The introduction of oxygen vacancies (Ov) has been regarded as an effective method to enhance the catalytic performance of photoanodes in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, their stability ...under highly oxidizing environment is questionable but was rarely studied. Herein, NiFe‐metal–organic framework (NiFe‐MOFs) was conformally coated on oxygen‐vacancy‐rich BiVO4 (Ov‐BiVO4) as the protective layer and cocatalyst, forming a core–shell structure with caffeic acid as bridging agent. The as‐synthesized Ov‐BiVO4@NiFe‐MOFs exhibits enhanced stability and a remarkable photocurrent density of 5.3±0.15 mA cm−2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE). The reduced coordination number of Ni(Fe)‐O and elevated valence state of Ni(Fe) in NiFe‐MOFs layer greatly bolster OER, and the shifting of oxygen evolution sites from Ov‐BiVO4 to NiFe‐MOFs promotes Ov stabilization. Ovs can be effectively preserved by the coating of a thin NiFe‐MOFs layer, leading to a photoanode of enhanced photocurrent and stability.
A core–shell Ov‐BiVO4@NiFe‐MOFs photoanode was constructed via a coordination‐assisted self‐assembly method. A NiFe‐MOFs thin layer acts as protective layer and cocatalyst to shift active sites from oxygen vacancies to NiFe‐MOFs, leading to improved stability and activity for OER. This molecular‐based approach tailors the coordination and electronic structure of active sites and provides mechanistic insights for rational design of photocatalysts.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
ABSTRACT
Drought and low temperature are two key environmental factors that induce adult citrus flowering. However, the underlying regulation mechanism is poorly understood. The bZIP transcription ...factor FD is a key component of the florigen activation complex (FAC) which is composed of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), FD, and 14‐3‐3 proteins. In this study, isolation and characterization of CiFD in citrus found that there was alternative splicing (AS) of CiFD, forming two different proteins (CiFDα and CiFDβ). Further investigation found that their expression patterns were similar in different tissues of citrus, but the subcellular localization and transcriptional activity were different. Overexpression of the CiFD DNA sequence (CiFD‐DNA), CiFDα, or CiFDβ in tobacco and citrus showed early flowering, and CiFD‐DNA transgenic plants were the earliest, followed by CiFDβ and CiFDα. Interestingly, CiFDα and CiFDβ were induced by low temperature and drought, respectively. Further analysis showed that CiFDα can form a FAC complex with CiFT, Ci14‐3‐3, and then bind to the citrus APETALA1 (CiAP1) promoter and promote its expression. However, CiFDβ can directly bind to the CiAP1 promoter independently of CiFT and Ci14‐3‐3. These results showed that CiFDβ can form a more direct and simplified pathway that is independent of the FAC complex to regulate drought‐induced flowering through AS. In addition, a bHLH transcription factor (CibHLH96) binds to CiFD promoter and promotes the expression of CiFD under drought condition. Transgenic analysis found that CibHLH96 can promote flowering in transgenic tobacco. These results suggest that CiFD is involved in drought‐ and low‐temperature‐induced citrus flowering through different regulatory patterns.
In citrus, alternative splicing of the transcription factor gene CiFD produces two different proteins, CiFDα and CiFDβ At low temperature, CiFDα forms a complex with CiFLOWERING LOCUS T and Ci14‐3‐3 to activate the expression of CiAPETALA1. Under drought conditions, CiFDβ directly binds to the CiAPETALA1 promoter to induce flowering.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
MADS-box genes are involved in various developmental processes including vegetative development, flower architecture, flowering, pollen formation, seed and fruit development. However, the function of ...most MADS-box genes and their regulation mechanism are still unclear in woody plants compared with model plants. In this study, a MADS-box gene (CiMADS43) was identified in citrus. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis showed that CiMADS43 is a GOA-like Bsister MADS-box gene. It was localized in the nucleus and as a transcriptional activator. Overexpression of CiMADS43 promoted early flowering and leaves curling in transgenic Arabidopsis. Besides, overexpression or knockout of CiMADS43 also showed leaf curl phenotype in citrus similar to that of CiMADS43 overexpressed in Arabidopsis. Protein–protein interaction found that a SEPALLATA (SEP)-like protein (CiAGL9) interacted with CiMADS43 protein. Interestingly, CiAGL9 also can bind to the CiMADS43 promoter and promote its transcription. Expression analysis also showed that these two genes were closely related to seasonal flowering and the development of the leaf in citrus. Our findings revealed the multifunctional roles of CiMADS43 in the vegetative and reproductive development of citrus. These results will facilitate our understanding of the evolution and molecular mechanisms of MADS-box genes in citrus.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
As one of the common malignant cancer types, gastric cancer (GC) is known for late‐stage diagnosis and poor prognosis. Overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase MET is associated with poor ...prognosis among patients with advanced stage GC. However, no MET inhibitor has been used for GC treatment. Like other tyrosine kinase inhibitors that fit the “occupancy‐driven” model, current MET inhibitors are prone to acquired resistance. The emerging proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) strategy could overcome such limitations through direct degradation of the target proteins. In this study, we successfully transformed the MET‐targeted inhibitor crizotinib into a series of PROTACs, recruiting cereblon/cullin 4A E3 ubiquitin ligase to degrade the MET proteins. The optimized lead PROTAC (PRO‐6 E) effectively eliminated MET proteins in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting proliferation and motility of MET‐positive GC cells. In the MKN‐45 xenograft model, PRO‐6 E showed pronounced antitumor efficacy with a well‐tolerated dosage regimen. These results validated PRO‐6 E as the first oral PROTAC for MET‐dependent GC.
Proteolysis targeting chimera degrader PRO‐6 E specifically induced degradation of targeted proteins, and led to the suppression of tumor cell proliferation, motility, and invasiveness in MET‐positive gastric cancer models.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
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•Sulfide (20 mg L−1) could reduce the specific anammox activity by 61.7%.•Protein-like substances were quenched due to sulfide stress.•Sulfide addition led Candidatus Kuenenia ...decrease while Thiobacillus increase.•Functional gene abundances significantly decreased with 20 mg L−1 sulfide.
Sulfide has attracted increasing attention due to its odor nuisance, toxicity and corrosion. Although variations in the nitrogen removal performance of anammox under sulfide stress have been reported previously, understanding the microorganisms at the molecular level is of greater significance. This study first deciphered the microbial community and functional gene response of anammox sludge to sulfide stress. Results showed that 20 mg L−1 sulfide could reduce specific anammox activity by 61.7%. The protein-like substances within extracellular polymeric substances were quenched at the end of the experiment. Moreover, the relative abundance of Candidatus Kuenenia significantly decreased from 28.7% to 6.4% while Thiobacillus increased from 0 to 7.2% due to sulfide stress. Furthermore, the abundances of functional genes (hzsA, hdh, nirK and nirS) significantly decreased when the sulfide concentration reached 20 mg L−1. These findings provide a further theoretical basis for the anammox process for nitrogen removal from wastewater containing sulfide.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
To discover new drugs to combat COVID-19, an understanding of the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is urgently needed. Here, for the first time, we report the crucial role of cathepsin L ...(CTSL) in patients with COVID-19. The circulating level of CTSL was elevated after SARS-CoV-2 infection and was positively correlated with disease course and severity. Correspondingly, SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection increased CTSL expression in human cells in vitro and human ACE2 transgenic mice in vivo, while CTSL overexpression, in turn, enhanced pseudovirus infection in human cells. CTSL functionally cleaved the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and enhanced virus entry, as evidenced by CTSL overexpression and knockdown in vitro and application of CTSL inhibitor drugs in vivo. Furthermore, amantadine, a licensed anti-influenza drug, significantly inhibited CTSL activity after SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection and prevented infection both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, CTSL is a promising target for new anti-COVID-19 drug development.
Aim
Transcutaneous electrical cranial‐auricular acupoint stimulation (TECAS) is a novel non‐invasive therapy that stimulates acupoints innervated by the trigeminal and auricular vagus nerves. An ...assessor‐blinded, randomized, non‐inferiority trial was designed to compare the efficacy of TECAS and escitalopram in mild‐to‐moderate major depressive disorder.
Methods
468 participants received two TECAS sessions per day at home (n = 233) or approximately 10–13 mg/day escitalopram (n = 235) for 8 weeks plus 4‐week follow‐up. The primary outcome was clinical response, defined as a baseline‐to‐endpoint ≥50% reduction in Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score. Secondary outcomes included remission rate, changes in the severity of depression, anxiety, sleep and life quality.
Results
The response rate was 66.4% on TECAS and 63.2% on escitalopram with a 3.2% difference (95% confidence interval CI, −5.9% to 12.9%) in intention‐to‐treat analysis, and 68.5% versus 66.2% with a 2.3% difference (95% CI, −6.9% to 11.4%) in per‐protocol analysis. The lower limit of 95% CI of the differences fell within the prespecified non‐inferiority margin of −10% (P ≤ 0.004 for non‐inferiority). Most secondary outcomes did not differ between the two groups. TECAS‐treated participants who experienced psychological trauma displayed a markedly greater response than those without traumatic experience (81.3% vs 62.1%, P = 0.013). TECAS caused much fewer adverse events than escitalopram.
Conclusions
TECAS was comparable to escitalopram in improving depression and related symptoms, with high acceptability, better safety profile, and particular efficacy in reducing trauma‐associated depression. It could serve an effective portable therapy for mild‐to‐moderate depression.
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DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background and aims
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection has recently spread worldwide and been ...declared a pandemic. We aim to describe here the various clinical presentations of this disease by examining eleven cases.
Methods
Electronic medical records of 11 patients with COVID‐19 were collected, and demographics, clinical manifestations, outcomes, key laboratory results, and radiological images are discussed.
Results
The clinical course of the eleven cases demonstrated the complexity of the COVID‐19 profile with different clinical presentations. Clinical manifestations range from asymptomatic cases to patients with mild and severe symptoms, with or without pneumonia. Laboratory detection of the viral nucleic acid can yield false‐negative results, and serological testing of virus‐specific IgG and IgM antibodies should be used as an alternative for diagnosis. Patients with common allergic diseases did not develop distinct symptoms and severe courses. Cases with a pre‐existing condition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or complicated with a secondary bacterial pneumonia were more severe.
Conclusion
All different clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 should be taken into consideration to identify patients that need to be in strict quarantine for the efficient containment of the pandemic.
Clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 range from asymptomatic cases to patients with mild and severe symptoms, with or without pneumonia. Laboratory detection of the viral nucleic acid can yield false‐negative results, and serological testing of virus‐specific IgG and IgM antibodies should be used as an alternative for diagnosis. Patients with common allergic diseases did not develop distinct symptoms and severe courses. Cases with a pre‐existing condition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or complicated with a secondary bacterial pneumonia were more severe.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has caused an unprecedented global social and economic impact, and ...high numbers of deaths. Many risk factors have been identified in the progression of COVID‐19 into a severe and critical stage, including old age, male gender, underlying comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, chronic lung diseases, heart, liver and kidney diseases, tumors, clinically apparent immunodeficiencies, local immunodeficiencies, such as early type I interferon secretion capacity, and pregnancy. Possible complications include acute kidney injury, coagulation disorders, thoromboembolism. The development of lymphopenia and eosinopenia are laboratory indicators of COVID‐19. Laboratory parameters to monitor disease progression include lactate dehydrogenase, procalcitonin, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β, Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6), and ferritin. The development of a cytokine storm and extensive chest computed tomography imaging patterns are indicators of a severe disease. In addition, socioeconomic status, diet, lifestyle, geographical differences, ethnicity, exposed viral load, day of initiation of treatment, and quality of health care have been reported to influence individual outcomes. In this review, we highlight the scientific evidence on the risk factors of severity of COVID‐19.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
p53, circRNAs and miRNAs are important components of the regulatory network that activates the EMT program in cancer metastasis. In prostate cancer (PCa), however, it has not been investigated ...whether and how p53 regulates EMT by circRNAs and miRNAs. Here we show that a Amotl1-derived circRNA, termed circAMOTL1L, is downregulated in human PCa, and that decreased circAMOTL1L facilitates PCa cell migration and invasion through downregulating E-cadherin and upregulating vimentin, thus leading to EMT and PCa progression. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that circAMOTL1L serves as a sponge for binding miR-193a-5p in PCa cells, relieving miR-193a-5p repression of Pcdha gene cluster (a subset of the cadherin superfamily members). Accordingly, dysregulation of the circAMOTL1L-miR-193a-5p-Pcdha8 regulatory pathway mediated by circAMOTL1L downregulation contributes to PCa growth in vivo. Further, we show that RBM25 binds directly to circAMOTL1L and induces its biogenesis, whereas p53 regulates EMT via direct activation of RBM25 gene. These findings have linked p53/RBM25-mediated circAMOTL1L-miR-193a-5p-Pcdha regulatory axis to EMT in metastatic progression of PCa. Targeting this newly identified regulatory axis provides a potential therapeutic strategy for aggressive PCa.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ