Volatile Compounds Emitted by Plant Growth-Promoting Fungus Tolypocladium inflatum GT22 Alleviate Copper and Pathogen Stress.

Previous studies on the intricate interactions between plants and microorganisms have revealed that fungal volatile compounds (VCs) can affect plant growth and development. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these actions remain to be delineated. In this study, we discovered that VCs from the soilborne fungus Tolypocladium inflatum GT22 enhance the growth of Arabidopsis. Remarkably, priming Arabidopsis with GT22 VCs caused the plant to display an enhanced immune response and mitigated the detrimental effects of both pathogenic infections and copper stress. Transcriptomic analyses of Arabidopsis seedlings treated with GT22 VCs for 3, 24 and 48 h revealed that 90, 83 and 137 genes were differentially expressed, respectively. The responsive genes are known to be involved in growth, hormone regulation, defense mechanisms and signaling pathways. Furthermore, we observed the induction of genes related to innate immunity, hypoxia, salicylic acid biosynthesis and camalexin biosynthesis by GT22 VCs. Among the VCs emitted by GT22, exposure of Arabidopsis seedlings to limonene promoted plant growth and attenuated copper stress. Thus, limonene appears to be a key mediator of the interaction between GT22 and plants. Overall, our findings provide evidence that fungal VCs can promote plant growth and enhance both biotic and abiotic tolerance. As such, our study suggests that exposure of seedlings to T. inflatum GT22 VCs may be a means of improving crop productivity. This study describes a beneficial interaction between T. inflatun GT22 and Arabidopsis. Our investigation of microorganism function in terms of VC activities allowed us to overcome the limitations of traditional microbial application methods. The importance of this study lies in the discovery of T. inflatun GT22 as a beneficial microorganism. This soilborne fungus emits VCs with plant growth-promoting effects and the ability to alleviate both copper and pathogenic stress. Furthermore, our study offers a valuable approach to tracking the activities of fungal VC components via transcriptomic analysis and sheds light on the mechanisms through which VCs promote plant growth and induce resistance. This research significantly advances our knowledge of VC applications and provides an example for further investigations within this field.

Uncovering molecular mechanisms involved in microbial volatile compounds-induced stomatal closure in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Microbial volatile compounds (mVCs) may cause stomatal closure to limit pathogen invasion as part of plant innate immune response. However, the mechanisms of mVC-induced stomatal closure remain unclear. In this study, we co-cultured Enterobacter aerogenes with Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings without direct contact to initiate stomatal closure. Experiments using the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive fluorescent dye, H2DCF-DA, showed that mVCs from E. aerogenes enhanced ROS production in guard cells of wild-type plants. The involvement of ROS in stomatal closure was then demonstrated in an ROS production mutant (rbohD). In addition, we identified two stages of signal transduction during E. aerogenes VC-induced stomatal closure by comparing the response of wild-type Arabidopsis with a panel of mutants. In the early stage (3 h exposure), E. aerogenes VCs induced stomatal closure in wild-type and receptor-like kinase THESEUS1 mutant (the1-1) but not in rbohD, plant hormone-related mutants (nced3, erf4, jar1-1), or MAPK kinase mutants (mkk1 and mkk3). However, in the late stage (24 h exposure), E. aerogenes VCs induced stomatal closure in wild-type and rbohD but not in nced3, erf4, jar1-1, the1-1, mkk1 or mkk3. Taken together, our results suggest that E. aerogenes mVC-induced plant immune responses modulate stomatal closure in Arabidopsis by a multi-phase mechanism.

Immune-based combination therapy to convert immunologically cold tumors into hot tumors: an update and new insights.

As a breakthrough strategy for cancer treatment, immunotherapy mainly consists of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other immunomodulatory drugs that provide a durable protective antitumor response by stimulating the immune system to fight cancer. However, due to the low response rate and unique toxicity profiles of immunotherapy, the strategies of combining immunotherapy with other therapies have attracted enormous attention. These combinations are designed to exert potent antitumor effects by regulating different processes in the cancer-immunity cycle. To date, immune-based combination therapy has achieved encouraging results in numerous clinical trials and has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for certain cancers with more studies underway. This review summarizes the emerging strategies of immune-based combination therapy, including combinations with another immunotherapeutic strategy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, targeted therapy, bacterial therapy, and stroma-targeted therapy. Here, we highlight the rationale of immune-based combination therapy, the biomarkers and the clinical progress for these immune-based combination therapies.

Association of Hearing Status and Cognition With Fall Among the Oldest-Old Chinese: A Nationally Representative Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The oldest-old (aged ≥80 years) are the most rapidly growing population and age is related to hearing impairment (HI) and cognitive decline. We aimed to estimate the association between HI and fall, and the effect of different cognitive states on this association among the oldest-old Chinese population. DESIGN: A total of 6931 Chinese oldest-old were included in the 2018 cross-cohort from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The presence of HI was identified by using a dichotomized metric of self-reported hearing status. Cognitive function was evaluated by using the modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Cognitive impairment was defined as the MMSE score below 24 points. Data on fall history were collected by questionnaires survey from the participants or their relatives. We studied the association of hearing status and cognitive function with fall by using multivariable logistic regressions, upon adjustment of sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyles, and health conditions. RESULTS: Our participants were aged 92 (range 80 to 117) on average, with 60.1% being women. In total, 39.1% of the participants had reported HI, 50.1% had cognitive impairment, and 26.2% had a history of falling. Participants with HI had a higher incidence of cognitive impairment (79.4%), as compared with their counterparts without HI (31.3%). Compared with those without HI, HI patients had a higher risk of falling after full adjustment for potential confounders (OR = 1.16 [95% confidence interval, CI, 1.01, 1.32], p = 0.031). In comparison with HI participants without cognitive impairment, HI patients with cognitive impairment had a higher fall risk (OR = 1.45 [95% CI = 1.23, 1.72], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Association of hearing status and cognition with fall was, for the first time, examined on the basis of a nationally-representative oldest-old Chinese population. Poor cognitive performance was common in individuals with HI, and those with HI and cognitive impairment further increased the risk of falling.

Impact of delayed veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation weaning on postoperative rehabilitation of lung transplantation: a single-center comparative study.

Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is a reliable and effective extracorporeal life support during lung transplantation (LTx). However, the clinical benefit of delayed VV-ECMO weaning remains unclear. The current study aims to investigate whether delayed weaning of VV-ECMO is more beneficial to the rehabilitation for lung transplant patients. Patients who underwent LTx with VV-ECMO between January 2017 and January 2019 were included. Enrollment of patients was suitable for weaning off ECMO immediately after surgery. Randomization was performed in the operating room. Postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Besides, univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate risk of postoperative complications. Compared to VV-ECMO weaning immediately after LTx, delayed weaning was associated with shorter hospital length of stay (days, 31 vs. 46; P < 0.05), lower incidence of noninvasive ventilation (4.3% vs. 24.4%; P < 0.05), primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (6.4% vs. 29.3%; P < 0.05), atrial fibrillation (AF) (4.3% vs. 22%, P < 0.05), and respiratory failure (4.3% vs. 19.5%; P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regressions revealed that VV-ECMO weaning after LTx was independently correlated with increased risk of developing PGD [odds ratio (OR), 5.97, 95% CI 1.16-30.74], AF (OR, 6.87, 95% CI 1.66-28.47) and respiratory failure (OR, 6.02, 95% CI 1.12-32.49) by comparison of delayed VV-ECMO weaning. Patients with delayed VV-ECMO weaning are associated with lower complications and short hospital length of stay, while it relates to longer mechanical ventilation. These findings suggest that delayed VV-ECMO after LTx can facilitate rehabilitation.

An IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein restrains the activation of T and B cells by inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck signaling in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis and the destruction of small joints. Emerging evidence shows that immunoglobulin D (IgD) stimulation induces T-cell activation, which may contribute to diseases pathogenesis in RA. In this study, we investigated the downstream signaling pathways by which IgD activated T cells as well as the possible role of IgD in the T-B interaction. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy controls and RA patients. We demonstrated that IgD activated T cells through IgD receptor (IgDR)-lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (Lck)-zeta-associated protein 70 (ZAP70)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways; IgD-induced CD4+ T cells promoted the proliferation of CD19+ B cells in RA patients. A novel fusion protein IgD-Fc-Ig (composed of human IgD-Fc domain and IgG1 Fc domain, which specifically blocked the IgD-IgDR binding) inhibited the coexpression of IgDR and phosphorylated Lck (p-Lck) and the expression levels of p-Lck, p-ZAP70, p-PI3K on CD4+ T cells, and decreased NF-κB nuclear translocation in Jurkat cells. Meanwhile, IgD-Fc-Ig downregulated the expression levels of CD40L on CD4+ T cells as well as CD40, CD86 on CD19+ B cells in RA patients and healthy controls. It also decreased the expression levels of CD40L on CD4+ T cells and CD40 on CD19+ B cells from spleens of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice and reduced IL-17A level in mouse serum. Moreover, administration of IgD-Fc-Ig (1.625-13 mg/kg, iv, twice a week for 4 weeks) in CIA mice dose-dependently decreased the protein expression levels of CD40, CD40L, and IgD in spleens. IgD-Fc-Ig restrains T-cell activation through inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck-ZAP70-PI3K-NF-κB signaling, thus inhibiting B-cell activation. Our data provide experimental evidences for application of IgD-Fc-Ig as a highly selective T cell-targeting treatment for RA.

Comparative study on inhibitory effects of ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid on Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm formation.

Biofilm cells exhibit higher resistance than their planktonic counterparts to commonly used disinfectants in food industry. Phenolic acids are promising substitute offering less selective pressure than traditional antibiotics. This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory effects of ferulic acid (FA) and p-coumaric acid (p-CA) on Salmonella Enteritidis biofilm formation and explore the underlying inhibitory mechanisms. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FA and p-CA were 1.0 and 0.5 mg/ml, respectively. The sub-inhibitory concentration (1/8 MIC) significantly decreased biofilm formation without growth inhibitory effects. The biomass and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of S. Enteritidis biofilm as well as the bacterial swimming and chemotaxis abilities were significantly decreased when exposed to sub-MIC concentrations of FA and p-CA. These two phenolic acids showed high affinity to proteins involved in flagella motility and repressed the S. Enteritidis biofilm formation-related gene expressions. Furthermore, these two phenolic acids maintained high antibiofilm efficiency in simulated food processing conditions. This study provided valuable information of multiple phenotypic and molecular responses of S. Enteritidis to these two phenolic acids.

CP-25 exerts therapeutic effects in mice with dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis by inhibiting GRK2 translocation to downregulate the TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in macrophages.

Deficiency of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was found to protect mice from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate (CP-25) has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory immune regulatory effects in animal models of inflammatory autoimmune disease. This study aimed to investigate the of GRK2 in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) and its effects on macrophage polarization, macrophage subtype regulation of intestinal barrier function, and therapeutic effects of CP-25 in mice with DSS-induced colitis. We found imbalanced macrophage polarization, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and abnormal activation of GRK2 and TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in the colonic mucosa of patients with UC. CP-25, restored the damaged intestinal barrier function by inhibiting the transmembrane region of GRK2 in macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharides. CP-25 exerted therapeutic effects by ameliorating clinical manifestation, regulating macrophage polarization, and restoring abnormally activated TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway by inhibiting GRK2. These data suggest the pathogenesis of UC may be related to the imbalance of macrophage polarization, which leads to abnormal activation of TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway mediated by GRK2 and destruction of the intestinal mucosal barrier. CP-25 confers therapeutic effects on colitis by inhibiting GRK2 translocation to induce the downregulation of TLR4-NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in macrophages.

Novel insight from the first lung transplant of a COVID-19 patient.

BACKGROUND: To reveal detailed histopathological changes, virus distributions, immunologic properties and multi-omic features caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the explanted lungs from the world's first successful lung transplantation of a COVID-19 patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 samples were collected from the lungs. Histopathological features and virus distribution were observed by optical microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Immune cells were detected by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Transcriptome and proteome approaches were used to investigate main biological processes involved in COVID-19-associated pulmonary fibrosis. RESULTS: The histopathological changes of the lung tissues were characterized by extensive pulmonary interstitial fibrosis and haemorrhage. Viral particles were observed in the cytoplasm of macrophages. CD3+ CD4- T cells, neutrophils, NK cells, γ/δ T cells and monocytes, but not B cells, were abundant in the lungs. Higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines iNOS, IL-1ß and IL-6 were in the area of mild fibrosis. Multi-omics analyses revealed a total of 126 out of 20,356 significant different transcription and 114 out of 8,493 protein expression in lung samples with mild and severe fibrosis, most of which were related to fibrosis and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide novel insight that the significant neutrophil/ CD3+ CD4- T cell/ macrophage activation leads to cytokine storm and severe fibrosis in the lungs of COVID-19 patient and may contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis.

Deficiency of ß-arrestin2 exacerbates inflammatory arthritis by facilitating plasma cell formation.

ß-arrestin2 (ß-arr2) is, a key protein that mediates desensitization and internalization of G protein-coupled receptors and participates in inflammatory and immune responses. Deficiency of ß-arr2 has been found to exacerbate collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) through unclear mechanisms. In this study we tried to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying ß-arr2 depletion-induced exacerbation of CAIA. CAIA was induced in ß-arr2-/- and wild-type (WT) mice by injection of collagen antibodies and LPS. The mice were sacrificed on d 13 after the injection, spleen, thymus and left ankle joints were collected for analysis. Arthritis index (AI) was evaluated every day or every 2 days. We showed that ß-arr2-/- mice with CAIA had a further increase in the percentage of plasma cells in spleen as compared with WT mice with CAIA, which was in accordance with elevated serum IgG1 and IgG2A expression and aggravating clinical performances, pathologic changes in joints and spleen, joint effusion, and joint blood flow. Both LPS stimulation of isolated B lymphocytes in vitro and TNP-LPS challenge in vivo led to significantly higher plasma cell formation and antibodies production in ß-arr2-/- mice as compared with WT mice. LPS treatment induced membrane distribution of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on B lymphocytes, accordingly promoted the nuclear translocation of NF-κB and the transcription of Blimp1. Immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that more TLR4 colocalized with ß-arr2 in B lymphocytes in response to LPS stimulation. Depletion of ß-arr2 restrained TLR4 on B lymphocyte membrane after LPS treatment and further enhanced downstream NF-κB signaling leading to additional increment in plasma cell formation. In summary, ß-arr2 depletion exacerbates CAIA and further increases plasma cell differentiation and antibody production through inhibiting TLR4 endocytosis and aggravating NF-κB signaling.

Inhibition of miR-135a-5p attenuates vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and vascular remodeling in hypertensive rats.

Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) greatly contributes to vascular remodeling in hypertension. This study is to determine the roles and mechanisms of miR-135a-5p intervention in attenuating VSMC proliferation and vascular remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). MiR-135a-5p level was raised, while fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) mRNA and protein expressions were reduced in VSMCs of SHRs compared with those of Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKYs). Enhanced VSMC proliferation in SHRs was inhibited by miR-135a-5p knockdown or miR-135a-5p inhibitor, but exacerbated by miR-135a-5p mimic. VSMCs of SHRs showed reduced myofilaments, increased or even damaged mitochondria, increased and dilated endoplasmic reticulum, which were attenuated by miR-135a-5p inhibitor. Dual-luciferase reporter assay shows that FNDC5 was a target gene of miR-135a-5p. Knockdown or inhibition of miR-135a-5p prevented the FNDC5 downregulation in VSMCs of SHRs, while miR-135a-5p mimic inhibited FNDC5 expressions in VSMCs of both WKYs and SHRs. FNDC5 knockdown had no significant effects on VSMC proliferation of WKYs, but aggravated VSMC proliferation of SHRs. Exogenous FNDC5 or FNDC5 overexpression attenuated VSMC proliferation of SHRs, and prevented miR-135a-5p mimic-induced enhancement of VSMC proliferation of SHR. MiR-135a-5p knockdown in SHRs attenuated hypertension, normalized FNDC5 expressions and inhibited vascular smooth muscle proliferation, and alleviated vascular remodeling. These results indicate that miR-135a-5p promotes while FNDC5 inhibits VSMC proliferation in SHRs. Silencing of miR-135a-5p attenuates VSMC proliferation and vascular remodeling in SHRs via disinhibition of FNDC5 transcription. Either inhibition of miR-135a-5p or upregulation of FNDC5 may be a therapeutically strategy in attenuating vascular remodeling and hypertension.

Paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate down-regulates CXCR4-Gßγ-PI3K/AKT mediated migration in fibroblast-like synoviocytes of rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting GRK2 translocation.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the effect of paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate (CP-25) on the migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the mechanism focused on CXCR4-Gßγ-PI3K/AKT signaling. METHODS: Human synovial tissues were collected from RA and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression of CXCR4, GRK2, Gßγ, PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT and p-AKT. Transwell was adopted to analyse the migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) were used to detect the combination of GRK2 and Gßγ, the combination of PI3K and Gßγ. RESULTS: The expression level of CXCR4, GRK2, Gßγ, p-p85 and p-AKT were increased in RA synovial tissue according to the results of IHC and Western blot. In vitro, the migration of FLS was increased after stimulation of CXCL12, inhibition of Gßγ suppressed the migration and phosphorylation of p85 and AKT induced by CXCL12 in FLS, and CP-25 had the same effect as inhibition of Gßγ. The membrane expression of GRK2, Gßγ, PI3K and the combination of GRK2 and Gßγ, the combination of PI3K and Gßγ in FLS were increased after the stimulation of CXCL12, and CP-25 had an ability in reducing the membrane expression and the combination of these proteins. CONCLUSION: Excessive migration of FLS in RA was associated with over-activation of PI3K/AKT signaling, and the activity of Gßγ was involved in the over-activation of PI3K/AKT. CP-25 down-regulated CXCR4-Gßγ-PI3K/AKT signals by inhibiting GRK2-Gßγ complex membrane translocation.

The key structural features governing the free radicals and catalytic activity of graphite/graphene oxide.

The presence of unpaired electrons (radicals) due to structural defects is believed to contribute to the catalytic reactivity of carbon materials. Graphite oxide and graphene oxide (GO) consist of significant structural defects and hence are considered more reactive than graphite and graphene. However, the relationship between their radical content/reactivity and their physical and chemical structures remains unknown, which limits the fabrication of high efficiency carbon-based catalysts. In this work, we progressively oxidize graphite to achieve graphite oxide and GO with different levels of oxidation and different sizes. It is observed that a maximal radical content can be achieved on graphite oxide with a C/O ratio of ca. 3.0 and a thickness of around 50 nm. Such a graphite oxide contains about 45% of π bonds and 38% of oxygenated bonds, respectively. Thinner or thicker sheets have lower radical contents due to over or insufficient oxidation, respectively. Single GO sheets with high radical contents can only be produced through a combination of oxidation and reduction. The catalytic activity of the graphite/graphene oxide for phenol degradation was found to be linearly correlated to their radical contents. The observations are significant for the advancement of carbon-based metal-free catalysis.

IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein, a new biological agent, inhibits T cell function in CIA rats by inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling pathways.

IgD-Fc-Ig fusion protein, a new biological agent, is constructed by linking a segment of human IgD-Fc with a segment of human IgG1-Fc, which specifically blocks the IgD-IgDR pathway and selectively inhibits the abnormal proliferation, activation, and differentiation of T cells. In this study we investigated whether IgD-Fc-Ig exerted therapeutic effects in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats. CIA rats were treated with IgD-Fc-Ig (1, 3, and 9 mg/kg) or injected with biological agents etanercept (3 mg/kg) once every 3 days for 40 days. In the PBMCs and spleen lymphocytes of CIA rats, both T and B cells exhibited abnormal proliferation; the percentages of CD3+ total T cells, CD3+CD4+ Th cells, CD3+CD4+CD25+-activated Th cells, Th1(CD4+IFN-γ+), and Th17(CD4+IL-17+) were significantly increased, whereas the Treg (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cell percentage was decreased. IgD-Fc-Ig administration dose-dependently decreased the indicators of arthritis; alleviated the histopathology of spleen and joint; reduced serum inflammatory cytokines levels; decreased the percentages of CD3+ total T cells, CD3+CD4+ Th cells, CD3+CD4+CD25+-activated Th cells, Th1 (CD4+IFN-γ+), and Th17(CD4+IL-17+); increased Treg (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+) cell percentage; and down-regulated the expression of key molecules in IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling (p-Lck, p-ZAP70, p-P38, p-NF-κB65). Treatment of normal T cells with IgD (9 µg/mL) in vitro promoted their proliferation. Co-treatment with IgD-Fc-Ig (0.1-10 µg/mL) dose-dependently decreased IgD-stimulated T cell subsets percentages and down-regulated the IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling. In summary, this study demonstrates that IgD-Fc-Ig alleviates CIA and regulates the functions of T cells through inhibiting IgD-IgDR-Lck-NF-κB signaling.

Exploring the diversity and role of microbiota during material pretreatment of light-flavor Baijiu.

Baijiu (Chinese liquor) is a type of traditional distilled alcoholic beverage produced through spontaneous solid-state fermentation with sorghum as the primary material. Material processing, including sorghum soaking, steaming and cooling which is carried out in an open environment, is an integral part of Baijiu manufacturing. However, the microbiota involved in material pretreatment and its associate with the alcoholic fermentation is unclear. This research is aimed to exploring the diversity and role of microbiota during material pretreatment of light-flavor Baijiu. Results showed that Cyanobacteria, Epicoccum, and Cladosporium predominated in the sorghum at the beginning of soaking. Lactobacillus and Pichia became the predominant bacterial and fungal genera by the end of soaking. With the dynamics of microbiota, the pH declined sharply and the categories and concentration of volatile flavors such as alcohols, esters, acids, phenols, ketones, and aldehydes increased. Correlation analysis indicated that Lactobacillus and Pichia showed positive correlation with various flavors during soaking. Furthermore, SourceTracker analysis revealed that the microbiota involved during cooling processing was an important source of the Lactobacillus during fermentation of light-flavor Baijiu. This study illustrates the role of microbiota during material pretreatment and the association with alcoholic fermentation, which contributes to reveal the mechanism of Baijiu manufacturing.

Paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate alleviates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by downregulating BAFF-TRAF2-NF-κB signaling: comparison with biological agents.

Paeoniflorin-6'-O-benzene sulfonate (CP-25) is a new ester derivative of paeoniflorin with improved lipid solubility and oral bioavailability, as well as better anti-inflammatory activity than its parent compound. In this study we explored whether CP-25 exerted therapeutic effects in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice through regulating B-cell activating factor (BAFF)-BAFF receptors-mediated signaling pathways. CIA mice were given CP-25 or injected with biological agents rituximab or etanercept for 40 days. In CIA mice, we found that T cells and B cells exhibited abnormal proliferation; the percentages of CD19+ total B cells, CD19+CD27+-activated B cells, CD19+BAFFR+ and CD19+TACI+ cells were significantly increased in PBMCs and spleen lymphocytes. CP-25 suppressed the indicators of arthritis, alleviated histopathology, accompanied by reduced BAFF and BAFF receptors expressions, inhibited serum immunoglobulin levels, decreased the B-cell subsets percentages, and prevented the expressions of key molecules in NF-κB signaling. Furthermore, we showed that treatment with CP-25 reduced CD19+TRAF2+ cell expressions stimulated by BAFF and decreased TRAF2 overexpression in HEK293 cells in vitro. Thus, CP-25 restored the abnormal T cells proliferation and B-cell percentages to the normal levels, and normalized the elevated levels of IgA, IgG2a and key proteins in NF-κB signaling. In comparison, rituximab and etanercept displayed stronger anti-inflammatory activities than CP-25; they suppressed the elevated inflammatory indexes to below the normal levels in CIA mice. In summary, our results provide evidence that CP-25 alleviates CIA and regulates the functions of B cells through BAFF-TRAF2-NF-κB signaling. CP-25 would be a soft immunomodulatory drug with anti-inflammatory effect.

A Biomimetic Supramolecular Approach for Charge Transfer between Donor and Acceptor Chromophores with Aggregation-Induced Emission.

Supramolecular assembly of chromophores with inherent resistance to aggregation-induced self-quenching is significant to applications such as chemical sensing and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). In this work, molecular gels with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) are constructed by simply coassembling AIE chromophores (electron donor or acceptor) with a nonfluorescent molecular gelator. The binary gels are fluorescent even at very low concentrations of the AIE chromophores, indicating that the rotation of their aromatic cores is restricted in the gel network. In tertiary gels, the fluorescence of the donor chromophore can be efficiently reduced by the acceptor chromophore through a combination of static and dynamic quenching process, via charge transfer from the donor to the acceptor. This work demonstrates a convenient approach to fabricate a supramolecular charge transfer system using an AIE donor and acceptor.

Synergistic Coassembly of Two Structurally Different Molecular Gelators.

Coassembly of molecules can produce materials with improved properties and functionalities. To this end, achieving a molecular level understanding of the interactions governing the coassembly is essential. In this work, two molecular gelators with significantly different structures and main intermolecular forces for assembly were coassembled. The elastic moduli of the hybrid gels are more than 1 order of magnitude higher than those of the gels formed by the individual gelators, showing an obvious synergistic effect. The interactions between the gelators were investigated with confocal microscopy and both one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. It was found that the two gelators coassemble to form fibers due to the nonspecific van der Waals interactions between their alkyl chains and the specific interactions between their functional groups. Switching from one gelator-dominated fiber network to the other gelator-dominated fiber network was achieved at a critical molar ratio of the gelators. The two gelators serve as additives of each other to tune the nucleation and growth of the fiber networks. The observations of this work are significant to the development of materials with improved properties by coassembly of different molecules.