C─H Activation Enables the Construction of New Bis-Polyaryl Phenylpyridine Ruthenium Complexes: Conjugation and Rigidity Synergistic Effect for Advanced Electrochemiluminescence.

The access to bench-stable organometallic compounds unfolds new chemical space for medicinal and material sciences. In particular, stable organoruthenium compounds with constitutional and stereoisomeric forms for subtle regulation of electrochemiluminescence are intriguing and challenging. Here, coordination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on (2-phenylpyridine)2(CO)2Ru complex allows access to bis-polyaryl phenylpyridine (BPP) Ruthenium complex through C─H activation strategy and coupling reactions for installation of the functionalities with steric and electronic purposes. The photoluminescence and electrochemiluminescence of BPP Ru complexes are affected by the actual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons inherent properties. The anthracene derivatized BPP Ru complex (BPP-Ant) shows the best ECL performance and reveals an enormous ECL quantum efficiency of 1.6-fold higher than the golden standard Ru(bpy)3 2+. The unprecedentedly high efficiency is due to the best compromise between the structural conjugation and molecular rigidity from BPP-Ant providing a providential energy gap that facilitated the feasibility of electron transfer and favored the radiative energy release by experimentally and DFT calculations. Moreover, PL and spooling ECL spectroscopies are used to track and link multiple emission peaks of BPP-Ant at 445, 645, and 845 nm to different emissive species. These discoveries will add a new member to the efficient ECL ruthenium complex family and bring more potentials.

Comprehensive Identification and Characterization of HML-9 Group in Chimpanzee Genome.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are related to long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, comprising gene sequences of exogenous retroviruses integrated into the host genome and inherited according to Mendelian law. They are considered to have contributed greatly to the evolution of host genome structure and function. We previously characterized HERV-K HML-9 in the human genome. However, the biological function of this type of element in the genome of the chimpanzee, which is the closest living relative of humans, largely remains elusive. Therefore, the current study aims to characterize HML-9 in the chimpanzee genome and to compare the results with those in the human genome. Firstly, we report the distribution and genetic structural characterization of the 26 proviral elements and 38 solo LTR elements of HML-9 in the chimpanzee genome. The results showed that the distribution of these elements displayed a non-random integration pattern, and only six elements maintained a relatively complete structure. Then, we analyze their phylogeny and reveal that the identified elements all cluster together with HML-9 references and with those identified in the human genome. The HML-9 integration time was estimated based on the 2-LTR approach, and the results showed that HML-9 elements were integrated into the chimpanzee genome between 14 and 36 million years ago and into the human genome between 18 and 49 mya. In addition, conserved motifs, cis-regulatory regions, and enriched PBS sequence features in the chimpanzee genome were predicted based on bioinformatics. The results show that pathways significantly enriched for ERV LTR-regulated genes found in the chimpanzee genome are closely associated with disease development, including neurological and neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. In summary, the identification, characterization, and genomics of HML-9 presented here not only contribute to our understanding of the role of ERVs in primate evolution but also to our understanding of their biofunctional significance.

Recent advances in microfluidic-based spectroscopic approaches for pathogen detection.

Rapid identification of pathogens with higher sensitivity and specificity plays a significant role in maintaining public health, environmental monitoring, controlling food quality, and clinical diagnostics. Different methods have been widely used in food testing laboratories, quality control departments in food companies, hospitals, and clinical settings to identify pathogens. Some limitations in current pathogens detection methods are time-consuming, expensive, and laborious sample preparation, making it unsuitable for rapid detection. Microfluidics has emerged as a promising technology for biosensing applications due to its ability to precisely manipulate small volumes of fluids. Microfluidics platforms combined with spectroscopic techniques are capable of developing miniaturized devices that can detect and quantify pathogenic samples. The review focuses on the advancements in microfluidic devices integrated with spectroscopic methods for detecting bacterial microbes over the past five years. The review is based on several spectroscopic techniques, including fluorescence detection, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and dynamic light scattering methods coupled with microfluidic platforms. The key detection principles of different approaches were discussed and summarized. Finally, the future possible directions and challenges in microfluidic-based spectroscopy for isolating and detecting pathogens using the latest innovations were also discussed.

How can the digital economy reduce carbon emissions? Empirical evidence from China.

China is transitioning into the digital economy era. The advancement of the digital economy could offer a fresh mechanism to attain carbon peak and carbon neutrality objectives. Applications of the digital economy, such as smart energy management, intelligent transport systems, and digital agricultural technologies, have significantly reduced carbon emissions by optimizing resource use, reducing energy waste, and improving production efficiency. This research does so by devising a theoretical model that looks into the multi-faceted power of the digital economy under a two-sector paradigm. Utilising a panel model, a mediation effect model and a spatial Durbin model to assess the digital economy's power on carbon emissions. This research has determined that the digital economy can significantly diminish carbon emissions, with green tech innovations and industrial transformation being key contributors. The spatial spillover effect was used for the digital economy to aid in lowering carbon emissions in adjacent districts and upgrading better environmental stewardship. The influence of the digital economy has better performance in lowering carbon emissions in mid-western China than in the eastern area. This paper deepens understanding of the drivers of low-carbon growth and the significance, mechanism and regional disparities of the digital economy's effect on reducing carbon emissions. It offers valuable policy insights and guidance for globally achieving digital economy growth, reducing carbon emissions and reaching carbon peak and neutrality goals.

The thalamic reticular nucleus orchestrates social memory.

Social memory has been developed in humans and other animals to recognize familiar conspecifics and is essential for their survival and reproduction. Here, we demonstrated that parvalbumin-positive neurons in the sensory thalamic reticular nucleus (sTRNPvalb) are necessary and sufficient for mice to memorize conspecifics. sTRNPvalb neurons receiving glutamatergic projections from the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) transmit individual information by inhibiting the parafascicular thalamic nucleus (PF). Mice in which the PPCCaMKII→sTRNPvalb→PF circuit was inhibited exhibited a disrupted ability to discriminate familiar conspecifics from novel ones. More strikingly, a subset of sTRNPvalb neurons with high electrophysiological excitability and complex dendritic arborizations is involved in the above corticothalamic pathway and stores social memory. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed the biochemical basis of these subset cells as a robust activation of protein synthesis. These findings elucidate that sTRNPvalb neurons modulate social memory by coordinating a hitherto unknown corticothalamic circuit and inhibitory memory engram.

Consolidation therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation after remission of induction chemotherapy prolongs the survival of patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

Background: There was little evidence of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) as consolidation therapy after remission of induction for patients with Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL). In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of real-world survival outcomes between consolidation therapy and observation in patients with PTCL. Methods: A total of 92 patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) who were admitted to the Department of Hematology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated with Fudan University from January 2013 to April 2019 were divided into two groups based on whether they were treated with high-dose therapy (HDT) followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT): ASCT as consolidation therapy (n=30) and observation (n=62). Clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and survival outcomes were analyzed between the two groups. Univariate and Cox multivariate regression analyses were also performed to detect prognostic factors of survival. Results: With a median follow-up time of 41 months, the median overall survival (OS) of peripheral T-cell lymphoma patients treated with ASCT was not reached; the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 77.0 months, which was much higher than that of patients without ASCT (p<0.003 for OS, p=0.015 for PFS). Subgroup analysis found that patients with high risks benefited more from ASCT. Combination with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) (p<0.001), clinical stage more than III (p=0.014), IPI score above 3 (p=0.049), and bone marrow involvement (p=0.010) were the independent prognostic factors significantly associated with worse OS and PFS. Additionally, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD)-containing chemotherapy regimen could bring a higher overall response rate (ORR) and prolong the survival of patients with PTCL who underwent ASCT. Conclusion: ASCT may improve the long-term survival of patients with PTCL as consolidation therapy after achieving complete or partial remission of induction treatment, particularly for those with high risks. The chemotherapy regimen containing pegylated liposomal doxorubicin may induce deeper remission than traditional doxorubicin in PTCL. It is crucial to identify the specific groups most likely to benefit from upfront ASCT.

A unified classification system for HIV-1 5' long terminal repeats.

The HIV-1 provirus mainly consists of internal coding region flanked by 1 long terminal repeats (LTRs) at each terminus. The LTRs play important roles in HIV-1 reverse transcription, integration, and transcription. However, despite of the significant study advances of the internal coding regions of HIV-1 by using definite reference classification, there are no systematic and phylogenetic classifications for HIV-1 5' LTRs, which hinders our elaboration on 5' LTR and a better understanding of the viral origin, spread and therapy. Here, by analyzing all available resources of 5' LTR sequences in public databases following 4 recognized principles for the reference classification, 83 representatives and 14 consensus sequences were identified as representatives of 2 groups, 6 subtypes, 6 sub-subtypes, and 9 CRFs. To test the reliability of the supplemented classification system, the constructed references were applied to identify the 5' LTR assignment of the 22 clinical isolates in China. The results revealed that 16 out of 22 tested strains showed a consistent subtype classification with the previous LTR-independent classification system. However, 6 strains, for which recombination events within 5' LTR were demonstrated, unexpectedly showed a different subtype classification, leading a significant change of binding sites for important transcription factors including SP1, p53, and NF-κB. The binding change of these transcriptional factors would probably affect the transcriptional activity of 5' LTR. This study supplemented a unified classification system for HIV-1 5' LTRs, which will facilitate HIV-1 characterization and be helpful for both basic and clinical research fields.

Research on emergency logistics information traceability model and resource optimization allocation strategies based on consortium blockchain.

In response to increasingly complex social emergencies, this study realizes the optimization of logistics information flow and resource allocation by constructing the Emergency logistics information Traceability model (ELITM-CBT) based on alliance blockchain technology. Using the decentralized, data immutable and transparent characteristics of alliance blockchain technology, this research breaks through the limitations of traditional emergency logistics models and improves the accuracy and efficiency of information management. Combined with the hybrid genetic simulated Annealing algorithm (HGASA), the improved model shows significant advantages in emergency logistics scenarios, especially in terms of total transportation time, total cost, and fairness of resource allocation. The simulation results verify the high efficiency of the model in terms of timeliness of emergency response and accuracy of resource allocation, and provide innovative theoretical support and practical scheme for the field of emergency logistics. Future research will explore more efficient consensus mechanisms, and combine big data and artificial intelligence technology to further improve the performance and adaptability of emergency logistics systems.

DPF3 polymorphisms increased the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis in the Northwest Chinese Han population.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DPF3 and susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in the Northwest Chinese Han population. METHODS: Genotyping of four DPF3 SNPs (rs10140566, rs75575287, rs202075571, and rs61986330) was performed using Agena MassARRAY from 488 PTB patients and 488 healthy controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using logistic regression. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis was employed to investigate the effect of SNP-SNP interactions on PTB risk. The GSE54992 dataset was analyzed using R software to ascertain DPF3 expression levels. RESULTS: Overall analysis revealed that rs202075571 (allele: OR = 1.31, p = 0.015; CC vs. TT: OR = 1.97, p = 0.049; dominant: OR = 1.33, p = 0.032) and rs61986330 (allele: OR = 1.38, p = 0.010; CA vs. CC: OR = 1.35, p = 0.044; dominant: OR = 1.40, p = 0.019) were associated with an increased PTB risk. Stratified analysis showed that rs10140566 was a PTB risk factor in females, those aged ≤40 and non-smokers, and rs202075571 was associated with PTB risk in individuals aged >40 and smokers, and rs61986330 was associated with PTB risk in males, those aged >40 and smokers. The four SNPs model demonstrated significant predictive potential for PTB risk. Furthermore, DPF3 exhibited higher expression in PTB compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION: DPF3 polymorphisms (rs10140566, rs202075571, and rs61986330) are associated with an increased risk of PTB, providing valuable new insights into the mechanism of PTB.

Endogenous retroviral solo-LTRs in human genome.

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are derived from the infection and integration of exogenetic retroviruses. HERVs account for 8% of human genome, and the majority of HERVs are solitary LTRs (solo-LTRs) due to homologous recombination. Multiple findings have showed that solo-LTRs could provide an enormous reservoir of transcriptional regulatory sequences involved in diverse biological processes, especially carcinogenesis and cancer development. The link between solo-LTRs and human diseases still remains poorly understood. This review focuses on the regulatory modules of solo-LTRs, which contribute greatly to the diversification and evolution of human genes. More importantly, although inactivating mutations, insertions and deletions have been identified in solo-LTRs, the inherited regulatory elements of solo-LTRs initiate the expression of chimeric lncRNA transcripts, which have been reported to play crucial roles in human health and disease. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolutionary and functional mechanisms underlying the presence of HERVs in human genome. Taken together, in this review, we will present evidences showing the regulatory and encoding capacity of solo-LTRs as well as the significant impact on various aspects of human biology.

How artificial intelligence affects the labour force employment structure from the perspective of industrial structure optimisation.

To investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) affects the structure of labour force employment, we integrate robotics adoption and employment into this study's model. Based on Chinese provincial panel data from 2010 to 2019, fixed, mediating and threshold effects models and a spatial heterogeneity model were used to empirically test the impact of AI on the employment structure from the perspective of industrial structure optimisation and its mechanisms of action. The findings demonstrate that the impact of AI on the labour force employment structure reflects unique characteristics for China and promotes the advancement of the nation's employment structure. The influence of AI on the labour force employment structure follows a non-linear pattern, fostering labour force employment structure optimisation and upgrading from the perspective of industrial structure optimisation. Further investigation reveals the influence of spatial spillover effects from AI on employment structure optimisation. These research findings have theoretical value and practical significance for optimising China's employment structure in the context of AI.

Hypothetical protein MAA_07646 is required for stress resistance and pathogenicity in Metarhizium robertsii.

Metarhizium robertsii, a vital entomopathogenic fungus for pest management, relies on various virulence-related proteins for infection. Identifying these proteins, especially those with unknown functions, can illuminate the fungus's virulence mechanisms. Through RNA-seq, we discovered that the hypothetical protein MAA_07646 was significantly upregulated during appressorium formation in M. robertsii. In this study, we characterized MAA_07646, finding its presence in both the nucleus and cytoplasm. Surprisingly, it did not affect vegetative growth, conidiation, or chemical tolerance. However, it played a role in heat and UV radiation sensitivity. Notably, ΔMAA_07646 exhibited reduced virulence in Galleria mellonella larvae due to impaired appressorium formation and decreased expression of virulence-related genes. In conclusion, MAA_07646 contributes to thermotolerance, UV resistance, and virulence in M. robertsii. Understanding its function sheds light on the insecticidal potential of M. robertsii's hypothetical proteins.

Comprehensive characterization of ERV-K (HML-8) in the chimpanzee genome revealed less genomic activity than humans.

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) originate from ancestral germline infections caused by exogenous retroviruses. Throughout evolution, they have become fixed within the genome of the animals into which they were integrated. As ERV elements coevolve with the host, they are normally epigenetically silenced and can become upregulated in a series of physiological and pathological processes. Generally, a detailed ERV profile in the host genome is critical for understanding the evolutionary history and functional performance of the host genome. We previously characterized and cataloged all the ERV-K subtype HML-8 loci in the human genome; however, this has not been done for the chimpanzee, the nearest living relative of humans. In this study, we aimed to catalog and characterize the integration of HML-8 in the chimpanzee genome and compare it with the integration of HML-8 in the human genome. We analyzed the integration of HML-8 and found that HML-8 pervasively invaded the chimpanzee genome. A total of 76 proviral elements were characterized on 23/24 chromosomes, including detailed elements distribution, structure, phylogeny, integration time, and their potential to regulate adjacent genes. The incomplete structure of HML-8 proviral LTRs will undoubtedly affect their activity. Moreover, the results indicated that HML-8 integration occurred before the divergence between humans and chimpanzees. Furthermore, chimpanzees include more HML-8 proviral elements (76 vs. 40) and fewer solo long terminal repeats (LTR) (0 vs. 5) than humans. These results suggested that chimpanzee genome activity is less than the human genome and that humans may have a better ability to shape and screen integrated proviral elements. Our work is informative in both an evolutionary and a functional context for ERVs.

The spatiotemporal heterogeneity of fertosphere hotspots impacted by biochar addition and the implications for NH3 and N2O emissions.

The fertosphere, as the interfaces between fertilizer granular and soil particles, represents a key hotspot for nitrogen transformation processes, particularly for ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. Understanding the heterogeneity of the fertosphere, especially when incorporating organic amendments like biochars, is crucial for predicting NH3 and N2O emissions after soil fertilization. In this study, we investigated the effects of three types of biochar (pristine, aged, and acid-washed biochar) on heterogeneity of fertosphere induced by localized urea application. pH-specific planar optodes were employed to visualize pH gradients in fertosphere hotspots with high spatial and temporal resolution. In addition, we conducted thorough measurements of the gradient distribution of electric conductivity (EC), mineral N, aqueous NH3 in soil and enzyme activities relevant to nitrification. Concurrently, NH3 and N2O emissions from the soil were continuously monitored at a high temporal resolution. Initially, urea-induced fertosphere exhibited significant NH3 emissions, primarily attributed to the pH elevation resulting from urea hydrolysis. However, after 6 days, NH3 emissions subsided, and there was a notable sharp increase in N2O emissions. Importantly, compared to urea application alone, the inclusion of pristine biochar led to a delay in soil pH decline with a 19% rise in NH3 emission. Aged biochar, characterized by a higher content of oxygen functional groups, demonstrated increased NH4+/NH3 adsorption capacity and enhanced ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) activity in soil, resulting in an 18% reduction in NH3 emission. While a slight decrease of 5% in NH3 cumulative emission was observed in the acid-washed biochar treatment. Notably, biochar could potentially promote nitrification-derived N2O emissions due to the accumulation of NH3 oxidation products (NH2OH). These findings could contribute to refining N transformation models for fertilized soils, and optimizing N fertilizer application strategies.

Long noncoding RNA ANRIL alleviates hypoxia-induced pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell damage.

BACKGROUND: High-altitude pulmonary oedema (HAPE) is a form of noncardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Studies have found that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in HAPE. ANRIL is significant in pulmonary illnesses, which implies that alterations in ANRIL expression levels may be involved in the beginning and development of HAPE. However, the specific mechanism is indistinct. The present study is meant to explore the effect and mechanism of ANRIL on hypoxic-induced injury of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMEVCs). METHODS: In the hypoxic model of PMVECs, overexpression of ANRIL or knockdown of miR-181c-5p was performed to assess cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. Furthermore, the levels of apoptosis-related proteins, inflammatory factors, and vascular active factors were also measured. RESULTS: The results showed that, after 24 h of hypoxia, PMVECs proliferation and migration were suppressed in comparison to the control group, along with an increase in apoptosis, a decrease in the expression of ANRIL, and an increase in the expression of miR-181c-5p (all p < .05). The damage caused by hypoxia in PMVECs can be lessened by overexpressing ANRIL, which also inhibits the production of TNF-α, iNOS, and VEGF as well as BAX and cleaved caspase-3 (all p < .05). Further experimental results showed that overexpression of ANRIL and knockdown of miR-181c-5p had the same protection against hypoxic injury in PMVECs (all p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that ANRIL may prevent hypoxia injury to PMVECs in HAPE through the negative regulation of miR-181c-5p.

"UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS-chemometrics-network pharmacology" integrated strategy to discover quality markers of raw and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli and process optimization of stir-fried Fructus Tribuli.

INTRODUCTION: Fructus Tribuli, the dried ripe fruit of Tribulus terrestris L., has various beneficial effects, including liver-calming and depression-relieving effects. Raw Fructus Tribuli (RFT) and stir-fried Fructus Tribuli (SFT) are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 edition (Ch. P 2020). However, owing to the lack of specific regulations on SFT-processing parameters in Ch. P 2020, it is difficult to ensure the quality of commercially available SFT. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to screen the quality markers (Q-markers) of RFT and SFT and optimize the processing technology of SFT based on the identified Q-markers. METHODS: First, the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) technology as well as multiple statistical analysis along with network pharmacology was used to comprehensively identify the Q-markers of RFT and SFT. Then, based on single-factor experiments, the Box-Behnken design (BBD) response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the processing technology of SFT and perform process validation. RESULTS: A total of 63 components were identified in RFT and SFT extracts. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were initially considered the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The optimum processing technology conditions were 208°C, 14 min, and 60 r·min-1. Three batches of process validation were performed, and the mean composite score was 56.87, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of 1.13%. CONCLUSION: The content of steroidal saponin components in RFT was significantly different before and after stir-frying. Terrestrosin D and Terrestrosin K were validated as the Q-markers of RFT and SFT, respectively. The identification of Q-markers for RFT and SFT offered a clear index for optimizing the SFT-processing technology and provided a basis for the quality control of RFT and SFT decoction pieces.

Predictive Value of CFIm25 Expression in Peripheral Blood Monocytes for Coronary Atherosclerosis.

Background: Cleavage factor Im25 (CFIm25) regulates cell function by affecting mRNA editing processes and plays diverse roles in various diseases. Studies have found that peripheral blood monocytes are valuable in diagnosing and prognosing coronary atherosclerosis. However, no studies have examined the predictive value of CFIm25 expression in peripheral blood monocytes for coronary atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We collected the coronary angiography results of 267 patients and calculated the Gensini score to evaluate their degree of coronary atherosclerosis. We isolated peripheral blood monocytes and detected CFIm25 RNA expression. Based on their Gensini score, we divided the patients into negative (0, n = 46), mild lesion (≤ 8, n = 71), moderate lesion (8-23, n = 76), and severe lesion (≥ 23, n = 74) groups. Results showed that CFIm25 expression correlated negatively with the Gensini score and the number of involved coronary vessels. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses showed that CFIm25 expression in peripheral blood monocytes was a protective factor for severe lesions, ≥ 50% stenosis, and three-vessel lesions. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of CFIm25 expression for predicting lesions, severe lesions, ≥50% stenosis, and three-vessel lesions were 0.743, 0.735, 0.791, and 0.736, respectively. Conclusions: CFIm25 expression in peripheral blood monocytes correlates negatively with the degree of coronary atherosclerosis and helps predict the severity and number of coronary artery lesions.

Na2S2O3 Catalyzed Three-Component Synthesis and Anti-Bacterial Activity of 3-Methyl-4-(hetero)arylmethylene isoxazole-5(4H)-ones.

An efficient and green method for synthesizing 3-methyl-4-(hetero) arylmethylene isoxazole-5(4H)-ones was developed using a recyclable and environmental-friendly catalyst, Na2S2O3, and 16 target compounds were successfully synthesized under the obtained optimal reaction condition. Using rifampicin as a positive control, the antibacterial activity of all synthesized compounds was tested by micro dilution method, among them, 3-methyl-4-[(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl) methylene]-isoxazole-5-one (4 m) presented wonderful antimicrobial activity, which may contribute to the development of anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Chlorothalonil exposure compromised mouse oocyte in vitro maturation through inducing oxidative stress and activating MAPK pathway.

Chlorothalonil (CTL) is widely used in agricultural production and antifoulant additive globally due to its broad spectrum and non-systemic properties, resulting in its widespread existence in foods, soil and water. Extensive evidence demonstrated that exposure to CTL induced adverse effects on organisms and in particular its reproductive toxicity has been attracted public concern. However, the influences of CTL on oocyte maturation is mysterious so far. In this study, we documented the toxic effects of CTL on oocyte in vitro maturation and the related underlying mechanisms. Exposure to CTL caused continuous activation of spindle assembly checkpoints (SAC) which in turn compromised meiotic maturation in mouse oocyte, featured by the attenuation of polar body extrusion (PBE). Detection of cytoskeletal dynamics demonstrated that CTL exposure weakened the acetylation level of α-tubulin and impaired meiotic spindle apparatus, which was responsible for the aberrant state of SAC. Meanwhile, exposure to CTL damaged the function of mitochondria, inducing the decline of ATP content and the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which thereby induced early apoptosis and DNA damage in mouse oocytes. In addition, exposure to CTL caused the alteration of the level of histone H3 methylation, indicative of the harmful effects of CTL on epigenetic modifications in oocytes. Further, the CTL-induced oxidative stress activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and injured the maturation of oocytes. In summary, exposure to CTL damaged mouse oocyte in vitro maturation via destroying spindle assembly, inducing oxidative stress and triggering MAPK pathway activation.

ELONGATED HYPOTCOTYL5 and SPINE BASE SIZE1 together mediate light-regulated spine expansion in cucumber.

Plant trichome development is influenced by diverse developmental and environmental signals, but the molecular mechanisms involved are not well understood in most plant species. Fruit spines (trichomes) are an important trait in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), as they affect both fruit smoothness and commercial quality. Spine Base Size1 (CsSBS1) has been identified as essential for regulating fruit spine size in cucumber. Here, we discovered that CsSBS1 controls a season-dependent phenotype of spine base size in wild-type plants. Decreased light intensity led to reduced expression of CsSBS1 and smaller spine base size in wild-type plants, but not in the mutants with CsSBS1 deletion. Additionally, knockout of CsSBS1 resulted in smaller fruit spine base size and eliminated the light-induced expansion of spines. Overexpression of CsSBS1 increased spine base size and rescued the decrease in spine base size under low light conditions. Further analysis revealed that ELONGATED HYPOTCOTYL5 (HY5), a major transcription factor involved in light signaling pathways, directly binds to the promoter of CsSBS1 and activates its expression. Knockout of CsHY5 led to smaller fruit spine base size and abolished the light-induced expansion of spines. Taken together, our study findings have clarified a CsHY5-CsSBS1 regulatory module that mediates light-regulated spine expansion in cucumber. This finding offers a strategy for cucumber breeders to develop fruit with stable appearance quality under changing light conditions.