Dexmedetomidine affects the NOX4/Nrf2 pathway to improve renal antioxidant capacity.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on renal injury caused by acute stress in rats and explore the protective pathways of DEX on rat kidneys in terms of oxidative stress. METHODS: An acute restraint stress model was utilized, where rats were restrained for 3 hours after a 15-minute swim. Biochemical tests and histopathological sections were conducted to evaluate renal function, along with the measurement of oxidative stress and related pathway proteins. KEY FINDINGS: The open-field experiments validated the successful establishment of the acute stress model. Acute stress-induced renal injury led to increased NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) protein expression and decreased expression levels of nuclear transcription factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Following DEX treatment, there was a significant reduction in renal NOX4 expression. The DEX-treated group exhibited normalized renal biochemical results and less damage observed in pathological sections compared to the acute stress group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that DEX treatment during acute stress can impact the NOX4/Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway and inhibit oxidative stress, thereby preventing acute stress-induced kidney injury. Additionally, DEX shows promise for clinical applications in stress syndromes.

Verification of a novel stress path method by true-triaxial test.

To verify the novel method of achieving a true-triaxial stress path with the pseudo-triaxial apparatus, a series of drained and undrained tests were carried out for the identical scheme with pseudo-triaxial apparatus and true-triaxial apparatus respectively. The differences between the two types of tests were quantified. The results show that the novel method effectively achieved the true-triaxial stress path by controlling the loading ratio of the pseudo-triaxial apparatus. The relationships of q - Îµ1 and η - Îµs measured by the two apparatuses had a higher similarity which decreases slightly with the b increase. When 0 ≤ b < 0.5, the slope of the critical state line measured by both apparatuses was almost identical. When 0.5 ≤ b ≤ 1, the slope of the critical state line measured by the novel method was slightly lower, but the biggest change was within 10% compared with the two Mohr-Coulomb criteria, the peak strength measured by the two apparatuses was distributed near the criteria, indicating the feasibility and rationality of the novel method. The tests show that the novel method greatly enriches the test range of pseudo-triaxial apparatus, which not only simplifies the process of soil 3D testing but also reduces the test cost.

Diagnosis and treatment experience of atypical hepatic cystic echinococcosis type 1 at a tertiary center in China.

BACKGROUND: Some hydatid cysts of cystic echinococcosis type 1 (CE1) lack well-defined cyst walls or distinctive endocysts, making them difficult to differentiate from simple hepatic cysts. AIM: To investigate the diagnostic methods for atypical hepatic CE1 and the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic surgeries. METHODS: The clinical data of 93 patients who had a history of visiting endemic areas of CE and were diagnosed with cystic liver lesions for the first time at the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (China) from January 2018 to September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical diagnoses were made based on findings from serum immunoglobulin tests for echinococcosis, routine abdominal ultrasound, high-frequency ultrasound, abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan, and laparoscopy. Subsequent to the treatments, these patients underwent reexaminations at the outpatient clinic until October 2023. The evaluations included the diagnostic precision of diverse examinations, the efficacy of surgical approaches, and the incidence of CE recurrence. RESULTS: All 93 patients were diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts by conventional abdominal ultrasound and abdominal CT scan. Among them, 16 patients were preoperatively diagnosed with atypical CE1, and 77 were diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts by high-frequency ultrasound. All the 16 patients preoperatively diagnosed with atypical CE1 underwent laparoscopy, of whom 14 patients were intraoperatively confirmed to have CE1, which was consistent with the postoperative pathological diagnosis, one patient was diagnosed with a mesothelial cyst of the liver, and the other was diagnosed with a hepatic cyst combined with local infection. Among the 77 patients who were preoperatively diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts, 4 received aspiration sclerotherapy of hepatic cysts, and 19 received laparoscopic fenestration. These patients were intraoperatively diagnosed with simple hepatic cysts. During the follow-up period, none of the 14 patients with CE1 experienced recurrence or implantation of hydatid scolices. One of the 77 patients was finally confirmed to have CE complicated with implantation to the right intercostal space. CONCLUSION: Abdominal high-frequency ultrasound can detect CE1 hydatid cysts. The laparoscopic technique serves as a more effective diagnostic and therapeutic tool for CE.

Explore on the Mechanism of miRNA-146a/TAB1 in the Regulation of Cellular Apoptosis and Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis Based on NF-κB Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory disease of the rectum and colon with unknown etiology. A growing number of evidence suggest that the pathogenesis of UC is related to excessive apoptosis and production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the functions and molecular mechanisms associated with UC remain unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vivo and in vitro models of UC were established in this study. MiRNA or gene expression was measured by qRT-PCR assay. ELISA, CCK-8, TUNEL, and flow cytometry assays were applied for analyzing cellular functions. The interactions between miR-146a and TAB1 were verified by luciferase reporter and miRNA pull-down assays. RESULTS: MiR-146a was obviously increased in UC patients, DSS-induced colitis mice, and TNF-ɑ-induced YAMC cells, when compared to the corresponding controls. MiR- 146a knockdown inhibited the inflammatory response and apoptosis in DSS-induced colitis mice and TNF-ɑ-induced YAMC cells. Mechanistically, we found that TAB1 was the target of miR-146a and miR-146a knockdown suppressed the activation of NF-κB pathway in UC. More importantly, TAB1 could overturn the inhibitory effect of antagomiR-146a on cell apoptosis and inflammation in UC. CONCLUSION: MiR-146a knockdown inhibited cell apoptosis and inflammation via targeting TAB1 and suppressing NF-κB pathway, suggesting that miR-146a may be a new therapeutic target for UC treatment.

Genome-wide identification and structural analysis of the BMP gene family in Triplophysa dalaica.

BACKGROUND: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are part of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) superfamily and play crucial roles in bone development, as well as in the formation and maintenance of various organs. Triplophysa dalaica, a small loach fish that primarily inhabits relatively high elevations and cooler water bodies, was the focus of this study. Understanding the function of BMP genes during the morphogenesis of T. dalaica helps to clarify the mechanisms of its evolution and serves as a reference for the study of BMP genes in other bony fishes. The data for the T. dalaica transcriptome and genome used in this investigation were derived from the outcomes of our laboratory sequencing. RESULTS: This study identified a total of 26 BMP genes, all of which, except for BMP1, possess similar TGF-ß structural domains. We conducted an analysis of these 26 BMP genes, examining their physicochemical properties, subcellular localization, phylogenetic relationships, covariance within and among species, chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved motifs, conserved structural domains, and expression patterns. Our findings indicated that three BMP genes were associated with unstable proteins, while 11 BMP genes were located within the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, some BMP genes were duplicated, with the majority being enriched in the GO:0008083 pathway, which is related to growth factor activity. It was hypothesized that genes within the BMP1/3/11/15 subgroup (Group I) play a significant role in the growth and development of T. dalaica. By analyzing the expression patterns of proteins in nine tissues (gonad, kidney, gill, spleen, brain, liver, fin, heart, and muscle), we found that BMP genes play diverse regulatory roles during different stages of growth and development and exhibit characteristics of division of labor. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to a deeper understanding of BMP gene family member expression patterns in high-altitude, high-salinity environments and provides valuable insights for future research on the BMP gene family in bony fishes.

Access to pyrrolines and fused diaziridines by selective radical addition to homoallylic diazirines.

Pyrroline derivatives are common in bioactive natural products and therapeutic agents. We report here a synthesis of pyrrolines and fused diaziridines by divergent radical cyclization of homoallylic diazirines, which can serve as an internal radical trap and a nitrogen source. This reaction proceeds by selective radical addition to C[double bond, length as m-dash]C or N[double bond, length as m-dash]N bonds followed by intramolecular cyclization. Frontier molecular orbital analysis provides a deep insight into the origin of the selectivity. The reaction demonstrates a new cyclization mode, broad functional group compatibility and high product diversity, and reveals a much broader chemical space for diazirine studies.

Cut-off values of haemoglobin and clinical outcomes in incident peritoneal dialysis: the PDTAP study.

BACKGROUND: To explore the cut-off values of haemoglobin (Hb) on adverse clinical outcomes in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients based on a national-level database. METHODS: The observational cohort study was from the Peritoneal Dialysis Telemedicine-assisted Platform (PDTAP) dataset. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and modified MACE (MACE+). The secondary outcomes were the occurrences of hospitalization, first-episode peritonitis and permanent transfer to haemodialysis (HD). RESULTS: A total of 2591 PD patients were enrolled between June 2016 and April 2019 and followed up until December 2020. Baseline and time-averaged Hb <100 g/l were associated with all-cause mortality, MACE, MACE+ and hospitalizations. After multivariable adjustments, only time-averaged Hb <100 g/l significantly predicted a higher risk for all-cause mortality {hazard ratio [HR] 1.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19-281], P = .006}, MACE [HR 1.99 (95% CI 1.16-3.40), P = .012] and MACE+ [HR 1.77 (95% CI 1.15-2.73), P = .010] in the total cohort. No associations between Hb and hospitalizations, transfer to HD and first-episode peritonitis were observed. Among patients with Hb ≥100 g/l at baseline, younger age, female, use of iron supplementation, lower values of serum albumin and renal Kt/V independently predicted the incidence of Hb <100 g/l during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study provided real-world evidence on the cut-off value of Hb for predicting poorer outcomes through a nation-level prospective PD cohort.

Protein Disulfide Isomerase A2 Is Correlated with Immune Infiltrates and Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker in Glioma Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Protein disulfide isomerase A2 (PDIA2), a member of the protein disulfide isomerase family, plays a key role in the folding of nascent proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum by forming disulfide bonds, together with enzymes such as thiol isomerase, oxidase, and reductase. This study investigated the clinical significance and potential functions of PDIA2 in glioma. METHODS: The expression of PDIA2 in gliomas was explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases. We analyzed the clinical characteristics of glioma patients and the prognostic and diagnostic value of PDIA2 expression. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to examine the effect of PDIA2 expression on overall survival, progression-free interval, and disease-specific survival. Furthermore, we performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and immune infiltration analysis to investigate the functions of PDIA2. PDIA2 mRNA and protein expression was evaluated in cell lines and glioma tissues. RESULTS: PDIA2 was expressed at low levels in glioma patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that glioma patients with low PDIA2 levels had a worse prognosis than those with high PDIA2 levels. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated the diagnostic and prognostic ability of PDIA2 (area under the curve = 0.918). Pathways associated with PD1, PI3K/AKT, cancer immunotherapy via PD1 blockade, Fceri-mediated NF-kB activation, FOXM1, and DNA repair were enriched in glioma patients with low levels of PDIA2. PDIA2 expression levels were negatively correlated with immune cell infiltrate levels. CONCLUSION: PDIA2 levels are significantly downregulated in glioma. PDIA2 expression may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of glioma patients.

Axially chiral styrene-based organocatalysts and their application in asymmetric cascade Michael/cyclization reaction.

An axially chiral styrene-based organocatalyst, featuring a combination of axially chiral styrene-based structure and a pyrrole ring, has been designed and synthesized. This catalyst demonstrates remarkable capabilities in producing a wide range of densely substituted spirooxindoles that feature an alkyne-substituted quaternary stereogenic center. These spirooxindoles are generated through mild cascade Michael/cyclization reactions, resulting in high conversion rates and exceptional enantioselectivity. Our catalytic model, based on experiments, X-ray structure analysis and DFT calculations suggests that chiral matched π-π interactions and multiple H-bonds between the organocatalyst and substrates play significant roles in controlling the stereoselectivity of the reaction.

Stereoselective Sulfa-Michael/Aldol Reaction Promoted by an Axially Chiral Styrene-Based Organocatalyst.

Herein, we describe a stereoselective sulfa-Michael/aldol cyclization reaction promoted by a rationally designed novel axially chiral styrene-based organocatalyst. A variety of highly substituted tetrahydrothiophenes featuring an alkyne-substituted quaternary stereogenic center are obtained in good yields, excellent stereoselectivities, and exclusive trans selectivities. This process tolerates a broad range of alkynyl-substituted acrylamides under mind conditions. The utility of this approach is highlighted in its excellent asymmetric introduction, scalability, and attractive product diversification.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of intracranial hemorrhage after spinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hemorrhage after spinal surgery is a rare and devastating complication. AIM: To investigate the economic burden, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and mechanisms of intracranial hemorrhage after spinal surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2022. Patients aged ≥ 18 years, who had undergone spinal surgery were included. Intracranial hemorrhage patients were selected after spinal surgery during hospitalization. Based on the type of spinal surgery, patients with intracranial hemorrhage were randomly matched in a 1:5 ratio with control patients without intracranial hemorrhage. The patients' pre-, intra-, and post-operative data and clinical manifestations were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 24472 patients underwent spinal surgery. Six patients (3 males and 3 females, average age 71.3 years) developed intracranial hemorrhage after posterior spinal fusion procedures, with an incidence of 0.025% (6/24472). The prevailing type of intracranial hemorrhage was cerebellar hemorrhage. Two patients had a poor clinical outcome. Based on the type of surgery, 30 control patients were randomly matched in 1:5 ratio. The intracranial hemorrhage group showed significant differences compared with the control group with regard to age (71.33 ± 7.45 years vs 58.39 ± 8.07 years, P = 0.001), previous history of cerebrovascular disease (50% vs 6.7%, P = 0.024), spinal dura mater injury (50% vs 3.3%, P = 0.010), hospital expenses (RMB 242119.1 ± 87610.0 vs RMB 96290.7 ± 32029.9, P = 0.009), and discharge activity daily living score (40.00 ± 25.88 vs 75.40 ± 18.29, P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage after spinal surgery was extremely low, with poor clinical outcomes. Patient age, previous stroke history, and dura mater damage were possible risk factors. It is suggested that spinal dura mater injury should be avoided during surgery in high-risk patients.

Prognostic Value of ctDNA Detection in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is increasingly used as a biomarker for metastatic rectal cancer and has recently shown promising results in the early detection of recurrence risk. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the prognostic value of ctDNA detection in LARC patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). We systematically searched electronic databases for observational or interventional studies that included LARC patients undergoing nCRT. Study selection according to the PRISMA guidelines and quality assessment of the REMARK tool for biomarker studies. The primary endpoint was the impact of ctDNA detection at different time points (baseline, post-nCRT, post-surgery) on relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was to study the association between ctDNA detection and pathological complete response(pCR) at different time points. RESULTS: After further review and analysis of the 625 articles initially retrieved, we finally included 10 eligible studies. We found no significant correlation between ctDNA detection at baseline and long-term survival outcomes or the probability of achieving a pCR. However, the presence of ctDNA at post-nCRT was associated with worse RFS (HR = 9.16, 95% CI, 5.48-15.32), worse OS (HR = 8.49, 95% CI, 2.20-32.72), and worse pCR results (OR = 0.40, 95%CI, 0.18-0.89). The correlation between the presence of ctDNA at post-surgery and worse RFS was more obvious (HR = 14.94; 95% CI, 7.48-9.83). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ctDNA detection is a promising biomarker for the evaluation of response and prognosis in LARC patients undergoing nCRT, which merits further evaluation in the following prospective trials.

Efficacy of low-dose rituximab in minimal change disease and prevention of relapse.

BACKGROUND: Minimal change disease (MCD) is a major cause of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children and a minority of adults. The higher tendency to relapse put patients at risk for prolonged exposure to steroids and other immunosuppressive agents. B cell depletion with rituximab (RTX) may be beneficial to the treatment and prevention of frequently relapsing MCD. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the therapeutic/preventive effects of low-dose RTX on the relapse in adult with MCD. METHODS: A total of 33 adult patients were selected for the study, including 22 patients with relapsing MCD in relapse treatment group who were treated with low-dose RTX (200 mg per week × 4 following by 200 mg every 6 months) and 11 patients in relapse prevention group with complete remission (CR) after steroid therapy were treated with RTX (200 mg ×1 every 6 months) for preventing the relapse of MCD. RESULTS: Of the 22 patients with MCD in relapse treatment group, there were 21 cases (95.45%) of remission [2 (9.09%) partial remission (PR), 19 (86.36%) CR], 1 (4.56%) no remission (NR) and 20 (90.90%) relapse-free. The Median duration of sustained remission was 16.3 months (3, 23.5 months, inter quartile range (IQR)). 11 patients in the relapse prevention group during a follow-up of 12 months (9-31 months) had no relapse. The average dose of prednisone in two groups after RTX treatment was significantly lower than before treatment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggested low-dose RTX can significantly reduce relapse rate and steroid dose in adults with MCD with fewer side effects. Low-dose RTX regimens may be beneficial for the treatment of relapsing MCD in adults and may be the preferred regimen for patients at high risk for the development of adverse events from corticosteroids.

Sperm mobility is predictive of the relative genetic contribution among competing mating geese, as determined by microsatellite genotype identification of potential sires.

The low reproductive efficiency (RE) of geese limits their production in the poultry industry. To select ganders with high breeding potential, the effect of 3 sperm mobility ranks (SMRs; high-, medium-, and low-SMR) on the RE of naturally mating geese was determined. To exclude the confounding effect of social rank (SR) on RE in naturally mating flocks, a 2-factor nested experimental design was used to differentiate the effects of SMR and SR on RE. Twenty-seven ganders and 135 geese (Zi geese, Anser cygnoides L.) at approximately 1 yr of age were divided into 3 flocks, each of which included the 3 SMR groups. Each SMR group included 3 ganders and 15 female geese. Relative genetic contribution (RGC) is defined as the number of offspring sired by 1 male as a percentage of the entire goslings in each flock, and it was used to compare the differences in RE among ganders. The frequency of agonistic behavioral interactions (ABIs) among the ganders was video recorded in each SMR group, and the SR of each gander was determined. In total, 1,026 eggs were incubated, and 609 goslings hatched. Parent-offspring relationships among 771 individuals from the 2 generations were identified using 20 microsatellite markers, and the RGC was calculated. Results showed that the SMR and SR had significant effects on RGC in naturally mating geese (P = 0.001 and P = 0.000, respectively). Significant differences in RGC were observed among the high- and medium- and low-SMR groups, with average RGCs of 14.3, 10.6, and 8.4%, respectively. The high-SMR group had the highest RGCs in each flock, and the ganders with high SR had the highest RGCs among the 3 SMRs. The study showed that in a naturally mating geese population, selecting for the sperm mobility traits of a gander can effectively improve the RE.

Whole Genome Resequencing Identifies Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers of Growth and Reproduction Traits in Zhedong and Zi Crossbred Geese.

The broodiness traits of domestic geese are a bottleneck that prevents the rapid development of the goose industry. To reduce the broodiness of the Zhedong goose and thus improve it, this study hybridized it with the Zi goose, which has almost no broody behavior. Genome resequencing was performed for the purebred Zhedong goose, as well as the F2 and F3 hybrids. The results showed that the F1 hybrids displayed significant heterosis in growth traits, and their body weight was significantly greater than those of the other groups. The F2 hybrids showed significant heterosis in egg-laying traits, and the number of eggs laid was significantly greater than those of the other groups. A total of 7,979,421 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained, and three SNPs were screened. Molecular docking results showed that SNP11 located in the gene NUDT9 altered the structure and affinity of the binding pocket. The results suggested that SNP11 is an SNP related to goose broodiness. In the future, we will use the cage breeding method to sample the same half-sib families to accurately identify SNP markers of growth and reproductive traits.

Evaluation of malnutrition and inflammation after total parathyroidectomy in patients on maintenance dialysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of total parathyroidectomy (tPTx) on malnutrition and inflammation in patients on maintenance dialysis (MHD) having secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT). METHODS: Twenty-five patients on MHD having SHPT who were being treated with tPTx were selected, and changes in their general condition (dry body mass), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels, nutrition state (hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin, and total iron binding capacity), and inflammatory status [serum C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and the malnutrition-inflammation score (MIS)] were observed at 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative period, the dry body mass increased at 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively (P < 0.01), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and serum albumin increased significantly (P < 0.01), whereas calcium, phosphorus, and PTH levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly decreased at 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery (P < 0.01). Furthermore, MIS was reduced as well but to a lesser extent (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: tPTx effectively reduced MIS in maintenance dialysis patients, and the alleviated malnutrition and improved inflammatory status may contributed to improving the quality of life of patients on MHD with SHPT.

Merging Fluorine Incorporation and Functional Group Migration.

Fluorine incorporation by concomitant fluoroalkyl radical addition to alkene or alkyne and functional group migration (FGM) represents an ingenious and robust strategy for the synthesis of structurally diverse fluorinated compounds. This account gives an overview of related studies in our group, in which three main reaction modes are discussed: 1) radical fluoroalkylative difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes via intramolecular FGM; 2) alkene difunctionalization by docking-migration process using fluoroalkyl-containing bifunctional reagents; 3) incorporation of fluoroalkyl group into C(sp3 )-H bond via consecutive hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and FGM. Relying on these methods, a variety of trifluoromethylation and di-/mono-fluoroalkylation reactions along with the migration of cyano, heteroaryl, oximino, formyl, alkynyl, and alkenyl groups have been accomplished under mild conditions.

A comprehensive dynamic immune acetylproteomics profiling induced by Puccinia polysora in maize.

Lysine-ε-acetylation (Kac) is a reversible post-translational modification that plays important roles during plant-pathogen interactions. Some pathogens can deliver secreted effectors encoding acetyltransferases or deacetylases into host cell to directly modify acetylation of host proteins. However, the function of these acetylated host proteins in plant-pathogen defense remains to be determined. Employing high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry, we analyzed protein abundance and lysine acetylation changes in maize infected with Puccinia polysora (P. polysora) at 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. A total of 7412 Kac sites from 4697 proteins were identified, and 1732 Kac sites from 1006 proteins were quantified. Analyzed the features of lysine acetylation, we found that Kac is ubiquitous in cellular compartments and preferentially targets lysine residues in the -F/W/Y-X-X-K (ac)-N/S/T/P/Y/G- motif of the protein, this Kac motif contained proteins enriched in basic metabolism and defense-associated pathways during fungal infection. Further analysis of acetylproteomics data indicated that maize regulates cellular processes in response to P. polysora infection by altering Kac levels of histones and non-histones. In addition, acetylation of pathogen defense-related proteins presented converse patterns in signaling transduction, defense response, cell wall fortification, ROS scavenging, redox reaction and proteostasis. Our results provide informative resources for studying protein acetylation in plant-pathogen interactions, not only greatly extending the understanding on the roles of acetylation in vivo, but also providing a comprehensive dynamic pattern of Kac modifications in the process of plant immune response.

Genome-wide characterization of the Triplophysa dalaica slc4 gene family and expression profiles in response to salinity changes.

BACKGROUND: The solute carrier 4 (SLC4) gene family is involved in a variety of physiological processes in organisms and is essential for maintaining acid-base balance in the body. The slc4 genes have been extensively studied in mammals, and they play important roles in intracellular and extracellular pH regulation and in the secretion and uptake of HCO3- and other ions (Na+ and Cl-) between transepithelial cells in different tissues. This study identified and characterized the entire slc4 gene family of Triplophysa dalaica. RESULTS: Fifteen slc4 genes were identified in the whole genome of Triplophysa dalaica in this study, including five copies of Na+-independent Cl-/HCO3- transporters, eight members of Na+-dependent HCO3- transporters, and two genes coding Na+-coupled borate transporters. The chromosomal location information, isoelectric points, and molecular weights of the 15 slc4 genes were analyzed. The results for gene structure, domain analysis, and phylogenetic relationships of this gene family showed that the slc4 genes (except for slc4a9, which is missing in teleosts) are significantly expanded in teleosts compared to higher vertebrates. This phenomenon suggests that the slc4 gene family played an important role in the transition from aquatic to terrestrial animals. RT-PCR results showed that different slc4 genes showed diversified expression patterns in the tissues of T. dalaica. For osmotic pressure regulating organs, slc4a1b, slc4a4b, slc4a7, and slc4a11a were highly expressed in gills. In the kidney, slc4a1a, slc4a3, and slc4a10b were highly expressed, suggesting that the slc4 genes play a specific role in the salinity adaptation of T. dalaica. Our study has deciphered the biological roles of the slc4 genes in maintaining ionic and acid-base homeostasis in teleost fishes and provides a foundation for future exploration of the highly differentiated gene family in Triplophysa. CONCLUSIONS: The results are relevant for the breeding of alkali-tolerant varieties in saline-alkali areas for aquaculture. Our findings have important implications for the adaptation process of freshwater species to saline-alkali water.

Fibronectin glomerulopathy with monoclonal gammopathy responding to bortezomib plus dexamethasone: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Fibronectin glomerulopathy is a rare, familial glomerular disease characterized by mesangial fibronectin deposition in the glomeruli. It is caused by the genetic defect in fibronectin and does not involve the activation of the immune system. Therefore, glomerular immunoglobulin and complement staining is generally absent or weak. Monoclonal gammopathy (MG) is an increasing cause of renal lesion, featured by light chain (κ or λ) and/or heavy chain restriction in glomeruli. Herein, we report a case of fibronectin glomerulopathy presenting as strong IgA and C3 immunostaining in renal biopsy, concomitant with monoclonal gammopathy (monoclonal IgA κ). CASE PRESENTATION: A 44-year-old female was admitted to our hospital for one-month pedal edema. The serum albumin of 19.6 g/l, and the 24-h urine protein was 15.092 g. Immunofixation electrophoresis displayed monoclonal IgA. The renal biopsy showed the mesangial deposits positive for IgA (3+) and C3 (3+) and also for IgG (2+), IgM (2+), and C1q (2+) IF microscopy. In addition, the staining intensity of light chain κ was slight greater than that of light chain λ. The glomerular deposits were strongly positive by FN by immuohistochemistry. The patient was treated with bortezomib, dexamethasone in combination with cyclophosphamide and gained partial remission. CONCLUSION: We present the first FNG patient with strong IgA and C3 immunostaining in the context of monoclonal IgA κ in the circulation. Perhaps FNG, monoclonal IgA κ and immune activation are potentially interplayed and eventually induce renal injuries.