Synthesis, Structure and Antibacterial Activity of Two Novel Coordination Polymers Based on N,N'-bis(4-carbozvlbenzvl)-4-aminotoluene and Heterocyclic Ligand against S. aureus.

As the use of antibiotics increases, the increasing resistance of bacteria is the main reason for the reduced efficiency of antibacterial drugs, making the research of new antibacterial materials become new hot spot. In this article, two novel coordination polymers (CPs), namely, [Cd2(L)2(bibp)2]n (1) and [Ni(L)(bib)]n (2), where H2L = N,N'-bis(4-carbozvlbenzvl)-4-aminotoluene, bibp = 4,4'-bis(imidazol-1-yl)biphenyl, and bib = 1,3-bis(1-imidazoly)benzene, have been synthesized under solvothermal and hydrothermal condition. Structural clarification was performed through infrared spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, while thermal analysis and XRD technology were used for the performance assessment of compounds 1 and 2. In addition, antibacterial performance experiments showed that compounds 1 and 2 have certain selectivity in their antibacterial properties and have good antibacterial properties against S. aureus. As the concentration of the compound increases, the inhibitory effect gradually strengthens, and when the concentration of the compound reaches 500 µg/mL and 400 µg/mL, the concentration of the S. aureus solution no longer increases and has been completely inhibited.

A Mouth and Tongue Interactive Device to Control Wearable Robotic Limbs in Tasks where Human Limbs Are Occupied.

The Wearable Robotic Limb (WRL) is a type of robotic arm worn on the human body, aiming to enhance the wearer's operational capabilities. However, proposing additional methods to control and perceive the WRL when human limbs are heavily occupied with primary tasks presents a challenge. Existing interactive methods, such as voice, gaze, and electromyography (EMG), have limitations in control precision and convenience. To address this, we have developed an interactive device that utilizes the mouth and tongue. This device is lightweight and compact, allowing wearers to achieve continuous motion and contact force control of the WRL. By using a tongue controller and mouth gas pressure sensor, wearers can control the WRL while also receiving sensitive contact feedback through changes in mouth pressure. To facilitate bidirectional interaction between the wearer and the WRL, we have devised an algorithm that divides WRL control into motion and force-position hybrid modes. In order to evaluate the performance of the device, we conducted an experiment with ten participants tasked with completing a pin-hole assembly task with the assistance of the WRL system. The results show that the device enables continuous control of the position and contact force of the WRL, with users perceiving feedback through mouth airflow resistance. However, the experiment also revealed some shortcomings of the device, including user fatigue and its impact on breathing. After experimental investigation, it was observed that fatigue levels can decrease with training. Experimental studies have revealed that fatigue levels can decrease with training. Furthermore, the limitations of the device have shown potential for improvement through structural enhancements. Overall, our mouth and tongue interactive device shows promising potential in controlling the WRL during tasks where human limbs are occupied.

Human Operation Augmentation through Wearable Robotic Limb Integrated with Mixed Reality Device.

Mixed reality technology can give humans an intuitive visual experience, and combined with the multi-source information of the human body, it can provide a comfortable human-robot interaction experience. This paper applies a mixed reality device (Hololens2) to provide interactive communication between the wearer and the wearable robotic limb (supernumerary robotic limb, SRL). Hololens2 can obtain human body information, including eye gaze, hand gestures, voice input, etc. It can also provide feedback information to the wearer through augmented reality and audio output, which is the communication bridge needed in human-robot interaction. Implementing a wearable robotic arm integrated with HoloLens2 is proposed to augment the wearer's capabilities. Taking two typical practical tasks of cable installation and electrical connector soldering in aircraft manufacturing as examples, the task models and interaction scheme are designed. Finally, human augmentation is evaluated in terms of task completion time statistics.

Application of a Metal Cobalt Based on 4,6-Bis(imidazol-1-yl)isophthalicacid Metal-Organic -Framework Materials in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction, Antibacterial, and Dye Adsorption.

In this paper, the reported MOF ([Co(bimip)(H2O)0.5]·0.5H2O) was employed in photocatalytic CO2 reduction, antibacterial, and dye adsorption experiments. The photocatalytic activity of the MOF for CO2 reduction was systematically investigated. The high average CO generation rate of 3421.59 µmol·g-1·h-1 after 12 h confirms the efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction ability of the MOF. At the same time, the MOF can completely inhibit the growth of S. aureus and C. albicans within 24 h when its concentration reaches 400 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. The MOF has an adsorption capacity for CR. The adsorption rate was 83.42% at 60 min, and the adsorption capacity of the MOF for CR reached 500.00 mg·g-1.

Auxin and abiotic stress responses.

Plants are exposed to a variety of abiotic stresses; these stresses have profound effects on plant growth, survival, and productivity. Tolerance and adaptation to stress require sophisticated stress sensing, signaling, and various regulatory mechanisms. The plant hormone auxin is a key regulator of plant growth and development, playing pivotal roles in the integration of abiotic stress signals and control of downstream stress responses. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent advances in understanding the intersection of auxin and abiotic stress in plants, with a focus on temperature, salt, and drought stresses. We also explore the roles of auxin in stress tolerance and opportunities arising for agricultural applications.

AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR protein accumulation and function.

Auxin is a key regulator of plant developmental processes. Its effects on transcription are mediated by the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) family of transcription factors. ARFs tightly control specific auxin responses necessary for proper plant growth and development. Recent research has revealed that regulated ARF protein accumulation and ARF nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning can determine auxin transcriptional outputs. In this review, we explore these recent findings and consider the potential for regulated ARF accumulation in driving auxin responses in plants.

Application of a Mixed-Ligand Metal-Organic Framework in Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction, Antibacterial Activity and Dye Adsorption.

In this paper, a known mixed-ligand MOF {[Co2(TZMB)2(1,4-bib)0.5(H2O)2]·(H2O)2}n (compound 1) was reproduced, and its potential application potential was explored. It was found that compound 1 had high photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction. After 12 h of illumination, the formation rate of CO, which is the product of CO2 reduction by compound 1, reached 3012.5 µmol/g/h. At the same time, compound 1 has a good antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans), which has potential research value in the medical field. In addition, compound 1 can effectively remove Congo Red from aqueous solutions and achieve the separation of Congo red from mixed dye solutions.

Nitric oxide-mediated S-nitrosylation of IAA17 protein in intrinsically disordered region represses auxin signaling.

The phytohormone auxin plays crucial roles in nearly every aspect of plant growth and development. Auxin signaling is activated through the phytohormone-induced proteasomal degradation of the Auxin/INDOLE-3-ACETIC ACID (Aux/IAA) family of transcriptional repressors. Notably, many auxin-modulated physiological processes are also regulated by nitric oxide (NO) that executes its biological effects predominantly through protein S-nitrosylation at specific cysteine residues. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms in regulating the interactive NO and auxin networks. Here, we show that NO represses auxin signaling by inhibiting IAA17 protein degradation. NO induces the S-nitrosylation of Cys-70 located in the intrinsically disordered region of IAA17, which inhibits the TIR1-IAA17 interaction and consequently the proteasomal degradation of IAA17. The accumulation of a higher level of IAA17 attenuates auxin response. Moreover, an IAA17C70W nitrosomimetic mutation renders the accumulation of a higher level of the mutated protein, thereby causing partial resistance to auxin and defective lateral root development. Taken together, these results suggest that S-nitrosylation of IAA17 at Cys-70 inhibits its interaction with TIR1, thereby negatively regulating auxin signaling. This study provides unique molecular insights into the redox-based auxin signaling in regulating plant growth and development.

Regulation of AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR condensation and nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning.

Auxin critically regulates plant growth and development. Auxin-driven transcriptional responses are mediated through the AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR (ARF) family of transcription factors. ARF protein condensation attenuates ARF activity, resulting in dramatic shifts in the auxin transcriptional landscape. Here, we perform a forward genetics screen for ARF hypercondensation, identifying an F-box protein, which we named AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR F-BOX1 (AFF1). Functional characterization of SCFAFF1 revealed that this E3 ubiquitin ligase directly interacts with ARF19 and ARF7 to regulate their accumulation, condensation, and nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning. Mutants defective in AFF1 display attenuated auxin responsiveness, and developmental defects, suggesting that SCFAFF1 -mediated regulation of ARF protein drives aspects of auxin response and plant development.

[Analysis of Pollution Characteristics and Sources of Rainfall Runoff from Roofs in the Central District of Beijing].

The rainwater and rainfall runoff of roofs in the central district of Beijing from June to September in 2019 were sampled and analyzed to study the characteristics of the water quality, the first flush effect, and the main influential factors and sources of pollutants. The results showed that the roof runoff was seriously polluted by total nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids whose event mean concentration (EMC) exceeded the fifth level of environmental quality standards for surface water (GB 3838-2002) (the EMC of suspended solids exceeded the second level of discharge standard of pollutants for municipal wastewater treatment plants (GB 18918-2002)). The rainwater was relatively less polluted than the rainfall runoff, but the EMC of ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen of the rainwater also exceeded the standard in some rainfall events. The first flush intensity of the rainfall runoffs was between weak and medium. The sequence of strength of the first flush of different pollutants was ammonia nitrogen>total suspended solids>chemical oxygen demand>total nitrogen>mercury>zinc>total phosphorus>lead. The concentration of total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand, and total phosphorus in roof runoff were significantly positively correlated with the length of rainfall and the dry period and negatively correlated with the rainfall intensity. According to the results of principal component analysis, the main pollutant in rainwater was nitrogen emitted by vehicles, and the main pollutants in roof runoffs were suspended solids, organic matters, and phosphorus pollutants released from the aging of roofing materials and the corrosion of metal down pipes.

A Bibliometric Analysis of Primary Aldosteronism Research From 2000 to 2020.

Thousands of papers on primary aldosteronism (PA) have been published in the last two decades. This study aimed to evaluate the research hotspots and future trends in PA research using bibliometric analysis. A total of 2,365 PA research papers between 2000 and 2020 were included. The dominant position of the United States in global PA research throughout this 20-year period was evident, and it was also the country most frequently involved in international cooperation. The University of Padua was the most productive institution and a leader in research collaboration. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism was the most productive journal in terms of the number of publications on PA. Further, Mulatero P, Reincke M, Beuschlein F and Wu VC all made significant contributions to PA research. Five hotspots have been identified: (1) metabolic syndrome associated with PA; (2) molecular mechanisms of PA; (3) adrenal adenoma and adrenal cortex; (4) hypertension associated with PA; and (5) clinical monitoring parameters and diagnosis in patients with PA. Our results suggest that the molecular mechanisms of PA will remain research hotspots in the future. International collaboration is also expected to widen and deepen in the field of PA research.

[Spatial Distribution, Contamination Assessment, and Sources of Heavy Metals in the Urban Green Space Soils of a City in North China].

To study the condition of urban green space soils in the central parts of a city in North China, the spatial distribution, sources, and pollution levels of heavy metals (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni) within green space soils in the central urban districts of the city were investigated. The results showed that the soil quality was high overall. The mean concentrations of Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni were 0.172, 0.202, 9.02, 34.7, 57.0, 31.2, 85.7, and 26.3 mg·kg-1, respectively. The mean concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn in urban soils exceeded the background value of the Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan region. All of the samples' heavy metal concentrations were lower than the risk screening values for soil contamination of development land in the national soil environment quality standards. With respect to the spatial distribution, the concentrations of As, Cr, and Ni were higher in the northwest of the study area, the concentrations of Cd and Zn were higher in the northeast, and the concentrations of Hg, Pb, and Cu were higher in the urban core area. As for the different land use types of the soils, the concentrations of Cd, Zn, and Ni were higher in the enterprise soils, while the concentrations of Hg, Pb, and Cu were higher in park and residential soils. Assessments of soil quality showed that 97.2% of soil samples' Nemerow integrated indices were less than 1, indicating that the soils were clean. Indices of potential ecological risk for all soil samples were less than 80, indicating that they posed a slight ecological risk. Multivariate statistical analysis (correlation and principle component analyses) showed that Cu, Pb, and Hg may originate from an anthropogenic source via the painting of ancient buildings and pesticides used to protect ancient trees. Chromium may originate from natural sources via geochemical activity and soil parent material; Cr, Zn, Ni, and As were derived from mixed sources through human and geochemical activities. The receptor model was used for identification and apportionment of pollution sources of elements over the standard. The contribution rates of sources were as follows:source 2(46.1%), source 3(33.1%), source 1(17.7%), and others (3.1%) for Cd, source 1(93.0%) for Cu, source 1(52.4%), source 3(24.2%), source 2(20.0%), and others (3.4%) for Zn, source 1(56.3%), source 2(37.8%), and source 3(5.8%) for Ni. Sources 1 and 3 were anthropogenic, while source 2 was natural.

[Concentration and Carbon Isotope Composition of DOC and DIC in the Miyun Reservoir Watershed in Summer].

This study aims to complement existing research on the carbon cycle of water in reservoirs, for the effective control of nutrient input in drinking water. The content and isotopic compositions of water dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from the Miyun Reservoir watershed in Beijing were studied, and water from the Jingmi diversion canal was also studied as a baseline reference. The results showed that the content of DOC in the Miyun Reservoir watershed in summer varied from 1.07 to 5.19 mg·L-1, with an average value of 2.61 mg·L-1. DOC in tributaries was lower than that of most rivers in China and globally, while DOC in reservoirs, particularly in Miyun Reservoir, was high. The high water level might be the main reason for the high DOC in the Miyun Reservoir. In summer, the δ13CDOC in the Miyun Reservoir watershed ranged from -27.4‰ to -24.3‰, with an average value of -25.8‰. Results from the isotopic analysis showed that the water in the Miyun Reservoir watershed was less affected by human sources, with the exception of some points. In summer, DOC in tributaries and in the Miyun Reservoir was mainly derived from soil organic matter and terrestrial C3 plants. In addition, endogenous substances also contributed to DOC in the watershed. DOC concentration increased along the Chao and Bai Rivers, and DOC from soil erosion and human sources was higher in the Chao River. The δ13CDIC in the study area varied from -12.6‰ to 5.75‰, with a mean value of -9.44‰. The weathering of carbonate rocks accounted for the major river DIC, and DIC had been clearly assimilated by the phytoplankton by photosynthesis. DOC and DIC in the Miyun Reservoir were significantly higher than in the Jingmi diversion canal (P<0.01), and the δ13CDIC in the Miyun Reservoir showed a clear positive deviation. This indicated that there were differences in carbon concentration and components in the two kinds of water, which might affect the denitrification capacity of the water in the Miyun Reservoir after mixing. In general, the dissolved carbon in the water of the Miyun Reservoir watershed is less affected by human sources. The conversion of DIC to DOC may also be a potential source of DOC in the study area.

Treatment of recurrent renal transplant lithiasis: analysis of our experience and review of the relevant literature.

BACKGROUND: Renal transplant lithiasis is a rather unusual disease, and the recurrence of lithiasis presents a challenging situation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical history of one patient who suffered renal transplant lithiasis twice, reviewed the relevant literature, and summarized the characteristics of this disease. RESULTS: We retrieved 29 relevant studies with an incidence of 0.34 to 3.26% for renal transplant lithiasis. The summarized incidence was 0.52%, and the recurrence rate was 0.082%. The mean interval after transplantation was 33.43 ± 56.70 mo. Most of the patients (28.90%) were asymptomatic. The management included percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL, 22.10%), ureteroscope (URS, 22.65%), extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL, 18.60%) and conservative treatment (17.13%). In our case, the patient suffered from renal transplant lithiasis at 6 years posttransplantation, and the lithiasis recurred 16 months later. He presented oliguria, infection or acute renal failure (ARF) during the two attacks but without pain. PCNL along with URS and holmium laser lithotripsy were performed. The patient recovered well after surgery, except for a 3 mm residual stone in the calyx after the second surgery. He had normal renal function without any symptoms and was discharged with oral anticalculus drugs and strict follow-up at the clinic. Fortunately, the calculus passed spontaneously about 1 month later. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the lack of specific symptoms in the early stage, patients with renal transplant lithiasis may have delayed diagnosis and present ARF. Minimally invasive treatment is optimal, and the combined usage of two or more procedures is beneficial for patients. After surgery, taking anticalculus drugs, correcting metabolic disorders and avoiding UIT are key measures to prevent the recurrence of lithiasis.

No association between three polymorphisms (rs1800629, rs361525 and rs1799724) in the tumor necrosis factor-α gene and susceptibility to prostate cancer: a comprehensive meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation is one of the factors associated with prostate cancer. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) plays an important role in inflammation. Several studies have focused on the association between TNF-α polymorphisms and prostate cancer development. Our meta-analysis aimed to estimate the association between TNF-α rs1800629 (- 308 G/A), rs361525 (- 238 G/A) and rs1799724 polymorphisms and prostate cancer risk. METHODS: Eligible studies were identified from electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Wanfang and CNKI) using keywords: TNF-α, polymorphism, prostate cancer, until Nov 15, 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were applied to determine the association from a quantitative point-of-view. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also applied to evaluate the power of current study. All statistical analyses were done with Stata 11.0 software. RESULTS: Twenty-two different articles were included (22 studies about rs1800629; 8 studies for rs361525 and 5 studies related to rs1799724). Overall, no significant association was found between rs1800629 and rs1799724 polymorphisms and the risk of prostate cancer in the whole (such as: OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.92-1.16, P = 0.580 in the allele for rs1800629; OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.84-1.07, P = 0.381 in the allele for rs1799724). The rs361525 polymorphism also had no association with prostate cancer in the cases (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.66-1.32, P = 0.684 in the allele) and ethnicity subgroup. The stratified subgroup of genotype method, however, revealed that the rs361525 variant significantly decreased the risk of prostate cancer in the Others (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47-0.89, P = 0.008, A-allele vs G-allele) and PCR-RFLP (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.00-7.20, P = 0.050, AG vs GG or AA+AG vs GG) methods. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the findings of the current meta-analysis indicate that the TNF-α rs1800629, rs361525 and rs1799724 polymorphisms are not correlated with prostate cancer development, although there were some pooled positive results. Further well-designed studies are necessary to form more precise conclusions.

Nucleo-cytoplasmic Partitioning of ARF Proteins Controls Auxin Responses in Arabidopsis thaliana.

The phytohormone auxin plays crucial roles in nearly every aspect of plant growth and development. The auxin response factor (ARF) transcription factor family regulates auxin-responsive gene expression and exhibits nuclear localization in regions of high auxin responsiveness. Here we show that the ARF7 and ARF19 proteins accumulate in micron-sized assemblies within the cytoplasm of tissues with attenuated auxin responsiveness. We found that the intrinsically disordered middle region and the folded PB1 interaction domain of ARFs drive protein assembly formation. Mutation of a single lysine within the PB1 domain abrogates cytoplasmic assemblies, promotes ARF nuclear localization, and results in an altered transcriptome and morphological defects. Our data suggest a model in which ARF nucleo-cytoplasmic partitioning regulates auxin responsiveness, providing a mechanism for cellular competence for auxin signaling.

Interplay of Auxin and Cytokinin in Lateral Root Development.

The spacing and distribution of lateral roots are critical determinants of plant root system architecture. In addition to providing anchorage, lateral roots explore the soil to acquire water and nutrients. Over the past several decades, we have deepened our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing lateral root formation and development. In this review, we summarize these recent advances and provide an overview of how auxin and cytokinin coordinate the regulation of lateral root formation and development.

Superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin C1 inhibits the growth of bladder cancer.

Superantigens can induce cell-mediated cytotoxicity preferentially against MHC II-positive target cells with large amounts of inflammatory cytokines releasing. In this study, superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC) 1 was investigated to evaluate its potential in bladder cancer immunotherapy in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that SEC1 could stimulate the proliferation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in a dose-dependent manner, accompanied with the release of interleukin-2, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and increased the population of CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. PBMCs stimulated by SEC1 could initiate significant cytotoxicity towards human bladder cancer cells in vitro. The results of in vivo antitumor experiment indicated that SEC1 could decrease the rate of tumor formation and prolong the survival time of tumor-bearing mice. Our study demonstrated that SEC1 inhibited the growth of bladder cancer. And it is also suggested that SEC1 may become a candidate for bladder cancer immunotherapy.

Rice Ferredoxin-Dependent Glutamate Synthase Regulates Nitrogen-Carbon Metabolomes and Is Genetically Differentiated between japonica and indica Subspecies.

Plants assimilate inorganic nitrogen absorbed from soil into organic forms as Gln and Glu through the glutamine synthetase/glutamine:2-oxoglutarate amidotransferase (GS/GOGAT) cycle. Whereas GS catalyzes the formation of Gln from Glu and ammonia, GOGAT catalyzes the transfer of an amide group from Gln to 2-oxoglutarate to produce two molecules of Glu. However, the regulatory role of the GS/GOGAT cycle in the carbon-nitrogen balance is not well understood. Here, we report the functional characterization of rice ABNORMAL CYTOKININ RESPONSE 1 (ABC1) gene that encodes a ferredoxin-dependent (Fd)-GOGAT. The weak mutant allele abc1-1 mutant shows a typical nitrogen-deficient syndrome, whereas the T-DNA insertional mutant abc1-2 is seedling lethal. Metabolomics analysis revealed the accumulation of an excessive amount of amino acids with high N/C ratio (Gln and Asn) and several intermediates in the tricarboxylic acid cycle in abc1-1, suggesting that ABC1 plays a critical role in nitrogen assimilation and carbon-nitrogen balance. Five non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the ABC1 coding region and characterized as three distinct haplotypes, which have been highly and specifically differentiated between japonica and indica subspecies. Collectively, these results suggest that ABC1/OsFd-GOGAT is essential for plant growth and development by modulating nitrogen assimilation and the carbon-nitrogen balance.