Association between triglyceride-glucose index and gallstones: a cross-sectional study.

This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to investigate the relationship between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and gallstones. We evaluated the data collected between 2017 to 2020. To evaluate the relationship between TyG index and gallstones, logistic regression analysis, basic characteristics of participants, subgroup analysis, and smooth curve fitting were utilized. The study included 3870 participants over the age of 20 years, 403 of whom reported gallstones, with a prevalence rate of 10.4%. After adjusting for all confounding factors, the risk of gallstones increased by 41% for each unit increase in the TyG index (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07, 1.86). The smooth curve fitting also showed a positive correlation between the TyG index and gallstones. Subgroup analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between the TyG index and the risk of gallstones in those aged < 50 years, women, individuals with total cholesterol levels > 200 mg/dL, individuals with body mass index (BMI) > 25, and individuals without diabetes. The risk of gallstones is positively correlated with a higher TyG index. Thus, the TyG index can be used as a predictor of the risk of gallstones.

Facet sensitivity of iron carbides in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis.

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a structure-sensitive reaction of which performance is strongly related to the active phase, particle size, and exposed facets. Compared with the full-pledged investigation on the active phase and particle size, the facet effect has been limited to theoretical studies or single-crystal surfaces, lacking experimental reports of practical catalysts, especially for Fe-based catalysts. Herein, we demonstrate the facet sensitivity of iron carbides in FTS. As the prerequisite, {202} and {112} facets of χ-Fe5C2 are fabricated as the outer shell through the conformal reconstruction of Fe3O4 nanocubes and octahedra, as the inner cores, respectively. During FTS, the activity and stability are highly sensitive to the exposed facet of iron carbides, whereas the facet sensitivity is not prominent for the chain growth. According to mechanistic studies, {202} χ-Fe5C2 surfaces follow hydrogen-assisted CO dissociation which lowers the activation energy compared with the direct CO dissociation over {112} surfaces, affording the high FTS activity.

Bioinformatics and system biology approach to identify potential common pathogenesis for COVID-19 infection and sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. Increasing evidence suggests that patients with sarcopenia have higher rates of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection and poorer post-infection outcomes. However, the exact mechanism and connections between the two is unknown. In this study, we used high-throughput data from the GEO database for sarcopenia (GSE111016) and COVID-19 (GSE171110) to identify common differentially expressed genes (DEGs). We conducted GO and KEGG pathway analyses, as well as PPI network analysis on these DEGs. Using seven algorithms from the Cytoscape plug-in cytoHubba, we identified 15 common hub genes. Further analyses included enrichment, PPI interaction, TF-gene and miRNA-gene regulatory networks, gene-disease associations, and drug prediction. Additionally, we evaluated immune cell infiltration with CIBERSORT and assessed the diagnostic accuracy of hub genes for sarcopenia and COVID-19 using ROC curves. In total, we identified 66 DEGs (34 up-regulated and 32 down-regulated) and 15 hub genes associated with sarcopenia and COVID-19. GO and KEGG analyses revealed functions and pathways between the two diseases. TF-genes and TF-miRNA regulatory network suggest that FOXOC1 and hsa-mir-155-5p may be identified as key regulators, while gene-disease analysis showed strong correlations with hub genes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Immune infiltration showed a correlation between the degree of immune infiltration and the level of infiltration of different immune cell subpopulations of hub genes in different datasets. The ROC curves for ALDH1L2 and KLF5 genes demonstrated their potential as diagnostic markers for both sarcopenia and COVID-19. This study suggests that sarcopenia and COVID-19 may share pathogenic pathways, and these pathways and hub genes offer new targets and strategies for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and tailored therapies for sarcopenia patients with COVID-19.

Artificial sweeteners and risk of incident cardiovascular disease and mortality: evidence from UK Biobank.

BACKGROUND: Artificial sweeteners are widely popular worldwide as substitutes for sugar or caloric sweeteners, but there are still several important unknowns and controversies regarding their associations with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to extensively assess the association and subgroup variability between artificial sweeteners and CVD and CVD mortality in the UK Biobank cohort, and further investigate the modification effects of genetic susceptibility and the mediation role of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This study included 133,285 participants in the UK Biobank who were free of CVD and diabetes at recruitment. Artificial sweetener intake was obtained from repeated 24-hour diet recalls. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate HRs. Genetic predisposition was estimated using the polygenic risk score (PRS). Furthermore, time-dependent mediation was performed. RESULTS: In our study, artificial sweetener intake (each teaspoon increase) was significantly associated with an increased risk of incident overall CVD (HR1.012, 95%CI: 1.008,1.017), coronary artery disease (CAD) (HR: 1.018, 95%CI: 1.001,1.035), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (HR: 1.035, 95%CI: 1.010,1.061), and marginally significantly associated with heart failure (HF) risk (HR: 1.018, 95%CI: 0.999,1.038). In stratified analyses, non-whites were at greater risk of incident overall CVD from artificial sweetener. People with no obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m2) also tended to be at greater risk of incident CVD from artificial sweetener, although the obesity interaction is not significant. Meanwhile, the CVD risk associated with artificial sweeteners is independent of genetic susceptibility, and no significant interaction exists between genetic susceptibility and artificial sweeteners in terms of either additive or multiplicative effects. Furthermore, our study revealed that the relationship between artificial sweetener intake and overall CVD is significantly mediated, in large part, by prior T2DM (proportion of indirect effect: 70.0%). In specific CVD subtypes (CAD, PAD, and HF), the proportion of indirect effects ranges from 68.2 to 79.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest significant or marginally significant associations between artificial sweeteners and CVD and its subtypes (CAD, PAD, and HF). The associations are independent of genetic predisposition and are mediated primarily by T2DM. Therefore, the large-scale application of artificial sweeteners should be prudent, and the responses of individuals with different characteristics to artificial sweeteners should be better characterized to guide consumers' artificial sweeteners consumption behavior.

Clinical significance of TROAP in endometrial cancer and the antiproliferative and proapoptotic effects of TROAP knockdown in endometrial cancer cells: integrated utilization of bioinformatic analysis and in vitro test verification.

Trophinin-associated protein (TROAP), a cytoplasmic protein essential for spindle assembly and centrosome integrity during mitosis, has been reported to serve as an oncogene in various tumors. However, its role in endometrial cancer (EC) progression is still undefined. TROAP expression in EC was analyzed via GEPIA and HPA databases. The diagnostic and prognostic values of TROAP were examined by ROC curve analysis and Kaplan-Meier plotter, respectively. Cell proliferation was evaluated using CCK-8 and EdU incorporation assays. Apoptosis was assessed using TUNEL and flow cytometry assays. GSEA was performed to explore TROAP-related pathways in EC. Expression of TROAP, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki-67, cleaved-caspase-3 (cl-caspase-3), caspase-3, active ß-catenin, and total ß-catenin was detected using western blot analysis. TROAP was upregulated in EC. TROAP served as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in EC patients. TROAP silencing suppressed proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in EC cells. GSEA revealed that EC and Wnt signaling pathways were related to the expression of TROAP. We further demonstrated that TROAP knockout repressed the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in EC cells. Moreover, SKL2001, a Wnt/ß-catenin activator, partially abrogated the effects of TROAP silencing on EC cell proliferation and apoptosis, while the signaling inhibitor XAV-939 had the opposite effect. In conclusion, TROAP knockout retarded proliferation and elicited apoptosis in EC cells by blocking the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Decoupling of high-resolution surface pH and DO reveals temporal algal bloom dynamics on the East China Sea.

The stoichiometric ratio between seawater CO2 and dissolved oxygen (DO) during phytoplankton metabolism holds significant importance in evaluating ecological and biogeochemical processes. We collected high-resolution underway temperature, salinity, DO, and pH data in the East China Sea inner shelf in May 2017. Our results revealed high pH (8.36) and supersaturated DO (171 %) in the outer Changjiang Estuary, indicating the occurrence of an algal bloom event. They were significantly correlated with a regression slope of 0.0029, which roughly followed the Redfield ratio. In contrast, a much higher ratio (0.0088) manifested in a low-salinity patch on north of the Changjiang Estuary, featuring a pH of 8.40 and oxygen saturation of approximately 123 %. The substantially faster air-sea equilibrium rate of O2 than CO2 probably caused such decoupling, offering insight into the temporal evolutions of algal bloom. Theoretically, a steeper regression slope implies an earlier onset of algal bloom. An end-member mixing model was constructed to exclude the physical mixing influences on dissolved inorganic carbon (ΔDIC) and DO (ΔDO). Furthermore, we conducted simulations to explore the temporal variations of ΔDIC-ΔDO regression slope with time. Comparing slopes derived from simulation and mixing model suggested that the biological signal of the decoupled waters likely preceded our observations by 6-10 days. Satellite results captured high-Chl a waters southwest of the low-salinity patch a week before our observation, potentially transported northward by prevailing southwest wind. Given that oxygen and pH are frequently measured in aquatic environments, their combined assessment could be a valuable method for assessing temporal algal bloom dynamics.

Constituents from leaves of Macaranga hemsleyana.

Objective: To study constituents of the leaves of Macaranga hemsleyana, and evaluate their inhibitory effects against NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, and antiproliferative activity. Methods: The constituents were isolated and purified by column chromatography on MCI gel CHP20P/P120, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and HPLC. The structures of compounds were determined by 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS data. The inhibitory effect of compounds on inflammasome activation was determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) procedure. The antiproliferative activity was evaluated using MTT assay. Results: The study led to the isolation of 23 compounds, including one new compound, identified as (2Z)-3-[4-(ß-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-2'-hydroxy-5'-methoxyphenyl]-2-propenoic acid (1), together with 22 known compounds recognized as 1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-3-pyridinecarbonitrile (2), methyl 4-methoxynicotinate (3), 4-methoxynicotinonitrile (4), 1-(3-O-ß-D-glucopyranosyl-4,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-ethanone (5), neoisoastilbin (6), isoastilbin (7), aromadendrin (8), neoastilbin (9), astilbin (10), quercitrin (11), neoschaftoside (12), apigenin 6,8-bis-C-α-L-arabinoside (13), vitexin (14), bergenin (15), scopoletin (16), glucopyranoside salicyl (17), koaburside (18), benzyl ß-D-glucoside (19), icariside B5 (20), roseoside (21), loliolide (22), and adenosine (23). The tested compounds did not show LDH inhibition nor antiproliferative activity. Conclusion: Compound 1 was a new glycoside. Compounds 2 and 3 were obtained for the first time from natural source. The 22 known compounds constituted of alkaloids (2-4, 23), phenolics (5, 15, 17, 18), flavonoids (6-14), coumarin (16), benzyl glycoside (19), and norsesquiterpenes (20-22). All the compounds, 1-23, were revealed from M. hemsleyana for the first time. This is the initial uncovering of molecules 1-10, 12, 13, 17-19, and 23 from the genus Macaranga. The isolated compounds, 11, 14-16, and 20-22 established taxonomic classification of M. hemsleyana in Euphorbiaceae family. Flavonoids were outstanding as chemosystematic markers of Macaranga genus.

The Relationship Between Insulin Resistance Indicated by Triglyceride and Glucose Index and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Decreased Left Ventricular Diastolic Function with Preserved Ejection Fraction.

Aim: The evidence on the association between insulin resistance (IR) and the prevalence or incidence of cardiac dysfunction has been controversial, and the relationship between pre-diabetic IR and cardiac function is lacking. Large sample studies in the Chinese general population are urgently needed to explore the association between IR and the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and decreased left ventricular diastolic function with preserved ejection fraction (LVDFpEF). Methods: Based on a National Health Check-up database in China, we conducted a multicenter cross-sectional retrospective study in 344,420 individuals. Furthermore, at a single center, we performed two retrospective longitudinal studies encompassing 8270 and 5827 individuals to investigate the association between IR and the development of new-onset LVH and LVDFpEF, respectively. The median follow-up duration exceeded 2.5 years. The triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index, known for its high sensitivity in detecting IR, serves as a reliable alternative marker of IR. The logistic and cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine the relationships. Results: In the cross-sectional study, IR showed a positive association with the prevalence of LVH and decreased LVDFpEF after adjusting for confounders. In the longitudinal cohort, IR was also correlated with the new onset of LVH and decreased LVDFpEF, with hazard ratios (HR) of 1.986 (95% CI: 1.307, 3.017) and 1.386 (95% CI: 1.167, 1.647) in the fourth quartile of TyG levels compared to the lowest quartile, respectively, after adjusting for confounders. The subgroup analysis in non-hypertensive or non-diabetic people and the sensitivity analysis in the population with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) further verified the above-mentioned results. Conclusion: IR was associated with LVH and decreased LVDFpEF. Effective management of IR may prevent or delay the development of adverse LVH and decreased LVDFpEF.

Unveiling the domino effect: a nine-year follow-up on pentalogy of central nervous system induced by a large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation: a case report and literature review.

Background: The disruption of intracranial fluid dynamics due to large unruptured cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) commonly triggers a domino effect within the central nervous system. This phenomenon is frequently overlooked in prior clinic and may lead to catastrophic misdiagnoses. Our team has documented the world's first case of so-called AVM Pentalogy (AVMP) induced by a AVM. Clinical presentation and result: A 30-year-old female was first seen 9 years ago with an occasional fainting, at which time a huge unruptured AVM was discovered. Subsequently, due to progressive symptoms, she sought consultations from several prestigious neurosurgical departments in China, where all consulting neurosurgeons opted for conservation treatment due to perceived surgical risks. During the follow-up period, the patient gradually presented with hydrocephalus, empty sella, secondary Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and scoliosis (we called as AVMP). When treated in our department, she already displayed numerous symptoms, including severe intracranial hypertension. Our team deduced that the hydrocephalus was the primary driver of her AVMP symptoms, representing the most favorable risk profile for intervention. As expected, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt successfully mitigated all symptoms of AVMP at 21-months post-surgical review. Conclusion: During the monitoring of unruptured AVM, it is crucial to remain vigilant for the development or progression of AVMP. When any component of AVMP is identified, thorough etiological studies and analysis of cascade reactions are imperative to avert misdiagnosis. When direct AVM intervention is not viable, strategically addressing hydrocephalus as part of the AVMP may serve as the critical therapeutic focus.

Close Intimacy between PtIn Clusters and Zeolite Channels for Ultrastability toward Propane Dehydrogenation.

Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) serves as a pivotal intentional technique to produce propylene. The stability of PDH catalysts is generally restricted by the readsorption of propylene which can subsequently undergo side reactions for coke formation. Herein, we demonstrate an ultrastable PDH catalyst by encapsulating PtIn clusters within silicalite-1 which serves as an efficient promoter for olefin desorption. The mean lifetime of PtIn@S-1 (S-1, silicalite-1) was calculated as 37317 h with high propylene selectivity of >97% at 580 °C with a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of 4.7 h-1. With an ultrahigh WHSV of 1128 h-1, which pushed the catalyst away from the equilibrium conversion to 13.3%, PtIn@S-1 substantially outperformed other reported PDH catalysts in terms of mean lifetime (32058 h), reaction rates (3.42 molpropylene gcat-1 h-1 and 341.90 molpropylene gPt-1 h-1), and total turnover number (14387.30 kgpropylene gcat-1). The developed catalyst is likely to lead the way to scalable PDH applications.

White Matter Microstructure Changes Revealed by Diffusion Kurtosis and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Mutant Huntingtin Gene Carriers.

Background: Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) has revealed microstructural changes in white matter (WM) in Huntington's disease (HD). Objective: To compare the validities of different dMRI, i.e., diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in HD. Methods: 22 mutant huntingtin (mHTT) carriers and 14 controls were enrolled. Clinical assessments and dMRI were conducted. Based on CAG-Age Product (CAP) score, mHTT carriers were categorized into high CAP (hCAP) and medium and low CAP (m& lCAP) groups. Spearman analyses were used to explore correlations between imaging parameters in brain regions and clinical assessments. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to distinguish mHTT carriers from control, and define the HD patients at advanced stage. Results: Compared to controls, mHTT carriers exhibited WM changes in DKI and DTI. There were 22 more regions showing significant differences in HD detected by MK than FA. Only MK in five brain regions showed significantly difference between any two group, and negatively correlated with the disease burden (r = -0.80 to -0.71). ROC analysis revealed that MK was more sensitive and FA was more specific, while Youden index showed that the integration of FA and MK gave rise to higher authenticities, in distinguishing m& lCAP from controls (Youden Index = 0.786), and discerning different phase of HD (Youden Index = 0.804). Conclusions: Microstructural changes in WM occur at early stage of HD and deteriorate over the disease progression. Integrating DKI and DTI would provide the best accuracies for differentiating early HD from control and identifying advanced HD.

Historical reconstruction of glacier mass balance and its contribution to water resources in the Sawir Mountains from 2000 to 2020.

Glacial changes are crucial to regional water resources and ecosystems in the Sawir Mountains. However, glacial changes, including the mass balance and glacial meltwater of the Sawir Mountains, have sparsely been reported. Three model calibration strategies were constructed including a regression model based on albedo and in-situ mass balance of Muz Taw Glacier (A-Ms), regression model based on albedo and geodetic mass balance of valley, cirque, and hanging glaciers (A-Mr), and degree-day model (DDM) to obtain a reliable glacier mass balance in the Sawir Mountains and provide the latest understanding in the contribution of glacial meltwater runoff to regional water resources. The results indicated that the glacial albedo reduction was significant from 2000 to 2020 for the entire Sawir Mountains, with a rate of 0.015 (10a)-1, and the spatial pattern was higher in the east compared to the west. Second, the three strategies all indicated that the glacier mass balance has been continuously negative during the past 20 periods, and the average annual glacier mass balance was -1.01 m w.e. Third, the average annual glacial meltwater runoff in the Sawir Mountains from 2000 to 2020 was 22 × 106 m3, and its contribution to streamflow was 25.81 % from 2000 to 2018. The glacier contribution rates in the Ulkun- Ulastu, Lhaster, and Kendall River basins were 31.37 %, 22.51 %, and 19.27 %, respectively.

Emerging Roles and Therapeutic Applications of Arachidonic Acid Pathways in Cardiometabolic Diseases.

Cardiometabolic disease has become a major health burden worldwide, with sharply increasing prevalence but highly limited therapeutic interventions. Emerging evidence has revealed that arachidonic acid derivatives and pathway factors link metabolic disorders to cardiovascular risks and intimately participate in the progression and severity of cardiometabolic diseases. In this review, we systemically summarized and updated the biological functions of arachidonic acid pathways in cardiometabolic diseases, mainly focusing on heart failure, hypertension, atherosclerosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and diabetes. We further discussed the cellular and molecular mechanisms of arachidonic acid pathway-mediated regulation of cardiometabolic diseases and highlighted the emerging clinical advances to improve these pathological conditions by targeting arachidonic acid metabolites and pathway factors.

TNIP3 protects against pathological cardiac hypertrophy by stabilizing STAT1.

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is one of the major risk factors of heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying pathological cardiac hypertrophy remain largely unknown. Here, we identified the first evidence that TNFAIP3 interacting protein 3 (TNIP3) was a negative regulator of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. We observed a significant upregulation of TNIP3 in mouse hearts subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC) surgery and in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes stimulated by phenylephrine (PE). In Tnip3-deficient mice, cardiac hypertrophy was aggravated after TAC surgery. Conversely, cardiac-specific Tnip3 transgenic (TG) mice showed a notable reversal of the same phenotype. Accordingly, TNIP3 alleviated PE-induced cardiomyocyte enlargement in vitro. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing and interactome analysis were combined to identify the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) as a potential target to clarify the molecular mechanism of TNIP3 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Via immunoprecipitation and Glutathione S-transferase assay, we found that TNIP3 could interact with STAT1 directly and suppress its degradation by suppressing K48-type ubiquitination in response to hypertrophic stimulation. Remarkably, preservation effect of TNIP3 on cardiac hypertrophy was blocked by STAT1 inhibitor Fludaradbine or STAT1 knockdown. Our study found that TNIP3 serves as a novel suppressor of pathological cardiac hypertrophy by promoting STAT1 stability, which suggests that TNIP3 could be a promising therapeutic target of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.

The development of multifunctional materials for water pollution remediation using pollen and sporopollenin.

Pollen is a promising material for water treatment owing to its renewable nature, abundant sources, and vast reserves. The natural polymer sporopollenin, found within pollen exine, possesses a distinctive layered porous structure, mechanical strength, and stable chemical properties, which can be utilized to prepare sporopollenin exine capsules (SECs). Leveraging these attributes, pollen or SECs can be used to develop water pollution remediation materials. In this review, the structure of pollen is first introduced, followed by the categorization of various methods for extracting SECs. Then, the functional expansion of pollen adsorbents, with an emphasis on their recyclability, reusability, and visual sensing capabilities, as opposed to mere functional group modification, is discussed. Furthermore, the progress made in utilizing pollen as a biological template for synthesizing catalysts is summarized. Intriguingly, pollen can also be engineered into self-propelled micromotors, enhancing its potential application in adsorption and catalysis. Finally, the challenges associated with the application of pollen in water pollution treatment are discussed. These challenges include the selection of environmentally friendly, non-toxic reagents in synthesizing pollen water remediation products and the large-scale application after synthesis. Moreover, the multifunctional synthesis and application of different water remediation products are prospected.

Six new quassinoids from Picrasma chinese P·Y. Chen and their cytotoxicity activity.

In the present study, six new compounds namely, picralactones CH (1-6) along with nine known compounds (7-15) were isolated from the branches and leaves of Picrasma chinese P.Y. Chen. Their structures were determined with the help of spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, HR-ESI-MS, UV, IR and CD. Cytotoxicity of all compounds was evaluated against MDA-MB-231, SW-620 and HepG2 human cancer cell lines. Compound 4 showed cytotoxic activities.

Chemical Composition of Achillea millefolium L. and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity.

A new monoterpene, (-)-10-hydroxydihydroactinidiolide (1), along with two known monoterpenes, loliolide (2) and (+)-isololiolide (3), three known megastigmanes, 3α-hydroxy-5ß,6ß-epoxy-ß-ionone (4), 3α-hydroxy-5α,6α-epoxy-ß-ionone (5), and (+)-dehydrovomifoliol (6), a eudesmane-type sesquiterpene, 4α-hydroxy-4ß-methyldihydrocostol (7), a monoterpene, 8-hydroxycarvotanacetone (8), two flavonoids, chrysoeriol (9) and apigenin (10), and a phenylpropanoid, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-propanol (11), were isolated from the whole plant of Achillea millefolium. The structure of compound 1 was identified according to spectroscopic data of HRMS and NMR, and its absolute configuration was assigned by 13C NMR calculations with DP4+ probability analyses and ECD calculations. The absolute configuration of compound 6 was determined by ECD calculations. Compounds 3, 6, 9 and 10 could dose-dependently inhibit the NO release in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

The MdNAC72-MdABI5 module acts as an interface integrating jasmonic acid and gibberellin signals and undergoes ubiquitination-dependent degradation regulated by MdSINA2 in apple.

Jasmonic acid (JA) and gibberellin (GA) coordinately regulate plant developmental programs and environmental cue responses. However, the fine regulatory network of the cross-interaction between JA and GA remains largely elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that MdNAC72 together with MdABI5 positively regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis through an exquisite MdNAC72-MdABI5-MdbHLH3 transcriptional cascade in apple. MdNAC72 interacts with MdABI5 to promote the transcriptional activation of MdABI5 on its target gene MdbHLH3 and directly activates the transcription of MdABI5. The MdNAC72-MdABI5 module regulates the integration of JA and GA signals in anthocyanin biosynthesis by combining with JA repressor MdJAZ2 and GA repressor MdRGL2a. MdJAZ2 disrupts the MdNAC72-MdABI5 interaction and attenuates the transcriptional activation of MdABI5 by MdNAC72. MdRGL2a sequesters MdJAZ2 from the MdJAZ2-MdNAC72 protein complex, leading to the release of MdNAC72. The E3 ubiquitin ligase MdSINA2 is responsive to JA and GA signals and promotes ubiquitination-dependent degradation of MdNAC72. The MdNAC72-MdABI5 interface fine-regulates the integration of JA and GA signals at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels by combining MdJAZ2, MdRGL2a, and MdSINA2. In summary, our findings elucidate the fine regulatory network connecting JA and GA signals with MdNAC72-MdABI5 as the core in apple.

Heavy atom-induced quenching of fluorescent organosilicon nanoparticles for iodide sensing and total antioxidant capacity assessment.

We present a novel approach for iodide sensing based on the heavy-atom effect to quench the green fluorescent emission of organosilicon nanoparticles (OSiNPs). The fluorescence of OSiNPs was significantly quenched (up to 97.4% quenching efficiency) in the presence of iodide ions (I-) through oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, OSiNPs can serve as a fluorescent probe to detect I- with high selectivity and sensitivity. The highly selective response is attributed to the hydrophilic surface enabling good dispersion in aqueous solutions and the lipophilic core allowing the generated liposoluble I2 to approach and quench the fluorescence of OSiNPs. The linear working range for I- was from 0 to 50 µM, with a detection limit of 0.1 µM. We successfully applied this nanosensor to determine iodine content in edible salt. Furthermore, the fluorescent OSiNPs can be utilized for the determination of total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Antioxidants reduce I2 to I-, and the extent of quenching by the remaining I2 on the OSiNPs indicates the TAC level. The responses to ascorbic acid, pyrogallic acid, and glutathione were investigated, and the detection limit for ascorbic acid was as low as 0.03 µM. It was applied to the determination of TAC in ascorbic acid tablets and fruit juices, indicating the potential application of the OSiNP-based I2 sensing technique in the field of food analysis.

Effect of Inconel 718 Filler on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inconel 690 Joint by Ultrasonic Frequency Pulse Assisted TIG Welding.

Ultrasonic frequency pulse assisted TIG welding (UFP-TIG) experiments were conducted to join Inconel 690 alloy (IN690) by adding Inconel 718 alloy (IN718) as the filler. The effect of the filler on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and ductility dip cracking (DDC) susceptibility of IN690 joints were investigated. The results show that a variety of precipitates, including MC-type carbide and Laves phases, are formed in the weld zone (WZ), which are uniformly dispersed in the interdendritic region and grain boundaries (GBs). The increase in the thickness of the IN718 filler facilitates the precipitation and growth of Laves phases and MC carbides. However, the formation of Laves phases in the WZ exhibits a lower bonding force with the matrix and deteriorates the tensile strength of IN690 joints. Due to the moderate content of Laves phases in the WZ, the IN690 joint with 1.0 mm filler reaches the maximum tensile strength (627 MPa), which is about 96.5% of that of the base metal (BM). The joint with 1.0 mm filler also achieves the highest elongation (35.4%). In addition, the strain-to-fracture tests indicate that the total length of cracks in the joint with the IN718 filler decreases by 66.49% under a 3.8% strain. As a result, the addition of the IN718 filler significantly improves the mechanical properties and DDC resistance of IN690 joints.