The DmeRF System Is Involved in Maintaining Cobalt Homeostasis in Vibrio parahaemolyticus.

Although cobalt (Co) is indispensable for life, it is toxic to cells when accumulated in excess. The DmeRF system is a well-characterized metal-response system that contributes to Co and nickel resistance in certain bacterial species. The Vibrio parahaemolyticus RIMD 2210633 genome also harbors a dmeRF operon that encodes a multiple antibiotic resistance regulator family transcriptional regulator and a cation diffusion facilitator family protein. Quantitative real-time PCR, growth curves analysis, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, ß-galactosidase activity assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and a mouse infection experiment were performed to characterize the function of the DmeRF system in V. parahaemolyticus. Zinc, copper, and Co significantly increase dmeF expression, with Co inducing the greatest increase. DmeF promotes V. parahaemolyticus growth under high-Co conditions. Additionally, increased accumulation of cellular Co in the ΔdmeF mutant indicates that DmeF is potentially involved in Co efflux. Moreover, DmeR represses the dmeRF operon by binding directly to its promoter in the absence of Co. Finally, the DmeRF system was not required for V. parahaemolyticus virulence in mice. Collectively, our data indicate that the DmeRF system is involved in maintaining Co homeostasis in V. parahaemolyticus and DmeR functioning as a repressor of the operon.

A Retrospective Investigation of a Case of Dual Infection by Avian-Origin Influenza A (H10N5) and Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses - Anhui Province, China, December 2023-January 2024.

What is known about this topic?: H10 avian influenza viruses circulate in wild birds and can reassort with other subtypes. H10N8 and H10N3 have previously caused sporadic human infections in China. What is added by this report?: This report documents the first human case of co-infection with avian-origin H10N5 and seasonal H3N2 influenza viruses. Epidemiological investigations identified H10N5 in environmental samples linked to the patient, but no transmission to close contacts occurred. What are the implications for public health practice?: Enhanced surveillance of avian influenza in live poultry markets and poultry populations is crucial for thoroughly characterizing the epidemiology, transmission, and pathogenesis of H10N5 viruses. Strengthening assessments of outbreak control measures is essential to guide effective management.

Three-Dimensional Artificial Transpiration Structure Based on 1T/2H-MoS2/Activated Carbon Fiber Cloth for Solar Steam Generation.

The rise of solar steam generation is an effective strategy to mitigate clean water shortages. However, achieving further improvements in conversion efficiency and stability remains a challenge. Here, 1T/2H-MoS2 nanosheets were uniformly assembled on activated carbon fiber cloth (A-CFC) through a facial hydrothermal method, and a three-dimensional (3D)-artificial transpiration device (ATD) was prepared using the plant transpiration process. The combination of activated carbon fiber cloth and 1T/2H phase MoS2 exhibits high light absorption (∼97.5%), excellent mechanical stability, large evaporation area, and easy escape of vapor. Additionally, the 3D hollow cone of the MoS2/carbon fiber cloth can effectively reduce radiative and convective energy loss and then achieve the enhancement of energy collection from the environment. An outstanding evaporation rate of 1.61 kg·m-2·h-1 with an optimum conversion efficiency of 97% under one sun is reached. Based on the facile fabrication, excellent stability, and high solar conversion efficiency, this nature-inspired design of 3D 1T/2H-MoS2/A-CFC is expected to facilitate large-scale applications for seawater purification and desalination.

Cloning and expression of a transcription factor activator protein-1 member identified from the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus.

Transcription activator proteins are regulatory proteins that bind to the promoter regions of target genes. Transcription activator protein-1 (AP-1) regulates numerous genes related to the immune system, apoptosis, and proliferation. In this study, the full-length cDNA of AP-1 from Portunus trituberculatus (PtAP-1) was identified by expressed sequence tag analysis and cDNA-end rapid amplification. The gene is 1183 bp and encodes a 256-amino acid protein with a predicted molecular mass and isoelectric point of 28.96 kDa and 8.90, respectively. PtAP-1 showed the highest expression level in the gonad tissue and the lowest expression level in blood, hemocyte, muscle, hepatopancreas, and gill, during the first 6 h of low-salinity stimulation (10%). Additionally, we observed steady decreases in PtAP-1 mRNA expression in the gill, but at 12 h, expression was initially upregulated, followed by a significant decrease until restoration to baseline levels at 48 h. Additionally, Vibrio alginolyticus challenge resulted in significant upregulation of PtAP-1 expression in the first 6 h, which was maintained at high levels for 48 h. From 48 to 72 h, we observed decreases in PtAP-1 levels, although they remained significantly higher than those detected at baseline. These results suggested that PtAP-1 is involved in the immune response and osmoregulation of crustaceans.