Pressure-Modulated Structural and Magnetic Phase Transitions in Two-Dimensional FeTe: Tetragonal and Hexagonal Polymorphs.

Two-dimensional (2D) Fe chalcogenides with their rich structures and properties are highly desirable for revealing the torturous transition mechanism of Fe chalcogenides and exploring their potential applications in spintronics and nanoelectronics. Hydrostatic pressure can effectively stimulate phase transitions between various ordered states, allowing one to successfully plot a phase diagram for a given material. Herein, the structural evolution and transport characteristics of 2D FeTe were systematically investigated under extreme conditions by comparing two distinct symmetries, i.e., tetragonal (t) and hexagonal (h) FeTe. We found that t-FeTe presented a pressure-induced transition from an antiferromagnetic state to a ferromagnetic state at ∼3 GPa, corresponding to the tetragonal collapse of the layered structure. Contrarily, the ferromagnetic order of h-FeTe was retained up to 15 GPa, which was evidently confirmed by electrical transport and Raman measurements. Furthermore, T-P phase diagrams for t-FeTe and h-FeTe were mapped under delicate critical conditions. Our results can provide a unique platform to elaborate the extraordinary properties of Fe chalcogenides and further develop their applications.

Exposure to di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) increases the risk of cancer.

Cancer is a major socioeconomic burden that seriously affects the life and spirit of patients. However, little is known about the role of environmental toxicant exposure in diseases, especially ubiquitous di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) which is one of the most widely used plasticizers. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the potential association between cancer and DEHP. The data were collected using the 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data (n = 6147), and multiple logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the association. The concentrations of DEHP were calculated by each metabolite and split into quartiles for analysis. After adjusting for confounding factors, DEHP was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer prevalence, and the metabolites of DEHP showed similar results (OR > 1.0, p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the association remained when the analyses were stratified by age and sex, and the risk of cancer appeared to be higher in male patients. In addition, further analysis suggested that DEHP exposure obviously increased the risk of female reproductive system cancer, male reproductive system cancer, and other cancers (OR > 1.0, p < 0.05) but not skin and soft tissue cancer. DEHP exposure is associated with the risk of cancer, especially female reproductive system cancer, male reproductive system cancer and other cancers.

Household air pollution and urinary incontinence symptoms among older adults in LASI: a large-scale population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of household air pollution on urinary incontinence (UI) symptoms and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) symptoms have not been studied. This study seeks to investigate the correlation between household air pollution and UI/SUI symptoms among middle-aged and elderly adults in India. METHODS: We employed data derived from individuals aged 45 years and older who participated in the inaugural wave (2017-2018) of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). The assessment of household air pollution exposure and the occurrence of UI/SUI symptoms relied on self-reported data. The analytical approach adopted was cross-sectional in nature and encompassed a cohort of 64,398 participants. To explore relationships, we utilized multivariate logistic regression analysis, incorporating subgroup analysis and interaction tests. RESULTS: 1,671 (2.59%) participants reported UI symptoms and 4,862 (7.55%) participants reported SUI symptoms. Also, the prevalence of UI/SUI symptoms is much higher among middle-aged and elderly adults who use solid polluting fuels (UI: 51.23% vs. 48.77%; SUI: 54.50% vs. 45.50%). The results revealed a noteworthy correlation between household air pollution and the probability of experiencing UI/SUI symptoms, persisting even after adjusting for all conceivable confounding variables (UI: OR = 1.552, 95% CI: 1.377-1.749, p < 0.00001; SUI: OR: 1.459, 95% CI: 1.357-1.568, p < 0.00001). Moreover, significant interaction effects were discerned for age, education level, tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, and physical activity (p for interaction < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate that the utilization of solid fuels in the home increases the likelihood of developing urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence. As a result, we argue that there is an immediate need to reform the composition of cooking fuel and raise public awareness about the adverse effects of air pollution in the home.

Nomogram predicting the efficacy of transurethral surgery in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the efficacy of transurethral surgery in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. METHODS: Patients with BPH who underwent transurethral surgery in the West China Hospital and West China Shang Jin Hospital were enrolled. Patients were retrospectively involved as the training group and were prospectively recruited as the validation group for the nomogram. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to generate nomogram for predicting the efficacy of transurethral surgery. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plots were applied to evaluate the calibration of the nomogram. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients with BPH who underwent transurethral surgery were included in the study, and they were further divided into a training group (n = 245) and a validation group (n = 181). Age (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, P < 0.01), the compliance of the bladder (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.20-4.67, P < 0.01), the function of the detrusor (OR 5.92, 95% CI 2.10-16.6, P < 0.01), and the bladder outlet obstruction (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.07-4.54, P < 0.01) were incorporated in the nomogram. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.825 in the training group, and 0.785 in the validation group, respectively. CONCLUSION: The nomogram we developed included age, the compliance of the bladder, the function of the detrusor, and the severity of bladder outlet obstruction. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were confirmed by internal and external validation.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate promotes benign prostatic hyperplasia through KIF11-Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) might led to chronic and long-term effects on human organs due to its widespread use and bioaccumulation. Despite some cohorts reporting an association between DEHP exposure and BPH, its underlying mechanisms have not been investigated. Our findings indicate that exposure to DEHP or MEHP (main metabolites of DEHP in the human body) leads to increased prostate weights, elevated prostate index, and notable epithelial thickening in rats. It has been observed to promote BPH-1 cell proliferation with effects ranging from low to high concentrations. Transcriptome sequencing analysis of rat prostate tissues identified KIF11 as the key hub gene. KIF11 is highly expressed after DEHP/MEHP exposure, and knocking down of KIF11 inhibits the MEHP-induced promotion of cell proliferation. Exposure to MEHP has been observed to increase the expression of p-GSK-3ß and elevate the levels of ß-catenin, thereby activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Knocking down of KIF11 significantly inhibits these effects. Histone H3 at Lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) is implicated in the upregulation of KIF11 expression, as evidenced by the addition of the acetylation inhibitor C646. In summary, our findings established that DEHP exposure could promote BPH through H3K27ac regulated KIF11/Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Experimental Observation of Highly Anisotropic Elastic Properties of Two-Dimensional Black Arsenic.

Anisotropic two-dimensional layered materials with low-symmetry lattices have attracted increasing attention due to their unique orientation-dependent mechanical properties. Black arsenic (b-As), with the puckered structure, exhibits extreme in-plane anisotropy in optical, electrical, and thermal properties. However, experimental research on mechanical properties of b-As is very rare, although theoretical calculations predicted the exotic elastic properties of b-As, such as the anisotropic Young's modulus and negative Poisson's ratio. Herein, experimental observations on highly anisotropic elastic properties of b-As were demonstrated using our developed in situ tensile straining setup based on the effective microelectromechanical system. The cyclic and repeatable load-displacement curves proved that Young's modulus along the zigzag direction was ∼1.6 times greater than that along the armchair direction, while the anisotropic ratio of ultimate strain reached ∼2.5, attributed to the hinge structure in the armchair direction. This study could provide significant insights into the design of novel anisotropic materials and explore their potential applications in nanomechanics and nanodevices.

Carbon Dots-Based Ultrastretchable and Conductive Hydrogels for High-Performance Tactile Sensors and Self-Powered Electronic Skin.

Smart tactile sensing materials have excellent development prospects, including wearable health-monitoring equipment and energy collection. Hydrogels have received extensive attention in tactile sensing owing to their transparency and high elasticity. In this study, highly crosslinked hydrogels are fabricated by chemically crosslinking polyacrylamide with lithium magnesium silicate and decorated with carbon quantum dots. Magnesium lithium silicate provides abundant covalent bonds and improves the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The luminescent properties endowed by the carbon dots further broaden the application of hydrogels for realizing flexible electronics. The hydrogel-based strain sensor exhibits excellent sensitivity (gauge factor 2.6), a broad strain response range (0-2000%), good cyclicity, and durability (1250). Strain sensors can be used to detect human motions. More importantly, the hydrogel can also be used as a flexible self-supporting triboelectric electrode for effectively detecting pressure in the range of 1-25 N and delivering a short-circuit current (ISC ) of 2.6 µA, open-circuit voltage (VOC ) of 115 V, and short-circuit transfer charge (QSC ) of 29 nC. The results reveal new possibilities for human-computer interactions and electronic robot skins.

Phase-Modulated Elastic Properties of 2D Magnetic FeTe: Hexagonal and Tetragonal Polymorphs.

2D layered magnets, such as iron chalcogenides, have emerged these years as a new family of unconventional superconductors and provided the key insights to understand the phonon-electron interaction and pairing mechanism. Their mechanical properties are of strategic importance for the potential applications in spintronics and optoelectronics. However, there is still a lack of efficient approach to tune the elastic modulus despite the extensive studies. Herein, the modulated elastic modulus of 2D magnetic FeTe and its thickness-dependence is reported via phase engineering. The grown 2D FeTe by chemical vapor deposition can present various polymorphs, that is tetragonal FeTe (t-FeTe, antiferromagnetic) and hexagonal FeTe (h-FeTe, ferromagnetic). The measured Young's modulus of t-FeTe by nanoindentation method shows an obvious thickness-dependence, from 290.9 ± 9.2 to 113.0 ± 8.7 GPa when the thicknesses increased from 13.2 to 42.5 nm, respectively. In comparison, the elastic modulus of h-FeTe remains unchanged. These results can shed light on the efficient modulation of mechanical properties of 2D magnetic materials and pave the avenues for their practical applications in nanodevices.

A chaperonin containing T-complex polypeptide-1 facilitates the formation of the PbWoxT1-PbPTB3 ribonucleoprotein complex for long-distance RNA trafficking in Pyrus betulaefolia.

Numerous plant endogenous mRNAs move via phloem and thus affect the growth and development of long-distant organs. mRNAs are transported with RNA-binding proteins forming a ribonucleoprotein complex. However, it remains elusive how such RNP complex assembles and facilitates mRNA trafficking. Protease digestion and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to investigate the RNP assembly function of the complete Chaperonin Containing T-complex Polypeptide-1. In situ hybridization, hairy root transformation, microprojectile bombardment, and grafting experiments demonstrate the role of CCT complex in the transport of a PbWoxT1-PbPTB3 RNP complex in Pyrus betulaefolia. PbCCT5 silenced caused defective movement of GFP-PbPTB3 and GFP-PbWoxT1 from hairy roots to new leaves via the phloem. PbCCT5 is shown to interact with PbPTB3. PbCCT complex enhanced PbPTB3 stabilization and permitted assembly of PbWoxT1 and PbPTB3 into an RNP complex. Furthermore, silencing of individual CCT subunits inhibited the intercellular movement of GFP-PbPTB3 and long-distance trafficking of PbWoxT1 and PbPTB3 in grafted plants. Taken together, the CCT complex assembles PbPTB3 and PbWoxT1 into an RNP complex in the phloem in order to facilitate the long-distance trafficking of PbWoxT1 in P. betulaefolia. This study therefore provides important insights into the mechanism of RNP complex formation and transport.

The relationship between depression and benign prostatic hyperplasia in middle-aged and elderly men in India: a large-scale population study.

BACKGROUND: There have been few investigations on the association between depression and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study aims to explore the correlation between depression and BPH among middle-aged and older men in India. METHODS: We utilized data from male individuals aged 45 years and older who participated in the initial wave (2017-2018) of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI). The presence of BPH symptoms was based on self-reported information, while depressive symptoms were evaluated using CESD-10. The analysis was a cross-sectional study conducted on a final sample size of 30,108 male participants. To examine associations, we employed multivariate logistic regression analysis along with subgroup analysis and interaction tests. RESULTS: A total of 439 (1.46%) men reported BPH and had a higher depression score (10.18 ± 4.22 vs. 9.28 ± 4.00). The findings indicated a significant association between the depression score and the likelihood of developing BPH, even after accounting for all potential confounding variables (OR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.030-1.078, p < 0.00001). The participants were then categorized into a depression group and a normal group based on their CESD-10 score, using a threshold of 10 to ascertain the existence or nonexistence of depression. After adjusting for all variables in model IV, the findings continued to exhibit statistical significance (OR = 1.611, CI: 1.327-1.955, p < 0.00001). Significant interaction effects of age, education level, caste or tribe, and alcohol consumption were observed (p for interaction < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our research found that BPH was significantly linked to the presence of depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly Indian men. Additional prospective research is necessary to clarify this association and investigate potential mechanisms.

The ß-1,3-Glucanase Degrades Callose at Plasmodesmata to Facilitate the Transport of the Ribonucleoprotein Complex in Pyrus betulaefolia.

Grafting is widely used to improve the stress tolerance and the fruit yield of horticultural crops. Ribonucleoprotein complexes formed by mRNAs and proteins play critical roles in the communication between scions and stocks of grafted plants. In Pyrus betulaefolia, ankyrin was identified previously to promote the long-distance movement of the ribonucleoprotein complex(PbWoxT1-PbPTB3) by facilitating callose degradation at plasmodesmata. However, the mechanism of the ankyrin-mediated callose degradation remains elusive. In this study, we discovered a ß-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39, PbPDBG) using ankyrin as a bait from plasmodesmata by co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry. Ankyrin was required for the plasmodesmata-localization of PbPDBG. The grafting and bombardment experiments indicated that overexpressing PbPDBG resulted in decreased callose content at plasmodesmata, and thereby promoting the long-distance transport of the ribonucleoprotein complex. Altogether, our findings revealed that PbPDBG was the key factor in ankyrin-mediated callose degradation at plasmodesmata.

Tunable and Nacre-Mimetic Multifunctional Electronic Skins for Highly Stretchable Contact-Noncontact Sensing.

Electronic skins (e-skins) have attracted great attention for their applications in disease diagnostics, soft robots, and human-machine interaction. The integration of high sensitivity, low detection limit, large stretchability, and multiple stimulus response capacity into a single e-skin remains an enormous challenge. Herein, inspired by the structure of nacre, an ultra-stretchable and multifunctional e-skin with tunable strain detection range based on nacre-mimetic multi-layered silver nanowires /reduced graphene oxide /thermoplastic polyurethane mats is fabricated. The e-skin possesses extraordinary strain response performance with a tunable detection range (50 to 200% strain), an ultralow response limit (0.1% strain), a high sensitivity (gauge factor up to 1902.5), a fast response time (20 ms), and an excellent stability (stretching/releasing test of 11 000 cycles). These excellent response behaviors enable the e-skin to accurately monitor full-range human body motions. Additionally, the e-skin can detect relative humidity quickly and sensitively through a reversible physical adsorption/desorption of water vapor, and the assembled e-skin array exhibits excellent performance in noncontact sensing. The tunable and multifunctional e-skins show promising applications in motion monitoring and contact-noncontact human machine interaction.

Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: The Utility of Myocardial Strain Based on Cardiac MR Tissue Tracking.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial strain for assessment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is of importance and may play a role in identifying obstruction in HCM patients. PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of myocardial strain for detecting left ventricular (LV) outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in HCM patients based on magnetic resonance tissue tracking. STUDY TYPE: Retrospective. POPULATION: In all, 44 adult HCM patients with LVOT obstruction and 108 adult HCM patients without LVOT obstruction. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 1.5 T; Steady-state free-precession cine sequence; phase-sensitive inversion-prepared segmented gradient echo sequence for late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging. ASSESSMENT: Strain parameters including the local and global levels of LV myocardium and the subtraction (Sub) of myocardial strain variables between interventricular septal segments (IVSS) and noninterventricular septal segments (NIVSS) were measured for differentiating HCM with obstruction from nonobstruction. Average and maximum LV wall thickness (Average and Maximum LVWT) were also analyzed. STATISTICAL TESTS: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, Average LVWT, Maximum LVWT, and the subtraction of radial peak strain (Sub Radial PS) between NIVSS and IVSS were independently associated with LVOT obstruction. The AUCs were 0.731, 0.840, and 0.890 for Average LVWT, Maximum LVWT, and Sub Radial PS, respectively. Sub Radial PS (cutoff value: 8.1%) demonstrated the highest sensitivity of 75.0% and a high specificity of 87.9% for identifying LVOT; Maximum LVWT (cutoff value: 22.9 mm) showed good sensitivity (72.7%) and specificity (83.3%). Combining Maximum LVWT >22.9 mm and Sub Radial PS > 8.1% achieved a better diagnostic performance (specificity 95.4%, sensitivity 70.5%). DATA CONCLUSION: Combining Maximum LVWT >22.9 mm and Sub Radial PS >8.1% holds promise for objectively evaluating LVOT obstruction in HCM patients with very high specificity and acceptable sensitivity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 TECHNICAL EFFICACY STAGE: 2.

Blockade of ONECUT2 expression in ovarian cancer inhibited tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis.

One cut homeobox 2 (ONECUT2 or OC-2) is a newly discovered transcription factor. Aberrant expression of OC-2 is closely related to cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In this study, we found that OC-2 expression was upregulated in ovarian adenocarcinoma cells, by Western blot analysis. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of OC-2 was also increased in malignant ovarian cancer tissue. In order to explore the role of OC-2 in the development of ovarian cancer, siRNAs that specifically targets OC-2 were designed. The siRNA targeting OC-2 could effectively inhibit the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) expression, but silence and overexpression of VEGFA did not affect OC-2 expression. In addition, OC2-siRNA could block the proliferation, migration, and invasion, and inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the AKT/ERK signaling pathway, of human ovarian cancer cells in vitro. In a mouse model of ovarian cancer xenograft tumors, OC2-siRNA could significantly inhibit tumor cell growth and the tumor inhibition rate reached approximately 73%. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that the densities of microvessels stained with CD31, the expression of OC-2 and VEGFA were significantly decreased in tumors. These data indicated that OC-2 was an upstream regulator of VEGFA and silencing OC-2 could inhibit ovarian cancer angiogenesis and tumor growth.

Construction of a disulfide-stabilized diabody against fibroblast growth factor-2 and the inhibition activity in targeting breast cancer.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) is one of the most important angiogenic factors to promote tumor growth, progression and metastasis. Neutralizing antibodies against FGF-2 may suppress the growth of tumor cells by blocking the FGF-2 signaling pathway. In this study, a disulfide-stabilized diabody (ds-Diabody) that specifically targets FGF-2 was designed. Compared to its parent antibody, the introduction of disulphide bonds in the diabody could significantly increase the stability of ds-Diabody and maintain its antigen binding activity. The ds-Diabody against FGF-2 could effectively inhibit the tube formation and migration of vascular endothelial cells and block the proliferation and invasion of human breast cancer cells. In the mouse model of breast cancer xenograft tumors, the ds-Diabody against FGF-2 could significantly inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Moreover, the densities of microvessels stained with CD31 and lymphatic vessels stained with LYVE1 in tumors showed a significant decrease following treatment with the ds-Diabody against FGF-2. Our data indicated that the ds-Diabody against FGF-2 could inhibit tumor angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and tumor growth.

Roles of reactive oxygen species in inflammation and cancer.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) constitute a spectrum of oxygenic metabolites crucial in modulating pathological organism functions. Disruptions in ROS equilibrium span various diseases, and current insights suggest a dual role for ROS in tumorigenesis and the immune response within cancer. This review rigorously examines ROS production and its role in normal cells, elucidating the subsequent regulatory network in inflammation and cancer. Comprehensive synthesis details the documented impacts of ROS on diverse immune cells. Exploring the intricate relationship between ROS and cancer immunity, we highlight its influence on existing immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint blockade, chimeric antigen receptors, and cancer vaccines. Additionally, we underscore the promising prospects of utilizing ROS and targeting ROS modulators as novel immunotherapeutic interventions for cancer. This review discusses the complex interplay between ROS, inflammation, and tumorigenesis, emphasizing the multifaceted functions of ROS in both physiological and pathological conditions. It also underscores the potential implications of ROS in cancer immunotherapy and suggests future research directions, including the development of targeted therapies and precision oncology approaches. In summary, this review emphasizes the significance of understanding ROS-mediated mechanisms for advancing cancer therapy and developing personalized treatments.

Deciphering the crop-soil-enzyme C:N:P stoichiometry nexus: A 5-year study on manure-induced changes in soil phosphorus transformation and release risk.

Carbon:nitrogen:phosphorus (C:N:P) stoichiometry plays a vital role in regulating P transformation in agriculture ecosystems. However, the impact of balanced C:N:P stoichiometry in paddy soil, particularly regarding relative soil P transformation, remains unknown. This study explores the response of C:N:P stoichiometry to manure substitution and its regulatory role in soil P transformation, along with the associated release risk to the environment. Based on a 5-year field study, our findings reveal that replacing 30 % of chemical P fertilizer with pig manure (equal total NPK amounts with chemical P fertilizer treatment, named CFM) increased soil total C without altering soil total P, resulting in an elevated soil C:P ratio, despite the homeostasis of crop stoichiometry. This increase promoted microbial diversity and the accumulation of organic P in the soil. The Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria produced lower C:PEEA metabolism together, and enhanced in vivo turnover of P. Additionally, by integrating high-resolution dialysis (HR-Peeper), diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT), DGT-induced fluxes in the soil (DIFS), and sediment P release risk index (SPRRI) models, we observed that, in addition to organic P, CFM simultaneously increased soil Al-P, thereby weakening the diffusion and resupply capacity of P from soil solids to the solution. Consequently, this decrease in P release risk to the environment was demonstrated. Overall, this study establishes a connection between crop-soil-enzyme C:N:P stoichiometry, soil microorganisms, and soil P biogeochemical processes. The study further evaluates the P release risk to the environment, providing a novel perspective on both the direct and indirect effects of manure substitution on soil P cycling.

[Change of autophagy in endplate chondrocytes of rats during aging process].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression and significance of autophagy in endplate cartilage of rats during aging process. METHODS: The end-plate chondrocytes were isolated from 3, 6 and 12-month SD rats respectively. And the natural culture and rapamycin groups were assigned. Alizarin red staining was used to observe the morphological changes of cells. And RT-PCR was employed to detect the expressions of type II collagen, proteoglycan, SOX-9 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-13). The expressions of Beclin-I and LC3 were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot. The rate of autophagy was observed by monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) for cell survival rate. RESULTS: Alizarin red staining showed that cells might reflect the process of intervertebral disc degeneration. The expressions of polysaccharide, Sox-9, type II collagen, Beclin-1 and LC3 in endplate chondrocytes significantly decreased with advancing age (P < 0.05). The incidence of autophagy significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The cell viability of each group significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with control group, the cell viability of rapamycin group significantly increased (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: During aging process, the expressions of autophagy related-gene LC3 and Beclin-1 significantly decrease with the reduced activity of end-plate chondrocyte. And autophagy activity may be correlated with the development and degeneration of intervertebral disc.

[Autophagy expression and its significance in chondrocytes from a degenerate model of human cervical endplate].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the autophagy expression and examine its significance in chondrocytes in a degenerate model of human cervical vertebrae endplate. METHODS: Cartilage endplates were obtained from 48 hospitalized patients with cervical vertebral fracture or dislocation at our hospital between February 2012 to August 2012. They were divided into cervical spondylosis group with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (n = 31) and control group (n = 17).Endplate chondrocytes were isolated by enzyme digestion and cultured in vitro. The cells were stained with toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin; laser scanning confocal microscope and monodansylcadaverine (MDC) were used to observe autophagy in endplate chondrocytes; reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of typeIIcollagen and aggrecan and Western blot for the protein of LC3. RESULTS: A degenerative cell model of human cervical endplate chondrocytes was established successfully in vitro. Compared with the common group, the cellular morphologies of degenerative group showed spindle changes. Autophagic body was stained with MDC.Intracellular and perinuclear LC3 protein was detected by laser confocal microscopy. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expressions of aggrecan (0.715 ± 0.194) and typeII collagen (0.628 ± 0.254) markedly decreased (0.845 ± 0.186,0.913 ± 0.254, P < 0.05) and LC3-II/LC3-I declined in cervical spondylosis group. CONCLUSION: Autophagy plays an important pathogenic role in the process of human cervical disc degeneration. And regulating its expression may improve disc degeneration in endplate cartilage cells.

Long-distance transport of the pear HMGR1 mRNA via the phloem is associated with enhanced salt tolerance.

Grafting is the main asexual propagation method for horticultural crops and can enhance their resistance to biotic or abiotic stress. Many mRNAs can be transported over long distances through the graft union, however, the function of mobile mRNAs remains poorly understood. Here, we exploited lists of candidate mobile mRNAs harboring potential 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modification in pear (Pyrus betulaefolia). dCAPS RT-PCR and RT-PCR were employed to demonstrate the mobility of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase1 (PbHMGR1) mRNA in grafted plants of both pear and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Overexpressing PbHMGR1 in tobacco plants enhanced salt tolerance during seed germination. In addition, both histochemical staining and GUS expression analysis showed that PbHMGR1 could directly respond to salt stress. Furthermore, it was found that the relative abundance of PbHMGR1 increased in heterografted scion, which avoided serious damage under salt stress. Collectively, these findings established that PbHMGR1 mRNA could act as a salt-responsive signal and move through the graft union to enhance salt tolerance of scion, which might be used as a new plant breeding technique to improve resistance of scion through a stress-tolerant rootstock.