Visualizing Single-Molecule Protein Conformational Transitions and Free Energy Landscape.

Monitoring the conformational dynamics of individual proteins is essential to understand the relationship between structure and function in molecular regulatory mechanisms. However, the fast dynamics of single proteins remain poorly understood. Here, we construct a single-molecule sensing platform by introducing plasmonic imaging of single nanoparticles to sense and report the protein conformational changes at the single-molecule level. Tracking the fluctuations of individual nanoparticles with high resolution, we detect and characterize distinct conformational states of molecular chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90). We also explore the conformational changes of Hsp90 in situ under different nucleotide conditions. Analysis of the conformational fluctuations between the open and closed states of single Hsp90 provides important information on free energy profiles, effective spring constants, and multiphase behaviors. This method offers a strategy to visualize the conformational changes of single proteins in real-time and provides insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Plant diversity is more important than soil microbial diversity in explaining soil multifunctionality in Qinghai-Tibetan plateau wetlands.

The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau harbors rich and diverse wetlands that provide multiple ecological functions simultaneously. Although the relationships between biodiversity and wetland functioning have been well studied in recent decades, the links between the multiple features of plant and microbial communities and soil multifunctionality (SMF) remain unknown in the high-altitude wetlands that are extremely sensitive to human disturbance. Here, using the single function, averaging, weighted, and multiple-threshold methods, we calculated the SMF of Qinghai-Tibetan wetlands based on 15 variables associated with soil nutrient status, nutrient cycle, and greenhouse gas emission. We then related SMF to multidimensional (species, phylogenetic, and functional) diversity of plants and soil microorganisms and microbial network modules. The results showed that plant diversity explained more variance in SMF than soil microbial diversity, and plant species richness and phylogenetic distance were positive predictors of SMF. Bacterial network modules were more positively related to SMF than fungal network modules, and the alpha diversity of bacterial network modules contributed more to SMF than the diversity of the whole bacterial community. Pediococcus, Hirsutella, and Rhodotorula were biomarkers for SMF and had significant relationships with nitrogen mineralization and greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these results highlight the importance of plant diversity and bacterial network modules in determining the SMF, which are crucial to predicting the response of ecosystem functioning to biodiversity loss under intensifying anthropogenic activities.

Design and performance of pH-responsive cyano-Raman label SERS probes based on single urchin Au nanoparticles.

A cyano-Raman label pH-responsive SERS probe was constructed by immobilizing 6-MPN molecules onto the surface of a single urchin Au nanoparticle (AuNP). The effects of different conditions on the synthetic materials were investigated and the optical properties of the single nanoparticles were evaluated. The peak-strength ratio of SERS probes at 1589 cm-1 and 2240 cm-1 exhibited a linear relationship in the pH range 4-7. The properties and stability of the probe were also verified by the acid-base cycle and ion interference tests.

Diagnostic Performance of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound and High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) in patients with carotid vulnerable plaques. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science using the search terms carotid artery, atherosclerotic plaque, CEUS, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, HR-MRI, and high-resolution magnetic resonance. Studies published since the establishment of the library until December 2021 were retrieved. The statistical analyses were performed with Meta-DiSc version 1.4. Beyond that, the potential sources of heterogeneity for CEUS and HR-MRI were explored. RESULTS: Nine articles were included in this study. For CEUS, the pooled sensitivity and specificity for detecting carotid vulnerable plaques 91% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84%, 95%) and 67% (95% CI: 54%, 79%), respectively. For HR-MRI, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 78% (95% CI: 72%, 83%) and 65% (95% CI, 56%, 73%), respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve for CEUS and HR-MRI were 0.9218 and 0.8129, respectively. However, the difference in diagnostic accuracy between CEUS and HR-MRI diagnostic accuracy was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that the sensitivity of CEUS was higher than that of HR-MRI, and the specificity was similar to HR-MRI. CEUS and HR-MRI provide a similar diagnostic yield in detecting a vulnerable plaque. Thus, CEUS may be a useful tool for the diagnosis of carotid vulnerable plaques.

Phytohormone Crosstalk of Cytokinin Biosynthesis and Signaling Family Genes in Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis).

Cytokinin is widely involved in the regulation of plant growth, but its pathway-related genes have not been reported in Moso bamboo. In this study, a total of 129 candidate sequences were identified by bioinformatic methods. These included 15 IPT family genes, 19 LOG family genes, 22 HK family genes, 11 HP family genes and 62 RR family genes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the cytokinin pathway was closely related to rice, and evolutionary pattern analysis found that most of the genes have syntenic relationship with rice-related genes. The Moso bamboo cytokinin pathway was evolutionarily conservative and mainly underwent purifying selection, and that gene family expansion was mainly due to whole-gene duplication events. Analysis of transcriptome data revealed a tissue-specific expression pattern of Moso bamboo cytokinin family genes, with auxin and gibberellin response patterns. Analysis of co-expression patterns at the developmental stages of Moso bamboo shoots revealed the existence of a phytohormone co-expression pattern centered on cytokinin signaling genes. The auxin signaling factor PheARF52 was identified by yeast one-hybrid assay as regulating the PheRR3 gene through a P-box element in the PheRR3 promoter region. Auxin and cytokinin signaling crosstalk to regulate Moso bamboo growth. Overall, we systematically identified and analyzed key gene families of the cytokinin pathway in Moso bamboo and obtained key factors for auxin and cytokinin crosstalk, laying the foundation for the study of hormone regulation in Moso bamboo.

PheGRF4e initiated auxin signaling during moso bamboo shoot development.

BACKGROUND: As a ubiquitous acid-regulating protein family in eukaryotes, general regulatory factors (GRFs) are active in various life activities of plants. However, detailed investigations of the GRFs gene family in moso bamboo are scarce. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genome-wide characteristics of the GRF gene family in moso bamboo were analyzed using the moso bamboo genome. GRF phylogeny, gene structure, conserved domains, cis-element promoters, and gene expression were systematically analyzed. A total of 20 GRF gene family members were identified in the moso bamboo genome. These genes were divided into ε and non-ε groups. qRT-PCR (real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) showed that PheGRF genes responded to auxin and gibberellin treatment. To further study PheGRF gene functions, a yeast two-hybrid experiment was performed and verified by a bimolecular fluorescence complementation experiment. The results showed that PheGRF4e could interact with PheIAA30 (auxin/indole-3-acetic acid, an Aux/IAA family gene), and both were found to act mainly on the root tip meristem and vascular bundle cells of developing shoots by in situ hybridization assay. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that PheGRF genes were involved in hormone response during moso bamboo shoot development, and the possible regulatory functions of PheGRF genes were enriched by the fact that PheGRF4e initiated auxin signaling by binding to PheIAA30.

Selenium and molybdenum synergistically alleviate chromium toxicity by modulating Cr uptake and subcellular distribution in Nicotiana tabacum L.

Chromium (Cr) is a harmful heavy metal that poses a serious threat to plants and animals. Selenium (Se) and molybdenum (Mo) are two beneficial elements for plant growth and resistance. However, their interactive effects on Cr uptake and distribution are poorly understood. Therefore, a hydroponics experiment was conducted to explore the effects of the use of Se and Mo alone and simultaneously on mitigating Cr toxicity. In this study, Nicotiana tabacum L. seedlings were exposed to control, 50 µM Cr, 50 µM Cr + 2 µM Se, 50 µM Cr + 1 µM Mo, or 50 µM Cr + 2 µM Se + 1 µM Mo in Hoagland solution. After 2 weeks, the plant biomass, Cr, Se and Mo contents, photosynthesis, leaf ultrastructure, antioxidant system, subcellular distribution and associated gene expression in Nicotiana tabacum L. were determined. The results showed that simultaneous use of Se and Mo promoted tobacco growth under Cr stress, as evidenced by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and reducing Cr translocation factor (TF) and inducing a 51.3% reduction in Cr content in shoots. Additionally, Se-Mo interactions increased the levels of glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatin (PC) and the distribution of Cr in the cell walls and organelles. Furthermore, the relative expression of PCS1 was upregulated, while those of NtST1 and MSN1 were downregulated. The results concluded that the simultaneous use of Se and Mo effectively alleviated Cr toxicity in Nicotiana tabacum L., which not only offers an efficient way for crops to resist Cr toxicity but also provides evidence for the benefit of Se combined with Mo.

Antiviral Activities of Officinaloside C against Herpes Simplex Virus-1.

The iridoid compounds in traditional Chinese medicine play a prominent role in their antiviral effects. We previously reported the anti-inflammatory effect of new iridoids from the aerial parts of Morinda officinalis. Nevertheless, several open questions remain to explore the other biological functions of these new iridoid compounds. Herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is one of the most prevalent pathogens in human beings worldwide and due to limited therapies, mainly with the guanosine analog aciclovir (ACV) and other analogs, the search for new drugs with different modes of action and low toxicity becomes particularly urgent for public health. This study aimed to explore the anti-HSV-1 effects of iridoids from the aerial parts of Morinda officinalis. The dried aerial parts of Morinda officinalis were extracted with 95% ethanol and systematic separation and purification were then carried out by modern column chromatography methods such as silica gel column, RP-ODS column, Sephadex LH-20 gel column, and semi-preparative liquid phase, and the structure of these compounds were identified through the physical and chemical properties and a variety of spectral techniques. The obtained seven new iridoid compounds were screened for antiviral activity on HSV-1 through CCK8 and the cytopathic effect, and then the plaque reduction assay, the anti-fluorescence reporter virus strain replication, and RT-qPCR experiments were carried out to further evaluate the antiviral effect. Seven new iridoid compounds (officinaloside A-G) were identified from the aerial parts of Morinda officinalis, and officinaloside C showed anti-HSV-1 activity. Further functional experiments confirmed that officinaloside C has a significant inhibiting effect on HSV-1 virus plaque formation, viral gene, and protein expression, and fluorescent virus replication. Our findings suggest that officinaloside C has significant inhibitory effects on viral plaque formation, genome replication, and viral protein expression of HSV-1 which implies that officinaloside C exhibits viral activity and may be a promising treatment for HSV-1 infection.

Selenium restores mitochondrial dysfunction to reduce Cr-induced cell apoptosis in Chinese cabbage (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Pekinensis) root tips.

Chromium (Cr) disrupts the growth and physiology of plants. Selenium (Se) is considered as a promising option to help plants ameliorate Cr toxicity. To investigate the effects of exogenous Se on reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst and programmed cell death (PCD) in root tip cells under Cr stress, hydroponic experiments were carried out with Chinese cabbage seedlings grown in Hoagland solution containing 1 mg L-1 Cr and 0.1 mg L-1 Se. Results showed that Se scavenged the overproduction of H2O2 and O2－·, and alleviated the level of lipid peroxidation in root tips stressed by Cr. Moreover, Se effectively prevented DNA degradation and reduced the number of apoptotic cells in root tips. Compared with Cr treatment, Se supplementation reduced the content of ROS and malondialdehyde in mitochondria by 38.23% and 17.52%, respectively. Se application decreased the opening degree of mitochondrial permeability transition pores by 32.30%, increased mitochondrial membrane potential by 40.91%, alleviated the release of cyt c from mitochondria into cytosol by 18.42% and caused 57.40% decrease of caspase 3-like protease activity, and thus restored mitochondrial dysfunction caused by Cr stress. In addition, the alteration of Se on mitochondrial physiological properties maintained calcium homeostasis between mitochondria and cytosol, which further contributed to reducing the appearance of Cr-induced PCD. Findings suggested that Se restored mitochondrial dysfunction, which further rescued root tip cells from PCD, consequently activating defense strategies to protect plants from Cr toxicity and maintaining plant growth.

Integrated mRNA, MicroRNA Transcriptome and Degradome Analyses Provide Insights into Stamen Development in Moso Bamboo.

A flower is an essential organ for sexual reproduction in flowering plants, which has been extensively studied in model plants. In this study, we used transcriptomic, small RNA and degradome analyses to characterize key microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets in floral organs of moso bamboo. In total, we identified 13,051 differentially expressed genes and 109 known miRNAs from 26 miRNA families. We aligned the miRNAs to known miRNA databases and revealed some conserved as well as novel miRNAs. Sixteen conserved miRNAs were specifically and highly expressed in stamens, including miRNA159 and miRNA166. In situ hybridization shows that miRNA159 plays a key role in the regulation of stamen development, and the expression levels of its targets PheMYB98 and PheMYB42 were low. Furthermore, Phe-MIRNA159 partially recovers phenotypes of mir159ab double mutant. Overexpression of Phe-MIR159 could cause failure in anther dehisce, and the mature pollens could not be dispersed and further reduce fertility in Arabidopsis. Semi-thin section result shows that anther endothelial layer of Phe-MIRNA159 overexpressing lines is lack of secondary thickening, resulting in limited force for anther opening. Phe-miR159 may regulate the expression of genes related to secondary thickening through negative regulation of AtMYB33, affecting the anther dehiscence. Taken together, this study provides insights regarding molecular networks underlying floral organs development of moso bamboo.

Selenium reduces the pathogenicity of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by inhibiting sclerotial formation and germination.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (S. sclerotiorum) is a devastating fungal pathogen with worldwide distribution, and threatened the agro-ecological safety in the long term. To control the damage caused by Sclerotinia diseases, as well as consider the fungicide resistance and chemical residues, strategy of which plant nutritional regulation, as an eco-friendly approach, is gaining much significance. Selenium (Se), as a beneficial microelement for plant, has been manifested to be effective in inhibiting the mycelial growth of S.sclerotiorum in our previous study. In the present study, we observed that Se (both selenate and selenite) inhibited the formation of sclerotia, which is an important life form in the disease cycle of S. sclerotiorum. And the inhibition ratios of number of sclerotia in treatments of Se(VI)5.0 and Se(IV)5.0 were 54.55% and 43.84%, respectively; the inhibition ratios of weight of sclerotia in treatments of Se(VI)5.0 and Se(IV)5.0 were 42.29% and 25.67%, respectively. Results suggested that Se inhibited mycelial growth, severely damaged sclerotial ultrastructure, reduced the capacity of acid production, decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities, increased the content of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2-) in mycelium, and all of these resulted in the reduction in sclerotial formation. Further studies revealed that Se application in medium increased Se concentration in sclerotia and thus inhibited sclerotial germination. Moreover, the pathogenicity of mycelia germinating from sclerotia that pretreated with Se, decreased significantly to rape leaves. These findings broadened our understanding of Se application in plant protection, as well as provided evidences for developing environment-friendly fungicide for S. sclerotiorum control.

Formal Uncertainty and Dispersion of Single and Double Difference Models for GNSS-Based Attitude Determination.

With multi-antenna synchronized global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers, the single difference (SD) between two antennas is able to eliminate both satellite and receiver clock error, thus it becomes necessary to reconsider the equivalency problem between the SD and double difference (DD) models. In this paper, we quantitatively compared the formal uncertainties and dispersions between multiple SD models and the DD model, and also carried out static and kinematic short baseline experiments. The theoretical and experimental results show that under a non-common clock scheme the SD and DD model are equivalent. Under a common clock scheme, if we estimate stochastic uncalibrated phase delay (UPD) parameters every epoch, this SD model is still equivalent to the DD model, but if we estimate only one UPD parameter for all epochs or take it as a known constant, the SD (here called SD2) and DD models are no longer equivalent. For the vertical component of baseline solutions, the formal uncertainties of the SD2 model are two times smaller than those of the DD model, and the dispersions of the SD2 model are even more than twice smaller than those of the DD model. In addition, to obtain baseline solutions, the SD2 model requires a minimum of three satellites, while the DD model requires a minimum of four satellites, which makes the SD2 more advantageous in attitude determination under sheltered environments.

Reduction of Kinematic Short Baseline Multipath Effects Based on Multipath Hemispherical Map.

Multipath hemispherical map (MHM) is a kind of multipath mitigation approach that takes advantage of the spatial repeatability of the multipath effect under an unchanged environment. This approach is not only suitable for static environments, but also for some kinematic platforms, such as a moving ship and airplane, where the dominant multipath effects come from the platform itself and the multipath effects from the surrounding environment are considered minor or negligible. Previous studies have verified the feasibility of the MHM approach in static environments. In this study, we expanded the MHM approach to a kinematic shipborne environment. Both static and kinematic tests were carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the MHM approach. The results indicate that, after MHM multipath mitigation, the root mean square (RMS) of baseline length deviations are reduced by 10.47% and 10.57%, and the RMS of residual values are reduced by 39.89% and 21.91% for the static and kinematic tests, respectively. Power spectrum analysis has shown that the MHM approach is more effective in mitigating multipath in low-frequency bands; the high-frequency multipath effects still exist, and are indistinguishable from observation noise. Taking the observation noise into account, the residual reductions increase to 41.68% and 24.51% in static and kinematic tests, respectively. To further improve the performance of MHM for kinematic platforms, we also analyzed the influence of spatial coverage and resolution on residual reduction.

Type VI secretion system drives bacterial diversity and functions in multispecies biofilms.

Type VI secretion system (T6SS) plays an essential role in interspecies interactions and provides an advantage for a strain with T6SS in multispecies biofilms. However, how T6SS drives the bacterial community structure and functions in multispecies biofilms still needs to be determined. Using gene deletion and Illumina sequencing technique, we estimated bacterial community responses in multispecies biofilms to T6SS by introducing T6SS-containing Pseudomonas putida KT2440. Results showed that the niche structure shifts of multispecies biofilms were remarkably higher in the presence of T6SS than in the absence of T6SS. The presence of T6SS significantly drove the variation in microbial composition, reduced the alpha-diversity of bacterial communities in multispecies biofilms, and separately decreased and increased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota. Co-occurrence network analysis with inferred putative bacterial interactions indicated that P. putida KT2440 mainly displayed strong negative associations with the genera of Psychrobacter, Cellvibrio, Stenotrophomonas, and Brevundimonas. Moreover, the function redundancy index of the bacterial community was strikingly higher in the presence of T6SS than in the absence of T6SS, regardless of whether relative abundances of bacterial taxa were inhibited or promoted. Remarkably, the increased metabolic network similarity with T6SS-containing P. putida KT2440 could enhance the antibacterial activity of P. putida KT2440 on other bacterial taxa. Our findings extend knowledge of microbial adaptation strategies to potential bacterial weapons and could contribute to predicting biodiversity loss and change in ecological functions caused by T6SS.

Linking ecosystem multifunctionality to microbial community features in rivers along a latitudinal gradient.

Microorganisms regulate numerous ecosystem functions and show considerable differences along a latitudinal gradient. Although studies have revealed the latitudinal patterns of microbial community structure and single ecosystem function, the latitudinal patterns of ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) and how microbial communities affect EMF along a latitudinal gradient remain unclear. Here, we collected channel sediments, riparian rhizosphere soils, and riparian bulk soils from 30 rivers across China and calculated EMF using 18 variables related to nitrogen cycling, nutrient pool, plant productivity, and water quality. We also determined microbial diversity (taxonomic and functional) and microbial network complexity using metagenomic sequencing. The results showed that EMF significantly decreased with increasing latitude in riparian rhizosphere and bulk soils but not in channel sediments. Microbial taxonomic and functional richness (observed species) in channel sediments were significantly higher in the low-latitude group than in the high-latitude group. However, microbial co-occurrence networks were more complex in the high-latitude group compared with the low-latitude group. Abiotic factors, primarily geographic and climatic factors, contributed more to EMF than microbial diversity and network complexity parameters in which only betweenness centralization had a significant relationship with EMF. Together, this study provides insight into the latitudinal pattern of EMF in rivers and highlights the importance of large-scale factors in explaining such latitudinal patterns.IMPORTANCEEcosystem multifunctionality (EMF) is the capacity of an ecosystem to provide multiple functions simultaneously. Microorganisms, as dominant drivers of belowground processes, have a profound effect on ecosystem functions. Although studies have revealed the latitudinal patterns of microbial community structure and single ecosystem function, the latitudinal patterns of EMF and how microbial communities affect EMF along a latitudinal gradient remain unclear. We collected channel sediments, riparian rhizosphere soils, and riparian bulk soils from 30 rivers along a latitudinal gradient across China and calculated EMF using 18 variables related to nitrogen cycling, nutrient pool, plant productivity, and water quality. This study fills a critical knowledge gap regarding the latitudinal patterns and drivers of EMF in river ecosystems and gives new insights into how microbial diversity and network complexity affect EMF from a metagenomic perspective.

Effect of L-arabinose and lactulose combined with Lactobacillus plantarum on obesity induced by a high-fat diet in mice.

L-Arabinose, lactulose, and Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) have been reported to have glucolipid-lowering effects. Here, the effects of L-arabinose and lactulose combined with L. plantarum on obesity traits were investigated. According to the experimental results, the combination of L-arabinose, lactulose, and L. plantarum was more effective at reducing body weight, regulating glucolipid metabolism, and improving insulin resistance. Besides, this combination showed immunomodulatory activity by adjusting the T lymphocyte subsets and reduced the immune-related cytokine production. Moreover, it improved the gut barrier, ameliorated the disorder of gut microbiota, and upregulated the levels of SCFAs. More importantly, the AL group, LP group, and ALLP group showed different regulatory effects on the abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus due to the presence of lactulose and L. plantarum. These findings elucidate that the combination of L-arabinose, lactulose, and L. plantarum constitutes a new synbiotic combination to control obesity by modulating glucolipid metabolism, immunomodulatory activity, inflammation, gut barrier, gut microbiota and production of SCFAs.

Fluoride induces immunotoxicity by regulating riboflavin transport and metabolism partly through IL-17A in the spleen.

The impairment of the immune system by fluoride is a public health concern worldwide, yet the underlying mechanism is unclear. Both riboflavin and IL-17A are closely related to immune function and regulate the testicular toxicity of fluoride. However, whether riboflavin or IL-17A is involved in fluoride-induced immunotoxicity is unknown. Here, we first established a male ICR mouse model by treating mice with sodium fluoride (NaF) (100 mg/L) via the drinking water for 91 days. The results showed that fluoride increased the expression of the proinflammatory factors IL-1ß and IL-17A, which led to splenic inflammation and morphological injury. Moreover, the expression levels of the riboflavin transporters SLC52A2 and SLC52A3; the transformation-related enzymes RFK and FLAD1; and the key mitochondrial functional determinants SDH, COX, and ATP in the spleen were measured via real-time PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. The results revealed that fluoride disrupted riboflavin transport, transformation, metabolism, and mitochondrial function. Furthermore, wild-type (WT) and IL-17A knockout (IL-17A-/-) C57BL/6 J male mice of the same age were treated with NaF (24 mg/kg·bw, equivalent to 100 mg/L) and/or riboflavin sodium phosphate (5 mg/kg·bw) via gavage for 91 days. Similar parameters were evaluated as above. The results confirmed that fluoride increased riboflavin metabolism through RFK but not through FLAD1. Fluoride also affected mitochondrial function and activated neutrophils (marked with Ly6g) and macrophages (marked with CD68) in the spleen. Interestingly, IL-17A partly mediated fluoride-induced riboflavin metabolism disorder and immunotoxicity in the spleen. This work not only reveals a novel toxic mechanism for fluoride but also provides new clues for exploring the physiological function of riboflavin and for diagnosing and treating the toxic effects of fluoride in the environment.

Green multifunctional PVA composite hydrogel-membrane for the efficient purification of emulsified oil wastewater containing Pb2+ ions.

To date, most existing engineering materials have difficulty simultaneously separating oil/water and removing heavy metals from complex oily wastewater. In response to this challenge, a novel multifunctional composite hydrogel membrane (named PVA-CS-LDHs) was fabricated by incorporating chitosan (CS) and nanohydrotalcite (LDHs) into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel. This material was developed using an easy yet versatile strategy of freezing and salting-out, which can enable the formation of a PVA-CS-LDH hydrogel membrane in one step and endow the PVA-CS-LDHs with high strength, excellent stretchability, favourable shape recoverability, and an ideal 3D microstructure. The PVA-CS-LDH membrane can purify emulsified oil and metal ions simultaneously with a separation efficiency of 99.89 % for emulsified oil and a removal efficiency of 97.44 % for Pb2+ ions. Additionally, the high-efficiency, multifunctional, high-antifouling and eco-friendly properties of the PVA-CS-LDH membrane make it a promising hydrogel material for both emulsified oil separation and heavy metal ion removal. Thus, this material provides critical application potential that can address scientific and technological challenges in complex oily wastewater purification.

Explore the diagnostic performance of 2020 Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems by comparing with the 2017 ACR-TIRADS guidelines: a single-center study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic efficacy of the Chinese Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (C-TIRADS) with the well-accepted ACR-TIRADS guidelines in identifying benign from malignant thyroid nodules. METHODS: A total of 2064 nodules were collected from 1627 patients undergoing thyroid ultrasonography in our center between October 2019 and November 2021. Nodules were divided into two groups: "≥1 cm" and "<1 cm". Ultrasound features of each nodule were observed and recorded by two physicians with more than 15 years of experience and classified according to the ACR-TIRADS and C-TIRADS guidelines, respectively. RESULTS: The area under the curve of the ACR-TIRADS guideline was higher than that of the C-TIRADS guideline (0.922, P = 0.017), the specificity and positive predictive value of the C-TIRADS guideline were higher (81.64%, 88.72%, all P < 0.05), which was more significant in the subgroup of nodules <1 cm (P = 0.001). In addition, there was no statistical difference between the two guidelines in the diagnostic efficacy indicators for nodules ≥1 cm. The ACR-TIRADS effectively reduced unnecessary biopsies compared with the C-TIRADS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was high agreement between the two guidelines for the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, C-TIRADS guidelines had a higher specificity and simplicity while were inferior to the ACR-TIRADS guidelines in terms of reducing the number of biopsies.

GA20ox Family Genes Mediate Gibberellin and Auxin Crosstalk in Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis).

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) is one of the fastest growing plants. Gibberellin (GA) is a key phytohormone regulating growth, but there are few studies on the growth of Moso bamboo regulated by GA. The gibberellin 20 oxidase (GA20ox) gene family was targeted in this study. Chromosomal distribution and collinearity analysis identified 10 GA20ox genes evenly distributed on chromosomes, and the family genes were relatively conservative in evolution. The genetic relationship of GA20ox genes had been confirmed to be closest in different genera of plants in a phylogenetic and selective pressure analysis between Moso bamboo and rice. About 1/3 GA20ox genes experienced positive selective pressure with segmental duplication being the main driver of gene family expansion. Analysis of expression patterns revealed that only six PheGA20ox genes were expressed in different organs of shoot development and flowers, that there was redundancy in gene function. Underground organs were not the main site of GA synthesis in Moso bamboo, and floral organs are involved in the GA biosynthesis process. The auxin signaling factor PheARF47 was located upstream of PheGA20ox3 and PheGA20ox6 genes, where PheARF47 regulated PheGA20ox3 through cis-P box elements and cis-AuxRR elements, based on the result that promoter analysis combined with yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase detection analysis identified. Overall, we identified the evolutionary pattern of PheGA20ox genes in Moso bamboo and the possible major synthesis sites of GA, screened for key genes in the crosstalk between auxin and GA, and laid the foundation for further exploration of the synergistic regulation of growth by GA and auxin in Moso bamboo.