A novel laccase from fresh fruiting bodies of the wild medicinal mushroom Tricholoma matsutake

The knowledge about biological activities of constituents from medicinal mushrooms belonging to the genus Tricholoma is limited. A 59-kDa laccase has now been purified from fresh fruiting bodies of the mushroom Tricholoma matsutake. The purification protocol entailed ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, affinity chromatography on Affi-gel blue gel, ion exchange chromatography on CM-cellulose, affinity chromatography on ConA-Sepharose, and gel filtration by fast protein liquid chromatography on Superdex 75. Of the various affinity and ion exchange chromatographic media employed, the laccase bound only on Con A-Sepharose. The activity of the laccase did not undergo major changes over the temperature range 20-80°C. However, all activity vanished following exposure to 100°C for 10 minutes. The enzyme activity varied only slightly over the pH range 3-5, with the optimal pH of 5, but exhibited a precipitous decline when the pH was increased to 6, and was undetectable at pH 8 and 9. The laccase showed activity in the decolorization of azo dyes without a mediator. Its N-terminal sequence demonstrated only slight resemblance to those of other mushroom laccases. The newly described laccase is distinctive from the previously isolated Tricholoma mushroom laccases in a number of aspects

Prognostic analysis of breast cancer in Xinjiang based on Cox proportional hazards model and two−step cluster method

ObjectiveTo examine the factors that affect the prognosis and survival of breast cancer patients who were diagnosed at the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between 2015 and 2021, forecast the overall survival (OS), and assess the clinicopathological traits and risk level of prognosis of patients in various subgroups.MethodFirst, nomogram model was constructed using the Cox proportional hazards models to identify the independent prognostic factors of breast cancer patients. In order to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the model, additional tools such as the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and clinical decision curve analysis (DCA) were used. Finally, using two-step cluster analysis (TCA), the patients were grouped in accordance with the independent prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was employed to compare prognostic risk among various subgroups.ResultT-stage, N-stage, M-stage, molecular subtyping, type of operation, and involvement in postoperative chemotherapy were identified as the independent prognostic factors. The nomogram was subsequently constructed and confirmed. The area under the ROC curve used to predict 1-, 3-, 5- and 7-year OS were 0.848, 0.820, 0.813, and 0.791 in the training group and 0.970, 0.898, 0.863, and 0.798 in the validation group, respectively. The calibration curves of both groups were relatively near to the 45° reference line. And the DCA curve further demonstrated that the nomogram has a higher clinical utility. Furthermore, using the TCA, the patients were divided into two subgroups. Additionally, the two groups’ survival curves were substantially different. In particular, in the group with the worse prognosis (the majority of patients did not undergo surgical therapy or postoperative chemotherapy treatment), the T-, N-, and M-stage were more prevalent in the advanced, and the total points were likewise distributed in the high score side.ConclusionFor the survival and prognosis of breast cancer patients in Xinjiang, the nomogram constructed in this paper has a good prediction value, and the clustering results further demonstrated that the selected factors were important. This conclusion can give a scientific basis for tailored treatment and is conducive to the formulation of focused treatment regimens for patients in practical practice

Synaptic Targeting and Function of SAPAPs Mediated by Phosphorylation-Dependent Binding to PSD-95 MAGUKs

The PSD-95/SAPAP/Shank complex functions as the major scaffold in orchestrating the formation and plasticity of the post-synaptic densities (PSDs). We previously demonstrated that the exquisitely specific SAPAP/Shank interaction is critical for Shank synaptic targeting and Shank-mediated synaptogenesis. Here, we show that the PSD-95/SAPAP interaction, SAPAP synaptic targeting, and SAPAP-mediated synaptogenesis require phosphorylation of the N-terminal repeat sequences of SAPAPs. The atomic structure of the PSD-95 guanylate kinase (GK) in complex with a phosphor-SAPAP repeat peptide, together with biochemical studies, reveals the molecular mechanism underlying the phosphorylation-dependent PSD-95/SAPAP interaction, and it also provides an explanation of a PSD-95 mutation found in patients with intellectual disabilities. Guided by the structural data, we developed potent non-phosphorylated GK inhibitory peptides capable of blocking the PSD-95/SAPAP interaction and interfering with PSD-95/SAPAP-mediated synaptic maturation and strength. These peptides are genetically encodable for investigating the functions of the PSD-95/SAPAP interaction in vivo. Using structural biology, cell biology, and electrophysiology approaches, Zhu et al. demonstrate that phosphorylation of the N-terminal repeating sequences of SAPAPs is required for the SAPAP/PSD-95 complex formation and SAPAP's synaptic targeting and maturation functions. They also developed a potent non-phosphorylated PSD-95 GK inhibitory peptide that can effectively disrupt the SAPAP/PSD-95 complex formation and thus inhibit excitatory synaptic activities. Keywords: GK domain; PSD-95; SAPAP; MAGUK; postsynaptic density; synaptic scaffold proteins; synaptogenesis; synaptic plasticit

An empirical test of the influence of rural leadership on the willingness to participate in public affairs from the perspective of leadership identification

The participation of villagers in rural public affairs is vital for the sustainable development of rural communities and the improvement of villagers’ quality of life. Various factors, including individual characteristics, village environment, social forces, and national policies, influence villagers’ willingness to participate. However, empirical research on the determinants of villagers’ participation in public affairs often overlooks the role of grassroots leadership. To address this gap, this study proposes a theoretical model examining the relationship between transformational leadership and villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs. Using a sample of 438 villagers from Jiangsu Province in eastern China, structural equation modeling and regression are employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that moral modeling, leadership charm, and personalized care directly impact villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs or indirectly influence it through leadership identification, which acts as a mediator. Furthermore, shared vision enhances the positive relationship between leadership identification and villagers’ awareness of public affairs participation. These findings provide valuable insights for village cadres seeking to promote active participation in public affairs among villagers. Specifically, gaining recognition through virtuous conduct, capabilities, and strong cadre–villager relationships serves as a foundation for influencing villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs, while shared vision plays a strategic role in mobilizing villagers based on their identification with leaders

Green growth, economic development, and carbon dioxide emissions: an evaluation based on cointegration and vector error correction models

Economic development is mainly dependent on fossil fuels. The massive use of fossil fuels has led to changes in the climate environment, in which the deterioration of air quality has affected people’s daily lives. This paper introduces the green growth level as a control variable to explore the connection between carbon dioxide emissions and the level of economic growth. It uses the EKC algorithm and VEC model to analyze Nanjing city’s data from 1993 to 2018. Given the data availability, the ARIMA algorithm was used to project carbon emissions for 2019–2025. It is found that the EKC curve of Nanjing City shows an N-shape, and the growth of economic level will cause the enhancement of carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon emissions will reach 7,592,140 tons in 2025. At present, we are in an essential stage of transition from N-shape to inverted U-shape, and this paper makes several recommendations based on the findings

Realizing Saturable Absorption and Reverse Saturable Absorption in a PEDOT:PSS Film via Electrical Modulation

Electrical tuning of the nonlinear absorption of materials has promising application potential, while studies remain rare. In this work, we show that the third-order nonlinear absorption of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) chemically doped with poly(styrene sulfonic acid) [PEDOT:PSS] can be effectively modulated by external voltage. The nonlinear absorption of the film can be varied between reverse saturable absorption (RSA) and saturable absorption (SA) via voltage control with laser excitation at 800 nm, and the corresponding nonlinear absorption coefficient can be tuned in the range -1606 +- 73 to 521 +- 9 cm GW-1. The doping level and energy structure of PEDOT are modulated with different voltages. The undoped film affords two-photon absorption and accordingly the RSA response. A moderately doped sample has two polaron levels, and Pauli blocking associated with these two polaron levels results in SA. The bipolaron level in heavily doped PEDOT leads to excited-state absorption and therefore RSA behavior. The approach reported here can be applied to other semiconductors and is a convenient, effective, and promising method for the electrical tuning of the optical nonlinearity.DP17010041

Electrical Tuning of the Fifth‐Order Optical Nonlinearity of Antimony‐Doped Tin Oxide

In this work, the electrical tuning of the fifth-order nonlinear absorption of antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) by ionic liquid gating is demonstrated. The pristine ATO film exhibits two-photon-induced excited-state absorption (2PA-ESA) with laser excitation at 1030 nm. The fifth-order nonlinear absorption coefficient (γeff) of the ATO film can be monotonically modified in the range of 0.51 to 3.46 cm3 GW−2 by varying the sample bias, with a maximum enhancement factor of 6.8. The fundamental processes occurring during electrical tuning are revealed. The electrostatic and electrochemical capacitance is responsible for the modification in the number of free carriers in the conduction band of ATO. The electrical modulation of the nonlinear absorption of the ATO is ascribed to the voltage-dependent diameter of the undepleted core of ATO. A smaller voltage results in the charging of ATO and a larger undepleted core, and consequently the size of the active component for 2PA-ESA is larger. The electrochemical capacitance results from the chemisorption of H+ and OH− on the surface of the ATO, the larger water content in the ionic liquid affording a larger modulation range for the number of free carriers and the γeff.DP17010041

Analysis of COVID-19 Guideline Quality and Change of Recommendations: A Systematic Review.

Background Hundreds of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and expert consensus statements have been developed and published since the outbreak of the epidemic. However, these CPGs are of widely variable quality. So, this review is aimed at systematically evaluating the methodological and reporting qualities of COVID-19 CPGs, exploring factors that may influence their quality, and analyzing the change of recommendations in CPGs with evidence published. Methods We searched five electronic databases and five websites from 1 January to 31 December 2020 to retrieve all COVID-19 CPGs. The assessment of the methodological and reporting qualities of CPGs was performed using the AGREE II instrument and RIGHT checklist. Recommendations and evidence used to make recommendations in the CPGs regarding some treatments for COVID-19 (remdesivir, glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, interferon, and lopinavir-ritonavir) were also systematically assessed. And the statistical inference was performed to identify factors associated with the quality of CPGs. Results We included a total of 92 COVID-19 CPGs developed by 19 countries. Overall, the RIGHT checklist reporting rate of COVID-19 CPGs was 33.0%, and the AGREE II domain score was 30.4%. The overall methodological and reporting qualities of COVID-19 CPGs gradually improved during the year 2020. Factors associated with high methodological and reporting qualities included the evidence-based development process, management of conflicts of interest, and use of established rating systems to assess the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. The recommendations of only seven (7.6%) CPGs were informed by a systematic review of evidence, and these seven CPGs have relatively high methodological and reporting qualities, in which six of them fully meet the Institute of Medicine (IOM) criteria of guidelines. Besides, a rapid advice CPG developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the seven CPGs got the highest overall scores in methodological (72.8%) and reporting qualities (83.8%). Many CPGs covered the same clinical questions (it refers to the clinical questions on the effectiveness of treatments of remdesivir, glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, interferon, and lopinavir-ritonavir in COVID-19 patients) and were published by different countries or organizations. Although randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews on the effectiveness of treatments of remdesivir, glucocorticoids, hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, interferon, and lopinavir-ritonavir for patients with COVID-19 have been published, the recommendations on those treatments still varied greatly across COVID-19 CPGs published in different countries or regions, which may suggest that the CPGs do not make sufficient use of the latest evidence. Conclusions Both the methodological and reporting qualities of COVID-19 CPGs increased over time, but there is still room for further improvement. The lack of effective use of available evidence and management of conflicts of interest were the main reasons for the low quality of the CPGs. The use of formal rating systems for the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations may help to improve the quality of CPGs in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, we suggest developing a living guideline of which recommendations are supported by a systematic review for it can facilitate the timely translation of the latest research findings to clinical practice. We also suggest that CPG developers should register the guidelines in a registration platform at the beginning for it can reduce duplication development of guidelines on the same clinical question, increase the transparency of the development process, and promote cooperation among guideline developers all over the world. Since the International Practice Guideline Registry Platform has been created, developers could register guidelines prospectively and internationally on this platform

Structural, Raman spectroscopic and microwave dielectric studies on (1-x) NiZrNb2O8 - x ZnTa2O6

(1 - x) NiZrNb2O8 - x ZnTa2O6 microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared via the conventional solid-state reaction route. Structural and lattice parameters of the (1 - x) NiZrNb2O8 - x ZnTa2O6 ceramics were analyzed through X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that there were serious ionic diffusion and solid solution reaction in the composite ceramics. The substitution of Ni2+, Zr4+, and Zn2+ at A-sites and the substitution of Nb5+ and Ta5+ at B-sites led to the change of the lattice parameters. There was a gradual transformation in crystal structure from monoclinic phase into Tri-alpha PbO2 phase with the increasing ZnTa2O6 content. With the increase of x value from 0 to 1, the epsilon (r) value increased from 23.76 to 35.71 and the Q x AE' value increased from 32107 to 46709 GHz. The temperature frequency resonance coefficient near zero could be obtained at x = 0.8. The 0.2NiZrNb(2)O(8) - 0.8ZnTa(2)O(6) ceramics were obtained at 1275 A degrees C with excellent microwave dielectric properties: epsilon (r) similar to 33.69, Q x AE' similar to 37,529 GHz and tau(AE') similar to + 2.56 ppm/A degrees C

synthesischaracterizationanddielectricpropertiesofanoveltemperaturestable1xcotinb2o8xznnb2o6ceramic

(1–x)CoTiNb_2O_8 –xZnNb_2O_6 microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared via the conventional solid-state reaction route with the aim of reducing the τ_f value and improving the thermal stability. The phase composition and the microstructure were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectra, and scanning electron microscopy. A set of phase transitions which were induced by composition had been confirmed via the sequence: rutile structure→coexistence of rutile and columbite phase→columbite phase. For (1–x)CoTiNb_2O_8 –xZnNb_2O_6 microwave dielectric ceramics, the addition of ZnNb_2O_6 content (x =0–1) led to the decrease of ε_r from 62.98 to 23.94. As a result of the high Q ×? of ZnNb_2O_6 ceramics, the increase of ZnNb_2O_6 content also led to the lower sintering temperatures and the higher Q ×? values. The τ_f value was reduced from+108.04 (x =0) to – 49.31 ppm/℃ (x = 1). Among them, high density 0.5CoTiNb_2O_8 -0.5ZnNb_2O_6 ceramics were obtained at 1175 ℃ with excellent microwave dielectric properties of ε_r 39.2, Q ×? 40013 GHz, and τ_f+ 3.57 ppm/℃