Oxygen Vacancies Trigger Rapid Charge Transport Channels at the Engineered Interface of S-scheme Heterojunction for Boosting Photocatalytic Performance.

Although oxygen vacancies (Ovs) have been intensively studied in single semiconductor photocatalysts, exploration of intrinsic mechanisms and in-depth understanding of Ovs in S-scheme heterojunction photocatalysts are still limited. Herein, a novel S-scheme photocatalyst made from WO3-Ov/In2S3 with Ovs at the heterointerface is rationally designed. The microscopic environment and local electronic structure of the S-scheme heterointerface are well optimized by Ovs. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (fs-TAS) reveals that Ovs trigger additional charge movement routes and therefore increase charge separation efficiency. In addition, Ovs have a synergistic effect on the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of S-scheme photocatalysts. As a result, the optimal photocatalytic performance is significantly improved, surpassing that of single component WO3-Ov and In2S3 (by 35.5 and 3.9 times, respectively), as well as WO3/In2S3 heterojunction. This work provides new insight into regulating the photogenerated carrier dynamics at the heterointerface and also helps design highly efficient S-scheme photocatalysts.

Sustained bacterial N2O reduction at acidic pH.

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a climate-active gas with emissions predicted to increase due to agricultural intensification. Microbial reduction of N2O to dinitrogen (N2) is the major consumption process but microbial N2O reduction under acidic conditions is considered negligible, albeit strongly acidic soils harbor nosZ genes encoding N2O reductase. Here, we study a co-culture derived from acidic tropical forest soil that reduces N2O at pH 4.5. The co-culture exhibits bimodal growth with a Serratia sp. fermenting pyruvate followed by hydrogenotrophic N2O reduction by a Desulfosporosinus sp. Integrated omics and physiological characterization revealed interspecies nutritional interactions, with the pyruvate fermenting Serratia sp. supplying amino acids as essential growth factors to the N2O-reducing Desulfosporosinus sp. Thus, we demonstrate growth-linked N2O reduction between pH 4.5 and 6, highlighting microbial N2O reduction potential in acidic soils.

Secondary metabolites in host pears defense against two fruit borers and cytochrome-P450-mediated counter-defense.

Herbivorous insects have evolved metabolic strategies to survive the challenges posed by plant secondary metabolites (SMs). This study reports an exploration of SMs present in pears, which serve as a defense against invasive Cydia pomonella and native Grapholita molesta and their counter-defense response. The feeding preferences of fruit borers are influenced by the softening of two pear varieties as they ripen. The content of SMs, such as quercetin and rutin, increases due to feeding by fruit borers. Notably, quercetin levels only increase after C. pomonella feeding. The consumption of SMs affects the growth of fruit borer population differently, potentially due to the activation of P450 genes by SMs. These two fruit borers are equipped with specific P450 enzymes that specialize in metabolizing quercetin and rutin, enabling them to adapt to these SMs in their host fruits. These findings provide valuable insights into the coevolution of plants and herbivorous insects.

The Neuro-Inflammatory Microenvironment: An Important Regulator of Stem Cell Survival in Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment due to excessive accumulation of extracellular amyloid-ß plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Although decades of research efforts have been put into developing disease-modifying therapies for AD, no "curative" drug has been identified. As a central player in neuro-inflammation, microglia play a key role inbrain homeostasis by phagocytosing debris and regulating the balance between neurotoxic and neuroprotective events. Typically, the neurotoxic phenotype of activated microglia is predominant in the impaired microenvironment of AD. Accordingly, transitioning the activity state of microglia from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory can restore the disrupted homeostatic microenvironment. Recently, stem cell therapy holds great promise as a treatment for AD; however, the diminished survival of transplanted stem cells has resulted in a disappointing long-term outcome for this treatment. This article reviews the functional changes of microglia through the course of AD-associated homeostatic deterioration. We summarize the possible microglia-associated therapeutic targets including TREM2, IL-3Rα, CD22, C5aR1, CX3CR1, P2X7R, CD33, Nrf2, PPAR-γ, CSF1R, and NLRP3, each of which has been discussed in detail. The goal of this review is to put forth the notion that microglia could be targeted by either small molecules or biologics to make the brain microenvironment more amenable to stem cell implantation and propose a novel treatment strategy for future stem cell interventions in AD.

TIMP1 protects against blood-brain barrier disruption after subarachnoid haemorrhage by inhibiting ubiquitination of astrocytic ß1-integrin.

BACKGROUND: Astrocytes regulate blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, whereas subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) results in astrocyte dysregulation and BBB disruption. Here, we explored the involvement of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease-1 (TIMP1) in astrocyte-mediated BBB protection during SAH, along with its underlying mechanisms. METHODS: C57BL/6J mice were used to establish a model of SAH. The effects of TIMP1 on SAH outcomes were analysed by intraperitoneal injection of recombinant mouse TIMP1 protein (rm-TIMP1; 250 µg/kg). The roles of TIMP1 and its effector ß1-integrin on astrocytes were observed by in vivo transduction with astrocyte-targeted adeno-associated virus carrying TIMP1 overexpression plasmid or ß1-integrin RNAi. The molecular mechanisms underlying TIMP1 and ß1-integrin interactions were explored in primary cultured astrocytes stimulated with red blood cells (RBCs). RESULTS: TIMP1 was upregulated after SAH. Administration of rm-TIMP1 mitigated SAH-induced early brain injury (EBI) in male and female mice. TIMP1 was primarily expressed in astrocytes; its overexpression in astrocytes led to increased ß1-integrin expression in astrocytes, along with the preservation of astrocytic endfoot attachment to the endothelium and subsequent recovery of endothelial tight junctions. All of these effects were reversed by the knockdown of ß1-integrin in astrocytes. Molecular analysis showed that TIMP1 overexpression decreased the RBC-induced ubiquitination of ß1-integrin; this effect was partially achieved by inhibiting the interaction between ß1-integrin and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Trim21. CONCLUSION: TIMP1 inhibits the interaction between ß1-integrin and Trim21 in astrocytes, thereby rescuing the ubiquitination of astrocytic ß1-integrin. It subsequently restores interactions between astrocytic endfeet and the endothelium, as well as BBB integrity, eventually mitigating SAH-induced EBI.

Reducing the incidence of persistent headache attributed to retrosigmoid craniotomy: the role of 3D computed tomography venography image-guided technique and bone defects minimization.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to assess the risk factors for persistent headache attributed to retrosigmoid craniotomy. Furthermore, we evaluated the role of the 3D computed tomography venography(CTV) image-guided technique in reducing the incidence of persistent headache. METHOD: The study encompassed patients with trigeminal neuralgia who underwent microvascular decompression. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the use of 3D CTV in surgical planning. Factors related to craniotomy and postoperative complications were analyzed between the two groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for persistent headache attributed to craniotomy. RESULT: The inclusion criteria yielded 48 patients who underwent craniotomy with 3D CTV image guidance (the image-guided group) and 69 patients who did not use this technique (the control group). The image-guided group experienced significantly shorter craniotomy durations (27.9 ± 4.7 vs. 37.5 ± 8.0 min; p < 0.001), smaller craniotomy areas (472.7 ± 56.7 vs. 617.4 ± 89.7 mm2; p < 0.001), and reduced bone defects (141.8 ± 33.5 vs. 233.2 ± 71.1 mm2; p < 0.001). Bone defect (OR: 1.012; 95% CI: 1.005-1.018; p < 0.001) was found to be significantly associated with persistent headache in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Bone defects constitute an independent risk factor for persistent headache attributed to retrosigmoid craniotomy. The 3D CTV image-guided technique effectively reduces the size of bone defects, thereby leading to a reduced incidence of persistent headache postoperatively.

Nitrous oxide inhibition of methanogenesis represents an underappreciated greenhouse gas emission feedback.

Methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) are major greenhouse gases that are predominantly generated by microbial activities in anoxic environments. N2O inhibition of methanogenesis has been reported, but comprehensive efforts to obtain kinetic information are lacking. Using the model methanogen Methanosarcina barkeri strain Fusaro and digester sludge-derived methanogenic enrichment cultures, we conducted growth yield and kinetic measurements and showed that micromolar concentrations of N2O suppress the growth of methanogens and CH4 production from major methanogenic substrate classes. Acetoclastic methanogenesis, estimated to account for two-thirds of the annual 1 billion metric tons of biogenic CH4, was most sensitive to N2O, with inhibitory constants (KI) in the range of 18-25 µM, followed by hydrogenotrophic (KI, 60-90 µM) and methylotrophic (KI, 110-130 µM) methanogenesis. Dissolved N2O concentrations exceeding these KI values are not uncommon in managed (i.e. fertilized soils and wastewater treatment plants) and unmanaged ecosystems. Future greenhouse gas emissions remain uncertain, particularly from critical zone environments (e.g. thawing permafrost) with large amounts of stored nitrogenous and carbonaceous materials that are experiencing unprecedented warming. Incorporating relevant feedback effects, such as the significant N2O inhibition on methanogenesis, can refine climate models and improve predictive capabilities.

Search for Snail Repellents: Antimollusc Activities from Stemona parviflora and Six Other Chinese Stemona Species.

Snails are important agricultural pests difficult to control, but data regarding molluscicidal assays are scant. Stemona alkaloids are typical secondary metabolites for the taxa and have been broadly investigated for their pharmacological and toxicological effects. This makes it possible for us to further develop the toxicities of these compounds to snails. In this work, we tested the antifeedant properties of leaves from seven Chinese Stemona species against the land snail species Bradybaena ravida in choice and non-choice feeding assays. The tested leaves Stemona parviflora exhibited the most deterrent effects, and a further phytochemical investigation of aerial parts led to the identification of 16 alkaloids. Among them, three novel alkaloids could be identified. The alkaloidal fraction and single alkaloids were further assayed against this snail species, and the results suggest a cocktail effect because the impact of the alkaloidal fraction was higher than the effects caused by single alkaloids. The study can promote the search process of natural antimollusc products from plants to control snails.

Radiotherapy-Induced Astrocyte Senescence Promotes an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment in Glioblastoma to Facilitate Tumor Regrowth.

Accumulating evidence suggests that changes in the tumor microenvironment caused by radiotherapy are closely related to the recurrence of glioma. However, the mechanisms by which such radiation-induced changes are involved in tumor regrowth have not yet been fully investigated. In the present study, how cranial irradiation-induced senescence in non-neoplastic brain cells contributes to glioma progression is explored. It is observed that senescent brain cells facilitated tumor regrowth by enhancing the peripheral recruitment of myeloid inflammatory cells in glioblastoma. Further, it is identified that astrocytes are one of the most susceptible senescent populations and that they promoted chemokine secretion in glioma cells via the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. By using senolytic agents after radiotherapy to eliminate these senescent cells substantially prolonged survival time in preclinical models. The findings suggest the tumor-promoting role of senescent astrocytes in the irradiated glioma microenvironment and emphasize the translational relevance of senolytic agents for enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy in gliomas.

TRIM25 promotes glioblastoma cell growth and invasion via regulation of the PRMT1/c-MYC pathway by targeting the splicing factor NONO.

BACKGROUND: Ubiquitination plays an important role in proliferating and invasive characteristic of glioblastoma (GBM), similar to many other cancers. Tripartite motif 25 (TRIM25) is a member of the TRIM family of proteins, which are involved in tumorigenesis through substrate ubiquitination. METHODS: Difference in TRIM25 expression levels between nonneoplastic brain tissue samples and primary glioma samples was demonstrated using publicly available glioblastoma database, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. TRIM25 knockdown GBM cell lines (LN229 and U251) and patient derived GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) GBM#021 were used to investigate the function of TRIM25 in vivo and in vitro. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry analysis were performed to identify NONO as a protein that interacts with TRIM25. The molecular mechanisms underlying the promotion of GBM development by TRIM25 through NONO were investigated by RNA-seq and validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS: We observed upregulation of TRIM25 in GBM, correlating with enhanced glioblastoma cell growth and invasion, both in vitro and in vivo. Subsequently, we screened a panel of proteins interacting with TRIM25; mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that NONO was a potential substrate of TRIM25. TRIM25 knockdown reduced the K63-linked ubiquitination of NONO, thereby suppressing the splicing function of NONO. Dysfunctional NONO resulted in the retention of the second intron in the pre-mRNA of PRMT1, inhibiting the activation of the PRMT1/c-MYC pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that TRIM25 promotes glioblastoma cell growth and invasion by regulating the PRMT1/c-MYC pathway through mediation of the splicing factor NONO. Targeting the E3 ligase activity of TRIM25 or the complex interactions between TRIM25 and NONO may prove beneficial in the treatment of GBM.

A proton birdcage coil integrated with interchangeable single loops for multi-nuclear MRI/MRS. / ä¸€ç§ç”¨äºŽå¤šæ ¸ç£å ±æŒ¯æˆåƒåŠæ³¢è°±çš„é¸Ÿç¬¼çº¿åœˆä¸Žå¯æ›´æ¢å•çŽ¯çº¿åœˆçš„ä¸€ä½“åŒ–è®¾è®¡.

Energy metabolism is fundamental for life. It encompasses the utilization of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins for internal processes, while aberrant energy metabolism is implicated in many diseases. In the present study, using three-dimensional (3D) printing from polycarbonate via fused deposition modeling, we propose a multi-nuclear radiofrequency (RF) coil design with integrated 1H birdcage and interchangeable X-nuclei (2H, 13C, 23Na, and 31P) single-loop coils for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The single-loop coil for each nucleus attaches to an arc bracket that slides unrestrictedly along the birdcage coil inner surface, enabling convenient switching among various nuclei and animal handling. Compared to a commercial 1H birdcage coil, the proposed 1H birdcage coil exhibited superior signal-excitation homogeneity and imaging signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). For X-nuclei study, prominent peaks in spectroscopy for phantom solutions showed excellent SNR, and the static and dynamic peaks of in vivo spectroscopy validated the efficacy of the coil design in structural imaging and energy metabolism detection simultaneously.

Identifying PLAUR as a Pivotal Gene of Tumor Microenvironment and Regulating Mesenchymal Phenotype of Glioblastoma.

The mesenchymal (MES) phenotype of glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and therapy-resistant subtype of GBM. The MES phenotype transition during tumor progression results from both tumor-intrinsic genetic alterations and tumor-extrinsic microenvironmental factors. In this study, we sought to identify genes that can modulate the MES phenotype via both mechanisms. By integrating weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and the differential expression analysis of hypoxia-immunosuppression-related genes, we identified the plasminogen activator, urokinase receptor (PLAUR) as the hub gene. Functional enrichment analysis and GSVA analysis demonstrated that PLAUR was associated with the MES phenotype of glioma and the hypoxia-immunosuppression-related microenvironmental components. Single-cell sequencing analysis revealed that PLAUR mediated the ligand-receptor interaction between tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and glioma cells. Functional experiments in vitro with cell lines or primary glioma cells and xenograft models using BALB/c nude mice confirmed the role of PLAUR in promoting the MES phenotype of GBM. Our findings indicate that PLAUR regulates both glioma cells and tumor cell-extrinsic factors that favor the MES phenotype and suggest that PLAUR might be a potential target for GBM therapy.

Aging of polypropylene plastic and impacts on microbial community structure in constructed wetlands.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a substantial surge in the usage of disposable plastic masks, generating a significant volume of waste and contributing to environmental pollution. Wetland ecosystems function as crucial repositories for terrestrial pollutants and are highly effective in retaining disposable masks composed mainly of PP material. These masks can endure extended periods in wetlands, experiencing natural degradation that may have potential implications on wetland ecosystems. Our findings demonstrate the natural aging process of disposable masks, resulting in the generation of microplastics (MPs) ranging in diameter from 10 to 30 µm over a 180-day timeframe. Examination of 16S rDNA data unveiled temporal fluctuations in microbial diversity in the wetland ecosystem. Initially, microbial diversity displayed a modest incline, which was succeeded by a subsequent decrease. With the progressive accumulation of plastic within the wetland, an ongoing decline in microbial diversity linked to nitrogen transformation was observed. This study provides valuable insights into the retention of disposable masks by wetlands amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, along with their consequential effects on wetland ecosystems, specifically pertaining to nitrogen cycling. It underscores the urgency of augmenting the safeguarding measures for wetland ecosystems.

The effects of anastomoses between anterior and posterior circulation on postoperative prognosis of patients with moyamoya disease.

BACKGROUND: Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a chronic ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Collateral circulation in MMD has emerged as a research focus. Our aims were to assess the impact of anastomoses between the anterior and posterior circulations on the prognosis of MMD patients. METHODS: We reviewed the preoperative digital subtraction angiography images of patients with MMD who underwent revascularization surgery at our hospital between March 2014 and May 2020 and divided the patients into two groups: those with anastomoses (PtoA group) and those without anastomoses (non-PtoA group). The differences in follow-up (more than 6 months) collateral vessel establishment (Matsushima grade) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were compared between the two groups as well as between the patients with different degrees of anastomoses. The early complications following revascularization were also compared between the two groups. RESULTS: This study included 104 patients with MMD, of which 38 were non-PtoA and 66 were PtoA. There were no significant differences in Matsushima score (P = 0.252) and mRS score (P = 0.066) between the two groups. In addition, Matsushima score (P = 0.243) and mRS score (P = 0.360) did not differ significantly between patients with different degrees of anastomoses. However, the non-PtoA group had a significantly higher rate of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) than the PtoA group (34.2% vs 16.7%, P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: MMD patients without anastomoses between anterior and posterior circulations preoperatively should be vigilant of the occurrence of CHS in the early stages after revascularization.

Neutrophil-like pH-responsive pro-efferocytic nanoparticles improve neurological recovery by promoting erythrophagocytosis after intracerebral hemorrhage.

Rationale: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating cerebrovascular disease resulting from blood extravasating into the brain parenchyma. Escalation of erythrophagocytosis (a form of efferocytosis), avoiding the consequent release of the detrimental erythrocyte lysates, may be a promising target of ICH management. The ADAM17 inhibitor and liver X receptor (LXR) agonist could promote efficient efferocytosis and injury repair. Nevertheless, the poor bioavailability and restriction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) hinder their application. Therefore, it is needed that biocompatible and smart nanoplatforms were designed and synthesized to realize effective therapy targeting erythrophagocytosis. Methods: We first assessed the synergistic effect of therapeutic GW280264X (an ADAM17 inhibitor) and desmosterol (an LXR agonist) on erythrophagocytosis in vitro. Then a pH-responsive neutrophil membrane-based nanoplatform (NPEOz) served as a carrier to accurately deliver therapeutic GW280264X and desmosterol to the damaged brain was prepared via co-extrusion. Afterwards, their pH-responsive performance was valued in vitro and targeting ability was assessed through fluorescence image in vivo. Finally, the pro-erythrophagocytic and anti-neuroinflammatory ability of the nanomedicine and related mechanisms were investigated. Results: After the synergistical effect of the above two drugs on erythrophagocytosis was confirmed, we successfully developed neutrophil-disguised pH-responsive nanoparticles to efficiently co-deliver them. The nanoparticles could responsively release therapeutic agents under acidic environments, and elicit favorable biocompatibility and ability of targeting injury sites. D&G@NPEOz nanoparticles enhanced erythrophagocytosis through inhibiting shedding of the efferocytotic receptors MERTK/AXL mediated by ADAM17 and accelerating ABCA-1/ABCG-1-mediated cholesterol efflux regulated by LXR respectively. In addition, the nano-formulation was able to modulate the inflammatory microenvironment by transforming efferocytes towards a therapeutic phenotype with reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokines while increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors, and improve neurological function. Conclusions: This biomimetic nanomedicine is envisaged to offer an encouraging strategy to effectively promote hematoma and inflammation resolution, consequently alleviate ICH progression.

Research Progress on Structure-Activity Relationship of 1,8-Naphthalimide DNA Chimeras Against Tumor.

The development of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives as cell probes, DNA targeting agents, and anti-tumor drugs is one of the research hotspots in the field of medicine. Naphthalimide compounds are a kind of DNA embedder, which can change the topological structure of DNA by embedding in the middle of DNA base pairs, and then affect the recognition and action of topoisomerase on DNA. Aminofide and mitonafide are the first 2 drugs to undergo clinical trials. They have good DNA insertion ability, can embed DNA double-stranded structure, and induce topoisomerase II to cut part of pBR322DNA, but not yet entered the market due to their toxicity. In this paper, the design and structure-activity relationship of mononaphthalimide and bisaphthalimide compounds were studied, and the relationship between the structure of naphthalimide and anti-tumor activity was analyzed and discussed. It was found that a variety of structural modifications were significant in improving anti-tumor activity and reducing toxicity.

The Na+ /Ca2+ antiporter slr0681 affects carotenoid production in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 under high-light stress.

BACKGROUND: Carotenoids play key roles in photosynthesis and are widely used in foods as natural pigments, antioxidants, and health-promoting compounds. Enhancing carotenoid production in microalgae via biotechnology has become an important area of research. RESULTS: We knocked out the Na+ /Ca2+ antiporter gene slr0681 in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 via homologous recombination and evaluated the effects on carotenoid production under normal (NL) and high-light (HL) conditions. On day 7 of NL treatment in calcium ion (Ca2+ )-free medium, the cell density of Δslr0681 decreased by 29% compared to the wild type (WT). After 8 days of HL treatment, the total carotenoid contents decreased by 35% in Δslr0681, and the contents of individual carotenoids were altered: myxoxanthophyll, echinenone, and ß-carotene contents increased by 10%, 50%, and 40%, respectively, while zeaxanthin contents decreased by ~40% in Δslr0681 versus the WT. The expression patterns of carotenoid metabolic pathway genes also differed: ipi expression increased by 1.2- to 8.5-fold, whereas crtO and crtR expression decreased by ~90% and 60%, respectively, in ∆slr0681 versus the WT. In addition, in ∆slr0681, the expression level of psaB (encoding a photosystem I structural protein) doubled, whereas the expression levels of the photosystem II genes psbA2 and psbD decreased by ~53% and 84%, respectively, compared to the WT. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that slr0681 plays important roles in regulating carotenoid biosynthesis and structuring of the photosystems in Synechocystis sp. This study provides a theoretical basis for the genetic engineering of microalgae photosystems to increase their economic benefits and lays the foundation for developing microalgae germplasm resources with high carotenoid contents. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Predator-prey encounters: deciphering the robbery relationship between highwayman flies and their ant victims.

Examples of predator-prey interactions in which flies rob ants are uncommon. To date, this behavior has only been recorded in the genus Bengalia Robineau-Desvoidy (Bengaliinae, Diptera, Calliphoridae). These predatory flies ambush ants, and rob them of the food or offspring that they are carrying. However, because of the rarity of this behavior, the reasons and consequences (evolutionary advantages) are unknown, and indeed, the behavior has been sometimes considered anecdotal. In this study, we employed field investigations and behavioral analyses to investigate whether the sex of the fly Bengalia varicolor, or the weight and quality of the food carried by Pheidole nodus ants influenced fly-ant interactions in their natural habitats. We show that food weight and quality influenced the behavior of B. varicolor independent of the fly's sex. Robbing behavior by the flies was more successful when the food robbed was of high-quality and light in weight. Furthermore, the weight of the food robbed modulated the escape distance the flies could carry it. This then may affect the food quality and weight transported by the ants. This is a novel example of deciphering the relationship between highwayman flies and their ant victims. Given the widespread distribution of Bengalia flies, we suggest that such interspecific predator-prey encounters may shape the robbery interactions and the carrying behavior of further ant species in nature.

Pan-Cancer Single-Nucleus Total RNA Sequencing Using snHH-Seq.

Tumor heterogeneity and its drivers impair tumor progression and cancer therapy. Single-cell RNA sequencing is used to investigate the heterogeneity of tumor ecosystems. However, most methods of scRNA-seq amplify the termini of polyadenylated transcripts, making it challenging to perform total RNA analysis and somatic mutation analysis.Therefore, a high-throughput and high-sensitivity method called snHH-seq is developed, which combines random primers and a preindex strategy in the droplet microfluidic platform. This innovative method allows for the detection of total RNA in single nuclei from clinically frozen samples. A robust pipeline to facilitate the analysis of full-length RNA-seq data is also established. snHH-seq is applied to more than 730 000 single nuclei from 32 patients with various tumor types. The pan-cancer study enables it to comprehensively profile data on the tumor transcriptome, including expression levels, mutations, splicing patterns, clone dynamics, etc. New malignant cell subclusters and exploring their specific function across cancers are identified. Furthermore, the malignant status of epithelial cells is investigated among different cancer types with respect to mutation and splicing patterns. The ability to detect full-length RNA at the single-nucleus level provides a powerful tool for studying complex biological systems and has broad implications for understanding tumor pathology.

Aristolochia mimics stink bugs to repel vertebrate herbivores via TRPA1 activation.

Mimicry is the phenomenon in which one species (the mimic) closely resembles another (the model), enhancing its own fitness by deceiving a third party into interacting with it as if it were the model. In plants, mimicry is used primarily to gain fitness by withholding rewards from mutualists or deterring herbivores cost-effectively. While extensive work has been documented on putative defence mimicry, limited investigation has been conducted in the field of chemical mimicry. In this study, we used field experiments, chemical analyses, behavioural assays, and electrophysiology, to test the hypothesis that the birthwort Aristolochia delavayi employs chemical mimicry by releasing leaf scent that closely resembles stink bug defensive compounds and repels vertebrate herbivores. We show that A. delavayi leaf scent is chemically and functionally similar to the generalized defensive volatiles of stink bugs and that the scent effectively deters vertebrate herbivores, likely through the activation of TRPA1 channels via (E)-2-alkenal compounds. This study provides an unequivocal example of chemical mimicry in plants, revealing intricate dynamics between plants and vertebrate herbivores. Our study underscores the potency of chemical volatiles in countering vertebrate herbivory, urging further research to uncover their potentially underestimated importance.