Glutathionylation of a glycolytic enzyme promotes cell death and vigor loss during aging of elm seeds.

Seed deterioration during storage is a major problem in agricultural and forestry production and for germplasm conservation. Our previous studies have shown that a mitochondrial outer membrane protein VOLTAGE-DEPENDENT ANION CHANNEL (VDAC) is involved in programmed cell death-like viability loss during the controlled deterioration treatment (CDT) of elm (Ulmus pumila L.) seeds, but its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the oxidative modification of GLYCERALDEHYDE-3-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE (GAPDH) is functioned in the gate regulation of VDAC during the CDT of elm seeds. Through biochemical and cytological methods and observations of transgenic material [Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), Nicotiana benthamiana, and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)], we demonstrate that cysteine S-glutathionylated UpGAPDH1 interacts with UpVDAC3 during seed aging, which leads to a mitochondrial permeability transition and aggravation of cell death, as indicated by the leakage of the mitochondrial proapoptotic factor cytochrome c and the emergence of apoptotic nucleus. Physiological assays and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis revealed that GAPDH glutathionylation is mediated by increased glutathione, which might be caused by increases in the concentrations of free metals, especially Zn. Introduction of the Zn-specific chelator TPEN [(N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis (2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine)] significantly delayed seed aging. We conclude that glutathionylated UpGAPDH1 interacts with UpVDAC3 and serves as a proapoptotic protein for VDAC-gating regulation and cell death initiation during seed aging.

Dynamic Failure Experimental Study of a Gravity Dam Model on a Shaking Table and Analysis of Its Structural Dynamic Characteristics.

Investigating the dynamic response patterns and failure modes of concrete gravity dams subjected to strong earthquakes is a pivotal area of research for addressing seismic safety concerns associated with gravity dam structures. Dynamic shaking table testing has proven to be a robust methodology for exploring the dynamic characteristics and failure modes of gravity dams. This paper details the dynamic test conducted on a gravity dam model on a shaking table. The emulation concrete material, featuring high density, low dynamic elastic modulus, and appropriate strength, was meticulously designed and fabricated. Integrating the shaking table conditions with the model material, a comprehensive gravity dam shaking table model test was devised to capture the dynamic response of the model under various dynamic loads. Multiple operational conditions were carefully selected for in-depth analysis. Leveraging the dynamic strain responses, the progression of damage in the gravity dam model under these diverse conditions was thoroughly examined. Subsequently, the recorded acceleration responses were utilized for identifying dynamic characteristic parameters, including the acceleration amplification factor in the time domain, acceleration response spectrum characteristics in the frequency domain, and modal parameters reflecting the inherent characteristics of the structure. To gain a comprehensive understanding, a comparative analysis was performed by aligning the observed damage development with the identified dynamic characteristic parameters, and the sensitivity of these identified parameters to different levels of damage was discussed. The findings of this study not only offer valuable insights for conducting and scrutinizing shaking table experiments on gravity dams but also serve as crucial supporting material for identifying structural dynamic characteristic parameters and validating damage diagnosis methods for gravity dam structures.

Socioeconomic development shows positive links to the conservation efficiency of China's protected area network.

While the protected area (PA) covers >15% of the planet's terrestrial land area and continues to expand, factors determining its effectiveness in conserving endangered species are being debated. We investigated the links between direct anthropogenic pressures, socioeconomic settings, and the coverage of vertebrate taxa by China's PA network, and indicated that high socioeconomic status and low levels of human pressure correlate with high species coverage, with threatened mammals more effectively conserved than reptiles or amphibians. Positive links between conservation outcomes and socioeconomic progress appear linked to local livelihood improvements triggering positive perceptions of local PAs-aided further by ecological compensation and tourism schemes introduced in wealthy areas and reinforced by continued positive conservation outcomes. Socioeconomic development of China's less developed regions might assist regional PA efficiency and achievement of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while also addressing potential shortcomings from an insufficient past focus on socioeconomic impacts for biodiversity conservation.

Redox-Controlled Energy Transfer Quenching of Fluorophore-Labeled DNA SAMs Enables In Situ Study of These Complex Electrochemical Interfaces.

Interfaces modified by a molecular monolayer can be challenging to study, particularly in situ, requiring novel approaches. Coupling electrochemical and optical approaches can be useful when signals are correlated. Here we detail a methodology that uses redox electrochemistry to control surface-based fluorescence intensity for detecting DNA hybridization and studying the uniformity of the surface response. A mixed composition single-strand DNA SAM was prepared using potential-assisted thiol exchange with two alkylthiol-modified ssDNAs that were either labeled with a fluorophore (AlexaFluor488) or a methylene blue (MB) redox tag. A significant change in fluorescence was observed when reducing MB to colorless leuco-MB. In situ fluorescence microscopy on a single-crystal gold bead electrode showed that fluorescence intensity depended on (1) the potential controlling the oxidation state of MB, (2) the surface density of DNA, (3) the MB:AlexFluor488 ratio in the DNA SAM, and (4) the local environment around the DNA SAM. MB efficiently quenched AlexaFluor488 fluorescence. Reduction of MB showed a significant increase in fluorescence resulting from a decrease in quenching or energy transfer efficiency. Hybridization of DNA SAMs with its unlabeled complement showed a large increase in fluorescence due to MB reduction for surfaces with sufficient DNA coverage. Comparing electrochemical-fluorescence measurements to electrochemical (SWV) measurements showed an improvement in detection of a small fraction of hybridized DNA SAM for surfaces with optimal DNA SAM composition and coverage. Additionally, this coupled electrochemical redox-fluorescence microscopy method can measure the spatial heterogeneity of electron-transfer kinetics and the influence of the local interfacial environment.

Risk prediction model for deep surgical site infection (DSSI) following open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture.

Deep surgical site infection (DSSI) is a serious complication affecting the surgical outcome of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture, and a risk prediction model based on the identifiable risk factors will provide great clinical value in prevention and prompt interventions. This study retrospectively identified patients operated for calcaneal fracture between January 2014 and December 2019, with a follow-up ≥1 year. The data were extracted from electronic medical records, with regard to demographics, comorbidities, injury, surgery and laboratory biomarkers at admission. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression analyses were used to identify the independent factors for DSSI, thereby the risk prediction model was developed. Among 900 patients included, 2.7% developed a DSSI. The multivariate analyses identified five factors independently associated with DSSI, including current smoking (OR, 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-6.4; P = .021), BMI ≥ 26.4 kg/m2 (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.6-8.4; P = .003), ASA ≥II (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-5.1; P = .043), incision level of II (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.3-12.6; P = .018) and NLR ≥6.4 (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3-7.5; P = .008). A score of 14 as the optimal cut-off value was corresponding to sensitivity of 0.542 and specificity of 0.872 (area, 0.766; P < .001); ≥14 was associated with 8.1-times increased risk of DSSI; a score of 7 was corresponding sensitivity of 100% and 10 corresponding to sensitivity of 0.875. The risk prediction model exhibited excellent performance in distinguishing the risk of DSSI and could be considered in practice for improvement of wound management, but its validity requires to be verified by better-design studies.

Improved Thermal Stability and Homogeneity of Low Probe Density DNA SAMs Using Potential-Assisted Thiol-Exchange Assembly Methods.

Methods for producing DNA SAM-based sensors with improved thermal stability and control over the homogeneity of low DNA probe density will enable advanced sensor development. The thermal stability of low-coverage DNA SAMs was studied for surfaces prepared using potential-assisted thiol exchange (Edep) and compared to DNA SAMs prepared without control over the substrate potential (OCPdep). Both surface preparation methods were studied using in situ fluorescence microscopy and electrochemistry with fluorophore or redox-modified DNA SAMs on a single-crystal gold bead electrode. Fluorescence microscopy showed that the influence of the underlying surface crystallography was important in both cases. The highest thermal stability was realized for square or rectangular surface atomic structure (e.g., surfaces from 110 to 100). The 111 and related surfaces were the least thermally stable. The low DNA coverage surfaces prepared by Edep had better thermal stability and higher DNA probe mobility as compared to OCPdep-prepared surfaces with the similar coverage. These results were correlated with methylene blue redox-tagged DNA probes, which directly measured the average DNA coverage. Both methods indicated that Edep DNA SAMs were more uniformly distributed across the electrode surface, while the surfaces prepared via OCPdep assembled into clusters with reduced mobility. The potential-assisted thiol-exchange approach to preparing low-coverage DNA SAMs was shown to quickly create modified surfaces that were consistent, had mobility characteristics which should yield superior DNA hybridization efficiencies, and having greater thermal stability which will translate into a longer shelf-life.

Thermal Stability of Thiolated DNA SAMs in Buffer: Revealing the Influence of Surface Crystallography and DNA Coverage via In Situ Combinatorial Surface Analysis.

The thermal stability of thiol based DNA SAMs prepared on gold surfaces is an important parameter that is correlated to sensor lifetime. The thermal stability of DNA SAMs was evaluated in aqueous buffer through the use of fluorophore labeled DNA, a single crystal gold bead electrode, and microscopy. The stability of different crystallographic regions on the electrode was studied for thermal treatments up to 95 °C for 90 min. Using a in situ combinatorial surface analytical measurement showed that the crystallography of the underlying gold surface played a significant role, with the square or rectangular lattices (e.g., 110, 100, 210) having the highest stability. Surfaces with hexagonal lattices (e.g., 111, 311, 211) were less stable toward thermal treatments. These crystallographic trends were observed for both high and low coverage DNA SAMs. High coverage DNA SAMs were the most stable, with stability decreasing with decreasing coverage on average. Increasing DNA SAM coverage appears to slow the kinetics of thermal desorption, but the coordination to the underlying surface determined their relative stability. Preparing the DNA SAMs under nominally similar conditions were found to create surfaces that were similar at room temperature, but had significantly different thermal stability. Optimal DNA sensing with these surfaces most often requires low coverage DNA SAMs which results in poor thermal stability, which is predictive of a poor shelf life, making optimization of both parameters challenging. Furthermore, the crystallographically specific results should be taken into account when studying the typically used polycrystalline substrates since the underlying surface crystallography maybe different for different samples. It appears that preparing DNA SAMs with low coverage and significant thermal stability will be challenging using the current SAM preparation procedures.

Comparative genomics reveals convergent evolution between the bamboo-eating giant and red pandas.

Phenotypic convergence between distantly related taxa often mirrors adaptation to similar selective pressures and may be driven by genetic convergence. The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red panda (Ailurus fulgens) belong to different families in the order Carnivora, but both have evolved a specialized bamboo diet and adaptive pseudothumb, representing a classic model of convergent evolution. However, the genetic bases of these morphological and physiological convergences remain unknown. Through de novo sequencing the red panda genome and improving the giant panda genome assembly with added data, we identified genomic signatures of convergent evolution. Limb development genes DYNC2H1 and PCNT have undergone adaptive convergence and may be important candidate genes for pseudothumb development. As evolutionary responses to a bamboo diet, adaptive convergence has occurred in genes involved in the digestion and utilization of bamboo nutrients such as essential amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins. Similarly, the umami taste receptor gene TAS1R1 has been pseudogenized in both pandas. These findings offer insights into genetic convergence mechanisms underlying phenotypic convergence and adaptation to a specialized bamboo diet.

Risk Factors of Secondary Vertebral Compression Fracture After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty: A Retrospective Study of 650 Patients.

BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to investigate the risk factors contributing to secondary vertebral compression fractures (SVCF) in patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) or kyphoplasty (PKP) due to osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2010 and December 2017, 650 patients with regular follow-up were identified and retrospectively analyzed in this study. Of these patients, 410 patients underwent PVP and 240 patients underwent PKP surgery. Patients were followed for 24 months on average, ranging from 6 months to 36 months follow-up. Possible risk factors screened for were age, gender, regional distribution, outdoor activity (ODA), bone mineral density (BMD), surgical methods (unilateral or bilateral), bone cement dose, bone cement leakage, chronic disease history, postoperative anti-osteoporosis treatment, and level of preoperative OVCF. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine potential risk factors. RESULTS As a result, 102 patients (15.7%) suffered SVCF after PVP/PKP surgery at the last follow-up. Binary logistic regression model showed that older age increased the risk of developing SVCF [odds ratio (OR)=2.48, P=0.031] while high-level BMD (OR=0.31, P<0.001) and ODA (OR=0.38, P=0.001) decreased the risk. Binary logistic regression model showed the following: Logit (P)=1.03+0.91X1-1.18X2-0.97X3 (X1=age, OR=2.48, P=0.031; X2=BMD, OR=0.31, P<0.001; X3=ODA, OR=0.38, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, older age and lower BMD were identified as risk factors of SVCF for OVCF patients following PVP/PKP surgery, whereas more ODA played a protective role in SVCF development.

Posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without fracture or neurological symptoms treated by transoral-posterior approach surgery: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Atlantoaxial dislocation usually results from hyperextension trauma and is almost always accompanied by odontoid fracture and neurological symptoms. In most cases, patients with atlantoaxial dislocation die instantly. This is a rare report of posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without fracture and neurological symptoms effectively treated by transoral-posterior approach surgery, and only eleven similar cases have been previously reported. OBJECTIVE: To describe the very rare case of an adult posterior atlantoaxial dislocation patient without fracture who was neurologically treated using transoral-posterior approach surgery and to review the relevant literature. METHOD: A 52-year-old man riding a motorcycle was rear-ended by a car. Using X-ray, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), he was diagnosed with posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without a related fracture or a significant change in spinal cord signal. Transoral-posterior approach surgery with sustained skull traction was used after failed closed reduction. RESULT: During a 6-month follow-up observation, the lateral cervical spine radiography and sagittal reconstructions of CT scans demonstrated no instability of the atlantoaxial complex. Few patients experience posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without a related fracture or spinal cord deficit. For a patient who experiences trauma with hyperextension, such as in rear-end collisions, X-ray, CT scan and MRI should be performed to ensure that this injury is diagnosed. It is necessary to perform surgery to recover atlantoaxial stability, even in the absence of fracture or neurological symptoms. CONCLUSION: Transoral-posterior approach surgery is a safe and effective way to manage irreducible posterior atlantoaxial dislocation.

Relationship between the incidence of de Quervain's disease among teenagers and mobile gaming.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between the incidence of de Quervain's disease (DD) and mobile gaming. METHODS: We conducted an experimental cross-sectional study and surveyed specialized students with different majors from Xingtai Technician Institute. We applied the stratified clustered sampling method to recruit 500 students aged 16 to 20 years as survey respondents. We diagnosed DD by conducting Finkelstein's test. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to determine the correlation between different variables and Finkelstein's test results. SPSS 20 statistical software was used to perform all the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Among the five hundred students providing the valid data, there were 302 males and 198 females, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:2. Of them, 216, 159, 77, and 48 reported they played mobile games for < two, two to four, four to six, and > six hours per day, respectively. A total of 246 students (49%) had a positive result in Finkelstein's test. Three hundred and five (61.0%) students played mobile games with their wrist in dorsiflexion position, and among them, 192 had a positive result in Finkelstein's test. The statistical analyses showed that more frequent play, prolonged mobile gaming time per day, and changes in wrist position were significantly correlated with the positive rate of Finkelstein's test (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: Our results show that the incidence of DD in students in the school was 49.0%. More frequent play, prolonged duration of mobile gaming, and change in wrist position were associated with higher risk of DD. We advocate the restricted time to less than 2.25 hours per day and the frequency in mobile gaming to prevent or reduce DD.

Detection of the Lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 Using a Hybridized Toll-like Receptor Electrochemical Sensor.

Electrochemical detection of Pam3CSK4, a synthetic triacylated lipopeptide that mimics the structural moieties of its natural Gram negative bacterial pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) counterpart, has been achieved using hybridized toll-like receptors (TLR) combining TLR1 and TLR2 onto a single sensor surface. These sensors represent the first hybridized TLR sensors. The limit of detection for Pam3CSK4 attained was 7.5 µg/mL, which is within the same order of magnitude for that of the more labor-intensive and time-consuming cell-assay technique, 2.0 µg/mL. The results gathered in these electrochemical experiments show that sensors fabricated by immobilizing a mixture of cooperative TLR1 and -2 generate higher responses when exposed to the analyte in comparison to the control sensors fabricated using pure TLR1 or -2 standalone. A PAMP selectivity test was carried out in line with our inspiration from the mammalian innate immune response. TLRs1-5 as standalone biorecognition elements and the hybridized "TLR1 and 2" sensor surface were investigated, understanding the known TLR-PAMP interactions, through the exploitation of this electrochemical sensor fabrication technique. The experimental result is consistent with observations from previously published in vivo and in vitro studies, and it is the first demonstration of the simultaneous evaluation of electrochemical responses from multiple, unique fabricated TLR sensor surfaces against the same analyte.

Inbreeding and inbreeding avoidance in wild giant pandas.

Inbreeding can have negative consequences on population and individual fitness, which could be counteracted by inbreeding avoidance mechanisms. However, the inbreeding risk and inbreeding avoidance mechanisms in endangered species are less studied. The giant panda, a solitary and threatened species, lives in many small populations and suffers from habitat fragmentation, which may aggravate the risk of inbreeding. Here, we performed long-term observations of reproductive behaviour, sampling of mother-cub pairs and large-scale genetic analyses on wild giant pandas. Moderate levels of inbreeding were found in 21.1% of mating pairs, 9.1% of parent pairs and 7.7% of panda cubs, but no high-level inbreeding occurred. More significant levels of inbreeding may be avoided passively by female-biased natal dispersal rather than by breeding dispersal or active relatedness-based mate choice mechanisms. The level of inbreeding in giant pandas is greater than expected for a solitary mammal and thus warrants concern for potential inbreeding depression, particularly in small populations isolated by continuing habitat fragmentation, which will reduce female dispersal and increase the risk of inbreeding.

Ecological restoration and its effects on a regional climate: the source region of the Yellow River, China.

The source region of the Yellow River, China, experienced degradation during the 1980s and 1990s, but effective ecological restoration projects have restored the alpine grassland ecosystem. The local government has taken action to restore the grassland area since 1996. Remote sensing monitoring results show an initial restoration of this alpine grassland ecosystem with the structural transformation of land cover from 2000 to 2009 as low- and high-coverage grassland recovered. From 2000 to 2009, the low-coverage grassland area expanded by over 25% and the bare soil area decreased by approximately 15%. To examine the relationship between ecological structure and function, surface temperature (Ts) and evapotranspiration (ET) levels were estimated to study the dynamics of the hydro-heat pattern. The results show a turning point in approximately the year 2000 from a declining ET to a rising ET, eventually reaching the 1990 level of approximately 1.5 cm/day. We conclude that grassland coverage expansion has improved the regional hydrologic cycle as a consequence of ecological restoration. Thus, we suggest that long-term restoration and monitoring efforts would help maintain the climatic adjustment functions of this alpine grassland ecosystem.

Design and construction of high strength double network hydrogel with flow-induced orientation.

The design and construction of high strength hydrogels is a widely discussed topic in hydrogel research. In this study, we combined three toughening strategies, including dual network, oriented structure construction and nanophase doping, to develop an alginate/polyacrylamide (PAM)/modified titanium dioxide fiber (TiO2 NF@PAM) dual network composite hydrogel prepared via syringe. The effects of different preparation methods, AM/Alginate ratios, inorganic doping phases and TiO2 NF@PAM/AM ratios on the mechanical properties of composite hydrogels were investigated. The study found that the alginate hydrogel prepared by syringe exhibited superior axial orientation and achieved a tensile strength of (1091 ± 46) kPa. And the composite hydrogel doped with 0.2 wt% TiO2 NF@PAM had a tensile strength of (1006 ± 64) kPa, which was higher than that of the composite hydrogel doped with 0.2 wt% TiO2 nanoparticles (976 ± 66) kPa. The highest tensile strength (1120 ± 67) kPa and elongation at break (182 ± 8) % were achieved when the ratio of TiO2 NF@PAM/AM was 0.6 wt%. The force applied to the gel solution in the syringe affects the orientation of the polymer chains and TiO2 NF@PAM within the gel, which subsequently impacts the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. Therefore, we further investigated the mechanical properties of composite hydrogels under varying propulsion speeds, syringe diameters, and syringe lengths. It was observed that the gel solution's shear strength increased as the syringe diameter decreased. The resulting composite hydrogels were better oriented and had improved mechanical properties. The composite hydrogels' tensile strength peaked at (1117 ± 47) kPa when the syringe advance rate was between 1-7 mL/min. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels were optimal when the syringe length was 30 mm, with a maximum tensile strength of (1131 ± 67) kPa and a tensile ratio of (166 ± 5) %. This study demonstrates the viability of integrating three distinct strengthening methodologies to generate hydrogels of considerable strength. Furthermore, the Alginate/PAM/TiO2 NF@PAM composite hydrogels possess remarkable potential as adaptable, wearable sensors due to their exemplary mechanical properties, knittability, and conductivity.

BPI23-Fcγ alleviates lethal multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infection by enhancing bactericidal activity and orchestrating neutrophil function.

Antibiotic resistance has become a major threat, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality globally. Administering non-antibiotic therapy, such as antimicrobial peptides, is one potential strategy for effective treatment of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. Bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) derived from neutrophils has bactericidal and endotoxin-neutralizing activity. However, the protective roles and mechanisms of BPI in multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections have not been fully elucidated. In this study, a chimeric BPI23-Fcγ recombined protein comprising the functional N terminus of BPI and Fcγ was constructed and expressed by adenovirus vector 5 (Ad5). Ad5-BPI23-Fcγ or recombinant BPI23-Fcγ protein significantly improved the survival of mice with pneumonia induced by a minimal lethal dose of multi-drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii or Klebsiella pneumoniae by ameliorating lung pathology and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Transfection with Ad5-BPI23-Fcγ significantly decreased the bacterial load and endotoxaemia, which was associated with enhanced bactericidal ability and elevated the phagocytic activity of neutrophils in vitro and in vivo. In addition, Ad5-BPI23-Fcγ transfection significantly increased the recruitment of neutrophils to lung, increased the proportion and number of neutrophils in peripheral blood, and promoted the maturation of bone marrow (BM) neutrophils after drug-resistant A. baumannii infection. BPI23-Fcγ and neutrophils synergistically enhanced bactericidal activity and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results demonstrated that the chimeric BPI23-Fcγ protein protected mice from pneumonia induced by multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii infection by direct bactericidal effects and promotion of neutrophil recruitment, phagocytosis and maturation. Chimeric BPI23-Fcγ may be a promising candidate as a non-antibiotic biological agent for multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii infection.

The role of redox-active small molecules and oxidative protein post-translational modifications in seed aging.

Seed vigor is a crucial indicator of seed quality. Variations in seed vigor are closely associated with seed properties and storage conditions. The vigor of mature seeds progressively declines during storage, which is called seed deterioration or aging. Seed aging induces a cascade of cellular damage, including impaired subcellular structures and macromolecules, such as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling molecules during seed aging causing oxidative damage and triggering programmed cell death (PCD). Mitochondria are the main site of ROS production and change morphology and function before other organelles during aging. The roles of other small redox-active molecules in regulating cell and seed vigor, such as nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), were identified later. ROS, NO, and H2S typically regulate protein function through post-translational modifications (PTMs), including carbonylation, S-glutathionylation, S-nitrosylation, and S-sulfhydration. These signaling molecules as well as the PTMs they induce interact to regulate cell fate and seed vigor. This review was conducted to describe the physiological changes and underlying molecular mechanisms that in seed aging and provides a comprehensive view of how ROS, NO, and H2S affect cell death and seed vigor.

Regulation of winter wheat-originated antifreeze glycoprotein on rooster spermatozoa freezability.

The freezability of chicken spermatozoa is low, therefore, effective cryoprotectants is desiderated. Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are widely found in cold-tolerant species and help them to survive in freezing environments. This study was the first to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of plant-originated antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP) (0, 0.1, 1, and 5 µg/mL) on post-thawed sperm motion characteristics, morphology, mitochondrial function, antioxidant activity, and fertilizing potential in chickens. Results showed that the total motility of 0.1 to 1 µg/mL AFGP groups were significantly higher than those of the 5 µg/mL AFGP group (P < 0.05). The post-thawed sperm viability of 0.1 µg/mL AFGP group was significantly higher than any of test groups (P < 0.05). Higher abnormal morphology rate of post-thawed sperm was observed in the control group (0 µg/mL AFGP) than in the 0.1, 1, and 5 µg/mL AFGP groups (P < 0.05). The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased gradually with the increase of AFGP concentration. ATP was significantly higher in the 0.1 and 1 µg/mL AFGP groups than those of control and any of test groups (P < 0.05). The 0.1 to 1 µg/mL AFGP groups had increased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level (P > 0.05). The 0.1 µg/mL AFGP group had the highest average fertility (61.36%) compared with control group (57.02%) and any of test groups of chickens at 31 wk of age, and the 1 µg/mL AFGP group had the highest average fertility (37.72%) compared with control group (21.73%) and any of test groups of chickens at 65 wk of age. In conclusion, the results from this study suggest lower concentration of AFGP (0.1-1 µg/mL) showed positive effect for sperm function. This study inspires the continuous evaluation and seeking right way of adopting different kinds of AFPs in rooster semen cryopreservation.

FRET Imaging of Nonuniformly Distributed DNA SAMs on Gold Reveals the Role Played by the Donor/Acceptor Ratio and the Local Environment in Measuring the Rate of Hybridization.

Mixed DNA SAMs labeled with a fluorophore (either AlexaFluor488 or AlexaFluor647) were prepared on a single crystal gold bead electrode using potential-assisted thiol exchange and studied using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). A measure of the local environment of the DNA SAM (e.g., crowding) was possible using FRET imaging on these surfaces since electrodes prepared this way have a range of surface densities (ΓDNA). The FRET signal was strongly dependent on ΓDNA and on the ratio of AlexaFluor488 to AlexaFluor647 used to make the DNA SAM, which were consistent with a model of FRET in 2D systems. FRET was shown to provide a direct measure of the local DNA SAM arrangement on each crystallographic region of interest providing a direct assessment of the probe environment and its influence on the rate of hybridization. The kinetics of duplex formation for these DNA SAMs was also studied using FRET imaging over a range of coverages and DNA SAM compositions. Hybridization of the surface-bound DNA increased the average distance between the fluorophore label and the gold electrode surface and decreased the distance between the donor (D) and acceptor (A), both of which result in an increase in FRET intensity. This increase in FRET was modeled using a second order Langmuir adsorption rate equation, reflecting the fact that both D and A labeled DNA are required to become hybridized to observe a FRET signal. The self-consistent analysis of the hybridization rates on low and high coverage regions on the same electrode showed that the low coverage regions achieved full hybridization 5× faster than the higher coverage regions, approaching rates typically found in solution. The relative increase in FRET intensity from each region of interest was controlled by manipulating the donor to acceptor composition of the DNA SAM without changing the rate of hybridization. The FRET response can be optimized by controlling the coverage and the composition of the DNA SAM sensor surface and could be further improved with the use of a FRET pair with a larger (e.g., > 5 nm) Förster radius.

ZM suture combined with early functional exercise can promote finger functional recovery in patients with finger flexor tendon rupture.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of ZM suture combined with early functional exercise in repairing flexor tendons and its impact on finger function recovery in patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 60 patients who sought medical treatment at the Orthopedics Hospital of Xingtai City from August 2019 to August 2022. Among them, 29 patients treated with the modified Kessler suture technique were assigned to the control group, while 31 patients treated with ZM suture technique were assigned to the observation group. Both groups of patients underwent early functional exercise after surgery and were followed up regularly for 6 months. Finger function, grip strength, pinch strength at 6 months after operation, upper limb function before and after treatment, visual analog pain scale (VAS) at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively, quality of life, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. The risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients were analyzed. RESULTS: At 6 months postoperatively, the observation group showed significantly better finger function, grip strength and grip strength ratio, and upper limb function compared to the control group (all P<0.05). The observation group had significantly lower VAS scores at 1 and 2 weeks postoperatively and a significantly lower incidence of complications compared to the control group, while their quality of life was significantly better than that of the control group (all P<0.05). The choice of treatment method is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The ZM suture technique combined with early functional exercise has significant efficacy in repairing flexor tendons, effectively promoting finger function recovery in patients. It is also associated with a high level of safety and warrants clinical application and promotion.