Overexpression of BnaA10.WRKY75 Decreases Cadmium and Salt Tolerance via Increasing ROS Accumulation in Arabidopsis and Brassica napus L.

Soil is indispensable for agricultural production but has been seriously polluted by cadmium and salt in recent years. Many crops are suffering from this, including rapeseed, the third largest global oilseed crop. However, genes simultaneously related to both cadmium and salt stress have not been extensively reported yet. In this study, BnaA10.WRKY75 was screened from previous RNA-seq data related to cadmium and salt stress and further analyses including sequence comparison, GUS staining, transformation and qRT-PCR were conducted to confirm its function. GUS staining and qRT-PCR results indicated BnaA10.WRKY75 was induced by CdCl2 and NaCl treatment. Sequence analysis suggested BnaA10.WRKY75 belongs to Group IIc of the WRKY gene family and transient expression assay showed it was a nuclear localized transcription factor. BnaA10.WRKY75-overexpressing Arabidopsis and rapeseed plants accumulated more H2O2 and O2- and were more sensitive to CdCl2 and NaCl treatment compared with untransformed plants, which may be caused by the downregulation of BnaC03.CAT2. Our study reported that BnaA10.WRKY75 increases sensitivity to cadmium and salt stress by disrupting the balance of reactive oxygen species both in Arabidopsis and rapeseed. The results support the further understanding of the mechanisms underlying cadmium and salt tolerance and provide BnaA10.WRKY75 as a valuable gene for rapeseed abiotic stress breeding.

Construction of Au quantum dots/nitrogen-defect-enriched graphite carbon nitride heterostructure via photo-deposition towards enhanced nitric oxide photooxidation.

The challenge of mitigating pollution stemming from industrial exhaust emissions is a pressing issue in both academia and industry. This study presents the successful synthesis of nitrogen-defect-enriched graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) using a two-step calcination technique. Furthermore, a g-C3N4-Au heterostructure was fabricated through the photo-deposited Au quantum dots (QDs). When subjected to visible light irradiation, this heterostructure exhibited robust nitric oxide (NO) photooxidation activity and stability. With its fluffy, porous structure and large surface area, the nitrogen-defect-enriched g-C3N4 provides more active sites for photooxidation processes. The ability of g-C3N4 to absorb visible light is enhanced by the local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Au QDs. Additionally, the lifetime of photogenerated charge carriers is extended by the presence of N defects and Au, which effectively prevent photogenerated electron-hole pairs from recombining during the photooxidation process. Moreover, the oxidation pathway of NO was analyzed through In-situ Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation. Computational findings revealed that the introduction of Au QDs decreases the activation energy of the oxidation reaction, thereby facilitating its occurrence while diminishing the formation of intermediate products. As a result, NO is predominantly converted to nitrate (NO3-). This work unveils a novel approach to constructing semiconductor-cocatalyst heterostructures and elucidates their role in NO photooxidation.

The relationship between ensemble coding and individual representation of crowd facial emotion.

In recent years, the processing mechanism of group expression has gradually gained the attention of researchers owing to its high ecological validity. However, research on the relationship between ensemble coding and individual representation is still in the early stage of the investigation, with many studies remaining at the behavioral level and findings varying widely. Based on our behavioral research (Experiment 1), we used EEG measures (Experiments 2A and 2B) to investigate the relationship between summary and object representations by manipulating the exposure time of crowd emotions. The behavioral results indicated that participants performed better in judging emotions of multiple faces compared to a single face during the shorter exposure time, whereas the reverse occurred during the long exposure time. Furthermore, ERP results revealed that the N2pc effect was not affected by the number of faces in the short exposure time; however, as the exposure time increased, the N2pc increased as a function of the number of faces. The findings of the current investigation align with time-dependent assumption, indicating that during short time of visual processing, although individual representations may not be fully developed, ensemble representations are initially established. With longer processing times, detailed individual representations become complete and take precedence.

Enhanced Tetracycline Adsorption of MoS2 via Defect Introduction Under Microwave Irradiation.

Defect engineering is a promising method for improving the performance of MoS2 in various fields. In this study, sulfur-defect-enriched MoS2 (SD-MoS2) nanosheets were fabricated via a facile microwave-hydrothermal strategy in 10 min for tetracycline (TC) adsorption applications. The introduction of sulfur defects in MoS2 induced more exposed unsaturated sulfur atoms at the edge, enhancing the interaction between the adsorbent and antibiotic and improving the adsorption activity of the antibiotic. Density functional theory calculations further revealed that sulfur defects in MoS2 could alter the electronic structure and exhibited low TC adsorption energy of -2.09 eV. This work provides a new method for fabricating MoS2 nanosheets and other transition metal dichalcogenide-based adsorbents with enhanced antibiotic removal performance and a comprehensive understanding of antibiotic removal mechanisms in SD-MoS2.

Integrated genetic mapping and transcriptome analysis reveal the BnaA03.IAA7 protein regulates plant architecture and gibberellin signaling in Brassica napus L.

KEY MESSAGE: A novel mutation in the BnaA03.IAA7 protein reduces plant height and enhances gibberellin signaling in Brassica napus L. Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is an excellent and important source for vegetable oil production, but its production is severely affected by lodging. Lodging hinders mechanization and decreases yield, and an ideal solution is semidwarf breeding. Limited by germplasm resources, semidwarf breeding developed slowly in rapeseed. In the current study, a mutant called sdA03 was isolated from EMS-mutagenized lines of Zhongshuang 11 (ZS11). The inheritance analysis showed that phenotypes of sdA03 were controlled by a single semidominant gene. Genetic mapping, RNA-seq and candidate gene analysis identified BnaA03.IAA7 as a candidate gene, and a function test confirmed that the mutated BnaA03.iaa7 regulates plant architecture in a dose-dependent manner. Yeast two-hybrid and transient expression experiments illustrated the P87L substitution in the GWPPV/I degron motif of BnaA03.iaa7 impaired the interaction between BnaA03.IAA7 and TIR1 proteins, and BnaA03.iaa7 prevented ARF from activating the auxin signaling pathway.The gibberellin (GA) content was higher in sdA03 hypocotyls than in those of ZS11. Further expression analysis showed more active gibberellin signaling in hypocotyl and richer expression of GA synthetic genes in root and cotyledon of sdA03 seedlings. Finally, a marker was developed based on the SNP found in BnaA03.iaa7 and used in molecular breeding. The study enriched our understanding of the architectural regulation of rapeseed and provided germplasm resources for breeding.

Decoupling the influence of vegetation and climate on intra-annual variability in runoff in karst watersheds.

Karst landscapes cover 7-12% of Earth's continental area, and approximately 25% of the world's population partially or completely relies on drinking water from karst aquifers. Water shortages are a challenge worldwide in karst mountainous landscapes. Knowledge of intra-annual variability in runoff and the potential drivers of variability is important for optimizing regional water resources use. The objectives of this study were to investigate temporal variations in the distribution of intra-annual runoff during 2003-2017 in six karst watersheds in southwest China and to identify the key drivers of these variations. The Gini coefficient and Lorentz asymmetry coefficient were used to represent intra-annual variability in runoff. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to decouple the effects of climate variables and vegetation dynamics on the distribution of intra-annual runoff. In all six watersheds, the Gini coefficient ranged from 0.15 to 0.59, with a mean value of greater than 1 for the Lorentz asymmetry coefficient. The heterogeneity of intra-annual runoff distribution showed a decreasing trend from 2003 to 2017. Climate variables and vegetation dynamics strongly influenced intra-annual variability in runoff and accounted for 19-63% and 17-67% of the variation in the Gini coefficient and Lorentz asymmetry coefficient, respectively. Vegetation was negatively correlated with the Gini coefficient, and the direct effect of climate on the Gini coefficient was greater than its indirect effect on the Gini coefficient through vegetation. As compared with traditional multivariate statistical methods, PLS-SEM provides additional valuable information, including information on the direct and indirect impacts of climate and vegetation on the distribution of intra-annual runoff. PLS-SEM is recommended as an effective approach for disentangling the coupled relationships between predictors and hydrological characteristics under different circumstances.

Clinical value of thoracic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: The present study investigated and evaluated the accuracy of thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The PubMed, Em-base and the Cochrane library databases were searched till March 2019 to retrieve relevant articles and the overall diagnostic accuracy of TUS in PE diagnosis was evaluated by meta-analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 16 studies including 1,916 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Of these, 762 (39.8%) had confirmed PE. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of TUS for PE were 82% (95% confidence interval (CI), 72%-88%), 89% (95% CI, 79%-95%), and 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.93), respectively. Other efficacy parameters assessed demonstrated a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of (7.6; 95% CI, 4.0-14.5), negative likelihood ratio of (NLR) (0.21; 95% CI, 0.14-0.30), and diagnostic odds' ratio (DOR) of (36.86; 95% CI, 21.41-63.48). CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggested that although TUS cannot safely rule out PE, it is likely to be used as an aid or guidance to establish procedures and help to improve the diagnostic deficits in patients with PE.

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of a Nano Ultrasound Contrast Agent Targeting Pancreatic Cancer.

To prepare a nano-sized ultrasound contrast agent that specifically targets pancreatic cancer cells and to evaluate its targeting effect In Vitro. PLGA-PEG-NHS was synthesized using PLGA, NHS, and PEG and detected using 1H-NMR. PLGA-PEG-NHS and PFOB were used to prepare PLGA nano contrast agent coated with PFOB by emulsification and volatilization, and then a hedgehog antibody was conjugated. The morphology of the nano contrast agent was observed using a transmission electron microscope, and its particle size and potential were measured using the dynamic light scattering method. The entrapment and drug loading efficiency of the nano contrast agent was measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The In Vitro release characteristics of the nano contrast agent was measured using the dialysis method. Human pancreatic cancer cell lines SW1990 and CFPAC1 were cultured in medium containing the nano contrast agent. The targeting ability of the nano contrast agent was qualitatively and quantitatively verified using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The average particle size of the targeted ultrasound contrast agent was 198.9 nm, zeta potential was -31.8 mv, entrapment rate was 63.7±3.9%, drug loading efficiency was 14.3±0.9%, and drug release was 85.3% in 48 h. In Vitro cell experiments showed that the targeted ultrasound contrast agent strongly bound to SW1990 cells with high expression of hedgehog antigen, but no specific binding was detected in CFPAC-1 cells which lack the hedgehog antigen. The nano ultrasound contrast agent prepared by emulsification and volatilization method can be potentially used for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Endothelin-1 enhances proliferation of lung cancer cells by increasing intracellular free Ca2+.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1), the most potent vasoconstrictor, has been shown to be mitogenic in many tumor cells as well as in vascular cells. It was previously reported that the mRNA of ET-1 and endothelin receptors (ETRs) are expressed in lung cancer cells. However, their biological role in lung cancer remains to be explored. The purpose of this study was to determine whether ET-1 stimulates proliferation of the human lung adenocarcinoma cell SPC-A1 and probe its cellular mechanism. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis showed that both the mRNA and protein of ET-1, ET A R and ET B R are expressed in SPC-A1 cells. Application of ET-1 at 10(-15)-10(-8) M caused a dose-dependent cell proliferation and an increase in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). This ET-1-induced cell proliferation and [Ca2+]i increase were completely abolished by BQ123, a selective ET A R antagonist, but not by BQ788, a selective ET B R antagonist. Furthermore, it was significantly reduced by U73122, a specific inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC), but not by U73433, the structural isomer of U73122. Chelating extracellular Ca2+ or blocking voltage dependent calcium channels by nifedipine also significantly reduced the mitogenic effect of ET-1 and [Ca2+]i increase in SPC-A1 cells. These results indicate that ET-1 acts as an autocrine growth factor and enhances proliferation of SPC-A1 cells via activation of ET A R. The phosphoinositol/Ca2+ pathway and Ca2+ influx through voltage dependent Ca2+ channels activated by ET A R contribute to this process.

[The effect and mechanism of endothelin-1-induced intracellular free calcium in human lung adenocarcinoma cells SPC-A1.].

BACKGROUND: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent mitogen involved in cell growth in human lung adenocarcinoma cells SPC-A1. The increase in intracellular free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) plays a great role in this process. The aim of this study is to investigate the ET-1-induced [Ca(2+)]i responses in SPC-A1 cells and to explore its cellular mechanism. METHODS: [Ca(2+)]i was measured by Fura-2/AM fluorescent assay. Endothelin receptors antagonists, calcium channel blockers and intracellular signal transduction blockers were used to study the underlying mechanism of ET-1-induced [Ca(2+)]i responses in SPC-A1 cells. RESULTS: At the concentration of 1*10(-15) mol/L-1*10(-8) mol/L, ET-1 caused a dose-dependent increase of [Ca(2+)]i in SPC-A1 cells (P <0.05) in vitro . The ET-1-induced (1*10(-10) mol/L) increase of [Ca(2+)]i was blocked by BQ123 at 1*10(-7) mol/L (P <0.05), a highly selective endothelin receptor A (ETAR) antagonist, not by BQ788 at 10(-7) mol/L (P >0.05), a highly selective endothelin receptor B (ETBR) antagonist. Depletion of extracellular Ca(2+) with free Ca(2+) solution and 0.1mmol/L ethyleneglycol bis (2-aminoethyl ether) tetraacetic acid (EGTA) or blockade of voltage dependent calcium channel with nifedipine at 1*10(-6) mol/L significantly reduced the ET-1-induced increase of [Ca(2+)]i. The ET-1-induced (1*10(-10) mol/L) increase of [Ca(2+)]i was also significantly attenuated by U73122 at 1*10(-5) mol/L (P <0.05), a phospholipase C inhibitor, and by Ryanodine at 50*10(-6) mol/L. However, Staurosporine (2*10(-9) mol/L), a protein kinas C inhibitor, exerted no significant effect on the ET-1-induced (1*10(-10) mol/L) increase of [Ca(2+)]i. CONCLUSIONS: ET-1 elevates [Ca(2+)]i via activation of ETA receptor. Both phospholipase C/Ca(2+) pathway and Ca(2+) influx through voltage dependent Ca(2+) channel activate by ETAR contribute to this process.

[Effect of endothelin-1 on the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cell SPC-A1].

BACKGROUND: Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent mitogen involved in tumor cell growth and angiogenesis. The aim of this study is to explore the effect of ET-1 on the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma cells SPC-A1. METHODS: Cell number was measured by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide] assay. Cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: ET-1 (1×10⁻¹5 -1×10⁻8 mol/L) enhanced SPC-A1 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner in vitro, with the greatest effect beginning at 1×10⁻¹¹ mol/L. Effect of ET-1 (1×10⁻¹° mol/L) on the proliferation of SPC-A1 cells was completely blocked by BQ123 (1×10⁻7 mol/L), a highly selective endothelin receptor A (ETA) antagonist (P < 0.05), not by BQ788 (1×10⁻7 mol/L), a highly selective endothelin receptor B (ETB) antagonist. BQ123 could significantly reduce the basal growth of SPC-A1 cells (P < 0.05), but BQ788 had no such effect. Proliferation induced by ET-1 (1×10⁻¹° mol/L) could also be blocked by the addition of either ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA, 0.4mmol/L) or nifedipine (1µmol/L). ET-1 had no significant effect on SPC-A1 cell cycle. CONCLUSIONS: ET-1 enhances SPC-A1 cell proliferation by the activation of ETA receptor. Ca(2+) influx from voltage dependent calcium-channel contributes to this process.