Determination of single or paired-kernel-rows is controlled by two quantitative loci during maize domestication.

KEY MESSAGE: qPEDS1, a major quantitative trait locus that determines kernel row number during domestication, harbors the proposed causal gene Zm00001d033675, which may affect jasmonic acid biosynthesis and determine the fate of spikelets. Maize domestication has achieved the production of maize with enlarged ears, enhancing grain productivity dramatically. Kernel row number (KRN), an important yield-related trait, has increased from two rows in teosinte to at least eight rows in modern maize. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying this process remain unclear. To understand KRN domestication, we developed a teosinte-maize BC2F7 population by introgressing teosinte into a maize background. We identified one line, Teosinte ear rank1 (Ter1), with only 5-7 kernel rows which is fewer than those in almost all maize inbred lines. We detected two quantitative trait loci underlying Ter1 and fine-mapped the major one to a 300-kb physical interval. Two candidate genes, Zm674 and Zm675, were identified from 26 maize reference genomes and teosinte bacterial artificial chromosome sequences. Finally, we proposed that Ter1 affects jasmonic acid biosynthesis in the developing ear to determine KRN by the fate of spikelets. This study provides novel insights into the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying KRN domestication and candidates for de novo wild teosinte domestication.

Clinical and etiological characteristics of severe hemorrhagic fever caused by coinfection of hantaan orthohantavirus and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus.

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) usually have different infection routes, and coinfection is relatively rare. This study examines the clinical and etiological characteristics of coinfection by these two pathogens to provide important references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Blood samples from 22 clinically diagnosed patients with HFRS were collected for molecular detection of HFRS and common tick and mouse borne diseases. Inoculate the blood of six severe and critically patients into cells to isolate and proliferate potential viruses, and retest the cell culture to determine the pathogen. In addition, complete data were collected from these 22 HFRS and concurrent SFTS patients, and white blood cells (WBCs), platelet (PLT), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and other data were compared and analyzed. A total of 31 febrile patients, including 22 HFRS patients and 9 SFTS patients, were collected from September 2021 to October 2022. Among these HFRS patients, 11 were severe or critical. Severe and critical HFRS patients were characterized by rodent exposure history, pharyngeal and conjunctival hyperemia, abnormal WBC and PLT counts, and elevated BUN and Cr values. Virus isolation and molecular detection on blood samples from 6 patients showed that three of the six severe patients were positive for hantaan virus (HTNV), and two of the three HTNV positives were also positive for SFTS bunyavirus (SFTSV). The two coinfected patients exhibited different clinical and laboratory characteristics compared to those infected by either virus alone. Coinfection of HTNV and SFTSV leads to severe and complex hemorrhagic fever. Laboratory characteristics, such as the indicators of WBC, PLT, BUN, and Cr, may differ between HFRS and SFTS. These findings have implications and provide references for the diagnosis and treatment of coinfected cases.

Prevalence and genetic diversity of rodent-associated Bartonella in Hulunbuir border regions, China.

Bartonella spp. are globally distributed gram-negative facultative intracellular bacteria that infect a wide range of hosts. Rodents are natural reservoirs of many Bartonella species, some of which are also pathogenic to humans. The rapid development of transportation and tourism has highlighted the risk of Bartonella transmission to humans. Thus, it is essential to maintain surveillance of Bartonella spp. infections in rodents. In China, Bartonella spp. infections have been monitored in various areas; however, these have not included the Hulunbuir border regions. In the present study, we monitored the prevalence and genetics of rodent-associated Bartonella spp. in the Hulunbuir border regions. Eleven rodent species were captured at five ports. Eight species were confirmed as Bartonella-positive using quantitative PCR assay, with an overall positivity rate of 20.05 %. Lasiopodomys brandtii was the predominant rodent species captured for Bartonella detection. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis (using the maximum likelihood method) revealed the presence of three Bartonella species in these rodents, including two pathogenic to humans, namely, Bartonella alsatica and Bartonella grahamii. B. grahamii was the predominant Bartonella species identified in the rodents. Taken together, these results highlight the prevalence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp. in rodents in the Hulunbuir border regions, indicating the need for risk assessment of human spillover.

Amugulang virus, a novel hantavirus harboured by small rodents in Hulunbuir, China.

The Hulunbuir region, known for its diverse terrain and rich wildlife, is a hotspot for various natural epidemic diseases. Between 2021 and 2023, we collected 885 wild rodent samples from this area, representing three families, seven genera, and eleven species. Metagenomic analysis identified three complete nucleic acid sequences from the S, M, and L segments of the Hantaviridae family, which were closely related to the Khabarovsk virus. The nucleotide coding sequences for S, M, and L (1392 nt, 3465 nt, and 6491 nt, respectively) exhibited similarities of 82.34%, 81.68%, and 81.94% to known sequences, respectively, while protein-level analysis indicated higher similarities of 94.92%, 94.41%, and 95.87%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis placed these sequences within the same clade as the Khabarovsk, Puumala, Muju, Hokkaido, Topografov, and Tatenalense viruses, all of which are known to cause febrile diseases in humans. Immunofluorescence detection of nucleic acid-positive rodent kidney samples using sera from patients with hemorrhagic fever and renal syndrome confirmed the presence of viral particles. Based on these findings, we propose that this virus represents a new member of the Hantaviridae family, tentatively named the Amugulang virus, after its primary distribution area.

Hyd/UBR5 defines a tumor suppressor pathway that links Polycomb repressive complex to regulated protein degradation in tissue growth control and tumorigenesis.

Tumor suppressor genes play critical roles in normal tissue homeostasis, and their dysregulation underlies human diseases including cancer. Besides human genetics, model organisms such as Drosophila have been instrumental in discovering tumor suppressor pathways that were subsequently shown to be highly relevant in human cancer. Here we show that hyperplastic disc (Hyd), one of the first tumor suppressors isolated genetically in Drosophila and encoding an E3 ubiquitin ligase with hitherto unknown substrates, and Lines (Lin), best known for its role in embryonic segmentation, define an obligatory tumor suppressor protein complex (Hyd-Lin) that targets the zinc finger-containing oncoprotein Bowl for ubiquitin-mediated degradation, with Lin functioning as a substrate adaptor to recruit Bowl to Hyd for ubiquitination. Interestingly, the activity of the Hyd-Lin complex is directly inhibited by a micropeptide encoded by another zinc finger gene, drumstick (drm), which functions as a pseudosubstrate by displacing Bowl from the Hyd-Lin complex, thus stabilizing Bowl. We further identify the epigenetic regulator Polycomb repressive complex1 (PRC1) as a critical upstream regulator of the Hyd-Lin-Bowl pathway by directly repressing the transcription of the micropeptide drm Consistent with these molecular studies, we show that genetic inactivation of Hyd, Lin, or PRC1 resulted in Bowl-dependent hyperplastic tissue overgrowth in vivo. We also provide evidence that the mammalian homologs of Hyd (UBR5, known to be recurrently dysregulated in various human cancers), Lin (LINS1), and Bowl (OSR1/2) constitute an analogous protein degradation pathway in human cells, and that OSR2 promotes prostate cancer tumorigenesis. Altogether, these findings define a previously unrecognized tumor suppressor pathway that links epigenetic program to regulated protein degradation in tissue growth control and tumorigenesis.

Strong interaction between promoter and metal in Pd-Ba/TiO2 catalysts for formaldehyde oxidation.

As our previous works found, alkali metals have a common promotion effect on supported noble metals catalysts for formaldehyde (HCHO) oxidation. As second-group elements, alkaline earth metals (AEMs) are neighbors to the first-group elements and share some properties in common. However, detailed investigations into the specific mechanisms underlying AEMs' effects on HCHO oxidation remain limited. In this study, we found that Ba addition showed a similar promotion effect on HCHO oxidation for Pd/TiO2. Ba species stabilized Pd groups, improved the dispersion, and even caused a large number of monatomic-like Pd sites to appear, which may be attributed to the electronic interaction between promoter and metal (EIPM) between Ba and Pd. Besides, AEM loading had the important effect of increasing the electron density of metallic Pd nanoparticles, which further improved the ability for O2 activation and so enhanced the mobility of chemisorbed oxygen on the catalyst surface. For Pd/TiO2, the HCHO oxidation path is mainly HCHO→HCOOH→HCOO→H2O+CO2. By contrast, for Pd-Ba/TiO2, with more surface-active species, the formate intermediate was more likely to be directly oxidized into H2O and CO2, which is a more effective reaction pathway. The details of the EIPM between Pd and Ba were investigated by GPAW (DFT calculation module) in ASE (Atomic Simulation Environment). The AEM Ba acted as an electron donor and could interact with Pd d orbital electrons through BaO sp orbital electrons. Ba species were highly dispersed on the carrier due to the Ba-Ti interaction. Ba species dispersed over large areas stabilized the Pd particles and donated electrons to Pd. Therefore, adding an AEM is an efficacious strategy to improve the performance of the catalytic oxidation of HCHO.

Effects of Wildfire on Soil CO2 Emission and Bacterial Community in Plantations.

In order to study the effects of wildfires on soil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and microbial communities in planted forests, Pinus massoniana Lamb. and Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook. forests were selected as the research subjects. Through a culture test with 60 days of indoor constant temperature, the soil physical and chemical properties, organic carbon mineralization, organic carbon components, enzyme activity, and microbial community structure changes of the two plantations after fire were analyzed. The results showed that wildfires significantly reduced soil CO2 emissions from the Pinus massoniana forests and Cunninghamia lanceolata forests by 270.67 mg·kg-1 and 470.40 mg·kg-1, respectively, with Cunninghamia lanceolata forests exhibiting the greatest reduction in soil CO2 emissions compared to unburned soils. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the abundance of soil Proteobacteria in the Pinus massoniana and Cunninghamia lanceolata forests decreased by 6.00% and 4.55%, respectively, after wildfires. Additionally, redundancy analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between Proteobacteria and soil CO2 emissions, suggesting that the decrease in Proteobacteria may inhibit soil CO2 emissions. The Cunninghamia lanceolata forests exhibited a significant increase in soil available nutrients and inhibition of enzyme activities after the wildfire. Additionally, soil CO2 emissions decreased more, indicating a stronger adaptive capacity to environmental changes following the wildfire. In summary, wildfire in the Cunninghamia lanceolata forests led to the most pronounced reduction in soil CO2 emissions, thereby mitigating soil carbon emissions in the region.

PI4P-mediated solid-like Merlin condensates orchestrate Hippo pathway regulation.

Despite recent studies implicating liquid-like biomolecular condensates in diverse cellular processes, many biomolecular condensates exist in a solid-like state, and their function and regulation are less understood. We show that the tumor suppressor Merlin, an upstream regulator of the Hippo pathway, localizes to both cell junctions and medial apical cortex in Drosophila epithelia, with the latter forming solid-like condensates that activate Hippo signaling. Merlin condensation required phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI4P)-mediated plasma membrane targeting and was antagonistically controlled by Pez and cytoskeletal tension through plasma membrane PI4P regulation. The solid-like material properties of Merlin condensates are essential for physiological function and protect the condensates against external perturbations. Collectively, these findings uncover an essential role for solid-like condensates in normal physiology and reveal regulatory mechanisms for their formation and disassembly.

Advances in diffuse glioma assessment: preoperative and postoperative applications of chemical exchange saturation transfer.

Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) is a technique that uses specific off-resonance saturation pulses to pre-saturate targeted substances. This process influences the signal intensity of free water, thereby indirectly providing information about the pre-saturated substance. Among the clinical applications of CEST, Amide Proton Transfer (APT) is currently the most well-established. APT can be utilized for the preoperative grading of gliomas. Tumors with higher APTw signals generally indicate a higher likelihood of malignancy. In predicting preoperative molecular typing, APTw values are typically lower in tumors with favorable molecular phenotypes, such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations, compared to IDH wild-type tumors. For differential diagnosis, the average APTw values of meningiomas are significantly lower than those of high-grade gliomas. Various APTw measurement indices assist in distinguishing central nervous system lesions with similar imaging features, such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, central nervous system lymphoma, solitary brain metastases, and glioblastoma. Regarding prognosis, APT effectively differentiates between tumor recurrence and treatment effects, and also possesses predictive capabilities for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Global burden and risk factors of chronic kidney disease in adolescents and young adults: a study from 1990 to 2019.

Background: Few studies have evaluated the global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). Methods: Age-standardized rates of incidence (ASIR), mortality (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life-years (ASDR) were used to describe the CKD burden in AYAs. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) were calculated to evaluate the temporal trends from 1990 to 2019. Risk factors were calculated by population attributable fractions. Results: In 2019, the ASIR, ASMR, and ASDR of CKD in AYAs were 32.21 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 23.73-40.81) per 100,000, 2.86 (2.61-3.11) per 100,000 and 236.85 (209.03-268.91) per 100,000, respectively. The ASIR was higher among females than males, whereas the ASMR was higher among males than females in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, significant increases in ASIR were found for CKD (EAPC, 0.98%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.95%-1.01%), although the ASMR had decreased (EAPC, -0.40%; 95% CI, -0.56% to -0.24%). The largest increase in ASIR was observed in countries with a middle sociodemographic index (SDI) (EAPC, 1.30%; 95% CI, 1.28%-1.33%), while the largest increase in ASMR was observed in high SDI. Globally, the proportional contribution of risk factors for CKD mortality varied across regions, with the highest proportions of high fasting plasma glucose being 14.04% in low SDI, compared with 24.01% in high SDI. Conclusion: CKD is a growing global health problem in AYAs, especially in countries with a middle SDI. Targeted measures are needed to address the rising burden of CKD in AYAs, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and reducing disparities.

Global burden, trends, and cross-country inequalities of urinary tract infections in adolescents and young adults, 1990 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Limited studies have evaluated the global burden, trends, and cross-country inequalities for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). METHODS: Age-standardized incidence rate, age-standardized mortality rate, and age-standardized Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) rate were used to describe the UTI burden. The estimated annual percentage changes were calculated to evaluate the temporal trends from 1990 to 2019. The slope index of inequality and concentration index were utilized to quantify the distributive inequalities. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2019, a significant increase in age-standardized incidence rate (estimated annual percentage change =0.22%, 95% confidence interval 0.19%-0.26%) was found for UTIs in AYAs, and the increasing trend was more pronounced in males than females. Significant decreases in age-standardized mortality rate and age-standardized DALY rate were found in females but not in males. The slope index of inequality changed from 21.80 DALYs per 100,000 in 1990 to 20.91 DALYs per 100,000 in 2019 for UTIs in AYAs. Moreover, the concentration index showed -0.23 in 1990 and -0.14 in 2019. DISCUSSION: Countries with lower sociodemographic development levels shouldered a disproportionately higher UTI burden. CONCLUSIONS: UTIs remain an ongoing health burden for AYAs globally, with substantial heterogeneities found across countries, sex, and age groups.

A novel strategy to prepare high performance multifunctional composite films by combining electrostatic assembly, crosslinking, topology enhancement and sintering.

Currently, polymer-fiber composite films face the challenge of striking a balance between good mechanical properties and multi-functionalities. Here, aramid fibers (ANFs), chitosan (CS) dendritic particles, and silver nanowires (AgNWs) were used to create high-performance multifunctional composite films. AgNWs and polymer dendritic particles form an interpenetrating segregated network that ensures both a continuous conductive filler and a polymer network. Electrostatic assembly eliminates repulsion between negatively charged ANFs, cross-linked CS particles generate a stable three-dimensional network, and a "brick-mortar" structure composed of multiple materials contributes to topological enhancement. Sintering encourages local overlap and fusing of the AgNWs while reducing their internal flaws. Based on the above strategy, these films achieve a strength of 306.5 MPa, a toughness of 26.5 MJ m-3, and a conductivity of 392 S cm-1. Density functional theory (DFT) and Comsol simulations demonstrate that the introduction of CS thin layers leads to strong hydrogen bonds and three-dimensional continuous conductive networks. With its outstanding mechanical and electrical properties, the AgNW@ANF/CS-CH film demonstrates excellent electromagnetic shielding (22 879.1 dB cm2 g-1) and Joule heating (70 °C within 10 s) capabilities. This work presents a novel approach to fabricate high-performance conductive films and expand their potential applications in lightweight wearable electronics and electrothermal therapy.

The effect of systematic couple group therapy on families with depressed juveniles: a pilot trial.

Background: Depression is a primary cause of illness and disability among teenagers, and the incidence of depression and the number of untreated young people have increased in recent years. Effective intervention for those youths could decrease the disease burden and suicide or self-harm risk during preadolescence and adolescence. Objective: To verify the short efficacy of the systemic couple group therapy (SCGT) on youths' depression changes and families with depressed adolescents. Methods: The study was a self-control trial; only within-group changes were evaluated. Participants were couples with a depressed child who was resistant to psychotherapy; they were recruited non-randomly through convenient sampling. The paired-sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare differences before and after interventions. The effect sizes were also estimated using Cohen's d. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to examine associations between changes. Results: A downward trend was seen in depressive symptoms after treatment, and Cohen's d was 0.33 (p = 0.258). The adolescents perceived fewer interparental conflicts, and the effect sizes were medium for perceived conflict frequency (0.66, p = 0.043), conflict intensity (0.73, p = 0.028), conflict solutions (0.75, p = 0.025), coping efficacy (0.68, p = 0.038), and perceived threat (0.57, p = 0.072). For parents, global communication quality, constructive communication patterns, and subjective marital satisfaction significantly improved after interventions, with large effect sizes (1.11, 0.85, and 1.03, respectively; all p < 0.001). Other destructive communication patterns such as demand/withdraw (p = 0.003) and mutual avoidance (p = 0.018) and communication strategies like verbal aggression (p = 0.012), stonewalling (p = 0.002), avoidance-capitulation (p = 0.036), and child involvement (p = 0.001) also reduced, with medium effect sizes (0.69, 0.52, 0.55, 0.71, 0.46, and 0.79, respectively). Meanwhile, the associations between depression changes and changes in interparental conflicts (p < 0.001) and marital satisfaction (p = 0.001) were significant. Conclusions and clinical relevance: The SCGT offers the possibility for the treatment of families with depressed children who are unwilling to seek treatment. Helping parents improve communication and marital quality may have benefits on children's depressive symptoms.

In-Depth Understanding of the Oxidative Compatibility of Volatile Organic Compounds with Mn2O3 and Pt-Loaded Catalysts.

Designing suitable catalysts for efficiently degrading volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a great challenge due to the distinct variety and nature of VOCs. Herein, the suitability of different typical VOCs (toluene and acetone) over Pt-based catalysts and Mn2O3 was investigated carefully. The activity of Mn2O3 was inferior to Pt-loaded catalysts in toluene oxidation but showed superior ability for destroying acetone, while Pt loading could boost the catalytic activity of Mn2O3 for both acetone and toluene. This suitability could be determined by the physicochemical properties of the catalysts and the structure of the VOC since toluene destruction activity is highly reliant on Pt0 in the metallic state and linearly correlated with the amount of surface reactive oxygen species (Oads), while the crucial factor that affects acetone oxidation is the mobility of lattice oxygen (Olat). The Pt/Mn2O3 catalyst shows highly active Pt-O-Mn interfacial sites, favoring the generation of Oads and promoting Mn-Olat mobility, leading to its excellent performance. Therefore, the design of abundant active sites is an effective means of developing highly adaptive catalysts for the oxidation of different VOCs.

Clinical Assessment of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Diffuse Glioma: Insights Into Histological Grading and IDH Classification.

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic utility of clinical magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in distinguishing between histological grading and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) classification in adult diffuse gliomas. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 247 patients diagnosed with adult diffuse glioma. Experienced radiologists evaluated DWI and MRS images. The Kruskal-Wallis test examined differences in DWI and MRS-related parameters across histological grades, while the Mann-Whitney U test assessed molecular classification. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves evaluated parameter effectiveness. Survival curves, stratified by histological grade and IDH classification, were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier test. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 141 males and 106 females, with ages ranging from 19 to 85 years. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences in ADC mean, Cho/NAA, and Cho/Cr concerning glioma histological grade (P < .01). Subsequent application of Dunn's test showed significant differences in ADC mean among each histological grade (P < .01). Notably, Cho/NAA exhibited a marked distinction between grade 2 and grade 3/4 gliomas (P < .01). The Mann-Whitney U test indicated that only ADC mean showed statistical significance for IDH molecular classification (P < .01). ROC curves were constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the specified parameters. Survival curves were also delineated to portray survival outcomes categorized by histological grade and IDH classification. Conclusions: Clinical MRS demonstrates efficacy in glioma histological grading but faces challenges in IDH classification. Clinical DWI's ADC mean parameter shows significant distinctions in both histological grade and IDH classification.

Endometrial Cancer Detection by DNA Methylation Analysis in Cervical Papanicolaou Brush Samples.

Background: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the leading gynecological cancer worldwide, yet current EC screening approaches are not satisfying. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the feasibility and capability of DNA methylation analysis in cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) brush samples for EC detection. Methods: We used quantitative methylation-sensitive PCR (qMS-PCR) to determine the methylation status of candidate genes in EC tissue samples, as well as cervical Pap brushes. The ability of RASSF1A and HIST1H4F to serve as diagnostic markers for EC was then examined in cervical Pap brush samples from women with endometrial lesions of varying degrees of severity. Results: Methylated RASSF1A and HIST1H4F were found in EC tissues. Further, methylation of the two genes was also observed in cervical Pap smear samples from EC patients. Methylation levels of RASSF1A and HIST1H4F increased as endometrial lesions progressed, and cervical Pap brush samples from women affected by EC exhibited significantly higher levels of methylated RASSF1A and HIST1H4F compared to noncancerous controls (P < .001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) analyses revealed RASSF1A and HIST1H4F methylation with a combined AUC of 0.938 and 0.951 for EC/pre-EC detection in cervical Pap brush samples, respectively. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that DNA methylation analysis in cervical Pap brush samples may be helpful for EC detection, broadening the scope of the commonly used cytological screening. Our proof-of-concept study provides new insights into the field of clinical EC diagnosis.

HOXB9 promotes laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma progression by upregulating MMP12.

Transcriptional factor HOXB9, a part of the HOX gene family, plays a crucial role in the development of diverse cancer types. This study aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of HOXB9 on the proliferation and invasion of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cells to provide guidance for the development and prognosis of LSCC. The CRISPR/Cas9 method was employed in LSCC cell lines to knock out the HOXB9 gene and validate its effects on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and regulation of LSCC cells. CCK-8 and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability and proliferation; Tunnel was used to detect cell apoptosis, and transwell was used to detect cell migration and invasion. The effect of HOXB9 on tumor growth was tested in nude mice. The downstream target genes regulated by HOXB9 were screened by microarray analysis and verified by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and double-luciferase reporter assays. The current research investigated molecular pathways governed by HOXB9 in the development of LSCC. Additionally, both laboratory- and living-organism-based investigations revealed that disrupting the HOXB9 gene through the CRISPR/CAS9 mechanism restrained cellular growth, movement, and infiltration, while enhancing cellular apoptosis. Detailed analyses of LSCC cell strains and human LSCC samples revealed that HOXB9 promoted LSCC progression by directly elevating the transcriptional activity of MMP12. HOXB9 could influence changes in LSCC cell functions, and the mechanism of action might be exerted through its downstream target gene, MMP12.

UNVEILING THE PROTECTIVE MECHANISMS OF PUERARIN AGAINST ACUTE LUNG INJURY: A COMPREHENSIVE EXPLORATION OF THE ROLES AND MECHANISMS OF MST1/ERS SIGNALING.

ABSTRACT: Objectives: Puerarin, the principal active constituent extracted from Pueraria, is believed to confer protection against sepsis-induced lung injury. The study aimed to elucidate the role and mechanism of Mst1/ERS in puerarin-mediated protection against acute lung injury (ALI). Methods: Monolayer vascular endothelial cell permeability was assessed by gauging the paracellular flow of FITC-dextran 40,000 (FD40). ELISA was employed for the quantification of inflammatory cytokines. Identification of target proteins was conducted through western blotting. Histological alterations and apoptosis were scrutinized using hematoxylin-eosin staining and TUNEL staining, respectively. The ultrastructure of the endoplasmic reticulum was observed via transmission electron microscopy. Results: Puerarin significantly protected mice from LPS-induced ALI, reducing lung interstitial width, neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration, pulmonary interstitial and alveolar edema, and lung apoptosis. Puerarin treatment also markedly attenuated levels of TNF-α and IL-1ß in both alveolar lavage fluid and serum. Furthermore, puerarin significantly attenuated LPS-induced increases in Mst1, GRP78, CHOP, and Caspase12 protein expression and blunted LPS-induced decrease in ZO-1 protein expression in lung tissues. Puerarin obviously reduced endoplasmic reticulum expansion and vesiculation. Similarly, puerarin significantly mitigated the LPS-induced reduction in HUVEC cell viability and ZO-1 expression. Puerarin also attenuated LPS-induced increase in apoptosis, TNF-α and IL-1ß, FD40 flux, and Mst1, GRP78, CHOP, and Caspase12 expression in HUVEC cells. Nevertheless, the inhibitory impact of puerarin on vascular endothelial cell injury, lung injury, and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) was diminished by Mst1 overexpression. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that the Mst1/ERS signaling pathway played a pivotal role in the development of LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ALI. Puerarin exhibited the ability to attenuate LPS-induced vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and ALI by inhibiting the Mst1/ERS signaling pathway.

Interchain-expanded extra-large-pore zeolites.

Stable aluminosilicate zeolites with extra-large pores that are open through rings of more than 12 tetrahedra could be used to process molecules larger than those currently manageable in zeolite materials. However, until very recently1-3, they proved elusive. In analogy to the interlayer expansion of layered zeolite precursors4,5, we report a strategy that yields thermally and hydrothermally stable silicates by expansion of a one-dimensional silicate chain with an intercalated silylating agent that separates and connects the chains. As a result, zeolites with extra-large pores delimited by 20, 16 and 16 Si tetrahedra along the three crystallographic directions are obtained. The as-made interchain-expanded zeolite contains dangling Si-CH3 groups that, by calcination, connect to each other, resulting in a true, fully connected (except possible defects) three-dimensional zeolite framework with a very low density. Additionally, it features triple four-ring units not seen before in any type of zeolite. The silicate expansion-condensation approach we report may be amenable to further extra-large-pore zeolite formation. Ti can be introduced in this zeolite, leading to a catalyst that is active in liquid-phase alkene oxidations involving bulky molecules, which shows promise in the industrially relevant clean production of propylene oxide using cumene hydroperoxide as an oxidant.

MedChatZH: A tuning LLM for traditional Chinese medicine consultations.

Generative Large Language Models (LLMs) have achieved significant success in various natural language processing tasks, including Question-Answering (QA) and dialogue systems. However, most models are trained on English data and lack strong generalization in providing answers in Chinese. This limitation is especially evident in specialized domains like traditional Chinese medical QA, where performance suffers due to the absence of fine-tuning and high-quality datasets. To address this, we introduce MedChatZH, a dialogue model optimized for Chinese medical QA based on transformer decoder with LLaMA architecture. Continued pre-training on a curated corpus of Chinese medical books is followed by fine-tuning with a carefully selected medical instruction dataset, resulting in MedChatZH outperforming several Chinese dialogue baselines on a real-world medical dialogue dataset. Our model, code, and dataset are publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/tyang816/MedChatZH) to encourage further research in traditional Chinese medicine and LLMs.