Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Burkholderia contaminans ZCC and mechanistic analysis at the proteome level.

The biogenic synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by microorganisms has been a subject of increasing attention. Despite extensive studies on this biosynthetic pathway, the mechanisms underlying the involvement of proteins and enzymes in AgNPs production have not been fully explored. Herein, we reported that Burkholderia contaminans ZCC was able to reduce Ag+ to AgNPs with a diameter of (10±5) nm inside the cell. Exposure of B. contaminans ZCC to Ag+ ions led to significant changes in the functional groups of cellular proteins, with approximately 5.72% of the (C-OH) bonds being converted to (C-C/C-H) (3.61%) and CO (2.11%) bonds, and 4.52% of the CO (carbonyl) bonds being converted to (C-OH) bonds. Furthermore, the presence of Ag+ and AgNPs induced the ability of extracellular electron transfer for ZCC cells via specific membrane proteins, but this did not occur in the absence of Ag+ ions. Proteomic analysis of the proteins and enzymes involved in heavy metal efflux systems, protein secretion system, oxidative phosphorylation, intracellular electron transfer chain, and glutathione metabolism suggests that glutathione S-transferase and ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase iron-sulfur subunit play importance roles in the biosynthesis of AgNPs. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the functions exerted by glutathione S-transferase and ferredoxin-thioredoxin reductase iron-sulfur subunits in the biogenesis of AgNPs, thereby hold immense potential for optimizing biotechnological techniques aimed at enhancing the yield and purity of biosynthetic AgNPs.

Effect of decentration and tilt on the in vitro optical quality of monofocal and trifocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of decentration and tilt on the optical quality of monofocal and trifocal intraocular lenses (IOL). METHODS: Optical quality of a monofocal IOL (AcrySof IQ SN60WF; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA) and a trifocal IOL (AcrySof IQ PanOptix; Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA) was assessed using an in vitro optical bench (OptiSpheric IOL R&D; Trioptics GmbH, Germany). At apertures of 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm, modulation transfer function (MTF) at spatial frequency of 50 lp/mm, MTF curve and the United States Air Force (USAF) resolution test chart of the two IOLs were measured and compared at their focus with different degrees of decentration and tilt. Optical quality at infinity, 60 cm and 40 cm and the through-focus MTF curves were compared when the two IOLs were centered at apertures of 3.0 mm and 4.5 mm. Spectral transmittance of the two IOLs was measured by the UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV 3300 PC; MAPADA, China). RESULTS: The SN60WF and the PanOptix filtered blue light from 400 to 500 nm. Both IOLs at the far focus and the PanOptix at the intermediate focus showed a decrease in optical quality with increasing decentration and tilt. The PanOptix demonstrated enhanced optical quality compared to the previous gradient at the near focus at a decentration range of 0.3-0.7 mm with a 3.0 mm aperture, and 0.5 mm with a 4.5 mm aperture, whereas other conditions exhibited diminished optical quality with increasing decentration and tilt at the focus of both IOLs. When the two IOLs were centered, the SN60WF had better optical quality at infinity, while the PanOptix had better optical quality at 60 cm and 40 cm defocus. The optical quality of the SN60WF exceeded that of the PanOptix at far focus, with a 3 mm aperture decentration up to 0.7 mm and a 4.5 mm aperture decentration up to 0.3 mm; this observation held true for all tilts, irrespective of aperture size. As both decentration and tilt increased, the optical quality of the SN60WF deteriorated more rapidly than that of the PanOptix at the far focal point. CONCLUSIONS: The SN60WF showed a decrease in optical quality with increasing decentration and tilt. Optical quality of the PanOptix at the near focus increased in some decentration conditions and decreased in some conditions, while it showed a decrease at the other focuses with increasing decentration. While tilt only had a negative effect on optical quality. When both IOLs were centered, the PanOptix provided a wider range of vision, while the SN60WF provided better far distance vision. At the far focus, the SN60WF has better resistance to tilt than the PanOptix, but the optical quality degrades more quickly when decentered and tilted.

Mechanisms of norcantharidin against renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RTIF) is a common feature and inevitable consequence of all progressive chronic kidney diseases, leading to end-stage renal failure regardless of the initial cause. Although research over the past few decades has greatly improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of RTIF, until now there has been no specific treatment available that can halt the progression of RTIF. Norcantharidin (NCTD) is a demethylated analogue of cantharidin, a natural compound isolated from 1500 species of medicinal insect, the blister beetle (Mylabris phalerata Pallas), traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Many studies have found that NCTD can attenuate RTIF and has the potential to be an anti-RTIF drug. This article reviews the recent progress of NCTD in the treatment of RTIF, with emphasis on the pharmacological mechanism of NCTD against RTIF.

Simultaneous Determination of 9 Components in Shujin Tongluo Black Plaster by HPLC / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To establish an HPLC-based method for the determination of α-obscurine,ferulic acid,hydroxysafflower yellow A,benzoylneaconitine,benzoylaconitine,periplosin,4-methoxysalicylsalicylate,kaempferol and oleanolic acid simultaneously in Shujin Tongluo Black Plaster.Methods HPLC method was used to determine the 9 components in Shujin Tongluo Black Plaster simultaneously.The 70%methanol extracts were analyzed using Waters SunFire C18 chromatography column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm),in mobile phase containing acetonitrile-0.2%phosphoric acid solution for gradient elution with volume flow rate of 1.0 mL/min;column temperature was set at 25℃;detection wavelength was set at 230 nm.Results The 9 components had good linear relationship in their respective ranges(r≥0.999 7).The average recoveries were between 98.06%-100.56%and RSD was between 0.48%-2.56%,respectively.Conclusion The method has the advantage of repeatability,simple and fast,and can be used as the quality control of Shujin Tongluo Black Plaster.

Optimization of Phenylphthalein and Phenolic Acid Components Extracts from Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma Decoction Pieces by Central Combination Design Response Surface Methodology / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To optimize the optimal extraction process for phthalein and phenolic acid components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma decoction pieces.Methods On the basis of a single factor experiment,central combination design-response surface methodology was adopted,and the extraction time,ethanol concentration,and ethanol dosage were used as influencing factors,and the total normalized values of the content of Senkyunolide I,Senkyunolide A and ligustilide,and extract yield were used as evaluation indicators to optimize the extraction process of phthalein components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma decoction pieces;the total normalized values of chlorogenic acid,caffeic acid,ferulic acid,and extract yield were used as evaluation indicators to optimize the extraction process of phenolic acids components in Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma decoction pieces.Results The optimal extraction process was to add 7 times the amount of 90%ethanol to the phthalein components,extract for 130 minutes each time,and extract twice;phenolic acid components were extracted twice with 7.5 times the amount of 65%ethanol for 120 minutes each time.Conclusion The optimized extraction process for phthalein and phenolic acids in Angelicae Sinensis Radix-Chuanxiaong Rhizoma decoction pieces is stable and feasible,which can provide a basis for subsequent research.

Regulatory effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on H2O2-induced apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in SH-SY5Y cells / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Current studies have confirmed that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides can promote nerve regeneration in neurodegeneration-related diseases.The occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases is closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction,but the role of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on the regulation of apoptosis and mitochondrial function in neurodegenerative diseases is not yet clarified. OBJECTIVE:To explore the regulatory effects and mechanisms of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in H2O2-induced SH-SY5Y cells. METHODS:SH-SY5Y cells were divided into three groups:control group,H2O2 group,and Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides group.Cells in the control group were normally cultured.Cells in the H2O2 group were treated with 300 μmol/L H2O2 for 24 hours.In the Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides group,the intervention with 300 μg/L Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides was conducted first for 1-2 hours,followed by the addition of 300 μmol/L H2O2 for 24 hours.The mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 kit.Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining kit.The activities of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase were detected by malondialdehyde test kit and superoxide dismutase test kit,respectively.The apoptosis and expression of mitochondrial dynamics-related proteins were detected by immunofluorescence staining and western blot assay. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the control group,the mitochondrial membrane potential and superoxide dismutase activity were significantly reduced,as well as apoptotic rate and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the H2O2 group(P<0.05).After treatment with Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides,the membrane potential and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly increased,and apoptotic rate and malondialdehyde levels were significantly reduced compared with the H2O2 group(P<0.05).(2)The expression levels of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased,but the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly decreased in the H2O2 group compared with the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the H2O2 group,the levels of Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly decreased,but the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly increased in the Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides group(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the control group,the expression of mitochondrial splitting proteins Fis1 and p-Drp1 was significantly increased,but the expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins OPA1,Mfn1,and Mfn2 was decreased in the H2O2 group(P<0.05).Compared with the H2O2 group,Fis1 and p-Drp1 expression was significantly reduced,but the expression levels of OPA1,Mfn1,and Mfn2 were significantly increased in the Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides group(P<0.05).(4)The above results confirm that Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides can attenuate H2O2-induced oxidative stress damage and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells by ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction.

Antioxidant CeO2 doped with carbon dots enhance ammonia production by an electroactive Azospirillum humicireducens SgZ-5T.

Microbial nitrogen fixation is a fundamental process in the nitrogen cycle, providing a continuous supply of biologically available nitrogen essential for life. In this study, we combined cerium oxide-doped carbon dots (CeO2/CDs) with electroactive nitrogen-fixing bacterium Azospirillum humicireducens SgZ-5T to enhance nitrogen fixation through ammonium production. Our research demonstrates that treatment of SgZ-5T cells with CeO2/CDs (0.2 mg mL-1) resulted in a 265.70% increase in ammonium production compared to SgZ-5T cells alone. CeO2/CDs facilitate electron transfer in the biocatalytic process, thereby enhancing nitrogenase activity. Additionally, CeO2/CDs reduce the concentration of reactive oxygen species in SgZ-5T cells, leading to increased ammonium production. The upregulation of nifD, nifH and nifK gene expression upon incorporation of CeO2/CDs (0.2 mg mL-1) into SgZ-5T cells supports this observation. Our findings not only provide an economical and environmentally friendly approach to enhance biological nitrogen fixation but also hold potential for alleviating nitrogen fertilizer scarcity.

Metabonomics Analysis of Brain Stem Tissue in Rats with Primary Brain Stem Injury Caused Death / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To explore the potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of primary brain stem injury (PBSI) by using metabonomics method to observe the changes of metabolites in rats with PBSI caused death.@*METHODS@#PBSI, non-brain stem brain injury and decapitation rat models were established, and metabolic maps of brain stem were obtained by LC-MS metabonomics method and annotated to the HMDB database. Partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and random forest methods were used to screen potential biomarkers associated with PBSI diagnosis.@*RESULTS@#Eighty-six potential metabolic markers associated with PBSI were screened by PLS-DA. They were modeled and predicted by random forest algorithm with an accuracy rate of 83.3%. The 818 metabolic markers annotated to HMDB database were used for random forest modeling and prediction, and the accuracy rate was 88.9%. According to the importance in the identification of cause of death, the most important metabolic markers that were significantly up-regulated in PBSI group were HMDB0038126 (genipinic acid, GA), HMDB0013272 (N-lauroylglycine), HMDB0005199 [(R)-salsolinol] and HMDB0013645 (N,N-dimethylsphingosine).@*CONCLUSIONS@#GA, N-lauroylglycine, (R)-salsolinol and N,N-dimethylsphingosine are expected to be important metabolite indicators in the diagnosis of PBSI caused death, thus providing clues for forensic medicine practice.

Research Progress on Microbial Community Succession in the Postmortem Interval Estimation / 法医学杂志

The postmortem interval (PMI) estimation is a key and difficult point in the practice of forensic medicine, and forensic scientists at home and abroad have been searching for objective, quantifiable and accurate methods of PMI estimation. With the development and combination of high-throughput sequencing technology and artificial intelligence technology, the establishment of PMI model based on the succession of the microbial community on corpses has become a research focus in the field of forensic medicine. This paper reviews the technical methods, research applications and influencing factors of microbial community in PMI estimation explored by using high-throughput sequencing technology, to provide a reference for the related research on the use of microbial community to estimate PMI.

Factors influencing social-media-based entrepreneurship prospect among female students in China.

This research paper aims to explore the entrepreneurship opportunities for young female students in emerging nations. Adopting the technology acceptance model paradigm, the authors attempt to understand the moderating effects of perceived usefulness on social media behavior. The authors conduct a person-administered survey on 241 female students with entrepreneurship intentions. The survey is analyzed using structural equation modeling (Amos). According to the findings, the variables such as social influence, perceived ease of use, perceived enjoyment, perceived usefulness, attitude toward social media and social-media behaviors have a significant relationship, indicating tremendous entrepreneurial opportunities, especially social-media-based, for young women in emerging nations. Results also show that social media attracts women entrepreneurs positively in emerging countries. Since the data was collected only in a single Asian nation, the results may not be generalizable. The study have a significant impact on social media and entrepreneurial development.

A small molecule antagonist of SMN disrupts the interaction between SMN and RNAP II.

Survival of motor neuron (SMN) functions in diverse biological pathways via recognition of symmetric dimethylarginine (Rme2s) on proteins by its Tudor domain, and deficiency of SMN leads to spinal muscular atrophy. Here we report a potent and selective antagonist with a 4-iminopyridine scaffold targeting the Tudor domain of SMN. Our structural and mutagenesis studies indicate that both the aromatic ring and imino groups of compound 1 contribute to its selective binding to SMN. Various on-target engagement assays support that compound 1 specifically recognizes SMN in a cellular context and prevents the interaction of SMN with the R1810me2s of RNA polymerase II subunit POLR2A, resulting in transcription termination and R-loop accumulation mimicking SMN depletion. Thus, in addition to the antisense, RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 techniques, potent SMN antagonists could be used as an efficient tool to understand the biological functions of SMN.

Vortex formation time as an index of left ventricular filling efficiency: comparison between children volunteers and patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

Background: Vortex formation time (VFT) had been considered a useful marker for assessing diastolic performance. the VFT assessment of diastolic function using four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has not been used in repair of tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) patient. The aims of this study were as follows: (I) establish reference ranges for VFT measurements in healthy children and adolescents using 4D flow CMR imaging; and (II) analyze VFT parameters to assess diastole dysfunction in rTOF patients group. Methods: We acquired the CMR data was of 62 healthy participants (aged 6-18 years; male: 40, female: 22) and 20 patients with rTOF (aged 10-13 years; male: 15, female: 5) using 4D flow and cine sequence in routine chamber view. The VFT was calculated based on comparison of different algorithms from cine measurements (VFTvolume) and 4D flow measurements (VFTblood). Then, VFT measurements were compared to subject peak filling rate (PFR), age, and cardiac mass using simple linear regression and multiple regression analyses. Data were also categorized according to age for VFT and cardiac functional assessment comparisons between 3 age groups (Group 1: 6-9 years; Group 2: 10-13 years; Group 3: 14-18 years). The correlation of VFT and cardiac function parameters were analyzed in the rTOF group. Results: Normal mean value of VFTvolume and VFTblood were 4.25±0.92 and 3.77±1.11 in healthy children participants. The VFTvolume was correlated with VFTblood (r=0.61, P<0.001). There was a moderately significant correlation between VFTvolume and PFR (r=0.46, P<0.001) and between VFTblood and PFR (r=0.47, P<0.001), age (r=0.41, P=0.002) and left ventricular (LV) mass (r=0.48, P<0.001). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that VFTvolume was independently associated with PFR (T=2.239; P<0.05) and VFTblood (T=4.361; P<0.001). There was a significant difference in VFTvolume between healthy controls and rTOF patients (5.44±1.93 vs. 4.27±0.88, P=0.018). Conclusions: The VFT measurements showed that the LV that had appropriate space to form the optimal vortex ring in normal children and adolescents aged 6-18 years old. The VFTvolume could potentially be helpful in improving our understanding of LV diastolic dysfunction in rTOF patients.

Direct Z-Scheme Heterojunction Catalysts Constructed by Graphitic-C3N4 and Photosensitive Metal-Organic Cages for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

The demand for improving the activity, durability, and recyclability of metal-organic cages (MOCs) that work as photocatalytic molecular devices in a homogeneous system has promoted research to combine them with other solid materials. An M2L4 type photosensitive metal-organic cage MOC-Q2 with light-harvesting ligands and catalytic Pd2+ centers has been synthesized and further heterogenized with graphitic carbon nitride to prepare a robust direct Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst for visible-light-driven hydrogen generation. The optimized g-C3N4/MOC-Q2 (0.7 wt%) sample exhibits a high H2 evolution activity of 6423 µmol g-1 h-1 in 5 h, and a total turnover number of 39,695 after 10 h, significantly superior to the bare MOC-Q2 used in the homogeneous solution and the comparison sample Pd/g-C3N4/L-4. The enhanced performances of g-C3N4/MOC-Q2 can be ascribed to its direct Z-scheme heterostructure, which effectively improves the charge separation and transfer efficiency. This work presents a rational approach of designing a binary photocatalytic system through combing micromolecular MOCs with heterogeneous semiconductors for water splitting.

Structural basis for the recognition of methylated histone H3 by the Arabidopsis LHP1 chromodomain.

Arabidopsis LHP1 (LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1), a unique homolog of HP1 in Drosophila, plays important roles in plant development, growth, and architecture. In contrast to specific binding of the HP1 chromodomain to methylated H3K9 histone tails, the chromodomain of LHP1 has been shown to bind to both methylated H3K9 and H3K27 histone tails, and LHP1 carries out its function mainly via its interaction with these two epigenetic marks. However, the molecular mechanism for the recognition of methylated histone H3K9/27 by the LHP1 chromodomain is still unknown. In this study, we characterized the binding ability of LHP1 to histone H3K9 and H3K27 peptides and found that the chromodomain of LHP1 binds to histone H3K9me2/3 and H3K27me2/3 peptides with comparable affinities, although it exhibited no binding or weak binding to unmodified or monomethylated H3K9/K27 peptides. Our crystal structures of the LHP1 chromodomain in peptide-free and peptide-bound forms coupled with mutagenesis studies reveal that the chromodomain of LHP1 bears a slightly different chromodomain architecture and recognizes methylated H3K9 and H3K27 peptides via a hydrophobic clasp, similar to the chromodomains of human Polycomb proteins, which could not be explained only based on primary structure analysis. Our binding and structural studies of the LHP1 chromodomain illuminate a conserved ligand interaction mode between chromodomains of both animals and plants, and shed light on further functional study of the LHP1 protein.

A chemical probe targeting the PWWP domain alters NSD2 nucleolar localization.

Nuclear receptor-binding SET domain-containing 2 (NSD2) is the primary enzyme responsible for the dimethylation of lysine 36 of histone 3 (H3K36), a mark associated with active gene transcription and intergenic DNA methylation. In addition to a methyltransferase domain, NSD2 harbors two proline-tryptophan-tryptophan-proline (PWWP) domains and five plant homeodomains (PHDs) believed to serve as chromatin reading modules. Here, we report a chemical probe targeting the N-terminal PWWP (PWWP1) domain of NSD2. UNC6934 occupies the canonical H3K36me2-binding pocket of PWWP1, antagonizes PWWP1 interaction with nucleosomal H3K36me2 and selectively engages endogenous NSD2 in cells. UNC6934 induces accumulation of endogenous NSD2 in the nucleolus, phenocopying the localization defects of NSD2 protein isoforms lacking PWWP1 that result from translocations prevalent in multiple myeloma (MM). Mutations of other NSD2 chromatin reader domains also increase NSD2 nucleolar localization and enhance the effect of UNC6934. This chemical probe and the accompanying negative control UNC7145 will be useful tools in defining NSD2 biology.

Functional characterization of piggyBac-like elements from Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

PiggyBac is a transposable DNA element originally discovered in the cabbage looper moth (Trichoplusia ni). The T. ni piggyBac transposon can introduce exogenous fragments into a genome, constructing a transgenic organism. Nevertheless, the comprehensive analysis of endogenous piggyBac-like elements (PLEs) is important before using piggyBac, because they may influence the genetic stability of transgenic lines. Herein, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of PLEs in the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), and identified a total of 28 PLE sequences. All N. lugens piggyBac-like elements (NlPLEs) were present as multiple copies in the genome of BPH. Among the identified NlPLEs, NlPLE25 had the highest copy number and it was distributed on five chromosomes. The full length of NlPLE25 consisted of terminal inverted repeats and sub-terminal inverted repeats at both terminals, as well as a single open reading frame transposase encoding 546 amino acids. Furthermore, NlPLE25 transposase caused precise excision and transposition in cultured insect cells and also restored the original TTAA target sequence after excision. A cross-recognition between the NlPLE25 transposon and the piggyBac transposon was also revealed in this study. These findings provide useful information for the construction of transgenic insect lines.

Antiviral effect of Fufang yinhua jiedu (FFYH) granules against coronavirus and its potential mechanism / 药学学报

To investigate the effect of Fufang yinhua jiedu (FFYH) granules against coronavirus and its potential mechanism, we used Huh7, Huh7.5, H460, and C3A cell lines as in vitro models to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of FFYH by observation of cell pathogenic effect (CPE); and then the inhibitory effect of FFYH on the transcription expression of coronavirus RNA and inflammatory factor mRNA were evaluated by quantitive reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR); finally, the inhibitory effect of FFYH on the expression of coronavirus protein and its underlying mechanism against coronavirus were investigated by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Our results indicated that 50% toxic concentration (TC50) FFYH on Huh7, Huh7.5, H460, and C3A cells were 2 035.21, 5 245.69, 2 935.28 and 520 µg·mL-1, respectively; 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of FFYH on HCoV-229E in Huh7 and Huh7.5 cells were 438.16 and 238.54 µg·mL-1 with safety index (SI) of 4.64 and 21.99, respectively; IC50 of FFYH on HCoV-OC43 in H460 cells was 165.13 µg·mL-1 with SI of 17.78. Moreover, FFYH not only could inhibit the replication of coronaviruses (HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-229E) through inhibiting the transcription of viral RNA and the expression of viral protein, but also effectively suppress the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) at mRNA level caused by coronaviruses, which might be associated with the inhibitory effect of FFYH on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and the nuclear translocation of nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB). In summary, our results demonstrated that FFYH exhibited a good in vitro anti-coronavirus effect, which provides a theoretical basis for its clinical use in the treatment of anti-coronavirus pneumonia.

A Robust Photocatalytic Hybrid Material Composed of Metal-Organic Cages and TiO2 for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution.

The design of photochemical molecular devices (PMDs) for photocatalytic H2 production from water is a meaningful but challenging subject currently. Herein, a Pd2 L4 type metal-organic cage (denoted as MOC-Q2) is designed as a PMD, which consists of two catalytic centers (Pd2+ ) and four photosensitive ligands (L-2) with four pyridine anchoring groups. Subsequently, the MOC-Q2 is combined with TiO2 to form TiO2 -MOC-Q2 hybrid materials with different MOC-Q2 contents by a facile sol-gel method, which have micro/mesoporous structures and large surface areas. The optimized TiO2 -MOC-Q2 (6.5 wt%) exhibits high H2 production activity (7.9 mmol g-1 h-1 within 5 h) and excellent durability, giving a TON value of 23477 or 11739 (based on MOC-Q2 or Pd moles) after recycling for 7 rounds. By contrast, the pure MOC-Q2 only shows an ordinary photocatalytic H2 production rate (0.84 mmol g-1 h-1 within 5 h) in the homogeneous system. It can be deduced that TiO2 drives the photocatalysis and simultaneously acts as the structure promoter. This study presents a meaningful and distinctive attempt of a new approach for the design and development of MOC-based heterogeneous photocatalysts.

Constructing Heterogeneous Direct Z-Scheme Photocatalysts Based on Metal-Organic Cages and Graphitic-C3N4 for High-Efficiency Photocatalytic Water Splitting.

The development of artificial devices that mimic the highly efficient and ingenious photosystems in nature is worthy of in-depth study. A metal-organic cage (MOC) Pd2(M-4)4(BF4)4, denoted as MOC-Q1, integrating four organic photosensitized ligands M-4 and two Pd2+ catalytic centers is designed for a photochemical molecular device (PMD). MOC-Q1 is successfully immobilized on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) by hydrogen bonds to obtain a robust heterogeneous direct Z-scheme g-C3N4/MOC-Q1 photocatalyst for H2 generation under visible light. The optimized g-C3N4/MOC-Q1 (2 wt %) system shows high hydrogen evolution activity (4495 µmol g-1 h-1 based on the catalyst mass) and exhibits stable performances for 25 h (a turnover number of 19,268 based on MOC-Q1), significantly outperforming pure MOC-Q1, g-C3N4, and comparsion materials Pd/g-C3N4/M-4, which is the highest one of all reported heterogeneous MOC-based photocatalysts under visible irradiation. This enhancement can be ascribed to the synergistic effects of high-efficient electron transfer, extended visible-light response region, and good protective environment for MOC-Q1 arising from an efficient direct Z-scheme heterostructure of g-C3N4/MOC-Q1. This rationally designed and synthesized MOC/g-C3N4-based heterogeneous PMD is expected to have great potential in photocatalytic water splitting.

Crystal structure of the BRPF2 PWWP domain in complex with DNA reveals a different binding mode than the HDGF family of PWWP domains.

The PWWP domain was first identified in the HDGF protein family and named after the conserved Proline-Tryptophan-Tryptophan-Proline motif in WHSC1. The PWWP domain-containing proteins play important roles in different biological processes, such as DNA replication, transcription, DNA repair, pre-mRNA processing by recognizing methylated histone and dsDNA simultaneously. Recently, how the HDGF family of PWWP domains recognize histone H3K36me3-modified nucleosome has been reported. In order to better understand the interactions between the PWWP domain and dsDNA, we carried out family-wide characterization of dsDNA binding abilities of human PWWP domains. Our binding assays confirmed that PWWP domains bind to dsDNA without sequence selectivity. Our crystal structure of the BRPF2 PWWP domain in complex with a 12-mer dsDNA reveals that the PWWP domain interacts with dsDNA by binding to its major groove, instead of the minor groove observed in the HDGF family of PWWP domains. Our study indicates that PWWP domains could bind to dsDNA in different modes.