Effect of oregano essential oil on intestinal immunoglobulin G in Holstein dairy bulls.

Introduction: Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is important in mediating humoral immunity and in the maintenance of immune homeostasis in the intestinal mucosa. Oregano essential oil (OEO) is a natural herbal extract that possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. As the effects of OEO on intestinal mucosal immunity in Holstein dairy bulls remained unclear, we investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of OEO on IgG levels and IgG+ cells residing in the intestinal tract in Holstein dairy bulls. Methods: Twelve Holstein bulls in good health of approximately 10 months of age were selected for the experiment and randomly equally divided into two groups. The control (CK) group was fed a basal ration, and in the OEO group, the basal ration was supplemented with OEO (20 g/head/day). After 300 days of feeding, tissue samples of the jejunum, ileum, and colon of the bulls in each group were collected for histopathological analysis, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, respectively. Results: The jejunum, ileum, and colon of bulls in the CK group had obvious pathological damage, whereas the structure of each intestinal segment was clear and intact. In the OEO group, pathological damage was significantly reduced. IgG+ plasma cells were diffusely distributed in the lamina propria of the jejunum, ileum, and colon in the CK and OEO groups, with no significant difference between the groups. OEO supplementation significantly reduced the number of IgG+ plasma cells in each intestinal segment, with the highest decrease rate being noted for the ileum (22.87%), followed by the colon (19.45%) and jejunum (8.52%). ELISA test results and immunohistochemical results were mutually verified. The change in IgG content was consistent with the trend of change in the number of IgG+ plasma cells. Discussion: Our findings suggest that OEO supplementation does not alter the diffuse spatial distribution of IgG+ plasma cells in the intestines of Holstein dairy bulls, but lowers immunoglobulin levels to normal levels, significantly reduces intestinal damage, and may enhance mucosal immune defence barrier function by inhibiting inflammatory reactions.

Enhanced ammonia nitration by Bio-Electrochemical systems with constructed wetlands.

The insufficient abundance of electron acceptors for ammonia during electron transfer in constructed wetlands (CWs) results in low nitrification rates. This study developed a green, low-carbon CWs enhanced by a bio-electrochemical systems (BESs-CWs) to achieve efficient ammonia (NH4+-N) removal. Electrode enhancement significantly promoted NH4+-N removal. Compared with traditional CWs, the average removal efficiency of NH4+-N in the BESs-CWs increased from 62.9 % to 90.6 %. The intermittent voltage driven by the photovoltaic power system caused minimal plant stress. However, electrode enhancement significantly affected microbial communities involved in short-path nitrification and denitrification within the biofilm. Specifically, the removal rate of NH4+-N by BESs-CWs under electrode enhancement was increased by 27.7 % compared to traditional CWs, enhancing the electron output of NH4+-N in the BESs-CWs. This system provides a method of ammonia nitration for CWs under poor electron acceptor conditions.

Theoretical Investigation of the Pyridinium-Inspired Catalytic Dehydration of Heptafluoro-Iso-Butyramide for the Synthesis of Environmentally Friendly Insulating Gas Heptafluoro-Iso-Butyronitrile.

Heptafluoro-iso-butyronitrile (i-C3F7CN) represents a feasible eco-friendly replacement gas for the most potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride in various high-voltage power transmission equipment. The reaction mechanisms for the in situ synthesis of i-C3F7CN from heptafluoro-iso-butyramide [i-C3F7C(O)NH2] in the presence of trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) and pyridine (Py) in dimethylformamide solution have been studied within density functional theory with M06-2X exchange-correlation functional with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and the high-level ab initio complete basis set quadratic CBS-QB3 method. It is revealed that the unimolecular dehydration of i-C3F7C(O)NH2 can be catalyzed efficiently by TFAA in terms of both kinetic and thermodynamic aspects, producing i-C3F7CN and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Furthermore, Py is capable of reducing the energy barrier of the rate-determining step through hydrogen abstraction to form pyridinium hydrogen. The synergic effect of the TFAA/Py co-catalyst plays a pivotal role in the production of i-C3F7CN as the Gibbs free energy barrier can be lowered by more than 40 kcal/mol with the ratio of TFAA:2Py, in accordance with the experimental observation. The present theoretical work provides new insights into the rational design on the novel catalysts for large-scale synthesis of the perfluorinated nitriles.

Moniezia benedeni drives the SNAP-25 expression of the enteric nerves in sheep's small intestine.

BACKGROUND: The neuroimmune network plays a crucial role in regulating mucosal immune homeostasis within the digestive tract. Synaptosome-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) is a presynaptic membrane-binding protein that activates ILC2s, initiating the host's anti-parasitic immune response. METHODS: To investigate the effect of Moniezia benedeni (M. benedeni) infection on the distribution of SNAP-25 in the sheep's small intestine, the recombinant plasmid pET-28a-SNAP-25 was constructed and expressed in BL21, yielding the recombinant protein. Then, the rabbit anti-sheep SNAP-25 polyclonal antibody was prepared and immunofluorescence staining was performed with it. The expression levels of SNAP-25 in the intestines of normal and M. benedeni-infected sheep were detected by ELISA. RESULTS: The results showed that the SNAP-25 recombinant protein was 29.3 KDa, the titer of the prepared immune serum reached 1:128,000. It was demonstrated that the rabbit anti-sheep SNAP-25 polyclonal antibody could bind to the natural protein of sheep SNAP-25 specifically. The expression levels of SNAP-25 in the sheep's small intestine revealed its primary presence in the muscular layer and lamina propria, particularly around nerve fibers surrounding the intestinal glands. Average expression levels in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were 130.32 pg/mg, 185.71 pg/mg, and 172.68 pg/mg, respectively. Under conditions of M. benedeni infection, the spatial distribution of SNAP-25-expressing nerve fibers remained consistent, but its expression level in each intestine segment was increased significantly (P < 0.05), up to 262.02 pg/mg, 276.84 pg/mg, and 326.65 pg/mg in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and it was increased by 101.06%, 49.07%, and 89.16% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that M. benedeni could induce the SNAP-25 expression levels in sheep's intestinal nerves significantly. The results lay a foundation for further exploration of the molecular mechanism by which the gastrointestinal nerve-mucosal immune network perceives parasites in sheep.

Comparison of clinical research trends and hotspots in allergic rhinitis and asthma from 2013 to 2023 based on bibliometric analysis.

Purpose: To analyze and compare clinical research trends and hot topics in allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma and provide valuable theoretical data and references for future research. Methods: Clinical studies focusing on AR or asthma published from 2013 to 2023 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Eligible articles were screened and analyzed using bibliometrics from multiple indicators. Results: A total of 261 eligible articles on AR and 991 qualified articles on asthma were screened. The following bibliometric analyses identified the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology as the most influential publication on AR and asthma and proved the significant contributions of Harvard University in clinical studies on AR and asthma. The analyses also revealed that the top ten prolific authors for AR were from China, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany, whereas the top ten productive authors for asthma were mainly from the USA. Collaborations among countries for AR were relatively concentrated in the Occident, whereas international cooperation on asthma was mainly achieved by the Occident and certain Eastern countries. Conclusions: This study compared and analyzed the current status and evolution of AR and asthma-related clinical research using bibliometric analysis. Additionally, the study comprehensively summarized the impactful authors, institutions, and countries, and revealed the replacement and evolution of hotspots.

Sensory ASIC3 channel exacerbates psoriatic inflammation via a neurogenic pathway in female mice.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated skin disease associated with neurogenic inflammation, but the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. We demonstrate here that acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3) exacerbates psoriatic inflammation through a sensory neurogenic pathway. Global or nociceptor-specific Asic3 knockout (KO) in female mice alleviates imiquimod-induced psoriatic acanthosis and type 17 inflammation to the same extent as nociceptor ablation. However, ASIC3 is dispensable for IL-23-induced psoriatic inflammation that bypasses the need for nociceptors. Mechanistically, ASIC3 activation induces the activity-dependent release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) from sensory neurons to promote neurogenic inflammation. Botulinum neurotoxin A and CGRP antagonists prevent sensory neuron-mediated exacerbation of psoriatic inflammation to similar extents as Asic3 KO. In contrast, replenishing CGRP in the skin of Asic3 KO mice restores the inflammatory response. These findings establish sensory ASIC3 as a critical constituent in psoriatic inflammation, and a promising target for neurogenic inflammation management.

Integration RNA bulk and single cell RNA sequencing to explore the change of glycolysis-related immune microenvironment and construct prognostic signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Glycolysis is an indispensable process for tumor cell,but the effect of glycolysis on the prognosis and immune cell infiltration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is not clear. METHODS: Based on RNA bulk and single cell RNA sequencing data of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) and GSE195832, the effect of glycolysis level on immune cell infiltration was analyzed. Then, we obtained the prognostic genes related to glycolysis through survival analysis to construct prognostic risk signature. Our sample and GSE65858 datasets are used as external verification datasets to verify the validity of the signature. Finally, we used Western blot and cell function assays to determine the relationship between risk genes and glycolysis and the function of prognostic genes. RESULT: The level of glycolysis was related to the prognosis of head and neck tumors (P = 0.0044). The results of immune infiltration analysis of TCGA database showed that high level glycolysis subgroup had less infiltration of macrophages, T cells and monocytes. Results of single cell sequencing analysis validates the above results. Additionally, Five risk genes(MUCL1,TRIML2,RAB3B,SPINK6,IGSF11) were selected to construct signature.Risk score was an independent prognostic factor(P < 0.01). The external validation set also shows the same result. In vitro functional and Western blot assays confirmed that the above five genes affect tumor function and related to the process of glycolysis. CONCLUSION: Glycolysis-related risk signatures can be used to predict the prognosis and immune infiltration of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Structure-Activity Relationship Models to Predict Properties of the Dielectric Fluids for Transformer Insulation System.

Mineral oils and synthetic and natural esters are the predominant insulating liquids in electrical equipment. Structure-activity relationship models to predict the key properties of pure insulating liquids, including pulse breakdown strengths, AC breakdown voltages, dielectric constants, flash points, and kinematic viscosities, have been proposed for the first time. Dependence of the specific properties on the molecular structures has been illustrated quantitatively in terms of surface area, statistical total variance, and average deviation of positive and negative electrostatic potentials, as augmented by molecular weight, volume, and ovality. Moreover, the individual contribution of the functional groups to viscosity has been revealed by an additive approach. The predicted properties are in good agreement with the experimental data. The present theoretical work provides new insights on the development of novel dielectric fluids.

Ferroelectric polarization promotes a CdS/In2Se3 heterostructure for photocatalytic water splitting.

The rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes greatly limits the efficiency of photocatalyst based on semiconductor. In order to address this issue, we predicted a novel ferroelectric polarized heterojunction photocatalyst, CdS/In2Se3, which enables the spontaneous overall water splitting reaction. The CdS/In2Se3 heterojunction exhibits a band-edge staggered alignment and it is easy to form a direct Z-scheme charge transfer pathway. Besides, the built-in electric field (Eint) in the CdS/In2Se3 heterojunction promoted the charge transfer of CdS/In2Se3, leading to an improved separating efficiency of photo-generated carriers. Moreover, the vertical intrinsic polarized electric field (Ep) not only alters the position of the band edge but also reduces the bandgap limitations commonly associated with photocatalytic materials. Furthermore, the CdS/In2Se3 heterojunctions demonstrate separate catalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on the surface of the CdS monolayer and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) on the surface of In2Se3, respectively. Notably, the CdS/In2Se3-down configuration enables spontaneous photocatalytic water splitting in pH = 7, while the CdS/In2Se3-up configuration efficiently facilitates the HER process. This study highlights the significant advantages of CdS/In2Se3 heterojunctions as photocatalytic materials, offering unique insights into the development and research of this promising heterojunction architecture.

Global analysis of key post-transcriptional regulation in early leaf development of Limonium bicolor identifies a long non-coding RNA that promotes salt gland development and salt resistance.

Limonium bicolor, known horticulturally as sea lavender, is a typical recretohalophyte with salt glands in its leaf epidermis that secrete excess Na+ out of the plant. Although many genes have been proposed to contribute to salt gland initiation and development, a detailed analysis of alternative splicing, alternative polyadenylation patterns, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been lacking. Here, we applied single-molecule long-read mRNA isoform sequencing (Iso-seq) to explore the complexity of the L. bicolor transcriptome in leaves during salt gland initiation (stage A) and salt gland differentiation (stage B) based on the reference genome. We identified alternative splicing events and the use of alternative poly(A) sites unique to stage A or stage B, leading to the hypothesis that they might contribute to the differentiation of salt glands. Based on the Iso-seq data and RNA in situ hybridization of candidate genes, we selected the lncRNA Btranscript_153392 for gene editing and virus-induced gene silencing to dissect its function. In the absence of this transcript, we observed fewer salt glands on the leaf epidermis, leading to diminished salt secretion and salt tolerance. Our data provide transcriptome resources for unraveling the mechanisms behind salt gland development and furthering crop transformation efforts towards enhanced survivability in saline soils.

Efficacy of different endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are no direct comparisons across different endoscopic therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to evaluate the relative effects of different endoscopic therapies in GERD. METHODS: Five databases were searched until August 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of endoscopic band ligation (EBL), Stretta, endoscopic fundoplication (transoral incisionless fundoplication [TIF], endoscopic full-thickness plication [EFTP], and EndoCinch plication procedure [EndoCinch, CR BARD, Billerica, Mass., USA]), or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)/sham procedure for GERD. Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 19 trials comprising 1181 patients were included. EBL (mean difference [MD], -7.75; 95% credible interval [CrI], -13.90 to -1.44), Stretta (MD, -9.86; 95% CrI, -19.05 to -0.58), and TIF (MD, -12.58; 95% CrI, -20.23 to -4.91) all significantly improved patients' health-related quality of life score with equivalent efficacy compared with PPIs. TIF and EBL achieved equivalent efficacy in reducing PPIs utility (risk ratio [RR], 0.66; 95% CrI, 0.40-1.05) and both were significantly superior to other endoscopic interventions (Stretta, EFTP, and EndoCinch). Besides, EBL and TIF also could significantly decrease the esophagitis incidence compared with PPIs (EBL [RR, 0.34; 95% CrI, 0.22-0.48] and TIF [RR, 0.38; 95% CrI, 0.15-0.88]). In terms of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure, only TIF could significantly increase the LES pressure (MD, 6.53; 95% CrI, 3.65-9.40) to PPIs. In contrast, TIF was inferior to PPIs in decreasing esophageal acid exposure (MD, 2.57; 95% CrI, 0.77-4.36). CONCLUSION: Combining the evidence, EBL and TIF may have comparable efficacy and both might be superior to Stretta, EFTP, or EndoCinch in GERD treatment.

Genome-wide identification of bHLH transcription factors and functional analysis in salt gland development of the recretohalophyte sea lavender (Limonium bicolor).

Transcription factors with basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) structures regulate plant growth, epidermal structure development, metabolic processes, and responses to stress extensively. Sea lavender (Limonium bicolor) is a recretohalophyte with unique salt glands in the epidermis that make it highly resistant to salt stress, contributing to the improvement of saline lands. However, the features of the bHLH transcription factor family in L. bicolor are largely unknown. Here, we systematically analyzed the characteristics, localization, and phylogenetic relationships of 187 identified bHLH family genes throughout the L. bicolor genome, as well as their cis-regulatory promoter elements, expression patterns, and key roles in salt gland development or salt tolerance by genetic analysis. Nine verified L. bicolor bHLH genes are expressed and the encoded proteins function in the nucleus, among which the proteins encoded by Lb2G14060 and Lb1G07934 also localize to salt glands. Analysis of CRISPR-Cas9-generated knockout mutants and overexpression lines indicated that the protein encoded by Lb1G07934 is involved in the formation of salt glands, salt secretion, and salt resistance, indicating that bHLH genes strongly influence epidermal structure development and stress responses. The current study lays the foundation for further investigation of the effects and functional mechanisms of bHLH genes in L. bicolor and paves the way for selecting salt-tolerance genes that will enhance salt resistance in crops and for the improvement of saline soils.

Global dynamics and cytokinin participation of salt gland development trajectory in recretohalophyte Limonium bicolor.

Salt gland is an epidermal Na+ secretory structure that enhances salt resistance in the recretohalophyte sea lavender (Limonium bicolor). To elucidate the salt gland development trajectory and related molecular mechanisms, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of L. bicolor protoplasts from young leaves at salt gland initiation and differentiation stages. Dimensionality reduction analyses defined 19 transcriptionally distinct cell clusters, which were assigned into 4 broad populations-promeristem, epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular tissue-verified by in situ hybridization. Cytokinin was further proposed to participate in salt gland development by the expression patterns of related genes and cytological evidence. By comparison analyses of Single-cell RNA sequencing with exogenous application of 6-benzylaminopurine, we delineated 5 salt gland development-associated subclusters and defined salt gland-specific differentiation trajectories from Subclusters 8, 4, and 6 to Subcluster 3 and 1. Additionally, we validated the participation of TRIPTYCHON and the interacting protein Lb7G34824 in salt gland development, which regulated the expression of cytokinin metabolism and signaling-related genes such as GLABROUS INFLORESCENCE STEMS 2 to maintain cytokinin homeostasis during salt gland development. Our results generated a gene expression map of young leaves at single-cell resolution for the comprehensive investigation of salt gland determinants and cytokinin participation that helps elucidate cell fate determination during epidermis formation and evolution in recretohalophytes.

The NAC gene family in the halophyte Limonium bicolor: Identification, expression analysis, and regulation of abiotic stress tolerance.

NAC transcription factors regulate plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, the number, types, and biological functions of Limonium bicolor LbNAC genes have remained elusive. L. bicolor secretes excessive salt ions through salt glands on its stems and leaves to reduce salt-induced damage. Here, we identified 63 NAC members (LbNAC1-63) in L. bicolor, which were unevenly distributed across eight chromosomes. Cis-elements in the LbNAC promoters were related to growth and development, stress responses, and phytohormone responses. We observed strong colinearity between LbNACs and GmNACs from soybean (Glycine max). Thus, LbNAC genes may share similar functions with GmNAC genes. Expression analysis indicated that 16 LbNAC genes are highly expressed in roots, stems, leaves, and flowers, whereas 17 LbNAC genes were highly expressed throughout salt gland development, suggesting that they may regulate this developmental stage. Silencing LbNAC54 in L. bicolor decreased salt gland density, salt secretion from leaves, and overall salt tolerance. In agreement, genes related to salt gland development were significantly downregulated in LbNAC54-silenced lines. Our findings shed light on LbNAC genes and help elucidate salt gland development and salt secretion in L. bicolor. Our data also provide insight into NAC functions in halophytes.

The RING zinc finger protein LbRZF1 promotes salt gland development and salt tolerance in Limonium bicolor.

The recretohalophyte Limonium bicolor thrives in high-salinity environments because salt glands on the above-ground parts of the plant help to expel excess salt. Here, we characterize a nucleus-localized C3HC4 (RING-HC)-type zinc finger protein of L. bicolor named  RING  ZINC  FINGER PROTEIN  1 (LbRZF1). LbRZF1 was expressed in salt glands and in response to NaCl treatment. LbRZF1 showed no E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The phenotypes of overexpression and knockout lines for LbRZF1 indicated that LbRZF1 positively regulated salt gland development and salt tolerance in L. bicolor. lbrzf1 mutants had fewer salt glands and secreted less salt than did the wild-type, whereas LbRZF1-overexpressing lines had opposite phenotypes, in keeping with the overall salt tolerance of these plants. A yeast two-hybrid screen revealed that LbRZF1 interacted with LbCATALASE2 (LbCAT2) and the transcription factor LbMYB113, leading to their stabilization. Silencing of LbCAT2 or LbMYB113 decreased salt gland density and salt tolerance. The heterologous expression of LbRZF1 in Arabidopsis thaliana conferred salt tolerance to this non-halophyte. We also identified the transcription factor LbMYB48 as an upstream regulator of LbRZF1 transcription. The study of LbRZF1 in the regulation network of salt gland development also provides a good foundation for transforming crops and improving their salt resistance.

Moniezia benedeni infection increases IgE+ cells in sheep (Ovis aries) small intestine.

The concentration of immunoglobulin (Ig) E is the lowest among serum Igs, but it can induces type I hypersensitivity and plays an important role in anti-parasitic infection. The present study aimed to explore the residence characteristics of IgE+ cells in the sheep small intestine and the impact of Moniezia benedeni infection on them. The recombinant plasmids pET-28a-IgE were constructed and induced and expressed in Escherichia coli. BL21 (DE3). The rabbit anti-sheep IgE polyclonal antibody was prepared using the obtained recombinant protein as antigen. Finally, the levels of IgE+ cells in the small intestine of healthy (Control group) and naturally M. benedeni-infected (Infected group) sheep were detected analyzed. The results showed that the rabbit anti-sheep IgE polyclonal antibody with good immunogenicity (titer = 1: 128000) could specifically bind to the heavy chain of natural sheep IgE. In the Control group, the IgE+ cells were mainly distributed in lamina propria of the small intestine, and the densities were significantly decreased from duodenum to ileum (P<0.05), with respective values of (4.28 cells / 104 µm2, 1.80 cells / 104 µm2, and 1.44 cells / 104 µm2 in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. In the Infected group, IgE+ cells density were 6.26 cells / 104 µm2, 3.01 cells / 104 µm2, and 2.09 cells / 104 µm2 in duodenum, jejunum and ileum respectively, which were significantly higher in all segments compared to the Control group (P<0.05), increasing by 46.26%, 67.22% and 45.14%, respectively. In addition, compared with the Control group, the IgE protein levels were significantly increased in all intestinal segments of the Infected group (P<0.01), however, there was no significant differences among the different intestinal segments within the same group (P>0.05). The results demonstrated that M. benedeni infection could significantly increase the content of IgE and the distribution density of its secreting cells in sheep small intestine. The intestinal mucosal immune system of sheep presented obvious specificity against M. benedeni infection. This lays a good foundation for further exploring molecular mechanisms of the intestinal mucosal immune system monitoring and responding to M. benedeni infection.

Moniezia benedeni drives CD3+ T cells residence in the sheep intestinal mucosal effector sites.

Introduction: T cells are the core of the cellular immunity and play a key role in the regulation of intestinal immune homeostasis. In order to explore the impact Moniezia benedeni (M. benedeni) infection on distributions of CD3+ T cells in the small intestine of the sheep. Methods: In this study, sheep pET-28a-CD3 recombinant plasmid were constructed and expressed in BL21 receptor cells, then the rabbit anti-sheep CD3 polyclonal antibody was prepared through recombinant protein inducing. The M. benedeni-infected sheep (infection group, n = 6) and healthy sheep (control group, n = 6) were selected, and the distributions of CD3+ T cells in intestinal laminae propria (LP) and mucous epitheliums were observed and analyzed systematically. Results: The results showed that the rabbit anti-sheep CD3 polyclonal antibody had good potency and specificity. In the effector area of small intestine, a large number of CD3+ T cells were mainly diffusely distributed in the intestinal LP as well as in the mucous epitheliums, and the densities of intestinal LP from duodenum to jejunum to ileum were 6.01 cells/104 µm2, 7.01 cells/104 µm2 and 6.43 cells/104 µm2, respectively. Their distribution densities in mucous epitheliums were 6.71 cells/104 µm2, 7.93 cells/104 µm2 and 7.21 cells/104 µm2, respectively; in the infected group, the distributions of CD3+ T cells were similar to that of the control group, and the densities in each intestinal segment were all significantly increased (p < 0.05), meanwhile, the total densities of CD3+ T cells in duodenum, jejunum and ileum were increased by 33.43%, 14.50%, and 34.19%. In LP and mucous epitheliums, it was increased by 33.57% and 27.92% in duodenum; by 25.82% and 7.07% in jejunum, and by 27.07% and 19.23% in ileum, respectively. Discussion: It was suggested that M. benedeni infection did not change the spatial distributions of CD3+ T cells in the small intestine of sheep, but significantly increased their densities, which lays a foundation for further research on the regulatory mechanism of sheep intestinal mucosal immune system against M. benedeni infection.

Monitoring ocean currents during the passage of Typhoon Muifa using optical-fiber distributed acoustic sensing.

In situ observations under typhoon conditions are sparse and limited. Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is an emerging technology that uses submarine optical-fiber (OF) cables to monitor the sea state. Here, we present DAS-based ocean current observations when a super typhoon passed overhead. The microseismic noise induced by ocean surface gravity waves (OSGWs) during Typhoon Muifa (2022) is observed in the ~0.08-0.38 Hz frequency band, with high-frequency (>0.3 Hz) component being tidally modulated. The OSGW propagation along the entire cable is successfully revealed via frequency-wavenumber analysis. Further, a method based on the current-induced Doppler shifts of DAS-recorded OSGW dispersions is proposed to calculate both speeds and directions of horizontal ocean currents. The measured current is consistent with the tidally induced sea-level fluctuations and sea-surface winds observed at a nearby ocean buoy. These observations demonstrate the feasibility of monitoring the ocean current under typhoon conditions using DAS-instrumented cables.

IGF2BP2-m6A-circMMP9 axis recruits ETS1 to promote TRIM59 transcription in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is a common malignancy of the head and neck. Recently, circular RNA (circRNA) has been studied extensively in multisystem diseases. However, there are few research on biological functions and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in LSCC. CircRNA array was used to detect the differentially expressed circRNAs. Kaplan-Meier and cox regression analysis were used to identify survival based on circMMP9. The qRT-PCR, RNase R treatment, sanger sequencing and in situ hybridization were used to verify circMMP9 expression, characteristics and localization in LSCC tissues and cells. Functionally, colony formation, MTS, transwell and in vivo assays were proceeded to detect the biological function of circMMP9 in LSCC progression. The RNA-seq was conducted to identify the molecular targets of circMMP9. Mechanically, MeRIP, RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pulldown, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried on to verify the regulatory mechanism of circMMP9. CircMMP9 was discovered upregulated in LSCC tissues and cells, and high level of circMMP9 was associated with poor prognosis, low degree of pathological grading, high TNM stage and lymph node metastasis of LSCC. CircMMP9 knockdown prevented LSCC progression both in vitro and in vivo, whereas, circMMP9 overexpression had the opposite effect. CircMMP9 was stabilized by IGF2BP2 in m6A-dependent manner. TRIM59 was identified as downstream target of circMMP9. CircMMP9 recruited ETS1 to stimulate TRIM59 transcription. Moreover, TRIM59 accelerated LSCC progression via activating the PI3K/AKT signal pathway. Our findings offered a unique regulatory mechanism for circMMP9 in LSCC, as well as a novel proof that circMMP9 may be utilize as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for LSCC patients.

Theoretical Study on the Mechanisms and Kinetics of Atmospheric Oxidation of Tetrafluoropropyne and Its Analogues.

Tetrafluoropropyne (C3F4) is a potential dielectric in various electrical insulating equipment to replace the most potent industrial greenhouse gas, sulfur hexafluoride. Atmospheric oxidation of C3F4 by OH radicals in the presence of molecular O2 has been investigated theoretically in order to clarify the lifetime and degradation products at mechanistic and kinetic aspects. Energetic minimum-energy pathways for the C3F4 + OH/O2 reactions were calculated in detail using various theoretical methods including density functional M06-2X and CCSD for geometries, CBS-QB3, CCSD(T), and multireference RS2 with extrapolation to the complete basis-set limit for energies. It has been demonstrated that the C3F4 + OH reaction takes place via the bifurcated C-O addition/elimination routes leading to CF3C(OH)═CF and CF3C═C(OH)F radical adducts, where the latter is more preferable in view of the difference in barrier heights (1.3 vs 0.3 kcal/mol), followed by H-migration, HF-elimination, and C-C and C-F bond fission. The atmospheric lifetime of C3F4 was estimated to be about 13 days, which is indicative of a very short-lived substance in the atmosphere. Further degradation of the energy-rich C3F4OH* intermediates by O2 takes place spontaneously in view of the successive barrier-free and highly exothermic pathways, producing a variety of fluorinated acids, anhydrides, biacetyls, and regenerating OH radicals. For comparison, the reactions of C3H4, CF3CCH, and CH3CCF with OH radicals were examined to clarify the F-substitution effect. It is revealed that the reactivity of fluoropropynes could be either reduced by CF3 or enhanced by atomic F attached to the acetylenic carbon. The present work provides a fundamental understanding of the reactions of fluoroalkynes with OH/O2. The use of C3F4 as a promising eco-friendly gaseous dielectric alternative to SF6 has been supported.