DeepSS2GO: protein function prediction from secondary structure.

Predicting protein function is crucial for understanding biological life processes, preventing diseases and developing new drug targets. In recent years, methods based on sequence, structure and biological networks for protein function annotation have been extensively researched. Although obtaining a protein in three-dimensional structure through experimental or computational methods enhances the accuracy of function prediction, the sheer volume of proteins sequenced by high-throughput technologies presents a significant challenge. To address this issue, we introduce a deep neural network model DeepSS2GO (Secondary Structure to Gene Ontology). It is a predictor incorporating secondary structure features along with primary sequence and homology information. The algorithm expertly combines the speed of sequence-based information with the accuracy of structure-based features while streamlining the redundant data in primary sequences and bypassing the time-consuming challenges of tertiary structure analysis. The results show that the prediction performance surpasses state-of-the-art algorithms. It has the ability to predict key functions by effectively utilizing secondary structure information, rather than broadly predicting general Gene Ontology terms. Additionally, DeepSS2GO predicts five times faster than advanced algorithms, making it highly applicable to massive sequencing data. The source code and trained models are available at https://github.com/orca233/DeepSS2GO.

CO2-mineralization and carbonation reactor rig: Design and validation for in situ neutron scattering experiments-Engineering and lessons learned.

CO2 mineralization via aqueous Mg/Ca/Na-carbonate (MgCO3/CaCO3/Na2CO3) formation represents a huge opportunity for the utilization of captured CO2. However, large-scale mineralization is hindered by slow kinetics due to the highly hydrated character of the cations in aqueous solutions (Mg2+ in particular). Reaction conditions can be optimized to accelerate carbonation kinetics, for example, by the inclusion of additives that promote competitive dehydration of Mg2+ and subsequent agglomeration, nucleation, and crystallization. For tracking mineralization and these reaction steps, neutron scattering presents unprecedented advantages over traditional techniques for time-resolved in situ measurements. However, a setup providing continuous solution circulation to ensure reactant system homogeneity for industrially relevant CO2-mineralization is currently not available for use on neutron beamlines. We, therefore, undertook the design, construction, testing and implementation of such a self-contained reactor rig for use on selected neutron beamlines at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source (Harwell, UK). The design ensured robust attachment via suspension from the covering Tomkinson flange to stabilize the reactor assembly and all fittings (~25 kg), as well as facilitating precise alignment of the entire reactor and sample (test) cell with respect to beam dimension and direction. The assembly successfully accomplished the principal tasks of providing a continuous flow of the reaction mixture (~500 mL) for homogeneity, quantitative control of CO2 flux into the mixture, and temperature and pressure regulation throughout the reaction and measurements. The design is discussed, with emphasis placed on the reactor, including its geometry, components, and all technical specifications. Descriptions of the off-beamline bench tests, safety, and functionality, as well as the installation on beamlines and trial experimental procedure, are provided, together with representative raw neutron scattering results.

A lanthanide luminescent sensor for the detection of 4-nitrophenol in aqueous media.

The development of facile luminescent sensors for detecting nitrophenols in aqueous media is of great necessity for the safety of the environment and human health, as they are a class of widespread toxic organic pollutants that cause serious adverse effects upon consumption. Based on a new multidentate asymmetric ligand (H2L) in which salicylamide and 4-nitryl-salicylaldimine are spaced by 1,2-bis(2-ethoxy)ethyl, a new hydrostable lanthanide intercycle, [Tb2L2(NO3)2]·CH3CN (Tb-[2]c), was prepared to act as a new luminescent sensor for 4-NP in water media. Structural analysis indicated that two fully deprotonated L2- ligands in cis-configuration and µ2-L-κ2O1:κO2:κO4:κN2:κO5 coordination mode were interlocked by two TbIII ions to render the emitted TbIII encapsulated by L2- for lessening non-radiative transitions. The excellent sensitizing capability of the ligand L2- to TbIII was ascertained by both experimental methods and theoretical calculations. The sensing exploration indicated that Tb-[2]c exhibited highly sensitive and selective recognition of 4-NP against other nitroaromatics in aqueous media. The recognition mechanism could be attributed to the internal filtration effect (IFE) mechanism when DFT calculations and accumulating experimental evidence were combined.

Efficacy analysis of axillary approach in the treatment of Ideberg type I and II scapular glenoid fractures: Case series.

RATIONALE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of the axillary approach in the surgical treatment of Ideberg type I and II scapular glenoid fractures. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSIS: Retrospective analysis of 13 cases of scapular glenoid fracture treated in the affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical College, Jiaxiang County People hospital, Zoucheng City people Hospital, Yanzhou District People Hospital, and Juancheng County people Hospital from December 2020 to January 2022. Eight males (including 1 bilateral) and 5 females, with an average age of 57.5 years (range from 33 to 75 years). According to Ideberg classification, there were 10 cases of type I a, 1 case of type I a combined with type I b, and 2 cases of type II. All patients were treated with axillary approach surgery and 7 patients with combined anterior shoulder dislocation were treated by first-stage manipulation and second-stage reoperation. Seven patients were fixed with a wire anchor, 3 patients with type I a were fixed with a "T" plate, and 5 patients were complicated with rotator cuff tear and were repaired with a wire anchor. At the last follow-up, the Constant-Murley shoulder function score, visual analog score, DASH score, and Hawkins grade were used to evaluate shoulder function, pain, and stability after treatment. INTERVENTION: The intervention was to treat patients with Ideberg type I and II scaphoid fractures using an axillary approach. OUTCOMES: All 13 patients in this group were followed up thoroughly, and the follow-up time was 12 to 25 months, with an average of 18.6 months. The operation time was 65 to 135 minutes, with an average of 85.6 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 120 mL, averaging 55.6 mL. The duration of hospitalization ranged from 7 to 22 days, with an average of 9.6 days. The surgical incisions of all patients were grade-A healing. Bone healing of glenoid fractures was observed 3 months after the operation. LESSONS: The axillary approach for Ideberg type I and II scapular glenoid fractures is a feasible surgical approach with complete access through the muscle gap, minimal surgical trauma, mild postoperative pain, and satisfactory clinical results.

Chrysomycin A Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of Neuroglioma Cells via the Akt/GSK-3ß Signaling Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a major type of primary brain tumor without ideal prognosis and it is therefore necessary to develop a novel compound possessing therapeutic effects. Chrysomycin A (Chr-A) has been reported to inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of U251 and U87-MG cells through the Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathway, but the mechanism of Chr-A against glioblastoma in vivo and whether Chr-A modulates the apoptosis of neuroglioma cells is unclear. The present study aims to elucidate the potential of Chr-A against glioblastoma in vivo and how Chr-A modulates the apoptosis of neuroglioma cells. Briefly, the anti-glioblastoma activity was assessed in human glioma U87 xenografted hairless mice. Chr-A-related targets were identified via RNA-sequencing. Apoptotic ratio and caspase 3/7 activity of U251 and U87-MG cells were assayed via flow cytometry. Apoptosis-related proteins and possible molecular mechanisms were validated via Western blotting. The results showed that Chr-A treatment significantly inhibits glioblastoma progression in xenografted hairless mice, and enrichment analysis suggested that apoptosis, PI3K-Akt and Wnt signaling pathways were involved in the possible mechanisms. Chr-A increased the apoptotic ratio and the activity of caspase 3/7 in U251 and U87-MG cells. Western blotting revealed that Chr-A disturbed the balance between Bax and Bcl-2, activating a caspase cascade reaction and downregulating the expression of p-Akt and p-GSK-3ß, suggesting that Chr-A may contribute to glioblastoma regression modulating in the Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathway to promote apoptosis of neuroglioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, Chr-A may hold therapeutic promise for glioblastoma.

Albumin and other metabolic parameters as potential indicators of purulent vaginal discharge in dairy cows during the transition period.

The aims of this study were to evaluate metabolic profiles obtained at -14, 14, and 28 days in milk (DIM), and to identify potential predictive biomarkers of Holstein dairy cows with purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) at 28 DIM. The body condition score (BCS) and hematocrit (Hct) were evaluated, and a metabolic profile test (MPT) was performed at -14, 14, and 28 DIM using serum samples. Cows at 28 DIM were classified using a vaginoscopy and divided into groups of healthy cows (n=89) and cows with PVD (n=31). Albumin (Alb), total cholesterol (TCho), calcium (Ca) and, magnesium (Mg) levels were lower in cows with PVD than in healthy cows at 14 DIM. At 28 DIM, levels of Alb, TCho, Ca, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Mg, and Hct were lower in cows with PVD. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that higher non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA; odds ratios; OR=4.47; P<0.01), lower Alb (OR=0.07; P<0.01) and lower TCho (OR=0.99; P=0.08) at 14 DIM, and lower Hct (OR=0.83; P=0.05), lower Alb (OR=0.12; P<0.01), and lower BUN (OR=0.74; P=0.02) at 28 DIM were significantly associated with PVD. In conclusion, serum Alb levels was a potential indicator associated with PVD, reflecting dietary protein deficiency preceding disease. Our findings suggest that MPT should be considered to monitor health status during the postpartum period for early diagnosis of PVD.

Surgical treatment methods and classification of proximal clavicle fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the surgical treatment of different proximal clavicle fractures, and discuss the classification of proximal clavicle fractures.@*METHODS@#Total of 24 patients with displaced proximal clavicle fractures were treated from January 2017 to December 2020 including 16 males and 8 females, aged 28 to 66 years old. Among them, 20 cases were fresh fractures and 4 cases were old fractures. According to the Edinburgh classification, 14 cases were type 1B1 fractures and 10 cases were type 1B2 fractures. The different internal fixation methods were selected for internal fixation treatment according to different fracture types.The operation time, blood loss, preoperative and postoperative displacement difference, fracture healing time and Rockwood scoring system were recorded.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months. There were no patients with infection or loss of reduction after the operation. Three patients had internal fixation failure after operation, and the internal fixation device was removed. Results The operation time was 30 to 65 min, and the blood loss was 15 to 40 ml. No important nerves, blood vessels, or organs were damaged. The imaging healing time was 3 to 6 months. According to the Rockwood functional score, the total score was (13.50±1.86), pain (2.57±0.50), range of motion (2.78±0.41), muscle strength (2.93±0.28), restricted daily activity (2.85±0.35), subjective results (2.63±0.61);the results were excellent in 20 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 1 case.@*CONCLUSION@#Proximal clavicular fracture is a type of fracture with low incidence. According to different fracture types, different internal fixation methods and treatment methods can be selected, and satisfactory surgical results can be achieved.

Finite element analysis of PMMA bone cement reinforced screw plate fixation for osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#With the help of finite element analysis, to explore the effect of proximal humeral bone cement enhanced screw plate fixation on the stability of internal fixation of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture.@*METHODS@#The digital model of unstable proximal humeral fracture with metaphyseal bone defect was made, and the finite element models of proximal humeral fracture bone cement enhanced screw plate fixation and common screw plate fixation were established respectively. The stress of cancellous bone around the screw, the overall stiffness, the maximum stress of the plate and the maximum stress of the screw were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The maximum stresses of cancellous bone around 6 screws at the head of proximal humeral with bone cement enhanced screw plate fixation were 1.07 MPa for No.1 nail, 0.43 MPa for No.2 nail, 1.16 MPa for No.3 nail, 0.34 MPa for No.4 nail, 1.99 MPa for No.5 nail and 1.57 MPa for No.6 nail. These with common screw plate fixation were:2.68 MPa for No.1 nail, 0.67 MPa for No.2 nail, 4.37 MPa for No.3 nail, 0.75 MPa for No.4 nail, 3.30 MPa for No.5 nail and 2.47 MPa for No.6 nail. Overall stiffness of the two models is 448 N/mm for bone cement structure and 434 N/mm for common structure. The maximum stress of plate appears in the joint hole:701MPa for bone cement structure and 42 0MPa for common structure. The maximum stress of screws appeared at the tail end of No.4 nail:284 MPa for bone cement structure and 240.8 MPa for common structure.@*CONCLUSION@#Through finite element analysis, it is proved that the proximal humerus bone cement enhanced screw plate fixation of osteoporotic proximal humeral fracture can effectively reduce the stress of cancellous bone around the screw and enhance the initial stability after fracture operation, thus preventing from penetrating out and humeral head collapsing.

Chrysomycin A Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration and Invasion of U251 and U87-MG Glioblastoma Cells to Exert Its Anti-Cancer Effects.

Chrysomycin A (Chr-A), an antibiotic from Streptomyces, is reported to have anti-tumor and anti-tuberculous activities, but its anti-glioblastoma activity and possible mechanism are not clear. Therefore, the current study was to investigate the mechanism of Chr-A against glioblastoma using U251 and U87-MG human cells. CCK8 assays, EdU-DNA synthesis assays and LDH assays were carried out to detect cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity of U251 and U87-MG cells, respectively. Transwell assays were performed to detect the invasion and migration abilities of glioblastoma cells. Western blot was used to validate the potential proteins. Chr-A treatment significantly inhibited the growth of glioblastoma cells and weakened the ability of cell migration and invasion by down regulating the expression of slug, MMP2 and MMP9. Furthermore, Chr-A also down regulated Akt, p-Akt, GSK-3ß, p-GSK-3ß and their downstream proteins, such as ß-catenin and c-Myc in human glioblastoma cells. In conclusion, Chr-A may inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of glioblastoma cells through the Akt/GSK-3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Chemical synthesis, biological activities, and molecular simulations of novel sulfonylurea compounds bearing ortho-alkoxy substitutions.

A series of 51 novel sulfonylurea compounds with ortho-alkoxy substituent at phenyl ring were chemically synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The biological activities of the target compounds were evaluated using the enzyme inhibition against acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS; EC 2.2.1.6) from fungal or plant source, as well as cell-based antifungal assay and greenhouse pot herbicidal assay. Among the target compounds, 6e showed desirable antifungal activity against Candida albicans standard isolate sc5314 with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 0.39 mg/L (0.98 µM) after 24 h, and 6a demonstrated promising pre-emergence herbicidal activity against Echinochloacrus-galli at 30 g/ha dosage. Representative compounds 6a, 6e, and 6i showed no cell cytotoxicity even at 40 mg/L concentration. Theoretical DFT calculations indicated HOMO maps should be considered to understand the structure-activity relationships. The present study has hence provided useful information for further discovery of novel antifungal agents or selective herbicides.

A Database of Solution Additives Promoting Mg2+ Dehydration and the Onset of MgCO3 Nucleation.

Formed via aqueous carbonation of Mg2+ ions, the crystallization of magnesite (MgCO3) is a promising route to carbon capture and reuse, albeit limited by the slow precipitation of MgCO3. Although magnesite is naturally abundant, forming at low temperature conditions, its industrial production is an energy-intensive process due to the temperatures required to prevent the formation of hydrated phases. The principal difficulty in aqueous conditions arises from the very strong Mg2+···H2O interaction, with high barriers to Mg2+ dehydration. Using atomistic simulations, we have investigated the influence of 30 additive anions (X n-, n = 1-3), ranging from simple halides to more complex molecules, on the first two steps of MgCO3 aggregation from solution, as follows: Mg2+ dehydration and subsequent prenucleative Mg2+···CO3 2- pairing. We have computed the thermodynamic stabilities of solvent shared ion pairs (Mg2+···H2O···X n-) and contact ion pairs (Mg2+···X n-) to reveal the propensity of solution additives to inhibit or promote Mg2+···CO3 2- formation. We have determined the stabilization of undercoordinated hydrated Mg2+ states with a vacant coordination site to which CO3 2- can bind, subsequently initiating MgCO3 nucleation or Mg2+ incorporation into the crystal lattice. Extensive molecular dynamics simulations of electrolyte solutions containing Na2CO3 with different sources of Mg2+ (i.e., MgCl2, MgSO4, and Mg(CH3COO)2) further show that the degree of dehydration of Mg2+ and the structure of prenucleation MgCO3 clusters change depending on the counterion identity. Through a fundamental understanding of the role of solution additives in the mechanism of Mg2+ dehydration, our results help to rationalize previously reported experimental observation of the effect of solvation environments on the growth of magnesite. This understanding may contribute to identifying the solution composition and conditions that could promote the low-temperature CO2 conversion into MgCO3 at industrially relevant scales.

[Toxicity Management and Efficacy Evaluation of BCMA-CART in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxicity management and efficacy evaluation of BCMA-chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CART) in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM). METHODS: The efficacy and adverse reactions of 21 patients with MM who received BCMA-CART treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from December 2017 to September 2020 were evaluated, and the efficacy assessment and survival analysis for high-risk patients and non-high-risk patients were evaluated. RESULTS: After infusion of BCMA-CART cells in 21 MM patients, the number of effective cases was 17, of which the complete remission (sCR/CR) was 10, and the partial remission (VGPR/PR) was 7. The median OS time for all patients was 19.4 months, and the median PFS time was 7.9 months. The number of patients with extramedullary disease(EMD), high-risk genetics, and ISS stage Ⅲ were 5, 15 and 8, and the effective number was 3, 11 and 6, respectively. The treatment of 3 patients without high-risk factors was effective. The median OS and median PFS of patients with EMD were 14.2 and 2.5 months, respectively, which were shorter than those of patients without EMD (19.4 months and 8.9 months, respectively). The median OS and median PFS of patients with high-risk cytogenetic factors and ISS Ⅲ were not significantly different from those of non-high-risk patients. Cytokine release syndrane (CRS) occurred in 20 patients, of which 14 cases were Grade 1 CRS, while 6 were Grade 2, no CRS of Grade 3 or above occurred. IL-6 receptor inhibitors were used in 9 patients. All CRS were controlled effectively, and no patients had neurological toxicity. CONCLUSION: BCMA-CART is a certain curative effect in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, and the adverse reactions can be well controlled through close monitoring and timely treatment.

Alleviation of Diabetic Tendon Injury via Activation of Tendon Fibroblasts Autophagy under Berberine Treatment.

Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Coptis chinensis and possesses valuable pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and alleviating several complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the role of BBR in regulating diabetic tendon injury remains poorly understood. In this study, a rat model of T2DM was constructed, and cell apoptosis and autophagy were assessed in tendon tissues after BBR treatment through TdT-Mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay and immunohistochemical analysis. Tendon fibroblasts were obtained from the rat Achilles tendon, and the role of BBR in regulating cell apoptosis, the production of inflammatory cytokines, and autophagy activation were assessed using flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and western blot analysis. We demonstrated that BBR treatment significantly increased autophagy activation and decreased cell apoptosis in tendon tissues of T2DM rats. In tendon fibroblasts, BBR repressed High glucose (HG)-induced cell apoptosis and production of proinflammatory cytokines. HG treatment resulted in a decrease of autophagy activation in tendon fibroblasts, whereas BBR restored autophagy activation. More important, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA weakened the protective effects of BBR against HG-induced tendon fibroblasts injury. Taken together, the current results demonstrate that BBR helps relieve diabetic tendon injury by activating autophagy of tendon fibroblasts.

High glucose represses the proliferation of tendon fibroblasts by inhibiting autophagy activation in tendon injury.

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a kind of common and disabling complication of Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Emerging studies have demonstrated that tendon fibroblasts play a crucial role in remodeling phase of wound healing. However, little is known about the mechanism underlying high glucose (HG)-induced decrease in tendon fibroblasts viability. In the present study, the rat models of DFU were established, and collagen deposition, autophagy activation and cell apoptosis in tendon tissues were assessed using Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. Tendon fibroblasts were isolated from Achilles tendon of the both limbs, and the effect of HG on autophagy activation in tendon fibroblasts was assessed using Western blot analysis, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and flow cytometry. We found that cell apoptosis was increased significantly and autophagy activation was decreased in foot tendon tissues of DFU rats compared with normal tissues. The role of HG in regulating tendon fibroblasts viability was then investigated in vitro, and data showed that HG repressed cell viability and increased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, HG treatment reduced LC3-II expression and increased p62 expression, indicating that HG repressed autophagy activation of tendon fibroblasts. The autophagy activator rapamycin reversed the effect. More importantly, rapamycin alleviated the suppressive role of HG in tendon fibroblasts viability. Taken together, our data demonstrate that HG represses tendon fibroblasts proliferation by inhibiting autophagy activation in tendon injury.

Significant loss of soil inorganic carbon at the continental scale.

Widespread soil acidification due to atmospheric acid deposition and agricultural fertilization may greatly accelerate soil carbonate dissolution and CO2 release. However, to date, few studies have addressed these processes. Here, we use meta-analysis and nationwide-survey datasets to investigate changes in soil inorganic carbon (SIC) stocks in China. We observe an overall decrease in SIC stocks in topsoil (0-30 cm) (11.33 g C m-2 yr-1) from the 1980s to the 2010s. Total SIC stocks have decreased by ∼8.99 ± 2.24% (1.37 ± 0.37 Pg C). The average SIC losses across China (0.046 Pg C yr-1) and in cropland (0.016 Pg C yr-1) account for ∼17.6%-24.0% of the terrestrial C sink and 57.1% of the soil organic carbon sink in cropland, respectively. Nitrogen deposition and climate change have profound influences on SIC cycling. We estimate that ∼19.12%-19.47% of SIC stocks will be further lost by 2100. The consumption of SIC may offset a large portion of global efforts aimed at ecosystem carbon sequestration, which emphasizes the importance of achieving a better understanding of the indirect coupling mechanisms of nitrogen and carbon cycling and of effective countermeasures to minimize SIC loss.

Maternal smoking status during pregnancy and low birth weight in offspring: systematic review and meta-analysis of 55 cohort studies published from 1986 to 2020.

BACKGROUND: Maternal smoking during pregnancy may be associated with low birth weight (LBW) in offspring and global risk estimates have not been summarized previously. We aimed to systematically explore evidence regarding maternal smoking and the LBW risk in offspring globally and examine possible causes of heterogeneity across relevant studies. METHODS: Comprehensive search of PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline (R), and Web of science from inception until October 2021 was carried out. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Restricted cubic spline analysis with three knots was used to further examine the dose-response relationship. RESULTS: Literature searches yielded 4940 articles, of which 53 met inclusion criteria (comprising 55 independent studies). Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with the risk of LBW in offspring (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.80-1.98). Furthermore, an obvious dose-response relationship between the amount of cigarettes daily smoked in pregnancy and the risk of LBW in offspring was observed. The results of subgroup analyses indicated that the risk of maternal smoking on LBW was larger in more recently conducted studies (P = 0.020) and longer period of active smoking during pregnancy (P = 0.002). No evidence of publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, maternal smoking in pregnancy was significantly associated with a higher risk of LBW in offspring on a global scale. The risk of maternal smoking on infant LBW seems to be increasing over time, and was higher with longer smoking duration throughout pregnancy and more cigarettes smoked daily.

Label-free quantitative proteomics of arbuscular mycorrhizal Elaeagnus angustifolia seedlings provides insights into salt-stress tolerance mechanisms.

Introduction: Soil salinization has become one of the most serious environmental issues globally. Excessive accumulation of soluble salts will adversely affect the survival, growth, and reproduction of plants. Elaeagnus angustifolia L., commonly known as oleaster or Russian olive, has the characteristics of tolerance to drought and salt. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are considered to be bio-ameliorator of saline soils that can enhance the salt tolerance of the host plants. However, there is little information on the root proteomics of AM plants under salt stress. Methods: In this study, a label-free quantitative proteomics method was employed to identify the differentially abundant proteins in AM E. angustifolia seedlings under salt stress. Results: The results showed that a total of 170 proteins were significantly differentially regulated in E.angustifolia seedlings after AMF inoculation under salt stress. Mycorrhizal symbiosis helps the host plant E. angustifolia to respond positively to salt stress and enhances its salt tolerance by regulating the activities of some key proteins related to amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glutathione metabolism in root tissues. Conclusion: Aspartate aminotransferase, dehydratase-enolase-phosphatase 1 (DEP1), phospholipases D, diacylglycerol kinase, glycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferases, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidases may play important roles in mitigating the detrimental effect of salt stress on mycorrhizal E. angustifolia . In conclusion, these findings provide new insights into the salt-stress tolerance mechanisms of AM E. angustifolia seedlings and also clarify the role of AM fungi in the molecular regulation network of E. angustifolia under salt stress.

Toxicity Management and Efficacy Evaluation of BCMA-CART in the Treatment of Relapsed and Refractory Multiple Myeloma / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the toxicity management and efficacy evaluation of BCMA-chimeric antigen receptor T cells(CART) in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM).@*METHODS@#The efficacy and adverse reactions of 21 patients with MM who received BCMA-CART treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from December 2017 to September 2020 were evaluated, and the efficacy assessment and survival analysis for high-risk patients and non-high-risk patients were evaluated.@*RESULTS@#After infusion of BCMA-CART cells in 21 MM patients, the number of effective cases was 17, of which the complete remission (sCR/CR) was 10, and the partial remission (VGPR/PR) was 7. The median OS time for all patients was 19.4 months, and the median PFS time was 7.9 months. The number of patients with extramedullary disease(EMD), high-risk genetics, and ISS stage Ⅲ were 5, 15 and 8, and the effective number was 3, 11 and 6, respectively. The treatment of 3 patients without high-risk factors was effective. The median OS and median PFS of patients with EMD were 14.2 and 2.5 months, respectively, which were shorter than those of patients without EMD (19.4 months and 8.9 months, respectively). The median OS and median PFS of patients with high-risk cytogenetic factors and ISS Ⅲ were not significantly different from those of non-high-risk patients. Cytokine release syndrane (CRS) occurred in 20 patients, of which 14 cases were Grade 1 CRS, while 6 were Grade 2, no CRS of Grade 3 or above occurred. IL-6 receptor inhibitors were used in 9 patients. All CRS were controlled effectively, and no patients had neurological toxicity.@*CONCLUSION@#BCMA-CART is a certain curative effect in the treatment of relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma, and the adverse reactions can be well controlled through close monitoring and timely treatment.

Anion-Dependent Structure and Luminescence Diversity in ZnII-LnIII Heterometallic Architectures Supported by a Salicylamide-Imine Ligand.

To advance the structural development and fully explore the application potential, it is highly desirable but challenging to elucidate the relationship between the structures and properties of ZnII-LnIII heterometallic species. Herein, three types of ZnII-LnIII heterometallic compounds (LnIII = GdIII, TbIII) formulated as [Zn16Ln4L12(µ3-O)4(NO3)12]·8CH3CN (ZnLn-1), [Zn2Ln2L2(NO3)6(H2O)2]·3CH3CN (ZnLn-2), and [Zn4Ln2L8(OAc)12]·xCH3CN (ZnLn-3: for Ln = Gd, x = 5; for Ln = Tb, x = 4) were dictated by common inorganic anions, NO3- and OAc-, with the aid of the multidentate ligand H2L with propane as the central skeleton and 3-methoxysalicylamide and 3-methoxysalicylaldimine as terminal groups. ZnLn-1 features cubic cages with four {Zn4L3} tetrahedral subunits and four Ln3+ centers positioned at the eight vertices alternately when NO3- was introduced into the reaction system exclusively. An attempt to replace NO3- in ZnLn-1 with OAc- partially led to the formation of {Zn2Ln2L2} heterometallic wheels. Meanwhile, ZnLn-3 featuring double-hairpin-like {Zn4Ln2L4} hemicycles that are orthogonal to each other assisted by intermolecular hydrogen bonds was constructed when NO3- in ZnLn-1 was completely replaced by OAc-. Their structural integrity in solution were ascertained by both emission and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Ascribed to the different Zn2+-containing antenna, ZnTb-2 possesses a relatively strong emission characteristic of Tb3+; ZnTb-1 has moderate Tb3+ luminescence, yet an absence of Tb3+ emission is found in ZnTb-3. Such an emission difference could be mainly attributed to the antenna effect directed by distinct structural characteristics induced by anions. The anion-dictated self-assembly strategy presented herein not only offers a facile approach to regulate the coordination mode of H2L to such an extent to obtain diverse structures of ZnII-LnIII heterometallic species but also provides an understanding of how common inorganic anions tune coordination-driven self-assemblies as well as the subsequent luminescence properties.

A hydrostable Zn2+ coordination polymer for multifunctional detection of inorganic and organic contaminants in water.

From the perspective of human health and environmental safety, the development of hydrostable fluorescent sensors for the detection of heavy metal ions and nitroaromatics is an important but a challenging issue. To this end, a water-stable Zn2+ coordination polymer formulated as {[Zn(H2L)]·2DMF·3H2O}n (ZnCP) was prepared elaborately by a solvothermal method using a multidentate ligand (H4L) with 2,6-pyridine-dicarboxylic acid spaced by para-substituted benzene. Single-crystal analysis shows that the new ZnCP exhibits one-dimensional chain structural features, which further promoted to afford a wrinkled two-dimensional network structure via inter-chain hydrogen bonding. Powder X-ray diffraction and fluorescence measurements show that it can maintain crystallinity and structural integrity under harsh acidic and alkaline conditions with the pH ranging from 4 to 11. Notably, the bright blue-emissive ZnCP showed selective fluorescence quenching effects for Fe3+ and picric acid (PA), which makes it an excellent chemical sensor for Fe3+ and picric acid (PA) with low detection limits of 0.41 and 0.26 µM in water. The recognition mechanism of Fe3+ could be attributed to UV absorption competition and resonance energy transfer in the aid of weak electrostatic interactions, while the recognition mechanism of PA is considered to be a multi-quenching mechanism dominated by absorption competition and PET effects with the assistance of hydrogen bonding. In addition, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films doped with ZnCP (ZnCP@PMMA) were developed to provide better sensing performance and portability for practical applications.