Transcriptome analysis indicates the mechanisms of BmNPV resistance in Bombyx mori midgut.

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) caused serious economic losses in sericulture. Analyzing the molecular mechanism of silkworms (B. mori) resistance to BmNPV is of great significance for the prevention and control of silkworm virus diseases and the biological control of agricultural lepidopteran pests. In order to clarify the defense mechanisms of silkworms against BmNPV, we constructed a near isogenic line BC8 with high resistance to BmNPV through the highly BmNPV-resistant strain NB and the highly BmNPV-susceptible strain 306. In this study, RNA-Seq technique was used to analyze the transcriptome level differences in the midgut of BC8 and 306 following BmNPV infection. A total of 1350 DEGs were identified. Clustering analysis showed that these genes could be divided into 8 clusters with different expression patterns. Functional annotations based on GO and KEGG analysis indicated that they were involved in various metabolism pathways. Finally, 32 BmNPV defense responsive genes were screened. They were involved in metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS), signal transduction and immune response, and insect hormones. The further verification shows that HSP70 should participate in resistance responses of anti-BmNPV. These findings have paved the way in further functional characterization of candidate genes and subsequently can be used in breeding of BmNPV resistance dominant silkworms.

Nomogram based on multimodal magnetic resonance combined with B7-H3mRNA for preoperative lymph node prediction in esophagus cancer.

BACKGROUND: Accurate preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in esophageal cancer (EC) patients is of crucial clinical significance for treatment planning and prognosis. AIM: To develop a clinical radiomics nomogram that can predict the preoperative lymph node (LN) status in EC patients. METHODS: A total of 32 EC patients confirmed by clinical pathology (who underwent surgical treatment) were included. Real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of B7-H3 mRNA in EC tissue obtained during preoperative gastroscopy, and its correlation with LNM was analyzed. Radiomics features were extracted from multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging of EC using Pyradiomics in Python. Feature extraction, data dimensionality reduction, and feature selection were performed using XGBoost model and leave-one-out cross-validation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to establish the prediction model, which included radiomics features, LN status from computed tomography (CT) reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression, represented by a radiomics nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive performance and clinical application value of the model. RESULTS: The relative expression of B7-H3 mRNA in EC patients with LNM was higher than in those without metastasis, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The AUC value in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.718 (95%CI: 0.528-0.907), with a sensitivity of 0.733 and specificity of 0.706, indicating good diagnostic performance. The individualized clinical prediction nomogram included radiomics features, LN status from CT reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression. The ROC curve demonstrated good diagnostic value, with an AUC value of 0.765 (95%CI: 0.598-0.931), sensitivity of 0.800, and specificity of 0.706. DCA indicated the practical value of the radiomics nomogram in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: This study developed a radiomics nomogram that includes radiomics features, LN status from CT reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression, enabling convenient preoperative individualized prediction of LNM in EC patients.

Adaptation process of decellularized vascular grafts as hemodialysis access in vivo.

Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) have emerged as the preferred option for constructing hemodialysis access in numerous patients. Clinical trials have demonstrated that decellularized vascular graft exhibits superior patency and excellent biocompatibility compared to polymer materials; however, it still faces challenges such as intimal hyperplasia and luminal dilation. The absence of suitable animal models hinders our ability to describe and explain the pathological phenomena above and in vivo adaptation process of decellularized vascular graft at the molecular level. In this study, we first collected clinical samples from patients who underwent the construction of dialysis access using allogeneic decellularized vascular graft, and evaluated their histological features and immune cell infiltration status 5 years post-transplantation. Prior to the surgery, we assessed the patency and intimal hyperplasia of the decellularized vascular graft using non-invasive ultrasound. Subsequently, in order to investigate the in vivo adaptation of decellularized vascular grafts in an animal model, we attempted to construct an AVG model using decellularized vascular grafts in a small animal model. We employed a physical-chemical-biological approach to decellularize the rat carotid artery, and histological evaluation demonstrated the successful removal of cellular and antigenic components while preserving extracellular matrix constituents such as elastic fibers and collagen fibers. Based on these results, we designed and constructed the first allogeneic decellularized rat carotid artery AVG model, which exhibited excellent patency and closely resembled clinical characteristics. Using this animal model, we provided a preliminary description of the histological features and partial immune cell infiltration in decellularized vascular grafts at various time points, including Day 7, Day 21, Day 42, and up to one-year post-implantation. These findings establish a foundation for further investigation into the in vivo adaptation process of decellularized vascular grafts in small animal model.

The components of the AhR-molecular chaperone complex differ depending on whether the ligands are toxic or non-toxic.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) forms a complex with the HSP90-XAP2-p23 molecular chaperone when the cells are exposed to toxic compounds. Recently, 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (DHNA) was reported to be an AhR ligand. Here, we investigated the components of the molecular chaperone complex when DHNA binds to AhR. Proteins eluted from the 3-Methylcolanthrene-affinity column were AhR-HSP90-XAP2-p23 complex. The AhR-molecular chaperone complex did not contain p23 in the eluents from the DHNA-affinity column. In 3-MC-treated cells, AhR formed a complex with HSP90-XAP2-p23 and nuclear translocation occurred within 30 min, while in DHNA-treated cells, AhR formed a complex with AhR-HSP90-XAP2, and translocation was slow from 60 min. Thus, the AhR activation mechanism may differ when DHNA is the ligand compared to toxic ligands.

Comprehensive transcriptome sequencing of silkworm Midguts: Uncovering extensive isoform diversity and alternative splicing in BmNPV-Sensitive and BmNPV-resistant strains.

The silkworm, Bombyx mori, stands out as one of the few economically valuable insects within the realm of model organisms. However, Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) poses a significant threat, decreasing the quality and quantity of silkworm cocoons. Over the past few decades, a multitude of researchers has delved into the mechanisms that underlie silkworm resistance to BmNPV, employing diverse methodologies and approaching the problem from various angles. Despite this extensive research, the role of alternative splicing (AS) in the silkworm's response to BmNPV infection has been largely unexplored. This study leveraged both third-generation (Oxford Nanopore Technologies) and second-generation (Illumina) high-throughput sequencing technologies to meticulously identify and analyze AS patterns in the context of BmNPV response, utilizing two distinct silkworm strains-the susceptible strain 306 and the resistant strain NB. Consequently, we identified five crucial genes (Dsclp, LOC692903, LOC101743583, LOC101742498, LOC101743809) that are linked to the response to BmNPV infection through AS and differential expression. Additionally, a thorough comparative analysis was conducted on their diverse transcriptomic expression profiles, including alternative polyadenylation, simple sequence repeats, and transcription factors.

Development and validation of a machine learning-based postoperative prognostic model for plasma cell neoplasia with spinal lesions as initial clinical manifestations: a single-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal multiple myeloma (MM) and solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB), both plasma cell neoplasms, greatly affect patients' quality of life due to spinal involvement. Accurate prediction of surgical outcomes is crucial for personalized patient care, but systematic treatment guidelines and predictive models are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a machine learning (ML)-based model to predict postoperative outcomes and identify prognostic factors for patients with spinal MM and SPB. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with MM or SPB from 2011 to 2015, followed by prospective data collection from 2016 to 2017. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, clinical treatments, and laboratory results were analyzed as input features. Four types of ML algorithms were employed for model development. The performance was assessed using discrimination and calibration measures, and the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method was applied for model interpretation. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients were included, with 119 for model training and 50 for validation. The Gaussian Naïve Bayes (GNB) model exhibited superior predictive accuracy and stability. Prospective validation on the 50 patients revealed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.863, effectively distinguishing between 5-year survivors and non-survivors. Key prognostic factors identified included International Staging System (ISS) stage, Durie-Salmon (DS) stage, targeted therapy, and age. CONCLUSIONS: The GNB model has the best performance and high reliability in predicting postoperative outcomes. Variables such as ISS stage and DS stage were significant in influencing patient prognosis. This study enhances the ability to identify patients at risk of poor outcomes, thereby aiding clinical decision-making.

Effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus prevention strategies by mapping the geographic dispersion pattern of human immunodeficiency virus prevalence in Nanning, China.

BACKGROUND: The Guangxi government initiated two rounds of the Guangxi AIDS Conquering Project (GACP) in 2010 (Phase I) and 2015 (Phase II) to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemics. However, the effectiveness of GACP in HIV prevention and treatment has rarely been reported. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the GACP implemented in Guangxi, China and provide data for strategy and praxis improvements to achieve Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95 targets. METHODS: We used spatial approaches to trace the spatiotemporal distribution properties, epidemic trends, and correlation between macroscopic factors and HIV incidence using data from the Chinese HIV/AIDS case reporting system to explore the effects of the GACP. RESULTS: During the GACP era, the HIV epidemic stabilized in urban centers, showing a downward trend in the Hengzhou and Binyang Counties in the eastern region, whereas it continued to increase in rural areas of the northwest region, such as the Long'an, Mashan, Shanglin, and Wuming Districts. The linear directional mean (LDM) of HIV infection reported cases displayed a southeast-northwest direction, with an LDM value of 12.52°. Compared with that in Phase I, Hengzhou withdrew from the high-high clustering area, and the west-north suburban counties pulled out the low-low clustering area during Phase II. Significant HIV clusters were identified in the eastern region during Phase I, whereas these clusters emerged in the northwestern areas during Phase II. Regarding HIV, socioeconomic status, population mobility, and medical care levels were the key social drivers of heterogeneous spatial distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The GACP assisted in effectively managing the HIV epidemic in urban and eastern areas of Nanning City. However, prevention and control efforts in rural regions, particularly those located in the northwest, may not have yielded comparable outcomes. To address this disparity, allocating additional resources and implementing tailored intervention measures for these rural areas are imperative.

Integrating a Multiple Isotopologue Reaction-Monitoring Technique and LC-MS/MS for Quantitation of Small Molecules: Ten Mycotoxins in Cereals as an Example.

Accurate quantification of mycotoxin in cereals is crucial for ensuring food safety and human health. However, the preparation of traditional multisample external calibration curves (MSCCs) is labor-intensive and error-prone. Here, a multiple isotopologue reaction-monitoring (MIRM)-LC-MS/MS method for accurate quantitation of ten major mycotoxins in cereals was successfully developed and validated, where a novel one-sample multipoint calibration curve (OSCC) strategy is used instead of MSCCs. The OSCC can be established by examining the correlation between the calculated theoretical isotopic abundances and the measured abundance across various MIRM channels. In comparison to the MSCC, the OSCC strategy exhibits outstanding performance including superior selectivity, accuracy (78.4-108.6%), and precision (<12.5%). Furthermore, the proposed OSCC-MIRM-LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to investigate mycotoxin contamination in cereal samples in China. Considering the advantages of simplified workflows and improved throughput, the OSCC-MIRM-LC-MS/MS methodology holds great promise for accurately quantifying chemical contaminants in foods.

Advancing High-Throughput MS-Based Protein Quantification: A Case Study on Quantifying 10 Major Food Allergens by LC-MS/MS Using a One-Sample Multipoint External Calibration Curve.

The LC-MS-based method has emerged as the preferred approach for quantifying food allergens. However, the preparation of a traditional calibration curve (MSCC) is labor-intensive and error-prone. Here, a sensitive and robust LC-MS/MS method for quantifying 10 major food allergens was developed and validated, where the one-sample multipoint external calibration curve (OSCC) was employed instead of MSCC. By employing the multiple isotopologue reaction monitoring (MIRM) technique with only one spiked level in the blank, OSCC can be effectively established. Results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits excellent performance in selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, comparable to that of the traditional MSCC. Additionally, this strategy allows for isotope sample dilution by monitoring the less abundant MIRM channel. Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to investigate the contamination of 10 food allergens in commercial food products. With its high throughput and robustness, the MIRM-OSCC-LC-MS/MS methodology has many potential applications, especially in the MS-based protein quantification analysis.

Bullying Victimization and Malevolent Creativity in Rural Adolescents: The Longitudinal Mediational Role of Hostile Attribution.

Extensive research has documented bully victimization as a pivotal risk factor contributing to aggressive behaviors among adolescents. Particularly, the negative outcome of increased aggressive behaviors may be exacerbated when the aggressive actions are novel and difficult to detect. The present study aims to explore the complex relationships between cyberbullying and school bullying victimization and malevolent creativity and the potential mediating role of hostile attribution using two-wave longitudinal data. The present study analyzed data from 262 rural adolescents. The results revealed that cyberbullying victimization significantly predicted malevolent creativity, whereas school bullying victimization did not. Hostile attribution served as a mediator in the relationship between cyberbullying victimization and malevolent creativity in the longitudinal models. These findings provide significant implications for mitigating the negative influence of bullying victimization on the emergence of malevolent creativity in rural adolescents.

The role of FPR2-mediated ferroptosis in formyl peptide-induced acute lung injury against endothelial barrier damage and protective effect of the mitochondria-derived peptide MOTS-c.

BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) has garnered significant attention in the field of respiratory and critical care due to its high mortality and morbidity, and limited treatment options. The role of the endothelial barrier in the development of ALI is crucial. Several bacterial pathogenic factors, including the bacteria-derived formyl peptide (fMLP), have been implicated in damaging the endothelial barrier and initiating ALI. However, the mechanism by which fMLP causes ALI remains unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the mechanisms of ALI caused by fMLP and evaluate the protective effects of MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide. METHODS: We established a rat model of ALI and a human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HPMVEC) model of ALI by treatment with fMLP. In vivo experiments involved lung histopathology assays, assessments of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors, and measurements of ferroptosis-related proteins and barrier proteins to evaluate the severity of fMLP-induced ALI and the type of tissue damage in rats. In vitro experiments included evaluations of fMLP-induced damage on HPMVEC using cell activity assays, assessments of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors, measurements of ferroptosis-related proteins, endothelial barrier function assays, and examination of the key role of FPR2 in fMLP-induced ALI. We also assessed the protective effect of MOTS-c and investigated its mechanism on the fMLP-induced ALI in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: Results from both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that fMLP promotes the expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors, activates ferroptosis and disrupts the vascular endothelial barrier, ultimately contributing to the development and progression of ALI. Mechanistically, ferroptosis mediated by FPR2 plays a key role in fMLP-induced injury, and the Nrf2 and MAPK pathways are involved in this process. Knockdown of FPR2 and inhibition of ferroptosis can attenuate ALI induced by fMLP. Moreover, MOTS-c could protect the vascular endothelial barrier function by inhibiting ferroptosis and suppressing the expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress factors through Nrf2 and MAPK pathways, thereby alleviating fMLP-induced ALI. CONCLUSION: Overall, fMLP disrupts the vascular endothelial barrier through FPR2-mediated ferroptosis, leading to the development and progression of ALI. MOTS-c demonstrates potential as a protective treatment against ALI by alleviating the damage induced by fMLP.

Single-cell sequencing analysis of chronic subdural hematoma cell subpopulations and their potential therapeutic mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a prevalent form of intracranial haemorrhage encountered in neurosurgical practice, and its incidence has notably risen in recent years. Currently, there is a lack of studies that have comprehensively classified the cells present in hematomas removed during surgery, and their correlation with CSDH recurrence remains elusive. This study aims to analyse the subcellular populations and occupancy levels within peripheral blood. METHODS: This study analyses the subcellular populations and occupancy levels within peripheral blood and postoperatively removed hematomas by single-cell sequencing and attempts to analyse the effect of different cell occupancies within peripheral blood and intraoperatively removed hematomas on CSDH. RESULTS: The single-cell sequencing results showed that the cells were classified into 25 clusters by differential gene and UMAP dimensionality reduction clustering analyses and further classified into 17 significant cell populations by cell markers: pDCs, CD8 T cells, CD4 T cells, MigDCs, cDC2s, cDC1s, plasma cells, neutrophils, naive B cells, NK cells, memory B cells, M2 macrophages, CD8 Teffs, CD8 MAIT cells, CD4 Tregs, CD19 B cells, and monocytes. Further research showed that the presence of more cDC2 and M2 macrophages recruited at the focal site in patients with CSDH and the upregulation of the level of T-cell occupancy may be a red flag for further brain damage. ROS, a marker of oxidative stress, was significantly upregulated in cDC2 cells and may mediate the functioning of transcription proteins of inflammatory factors, such as NFκB, which induced T cells' activation. Moreover, cDC2 may regulate M2 macrophage immune infiltration and anti-inflammatory activity by secreting IL1ß and binding to M2 macrophage IL1R protein. CONCLUSION: The detailed classification of cells in the peripheral blood and hematoma site of CSDH patients helps us to understand the mechanism of CSDH generation and the reduction in the probability of recurrence by regulating the ratio of cell subpopulations.

Comparative effectiveness of endovascular treatment modalities for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the best endovascular treatment for de novo femoropopliteal lesions at long-term follow-up through network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. METHODS: Medical databases were searched on September 17, 2023. 17 trials and 7 treatments were selected. Outcomes were primary patency, target lesion revascularization (TLR), major amputation and all-cause mortality at 3 and/or 5 years. RESULTS: Regarding 3-year primary patency, drug-eluting stents (DES) was the best and better than balloon angioplasty (BA; odds ratio [OR], 4.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.68-9.18), bare metal stents (BMS; OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.45-5.46), cryoplasty (OR, 6.75; 95% CI, 2.76-16.50), covered stents (CS; OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.19-8.87) and drug-coated balloons (DCB; OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.14-3.63). Regarding 5-year primary patency, DES was the best and better than BMS (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.10-4.99). Regarding 3-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.13-0.44). Regarding 5-year TLR, DES was the best and better than BA (OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.09-0.42) and balloon angioplasty with brachytherapy (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.74). Regarding 3- and 5-year major amputation, DCB was the best. Regarding 3-year mortality, DES was the best and better than CS (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-0.67). CONCLUSIONS: DES was the best treatment regarding 3-year primary patency, TLR and mortality, and DCB was the best regarding major amputation. DES was the best treatment regarding 5-year TLR, and DCB was the best regarding primary patency and major amputation. DES and DCB should be given priority in treating femoropopliteal lesions.

Photothermionic Effect-Assisted Ultrafast Charge Transfer in NbS2/MoS2 Heterostructure.

Two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructures (vdW HSs) composed of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have emerged as frontrunners in the optoelectronics field, owing to their exceptional optical and electrical properties. Recent research on the intrinsic interlayer charge transfer mechanism has been primarily focused on the Type II HSs, while metal-semiconductor (MS) vertical HSs, promising for advancing photodetector technology, have received comparatively less attention. Here, we reveal the first experimental observation of photothermionic effect-assisted ultrafast interlayer charge transfer in the NbS2/MoS2 heterostructure using femtosecond transient absorption technology and first-principles calculations, effectively ignoring the Schottky barrier height. We demonstrate that within 500 fs, charge transfer occurs from NbS2 to MoS2 in the heterostructure, resulting in supplementary carrier generation in the visible spectrum when excited with infrared light below the MoS2 bandgap, at wavelengths of 1030 and 1500 nm. Such promising characteristics of 2D NbS2-semiconductor heterostructures offer a potential platform for synergistically combining low contact resistance with broadband photocarrier generation, marking a significant advancement in optoelectronics and light harvesting.

Social and demographic factors associated with receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine initial booster dose and with interval between primary series completion and initial booster dose uptake among persons aged ≥ 12 years, United States, August 2021-October 2022.

COVID-19 booster dose vaccination has been crucial in ensuring protection against COVID-19 including recently predominant Omicron variants. Because vaccines against newer SARS-CoV- 2 variants are likely to be recommended in future, it will be valuable to understand past booster dose uptake among different demographic groups. Using U.S. vaccination data, this study examined intervals between primary series completion and receipt of first booster dose (monovalent or bivalent) during August 2021 - October 2022 among persons ≥12 years of age who had completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series by October 2021. Sub-populations who were late booster recipients (received a booster dose ≥12 months after the primary series) or received no booster dose included persons <35 years old, Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine primary dose recipients, persons in certain racial and ethnic groups, and persons living in rural and more socially vulnerable areas, and in the South region of the United States; these groups may benefit the most from public health outreach efforts to achieve timely COVID-19 vaccination completion in future.

A Wash-Free Spheres-on-Sphere Strategy for On-Site and Multiplexed Biosensing.

Respiratory infections and food contaminants pose severe challenges to global health and the economy. A rapid on-site platform for the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and a reduced healthcare burden. Herein, we present a spheres-on-sphere (SOS) platform for multiplexed detection using a portable Coulter counter, which employs millimeter- and micron-sized spheres coupled with antibodies as multitarget probes. The assay allows for quantitative detection of multiple analytes within 20 min by simple mixing, enabling on-site detection. The platform shows high accuracy in identifying three respiratory viruses (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A virus, and parainfluenza virus) from throat swab samples, with LOD of 50.7, 32.4, and 49.1 pg/mL. It also demonstrates excellent performance in quantifying three mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, and ochratoxin A) from food samples. The SOS platform offers a rapid on-site approach with high sensitivity and specificity for applications in resource-limited settings.

Cohort profile: China undergraduate cohort for environmental health study.

The China Undergraduate Cohort (CUC) is an ambispective cohort study with its major purpose to better understand the effects of lifetime environmental exposures on health outcomes. We recruited 5322 college students with an average age of 18.3 ± 0.7 years in China from August 23, 2019 to October 28, 2019. Follow-up surveys were conducted annually. The dataset comprises individual demographic data (e.g. age, sex, height, weight, birth date, race, home address, annual family income, contact information), health-related behavior data (smoking status, smoking cessation, passive smoking exposure, drinking habit, physical activity, dietary status), lifestyle data (physical exercise, dietary habit, length of time spent outdoors), disease history (respiratory disease history, cardiovascular disease history, urinary system disease history, etc.), mental health status data (sleep quality, self-reported stress, anxiety and depression symptoms), lung function and blood samples data. Preliminary results from our cohort have found the association between air pollution, summer heat and mercury exposure and lung function among young adults in China.

Carbon nanosol promotes plant growth and broad-spectrum resistance.

Carbon nanosol (CNS) is a carbon-based nanomaterial capable of promoting plant growth while the underlying mechanism involved in this process remains unknown. This study demonstrates that CNS promotes rice seedling growth under restricted concentrations. Macroelement transporter mutants were investigated to further investigate the CNS-mediated promotion of rice seedling growth. The genetic and physiological findings revealed that nitrate transporter 1.1B (NRT1.1B) and ammonium transporter 1 (AMT1) mutants inhibited the CNS-induced growth development of rice seedlings, whereas potassium transporter (AKT1) and phosphate transporter 8 (PT8) did not exhibit any inhibitory effects. Further investigations demonstrated the inhibition of CNS-mediated growth promotion via glutamine synthetase 1;1 (gs1;1) mutants. Additionally, the administration of CNS resulted in enhanced accumulation of chlorophyll in plants, and the promotion of CNS-induced growth was inhibited by yellow-green leaf 8 (YGL8) mutants and the chlorophyll biosynthetic gene divinyl reductase (DVR) mutants. According to these findings, the CNS promotes plant growth by stimulating chlorophyll biosynthesis. Furthermore, the presence of CNS enhanced the ability of rice to withstand blast, sheath blight (ShB), and bacterial blight. The nrt1.1b, amt1, dvr, and ygl8 mutants did not exhibit a broad spectrum effect. The positive regulation of broad-spectrum resistance in rice by GS1;1 suggests the requirement of N assimilation for CNS-mediated broad-spectrum resistance. In addition, an in vitro assay demonstrated that CNS inhibits the growth of pathogens responsible for blast, ShB, and bacterial blight, namely Magnaporthe oryzae, Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae, respectively. CNS application may also induce broad-spectrum resistance against bacterial and fungal pathogens, indicating that in addition to its antifungal and antibacterial properties, CNS application may also stimulate N assimilation. Collectively, the results indicate that CNS may be a potential nano-therapeutic agent for improved plant growth promotion while also providing broad-spectrum resistance.

BMX deletion mitigates neuroinflammation induced by retinal ischemia/reperfusion through modulation of the AKT/ERK/STAT3 signaling cascade.

Aims: Retinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is implicated in the etiology of various ocular disorders. Prior research has demonstrated that bone marrow tyrosine kinase on chromosome X (BMX) contributes to the advancement of ischemic disease and inflammatory reactions. Consequently, the current investigation aims to evaluate BMX's impact on retinal I/R injury and clarify its implied mechanism of action. Main methods: This study utilized male and female systemic BMX knockout (BMX-/-) mice to conduct experiments. The utilization of Western blot assay and immunofluorescence labeling techniques was employed to investigate variations in the expression of protein and tissue localization. Histomorphological changes were observed through H&E staining and SD-OCT examination. Visual function changes were assessed through electrophysiological experiments. Furthermore, apoptosis in the retina was identified using the TUNEL assay, as well as the ELISA technique, which has been utilized to determine the inflammatory factors level. Key findings: Our investigation results revealed that the knockdown of BMX did not yield a significant effect on mouse retina. In mice, BMX knockdown mitigated the negative impact of I/R injury on retinal tissue structure and visual function. BMX knockdown effectively reduced apoptosis, suppressed inflammatory responses, and decreased inflammatory factors subsequent to I/R injury. The outcomes of the current investigation revealed that BMX knockdown partially protected the retina through downregulating phosphorylation of AKT/ERK/STAT3 pathway. Significance: Our investigation showed that BMX-/- reduces AKT, ERK, and STAT3 phosphorylation, reducing apoptosis and inflammation. Thus, this strategy protected the retina from structural and functional damage after I/R injury.