Network pharmacology combined with Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the key targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

BackgroundDiabetic Nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The potential targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors for the treatment of DN need to be explored.MethodsThe GSE96804 and GSE1009 datasets, 729 RAAS inhibitors-related targets and 6,039 DN-related genes were derived from the public database and overlapped with the differentially expressed genes (DN vs. normal) in GSE96804 to obtain the candidate targets. Next, key targets were screened via the Mendelian randomization analysis and expression analysis. The diagnostic nomogram was constructed and assessed in GSE96804. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted and a ‘core active ingredient-key target-disease pathway’ network was established. Finally, molecular docking was performed.ResultsIn total, 60 candidate targets were derived, in which CTSC and PDE5A were screened as the key targets and had a causal association with DN as the protective factors (P < 0.05, OR < 1). Further, a nomogram exhibited pretty prediction efficiency. It is indicated that Benadryl hydrochloride might play a role in the DN by affecting the pathways of ‘cytokine cytokine receptor interaction’, etc. targeting the CTSC. Moreover, PDE5A might be involved in ‘ECM receptor interaction’, etc. for the effect of NSAID, captopril, chlordiazepoxide on DN. Molecular docking analysis showed a good binding ability of benadryl hydrochloride and CTSC, NSAID and PDE5A. PTGS2, ITGA4, and ANPEP are causally associated with acute kidney injury.ConclusionCTSC and PDE5A were identified as key targets for RAAS inhibitors in the treatment of DN, which might provide some clinical significance in helping to diagnose and treat DN. Among the targets of RAAS inhibitors, PTGS2, ITGA4 and ANPEP have a causal relationship with acute kidney injury, which is worthy of further clinical research

An invasive species erodes the performance of coastal wetland protected areas

The world has increasingly relied on protected areas (PAs) to rescue highly valued ecosystems from human activities, but whether PAs will fare well with bioinvasions remains unknown. By analyzing three decades of seven of the largest coastal PAs in China, including World Natural Heritage and/or Wetlands of International Importance sites, we show that, although PAs are achieving success in rescuing iconic wetlands and critical shorebird habitats from once widespread reclamation, this success is counteracted by escalating plant invasions. Plant invasions were not only more extensive in PAs than non-PA controls but also undermined PA performance by, without human intervention, irreversibly replacing expansive native wetlands (primarily mudflats) and precluding successional formation of new native marshes. Exotic species are invading PAs globally. This study across large spatiotemporal scales highlights that the consequences of bioinvasions for humanity’s major conservation tool may be more profound, far reaching, and critical for management than currently recognized

CaS:Eu2+@CaZnOS:Mn2+: A dual-UV/green-excited and dual-red-emitting spectral conversion with all-weather resistance

To pursue green ecological agriculture, long-life functionalized green house is looking for solar spectrum conversions with well spectral match, outstanding thermal and chemical stabilities, excellent anti-photobleaching and UV-conversion performance. CaS:Eu2+-based phosphors are widely known as a candidate for agricultural films with remarkable green-to-red conversion performance while they are also notorious for poor stabilities. In this work, a core-shell structured CaS:Eu2+@CaZnOS:Mn2+ composite phosphor was synthesized by a two-step solid state method. The coating layer of thermally and chemically inert oxysulfide prevents the sulfide core phosphor from hydrophilic, air-sensitive and heat-induced decompositions. Moreover, the addition of Mn2+ in CaZnOS shell qualifies the composite phosphor with strong UV absorption, which contributes to the improvement of the anti-photodegradation of the inner CaS:Eu2+ and the anti-aging of practical polymer films. The additional UV-to-orange red conversion resulting from CaZnOS:Mn2+ further extends the red components for the indoor plants. As a result, this dual UV/green excited and dual red-emitting super stable chalcogenide phosphor can be used as a general spectral conversion for plant cultivation

Flowering phenology of Spartina alterniflora and enviromental factors along coastal China

Flowering phenology of Spartina alterniflora and enviromental factors along coastal Chin

Data from: Latitudinal pattern of flowering synchrony in an invasive wind-pollinated plant

Flowering synchrony can play an important role in plants’ reproductive success, which is essential for the successful establishment and spread of invasive plants. Although flowering synchrony has been found to be closely related to climatic factors, the effects of variation in such factors along latitudinal gradients on flowering synchrony, and the role of flowering synchrony in the reproductive success of invading populations remain largely unexplored. In a two-year field study, we examined the latitudinal variation of flowering phenology, especially flowering synchrony, in the invasive plant, Spartina alterniflora, along coastal China, and its relationship with population seed set across three climatic zones. We found that first flowering date was delayed, and flowering synchrony increased with increasing latitude. Flowering synchrony was negatively related to temperature during flowering season but not to soil properties or precipitation, suggesting that climate has shaped the latitudinal pattern of flowering synchrony. Moreover, a positive correlation between flowering synchrony and seed set across latitudes indicates the possible role of flowering synchrony in the latitudinal pattern of sexual reproduction in S. alterniflora. These results suggest that, in addition to the effects of climate on the growth of invasive species, climatic factors can play an important role in the invasion success of alien plants by regulating the flowering synchrony and thus the reproductive success of invasive plants

Continual expansion of Spartina alterniflora in the temperate and subtropical coastal zones of China during 1985–2020

Biological invasions are considerably altering ecosystem structure and functions, especially in coastal ecosystems that are subject to intensive anthropogenic disturbances. Spartina alterniflora has been recognized as the most serious invasive species in coastal China, which has received considerable attention from the government and the public. There is urgent need to control this invasive species at regional and national scales, but such efforts were impeded by lack of time-series data of Spartina spread. Here, we assessed the pixel- and phenology-based algorithm for mapping Spartina saltmarshes, and applied this algorithm to generate annual Spartina saltmarsh maps (30-m spatial resolution) from 1985 to 2020 by using time series Landsat 5/7/8 images. The resulting maps suggest that Spartina has been expanding since 1990 in coastal China, with three noticeable phases (rapid, moderate, and rapid). Along the latitudinal gradient, Spartina exhibited a longer invasion history and more frequent changes at low latitudes. Although human interventions caused the decline of Spartina in certain areas, rapid natural spread was primarily responsible for its extensive and continual invasion. These results provide insights for efficiently managing this invasive species, enhancing the conservation of coastal wetlands, and promoting the sustainability of coastal wetlands

DataSheet_1_Network pharmacology combined with Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the key targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.zip

BackgroundDiabetic Nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The potential targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors for the treatment of DN need to be explored.MethodsThe GSE96804 and GSE1009 datasets, 729 RAAS inhibitors-related targets and 6,039 DN-related genes were derived from the public database and overlapped with the differentially expressed genes (DN vs. normal) in GSE96804 to obtain the candidate targets. Next, key targets were screened via the Mendelian randomization analysis and expression analysis. The diagnostic nomogram was constructed and assessed in GSE96804. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted and a ‘core active ingredient-key target-disease pathway’ network was established. Finally, molecular docking was performed.ResultsIn total, 60 candidate targets were derived, in which CTSC and PDE5A were screened as the key targets and had a causal association with DN as the protective factors (P ConclusionCTSC and PDE5A were identified as key targets for RAAS inhibitors in the treatment of DN, which might provide some clinical significance in helping to diagnose and treat DN. Among the targets of RAAS inhibitors, PTGS2, ITGA4 and ANPEP have a causal relationship with acute kidney injury, which is worthy of further clinical research.</p

DataSheet_3_Network pharmacology combined with Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the key targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.zip

BackgroundDiabetic Nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The potential targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors for the treatment of DN need to be explored.MethodsThe GSE96804 and GSE1009 datasets, 729 RAAS inhibitors-related targets and 6,039 DN-related genes were derived from the public database and overlapped with the differentially expressed genes (DN vs. normal) in GSE96804 to obtain the candidate targets. Next, key targets were screened via the Mendelian randomization analysis and expression analysis. The diagnostic nomogram was constructed and assessed in GSE96804. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted and a ‘core active ingredient-key target-disease pathway’ network was established. Finally, molecular docking was performed.ResultsIn total, 60 candidate targets were derived, in which CTSC and PDE5A were screened as the key targets and had a causal association with DN as the protective factors (P ConclusionCTSC and PDE5A were identified as key targets for RAAS inhibitors in the treatment of DN, which might provide some clinical significance in helping to diagnose and treat DN. Among the targets of RAAS inhibitors, PTGS2, ITGA4 and ANPEP have a causal relationship with acute kidney injury, which is worthy of further clinical research.</p

Nutrient enrichment undermines invasion resistance to Spartina alterniflora in a saltmarsh: Insights from modern coexistence theory

The ability of native communities to maintain invasion resistance in the face of environmental changes is crucial for biodiversity conservation. However, previous studies have primarily focused on the inhibitive effects experienced by invaders, providing limited insights into the ultimate outcome of resistance. In this study, we integrated modern coexistence theory into biotic resistance research to investigate the impact of nutrient enrichment on the resistance of Phragmites australis marsh to Spartina alterniflora invasion in the Yangtze estuary saltmarshes of China. Our results demonstrated that under non-enriched conditions, successful invasion resistance was facilitated by stable coexistence between native and invasive species in the field. This prediction of invasion resistance aligned with the distribution dynamics of the two species in the Yangtze estuary saltmarshes over the past two decades. However, nutrient enrichment was likely to lead to a fundamental shift in their coexistence and ultimately, the failure of resistance. Synthesis and applications. Integrating modern coexistence theory into biotic resistance studies advances the assessment of invasion resistance by shifting from quantifying relative strength to predicting explicit resistance outcomes. Ecosystem managers can draw explicit conclusions about the potential establishment and impact of invaders by analyzing observational or experimental data within the framework of modern coexistence theory. This information aids in identifying the most efficient strategies for addressing invasive species.Funding provided by: National Key Research and Development Program of ChinaCrossref Funder Registry ID: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100012166Award Number: 2022YFC260110

DataSheet_2_Network pharmacology combined with Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the key targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.zip

BackgroundDiabetic Nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The potential targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors for the treatment of DN need to be explored.MethodsThe GSE96804 and GSE1009 datasets, 729 RAAS inhibitors-related targets and 6,039 DN-related genes were derived from the public database and overlapped with the differentially expressed genes (DN vs. normal) in GSE96804 to obtain the candidate targets. Next, key targets were screened via the Mendelian randomization analysis and expression analysis. The diagnostic nomogram was constructed and assessed in GSE96804. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted and a ‘core active ingredient-key target-disease pathway’ network was established. Finally, molecular docking was performed.ResultsIn total, 60 candidate targets were derived, in which CTSC and PDE5A were screened as the key targets and had a causal association with DN as the protective factors (P ConclusionCTSC and PDE5A were identified as key targets for RAAS inhibitors in the treatment of DN, which might provide some clinical significance in helping to diagnose and treat DN. Among the targets of RAAS inhibitors, PTGS2, ITGA4 and ANPEP have a causal relationship with acute kidney injury, which is worthy of further clinical research.</p