Palaeoproterozoic granitic magmatism in the northern segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt: implications for orogenesis along the Eastern Block of the North China Craton

<p>As the northern segment of the Jiao-Liao-Ji Belt (JLJB), the Palaeoproterozoic Liaoji Belt is a key region for deciphering the formation and evolution of the North China Craton (NCC). In this study, we present the geochronology, geochemical, and isotopic studies on the monzogranitic gneiss, which is one of the major lithotectonic elements of the Liaoji Belt. LA-ICP-MS zircon U–Pb dating reveals that the studied monzogranitic gneisses were formed in the period of 2213–2178 Ma. They are in tectonic contact with the Palaeoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary rocks in the field. The monzogranitic gneisses belong to the high-K calc-alkaline series, and are metaluminous to peraluminous. They have 10,000 Ga/Al ratios of 2.63–3.14 with an average of 2.90, and are thus classified as aluminous A-type granites. Their <i>ε</i>_Nd(<i>t</i>) values vary from −3.4 to +2.5, indicating heterogeneous source region. The monzogranitic gneisses are characterized by enrichment in LREE and LILE (e.g. Rb, Ba, Th, and K) and depletion in HREE and HFSE (such as Nb, Ta, and Ti), and are typical to magmatism in active continental margins formed in a subduction-related tectonic setting. Taking into account their A-type affinity and regional geological data, we suggest that the monzogranitic gneisses were most probably generated in a local extensional back-arc environment during subduction.</p

Table2_Identification of cellular heterogeneity and immunogenicity of chondrocytes via single-cell RNA sequencing technique in human osteoarthritis.XLSX

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) has placed a heavy burden to the economy and humanistics. To explore the biological functions and markers of chondrocytes contributes significantly to the accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of OA.Methods: We systematically analyzed the immunogenicity and biological function of varied chondrocytes at single cell resolution, and identified the chondrocyte subtypes and biomarkers involved in the development of OA, which are verified in the bulk sequencing cohort.Results: Based on previous study, we defined eight subtypes of chondrocytes with different biological functions, finding out that effector chondrocytes (ECs) and fibrocartilage chondrocytes (FCs) may promote the development of OA. Compared with other chondrocytes, ECs and FCs show stronger immunogenicity. FCs mainly affects the degeneration of cartilage caused by fibrous degeneration, while ECs mainly exerts immune function and causes tissues inflammation. In addition, the canonical gene markers of EC and FC assist with the prediction of OA, which has been verified in Bulk RNA sequencing data from two GEO datasets.Conclusion: In summary, this study provides a new perspective for the exploration of cellular heterogeneity and pathophysiology in OA and will make contribution to the accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of OA.</p

Table1_Identification of cellular heterogeneity and immunogenicity of chondrocytes via single-cell RNA sequencing technique in human osteoarthritis.XLSX

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) has placed a heavy burden to the economy and humanistics. To explore the biological functions and markers of chondrocytes contributes significantly to the accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of OA.Methods: We systematically analyzed the immunogenicity and biological function of varied chondrocytes at single cell resolution, and identified the chondrocyte subtypes and biomarkers involved in the development of OA, which are verified in the bulk sequencing cohort.Results: Based on previous study, we defined eight subtypes of chondrocytes with different biological functions, finding out that effector chondrocytes (ECs) and fibrocartilage chondrocytes (FCs) may promote the development of OA. Compared with other chondrocytes, ECs and FCs show stronger immunogenicity. FCs mainly affects the degeneration of cartilage caused by fibrous degeneration, while ECs mainly exerts immune function and causes tissues inflammation. In addition, the canonical gene markers of EC and FC assist with the prediction of OA, which has been verified in Bulk RNA sequencing data from two GEO datasets.Conclusion: In summary, this study provides a new perspective for the exploration of cellular heterogeneity and pathophysiology in OA and will make contribution to the accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of OA.</p

Data_Sheet_1_Bioassay-guided isolation of three new alkaloids from Suillus bovinus and preliminary mechanism against ginseng root rot.docx

In order to control the occurrence of ginseng root rot caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., the antifungal compounds of the mushroom Suillus bovinus were investigated. And three new alkaloids (1–3), named bovinalkaloid A–C, along with one known analog (4), were isolated and identified by bioassay-guided isolation and spectroscopic analyses. Compound 1 strongly inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of F. solani with minimum inhibitory concentration of 2.08 mM. Increases in electrical conductivity, nucleic acid, and protein contents, and decreases in lipid content showed that the membrane permeability and integrity were damaged by compound 1. Compound 1 also increased the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, indicating that lipid peroxidation had taken place in F. solani. Compound 1 may serve as a natural alternative to synthetic fungicides for the control of ginseng root rot.</p

Petrogenesis of Jurassic granitoids in the west central Lhasa subterrane, Tibet, China: the Geji example

<p>The Jurassic magmatic and volcanic rocks are widespread along the west central Lhasa subterrane. However, the petrogenesis of these rocks is poorly understood because of lacking high-quality geochronology and geochemical data. Here, we present new zircon U–Pb age and Hf isotopic data, whole-rock geochemical and Sr–Nd–Pb isotopic data for the Songduole and Qiangnong plutons in Geji area. LA-ICP-MS dating of zircon yield crystallization ages of 172.1 ± 1.9 and 155.9 ± 1.2 Ma for the Songduole and Qiangnong plutons, respectively. Geochemically, Songduole and Qiangnong granodiorite are characterized by high MgO (2.63–3.49 wt%), high Mg# (49–50), and low TiO₂ (0.48–0.57 wt%). Besides, all rocks show metaluminous, calc-alkaline signatures, with strong depletion of Nb, Ta, and Ti, enrichment of large-ion lithophile (e.g. Rb, Th, K), and a negative correlation between SiO₂ and P₂O₅. All these features are indicative of arc-related I-type magmatism. Five samples from the Songduole granodiorite have whole rock (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.71207–0.71257, <i>ε</i>_Nd(<i>t</i>) values of −15.1 to −13.9, zircon <i>ε</i>_Hf(<i>t</i>) values of −17.4 to −10.5, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.402–18.854, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 15.660–15.736, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 38.436–39.208. Samples from the Qiangnong granodiorite have (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i of 0.71230–0.71252, <i>ε</i>_Nd(<i>t</i>) values of −15.1 to −14.2, zircon <i>ε</i>_Hf(<i>t</i>) values of −12.6 to −6.4, (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 18.688–18.766, (²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 15.696–15.717, and (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb)_t ratios of 38.546–39.083. These geochemical signatures indicate that the two plutons most likely originated from partial melting of the ancient Lhasa lower crust with obvious inputs of mantle-derived melts. Combined with regional geology, our results indicate that the Jurassic magmatism in the west central Lhasa subterrane most likely resulted from the southward subduction of the Bangong Ocean lithosphere beneath the central Lhasa terrane.</p

Responses of oysters to turning the flashlight on and off.

<p>1, oyster filtering seawater with a slightly-opened shell prior to switch-on; 2, oyster immediately after switch-on; 3, oyster beginning to open its shells during switch-on; 4, oyster with a wider shell opening during switch-on; 5, oyster beginning to close its shell following switch-off; 6, reduction in size of shell opening following the disappearance of flashlights for several seconds. The ‘switch-on’ indicates the time when the flashlight is switched on; ‘switch-off’ indicates the time when the flashlight is switched off.</p

Adult Pacific Oyster (<i>Crassostrea gigas</i>) May Have Light Sensitivity

<div><p>Light-sensitivity is an important aspect of mollusk survival as it plays a vital role in reproduction and predator avoidance. In the Pacific oyster <i>Crassostrea gigas</i> light sensitivity has been demonstrated in the larval stage but has not yet been conclusively demonstrated in adult oysters. In this paper we describe an experiment which was undertaken to determine if adult Pacific oysters were sensitive to light. One LED flashlight was used to shine light onto adult oysters while they were filtering seawater through their shell openings. We found that the degree of opening increased gradually during the light period but rapidly decreased when the flashlight was turned off in the treated group but not in the control group. These results suggest that adult Pacific oyster may be sensitive to light.</p></div

Discovery of New Tricyclic Oxime Sampangine Derivatives as Potent Antifungal Agents for the Treatment of Cryptococcosis and Candidiasis

Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) are classified as the critical priority groups among the pathogenic fungi, highlighting the urgent need for developing more effective antifungal therapies. On the basis of antifungal natural product sampangine, herein, a series of tricyclic oxime and oxime ether derivatives were designed. Among them, compound WZ-2 showed excellent inhibitory activity against C. neoformans (MIC80 = 0.016 μg/mL) and synergized with fluconazole to treat resistant C. albicans (FICI = 0.078). Interestingly, compound WZ-2 effectively inhibited virulence factors (e.g., capsule, biofilm, and yeast-to-hypha morphological transition), suggesting the potential to overcome drug resistance. In a mouse model of cryptococcal meningitis, compound WZ-2 (5 mg/kg) effectively reduced the brain C. neoformans H99 burden. Furthermore, compound WZ-2 alone and its combination with fluconazole also significantly reduced the kidney burden of the drug-resistant strain (0304103) and sensitive strain (SC5314) of C. albicans

Discovery of New Tricyclic Oxime Sampangine Derivatives as Potent Antifungal Agents for the Treatment of Cryptococcosis and Candidiasis

Cryptococcus neoformans (C. neoformans) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) are classified as the critical priority groups among the pathogenic fungi, highlighting the urgent need for developing more effective antifungal therapies. On the basis of antifungal natural product sampangine, herein, a series of tricyclic oxime and oxime ether derivatives were designed. Among them, compound WZ-2 showed excellent inhibitory activity against C. neoformans (MIC80 = 0.016 μg/mL) and synergized with fluconazole to treat resistant C. albicans (FICI = 0.078). Interestingly, compound WZ-2 effectively inhibited virulence factors (e.g., capsule, biofilm, and yeast-to-hypha morphological transition), suggesting the potential to overcome drug resistance. In a mouse model of cryptococcal meningitis, compound WZ-2 (5 mg/kg) effectively reduced the brain C. neoformans H99 burden. Furthermore, compound WZ-2 alone and its combination with fluconazole also significantly reduced the kidney burden of the drug-resistant strain (0304103) and sensitive strain (SC5314) of C. albicans

The numbers of oysters responding to light in treated and control groups.

<p>Note: OC, the number of individuals not only opening their shells after turning the light on but also closing their shells after turning the light off; O, the number of individuals opening their shells after turning the light on; C, the number of individuals closing their shells after turning the light off; T, the total individual number from any sampling site.</p><p>The numbers of oysters responding to light in treated and control groups.</p