Analysis of the Correlation between FH and PCSK9 and APOB Gene Mutations in Han and Mongolian Populations of the Hulunbuir.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the study was to provide an individual and precise genetic and molecular biological basis for the early prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of local FH by analyzing the risk factors for the development of FH in Han and Mongolian patients in the Hulunbuir, comparing the lipid levels of FH patients of the two ethnicities, and assessing differences in mutations to two genes between the two ethnic groups. METHODS: Twenty cases each of Han Chinese and Mongolian healthy controls and fifty patients who each met the inclusion criteria from November 2021 to December 2022 in five general hospitals in Hulunbuir were selected. Multifactor logistic analysis was used to analyze the risk factors associated with the development of FH. We used t-tests to analyze statistical differences in lipid levels between the groups, and Sanger sequencing to detect the dis-tribution of common mutation sites of PCSK9 and APOB in all study subjects. The mutation rates and differences between regions and ethnic groups were summarized and compared. RESULTS: 1) Gender, age, alcohol consumption, dietary status, and a family history of FH were risk factors associated with the development of FH. 2) TC, LDL-C, and APOB were significantly higher in Mongolian cases than Han cases (p < 0.05). sdLDL-C was not statistically different between the two ethnicities (p > 0.05). 3) We detected four (8%) heterozygous mutations at the PCSK9 gene E670G mutation site in the Han case group and a total of nine (18%) mutations at this site in the Mongolian cases, including one (2%) homozygous and eight (16%) heterozygous mutations. One case of a heterozygous mutation was detected in the Mongolian control group. We detected a total of ten (20%) mutations at the APOB gene rs1367117 mutation site in the Han case group, including eight (16%) heterozygous and two (4%) homozygous mutations, 11 cases (22%) of heterozygous mutations in the Mongolian case group, two cases of heterozygous mutations in the Han control group, and one case of a heterozygous mutation in the Mongolian control group. 4) The D374Y and S127R mutation sites of PCSK9 and the R3500Q mutation site of APOB were not detected in any of the study subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The mutation sites of the PCSK9 and APOB genes in FH patients in Hulunbuir are different from other regions, and the mutation rate is higher than in other regions. Therefore, we recommend that the mutation sites of the PCSK9 and APOB genes described herein be used as clinical detection indicators to assist the diagnosis of FH in this region.

Hierarchical Atomic Layer Deposited V2 O5 on 3D Printed Nanocarbon Electrodes for High-Performance Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ARZIBs) are promising energy storage systems owing to their ecofriendliness, safety, and cost-efficiency. However, the sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics originated from its inherent large atomic mass and high polarization remains an ongoing challenge. To this end, electrodes with 3D architectures and high porosity are highly desired. This work reports a rational design and fabrication of hierarchical core-shell structured cathodes (3D@V2 O5 ) for ARZIBs by integrating fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printing with atomic layer deposition (ALD). The 3D-printed porous carbon network provides an entangled electron conductive core and interconnected ion diffusion channels, whereas ALD-coated V2 O5 serves as an active shell without sacrificing the porosity for facilitated Zn2+ diffusion. This endows the 3D@V2 O5 cathode with high specific capacity (425 mAh g-1 at 0.3 A g-1 ), competitive energy and power densities (316 Wh Kg-1 at 213 W kg-1 and 163 Wh Kg-1 at 3400 W kg-1 ), and good rate performance (221 mAh g-1 at 4.8 A g-1 ). The developed 3D@V2 O5 cathode provides a promising model for customized and scalable battery electrode engineering technology. As the ALD-coated layer determines the functional properties, the proposed strategy shows a promising prospect of FDM 3D printing using 1D carbon materials for future energy storage.

Chiral Protein-Covalent Organic Framework 3D-Printed Structures as Chiral Biosensors.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has attracted great attention for prototyping different electrochemical sensor devices. However, chiral recognition remains a crucial challenge for electrochemical sensors with similar physicochemical properties such as enantiomers. In this work, a magnetic covalent organic framework (COF) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) (as the chiral surface) functionalized 3D-printed electrochemical chiral sensor is reported for the first time. The characterization of the chiral biomolecule-COF 3D-printed constructure was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). A tryptophan (Trp) enantiomer was chosen as the model chiral molecule to estimate the chiral recognition ability of the magnetic COF and BSA-based 3DE (Fe3O4@COF@BSA/3DE). We have demonstrated that the Fe3O4@COF@BSA/3DE exhibited excellent chiral recognition to l-Trp as compared to d-Trp. The chiral protein-COF sensing interface was used to determine the concentration of l-Trp in a racemic mixture of d-Trp and l-Trp. This strategy of on-demand fabrication of 3D-printed protein-COF-modified electrodes opens up new approaches for enantiomer recognition.

TRIM7 promotes proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis through activating c-Jun/AP-1.

Atherosclerosis (AS), with associated risk of stroke or cerebrovascular disease, is one of the most common causes of death globally. It has been well established that tripartite motif-containing protein 7 Tripartite Motif-containing 7 (Trim7), as an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, is involved in protein ubiquitination and thus regulating cellular proliferation. Moreover, TRIM7 is upregulated in advanced carotid AS. However, the detailed mechanism of TRIM7 on regulation of AS remains unclear. In the present study, we firstly discovered that TRIM7 expression was robustly induced in platelet-derived growth factor type BB-treated vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and human atherosclerotic plaques. Functional approaches established that knockdown of TRIM7 inhibited proliferation and migration of VSMCs, as well as arrested the cell cycle at G1-S, thus suppressing AS progression. Our results also identified that c-Jun/activator protein 1 (AP-1) signaling pathway was activated by TRIM7. Moreover, gain- and loss-of-function studies revealed that TRIM7 could promote proliferation and migration of VSMCs via activation of c-Jun/AP-1 signaling pathway. Finally, by using atherogenic apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE-/-) C57BL/6 mice with high-fat diet AS model, we demonstrated that interference of TRIM7 could effectively mitigate in vivo AS via inactivation of c-Jun/AP-1 signaling pathway. In general, activation of c-Jun/AP-1 signaling pathway via TRIM7 could be an important mechanism in AS progression, thus shedding light on the development of novel therapeutics to the treatment of the disease.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in pregnant women with epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy in pregnancy can lead to substantial maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Early intervention in pregnant women with epilepsy (WWE), accurate assessment of the severity of their condition, and effective treatment are required to improve maternal and neonatal prognosis. Many obstetricians lack experience in monitoring and treating pregnant WWE. AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of pregnant WWE and examine maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: Medical records of 75 pregnant women with a history of epilepsy who delivered at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, China between January 2006 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Pregnant women with a history of epilepsy were matched 1:2 with a control group of 150 pregnant women without epilepsy who delivered at Beijing Tiantan Hospital during the same time period. Information including type and frequency of epilepsy and seizures, maternal complications, medication, delivery mode, newborn weight, and newborn Apgar score were recorded. In subgroup analyses, pregnant WWE were stratified according to presence or absence of seizures during pregnancy and generalized seizure vs. nongeneralized seizure. RESULTS: The incidence of anemia, hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), cesarean section, and postpartum hemorrhage was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and mean newborn weight and newborn Apgar score were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in pregnant WWE compared with pregnant women without epilepsy. The incidence of premature delivery was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and mean newborn weight was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in pregnant WWE with seizures vs. without seizures. Mean newborn weight was significantly lower (p = 0.01) in pregnant WWE with nongeneralized seizures vs. generalized seizures. CONCLUSION: Pregnant WWE are at high risk of anemia, gestational hypertension, PROM, cesarean section, postpartum hemorrhage, and low newborn weight and Apgar score. Women with epilepsy who experience seizures during pregnancy are at high risk of preterm birth and having low birth weight infants. Pregnant WWE who experience nongeneralized seizures are at high risk of having low birth weight infants. These data emphasize the need to routinely monitor fetal weight on ultrasound and offer appropriate intervention. These findings highlight the need for healthcare providers to take a multidisciplinary approach to the management of pregnant WWE. SYNOPSIS: Pregnant WWE are at high risk of obstetric complications. Women with epilepsy who experience seizures during pregnancy are at high risk of preterm birth and having low birth weight infants. Pregnant WWE who experience nongeneralized seizures are at high risk of having low birth weight infants. These data highlight the need for healthcare providers to take a multidisciplinary approach to the management of pregnant WWE.

Tuning Charge Storage Properties of Supercapacitive Electrodes Evidenced by In Situ Gravimetric and Viscoelastic Explorations.

Revealed by an integrated electrogravimetric and viscoelastic method, slightly electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) presents an anion preference for charge storage and delivery, while with the progressive removal of oxygen functionalities on its basal planes, cations begin to predominate in charge compensation. This "anion-to-cation" evolution in neutral aqueous media can not only affect the electrochemical charge storage, but also play an important role in electrode's viscoelasticity. It was demonstrated that oxygen functionalities could modify the interactions between graphene layers and even contribute to pseudocapacitances. However, the role of oxygen functionalities in species transfer and viscoelastic variations still remains poorly understood. Herein, a combined methodology of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM), ac-electrogravimetry and electroacoustic impedance measurements was proposed for characterizing the electrochemical and viscoelastic responses of graphene oxides with various degree of electrochemical reduction. With the removal of oxygen containing functional groups, ERGO electrode exhibits ( i) a gradually enhanced specific capacitance ( Cs) with increased flexibility (decreased storage moduli, G'); ( ii) a dehydration process of cations (i.e., from Na+·2H2O to Na+·H2O); and ( iii) a potential-dependent "stiffened-softened" behavior. These results open the door for a suitable design of GO-based materials for electrochemical energy storage and shed light on electronic devices where ion-selective behavior plays a key role.

The ferroptosis inducer erastin promotes proliferation and differentiation in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) contain multipotent progenitor cell populations and possess the potential to differentiate into various types of immune cells under both physiological and pathological conditions. Ferroptosis is a type of oxidative stress-associated cell death that is mainly mediated by lipid peroxidation. However, the function of ferroptosis in cell differentiation remains unknown. Here, we showed that the ferroptosis inducer erastin did not cause cell death in human PBMCs. In contrast, erastin-induced lipid peroxidation promoted human PBMC proliferation and differentiation into B cells and natural killer cells through inhibition of bone morphogenetic protein family expression. These findings uncover a new immune modulation function of erastin in promoting PBMC proliferation and differentiation.

Pichia nanzhaoensis sp. nov. and Pichia paraexigua f.a., sp. nov., two yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Four yeast strains were isolated from rotting wood samples collected in the Baotianman Nature Reserve in Henan Province, Central China. On the basis of sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer regions, they were suggested to be two novel species of the genus Pichia. Pichia nanzhaoensis sp. nov. produces one to four spherical ascospores per ascus, and is most closely related to Candida pseudolambica. Pichia paraexigua f.a., sp. nov. is a sister taxa to Pichia exigua, but the formation of ascospores was not observed on various sporulation media. P. nanzhaoensis sp. nov. can weakly assimilate inulin, whereas P. paraexigua sp. nov. can weakly assimilate d-glucosamine. The type strain of Pichia nanzhaoensis is NYNU 178136T (=CICC 33279T=CBS 15346T) and the type strain of Pichia paraexigua is NYNU 178135T (=CICC 33278T=CBS 15237T).

Tracking the interfacial charge transfer behavior of hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanostructures via complementary electrogravimetric methods.

The mechanism of species fluxes during the charge-discharge process in a nanostructured ZnO electrode was studied by a combined methodology of electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance (EQCM) and ac-electrogravimetry. Under the conditions of this study, anions (SO42-) possess the highest kinetics to be transferred at the electrode/electrolyte interface in the charge balance while cations (identified as Na+·5H2O and Na+) play the major role as charge carriers. Free H2O molecules present a sluggish behavior and their interfacial transfer occurs at a low scan rate or low frequencies. These findings shed light on the nature of ions and solvent participation in the charge balance of hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanostructures directly grown on a QCM device. The combined methodology proposed herein provides dynamic and gravimetric analysis of interfacial charge transfer and can be extended to investigate other nanostructured metal oxide-based electrodes for energy storage.

Kodamaea neixiangensis f.a., sp. nov. and Kodamaea jinghongensis f.a., sp. nov., two yeast species isolated from rotting wood.

Seven strains representing two novel yeast species were isolated from rotting wood in Henan and Yunnan Provinces, PR China. The results of phylogenetic analysis based on the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene revealed that these two species are members of the genus Kodamaea, although the formation of ascospores was not observed. Kodamaea neixiangensis f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 167139T=CICC 33170T=CBS 14699T) formed a clade with Candida kaohsiungensis and Candida hsintzibuensis, from which it differed by 10-16 substitutions in the D1/D2 domain. The ITS sequences of K. neixiangensis sp. nov. differed by 27 substitutions from those of the type strain of C. kaohsiungensis. The most closely related species with a validly published name to Kodamaea jinghongensis f.a., sp. nov. (type strain NYNU 167162T=CICC 33171T=CBS 14700T) was Candida fukazawae, but this differed by 14 substitutions in the D1/D2 domain and by 15 substitutions in the ITS region.

What do they Need?-The academic counseling needs of students majoring in art and design in a higher vocational college in China.

Students in higher vocational education are always encountering various challenges. The way they attempt to conquer these challenges influences their success in achieving their academic goals. With the development of the times, the needs of students in China's vocational colleges to cope with challenges are also changing. In order to understand the changing needs of these students to cope with the challenges, based on Trautwein and Bosse's academic counseling demand model and Knowles's demand theory, this study adopted semi-structured interviews, key event collection methods, and purposive sampling to select 12 students of different grades majoring in art and design in a higher vocational college in Guangzhou, China. With reference to related studies on the key academic needs of students, interview outlines were designed, interviews were conducted, and coding and analysis were performed. Students' experiences were categorized according to learning-related, individual, organization, and social constructs. The study results showed that the academic counseling needs of China's higher vocational art and design students mainly focused on the learning-related construct, such as understanding the courses and course systems they were majoring in, setting and realizing academic goals, coping with setbacks, pressure and other students' comprehensive evaluation. This was followed by dealing with personal and financial issues, building social circles and peer relationships, and so on. Therefore, for students to overcome challenges and achieve academic goals, it is helpful to strengthen the collaboration between professional teachers and counselors, the influence of peers, the focus on academic consulting work related to learning, and to explore and carry out guidance on students' individual needs in higher vocational colleges.

Effect of the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage. / 针灸分期综合治疗急性期贝尔面瘫疗效观察.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical effect on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage between the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion and western medication. METHODS: Sixty patients with Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each one. The patients in the control group were administered orally with prednisone acetate tablets and methylcobalamin tablets until the 28th day of illness. In the observation group, the staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion was adopted. On the affected side, Qianzheng (EX-HN 16), Yifeng (TE 17), Sibai (ST 2), Yangbai (GB 14), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4) and Touwei (ST 8), etc. were stimulated. In the acute stage (Day 1 to 7 of illness), the routine acupuncture and the point-toward-point needle insertion were delivered, no any manipulation was exerted at acupoints, and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the subacute stage (Day 8 to 14 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the acute stage, the depth of needle insertion was adjusted at a part of acupoints and the even needling technique was operated by twisting needle. Besides, electroacupuncture (EA) was attached to Qianzheng (EX-HN 16) and Dicang (ST 4), with continuous wave of low intensity and high frequency, 100 Hz, for 20 min. In the recovery stage (Day 15 to 28 of illness), on the base of the treatment as the subacute stage, the heavy stimulation of acupuncture was given, in which, the sticking and lifting needle techniques were delivered after the needles were inserted from Sibai (ST 2) toward Dicang (ST 4), and from Dicang (ST 4) toward Jiache (ST 6), separately; warm needling was operated at Yifeng (TE 17), and EA changed to stimulate the acupoints with the intermittent wave of high intensity and low frequency, 2 Hz, for 30 min. Acupuncture-moxibustion was given once every other day until the end of the 28th day of illness. The level of House-Brackmann facial nerve function rating scale (H-B grade),the score of Sunnybrook facial nerve grading system (Sunnybrook), the score of facial disability index (FDI), the temperature difference in the infrared thermal imaging facial area and electromyogram (EMG) situation of the affected muscle group were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. Using musculoskeletal ultrasound,the facial nerve diameter was detected and the clinical effect was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the level of H-B grade, Sunnybrook score, the scores of physical function and social life function in FDI were improved when compared with those before treatment in the patients of either group (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the results of these evaluations in the observation group were better than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the temperature difference of the frontal area, the eye area, the zygomatic area and the mouth corner was declined in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the temperature difference in each area in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05).The root mean square (RMS) of the frontal muscle group, the zygomatic muscle group and the orbicularis muscle group on the affected side increased in comparison with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01), and RMS of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05) after treatment. Before treatment, the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side was larger than that on the healthy side (P<0.01), and after treatment, the diameter on the affected side was reduced when compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.01); the diameter of the facial nerve on the affected side in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.05), while, the diameter on the affected side was larger when compared with the healthy side in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), higher than that of the control group (83.3% [25/30], P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The staging comprehensive treatment with acupuncture-moxibustion is clearly effective on Bell's facial palsy in the acute stage, which affirms the effectiveness of acupuncture-moxibustion for the acute stage of Bell's facial palsy in comparison with conventional western medication.

[Screening and sampling of endometrial carcinoma accuracy of the endometrial cytology test for the screening of endometrial cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of endometrial cytology test (ECT) for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer or precancerous lesions and then discuss the value of ECT as a screening tool for endometrial cancer.Secondly, to investigate related characteristics and independent risk factors of epidemiology of endometrial carcinomas and atypical endometrial hyperplasia to advise proper crowd for endometrial carcinomas screening and monitoring. METHODS: Totally 1717 preoperative questionnaires on hysteroscopy + dilation & curettage, histopathology and endometrial cytological tests in Peking University First Hospital, People's Hospital of Beijing Daxing District and Beijing Cancer Hospital, from March 2009 to May 2013 were completed. Histopathologic diagnoses were used as the gold standard for determining the accuracy of ECT.Extrapolation: applied binary logistic regression method to narrow down the risk factors of histopathology and endometrial cytological examination. RESULTS: Satisfaction rate of cytological specimens and pathological specimens were 96.45% (1656/1717) and 91.44% (1570/1717), respectively. ECT provided sufficient material for the diagnosis significantly more often than histopathology (P < 0.05). For the ECT diagnosis of endometrial cancer: accuracy was estimated at 88.2%, sensitivity at 87.3%, specificity at 88.3%, positive predictive value (PPV) at 41.9%, negative predictive value (NPV)at 98.6%.Univariate analysis revealed that risk factors of diagnosis of endometrial carcinomas and atypical hyperplasia of histopathology were included:body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m(2), age ≥ 40 years old, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, menopause, family history of malignant tumor (all P < 0.10). Multifactor analysis revealed that the independent risk factors were included:BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2), age ≥ 40 years, menopause and family history of malignant tumor (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study indicated that the accuracy of ECT for the diagnosis of endometrial cancer was high.Furthermore, ECT could be a useful tool for the screening of endometrial cancer.Independent risk factors of endometrial carcinomas and atypical endometrial hyperplasia including:age over 40 years, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2), menopause and family history of malignant tumor.

ADAMTS3 and FLT4 gene mutations result in congenital lymphangiectasia in newborns: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Congenital lymphangiectasia is a rare disease characterized by dilated interstitial lymphatic vessels and cystic expansion of the lymphatic vessels. Congenital lymphangiectasia can affect various organ systems; however, it frequently occurs in the lungs accompanied with unexplained pleural effusion. Further, it might not be diagnosed during prenatal examination owing to the absence of pronounced abnormalities. However, after birth the newborn rapidly develops respiratory distress that quickly deteriorates. Genetic variations in proteins controlling the development of lymphatic vessels contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease. We report a rare case of heterozygous mutation of ADAMTS3 and FLT4 genes, which have not been reported previously. CASE SUMMARY: We analysed the case of a neonate who had presented with only pleural effusion at a late gestational age and eventually died due to its inability to establish spontaneous breathing after birth. An autopsy revealed lymphangiectasia of the organ systems. Further, whole exome sequencing revealed heterozygous mutations of the lymphangiogenesis-controlling genes, ADAMTS3 and FLT4, and Sanger verification revealed similar lesions in the mother with no symptoms. CONCLUSION: Considering the presented case, obstetricians should observe unexplained foetal pleural effusion, and perform pathology analysis and whole exome sequencing for a conclusive diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Predictive value of the trans-perineal three-dimensional ultrasound measurement of the pubic arch angle for vaginal delivery.

BACKGROUND: Numerous variables are linked to the success of vaginal delivery, including the subpubic arch angle (SPAA) during labor, the importance of which has not yet been fully elucidated. AIM: To examine the SPAA distributional characteristics and to ascertain SPAA's ability to predict the type and duration of labor. METHODS: We determined the SPAA and analyzed the corresponding data. We also evaluated the relationship between the SPAA and the mode of delivery and the duration of labor by regression. The present study comprised a total of 301 pregnant women who had given birth at Beijing Tiantan Hospital of the Capital Medical University between January and December of 2021. RESULTS: Our analysis of 301 pregnant women revealed that the SPAA measured using three-dimensional trans-perineal ultrasound had a minimum angle of 81° and a maximum angle of 122.2°. The angle in the normal vaginal delivery group was greater than that in the labor cesarean group (P = 0.000). The SPAA was a highly significant positive predictor of normal vaginal delivery (P = 0.000) with an area under the curve of 0.782 (P = 0.000; 95%CI: 0.717-0.848). We found the length of the second stage of labor to be positively influenced by the SPAA using linear regression analysis (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The SPAA was a highly significant positive predictor of normal vaginal delivery. The length of the second stage of labor and normal vaginal birth were predicted by SPAA.

Multi-Wavelength Light-Responsive Metal-Phenolic Network-Based Microrobots for Reactive Species Scavenging.

Light-driven microrobots with different propulsion mechanisms have attracted great attention in microrobot synthesis and applications. However, current systems rely heavily on precious metals, using a complex synthesis process and limited working wavelength. It is therefore of great interest to fabricate microrobots that can be driven by multi-wavelength irradiation and with simple components. Here, metal-phenolic network (MPN)-based microrobots are synthesized using a sacrificial polystyrene bead template and an extra capping is added to regulate their symmetry. The hollow MPN microrobots with different layers of capping are capable of moving under both near-infrared (NIR) irradiation and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, without fuel. The velocity of the microrobots under irradiation is altered by the thickness of the asymmetric capping and their motion could be manipulated remotely by switching the NIR or UV irradiation on and off. With light-driven mobility, the reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) scavenging activity of the microrobots is significantly increased. Therefore, this proposed microrobot system provides a synthesis strategy to develop asymmetric light-navigated microrobots for future medical treatment with tunable structure, multi-wavelength light-responsive mobility, and great RONS scavenging capacity.

Dissolved Oxygen and Water Temperature Drive Vertical Spatiotemporal Variation of Phytoplankton Community: Evidence from the Largest Diversion Water Source Area.

In order to study the vertical distribution characteristics of phytoplankton in the Danjiangkou Reservoir, the water source of the Middle Route Project of the South-North Water Diversion, seven sampling sites were set up in the Reservoir for quarterly sampling from 2017 to 2019, and water environment surveys were conducted simultaneously. The results showed that 157 species (including varieties) were identified, belonging to 9 phyla and 88 genera. In terms of species richness, Chlorophyta had the largest number of species, accounting for 39.49% of the total species. The Bacillariophyta and Cyanobacteria accounted for 28.03% and 13.38% of the total species, respectively. From the whole Danjiangkou Reservoir, the total phytoplankton abundance varied from 0.09 × 102 to 20.01 × 106 cells/L. In the vertical distribution, phytoplankton were mainly observed in the surface-thermospheric layer (I-II layer) and the bottom layer, while the Shannon-Wiener index showed a trend of gradually decreasing from the I-V layer. The Surfer model analysis showed that there was no significant stratification in the Q site's water temperature (WT) and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the water diversion area during the dynamic water diversion process. A canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) showed that DO, WT, pH, electrical conductivity (Cond), chemical oxygen demand (CODMn), total phosphorus (TP), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total nitrogen (TN) had significant effects on the vertical distribution of phytoplankton (p < 0.05). A partial Mantel analysis showed that the vertical distribution of the phytoplankton community was related to WT, and the phytoplankton community structure at the other sites, except for Heijizui (H) and Langhekou (L), was affected by DO. This study has positive significance for exploring the vertical distribution characteristics of a phytoplankton community in a deep-water dynamic water diversion reservoir.

Four new species of Trichomonascaceae (Saccharomycetales, Saccharomycetes) from Central China.

Trichomonascaceae is the largest family of ascomycetous yeast in the order Saccharomycetales. In spite of the extensive body of research on Trichomonascaceae in China, there remain new species to be discovered. Here, we describe four new species isolated from several rotting wood samples from Henan Province, Central China. Phylogenetic analysis of a combined ITS and nrLSU dataset with morphological studies revealed four new species in the Trichomonascaceae: Diddensiellaluoyangensis, Sugiyamaellacylindrica, Su.robnettiae, and Zygoascusdetingensis. Clustering in the Diddensiella clade, D.luoyangensis' closest neighbour was D.transvaalensis. Meanwhile, Su.cylindrica clustered in the Sugiyamaella clade closest to Su.marilandica and Su.qingdaonensis. Also clustering in the Sugiyamaella clade, Su.robnettiae was most closely related to Su.chuxiongensis. Finally, Z.detingensis occupied a distinct and separated basal branch from the other species of the genus Zygoascus. These results indicate a high species diversity of Trichomonascaceae.

Kodamaeahongheensis f.a., sp. nov., Kodamaeaovata f.a., sp. nov. and Kodamaeayamadae f.a., sp. nov., three new yeast species of Kodamaea (Saccharomycetales, Debaryomycetacae) from China.

Kodamaea includes a growing number of interesting yeasts of the family Debaryomycetacae that are widely distributed in temperate, subtropical and tropical regions of different continents. During recent yeast collections in Henan and Yunnan Province in China, several isolates of Kodamaea were obtained from rotting wood, all of which represent undescribed taxa. Based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses (ITS and LSU rDNA), three new species are proposed: K.hongheensis f.a., sp. nov., K.ovata f.a., sp. nov. and K.yamadae f.a., sp. nov. In addition, sixteen Candida species, which are members of the Kodamaea clade based on phylogenetic analysis, are transferred to Kodamaea as new combinations. Our results indicate high species diversity of Kodamaea waiting to be discovered in rotting wood from tropical and subtropical China.

A noncanonical function of EIF4E limits ALDH1B1 activity and increases susceptibility to ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis is a type of lipid peroxidation-dependent cell death that is emerging as a therapeutic target for cancer. However, the mechanisms of ferroptosis during the generation and detoxification of lipid peroxidation products remain rather poorly defined. Here, we report an unexpected role for the eukaryotic translation initiation factor EIF4E as a determinant of ferroptotic sensitivity by controlling lipid peroxidation. A drug screening identified 4EGI-1 and 4E1RCat (previously known as EIF4E-EIF4G1 interaction inhibitors) as powerful inhibitors of ferroptosis. Genetic and functional studies showed that EIF4E (but not EIF4G1) promotes ferroptosis in a translation-independent manner. Using mass spectrometry and subsequent protein-protein interaction analysis, we identified EIF4E as an endogenous repressor of ALDH1B1 in mitochondria. ALDH1B1 belongs to the family of aldehyde dehydrogenases and may metabolize the aldehyde substrate 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE) at high concentrations. Supraphysiological levels of 4HNE triggered ferroptosis, while low concentrations of 4HNE increased the cell susceptibility to classical ferroptosis inducers by activating the NOX1 pathway. Accordingly, EIF4E-dependent ALDH1B1 inhibition enhanced the anticancer activity of ferroptosis inducers in vitro and in vivo. Our results support a key function of EIF4E in orchestrating lipid peroxidation to ignite ferroptosis.