Layered double hydroxide-based electrode materials derived from metal-organic frameworks: synthesis and applications in supercapacitors.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs) due to their highly porous structures, tunable chemical compositions, and diverse morphologies. However, their applications are hindered by low conductivity and poor cycling performance. A novel approach for resolving this issue involves the growth of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) using MOFs as efficient templates or precursors for electrode material preparation. This method effectively enhances the stability, electrical conductivity, and mass transport ability of MOFs. The MOF-derived LDH exhibits a well-defined porous micro-/nano-structure, facilitating the dispersion of active sites and preventing the aggregation of LDHs. Firstly, this paper introduces synthesis strategies for converting MOFs into LDHs. Subsequently, recent research progress in MOF-derived LDHs encompassing pristine LDH powders, LDH composites, and LDH-based arrays, along with their applications in SCs, is overviewed. Finally, the challenges associated with MOF-derived LDH electrode materials and potential solutions are discussed.

Relationship between Mindfulness and Affiliate Stigma in Parents of Children with ASD in China:The Mediating Role of Coping Styles.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the current status of affiliate stigma among parents of autistic children, analyze the influencing factors, explore the relationship among mindfulness, coping styles, and affiliate stigma, and verify the mediating role of coping styles between mindfulness and affiliate stigma in parents of children with autism in China. METHOD: Between February and April 2023, the Child Development Behaviour Centre of a public hospital in China recruited 345 parents of children with autism. These parents completed the General Information Questionnaire, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, and the Simple Coping Style Questionnaire. We then adapted the Hayes Process Macro and Bootstrap method to examine the mediating effects of coping styles between mindfulness and affiliate stigma. RESULTS: (1) The total affiliate stigma score of parents of children with autism was 48.53(SD, 10.74). Parents' age, monthly family income, duration of care, mindfulness, and coping styles were the influencing factors of parental affiliate stigma. (2) Mindfulness was positively correlated with positive coping style (r = .33, P < .01) and negatively correlated with negative coping style, affiliate stigma(r = -.38, -.39, P < .01), whereas affiliate stigma was negatively correlated with positive coping style (r = -.34, P < .01) and positively correlated with negative coping style(r = .41, P < .01). (3) Positive coping style and negative coping style play a parallel mediating role between mindfulness and affiliate stigma of parents of autistic children. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with autism experience significant levels of affiliate stigma. Mindfulness has a direct impact on associated stigma in parents of children with autism and also indirectly predicts associated stigma through the intermediary influence of positive and negative coping styles. Healthcare professionals could perform mindfulness interventions from an optimistic psychology viewpoint to boost parents' mindfulness and coping abilities, thereby accomplishing the objective of mitigating affiliate stigma.

Comparative genomics of macaques and integrated insights into genetic variation and population history.

The crab-eating macaques ( Macaca fascicularis ) and rhesus macaques ( M. mulatta ) are widely studied nonhuman primates in biomedical and evolutionary research. Despite their significance, the current understanding of the complex genomic structure in macaques and the differences between species requires substantial improvement. Here, we present a complete genome assembly of a crab-eating macaque and 20 haplotype-resolved macaque assemblies to investigate the complex regions and major genomic differences between species. Segmental duplication in macaques is ∼42% lower, while centromeres are ∼3.7 times longer than those in humans. The characterization of ∼2 Mbp fixed genetic variants and ∼240 Mbp complex loci highlights potential associations with metabolic differences between the two macaque species (e.g., CYP2C76 and EHBP1L1 ). Additionally, hundreds of alternative splicing differences show post-transcriptional regulation divergence between these two species (e.g., PNPO ). We also characterize 91 large-scale genomic differences between macaques and humans at a single-base-pair resolution and highlight their impact on gene regulation in primate evolution (e.g., FOLH1 and PIEZO2 ). Finally, population genetics recapitulates macaque speciation and selective sweeps, highlighting potential genetic basis of reproduction and tail phenotype differences (e.g., STAB1 , SEMA3F , and HOXD13 ). In summary, the integrated analysis of genetic variation and population genetics in macaques greatly enhances our comprehension of lineage-specific phenotypes, adaptation, and primate evolution, thereby improving their biomedical applications in human diseases.

AttMOT: Improving Multiple-Object Tracking by Introducing Auxiliary Pedestrian Attributes.

Multiobject tracking (MOT) is a fundamental problem in computer vision with numerous applications, such as intelligent surveillance and automated driving. Despite the significant progress made in MOT, pedestrian attributes, such as gender, hairstyle, body shape, and clothing features, which contain rich and high-level information, have been less explored. To address this gap, we propose a simple, effective, and generic method to predict pedestrian attributes to support general reidentification (Re-ID) embedding. We first introduce attribute multi-object tracking (AttMOT), a large, highly enriched synthetic dataset for pedestrian tracking, containing over 80k frames and six million pedestrian identity switches (IDs) with different times, weather conditions, and scenarios. To the best of authors' knowledge, AttMOT is the first MOT dataset with semantic attributes. Subsequently, we explore different approaches to fuse Re-ID embedding and pedestrian attributes, including attention mechanisms, which we hope will stimulate the development of attribute-assisted MOT. The proposed method attribute-assisted method (AAM) demonstrates its effectiveness and generality on several representative pedestrian MOT benchmarks, including MOT17 and MOT20, through experiments on the AttMOT dataset. When applied to the state-of-the-art trackers, AAM achieves consistent improvements in multi-object tracking accuracy (MOTA), higher order tracking accuracy (HOTA), association accuracy (AssA), IDs, and IDF1 scores. For instance, on MOT17, the proposed method yields a + 1.1 MOTA, + 1.7 HOTA, and + 1.8 IDF1 improvement when used with FairMOT. To further encourage related research, we release the data and code at https://github.com/HengLan/AttMOT.

Inhibition of NKCC1 Ameliorates Anxiety and Autistic Behaviors Induced by Maternal Immune Activation in Mice.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is thought to result from susceptibility genotypes and environmental risk factors. The offspring of women who experience pregnancy infection have an increased risk for autism. Maternal immune activation (MIA) in pregnant animals produces offspring with autistic behaviors, making MIA a useful model for autism. However, how MIA causes autistic behaviors in offspring is not fully understood. Here, we show that NKCC1 is critical for mediating autistic behaviors in MIA offspring. We confirmed that MIA induced by poly(I:C) infection during pregnancy leads to autistic behaviors in offspring. We further demonstrated that MIA offspring showed significant microglia activation, excessive dendritic spines, and narrow postsynaptic density (PSD) in their prefrontal cortex (PFC). Then, we discovered that these abnormalities may be caused by overexpression of NKCC1 in MIA offspring's PFCs. Finally, we ameliorated the autistic behaviors using PFC microinjection of NKCC1 inhibitor bumetanide (BTN) in MIA offspring. Our findings may shed new light on the pathological mechanisms for autism caused by pregnancy infection.

The cellular and molecular basis of the spur development in Impatiens uliginosa.

The nectar spur is an important feature of pollination and ecological adaptation in flowering plants, and it is a key innovation to promote species diversity in certain plant lineages. The development mechanism of spurs varies among different plant taxa. As one of the largest angiosperm genera, we have little understanding of the mechanism of spur development in Impatiens. Here, we investigated the initiation and growth process of spurs of Impatiens uliginosa based on histology and hormone levels, and the roles of AUXIN BINDING PROTEIN (ABP) and extensin (EXT) in spur development were explored. Our results indicate that the spur development of I. uliginosa is composed of cell division and anisotropic cell elongation. Imbalances in spur proximal-distal cell division lead to the formation of curved structures. Endogenous hormones, such as auxin and cytokinins, were enriched at different developmental stages of spurs. IuABP knockdown led to an increase in spur curves and distortion of morphology. IuEXT knockdown resulted in reduced spur length and loss of curve and inner epidermal papillae structures. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of spur development in core eudicots.

Coca-Cola consumption vs fragmentation in the management of patients with phytobezoars: A prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Gastric phytobezoars (GPBs) are very common in northern China. Combined therapy involving carbonated beverage consumption and endoscopic lithotripsy has been shown to be effective and safe. Existing studies on this subject are often case reports highlighting the successful dissolution of phytobezoars through Coca-Cola consumption. Consequently, large-scale prospective investigations in this domain remain scarce. Therefore, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of Coca-Cola consumption on GPBs. AIM: To evaluate the impact of Coca-Cola on GPBs, including the dissolution rate, medical expenses, ulcer rate, and operation time. METHODS: A total of 160 consecutive patients diagnosed with GPBs were allocated into two groups (a control group and an intervention group) through computer-generated randomization. Patients in the intervention group received a Coca-Cola-based regimen (Coca-Cola 2000-4000 mL per day for 7 d), while those in the control group underwent emergency fragmentation. RESULTS: Complete dissolution of GPBs was achieved in 100% of the patients in the intervention group. The disparity in expenses between the control group and intervention group (t = 25.791, P = 0.000) was statistically significant, and the difference in gastric ulcer occurrence between the control group and intervention group (χ2 = 6.181, P = 0.013) was also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Timely ingestion of Coca-Cola yields significant benefits, including a complete dissolution rate of 100%, a low incidence of gastric ulcers, no need for fragmentation and reduced expenses.

Secondary metabolites isolated from Trichoderma hamatum b-3 and their fungicidal activity.

An undescribed trichodenone derivative (1), two new diketopiperazines (3 and 4) along with a bisabolane analog (2) were isolated from Trichoderma hamatum b-3. The structures of the new findings were established through comprehensive analyses of spectral evidences in HRESIMS, 1D and 2D NMR, Marfey's analysis as well as comparisons of ECD. The absolute configuration of 2 was unambiguously confirmed by NMR, ECD calculation and Mo2(AcO)4 induced circular dichroism. Compounds 1-4 were tested for their fungicidal effects against eight crop pathogenic fungi, among which 1 showed 51% inhibition against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum at a concentration of 50 µg/mL.

Diabetes Promotes Myocardial Fibrosis via AMPK/EZH2/PPAR-γ Signaling Pathway.

Background: Diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis is one of the main mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy. As a common histone methyltransferase, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) has been implicated in fibrosis progression in multiple organs. However, the mechanism of EZH2 in diabetic myocardial fibrosis has not been clarified. Methods: In the current study, rat and mouse diabetic model were established, the left ventricular function of rat and mouse were evaluated by echocardiography and the fibrosis of rat ventricle was evaluated by Masson staining. Primary rat ventricular fibroblasts were cultured and stimulated with high glucose (HG) in vitro. The expression of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) trimethylation, EZH2, and myocardial fibrosis proteins were assayed. Results: In STZ-induced diabetic ventricular tissues and HG-induced primary ventricular fibroblasts in vitro, H3K27 trimethylation was increased and the phosphorylation of EZH2 was reduced. Inhibition of EZH2 with GSK126 suppressed the activation, differentiation, and migration of cardiac fibroblasts as well as the overexpression of the fibrotic proteins induced by HG. Mechanical study demonstrated that HG reduced phosphorylation of EZH2 on Thr311 by inactivating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which transcriptionally inhibited peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) expression to promote the fibroblasts activation and differentiation. Conclusion: Our data revealed an AMPK/EZH2/PPAR-γ signal pathway is involved in HG-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Structural and functional insights into the epigenetic regulator MRG15.

MORF4-related gene on chromosome 15 (MRG15), a chromatin remodeller, is evolutionally conserved and ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues and cells. MRG15 plays vital regulatory roles in DNA damage repair, cell proliferation and division, cellular senescence and apoptosis by regulating both gene activation and gene repression via associations with specific histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase complexes. Recently, MRG15 has also been shown to rhythmically regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and suppress carcinoma progression. The unique N-terminal chromodomain and C-terminal MRG domain in MRG15 synergistically regulate its interaction with different cofactors, affecting its functions in various cell types. Thus, how MRG15 elaborately regulates target gene expression and performs diverse functions in different cellular contexts is worth investigating. In this review, we provide an in-depth discussion of how MRG15 controls multiple physiological and pathological processes.

Identification of potentially high drug-like VEGFR2/c-Met dual-target type II kinase inhibitors with symmetric skeletons based on structural screening.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and c-Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met) are tyrosine kinase receptors associated with the occurrence of malignant tumors. Studies have shown that inhibition of VEGFR2 promotes a feedback increase in c-Met, a mechanism linked to the emergence of resistance to VEGFR2 inhibitors. Therefore, treatment targeting both VEGFR2 and c-Met will have better application prospects. In this study, hierarchical virtual screening was performed on ZINC15, Molport and Mcule-ULTIMATE databases to identify potential VEGFR2/c-Met dual inhibitors. Firstly, the best pharmacophore model for each target was used to cross-screen the three databases, and the compounds that could match the two pharmacophore models were then retained based on the Fit Value of the respective crystal ligands. Compounds ZINC, MOL, and MLB named after their database sources were retained by binding pattern analysis and docking assessment. ADMET predictions indicated that ZINC had significantly higher oral bioavailability compared to the approved drug cabozantinib. This is likely due to ZINC's unique symmetrical backbone with less structure complexity, which may reduce the occurrence of adverse effects. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy analysis showed that all three hit compounds were able to stably bind at the active site, but only ZINC could form high occupancy of hydrogen bonds with both VEGFR2 and c-Met, and also only ZINC had a higher binding free energy than crystal ligands, suggesting that ZINC was the most likely potential VEGFR2/c-Met dual-target inhibitor. This finding provides a promising starting point for the development of VEGFR2/c-Met dual-target inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits M2 polarization of macrophages by suppressing CXCL1 expression.

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, and the M2-type TAMs can promote tumor growth, invasion and angiogenesis, and suppress antitumor immune responses. It has been reported that spectrin beta, non-erythrocytic 1 (SPTBN1) may inhibit the infiltration of macrophages in Sptbn1+/-  mouse liver, but whether tumor SPTBN1 affects TAMs polarization remains unclear. This study investigated the effect and mechanism of tumor cell SPTBN1 on polarization and migration of TAMs in hepatoma and breast cancer. By analyzing tumor immune databases, we found a negative correlation between SPTBN1 and abundance of macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the tumor microenvironment. By reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR assays and cell migration assays, the migration and M2 polarization of macrophages were enhanced by the culture medium from hepatocellular carcinoma cell line PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 with SPTBN1 suppression, which could be reversed by CXCL1 neutralizing antibody MAB275. Meanwhile, the ability of migration and colony formation of PLC/PRF/5, SNU449, and MDA-MB-231 cells were promoted when coculture with M2 macrophages. We also found that SPTBN1 regulated CXCL1 through p65 by cytoplasmic-nuclear protein isolation experiments and ChIP-qPCR. Our data suggest that tumor cell SPTBN1 inhibits migration and M2-type polarization of TAMs by reducing the expression and secretion of CXCL1 via inhibiting p65 nuclear localization.

Mechanism of levosimendan in treating hypoxic pulmonary hypertension based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the efficacy of levosimendan on hypoxia pulmonary hypertension through animal experiments, and to further explore the potential mechanism of action using network pharmacological methods and molecular docking technique. Methods The rat model of hypoxia pulmonary hypertension was constructed to detect right heart systolic pressure and right heart remodeling index. HE , Masson, and VG staining were core targets were screened out. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the DAVID database. Molecular docking of the core targets was performed with the AutoDock software. Results The results of animal experiments showed that levosimendan had obvious therapeutic effect on hypoxia pulmonary hypertension. The network pharmacology results showed that SRC, HSP90AA1, MAPK1, PIK3R1, AKT1, HRAS, MAPK14, LCK, EGFR and ESR1 used to analyze the changes of rat lung histopathology. Search the Swiss Target Prediction, DrugBank Online, BatMan, Targetnet, SEA, and PharmMapper databases were used to screen for drug targets. Disease targets were retrieved from the GeneCards, OMIM databases. The "drug-target-disease" network was constructed after identification of the two intersection targets. The protein interaction network was constructed and the were the key targets to play a therapeutic role. Molecular docking showed good docking of levosimendan with all the top five core targets with degree values. Conclusions Levosimendan may exert a therapeutic effect on hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension through multiple targets.

BACH1 controls hepatic insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis in mice.

Hepatic insulin resistance is central to the metabolic syndrome. Here we investigate the role of BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) in hepatic insulin signaling. BACH1 is elevated in the hepatocytes of individuals with obesity and patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepatocyte-specific Bach1 deletion in male mice on a high-fat diet (HFD) ameliorates hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, improves glucose homeostasis, and protects against steatosis, whereas hepatic overexpression of Bach1 in male mice leads to the opposite phenotype. BACH1 directly interacts with the protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and the insulin receptor ß (IR-ß), and loss of BACH1 reduces the interaction between PTP1B and IR-ß upon insulin stimulation and enhances insulin signaling in hepatocytes. Inhibition of PTP1B significantly attenuates BACH1-mediated suppression of insulin signaling in HFD-fed male mice. Hepatic BACH1 knockdown ameliorates hyperglycemia and improves insulin sensitivity in diabetic male mice. These results demonstrate a critical function for hepatic BACH1 in the regulation of insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis.

The comparison of an accessible C-shaped partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy (C-PSH) versus circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy (CSH) in patients with grade IV hemorrhoids: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to present an accessible C-shaped partial stapled hemorrhoidopexy (C-PSH) in the treatment of grade IV hemorrhoids and to assess long-term outcomes of this technique compared with circular stapled hemorrhoidopexy (CSH). METHODS: Conventional CSH kits combined with an intestinal spatula were used for performing C-PSH. A total of 256 patients with grade IV hemorrhoids referred to Hangzhou Third People's Hospital between January 2016 and June 2017 were obtained: 122 (47.7%) with C-PSH, and 134 (52.3%) with CSH. After propensity score matching, 222 patients (111 in C-PSH group and 111 in CSH group) were ultimately analyzed. The primary outcome was the five-year recurrence rate of hemorrhoids. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative outcomes, postoperative outcomes and complications. RESULTS: The operative time in the C-PSH group was slightly longer than that in the CSH group (p < 0.01). The vertical length of rectal mucosa specimen in the C-PSH group was shorter than that in the CSH group (p < 0.01). Compared with the CSH group, fecal urgency incidence and numeric rating scale (NRS) score at first defecation were lower in the C-PSH group (p < 0.05). Major complication rate in the CSH group was higher than that in the C-PSH group (p = 0.03). Five-year recurrence rate between the C-PSH group and CSH group was comparable (p > 0.05). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that constipation was an independent prognostic factor for hemorrhoidal recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The accessible C-PSH seems to be a safe and effective technique in managing grade IV hemorrhoids. It has advantages in alleviating postoperative pain at first defecation, fecal urgency and major complications compared with CSH. It could be an alternative technique in the treatment of grade IV hemorrhoids.

BACH1 regulates the differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells from human embryonic stem cells via CARM1-mediated methylation of H3R17.

The role of BACH1 in the process of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) remains unknown. Here, we find that the loss of BACH1 in hESCs attenuates the expression of VSMC marker genes, whereas overexpression of BACH1 after mesoderm induction increases the expression of VSMC markers during in vitro hESC-VSMC differentiation. Mechanistically, BACH1 binds directly to coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) during in vitro hESC-VSMC differentiation, and this interaction is mediated by the BACH1 bZIP domain. BACH1 recruits CARM1 to VSMC marker gene promoters and promotes VSMC marker expression by increasing H3R17me2 modification, thus facilitating in vitro VSMC differentiation from hESCs after the mesoderm induction. The increased expression of VSMC marker genes by BACH1 overexpression is partially abolished by inhibition of CARM1 or the H3R17me2 inhibitor TBBD in hESC-derived cells. These findings highlight the critical role of BACH1 in hESC differentiation into VSMCs by CARM1-mediated methylation of H3R17.

Effect of Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Structure of Calcium Silicate Hydrate Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Experiment.

The interfacial bonding of the four cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) in vacuum and solution conditions was analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation. The binding energies were calculated, and the sources of interface strength were analyzed by the formation and lifetime of hydrogen bonds. The adsorption between CNC/C-S-H was characterized by the movement of interfacial atoms and CNC's adsorption conformation. The types of the functional group determine the bonding of the CNC/C-S-H, and the interface adsorption in two simulation conditions both followed: CNC-C (carboxyl) > CNC-O (hydroxyl) > CNC-N (amino) > CNC-S (sulfonic). The bonding of the interface affects the load transferred between the matrix and CNC, which can be reflected in the overall mechanical properties of the mortar. The mechanical strength of the mortar is in line with the simulation results. CNC-C has the strongest reinforcement effect, while CNC-S has the weakness effect. In the solution simulation, there is almost no chemical adsorption between C-S-H and CNC-S; instead, CNC-S decreased the bonding between the matrix and reduced the strength of the sample. Scanning electron microscopy found that CNC was interspersed in the matrix, riveting the matrix and enhanced the stability of the mortar structure. The influence of CNC on the mortar structure was analyzed by the calcium to silicon ratio (C/S) and it was showed that CNC-C, CNC-O, and CNC-N have an enhancement effect, while CNC-S decreased the coherence of the cement matrix. Durability and nuclear magnetic resonance tests further verified the effect of the four CNCs on the structure of mortar, and results indicated that CNC-C, CNC-O, and CNC-N can control the growth of hydration crystals, fill the cracks, and reduced porosity of samples, while CNC-S reduces the compactness of hydration products and ultimately decreased the mechanical and durability properties of the mortar.

In Situ Fabrication of SnS2/SnO2 Heterostructures for Boosting Formaldehyde-Sensing Properties at Room Temperature.

Formaldehyde, as a harmful gas produced by materials used for decorative purposes, has a serious impact on human health, and is also the focus and difficulty of indoor environmental polution prevention; hence, designing and developing gas sensors for the selective measurement of formaldehyde at room temperature is an urgent task. Herein, a series of SnS2/SnO2 composites with hollow spherical structures were prepared by a facile hydrothermal approach for the purpose of formaldehyde sensing at room temperature. These novel hierarchical structured SnS2/SnO2 composites-based gas sensors demonstrate remarkable selectivity towards formaldehyde within the concentration range of sub-ppm (0.1 ppm) to ppm (10 ppm) at room temperature. Notably, the SnS2/SnO2-2 sensor exhibits an exceptional formaldehyde-sensing performance, featuring an ultra-high response (1.93, 0.1 ppm and 17.51, 10 ppm), as well as good repeatability, long-term stability, and an outstanding theoretical detection limit. The superior sensing capabilities of the SnS2/SnO2 composites can be attributed to multiple factors, including enhanced formaldehyde adsorption, larger specific surface area and porosity of the hollow structure, as well as the synergistic interfacial incorporation of the SnS2/SnO2 heterojunction. Overall, the excellent gas sensing performance of SnS2/SnO2 hollow spheres has opened up a new way for their detection of trace formaldehyde at room temperature.

Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing Reveals Peripheral T Helper Cells Promoting the Development of IgG4-Related Disease by Enhancing B Cell Activation and Differentiation.

Abnormal B cell differentiation plays a critical role in IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. We investigated the cell landscape from three IgG4-RD retroperitoneal tissues and three control tissues using single-cell RNA-sequencing. Critical cell type or markers were further validated in the peripheral blood from the patients with IgG4-RD and healthy controls via flow cytometry as well as in the IgG4-RD and control tissue via immunofluorescence staining. The increases in B cells, plasma cells, and CD4+ T cells were found in IgG4-RD retroperitoneal tissue. Importantly, among CD4+ T cells, an increase in CD4+CXCR5-PD1hi peripheral T helper (Tph) cells with a high expression of IL-21 and TIGIT was discovered in IgG4-RD tissue, which was further validated in peripheral blood of the patients with IgG4-RD. The Tph cell and TIGIT+ Tph cell proportion were remarkably higher in active IgG4-RD patients and correlated with disease activity. Moreover, TIGIT+CD4+ cells were able to promote B cell differentiation via IL-21. Our study revealed that Tph cells are increased in IgG4-RD and probably play critical roles in B cell differentiation through TIGIT-IL-21 axis. Peripheral Tph cell and TIGIT+Tph cell are potential markers for IgG4-RD disease activity.

Conserved Odorant Receptors Involved in Nonanal-Induced Female Attractive Behavior in Two Spodoptera Species.

Moths rely on plant volatiles to locate appropriate plants for feeding and laying eggs. While extensive research has been conducted on the global agricultural pests, Spodoptera frugiperda and Spodoptera litura, their molecular mechanisms for detecting plant volatiles remain mostly unknown. Here, we have demonstrated that nonanal, a common plant volatile, is attractive for both virgin and gravid females of the two species. Second, we have identified a conserved odorant receptor clade (SfruOR47 clade) that is primarily tuned to nonanal. Finally, by three-dimensional (3D) structure prediction, molecular docking, and site-directed mutagenesis, we have revealed that the His57 and Glu61 residues, also shared by other six orthologous ORs, are essential for nonanal binding in SfruOR47 and SlituOR9, indicating the conserved structure and function of ORs in the SfruOR47 clade. These findings offer novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and evolutionary aspects of moth behavior in response to plant volatiles.