Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that combines virtual objects with the real world. In recent years, the rapid development of smartphones has provided a suitable environment for AR technology. ...This study aims to explore the continuance intention to utilize AR mobile entertainment applications, using the decomposed theory of planned behavior. The research hypotheses were verified using structural equation modeling, which revealed that: (1) telepresence, perceived mobility, perceived enjoyment, and perceived connectedness exert a positive effect on users' attitude toward AR mobile apps; nostalgia is the only factor not to do so; (2) perceived critical mass has a significant positive impact on subjective norms, whereas peer influence does not; (3) self-efficacy has a significant positive influence on perceived behavioral control but facilitating conditions does not; and (4) users' attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control all have significant positive impacts on users’ intention to continue to use the technology.
•This study explores the continuance intention to utilize AR mobile entertainment applications.•We integrated the DTPB to construct a SEM analysis model.•We verified the critical factors for AR usage.•Perceived critical mass significantly influences the intention to continue using.•We provided an integrated theoretical insight into consumers' continued use.
Type I interferon (IFN-I) provides an important first line to protect avian species against pathogens invasion. IFN regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) has been identified as the most important regulator for ...both DNA and RNA virus-induced IFN-I production in chickens. Although four splicing variants of IRF7 have been identified in mammals, it is still unclear whether alternative splicing patterns and the function of IRF7 isoform(s) exist in chickens. In this study, we reported a novel short transcript isoform of chicken IRF7 (chIRF7), termed chIRF7-iso, which contained an intact N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD) and 14 amino acids different from chIRF7 in the C-terminal. Overexpression of chIRF7 in chicken leghorn male hepatocellular (LMH) cells activated the IFN-β promoter and significantly inhibited Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) replication. Conversely, overexpression of chIRF7-iso blocked the IFN-β promoter activity and was favorable for NDV and FAdV-4 replication in vitro. Collectively, our results confirm that a novel chIRF7 isoform-mediated negative regulates IFN-β production, which will contribute to understanding the role of chIRF7 in innate antiviral response in chicken.
Root exudates play a crucial role in the symbiosis between leguminous plants and rhizobia. Our previous studies have shown that a fungal endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris promotes peanut-rhizobia ...nodulation and nitrogen fixation, but the underlying mechanism are largely unknown. Here, we explore the role of peanut root exudates in Ph. liquidambaris-mediated nodulation enhancement. We first collected root exudates from Ph. liquidambaris-inoculated and un-inoculated peanuts and determined their effects on rhizobial growth, biofilm formation, chemotaxis, nodC gene expression, and peanut nodulation. Our results found a positive effect of Ph. liquidambaris-inoculated root exudates on these characteristics of rhizobia. Next, we compared the root exudates profile of Ph. liquidambaris-inoculated and un-inoculated plants and found that Ph. liquidambaris altered the concentrations of phenolic acids, flavonoids, organic acids and amino acids in root exudates. Furthermore, the rhizobial chemotaxis, growth and biofilm formation in response to the changed compounds at different concentrations showed that all of the test compounds induced rhizobial chemotactic behavior, and organic acids (citric acid and oxalic acid) and amino acid (glutamate, glycine and glutamine) at higher concentrations increased rhizobial growth and biofilm formation. Collectively, our results suggest that root exudates alterations contribute to Ph. liquidambaris-mediated peanut-rhizobia nodulation enhancement.
Heart failure (HF) is a serious manifestation or advanced stage of various cardiovascular diseases, and its mortality and rehospitalization rate are still on the rise in China. Based on the network ...pharmacology method, 59 components of Zhen Wu decoction (ZWD) and 83 target genes related to HF were obtained. Through the PPI network, four potential therapeutic targets were identified: AKT1, IL6, JUN, and MAPK8. The beneficial components of ZWD might intervene HF through the AGE-RAGE signalling pathway in the diabetes component, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis, the TNF signalling pathway, TB, and Kaposi sarcoma related herpesvirus infection, according to a KEGG enrichment study. The protein interaction network of candidate targets was constructed by the STRING database, and the protein interaction network was clustered by MEODE software. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on the core modules obtained by clustering. Finally, AutoDock Vina software was used for molecular docking verification of key targets and active ingredients. The result was that 75 active ingredients and 109 genes were screened as potential active ingredients and potential targets of Shengjie Tongyu decoction for CHF treatment. The main active components were quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, dehydrated icariin, isorhamnetin, formononetin, and other flavonoids. Il-6, MAPK1, MAPK8, AKT1, VEGFA, and JUN were selected as the core targets. Molecular docking showed that the key components were well connected with the target. GO enrichment analysis showed that Shengjie Tongyu decoction could play a role through multiple biological pathways including angiogenesis, regulation of endothelial cell proliferation, binding of cytokine receptors, negative regulation of apoptotic signalling pathways, regulation of nitric oxide synthase activity, and reactive oxygen metabolism. Key pathways mainly focus on the toll-like receptor signalling pathway, nod-like receptor signalling pathway, MAPK signalling pathway, mTOR signalling pathway, JAK-STAT signalling pathway, VEGF signalling pathway, and other pathways. Through molecular docking technology, it was found that a variety of effective components in ZWD, such as kaempferol. Molecular docking technology has preliminatively verified the network pharmacology and laid a foundation for the follow-up pharmacological research.
First-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as erlotinib have significant activity in NSCLC patients with activating EGFR mutations. However, EGFR-TKI resistance inevitably occurs ...after approximately 12 months of treatment. Acquired mechanisms of resistance, other than secondary mutations in EGFR (T790 M) which account for 50–60%, are less well understood. Here, we identified lncRNA H19 as a significantly downregulated lncRNA in vitro models and clinical specimens with acquired EGFR-TKI resistance, H19 knockdown or overexpression conferred resistance or sensitivity, respectively, both in vitro and in vivo models. H19 downregulation contributed to erlotinib resistance through interaction and upregulation of PKM2, which enhanced the phosphorylation of AKT. AKT inhibitors restored the sensitivity of erlotinib-resistant cells to erlotinib. In EGFR-mutant patients treated with EGFR-TKIs, low H19 levels were associated with a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (P = 0.021). These findings revealed a novel mechanism of low-level H19 in the regulation of erlotinib resistance in EGFR-mutant lung cancers. Combination of AKT inhibitors and EGFR-TKIs could be a rational therapeutic approach for some subgroups of EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients.
•LncRNA H19 is downregulated in vitro models and clinical specimens with acquired EGFR-TKI resistance.•H19 knockdown or overexpression confers resistance or sensitivity, respectively, both in vitro and in vivo models.•H19 regulates EGFR-TKI resistance by interacting with PKM2, which mediates AKT activation.•AKT inhibitors restore the sensitivity of erlotinib-resistant cells to erlotinib.
Endophytic symbioses between plants and fungi are a dominant feature of many terrestrial ecosystems, yet little is known about the signaling that defines these symbiotic associations. Hydrogen ...peroxide (H2O2) is recognized as a key signal mediating the plant adaptive response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the role of H2O2 in plant-fungal symbiosis remains elusive. Using a combination of physiological analysis, plant and fungal deletion mutants, and comparative transcriptomics, we reported that various environmental conditions differentially affect the interaction between Arabidopsis and the root endophyte Phomopsis liquidambaris, and link this process to alterations in H2O2 levels and H2O2 fluxes across root tips. We found that enhanced H2O2 efflux leading to a moderate increase in H2O2 levels at the plant-fungal interface is required for maintaining plant-fungal symbiosis. Disturbance of plant H2O2 homeostasis compromises the symbiotic ability of plant roots. Moreover, the fungus-regulated H2O2 dynamics modulate the rhizosphere microbiome by selectively enriching for the phylum Cyanobacteria, with strong antioxidant defenses. Our results demonstrated that the regulation of H2O2 dynamics at the plant-fungal interface affects the symbiotic outcome in response to external conditions and highlight the importance of the root endophyte in reshaping the rhizosphere microbiota.
The self-assembly behavior of polypeptides is common in nature. Compared with monopeptides, polypeptide-based self-assembled nanomaterials with ordered structures have good thermal stability, ...mechanical stability, semi-conductivity, piezoelectric and optical properties. In recent years, the self-assembly of polypeptides has become a hot topic in the material science and biomedical field. By reasonably adjusting the molecular structure of the polypeptide and changing the external environment of the polypeptide, the polypeptide can be self-assembled or triggered by non-covalent bonding forces such as hydrogen bond, hydrophobicity, and π - π accumulation to form specific polypeptide assemblies such as nanoparticles, hydrogels, nanofibers, and micelles. Due to good biocompatibility and controllable degradability, polypeptide-based self-assembled nanomaterials have been widely used in the fields of nanotechnology, imaging technology, biosensor, and biomedical science. As a new drug delivery system, the polypeptide-drug conjugate has the advantages of low toxicity, high efficiency, enhanced drug stability, and avoiding side effects. This paper reviews the research progress of polypeptide-drug self-assembly nanostructure in recent years. Several structural models of polypeptide self-assembly technology and the mechanism of polypeptide self-assembly are introduced. Then the assembly form of polypeptide-drug self-assembly and the application of selfassembly compound therapy is described.
Purpose
Although the therapy-related bone loss attracts increasing attention nowadays, the differences in chemotherapy-induced bone loss and bone metabolism indexes change among breast cancer (BC) ...women with different menstrual statuses or chemotherapy regimens are unknown. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of different regimens of chemotherapy on bone health.
Method
The self-control study enrolled 118 initially diagnosed BC women without distant metastasis who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) screening and (or) bone metabolism index monitoring during chemotherapy at Chongqing Breast Cancer Center. Mann-Whitney
U
test, Cochran’s
Q
test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed.
Results
After chemotherapy, the BMD in the lumbar 1–4 and whole lumbar statistically decreased (− 1.8%/per 6 months), leading to a significantly increased proportion of osteoporosis (27.1% vs. 20.5%,
P
< 0.05), which were mainly seen in the premenopausal group (− 7.0%/per 6 months). Of the chemotherapeutic regimens of EC (epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), TC (docetaxel + cyclophosphamide), TEC (docetaxel + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), and EC-T(H) epirubicin + cyclophosphamide-docetaxel and/or trastuzumab, EC regimen had the least adverse impact on BMD, while the EC-TH regimen reduced BMD most (
P
< 0.05) inspite of the non-statistical difference between EC-T regimen, which was mainly seen in the postmenopausal group. Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (estradiol 94 pg/ml vs, 22 pg/ml; FSH 9.33 mIU/ml vs. 61.27 mIU/ml) was proved in premenopausal subgroup (
P
< 0.001). Except the postmenopausal population with calcium/VitD supplement, the albumin-adjusted calcium increased significantly (2.21 mmol/l vs. 2.33 mmol/l,
P
< 0.05) after chemotherapy. In postmenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, β-CTX decreased significantly (0.56 ng/ml vs. 0.39 ng/ml,
P
< 0.05) and BMD were not affected by chemotherapy (
P
> 0. 05). In premenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, PTH decreased significantly (52.90 pg/ml vs. 28.80 pg/ml,
P
= 0. 008) and hip BMD increased after chemotherapy (0.845 g/m
2
vs. 0.952 g/m
2
,
P
= 0. 006). As for both postmenopausal and premenopausal group without calcium/VitD supplement, there was a significant decrease in bone mass in hip and lumbar vertebrae after chemotherapy (0.831 g/m
2
vs. 0.776 g/m
2
; 0.895 g/m
2
vs. 0.870 g/m
2
,
P
< 0.05).
Conclusion
Chemotherapy might induce lumbar vertebrae BMD loss and spine osteoporosis with regimen differences among Chinese BC patients. Calcium/VitD supplementation could improve bone turnover markers, bone metabolism indicators, and bone mineral density. Early interventions on bone health are needed for BC patients during chemotherapy.
Plant iron (Fe) deficiency is widely present in alkaline calcium soils worldwide, and endophytes show great potential for promoting plant nutrient absorption. However, the underlying mechanisms ...remain unclear. To clarify the mechanisms by which the endophytic fungus
Phomopsis liquidambaris
promotes peanut Fe absorption, we designed this study to detect the physiological changes in peanut with
P. liquidambaris
infection. We measured ethylene and auxin in peanuts under Fe deficiency and found that fungal colonization promoted their accumulation (50% and 20%, respectively, at the top point). Moreover, plant Fe absorption ability and transfer were enhanced according to qPCR and enzyme results; the Fe content in the leaf increased (29.52%) as the symptoms of leaf chlorosis were ameliorated. Finally, the chlorophyll content increased (29%), and plant growth was enhanced (13.3%). We also proved that during Fe insufficiency, auxin functions downstream of ethylene to induce the upregulation of Fe absorption-related gene and enzyme activity including that of AHA4, IRT1, H
+
-ATPase, and FCR. We conclude that the addition of
P. liquidambaris
activates the auxin signaling pathway downstream of ethylene and improves peanut Fe absorption by promoting rhizosphere acidification, increasing FCR and IRT1 expression in peanut roots, leading to plant Fe absorption and growth.
Anthropogenic nitrogen inputs lead to a high ammonium (NH
)/nitrate (NO
) ratio in the soil, which restricts hyphal spreading of soil fungi. Access of symbiotic fungi to roots is a prerequisite for ...plant-fungal interactions. Hyphosphere bacteria protect fungi from environmental stress, yet the impact of hyphosphere bacteria on adaptation of host fungi to NH
-enriched conditions remains unclear. By developing soil microcosm assays, we report that a plant-symbiotic fungus, Phomopsis liquidambaris, harbors specific hyphosphere bacteria that facilitate hyphal spreading and assist in the root colonization in NH
-enriched soil. Genetic manipulation, 16S rRNA gene analysis and coinoculation assays revealed that the genus Enterobacter was enriched in the hyphosphere of NH
-sensitive wild-type compared to NH
-preferring nitrite reductase-deficient strain. The representative Enterobacter sp. SZ2-promoted hyphal spreading is only evident in nonsterilized soil. We further identified an increased abundance and diversity of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and a synchronously decreased NH
:NO
ratio following SZ2 inoculation. Microbial supplementation and inhibitor assays showed that AOA-mediated reduction in NH
:NO
ratio is responsible for SZ2-enhanced fungal adaptation to NH
-enriched conditions. The Ph. liquidambaris-Enterobacter-AOA triple interaction promoted rice growth in NH
-enriched soil. Our study reveals the essential role of hyphosphere microorganism-based hyphal spreading in plant-fungal symbiosis establishment within nitrogen-affected agroecosystems.
