Mutation of AREA affects growth, sporulation, nitrogen regulation, and pathogenicity in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

The GATA transcription factor AreA is a global nitrogen regulator that restricts the utilization of complex and poor nitrogen sources in the presence of good nitrogen sources in microorganisms. In this study, we report the biological function of an AreA homolog (the CgareA gene) in the fruit postharvest pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Targeted gene deletion mutants of areA exhibited significant reductions in vegetative growth, increases in conidia production, and slight decreases in conidial germination rates. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed that the expression of AreA was highly induced under nitrogen-limiting conditions. Moreover, compared to wild-type and complemented strains, nitrogen metabolism-related genes were misregulated in ΔareA mutant strains. Pathogenicity assays indicated that the virulence of ΔareA mutant strains were affected by the nitrogen content, but not the carbon content, of fruit hosts. Taken together, our results indicate that CgareA plays a critical role in fungal development, conidia production, regulation of nitrogen metabolism and virulence in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Identification of miRNAs involved in fruit ripening in Cavendish bananas by deep sequencing.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of non-coding small RNAs that play an important regulatory role in various biological processes. Previous studies have reported that miRNAs are closely related to the ripening process in model plants. However, the miRNAs that are closely involved in the banana fruit ripening process remain unknown. METHODS: Here, we investigated the miRNA populations from banana fruits in response to ethylene or 1-MCP treatment using a deep sequencing approach and bioinformatics analysis combined with quantitative RT-PCR validation. RESULTS: A total of 125 known miRNAs and 26 novel miRNAs were identified from three libraries. MiRNA profiling of bananas in response to ethylene treatment compared with 1-MCP treatment showed differential expression of 82 miRNAs. Furthermore, the differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted to target a total of 815 target genes. Interestingly, some targets were annotated as transcription factors and other functional proteins closely involved in the development and the ripening process in other plant species. Analysis by qRT-PCR validated the contrasting expression patterns between several miRNAs and their target genes. CONCLUSIONS: The miRNAome of the banana fruit in response to ethylene or 1-MCP treatment were identified by high-throughput sequencing. A total of 82 differentially expressed miRNAs were found to be closely associated with the ripening process. The miRNA target genes encode transcription factors and other functional proteins, including SPL, APETALA2, EIN3, E3 ubiquitin ligase, ß-galactosidase, and ß-glucosidase. These findings provide valuable information for further functional research of the miRNAs involved in banana fruit ripening.

First characterization in China of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in the blue fox (Alopex lagopus).

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite that infects a wide range of vertebrates, including primates. It has recently emerged as an opportunistic parasite of patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. The blue fox (Alopex lagopus; also known as the arctic fox) is one of the most susceptible species for encephalitozoonosis. Here, we report an outbreak of encephalitozoonosis at a fox farm in China. The isolated parasites displayed the typical morphology of E. cuniculi as assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. Analysis of the internal transcribed spacer sequence indicated that the isolated parasite is a genotype III strain of E. cuniculi. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis of the PTP1 gene verifies classification of this new strain (termed LN-1) with other genotype III E. cuniculi strains, though the PTP3 and SWP1 sequences diverge from the reference strain. This is the first report of encephalitozoonosis in farmed blue foxes in China.

Global aspects of pacC regulation of pathogenicity genes in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides as revealed by transcriptome analysis.

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides alkalinizes its surroundings during colonization of host tissue. The transcription factor pacC is a regulator of pH-controlled genes and is essential for successful colonization. We present here the sequence assembly of the Colletotrichum fruit pathogen and use it to explore the global regulation of pathogenicity by ambient pH. The assembled genome size was 54 Mb, encoding 18,456 genes. Transcriptomes of the wild type and ΔpacC mutant were established by RNA-seq and explored for their global pH-dependent gene regulation. The analysis showed that pacC upregulates 478 genes and downregulates 483 genes, comprising 5% of the fungal genome, including transporters, antioxidants, and cell-wall-degrading enzymes. Interestingly, gene families with similar functionality are both up- and downregulated by pacC. Global analysis of secreted genes showed significant pacC activation of degradative enzymes at alkaline pH and during fruit infection. Select genes from alkalizing-type pathogen C. gloeosporioides and from acidifying-type pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum were verified by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis at different pH values. Knock out of several pacC-activated genes confirmed their involvement in pathogenic colonization of alkalinized surroundings. The results suggest a global regulation by pacC of key pathogenicity genes during pH change in alkalinizing and acidifying pathogens.

The circulating level of endothelial progenitor cells after transcatheter closure of congenital heart disease in children.

Data have shown that circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) closely correlate with the vascular endothelial layer state. The present study was designed to describe the evolution of EPCs in children before and 24 h after transcatheter closure surgery for occluding congenital heart disease. Three groups of patients were studied: the transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) group (group 1), the transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) group (group 2), and the transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect (VSD) group (group 3). The circulating EPC level was detected using flow cytometry measuring CD34 and kinase insert receptor double-positive mononuclear cells. The concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The fluoroscopy time was correctly recorded during the surgery. All of the data were collected before and 24 h after surgery. EPC level and VEGF concentration did not change significantly before and at 24 h after surgery in groups 1 and 2. In group 3, the level of circulating EPCs and VEGF concentration increased significantly 24 h after surgery. The fluoroscopy time in group 3 was significantly longer than in groups 1 and 2. The increased volume of EPCs and VEGF were positively correlated in group 3. Our results showed that transcatheter closure of PDA and ASD in children does not lead to increased circulating level of EPCs. Transcatheter closure of VSD may result in vascular endothelium injury as indicated by increased circulating EPC level.

[Protective effect of cold autologous blood cardioplegic solution on the heart of infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of cold autologous blood cardioplegic solution on the heart of infants with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD). METHODS: Ninety-six infants with CCHD who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were randomly and equally divided into three groups: histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution, cold non-autologous blood cardioplegic solution, and cold autologous blood cardioplegic solution. The right auricular tissues were taken before aortic cross-clamping and at 30 minutes after aortic declamping, and ATP level and energy charge (EC) in the myocardium were measured. Venous blood was collected before and immediately after CPB, and the serum levels of creatine kinase (CK)-MB and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured. The clinical parameters, such as the re-beat time and re-beat rate during CPB, cardiac index, dependence on positive inotropic agents, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 2 hours after CPB, the incidence rate of arrhythmia within 24 hours after CPB, and postoperative complications and mortality, were recorded. RESULTS: At 30 minutes after aortic declamping, the three groups showed significantly decreased ATP and EC levels (P<0.05), and the cold autologous blood group had significantly higher ATP and EC levels than the other two groups (P<0.05). Immediately after CPB, the three groups showed significantly increased serum levels of CK-MB and cTnI (P<0.05), and the cold autologous blood group had significantly lower serum levels of CK-MB and cTnI than the other two groups (P<0.05). The cold autologous blood group had significantly better outcomes than the other two groups in terms of the re-beat time during CPB and the dependence on positive inotropic agents and LVEF at 2 hours after CPB (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cold autologous blood cardioplegic solution is superior to HTK and cold non-autologous blood cardioplegic solutions in preserving myocardial energy and reducing myocardial injury in infants with CCHD who undergo CPB, thus providing a better protective effect on the heart.

An Ultrasound-Driven Bioadhesive Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Instant Wound Sealing and Electrically Accelerated Healing in Emergencies.

A bioadhesive triboelectric nanogenerator (BA-TENG), as a first-aid rescue for instant and robust wound sealing and ultrasound-driven accelerated wound healing, is designed. This BA-TENG is fabricated with biocompatible materials, and integrates a flexible TENG as the top layer and bioadhesive as the bottom layer, resulting in effective electricity supply and strong sutureless sealing capability on wet tissues. When driven by ultrasound, the BA-TENG can produce a stable voltage of 1.50 V and current of 24.20 µA underwater. The ex vivo porcine colon organ models show that the BA-TENG seals defects instantly (≈5 s) with high interfacial toughness (≈150 J m-2 ), while the rat bleeding liver incision model confirms that the BA-TENG performs rapid wound closure and hemostasis, reducing the blood loss by about 82%. When applied in living rats, the BA-TENG not only seals skin injuries immediately but also produces a strong electric field (E-field) of about 0.86 kV m-1 stimulated by ultrasound to accelerate skin wound healing significantly. The in vitro studies confirm that these effects are attributed to the E-field-accelerated cell migration and proliferation. In addition, these TENG adhesives can be applied to not only wound treatment, nerve stimulation and regeneration, and charging batteries in implanted devices.

Ultrasound-Driven Injectable and Fully Biodegradable Triboelectric Nanogenerators.

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) provide practical approaches to monitor physiological parameters, diagnose diseases, and aid treatment. However, device installation, maintenance, and long-term implantation increase the risk of infection with conventional IMDs. Therefore, medical devices with biocompatibility, controllability, and miniaturization are highly demandable. An ultrasound-driven, biodegradable, and injectable triboelectric nanogenerator (I-TENG) is demonstrated to reduce the risks of implant-related injuries and infections. The injection can be given by subcutaneous injection with a needle to minimize the implantation incision. The stable output of I-TENG is driven by ultrasound (20 kHz, 1 W cm-2 ), with a voltage of 356.8 mV and current of 1.02 µA during in vivo studies and an electric field of about 0.92 V mm-1 during ex vivo experiments. The cell scratch and proliferation assays showed that the delivered electric field effectively increased cell migration and proliferation, indicating a significant potential to accelerate healing with electricity.

Major royal jelly proteins alleviate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice model by regulating disordered metabolic pathways.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the major cause of global chronic hepatic injury, has obtained increasing attention while the current drug treatment still laid safety hazards. Major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs), the water-soluble proteins enriched in royal jelly (RJ), were applied to study its effects on improving NAFLD in the NAFLD mouse model. Herein, we demonstrated that intaking of 250-500 mg/kg/day MRJPs significantly decreased the rate of obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and insulin resistance. Next, TOF to MRM ("TM") widely targeted metabolomics (untargeted metabolomics + widely targeted metabolomics) was further used to explore the potential mechanism, and we found that 500 mg/kg MRJPs alleviated lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation mainly by regulating the metabolisms of alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, by detecting multiple oxidative stress factors and inflammatory cytokines, we found that MRJPs indeed exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Together, we demonstrated that MRJPs could mediate the progress of NAFLD through the "multi-component-multi-target-multi-pathway" mechanism, which could be considered as an ideal functional food in alleviating NAFLD. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Royal jelly (RJ) is a bee product with high nutritional value. Major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs) are water-soluble proteins in RJ. Our research showed that MRJPs significantly ameliorated NAFLD induced by a high-fat diet in mice, suggesting that MRJPs could be used as an active ingredient to help improve NAFLD, which was beneficial for the development of related functional foods and the economic value of RJ. Moreover, the metabolic pathways involved in the ameliorative effect of MRJPs were investigated, which provided new ideas for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Expression of PEI-coated gold nanoparticles carrying exogenous gene in periwinkle mesophyll cells and its practice in huanglongbing research.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating disease of citrus, which is mostly caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas). To realize the specific application of nano-transgenic technology in HLB, AuNPs-PEI (Gold Nanoparticles-Polyethylenimine) was used to carry foreign genes into the leaves of periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) by infiltration. Here, we demonstrated that NPR1-GFP protein expression was observed from the 12th hour to the 10th day after infiltrating AuNPs-PEI-pNPR1 (Arabidopsis thaliana nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related gene 1)-GFP. Fluorescence of mCherry was observed 6 h after AuNPs-PEI-pNLS (nuclear localization signal sequence)-mCherry infiltration and fluorescence of FAM was observed in the nucleus 4 h after AuNPs-PEI-FAM-siRNA NPR1 infiltration. In addition, NPR1-GFP expression in CLas-infected periwinkle leaves was significantly higher than that in healthy periwinkle leaves after infiltration. Our work confirmed that the expression of exogenous NPR1-GFP could reduce the CLas titers by promoting the expression of PR (pathogenesis related) genes and ICS (isochorismate synthase) gene.

[Effects of intravenous immunoglobulin and aspirin treatment on the functions of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in children with Kawasaki disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin treatment on the functions of circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in children with Kawasaki disease (KD) and possible mechanisms. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained in 10 children with KD before and 7 days after the treatment by IVIG and aspirin. MTT method, modified Boyden chamber method and cell culture plate adhesion method were used to assess the functions of EPCs, including proliferation, adhension and migration activities. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also measured. RESULTS: The functions of circulating EPCs 7 days after IVIG and aspirin treatment were significantly improved. IVIG and aspirin treatment significantly reduced plasma TNF-α and hs-CRP concentrations. There was a significant linear regression relationship between the reduced plasma TNF-α and hs-CRP levels and the increased functions of circulating EPCs. CONCLUSIONS: IVIG and aspirin treatment can improve the functions of circulating EPCs, possibly through reducing plasma concentrations of TNF-α and hs-CRP.

Controlling Citrus Huanglongbing: Green Sustainable Development Route Is the Future.

Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most severe bacterial disease of citrus crops caused by Candidatus Liberibacter spp. It causes a reduction in fruit yield, poor fruit quality, and even plants death. Due to the lack of effective medicine, HLB is also called citrus "AIDS." Currently, it is essential for the prevention and control of HLB to use antibiotics and pesticides while reducing the spread of HLB by cultivating pathogen-free seedlings, removing disease trees, and killing Asian citrus psyllid (ACP). New compounds [e.g., antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and nanoemulsions] with higher effectiveness and less toxicity were also found and they have made significant achievements. However, further evaluation is required before these new antimicrobial agents can be used commercially. In this review, we mainly introduced the current strategies from the aspects of physical, chemical, and biological and discussed their environmental impacts. We also proposed a green and ecological strategy for controlling HLB basing on the existing methods and previous research results.

Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Activity of ZrO2 Nanoparticles: Effect of Tetragonal and Monoclinic Phases.

The effect of the ZrO2 crystal form on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity was studied. The ratio of the tetragonal (T) and monoclinic (M) phases of ZrO2 nanoparticles (ZrO2 NPs) was controlled by regulating the ratio of two types of additives in the hydrothermal synthesis method. The SERS intensity of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) was gradually enhanced by changing the M and T phase ratio in ZrO2 NPs. The degree of charge transfer (CT) in the enhanced 4-MBA molecule was greater than 0.5, indicating that CT was the main contributor to SERS. The intensity of SERS was strongest when the ratio of the T crystal phase in ZrO2 was 99.7%, and the enhancement factor reached 2.21 × 104. More importantly, the proposed study indicated that the T and M phases of the ZrO2 NPs affected the SERS enhancement. This study provides a new approach for developing high-quality SERS substrates and improving the transmission efficiency of molecular sensors.

The number and function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells in patients with Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is associated with coronary artery injury. Studies have shown that the endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) participates in the process of arterial repair. Data have been reported that the number of EPC increased significantly in the subacute phase of KD. However, until now, there are no data about the functions of EPC in KD patients. The present study was designed to further investigate the number and functions of EPC in KD. Ten KD patients in the acute phase and ten healthy volunteers were recruited and attributed to the KD group and control group, respectively. The circulating CD34/kinase insert domain-containing receptor double positive cells were evaluated in the two groups using flow cytometry. In vitro assays were used to measure the functions of EPC, including proliferation, adhesion, and migration activities. The plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were also assessed in both groups. The number of EPC in the KD group was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.021 +/- 0.007% vs. 0.014 +/- 0.003%, P < 0.05). The migratory response of EPC was significantly decreased in the KD group, compared with that of the control group (5.50 +/- 1.78 vs. 3.40 +/- 1.35 cells/high power field, P < 0.01). Similarly, the proliferative and adhesive activities of EPC in the KD group were also decreased (0.47 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.66 +/- 0.07, P < 0.01; 6.5 +/- 2.12 vs. 11.2 +/- 2.04 cells/high power field, P < 0.01). The plasma NO, TNF-alpha, and hs-CRP levels in the KD group were higher than those of the control group (54.10 +/- 11.78 vs. 38.80 +/- 11.10 mumol/l, P < 0.01; 48.20 +/- 7.42 vs. 37.00 +/- 11.12 pg/ml, P < 0.05; 87.10 +/- 30.18 vs. 5.30 +/- 3.37 mg/l, P < 0.01). The number of circulating EPC positively correlated with the level of NO (r = 0.92, P < 0.001), and the functions of EPC negatively correlated with the levels of TNF-alpha and hs-CRP, respectively. In Kawasaki disease, the number of EPC was enhanced and the functions of EPC were attenuated. The two-way regulation of circulating EPC in KD patients may be associated with the disorders of cytokines or messengers in KD patients.

[A modified management of the transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus: using angiography combined with transthoracic echocardiography].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of angiography combined with transthoracic echocardiography (TEE) as a modified management of the transcatheter occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). METHODS: Forty children with PDA were randomly divided into two groups (n=20 each): observed and control. The control group accepted traditional transcatheter occlusion, and the observed group received a modified management (angiography combined with TEE). The children in the observed group were monitored by realtime TTE. RESULTS: A complete occlusion was acquired by one occlusion operation in each child in the observed group. The TTE demonstrated that the occlusion device was in place, and that the blood flow velocities in the left and right pulmonary artery and the descending aorta were in normal ranges. There were shorter X-ray exposure time, shorter recovering time and less ICU stay time in the observed group than in the control group. The complications associated with blood vessel puncturation occurred in four children from the control group, but none of the observed group had the complications. The total hospitalization cost in the observed group was less than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Angiography combined with TEE as a modified management of the transcatheter occlusion of PDA is recommended.

[Decreased circulating endothelial progenitor cell function: relationship with serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in children with Kawasaki disease].

OBJECTIVE: To study the function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and its relationship with serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) in children with Kawasaki disease. METHODS: Ten children with Kawasaki disease and ten healthy children as a control group were enrolled. The peripheral mononuclear cells were induced into endothelial progenitor cells using Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium containing vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. The proliferative ability, migratory ability and adhesive ability of endothelial progenitor cells were assessed by MTT methods, modified Boyden chamber methods and cell culture plate adhesion method, respectively. The concentrations of serum Hs-CRP were measured by latex enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay. RESULTS: The proliferative ability, migratory ability and adhesive ability of endothelial progenitor cells in the Kawasaki disease group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The serum concentrations of Hs-CRP in the Kawasaki disease group were significantly higher than those in the control group (87.1+/-30.2 mg/L vs 5.3+/-3.4 mg/L; P<0.01). The function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells was negatively correlated with serum concentrations of Hs-CRP in the Kawasaki disease group. CONCLUSIONS: The function of circulating endothelial progenitor cells is decreased in children with Kawasaki disease, which may be associated with the abnormal expression of inflammatory mediators.

A Dual-Emissive Phosphorescent Polymeric Probe for Exploring Drug-Induced Liver Injury via Imaging of Peroxynitrite Elevation In Vivo.

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a widespread clinical problem. The pathophysiological mechanisms of DILI are complicated, and the traditional diagnostic methods for DILI have their limitations. Owing to its convenient operation, high sensitivity, and high specificity, luminescent sensing and imaging as an indispensable tool in biological research and clinical trials may provide an important means for DILI study. Herein, we report the rational design and preparation of a near-infrared dual-phosphorescent polymeric probe (P-ONOO) for exploring the DILI via specific imaging of peroxynitrite (ONOO-) elevation in vivo, which was one of early markers of DILI and very difficult to be detected due to its short half-life and high reactive activity. With the utilization of P-ONOO, the raised ONOO- was visualized successfully in the drug-treated hepatocytes with a high signal-to-noise ratio via ratiometric and time-resolved photoluminescence imaging. Importantly, the ONOO- boost in the acetaminophen-induced liver injury in real time was verified, and the direct observation of the elevated ONOO- production in ketoconazole-induced liver injury was achieved for the first time. Our findings may contribute to understanding the exact mechanism of ketoconazole-induced hepatotoxicity that is still ambiguous. Notably, this luminescent approach for revealing the liver injury works fast and conveniently.

Cloning and Characterization of a Flavonol Synthase Gene From Litchi chinensis and Its Variation Among Litchi Cultivars With Different Fruit Maturation Periods.

Litchi (Litchi chinensis) is an important subtropical fruit tree with high commercial value. However, the short and centralized fruit maturation period of litchi cultivars represents a bottleneck for litchi production. Therefore, the development of novel cultivars with extremely early fruit maturation period is critical. Previously, we showed that the genotypes of extremely early-maturing (EEM), early-maturing (EM), and middle-to-late-maturing (MLM) cultivars at a specific locus SNP51 (substitution type C/T) were consistent with their respective genetic background at the whole-genome level; a homozygous C/C genotype at SNP51 systematically differentiated EEM cultivars from others. The litchi gene on which SNP51 was located was annotated as flavonol synthase (FLS), which catalyzes the formation of flavonols. Here, we further elucidate the variation of the FLS gene from L. chinensis (LcFLS) among EEM, EM, and MLM cultivars. EEM cultivars with a homozygous C/C genotype at SNP51 all contained the same 2,199-bp sequence of the LcFLS gene. For MLM cultivars with a homozygous T/T genotype at SNP51, the sequence lengths of the LcFLS gene were 2,202-2,222 bp. EM cultivars with heterozygous C/T genotypes at SNP51 contained two different alleles of the LcFLS gene: a 2,199-bp sequence identical to that in EEM cultivars and a 2,205-bp sequence identical to that in MLM cultivar 'Heiye.' Moreover, the coding regions of LcFLS genes of other MLM cultivars were almost identical to that of 'Heiye.' Therefore, the LcFLS gene coding region may be used as a source of diagnostic SNP markers to discriminate or identify genotypes with the EEM trait. The expression pattern of the LcFLS gene and accumulation pattern of flavonol from EEM, EM, and MLM cultivars were analyzed and compared using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for mature leaves, flower buds, and fruits, 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after anthesis. Flavonol content and LcFLS gene expression levels were positively correlated in all three cultivars: both decreased from the EEM to MLM cultivars, with moderate levels in the EM cultivars. LcFLS gene function could be further analyzed to elucidate its correlation with phenotype variation among litchi cultivars with different fruit maturation periods.

Extending Hypochlorite Sensing from Cells to Elesclomol-Treated Tumors in Vivo by Using a Near-Infrared Dual-Phosphorescent Nanoprobe.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), when beyond the threshold, can exhaust the capacity of cellular antioxidants and ultimately trigger cell apoptosis in tumor biology. However, the roles of hypochlorite (ClO-) in this process are much less clear compared with those of ROS, and its detection is easily obstructed by tissue penetration and endogenous fluorophores. Herein, we first synthesized a near-infrared (NIR) ratiometric ClO- probe (Ir NP) composed of two kinds of phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes (Ir1 and Ir2) encapsulated with amphiphilic DSPE-mPEG5000. Ir NPs are dual-emissive and show obvious changes in phosphorescence intensity ratios and lifetimes of two emission bands upon exposure to ClO-. During the ClO- detection, ratiometric photoluminescence imaging is much more reliable over the intensity-based one for its self-calibration, while time-resolved photoluminescence imaging (TRPI) could distinguish the phosphorescence with long lifetime of Ir NPs from short-lived autofluorescence of tissues, resulting in the high accuracy of ClO- determination. With NIR emission, a long phosphorescence lifetime, fast response, and excellent biocompatibility, Ir NPs were applied to the detection of ClO- in vitro and in vivo by means of ratiometric phosphorescence imaging and TRPI with high signal-to noise-ratios (SNR). Importantly, we demonstrated the elevated ClO- in elesclomol-stimulated tumors in living mice for the first time, which holds great potential for the visualization of the boost of ClO- in anti-carcinogen-treated tumors and the further investigation of ROS-related oncotherapeutics.