Chromosome-level genome assembly of an oligophagous leaf beetle Ophraella communa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae).

The leaf beetle Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is an effective biological control agent of the common ragweed. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome of the O. communa by combining Illumina, Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The genome size of the final genome assembly is 733.1 Mb, encompassing 17 chromosomes, with an improved contig N50 of 7.05 Mb compared to the original version. Genome annotation reveals 25,873 protein-coding genes, with functional annotations available for 22,084 genes (85.35%). Non-coding sequence annotation identified 204 rRNAs, 626 tRNAs, and 1791 small RNAs. Repetitive elements occupy 414.41 Mb, constituting 57.76% of the genome. This high-quality genome is fundamental for advancing biological control strategies employing O. communa.

Potentially inappropriate medication as a predictor of poor prognosis of COVID-19 in older adults: a South Korean nationwide cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between exposure to potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and poor prognosis of COVID-19 in older adults, controlling for comorbidity and sociodemographic factors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Nationwide retrospective cohort study based on the national registry of COVID-19 patients, established through the linkage of South Korea's national insurance claims database with the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency registry of patients with COVID-19, up to 31 July 2020. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2217 COVID-19 patients over 60 years of age who tested positive between 20 January 2022 and 4 June 2020. Exposure to PIM was defined based on any prescription record of PIM during the 30 days prior to the date of testing positive for COVID-19. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Mortality and utilisation of critical care from the date of testing positive until the end of isolation. RESULTS: Among the 2217 COVID-19 patients over 60 years of age, 604 were exposed to PIM prior to infection. In the matched cohort of 583 pairs, PIM-exposed individuals exhibited higher rates of mortality (19.7% vs 9.8%, p<0.0001) and critical care utilisation (13.4% vs 8.9%, p=0.0156) compared with non-exposed individuals. The temporal association of PIM exposure with mortality was significant across all age groups (RR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.23~2.24), and a similar trend was observed for critical care utilisation (RR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.26~2.39). The risk of mortality and critical care utilisation increased with exposure to a higher number of PIMs in terms of active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug categories. CONCLUSION: Exposure to PIM exacerbates the poor outcomes of older patients with COVID-19 who are already at high risk. Effective interventions are urgently needed to address PIM exposure and improve health outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Regulating Second-Shell Coordination in Cobalt Single-Atom Catalysts toward Highly Selective Hydrogenation.

Manipulating the local coordination environment of central metal atoms in single-atom catalysts (SACs) is a powerful strategy to exploit efficient SACs with optimal electronic structures for various applications. Herein, Co-SACs featured by Co single atoms with coordinating S atoms in the second shell dispersed in a nitrogen-doped carbon matrix have been developed toward the selective hydrogenation of halo-nitrobenzene. The location of the S atom in the model Co-SAC is verified through synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The resultant Co-SACs containing second-coordination shell S atoms demonstrate excellent activity and outstanding durability for selective hydrogenation, superior to most precious metal-based catalysts. In situ characterizations and theoretical results verify that high activity and selectivity are attributed to the advantageous formation of the Co-O bond between p-chloronitrobenzene and Co atom at Co1N4-S moieties and the lower free energy and energy barriers of the reaction. Our findings unveil the correlation between the performance and second-shell coordination atom of SACs.

Designing Fe8-N2 Catalytic Sites of Nitrogen-Doped Iron-Based Nanoparticles with Oxidase-Like Activity: Characterization, Calculation and Application.

Designing metal nanoparticles with oxidase-mimicking capabilities has garnered significant attention due to their promising attributes. However, understanding the intricate catalytic mechanisms underlying these nanoparticles poses a formidable challenge. In this study, a straightforward pyrolysis procedure was employed to synthesize nitrogen-doped iron-based nanoparticles (Fe NPs-N@C) with Fe8-N2 serving as active sites. The confirmation of these sites was thoroughly confirmed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations complemented by experimental validation. The resulting Fe NPs-N@C nanoparticles, averaging 5.45 nm in size, exhibited excellent oxidase-mimicking activity, with vmax=1.11×10-7 M s-1and km=1.67 mM, employing 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine as a substrate. The oxidation pathway and catalytic mechanism of Fe NPs-N@C involved 1O2⋅ radicals, validated through electron paramagnetic resonance analysis and DFT calculations. Furthermore, Fe NPs-N@C/TMB system was devised for ascorbic acid and nitrite quantitative detection. This method demonstrated the capability to detect ascorbic acid within concentrations ranging from 1 to 55 µM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.81 µM, and nitrite within concentrations from 1 to 160 µM, with a LOD value of 0.45 µM. These findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the catalytic mechanisms of Fe NPs-N@C nanoparticles at the atomic level, along with its potential for colorimetric sensor in future.

[Research progress on structure and hydrological processes in the karst critical zone of southwest China]. / è¥¿å—å–€æ–¯ç‰¹å ³é”®å¸¦ç»“æž„åŠå ¶æ°´æ–‡è¿‡ç¨‹ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

The southwestern region of China is the largest exposed karst area in the world and serves as an important ecological security barrier for the upstream of Yangtze River and Pearl River. Different from the critical zone of non-karst areas, the epikarst, formed by an interwoven network of denudation pores, is the core area of karst critical zone. Water is the most active component that participates in internal material cycle and energy flow within the critical zone. We reviewed relevant research conducted in the southwestern region from three aspects: the characte-rization of critical zone structure, the hydrological processes of soil-epikarst system, and their model simulations. We further proposed potential research hotpots. The main approach involved multi-scale and multi-method integrated observations, as well as interdisciplinary collaboration. Precisely characterizing the eco-hydrological processes of the vegetation-soil-epikarst coupling system was a new trend in the future research. This review would provide scientific reference for further studies on hydrological processes in critical zones and regional hydrological water resource management in karst areas.

Treatment of telangiectasias with a 595-nm pulsed dye laser following hemangioma involution: a retrospective analysis.

Telangiectasias are the most frequent type of sequelae of infantile hemangiomas after involution. Few studies have reported the treatment of telangiectasias with 595-nm pulsed dye lasers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a 595-nm pulsed dye laser for treating residual telangiectasias following hemangioma involution. This is a retrospective case series that analyzes the medical records and reviews the charts of 22 patients who had undergone 595-nm pulsed dye laser treatment for residual telangiectasias. Pre- and post-treatment digital images were independently assessed, and the changes were scored to ascertain the efficacy of the treatment (0 = no change, 4 = complete improvement). Of the 22 patients, 59.1% experienced complete resolution of telangiectasias following treatment. No serious complications or side effects were reported. The observations indicate that the 595-nm pulsed dye laser is effective and safe for treating residual telangiectasias following hemangioma involution.

Impact of Incorporating Future Mandatory Price Reductions with Generic Drug Entry on the Cost-Effectiveness of New Drugs: A Policy Simulation Study of Dupilumab in Atopic Dermatitis Treatment.

The introduction of high-cost medications often poses challenges in achieving cost-effectiveness for drug insurance coverage. Incorporating future price reductions for these medications may enhance their cost-effectiveness. We examined the influence of future cost reductions mandated by the national insurer's equal pricing for equivalent drugs (EPED) policy on the cost-effectiveness of dupilumab, a biologic drug for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in the Korean healthcare system. We conducted a policy simulation study using semi-Markovian cost utility analysis of dupilumab in combination with supportive care (SC) versus SC alone, with and without the EPED policy adjustment. The EPED would lower dupilumab's price to 70% following the entry of a biosimilar drug in 10.3 years. Scenario analyses quantified the impact of changing time to the EPED, chemical versus biological designation, response criteria, discount rates, and time horizons on the Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) and acceptability with and without EPED adjustment. The EPED adjustment of dupilumab's future price significantly improved its cost-effectiveness, with a 9.7% decrease in ICER and a substantial 14.6% increase in acceptability. Assuming EPED in 5 years, the ICER fell below the predefined willingness-to-pay threshold. If dupilumab were a chemical drug, EPED adjustment demonstrated a 19.1% increase in acceptability. Incorporating future cost reductions via the EPED system in economic evaluations is crucial, especially for drugs facing imminent generic entry. This study underscores the importance of EPED adjustment in the cost-effectiveness analysis of innovative medications, especially for those nearing willingness-to-pay thresholds.

Comparison of ICG-Guided Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging and Modified Inflation-Deflation Method in Identifying the Intersegmental Plane During Lung Segmentectomy of Infants.

BACKGROUND: The identification of the intersegmental plane (ISP) is a crucial step in segmentectomy for children with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) due to complex anatomical variations. However, there is very limited literature available on this aspect specifically for infant. In this study, we compared the intravenous indocyanine green (ICG)-guided near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging method with the modified inflation-deflation method in terms of their perioperative characteristics and summarized our experience. METHODS: From June 2021 to November 2022, the data of 83 patients with CPAM who underwent segmentectomy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty-eight patients underwent ICG-guided NIRF method, and 56 patients underwent the modified inflation-deflation method, characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 4.99 months (4.99 ± 1.51) with a mean body weight of 7.54 kg (7.54 ± 1.99). Both methods could accurately identify the ISP. The time taken to clearly display the ISP was shorter in ICG group than in the modified inflation-deflation group (0.18 ± 0.08 vs. 6.49 ± 1.67 min; P < 0.001), and the surgical duration (61.32 ± 14.28 vs. 88.18 ± 8.03 min; P < 0.001) were significantly shorter in the ICG group too. The two groups exhibited differences in the length of chest tube drainage (1.75 ± 1.24 vs. 2.36 ± 1.54 days; P = 0.072) and the length of hospital stay (4.61 ± 1.75 vs. 5.20 ± 3.07 days; P = 0.078), however, the differences were not statistically significant. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the blood lost and postoperative complications. At a follow-up of more than 1 year after operation, all patients had recovered well without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, the ICG-guided NIRF method was safe and feasible for infants during thoracoscopic segmentectomy, it can quickly display the ISP and shorten the surgical duration compared with the modified inflation-deflation method.

Insights into the Construction of Robust Pt Clusters with Satisfactory Stability on CeO2 for the Catalytic Oxidation of CO.

Improving the efficiency of platinum group metals (Pt, Pd, Rh, etc.) in catalytic oxidation reactions remains an urgent topic. The conflict between the low-temperature activity and high-temperature stability of noble metals can hardly reach a consensus. For instance, Pt cluster catalysts supported on CeO2 with high low-temperature activity will suffer from deactivation due to the redispersion under high-temperature lean-burn reaction conditions. Herein, two Pt1/CeO2 prepared by the incipient wetness impregnation method using different Pt precursors possessed varied Pt-O and Pt-O-Ce coordination numbers (CNs). They showed various priorities in CO oxidation versus NH3 selective catalytic oxidation, materials with higher CNPt-O-Ce selectively catalyzing NH3 oxidation to N2 more superior, conversely materials with lower CNPt-O-Ce performing better in CO oxidation. After activation by H2 reduction, both formed massive Pt clusters on the CeO2 surface but showed drastically distinct stability in lean-burn CO oxidation reactions. By summarizing the experimental results of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, etc., it is beyond doubt that the difference in the initial states of Pt1 due to distinct precursors indeed determine the redispersion behavior of the reduced Pt clusters on CeO2. Materials with lower CNPt-O-Ce and higher CNPt-O are more likely to form robust Pt clusters, as they are not conducive to Pt anchoring, thus restricting the reversible structural evolution occurring under lean-burn CO oxidation and reductive conditions. This approach serves as a guide for the convenient and efficient construction and exploration of robust Pt cluster catalysts.

Use of bio-information and communication technology shortens time to peak at a lower height of the epidemic curve: An alternative to flattening for countries with early COVID-19 outbreaks.

INTRODUCTION: The traditional approach to epidemic control has been to slow down the rate of infection while building up healthcare capacity, resulting in a flattened epidemic curve. Advancements in bio-information-communication technology (BICT) have enabled the preemptive isolation of infected cases through efficient testing and contact tracing. This study aimed to conceptualize the BICT-enabled epidemic control (BICTEC) and to document its relationships with epidemic curve shaping and epidemic mitigation performance. METHODS: Daily COVID-19 incidences were collected from outbreak to Aug. 12, 2020, for nine countries reporting the first outbreak on or before Feb. 1, 2020. Key epidemic curve determinants-peak height (PH), time to peak (TTP), and area under the curve (AUC)-were estimated for each country, and their relationships were analyzed to test if epidemic curves peak quickly at a shorter height. CFR (Case Fatality Rate) and CI (Cumulative Incidence) were compared across the countries to identify relationships between epidemic curve shapes and epidemic mitigation performance. RESULTS: China and South Korea had the quickest TTPs (40.70 and 45.37 days since outbreak, respectively) and the shortest PHs (2.95 and 4.65 cases per day, respectively). Sweden, known for its laissez-faire approach, had the longest TTP (120.36) and the highest PH (279.74). Quicker TTPs were correlated with shorter PHs (ρ = 0·896, p = 0·0026) and lower AUCs (0.790, p = 0.0028), indicating that epidemic curves do not follow a flattened trajectory. During the study period, countries with quicker TTPs tended to have lower CIs (ρ = .855, P = .006) and CFRs (ρ = 0.684, P = .061). For example, South Korea, with the second-quickest TTP, reported the second lowest CI and the lowest CFR. CONCLUSIONS: Countries that experienced early COVID-19 outbreaks demonstrated the epidemic curves that quickly peak at a shorter height, indicating a departure from the traditional flattened trajectory. South Korea's BICTEC was found to be at least as effective as most lockdowns in reducing CI and CFR.

Novel lipid mediator 7S,14R-docosahexaenoic acid: biogenesis and harnessing mesenchymal stem cells to ameliorate diabetic mellitus and retinal pericyte loss.

Introduction: Stem cells can be used to treat diabetic mellitus and complications. ω3-docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) derived lipid mediators are inflammation-resolving and protective. This study found novel DHA-derived 7S,14R-dihydroxy-4Z,8E,10Z,12E,16Z,19Z-docosahexaenoic acid (7S,14R-diHDHA), a maresin-1 stereoisomer biosynthesized by leukocytes and related enzymes. Moreover, 7S,14R-diHDHA can enhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) functions in the amelioration of diabetic mellitus and retinal pericyte loss in diabetic db/db mice. Methods: MSCs treated with 7S,14R-diHDHA were delivered into db/db mice i.v. every 5 days for 35 days. Results: Blood glucose levels in diabetic mice were lowered by 7S,14R-diHDHA-treated MSCs compared to control and untreated MSC groups, accompanied by improved glucose tolerance and higher blood insulin levels. 7S,14R-diHDHA-treated MSCs increased insulin+ ß-cell ratio and decreased glucogan+ α-cell ratio in islets, as well as reduced macrophages in pancreas. 7S,14R-diHDHA induced MSC functions in promoting MIN6 ß-cell viability and insulin secretion. 7S,14R-diHDHA induced MSC paracrine functions by increasing the generation of hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, 7S,14R-diHDHA enhanced MSC functions to ameliorate diabetes-caused pericyte loss in diabetic retinopathy by increasing their density in retina in db/db mice. Discussion: Our findings provide a novel strategy for improving therapy for diabetes and diabetic retinopathy using 7S,14R-diHDHA-primed MSCs.

[miR-515-5p targeting Toll-like receptor 4 regulates myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88/nuclear factor-kappa B pathway to inhibit apoptosis and inflammatory response of osteoarthritis chondrocytes].

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism of miR-515-5p in inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis and alleviating inflammatory response in osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Human cartilage cell line C28/I2 was cultured in vitro and treated with 10 ng/mL interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) for 24 hours to construct an in vitro OA model. C28/I2 cells were transfected with miR mimics, mimics negative control (NC), over expression (oe)-NC, and oe-Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), respectively, and then treated with 10 ng/mL IL-1ß for 24 hours to establish OA model. Cell proliferation capacity was detected by cell counting kit 8 and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry, and B-cell lymphoma 2 protion (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved-Caspase-3, TLR4, myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88), p65 and phosphorylated p65 (p-p65) protein expression levels were detected by Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of miR-515-5p and TLR4, and ELISA was used to detect pro-inflammatory factor prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF -α), and IL-6 levels in cell supernatant. The potential binding sites between miR-515-5p and TLR4 were predicted by BiBiServ2 database, and the targeting relationship between miR-515-5p and TLR4 was verified by dual luciferase reporting assay. Results: After the treatment of C28/I2 cells with IL-1ß, the expressions of miR-515-5p and Bcl-2 protein and the proliferation ability of C28/I2 cells significantly reduced. The expression levels of Bax and cleaved-Caspase-3 protein, the levels of pro-inflammatory factors (PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6) in the supernatant of C28/I2 cells, and the apoptosis of C28/I2 cells significantly increased. In addition, the proportion of the cells at S phase and G 2 phase decreased significantly, and the proportion of cells at G 1 phase increased significantly, suggesting that the cell cycle was blocked after IL-1ß treatment. After transfection with miR mimics, the expression level of miR-515-5p in the cells significantly up-regulated, partially reversing the apoptosis of OA chondrocytes induced by IL-1ß, and alleviating the cycle arrest and inflammatory response of OA chondrocytes. After treating C28/I2 cells with IL-1ß, the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 significantly increased. Overexpression of miR-515-5p targeted inhibition of TLR4 expression and blocked activation of MyD88/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway. Overexpression of TLR4 could partially reverse the effect of miR mimics on IL-1ß-induced apoptosis and inflammation of OA chondrocytes. Conclusion: miR-515-5p negatively regulates the expression of TLR4, inhibits the activation of MyD88/NF-κB pathway and apoptosis of OA chondrocytes, and effectively alleviates the inflammatory response of the cells.

Bactericidal Efficacy of the Combination of Maresin-like Proresolving Mediators and Carbenicillin Action on Biofilm-Forming Burn Trauma Infection-Related Bacteria.

Biofilm-associated bacterial infections are the major reason for treatment failure in many diseases including burn trauma infections. Uncontrolled inflammation induced by bacteria leads to materiality, tissue damage, and chronic diseases. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), including maresin-like lipid mediators (MarLs), are enzymatically biosynthesized from omega-3 essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), by macrophages and other leukocytes. SPMs exhibit strong inflammation-resolving activities, especially inflammation provoked by bacterial infection. In this study, we explored the potential direct inhibitory activities of three MarLs on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) bacteria in their biofilms that are leading bacteria in burn trauma-related infections. We also examined the effects of MarLs on the bactericidal activities of a typical broad-spectrum antibiotic, carbenicillin (carb), on these bacteria in their preformed biofilms. The results revealed that MarLs combined with carbenicillin can inhibit the survival of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in their biofilms although MarLs alone did not exhibit bactericidal activity. Thus, our findings suggest that the combination of MarLs and carbenicillin can lower the antibiotic requirements to kill the bacteria in preformed biofilms.

Identification of candidate chemosensory genes in Bactrocera cucurbitae based on antennal transcriptome analysis.

The melon fly, Bactrocera cucurbitae (Coquillett) (Tephritidae: Diptera), is an invasive pest that poses a significant threat to agriculture in Africa and other regions. Flies are known to use their olfactory systems to recognise environmental chemical cues. However, the molecular components of the chemosensory system of B. cucurbitae are poorly characterised. To address this knowledge gap, we have used next-generation sequencing to analyse the antenna transcriptomes of sexually immature B. cucurbitae adults. The results have identified 160 potential chemosensory genes, including 35 odourant-binding proteins (OBPs), one chemosensory protein (CSP), three sensory neuron membrane proteins (SNMPs), 70 odourant receptors (ORs), 30 ionotropic receptors (IRs), and 21 gustatory receptors (GRs). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to validate the results by assessing the expression profiles of 25 ORs and 15 OBPs. Notably, high expression levels for BcucOBP5/9/10/18/21/23/26 were observed in both the female and male antennae. Furthermore, BcucOROrco/6/7/9/13/15/25/27/28/42/62 exhibited biased expression in the male antennae, whereas BcucOR55 showed biased expression in the female antennae. This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into insect olfaction at the molecular level and will, thus, help to facilitate the development of enhanced pest management strategies in the future.

Fights on the surface prior to fungal invasion of insects.

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) infect insects by landing on and penetrating cuticles. Emerging evidence has shown that, prior to the invasion of insects, fungal cells have to battle and overcome diverse challenges, including the host behavioral defenses, colonization resistance mediated by ectomicrobiotas, host recognition, and generation of enough penetration pressure. The ascomycete EPF such as Metarhizium and Beauveria can thus produce adhesive proteins and/or the exopolysaccharide mucilage to tightly glue fungal cells on cuticles. Producing antimicrobial peptides and chemical compounds can enable EPF to outcompete cuticular defensive microbes. The use of divergent membrane receptors, accumulation, and quick degradation of lipid droplets in conidial cells can help EPF recognize proper hosts and build up cellular turgor to breach cuticles for systematic invasion. Further investigations are still required to unveil the multifaceted and intricate relationships between EPF and insect hosts.

Electroantennographic and Behavioral Responses of the Melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), to Volatile Compounds of Ridge Gourd, Luffa acutangular L.

The melon fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), is a major invasive pest, widely distributed in the Asia-Pacific region and some parts of Africa. Melon fly attractants could improve the effectiveness of current pest management measures. Previous studies have shown that some host fruits are attractive to melon flies but few have investigated the chemical compounds responsible for their attraction. In this study, we aimed to identify the volatile compounds from Luffa acutangula L that attract Z. cucurbitae. In headspace trapping, chemical profiling identified 19 compounds from ridge gourds, with 1-pentadecene being the major component. EAG results revealed that seven compounds elicited antennal responses in Z. cucurbitae, and significant differences in antennal responses between male and female Z. cucurbitae adults were recorded to p-xylene, alpha-pinene, and 1-octadecene. Behavioral experiments demonstrated that the EAG-active compounds methyl isovalerate and methyl myristate had either attractive or repellent effects on Z. cucurbitae at different concentrations, and 1-octadecene attracted Z. cucurbitae. Our findings provide a theoretical basis producing repellents or attractants for effective Integrated Pest Management of Z. cucurbitae.

From phyllosphere to insect cuticles: silkworms gather antifungal bacteria from mulberry leaves to battle fungal parasite attacks.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial transfers from plants to insect herbivore guts have been well investigated. However, bacterial exchanges between plant phyllospheres and insect cuticles remain unclear, as does their related biological function. RESULTS: Here, we report that the cuticular bacterial loads of silkworm larvae quickly increased after molting and feeding on the white mulberry (Morus alba) leaves. The isolation and examination of silkworm cuticular bacteria identified one bacterium Mammaliicoccus sciuri that could completely inhibit the spore germination of fungal entomopathogens Metarhizium robertsii and Beauveria bassiana. Interestingly, Ma. sciuri was evident originally from mulberry leaves, which could produce a secreted chitinolytic lysozyme (termed Msp1) to damage fungal cell walls. In consistency, the deletion of Msp1 substantially impaired bacterial antifungal activity. Pretreating silkworm larvae with Ma. sciuri cells followed by fungal topical infections revealed that this bacterium could help defend silkworms against fungal infections. Unsurprisingly, the protective efficacy of ΔMsp1 was considerably reduced when compared with that of wild-type bacterium. Administration of bacterium-treated diets had no negative effect on silkworm development; instead, bacterial supplementation could protect the artificial diet from Aspergillus contamination. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study evidence that the cross-kingdom transfer of bacteria from plant phyllospheres to insect herbivore cuticles can help protect insects against fungal parasite attacks. Video Abstract.

Development of a Novel Covalently Bonded Conjugate of Caprylic Acid Tripeptide (Isoleucine-Leucine-Aspartic Acid) for Wound-Compatible and Injectable Hydrogel to Accelerate Healing.

Third-degree burn injuries pose a significant health threat. Safer, easier-to-use, and more effective techniques are urgently needed for their treatment. We hypothesized that covalently bonded conjugates of fatty acids and tripeptides can form wound-compatible hydrogels that can accelerate healing. We first designed conjugated structures as fatty acid-aminoacid1-amonoacid2-aspartate amphiphiles (Cn acid-AA1-AA2-D), which were potentially capable of self-assembling into hydrogels according to the structure and properties of each moiety. We then generated 14 novel conjugates based on this design by using two Fmoc/tBu solid-phase peptide synthesis techniques; we verified their structures and purities through liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Of them, 13 conjugates formed hydrogels at low concentrations (≥0.25% w/v), but C8 acid-ILD-NH2 showed the best hydrogelation and was investigated further. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that C8 acid-ILD-NH2 formed fibrous network structures and rapidly formed hydrogels that were stable in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 2-8, 37 °C), a typical pathophysiological condition. Injection and rheological studies revealed that the hydrogels manifested important wound treatment properties, including injectability, shear thinning, rapid re-gelation, and wound-compatible mechanics (e.g., moduli G″ and G', ~0.5-15 kPa). The C8 acid-ILD-NH2(2) hydrogel markedly accelerated the healing of third-degree burn wounds on C57BL/6J mice. Taken together, our findings demonstrated the potential of the Cn fatty acid-AA1-AA2-D molecular template to form hydrogels capable of promoting the wound healing of third-degree burns.

Fungal infection of insects: molecular insights and prospects.

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) distribute in different fungal phyla with variable host ranges and play essential role in regulating insect populations by infecting hosts via cuticle penetration. The representative ascomycete EPF of Metarhizium and Beauveria species have been widely used in mechanistic investigations of fungus-insect interactions and as ecofriendly mycoinsecticides. Here, we review the function of diverse genes, pathways, and secondary metabolites associated with EPF stepwise infections. In particular, emerging evidence has shown that EPF have to outcompete insect ectomicrobiotas prior to penetrating cuticles, and subvert or evade host antifungal immunity by using effector-like proteins and chemicals like plant pathogens. Future prospects are discussed for a better understanding of fungal pathobiology, which will provide novel insights into microbe-animal interactions.

Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging with Intravenous Indocyanine Green Method in Segmentectomy for Infants with Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is a commonly used procedure for treating congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in infants, particularly when performing segmentectomy for segmental lesions. An innovative technique employing near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging with intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) has been utilized to delineate the intersegmental demarcation during surgery. However, no previous reports have investigated this method's application, specifically in infants. The primary aim of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the NIRF imaging with ICG approach in this context. METHODS: Between January 2021 and April 2022, a total of 19 consecutive segmentectomies were conducted using the NIRF imaging with ICG method to precisely identify the intersegmental plane. The results were concurrently compared with those obtained using the modified inflation-deflation technique. Comprehensive imaging and clinical data were gathered and analyzed to assess the safety and accuracy of the NIRF imaging with ICG approach. RESULTS: The study involved infants with a median age of 5.12 months (mean body weight of 8.08 g). All segmentectomies were performed successfully without any ICG-related complications. The mean operating time for the surgeries was 88.47 ± 7.94 minutes. Notably, no intraoperative conversions or significant complications were observed in any of the patients. The average hospital stay after surgery was 4.0 ± 0.82 days. During the follow-up period, extending beyond 1-year of postoperation, all patients exhibited excellent recovery with no cases of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our experience, the NIRF imaging with intravenous ICG method proved to be both safe and effective when performing segmentectomy for infants with CPAM. Low doses of ICG did not hinder the accurate identification of the intersegmental plane.