Decreased BIRC5-206 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in nasopharyngeal carcinoma through sponging miR-145-5p.

Metastasis significantly contributes to the poor prognosis of advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Our prior studies have demonstrated a decrease in BIRC5-206 expression in NPC, which promotes disease progression. However, the role of BIRC5-206 in the invasion and metastasis of NPC has not been fully elucidated. In this study, our objective was to explore the biological function and underlying mechanisms of BIRC5-206 in NPC. Additionally, we established an NPC mouse model of lung invasiveness using C666 cells to assess the impact of BIRC5-206 on NPC metastasis. Our results revealed that silencing BIRC5-206 inhibited apoptosis and enhanced the invasion of NPC cells, whereas its overexpression reversed these effects. Moreover, decreased BIRC5-206 expression significantly increased N-cadherin and Vimentin expression while reducing E-cadherin and occludin levels, both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, silencing BIRC5-206 markedly augmented the formation of invasive foci in lung tissues. Rescue experiments further confirmed that decreased BIRC5-206 expression facilitates NPC metastasis via modulation of the miR-145-5p/CD40 signaling pathway. In summary, our study suggests that BIRC5-206 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in the diagnosis and treatment of NPC.

Mechanism of KLF2 in young mice with pneumonia induced by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) is a major causative agent of pneumonia, which can disseminate to the bloodstream and brain. Pneumonia remains a leading cause of death among children aged 1-59 months worldwide. This study aims to investigate the role of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) in lung injury caused by Spn in young mice. METHODS: Young mice were infected with Spn to induce pneumonia, and the bacterial load in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was quantified. KLF2 expression in lung tissues was analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assays. Following KLF2 overexpression, lung tissues were assessed for lung wet-to-dry weight ratio and Myeloperoxidase activity. The effects of KLF2 on lung injury and inflammation were evaluated through hematoxylin and eosin staining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assay were conducted to examine the binding of KLF2 to the promoter of microRNA (miR)-222-3p and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), as well as the binding of miR-222-3p to CDKN1B. Levels of miR-222-3p and CDKN1B in lung tissues were also determined. RESULTS: In young mice with pneumonia, KLF2 and CDKN1B were downregulated, while miR-222-3p was upregulated in lung tissues. Overexpression of KLF2 reduced lung injury and inflammation, evidenced by decreased bacterial load, reduced lung injury, and lower levels of proinflammatory factors. Co-transfection of miR-222-3p-WT and oe-KLF2 significantly reduced luciferase activity, suggesting that KLF2 binds to the promoter of miR-222-3p and suppresses its expression. Transfection of CDKN1B-WT with miR-222-3p mimics significantly reduced luciferase activity, indicating that miR-222-3p binds to CDKN1B and downregulates its expression. Overexpression of miR-222-3p or downregulation of CDKN1B increased bacterial load in BALF, lung wet/dry weight ratio, MPO activity, and inflammation, thereby reversing the protective effect of KLF2 overexpression on lung injury in young mice with pneumonia. CONCLUSIONS: KLF2 alleviates lung injury in young mice with Spn-induced pneumonia by transcriptional regulation of the miR-222-3p/CDKN1B axis.

Interpreting the pharmacological mechanisms of Juanbi recipe on rheumatoid arthritis through network pharmacology, molecular docking.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers the advantage of effectively relieving rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with minimal side effects. The Juanbi recipe is a commonly utilized TCM treatment for RA, yet its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. Network pharmacology serves as an effective tool for identifying pharmaceutical ingredients and potential therapeutic targets of TCM, thereby uncovering its mechanisms. This study aimed to identify the core target genes and explore the mechanisms underlying the treatment of RA with the Juanbi recipe. Methods: This study adopted the method of network pharmacology to filter key gene targets of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. Single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing data was used to screen the key genes to form the core genes of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. The molecular docking technique was used to verify the core target genes and explore the mechanisms of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. The RA model of mice was induced by the collagen-induced arthritis and the effect of Juanbi recipe was evaluated by intragastric administrating of extraction of Juanbi recipe. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to analysis serum inflammatory factors. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to evaluate inflammation and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to evaluate core target genes and pathways in synovium of ankle. Results: This study screened out 281 active molecules in Juanbi recipe, found 105 key target genes of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment, and drew an "ingredient - molecule - gene" diagram. Juanbi recipe reduced the levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, the inflammatory infiltration in synovium, demonstration that Juanbi recipe reduced both systemic and synovial inflammatory response. Single cell RNA sequencing data were used to select six core target genes and six core active molecules of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment. The pathways of Juanbi recipe in RA treatment involved in activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Results of western blot and IHC staining showed that Juanbi recipe decreased the expressions of c-jun and p65, which demonstrated that Juanbi recipe inhibited the expression of AP-1 and NF-κB pathway in RA. Conclusions: The core active molecules of Juanbi recipe could inhibit key factors of AP-1 and NF-κB pathway to inhibit the inflammation, which played a protective role in RA.

Network Pharmacology Followed by Experimental Validation to Explore the Mechanism of Stigmasterol in Sangbaipi Decoction Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling to Alleviate Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Purpose: Sangbaipi decoction (SBPD), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, has been widely used to treat acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), while the underlying pharmacological mechanism remains unclear due to the complexity of composition. Methods: A TCM-active ingredient-drug target network of SBPD was constructed utilizing the TCM-Systems-Pharmacology database. AECOPD-relevant proteins were gathered from Gene Cards and the Online-Mendelian-Inheritance-in-Man database. Protein-protein interaction, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the targets from the intersection of SBPD and AECOPD targets were performed to identify the core signaling pathway, followed by molecular docking verification of its interaction with active ingredients. The network pharmacology results were checked using in-vivo experiments. To induce AECOPD, rats were exposure to combined tobacco smoke and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then rats underwent gavage with stigmasterol (SM) after successful modeling. The involvement of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling was investigated using its inhibitor, LY294002. Lung function and histopathology were examined. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in the lung and serum were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot and/or Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: SM was recognized as an active ingredient of SBPD and stably bound to Akt1. SM improved lung function and histological abnormalities, concomitant with suppressed PI3K/Akt signaling, downregulated lung and serum Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and serum transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) levels and upregulated lung and serum Interleukin 10 (IL-10) levels in AECOPD rats. In AECOPD rats, LY294002 restored lung function, and it also improved lung histological abnormalities and inflammation, which was found to be potentiated by SM. Conclusion: SM targets PI3K/Akt signaling to reduce lung injury and inflammation in AECOPD rats.

Catalytic Promiscuity of Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase Enables Stereoselective Synthesis of Chiral α-Tetralones.

In the field of biocatalysis, discovering novel reactivity from known enzymes has been a longstanding challenge. Fatty acid photo-decarboxylase from Chlorella variabilis (CvFAP) has drawn considerable attention as a promising photoenzyme with potential green chemistry applications; however, its non-natural reactivity has rarely been exploited to date. Herein we report a non-natural reductive dehalogenation (deacetoxylation) reactivity of CvFAP inspired by its natural oxidative decarboxylation process, enabling the  stereoselective synthesis of a series of chiral α-substituted tetralones with high yields (up to 99%) and e.r. values (up to 99:1). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the native photoenzyme catalyzed the reductive dehalogenation via a novel mechanism involving oxidized state (FADox) / semiquinone state (FADsq) redox pair and an electron transfer (ET)/proton transfer (PT) process of radical termination, distinct from the previous reports. To our knowledge, this study represents a new example of CvFAP promiscuity, and thus expands the reactivity repertoire of CvFAP and highlights the versatility of CvFAP in asymmetric synthesis.

Evaluation of protective immune response of immersion inactivated vaccine against Singapore grouper iridovirus.

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) always causes high transmission efficiency and mortality in the larval and juvenile stages of grouper in aquaculture industry. Although inactivated virus and recombinant DNA vaccines administered via intraperitoneal injection have shown efficacy in protection against SGIV, their potential applications in field testing were limited due to the vaccine delivery methods. Here, we developed an immersion vaccine containing inactivated virus and Montanide IMS 1312 adjuvant (IMS 1312) and evaluated its protective efficacy against SGIV infection. Compared to the PBS group, fish vaccinated with immersion inactivated vaccine with or without IMS 1312 were significantly protected against SGIV, with a relative percent survival (RPS) of 57.69 % and 38.47 %, respectively. Furthermore, the transcripts of viral core genes were reduced, and the histopathological severity caused by SGIV were relatively mild in multiple tissues of the IMS + V group. The immersion vaccine activated the AKP and ACP activities and increased the mRNA levels of IFN and inflammation-associated genes. The transcriptome analysis showed that a total of 731 and 492 genes were significantly regulated in the spleen and kidney from the IMS + V group compared to the PBS group, respectively. Among them, 129 DEGs were co-regulated, and enriched in the KEGG pathways related to immune and cell proliferation, including MAPK signaling, JAK-STAT signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Similarly, the DEGs specially regulated in the kidney and spleen upon vaccine immunization were significantly enriched in the KEGG pathways related to interferon and inflammation response. Together, our results elucidated that the immersion vaccine of inactivated SGIV with IMS 1312 induced a protective immune response of grouper against SGIV.

NFMPAtt-Unet: Neighborhood Fuzzy C-means Multi-scale Pyramid Hybrid Attention Unet for medical image segmentation.

Medical image segmentation is crucial for understanding anatomical or pathological changes, playing a key role in computer-aided diagnosis and advancing intelligent healthcare. Currently, important issues in medical image segmentation need to be addressed, particularly the problem of segmenting blurry edge regions and the generalizability of segmentation models. Therefore, this study focuses on different medical image segmentation tasks and the issue of blurriness. By addressing these tasks, the study significantly improves diagnostic efficiency and accuracy, contributing to the overall enhancement of healthcare outcomes. To optimize segmentation performance and leverage feature information, we propose a Neighborhood Fuzzy c-Means Multiscale Pyramid Hybrid Attention Unet (NFMPAtt-Unet) model. NFMPAtt-Unet comprises three core components: the Multiscale Dynamic Weight Feature Pyramid module (MDWFP), the Hybrid Weighted Attention mechanism (HWA), and the Neighborhood Rough Set-based Fuzzy c-Means Feature Extraction module (NFCMFE). The MDWFP dynamically adjusts weights across multiple scales, improving feature information capture. The HWA enhances the network's ability to capture and utilize crucial features, while the NFCMFE, grounded in neighborhood rough set concepts, aids in fuzzy C-means feature extraction, addressing complex structures and uncertainties in medical images, thereby enhancing adaptability. Experimental results demonstrate that NFMPAtt-Unet outperforms state-of-the-art models, highlighting its efficacy in medical image segmentation.

Diagnostic Value of Superb Microvascular Imaging of the Rotator Cuff Interval for the Early Diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder.

Purpose: To explore the early diagnostic value of superb microvascular imaging (SMI) features within the rotator cuff gap for frozen shoulder. Patients and Methods: This prospective study enrolled patients with acute early-stage frozen shoulder seeking treatment at Zhabei Central Hospital in Jing'an District, Shanghai, between July 2021 and December 2022 were enrolled in this study. Healthy controls were collected in a 1:1 ratio from the same hospital's physical examination center. All participants underwent SMI and power Doppler ultrasound (PDUS) of the rotator cuff gap. Results: The study included 79 patients with frozen shoulder and 77 healthy controls. Compared with the healthy control group, the patient group had a higher proportion of hypoechoic rotator cuff gap (81.0% vs 48.1%, P<0.001), a thicker coracohumeral ligament (2.60±1.01 vs 2.03±0.97, P<0.001), a thicker glenohumeral joint capsule (3.10±0.99 vs 2.46±1.17, P<0.001), and elevated blood grading using SMI (P<0.001) and PDUS (P=0.014). The highest area under the curve (AUC) was observed for SMI blood flow grading (AUC=0.824, 95% CI: 0.755-0.880, P<0.001), resulting in 82% sensitivity and 77% specificity when using a cutoff of 1. SMI blood flow grading was associated with external rotation <30° (P=0.007) and abduction <30° (P=0.013) but not with internal rotation <30° (P=0.630) or flexion <30° (P=0.562). Conclusion: The grading of SMI blood flow may emerge as a valuable predictive indicator for the early stages of frozen shoulder. This simple ultrasound technique holds the potential to enhance the diagnostic process, enabling early initiation of treatment and potentially improving patient outcomes.

Facilitating giant panda crossings of national highway in Wolong area of Giant Panda National Park amid human activities.

As human activities continue to expand, wildlife persistence faces escalating threats from roads. In Wolong area of Giant Panda National Park, the local giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) are divided into two population groups along the National Highway G350 (NHG). Therefore, selecting suitable areas to help those giant pandas communicate across the NHG is necessary. In this research, we evaluated the presence of human activities and simulated their absence to analyze how they affect the giant panda's habitat in Wolong. Subsequently, based on the kernel density estimation (KDE) for giant pandas and the main human distribution locations, we selected suitable areas for the population link between the two road sections on the NHG. We simulated the absence of human activities on the two road sections to compare changes in the habitat suitability index (HSI) and connectivity value (CV) relative to their presence. We aimed to carefully select the area for future giant panda corridor plans and simulate whether eliminating human activities will significantly improve the HSI and CV of the area. Our results show that: (1) Human activities presence has led to subtle changes in the landscape pattern of suitable habitats and a decrease in Wolong by 78.76 km2 compared to their absence. (2) Human activities presence significantly reduced HSI and CV in the 1000 m buffer along the NHG compared to their absence. (3) The HSI and CV of the 1000 m buffer in the simulated absence of human activities for the two road sections were significantly higher than their presence. This research identified the optimal road section for crossing the NHG to link giant panda population groups and habitats in Wolong. These insights are significant for formulating conservation decisions and corridor plans and for promoting wildlife conservation in reserves amid high levels of human activity.

CXCL5 impedes CD8+ T cell immunity by upregulating PD-L1 expression in lung cancer via PXN/AKT signaling phosphorylation and neutrophil chemotaxis.

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate. Upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand (PD-L1) may represent a key mechanism for evading immune surveillance. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibodies against PD-1 or PD-L1 are therefore widely used to treat patients with lung cancer. However, the mechanisms by which lung cancer and neutrophils in the microenvironment sustain PD-L1 expression and impart stronger inhibition of CD8+ T cell function remain unclear. METHODS: We investigated the role and underlying mechanism by which PD-L1+ lung cancer and PD-L1+ neutrophils impede the function of CD8+ T cells through magnetic bead cell sorting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, confocal immunofluorescence, gene silencing, flow cytometry, etc. In vivo efficacy and safety studies were conducted using (Non-obeseDiabetes/severe combined immune deficiency) SCID/NOD mice. Additionally, we collected clinical and prognostic data from 208 patients who underwent curative lung cancer resection between 2017 and 2018. RESULTS: We demonstrated that C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) is markedly overexpressed in lung cancer cells and is positively correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer. Mechanistically, CXCL5 activates the phosphorylation of the Paxillin/AKT signaling cascade, leading to upregulation of PD-L1 expression and the formation of a positive feedback loop. Moreover, CXCL5 attracts neutrophils, compromising CD8+ T cell-dependent antitumor immunity. These PD-L1+ neutrophils aggravate CD8+ T cell exhaustion following lung cancer domestication. Combined treatment with anti-CXCL5 and anti-PD-L1 antibodies significantly inhibits tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings collectively demonstrate that CXCL5 promotes immune escape through PD-L1 upregulation in lung cancer and neutrophils chemotaxis through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. CXCL5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in synergy with ICBs in lung cancer immunotherapy.

[Expression and clinical significance of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen（SCCAg） in sinonasal inverted papilloma].

Objective:To compare the expression levels of SCCAg in inverted papilloma of the nasal sinuses and other sinuses and sinus masses. To investigate the correlation between the expression of SCCAg in sinonasal inverted papilloma and outcome. Methods:Sixty-eight patients with unilateral nasal and sinus masses admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from September 2020 to February 2023 were randomly selected, including 31 patients with inverted papilloma （experimental group） and 37 patients with unilateral nasal and sinus masses excluding inverted papilloma （control group）. The application of automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay to test the serum SCCAg of the experimental group before surgery and 1 week after surgery, and the control group to measure the serum SCCAg before surgery. Clinical data were also collected. Results:There was no significant difference between the experimental group and the control group in gender and preoperative peripheral blood inflammatory indicators. However, there was significant difference in age and preoperative serum SCCAg level（P<0.001）. The serum SCCAg levels of the experimental group before and 1 week after surgery were significantly different（P<0.001）. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of serum SCCAg in the diagnosis of varus papilloma were 92.6%, 85.4%, 77.4%, 94.6% and 0.72, respectively. The effect of serum SCCAg in the diagnosis of varus papilloma was analyzed by drawing the subject's working characteristic curve, and the area under the curve was 0.968（P<0.001）. When serum SCCAg greater than 2.7 ng/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were 67.7% and 94.6%, respectively. There was statistical significance in serum SCCAg levels between patients with and without recurrence（P<0.05）. Conclusion:The level of SCCAg in unilateral nasal and sinuses tumors, excluding squamous cell carcinoma, was significantly increased in inverted papilloma. The detection of serum SCCAg can be used as a simple and cost-effective auxiliary diagnostic tool for patients with nasal inverted papilloma before operation. Significant differences in preoperative and postoperative levels can be used for preliminary evaluation of surgical efficacy. Monitoring the serum SCCAg level in patients with inverted papilloma after surgery can predict recurrence and provide a simple and feasible method for postoperative follow-up.

Removal of ciprofloxacin by biosulfurized nano zero-valent iron (BP-S-nZVI) activated peroxomonosulfate: Influencing factors and degradation mechanism.

Agglomeration and passivation restrict the using zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI). Enhancing the reactivity of nZVI is often accomplished by sulfurization. In this work, nZVI was sulfurized using SRB to produce biosulfurized nano zero-valent iron (BP-S-nZVI), which was then utilized as a catalyst to investigating its performance in an advanced oxidation process based on activated peroxomonosulfate (PMS). When the S/Fe was 0.05, 0.4 g/L of catalyst and 0.5 mM PMS were added to a 20 mg/L ciprofloxacin solution. In 120 min, a 90.4% clearance rate was reached. When the initial pH of the solution was within the range of 3-11, all exhibited acceptable degradation performance and were minimally affected by co-existing anions. In this activation system, hydroxyl, superoxide and sulfate radicals (•OH, O2•- and SO4•-, respectively) have been proven to be the main active species. Seven intermediates in the degradation process of CIP were identified by LC-MS analysis and two possible degradation pathways were proposed. In addition, the degradation rate of CIP was still able to reach 87.0% after five cycles, and the removal rate remained unchanged in the CIP solution with actual water samples as background. This study demonstrated that BP-S-nZVI as a catalyst for the activation of PMS for CIP degradation can still show good reactivity, which provides more possibilities for the practical application of BP-S-nZVI in the degradation of pollutants.

miR-155 promotes Th17 differentiation by targeting FOXP3 to aggravate inflammation in MRSA pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Previous researches have clarified that miR-155 is increased in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia, and modulates Th9 differentiation. Like Th9 cells, Th17 cells were also a subset of CD4+ T cells and involved in MRSA pneumonia progression. This work aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of miR-155 in Th17 differentiation. METHODS: Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was collected from children with MRSA pneumonia and bronchial foreign bodies. MRSA-infected murine model was established followed by collecting BALF and lung tissues. qRT-PCR, ELISA and flow cytometry were performed to examine the mRNA expression and concentration of IL-17 and the number of Th17 cells in above samples. HE and ELISA were used to evaluate inflammatory responses in lung. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells were isolated from BALF of children for in vitro experiments. After treatments with miR-155 mimic/inhibitor, the roles of miR-155 in Th17/IL-17 regulation were determined. The downstream of miR-155 was explored by qRT-PCR, western blotting, dual luciferase reporter analysis and RIP assay. RESULTS: The levels of IL-17 and the proportion of Th17 cells were increased in children with MRSA pneumonia. A similar pattern was observed in MRSA-infected mice. On the contrary, IL-17 neutralization abolished the activation of Th17/IL-17 induced by MRSA infection. Furthermore, IL-17 blockade diminished the inflammation caused by MRSA. In vitro experiments demonstrated miR-155 positively regulated IL-17 expression and Th17 differentiation. Mechanistically, FOXP3 was a direct target of miR-155. miR-155 inhibited FOXP3 level via binding between FOXP3 and Argonaute 2 (AGO2), the key component of RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). FOXP3 overexpression reversed elevated IL-17 levels and Th17 differentiation induced by miR-155. CONCLUSIONS: miR-155 facilitates Th17 differentiation by reducing FOXP3 through interaction of AGO2 and FOXP3 to promote the pathogenesis of MRSA pneumonia. IL-17 blockade weakens the inflammation due to MRSA, which provides a nonantibiotic treatment strategy for MRSA pneumonia.

Effects of climate warming on soil nitrogen cycles and bamboo growth in core giant panda habitat.

Climate change can pose a significant threat to terrestrial ecosystems by disrupting the circulation of soil nitrogen. However, experimental analyses on the effect of climate change on soil nitrogen cycles and the implications for the conservation of key wildlife species (i.e., the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca) remain understudied. We investigated the effects of a 1.5 °C, 3 °C, and 4.5 °C temperature increase on nitrogen distribution in different soil layers of bamboo forest via an in-situ experiment and assessed the implications for the growth and survival of arrow bamboo (Bashania faberi), a critical food resource for giant pandas. Our results showed that warming treatments generally increased soil N content, while effects differed between surface soil and subsurface soil and at different warming treatments. Particularly an increase of 1.5 °C raised the subsurface soil NO3-N content, as well as the content of N in bamboo leaves. We found a significant positive correlation between the subsurface soil NO3-N content and the N content of arrow bamboo. An increase of 3-4.5 °C raised the content of total N and NO3-N in the surface soil and led to a reduction in the total aboveground biomass and survival rate of arrow bamboo. Limited warming (e.g., the increase of 0-1.5 °C) may promote the soil N cycle, raise the N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) enzyme activity, increase NO3-N in subsurface soil, increase the N content of bamboo, and boost the biomass of bamboo - all of which could be beneficial to giant panda survival. However, higher warming (e.g., an increase of 3-4.5 °C) resulted in mass death of bamboo and a large reduction in aboveground biomass. Our findings provide a cautiously optimistic scenario for bamboo forest ecosystems under low levels of warming over a short period of time, but risks from higher levels of warming may be serious, especially considering the unpredictability of global climatic change.

A Spatially Stable Crystal-Particle Gel to Trap Patchouli Oil for Efficient Colonic Drug Delivery.

Patchouli oil has exhibited remarkable efficacy in the treatment of colitis. However, its volatility and potential irritancy are often drawbacks when extensively used in clinical applications. Oil gel is a semisolid and thermoreversible system that has received extensive interest for its solubility enhancement, inhibition of bioactive component recrystallization, and the facilitation of controlled bioactive release. Therefore, we present a strategy to develop an oil gel formulation that addresses this multifaceted problem. Notably, a patchouli oil gel formulation was designed to solidify and trap patchouli oil into a spatially stable crystal-particle structure and colonic released delivery, which has an advantage of the stable structure and viscosity. The patchouli oil gel treatment of zebrafish with colitis improved goblet cells and decreased macrophages. Additionally, patchouli oil gel showed superior advantages for restoring the tissue barrier. Furthermore, our investigative efforts unveiled patchouli oil's influence on TRP channels, providing evidence for its potential role in mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action. While the journey continues, these preliminary revelations provide a robust foundation for considering the adoption of patchouli oil gel as a pragmatic intervention for managing colitis.

Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals liver metabolic reprogramming by fish iridovirus and antiviral function of alpha-linolenic acid.

Iridovirus poses a substantial threat to global aquaculture due to its high mortality rate; however, the molecular mechanisms underpinning its pathogenesis are not well elucidated. Here, a multi-omics approach was applied to groupers infected with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV), focusing on the roles of key metabolites. Results showed that SGIV induced obvious histopathological damage and changes in metabolic enzymes within the liver. Furthermore, SGIV significantly reduced the contents of lipid droplets, triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipoproteins. Metabolomic analysis indicated that the altered metabolites were enriched in 19 pathways, with a notable down-regulation of lipid metabolites such as glycerophosphates and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), consistent with disturbed lipid homeostasis in the liver. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed that the top enriched pathways were related to cell growth and death and nucleotide, carbohydrate, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, supporting the conclusion that SGIV infection induced liver metabolic reprogramming. Further integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analysis indicated that SGIV infection activated crucial molecular events in a phagosome-immune depression-metabolism dysregulation-necrosis signaling cascade. Of note, integrative multi-omics analysis demonstrated the consumption of ALA and linoleic acid (LA) metabolites, and the accumulation of L-glutamic acid (GA), accompanied by alterations in immune, inflammation, and cell death-related genes. Further experimental data showed that ALA, but not GA, suppressed SGIV replication by activating antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in the host. Collectively, these findings provide a comprehensive resource for understanding host response dynamics during fish iridovirus infection and highlight the antiviral potential of ALA in the prevention and treatment of iridoviral diseases.

Hidden hotspots of amphibian biodiversity in China.

Identifying and protecting hotspots of endemism and species richness is crucial for mitigating the global biodiversity crisis. However, our understanding of spatial diversity patterns is far from complete, which severely limits our ability to conserve biodiversity hotspots. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of amphibian species diversity in China, one of the most species-rich countries on Earth. Our study combines 20 y of field surveys with new molecular analyses of 521 described species and also identifies 100 potential cryptic species. We identify 10 hotspots of amphibian diversity in China, each with exceptional species richness and endemism and with exceptional phylogenetic diversity and phylogenetic endemism (based on a new time-calibrated, species-level phylogeny for Chinese amphibians). These 10 hotspots encompass 59.6% of China's described amphibian species, 49.0% of cryptic species, and 55.6% of species endemic to China. Only four of these 10 hotspots correspond to previously recognized biodiversity hotspots. The six new hotspots include the Nanling Mountains and other mountain ranges in South China. Among the 186 species in the six new hotspots, only 9.7% are well covered by protected areas and most (88.2%) are exposed to high human impacts. Five of the six new hotspots are under very high human pressure and are in urgent need of protection. We also find that patterns of richness in cryptic species are significantly related to those in described species but are not identical.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Peanut SQUAMOSA Promoter Binding Protein-like Gene Family and How AhSPL5 Enhances Salt Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

SPL (SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like), as one family of plant transcription factors, plays an important function in plant growth and development and in response to environmental stresses. Despite SPL gene families having been identified in various plant species, the understanding of this gene family in peanuts remains insufficient. In this study, thirty-eight genes (AhSPL1-AhSPL38) were identified and classified into seven groups based on a phylogenetic analysis. In addition, a thorough analysis indicated that the AhSPL genes experienced segmental duplications. The analysis of the gene structure and protein motif patterns revealed similarities in the structure of exons and introns, as well as the organization of the motifs within the same group, thereby providing additional support to the conclusions drawn from the phylogenetic analysis. The analysis of the regulatory elements and RNA-seq data suggested that the AhSPL genes might be widely involved in peanut growth and development, as well as in response to environmental stresses. Furthermore, the expression of some AhSPL genes, including AhSPL5, AhSPL16, AhSPL25, and AhSPL36, were induced by drought and salt stresses. Notably, the expression of the AhSPL genes might potentially be regulated by regulatory factors with distinct functionalities, such as transcription factors ERF, WRKY, MYB, and Dof, and microRNAs, like ahy-miR156. Notably, the overexpression of AhSPL5 can enhance salt tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis by enhancing its ROS-scavenging capability and positively regulating the expression of stress-responsive genes. These results provide insight into the evolutionary origin of plant SPL genes and how they enhance plant tolerance to salt stress.

Efficient Cr(VI) removal by pyrite/porous biochar: Critical role of potassium salt and sulphur.

The excessive accumulation of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in the environment poses a risk to environment and human health. In the present study, a potassium bicarbonate-modified pyrite/porous biochar composite (PKBC) was prepared in a one-step process and applied for the efficient removal of Cr(VI) in wastewater. The results showed that PKBC can significantly remove Cr(VI) within 4 h over a wide range of pH (2-11). Meanwhile, the PKBC demonstrated remarkable resistance towards interference from complex ions. The addition of potassium bicarbonate increased the pore structure of the material and promoted the release of Fe2+. The reduction of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution was primarily attributed to the Fe(II)/Fe(III) redox cycle. The sulphur species achieved Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycle through electron transfer with iron, thus ensuring the continuous reduction capacity of PKBC. Besides, the removal rate was also maintained at more than 85% in the actual water samples treatment process. This work provides a new way to remove hexavalent chromium from wastewater and demonstrates the potential critical role of potassium bicarbonate and sulphur.