Black carp A20 inhibits interferon signaling through de-ubiquitinating IKKß.

IkappaB kinase beta (IKKß) is a key member of IκB kinases and functions importantly in interferon (IFN) signaling. Phosphorylation and ubiquitination are involved in the activation of IKKß. A20 is a de-ubiquitin enzyme and functions as a suppressor in inflammation signaling, which has been reported to be phosphorylated and activated by IKKß. However, the role and relationship of IKKß and A20 in teleost remains unclear. In this study, IKKß (bcIKKß) and A20 (bcA20) of black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) have been cloned and characterized. Overexpressed bcIKKß in EPC cells showed strong anti-viral ability by activating both NF-κB and IFN signaling. EPC cells stable expressing bcIKKß presented improved anti-viral activity as well. The interaction between bcA20 and bcIKKß was identified, and overexpression of bcA20 was able to suppress bcIKKß-mediated activation of NF-κB and IFN signaling. Meanwhile, knock-down of A20 increased host the antiviral ability of host cells. Importantly, it has been identified that bcA20 was able to remove K27-linked ubiquitination and decrease the phosphorylation of bcIKKß. Thus, our data conclude that bcA20 suppresses the anti-viral activity of bcIKKß and removes its K27-linked ubiquitination, which presents a new mechanism of IKKß regulation.

Herpes simplex virus reactivation after nonablative fractional laser to treat facial photoaging.

Contemporary approaches for facial rejuvenation encompass the utilization of both ablative and nonablative laser techniques. Extensive research has elucidated the adverse consequences associated with ablative laser treatment, such as the emergence of infectious, follicular, scarring, and pigmentary alterations. Nonablative fractional lasers exhibit commendable cosmetic outcomes, characterized by a diminished incidence of complications owing to their photomechanical mechanisms, in contrast to ablative laser modalities. Nonetheless, it is imperative to acknowledge that untoward effects may still manifest. In this report, we present two cases of herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation subsequent to nonablative fractional resurfacing. Timely identification and the appropriate administration of antiviral agents are important, which serve as imperative measures to mitigate the long-term consequences that may arise in the event of complications.

Identification and Characterization of miRNAs and lncRNAs Associated with Salinity Stress in Rice Panicles.

Salinity is a common abiotic stress that limits crop productivity. Although there is a wealth of evidence suggesting that miRNA and lncRNA play important roles in the response to salinity in rice seedlings and reproductive stages, the mechanism by which competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) influence salt tolerance and yield in rice has been rarely reported. In this study, we conducted full whole-transcriptome sequencing of rice panicles during the reproductive period to clarify the role of ceRNAs in the salt stress response and yield. A total of 214 lncRNAs, 79 miRNAs, and 584 mRNAs were identified as differentially expressed RNAs under salt stress. Functional analysis indicates that they play important roles in GO terms such as response to stress, biosynthesis processes, abiotic stimuli, endogenous stimulus, and response to stimulus, as well as in KEGG pathways such as secondary metabolite biosynthesis, carotenoid biosynthesis, metabolic pathways, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. A ceRNA network comprising 95 lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA triplets was constructed. Two lncRNAs, MSTRG.51634.2 and MSTRG.48576.1, were predicted to bind to osa-miR172d-5p to regulate the expression of OsMYB2 and OsMADS63, which have been reported to affect salt tolerance and yield, respectively. Three lncRNAs, MSTRG.30876.1, MSTRG.44567.1, and MSTRG.49308.1, may bind to osa-miR5487 to further regulate the expression of a stress protein (LOC_Os07g48460) and an aquaporin protein (LOC_Os02g51110) to regulate the salt stress response. This study is helpful for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of ceRNA that drive the response of rice to salt stress and provide new genetic resources for salt-resistant rice breeding.

High H2O-Assisted Proton Conduction in One Highly Stable Sr(II)-Organic Framework Constructed by Tetrazole-Based Imidazole Dicarboxylic Acid.

Solid electrolyte materials with high structural stability and excellent proton conductivity (σ) have long been a popular and challenging research topic in the fuel cell field. This problem can be addressed because of the crystalline metal-organic frameworks' (MOFs') high structural stability, adjustable framework composition, and dense H-bonded networks. Herein, one highly stable Sr(II) MOF, {[Sr(H2tmidc)2(H2O)3]·4H2O}n (1) (H3tmidc = 2-(1H-tetrazolium-1-methylene)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid) was successfully fabricated, which was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and electrochemically examined by the AC impedance determination. The results demonstrated that the σ of the compound manifested a positive dependence on temperature and humidity, and the optimal proton conductivity is as high as 1.22 × 10-2 S/cm under 100 °C and 98% relative humidity, which is at the forefront of reported MOFs with ultrahigh σ. The analysis of the proton conduction mechanism reveals that numerous tetrazolium groups, carboxyl groups, coordination, and crystallization water molecules in the framework are responsible for the high efficiency of proton transport. This work offers a fresh perspective on how to create novel crystalline proton conductive materials.

Application of Psychotherapy Based on Five-Element Theory in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Improving the Mental States of Patients with Post-Stroke Depression.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore the clinical effect of psychotherapy based on five-element theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in improving the mental states of patients with post-stroke depression (PSD), to provide reference and guidance for clinical treatment. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 163 PSD cases treated in The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China from January 2022 to January 2023. The patients treated with conventional treatment were included in the control group (n = 84), and patients receiving psychotherapy based on five-element theory in TCM and conventional treatment were classified as the observation group (n = 79). The anxiety levels, depression levels, TCM syndrome scores and sleep quality were compared in both groups. The enumeration data were tested by χ2 test. Kolmogorov-Smirnov method tested whether the measurement data met normal distribution, and those did not meet normal distribution were tested by Mann-Whitney method. The difference was statistically significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: After 4-week and 8-week treatments, the observation group had significantly lower scores of Hamilton Anxiety Scale (z = -4.562, -6.765; p < 0.001), Hamilton Depression Scale (z = -7.588, -8.023; p < 0.001), TCM syndrome (z = -7.138, -10.946; p < 0.001), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (z = -6.819, -8.240; p < 0.001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Psychotherapy based on five-element theory in TCM is beneficial to patients with PSD and can bring a certain clinical reference value.

Tissue expression of porcine transient receptor potential mucolipin protein channels and their differential responses to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in vitro.

Introduction: Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection results in a serious disease, posing a huge economic threat to the global swine industry. The transient receptor potential mucolipin proteins (TRPMLs) have been shown to be strongly associated with virus infection and other physiological processes in humans, but their tissue distribution and responses to PRRSV in pigs remain unknown. Material and Methods: Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR analysis was undertaken to determine the optimal primer for TRPML expression detection and for quantifying that expression individually in different pig tissue samples. Meat Animal Research Center 145 (MARC-145) monkey kidney cells and the TRPML-specific activator mucolipin synthetic agonist 1 (ML-SA1) were used to reveal the relationship between TRPML and PRRSV-2 infection. Results: The best primers for each TRPML gene used in a fluorescence-based quantitative method were identified and TRPML1 was found to be highly expressed in the kidneys and liver of pigs, while TRPML2 and TRPML3 were observed to be primarily expressed in the kidney and spleen tissues. The expression of TRPML2 was upregulated with the rise in PRRSV-2 infection titre but not the expression of TRPML1 or TRPML3, and ML-SA1 inhibited PRRSV-2 in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Our research revealed the gene expression of TRPMLs in pigs and identified that TRPML channels may act as key host factors against PRRSV infection, which could lead to new targets for the prevention and treatment of pig infectious diseases.

Schizosthetus Athias-Henriot, 1982 (Mesostigmata: Parasitidae): the description of a new species from China.

A new species, Schizosthetus baixuelii sp. nov., is described based on females from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China. A key to the known species of the genus is presented.

The augmentation of cytotoxic immune cell functionality through physical exertion bolsters the potency of chemotherapy in models of mammary carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Mammary carcinoma, a pervasive and potentially lethal affliction, is conjectured to be profoundly influenced by physical exercise, both in prophylaxis and therapeutic contexts. This study endeavors to explore the repercussions of exercise training on the progression of mammary carcinoma, particularly the mechanisms by which the amalgamation of an exercise regimen and doxorubicin induces tumor cell apoptosis. METHODS: Female BALB/c mice were categorized into four distinct groups: A sedentary group (SED), an exercise group (Ex), a doxorubicin group (Dox, 5 mg/kg), and a combined treatment group (Dox + Ex). The exercise training lasted for 21 days and included aerobic rotarod exercise and resistance training. The impact of exercise training on tumor growth, immune cell proportions, inflammatory factor levels, and cell apoptosis pathway was assessed. RESULTS: Exercise training significantly curtailed tumor growth in a mouse model of breast cancer. Both the Ex and Dox groups exhibited significant reductions in tumor volume and weight (p < 0.01) in comparison to the SED group, while the Dox + Ex group had a significantly lower tumor volume and weight than the Dox group (p < 0.01). Exercise training also significantly increased the proportion of NK and T cells in various parts of the body and tumor tissue, while decreasing tumor blood vessels density. Exercise training also increased IL-6 and IL-15 levels in the blood and altered the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in tumor tissue, with the combined treatment group showing even more significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: Physical training improves the effectiveness of doxorubicin in treating breast cancer by activating cytotoxic immune cells, releasing tumor suppressor factors, and initiating mt-apoptosis, all while mitigating the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

Impacts of climate change and host plant availability on the potential distribution of Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) in China.

BACKGROUND: Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Sprengel) are favored by consumers because of its delicious taste and unique fragrance. Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a main pest that severely harms Chinese chives and other Liliaceae's production. Climate change may change the future distribution of B. odoriphaga in China. In this study, the CLIMEX was employed to project the potential distribution of B. odoriphaga in China, based on China's historical climate data (1987-2016) and forecast climate data (2021-2100). RESULTS: Bradysia odoriphaga distributed mainly between 19.8° N-48.3° N and 74.8° E-134.3° E, accounting for 73.25% of the total mainland area of China under historical climate conditions. Among them, the favorable and highly favorable habitats accounted for 30.64% of the total potential distribution. Under future climate conditions, B. odoriphaga will be distributed mainly between 19.8° N-49.3° N and 73.8° E-134.3° E, accounting for 84.89% of China's total mainland area. Among them, the favorable and highly favorable habitats will account for 35.23% of the total potential distribution, indicating an increase in the degree of fitness. Areas with relatively appropriate temperature and humidity will be more suitable for the survival of B. odoriphaga. Temperature was a more important determinant of the climatic suitability of the pest B. odoriphaga than humidity. Host plants (Liliaceae) availability also had impact on climate suitability in some regions. CONCLUSIONS: These projected potential distributions will provide supportive information for monitoring and early forecasting of pest outbreaks, and to reduce future economic and ecological losses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A Comparison Analysis of Quality and Metabolic Compounds in Lilies with Different Drying Treatments.

The present study aimed to investigate the variations in the nutritional composition, antioxidant capacity, and metabolite profile of lilies subjected to different drying treatments, including vacuum freeze drying (VFD), hot air drying (HAD), vacuum drying (VD), and infrared drying (ID). The results show that VFD provided better preservation of the original coloration and displayed the highest levels of total amino acid content, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and polysaccharide and alkaloid content. Our results reveal that VFD treatment can be employed to obtain high-quality lilies with desirable appearance characteristics and nutrient compositions. Metabolomics analysis identified a total of 464 metabolites from various dried lilies. Differential metabolite screening found 150 differential metabolites across all pairwise comparisons. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) indicated that lilies subjected to VFD treatment exhibited a higher abundance of steroids, saponin, flavonoids, and phenolic glycoside, whereas those subjected to HAD, VD, or ID treatments showed relatively elevated levels of specific amino acids or derivatives. This study elucidates the significant impact of various drying treatments on the quality and metabolic profile of lilies, thereby providing valuable insights for enhancing the nutritional quality of processed lilies.

Ultrahigh proton conductivity of four ionic hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks based on functionalized terephthalates.

Recently, the utilization of hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) with high crystallinity and inherent well-defined H-bonding networks in the field of proton conduction has received increasing attention, but obtaining HOFs with excellent water stability and prominent proton conductivity (σ) remains challenging. Herein, by employing functionalized terephthalic acids, 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid, 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid, 2-nitro terephthalic acid, and terephthalic acid, respectively, four highly water-stable ionic HOFs (iHOFs), [(C8H5O6)(Me2NH2)]∙2H2O (iHOF 1), [(C8H5O5)(Me2NH2)] (iHOF 2), [(C8H4NO6)(Me2NH2)] (iHOF 3) and [(C8H5O4)(Me2NH2)] (iHOF 4) were efficiently prepared by a straightforward synthesis approach in DMF and H2O solutions. The alternating-current (AC) impedance testing in humid conditions revealed that all four iHOFs were temperature- and humidity-dependent σ, with the greatest value reaching 10-2 S·cm-1. As expected, the high density of free carboxylic acid groups, crystallization water, and protonated [Me2NH2]+ units offer adequate protons and hydrophilic environments for effective proton transport. Furthermore, the σ values of these iHOFs with different functional groups were compared. It was discovered that it dropped in the following order under 100 °C and 98 % relative humidity (RH): σ iHOF 1 (1.72 × 10-2 S·cm-1) > σ iHOF 2 (4.03 × 10-3 S·cm-1) > σ iHOF 3 (1.46 × 10-3 S·cm-1) > σ iHOF 4 (4.86 × 10-4 S·cm-1). Finally, we investigated the causes of the above differences and the proton transport mechanism inside the framework using crystal structure data, water contact angle tests, and activation energy values. This study provides new motivation to develop highly proton-conductive materials.

Integrated multi-omics profiling highlights the benefits of resveratrol hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex for A53T transgenic mice through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological disorder characterized by motor and gastrointestinal dysfunctions. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoalexin known for its health-promoting benefits. However, little is known about its potential in treating PD by modulating the microbial gut-brain axis, and its clinical application has been limited due to poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and limited systemic bioavailability. Our study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of RHSD, a resveratrol-cyclodextrin inclusion complex, in treating PD through the gut-brain axis in human SNCA-transgenic (A53T) mice PD models. Building on our previous study, we prepared RHSD and compared its efficacy with uncoated resveratrol for PD treatment. The study results demonstrated that RHSD exhibited several advantages in improving motor function, alleviating cognitive impairment, restoring intestinal barrier function, and inhibiting neuropathy. Subsequently, a series of analyses, including fecal microbiota metagenomic sequencing, non-target metabolic assays, host transcriptome sequencing, and integrative analysis were performed to reveal the potential therapeutic pathways of RHSD in A53T mice. The metagenomic sequencing results indicated a significant increase in the levels of Lactobacillus murinus, Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterorhabduscaecimuris, Lactobacillus taiwanensis, and Lactobacillus animals following RHSD administration. Furthermore, metabolomics profiling showed that the levels of gut microbiome metabolites were reversed after RHSD treatment, and differential metabolites were significantly correlated with motor function and intestinal function in PD mice. The integrated analysis of microbial metabolites and host transcriptomics suggested that abnormal amino acid metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation in the PD model were associated with the diffusion of abnormal metabolites. This study illustrates the profound impact of RHSD administration on rectifying gut microbiota dysbiosis and improving the A53T mouse model. Notably, we observed significant alterations in the proliferation and metabolism of multiple probiotic strains of Lactobacillus. Furthermore, our research supports the hypothesis that microbiota-related metabolites may regulate the transcription of host genes, including dopamine receptors and calcium stabilization. Consequently, our findings underscore the potential of RHSD as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of PD through the modulation of several signaling pathways within the microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Integrated metabolic profiles and microbial communities to reveal the beneficial effect of red pitaya on early constipation.

Pitaya is a well-known fruit widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical tropical regions, and is characterized by its flesh colour into red, white, and yellow pitaya. Red pitaya has dark red flesh and is the preferred choice among consumers due to its superior taste compared to other varieties. Red pitaya has been known to cause diarrhoea, and studies have reported that pitaya does this by drawing moisture into the intestines, resulting in defecation. However, the exact mechanism of action is still unclear. In this study, mass spectrometry was employed to identify small molecular compounds in red pitaya powder, and a loperamide hydrochloride-induced early constipation mouse model was used to assess the efficacy of red pitaya. 16S rDNA and non-targeted metabolomics techniques were used to systematically reveal the regulatory characteristics of the intestinal flora and to identify the intestinal metabolites associated with constipation. The results showed that 44 novel small molecular compounds were identified from red pitaya powder, including a variety of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Pathological results showed that administration of red pitaya powder at a high dose (1000 mg kg-1) significantly ameliorated the abnormal expansion of intestinal goblet cells observed in the early stages of constipation. In addition, early constipation increased metabolites such as serotonin and 5-hydroxytryptophol, which were normalized following the ingestion of red pitaya powder. Furthermore, Erysipelatoclostridium, Parasutterella, and other abnormal gut microbiota associated with early constipation returned to healthy levels after the ingestion of red pitaya powder. Finally, significant correlations were observed between the expression of 33 different serum metabolites and the abundance of eight kinds of intestinal flora. Consequently, red pitaya holds potential as a safe food supplement for the prevention or amelioration of early-stage constipation.

Cascaded p-d Orbital Hybridization Interaction in Ultrathin High-Entropy Alloy Nanowires Boosts Complete Non-CO Pathway of Methanol Oxidation Reaction.

Designing high efficiency platinum (Pt)-based catalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) with high "non-CO" pathway selectivity is strongly desired and remains a grand challenge. Herein, PtRuNiCoFeGaPbW HEA ultrathin nanowires (HEA-8 UNWs) are synthesized, featuring unique cascaded p-d orbital hybridization interaction by inducing dual p-block metals (Ga and Pb). In comparison with Pt/C, HEA-8 UNWs exhibit 15.0- and 4.2-times promotion of specific and mass activity for MOR. More importantly, electrochemical in situ FITR spectroscopy reveals that the production/adsorption of CO (CO*) intermediate is effectively avoided on HEA-8 UNWs, leading to the complete "non-CO" pathway for MOR. Theoretical calculations demonstrate the optimized electronic structure of HEA-8 UNWs can facilitates a lower energy barrier for the "non-CO" pathway in the MOR.

Copper(I)-Catalyzed Indolyl Ynamide Oxidation/Dearomatization: Divergent and Regioselective Synthesis of Valuable Indoline Scaffolds.

A highly convenient copper(I)-catalyzed oxidation-initiated cyclopropanation of indolyl ynamide for the rapid construction of indole-fused cyclopropane-lactams is described, which represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first non-noble-metal-catalyzed indolyl ynamide oxidation/dearomatization by the in situ generated α-oxo copper carbenes. Compared to hydrazone and diazo, the use of alkynes as carbene precursors allows cyclopropanation to occur under a safe and convenient pathway. Moreover, this transformation can lead to the divergent synthesis of pentacyclic spiroindolines involving the reversal of ynamide regioselectivity by engineering substrate structures.