Targeting pericentric non-consecutive motifs for heterochromatin initiation.

Pericentric heterochromatin is a critical component of chromosomes marked by histone H3 K9 (H3K9) methylation1-3. However, what recruits H3K9-specific histone methyltransferases to pericentric regions in vertebrates remains unclear4, as does why pericentric regions in different species share the same H3K9 methylation mark despite lacking highly conserved DNA sequences2,5. Here we show that zinc-finger proteins ZNF512 and ZNF512B specifically localize at pericentric regions through direct DNA binding. Notably, both ZNF512 and ZNF512B are sufficient to initiate de novo heterochromatin formation at ectopically targeted repetitive regions and pericentric regions, as they directly recruit SUV39H1 and SUV39H2 (SUV39H) to catalyse H3K9 methylation. SUV39H2 makes a greater contribution to H3K9 trimethylation, whereas SUV39H1 seems to contribute more to silencing, probably owing to its preferential association with HP1 proteins. ZNF512 and ZNF512B from different species can specifically target pericentric regions of other vertebrates, because the atypical long linker residues between the zinc-fingers of ZNF512 and ZNF512B offer flexibility in recognition of non-consecutively organized three-nucleotide triplets targeted by each zinc-finger. This study addresses two long-standing questions: how constitutive heterochromatin is initiated and how seemingly variable pericentric sequences are targeted by the same set of conserved machinery in vertebrates.

Tracking the transmission matrix of a moving fiber with the transmitted data.

During data transmission, the dynamic change of a scattering medium will make the measured transmission matrix (TM) invalid, so it is necessary to repeatedly measure the TM to achieve a long-time data transmission, which requires stopping the data transmission process frequently to measure the TM and leads to a reduction in the communication capacity. To solve this problem, we propose a TM tracking method during data transmission. In the case of more than three discrete levels of phase modulation, this method can realize the calibration of the TM with the intensity pictures captured by the camera and the recovered data, so it does not require stopping the data transmission process to measure the TM and thus avoids the loss of communication capacity. We have proved the feasibility of this method through simulations and experiments and realized the continuous transmission of random data and image data through a moving fiber with high accuracy.

Multi-channel data transmission through a multimode fiber based on OAM phase encoding.

Data transmission based on the transmission matrix method has realized the multiplexing of a large number of orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes under scattering, which encodes the data by modulating the amplitude of the OAM modes. However, this amplitude modulation (amplitude encoding) method has obvious cross talk when the number of output modes is small, resulting in a non-negligible bit error rate. Here, a multi-channel data transmission method based on OAM phase modulation (phase encoding) under scattering is proposed. This method can resist the multiple-scattering effect of multimode fibers and realize accurate data transmission with very few rows of camera pixels for output mode measurement, which is suitable for high-speed data transmission under scattering. Experimentally, we have achieved a bit error rate of less than 0.005% in the data transmission of a color image through a 60 m multimode fiber with only 2 rows of camera pixels for output mode measurement. Experiments also showed that the proposed method has a higher stability than amplitude encoding when the proportion of "1" or "0" in the code changes.

Geological Borehole Video Image Stitching Method Based on Local Homography Matrix Offset Optimization.

Due to the influence of the shooting environment and inherent image characteristics, there is a large amount of interference in the process of image stitching a geological borehole video. To accurately match the acquired image sequences in the inner part of a borehole, this paper presents a new method of stitching an unfolded borehole image, which uses the image generated from the video to construct a large-scale panorama. Firstly, the speeded-up robust feathers (SURF) algorithm is used to extract the image feature points and complete the rough matching. Then, the M-estimator sample consensus (MSAC) algorithm is introduced to remove the mismatched point pairs and obtain the homography matrix. Subsequently, we propose a local homography matrix offset optimization (LHOO) algorithm to obtain the optimal offset. Finally, the above process is cycled frame by frame, and the image sequence is continuously stitched to complete the construction of a cylindrical borehole panorama. The experimental results show that compared with those of the SIFT, Harris, ORB and SURF algorithms, the matching accuracy of our algorithm has been greatly improved. The final test is carried out on 225 consecutive video frames, and the panorama has a good visual effect, and the average time of each frame is 100 ms, which basically meets the requirements of the project.

Transmission matrix-based phase correction for optical systems.

The demands in fields such as biology and communications are driving the development of structured light. However, the optical modulation devices which play an important role in generating structured light, often introduce phase distortion. Additional phase correction is required to obtain more precise modulation capabilities. In this Letter, we propose a transmission matrix (TM)-based phase correction method. With the measured TM, which establishes a link between the spatial light modulator (SLM) panel and the far-field distribution of the output, we can obtain the phase modulation achieving the ideal focus. The spatial distribution of the phase distortion can be extracted from the conjugate of this phase distribution. In our experiment, the sharpness metric of the focus dropped to about half. We further verified the availability of this method by correcting the phase distortion of Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) fields. We believe our method provides a simple way to achieve precise phase correction, which will be of interest in aspects of wavefront shaping and optical tweezers.

Data transmission under high scattering based on OAM-basis transmission matrix.

Multiplexing of orbital angular momentum (OAM) channels is an important method to increase the optical communication capacity at present, but the multiple scattering and distortion of long-distance optical communication greatly limit its application. Here, a data transmission method based on an OAM-basis transmission matrix (TM) under high scattering is proposed. In this method, OAM modes are directly encoded by the OAM-basis TM, and the incident power spectral distribution of OAM modes can be directly acquired by the intensity profile of the speckle field on the camera. This method can realize the multiplexing of a large number of OAM channels and is easy to perform. Experimentally, we have achieved a maximum of 800 OAM modes multiplexed, and a bit error rate of 0.01% in the data transmission of color images.

Functional, oncological outcomes and safety of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy versus open partial nephrectomy in localized renal cell carcinoma patients with high anatomical complexity.

PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the main treatment strategy for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, for RCC with high anatomical complexity, PN remains a challenge for urologists. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the functional oncological outcomes and safety of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) versus open partial nephrectomy (OPN) in localized RCC patients with highly anatomical complexity (R.E.N.A.L. score ≥ 10). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied 575 patients who underwent PN at our center between January 2007 and December 2017. After propensity score-matching (PSM), 137 patients treated with LPN and 54 patients treated with OPN were balanced into 97 and 44 pairs. Patient demographics, and extensive perioperative and prognostic data were recorded and compared. RESULTS: In the matched group, the OPN group had significantly less eGFR loss than the LPN group (2.57 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 31.59 ml/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.001). The recurrence-free survival (P = 0.287), overall survival (P = 0.296), cancer-specific survival (P = 0.664), and cardiocerebrovascular disease-specific survival (P = 0.341) were equivalent between groups. The rates of minor (P = 0.621) and major (P = 0.647) complications were also similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This PSM cohort study showed that OPN resulted in better renal function preservation than LPN in localized RCC patients with high anatomical complexity, and had comparable oncological and safety outcomes after long-term follow-up. These findings may help improve clinical decision-making for localized RCC patients with high anatomical complexity.

Measurement of the mean aspect ratio and two characteristic dimensions of polydisperse arbitrary shaped nanoparticles, using translational-rotational ultrafast image-based dynamic light scattering.

In this paper, we propose a method to determine the mean value of two characteristic dimensions and the mean aspect ratio of a sample of polydisperse arbitrary shaped nanoparticles named translational-rotational ultrafast image-based dynamic light scattering (TR-UIDLS), which is extended from the ultrafast image-based dynamic light scattering. In TR-UIDLS, rigid arbitrary shaped nanoparticles characterized by two characteristic dimensions, are in Brownian motion in a solvent. They are illuminated by a vertically polarized focused Gaussian beam. A camera records the light scattered by the particles, in vertical-vertical polarization geometry and then in vertical-horizontal polarization geometry. By studying the light fluctuation recorded by the camera in both polarization geometries we can determine the mean values of the translational and rotational diffusion coefficients of the particles in the sample, using a model based on a rod-like/disk-like particle that is equivalent to the particles in the measurement volume during the time between when two consecutive pictures are taken. We have measured a sample of rod-like particles using scanning electron microscopy and compared the dimensions and aspect ratio with those measured using TR-UIDLS. The potential of TR-UIDLS to measure the distributions of translational and rotational diffusion coefficients, aspect ratio, length/thickness, and diameter of a polydisperse sample of nanoparticles is also discussed.

Laparoscopic and Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: An Overview of Hot Issues.

Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy are attracting increased attention from urologists. They can achieve the same effect of oncology control as radical nephrectomy; moreover, they can offer better preservation of renal function, thus obtaining long-term living benefits. The indications are also expanding, making it possible for larger and more difficult tumors. Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy can be performed by transperitoneal and retroperitoneal approaches, with their individual advantages and limitations. In addition, the renal tumor scoring systems have been widely used and studied in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. In -order to better preserve renal function, the zero-ischemia technique is widely used. The application of intraoperative imaging technology provides convenience and greater benefits. Besides, whether minimal invasive partial nephrectomy can be performed without stop antiplatelet treatment is still disputed. Clinicians perform substantial exploration and practice to achieve the "trifecta" of surgery: complete resection of the tumor, maximum protection of renal function, and no complications.

Polyvinyl alcohol/kappa-carrageenan-based package film with simultaneous incorporation of ferric ion and polyphenols from Capsicum annuum leaves for fruit shelf-life extension.

Bio-based food packaging materials have elicited growing interests due to their great degradability, high safety and active biofunctions. In this work, by simultaneously introducing the polyphenolic extracts from Capsicum annuum leaves and ferric ion (Fe3+) into the Polyvinyl alcohol/kappa-carrageenan (PVA/κ-carrageenan)-based film-forming matrix, an active package film was developed, with the purpose to improve the food shelf life. The experimental results indicated that the existence of Fe3+ can not only improve the mechanical properties owing to the multiple dynamic coordinated interactions, but also endow the composite films with excellent fire-retardancy. Moreover, the composite films could display excellent UV resistant performance, water vapor/oxygen gas barrier properties and antioxidant activities with the corporation of polyphenols. In particular, the highest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging capacities for composite film (PC-PLP7 sample) were evaluated to be 82.5 % and 91.1 %, respectively. Higher polyphenol concentration is favorable to the bio-functions of the materials. Benefitting from these features, this novel kind of films with a dense and steady micro-structure could be further applicated in fruit preservations, where the ripening bananas were ensured with the high storage quality. This integration as a prospective food packaging material provides an economic and eco-friendly approach to excavate the high added-values of biomass.

Advances in electroactive bioscaffolds for repairing spinal cord injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological disorder, leading to loss of motor or somatosensory function, which is the most challenging worldwide medical problem. Re-establishment of intact neural circuits is the basis of spinal cord regeneration. Considering the crucial role of electrical signals in the nervous system, electroactive bioscaffolds have been widely developed for SCI repair. They can produce conductive pathways and a pro-regenerative microenvironment at the lesion site similar to that of the natural spinal cord, leading to neuronal regeneration and axonal growth, and functionally reactivating the damaged neural circuits. In this review, we first demonstrate the pathophysiological characteristics induced by SCI. Then, the crucial role of electrical signals in SCI repair is introduced. Based on a comprehensive analysis of these characteristics, recent advances in the electroactive bioscaffolds for SCI repair are summarized, focusing on both the conductive bioscaffolds and piezoelectric bioscaffolds, used independently or in combination with external electronic stimulation. Finally, thoughts on challenges and opportunities that may shape the future of bioscaffolds in SCI repair are concluded.

Impact of Serious Games on Body Composition, Physical Activity, and Dietary Change in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Over the past four decades, obesity in children of all ages has increased worldwide, which has intensified the search for innovative intervention strategies. Serious games, a youth-friendly form of intervention designed with educational or behavioral goals, are emerging as a potential solution to this health challenge. To analyze the effectiveness of serious games in improving body composition, physical activity, and dietary change, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus databases. Pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated for 20 studies (n = 2238 the intervention group; n = 1983 in the control group) using random-effect models. The intervention group demonstrated a slightly better, although non-significant, body composition score, with a pooled SMD of -0.26 (95% CI: -0.61 to 0.09). The pooled effect tends to be stronger with longer duration of intervention (-0.40 [95% CI: -0.96, 0.16] for >3 months vs. -0.02 [95% CI: -0.33, 0.30] for ≤3 months), although the difference was not statistically significant (p-difference = 0.24). As for the specific pathways leading to better weight control, improvements in dietary habits due to serious game interventions were not significant, while a direct positive effect of serious games on increasing physical activity was observed (pooled SMD = 0.61 [95% CI: 0.04 to 1.19]). While the impact of serious game interventions on body composition and dietary changes is limited, their effectiveness in increasing physical activity is notable. Serious games show potential as tools for overweight/obesity control among children and adolescents but may require longer intervention to sustain its effect.

PROTAC-Mediated HDAC7 Protein Degradation Unveils Its Deacetylase-Independent Proinflammatory Function in Macrophages.

Class IIa histone deacetylases (Class IIa HDACs) play critical roles in regulating essential cellular metabolism and inflammatory pathways. However, dissecting the specific roles of each class IIa HDAC isoform is hindered by the pan-inhibitory effect of current inhibitors and a lack of tools to probe their functions beyond epigenetic regulation. In this study, a novel PROTAC-based compound B4 is developed, which selectively targets and degrades HDAC7, resulting in the effective attenuation of a specific set of proinflammatory cytokines in both lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and a mouse model. By employing B4 as a molecular probe, evidence is found for a previously explored role of HDAC7 that surpasses its deacetylase function, suggesting broader implications in inflammatory processes. Mechanistic investigations reveal the critical involvement of HDAC7 in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway by directly interacting with the TNF receptor-associated factor 6 and TGFß-activated kinase 1 (TRAF6-TAK1) complex, thereby initiating the activation of the downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase/nuclear factor-κB (MAPK/NF-κB) signaling cascade and subsequent gene transcription. This study expands the insight into HDAC7's role within intricate inflammatory networks and highlights its therapeutic potential as a novel target for anti-inflammatory treatments.

The effect of mobile phone ringtone on visual recognition during driving: Evidence from laboratory and real-scene eye movement experiments.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of mobile phone ringtones on visual recognition during driving, laboratory and real-scene eye movement experiments were conducted with simulated and real driving tasks, respectively. Competition for visual attention during driving increases with the integration of sounds, which is related to driving safety. METHOD: We manipulated the physical (long exposure duration vs. short exposure duration) and psychological (self-related vs. non-self-related) properties of mobile phone ringtones presented to drivers. Estimates were based on linear mixed models (LMMs) and generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs). RESULTS: Self-related ringtones had a greater influence on driving attention than non-self-related ones, and the interaction between exposure duration and self-relatedness was significant. Furthermore, the impact of the mobile phone ringtone occurred in real time after the ringtone stopped. CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of considering the impact of ringtones on driving performance and demonstrate that ringtone properties (exposure duration and self-relatedness) can affect cognitive processes.

A single region of the Phytophthora infestans avirulence effector Avr3b functions in both cell death induction and plant immunity suppression.

As a destructive plant pathogen, Phytophthora infestans secretes diverse host-entering RxLR effectors to facilitate infection. One critical RxLR effector, PiAvr3b, not only induces effector-triggered immunity (ETI), which is associated with the potato resistance protein StR3b, but also suppresses pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity (PTI). To date, the molecular basis underlying such dual activities remains unknown. Based on phylogenetic analysis of global P. infestans isolates, we found two PiAvr3b isoforms that differ by three amino acids. Despite this sequence variation, the two isoforms retain the same properties in activating the StR3b-mediated hypersensitive response (HR) and inhibiting necrosis induced by three PAMPs (PiNpp, PiINF1, and PsXeg1) and an RxLR effector (Pi10232). Using a combined mutagenesis approach, we found that the dual activities of PiAvr3b were tightly linked and determined by 88 amino acids at the C-terminus. We further determined that either the W60 or the E134 residue of PiAvr3b was essential for triggering StR3b-associated HR and inhibiting PiNpp- and Pi10232-associated necrosis, while the S99 residue partially contributed to PTI suppression. Additionally, nuclear localization of PiAvr3b was required to stimulate HR and suppress PTI, but not to inhibit Pi10232-associated cell death. Our study revealed that PiAvr3b suppresses the plant immune response at different subcellular locations and provides an example in which a single amino acid of an RxLR effector links ETI induction and cell death suppression.

Freeze-drying pretreatment of watermelon peel to improve the efficiency of pectin extraction: RSM optimization, extraction mechanism, and characterization.

This study assessed the processing parameters and mechanism of pectin extraction and pectin qualities from freeze-dried (FD) pretreatment watermelon peel. The optimal extraction conditions for the highest pectin yield (21.83 %) were a liquid/solid ratio (w/w) of 29, pH of 1.8, ultrasonic power of 573 W, and ultrasonic time of 43 min. Compared to hot-air dried (HD) method, the extraction of pectin from FD watermelon peel was facilitated by the increased cross-sectional areas of cells, transfer rate of extracting solution, mass transfer rate, and reduced rehydration time during the extraction. HD pectin (HDP) exhibited browning, whereas FD pectin (FDP) displayed bright brownish-yellow coloration. Furthermore, the L* value of pectin from FDP was significantly higher and a* and b* values were significantly lower than pectin from HDP (P < 0.05). Additionally, the moisture, ash and protein contents of FDP were significantly higher than those in HDP (P < 0.05). Structural characterization demonstrated FDP as a low-methoxy acetylated pectin, with significantly lower degree of methoxylation and molecular weight compared to that of HDP (P < 0.05). Besides, FDP demonstrated significantly superior emulsification performance compared to HDP (P < 0.05). These findings suggest FD as a potent, efficient, and time-saving technology for drying fresh watermelon peel for pectin preparation.

Exploring the Relationship between Sugar and Sugar Substitutes-Analysis of Income Level and Beverage Consumption Market Pattern Based on the Perspective of Healthy China.

This paper estimates the impact of income level on household beverage consumption, analyzes the consumption trends of sugar-sweetened beverages and sugar-free beverages in households, explores the future changes in the beverage consumption market pattern, and predicts the possible impact of the sugar industry on the development of sugar substitutes based on the beverage consumption data of Kantar Consumer Index in China from 2015 to 2017. The research results show that, firstly, there is an "inverted U-shaped" relationship between income level and household consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, which indicates that as income rises, household consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages tends to increase and then decrease. Secondly, income level has a positive effect on the household consumption of sugar-free beverages. Finally, in the future stage, with the further growth of income and the promotion of a healthy China, a large amount of sugar substitutes will be added to beverages instead of the original sugar, and the relationship between sugar and sugar substitute consumption will change from complementary to substitution. The findings of this paper have implications for encouraging food and beverage suppliers to produce "healthy", "nutritious" and "innovative" low-sugar products to meet the health needs of residents and ensure the healthy and orderly development of the sugar industry.

Resistance Risk and Novel Resistance-Related Point Mutations in Target Protein PiORP1 of Fluoxapiprolin in Phytophthora infestans.

Fluoxapiprolin is a new oxysterol binding protein inhibitor (OSBPI), which showed excellent inhibitory activity to plant pathogenic oomycetes. Its resistance risk and mechanism in Phytophthora infestans are unclear. In the current study, the sensitivities of 103 P. infestans isolates to fluoxapiprolin were investigated, and a unimodal distribution with a mean EC50 value of 0.00035 µg/mL was observed. Four types of resistant mutants, with a resistance factor from 14 to more than 1000, and point mutations S768I+N837I, S768I+L860I, S768I, and I877F in PiORP1, were acquired using fungicide adaption. The fitness of the mutants was similar to or lower than that of the corresponding parental isolate. Positive cross-resistance was detected between fluoxapiprolin and oxathiapiprolin. The point mutations were verified in P. sojae homologue positions using the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system. Transformants containing S768I+N837I or S768I+L860I, showed high fluoxapiprolin resistance (RF > 1000). In conclusion, the risk of P. infestans resistance to fluoxapiprolin is moderate, and novel point mutation types S768I+N837I or S768I+L860I could cause high fluoxapiprolin resistance in P. infestans.

Risk of Malnutrition in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: Studies have reported that COVID-19 may increase the risk of malnutrition among patients. However, the prevalence of such risk in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is uncertain due to the inconsistent use of assessment methods. (2) Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched to identify studies on the nutritional status of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A pooled prevalence of malnutrition risk evaluated by Nutrition Risk Score (NRS-2002) was obtained using a random effects model. Differences by study-level characteristics were examined by hospitalization setting, time of assessment, age, and country. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle−Ottawa Scale. (3) Results: 53 studies from 17 countries were identified and summarized. A total of 17 studies using NRS-2002, including 3614 COVID-19 patients were included in the primary meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of risk of malnutrition was significantly higher among ICU patients (92.2%, 95% CI: 85.9% to 96.8%) than among general ward patients (70.7%, 95% CI: 56.4% to 83.2%) (p = 0.002). No significant differences were found between age groups (≥65 vs. <65 years, p = 0.306) and countries (p = 0.893). (4) Conclusions: High risk of malnutrition is common and concerning in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, suggesting that malnutrition screening and nutritional support during hospitalization are needed.

Analysis of resistance risk and resistance-related point mutations in Cyt b of QioI fungicide ametoctradin in Phytophthora litchii.

BACKGROUND: Litchi downy blight, caused by Phytophthora litchii, is one of the most important diseases of litchi. Ametoctradin, as the only QioI (quinone inside and outside inhibitor) fungicide, has been registered in China in 2019. However, the ametoctradin-resistance risk and molecular basis in Phytophthora litchii have not been reported. RESULTS: In this study, the sensitivity profile of 144 Phytophthora litchii strains to ametoctradin was determined, with a mean median effective concentration (EC50 ) value of 0.1706 ± 0.091 µg mL-1 . Nine stable resistant Phytophthora litchii mutants [resistance factor (RF) > 400] were derived from sensitive isolates using fungicide adaption. The compound fitness index of three resistant-mutants (HN10-1-1, HN10-1-2 and HN10-2-1) was similar or higher than that of their parental isolates in vitro. All these ametoctradin-resistant mutants were sensitive to metalaxyl, dimethomorph, oxathiapiprolin and cyazofamid. Two point mutations, leading to the S33L and D228N changes in PlCyt b (cytochrome b) were found in ametoctradin-resistant mutants. Eight ametoctradin-resistant mutants containing S33L showed increased sensitivity to azoxystrobin and amisulbrom, and one mutant containing D228N exhibited increased sensitivity to cyazofamid. In vitro enzyme activity test showed that ametoctradin could not inhibit the activity of cytochrome bc1 complex with S33L and D228N point mutation. AS-PCR primers were designed based on the S33L change to detect the ametoctradin-resistant strains in the future. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Phytophthora litchii has a medium to high resistance risk to ametoctradin in the laboratory. Two changes, S33L and D228N, in PlCyt b are likely to be associated with the observed ametoctradin resistance. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.