Midterm Outcome of Valve Repair for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: 6-year Experience in a Single Mid-Volume Cardiac Center.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have reported satisfactory long-term results of mitral valve (MV) repair for rheumatic mitral disease. However, the effects of this procedure in isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis remain unclear. In addition, protective effects of MV repair on cardiac function have not been verified in rheumatic MV disease. This study retrospectively evaluated early mortality and mid-term results of MV repair for isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis in a mid-volume cardiac centre, and explored the effects of this procedure on cardiac function. METHODS: Between January 2015 and May 2021, 360 patients with isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis and combined (concomitant) atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent MV repair (100 patients) or MV replacement (260 patients). Perioperative characteristics were compared between the two groups and a regression analysis for early mortality and mid-term left ventricular ejection fraction was conducted. In addition, mid-term survival was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the two groups were balanced after matching. Compared with patients in the replacement group, patients with MV repair had a lower occurrence of postoperative hypotension and AF. There was no difference in early mortality or mid-term survival between the two groups. However, MV repair was associated with a higher mid-term left ventricular ejection fraction. During follow-up, four thromboembolic events and four haemorrhagic events occurred in the replacement group. No blood coagulation-related complications occurred in the repair group. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve repair for isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis and concomitant AF was feasible in a mid-volume cardiac centre, with satisfactory perioperative results and mid-term outcomes. Furthermore, this procedure preserved mid-term left ventricular systolic function.

Outcome for concomitant mitral regurgitation after surgery for aortic insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Moderate/severe aortic regurgitation (AR) with concomitant mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common multiple valve disease for which treatment strategies are controversial. The current study explored long-term outcomes of concomitant MR after AR surgery and the effect of combined mitral valvuloplasty. METHODS: A total of 506 patients with moderate/severe AR and concomitant MR undergoing aortic valve surgery between January 2013 and December 2021 in our cardiac center were enrolled. Risk factors for early mortality, late mortality and persistent MR were identified by logistic regression and generalized linear mixed model. RESULTS: At least one follow-up record was available for 96.3% patients up to May 2022 and 264 (66.8%) patients had no or trivial MR, 112 (28.4%) had mild MR, 16 (4.1%) had moderate MR and 3 (0.8%) patients had severe MR. Persistent MR was recorded for 92 (23.3%) patients during follow-up. Combined mitral valvuloplasty (odds ratio: 0.23; 95% confidential interval: 0.08-0.64; p = 0.005) and better left ventricular reverse remodeling (odds ratio: 0.99; 95% confidential interval: 0.986-0.996); p < 0.001) were found likely to reduce the possibility of persistent MR during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with moderate/severe AR and concomitant MR had a good long-term post-surgical outcome for MR. However, a few had persistent MR during follow-up. Combined mitral valvuloplasty and better left ventricular reverse remodeling reduced the possibility of long-term persistent MR.

Genome-wide analysis of citrus TCP transcription factors and their responses to abiotic stresses.

BACKGROUND: Citrus is one of the most important fruit crops in the world, and it is worthy to conduct more research on artificially controlling citrus plant growth and development to adapt to different cultivation patterns and environmental conditions. The plant-specific TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCOLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS (TCP) transcription factors are crucial regulators controlling plant growth and development, as well as responding to abiotic stresses. However, the information about citrus TCP transcription factors remains unclear. RESULTS: In this study, twenty putative TCP genes (CsTCPs) with the TCP domain were explored from Citrus sinensis genome, of which eleven (CsTCP3, - 4, - 5, - 6, - 10, - 11, - 15, - 16, - 18, - 19, - 20), five (CsTCP1, - 2, - 7, - 9, - 13), and four genes (CsTCP8, - 12, - 14, - 17) were unevenly distributed on chromosomes and divided into three subclades. Cis-acting element analysis indicated that most CsTCPs contained many phytohormone- and environment-responsive elements in promoter regions. All of CsTCPs were predominantly expressed in vegetative tissues or organs (stem, leaf, thorn, and bud) instead of reproductive tissues or organs (flower, fruit, and seed). Combined with collinearity analysis, CsTCP3, CsTCP9, and CsTCP13 may take part in leaf development; CsTCP12 and CsTCP14 may function in shoot branching, leaf development, or thorn development; CsTCP15 may participate in the development of stem, leaf, or thorn. In mature leaf, transcript levels of two CsTCPs (CsTCP19, - 20) were significantly increased while transcript levels of eight CsTCPs (CsTCP2, - 5, - 6, - 7, - 8, - 9, - 10, - 13) were significantly decreased by shading; except for two CsTCPs (CsTCP11, - 19), CsTCPs' transcript levels were significantly influenced by low temperature; moreover, transcript levels of two CsTCPs (CsTCP11, - 12) were significantly increased while five CsTCPs' (CsTCP14, - 16, - 18, - 19, - 20) transcript levels were significantly reduced by drought. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides significant clues for research on roles of CsTCPs in regulating citrus plant growth and development, as well as responding to abiotic stresses.

Intrinsic left ventricular impairment in Marfan syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic cardiac impairment in Marfan syndrome (MFS) has been explored in many clinical studies; however, their results have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the difference in cardiac structure and function between Marfan patients and healthy individuals, and to verify the hypothesis of intrinsic cardiac impairment in MFS. METHODS: Electronic searches for studies were performed in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Nine studies with 490 patients with MFS and 478 controls were included in the analysis. Age and sex were strictly matched between Marfan patients and healthy controls in every study. RESULTS: There was no difference in the left ventricular end systolic diameter index (mean difference [MD]: 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: (-0.24, 0.89); p = 0.26) and left ventricular end diastolic diameter index (MD: 0.18; 95% CI: [-0.47, 0.83]; p = 0.58) between Marfan patients and controls. Marfan patients showed larger left ventricular end systolic volume index (MD: 2.62; 95% CI: [0.27, 4.97]; p = 0.03) and left ventricular end diastolic volume index (MD: 4.16; 95% CI: [2.70, 5.63]; p < 0.01) than the control group. Furthermore, Marfan patients showed a lower left ventricular ejection fraction than healthy people (MD: -2.59%; 95% CI: [-4.64%, -0.54%]; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intrinsic cardiac impairment was observed in MFS. MFS patients showed the larger left ventricular volume and poorer left ventricular function than matched controls. Considering the potentially adverse impact on cardiac function, intrinsic cardiac impairment in MFS should be considered during the cardiac surgery.

Inhibiting MicroRNA-29a Protects Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Targeting SIRT1 and Suppressing Oxidative Stress and NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis Pathway.

To investigate the effects of microRNA-29a (miR-29a) on myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury and its specific mechanisms, we used H9C2 myocardial cells to establish a myocardial ischemia model by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and microRNA-29a inhibitor was interfered. Annexin V/propidium iodide and flow cytometry were used to detect the effects of cell death. C57 mice were used to establish were used to establish the I/R injury model, and H&E staining was used to detect pathologic damage to heart tissues. The expressions of miR-29a silent information regulator factor 2-related enzyme 1 (SIRT1) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), as well as pyroptosis-related proteins were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. The serum levels of 2-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), lactate dehydrogenase-1 (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB activity (CK-MB), IMA, and inflammatory factors in I/R rats were significantly up-regulated. In the I/R group, the expression of miR-29a was significantly up-regulated while SIRT1 was remarkably down-regulated. Dual luciferase reporter assay showed SIRT1 was a direct target of miR-29a. Inhibition of miR-29a significantly up-regulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α/nuclear respiratory factor-2 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase while remarkably down-regulating levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and malondialdehyde in I/R. The oxidative stress that was induced by I/R injury was also suppressed by inhibition of miR-29a. All these effects of miR-29a inhibition were reversed by small interfering SIRT1. The in vitro H/R results showed that NLRP3-caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis was activated in H/R but was significantly inhibited by the inhibition of miR-29a. Inhibition of miR-29a improved myocardial I/R injury by targeting SIRT1 through suppressing oxidative stress and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study, we showed for the first time that miR-29a could improve myocardial I/R injury through inhibition of pyroptosis.

AiRobSim: Simulating a Multisensor Aerial Robot for Urban Search and Rescue Operation and Training.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), equipped with a variety of sensors, are being used to provide actionable information to augment first responders' situational awareness in disaster areas for urban search and rescue (SaR) operations. However, existing aerial robots are unable to sense the occluded spaces in collapsed structures, and voids buried in disaster rubble that may contain victims. In this study, we developed a framework, AiRobSim, to simulate an aerial robot to acquire both aboveground and underground information for post-disaster SaR. The integration of UAV, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and other sensors, such as global navigation satellite system (GNSS), inertial measurement unit (IMU), and cameras, enables the aerial robot to provide a holistic view of the complex urban disaster areas. The robot-collected data can help locate critical spaces under the rubble to save trapped victims. The simulation framework can serve as a virtual training platform for novice users to control and operate the robot before actual deployment. Data streams provided by the platform, which include maneuver commands, robot states and environmental information, have potential to facilitate the understanding of the decision-making process in urban SaR and the training of future intelligent SaR robots.

[Adenovirus pneumonia with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children: a clinical analysis of 7 children].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features of children with adenovirus pneumonia and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the mediacal data of 7 children with adenovirus pneumonia and HLH from March to September, 2019. RESULTS: The age of these children ranged from 11 months to 5 years, and among these children, 5 were aged <2 years and 5 were boys. None of these children had underlying diseases. All children were hospitalized due to persistent high fever and cough, and the peak temperature of fever was 39°C to 41°C. With disease progression, 7 children developed hepatomegaly and 6 developed splenomegaly. Routine blood test results showed reductions in two or three lineages of blood cells, with increases in serum ferritin (SF), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Phagocytosis of blood cells was observed in 6 children. Radiological examination of lungs showed pneumonia changes. All 7 children were diagnosed with human adenovirus type 7 infection based on pathogenic metagenome detection. No abnormality was found by HLH gene detection and the children were diagnosed with secondary HLH. All children received intravenous immunoglobulin. Among these children, 4 received dexamethasone and etoposide chemotherapy, 3 received dexamethasone alone, and 4 received plasma exchange. Of the 7 children, 2 died and 5 were recovered. Compared with those who survived, the children who died had significantly greater reductions in the three lineages of blood cells and significantly greater increases in serum levels of CRP, PCT, SF, and LDH. CONCLUSIONS: The children with adenovirus pneumonia and HLH have main clinical features of persistent high fever, progressive reductions in two or three lineages of peripheral blood cells, and involvement of other organ systems, including hepatosplenomegaly. Significant increases in serum levels of CRP, PCT, SF, and LDH may suggest a poor prognosis.

The RyR-ClCa -VDCC axis contributes to spontaneous tone in urethral smooth muscle.

Current therapies including pharmaceutical intervention and surgery have limited efficacy on stress urinary incontinence (SUI). One type of SUI is due to low intraurethral pressure caused by the disabled contraction of urethral smooth muscle (USM). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the motility of USM remain unknown. Here, we show that USM represents spontaneous tone after stretching in humans and mice. Deletion of TMEM16A in the smooth muscle of mice abolishes spontaneous urethral tone. Furthermore, ClCa currents and [Ca2+ ]i in TMEM16ASMKO mice were largely impaired. Inhibitors of ryanodine receptor (RyR), TMEM16A encoded calcium-activated chloride channel (ClCa ) and L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) fully prevented spontaneous tone accompanied by a significant decrease of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ). In summary, RyR-ClCa -VDCC signaling contributes to spontaneous USM tone. This finding may provide a new promising approach for women with stress SUI who reject surgery.

MYCN-induced E2F5 promotes neuroblastoma cell proliferation through regulating cell cycle progression.

The MYCN oncoprotein induces the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells through regulating gene transcription. The E2F transcription factor 5 (E2F5) plays an oncogenic role in several types of cancer, however, its role in neuroblastoma cells remains poorly characterized. We report here that MYCN positively regulates E2F5 expression in neuroblastoma cells. Analyses of chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and reporter gene assay demonstrate that MYCN directly binds to a Myc E-Box DNA binding motif within the promoter of E2F5 gene, whereby inducing its transcription. In addition, E2F5 knockdown inhibits the proliferation of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells. Furthermore, E2F5 knockdown inhibits cell cycle progression, which could be attributed to its regulation in the expression of related cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), including CDK2 and CDK6. These results suggest that MYCN-regulated E2F5 upregulation is an important mechanism through which MYCN induces the proliferation of neuroblastoma cells. In conclusion, this study identifies E2F5 as a pro-proliferative factor in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells, and also implicates it as a potential target in neuroblastoma treatment.

Anticonvulsant and Neuroprotective Effects of Paeonol in Epileptic Rats.

Paeonol is the main active compound in the root bark extract of the peony tree, and it has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Recent studies have reported the neuroprotective effects of paeonol including its capacity in improving impaired memory. However, the effect of paeonol on epilepsy is yet to be demystified. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of paeonol in epilepsy and its relationship with oxidative stress damage and neuronal loss in the rat brain to reveal the underlying mechanisms of epileptic seizures. A rat model for chronic epilepsy was established, and the seizure scores of the rats in different groups were recorded. The seizure duration and the seizure onset latency were used to evaluate the anticonvulsant effects of paeonol. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labeling staining, Nissl staining and H/E staining were used to evaluate the effects of paeonol on neuronal loss and apoptosis in epileptic rats. The colorimetric assessment of malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity of paeonol were used in assessing paeonol's effect on oxidative stress in epileptic rats. Evaluation of Caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression levels were determined using western blot and quantitative real-time (RT-q)PCR. In this study, we found that paeonol reduced the seizure scores of epileptic rats and attenuated the duration and onset latency of seizures. Paeonol can also increase the activities of total antioxidant capacity, SOD and catalase activity and reduce MDA content as well. This suggests that paeonol can improve the level of oxidative stress in rats. More significantly, paeonol can improve neuronal loss and apoptosis in epileptic rats. These results indicate that paeonol has anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects in epileptic rats. This effect may be caused by reducing oxidative stress.

Airway smooth muscle dysfunction in Pompe (Gaa-/- ) mice.

Pompe disease is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by a deficiency of acid α-glucosidase (GAA), an enzyme responsible for hydrolyzing lysosomal glycogen. Deficiency of GAA leads to systemic glycogen accumulation in the lysosomes of skeletal muscle, motor neurons, and smooth muscle. Skeletal muscle and motor neuron pathology are known to contribute to respiratory insufficiency in Pompe disease, but the role of airway pathology has not been evaluated. Here we propose that GAA enzyme deficiency disrupts the function of the trachea and bronchi and this lower airway pathology contributes to respiratory insufficiency in Pompe disease. Using an established mouse model of Pompe disease, the Gaa-/- mouse, we compared histology, pulmonary mechanics, airway smooth muscle (ASM) function, and calcium signaling between Gaa-/- and age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. Lysosomal glycogen accumulation was observed in the smooth muscle of both the bronchi and the trachea in Gaa-/- but not WT mice. Furthermore, Gaa-/- mice had hyporesponsive airway resistance and bronchial ring contraction to the bronchoconstrictive agents methacholine (MCh) and potassium chloride (KCl) and to a bronchodilator (albuterol). Finally, calcium signaling during bronchiolar smooth muscle contraction was impaired in Gaa-/- mice indicating impaired extracellular calcium influx. We conclude that GAA enzyme deficiency leads to glycogen accumulation in the trachea and bronchi and impairs the ability of lower ASM to regulate calcium and respond appropriately to bronchodilator or constrictors. Accordingly, ASM dysfunction may contribute to respiratory impairments in Pompe disease.

Adiponectin Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Serum Levels Are Relevant to Prognosis of Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhages.

To investigate the association of adiponectin gene polymorphisms and its levels with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages (aSAHs) prognosis. This case-control study enrolled 138 patients with aSAH and 102 healthy controls as case group and control group, respectively. Prognosis of case group was evaluated using Glasgow Outcome Scale. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to examine the genotypes of 45T>G and -11377C>G. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect adiponectin levels. Logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association of adiponectin gene polymorphism with aSAH prognosis. Case group had increased GG genotype and G allele genotype frequencies of 45T>G and -11377C>G compared with control group (all P < 0.01). In case group, TT genotype had the highest adiponectin level compared with both TG and GC genotypes (both P < 0.05). As for -11377C>G, GG genotype had the lowest adiponectin levels, followed by CG genotype and CC genotype in both groups (P < 0.05). In general, case group had decreased adiponectin levels compared with control group (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed that hypertension, Hunt-Hess grade, aneurysm size, aneurysms multiplicity and -11377C>G were associated with aSAH prognosis, while multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that hypertension, Hunt-Hess grade, residual flow in aneurysms and aneurysm size were independent risk factors for aSAH prognosis. Decreased adiponectin levels may be a pathological index for aSAH, which may be explain by the G allele of -11377C>G in adiponectin. Moreover, hypertension, Hunt-Hess grade, residual flow in aneurysms and aneurysm size may be independent risk factors for aSAH prognosis.

The Tumor Suppressive Role of MiRNA-509-5p by Targeting FOXM1 in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) expression is a frequent event in cancer development and progression. Recent studies have implied that abnormal expression of miRNAs is frequently observed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we examined the levels and biological functions of miR-509-5p in NSCLC. METHODS: The levels of miR-509-5p were measured by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) in NSCLC cell lines and NSCLC tissues along with adjacent normal tissues. Cell viability was analyzed by MTT and colony formation assay. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by transwell and wound healing assay. In addition, we predicted the putative targets of miR-509-5p by bioinformatics analyses. Moreover, by luciferase-reporter assay, we analyzed the relationship between miR-509-5p and the target in NSCLC cells. RESULTS: miR-509-5p expression was significantly reduced in NSCLC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. In addition, miR-509-5p decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasive capability of NSCLC cells. Moreover, we found that FOXM1 was a putative target of miR-509-5p. Enforced miR-509-5p expression in NSCLC cells reduced both mRNA and protein levels of FOXM1. Furthermore, dual-luciferase reporter assay showed miR-509-5p could bind to the 3' untranslational regions of FOXM1 mRNA. Furthermore, overexpression of FOXM1 reversed cell viability, migration, invasion and vimentin levels suppressed by miR-509-5p mimics in H1299 cells. CONCLUSIONS: miR-509-5p exerts tumor-suppressive effects by attenuating FOXM1 in NSCLC. Collectively, these findings provide further evidence that miR-509-5p may be considered as a novel and potential target for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of NSCLC.

[Clinical analysis of tricuspid valve replacement].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the outcome of tricuspid valve replacement.
 METHODS: A total of 28 patients (15 males and 13 females) underwent tricuspid valve replacement from March 2000 to February 2015 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were recruited. Among them, 16 patients were Ebstein's anomaly, 7 had rheumatic valve heart disease, 3 and 2 suffered from infective endocarditis and degenerative tricuspid lesions, respectively.
 RESULTS: One patient died of multiple organ failure. Four patients were implanted permanent cardiac pacemaker because of third degree atrioventricular block occurring in the 5th day (2 patients) and in the 9th day (2 patients) after the operation, respectively. Twenty-seven patients were followed up from 1 month to 15 years. The prosthetic valves and permanent pacemakers worked well.
 CONCLUSION: Third degree of atrioventricular block, mostly appearing in early postoperative period, is the most common and severe complication of tricuspid valve replacement. The key point for prevention of damage is to accurately identify the anatomical relationship among the tricuspid valve, atrioventricular node, and conduction bundle.

[Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: analysis of PHOX2B gene mutation in a case].

OBJECTIVE To report on the phenotype of an infant with central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and result of PHOX2B gene mutation analysis for the purpose of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. METHODS Clinical data of an infant with CCHS was collected and analyzed. Potential mutation of PHOX2B gene was analyzed by amplified fragment length polymorphism (amp-FLP) and DNA sequencing. RESULTS The patient had typical clinical features of CCHS including frequent hypoventilation during sleeping, hypoxemia and hypercapnia which could be corrected by continuous ventilatory support. She also had repeated bruising and was difficult-to-wean, but without any cardiac, pulmonary, neuromuscular or brainstem lesions. DNA sequencing and amp-FLP of the PHOX2B gene showed that the patient has carried a polyalanine expansion repeat mutation (PARM) in exon 3. A 27 bp duplication was confirmed in the repeat sequence of 20 alanines by cloned and sequenced. This has led to an expansion of the repeat tract to 29 alanines. The genotype was therefore 20/29. CONCLUSION A patient with CCHS has been described. Mutation screening of PHOX2B gene can be used as an important support for diagnosis and genetic counseling for such patients.

Transcriptome analysis reveals the key network of axillary bud outgrowth modulated by topping in citrus.

Topping, an important tree shaping and pruning technique, can promote the outgrowth of citrus axillary buds. However, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, spring shoots of Citrus reticulata 'Huagan No.2' were topped and transcriptome was compared between axillary buds of topped and untopped shoots at 6 and 11 days after topping (DAT). 1944 and 2394 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found at 6 and 11 DAT, respectively. KEGG analysis revealed that many DEGs were related to starch and sucrose metabolism, signal transduction of auxin, cytokinin and abscisic acid. Specially, transcript levels of auxin synthesis, transport, and signaling-related genes (SAURs and ARF5), cytokinin signal transduction related genes (CRE1, AHP and Type-A ARRs), ABA signal responsive genes (PYL and ABF) were up-regulated by topping; while transcript levels of auxin receptor TIR1, auxin responsive genes AUX/IAAs, ABA signal transduction related gene PP2Cs and synthesis related genes NCED3 were down-regulated. On the other hand, the contents of sucrose and fructose in axillary buds of topped shoots were significantly higher than those in untopped shoots; transcript levels of 16 genes related to sucrose synthase, hexokinase, sucrose phosphate synthase, endoglucanase and glucosidase, were up-regulated in axillary buds after topping. In addition, transcript levels of genes related to trehalose 6-phosphate metabolism and glycolysis/tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, as well to some transcription factors including Pkinase, Pkinase_Tyr, Kinesin, AP2/ERF, P450, MYB, NAC and Cyclin_c, significantly responded to topping. Taken together, the present results suggested that topping promoted citrus axillary bud outgrowth through comprehensively regulating plant hormone and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as signal transduction. These results deepened our understanding of citrus axillary bud outgrowth by topping and laid a foundation for further research on the molecular mechanisms of citrus axillary bud outgrowth.

Face mask as an indicator and shield of human exposure to traditional and novel organophosphate esters.

Herein, the trapping effectiveness of N95, filter KN95, medical surgical masks (MSMs), and disposable medical masks (DMMs) against 19 airborne traditional and novel organophosphate esters (OPEs) was evaluated. Laboratory simulations (n = 24 for each type of mask) showed that time-dependent accumulation of ∑19OPEs on the four types of masks ranged between 30.1 and 86.6 ng in 24 h, with the highest and lowest median amounts trapped by the N95 masks (53.3 ng) and DMMs (43.2 ng), respectively. The trapping efficiency of the four types of masks for ∑19OPEs decreased over time from 84 % to 39 % in 24 h, with N95 masks showing the highest median efficiency (70 %). Further, field investigations were conducted in five types of microenvironments (train, hospital, bus, supermarket, and canteen), and an analysis of 200 samples showed that ∑19OPEs were accumulated in the masks with a variable amount from 3.7 to 117 ng/mask. Consistent with the laboratory simulations, the N95 masks (29.0 ng/mask) exhibited the highest hourly median amount of trapped OPEs, followed by the KN95 masks (24.5 ng/mask), MSMSs (17.4 ng/mask), and DMMs (15.8 ng/mask). Triethyl phosphate (TEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP), and cresyl diphenyl phosphate (CDP) as well as 4-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (4IPPDPP) and 2,4-diisopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (24DIPPDPP) were the most commonly detected traditional and novel OPEs. Based on the amount of OPEs trapped on the masks, we estimated the concentration of ∑19OPEs in the train microenvironment to be the highest (222 ng/m3), which is approximately 2-5 times higher than that in the other microenvironments. The results of this study prove that masks can effectively protect humans from exposure to OPEs and act as low-cost indicators of indoor contamination.

Intestinal NSD2 Aggravates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Through Histone Modifications.

Mounting clinical evidence suggests that a comprised intestinal barrier contributes to the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); nevertheless, the precise mechanism remains elusive. This study unveils a significant upregulation of nuclear receptor-binding SET domain protein 2 (NSD2) in the intestines of obese humans and mice subjected to a high-fat cholesterol diet (HFCD). Intestine-specific NSD2 knockout attenuated the progression of intestinal barrier impairment and NASH, whereas NSD2 overexpression exacerbated this progression. Mechanistically, NSD2 directly regulates the transcriptional activation of Ern1 by demethylating histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3K36me2), thus activating the ERN1-JNK axis to intensify intestinal barrier impairment and subsequently foster NASH progression. These findings elucidate the crucial role of NSD2-mediated H3K36me2 in intestinal barrier impairment, suggesting that targeting intestinal NSD2 can represent a novel therapeutic approach for NASH.

S-nitrosylation of mixed lineage kinase 3 contributes to its activation after cerebral ischemia.

Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) can be activated following global ischemia. In addition, other laboratories have reported that the activation of MLK3 may be linked to the accumulation of free radicals. However, the mechanism of MLK3 activation remains incompletely understood. We report here that MLK3, overexpressed in HEK293 cells, is S-nitrosylated (forming SNO-MLK3) via a reaction with S-nitrosoglutathione, an exogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor, at one critical cysteine residue (Cys-688). We further show that the S-nitrosylation of MLK3 contributes to its dimerization and activation. We also investigated whether the activation of MLK3 is associated with S-nitrosylation following rat brain ischemia/reperfusion. Our results show that the administration of 7-nitroindazole, an inhibitor of neuronal NO synthase (nNOS), or nNOS antisense oligodeoxynucleotides diminished the S-nitrosylation of MLK3 and inhibited its activation induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. In contrast, 2-amino-5,6-dihydro-6-methyl-4H-1,3-thiazine (an inhibitor of inducible NO synthase) or nNOS missense oligodeoxynucleotides did not affect the S-nitrosylation of MLK3. In addition, treatment with sodium nitroprusside (an exogenous NO donor) and S-nitrosoglutathione or MK801, an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, also diminished the S-nitrosylation and activation of MLK3 induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. The activation of MLK3 facilitated its downstream protein kinase kinase 4/7 (MKK4/7)-JNK signaling module and both nuclear and non-nuclear apoptosis pathways. These data suggest that the activation of MLK3 during the early stages of ischemia/reperfusion is modulated by S-nitrosylation and provides a potential new approach for stroke therapy whereby the post-translational modification machinery is targeted.

Switchable transport strategy to deposit active Fe/Fe3C cores into hollow microporous carbons for efficient chromium removal.

Magnetic hollow structures with microporous shell and highly dispersed active cores (Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles) are rationally designed and fabricated by solution-phase switchable transport of active iron species combined with a solid-state thermolysis technique, thus allowing selective encapsulation of functional Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles in the interior cavity. These engineered functional materials show high loading (≈54 wt%) of Fe, excellent chromium removal capability (100 mg g(-1)), fast adsorption rate (8766 mL mg(-1) h(-1)), and easy magnetic separation property (63.25 emu g(-1)). During the adsorption process, the internal highly dispersed Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles supply a driving force for facilitating Cr(VI) diffusion inward, thus improving the adsorption rate and the adsorption capacity. At the same time, the external microporous carbon shell can also efficiently trap guest Cr(VI) ions and protect Fe/Fe3 C nanoparticles from corrosion and subsequent leaching problems.