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1.
Mitochondrial DNA B Resour ; 9(5): 592-596, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38716393

Species in the Amorphophallus genus are important cash crops in many tropical and subtropical Asian countries. Although several molecular markers have been employed to determine relationships and assess genetic variation in the Amorphophallus genus, some conflicts remain in infrageneric classification and evolution. To aid in the phylogenetic research of the Amorphophallus genus, we collected one sample of Amorphophallus tonkinensis Engler and Gehrmann 1911 from southwestern China. We assembled the first chloroplast genome of this species using high-throughput sequencing. The assembled genome was 169,341 bp long with a typical quadripartite structure (GenBank accession number: PP234804). The lengths of the large single-copy region, small single-copy region, and two inverted repeats were 90,705 bp, 15,640 bp, 31,498 bp, and 31,498 bp, respectively. We annotated 129 genes across the chloroplast genome of A. tonkinensis. The phylogenetic trees suggested that the Amorphophallus species distributed in continental Asia split into two main clades. The chloroplast genome reported in our study provided valuable genomic resources for the future phylogenetic research of the Amorphophallus genus.

2.
World J Urol ; 42(1): 302, 2024 May 08.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38720010

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced (CE) ultrasound using Sonazoid (SNZ-CEUS) by comparing with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) for differentiating benign and malignant renal masses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 306 consecutive patients (from 7 centers) with renal masses (40 benign tumors, 266 malignant tumors) diagnosed by both SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT or CE-MRI were enrolled between September 2020 and February 2021. The examinations were performed within 7 days, but the sequence was not fixed. Histologic results were available for 301 of 306 (98.37%) lesions and 5 lesions were considered benign after at least 2 year follow-up without change in size and image characteristics. The diagnostic performances were evaluated by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and compared by McNemar's test. RESULTS: In the head-to-head comparison, SNZ-CEUS and CE-MRI had comparable sensitivity (95.60 vs. 94.51%, P = 0.997), specificity (65.22 vs. 73.91%, P = 0.752), positive predictive value (91.58 vs. 93.48%) and negative predictive value (78.95 vs. 77.27%); SNZ-CEUS and CE-CT showed similar sensitivity (97.31 vs. 96.24%, P = 0.724); however, SNZ-CEUS had relatively lower than specificity than CE-CT (59.09 vs. 68.18%, P = 0.683). For nodules > 4 cm, CE-MRI demonstrated higher specificity than SNZ-CEUS (90.91 vs. 72.73%, P = 0.617) without compromise the sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: SNZ-CEUS, CE-CT, and CE-MRI demonstrate desirable and comparable sensitivity for the differentiation of renal mass. However, the specificity of all three imaging modalities is not satisfactory. SNZ-CEUS may be a suitable alternative modality for patients with renal dysfunction and those allergic to gadolinium or iodine-based agents.


Contrast Media , Ferric Compounds , Iron , Kidney Neoplasms , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Oxides , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Ultrasonography , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Prospective Studies , Ultrasonography/methods , Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods , Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods , Aged , Diagnosis, Differential , Adult , Aged, 80 and over
3.
Adv Sci (Weinh) ; : e2306770, 2024 May 06.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38711214

Integrating multiple single-cell datasets is essential for the comprehensive understanding of cell heterogeneity. Batch effect is the undesired systematic variations among technologies or experimental laboratories that distort biological signals and hinder the integration of single-cell datasets. However, existing methods typically rely on a selected dataset as a reference, leading to inconsistent integration performance using different references, or embed cells into uninterpretable low-dimensional feature space. To overcome these limitations, a reference-free method, Beaconet, for integrating multiple single-cell transcriptomic datasets in original molecular space by aligning the global distribution of each batch using an adversarial correction network is presented. Through extensive comparisons with 13 state-of-the-art methods, it is demonstrated that Beaconet can effectively remove batch effect while preserving biological variations and is superior to existing unsupervised methods using all possible references in overall performance. Furthermore, Beaconet performs integration in the original molecular feature space, enabling the characterization of cell types and downstream differential expression analysis directly using integrated data with gene-expression features. Additionally, when applying to large-scale atlas data integration, Beaconet shows notable advantages in both time- and space-efficiencies. In summary, Beaconet serves as an effective and efficient batch effect removal tool that can facilitate the integration of single-cell datasets in a reference-free and molecular feature-preserved mode.

4.
Science ; 384(6696): 670-676, 2024 May 10.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38723074

Electrochemistry offers a sustainable synthesis route to value-added fine chemicals but is often constrained by competing electron transfer between the electrode and redox-sensitive functionalities distinct from the target site. Here, we describe an ion-shielding heterogeneous photoelectrocatalysis strategy to impose mass-transfer limitations that invert the thermodynamically determined order of electron transfer. This strategy is showcased to enable decarboxylative trifluoromethylation of sensitive (hetero)arenes by using trifluoroacetate, an inexpensive yet relatively inert trifluoromethyl group (CF3) source. An ion-shielding layer, formed by trifluoroacetate anions electrostatically adsorbed on a positive molybdenum-doped tungsten trioxide (WO3) photoanode, prevents undesired electron transfer between substrates and photogenerated holes. The practicality of the developed method was demonstrated with robust photoanode stability (approximately 380 hours), a good substrate scope, and scaling capability to achieve 100-gram synthesis by using photoelectrochemical flow cells.

5.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38714325

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the major cause of multiple cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the lipid accumulation of human vascular smooth muscle cells (HVSMCs) can cause the occurrence of AS. Sfrp5 was known to be downregulated in atherosclerosis; however, the detailed function of Sfrp5 in HVSMCs remains unclear. Specifically, we found that Sfrp5 expression in oxLDL-treated HVSMCs was downregulated. Sfrp5 overexpression inhibited the viability of HVSMCs induced by oxLDL. In addition, oxLDL-induced proliferation and migration in HVSMCs were abolished by Sfrp5 overexpression. Sfrp5 overexpression reduced oxLDL-caused oxidative stress, lipid accumulation, and inflammation in HVSMCs. Meanwhile, oxLDL treatment increased the expressions of Wnt5a, c-Myc, and ß-catenin in HVSMCs, while this phenomenon was rescued by Sfrp5 overexpression. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of Sfrp5 upregulation on the viability and migration of HVSMCs was reversed by R-spondin. These results indicate that Sfrp5 overexpression could reverse oxLDL-induced lipid accumulation in HVSMCs through inactivating Wnt5a/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

7.
Adv Sci (Weinh) ; : e2401207, 2024 May 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38704676

Developing high-efficiency and stable bifunctional electrocatalysts for water splitting remains a great challenge. Herein, NiMoO4 nanowires as sacrificial templates to synthesize Mo-doped NiFe Prussian blue analogs are employed, which can be easily phosphorized to Mo-doped Fe2xNi2(1-x)P nanotubes (Mo-FeNiP NTs). This synthesis method enables the controlled etching of NiMoO4 nanowires that results in a unique hollow nanotube architecture. As a bifunctional catalyst, the Mo-FeNiP NTs present lower overpotential and Tafel slope of 151.3 (232.6) mV at 100 mA cm-2 and 76.2 (64.7) mV dec-1 for HER (OER), respectively. Additionally, it only requires an ultralow cell voltage of 1.47 V to achieve 10 mA cm-2 for overall water splitting and can steadily operate for 200 h at 100 mA cm-2. First-principles calculations demonstrate that Mo doping can effectively adjust the electron redistribution of the Ni hollow sites to optimize the hydrogen adsorption-free energy for HER. Besides, in situ Raman characterization reveals the dissolving of doped Mo can promote a rapid surface reconstruction on Mo-FeNiP NTs to dynamically stable (Fe)Ni-oxyhydroxide layers, serving as the actual active species for OER. The work proposes a rational approach addressed by electron manipulation and surface reconstruction of bimetallic phosphides to regulate both the HER and OER activity.

8.
Mitochondrial DNA B Resour ; 9(4): 527-531, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38628906

Castanopsis orthacantha Franch. 1899 is one representative tree species distributed in the evergreen broad-leaved forests of southwestern China. This species is an important source of timber for manufacturing furniture, floors, and paper. It also plays a significant role in maintaining ecological balance and stability. To help with the genetic diversity assessment of C. orthacantha, we sequenced and assembled the first complete chloroplast genome. The length of the chloroplast genome was 160,588 bp, with a typical quadripartite structure (GenBank accession no. OR900101). The large single-copy (LSC), small single-copy (SSC), and two inverted repeats (IRs) were 90,237 bp, 18,953 bp, and 25,699 bp in length, respectively. We annotated one hundred and thirty genes across the chloroplast genome, including 86 protein-coding genes (79 are unique), 37 tRNA genes (29 are unique), and eight rRNA genes (four are unique). Seventeen genes had one intron, and four were detected with two introns. The maximum likelihood phylogeny suggested that C. orthacantha, C. lamontii, C. sclerophylla, and C. hainanensis formed a clade with a high bootstrap value. This newly sequenced chloroplast genome assembly will aid in the population genetic and phylogenetic studies of Castanopsis species in the future.

9.
Langmuir ; 40(16): 8617-8629, 2024 Apr 23.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38594886

Second-order perturbation solutions of profiles of bubbles suspended in liquid and liquid-gas interfaces when liquid all sinks in the bottom with different accelerations are derived. Six procedures are developed based on these solutions, and they are divided into two types. One type takes the coordinates of end points of profiles as input, and the other type takes liquid volume or gas volume as input. Numerical simulations are performed with the Volume of Fluid method, and numerical results are in good agreement with the predictions of these procedures. The greater the acceleration, the flatter the bubble until all liquid sinks to the bottom. Effects of acceleration on bubble shape must be considered; otherwise, it will cause a volume prediction error of up to 10%. When all liquid sinks to the bottom, predictions of liquid volume with the same liquid meniscus height as inputs differ considerably for different accelerations. The most significant change in liquid volume occurs when the bond number Bo ≪ 1. Effects of acceleration and liquid contact angle on the liquid-gas interfaces must be considered when evaluating liquid residue. These findings should be quite helpful for liquid residue measurement and fine management in spacecraft.

10.
Oncologist ; 2024 Apr 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38642091

INTRODUCTION: Fruquintinib is approved in China for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) who progressed after 2 lines of chemotherapy. This postmarketing study was conducted to evaluate the safety of fruquintinib in the Chinese population, including previously treated patients with advanced CRC and other solid tumors. METHODS: Patients in the first cycle of fruquintinib or expected to start fruquintinib within a week were enrolled. Fruquintinib was administrated according to the label or per physicians' discretion. Patient characteristics and safety information were collected at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months after consent (or 30 days after the last dose). RESULTS: Overall, 3005 patients enrolled between April 24, 2019 and September 27, 2022. All enrolled patients received at least one dose of fruquintinib. Most patients had metastases at baseline. The median age was 60 years. More than half (64.0%) of the patients started fruquintinib at 5 mg, and the median treatment exposure was 2.7 months. Nearly one-third (32.5%) of patients with CRC received fruquintinib with concomitant antineoplastic agents. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) leading to dose modification were reported in 626 (20.8%) patients, and 469 (15.6%) patients experienced TEAEs leading to treatment discontinuation. The most common grade ≥ 3 TEAEs were hypertension (6.6%), palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (2.2%), and platelet count decreased (1.0%). Combination therapy did not lead to excessive toxicities. CONCLUSIONS: The safety profile of fruquintinib in the real world was generally consistent with that in clinical studies, and the incidence of TEAEs was numerically lower than known VEGF/VEGFR inhibitor-related AEs. Fruquintinib exhibited manageable safety and tolerability in Chinese patients in the real-world setting.

11.
Mitochondrial DNA B Resour ; 9(4): 522-526, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38634040

The mountainous region of southern China has been characterized by its complicated environment and topography. Amorphophallus kiusianus Makino 1913 is a representative species of extreme habitat preference that resides mainly in this region. To help study the genetic differentiation mechanisms of A. kiusianus populations, we sequenced the first chloroplast genome of this species using next-generation sequencing. The chloroplast genome was 166,269 bp in length with an average GC content of 36% (GenBank accession number: PP072243). The lengths of the large single-copy region (LSC), small single-copy region (SSC), and two inverted repeats (IRs) were 90,701 bp, 14,802 bp, 31,383 bp, and 31,383 bp, respectively. One hundred and twenty-nine genes were annotated in the chloroplast genome, including 84 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree suggested a close relationship among A. kiusianus, A. yunnanensis, and A. coaetaneus. The chloroplast genome reported in this study provides valuable genomic resources for the future phylogeographic research of A. kiusianus.

13.
Anal Methods ; 16(15): 2378-2385, 2024 Apr 18.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38572618

Using silver nitrate as the silver source and sodium borohydride as the reducing agent, we synthesized negatively charged silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Subsequently, the AgNPs solution was mixed with positively charged lead ions, resulting in AgNPs aggregation via electrostatic interactions. This led to a color change in the solution from yellow to purple and eventually to blue-green. Our study focused on a colorimetric method that exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity in detecting cysteine using AgNPs-Pb2+ as a sensing probe. Upon the introduction of cysteine to the AgNPs-Pb2+ system, the absorbance of AgNPs increased at 396 nm and decreased at 520 nm. The formation of a complex between cysteine and lead ions prevented the aggregation of silver nanoparticles, enabling the colorimetric detection of cysteine. The relationship between the concentration of ΔA396/A520 and cysteine showed linearity within the range of 0.01 to 0.1 µM; the regression equation of the calibration curve is ΔA396/A520 = 9.0005c - 0.0557 (c: µM), with an R2 value of 0.9997. The detection limit was found to be 3.8 nM (S/N = 3). This method demonstrated exceptional selectivity and sensitivity for cysteine and was effectively used for the determination of cysteine in urine. Our findings offer a new perspective for the future advancement of anti-aggregation silver nanocolorimetry.


Colorimetry , Metal Nanoparticles , Colorimetry/methods , Cysteine , Lead , Silver , Ions
14.
Cancer Sci ; 2024 Apr 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38581120

Aberrant expression of forkhead box transcription factor 1 (FOXM1) plays critical roles in a variety of human malignancies and predicts poor prognosis. However, little is known about the crosstalk between FOXM1 and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis. The present study identifies a previously uncharacterized lncRNA XLOC_008672 in gastric cancer (GC), which is regulated by FOXM1 and possesses multiple copies of tandem repetitive sequences. LncRNA microarrays are used to screen differentially expressed lncRNAs in FOXM1 knockdown GC cells, and then the highest fold downregulation lncRNA XLOC_008672 is screened out. Sequence analysis reveals that the new lncRNA contains 62 copies of 37-bp tandem repeats. It is transcriptionally activated by FOXM1 and functions as a downstream effector of FOXM1 in GC cells through in vitro and in vivo functional assays. Elevated expression of XLOC_008672 is found in GC tissues and indicates worse prognosis. Mechanistically, XLOC_008672 can bind to small nuclear ribonucleoprotein polypeptide A (SNRPA), thereby enhancing mRNA stability of Ras-GTPase-activating protein SH3 domain-binding protein 1 (G3BP1) and, consequently, facilitating GC cell proliferation and migration. Our study discovers a new uncharacterized lncRNA XLOC_008672 involved in GC carcinogenesis and progression. Targeting FOXM1/XLOC_008672/SNRPA/G3BP1 signaling axis might be a promising therapeutic strategy for GC.

15.
Environ Toxicol ; 2024 Apr 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38682322

OBJECTIVE: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have attracted increasing attention for their role in liver cancer development. The objective of this study is to develop a prognosis prediction model for patients with liver cancer based on PUFA-related metabolic gene characteristics. METHOD: Transcriptome data and clinical data were obtained from public databases, while gene sets related to PUFAs were acquired from the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) database. Univariate Cox analysis was conducted on the training set, followed by LASSO logistic regression and multivariate Cox analysis on genes with p < .05. Subsequently, the stepwise Akaike information criterion method was employed to construct the model. The high- and low-risk groups were divided based on the median score, and the model's survival prediction ability, diagnostic efficiency, and risk score distribution of clinical features were validated. The above procedures were also validated in the validation set. Immune infiltration levels were evaluated using four algorithms, and the immunotherapeutic potential of different groups was explored. Significant enrichment pathways among different groups were selected based on the GSEA algorithm, and mutation analyses were conducted. Nomogram prognostic models were constructed by incorporating clinical factors and risk scores using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, validated through calibration curves and clinical decision curves. Additionally, sensitivity analysis of drugs was performed to screen potential targeted drugs. RESULTS: We constructed a prognostic model comprising eight genes (PLA2G12A, CYP2C8, ABCCI, CD74, CCR7, P2RY4, P2RY6, and YY1). Validation across multiple datasets indicated the model's favorable prognostic prediction ability and diagnostic efficiency, with poorer grading and staging observed in the high-risk group. Variations in mutation status and pathway enrichment were noted among different groups. Incorporating Stage, Grade, T.Stage, and RiskScore into the nomogram prognostic model demonstrated good accuracy and clinical decision benefits. Multiple immune analyses suggested greater benefits from immunotherapy in the low-risk group. We predicted multiple targeted drugs, providing a basis for drug development. CONCLUSION: Our study's multifactorial prognostic model across multiple datasets demonstrates good applicability, offering a reliable tool for personalized therapy. Immunological and mutation-related analyses provide theoretical foundations for further research. Drug predictions offer important insights for future drug development and treatment strategies. Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into tumor prognosis assessment and personalized treatment planning.

16.
ACS Nano ; 18(17): 11416-11424, 2024 Apr 30.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38625014

CO plays a crucial role as an intermediate in electrochemical CO2 conversion to generate multicarbon (C2+) products. However, optimizing the coverage of the CO intermediate (*CO) to improve the selectivity of C2+ products remains a great challenge. Here, we designed a hierarchically structured double hollow spherical nanoreactor featuring atomically dispersed nickel (Ni) atoms as the core and copper (Cu) nanoparticles as the shell, which can greatly improve the catalytic activity and selectivity for C2+ compounds. Within this configuration, CO generated at the active Ni sites on the inner layer accumulates in the cavity before spilling over neighboring Cu sites on the outer layer, thus enhancing CO dimerization within the cavity. Notably, this setup achieves a sustained faradaic efficiency of 74.4% for C2+ production, with partial current densities reaching 337.4 mA cm-2. In situ Raman spectroscopy and finite-element method (FEM) simulations demonstrate that the designed local CO generator can effectively increase the local CO concentration and restrict CO evolution, ultimately boosting C-C coupling. The hierarchically ordered architectural design represents a promising solution for achieving highly selective C2+ compound production in the electroreduction of CO2.

17.
Transl Androl Urol ; 13(3): 369-382, 2024 Mar 31.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38590960

Background: Epidemiologic studies suggested the association between prenatal di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure and disorders of sex development (DSD), adult male disorders, and reproductive aging. Inhibiting testosterone synthesis by interfering with steroidogenic gene expression induces testicular toxicity, however, whether prenatal DEHP exposure induces testicular toxicity through this mechanism remains uncertain. Methods: C57BL/6JGpt male mice underwent different doses (0, 100, 500, 1,000 mg/kg) of prenatal DEHP exposure during gestational day 10 to delivery day, the testicular toxicity (genital development, testosterone, semen quality, and morphology of testis tissue) in the neonatal, post-puberal and middle-aged stages was observed, and the steroidogenic gene (Lhcgr, Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd17b3, and Hsd3b2) expression was analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot (WB). The interference of steroidogenic gene expression in TM3 cells after mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) exposure was also explored for verification. Results: Prenatal DEHP exposure induced immediate testicular injury in the neonatal stage [reduced anogenital distance (AGD) and intratesticular testosterone], DSD in the post-puberal stage (poor genital development), and reproductive aging in the middle-aged stage (obesity, reduced testosterone and semen quality, and atrophic seminiferous tubules), especially in the high dose. Prenatal DEHP exposure continuously interfered with steroidogenic gene expression (Hsd3b2, Hsd17b3) in RNA and protein levels. MEHP inhibited testosterone synthesis of TM3 cells by interfering with steroidogenic gene expression (Hsd3b2, Hsd17b3) in RNA and protein levels. Conclusions: Prenatal DEHP exposure induces lifelong testicular toxicity by continuously interfering with steroidogenic gene expression, thus indicating the association between prenatal exposure and DSD, adult male disorders, and reproductive aging.

18.
J Ethnopharmacol ; 329: 118162, 2024 Apr 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38588989

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Exocarpium Citri Grandis (ECG), the epicarp of C. grandis 'Tomentosa' which is also known as Hua-Ju-Hong in China, has been widely used for thousands of years to treat inflammatory lung disorders such as asthma, and cough as well as dispelling phlegm. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanisms in acute lung injury (ALI) remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the therapeutic effect of ECG on ALI and reveal the potential mechanisms based on experimental techniques in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) induced ALI in mice and induced RAW 264.7 cell inflammatory model were established to investigate the pharmacodynamics of ECG. ELISA kits, commercial kits, Western Blot, qPCR, Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence technologies were used to evaluate the pharmacological mechanisms of ECG in ameliorating ALI. RESULTS: ECG significantly attenuated pulmonary edema in LPS-stimulated mice and decreased the levels of IL1ß, IL6, and TNF-α in serum and BALF, reduced MDA and iron concentration as well as increased SOD and GSH levels in lung tissues, and also decreased the ROS level in BALF and Lung tissue. Further pharmacological mechanism studies showed that ECG significantly inhibited mRNA expression of inflammatory signaling factors and chemokines, and down-regulated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, NF-κB p-p65 (S536), COX2, iNOS, Txnip, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, JAK1, p-JAK1 (Y1022), JAK2, STAT1, p-STAT1 (S727), STAT3, p-STAT3 (Y705), STAT4, p-STAT4 (Y693), and Keap1, and also up-regulated the expression of Trx-1, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, GPX4, PCBP1, and SLC40A1. In the LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model, ECG showed similar results to animal experiments. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that ECG alleviated ALI by inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65 and JAK/STAT signaling pathway-mediated inflammatory response, Txnip/NLRP3 signaling pathway-mediated inflammasome activation, and regulating Nrf2/GPX4 axis-mediated ferroptosis. Our findings provide an experimental basis for the application of ECG.

19.
Mitochondrial DNA B Resour ; 9(4): 452-456, 2024.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38586510

Konjac glucomannan consists of D-mannose and D-glucose units and is a hydrocolloid obtained from the corm of Amorphophallus species. Due to its bioactive properties, biodegradability, and hydrophilic ability, glucomannan is widely used in the fields of food, medicine, and industry. Amorphophallus species have been cultivated as cash crops in many Asian countries. Amorphophallus kachinensis Engler & Gehrmann 1911 is naturally distributed in southwestern China, Laos, and northern Thailand. To help the genetic assessment and conservation of this species, the first chloroplast genome of A. kachinensis was sequenced on the Illumina sequencing platform. We assembled the chloroplast genome using the software GetOrganelle and annotated the genome by Geseq and Cpgavas 2. The assembled chloroplast genome was 173,330 bp long, and the average GC content was 35% (GenBank accession number: PP072244). The chloroplast genome of A. kachinensis contained one large single copy, one small single copy, and two inverted repeats, with lengths of 92,030 bp, 15,118 bp, 33,091 bp, and 33,091 bp, respectively. We successfully annotated 132 genes across the genome, which was consistent with other Amorphophallus species. The phylogenetic tree indicates a sub-divergence in the Amorphophallus genus with two main genetic groups detected among eight species. The two genetic groups should be treated as distinct evolutionarily significant units when making conservation strategies. Our study enriched the chloroplast genome resources of the Amorphophallus genus and could help future phylogeographic studies, protection, and utilization of wild resources.

20.
Pestic Biochem Physiol ; 200: 105843, 2024 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38582603

Isoxazoline is a novel structure with strong potential for controlling agricultural insect pests, but its high toxicity to honeybees limits its development in agriculture. Herein, a series of N-phenylamide isoxazoline derivatives with low honeybee toxicity were designed and synthesized using the intermediate derivatization method. Bioassay results showed that these compounds exhibited good insecticidal activity. Compounds 3b and 3f showed significant insecticidal effects against Plutella xylostella (P. xylostella) with median lethal concentrations (LC50) of 0.06 and 0.07 mg/L, respectively, comparable to that of fluralaner (LC50 = 0.02 mg/L) and exceeding that of commercial insecticide fluxametamide (LC50 = 0.52 mg/L). It is noteworthy that the acute honeybee toxicities of compounds 3b and 3f (LD50 = 1.43 and 1.63 µg/adult, respectively) were significantly reduced to 1/10 of that of fluralaner (LD50 = 0.14 µg/adult), and were adequate or lower than that of fluxametamide (LD50 = 1.14 µg/adult). Theoretical simulation using molecular docking indicates that compound 3b has similar binding modes with fluralaner and a similar optimal docking pose with fluxametamide when binding to the GABA receptor, which may contribute to its potent insecticidal activity and relatively low toxicity to honey bees. This study provides compounds 3b and 3f as potential new insecticide candidates and provides insights into the development of new isoxazoline insecticides exhibiting both high efficacy and environmental safety.


Insecticides , Moths , Bees , Animals , Insecticides/toxicity , Insecticides/chemistry , Molecular Docking Simulation , Insecta , Receptors, GABA/metabolism , Amides/toxicity , Moths/metabolism
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