Genome-wide analysis of microRNAs in relation to pupariation in oriental fruit fly

Insect metamorphosis is a complex process involving drastic morphological and physiological changes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that play key roles in regulating various biological processes, including metamorphosis, by post-transcriptional repression of mRNAs. The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the most destructive insect pests in many Asian countries and the Pacific Islands. The regulatory role of miRNAs in B. dorsalis metamorphosis is unclear. To better understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in pupariation, Illumina sequencing of the wandering stage (WS), the late WS and the white puparium stage of B. dorsalis were performed. Two hundred forty-nine miRNAs, including 184 known miRNAs and 65 novel miRNAs, were obtained. Among these miRNAs, 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed in pupariation, and eight miRNAs showed relative high expression levels (>50 TPM), of which five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) had target differentially expressed genes (DEGs) predicted by the expected miRNA-mRNA negative regulation pattern using the Illumina HiSeq data. Four sets of DEMs and their predicted target DEGs were confirmed by qPCR. Of the four miRNAs, two miRNAs were down-regulated: miR-981, which may target pdpc, and Bdo-novel-mir-55, which potentially regulates spsX1, psB/C, and chit3. The other two miRNAs were up-regulated: let-7a-3p, which possibly controls lap, and Bdo-novelmir-24, which may regulate ipc and sp1/2. This study provides a useful resource to elucidate the regulatory role of miRNAs and understand the molecular mechanisms of metamorphosis

One-Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis, Characterization, and Desulfurization Performance of ZnFe 2

ZnFe2O4/AC composites were prepared by the one-pot hydrothermal method using the activated carbon (AC) as a carrier. The synthesis conditions were optimized by a single-factor experiment. The structural, textural, and surface properties of the adsorbent have been comprehensively characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) measurements, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The SO2 removal capacities of the composites were investigated via testing the adsorption capacity at the self-made desulfurization equipment. The results show that the adsorption capacity of ZnFe2O4/AC composites is much higher than that of the AC and ZnFe2O4 samples, respectively. The composite overcomes the disadvantages of the traditional sintering, showing a very high desulfurization performance. The breakthrough time was 147 min, and the sulfur adsorption capacity could reach 23.67% in the desulfurization performance test

Genome-Wide Analysis of MicroRNAs in Relation to Pupariation in Oriental Fruit Fly

Insect metamorphosis is a complex process involving drastic morphological and physiological changes. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of endogenous small non-coding RNAs that play key roles in regulating various biological processes, including metamorphosis, by post-transcriptional repression of mRNAs. The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the most destructive insect pests in many Asian countries and the Pacific Islands. The regulatory role of miRNAs in B. dorsalis metamorphosis is unclear. To better understand the molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in pupariation, Illumina sequencing of the wandering stage (WS), the late WS and the white puparium stage of B. dorsalis were performed. Two hundred forty-nine miRNAs, including 184 known miRNAs and 65 novel miRNAs, were obtained. Among these miRNAs, 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed in pupariation, and eight miRNAs showed relative high expression levels (>50 TPM), of which five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) had target differentially expressed genes (DEGs) predicted by the expected miRNA–mRNA negative regulation pattern using the Illumina HiSeq data. Four sets of DEMs and their predicted target DEGs were confirmed by qPCR. Of the four miRNAs, two miRNAs were down-regulated: miR-981, which may target pdpc, and Bdo-novel-mir-55, which potentially regulates spsX1, psB/C, and chit3. The other two miRNAs were up-regulated: let-7a-3p, which possibly controls lap, and Bdo-novel-mir-24, which may regulate ipc and sp1/2. This study provides a useful resource to elucidate the regulatory role of miRNAs and understand the molecular mechanisms of metamorphosis

Corazonin signaling is required in the male for sperm transfer in the oriental fruit fly Bactrocera dorsalis

Corazonin (Crz) is a widely distributed neuropeptide (or neurohormone) in insects with diverse physiological functions. The present study aimed to reveal the functions of Crz and its receptor (CrzR) in the regulation of sexual behavior and fertility in male Bactrocera dorsalis. Tissue-specific expression analyses showed that the BdCrz transcript was most abundant in the central nervous system (CNS), and the BdCrzR transcript was most abundant in both the fat body and CNS. Immunochemical localization confirmed that three pairs of Crz-immunoreactive neurons are located in the dorsolateral protocerebrum region of male adult brain. Importantly, RNAi-mediated Crz knockdown lengthened mating duration in males, and knockdown of Crz or CrzR strongly decreased male fertility in the following 3 days, while the courtship behavior and mating efficiency were not affected. The reduced number of sperm in the reproductive organs of mated females indicated that Crz knockdown in males reduced sperm transfer. The findings of this study indicate that Crz contributes to the reproductive physiology of the oriental fruit fly B. dorsalis by regulating sperm transfer in male adults

The CircHAS2/RPL23/MMP9 Axis Facilitates Brain Tumor Metastasis

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulate tumor development by interacting with microRNAs. However, limited research has been conducted on the roles of circRNAs in gliomas. Therefore, we sought to demonstrate the function and molecular mechanism of circHAS2 in gliomas. Methods: CircHAS2, hsa-miR-508-3p, RPL23, and MMP9 mRNA levels were assessed with qRT-PCR. RPL23 and MMP9 protein levels were determined with western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. Glioma cell migration and invasion were assessed with Transwell assays. The interaction between hsa-miR-508-3p and circHAS2 or RPL23 was predicted with RNAhybrid and miRanda, and confirmed through luciferase reporter assays. The effects of circHAS2 on glioma cells were demonstrated in a nude mouse orthotopic xenograft glioma model. Results: We computationally analyzed the differentially expressed circRNAs in glioma tissues by using the GEO database. The screening indicated that circHAS2 was located primarily in the cytoplasm. Functionally, silencing of circHAS2 inhibited glioma migration and invasion. Mechanically, hsa-miR-508-3p was identified as a downstream target of circHAS2. CircHAS2 was found to regulate RPL23 and influence MMP9 via hsa-miR-508-3p, thereby promoting glioma migration and invasion. Moreover, inhibition of circHAS2 impeded the progression of U87 glioma cells in vivo. Conclusion: CircHAS2 regulates RPL23 and subsequent MMP9 expression by sponging hsa-miR508-3p in glioma cells

Postoperative adjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitors combined with anti-PD-1 antibodies improves surgical outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma with high-risk recurrent factors

BackgroundThe clinical value of postoperative adjuvant therapy (PAT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effect of PAT with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and anti-PD-1 antibodies on the surgical outcomes of HCC patients with high-risk recurrent factors (HRRFs).MethodsHCC patients who underwent radical hepatectomy at Tongji Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled, and those with HRRFs were divided into PAT group and non-PAT group. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the two groups after propensity score matching (PSM). Prognostic factors associated with RFS and OS were determined by Cox regression analysis, and subgroup analysis was also conducted.ResultsA total of 250 HCC patients were enrolled, and 47 pairs of patients with HRRFs in the PAT and non-PAT groups were matched through PSM. After PSM, the 1- and 2-year RFS rates in the two groups were 82.1% vs. 40.0% (P < 0.001) and 54.2% vs. 25.1% (P = 0.012), respectively. The corresponding 1- and 2-year OS rates were 95.4% vs. 69.8% (P = 0.001) and 84.3% vs. 55.5% (P = 0.014), respectively. Multivariable analyses indicated that PAT was an independent factor related to improving RFS and OS. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that HCC patients with tumor diameter > 5 cm, satellite nodules, or vascular invasion could significantly benefit from PAT in RFS and OS. Common grade 1-3 toxicities, such as pruritus (44.7%), hypertension (42.6%), dermatitis (34.0%), and proteinuria (31.9%) were observed, and no grade 4/5 toxicities or serious adverse events occurred in patients receiving PAT.ConclusionsPAT with TKIs and anti-PD-1 antibodies could improve surgical outcomes for HCC patients with HRRFs

Solution-Printed Organic Semiconductor Blends Exhibiting Transport Properties on Par with Single Crystals

Solution-printed organic semiconductors have emerged in recent years as promising contenders for roll-to-roll manufacturing of electronic and optoelectronic circuits. The stringent performance requirements for organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) in terms of carrier mobility, switching speed, turn-on voltage and uniformity over large areas require performance currently achieved by organic single-crystal devices, but these suffer from scale-up challenges. Here we present a new method based on blade coating of a blend of conjugated small molecules and amorphous insulating polymers to produce OTFTs with consistently excellent performance characteristics (carrier mobility as high as 6.7 cm2V−1s−1, low threshold voltages of \u3c1V and low sub threshold swings \u3c0.5Vdec−1). Our findings demonstrate that careful control over phase separation and crystallization can yield solution-printed polycrystalline organic semiconductor films with transport properties and other figures of merit on par with their single-crystal counterparts

The effect on the extracellular matrix of the deep fascia in response to leg lengthening

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Whereas the alterations of diverse tissues in cellular and molecular levels have been investigated during leg lengthening via microscopy and biochemical studies, little is known about the response of deep fascia. This study aims to investigate the changes of the extracellular matrix in deep fascia in response to leg lengthening.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Animal model of leg lengthening was established in New Zealand white rabbits. Distraction was initiated at a rate of 1 mm/day and 2 mm/day in two steps, and preceded until increases of 10% and 20% in the initial length of tibia had been achieved. Alcian blue stain and picrosirius-polarization method were used for the study of the extracellular matrix of deep fascia samples. Leica DM LA image analysis system was used to investigate the quantitative changes of collagen type I and III.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Alcian blue stain showed that glycosaminoglycans of fascia of each group were composed of chondroitin sulphate and heparin sulphate, but not of keratan sulphate. Under the polarization microscopy, the fascia consisted mainly of collagen type I. After leg lengthening, the percentage of collagen type III increased. The most similar collagen composition of the fascia to that of the normal fascia was detected at a 20% increase in tibia length achieved via a distraction rate of 1 mm/d.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The changes in collagen distribution and composition occur in deep fascia during leg lengthening. Although different lengthening schemes resulted in varied matrix changes, the most comparable collagen composition to be demonstrated under the scheme of a distraction rate of 1 mm/day and 20% increase in tibia length. Efficient fascia regeneration is initiated only in certain combinations of the leg load parameters including appropriate intensity and duration time, e.g., either low density distraction that persist a relatively short time or high distraction rates.</p