Clinical Outcomes and Left Ventricular Functional Remodeling after Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Assisted Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study of 76 Cases.

Background: Ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) is a common condition that leads to left ventricular (LV) functional remodeling and poor prognosis. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can provide temporary circulatory support and facilitate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ICM and hemodynamic instability. However, the impact of ECMO-assisted PCI on LV functional remodeling and clinical outcomes in ICM patients is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 76 patients with ICM who underwent ECMO-assisted PCI at our institution between January 2013 and December 2022. We assessed the changes in LV functional remodeling using echocardiography at baseline and 12 months after the procedure. We also evaluated the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) and ECMO-related complications during hospitalization and at one-year follow-up. Results: The mean baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 29.98 ± 2.65%. The rate of complete revascularization was 58%. The median duration of ECMO support was 38.99 hours. The most common ECMO-related complications were bleeding (8%) and lower extremity ischemia (5%). The one-year mortality rate was 30%. The overall freedom from MACCEs at 12 months was 59% (95% confidence interval (CI): 49-71%). LVEF increased significantly after the procedure from baseline to 6 months, yet decreased slightly at 12 months, although it was still higher than the baseline value. Wall motion score index (WMSI), end-diastolic volume index (EDVI), and end-systolic volume index (ESVI) decreased significantly from baseline to 12 months, indicating an improvement in LV function and a reduction in LV size. Conclusions: In a high-volume tertiary center with extensive experience in advanced heart failure therapies and a dedicated ECMO team, ECMO-assisted PCI demonstrated feasibility and safety in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. However, the rate of complete revascularization was modest at 58%. Despite the high-risk profile of the patients, ECMO-assisted PCI was associated with a significant improvement in LV functional remodeling and a favorable 12-month survival rate. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to identify the optimal patient and device selection criteria for ECMO-assisted PCI.

Establishment and validation of a predictive nomogram for central venous catheter-related thrombosis in cancer patients: a retrospective nested case-control study.

Background: Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a common complication for patients who receive central venous catheter (CVC) placement. This study investigated the risk factors for CRT and developed a nomogram for CRT prediction among cancer patients. Methods: This nested case-control study was conducted in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University between January 2019 and February 2021. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the risk factors for CRT. A nomogram was developed to predict CRT. Receiver operating curves (ROC), calibration curves, and decision curves were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram in the training and validation sets. Results: A total of 4,691 cancer patients were included in this study. Among them, 355 (7.57%) had CRT, and 70% of CRTs occurred in the first week of insertion. Among the 3,284 patients in the training set, the multivariable analysis showed that nine characteristics were independently associated with CRT, and a nomogram was constructed based on the multivariable analysis. The ROC analysis indicated good discrimination in the training set (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.832, 95% CI: 0.802-0.862) and the testing set (AUC = 0.827, 95% CI: 0.783-0.871) for the CRT nomogram. The calibration curves showed good calibration abilities, and the decision curves indicated the clinical usefulness of the prediction nomograms. Conclusion: The validated nomogram accurately predicts CRT occurrence in cancer patients. This model may assist clinicians in developing treatment plans for each patient.

The ICF2 gene Zbtb24 specifically regulates the differentiation of B1 cells via promoting heme synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Loss-of-function mutations of ZBTB24 cause immunodeficiency, centromeric instability, and facial anomalies syndrome 2 (ICF2). ICF2 is a rare autosomal recessive disorder with immunological defects in serum antibodies and circulating memory B cells, resulting in recurrent and sometimes fatal respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. The genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with ICF2 indicates an essential role of ZBTB24 in the terminal differentiation of B cells. METHODS: We used the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPER)/Cas9 technology to generate B cell specific Zbtb24-deficient mice and verified the deletion specificity and efficiency by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) and western blotting analyses in fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS)-sorted cells. The development, phenotype of B cells and in vivo responses to T cell dependent or independent antigens post immunization were analyzed by flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Adoptive transfer experiment in combination with in vitro cultures of FACS-purified B cells and RNA-Seq analysis were utilized to specifically determine the impact of Zbtb24 on B cell biology as well as the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS: Zbtb24 is dispensable for B cell development and maintenance in naive mice. Surprisingly, B cell specific deletion of Zbtb24 does not evidently compromise germinal center reactions and the resulting primary and secondary antibody responses induced by T cell dependent antigens (TD-Ags), but significantly inhibits T cell independent antigen-elicited antibody productions in vivo. At the cellular level, Zbtb24-deficiency specifically impedes the plasma cell differentiation of B1 cells without impairing their survival, activation and proliferation in vitro. Mechanistically, Zbtb24-ablation attenuates heme biosynthesis partially through mTORC1 in B1 cells, and addition of exogenous hemin abrogates the differentiation defects of Zbtb24-null B1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Zbtb24 seems to regulate antibody responses against TD-Ags B cell extrinsically, but it specifically promotes the plasma cell differentiation of B1 cells via heme synthesis in mice. Our study also suggests that defected B1 functions contribute to recurrent infections in patients with ICF2.

Microbial fuel cell-assisted composting shows stronger capacity to immobilize phosphorus: Emphasized on bacterial structures and functional enzymes.

Limited scientific evidence exists on phosphorus immobilization under autogenetic electrochemical reactions in composting systems. This study exploited a composting procedure using microbial fuel cell (MFC) to ascertain phosphorus redistribution during composting process. Compared to the control without MFC equipment, MFC-assisted treatment yielded a 13 % decrease in phosphorus availability due to the transformation of exchangeable fraction (Ex-P) to aluminum-bound (Al-P) and calcium-bound (Ca-P) fractions. During the composting process, organic humification primarily controlled phosphorus redistribution and immobilization. Biotic factors, including bacterial communities (i.e., Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, and Gemmatimonadota) and functional enzymes (i.e., acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, phytase, and C-P lyase), significantly influenced phosphorus availability in the composting systems. Temperature-dependent composting phases restricted microbial actions on phosphorus transformation. These findings highlight the mechanisms underlying phosphorus transformation in composting systems, and provide valuable insights for advancing composting technology and protecting agricultural ecosystems.

Noise Exposure Promotes Alzheimer's Disease-Like Lesions and DNA Damage.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the mechanism by which noise contributes to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like lesions. METHOD: Male Wistar rats (24 months) were allocated into two groups (n = 6 per groups): a noise group exposed to 98 dB sound pressure-level white noise for 4 hours daily from 8:00 to 12:00 for 30 days, and a control group without noise exposure. The cognitive functions of the rats were assessed using new-object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Then, hippocampal tissues were collected, and the levels of amyloid ß 1-42 (Aß1-42), Aß1-40, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression was evaluated through Western blot. RESULTS: Noise exposure significantly impaired cognitive and recognition abilities, increased the escape latency, and decreased the number of crossings through the platform quadrant intersection and the time spent in the target quadrant (P < 0.01). The new-object exploration and recognition index of the rats in the noise group markedly decreased (P < 0.01). ELISA results indicated increases in Aß1-40 and Aß1-42 levels and decreases in BDNF and TrkB levels in the rat hippocampus in the noise group (P < 0.01). Western blot analyses revealed that beta-site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1, phosphorylated tau protein, gamma-H2A histone family, member X, checkpoint kinase 2, p53, and p21 were remarkably elevated in the noise group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Chronic noise exposure can cause hippocampal genetic damage in aged rats, leading to cognitive disorders and the development of lesions similar to those observed in AD. Thus, noise is a potential risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders.

DNAJA1 regulates protein ubiquitination and is essential for spermatogenesis in the testes of mice and rats.

DNAJA1 is a member of type I DnaJ proteins, which is essential for spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, its expression pattern in the testes and its impact on spermatogenesis remains unclear. Our study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of DNAJA1. We employed DNAJA1 knockout mice in this study. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to determine the protein abundance of DNAJA1 in testes at various developmental stages. Our results revealed that DNAJA1 is predominantly expressed in the testes, and its knockout leads to complete infertility in male mice. We observed that DNAJA1 protein levels increased on postnatal days 14, 21, and 28, peaking on postnatal day 35 in mice. Immunofluorescence staining indicated that DNAJA1 expression varies across different stages of the spermatogenesis cycle. Additionally, DNAJA1 was absent in epididymal sperm. In early- and mid-stage tubules, DNAJA1 protein distribution was co-localized with residual bodies in elongating spermatids. Furthermore, we found that DNAJA1 knockout significantly reduced protein polyubiquitination in the testis. Analysis of the GEO database showed that DNAJA1 levels were significantly decreased in semen samples from subjects with teratozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and impaired spermatogenesis. Our findings suggest that DNAJA1 is an essential protein for spermatogenesis, and its deletion reduces protein polyubiquitination in the testis, ultimately resulting in infertility and spermatogenesis defects.

Short-peptide-based enteral nutrition affects rats MDP translocation and protects against gut-lung injury via the PepT1-NOD2-beclin-1 pathway in vivo.

BACKGROUND: Peptide transporter 1 (PepT1) transports bacterial oligopeptide products and induces inflammation of the bowel. Nutritional peptides compete for the binding of intestinal bacterial products to PepT1. We investigated the mechanism of short-peptide-based enteral nutrition (SPEN) on the damage to the gut caused by the bacterial oligopeptide product muramyl dipeptide (MDP), which is transported by PepT1. The gut-lung axis is a shared mucosal immune system, and immune responses and disorders can affect the gut-respiratory relationship. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged with solutions containing MDP, MDP + SPEN, MDP + intact-protein-based enteral nutrition (IPEN), glucose as a control, or glucose with GSK669 (a NOD2 antagonist). Inflammation, mitochondrial damage, autophagy, and apoptosis were explored to determine the role of the PepT1-nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing protein 2 (NOD2)-beclin-1 signaling pathway in the small intestinal mucosa. MDP and proinflammatory factors of lung tissue were explored to determine that MDP can migrate to lung tissue and cause inflammation. Induction of proinflammatory cell accumulation and intestinal damage in MDP gavage rats was associated with increased NOD2 and Beclin-1 mRNA expression. IL-6 and TNF-α expression and apoptosis were increased, and mitochondrial damage was severe, as indicated by increased mtDNA in the MDP group compared with controls. MDP levels and expression of proinflammatory factors in lung tissue increased in the MDP group compared with the control group. SPEN, but not IPEN, eliminated these impacts. CONCLUSIONS: Gavage of MDP to rats resulted in damage to the gut-lung axis. SPEN reverses the adverse effects of MDP. The PepT1-NOD2-beclin-1 pathway plays a role in small intestinal inflammation, mitochondrial damage, autophagy, and apoptosis.

The effect of high-volume intraoperative fluid administration on outcomes among pediatric patients undergoing living donor liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric patients undergoing liver transplantation are particularly susceptible to complications arising from intraoperative fluid management strategies. Conventional liberal fluid administration has been challenged due to its association with increased perioperative morbidity. This study aimed to assess the impact of intraoperative high-volume fluid therapy on pediatric patients who are undergoing living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). METHODS: Conducted at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from March 2018 to April 2021, this retrospective study involved 90 pediatric patients divided into high-volume and non-high-volume fluid administration groups based on the 80th percentile of fluid administered. We collected the perioperative parameters and postoperative information of two groups. Multivariable logistic regression was utilized to assess the association between estimated blood loss (EBL) and high-volume FA. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare patient survival after pediatric LDLT. RESULTS: Patients in the high-volume FA group received a higher EBL and longer length of stay than that in the non-high-volume FA group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that hours of maintenance fluids and fresh frozen plasma were significantly associated risk factors for the occurrence of EBL during pediatric LDLT. In addition, survival analysis showed no significant differences in one-year mortality between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: High-volume fluid administration during LDLT is linked with poorer intraoperative and postoperative outcomes among pediatric patients. These findings underscore the need for more conservative fluid management strategies in pediatric liver transplantations to enhance recovery and reduce complications.

An INSULIN and IAPP dual reporter enables tracking of functional maturation of stem cell-derived insulin producing cells.

OBJECTIVE: Human embryonic stem cell (hESC; SC)-derived pancreatic ß cells can be used to study diabetes pathologies and develop cell replacement therapies. Although current differentiation protocols yield SCß cells with varying degrees of maturation, these cells still differ from deceased donor human ß cells in several respects. We sought to develop a reporter cell line that could be used to dynamically track SCß cell functional maturation. METHODS: To monitor SCß cell maturation in vitro, we created an IAPP-2A-mScar and INSULIN-2A-EGFP dual fluorescent reporter (INS2A-EGFP/+;IAPP2A-mScarlet/+) hESC line using CRISPR/Cas9. Pluripotent SC were then differentiated using a 7-stage protocol to islet-like cells. Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, qPCR, GSIS and electrophysiology were used to characterise resulting cell populations. RESULTS: We observed robust expression of EGFP and mScarlet fluorescent proteins in insulin- and IAPP-expressing cells without any compromise to their differentiation. We show that the proportion of insulin-producing cells expressing IAPP increases over a 4-week maturation period, and that a subset of insulin-expressing cells remain IAPP-free. Compared to this IAPP-free population, we show these insulin- and IAPP-expressing cells are less polyhormonal, more glucose-sensitive, and exhibit decreased action potential firing in low (2.8 mM) glucose. CONCLUSIONS: The INS2A-EGFP/+;IAPP2A-mScarlet/+ hESC line provides a useful tool for tracking populations of maturing hESC-derived ß cells in vitro. This tool has already been shared with 3 groups and is freely available to all.

Pharmacological actions of the bioactive compounds of Epimedium on the male reproductive system: current status and future perspective.

ABSTRACT: Compounds isolated from Epimedium include the total flavonoids of Epimedium, icariin, and its metabolites (icaritin, icariside I, and icariside II), which have similar molecular structures. Modern pharmacological research and clinical practice have proved that Epimedium and its active components have a wide range of pharmacological effects, especially in improving sexual function, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immune function regulation, anti-oxidation, and anti-tumor activity. To date, we still need a comprehensive source of knowledge about the pharmacological effects of Epimedium and its bioactive compounds on the male reproductive system. However, their actions in other tissues have been reviewed in recent years. This review critically focuses on the Epimedium, its bioactive compounds, and the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that modulate vital pathways associated with the male reproductive system. Such intrinsic knowledge will significantly further studies on the Epimedium and its bioactive compounds that protect the male reproductive system and provide some guidances for clinical treatment of related male reproductive disorders.

The potential of Burkholderia gladioli KRS027 in plant growth promotion and biocontrol against Verticillium dahliae revealed by dual transcriptome of pathogen and host.

Verticillium dahliae is a destructive, soil-borne pathogen that causes significant losses on numerous important dicots. Recently, beneficial microbes inhabiting the rhizosphere have been exploited and used to control plant diseases. In the present study, Burkholderia gladioli KRS027 demonstrated excellent inhibitory effects against Verticillium wilt in cotton seedlings. Plant growth and development was promoted by affecting the biosynthesis and signaling pathways of brassinosteroids (BRs), gibberellins (GAs), and auxins, consequently promoting stem elongation, shoot apical meristem, and root apical tissue division in cotton. Furthermore, based on the host transcriptional response to V. dahliae infection, it was found that KRS027 modulates the plants to maintain cell homeostasis and respond to other pathogen stress. Moreover, KRS027 induced disruption of V. dahliae cellular structures, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Based on the comparative transcriptomic analysis between KRS027 treated and control group of V. dahliae, KRS027 induced substantial alterations in the transcriptome, particularly affecting genes encoding secreted proteins, small cysteine-rich proteins (SCRPs), and protein kinases. In addition, KRS027 suppressed the growth of different clonal lineages of V. dahliae strains through metabolites, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by KRS027 inhibited melanin biosynthesis and microsclerotia development. These findings provide valuable insights into an alternative biocontrol strategy for Verticillium wilt, demonstrating that the antagonistic bacterium KRS027 holds promise as a biocontrol agent for promoting plant growth and managing disease occurrence.

HumanIslets: An integrated platform for human islet data access and analysis.

Comprehensive molecular and cellular phenotyping of human islets can enable deep mechanistic insights for diabetes research. We established the Human Islet Data Analysis and Sharing (HI-DAS) consortium to advance goals in accessibility, usability, and integration of data from human islets isolated from donors with and without diabetes at the Alberta Diabetes Institute (ADI) IsletCore. Here we introduce HumanIslets.com, an open resource for the research community. This platform, which presently includes data on 547 human islet donors, allows users to access linked datasets describing molecular profiles, islet function and donor phenotypes, and to perform various statistical and functional analyses at the donor, islet and single-cell levels. As an example of the analytic capacity of this resource we show a dissociation between cell culture effects on transcript and protein expression, and an approach to correct for exocrine contamination found in hand-picked islets. Finally, we provide an example workflow and visualization that highlights links between type 2 diabetes status, SERCA3b Ca2+-ATPase levels at the transcript and protein level, insulin secretion and islet cell phenotypes. HumanIslets.com provides a growing and adaptable set of resources and tools to support the metabolism and diabetes research community.

Technique and early outcomes of total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement.

Objective: Reports on aortic and mitral double-valve replacement through total thoracoscopy are scarce, with surgical techniques constantly evolving. We aimed to compare the feasibility and safety between total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement and median sternotomy double-valve replacement. Methods: From November 2021 to March 2023, we performed double-valve replacements in 76 patients using the total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement. The control group comprised 77 patients who underwent median sternotomy double-valve replacement. We analyzed data on baseline characteristics, perioperative events, and early postoperative outcomes. Results: In the total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement group, the cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamping times were 174.20 ± 38.87 minutes and 120.20 ± 19.54 minutes, respectively; both were significantly longer compared with those in the median sternotomy double-valve replacement group (cardiopulmonary bypass: 123.65 ± 15.33 minutes; aortic crossclamping: 82.86 ± 9.51 minutes, P < .001). The total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement group exhibited an extended operative duration, with a mean of 4.40 ± 0.76 hours, in contrast to 3.21 ± 0.68 hours in the median sternotomy double-valve replacement group (P < .001). Postoperatively, the total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement group demonstrated a significantly shorter mechanical ventilation duration (9.29 ± 3.12 hours) and reduced intensive care unit stay time (24.31 ± 7.29 hours) than the median sternotomy double-valve replacement group (11.49 ± 4.27 hours and 26.76 ± 5.89 hours, respectively; P values of .019 and .040, respectively). Furthermore, the total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement group experienced a shorter postoperative hospitalization time, averaging 6.21 ± 1.58 days, than the median sternotomy double-valve replacement group (8.35 ± 1.07 days, P < .001). The total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement group also exhibited significantly lower chest drainage volume (average 223.91 ± 53.93 mL) than the median sternotomy double-valve replacement group (382.56 ± 61.87 mL, P < .001). In terms of transfusion rates, the total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement group (9.21%) showed a marked reduction compared with the median sternotomy double-valve replacement group (36.36%, P < .001). Both groups had similar major complications. Conclusions: The initial results of the total thoracoscopic double-valve replacement underscore its safety and efficacy. This approach extends the applicability of total thoracoscopic cardiac surgery and warrants deeper exploration.

Celastrol reduces lung inflammation induced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes in mice via NF-κb-signaling pathway.

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have numerous applications in the field of carbon nanomaterials. However, the associated toxicity concerns have increased significantly because of their widespread use. The inhalation of MWCNTs can lead to nanoparticle deposition in the lung tissue, causing inflammation and health risks. In this study, celastrol, a natural plant medicine with potent anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reduced the number of inflammatory cells, including white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes, and levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α, in mice lungs exposed to MWCNTs. Moreover, celastrol inhibited the activation of the NF-κB-signaling pathway. This study confirmed these findings by demonstrating comparable reductions in inflammation upon exposure to MWCNTs in mice with the deletion of NF-κB (P50-/-). These results indicate the utility of celastrol as a promising pharmacological agent for preventing MWCNT-induced lung tissue inflammation.

Glycosylation editing: an innovative therapeutic opportunity in precision oncology.

Cancer is still one of the most arduous challenges in the human society, even though humans have found many ways to try to conquer it. With our incremental understandings on the impact of sugar on human health, the clinical relevance of glycosylation has attracted our attention. The fact that altered glycosylation profiles reflect and define different health statuses provide novel opportunities for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics. By reviewing the mechanisms and critical enzymes involved in protein, lipid and glycosylation, as well as current use of glycosylation for cancer diagnosis and therapeutics, we identify the pivotal connection between glycosylation and cellular redox status and, correspondingly, propose the use of redox modulatory tools such as cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) in cancer control via glycosylation editing. This paper interrogates the clinical relevance of glycosylation on cancer and has the promise to provide new ideas for laboratory practice of cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and precision oncology therapy.

Thalamic Nucleus Reuniens Glutamatergic Neurons Mediate Colorectal Visceral Pain in Mice via 5-HT2B Receptors.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disorder characterized by abdominal pain and visceral hypersensitivity. Reducing visceral hypersensitivity is the key to effectively relieving abdominal pain in IBS. Increasing evidence has confirmed that the thalamic nucleus reuniens (Re) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurotransmitter system play an important role in the development of colorectal visceral pain, whereas the exact mechanisms remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that high expression of the 5-HT2B receptors in the Re glutamatergic neurons promoted colorectal visceral pain. Specifically, we found that neonatal maternal deprivation (NMD) mice exhibited visceral hyperalgesia and enhanced spontaneous synaptic transmission in the Re brain region. Colorectal distension (CRD) stimulation induced a large amount of c-Fos expression in the Re brain region of NMD mice, predominantly in glutamatergic neurons. Furthermore, optogenetic manipulation of glutamatergic neuronal activity in the Re altered colorectal visceral pain responses in CON and NMD mice. In addition, we demonstrated that 5-HT2B receptor expression on the Re glutamatergic neurons was upregulated and ultimately promoted colorectal visceral pain in NMD mice. These findings suggest a critical role of the 5HT2B receptors on the Re glutamatergic neurons in the regulation of colorectal visceral pain.

Transcriptome analysis of Gossypium hirsutum cultivar Zhongzhimian No.2 uncovers the gene regulatory networks involved in defense against Verticillium dahliae.

BACKGROUND: Cotton is globally important crop. Verticillium wilt (VW), caused by Verticillium dahliae, is the most destructive disease in cotton, reducing yield and fiber quality by over 50% of cotton acreage. Breeding resistant cotton cultivars has proven to be an efficient strategy for improving the resistance of cotton to V. dahliae. However, the lack of understanding of the genetic basis of VW resistance may hinder the progress in deploying elite cultivars with proven resistance. RESULTS: We planted the VW-resistant Gossypium hirsutum cultivar Zhongzhimian No.2 (ZZM2) in an artificial greenhouse and disease nursery. ZZM2 cotton was subsequently subjected to transcriptome sequencing after Vd991 inoculation (6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post-inoculation). Several differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in response to V. dahliae infection, mainly involved in resistance processes, such as flavonoid and terpenoid quinone biosynthesis, plant hormone signaling, MAPK signaling, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and pyruvate metabolism. Compared to the susceptible cultivar Junmian No.1 (J1), oxidoreductase activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were significantly increased in ZZM2. Furthermore, gene silencing of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), which is involved in the oxidation-reduction process in ZZM2, compromised its resistance to V. dahliae, suggesting that COX1 contributes to VW resistance in ZZM2. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate that the G. hirsutum cultivar ZZM2 responds to V. dahliae inoculation through resistance-related processes, especially the oxidation-reduction process. This enhances our understanding of the mechanisms regulating the ZZM2 defense against VW.

Sulfur vacancy-rich bismuth sulfide nanowire derived from CAU-17 for radioactive iodine capture in complex environments: Performance and intrinsic mechanisms.

Effective capture and immobilization of volatile radioiodine from the off-gas of post-treatment plants is crucial for nuclear safety and public health, considering its long half-life, high toxicity, and environmental mobility. Herein, sulfur vacancy-rich Vs-Bi2S3@C nanocomposites were systematically synthesized via a one-step solvothermal vulcanization of CAU-17 precursor. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated that the as-synthesized materials exhibited superior iodine adsorption capacity (1505.8 mg g-1 at 200 °C), fast equilibrium time (60 min), and high chemisorption ratio (91.7%), which might benefit from the nanowire structure and abundant sulfur vacancies of Bi2S3. Furthermore, Vs-Bi2S3@C composites exhibited excellent iodine capture performance in complex environments (high temperatures, high humidity and radiation exposure). Mechanistic investigations revealed that the I2 capture by fabricated materials primarily involved the chemical adsorption between Bi2S3 and I2 to form BiI3, and the interaction of I2 with electrons provided by sulfur vacancies to form polyiodide anions (I3-). The post-adsorbed iodine samples were successfully immobilized into commercial glass fractions in a stable form (BixOyI), exhibiting a normalized iodine leaching rate of 3.81 × 10-5 g m-2 d-1. Overall, our work offers a novel strategy for the design of adsorbent materials tailed for efficient capture and immobilization of volatile radioiodine.

Insights into the biocontrol and plant growth promotion functions of Bacillus altitudinis strain KRS010 against Verticillium dahliae.

BACKGROUND: Verticillium wilt, caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae, is a soil-borne vascular fungal disease, which has caused great losses to cotton yield and quality worldwide. The strain KRS010 was isolated from the seed of Verticillium wilt-resistant Gossypium hirsutum cultivar "Zhongzhimian No. 2." RESULTS: The strain KRS010 has a broad-spectrum antifungal activity to various pathogenic fungi as Verticillium dahliae, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium spp., Colletotrichum spp., and Magnaporthe oryzae, of which the inhibition rate of V. dahliae mycelial growth was 73.97% and 84.39% respectively through confrontation test and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) treatments. The strain was identified as Bacillus altitudinis by phylogenetic analysis based on complete genome sequences, and the strain physio-biochemical characteristics were detected, including growth-promoting ability and active enzymes. Moreover, the control efficiency of KRS010 against Verticillium wilt of cotton was 93.59%. After treatment with KRS010 culture, the biomass of V. dahliae was reduced. The biomass of V. dahliae in the control group (Vd991 alone) was 30.76-folds higher than that in the treatment group (KRS010+Vd991). From a molecular biological aspect, KRS010 could trigger plant immunity by inducing systemic resistance (ISR) activated by salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathways. Its extracellular metabolites and VOCs inhibited the melanin biosynthesis of V. dahliae. In addition, KRS010 had been characterized as the ability to promote plant growth. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that B. altitudinis KRS010 is a beneficial microbe with a potential for controlling Verticillium wilt of cotton, as well as promoting plant growth.