GhHAM regulates GoPGF-dependent gland development and contributes to broad-spectrum pest resistance in cotton.

Cotton is a globally cultivated crop, producing 87% of the natural fiber used in the global textile industry. The pigment glands, unique to cotton and its relatives, serve as a defense structure against pests and pathogens. However, the molecular mechanism underlying gland formation and the specific role of pigment glands in cotton's pest defense are still not well understood. In this study, we cloned a gland-related transcription factor GhHAM and generated the GhHAM knockout mutant using CRISPR/Cas9. Phenotypic observations, transcriptome analysis, and promoter-binding experiments revealed that GhHAM binds to the promoter of GoPGF, regulating pigment gland formation in cotton's multiple organs via the GoPGF-GhJUB1 module. The knockout of GhHAM significantly reduced gossypol production and increased cotton's susceptibility to pests in the field. Feeding assays demonstrated that more than 80% of the cotton bollworm larvae preferred ghham over the wild type. Furthermore, the ghham mutants displayed shorter cell length and decreased gibberellins (GA) production in the stem. Exogenous application of GA3 restored stem cell elongation but not gland formation, thereby indicating that GhHAM controls gland morphogenesis independently of GA. Our study sheds light on the functional differentiation of HAM proteins among plant species, highlights the significant role of pigment glands in influencing pest feeding preference, and provides a theoretical basis for breeding pest-resistant cotton varieties to address the challenges posed by frequent outbreaks of pests.

The body mass index and the risk of ectopic pregnancy: a 5-year retrospective case-control study.

PURPOSE: Acknowledging the associated risk factors may have a positive impact on reducing the incidence of ectopic pregnancy (EP). In recent years, body mass index (BMI) has been mentioned in research. However, few studies are available and controversial on the relationship between EP and BMI. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the EP women as a case group and the deliveries as a control group in the central hospital of Wuhan during 2017 ~ 2021. χ2 test of variables associated with ectopic pregnancy was performed to find differences. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association of the variables of age, parity, history of induced abortion, history of ectopic pregnancy, history of spontaneous abortion, history of appendectomy surgery and BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2, 18.5 ~ 24.9 kg/m2, 25 kg/m2 ~ 29.9 kg/m2, ≥ 30 kg /m2) with EP. RESULTS: They were 659 EP and 1460 deliveries. The variables of age, parity, history of induced abortion, history of ectopic pregnancy and BMI were different significantly(P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the variables of age > 35 years old [(OR (Odds Ratio), 5.415; 95%CI (Confidence Interval), 4.006 ~ 7.320, P < 0.001], history of ectopic pregnancy (OR, 3.944; 95%CI, 2.405 ~ 6.467; P < 0.001), history of induced abortion(OR, 3.365; 95%CI, 2.724 ~ 4.158, P < 0.001) and low BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2) (OR, 1.929; 95%CI, 1.416 ~ 2.628, P < 0.001])increased the risk of EP. CONCLUSION: The history of ectopic pregnancy, history of induced abortion and age > 35 years old were the risk factors with EP. In addition to these traditional factors, we found low BMI (< 18.5 kg/m2) with women may increase the risk to EP.

Directed Electron Delivery from a Pb-Free Halide Perovskite to a Co(II) Molecular Catalyst Boosts CO2 Photoreduction Coupled with Water Oxidation.

The development of high-performance photocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction is appealing to address energy and environmental issues, while it is challenging to avoid using toxic metals and organic sacrificial reagents. We here immobilize a family of cobalt phthalocyanine catalysts on Pb-free halide perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 nanosheets with delicate control on the anchors of the cobalt catalysts. Among them, the molecular hybrid photocatalyst assembled by carboxyl anchors achieves the optimal performance with an electron consumption rate of 300±13 µmol g-1 h-1 for visible-light-driven CO2-to-CO conversion coupled with water oxidation to O2, over 8 times of the unmodified Cs2AgBiBr6 (36±8 µmol g-1 h-1), also far surpassing the documented systems (<150 µmol g-1 h-1). Besides the improved intrinsic activity, electrochemical, computational, ex-/in situ X-ray photoelectron and X-ray absorption spectroscopic results indicate that the electrons photogenerated at the Bi atoms of Cs2AgBiBr6 can be directionally transferred to the cobalt catalyst via the carboxyl anchors which strongly bind to the Bi atoms, substantially facilitating the interfacial electron transfer kinetics and thereby the photocatalysis.

Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (-)-Cephalotanin B.

Cephalotaxus diterpenoids are attractive natural products with intriguing molecular frameworks and promising biological features. As a structurally unusual member, (-)-cephalotanin B possesses an extraordinarily congested heptacyclic skeleton, three lactone units, and nine consecutive stereocenters. Herein, we report an enantioselective total synthesis of (-)-cephalotanin B based on a divergent asymmetric Michael addition reaction, a novel Pauson-Khand/deacyloxylation process discovered in the development of a second-generation stereoselective Pauson-Khand reaction protocol, and an epoxide-opening/elimination/dual-lactonization cascade to construct the challenging propeller-shaped A-B-C ring system as key transformations.

A highly selective probe for ratiometric imaging peroxynitrite in living cells and in vivo.

In this study, we constructed and displayed a ratiometric fluorescent probe JQ-2 for detecting ONOO-. The probe JQ-2 showed a ratiometric signal for visualizing ONOO- with a rapid response and high selectivity over a panel of biological analytes. Moreover, the JQ-2 has near-infrared emission (657 nm), which provides an excellent basis for the practical application in biological systems. The probe JQ-2 possessed low cytotoxicity and excellent cell membrane permeability, which can specifically visualize the exogenous and endogenous ONOO- in vitro and vivo by emission in two channels. Meanwhile, JQ-2 can be used for diagnosing drug-induced liver injury by visualizing and monitoring the fluctuations of endogenous ONOO-. Therefore, JQ-2 provided a potential tool for precisely detecting the fluctuation of ONOO- in biological systems to understand physiological and pathological process.

A rare case of self-healing giant condyloma acuminatum.

Giant condyloma acuminatum (GCA) which is also called Buschke-Lowenstein tumor. It is a rare tumor of the anorectal area and external genitalia associated with low-risk HPV types 6 or 11. GCA has a high-rate of recurrence (66%) and malignant transformation (56%). The clinical features of GCA are progression of exophytic, ulcerative, and cauliflower-shaped tumors, it has significant dimensions and may undergo malignant transformation such as squamous cell carcinoma or cervical cancer. It is difficult to treat GCA, and it may be impossible for GCA to self-healing, but we herein report a rare case of a 19-year-old female with self-healing GCA.

Rosiglitazone attenuates hypoxia-induced renal cell apoptosis by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway in a PPARγ-dependent manner.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) has been found to be closely associated with hypoxia renal disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between rosiglitazone and mitochondrial apoptosis in renal tissue and its associated mechanisms. METHODS: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n = 8 in each): normal control group, hypoxia injury group (equal volume of 0.9% saline), and PPARγ agonist group (Rosiglitazone, 10 mg/kg · d, intraperitoneally). The hypoxia injury group and PPARγ agonist group were placed in a hypoxia chamber and the simulated altitude was set at 7,000 m for 7 days. Blood and kidney samples were collected after 7 days. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot methods were used to determine the expression of PPARγ, nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), and Bax. RESULTS: The results showed that compared with the normal control group, the renal tissue of rats after hypoxia was severely damaged, as shown by massive renal tubular epithelial cell degeneration and detachment, and renal tubular dilation. The NF-κB protein expression significantly increased, the Bcl-2 protein and mRNA expression significantly decreased, and Bax protein and mRNA expression significantly increased (p < .05 for all). Renal injury was much less severe in the PPARγ agonist group compared to the hypoxia injury group. CONCLUSIONS: Rosiglitazone can alleviate hypoxia renal injury, with the possible mechanism involving attenuation of apoptosis by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in a PPARγ-dependent manner and increasing Bcl-2 and decreasing Bax expression.

[Practice of Palliative Care:Experience of a Patient with Advanced Lung Cancer at the End of Life].

Palliative care refers to the prevention and relief of physical and mental suffering through early recognition,active assessment,and management of pain and other painful symptoms to improve quality of life for both the patients with severe diseases and their families.A successful case of palliative care requires not only the establishment of correct concepts but also the team work and the improvement of the medical system.This paper introduced the end-of-life care experience for a patient with advanced lung cancer,showing the gains and deficiencies in the practice of palliative care.

Cobalt chloride-simulated hypoxia elongates primary cilia in immortalized human retina pigment epithelial-1 cells.

Primary cilia are microtubule-based organelles that are involved in sensing micro-environmental cues and regulating cellular homeostasis via triggering signaling cascades. Hypoxia is one of the most common environmental stresses that organ and tissue cells may often encounter during embryogenesis, cell differentiation, infection, inflammation, injury, cerebral and cardiac ischemia, or tumorigenesis. Although hypoxia has been reported to promote or inhibit primary ciliogenesis in different tissues or cultured cell lines, the role of hypoxia in ciliogenesis is controversial and still unclear. Here we investigated the primary cilia change under cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-simulated hypoxia in immortalized human retina pigment epithelial-1 (hTERT RPE-1) cells. We found CoCl2 treatment elongated primary cilia in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The prolonged cilia recovered back to near normal length when CoCl2 was washed out from the cell culture medium. Under CoCl2-simulated hypoxia, the protein expression levels of HIF-1/2α and acetylated-α-tubulin (cilia marker) were increased, while the protein expression level of Rabaptin-5 is decreased during hypoxia. Taken together, our results suggest that hypoxia may elongate primary cilia by downregulating Rabaptin-5 involved endocytosis. The coordination between endocytosis and ciliogenesis may be utilized by cells to adapt to hypoxia.

Pontibaca salina sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, oval or short rod-shaped, non-motile, aerobic bacterium, designated strain S1109LT, was isolated from a marine sediment in Weihai, PR China. Cells were oxidase positive and catalase positive. Growth of strain S1109LT occurred at 10-40 °C (optimum, 30-33 °C), pH 6.5-10.0 (optimum, 7.0-8.0) and in the presence of 1-21% (optimum, 4-6%) (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny indicated that strain S1109LT was associated with the genus Pontibaca of the family Rhodobacteraceae because it showed the highest sequence similarity to Pontibaca methylaminivorans KCTC 22497T (97.5%). The average nucleotide identity (ANI) and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) scores between strain S1109LT and Pontibaca methylaminivorans KCTC 22497T were 74.6% and 18.7%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain S1109LT were C19:0 cyclo ω8c and C18:1 ω7c. The polar lipids profiles of strain S1109LT were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. Strain S1109LT contained ubiquinone-10 as the major respiratory quinone. The genomic DNA G + C content was 55.9 mol%. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain S1109LT is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pontibaca, for which the name Pontibaca salina sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of is S1109LT (= KCTC 82411T = MCCC 1H00441T).

LncRNA HOTAIR regulates anoikis-resistance capacity and spheroid formation of ovarian cancer cells by recruiting EZH2 and influencing H3K27 methylation.

This study aims to investigate the role of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) HOX transcript antisense RNA (HOTAIR) in the regulation of anoikis resistance of ovarian cancer cells, a prerequisite for metastasis and chemoresistance in ovarian cancer cells. Ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells were cultured in an ultra-low attachment system to establish an anoikis model. The relationship between cellular anoikis capability and HOTAIR expression level was studied by flow cytometry and RT-PCR. The ability of spheroid formation, migration, and invasion of the suspended cells was assessed following the knockdown of HOTAIR expression. The expression of EZH2, H3K27me3, representative targets of EZH2, and anoikis-related biomarkers was also detected. An increase in the duration of suspension culture time rendered the SKOV3 cells anoikis-resistant with a significantly lower apoptotic rate compared to the adherent cells. HOTAIR expression in the suspension cells increased significantly, while that in the adherent cells did not. Following small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of HOTAIR expression, the abilities of anoikis resistance, migration, and invasion decreased in the suspension cells. Knockdown of HOTAIR levels also reduced the spheroid forming ability of the tumor cells in continuous suspension cultures. Moreover, EZH2 expression correlated with HOTAIR expression, thus regulating the expression of miR-193a and DOK2 via introducing H3K27me3. Western blot analysis of anoikis-related markers showed that N-cadherin, ZEB1, and TWIST1 were downregulated following inhibition of HOTAIR, while E-cadherin and ErbB3 were upregulated. In conclusion, HOTAIR enhances the anoikis resistance and spheroid forming ability of ovarian cancer cells by recruiting EZH2 and influencing H3K27 methylation that may contribute to migration, invasion, and chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells.

Caregiver burden among informal caregivers of hospitalized patients with frailty: A cross-sectional survey.

This study aimed to investigate the status of caregiver burden among informal caregivers of hospitalized frail older patients and explore the associated factors. A total of 191 frail older patients and their informal caregivers were recruited from the inpatient units of the three teaching hospitals. We collected data using the FRAIL scale, the Zarit Burden Interview, and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. We used descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression for the data analysis. The caregivers of hospitalized frail older patients experienced a moderate caregiver burden (26.476±11.289). The regression model for caregiver burden was significant. Male caregivers, taking care of patients before hospitalization, experiencing negative emotions, and negative coping styles were significantly associated with caregiver burden, F (7, 183) = 15.13, p <. 001. The findings suggest that early identification of caregiver burden and focused interventions for alleviating caregiver burden are needed.

[Inpatient Care Expenditure of Terminally Ill Patients in the Geriatric Ward of Peking Union Medical College Hospital].

Objective To describe the inpatient care expenditure of the terminally ill patients in the geriatric ward of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and facilitate future research on the economic outcomes of hospice and palliative care.Methods The histories of patients admitted to the Department of Geriatrics of Peking Union Medical College Hospital during 2018 were reviewed by trained doctors.According to the diagnosis and overall health state,terminally ill patients were selected and enrolled in the study.Demographics,health and disease information,prescriptions,and expenditure details were retrieved from the HIS system.Results In 2018,35 patients were terminally ill and eligible for hospice care,including 20 males and 15 females,with the average age of(78±8)years(59-91 years),the average age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index of 10±3,and the median Barthel index of 40(10,70).These patients had malignant tumor(23 cases),heart failure(4 cases),end-stage renal disease(1 case),end-stage liver disease(2 cases),dementia(4 cases)and other severe diseases(3 cases).The patients received standard care within the scope of internal medicine and geriatrics.Finally,8 patients died during hospitalization,and 27 were discharged alive.The 35 patients had the median length of stay of 15(12,23)days,the median inpatient expenditure of CNY 21 500(13 800,37 600),and the median daily expenditure of CNY 1425(970,2503).The percentage of expenditure was(28.5±12.3)% for medication,(33.2±18.0)% for tests and examinations,and 11.5%(6.4%,15.8%)for accommodation and medical services.The medications for symptom control costed CNY(77±58)per day on average,accounting for(5.2±3.5)% of the total expenditure.Conclusions The inpatient expenditure for terminally ill patients in the tertiary grade A hospital was higher than that reported in community hospitals providing hospice care.In terms of expenditure constitution,the money spent on medications and tests/examinations were similar,and the percentage of expenditure on medications for symptom control was low.There is a need for further research on the economic impact of hospice and palliative care among terminally ill patients in China.

Research Progress of Mercury Bioaccumulation in the Aquatic Food Chain, China: A Review.

Research on mercury (Hg) in aquatic ecosystems in China has focused mainly on fish, with little research on the base of the food chain and Hg bioaccumulation mechanisms. This paper summarizes research progress pertaining to the characteristics, current status, and trends of Hg accumulation in the aquatic food chain in China, analyzes the effects of human activities on the transmission and accumulation of Hg in aquatic food chains, and assesses their risks to human and ecosystem health. A comparison of fish samples in China between 2000 and 2018 indicates that their total Hg content remains at relatively safe levels. However, because current information is generally insufficient to confirm how anthropogenic activities affect transformation and bioaccumulation in the aqueous environment, Hg isotope studies should be a focus of research on aquatic food webs. Additionally, more attention should be paid to Hg transport and bioaccumulation in the basic food chain by focusing on multi-contaminant joint exposure studies and establishing Hg bio-transport models.

Biological and Chemical Diversity of Ascidian-Associated Microorganisms.

Ascidians are a class of sessile filter-feeding invertebrates, that provide unique and fertile niches harboring various microorganisms, such as bacteria, actinobacteria, cyanobacteria and fungi. Over 1000 natural products, including alkaloids, cyclic peptides, and polyketides, have been isolated from them, which display diverse properties, such as antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities. Strikingly, direct evidence has confirmed that ~8% of natural products from ascidians are actually produced by symbiotic microorganisms. In this review, we present 150 natural products from microorganisms associated with ascidians that have been reported up to 2017.

A UPLC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics study of rattan stems of Schisandra chinensis effects on Alzheimer's disease rats model.

A UPLC-TOF/MS-based metabolomics method was established to explore the therapeutic mechanisms of rattan stems of S. chinensis (SCS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experimental AD model was induced by intra-hippocampal Aß1-42 injection in rats. Cognitive function and oxidative stress condition in brain of AD rats were assessed using Morris water maze tests and antioxidant assays [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)], respectively. UPLC-TOF/MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to study the changes in metabolic networks in serum of rats. The results indicated that the AD model was established successfully and the inducement of Aß1-42 caused a decline in spatial learning and memory of rats. The injection of Aß1-42 in rat brains significantly elevated the level of MDA, and reduced SOD and GSH-Px activities. In addition, SCS showed significant anti-AD effects on model rats. A total of 30 metabolites were finally identified as potential biomarkers of AD and 14 of them had a significant recovery compared with the AD model after SCS administration. Changes in AD metabolite profiling were restored to different levels through the regulation of 13 pathways. This is first report on the use of the UPLC-TOF/MS-based serum metabolomics method to investigate therapeutic effects of SCS on AD, and enrich potential biomarkers and metabolic networks of AD.

Effect of Palliative Care for Patients with Heart Failure.

Palliative care might be beneficial to heart failure. However, the results remain controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of palliative care on heart failure.PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of palliative care versus usual care on heart failure were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. The primary outcome was readmission. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effect model.Five RCTs involving 545 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control intervention, palliative care intervention was found to significantly reduce the readmission [Std. mean difference = 0.79; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.23 to 1.35; P = 0.006], Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) (Std. mean difference = -2.5; 95% CI = -4.39 to -0.62; P = 0.009), and PHQ-9 (Std. mean difference = -1.16; 95% CI = -1.73 to -0.58; P < 0.005), as well as improve heart failure questionnaire (Std. mean difference = 4.46; 95% CI = 3.44 to 5.47; P < 0.005), but had no influence on mortality (RR = 1.54; 95% CI = 0.80 to 2.96; P = 0.19) and quality of life questionnaire (Std. mean difference = 1.81; 95% CI = -0.14 to 3.77; P = 0.07).Compared with control intervention, palliative care intervention was found to significantly reduce readmission, ESAS, PHQ-9, and improve heart failure questionnaire, but showed no influence on mortality and quality of life questionnaire in patients with heart failure.

Vancomycin pre-treatment impairs tissue healing in experimental colitis: Importance of innate lymphoid cells.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The interplay between luminal microbes and innate immunity during colonic epithelial repair has been well noted. At the same time, antibiotic has widely been used during flare-ups of ulcerative colitis. The possible effects of luminal microbiota disruption caused by antibiotics usage on epithelial repairing have been scarcely discussed. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) embedded in the lamina propria can be modulated by gut microbes, resulting in altered colonic IL-22/pSTAT3 levels, which is considered a prominent molecular axis in tissue repairing after epithelium damage. This study aimed to investigate whether antibiotics could interfere with ILCs-dependent tissue repair. METHODS: Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis was established in mice pre-treated with reagent of different antibiotic spectrum. Both morphological and molecular markers of tissue repair after DSS cessation were detected. ILCs population and function status were also recorded. Further attention was paid to the response of dendritic cells after antibiotics treatment, which were claimed to regulate colonic ILC3s in an IL-23 dependent way. RESULTS: Using of vancomycin resulted in delayed tissue repairing after experimental colitis. Both colonic IL-22/pSTAT3 axis and ILC3 population were found decreased in this situation. Vancomycin treatment diminished the upstream IL-23 and producer dendritic cell population. The reduced dendritic cell number may due to inadequate chemokines and colony-stimulating factors supply. CONCLUSION: Presence of vancomycin-sensitive microbiota is required for the maturation of ILC3-activating dendritic cells hence maintain the sufficient IL-22/pSTAT3 level in the colon during tissue healing. Manipulation of colonic microbiota may help achieve colonic mucosal healing post inflammation and injury.