► This study explored feedbacks between shrub and soil water/temperature dynamics. ► Shallow soil water was higher for grass than shrub, but reversed in deep soil water. ► Calcic horizons had great ...effect on soil water distribution. ► Soil temperature was higher for shrub than grass in winter, but reversed in summer. ► Current climatic change would favor Caragana microphylla expansion.
Shrub encroachment occurs in arid grasslands worldwide, however, little experimental works on shrub encroachment has been conducted in China. Moreover, interactions and feedbacks between soil moisture/temperature and woody plants remain poorly investigated in arid and semiarid regions. We continuously measured soil water content and soil temperature at 10-min intervals beneath shrub canopy and inter-space grass at different topographic positions of a hillslope in Caragana microphylla encroached grassland of Inner Mongolia in north China from June 2009 to April 2011. The findings of this study revealed that, contrary to most previous results, soil moisture was not always greater in shrub patches than that in the inter-space grass patches, but was strongly affected by precipitation size and calcic layers. Significant higher soil water content and quicker response to summer rainstorm in the shallow soil layer (0–20cm) for grass patches than the adjacent shrub patches, however, spatial distribution of the deeper soil water (40–100cm) in the profile was controlled by the position of calcic horizon functioned as a ‘dam’ to store water in wet period and release water to plant in drought period, highlighting positive feedbacks between shrub establishment and CaCO3 horizons. Diurnal soil temperature and daily soil temperature was significantly higher for shrub than grass in winter, but the trend was reversed in summer. The summer soil cooling and winter soil warming effects would favor shrub to resist drought and freeze damage ensuring continuing shrub growth and survival under arid and clod conditions. These evidences suggest that feedbacks between C. microphylla and soil moisture/temperatur were overall positive.
Neurotrophic factors can promote the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs). Here we report that the possibility of using bFGF in combination with BDNF and NGF to promote ...proliferation and differentiation of NSCs in vitro. C57BL/6 mouse NSCs were cultured, passaged and stained by immunofluorescence for nestin and GFP. According to different neurotrophic factors added to NSCs, seven experiment groups (NGF, BDNF, bFGF, bFGF+NGF, bFGF+BDNF, NGF+BDNF and NGF+BDNF+bFGF) and a blank control group were established. One week after induction and differentiation, results showed that there was significant difference in the percentage of NSCs differentiating into neurons among the experiment groups. The percentage in the multi-factor groups was significantly higher than that in the single-factor groups (p<0.05), among which the percentage was the highest in NGF+BDNF+bFGF group. In the two-factor groups, the percentage in bFGF+NGF and bFGF+BDNF groups was significantly higher than that in NGF+BDNF group (p<0.05). The NSCs growth curves showed that cells proliferated continuously with the time of culture prolonging, but there was significant difference between the group containing bFGF and that without bFGF. Our results demonstrate that combined use of NGF/BDNF/bFGF significantly improved the ability of NSCs proliferation and differentiation.
The bacterial nitroreductases (NRs) NfsB and NfsA are conserved homodimeric FMN‐dependent flavoproteins that are responsible for the reduction of nitroaromatic substrates. Berberine (BBR) is a ...plant‐derived isoquinoline alkaloid with a large conjugated ring system that is widely used in the treatment of various diseases. It was recently found that the gut microbiota convert BBR into dihydroberberine (dhBBR, the absorbable form) mediated by bacterial NRs. The molecular basis for the transformation of BBR by the gut microbiota remains unclear. Here, kinetic studies showed that NfsB from Escherichia coli (EcNfsB), rather than EcNfsA, is responsible for the conversion of BBR to dhBBR in spite of a low reaction rate. The crystal structure of the EcNfsB–BBR complex showed that BBR binds into the active pocket at the dimer interface, and its large conjugated plane stacks above the plane of the FMN cofactor in a nearly parallel orientation. BBR is mainly stabilized by π‐stacking interactions with both neighboring aromatic residues and FMN. Structure‐based mutagenesis studies further revealed that the highly conserved Phe70 and Phe199 are important residues for the conversion of BBR. The structure revealed that the C6 atom of BBR (which receives the hydride) is ∼7.5 Å from the N5 atom of FMN (which donates the hydride), which is too distant for hydride transfer. Notably, several well ordered water molecules make hydrogen‐bond/van der Waals contacts with the N1 atom of BBR in the active site, which probably donate protons in conjunction with electron transfer from FMN. The structure–function studies revealed the mechanism for the recognition and binding of BBR by bacterial NRs and may help to understand the conversion of BBR by the gut microbiota.
The structural basis for the reduction of berberine by bacterial nitroreductases is described.
Acute lung injury (ALI) is characterized by non-cardiogenic diffuse alveolar damage and often leads to a lethal consequence, particularly when hypoxia coexists. The treatment of ALI remains a ...challenge: pulmonary inflammation and hypoxia both contribute to its onset and progression and no effective prevention approach is available. Here, we aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of hypoxia interaction with inflammation in ALI and to evaluate hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α)-the crucial modulator in hypoxia-as a potential therapeutic target against ALI. First, we developed a novel ALI rat model induced by a combined low-dose of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) with acute hypoxia. Second, we used gene microarray analysis to evaluate the inflammatory profiles of bronchi alveolar lavage fluid cells of ALI rats. Third, we employed an alveolar macrophage cell line, NR8383 as an
system together with a toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist TAK-242, to verify our
findings from ALI animals. Finally, we tested the therapeutic effects of HIF-1α augmentation against inflammation and hypoxia in ALI. We demonstrated that (i) LPS upregulated inflammatory genes, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in the alveolar macrophages of ALI rats, which were further enhanced when ALI combined with hypoxia; (ii) hypoxia exposure could further enhance the upregulation of alveolar macrophageal TLR4 that was noticed in LPS-induced inflammatory ALI, conversely, TLR4 antagonist TAK-242 could suppress the macrophageal expression of TLR4 and inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, suggesting that the TLR4 signaling pathway as a central link between inflammation and hypoxia in ALI; (iii) manipulation of HIF-1α
could suppress TLR4 expression induced by combined LPS and hypoxia,
suppressing promoter activity of the TLR4 gene; (iv) preconditioning augmentation of HIF-1α
by HIF hydroxylase inhibitor, DMOG excreted protection against inflammatory, and hypoxic processes in ALI. Together, we see that hypoxia can exacerbate inflammation in ALI
the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway in alveolar macrophages and predispose impairment of the alveolar-capillary barrier in the development of ALI. Targeting HIF-1α can suppress TLR4 expression and macrophageal inflammation, suggesting the potential therapeutic and preventative value of HIF-1α/TLR4 crosstalk pathway in ALI.
Abstract
Background
This prospective study aimed to compare telemedicine-assisted structured self-monitoring of blood glucose(SMBG) with a traditional blood glucose meter (BGM) in adults of type 2 ...diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Methods
Adult participants with T2DM were assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The patients in the intervention group received a connected BGM with real-time data submission as well as individual needs-based tele-coaching to address and improve motivation and daily diabetes self-management. The patients in the control group received a traditional BGM. Changes in glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c), low blood glucose index(LBGI), and diabetes self-management behaviors were analyzed.
Results
The study demonstrated the superiority of the telemedicine-assisted structured SMBG versus the traditional BGM for improving HbA1c. Additionally, the telemedicine-assisted SMBG reduced the risk of hypoglycemia and enhanced diabetes self-management behaviors, as differences in the LBGI and the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire(DSMQ) results between the groups after 6 months were found to be significant.
Conclusions
Telemedicine-assisted structured SMBG helps physicians and patients to achieve a specific level of glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia. The use of coaching applications and telemedicine-assisted SMBG indicated beneficial effects for T2DM self-management, which may help limit disease progression.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trail Registry No: ChiCTR2300072356 on 12/06/2023. Retrospectively registered.
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is increasingly found to cause hepatitis in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) patients. However, little is known about HEV infection in ...patients receiving haploidentical HSCT (haplo‐HSCT). Here, we retrospectively evaluate the incidence and clinical course of HEV infection in haplo‐HSCT patients. From January 2014 to July 2017, 177 patients with unexplained elevated transaminases after receiving haplo‐HSCT at Peking University Institute of Haematology were screened for HEV using HEV serology. HEV RNA was assessed in blood samples when HEV‐IgG and/or IgM antibodies were positive. Acute HEV infection was identified in 7 patients (3·9%), 1 of whom had developed a chronic HEV infection. The median time from haplo‐HSCT to HEV infection was 17·5 (range, 6–55) months. HEV infection was confirmed by the presentation of anti‐HEV IgM + anti‐HEV IgG (rising) (n = 5) or HEV‐RNA + anti‐HEV IgM + anti‐HEV IgG (n = 2). None of the patients died of HEV infection directly: 2 patients with HEV infection died showing signs of ongoing hepatitis, and 5 patients cleared HEV with a median duration of HEV infection of 1·5 (range, 1·0–5·7) months. In conclusion, HEV infection is a rare but serious complication after haplo‐HSCT. We recommend screening of HEV in haplo‐HSCT.
Summary
The engagement of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐induced protein ligands in γδ T‐cell‐mediated anti‐EBV immunity, especially in EBV‐associated B‐cell malignancies, has not been fully elucidated. ...Previously we reported the overexpression of human MutS homologue 2 (hMSH2), a stress‐inducible protein ligand for human γδ T‐cells, on EBV‐transformed B lymphoblastic cell lines (B‐LCLs). In this study, we first generated EBV‐transformed B‐LCLs from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy volunteers with B95‐8 cellular supernatant and cyclosporine A. Secondly, we demonstrated the significantly elevated cell surface protein expression and mRNA transcription of hMSH2 in EBV‐transformed B‐LCLs, 3D5 and EBV‐positive B lymphoma cell line Daudi and Raji. Thirdly, hMSH2‐mediated recognition of EBV‐transformed B malignant cells by human γδ T‐cells was confirmed by specific antibody blocking and siRNA interference. Both TCRγδ and NKG2D participated in hMSH2‐mediated recognition of EBV‐transformed B malignant cells. Furthermore, hMSH3 and hMSH6, the companion proteins of hMSH2, along with CD98, were found overexpressed on the surface of EBV‐transformed malignant B‐cells. We concluded that the induced overexpression of hMSH proteins might serve as early alerting biomarkers emerged in EBV‐related B‐cell malignances or as potential targets for establishing γδ T‐cell‐based therapeutic immunotherapies towards EBV infection.
The engagement of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐induced protein ligands in γδ T‐cell‐mediated anti‐EBV immunity especially in EBV‐associated B‐cell malignancies has not been fully elucidated. Here we demonstrated the significantly elevated cell surface protein expression and mRNA transcription of hMSH2 in EBV‐transformed B lymphoblastic cell lines (B‐LCLs) and EBV‐positive B‐LCLs, and the hMSH2‐mediated recognition mechanism of EBV‐transformed B malignant cells by human γδ T‐cells. We also discovered the overexpression of the companion proteins of hMSH2 (hMSH3/hMSH6), along with CD98, on the surface of EBV‐transformed malignant B‐cells. The induced overexpression of hMSH proteins might serve as early alerting biomarkers emerged in EBV‐related B‐cell malignances or as potential targets for establishing γδ T‐cell‐based therapeutic immunotherapies towards EBV infection.
Earthquake-induced strong near-fault ground motion is typically accompanied by large-velocity pulse-like component, which causes serious damage to slopes and buildings. Although not all near-fault ...ground motions contain a pulse-like component, it is important to consider this factor in regional earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility assessment. In the present study, we considered the probability of the observed pulse-like ground motion at each site (PP) in the region of an earthquake as one of the conditioning factors for landslide susceptibility assessment. A subset of the area affected by the 1994 Mw6.7 Northridge earthquake in California was examined. To explore and verify the effects of PP on landslide susceptibility assessment, seven models were established, consisting of six identical influencing factors (elevation, slope gradient, aspect, distance to drainage, distance to roads, and geology) and one or two factors characterizing the intensity of the earthquake (distance to fault, peak ground acceleration, peak ground velocity, and PP) in logistic regression analysis. The results showed that the model considering PP performed better in susceptibility assessment, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.956. Based on the results of relative importance analysis, the contribution of the PP value to earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility was ranked fourth after the slope gradient, elevation, and lithology. The prediction performance of the model considering the pulse-like effect was better than that reported previously. A logistic regression model that considers the pulse-like effect can be applied in disaster prevention, mitigation, and construction planning in near-fault areas.
A palladium-catalyzed asymmetric annulative dearomatization of phenols with butene dicarbonate is reported, enabling twofold decarboxylative allylation to regioselectively produce a range of ...spirocyclohexadienones with 29–95% yields and 74–99% ee. A catalytic dearomative formal 4 + 2 cyclization of 1,1′-biphenyl-2,4′-diols delivered spirochromane-4,1′-cyclohexane-2′,5′-dien-4′-ones with high enantioselectivity, whereas enantioenriched spirocyclohexane-1,4′-quinoline-2,5-dien-4-ones were generated starting from 2′-amino-1,1′-biphenyl-4-ols as 1,4-dinucleophiles.
Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a phenomenon that the reperfusion of ischemic organs or tissues aggravates their damage, which poses a serious health threat and economic burden to the world. I/R ...gives rise to a series of physiological and pathological world, including inflammatory response, oxidative stress, brain edema, blood-brain barrier destruction, and neuronal death. Therefore, finding effective treatment measures is extremely important to the recovery of I/R patients and the improvement of long-term quality of life. Sevoflurane is an important volatile anesthetic which has been reported to reduce myocardial I/R damage and infarct size. Sevoflurane also has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. As reported sevoflurane treatment could reduce nerve function injury, cerebral infarction volume and the level of inflammatory factors. At the same time, there is evidence that sevoflurane can reduce neuron apoptosis and antioxidant stress. The protective effect of sevoflurane in brain injury has been proved to be existed in several aspects, so that a comprehensive understanding of its neuroprotective effect is helpful to exploit new treatment paths for I/R, provide clinicians with new clinical treatment decisions, contribute to the effective treatment of I/R patients and the improvement of quality of life after I/R healing.
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