Aphis gossypii, one of the most important agricultural pests in the world, can cause serious economic losses in the main crop-producing areas. To clarify issues such as the genetic differentiation, ...genetic structure, and demographic history of A. gossypii populations, we used 10 nuclear microsatellite loci (SSR) and two mitochondrial gene sequences (COI and Cytb) to investigate genetic diversity and population structure of A. gossypii populations that were collected from 33 sampling sites in China from different climatic zones. SSR and mtDNA data suggested low to moderate levels of genetic diversity. A star-shaped network of mtDNA haplotypes indicated that the maternal ancestor of China cotton aphids likely originated in Xinjiang. The POPTREE, STRUCTURE and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed two genetic clusters: an eastern and a western region group. Isolation by distance (IBD) results showed a positive correlation between geographic distance and genetic distance in the vast eastern region but not in the western region. Neutrality testing and mismatch distribution analysis provided strong evidence for a recent rapid expansion in most populations. Genetic bottleneck was not detected in A. gossypii populations of China. The present work can help us to develop strategies for managing this pest.
In the fields of industrial production or safety monitoring, wireless sensor networks are often content with unreliable and time-varying channels that are susceptible to interference. Consequently, ...ensuring both transmission reliability and data accuracy has garnered substantial attention in recent years. Although multipath routing-based schemes can provide transmission reliability for wireless sensor networks, achieving high data accuracy simultaneously remains challenging. To address this issue, an Energy-efficient Multipath Routing algorithm balancing data Accuracy and transmission Reliability (EMRAR) is proposed to balance the reliability and accuracy of data transmission. The multipath routing problem is formulated into a multi-objective programming problem aimed at optimizing both reliability and power consumption while adhering to data accuracy constraints. To obtain the solution of the multi-objective programming, an adaptive artificial immune algorithm is employed, in which the antibody initialization method, antibody incentive calculation method, and immune operation are improved, especially for the multipath routing scheme. Simulation results show that the EMRAR algorithm effectively balances data accuracy and transmission reliability while also saving energy when compared to existing algorithms.
This study was designed to determine whether plasma CXCL12 levels in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) patients are related to disease severity. A total of 91 PMOP females were recruited, and 88 ...postmenopausal non-osteoporotic (PMNOP) women and 90 healthy females were incorporated as controls. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was utilised to explore bone-mineral density (BMD). The Genant semi-quantitative grading scale was used for vertebral fractures, and plasma CXCL12/SDF-1 levels were investigated by ELISA. Plasma TNF-α and C-telopeptide cross-linked collagen type 1 (CTX-1) were also tested. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were completed in order to assess clinical severity. Plasma CXCL12 levels were considerably elevated in PMOP females compared to PMNOP women and healthy controls. Plasma CXCL12 concentrations were positively correlated with the Genant grading system. We observed significant and negative correlations of plasma CXCL12 levels with lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip BMD. Moreover, plasma CXCL12 concentrations were positively correlated to VAS and ODI, as well as plasma TNF-α and CTX-1 levels. In conclusion, elevated plasma CXCL12 levels are correlated with disease severity in PMOP females.
The
(Leguminosae) genus has attracted a lot of attention as a prolific source of alkaloids and chromones with diverse structures and biological properties. The aim of this study is to screen the ...antiviral compounds from
. The extract of the stem bark of this plant was separated using silica gel, MCI, ODS C18, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, as well as semi-preparative HPLC. As a result, three new indole alkaloids, alataindoleins A-C (1-3); one new chromone, alatachromone A (4); and a new dimeric chromone-indole alkaloid, alataindolein D (5) were isolated. Their structures were determined by means of HRESIMS and extensive 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic studies. Interestingly, alataindolein D (5) represents a new type of dimeric alkaloid with an unusual N-2-C-16' linkage, which is biogenetically derived from a chromone and an indole alkaloid via an intermolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction. Compounds 1-5 were tested for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and anti-rotavirus activities, and the results showed that compounds 2-4 showed high anti-TMV activities with inhibition rates of 44.4%, 66.5%, and 52.3%, respectively. These rates were higher than those of the positive control (with inhibition rate of 32.8%). Compounds 1 and 5 also showed potential anti-TMV activities with inhibition rates of 26.5% and 31.8%, respectively. In addition, compounds 1-5 exhibited potential anti-rotavirus activities with therapeutic index (TI) values in the range of 9.75~15.3. The successful isolation and structure identification of the above new compounds provided materials for the screening of antivirus drugs, and contributed to the development and utilization of
.
Super-enhancer (SE) plays a vital role in the determination of cell identity and fate. Up-regulated expression of coding genes is frequently associated with SE. However, the transcription ...dysregulation driven by SE, from the viewpoint of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), remains unclear. Here, SE-associated lncRNAs in HCC are comprehensively outlined for the first time. This study integrally screens and identifies several novel SE-associated lncRNAs that are highly abundant and sensitive to JQ1. Especially, HSAL3 is identified as an uncharacterized SE-driven oncogenic lncRNA, which is activated by transcription factors HCFC1 and HSF1 via its super-enhancer. HSAL3 interference negatively regulates NOTCH signaling, implying the potential mechanism of its tumor-promoting role. The expression of HSAL3 is increased in HCC samples, and higher HSAL3 expression indicates an inferior overall survival of HCC patients. Furthermore, siHSAL3 loaded nanoparticles exert anti-tumor effect on HCC in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, this is the first comprehensive survey of SE-associated lncRNAs in HCC. HSAL3 is a novel SE-driven oncogenic lncRNA, and siHSAL3 loaded nanoparticles are therapeutic candidates for HCC. This work sheds lights on the merit of anchoring SE-driven oncogenic lncRNAs for HCC treatment.
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Peng and colleagues comprehensively screened super-enhancer-associated lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HSAL3 was found as an uncharacterized super-enhancer-driven oncogenic lncRNA, and its siRNA-loaded nanoparticles as a novel and potential therapy for HCC. This work helps lay the basis of using super-enhancer-driven oncogenic lncRNA to develop anti-tumor agents.
Genome-wide association studies uncovered the association of ZNF804A (Zinc-finger protein 804A) with schizophrenia (SZ). In vitro data have indicated that ZNF804A might exert its biological roles by ...regulating spine and neurite morphogenesis. However, no in vivo data are available for the role of ZNF804A in psychiatric disorders in general, SZ in particular. We generated ZFP804A mutant mice, and they showed deficits in contextual fear and spatial memory. We also observed the sensorimotor gating impairment, as revealed by the prepulse inhibition test, but only in female ZFP804A mutant mice from the age of 6 months. Notably, the PPI difference between the female mutant and control mice was no longer existed with the administration of Clozapine or after the ovariectomy. Hippocampal long-term potentiation was normal in both genders of the mutant mice. Long-term depression was absent in male mutants, but facilitated in the female mutants. Protein levels of hippocampal serotonin-6 receptor and GABAB1 receptor were increased, while those of cortical dopamine 2 receptor were decreased in the female mutants with no obvious changes in the male mutants. Moreover, the spine density was reduced in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the mutant mice. Knockdown of ZFP804A impaired the neurite morphogenesis of cortical and hippocampal neurons, while its overexpression enhanced neurite morphogenesis only in the cortical neurons in vitro. Our data collectively support the idea that ZFP804A/ZNF804A plays important roles in the cognitive functions and sensorimotor gating, and its dysfunction may contribute to SZ, particularly in the female patients.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The 5-year survival rate of patients with early-stage CRC could reach 90%, ...but it is very low in patients with advanced-stage CRC. Recent studies have shown that circular RNAs play important roles in regulating the migration and invasion of CRC cells.
To elucidate the role of circRNA_0084927 (circ_0084927) in the migration and invasion of CRC cells and its underlying mechanism.
Clinical tissue samples and cells were collected, and the expression of circ_0084927 was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The diagnostic performance of circ_0084927 was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The role of circ_0084927 in CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion was determined using cell counting kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell assay, respectively. The regulatory relationship among circ_0084927, miRNA-20b-3p (miR-20b-3p), and glutathione S-transferase mu 5 (GSTM5) was identified using databases, luciferase reporter assay, qPCR, and Western blot analysis. AKT-mTOR signaling was also verified after circ_0084927 knockdown or miR-20b-3p mimic treatment.
The expression of circ_0084927 was significantly increased in CRC tissues and cells, and it was higher in advanced-stage CRC compared with early-stage CRC. The area under the curve (AUC) of circ_0084927 was 0.806 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.683-0.896. In addition, the AUC was 0.874 (95%CI: 0.738-0.956) in patients with advanced-stage CRC and 0.713 (95%CI: 0.555-0.840) in those with early-stage CRC. Knockdown of circ_0084927 inhibited the migration and invasion of HCT116 cells. Moreover, circ_0084927 was found to act as a sponge of miR-20b-3p. MiR-20b-3p activation reduced the circ_0084927 level, whereas miR-20b-3p inhibition increased the circ_0084927 level. But the effect was not found after circ_0084927 mutation. In addition, miR-20b-3p expression in CRC patients was also reduced and negatively correlated with circ_0084927 expression. The function of circ_0084927 in HCT116 cells with circ_0084927 knockdown was rescued by miR-20b-3p. Moreover, GSTM5 expression was significantly decreased after overexpressing miR-20b-3p or inhibiting circ_0084927, but its expression was rescued when circ_0084927 and miR-20b-3p were both inhibited. Finally, AKT-mTOR signaling was markedly regulated by circ_0084927 and miR-20b-3p.
The expression of circ_0084927 is significantly increased in CRC and higher in advanced-stage CRC than in early-stage CRC. Moreover, circ_0084927 potentially regulates CRC cell migration and invasion via the miR-20b-3p/GSTM5/ AKT/mTOR pathway.
Phytochemicals derived from oats are reported to possess a beneficial effect on modulating dyslipidemia, specifically on lowering total and LDL cholesterol. However, deeper insights into its ...mechanism remain unclear. In this randomized controlled study, we assigned 210 mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects from three study centers across China (Beijing, Nanjing, and Shanghai) to consume 80 g of oats or rice daily for 45 days. Plasma lipid profiles, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and fecal microbiota were measured. The results showed that total cholesterol (TC) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) decreased significantly with both oats and rice intake after 30 and 45 days. The reduction in TC and non-HDL-C was greater in the participants consuming oats compared with rice at day 45 (
= 0.011 and 0.049, respectively). Oat consumption significantly increased the abundance of
and
, and the relative abundance of
,
, and
, and decreased unclassified
In the oat group,
abundance was negatively correlated with LDL-C (
= 0.01,
= -0.31) and, TC and LDL-C were negatively correlated to
(
= 0.02,
= -0.29;
= 0.03,
= -0.27, respectively).
,
, and
were positively correlated with plasma butyric acid and valeric acid concentrations and negatively correlated to isobutyric acid. HDL-C was negatively correlated with valeric acid (
= 0.02,
= -0.25) and total triglyceride (TG) was positively correlated to isovaleric acid (
= 0.03,
= 0.23). Taken together, oats consumption significantly reduced TC and LDL-C, and also mediated a prebiotic effect on gut microbiome.
,
,
, and
, and plasma SCFA correlated with oat-induced changes in plasma lipids, suggesting prebiotic activity of oats to modulate gut microbiome could contribute towards its cholesterol-lowering effect.
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are systemically depleted in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infected patients and are not replenished even after successful combined ...antiretroviral therapy (cART). This study aimed to identify the mechanism underlying MAIT cell depletion.
In the present study, we applied flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing and immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the characteristics of pyroptotic MAIT cells in a total of 127 HIV-1 infected individuals, including 69 treatment-naive patients, 28 complete responders, 15 immunological non-responders, and 15 elite controllers, at the Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
Single-cell transcriptomic profiles revealed that circulating MAIT cells from HIV-1 infected subjects were highly activated, with upregulation of pyroptosis-related genes. Further analysis revealed that increased frequencies of pyroptotic MAIT cells correlated with markers of systemic T-cell activation, microbial translocation, and intestinal damage in cART-naive patients and poor CD4
T-cell recovery in long-term cART patients. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that MAIT cells in the gut mucosa of HIV-1 infected patients exhibited a strong active gasdermin-D (GSDMD, marker of pyroptosis) signal near the cavity side, suggesting that these MAIT cells underwent active pyroptosis in the colorectal mucosa. Increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18 were observed in HIV-1 infected patients. In addition, activated MAIT cells exhibited an increased pyroptotic phenotype after being triggered by HIV-1 virions, T-cell receptor signals, IL-12 plus IL-18, and combinations of these factors, in vitro.
Activation-induced MAIT cell pyroptosis contributes to the loss of MAIT cells in HIV-1 infected patients, which could potentiate disease progression and poor immune reconstitution.
Quantification of complicated surface morphology of soil crack is a prerequisite and key to soil crack study. This paper takes soil crack quads in Yuanmou arid-hot valley region as examples, ...selecting several morphological indicators, and analyzes the soil crack＇s morphological features under various development degrees. By statistic analysis, three quantitative indicators for surface morphology are selected, namely soil crack area density, area weighted mean fractal dimension and connectivity index R, which can not only express the development intensity of soil cracks, but also effectively describe its morphological complexity and connectivity. The research results set a good base for the establishment of soil crack assessment system in Yuanmou arid-hot valley region.
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