Adaptive foraging behaviours in the Horn of Africa during Toba supereruption.

Although modern humans left Africa multiple times over 100,000 years ago, those broadly ancestral to non-Africans dispersed less than 100,000 years ago1. Most models hold that these events occurred through green corridors created during humid periods because arid intervals constrained population movements2. Here we report an archaeological site-Shinfa-Metema 1, in the lowlands of northwest Ethiopia, with Youngest Toba Tuff cryptotephra dated to around 74,000 years ago-that provides early and rare evidence of intensive riverine-based foraging aided by the likely adoption of the bow and arrow. The diet included a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic animals. Stable oxygen isotopes from fossil mammal teeth and ostrich eggshell show that the site was occupied during a period of high seasonal aridity. The unusual abundance of fish suggests that capture occurred in the ever smaller and shallower waterholes of a seasonal river during a long dry season, revealing flexible adaptations to challenging climatic conditions during the Middle Stone Age. Adaptive foraging along dry-season waterholes would have transformed seasonal rivers into 'blue highway' corridors, potentially facilitating an out-of-Africa dispersal and suggesting that the event was not restricted to times of humid climates. The behavioural flexibility required to survive seasonally arid conditions in general, and the apparent short-term effects of the Toba supereruption in particular were probably key to the most recent dispersal and subsequent worldwide expansion of modern humans.

Structure-based approaches against COVID-19.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on human life. This review highlights the versatile roles of both classical and modern structure-based approaches for COVID-19. X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and cryogenic electron microscopy are the three cornerstones of classical structural biology. These technologies have helped provide fundamental and detailed knowledge regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the related human host proteins as well as enabled the identification of its target sites, facilitating the cessation of its transmission. Further progress into protein structure modeling was made using modern structure-based approaches derived from homology modeling and integrated with artificial intelligence (AI), facilitating advanced computational simulation tools to actively guide the design of new vaccines and the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs. This review presents the practical contributions and future directions of structure-based approaches for COVID-19.

Congenital trans-sellar trans-sphenoidal encephalocele: a systematic review of diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

PURPOSE: Clinical presentations encompass respiratory, feeding issues, nasopharyngeal mass, meningitis, CSF leakage, craniofacial anomalies, and endocrine problems. Surgery is the primary treatment, transitioning from frontal craniotomy to endoscopic methods, offering improved outcomes. Yet, more studies are needed. A comprehensive review on trans-sellar trans-sphenoidal encephalocele (TSTSE) is missing. Our study aims to fill this gap, offering a comprehensive perspective for physicians. METHODS: This review adhered to the PRISMA guideline. Eligible studies focused on human subjects, specifically trans-sellar encephaloceles, and provided comprehensive treatment details. English language articles published up to April 11th, 2023, were considered. Two trained researchers conducted article screening using consistent criteria. Data extraction covered various aspects, including clinical presentation, surgical methods, and outcomes, with results presented descriptively in two tables. Due to the rarity of this congenital anomaly, meta-analysis and publication bias assessment were not feasible. Data extraction was independently conducted by two reviewers, with subsequent cross-verification. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients were identified from 14 studies, the most frequently observed clinical presentation was dyspnea (41.67%) and the most frequently observed accompanying anomaly was cleft lip/palate (55.56%). CT and MRI were adopted in nearly all the cases, and trans-nasal approach was the most often used surgical approach (57.14%) with the 'soft material combination' the most commonly used method for cranial base repairment (35.71%). A total of two deaths occurred and diabetes insipidus was the most common perioperative complication which occurred in six surgery patients (21.43%). CONCLUSION: TSTSE predominantly affects males and presents with dyspnea, visual deficits, pituitary insufficiency, and cranial base-related symptoms. Early diagnosis is critical, with advanced imaging playing a key role. Endocrine assessment is vital for hormone management. Surgery offers symptom relief but entails risks, including reported fatalities and complications. The choice between surgery and conservative management requires careful deliberation. The trans-nasal approach is favored for its reduced trauma, yet further research is necessary to validate this preference.

Identification and characterization of the cupin_1 domain-containing proteins in ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus) and their potential role in rhizome sprouting.

Cupin_1 domain-containing protein (CDP) family, which is a member of the cupin superfamily with the most diverse functions in plants, has been found to be involved in hormone pathways that are closely related to rhizome sprouting (RS), a vital form of asexual reproduction in plants. Ma bamboo is a typical clumping bamboo, which mainly reproduces by RS. In this study, we identified and characterized 53 Dendrocalamus latiflorus CDP genes and divided them into seven subfamilies. Comparing the genetic structures among subfamilies showed a relatively conserved gene structure within each subfamily, and the number of cupin_1 domains affected the conservation among D. latiflorus CDP genes. Gene collinearity results showed that segmental duplication and tandem duplication both contributed to the expansion of D. latiflorus CDP genes, and lineage-specific gene duplication was an important factor influencing the evolution of CDP genes. Expression patterns showed that CDP genes generally had higher expression levels in germinating underground buds, indicating that they might play important roles in promoting shoot sprouting. Transcription factor binding site prediction and co-expression network analysis indicated that D. latiflorus CDPs were regulated by a large number of transcription factors, and collectively participated in rhizome buds and shoot development. This study significantly provided new insights into the evolutionary patterns and molecular functions of CDP genes, and laid a foundation for further studying the regulatory mechanisms of plant rhizome sprouting.

A mathematical model for supercooling process and its application to frazil ice evolution.

The calculation of the number of ice crystals for the model of frazil ice evolution is very important and affects the whole frazil events. In this paper, the general formula for the number of frazil ice crystals was established considering secondary nucleation, flocculation, gravity and turbulent entrainment, and ice crystals by melting. Meanwhile, two physical processes of secondary nucleation and flocculation were expressed by introducing critical impact velocity and the probability of flocculation from previous models. It has been found that the simulation results of frazil ice evolution are in good agreement with the experimental data and actual project. Then, Sobol method is carried out to judge parameters' influence degree, which found the number of nuclei produced [Formula: see text] is the most sensitive and has the greatest influence on the model results. In addition, sensitivity analysis of these parameters shows that they can affect the maximum supercooling and the period of supercooling. Therefore, the calculation method of the number of ice crystals is applied, which provides technical support for exploring the water temperature and internal relationship of frazil ice evolution.

The role of transforming growth factor-ß2 in cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation and injury.

AIMS: Transforming growth factor-ß2 (TGF-ß2) plays an important role in pleiotropic functions and has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive lung disease. The role of TGF-ß2 in regulating cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung inflammation and injury has not been investigated, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. MAIN METHODS: Primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE), and the signaling pathway of TGF-ß2 regulating lung inflammation was investigated. Mice were exposed to CS and treated with TGF-ß2 i.p. or bovine whey protein extract containing TGF-ß2 p.o., and the role of TGF-ß2 in alleviating lung inflammation/injury was studied. KEY FINDINGS: In vitro, we demonstrated that TGF-ß2 attenuated CSE-induced IL-8 production from PBECs through the TGF-ß receptor I (TGF-ßRI), Smad3, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways. Selective TGF-ßRI inhibitor (LY364947) and antagonist of Smad3 (SIS3) abolished the effect of TGF-ß2 on alleviating CSE-induced IL-8 production. In vivo, CS exposure for 4 weeks in mice increased the levels of total protein, inflammatory cell counts, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in bronchoalveolar fluid and induced lung inflammation/injury, as revealed by immunohistochemistry. Administration of TGF-ß2 through intraperitoneal injection or oral feeding with bovine whey protein extract containing TGF-ß2 significantly reduced CS-induced lung inflammation and injury. SIGNIFICANCE: We concluded that TGF-ß2 reduced CSE-induced IL-8 production through the Smad3 signaling pathway in PBECs and alleviated lung inflammation/injury in CS-exposed mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of TGF-ß2 on CS-induced lung inflammation in humans deserves further clinical study.

Portable sensing devices for smart healthcare and prevention of lead poisoning.

Lead (Pb) poisoning can damage human bodies silently, without specific symptoms or conspicuous warning signs. To provide safe and user-friendly tools for detecting heavy metals at low concentrations, scientists have developed and optimized versatile biosensors. To practically employ the developed biosensors specific for Pb (eg, the optimized Met-lead 1.44 M1), smartphone applications designed for user convenience and are easily operable for the on-site detection of Pb in environmental water, drinking water, food, and blood/urine are urgently needed. To establish a monitoring system for home health maintenance, a portable device and useful apps installed on a smartphone can be integrated, and the data acquired can be sent to and stored in the cloud for further analysis and evidence preservation. With the high transmissions speeds for 4G and 4G wireless Internet, such a system can be applied for health protection; water-quality data can be provided by anyone and publicly shared for display on smartphone interfaces, alerting individuals of heavy metal contamination. In this review, we describe recent developments in heavy metal-sensing devices, including home health maintenance systems, which have been successfully and practically applied to prevent heavy metal Pb poisoning.

Comprehensive profiling of epigenetic modifications in fast-growing Moso bamboo shoots.

The fast growth of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) shoots is caused by the rapid elongation of each internode. However, the key underlying cellular processes and epigenetic mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We used microscopy and multi-omics approaches to investigate two regions (bottom and middle) of the 18th internode from shoots of two different heights (2 and 4 m). We observed that internode cells become longer, and that lignin biosynthesis and glycosyltransferase family 43 (GT43) genes are substantially upregulated with shoot height. Nanopore direct RNA sequencing (DRS) revealed a higher N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification rate in 2-m shoots than in 4-m shoots. In addition, different specific m6A modification sites were enriched at different growth stages. Global DNA methylation profiling indicated that DNA methylation levels are higher in 4-m shoots than in 2-m shoots. We also detected shorter poly(A) tail lengths (PALs) in 4-m shoots compared with 2-m shoots. Genes showing differential PAL were mainly enriched in the functional terms of protein translation and vesicle fusion. An association analysis between PALs and DNA methylation strongly suggested that gene body CG methylation levels are positively associated with PAL. This study provides valuable information to better understand post-transcriptional regulations responsible for fast-growing shoots in Moso bamboo.

The Omicron variant wave: Where are we now and what are the prospects?

The Omicron variant BA.2 is the dominant form of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in many countries, including those that have already implemented the strictest quarantine mandates that effectively contained the spread of the previous variants. Although many individuals were partially or fully vaccinated, confirmed Omicron infections have far surpassed all other variants combined in just a couple of months since the Omicron variant emerged. The ChAdOx1-S (AstraZeneca), BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech), and mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccines offer protection against the severe illness of SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, these currently available vaccines are less effective in terms of preventing Omicron infections. As a result, a booster dose of BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 is recommended for individuals >12 years old who had received their second dose of the approved vaccines for >5 months. Herein, we review the studies that assessed the clinical benefits of the booster dose of vaccines against Omicron infections. We also analyzed public data to address whether early booster vaccination effectively prevented the surge of the Omicron infections. Finally, we discuss the consideration of a fourth dose of vaccine as a way to prevent possible upcoming infections.

Comparison of Pharmacokinetic Similarity, Immunogenicity, and Safety of Ustekinumab and BAT2206 in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects in a Double-Blind, Randomized, Single-Dose, Parallel-Group Phase I Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the similarity of BAT2206 to its originator, ustekinumab, including pharmacokinetic profiles, immunogenicity, and safety in healthy Chinese male subjects. METHODS: This was a double-blinded, randomized, single-dose, parallel-group clinical trial, in which 270 healthy male subjects were enrolled to receive a single subcutaneous injection (45 mg) of either BAT2206 or ustekinumab (European Union or USA) at a 1:1:1 ratio. The pairwise pharmacokinetic similarities and the safety and immunogenicity of both drugs were evaluated and compared. RESULTS: The results showed that the 90% confidence interval of the geometric mean ratio for primary pharmacokinetic parameters (maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity) among BAT2206 and ustekinumab (USA or European Union sourced) groups were all within the predefined equivalent interval of 80-125%. Furthermore, all the groups had similar incidences of treatment-emergent adverse events, in which the majority of cases belonged to Common Terminology Criteria for the Classification of Adverse Events Grade 1 or 2. Anti-drug antibodies were detected in 54 (20.1%) subjects, namely 24 (26.7%), 13 (14.8%), and 17 (18.9%) patients in the BAT2206, ustekinumab (European Union), and ustekinumab (USA) groups, respectively. In contrast, the incidences of positive neutralizing antibodies were similar among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacokinetic similarity between BAT2206 and ustekinumab (USA or European Union sourced) was confirmed. The three groups had similar safety profiles, and the investigational drugs were well tolerated by subjects. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04371185).

Smart healthcare: A prospective future medical approach for COVID-19.

COVID-19 has greatly affected human life for over 3 years. In this review, we focus on smart healthcare solutions that address major requirements for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, including (1) the continuous monitoring of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, (2) patient stratification with distinct short-term outcomes (eg, mild or severe diseases) and long-term outcomes (eg, long COVID), and (3) adherence to medication and treatments for patients with COVID-19. Smart healthcare often utilizes medical artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing and integrates cutting-edge biological and optoelectronic techniques. These are valuable technologies for addressing the unmet needs in the management of COVID. By leveraging deep learning/machine learning capabilities and big data, medical AI can perform precise prognosis predictions and provide reliable suggestions for physicians' decision-making. Through the assistance of the Internet of Medical Things, which encompasses wearable devices, smartphone apps, internet-based drug delivery systems, and telemedicine technologies, the status of mild cases can be continuously monitored and medications provided at home without the need for hospital care. In cases that develop into severe cases, emergency feedback can be provided through the hospital for rapid treatment. Smart healthcare can possibly prevent the development of severe COVID-19 cases and therefore lower the burden on intensive care units.

Hunter-Schreger Band configuration in human molars reveals more decussation in the lateral enamel of 'functional' cusps than 'guiding' cusps.

OBJECTIVES: Enamel prism decussation, which manifests as Hunter-Schreger Bands (HSB), is considered a mechanism to mitigate crack propagation. During the chewing cycle, the 'functional' cusps that are involved in Phase II crushing and grinding experience more complex patterns of stress than do those that 'guide' the molars into occlusion (Phase I). This study examines HSB configuration in the lateral enamel of human molars to identify potential differences between these cusps as predicted from their functional distinctions. DESIGN: Measurements were recorded from scanning electron micrographs of sections through the mesial cusps of unworn permanent molars. For each section, HSB packing density and the relative thickness of decussated enamel were quantified in the cuspal and middle segments of lateral enamel over the guiding and functional cusps. RESULTS: No clear trend from first to third molars in HSB configuration was found in either jaw. In maxillary molars, the functional cusp displays higher HSB packing density in the cuspal and middle segments, and relatively thicker decussated enamel in the cuspal segment than does the guiding cusp. In mandibular molars, the functional cusp displays higher HSB packing density in the middle segment than does the guiding cusp, but no difference in relative thickness was found between them. Enamel of mandibular molars shows weaker decussation than maxillary molars. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that guiding cusps are intrinsically more susceptible to crack propagation than functional cusps in human permanent molars. Structural factors such as enamel decussation should be considered when interpreting enamel chipping patterns in dietary contexts.

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in children and adolescents: Can immunization prevent hospitalization?

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants of concern can infect people of all ages and can cause severe diseases in children, such as encephalitis, which require intensive care. Therefore, vaccines are urgently required to prevent severe disease in all age groups. We reviewed the safety and efficacy profiles of mRNA vaccines-BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273-demonstrated by clinical trials or observed in the real world. mRNA-1273 is effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in preschool children (6 months-6 years old). Both BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 are effective in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in school-aged children and adolescents, thereby preventing post-coronavirus disease (COVID) conditions. The common side effects of vaccination are pain at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Myocarditis and pericarditis are uncommon. Monitoring post-vaccination troponin levels may help prevent severe cardiac events. The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus mutates its genome to overcome the herd immunity provided by mass vaccinations; therefore, we may need to develop new generations of vaccines, such as those using viral nucleocapsid proteins as antigens. In conclusion, the mRNA vaccines are generally safe and effective in preventing severe diseases and hospitalization among children and adolescents.

Genome-Wide Identification of NAP1 and Function Analysis in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis).

The nucleosome assembly protein 1 (NAP1) family is the main histone chaperone of histone H2A-H2B. To explore the function of NAP1 family genes in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), characterized by extremely rapid growth and a long flowering cycle, we originally conducted a genome-wide analysis of the PheNAP1 gene. The phylogenetic relationship, gene expression pattern, DNA methylation, and histone modification were analyzed. Eventually, 12 PheNAP1 genes were recognized from the Phyllostachys edulis genome, divided into two sorts: the NRP subfamily (four members) and the NAP subfamily (eight members). Highly conserved motifs exist in each subfamily, which are distinct between subfamilies. PheNAP1 was distributed homogeneously on 10 out of 24 chromosomes, and gene duplication contributed significantly to the enhancement of the PheNAP1 gene in the genome. Cis-acting element analysis showed that PheNAP1 family genes are involved in light, hormone, and abiotic stress responses and may play an important role in the rapid growth and flowering. PheNAP1 exhibited the highest expression level in fast-growing shoots, indicating it is closely associated with the rapid growth of moso bamboo. Besides, PheNAP1 can rescue the early-flowering phenotype of nrp1-1 nrp2-2, and it affected the expression of genes related to the flowering pathway, like BSU1, suggesting the vital role that PheNAP1 may take in the flowering process of moso bamboo. In addition, histone modification results showed that PheNAP1 could bind to phosphorylation-, acetylation-, and methylation-modified histones to further regulate gene expression. A sketch appears: that PheNAP1 can accompany histones to regulate fast-growth- and flowering-related genes in moso bamboo. The consequences of this study enrich the understanding of the epigenetic regulation mechanism of bamboo plants and lays a foundation for further studies on the role of the NAP1 gene in Phyllostachys edulis and the function of chromatin regulation in forest growth and development.

Nitric Oxide Mobilizes Intracellular Zn2+ via the GC/cGMP/PKG Signaling Pathway and Stimulates Adipocyte Differentiation.

Plasma and tissue zinc ion levels are associated with the development of obesity. Previous studies have suggested that zinc ions may regulate adipocyte metabolism and that nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in the regulation of adipocyte physiology. Our previous study showed that chronic NO deficiency causes a significant decrease in adipose tissue mass in rats. Studies also suggested that zinc ions play an important modulatory role in regulating NO function. This study aims to explore the role of zinc ions in NO-regulated adipocyte differentiation. We hypothesized that NO could increase intracellular Zn2+ level and then stimulate adipocyte differentiation. ZnCl2 and the NO donor, NONOate, were used to explore the effects of Zn2+ and NO on adipocyte differentiation. Regulatory mechanisms of NO on intracellular Zn2+ mobilization were determined by detection. Then, Zn2+-selective chelator TPEN was used to clarify the role of intracellular Zn2+ on NO-regulated adipocyte differentiation. Furthermore, the relationship between adipocyte size, Zn2+ level, and NOS expression in human subcutaneous fat tissue was elucidated. Results showed that both ZnCl2 and NO stimulated adipocyte differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. NO stimulated intracellular Zn2+ mobilization in adipocytes through the guanylate cyclase (GC)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/protein kinase G (PKG) pathway, and NO-stimulated adipocyte differentiation was Zn2+-dependent. In human subcutaneous adipose tissue, adipocyte size was negatively correlated with expression of eNOS. In conclusion, NO treatment stimulates intracellular Zn2+ mobilization through the GC/cGMP/PKG pathway, subsequently stimulating adipocyte differentiation.

Portable FRET-Based Biosensor Device for On-Site Lead Detection.

Most methods for measuring environmental lead (Pb) content are time consuming, expensive, hazardous, and restricted to specific analytical systems. To provide a facile, safe tool to detect Pb, we created pMet-lead, a portable fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Pb-biosensor. The pMet-lead device comprises a 3D-printed frame housing a 405-nm laser diode-an excitation source for fluorescence emission images (YFP and CFP)-accompanied by optical filters, a customized sample holder with a Met-lead 1.44 M1 (the most recent version)-embedded biochip, and an optical lens aligned for smartphone compatibility. Measuring the emission ratios (Y/C) of the FRET components enabled Pb detection with a dynamic range of nearly 2 (1.96), a pMet-lead/Pb dissociation constant (Kd) 45.62 nM, and a limit of detection 24 nM (0.474 µg/dL, 4.74 ppb). To mitigate earlier problems with a lack of selectivity for Pb vs. zinc, we preincubated samples with tricine, a low-affinity zinc chelator. We validated the pMet-lead measurements of the characterized laboratory samples and unknown samples from six regions in Taiwan by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Notably, two unknown samples had Y/C ratios significantly higher than that of the control (3.48 ± 0.08 and 3.74 ± 0.12 vs. 2.79 ± 0.02), along with Pb concentrations (10.6 ppb and 15.24 ppb) above the WHO-permitted level of 10 ppb in tap water, while the remaining four unknowns showed no detectable Pb upon ICP-MS. These results demonstrate that pMet-lead provides a rapid, sensitive means for on-site Pb detection in water from the environment and in living/drinking supply systems to prevent potential Pb poisoning.

Study on the Effect of Petroleum Components on the Elution of Oily Sludge by a Compound Biosurfactant.

Currently, research on oily sludge treatment mainly focuses on optimizing the deoiling effect and research on the deoiling mechanism, and the influence of petroleum components on the properties and treatment of oily sludge is rarely considered. Therefore, in this study, petroleum substances in three types of oil sludge were eluted using the biosurfactant cleaning technology, and the influence of petroleum components on the cleaning process was explored. The results showed that the biosurfactants rhamnolipid and sophorolipid had a synergistic effect, and the oil-removal rate was as high as 92.2% when the SL mass fraction was 0.4 in the compound biosurfactant. Three types of oily sludge, wellsite-landing sludge, pipeline-landing sludge, and tank-bottom sludge, were cleaned by the compound biosurfactant; the results showed that the residual petroleum substance in liquid and solid phases, the turbidity value, and the zeta-potential value of the supernatant of oil sludge samples after cleaning increased with the increase in the heavy components of the oily sludge, and the oil-removal rate decreased gradually. After cleaning, the average relative molecular weight of the three oil phases increased with the heavy components, which was increased by 1.83, 4.83, and 10.72%, respectively, and the increase in molecular weight increased the difficulty of cleaning. After cleaning, the retention time and peak intensity of the oil sample changed significantly, and it had a stronger elution effect on low-molecular-weight alkanes. It was found that the compound biosurfactant had a good elution effect on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, but the increase in the content of heavy components and the increase in aromatic rings increased the difficulty of cleaning. Moreover, it was found that the compound biosurfactant could not completely elute the petroleum substances on the surface of solid particles, and the asphaltene components in the oil phase were more difficult to elute than other components.

Allele-aware chromosome-scale assembly of the allopolyploid genome of hexaploid Ma bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro).

Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro is a woody clumping bamboo with rapid shoot growth. Both genetic transformation and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) gene editing techniques are available for D. latiflorus, enabling reverse genetic approaches. Thus, D. latiflorus has the potential to be a model bamboo species. However, the genome sequence of D. latiflorus has remained unreported due to its polyploidy and large genome size. Here, we sequenced the D. latiflorus genome and assembled it into three allele-aware subgenomes (AABBCC), representing the largest genome of a major bamboo species. We assembled 70 allelic chromosomes (2, 737 Mb) for hexaploid D. latiflorus using both single-molecule sequencing from the Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) Sequel platform and chromosome conformation capture sequencing (Hi-C). Repetitive sequences comprised 52.65% of the D. latiflorus genome. We annotated 135 231 protein-coding genes in the genome based on transcriptomes from eight different tissues. Transcriptome sequencing using RNA-Seq and PacBio single-molecule real-time long-read isoform sequencing revealed highly differential alternative splicing (AS) between non-abortive and abortive shoots, suggesting that AS regulates the abortion rate of bamboo shoots. This high-quality hexaploid genome and comprehensive strand-specific transcriptome datasets for this Poaceae family member will pave the way for bamboo research using D. latiflorus as a model species.

Endothelin-1 induces lipolysis through activation of the GC/cGMP/Ca2+/ERK/CaMKIII pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide produced and secreted mainly by endothelial cells. Recent studies indicate that ET-1 can regulate lipid metabolism, which may increase the risk of insulin resistance. Our previous studies revealed that ET-1 induced lipolysis in adipocytes, but the underlying mechanisms were unclear. 3T3-L1 adipocytes were used to investigate the effect of ET-1 on lipolysis and the underlying mechanisms. Glycerol levels in the incubation medium and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) phosphorylation were used as indices for lipolysis. ET-1 significantly increased HSL phosphorylation and lipolysis, which were completely inhibited by ERK inhibitor (PD98059) and guanylyl cyclase (GC) inhibitor (LY83583). LY83583 reduced ET-1-induced ERK phosphorylation. A Ca2+-free medium and PLC inhibitor caused significant decreases in ET-1-induced lipolysis as well as ERK and HSL phosphorylation, and IP3 receptor activator (D-IP3) increased lipolysis. ET-1 increased cGMP production, which was not affected by depletion of extracellular Ca2+. On the other hand, LY83583 diminished the ET-1-induced Ca2+ influx. Transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV-1) antagonist and shRNA partially inhibited ET-1-induced lipolysis. ET-1-induced lipolysis was completely suppressed by CaMKIII inhibitor (NH-125). These results indicate that ET-1 stimulates extracellular Ca2+ entry and activates the intracellular PLC/IP3/Ca2+ pathway through a cGMP-dependent pathway. The increased cytosolic Ca2+ that results from ET-1 treatment stimulates ERK and HSL phosphorylation, which subsequently induces lipolysis. ET-1 induces HSL phosphorylation and lipolysis via the GC/cGMP/Ca2+/ERK/CaMKIII signaling pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Genome-Wide Identification of MIKCc-Type MADS-Box Family Gene and Floral Organ Transcriptome Characterization in Ma Bamboo (Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro).

Most bamboos die after flowering, and the molecular mechanisms responsible for flowering is poorly understood. The MIKCc-type MADS-box family gene is involved in the flowering process. To explore the mechanism of the MIKCc-type MADS-box gene and phytohormone regulation in the flowering of Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro (D. latiflorus), characterized by extremely rapid growth and widely cultivated woody bamboo, we initially did a genome-wide analysis of the MIKCc-type MADS-box gene in D. latiflorus. In the meantime, transcriptome analysis was performed using the floral organs. A total of 170 MIKCc-Type MADS-Box genes were identified and divided into 15 categories. The cis-acting element analysis in promoters regions revealed that MIKC-type MADS-box family genes were associated with hormones, including auxin, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA) and jasmonic acid (JA), which was found at 79, 476, 96, 486 sites and cover 61, 103, 73, 128 genes. Genome synteny analysis showed subgenome AA and BB were better than CC and obtained 49, 40, 39 synteny genes compared with Oryza sativa (O. sativa). In transcriptome analysis of floral organs, the enriched pathway from DEGs included circadian, vernalization and gibberellin pathways associated with the flowering process. We found that the jasmonic acid synthesis gene is highly expressed in the pistil, which may be the cause of Ma bamboo pollen abortion. The expression profile showed that most MIKC-type MADS-box genes exhibited high expression in flower organs. The consequences of this study will provide insight into the irregular flowering and low pollen counts of Ma bamboo.