In our previous study, complete single DNA strands which were obtained from nuclei, chloroplasts and plant mitochondria obeyed Chargaff’s second parity rule, although those which were obtained from animal mitochondri...In our previous study, complete single DNA strands which were obtained from nuclei, chloroplasts and plant mitochondria obeyed Chargaff’s second parity rule, although those which were obtained from animal mitochondria deviated from the rule. On the other hand, plant mitochondria obeyed another different rule after their classification. Complete single DNA strand sequences obtained from chloroplasts, plant mitochondria, and animal mitochondria, were divided into the coding and non-coding regions. The non-coding region, which was the complementary coding region on the reverse strand, was incorporated as a coding region in the forward strand. When the nucleotide contents of the coding region or non-coding regions were plotted against the composition of the four nucleotides in the complete single DNA strand, it was determined that chloroplast and plant mitochondrial DNA obeyed Chargaff’s second parity rule in both the coding and non-coding regions. However, animal mitochondrial DNA deviated from this rule. In chloroplast and plant mitochondrial DNA, which obey Chargaff’s second parity rule, the lines of regression for G (purine) and C (pyrimidine) intersected with regression lines for A (purine) and T (pyrimidines), respectively, at around 0.250 in all cases. On the other hand, in animal mitochondrial DNA, which deviates from Chargaff’s second parity rule, only regression lines due to the content of homonucleotides or their analogs in the coding or non-coding region against those in the complete single DNA strand intersected at around 0.250 at the horizontal axis. Conversely, the intersection of the two lines of regression (G and A or C and T) against the contents of heteronucleotides or their analogs shifted from 0.25 in both coding and non-coding regions. Nucleotide alternations in chloroplasts and plant mitochondria are strictly regulated, not only by the proportion of homonucleotides and their analogs, but also by the heteronucleotides and their analogs. They are strictly regulated in animal mitochondria only by the content of homonucleotides and their analogs.展开更多
During aging, cardiac contractile response to β-AR stimulation is decreased in humans and animal models. Recent studies demonstrate that the positive inotropic effects of both β1-AR and β2-AR stimulation are signif...During aging, cardiac contractile response to β-AR stimulation is decreased in humans and animal models. Recent studies demonstrate that the positive inotropic effects of both β1-AR and β2-AR stimulation are significantly decreased with aging.This is accompanied by decreases in both β-AR subtype densities and a reduction in membrane adenylyl cyclase activity. However,neither G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) nor inhibitory G proteins (Gi) appears to contribute to the age-associated reduction in the β-AR modulation of contraction. Thus, while both aging and chronic heart failure exhibit a diminution in cardiac β-AR responsiveness, only heart failure exhibits increased GRK-mediated desensitization ofβ-Ars and an upregulation of Gi proteins.展开更多
As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-int...As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-interaction benefits and clear business models.Consequently,assessing the value of grid-alternative energy storage in the systemtransition has become critically important.Considering the performance characteristics of storage,we propose a value assessment frame-work for grid-alternative energy storage,quantifying its non-wires-alternative effects from both cost and benefit perspectives.Building on this,we developed a collaborative planning model for energy storage and transmission grids,aimed at maximizing the economic benefits of storage systems while balancing investment and operational costs.The model considers regional grid interconnections and their interactions with system operation.By participating in system operations,grid-alternative energy storage not only maximizes its own economic benefits but also generates social welfare transfer effects.Furthermore,based on multi-regional interconnected planning,grid-alternative energy storage can reduce system costs by approximately 35%,with the most significant changes observed in generation costs.Multi-regional coordinated planning significantly enhances the sys-tem’s flexibility in regulation.However,when the load factor of interconnection lines between regions remains constant,system operational flexibility tends to decrease,leading to a roughly 28.9%increase in storage investment.Additionally,under regional coordinated planning,the greater the disparity in wind power integration across interconnected regions,the more noticeable the reduction in system costs.展开更多
Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ul...Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ultra-low sampling rates.We develop an alternative optimization with physics and a data-driven diffusion network(APD-Net).It features alternative optimization driven by the learned task-agnostic natural image prior and the task-specific physics prior.During the training stage,APD-Net harnesses the power of diffusion models to capture data-driven statistics of natural signals.In the inference stage,the physics prior is introduced as corrective guidance to ensure consistency between the physics imaging model and the natural image probability distribution.Through alternative optimization,APD-Net reconstructs data-efficient,high-fidelity images that are statistically and physically compliant.To accelerate reconstruction,initializing images with the inverse SPI physical model reduces the need for reconstruction inference from 100 to 30 steps.Through both numerical simulations and real prototype experiments,APD-Net achieves high-quality,full-color reconstructions of complex natural images at a low sampling rate of 1%.In addition,APD-Net’s tuning-free nature ensures robustness across various imaging setups and sampling rates.Our research offers a broadly applicable approach for various applications,including but not limited to medical imaging and industrial inspection.展开更多
This editorial critically evaluates the application of foot reflexology as a treatment for sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)in infants,as proposed in a case report published in the World of Clinical Cases.SNHL is a con...This editorial critically evaluates the application of foot reflexology as a treatment for sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)in infants,as proposed in a case report published in the World of Clinical Cases.SNHL is a condition characterized by damage to the cochlea or the neural pathways that transmit auditory information to the brain.The etiology of SNHL is often complex,involving genetic mutations,prenatal factors,or perinatal insults.Reflexology,an alternative therapy involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet,is based on the hypothesis that these points correspond to different organs and systems in the body,including the auditory system.However,the biological plausibility and clinical efficacy of foot reflexology in addressing SNHL lack empirical support.This editorial examines the pathophysiology of SNHL,assesses the clinical claims of reflexology practitioners,and emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based approaches in treating infant hearing loss.While complementary therapies may provide ancillary benefits,they should not supplant validated medical treatments in managing SNHL in infants.Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of foot reflexology and other alternative therapies in pediatric audiology.展开更多
The ring-opening alternating copolymerization(ROAC)of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin(DHC)/epoxides has been successfully developed using an imidazolium salt of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(EMIMCl)as a catalyst.The result...The ring-opening alternating copolymerization(ROAC)of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin(DHC)/epoxides has been successfully developed using an imidazolium salt of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(EMIMCl)as a catalyst.The resulting copolymer has a molecular weight of 13.7kg·mol^(-1),a narrow molecular weight distribution of 1.03 and a strictly alternating structure.The MALDI-TOF MS characterization and DFT calculations including electrostatic potential(ESP),hydrogen-atom abstraction(HAA),independent gradient model based on hirshfeld partition(IGMH)and atoms-in-molecules(AIM)analysis were used to investigate the metal-free catalytic process.The synergistic effect of anions and cations of EMIMCl for ROAC of DHC and epoxides was demonstrated.This study provides a metal-free catalytic system for the facile synthesis of alternating polyesters from DHC.展开更多
Background:Hippocratic medicine is routinely presented as the origin of rational,observational practice.Yet much of what is now called“Hippocratic principles”is a reception history-filtered through Galen,the Alexand...Background:Hippocratic medicine is routinely presented as the origin of rational,observational practice.Yet much of what is now called“Hippocratic principles”is a reception history-filtered through Galen,the Alexandrian medical school,and especially Islamic scholars such as Rhazes,Avicenna,and Masawaiyh.To reassess the enduring influence of Hippocratic medicine on contemporary practice and ethics by(i)distinguishing Hippocratic origins from later systematizations,and(ii)thematizing the philosophical stakes of the 21st-century“Hippocratic revival”(holism,patient-centrism,and the surge of non-science-based alternative medicine).Methods:Textual analysis of the Hippocratic Corpus is integrated with a reception-historical review(Galenic,Alexandrian,and Islamic commentators)and with historiographical framing(Porter,Temkin,Nutton).A conceptual analysis contrasts the Koan holistic and Knidian disease-entity approaches and examines their modern legacies.Results:Core Hippocratic themes-clinical observation,individualization,and ethical commitment-persist,but largely via later reinterpretations.The Koan/Knidian split illuminates today’s tensions between evidence-based standardization and person-centred holism.Modern invocations of Hippocrates often uncritically legitimate“holism”in ways that can blur boundaries between epistemically disciplined person-centred care and non-science-based alternative medicine.Conclusion:Hippocratic principles endure,but only when historically situated and normatively constrained.A philosophically robust“Hippocratic revival”in the 21st century must(a)acknowledge its Galenic-Islamic mediations,(b)preserve evidence standards,and(c)articulate an ethically grounded,epistemically responsible holism rather than a carte blanche for post-truth medical pluralism.展开更多
Changes in food production,often driven by distant demand,have a significant influence on sustainable man agement and use of land and water,and are in turn a driving factor of biodiversity change.While the connection ...Changes in food production,often driven by distant demand,have a significant influence on sustainable man agement and use of land and water,and are in turn a driving factor of biodiversity change.While the connection between land use and demand through value chains is increasingly understood,there is no comprehensive concep tualisation of this relationship.To address this gap,we propose a conceptual framework and use it as a basis for a systematic review to characterise value-chain connection and explore its influence on land-use and-cover change.Our search in June 2022 onWeb of Science and Scopus yielded 198 documents,describing studies completed after the year 2000 that provide information on both value-chain connection and land-use or-cover change.In total,we used 531 distinct cases to assess how frequently particular types of land-use or-cover change and value-chain connections co-occurred,and synthesized findings on their relations.Our findings confirm that 1)market inte gration is associated with intensification;2)land managers with environmental standards more frequently adopt environmentally friendly practices;3)physical and value-chain distances to consumers play a crucial role,with shorter distances associated with environmentally friendly practices and global chains linked to intensification and expansion.Incorporating these characteristics in existing theories of land-system change,would significantly advance understanding of land managers’decision-making,ultimately guiding more environmentally responsible production systems and contributing to global sustainability goals.展开更多
The results of the study of the effect of partial substitution of Fe by Mn in the La Fe_(11.2-x)Mn_(x)Co_(0.7)Si_(1.1)system on magnetization,specific heat,magnetostriction and magnetocaloric effect are presented.Dire...The results of the study of the effect of partial substitution of Fe by Mn in the La Fe_(11.2-x)Mn_(x)Co_(0.7)Si_(1.1)system on magnetization,specific heat,magnetostriction and magnetocaloric effect are presented.Direct measurements of the adiabatic temperature change(ΔT_(ad))were carried out in alternating magnetic fields(AMF)using the magnetic field modulation method.Partial substitution of Fe atoms by Mn atoms leads to a shift in the Curie temperature(T_(C))towards lower temperatures without a noticeable deterioration in magnetic properties.A correlation was found between the structural component of the magnetocaloric effect and the stability of the frequency of theΔT_(ad)in the AMFs—an increase in the manganese concentration leads to a decrease in magnetostriction and to a lower dependence ofΔT_(ad)on the frequency of the magnetic field.Estimates of the specific cooling power Q_(C)as a function of the frequency of the AMF showed that the highest value of Q_(C)at f=20 Hz in a magnetic field of 12k Oe is 26.3 W g^(-1)and is observed for the composition with x=0.1.This value is higher than that of Gd,for which,under the same conditions,Q_(C)=21.6 W g^(-1).All the samples studied show stability of the value ofΔT_(ad)without any sign of deterioration of the effect up to 60,000cycles of switching on/off of the magnetic field of 12 k Oe.The discovered frequency and cyclic stability ofΔT_(ad)of the studied samples increase their prospects for application in magnetic cooling technology.展开更多
Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SC...Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SCP),derived from methanotrophic bacteria,presents a promising alternative by converting methane into protein,potentially addressing both the need for alternative protein sources and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of SCP inclusion(0%,25%,50%,and 75%fish meal replacement)on the health,gene expression,and gut microbiome of yellowtail kingfish(YTK,Seriola lalandi)following a 35-day growth trial.Results The study found that SCP inclusion at the highest level of fishmeal replacement(75%)induced a mild inflammatory response in the hindgut of the fish.However,micromorphological assessments of the hindgut,serum biochemistry,and gene expression analyses revealed no significant detrimental effects from SCP replacement.Notably,there were indications of improved lipid digestibility with SCP.Furthermore,SCP inclusion significantly enhanced microbial richness and altered the composition of the gut microbiome,introducing beneficial bacterial taxa that may contribute to improved gut health and resilience.Conclusions This study highlights SCP as a viable and sustainable alternative to fish meal in YTK diets.The findings suggest that SCP can be included in YTK diets without adverse health effects at moderate levels and may even offer benefits in terms of lipid digestibility and gut microbiome diversity.These results contribute to the advancement of more sustainable aquaculture practices.展开更多
The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases a...The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases after birth.Environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds(EDCs)have been proven to harm THs in newborns.Phthalates(PAEs),a typical class of EDCs,are commonly used in toys,childcare materials,and food contact materials,which have been closely connected with neonatal thyroid dysfunction and thyroid-related diseases.As restrictions on PAEs becomemore stringent in neonatal field,numerous PAE alternatives are emerging.Associations between exposure to PAEs and their alternatives and dysfunctions in THs have been explored.Hence,we summarized the body burdens and regional characteristics of PAEs and their alternatives in neonatal urine,cord blood,and meconium.Subsequently,the influences of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid dysfunction,prematurity,low birth weight,fetal growth restriction,respiratory dysfunction,immune disorders,neurological disorders,and reproductive disorders in newborns were evaluated.Furthermore,we scrutinized the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on the neonatal thyroid from signaling,substance transport,and hormone production to explore the underlying mechanisms of action on neonatal thyroid and thyroid-related disorders.As the declining global trends of healthy newborns and the potential impacts of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid function,a more comprehensive study is needed to discuss their effects on newborns and their underlying mechanisms.This review facilitates attention to the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid and thyroid-related disorders in newborns.展开更多
This paper presents findings of a study on solid wastes conversion into fuels through pyrolysis of plastic materials, presenting an alternative renewable approach for waste management. Investigations were conducted on...This paper presents findings of a study on solid wastes conversion into fuels through pyrolysis of plastic materials, presenting an alternative renewable approach for waste management. Investigations were conducted on conversion of polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) under normal and catalyst mediated process conditions. Plastic wastes were collected from various dumpsites in Nairobi and segregated using plastic resin codes to various classes. Samples were cleaned, dried and shredded to 2 mm and fed into a pyrolysis reactor. The pyrolysis process was conducted at between 220˚C and 420˚C. Pyrolysis gases were condensed in a shell and coil condenser and the incondensable gases were stored in gasbags. Liquid fuels were analysed using Gas chromatograph with a mass spectroscopic detector and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry. The results revealed that the most optimal process conditions were a temperature range of 220˚C - 420˚C at a heating rate of 10˚C per minute. Under these conditions, the oil yields were 53.72% for PP, 62.10% for LDPE, and 64.14% for HDPE. As the heating rate increased from 10˚C/min to 20˚C/min, gas yields increased, rising from 28.05% to 31.12% in PP, 14.96% to 30.62% in LDPE, and 18.51% to 29.49% in HDPE. The introduction of Fe2O3 and Al2O3 catalyst significantly enhanced gas production during pyrolysis, increasing yields from 18% to 61% and 47% respectively.展开更多
The plant circadian clock temporally drives gene expression throughout the day and coordinates various physiological processes with diurnal environmental changes. It is essential for conferring plant fitness and compe...The plant circadian clock temporally drives gene expression throughout the day and coordinates various physiological processes with diurnal environmental changes. It is essential for conferring plant fitness and competitive advantages to survive and thrive under natural conditions through the circadian control of gene transcription. Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide, although there is little information concerning its circadian clock system. Here we found that gene expression patterns are affected bycircadian oscillators at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in Chinese cabbage. Time-course RNA-seq analyses were conducted on two short-period lines(SPcc-1 and SPcc-2) and two long-period lines(LPcc-1 and LPcc-2) under constant light. The results showed that 32.7–50.5% of the genes were regulated bythe circadian oscillator and the expression peaks of cycling genes appeared earlier in short-period lines than long-period lines. In addition, approximately 250 splicing events exhibited circadian regulation, with intron retention(IR) accounting for a large proportion. Rhythmically spliced genes included the clock genes LATE ELONGATEDHYPOCOTYL(BrLHY), REVEILLE 2(BrRVE2) and EARLY FLOWERING 3(BrELF3). We also found that thecircadian oscillator could notably influence the diurnal expression patterns of genes that are associated with glucose metabolism via photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle and the tricarboxylic acid(TCA) cycle at both the transcriptional andpost-transcriptional levels. The collective results of this study demonstrate that circadian-regulated physiological processes contribute to Chinese cabbage growth and development.展开更多
Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer(CAR-NK)cell therapy is an alternative immunotherapy that provides robust tumor-eliminating effects without inducing life-threatening toxicities and graft-versus-host disease.CA...Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer(CAR-NK)cell therapy is an alternative immunotherapy that provides robust tumor-eliminating effects without inducing life-threatening toxicities and graft-versus-host disease.CAR-NK cell therapy has enabled the development of“off-the-shelf”products that bypass the lengthy and expensive cell manufacturing process1.展开更多
Background:Alterations in splicing factors contribute to aberrant alternative splicing(AS),which subsequently promotes tumor progression.The splicing factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1(PTBP1)has been shown ...Background:Alterations in splicing factors contribute to aberrant alternative splicing(AS),which subsequently promotes tumor progression.The splicing factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1(PTBP1)has been shown to facilitate cancer progression by modulating oncogenic variants.However,its specific role and underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain to be elucidated.Methods:PTBP1 expression was evaluated in HCC tissues and cell lines.Subsequently,cells were transfected with vectors designed for PTBP1 overexpression or downregulation.The biological function of PTBP1 was assessed in vitro and in vivo using MTS assays,colony formation assays,transwell assays,xenograft formation,tail vein injection,and orthotopic models.Transcriptome analysis was conducted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results:Our findings demonstrated that PTBP1 exhibited elevated expression in HCC cell lines and tissues.Furthermore,its expression positively correlated with overall and disease-free survival rates,as well as tumor grade and stage.PTBP1 knockdown reduced HCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion in vitro and suppressed hepatocarcinoma xenograft growth and infiltration in vivo.RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)analysis identified the AS events associated with PTBP1.PTBP1 functionally enhanced cell proliferation,invasion,and migration by modulating the AS of the microtubule-associated protein tau(MAPT)gene and promoting oncogene expression.Notably,the dysregulation of MAPT splicing coincided with increased PTBP1 expression in HCC.Conclusions:PTBP1-guided AS of the MAPT gene enhances tumorigenicity in HCC through activation of the MAPK/ERK pathways.展开更多
Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total trac...Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.展开更多
Heterogeneity in carbonate formations due to discontinuities(e.g.,fractures and cavities)will bring about distinctive acid stimulation effects.However,the differences in fracturing behavior between homogeneous and het...Heterogeneity in carbonate formations due to discontinuities(e.g.,fractures and cavities)will bring about distinctive acid stimulation effects.However,the differences in fracturing behavior between homogeneous and heterogeneous carbonate formations remain unclear,complicating the optimization of acid fracturing strategies.In this paper,full-diameter carbonate rock samples with different degrees of discontinuity development are selected to investigate the fracturing behavior under different fluid types and injection schemes.Advanced techniques,including 3D CT scanning and 3D laser scanning,are employed to analyze fracture morphology and etching characteristics,respectively.Experimental results show that the coupled hydraulic-chemical effects play different roles in fracture induction between fracture-cavity developed and undeveloped carbonate rocks.Acid-fracturing stimulation consistently induces multiple types of complex fractures in fracture-cavity carbonate rocks,whereas it results in a single artificial fracture in less fracture-cavity carbonate rocks.Furthermore,localized etching patterns are prevalent in most fracture-cavity carbonate rocks,whereas homogeneous carbonate rocks exhibit regional or global etching characteristics.In both carbonate rocks,the stimulation effect of guar fluid is inferior to that of gelled acid but comparable to self-generating acid.Further findings are that alternating fracturing with guar and acid fluids in fracture-cavity carbonate rocks can sustain or even increase the injection pressure,facilitating the formation of new or depth-penetrating fractures.This phenomenon,however,is not observed in fracture-cavity undeveloped carbonate rocks.Potential interaction modes between induced fracture and natural fractures/cavities under different injection conditions are also identified.Finally,preferred fracturing schemes applicable to different carbonate formations are recommended based on the area,number and roughness of the induced fractures.展开更多
Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying ...Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.展开更多
Moistube irrigation is a newly-developed irrigation technique that utilizes a semipermeable membrane to release water slowly and continuously into the plant root zone.Alternate Moistube Irrigation(AMI)is a combination...Moistube irrigation is a newly-developed irrigation technique that utilizes a semipermeable membrane to release water slowly and continuously into the plant root zone.Alternate Moistube Irrigation(AMI)is a combination of alternative irrigation and moistube irrigation.In order to investigate the effects of AMI on plant growth,greenhouse experiments were conducted on spinach(Spinacia oleracea)and water spinach(Ipomoea aquatica)plants at different time.We measured soil water content at a depth of 20 cm in the planting boxes,and also determined seed emergence rate,plant height,largest leaf area,fresh weight per plant,yield,and irrigation water productivity(IWP)for both spinach and water spinach.The results showed that the AMI treatments had significantly higher soil water content than the conventional surface irrigation control(CK).The emergence rates of spinach and water spinach were significantly higher in the AMI treatments than in the CK,and the plant height,largest leaf area,and fresh weight during the middle and late stages of spinach and water spinach growth were also significantly higher than those of the CK.Both spinach and water spinach grew well and produced high yield with high IWP under AMI with a high water head pressure of 1.5 m at tube spacing of 20 or 30 cm.We found that AMI with a suitable combination of head pressure and tube spacing can promote plant growth and increase yield and IWP under controlled conditions.展开更多
Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the central nervous system associated with various neurological conditions.The inflammatory process is typically treated with non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammat...Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the central nervous system associated with various neurological conditions.The inflammatory process is typically treated with non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,which have a range of serious adverse effects.As an alternative,naturally derived molecules such as quercetin and its derivatives show promising anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on various physiological functions.Our objective was to synthesize the evidence on the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin and its derivatives in in vivo models,in the face of neuroinflammatory insults induced by lipopolysaccharide,through a systematic review and meta-analysis.A search of the preclinical literature was conducted across four databases(Pub Med,Web of Science,Scielo,and Google Scholar).Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,assessed for methodological quality using CAMARADES,and risk of bias using the SYRCLE tool,and data were extracted from the studies.The quantitative assessment of quercetin effects on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microgliosis was performed through a meta-analysis.A total of 384 potentially relevant articles were identified,of which 11 studies were included in the analysis.The methodological quality was assessed,resulting in an average score of 5.8/10,and the overall risk of bias analysis revealed a lack of methodological clarity in most studies.Furthermore,through the meta-analysis,it was observed that treatment with quercetin statistically reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin 6,interleukin 1β(n=89;SMD=–2.00;95%CI:–3.29 to–0.71),and microgliosis(n=33;SMD=–2.56;95%CI:–4.07 to–1.10).In terms of underlying mechanisms,quercetin and its derivatives exhibit antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties,possibly through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/HO-1 pathways,increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reducing reactive species,and modulating the caspase pathway,increasing levels of anti-apoptotic proteins and decreasing proapoptotic proteins.Quercetin and its derivatives exhibit highly pleiotropic actions that simultaneously contribute to preventing neuroinflammation.However,despite promising results in animal models,future directions should focus on well-designed clinical studies to assess the safety,bioavailability,and efficacy of quercetin and its derivatives in humans.Additionally,standardization of methods and dosages in studies is crucial to ensure consistency of findings and optimize their application in clinical settings.展开更多
文摘In our previous study, complete single DNA strands which were obtained from nuclei, chloroplasts and plant mitochondria obeyed Chargaff’s second parity rule, although those which were obtained from animal mitochondria deviated from the rule. On the other hand, plant mitochondria obeyed another different rule after their classification. Complete single DNA strand sequences obtained from chloroplasts, plant mitochondria, and animal mitochondria, were divided into the coding and non-coding regions. The non-coding region, which was the complementary coding region on the reverse strand, was incorporated as a coding region in the forward strand. When the nucleotide contents of the coding region or non-coding regions were plotted against the composition of the four nucleotides in the complete single DNA strand, it was determined that chloroplast and plant mitochondrial DNA obeyed Chargaff’s second parity rule in both the coding and non-coding regions. However, animal mitochondrial DNA deviated from this rule. In chloroplast and plant mitochondrial DNA, which obey Chargaff’s second parity rule, the lines of regression for G (purine) and C (pyrimidine) intersected with regression lines for A (purine) and T (pyrimidines), respectively, at around 0.250 in all cases. On the other hand, in animal mitochondrial DNA, which deviates from Chargaff’s second parity rule, only regression lines due to the content of homonucleotides or their analogs in the coding or non-coding region against those in the complete single DNA strand intersected at around 0.250 at the horizontal axis. Conversely, the intersection of the two lines of regression (G and A or C and T) against the contents of heteronucleotides or their analogs shifted from 0.25 in both coding and non-coding regions. Nucleotide alternations in chloroplasts and plant mitochondria are strictly regulated, not only by the proportion of homonucleotides and their analogs, but also by the heteronucleotides and their analogs. They are strictly regulated in animal mitochondria only by the content of homonucleotides and their analogs.
文摘During aging, cardiac contractile response to β-AR stimulation is decreased in humans and animal models. Recent studies demonstrate that the positive inotropic effects of both β1-AR and β2-AR stimulation are significantly decreased with aging.This is accompanied by decreases in both β-AR subtype densities and a reduction in membrane adenylyl cyclase activity. However,neither G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) nor inhibitory G proteins (Gi) appears to contribute to the age-associated reduction in the β-AR modulation of contraction. Thus, while both aging and chronic heart failure exhibit a diminution in cardiac β-AR responsiveness, only heart failure exhibits increased GRK-mediated desensitization ofβ-Ars and an upregulation of Gi proteins.
基金funded by the Technology Project of State Grid Jibei Electric Power Supply Co.,Ltd.(Grant Number:52018F240001).
文摘As the development of new power systems accelerates and the impacts of high renewable energy integration and extreme weather intensify,grid-alternative energy storage is garnering increasing attention for its grid-interaction benefits and clear business models.Consequently,assessing the value of grid-alternative energy storage in the systemtransition has become critically important.Considering the performance characteristics of storage,we propose a value assessment frame-work for grid-alternative energy storage,quantifying its non-wires-alternative effects from both cost and benefit perspectives.Building on this,we developed a collaborative planning model for energy storage and transmission grids,aimed at maximizing the economic benefits of storage systems while balancing investment and operational costs.The model considers regional grid interconnections and their interactions with system operation.By participating in system operations,grid-alternative energy storage not only maximizes its own economic benefits but also generates social welfare transfer effects.Furthermore,based on multi-regional interconnected planning,grid-alternative energy storage can reduce system costs by approximately 35%,with the most significant changes observed in generation costs.Multi-regional coordinated planning significantly enhances the sys-tem’s flexibility in regulation.However,when the load factor of interconnection lines between regions remains constant,system operational flexibility tends to decrease,leading to a roughly 28.9%increase in storage investment.Additionally,under regional coordinated planning,the greater the disparity in wind power integration across interconnected regions,the more noticeable the reduction in system costs.
基金upported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.62305184)the Major Key Project of Pengcheng Laboratory(Grant No.PCL2024A1)+1 种基金the Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province(Grant No.2023A1515012932)the Science,Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Municipality(Grant No.WDZC20220818100259004).
文摘Single-pixel imaging(SPI)enables efficient sensing in challenging conditions.However,the requirement for numerous samplings constrains its practicality.We address the challenge of high-quality SPI reconstruction at ultra-low sampling rates.We develop an alternative optimization with physics and a data-driven diffusion network(APD-Net).It features alternative optimization driven by the learned task-agnostic natural image prior and the task-specific physics prior.During the training stage,APD-Net harnesses the power of diffusion models to capture data-driven statistics of natural signals.In the inference stage,the physics prior is introduced as corrective guidance to ensure consistency between the physics imaging model and the natural image probability distribution.Through alternative optimization,APD-Net reconstructs data-efficient,high-fidelity images that are statistically and physically compliant.To accelerate reconstruction,initializing images with the inverse SPI physical model reduces the need for reconstruction inference from 100 to 30 steps.Through both numerical simulations and real prototype experiments,APD-Net achieves high-quality,full-color reconstructions of complex natural images at a low sampling rate of 1%.In addition,APD-Net’s tuning-free nature ensures robustness across various imaging setups and sampling rates.Our research offers a broadly applicable approach for various applications,including but not limited to medical imaging and industrial inspection.
文摘This editorial critically evaluates the application of foot reflexology as a treatment for sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)in infants,as proposed in a case report published in the World of Clinical Cases.SNHL is a condition characterized by damage to the cochlea or the neural pathways that transmit auditory information to the brain.The etiology of SNHL is often complex,involving genetic mutations,prenatal factors,or perinatal insults.Reflexology,an alternative therapy involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet,is based on the hypothesis that these points correspond to different organs and systems in the body,including the auditory system.However,the biological plausibility and clinical efficacy of foot reflexology in addressing SNHL lack empirical support.This editorial examines the pathophysiology of SNHL,assesses the clinical claims of reflexology practitioners,and emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based approaches in treating infant hearing loss.While complementary therapies may provide ancillary benefits,they should not supplant validated medical treatments in managing SNHL in infants.Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of foot reflexology and other alternative therapies in pediatric audiology.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22161040)Natural Science Foundation of Gansu(No.24JRRA125)Science Research Project of Northwest Normal University(No.NWNU-LKZD2021-3)。
文摘The ring-opening alternating copolymerization(ROAC)of 3,4-dihydrocoumarin(DHC)/epoxides has been successfully developed using an imidazolium salt of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride(EMIMCl)as a catalyst.The resulting copolymer has a molecular weight of 13.7kg·mol^(-1),a narrow molecular weight distribution of 1.03 and a strictly alternating structure.The MALDI-TOF MS characterization and DFT calculations including electrostatic potential(ESP),hydrogen-atom abstraction(HAA),independent gradient model based on hirshfeld partition(IGMH)and atoms-in-molecules(AIM)analysis were used to investigate the metal-free catalytic process.The synergistic effect of anions and cations of EMIMCl for ROAC of DHC and epoxides was demonstrated.This study provides a metal-free catalytic system for the facile synthesis of alternating polyesters from DHC.
文摘Background:Hippocratic medicine is routinely presented as the origin of rational,observational practice.Yet much of what is now called“Hippocratic principles”is a reception history-filtered through Galen,the Alexandrian medical school,and especially Islamic scholars such as Rhazes,Avicenna,and Masawaiyh.To reassess the enduring influence of Hippocratic medicine on contemporary practice and ethics by(i)distinguishing Hippocratic origins from later systematizations,and(ii)thematizing the philosophical stakes of the 21st-century“Hippocratic revival”(holism,patient-centrism,and the surge of non-science-based alternative medicine).Methods:Textual analysis of the Hippocratic Corpus is integrated with a reception-historical review(Galenic,Alexandrian,and Islamic commentators)and with historiographical framing(Porter,Temkin,Nutton).A conceptual analysis contrasts the Koan holistic and Knidian disease-entity approaches and examines their modern legacies.Results:Core Hippocratic themes-clinical observation,individualization,and ethical commitment-persist,but largely via later reinterpretations.The Koan/Knidian split illuminates today’s tensions between evidence-based standardization and person-centred holism.Modern invocations of Hippocrates often uncritically legitimate“holism”in ways that can blur boundaries between epistemically disciplined person-centred care and non-science-based alternative medicine.Conclusion:Hippocratic principles endure,but only when historically situated and normatively constrained.A philosophically robust“Hippocratic revival”in the 21st century must(a)acknowledge its Galenic-Islamic mediations,(b)preserve evidence standards,and(c)articulate an ethically grounded,epistemically responsible holism rather than a carte blanche for post-truth medical pluralism.
文摘Changes in food production,often driven by distant demand,have a significant influence on sustainable man agement and use of land and water,and are in turn a driving factor of biodiversity change.While the connection between land use and demand through value chains is increasingly understood,there is no comprehensive concep tualisation of this relationship.To address this gap,we propose a conceptual framework and use it as a basis for a systematic review to characterise value-chain connection and explore its influence on land-use and-cover change.Our search in June 2022 onWeb of Science and Scopus yielded 198 documents,describing studies completed after the year 2000 that provide information on both value-chain connection and land-use or-cover change.In total,we used 531 distinct cases to assess how frequently particular types of land-use or-cover change and value-chain connections co-occurred,and synthesized findings on their relations.Our findings confirm that 1)market inte gration is associated with intensification;2)land managers with environmental standards more frequently adopt environmentally friendly practices;3)physical and value-chain distances to consumers play a crucial role,with shorter distances associated with environmentally friendly practices and global chains linked to intensification and expansion.Incorporating these characteristics in existing theories of land-system change,would significantly advance understanding of land managers’decision-making,ultimately guiding more environmentally responsible production systems and contributing to global sustainability goals.
基金financially supported by Russian Science Foundation(No.24-43-00156,https://rscf.ru/en/project/24-43-00156/)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52171169)the State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials(No.2023-ZD01)。
文摘The results of the study of the effect of partial substitution of Fe by Mn in the La Fe_(11.2-x)Mn_(x)Co_(0.7)Si_(1.1)system on magnetization,specific heat,magnetostriction and magnetocaloric effect are presented.Direct measurements of the adiabatic temperature change(ΔT_(ad))were carried out in alternating magnetic fields(AMF)using the magnetic field modulation method.Partial substitution of Fe atoms by Mn atoms leads to a shift in the Curie temperature(T_(C))towards lower temperatures without a noticeable deterioration in magnetic properties.A correlation was found between the structural component of the magnetocaloric effect and the stability of the frequency of theΔT_(ad)in the AMFs—an increase in the manganese concentration leads to a decrease in magnetostriction and to a lower dependence ofΔT_(ad)on the frequency of the magnetic field.Estimates of the specific cooling power Q_(C)as a function of the frequency of the AMF showed that the highest value of Q_(C)at f=20 Hz in a magnetic field of 12k Oe is 26.3 W g^(-1)and is observed for the composition with x=0.1.This value is higher than that of Gd,for which,under the same conditions,Q_(C)=21.6 W g^(-1).All the samples studied show stability of the value ofΔT_(ad)without any sign of deterioration of the effect up to 60,000cycles of switching on/off of the magnetic field of 12 k Oe.The discovered frequency and cyclic stability ofΔT_(ad)of the studied samples increase their prospects for application in magnetic cooling technology.
基金Fisheries Research Development Corporation,Grant/Award Number:2017-030.
文摘Background With the global expansion of aquaculture and the increasing demand for fish meal,identifying appropriate and sustainable alternative protein sources for aquafeeds has become essential.Single-cell protein(SCP),derived from methanotrophic bacteria,presents a promising alternative by converting methane into protein,potentially addressing both the need for alternative protein sources and reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of SCP inclusion(0%,25%,50%,and 75%fish meal replacement)on the health,gene expression,and gut microbiome of yellowtail kingfish(YTK,Seriola lalandi)following a 35-day growth trial.Results The study found that SCP inclusion at the highest level of fishmeal replacement(75%)induced a mild inflammatory response in the hindgut of the fish.However,micromorphological assessments of the hindgut,serum biochemistry,and gene expression analyses revealed no significant detrimental effects from SCP replacement.Notably,there were indications of improved lipid digestibility with SCP.Furthermore,SCP inclusion significantly enhanced microbial richness and altered the composition of the gut microbiome,introducing beneficial bacterial taxa that may contribute to improved gut health and resilience.Conclusions This study highlights SCP as a viable and sustainable alternative to fish meal in YTK diets.The findings suggest that SCP can be included in YTK diets without adverse health effects at moderate levels and may even offer benefits in terms of lipid digestibility and gut microbiome diversity.These results contribute to the advancement of more sustainable aquaculture practices.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22225605)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2023YFC3706600)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDB0750200).
文摘The number of newborns born with diseases is increasing recently.Thyroid hormones(THs)are closely related to the growth and development of the newborn in the mother's womb and to the carriage of related diseases after birth.Environmental endocrine-disrupting compounds(EDCs)have been proven to harm THs in newborns.Phthalates(PAEs),a typical class of EDCs,are commonly used in toys,childcare materials,and food contact materials,which have been closely connected with neonatal thyroid dysfunction and thyroid-related diseases.As restrictions on PAEs becomemore stringent in neonatal field,numerous PAE alternatives are emerging.Associations between exposure to PAEs and their alternatives and dysfunctions in THs have been explored.Hence,we summarized the body burdens and regional characteristics of PAEs and their alternatives in neonatal urine,cord blood,and meconium.Subsequently,the influences of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid dysfunction,prematurity,low birth weight,fetal growth restriction,respiratory dysfunction,immune disorders,neurological disorders,and reproductive disorders in newborns were evaluated.Furthermore,we scrutinized the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on the neonatal thyroid from signaling,substance transport,and hormone production to explore the underlying mechanisms of action on neonatal thyroid and thyroid-related disorders.As the declining global trends of healthy newborns and the potential impacts of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid function,a more comprehensive study is needed to discuss their effects on newborns and their underlying mechanisms.This review facilitates attention to the effects of PAEs and their alternatives on thyroid and thyroid-related disorders in newborns.
文摘This paper presents findings of a study on solid wastes conversion into fuels through pyrolysis of plastic materials, presenting an alternative renewable approach for waste management. Investigations were conducted on conversion of polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) under normal and catalyst mediated process conditions. Plastic wastes were collected from various dumpsites in Nairobi and segregated using plastic resin codes to various classes. Samples were cleaned, dried and shredded to 2 mm and fed into a pyrolysis reactor. The pyrolysis process was conducted at between 220˚C and 420˚C. Pyrolysis gases were condensed in a shell and coil condenser and the incondensable gases were stored in gasbags. Liquid fuels were analysed using Gas chromatograph with a mass spectroscopic detector and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry. The results revealed that the most optimal process conditions were a temperature range of 220˚C - 420˚C at a heating rate of 10˚C per minute. Under these conditions, the oil yields were 53.72% for PP, 62.10% for LDPE, and 64.14% for HDPE. As the heating rate increased from 10˚C/min to 20˚C/min, gas yields increased, rising from 28.05% to 31.12% in PP, 14.96% to 30.62% in LDPE, and 18.51% to 29.49% in HDPE. The introduction of Fe2O3 and Al2O3 catalyst significantly enhanced gas production during pyrolysis, increasing yields from 18% to 61% and 47% respectively.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Program of Hebei Province, China (236Z2903G)the Innovative Research Group Project of Hebei Natural Science Foundation, China (C2024204246)+1 种基金the Hebei International Joint Research Center of Vegetable Functional Genomicsthe International Joint R&D Center of Hebei Province in Modern Agricultural Biotechnology for supporting this work。
文摘The plant circadian clock temporally drives gene expression throughout the day and coordinates various physiological processes with diurnal environmental changes. It is essential for conferring plant fitness and competitive advantages to survive and thrive under natural conditions through the circadian control of gene transcription. Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis) is an economically important vegetable crop worldwide, although there is little information concerning its circadian clock system. Here we found that gene expression patterns are affected bycircadian oscillators at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in Chinese cabbage. Time-course RNA-seq analyses were conducted on two short-period lines(SPcc-1 and SPcc-2) and two long-period lines(LPcc-1 and LPcc-2) under constant light. The results showed that 32.7–50.5% of the genes were regulated bythe circadian oscillator and the expression peaks of cycling genes appeared earlier in short-period lines than long-period lines. In addition, approximately 250 splicing events exhibited circadian regulation, with intron retention(IR) accounting for a large proportion. Rhythmically spliced genes included the clock genes LATE ELONGATEDHYPOCOTYL(BrLHY), REVEILLE 2(BrRVE2) and EARLY FLOWERING 3(BrELF3). We also found that thecircadian oscillator could notably influence the diurnal expression patterns of genes that are associated with glucose metabolism via photosynthesis, the Calvin cycle and the tricarboxylic acid(TCA) cycle at both the transcriptional andpost-transcriptional levels. The collective results of this study demonstrate that circadian-regulated physiological processes contribute to Chinese cabbage growth and development.
基金supported by grants from the Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases-National Science and Technology Major Project(Grant No.2023ZD0501300)Science Technology Department of Zhejiang Province(Grant No.2021C03117)+2 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82350104 and 82170219)Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province,China(Grant No.LY23H080004 and LY24H080001)Medical Health Science and Technology Project of Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission(Grant No.2021KY199)。
文摘Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer(CAR-NK)cell therapy is an alternative immunotherapy that provides robust tumor-eliminating effects without inducing life-threatening toxicities and graft-versus-host disease.CAR-NK cell therapy has enabled the development of“off-the-shelf”products that bypass the lengthy and expensive cell manufacturing process1.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.81972771,82173062)the Key Areas Project of Education Department of Guangdong Province(No.2021ZDZX2017)+3 种基金the Tertiary Education Scientific Research Project of Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau(No.202235387)the Guangzhou Science and Technology Project of Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau(No.2023A03J0428)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(No.2024A1515013082)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research 21 Foundation(No.2021A1515010403).
文摘Background:Alterations in splicing factors contribute to aberrant alternative splicing(AS),which subsequently promotes tumor progression.The splicing factor polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1(PTBP1)has been shown to facilitate cancer progression by modulating oncogenic variants.However,its specific role and underlying mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remain to be elucidated.Methods:PTBP1 expression was evaluated in HCC tissues and cell lines.Subsequently,cells were transfected with vectors designed for PTBP1 overexpression or downregulation.The biological function of PTBP1 was assessed in vitro and in vivo using MTS assays,colony formation assays,transwell assays,xenograft formation,tail vein injection,and orthotopic models.Transcriptome analysis was conducted to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.Results:Our findings demonstrated that PTBP1 exhibited elevated expression in HCC cell lines and tissues.Furthermore,its expression positively correlated with overall and disease-free survival rates,as well as tumor grade and stage.PTBP1 knockdown reduced HCC cell proliferation,migration,and invasion in vitro and suppressed hepatocarcinoma xenograft growth and infiltration in vivo.RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq)analysis identified the AS events associated with PTBP1.PTBP1 functionally enhanced cell proliferation,invasion,and migration by modulating the AS of the microtubule-associated protein tau(MAPT)gene and promoting oncogene expression.Notably,the dysregulation of MAPT splicing coincided with increased PTBP1 expression in HCC.Conclusions:PTBP1-guided AS of the MAPT gene enhances tumorigenicity in HCC through activation of the MAPK/ERK pathways.
基金Department of Veterinary Sciences“Ricerca Locale–Linea A”.
文摘Background The present experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of commercially processed former foodstuffs(cFF)as dietary substitutes of corn,soybean meal and soybean oil on the growth performance,apparent total tract digestibil-ity(ATTD),hematobiochemical profiles,and liver gene abundance in broiler chickens.Two hundred one-day-old male ROSS-308 chicks were assigned to 4 dietary groups(5 replicates of ten birds per replicate)according to their average body weight(BW,38.0±0.11 g).All groups received a two-phase feeding program:starter,d 1–12 and grower,d 12–33.The control group(cFF0)was fed a standard commercial feed based on corn,soybean meal and soybean oil.The other three groups received diets in which the feed based on corn,soybean meal,and soybean oil was partially replaced with cFF at a substitution level of 6.25%(cFF6.25),12.5%(cFF12.5)or 25%(cFF25)for the following 33 d.Results The growth performance data showed no differences in BW or average daily gain among groups,although the average daily feed intake decreased during the grower period(12–33 d)and over entire experimental period(1–33 d)in a linear manner as the cFF inclusion level rose(P=0.026),positively affecting the gain to feed ratio(P=0.001).The ATTD of dry matter of the cFF-fed groups were greater with respect to control group and increased throughout the experimental period,whereas the ATTD of ether extract linearly decreased with increasing levels of cFF-fed groups compared with control group and throughout the experimental period(P<0.05).Additionally,a lin-ear increase in the heterophil to lymphocyte ratio,serum cholesterol,triglycerides and alanine-aminotransferase were observed with increasing dietary levels of cFF(P<0.05);however,no differences were observed in lipoprotein lipase or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor gene abundance.Conclusions The results of this experiment demonstrate that it is possible to incorporate cFF into nutritionally balanced diets for broiler chickens,even up to 25%substitution levels,for up to 33 d without adversely impacting the overall growth performance of male broiler chickens raised under commercial conditions.Further studies are essential to validate the hematological trait findings.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.52404020 and Grant No.U1762216).
文摘Heterogeneity in carbonate formations due to discontinuities(e.g.,fractures and cavities)will bring about distinctive acid stimulation effects.However,the differences in fracturing behavior between homogeneous and heterogeneous carbonate formations remain unclear,complicating the optimization of acid fracturing strategies.In this paper,full-diameter carbonate rock samples with different degrees of discontinuity development are selected to investigate the fracturing behavior under different fluid types and injection schemes.Advanced techniques,including 3D CT scanning and 3D laser scanning,are employed to analyze fracture morphology and etching characteristics,respectively.Experimental results show that the coupled hydraulic-chemical effects play different roles in fracture induction between fracture-cavity developed and undeveloped carbonate rocks.Acid-fracturing stimulation consistently induces multiple types of complex fractures in fracture-cavity carbonate rocks,whereas it results in a single artificial fracture in less fracture-cavity carbonate rocks.Furthermore,localized etching patterns are prevalent in most fracture-cavity carbonate rocks,whereas homogeneous carbonate rocks exhibit regional or global etching characteristics.In both carbonate rocks,the stimulation effect of guar fluid is inferior to that of gelled acid but comparable to self-generating acid.Further findings are that alternating fracturing with guar and acid fluids in fracture-cavity carbonate rocks can sustain or even increase the injection pressure,facilitating the formation of new or depth-penetrating fractures.This phenomenon,however,is not observed in fracture-cavity undeveloped carbonate rocks.Potential interaction modes between induced fracture and natural fractures/cavities under different injection conditions are also identified.Finally,preferred fracturing schemes applicable to different carbonate formations are recommended based on the area,number and roughness of the induced fractures.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFF1000301)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31771805)。
文摘Heat stress is a major threat to maize(Zea mays L.)production worldwide.Heat shock transcription factors(HSFs)play vital roles in plant responses to heat stress.However,the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying HSF-meditated thermotolerance in maize remain largely unexplored.In this study,we demonstrate that the alternative splicing of ZmHsf23 modulates heat stress tolerance in maize.Hsf23 produced two functional transcripts,Hsf23L and Hsf23S,which differ by the presence of a cryptic mini-exon in Hsf23L that is spliced out in Hsf23S.Both transcripts were strongly induced by heat stress.Mutants lacking Hsf23L alone(hsf23l)or both Hsf23L and Hsf23S(hsf23l23s)exhibited increased susceptibility to heat stress,whereas overexpression of Hsf23S enhanced heat stress tolerance in maize.Subsequently,we found that Hsf23S positively regulates heat stress tolerance by directly activating the transcription of three sHSP genes(Hsp16.9,Hsp17.2,and Hsp18a)and TIL1 gene.In addition,Hsf23L physically interacted with Hsf23S and enhanced the transcriptional activation of Hsf23S on the sHSPs and TIL1 promoters.Notably,genetic analysis suggested that co-overexpression of Hsf23L and Hsf23S further improves heat tolerance of the transgenic plants.Taken together,these results reveal two splicing variants of ZmHsf23 cooperatively regulate maize heat tolerance,thus highlighting potential value of ZmHsf23 in breeding heat-tolerant maize varieties.
基金Supported by Key Research and Development Program of Shanxi Province(202302140601009).
文摘Moistube irrigation is a newly-developed irrigation technique that utilizes a semipermeable membrane to release water slowly and continuously into the plant root zone.Alternate Moistube Irrigation(AMI)is a combination of alternative irrigation and moistube irrigation.In order to investigate the effects of AMI on plant growth,greenhouse experiments were conducted on spinach(Spinacia oleracea)and water spinach(Ipomoea aquatica)plants at different time.We measured soil water content at a depth of 20 cm in the planting boxes,and also determined seed emergence rate,plant height,largest leaf area,fresh weight per plant,yield,and irrigation water productivity(IWP)for both spinach and water spinach.The results showed that the AMI treatments had significantly higher soil water content than the conventional surface irrigation control(CK).The emergence rates of spinach and water spinach were significantly higher in the AMI treatments than in the CK,and the plant height,largest leaf area,and fresh weight during the middle and late stages of spinach and water spinach growth were also significantly higher than those of the CK.Both spinach and water spinach grew well and produced high yield with high IWP under AMI with a high water head pressure of 1.5 m at tube spacing of 20 or 30 cm.We found that AMI with a suitable combination of head pressure and tube spacing can promote plant growth and increase yield and IWP under controlled conditions.
基金supported by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior-Brasil(CAPES)[Finance Code 001](to MGS)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico(CNPq)fellowship[research grants 309840/2022-8]。
文摘Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory response in the central nervous system associated with various neurological conditions.The inflammatory process is typically treated with non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,which have a range of serious adverse effects.As an alternative,naturally derived molecules such as quercetin and its derivatives show promising anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on various physiological functions.Our objective was to synthesize the evidence on the anti-inflammatory effect of quercetin and its derivatives in in vivo models,in the face of neuroinflammatory insults induced by lipopolysaccharide,through a systematic review and meta-analysis.A search of the preclinical literature was conducted across four databases(Pub Med,Web of Science,Scielo,and Google Scholar).Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,assessed for methodological quality using CAMARADES,and risk of bias using the SYRCLE tool,and data were extracted from the studies.The quantitative assessment of quercetin effects on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and microgliosis was performed through a meta-analysis.A total of 384 potentially relevant articles were identified,of which 11 studies were included in the analysis.The methodological quality was assessed,resulting in an average score of 5.8/10,and the overall risk of bias analysis revealed a lack of methodological clarity in most studies.Furthermore,through the meta-analysis,it was observed that treatment with quercetin statistically reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines,such as tumor necrosis factor alpha,interleukin 6,interleukin 1β(n=89;SMD=–2.00;95%CI:–3.29 to–0.71),and microgliosis(n=33;SMD=–2.56;95%CI:–4.07 to–1.10).In terms of underlying mechanisms,quercetin and its derivatives exhibit antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties,possibly through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/HO-1 pathways,increasing the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reducing reactive species,and modulating the caspase pathway,increasing levels of anti-apoptotic proteins and decreasing proapoptotic proteins.Quercetin and its derivatives exhibit highly pleiotropic actions that simultaneously contribute to preventing neuroinflammation.However,despite promising results in animal models,future directions should focus on well-designed clinical studies to assess the safety,bioavailability,and efficacy of quercetin and its derivatives in humans.Additionally,standardization of methods and dosages in studies is crucial to ensure consistency of findings and optimize their application in clinical settings.
