The endophytic microbiome response patterns of Juglans regia to two pathogenic fungi.

The endophytic microbial community reassembles to participate in plant immune balance when the host plants are stressed by pathogens. However, it remains unclear whether this assembly is pathogen-specific and how regulatory pathways are coordinated in multi-pathogens. In order to investigate the effects of infection with Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Cg treatment) and Fusarium proliferatum (Fp treatment) on walnut leaf endophytic microbiome in their assembly, co-occurrence pattern, and on comprehensive chemical function of the internal environment of leaf, an interaction system of the walnut-pathogenic fungi was constructed using seed embryo tissue culture technology. The study showed differences in the assembly of endophytic microbial communities in walnut trees across three groups (control group, Ck; Cg; Fp) after Cg and Fp treatments. Despite changes in relative abundances, the dominant communities in phyla and genera remained comparable during the infection of the two pathogens. Endophyte fungi were more sensitive to the pathogen challenge than endophyte bacteria. Both promoted the enrichment of beneficial bacteria such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas, changed the modularity of the community, and reduced the stability and complexity of the endophyte community. Pathogenic fungi infection mainly affects the metabolism of porphyrin and chlorophyll, purine metabolism, phenylpropane metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. However, there was no significant difference in the secondary metabolites for the different susceptible plants. By screening endogenous antagonistic bacteria, we further verified that Pseudomonas psychrotolerans and Bacillus subtilis had inhibitory effects on the two pathogenic fungi and participated in the interaction between the leaves and pathogenic fungi. The antibacterial substances may be 1-methylnaphthalene, 1,3-butadiene, 2,3-butanediol, and toluene aldehyde.

Nb, Se-codoped ZnIn2S4/NbSe2composites with enhanced catalytic activity and photodegradation performance towards tetracycline.

Low quantum efficiency and serious photogenerated carrier recombination have been urgent bottleneck problems for photocatalytic materials. Herein, we prepared Nb, Se-codoped ZnIn2S4/NbSe2composites through a facile solvothermal method. The synergetic effect of codoping and cocatalyst was investigated on the photodegradation performance towards tetracycline under visible-light irradiation. By adjusting the final composition, the comprehensive characterization revealed that the optimum degradation efficiency of NS/ZIS-1.6 catalyst arrived at 75% in 70 min, which was 5.8 times higher than that of pure ZnIn2S4. Deep analysis indicated that the enhanced photocatalytic performance could be attributed to higher light absorption, more efficient electron/hole separation, faster charge transport, and lower carrier recombination. This work may offer novel viewpoint for design of high-performance catalysts towards the visible-light-driven photodegradation system.

Callose deposited at soybean sieve element inhibits long-distance transport of Soybean mosaic virus.

The function of callose and its deposition characteristics at phloem in the resistance to the long-distance transportation of Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) through phloem was studied. Two different methods of SMV inoculation were used in the study, one was direct friction of the virus on seedling leaves and the other was based on grafting scion and rootstock to create different resistance and sensitivity combinations. Veins, petioles of inoculated leaves and rootstock stems were stained with callose specific dye. Results from fluorescence microscope observation, pharmacological test, and PCR detection of SMV coat protein gene (SMV-CP) showed the role of callose in long-distance transportation of SMV through phloem during infection of soybean seedlings. When the inhibitor of callose synthesis 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DDG) was used, the accumulation of callose fluorescence could hardly be detected in the resistant rootstocks. These results indicate that callose deposition in phloem restricts the long-distance transport of SMV, and that the accumulation of callose in phloem is a main contributing factor for resistance to this virus in soybean.

Implementation strategies for high-performance health care simulation centres: A multicentre exploratory case study in China.

INTRODUCTION: The number of health care simulation centres (HSCs) in mainland China has increased exponentially recently. However, the performance of these centres varies significantly between hospitals. The aim of this study is to address two research questions: (i) what are the critical factors for implementing high-performance HSCs and (ii) how are these critical factors used in the development of implementation strategies to achieve satisfactory performance? METHODS: Following a literature review on information technology (IT) implementation, we identified a framework comprising four key dimensions for HSCs implementation: technology, organisation, environment and individuals. This TOEI (technology-organisation-environment-individual) framework was then used as a basis for a multicentre case study through which data collection and analysis proceeded. We collected 12 one-to-one in-depth interviews alongside secondary data from six high-performance HSCs in mainland China. RESULTS: Our study identifies critical TOEI factors that collectively influence HSC implementation performance and major activities at the six high-performance HSCs. Three strategies for implementing high-performance HSCs are also identified: facility management platform, education and training centre and innovation centre. CONCLUSIONS: HSC implementation is an holistic approach. The critical TOEI factors collectively build a foundation for centre activities. An HSC's implementation strategy highly relies on organisational strategic goals. Additionally, HSCs in mainland China face some common challenges such as faculty retention and future opportunities such as expanding the research scope. Our study also provides insights for hospital leadership, medical associations and policymakers.

Constructing efficient HCSs/Nb3O7F hybrids based on bonding interaction to boost simulated-sunlight photocatalytic performance.

Recently, Nb3O7F (NOF) semiconductor has been intensively studied owing to its excellent ultraviolet activity, good thermal stability and low carrier recombination. In this work, we report a five-step technique to synthesize hollow carbon spheres (HCSs)/NOF hybrids. Activating the surface of HCSs by creating oxyfluorinated functionalization can easily trigger an interaction between oxyfluorinated HCSs and NOF intermediates, finally resulting in the formation of HCSs/NOF hybrids. By manipulating the contents of HCSs with unexceptionable electron mobility, the hybrids can simultaneously achieve narrower band gap, stronger light absorption and rapider charge transfer. As a consequence, HCSs/NOF hybrids exhibit enhanced photodegradation performance towards RhB solutions under simulated sunlight irradiation. Specially, HCSs/NOF-1.0 catalysts with 95.7% degradation efficiency within 40 min demonstrate approximately four times higher photocatalytic activity than that of pure NOF catalysts. The results may offer new inspirations for a design of novel catalysts with higher photoactivity.

Nb/Se Co-doped BiOI nanomaterials with exposed (110) facets for enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity.

Herein, an efficient strategy is demonstrated to prepare a visible-light-driven Nb/Se co-doped BiOI photocatalyst with exposed (110) facets. The results show that its photocatalytic activity is around 17 times higher than that of pure BiOI. This work paves the way towards the fabrication of efficient photocatalysts that have tunable charge dynamics.

In†Situ Corrosion Fabrication of NaNbO3 /Nb3 O7 F Heterojunctions with Optimized Band Realignment for Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

Heterostructured photocatalysis is a significant issue owing to the unique band alignment, improved spectrum absorption, and enhanced photocatalytic activity. However, the construction of uniform, controllable, and effective heterojunctions is still a huge challenge. Herein, NaNbO3 /Nb3 O7 F heterojunctions are fabricated through an in situ corrosion technique for the first time. The influence of phase transformation on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity is investigated systematically in terms of photocatalytic water splitting for H2 production. Interestingly, the band realignment and good interfacial contact endow the NaNbO3 /Nb3 O7 F heterojunctions with a high HER activity (43.3 mmol g-1 h-1 ), which is about 2.4 times that of pure Nb3 O7 F and 1.36 times that of pure NaNbO3 . The results may provide some new insights into the corrosion technique and HER activity of novel heterostructured catalysts.

Different dosing intervals of mifepristone-misoprostol for second-trimester termination of pregnancy: A meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 1- and 2-day drug administration interval between mifepristone and misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination and provide evidence-based recommendations. METHODS: Search strategy: the search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for the relevant published studies from their establishment to March 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 1- and 2-day time interval of mifepristone-misoprostol for termination of pregnancy during second-trimester pregnancy were considered. Data were processed using Revman 5.3 software. RESULTS: Meta-analyses of three RCTs showed no significant difference was reported in the induction-to-abortion time and successful abortion rate between 1- and 2-day mifepristone and misoprostol intervals. Statistical difference was not identified in the induction-to-abortion time between the two drug administration intervals in nulliparous or parous women. CONCLUSIONS: Both 1- and 2-day dosing intervals between mifepristone and misoprostol are suitable for clinical use for second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy.

Long Noncoding RNA 00472: A Novel Biomarker in Human Diseases.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in human diseases. They control gene expression levels and influence various biological processes through multiple mechanisms. Functional abnormalities in lncRNAs are strongly associated with occurrence and development of various diseases. LINC00472, which is located on chromosome 6q13, is involved in several human diseases, particularly cancers of the breast, lung, liver, osteosarcoma, bladder, colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic and stomach. Importantly, LINC00472 can be used as a biomarker for breast cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapeutic regimens, including doxorubicin. LINC00472 is regulated by microRNAs and several signaling pathways. However, the significance of LINC00472 in human diseases has not been clearly established. In this review, we elucidate on the significance of LINC00472 in various human diseases, indicating that LINC00472 may be a diagnostic, prognostic as well as therapeutic target for these diseases.

How hospitals in mainland China responded to the outbreak of COVID-19 using information technology-enabled services: An analysis of hospital news webpages.

OBJECTIVE: Many countries have implemented quarantine rules during the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Understanding how hospitals can continue providing services in an effective manner under these circumstances is thus important. In this study, we investigate how information technology (IT) helped hospitals in mainland China better respond to the outbreak of the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a content analysis of pages published on the websites of the top 50 hospitals in mainland China between January 22 and February 21, 2020. In total, we analyzed 368 pages that the hospitals published during the initial days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose was to identify common themes related to the utilization of IT by these hospitals in response to the pandemic's outbreak. RESULTS: We identified 5 focal themes across the webpages published by the hospitals during our study period, including (1) popular medical science education, (2) digitalized hospital processes, (3) knowledge management for medical professionals, (4) telemedicine, and (5) new IT initiatives for healthcare services. Our analysis revealed that Chinese hospitals spent greater effort in promoting popular medical science education in the initial stages of our study period and more on telemedicine in the latter stages. DISCUSSION: We propose a configurational approach for hospitals to design response strategies to pandemic outbreaks based on their available resources. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides rich insights for hospitals to better utilize their IT resources and some recommendations for policymaker to better support hospitals in the future.

Boosted visible-light photocatalytic activity and retarded carrier recombination of Eu3+-doped Nb3O7F nanomaterials prepared by hydrothermal method.

Novel trivalent europium (Eu3+)-doped niobium oxyfluoride (Nb3O7F) nanomaterials with retarded carrier recombination and enhanced photocatalytic activity were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Through changing the doping ratio of Eu3+ ions, the phase, composition, morphology, absorption spectra and photocatalytic properties were investigated in detail. The results showed that Eu3+ ions were successfully incorporated into the interstitial sites of Nb3O7F crystal lattice. With the increase of Eu3+ amounts, the morphology gradually changed from nanowall to irregular nanoparticle. Meanwhile, incorporation of Eu3+ ions had a slight influence on the light absorption. However, Eu3+-doped samples exhibited excellent photodegradation activity towards Rhodamine B dyes. The improvement may be ascribed to higher specific surface area, and lower carrier recombination prohibited by forming Eu3+/Eu2+ self-redox centers. This work envisages that Eu3+-doped Nb3O7F nanomaterials may be a promising kind of photocatalysts.

Novel 2D hybrids composed of SnIn4S8 nanoplates on BiOBr nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic applications.

In the last ten years, bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) has attracted wide attention due to its superior optoelectronic property. However, its practical application still suffers from slow carrier transport and high carrier recombination. Here we report a kind of novel tannum indium sulfide (SnIn4S8)/BiOBr hybrid prepared by a two-step hydrothermal method. The results showed that small amount of SnIn4S8 had no influence on the crystal phase of BiOBr, but the morphology could be regulated from nanosheet to nanoflower. Specially, SnIn4S8 exerted a slight effect on the light absorption and band gap of BiOBr. Importantly, SnIn4S8/BiOBr hybrids exhibited remarkable enhancement of the photocatalytic activity towards the degradation of rhodamin B (RhB) dye molecules. SnIn4S8/BiOBr-0.20 with 99.8% degradation efficiency had the highest photocatalytic activity within 40 min, while it was only 71.1% for pure BiOBr. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was mainly attributed to efficient interfacial transfer and low carrier recombination. This work will help us understand the photocatalytic mechanism of bismuth oxyhalide hybrids.

Efficacy and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with insulin resistance: Protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing year by year, and various complications can endanger the lives of patients. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accounts for more than 90% of DM, most of which is associated with insulin resistance (IR), and IR has been shown to be closely related to the onset of T2DM and the presence of DM complications. Berberine (BBR) has been shown to improve T2DM with IR in a number of ways. In this study, we aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BBR in the treatment of T2DM with IR to provide the newest evidence for clinical use. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Literature research will be divided into 2 parts: electronic search and manual search. We will search PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, the China Science and Technology Journal database, and the Wanfang database online. We will select the eligible studies published up to June 30, 2019. Dissertations, conference papers, ongoing trials, internal reports, etc., are searched by manual search methods. We use Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR (HOMA-IR) as the primary outcome of T2DM with IR, and we will also focus on the patient's blood glucose levels and all adverse reactions that occur during medication.Two reviewers will read the articles, extract the data information, and assess the risk of bias independently. Data analysis will use the software such as RevMan 5.3.5, ENDNOTE X7, and STATA 13.0. RESULTS: This study will provide a high-quality synthesis of current evidence of BBR for T2DM with IR from several aspects including HOMA-IR, blood glucose levels, and adverse events. CONCLUSION: This systematic review will provide evidence to assess the efficacy and safety of BBR in the treatment of T2DM with IR. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Because all of the data used in this systematic review has been published, ethical approval is not required. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42019123225.

Cloning, localization and bioinformatics analysis of a gene encoding an odorant-binding protein (OBP) in Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky).

Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) has an advanced and complicated olfactory system to identify hosts, mates and spawning locations, and odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) play a key role by binding to volatile materials from different hosts. The full-length cDNA sequence of an OBP, AglaOBP, was cloned by RACE from an antenna cDNA library, and the protein structure and function were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Gene temporal and spatial expression was detected by real-time qPCR. AglaOBP had distinctive sequence, location and expression profiles compared with other OBPs of A. glabripennis, as it was found in different tissues, and the highest expression was in the elytrums. The possible physiological functions of this OBP were discussed. These findings help elucidate the physiology of this pest and provide a new potential target for pest control.

Tunable band alignment in two-phase-coexistence Nb3O7F nanocrystals with enhanced light harvesting and photocatalytic performance.

A two-phase-coexistence technique offers intriguing variables to maneuver novel and enhanced functionality in a single-component material. Most importantly, new band alignment and perfect interfaces between two phases can strongly affect local photoelectronic properties. However, previous efforts to achieve two-phase coexistence were mainly restricted to specific systems and methods. Here we demonstrate a phase-transition route to acquire two-phase-coexistence niobium oxyfluoride (Nb3O7F) nanocrystals for the first time. Based on key distinguishing features of the experimental results and theoretical analysis, the phase transition of Nb3O7F involves an organic/inorganic hybrid, heat treating, Al-doping, lattice deformation and structural rearrangement. The band gap can be effectively tuned from 3.03 eV to 2.84 eV, and the VBM can be tuned from 1.49 eV to 1.69 eV according to the phase proportion. Benefiting from uniform nanocrystal size, tunable band alignment and an optimized interfacial structure, the two-phase coexistence markedly enhances visible-light harvesting and the photocatalytic performance of Nb3O7F nanocrystals. The results not only demonstrate an opportunity to explore two-phase coexistence of novel nanocrystals, but also illustrate the role of two-phase coexistence in achieving enhanced photoelectronic properties.

Correlation of interleukin-33 with Th cytokines and clinical severity of dry eye disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the tear and serum protein levels of interleukin-33 (IL-33) and its correlation with Th cytokines and disease severity in dry eye (DE) syndrome. METHODS: Tear and serum samples were collected from 30 healthy volunteers, 30 DE patients with non-Sjogren's syndrome DE (NSSDE) and 30 DE patients with primary SSDE. The eight most frequent symptoms of DE were scored. All patients underwent corneal and conjunctival staining, tear film breakup time (TBUT), and Schirmer I test. The serum and tear levels of IL-33 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of IL-33 expression and its correlation with Th cytokines and disease severity were also analyzed. RESULTS: We found that symptom scores and corneal staining grade were significantly higher in SSDE group compared with NSSDE and control group, whereas the results of TBUT and Schirmer I test were significantly lower in SSDE group compared with NSSDE and control group. The tear levels of IL-33 were significantly increased in tears of SSDE patients compared with those of controls and NSSDE patients (P < 0.05). Moreover, the elevated tear levels of IL-33 were positively correlated with symptom scores but negatively correlated with tear film breakup time and Schirmer I test in both NSSDE and SSDE patients (P < 0.05). The tear levels of IL-33 of both NSSDE and SSDE patients were also positively correlated with tear levels of IL-4 and IL-5 (P < 0.05). Correlation between the serum levels of IL-33 with Th1/17/Treg cytokines was not found. CONCLUSION: Elevated tear levels of IL-33 were associated with the Th2 cytokines and disease severity of DE. Therefore, IL-33 may have important roles in the immunopathogenesis of the DE.

Novel Nb3O7F/WS2 hybrid nanomaterials with enhanced optical absorption and photocatalytic activity.

Coping with increasing environmental issues, niobium oxyfluoride (Nb3O7F), as a novel semiconductor, is a promising photocatalyst due to its outstanding electronic and optoelectronic properties. However, the photocatalytic performance of Nb3O7F is restricted in practical application due to its weak optical absorption and low carrier separation. In this work, Nb3O7F/WS2 hybrids with superior optical absorption and photocatalytic activity have been successfully synthesized by a facile two-step sol-hydrothermal technique. UV-vis spectra show that WS2 not only exhibits enhanced optical absorption in the range of 420-1100 nm but extends the absorption edge, and tends to narrow the band gap of the Nb3O7F photocatalyst. Photocatalytic experiments indicate that introducing WS2 into Nb3O7F markedly enhances the photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue dyes under visible-light irradiation. Nb3O7F/WS2 photocatalysts exhibit the highest activity with 98.9% decoloration efficiency in 70 min, while pure Nb3O7F only achieves 67.9% in the same time and achieves its final decoloration ratio after 150 min. The excellent photocatalytic activity can be directly ascribed to more exposed active sites, higher carrier separation efficiency, and faster carrier transfer. The results may open up a new avenue for the design and preparation of novel and highly efficient photocatalysts.

CNTs-Modified Nb3O7F Hybrid Nanocrystal towards Faster Carrier Migration, Lower Bandgap and Higher Photocatalytic Activity.

Novel semiconductor photocatalysts have been the research focus and received much attention in recent years. The key issues for novel semiconductor photocatalysts are to effectively harvest solar energy and enhance the separation efficiency of the electron-hole pairs. In this work, novel Nb3O7F/CNTs hybrid nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic activity have been successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal plus etching technique. The important finding is that appropriate pH values lead to the formation of Nb3O7F nanocrystal directly. A general strategy to introdue interaction between Nb3O7F and CNTs markedly enhances the photocatalytic activity of Nb3O7F. Comparatively, Nb3O7F/CNTs nanocomposites exhibit higher photodegradation efficiency and faster photodegradation rate in the solution of methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic activity may be attributed to more exposed active sites, higher carrier migration and narrower bandgap because of good synergistic effect. The results here may inspire more engineering, new design and facile fabrication of novel photocatalysts with highly photocatalytic activity.

Correction: Integration of Visual and Olfactory Cues in Host Plant Identification by the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142752.].