalization is necessary to passivate their activity. The 2D electrides modified with the F-functional group exhibit the best performance in terms of the adsorption energy and sulfur reduction process. A comparative study with a nonelectride reveals that the anionic electrons (AEs) of electrides aid in anchoring the soluble polysulfides. These results open an avenue for the application of electrides in Li-S batteries.

Electronic Structures of Penta-SiC2 and g-SiC3 Nanoribbons: A First-Principles Study.

The dimensions of nanoribbons have a significant impact on their material properties. In the fields of optoelectronics and spintronics, one-dimensional nanoribbons exhibit distinct advantages due to their low-dimensional and quantum restrictions. Novel structures can be formed by combining silicon and carbon at different stoichiometric ratios. Using density functional theory, we thoroughly explored the electronic structure properties of two kinds of silicon-carbon nanoribbons (penta-SiC2 and g-SiC3 nanoribbons) with different widths and edge conditions. Our study reveals that the electronic properties of penta-SiC2 and g-SiC3 nanoribbons are closely related to their width and orientation. Specifically, one type of penta-SiC2 nanoribbons exhibits antiferromagnetic semiconductor characteristics, two types of penta-SiC2 nanoribbons have moderate band gaps, and the band gap of armchair g-SiC3 nanoribbons oscillates in three dimensions with the width of the nanoribbon. Notably, zigzag g-SiC3 nanoribbons exhibit excellent conductivity, high theoretical capacity (1421 mA h g-1), moderate open circuit voltage (0.27 V), and low diffusion barriers (0.09 eV), making them a promising candidate for high storage capacity electrode material in lithium-ion batteries. Our analysis provides a theoretical basis for exploring the potential of these nanoribbons in electronic and optoelectronic devices as well as high-performance batteries.

Newcastle disease virus forms inclusion bodies with features of liquid-liquid phase separation.

Formation of inclusion bodies (IBs) is a hallmark of infections with negative-strand RNA viruses. Although the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) IBs had been observed in the 1950s, the characteristics of NDV IBs remained largely unknown. Here, we show that NDV infection triggers the formation of IBs that contain newly synthesized viral RNA. The structures of NDV IBs, observed by electron microscopy, were not membrane-bound. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching a region of NDV IBs occurred rapidly, and IBs were dissolved by 1,6-hexanediol treatment, demonstrating they exhibited properties consistent with liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). We find the nucleoprotein (NP) and phosphoprotein (P) are sufficient to generate IB-like puncta, with the N arm domain and N core region of NP and the C terminus of P playing important roles in this process. In summary, our findings suggest that NDV forms IBs containing viral RNA, and provide insights into the formation of NDV IBs.

Major histocompatibility complex class IIα and IIß of pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus): Identification and functional characterization in response to bacterial challenge.

Classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules play an essential role in immune system. In this study, MHC IIα (Pf-MHC IIα) and MHC IIß (Pf-MHC IIß) homology genes from pufferfish (Takifugu obscurus) were cloned and their functional characterization in response to bacterial challenge was identified. The nucleotide sequences of the open reading frames (ORFs) of pufferfish Pf-MHC IIα and Pf-MHC IIß were 708 bp and 750 bp, encoding 235 aa and 249 aa, respectively. The structure of Pf-MHC IIα or Pf-MHC IIß contained a signal peptide, an α1/ß1 domain, an α2/ß2 domain, a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic region. Multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that Pf-MHC IIα and Pf-MHC IIß molecules had the highest similarity with Fugu rubripes (Takifugu rubripes). Cellular localization analysis indicated that the distribution of Pf-MHC IIα and Pf-MHC IIß was in the lymphocyte membrane and cytoplasm. qRT-PCR results showed that Pf-MHC IIα and Pf-MHC IIß expressed relatively high in skin, gills and gut. In addition, after stimulation challenge in vitro (lipopolysaccharide, or polyinosinic: polycytidylic acid) and in vivo (A. hydrophila), the mRNA expressions of Pf-MHC IIα and Pf-MHC IIß were significantly up-regulated in lymphocytes and in tissues of skin, gills, gut and head kidney. Moreover, Pf-MHC IIα or Pf-MHC IIß neutralization reduced the ability of A. hydrophila to induce the expressions of lymphocyte cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-10). Overall, it is speculated that Pf-MHC IIα and Pf-MHC IIß may play an important role in the host response against A. hydrophila in pufferfish.