circZNF532 promotes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in diabetic retinopathy by recruiting TAF15 to stabilize PIK3CD.

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a pivotal event in diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study explored the role of circRNA zinc finger protein 532 (circZNF532) in regulating EndMT in DR progression. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were exposed to high glucose (HG) to induce the DR cell model. Actinomycin D-treated HRMECs were used to confirm the mRNA stability of phosphoinositide-3 kinase catalytic subunit δ (PIK3CD). The interaction between TATA-box-binding protein-associated factor 15 (TAF15) and circZNF532/PIK3CD was subsequently analyzed using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pull-down. It was found that HG treatment accelerated EndMT process, facilitated cell migration and angiogenesis, and enhanced PIK3CD and p-AKT levels in HRMECs, whereas si-circZNF532 transfection neutralized these effects. Further data showed that circZNF532 recruited TAF15 to stabilize PIK3CD, thus elevating PIK3CD expression. Following rescue experiments suggested that PIK3CD overexpression partially negated the inhibitory effect of circZNF532 silencing on EndMT, migration, and angiogenesis of HG-treated HRMECs. In conclusion, our results suggest that circZNF532 recruits TAF15 to stabilize PIK3CD, thereby facilitating EndMT in DR.

Checklist and distribution of Nepomorpha (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from China.

An updated catalog of the infraorder Nepomorpha from China is provided based on literature reports, museum specimens, and field collections. In total, 214 species of Nepomorpha are listed in 6 superfamilies, 11 families, and 37 genera, including: Aphelocheiridae (1 genus, 27 species), Belostomatidae (3 genera, 7 species), Corixidae (9 genera, 52 species), Gelastocoridae (1 genus, 3 species), Helotrephidae (5 genera, 25 species), Micronectidae (1 genus, 28 species), Naucoridae (7 genera, 12 species), Nepidae (5 genera, 21 species), Notonectidae (4 genera, 32 species), Ochteridae (1 genus, 2 species) and Pleidae (1 genus, 5 species). Paraplea liturata (Fieber, 1844) is reported from mainland China for the first time. Distribution maps are provided for most species and are based on museum specimens and our field collections.

High-efficiency and low-hazard artillery recoil reduction technology based on barrel gas reflection.

Reducing recoil as well as reducing muzzle hazards are important issues in artillery design. This paper presents a barrel gas reflection method for the artillery aiming for efficient recoil reduction while reducing muzzle hazards. The launching process is modeled by coupling the interior ballistic equations and the flow equations of the barrel gas reflection device. The fourth-order Runge-Kutta method was used to solve the model, and the LHS method as well as the Kriging model was used to establish a mapping relationship between the parameters and the effect. To validate the proposed model, shooting experiments are carried out on a 30 mm caliber artillery. The maximum error between the experiment and simulation results was 5.32%. The experiment has demonstrated that the barrel gas reflection method increases the recoil reduction efficiency of artillery by 44.54% and reduces the muzzle hazard by 52.18%. Finally, the barrel gas reflection method can produce effects with the muzzle device at the same time, and it has little effect on the velocity of the projectile muzzle velocity, and it provides a new way of thinking for the development of future artillery recoil reduction technology.

The IAA17.1/HSFA5a module enhances salt tolerance in Populus tomentosa by regulating flavonol biosynthesis and ROS levels in lateral roots.

Auxin signaling provides a promising approach to controlling root system architecture and improving stress tolerance in plants. However, how the auxin signaling is transducted in this process remains unclear. The Aux indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) repressor IAA17.1 is stabilized by salinity, and primarily expressed in the lateral root (LR) primordia and tips in poplar. Overexpression of the auxin-resistant form of IAA17.1 (IAA17.1m) led to growth inhibition of LRs, markedly reduced salt tolerance, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and decreased flavonol content. We further identified that IAA17.1 can interact with the heat shock protein HSFA5a, which was highly expressed in roots and induced by salt stress. Overexpression of HSFA5a significantly increased flavonol content, reduced ROS accumulation, enhanced LR growth and salt tolerance in transgenic poplar. Moreover, HSFA5a could rescue the defective phenotypes caused by IAA17.1m. Expression analysis showed that genes associated with flavonol biosynthesis were altered in IAA17.1m- and HAFA5a-overexpressing plants. Furthermore, we identified that HSFA5a directly activated the expression of key enzyme genes in the flavonol biosynthesis pathway, while IAA17.1 suppressed HSFA5a-mediated activation of these genes. Collectively, the IAA17.1/HSFA5a module regulates flavonol biosynthesis, controls ROS accumulation, thereby modulating the root system of poplar to adapt to salt stress.

Repopulating Kupffer cells originate directly from hematopoietic stem cells.

BACKGROUND: Kupffer cells (KCs) originate from yolk-sac progenitors before birth. Throughout adulthood, they self-maintain independently from the input of circulating monocytes (MOs) at a steady state and are replenished within 2 weeks after having been depleted, but the origin of repopulating KCs in adults remains unclear. The current paradigm dictates that repopulating KCs originate from preexisting KCs or monocytes, but there remains a lack of fate-mapping evidence. METHODS: We first traced the fate of preexisting KCs and that of monocytic cells with tissue-resident macrophage-specific and monocytic cell-specific fate-mapping mouse models, respectively. Secondly, we performed genetic lineage tracing to determine the type of progenitor cells involved in response to KC-depletion in mice. Finally, we traced the fate of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in an HSC-specific fate-mapping mouse model, in the context of chronic liver inflammation induced by repeated carbon tetrachloride treatment. RESULTS: By using fate-mapping mouse models, we found no evidence that repopulating KCs originate from preexisting KCs or MOs and found that in response to KC-depletion, HSCs proliferated in the bone marrow, mobilized into the blood, adoptively transferred into the liver and differentiated into KCs. Then, in the chronic liver inflammation context, we confirmed that repopulating KCs originated directly from HSCs. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings provided in vivo fate-mapping evidence that repopulating KCs originate directly from HSCs, which presents a completely novel understanding of the cellular origin of repopulating KCs and shedding light on the divergent roles of KCs in liver homeostasis and diseases.

Photoinduced Synthesis of Sulfonyl-Containing Phosphorothioates via a Three-Component Reaction.

Both sulfonyl and phosphorothioate are important privileged structural motifs which are widely presented in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Herein, we describe an efficient approach to synthesizing sulfonyl-containing phosphorothioates by merging photoredox and copper catalysis at room temperature. This protocol is compatible with a wide range of substrates and can be applied to the late-stage modification of complex molecules. Control experiments are conducted to demonstrate the generation of the sulfonyl radical in the transformation.

Effect of calcium spray at flowering combined with post-harvest 1-MCP treatment on the preservation of grapes.

These tests were carried out to find out how calcium and 1-MCP treatment affected the preservation of grapes, as grapes are highly susceptible to decay during post-harvest storage. The grapes were treated with 5 g/L calcium at the flowering stage, followed by 1 µL/L 1-MCP treatment after harvesting. When grapevines were treated with a combination of calcium and 1-MCP, the marketable fruit rate (At day 56 of storage, the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treatment group was still 93%, an increase of 29.03% compared to the control group.) and quality improved (At day 28 of storage, the VC content of the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treated group was 4.35 mg/100g, an increase of 25.01% compared to the control group.), while the fruit weight loss rate decreased (At day 56 of storage, the weight loss of the control group was 6.97%, an increase of 39.43% compared to the 1-MCP + Ca2+ treated group.). According to the experimental results, there are several reasons for this. First, in the early stages of fruit storage, the concentration of soluble pectin and soluble fiber, as well as the activities of pectinase and cellulase (related gene levels) were decreased. Secondly, the activity of antioxidant enzymes was increased, while MDA content was decreased. Third, during fruit storage, the respiratory intensity and ethylene release rate were reduced, as was the activity of energy metabolism enzymes. As a result, the aging and deterioration of the fruit during storage were delayed. Principal component analysis revealed that the calcium and 1-MCP combination therapy slowed the decline in grape berry quality, followed by the calcium-treated and 1-MCP-treated fruits. In contrast, grape berry quality declined the most rapidly in the control group.

IFNγ synergies with cold atmospheric plasma in triggering colorectal cancer cell ferroptosis via the IFNγ/IFNR2/APC/TCF4/GPX4 axis.

Colorectal cancer accounts for the second most common cancer-related lethality. Intestinal stem cells are responsible for enteric homeostasis maintenance that, once being transformed, become colorectal cancer stem cells. Arresting cancer stemness represents an innovative strategy for colorectal cancer management. Using intestinal stem cell organoids as the primary model, we screened common inflammatory cytokines to identify key players targeting cancer stemness. We also explored the downstream signaling that drives the functionalities of the identified cytokine through both experimental investigations and computational predictions. As the results, we identified IFNγ as the key cytokine capable of arresting intestinal stem cells via the IFNγ/IFNGR2/APC/TCF4/GPX4 axis, proposed its role in killing colorectal cancer stem cells via triggering GPX4-dependent ferroptosis, and demonstrated its synergistic anti-cancer effect with cold atmospheric plasma in killing colorectal cancer cells that is worthy to be experimentally validated.

Synthesis of Sulfilimines via Aryne and Cyclohexyne Intermediates.

An efficient and metal-free approach for the synthesis of sulfilimines from sulfenamides with aryne and cyclohexyne precursors has been developed. The reaction proceeds through unusual S-C bond formation, which offers a novel and practical entry to access a wide range of sulfilimines in moderate to good yields with excellent chemoselectivity. Moreover, this protocol is amenable to gram-scale synthesis and is applicable to the transformation of the products into useful sulfoximines.

Polydopamine-modification of a magnetic composite constructed from citric acid-cross-linked cyclodextrin and graphene oxide for dye removal from waters.

The effect of polydopamine (PDA) modification on aminated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NH2)/graphite oxide (GO)/ß-cyclodextrin polymer cross-linked by citric acid (CDP-CA) composites were studied for the removal of a cationic dye (methylene blue, MB) and an anionic dye (Congo red, CR) from waters. The micro-structural and magnetic characterizations confirmed the successful preparation of Fe3O4-NH2/GO/CDP-CA and PDA/Fe3O4-NH2/GO/CDP-CA composites. The maximum MB and CR adsorption capacities of Fe3O4-NH2/GO/CDP-CA were 75 mg/g and 104 mg/g, respectively, while the corresponding amounts for PDA/Fe3O4-NH2/GO/CDP-CA composite were 195 mg/g and 64 mg/g, respectively. The dye sorption behaviors of these two composites were explained by their corresponding surface-charged properties according to the measured zeta potential results. Moreover, the high saturation magnetizations and the stable dye removal rate in the adsorption-desorption cycles indicated the good recyclability and reusability of the fabricated composites.

Metal-Free Chemoselective S-Arylation of Sulfenamides To Access Sulfilimines.

A novel and efficient S-arylation of sulfenamides with diaryliodonium salts for the synthesis of sulfilimines is developed. The reaction proceeds smoothly under transition-metal-free and air conditions, giving rapid access to sulfilimines in good to excellent yields via selective S-C bond formation. This protocol is scalable and exhibits a broad substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, and excellent chemoselectivity.

Cellular differentiation into hyphae and spores in halophilic archaea.

Several groups of bacteria have complex life cycles involving cellular differentiation and multicellular structures. For example, actinobacteria of the genus Streptomyces form multicellular vegetative hyphae, aerial hyphae, and spores. However, similar life cycles have not yet been described for archaea. Here, we show that several haloarchaea of the family Halobacteriaceae display a life cycle resembling that of Streptomyces bacteria. Strain YIM 93972 (isolated from a salt marsh) undergoes cellular differentiation into mycelia and spores. Other closely related strains are also able to form mycelia, and comparative genomic analyses point to gene signatures (apparent gain or loss of certain genes) that are shared by members of this clade within the Halobacteriaceae. Genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of non-differentiating mutants suggest that a Cdc48-family ATPase might be involved in cellular differentiation in strain YIM 93972. Additionally, a gene encoding a putative oligopeptide transporter from YIM 93972 can restore the ability to form hyphae in a Streptomyces coelicolor mutant that carries a deletion in a homologous gene cluster (bldKA-bldKE), suggesting functional equivalence. We propose strain YIM 93972 as representative of a new species in a new genus within the family Halobacteriaceae, for which the name Actinoarchaeum halophilum gen. nov., sp. nov. is herewith proposed. Our demonstration of a complex life cycle in a group of haloarchaea adds a new dimension to our understanding of the biological diversity and environmental adaptation of archaea.

Up-regulation of miR-192-5p inhibits the ELAVL1/PI3Kδ axis and attenuates microvascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus that poses a threat to adults. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in DR progression. However, the role and mechanism of miR-192-5p in DR remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of miR-192-5p on cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in DR. METHODS: Expression of miR-192-5p, ELAV-like RNA binding protein 1 (ELAVL1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ) in human retinal fibrovascular membrane (FVM) samples and human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) was assessed using RT-qPCR. ELAVL1 and PI3Kδ protein levels were evaluated by Western blot. RIP and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to confirm the miR-192-5p/ELAVL1/PI3Kδ regulatory networks. Cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis were assessed by CCK8, transwell and tube formation assays. RESULTS: MiR-192-5p was decreased in FVM samples from DR patients and high glucose (HG)-treated HRMECs. Functionally, overexpressed miR-192-5p inhibited cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in HG-treated HRMECs. Mechanically, miR-192-5p directly targeted ELAVL1 and decreased its expression. We further verified that ELAVL1 bound to PI3Kδ and maintained PI3Kδ mRNA stability. Rescue analysis demonstrated that the suppressive effects of HG-treated HRMECs caused by miR-192-5p up-regulation were overturned by overexpressed ELAVL1 or PI3Kδ. CONCLUSION: MiR-192-5p attenuates DR progression by targeting ELAVL1 and reducing PI3Kδ expression, suggesting a biomarker for the treatment of DR.

USP14 Regulates ATF2/PIK3CD Axis to Promote Microvascular Endothelial Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Angiogenesis in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness in diabetic patients. However, the pathogenesis of DR is complex, and no firm conclusions have been drawn so far. It has become a hot spot in ophthalmology research to deeply study the mechanism of DR pathological changes and find effective treatment options. Human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) were induced by high glucose (HG) to construct DR cell model. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the viability of HRMECs. Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability of HRMECs. Tube formation assay was used to identify the tube formation ability of HRMECs. The expressions of USP14, ATF2 and PIK3CD were detected by Western blot analysis and qRT-PCR assay. Immunoprecipitation (IP) was used to ascertain the relationship of USP14 and ATF2. To explore the regulatory relationship between ATF2 and PIK3CD by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. High glucose treatment promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HRMEC, and the expressions of USP14, ATF2 and PIK3CD were significantly up-regulated. USP14 or ATF2 knockdown inhibited HG-induced HRMECs proliferation, migration, and tube formation. USP14 regulated the expression of ATF2, and ATF2 promoted PIK3CD expression. PIK3CD overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effectiveness of USP14 knockdown on proliferation, migration and tube formation of DR cell model. Here, we revealed that USP14 regulated the ATF2/PIK3CD axis to promote proliferation, migration, and tube formation in HG-induced HRMECs.

Activation of the combined hydrogen peroxide and peroxymonosulphate by lepidocrocite for chloramphenicol removal: kinetics and mechanisms.

The main compositions of pipe deposits from water distribution networks are potential iron resources, which can be used as catalysts to activate the combined hydrogen peroxide (HP) and peroxymonosulphate (PMS) system to produce reactive oxidative species (ROSs) to degrade pollutants. As a result, the degradation efficiency of chloramphenicol (CAP) in the HP/PMS dual-oxidant system could reach as high as 75.21% within 100 min with hydroxylamine (HA) assistance, and the dual-oxidant method had a wide pH applied range. To explore the mechanism of the dual-oxidant system in detail, several main affecting factors were investigated. In addition, the hydroxyl radical(•OH) was identified as the predominant radicals by Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and the Radical scavenger test (RST). According to the competition kinetics experiment, the reaction rate of CAP with •OH was 1.933(± 0.052) × 1010 M-1s-1 in the HP/PMS dual-oxidant system, which was higher than the HP single oxidant system (6.10(± 0.036) × 109 M-1s-1). And the role of HA was explored , including reduction and competition. Six degradation products were detected by the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and their toxicity was analyzed by the ecological structure-activity relationship (ECOSAR) predictive model. These findings further provide a theoretical basis for the practical application of pipe deposits and advance the development of in-situ removal of pollutants in water distribution networks in the future promisingly.

LncRNA SNHG1 targets miR-340-5p/PIK3CA axis to regulate microvascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in DR.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious long-term complication of diabetes. However, the current treatment of DR is still challenging. We aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA SNHG1/miR-340-5p/PIK3CA in DR and the mechanisms involved. Blood samples from clinical DR patients and healthy subjects were obtained. HRMECs were induced by high glucose for 24 h to establish the DR model. The vector for interfering or overexpressing lncRNA SNHG1, miR-340-5p, and PIK3CA was constructed. LncRNA SNHG1, miR-340-5p, and PIK3CA expressions were detected by qRT-PCR or Western blot. Cell proliferation and migration were detected by CCK-8 and Transwell assays. Blood vessel formation was detected by angiogenesis assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assay tested the interaction of lncRNA SNHG1 with miR-340-5p and miR-340-5p with PIK3CA. RIP measured the binding of miR-340-5p to PIK3CA. In the blood of DR patients and the DR model, lncRNA SNHG1 was increased and miR-340-5p expression was down-regulated. In the DR model, PIK3CA expression was elevated. Downregulation of lncRNA SNHG1 inhibited HRMECs proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. LncRNA SNHG1 interacted with miR-340-5p, and up-regulation of miR-340-5p inhibited HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. The inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis of HRMECs caused by down-regulation of lncRNA SNHG1 was reversed by knockdown of miR-340-5p. miR-340-5p targeted PIK3CA, and downregulation of PIK3CA inhibited HRMECs proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. The inhibition of HRMECs proliferation, migration and angiogenesis caused by down-regulation of lncRNA SNHG1 could be reversed by overexpression of PIK3CA. LncRNA SNHG1 targeted miR-340-5p/PIK3CA axis to regulate microvascular endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis in DR.

A decellularized nerve matrix scaffold inhibits neuroma formation in the stumps of transected peripheral nerve after peripheral nerve injury.

Traumatic painful neuroma is an intractable clinical disease characterized by improper extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition around the injury site. Studies have shown that the microstructure of natural nerves provides a suitable microenvironment for the nerve end to avoid abnormal hyperplasia and neuroma formation. In this study, we used a decellularized nerve matrix scaffold (DNM-S) to prevent against the formation of painful neuroma after sciatic nerve transection in rats. Our results showed that the DNM-S effectively reduced abnormal deposition of ECM, guided the regeneration and orderly arrangement of axon, and decreased the density of regenerated axons. The epineurium-perilemma barrier prevented the invasion of vascular muscular scar tissue, greatly reduced the invasion of α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts into nerve stumps, effectively inhibited scar formation, which guided nerve stumps to gradually transform into a benign tissue and reduced pain and autotomy behaviors in animals. These findings suggest that DNM-S-optimized neuroma microenvironment by ECM remodeling may be a promising strategy to prevent painful traumatic neuromas.

The regulation of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) during the apoptosis of Cotesia chilonis.

Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are crucial components of apoptosis that perform vital roles in the regulation of caspase activity in organisms. In this study, two IAPs genes were identified from Cotesia chilonis, the dominant parasitic wasp of Chilo suppressalis. CcIAP1 gene is a typical IAP and contains two BIR domains and a RING domain, whereas CcIAP gene is an atypical IAP1 only containing two BIR domains. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that CcIAP1 and CcIAP were grouped with other Hymenopteran IAPs and IAP1 in C. suppressalis. Real-time quantitative PCR revealed that CcIAP1 and CcIAP genes were both highly induced at -6°C and 30°C, and expression was highest at the third instar stage. The expression of CcIAP1 and CcIAP genes were significantly induced during parasitism of C. suppressalis, and the 7-d time point resulted in the highest expression levels for both genes, in which was an advanced stage of larval development of C. chilonis. RNAi experiments showed that CcIAP1 gene was the key IAP in the regulation of apoptosis of C. chilonis and its host. In conclusion, CcIAP1 and CcIAP correlate with the development of C. chilonis and their responses to temperature stress.

Pancreatic lipase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors screening from Schisandra chinensis based on spectrum-effect relationship and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Schisandra chinensis has a potential weight-loss effect by delaying carbohydrate absorption and improving lipid metabolic disorders. However, its active components are still unclear and require in-depth research. In this study, the active components of Schisandra chinensis responsible for pancreatic lipase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity were screened and identified based on a spectrum-effect relationship study in combination with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. The ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography fingerprints of 17 batches of Schisandra chinensis were established, and 14 common peaks were specified by similarity analysis. The half-maximal inhibition concentration values for pancreatic lipase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition were separately measured by enzymatic reactions. Using multivariate statistical methods including principal component analysis, partial least square analysis, and grey relational analysis, the correlation models between the peak areas of 14 common peaks and half-maximal inhibition concentration values were constructed, and the chromatographic peaks making a great contribution to efficacy were screened out. Peak1, Peak2, Peak4, Peak6, Peak9, Peak10, Peak11, and Peak13 were responsible for alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, while Peak1, Peak4, Peak6, Peak9, Peak10, and Peak11 for pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. Finally, the 70% ethanol extracts of Schisandra chinensis were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis, and 14 lignans were identified to further elucidate the active constituents of Schisandra chinensis. The positive results suggested the proposed strategy is simple and effective to screen active components from complex medicinal plants.