Role of N6­methyladenosine in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer (Review).

Prostate cancer (PCa) affects males of all racial and ethnic groups, and leads to higher rates of mortality in those belonging to a lower socioeconomic status due to the late detection of the disease. PCa affects middle­aged males between the ages of 45 and 60 years, and is the highest cause of cancer­associated mortality in Western countries. As the most abundant and common mRNA modification in higher eukaryotes, N6­methyladenosine (m6A) is widely distributed in mammalian cells and influences various aspects of mRNA metabolism. Recent studies have found that abnormal expression levels of various m6A regulators significantly affect the development and progression of various types of cancer, including PCa. The present review discusses the influence of m6A regulatory factors on the pathogenesis and progression of PCa through mRNA modification based on the current state of research on m6A methylation modification in PCa. It is considered that the treatment of PCa with micro­molecular drugs that target the epigenetics of the m6A regulator to correct abnormal m6A modifications is a direction for future research into current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for PCa.

Vericiguat improves cardiac function and microcirculation of a male patient with Fabry disease: A case report.

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X chromosome-linked disorder and can be easily misdiagnosed. Here, we report the case of a 69-year-old male patient with FD who developed heart failure and showed extremely high pulmonary artery pressure. His initial symptom was recurrent atrial fibrillation. The left and right atrial inner diameters were large, and the ventricular wall was thick. Gene analysis which showed GLA c.215T>C p.Met72Thr mutation and single photon emission computed tomography indicated the diagnosis of FD with coronary microvascular dysfunction. The patient was prescribed anti-heart failure drugs, including vericiguat. Following the treatment, his heart function and microvascular perfusion significantly improved, which might be due to the beneficial effects of vericiguat.

Shear-Induced Fabrication of Cellulose Nanofibril/Liquid Metal Nanocomposite Films for Flexible Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Thermal Management.

To address electromagnetic interference (EMI) pollution in modern society, the development of ultrathin, high-performance, and highly stable EMI shielding materials is highly desired. Liquid metal (LM) based conductive materials have received enormous amounts of attention. However, the processing approach of LM/polymer composites represents great challenges due to the high surface tension and cohesive energy of LMs. In this study, we develop a universal one-step fabrication strategy to directly process composites containing LMs and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and successfully fabricate the ultrathin, flexible, and stable EMI shielding films with an average specific EMI shielding efficiency (EMI SE) value of 429 dB/mm and small thickness of only 70 µm in the wide frequency range of 8.2-18 GHz. In addition, the resulting films also exhibit excellent mechanical performance and flexibility, which endow the film with the ability to withstand repeated folding, bending, and folding into complex shapes without producing cracks or fractures. Besides, the resulting films display excellent thermal conductivity with a λ of 4.90 W/(m K) and an α of 3.17 mm2/s. Thus, the presented approach shows great potential in fabricating advanced materials for EMI shielding applications.

Repolarization of Immunosuppressive Macrophages by Targeting SLAMF7-Regulated CCL2 Signaling Sensitizes Hepatocellular Carcinoma to Immunotherapy.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have limited efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Macrophages are the most abundant immune cells in HCC, suggesting that a better understanding of the intrinsic processes by which tumor cells regulate macrophages could help identify strategies to improve response to immunotherapy. As signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family members regulate various immune functions, we investigated the role of specific SLAM receptors in the immunobiology of HCC. Comparison of the transcriptomic landscapes of immunotherapy-responsive and nonresponsive patients with advanced HCC identified SLAMF7 upregulation in immunotherapy-responsive HCC, and patients with HCC who responded to immunotherapy also displayed higher serum levels of SLAMF7. Loss of Slamf7 in liver-specific knockout mice led to increased hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis, elevated immunosuppressive macrophage infiltration, and upregulated PD-1 expression in CD8+ T cells. HCC cell-intrinsic SLAMF7 suppressed MAPK/ATF2-mediated CCL2 expression to regulate macrophage migration and polarization in vitro. Mechanistically, SLAMF7 associated with SH2 domain-containing adaptor protein B (SHB) through its cytoplasmic 304 tyrosine site to facilitate the recruitment of SHIP1 to SLAMF7 and inhibit the ubiquitination of TRAF6, thereby attenuating MAPK pathway activation and CCL2 transcription. Pharmacological antagonism of the CCL2/CCR2 axis potentiated the therapeutic effect of anti-PD-1 antibody in orthotopic HCC mouse models with low SLAMF7 expression. In conclusion, this study highlights SLAMF7 as a regulator of macrophage function and a potential predictive biomarker of immunotherapy response in HCC. Strategies targeting CCL2 signaling to induce macrophage repolarization in HCC with low SLAMF7 might enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. SIGNIFICANCE: CCL2 upregulation caused by SLAMF7 deficiency in hepatocellular carcinoma cells induces immunosuppressive macrophage polarization and confers resistance to immune checkpoint blockade, providing potential biomarkers and targets to improve immunotherapy response in patients.

Variations in grain yield and nutrient status of different maize cultivars by application of zinc sulfate.

Although maize is sensitive to zinc (Zn) deficiencies, the responses of maize cultivars to the foliar application of Zn sulfate (ZnSO4) may vary significantly. Here, we quantified the responses of grain yields and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) absorption to ZnSO4 using 22 modern maize cultivars. The results revealed that 40.9% of the cultivars were not affected by foliar ZnSO4, whereas only 45.5% of the cultivars responded positively to ZnSO4, which was evidenced by increased grain numbers and shortened bald tip lengths. The impact of Zn fertilizer might be manifested in the dry biomass, from the 8-leaf stage (BBCH 18). For Zn-deficiency resistant cultivars, the foliar application of ZnSO4 enhanced N accumulation by 44.1%, while it reduced P and K absorption by 13.6% and 23.7%, respectively. For Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars, foliar applied ZnSO4 improved the accumulation of N and K by 27.3% and 25.0%, respectively; however, it lowered their utilization efficiency. Hence, determining the optimized application of Zn fertilizer, while avoiding Zn toxicity, should not be based solely on the level of Zn deficiency in the soil, but also, take into consideration the sensitivity of some cultivars to Zn, Furthermore, the supplementation of Zn-deficiency sensitive maize cultivars with N and K is key to maximizing the benefits of Zn fertilization.

Targeting ALK averts ribonuclease 1-induced immunosuppression and enhances antitumor immunity in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Tumor-secreted factors contribute to the development of a microenvironment that facilitates the escape of cancer cells from immunotherapy. In this study, we conduct a retrospective comparison of the proteins secreted by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells in responders and non-responders among a cohort of ten patients who received Nivolumab (anti-PD-1 antibody). Our findings indicate that non-responders have a high abundance of secreted RNase1, which is associated with a poor prognosis in various cancer types. Furthermore, mice implanted with HCC cells that overexpress RNase1 exhibit immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and diminished response to anti-PD-1 therapy. RNase1 induces the polarization of macrophages towards a tumor growth-promoting phenotype through activation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) signaling pathway. Targeting the RNase1/ALK axis reprograms the macrophage polarization, with increased CD8+ T- and Th1- cell recruitment. Moreover, simultaneous targeting of the checkpoint protein PD-1 unleashes cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses. Treatment utilizing both an ALK inhibitor and an anti-PD-1 antibody exhibits enhanced tumor regression and facilitates long-term immunity. Our study elucidates the role of RNase1 in mediating tumor resistance to immunotherapy and reveals an RNase1-mediated immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, highlighting the potential of targeting RNase1 as a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy in HCC.

Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor OsbHLH110 positively regulates abscisic acid biosynthesis and salinity tolerance in rice.

Salinity is a significant abiotic stress factor affecting plant growth, consequently reducing crop yield. Abscisic acid (ABA), a well-known phytohormone, is crucial in conferring resistance to abiotic stress, thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying ABA biosynthesis is crucial. In rice (Oryza sativa L.), OsABA2, a short-chain dehydrogenase protein, has a pivotal role in modulating ABA biosynthesis and salt tolerance by undergoing phosphorylation at Ser197 through mitogen-activated protein kinase OsMPK1. However, the interaction between OsABA2 and other proteins in regulating ABA biosynthesis remains unclear. We employed OsABA2 as a bait in yeast two-hybrid screening: a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor interacting with OsABA2, named OsbHLH110, was identified. Our results showed that firefly luciferase complementary imaging, pull-down, and co-immunoprecipitation assays validated the interaction between OsbHLH110 and OsABA2, affirming their interaction in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the expression of OsbHLH110 significantly increases in response to salt and ABA treatments. Additionally, OsbHLH110 can directly bind to the G-box element in the OsABA2 promoter. This binding enhances luciferase activity controlled by the OsABA2 promoter, thereby increasing the expression of the OsABA2 gene and content of the OsABA2 protein, resulting in an increase in ABA content. OsABA2 enhanced the interaction between OsbHLH110 and OsABA2 promoter. This collaborative effect enhanced the regulation of ABA biosynthesis. Subsequent genetic analysis demonstrated that OsbHLH110 improved the tolerance of rice to salt stress.

Chemokine CCL21 determines immunotherapy response in hepatocellular carcinoma by affecting neutrophil polarization.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poor and great heterogeneity among individuals. Chemokines are highly correlated with tumor immune response. Here, we aimed to identify an effective chemokine for predicting the efficacy of immunotherapy in HCC. METHODS: Chemokine C-C motif ligand 21 (CCL21) was screened by transcriptomic analysis in tumor tissues from HCC patients with different responses to ICIs. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was conducted to construct a predictive nomogram. Neutrophils in vitro and HCC subcutaneous tumor model in vivo were applied to explore the role of CCL21 on the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC. RESULTS: Transcriptome analysis showed that CCL21 level was much higher in HCC patients with response to immunotherapy. The predictive nomogram was constructed and validated as a classifier. CCL21 could inhibit N2 neutrophil polarization by suppressing the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. In addition, CCL21 enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs. CONCLUSION: CCL21 may serve as a predictive biomarker for immunotherapy response in HCC patients. High levels of CCL21 in TME inhibit immunosuppressive polarization of neutrophils. CCL21 in combination with ICIs may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC.

RNA m6A methylation regulators in liver cancer.

Liver cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and a primary cause of cancer-related death. In recent years, despite the great development of diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for liver cancer, the incidence and mortality of liver cancer are still on the rise. As a universal post-transcriptional modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification accomplishes a dynamic and reversible m6A modification process, which is executed by three types of regulators, methyltransferases (called writers), demethylases (called erasers) and m6A-binding proteins (called readers). Many studies have shown that m6A RNA methylation has an important impact on RNA metabolism, whereas its regulation exception is bound up with the occurrence of human malignant tumors. Aberrant methylation of m6A RNA and the expression of related regulatory factors may be of the essence in the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer, yet the precise molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this paper, we review the current research situations of m6A methylation in liver cancer. Among the rest, we detail the mechanism by which methyltransferases, demethylases and m6A binding proteins regulate the occurrence and development of liver cancer by modifying mRNA. As well as the potential effect of m6A regulators in hepatocarcinogenesis and progression. New ideas and approaches will be given to the prevention and treatment of liver cancer through the following relevant research results.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of NIN-like protein (NLP) genes: Exploring their potential roles in nitrate response in tea plant (Camellia sinensis).

NIN-like proteins (NLPs) are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that are unique to plants and play a pivotal role in responses to nitrate uptake and assimilation. However, a comprehensive analysis of NLP members in tea plants is lacking. The present study performed a genome-wide analysis and identified 33 NLP gene family members of Camellia sinensis that were distributed unequally across 5 chromosomes. Subcellular localisation predictions revealed that all CsNLP proteins were localised in the nucleus. Conservative domain analysis revealed that all of these proteins contained conserved RWP-RK and PB1 domains. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the CsNLP gene family into four clusters. The promoter regions of CsNLPs harboured cis-acting elements associated with plant hormones and abiotic stress responses. Expression profile analysis demonstrated that CsNLP8 was significantly upregulated in roots under nitrate stress conditions. Subcellular localisation analysis found CsNLP8 localised to the nucleus. Dual-luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that CsNLP8 positively regulated the expression of a nitrate transporter gene (CsNRT2.2). These findings provide a comprehensive characterisation of NLP genes in Camellia sinensis and offer insights into the biological function of CsNLP8 in regulating the response to nitrate-induced stress.

Jianpi Antai formula prevents miscarriage by repressing M1 polarization of decidual macrophages through ubiquitination of NLRP3 mediated by MARCH7.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Jianpi Antai Formula (JAF) is an ancient formula from He's gynecology, which has been used clinically for more than 30 years and has significant therapeutic effects on spontaneous abortion (SA). Both macrophage polarization and NLRP3 inflammasome correlate with the occurrence of SA in women with recurrent or threatened miscarriage. Whether JAF prevent SA via mediating activation of decidual macrophage (dMφ) and ubiquitination-associated degradation of NLRP3 remains uncertain. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to clarify the effects of JAF on pregnancy outcomes and dMφ polarization at the maternal-fetal interface in an SA mouse model, and use in vivo and invitro methods to explore whether JAF can inhibit M1 polarization of dMφ by up-regulating MARCH7-mediated NLRP3 ubiquitination, thereby preventing SA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CBA/J × DBA/2 mating method was used to establish an SA model and the dMφs of SA mice were isolated and cultured. Th1-, Th2-, Th17- and Treg-related cytokine levels were evaluated using ELISA. qRT-PCR was used to detect the levels of M1/M2 macrophage-related cytokine mRNA in the decidua, and western blotting was used to detect the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in the decidua and placenta. The expression of M1/M2 markers of dMφ was detected using flow cytometry, ASC speck formation was observed using immunofluorescence, and the ubiquitination level of MARCH7-NLRP3 was detected using co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: JAF increased the survival rate of fetuses and the levels of estradiol and progesterone in SA model mice. It also reduced the serum Th1 and Th17-associated cytokine levels and decidual M1 macrophage-associated cytokine levels, while elevating the M2 macrophages in SA mice. NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC, and IL-1ß protein expression in the decidua and placenta were also reduced. si-MARCH7 transfection reversed the effect of JAF on inhibiting the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the activation of macrophages in dMφs of SA mice. CONCLUSION: JAF could effectively prevent and treat SA by repressing M1 polarization of dMφs through NLRP3 ubiquitination and pyroptosis inhibition, which were mediated by MARCH7.

Macro CD5L+ deteriorates CD8+T cells exhaustion and impairs combination of Gemcitabine-Oxaliplatin-Lenvatinib-anti-PD1 therapy in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Intratumoral immune status influences tumor therapeutic response, but it remains largely unclear how the status determines therapies for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Here, we examine the single-cell transcriptional and TCR profiles of 18 tumor tissues pre- and post- therapy of gemcitabine plus oxaliplatin, in combination with lenvatinib and anti-PD1 antibody for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We find that high CD8 GZMB+ and CD8 proliferating proportions and a low Macro CD5L+ proportion predict good response to the therapy. In patients with a poor response, the CD8 GZMB+ and CD8 proliferating proportions are increased, but the CD8 GZMK+ proportion is decreased after the therapy. Transition of CD8 proliferating and CD8 GZMB+ to CD8 GZMK+ facilitates good response to the therapy, while Macro CD5L+-CD8 GZMB+ crosstalk impairs the response by increasing CTLA4 in CD8 GZMB+. Anti-CTLA4 antibody reverses resistance of the therapy in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Our data provide a resource for predicting response of the combination therapy and highlight the importance of CD8+T-cell status conversion and exhaustion induced by Macro CD5L+ in influencing the response, suggesting future avenues for cancer treatment optimization.

Genetic architecture of ecological divergence between Oryza rufipogon and Oryza nivara.

Ecological divergence due to habitat difference plays a prominent role in the formation of new species, but the genetic architecture during ecological speciation and the mechanism underlying phenotypic divergence remain less understood. Two wild ancestors of rice (Oryza rufipogon and Oryza nivara) are a progenitor-derivative species pair with ecological divergence and provide a unique system for studying ecological adaptation/speciation. Here, we constructed a high-resolution linkage map and conducted a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of 19 phenotypic traits using an F2 population generated from a cross between the two Oryza species. We identified 113 QTLs associated with interspecific divergence of 16 quantitative traits, with effect sizes ranging from 1.61% to 34.1% in terms of the percentage of variation explained (PVE). The distribution of effect sizes of QTLs followed a negative exponential, suggesting that a few genes of large effect and many genes of small effect were responsible for the phenotypic divergence. We observed 18 clusters of QTLs (QTL hotspots) on 11 chromosomes, significantly more than that expected by chance, demonstrating the importance of coinheritance of loci/genes in ecological adaptation/speciation. Analysis of effect direction and v-test statistics revealed that interspecific differentiation of most traits was driven by divergent natural selection, supporting the argument that ecological adaptation/speciation would proceed rapidly under coordinated selection on multiple traits. Our findings provide new insights into the understanding of genetic architecture of ecological adaptation and speciation in plants and help effective manipulation of specific genes or gene cluster in rice breeding.

Development and performance of SIAT bPET: a high-resolution and high-sensitivity MR-compatible brain PET scanner using dual-ended readout detectors.

PURPOSE: Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) is a powerful tool for brain imaging, but the spatial resolution of the PET scanners currently used for brain imaging can be further improved to enhance the quantitative accuracy of brain PET imaging. The purpose of this study is to develop an MR-compatible brain PET scanner that can simultaneously achieve a uniform high spatial resolution and high sensitivity by using dual-ended readout depth encoding detectors. METHODS: The MR-compatible brain PET scanner, named SIAT bPET, consists of 224 dual-ended readout detectors. Each detector contains a 26 × 26 lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) crystal array of 1.4 × 1.4 × 20 mm3 crystal size read out by two 10 × 10 silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays from both ends. The scanner has a detector ring diameter of 376.8 mm and an axial field of view (FOV) of 329 mm. The performance of the scanner including spatial resolution, sensitivity, count rate, scatter fraction, and image quality was measured. Imaging studies of phantoms and the brain of a volunteer were performed. The mutual interferences of the PET insert and the uMR790 3 T MRI scanner were measured, and simultaneous PET/MRI imaging of the brain of a volunteer was performed. RESULTS: A spatial resolution of better than 1.5 mm with an average of 1.2 mm within the whole FOV was obtained. A sensitivity of 11.0% was achieved at the center FOV for an energy window of 350-750 keV. Except for the dedicated RF coil, which caused a ~ 30% reduction of the sensitivity of the PET scanner, the MRI sequences running had a negligible effect on the performance of the PET scanner. The reduction of the SNR and homogeneity of the MRI images was less than 2% as the PET scanner was inserted to the MRI scanner and powered-on. High quality PET and MRI images of a human brain were obtained from simultaneous PET/MRI scans. CONCLUSION: The SIAT bPET scanner achieved a spatial resolution and sensitivity better than all MR-compatible brain PET scanners developed up to date. It can be used either as a standalone brain PET scanner or a PET insert placed inside a commercial whole-body MRI scanner to perform simultaneous PET/MRI imaging.

Ferroptosis: a new promising target for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixed most common malignant tumor in the world. The study for HCC is mired in the predicament confronted with the difficulty of early diagnosis and high drug resistance, the survival rate of patients with HCC being low. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent cell death, has been discovered in recent years as a cell death means with tremendous potential to fight against cancer. The in-depth researches for iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation and dysregulation of antioxidant defense have brought about tangible progress in the firmament of ferroptosis with more and more results showing close connections between ferroptosis and HCC. The potential role of ferroptosis has been widely used in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and nanotherapy, with the development of various new drugs significantly improving the prognosis of patients. Based on the characteristics and mechanisms of ferroptosis, this article further focuses on the main signaling pathways and promising treatments of HCC, envisioning that existing problems in regard with ferroptosis and HCC could be grappled with in the foreseeable future.

Novel Lanthanide Complexes Synthesized from 3-Dimethylamino Benzoic Acid and 5,5'-Dimethyl-2,2' Bipyridine Ligand: Crystal Structure, Thermodynamics, and Fluorescence Properties.

Two isostructural lanthanide complexes were synthesized by solvent evaporation with 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid and 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine as ligands. The general formula of the structure is a [Ln(3-N,N-DMBA)3(5,5'-DM-2,2'-bipy)]2·2(3-N,N-DMHBA), Ln = (Gd(1), Tb(2)), 3-N,N-DMBA = 3-Dimethylamino benzoate, 5,5'-DM-2,2'-bipy = 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2' bipyridine. Both complexes exhibited dimeric structures based on X-ray diffraction analysis. At the same time, infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy were used to measure the spectra of the complex. A thermogravimetric infrared spectroscopy experiment was performed to investigate the thermal stability and decomposition mechanism of the complexes. Measurements of the low-temperature heat capacity of the complexes were obtained within the temperature range of 1.9 to 300 K. The thermodynamic function was calculated by heat capacity fitting. In addition, the fluorescence spectra of complex 2 were studied and the fluorescence lifetime values were determined, and the energy transfer mechanism of complex 2 was elucidated.

Loss of α-1,2-mannosidase MAN1C1 promotes tumorigenesis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma through enhancing CD133-FIP200 interaction.

CD133 is widely used as a marker to isolate tumor-initiating cells in many types of cancers. The structure of N-glycan on CD133 is altered during the differentiation of tumor-initiating cells. However, the relationship between CD133 N-glycosylation and stem cell characteristics remains elusive. Here, we found that the level of α-1,2-mannosylated CD133 was associated with the level of stemness genes in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) tissues. α-1,2-mannosylated CD133+ cells possessed the characteristics of tumor-initiating cells. The loss of the Golgi α-mannosidase I coding gene MAN1C1 resulted in the formation of α-1,2-mannosylated CD133 in iCCA-initiating cells. Mechanistically, α-1,2-mannosylation promoted the cytoplasmic distribution of CD133 and enhanced the interaction between CD133 and the autophagy gene FIP200, subsequently promoting the tumorigenesis of α-1,2-mannosylated CD133+ cells. Analysis of iCCA samples showed that the level of cytoplasmic CD133 was associated with poor iCCA prognosis. Collectively, α-1,2-mannosylated CD133 is a functional marker of iCCA-initiating cells.

Inflammasomes in human reproductive diseases.

Inflammasomes are multi-protein complexes localized within immune and non-immune cells that induce caspase activation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and ultimately pyroptosis-a type of cell death. Inflammasomes are involved in a variety of human diseases, especially acute or chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we focused on the strong correlation between the NLRP3 inflammasome and various reproductive diseases, including ovarian aging or premature ovarian insufficiency, PCOS, endometriosis, recurrent spontaneous abortion, preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, and male subfertility, as well as the multifaceted role of NLRP3 in the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases. In addition, we provide an overview of the structure and amplification of inflammasomes. This comprehensive review demonstrates the vital role of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human reproductive diseases together with the underlying mechanisms, offers new insights for mechanistic studies of reproduction, and provides promising possibilities for the development of drugs targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome for the treatment of reproductive disorders in the future.

Surface Chain-Transfer Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization.

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is a powerful method to graft various types of polymer chains to a given surface. While surface-initiated ROMP (SI-ROMP) serves as an efficient tool for surface modification and is therefore widely reported, the method requires grafting (1) the olefin substrate and (2) the metathesis catalyst to the surface prior to the polymerization with multiple synthetic and work up steps. To overcome this difficulty, we proposed the use of the chain-transfer reaction as an alternative method for surface modification. Terminal olefins are grafted to the surface without the need to graft the metathesis catalysts, and polymers with olefin backbones are polymerized and grafted simultaneously via both ROMP and chain transfer (cross-metathesis between olefins from backbones and surfaces). Compared to SI-ROMP, this surface-chain transfer ROMP (SC-ROMP) method avoids grafting the catalyst and growing polymer chains from the surface and could be achieved in a single step. Various types of surfaces like carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, graphene nanosheets, and silica microspheres are used for demonstration. We envision that this work could bring a convenient and effective solution to surface modification via ROMP.

Characteristics and Pathogenicity of Discula theae-sinensis Isolated from Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) and Interaction with Colletotrichum spp.

Anthracnose is one of the primary diseases in tea plants that affect tea yield and quality. The geographical distribution, occurrence regularity, and agronomic measures of tea plants with anthracnose have been researched for decades. However, the pathogenic cause of anthracnose in tea plants is diverse in different regions of the world. Identifying the specific pathogenic fungi causing tea anthracnose is an essential control measure to mitigate this disease. In this study, 66 Discula theae-sinensis and 45 Colletotrichum isolates were obtained from three different types of diseased tea leaves. Based on multilocus phylogenetic and morphological analysis, eight known species of Colletotrichum, Colletotrichum fructicola, C. camelliae, C. aenigma, C. siamense, C. henanense, C. karstii, C. tropicicola, and C. gigasporum were identified. This study is the first to report C. tropicicola and C. gigasporum in tea plants in China. Discula theae-sinensis was the most common species in this study and caused disease lesions around wounded areas of tea leaves. The dual trials in vitro indicated Discula theae-sinensis and Colletotrichum were slightly inhibited. Co-inoculating Discula theae-sinensis and C. fructicola was superior to single inoculation at low concentrations. The main cause of anthracnose might be the concerted action of a variety of fungi.