Small molecule activators of TAK1 promotes its activity-dependent ubiquitination and TRAIL-mediated tumor cell death.

TAK1 is a key modulator of both NF-κB signaling and RIPK1. In TNF signaling pathway, activation of TAK1 directly mediates the phosphorylation of IKK complex and RIPK1. In a search for small molecule activators of RIPK1-mediated necroptosis, we found R406/R788, two small molecule analogs that could promote sustained activation of TAK1. Treatment with R406 sensitized cells to TNF-mediated necroptosis and RIPK1-dependent apoptosis by promoting sustained RIPK1 activation. Using click chemistry and multiple biochemical binding assays, we showed that treatment with R406 promotes the activation of TAK1 by directly binding to TAK1, independent of its original target Syk kinase. Treatment with R406 promoted the ubiquitination of TAK1 and the interaction of activated TAK1 with ubiquitinated RIPK1. Finally, we showed that R406/R788 could promote the cancer-killing activities of TRAIL in vitro and in mouse models. Our studies demonstrate the possibility of developing small molecule TAK1 activators to potentiate the effect of TRAIL as anticancer therapies.

CsPAT1, a GRAS transcription factor, promotes lignin accumulation by antagonistic interacting with CsWRKY13 in tea plants.

Lignin is an important component of plant cell walls and plays crucial roles in the essential agronomic traits of tea quality and tenderness. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of lignin biosynthesis in tea plants remain unclear. CsWRKY13 acts as a negative regulator of lignin biosynthesis in tea plants. In this study, we identified a GRAS transcription factor, phytochrome A signal transduction 1 (CsPAT1), that interacts with CsWRKY13. Silencing CsPAT1 expression in tea plants and heterologous overexpression in Arabidopsis demonstrated that CsPAT1 positively regulates lignin accumulation. Further investigation revealed that CsWRKY13 directly binds to the promoters of CsPAL and CsC4H and suppresses transcription of CsPAL and CsC4H. CsPAT1 indirectly affects the promoter activities of CsPAL and CsC4H by interacting with CsWRKY13, thereby facilitating lignin biosynthesis in tea plants. Compared with the expression of CsWRKY13 alone, the co-expression of CsPAT1 and CsWRKY13 in Oryza sativa significantly increased lignin biosynthesis. Conversely, compared with the expression of CsPAT1 alone, the co-expression of CsPAT1 and CsWRKY13 in O. sativa significantly reduced lignin accumulation. These results demonstrated the antagonistic regulation of the lignin biosynthesis pathway by CsPAT1 and CsWRKY13. These findings improve our understanding of lignin biosynthesis mechanisms in tea plants and provide insights into the role of the GRAS transcription factor family in lignin accumulation.

Integrative analysis reveals structural basis for transcription activation of Nurr1 and Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer.

Orphan nuclear receptor Nurr1 plays important roles in the progression of various diseases, including Parkinson's disease, neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis. It can recognize DNA as a monomer or heterodimer with retinoid X receptor α (RXRα). But the molecular mechanism of its transcriptional activity regulation is still largely unknown. Here we obtained a crystal structure of monomer Nurr1 (DNA- and ligand-binding domains, DBD and LBD) bound to NGFI-B response element. The structure exhibited two different forms with distinct DBD orientations, unveiling the conformational flexibility of nuclear receptor monomer. We then generated an integrative model of Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer. In the context of heterodimer, the structural flexibility of Nurr1 would contribute to its transcriptional activity modulation. We demonstrated that the DNA sequence may specifically modulate the transcriptional activity of Nurr1 in the absence of RXRα agonist, but the modulation can be superseded when the agonist binds to RXRα. Together, we propose a set of signaling pathways for the constitutive transcriptional activation of Nurr1 and provide molecular mechanisms for therapeutic discovery targeting Nurr1 and Nurr1-RXRα heterodimer.

Simplified Helicobacter pylori therapy for patients with penicillin allergy: a randomised controlled trial of vonoprazan-tetracycline dual therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan and tetracycline (VT) dual therapy as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with penicillin allergy. METHODS: In this randomised controlled trial, treatment-naïve adults with H. pylori infection and penicillin allergy were randomised 1:1 to receive either open-label VT dual therapy (vonoprazan 20 mg two times per day+tetracycline 500 mg three times a day) or bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT; lansoprazole 30 mg two times per day+colloidal bismuth 150 mg three times a day+tetracycline 500 mg three times a day+metronidazole 400 mg three times a day) for 14 days. The primary outcome was non-inferiority in eradication rates in the VT dual group compared with the BQT group. Secondary outcomes included assessing adverse effects. RESULTS: 300 patients were randomised. The eradication rates in the VT group and the BQT group were: 92.0% (138/150, 95% CI 86.1% to 95.6%) and 89.3% (134/150, 95% CI 83.0% to 93.6%) in intention-to-treat analysis (difference 2.7%; 95% CI -4.6% to 10.0%; non-inferiority p=0.000); 94.5% (138/146, 95% CI 89.1% to 97.4%) and 93.1% (134/144, 95% CI 87.3% to 96.4%) in modified intention-to-treat analysis (difference 1.5%; 95% CI -4.9% to 8.0%; non-inferiority p=0.001); 95.1% (135/142, 95% CI 89.7% to 97.8%) and 97.7% (128/131, 95% CI 92.9% to 99.4%) in per-protocol analysis (difference 2.6%; 95% CI -2.9% to 8.3%; non-inferiority p=0.000). The treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were significantly lower in the VT group (14.0% vs 48.0%, p=0.000), with fewer treatment discontinuations due to TEAEs (2.0% vs 8.7%, p=0.010). CONCLUSIONS: VT dual therapy demonstrated efficacy and safety as a first-line treatment for H. pylori infection in the penicillin-allergic population, with comparable efficacy and a lower incidence of TEAEs compared with traditional BQT. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2300074693.

Circadian rhythm response and its effect on photosynthetic characteristics of the Lhcb family genes in tea plant.

BACKGROUND: The circadian clock, also known as the circadian rhythm, is responsible for predicting daily and seasonal changes in the environment, and adjusting various physiological and developmental processes to the appropriate times during plant growth and development. The circadian clock controls the expression of the Lhcb gene, which encodes the chlorophyll a/b binding protein. However, the roles of the Lhcb gene in tea plant remain unclear. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 16 CsLhcb genes were identified based on the tea plant genome, which were distributed on 8 chromosomes of the tea plant. The promoter regions of CsLhcb genes have a variety of cis-acting elements including hormonal, abiotic stress responses and light response elements. The CsLhcb family genes are involved in the light response process in tea plant. The photosynthetic parameter of tea leaves showed rhythmic changes during the two photoperiod periods (48 h). Stomata are basically open during the day and closed at night. Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that most of the CsLhcb family genes were highly expressed during the day, but were less expressed at night. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that CsLhcb genes were involved in the circadian clock process of tea plant, it also provided potential references for further understanding of the function of CsLhcb gene family in tea plant.

The association of triglyceride-glucose-waist circumference with metabolic associated fatty liver disease and the severity of liver steatosis and fibrosis in American adults: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The global obesity pandemic has led to an alarming rise in the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), making it a substantial clinical and economic burden on society. Early detection and effective treatment of MAFLD are imperative to mitigate its impact. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted involving 4634 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2017-2018 cycle. Transient elastography (TE) was used to diagnose MAFLD and assess the extent of liver steatosis and fibrosis. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to examine the association between the triglyceride and glucose index-waist circumference (TyG-WC) and the risk of MAFLD, liver fibrosis, and steatosis. RESULTS: A positive association between TyG-WC and MAFLD persisted across all three models: model1: OR = 8.44, 95% CI: 6.85-10.38 (unadjusted), model2: OR = 8.28, 95% CI: 6.53-10.50 (partially adjusted), and model3: OR = 7.98, 95% CI: 4.11-15.46 (fully adjusted). Further investigation through interaction and stratified analysis revealed that this association was more pronounced in the non-obese and Non-Hispanic White persons groups. Moreover, a non-linear relationship analysis unveiled threshold and saturation effects between TyG-WC and MAFLD. Specifically, a TyG-WC value of approximately 600 may represent the threshold effect for MAFLD risk, while 1200 may signify the saturation effect of MAFLD risk. Finally, a robust correlation between TyG-WC and the severity of liver steatosis and fibrosis was found. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the TyG-WC index exhibits excellent predictive value for MAFLD in the general American population.

Sex-specific grey matter abnormalities in individuals with chronic insomnia.

Previous studies have reported sex differences in altered brain function in patients with chronic insomnia (CI). However, sex-related alterations in brain morphology have rarely been investigated. This study aimed to investigate sex-specific grey matter (GM) alterations in patients with CI and to examine the relationship between GM alterations and neuropsychological assessments. Ninety-three (65 females and 28 males) patients and 78 healthy (50 females and 28 males) controls were recruited. Structural magnetic resonance imaging data were analysed using voxel-based morphometry to test for interactions between sex and diagnosis. Spearman's correlation was used to assess the associations among structure, disease duration, and sleep-, mood-, and cognition-related assessments. Males with CI showed reduced GM volume in the left inferior parietal lobe, left middle cingulate cortex, and right supramarginal gyrus. Females with CI showed increased GM volume in the right Rolandic operculum. Moreover, mood-related assessments were negatively correlated with GM volumes in the right supramarginal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobe in the male patients, and cognitive-related assessments were positively correlated with GM volumes in the Rolandic operculum in the female patients. Our findings indicate sex-specific alterations in brain morphology in CI, thereby broadening our understanding of sex differences in CI and potentially providing complementary evidence for the development of more effective therapies and individual treatments.

Collapse of complexity of brain and body activity due to excessive inhibition and MeCP2 disruption.

Complex body movements require complex dynamics and coordination among neurons in motor cortex. Conversely, a long-standing theoretical notion supposes that if many neurons in motor cortex become excessively synchronized, they may lack the necessary complexity for healthy motor coding. However, direct experimental support for this idea is rare and underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here we recorded three-dimensional body movements and spiking activity of many single neurons in motor cortex of rats with enhanced synaptic inhibition and a transgenic rat model of Rett syndrome (RTT). For both cases, we found a collapse of complexity in the motor system. Reduced complexity was apparent in lower-dimensional, stereotyped brain-body interactions, neural synchrony, and simpler behavior. Our results demonstrate how imbalanced inhibition can cause excessive synchrony among movement-related neurons and, consequently, a stereotyped motor code. Excessive inhibition and synchrony may underlie abnormal motor function in RTT.

Interleukin-37 relieves PM2.5-triggered lung injury by inhibiting autophagy through the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro.

Autophagy mediates PM2.5-related lung injury (LI) and is tightly linked to inflammation and apoptosis processes. IL-37 has been demonstrated to regulate autophagy. This research aimed to examine the involvement of IL-37 in the progression of PM2.5-related LI and assess whether autophagy serves as a mediator for its effects.To create a model of PM2.5-related LI, this research employed a nose-only PM2.5 exposure system and utilized both human IL-37 transgenic mice and wild-type mice. The hIL-37tg mice demonstrated remarkable reductions in pulmonary inflammation and pathological LI compared to the WT mice. Additionally, they exhibited activation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, which served to regulate the levels of autophagy and apoptosis.Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed a dose-dependent upregulation of autophagy and apoptotic proteins following exposure to PM2.5 DMSO extraction. Simultaneously, p-AKT and p-mTOR expression was found to decrease. However, pretreatment with IL-37 demonstrated a remarkable reduction in the levels of autophagy and apoptotic proteins, along with an elevation of p-AKT and p-mTOR. Interestingly, pretreatment with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer, weakened the therapeutic impact of IL-37. Conversely, the therapeutic impact of IL-37 was enhanced when treated with 3-MA, a potent autophagy inhibitor. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of IL-37 on autophagy was successfully reversed by administering AKT inhibitor MK2206. The findings suggest that IL-37 can inhibit both the inflammatory response and autophagy, leading to the alleviation of PM2.5-related LI. At the molecular level, IL-37 may exert its anti autophagy and anti apoptosis effects by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Hypolipidemic Effects of Mesona chinensis Benth Polysaccharides with Different Structures and Molecular Weights.

Four novel Mesona chinensis Benth polysaccharides were isolated using aqueous alcohol precipitation. Their molecular weights were determined using high-performance gel permeation chromatography: MA1 (2.3 kDa), MA2 (80.5 kDa), MA3 (180.9 kDa), and MA4 (635.2 kDa), and their compositions were analyzed using GC-MS. The polysaccharides were mainly D-glucose, D-galactose, L-Rhamnose, D-arabinose, D-xylose, and D-mannose. The structural characteristics were further analyzed using infrared spectrophotometry and were identified as a type of pyrrhic sugar. An insulin-induced insulin resistance model of HepG2 cells and oleic acid-induced fat accumulation model of insulin were established to evaluate the hypolipidemic effects. Three Bacteroides spp. [Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron (BT), B. ovatus (BO), and B. cellulosilyticus (BC)] that were negatively correlated with lipid-lowering activity were used to evaluate the lipid-lowering activity of polysaccharides. The Bacteroides metabolites of MA1 and MA2 exhibited hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activities and could potentially be used as lipid-lowering supplements.

A highly sensitive point-of-care detection platform for Salmonella typhimurium by integrating magnetic enrichment and fluorescent CsPbBr3@SiO2.

A platform was designed based on Fe3O4 and CsPbBr3@SiO2 for integrated magnetic enrichment-fluorescence detection of Salmonella typhimurium, which significantly simplifies the detection process and enhances the working efficiency. Fe3O4 served as a magnetic enrichment unit for the capture of S. typhimurium. CsPbBr3@SiO2 was employed as a fluorescence-sensing unit for quantitative signal output, where SiO2 was introduced to strengthen the stability of CsPbBr3, improve its biomodificability, and prevent lead leakage. More importantly, the SiO2 shell shows neglectable absorption or scattering towards fluorescence, making the CsPbBr3@SiO2 exhibit a high quantum yield of 74.4%. After magnetic enrichment, the decreasing rate of the fluorescence emission intensity of the CsPbBr3@SiO2 supernatant at 527 nm under excitation light at UV 365 nm showed a strong linear correlation with S. typhimurium concentration of 1 × 102~1 × 108 CFU∙mL-1, and the limit of detection (LOD) reached 12.72 CFU∙mL-1. This platform has demonstrated outstanding stability, reproducibility, and resistance to interference, which provides an alternative for convenient and quantitative detection of S. typhimurium.

Genome-Wide Identification of CHYR Gene Family in Sophora alopecuroides and Functional Analysis of SaCHYR4 in Response to Abiotic Stress.

Sophora alopecuroides has important uses in medicine, wind breaking, and sand fixation. The CHY-zinc-finger and RING-finger (CHYR) proteins are crucial for plant growth, development, and environmental adaptation; however, genetic data regarding the CHYR family remain scarce. We aimed to investigate the CHYR gene family in S. alopecuroides and its response to abiotic stress, and identified 18 new SaCHYR genes from S. alopecuroides whole-genome data, categorized into 3 subclasses through a phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure, protein domains, and conserved motifs analyses revealed an exon-intron structure and conserved domain similarities. A chromosome localization analysis showed distribution across 12 chromosomes. A promoter analysis revealed abiotic stress-, light-, and hormone-responsive elements. An RNA-sequencing expression pattern analysis revealed positive responses of SaCHYR genes to salt, alkali, and drought stress. SaCHYR4 overexpression considerably enhanced alkali and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana. These findings shed light on SaCHYR's function and the resistance mechanisms of S. alopecuroides, presenting new genetic resources for crop resistance breeding.

Outcome of chairside CAD/CAM ceramic restorations on endodontically treated posterior teeth: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome and risk factors for chairside CAD/CAM full cusp coverage restorations on endodontically treated posterior teeth after 3 years of follow-up. METHODS: A total of 245 endodontically treated posterior teeth of 224 patients were included and restored with CAD/CAM full cusp coverage all-ceramic restorations according to a standardized protocol. Patients were recalled after treatments 1 to 3 years and underwent clinical and radiological examinations. At recall, modified FDI criteria were used to determine treatment outcomes by 2 evaluators. Success was determined when FDI scores were 1-2, and failure was indicated when FDI scores were 5. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate potential risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 183 patients presented at recall, and the clinical outcomes of 201 teeth were analyzed with a recall rate of 82.0% for teeth and 81.7% for patients after 1-3 years of follow-up.185 of 201 teeth were found to have FDI scores of 1-2, and the success rate was 92%. No teeth were extracted during the follow-up period. Fourteen failed cases with an FDI score of 5 presented restoration dislocation, fracture of restoration or/and tooth. Logistic regression analysis revealed that oral parafunction (OR 2.281, 95% CI 2.2 ~ 47.5, P value 0.01) was a risk factor for success rate. CONCLUSION: Chairside CAD/CAM all-ceramic full cusp coverage restoration was (could be) a promising alternative for restoring endodontically treated posterior teeth.

Astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming and crosstalk in the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the fastest growing disabling neurological disorder worldwide, with motor and non-motor symptoms being its main clinical manifestations. The primary pathological features include a reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and decrease in dopamine levels in the nigrostriatal pathway. Existing treatments only alleviate clinical symptoms and do not stop disease progression; slowing down the loss of dopaminergic neurons and stimulating their regeneration are emerging therapies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that transplantation of dopamine cells generated from human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells can restore the loss of dopamine. However, the application of cell transplantation is limited owing to ethical controversies and the restricted source of cells. Until recently, the reprogramming of astrocytes to replenish lost dopaminergic neurons has provided a promising alternative therapy for PD. In addition, repair of mitochondrial perturbations, clearance of damaged mitochondria in astrocytes, and control of astrocyte inflammation may be extensively neuroprotective and beneficial against chronic neuroinflammation in PD. Therefore, this review primarily focuses on the progress and remaining issues in astrocyte reprogramming using transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, as well as exploring possible new targets for treating PD by repairing astrocytic mitochondria and reducing astrocytic inflammation.

Identification of key genes and the pathophysiology associated with allergen-specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is a causative treatment in allergic rhinitis (AR), comprising long-term allergen administration and over three years of treatment. This study is carried out for revealing the mechanisms and key genes of AIT in AR. METHODS: The present study utilized online Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray expression profiling dataset GSE37157 and GSE29521 to analyze the hub genes changes related to AIT in AR. Based on limma package, differential expression analysis for the two groups (samples of allergic patients prior to AIT and samples of allergic patients undergoing AIT) was performed to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of DEGs were conducted using DAVID database. A Protein-Protein Interaction network (PPI) was built and a significant network module was acquired by using Cytoscape software (Cytoscape, 3.7.2). Utilizing the miRWalk database, we identified potential gene biomarkers, constructed interaction networks of target genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) using Cytoscape software, and explore the cell type-specific expression patterns of these genes in peripheral blood using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE200107). Finally, we are using PCR to detect changes in the hub genes that are screened using the above method in peripheral blood before and after AIT treatment. RESULTS: GSE37157 and GSE29521 included 28 and 13 samples, respectively. A total of 119 significantly co-upregulated DEGs and 33 co-downregulated DEGs were obtained from two datasets. The GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated that protein transport, positive regulation of apoptotic process, Natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, T cell receptor signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, B cell receptor signaling pathway and Apoptosis may be potential candidate therapeutic targets for AIT of AR. From the PPI network, 20 hub genes were obtained. Among them, the PPI sub-networks of CASP3, FOXO3, PIK3R1, PIK3R3, ATF4, and POLD3 screened out from our study have been identified as reliable predictors of AIT in AR, especially the PIK3R1. CONCLUSION: Our analysis has identified novel gene signatures, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AIT in the treatment of AR.

Single-Probe-Based Colorimetric and Photothermal Dual-Mode Identification of Multiple Bacteria.

Effective identification of multiple pathogenic bacteria in unknown samples is important for disease prevention and control but remains a challenge yet. A single-mode array-based sensing approach is simple and sensitive, but it usually relies on the use of multiple cross-reactive receptors to construct sensor arrays, which is cumbersome and insufficiently accurate. Here, we developed a sensor array with colorimetric and photothermal dual mode of differentiating multiple pathogenic bacteria. The sensor array was based on boronic acid-functionalized Au-Fe3O4 nanoparticles (BA-GMNPs), which not only possess localized surface plasmon resonance properties, showing a burgundy color similar to that of AuNPs, but also exhibit mild superparamagnetism, allowing for the differentiation of bacteria before and after binding to the nanoparticles. Immobilization of BA-GMNPs on the bacterial cell surface by covalent bonding would diminish NaCl-induced assembly of BA-GMNPs. Different BA-GMNPs@bacterial complexes differed in their ability to resist assembly and produced different colorimetric and photothermal response signals. A unique molecular fingerprint of each bacterium was obtained by linear discriminant analysis of the response patterns, demonstrating an effective differentiation among the six species studied. Compared with single-mode sensing arrays based on multiple receptors, this method only requires the preparation of a single nanomaterial, which produces two signal outputs for the identification of multiple bacteria with better differentiation. It can distinguish not only multiple pathogenic bacteria but also Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, and, more importantly, it can perform preliminary discrimination of unknown samples.

Analysis of bZIP gene family in lotus (Nelumbo) and functional study of NnbZIP36 in regulating anthocyanin synthesis.

BACKGROUND: The basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family is a predominant group of transcription factors in plants, involved in regulating plant growth, development, and response to stressors. Additionally, the bZIP gene family has a key role in anthocyanin production. Despite the significant role of bZIP genes in plants, their potential contribution in lotus remains understudied. RESULTS: A total of 124 bZIP genes (59 NnbZIPs and 65 NlbZIPs) were identified from genomes of two lotus species. These genes were classified into 13 groups according to the grouping principle of the Arabidopsis bZIP gene family. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements indicated that most bZIP gene family members in lotus are associated with response to abiotic stresses. The promoters of some bZIP genes contain MYB binding sites that regulate anthocyanin synthesis. We examined the anthocyanin content of the petals from three different colored lotus, combined with transcriptome data analysis and qRT-PCR results, showing that the expression trends of NnbZIP36 and the homologous gene NlbZIP38 were significantly correlated with the anthocyanin content in lotus petals. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of NnbZIP36 in Arabidopsis promoted anthocyanin accumulation by upregulating the expression of genes (4CL, CHI, CHS, F3H, F3'H, DFR, ANS and UF3GT) related to anthocyanin synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study enhances the understanding of the bZIP gene family in lotus and provides evidence for the role of NnbZIP36 in regulating anthocyanin synthesis. This study also sets the stage for future investigations into the mechanism by which the bZIP gene family regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in lotus.

Bimetallic Phosphide Heterostructure Coupled with Ultrathin Carbon Layer Boosting Overall Alkaline Water and Seawater Splitting.

Seawater electrolysis is promising for green hydrogen production but hindered by the sluggish reaction kinetics of both cathode and anode, as well as the detrimental chlorine chemistry environment. Herein, a self-supported bimetallic phosphide heterostructure electrode strongly coupled with an ultrathin carbon layer on Fe foam (C@CoP-FeP/FF) is constructed. When used as an electrode for the hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER) in simulated seawater, the C@CoP-FeP/FF electrode shows overpotentials of 192 mV and 297 mV at 100 mA cm-2 , respectively. Moreover, the C@CoP-FeP/FF electrode enables the overall simulated seawater splitting at the cell voltage of 1.73 V to achieve 100 mA cm-2 , and operate stably during 100 h. The superior overall water and seawater splitting properties can be ascribed to the integrated architecture of CoP-FeP heterostructure, strongly coupled carbon protective layer, and self-supported porous current collector. The unique composites can not only provide enriched active sites, ensure prominent intrinsic activity, but also accelerate the electron transfer and mass diffusion. This work confirms the feasibility of an integration strategy for the manufacturing of a promising bifunctional electrode for water and seawater splitting.

Bioaccumulation Pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins in Pacific Oyster Tissues.

There is mounting evidence of the contamination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the sewage, surface water, and even marine environment. Various studies have confirmed that bivalve mollusks can bioaccumulate SARS-CoV-2 RNA to detectable levels. However, these results do not provide sufficient evidence for the presence of infectious viral particles. To verify whether oysters can bind the viral capsid and bioaccumulate the viral particles, Pacific oysters were artificially contaminated with the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein S1 subunit (rS1). The bioaccumulation pattern of the rS1 in different tissues was investigated by immunohistological assays. The results revealed that the rS1 was bioaccumulated predominately in the digestive diverticula. The rS1 was also present in the epithelium of the nondigestive tract tissues, including the gills, mantle, and heart. In addition, three potential binding ligands, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2)-like substances, A-type histo-blood group antigen (HBGA)-like substances, and oyster heat shock protein 70 (oHSP 70), were confirmed to bind rS1 and were distributed in tissues with various patterns. The colocalization analysis of rS1 and those potential ligands indicated that the distributions of rS1 are highly consistent with those of ACE 2-like substances and oHSP 70. Both ligands are distributed predominantly in the secretory absorptive cells of the digestive diverticula and may serve as the primary ligands to bind rS1. Therefore, oysters are capable of bioaccumulating the SARS-CoV-2 capsid readily by filter-feeding behavior assisted by specific binding ligands, especially in digestive diverticula. IMPORTANCE This is the first article to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein bioaccumulation pattern and mechanism in Pacific oysters by the histochemical method. Oysters can bioaccumulate SARS-CoV-2 capsid readily by filter-feeding behavior assisted by specific binding ligands. The new possible foodborne transmission route may change the epidemic prevention strategies and reveal some outbreaks that current conventional epidemic transmission routes cannot explain. This original and interdisciplinary paper advances a mechanistic understanding of the bioaccumulation of SARS-CoV-2 in oysters inhabiting contaminated surface water.

Interkingdom ecological networks between plants and fungi drive soil multifunctionality across arid inland river basin.

Despite the known collective contribution of above- (plants) and below-ground (soil fungi) biodiversity on multiple soil functions, how the associations among plant and fungal communities regulate soil multifunctionality (SMF) differentially remains unknown. Here, plant communities were investigated at 81 plots across a typical arid inland river basin, within which associated soil fungal communities and seven soil functions (nutrients storage and biological activity) were measured in surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface soil (15-30 cm). We evaluated the relative importance of species richness and biotic associations (reflected by network complexity) on SMF. Our results demonstrated that plant species richness and plant-fungus network complexity promoted SMF in surface and subsurface soil. SMF in two soil layers was mainly determined by plant-fungus network complexity, mean groundwater depth and soil variables, among which plant-fungus network complexity played a crucial role. Plant-fungus network complexity had stronger effects on SMF in surface soil than in subsurface soil. We present evidence that plant-fungus network complexity surpassed plant-fungal species richness in determining SMF in surface and subsurface soil. Moreover, plant-fungal species richness could not directly affect SMF. Greater plant-fungal species richness indirectly promoted SMF since they ensured greater plant-fungal associations. Collectively, we concluded that interkingdom networks between plants and fungi drive SMF even in different soil layers. Our findings enhanced our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms that above- and below-ground associations promote SMF in arid inland river basins. Future study should place more emphasis on the associations among plant and microbial communities in protecting soil functions under global changes.