Euryale Ferox Seed-inspired Super-lubricated Nanoparticles for Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis has been regarded as a typical lubrication deficiency related joint disease, which is characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage at the joint surface and the inflammation of the joint capsule. Here, inspired by the structure of the fresh euryale ferox seed that possesses a slippery aril and a hard coat containing starchy kernel, a novel superlubricated nanoparticle, namely poly (3‐sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt)‐grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs‐NH2@PSPMK), is biomimicked and synthesized via a one‐step photopolymerization method. The nanoparticles are endowed with enhanced lubrication by the grafted PSPMK polyelectrolyte polymer due to the formation of tenacious hydration layers surrounding the negative charges, and simultaneously are featured with effective drug loading and release behavior as a result of the sufficient mesoporous channels in the MSNs. When encapsulated with an anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium (DS), the lubrication capability of the superlubricated nanoparticles is improved, while the drug release rate is sustained by increasing the thickness of PSPMK layer, which is simply achieved via adjustment of the precursor monomer concentration in the photopolymerization process. Additionally, the in vitro and in vivo experimental results show that the DS‐loaded MSNs‐NH2@PSPMK nanoparticles effectively protect the chondrocytes from degeneration, and thus, inhibit the development of osteoarthritis.Peer reviewe

Integrated analysis of single-cell RNA-seq and chipset data unravels PANoptosis-related genes in sepsis

BackgroundThe poor prognosis of sepsis warrants the investigation of biomarkers for predicting the outcome. Several studies have indicated that PANoptosis exerts a critical role in tumor initiation and development. Nevertheless, the role of PANoptosis in sepsis has not been fully elucidated.MethodsWe obtained Sepsis samples and scRNA-seq data from the GEO database. PANoptosis-related genes were subjected to consensus clustering and functional enrichment analysis, followed by identification of differentially expressed genes and calculation of the PANoptosis score. A PANoptosis-based prognostic model was developed. In vitro experiments were performed to verify distinct PANoptosis-related genes. An external scRNA-seq dataset was used to verify cellular localization.ResultsUnsupervised clustering analysis using 16 PANoptosis-related genes identified three subtypes of sepsis. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences in patient survival among the subtypes, with different immune infiltration levels. Differential analysis of the subtypes identified 48 DEGs. Boruta algorithm PCA analysis identified 16 DEGs as PANoptosis-related signature genes. We developed PANscore based on these signature genes, which can distinguish different PANoptosis and clinical characteristics and may serve as a potential biomarker. Single-cell sequencing analysis identified six cell types, with high PANscore clustering relatively in B cells, and low PANscore in CD16+ and CD14+ monocytes and Megakaryocyte progenitors. ZBP1, XAF1, IFI44L, SOCS1, and PARP14 were relatively higher in cells with high PANscore.ConclusionWe developed a machine learning based Boruta algorithm for profiling PANoptosis related subgroups with in predicting survival and clinical features in the sepsis

Emergence of Fatal PRRSV Variants: Unparalleled Outbreaks of Atypical PRRS in China and Molecular Dissection of the Unique Hallmark

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a severe viral disease in pigs, causing great economic losses worldwide each year. The causative agent of the disease, PRRS virus (PRRSV), is a member of the family Arteriviridae. Here we report our investigation of the unparalleled large-scale outbreaks of an originally unknown, but so-called “high fever” disease in China in 2006 with the essence of PRRS, which spread to more than 10 provinces (autonomous cities or regions) and affected over 2,000,000 pigs with about 400,000 fatal cases. Different from the typical PRRS, numerous adult sows were also infected by the “high fever” disease. This atypical PRRS pandemic was initially identified as a hog cholera-like disease manifesting neurological symptoms (e.g., shivering), high fever (40–42°C), erythematous blanching rash, etc. Autopsies combined with immunological analyses clearly showed that multiple organs were infected by highly pathogenic PRRSVs with severe pathological changes observed. Whole-genome analysis of the isolated viruses revealed that these PRRSV isolates are grouped into Type II and are highly homologous to HB-1, a Chinese strain of PRRSV (96.5% nucleotide identity). More importantly, we observed a unique molecular hallmark in these viral isolates, namely a discontinuous deletion of 30 amino acids in nonstructural protein 2 (NSP2). Taken together, this is the first comprehensive report documenting the 2006 epidemic of atypical PRRS outbreak in China and identifying the 30 amino-acid deletion in NSP2, a novel determining factor for virulence which may be implicated in the high pathogenicity of PRRSV, and will stimulate further study by using the infectious cDNA clone technique

Genome-wide association study, population structure, and genetic diversity of the tea plant in Guizhou Plateau

Abstract Background Guizhou Plateau, as one of the original centers of tea plant, has a profound multi-ethnic cultural heritage and abundant tea germplasm resources. However, the impact of indigenous community factors on the genetic diversity, population structure and geographical distribution of tea plant is still unclear. Results Using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach, we collected 415 tea plant accessions from the study sites, estimated genetic diversity, developed a core collection, and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on 99,363 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). A total of 415 tea accessions were clustered into six populations (GP01, GP02, GP03, GP04, GP05 and GP06), and the results showed that GP04 and GP05 had the highest and lowest genetic diversity (Pi = 0.214 and Pi = 0.145, respectively). Moreover, 136 tea accessions (33%) were selected to construct the core set that can represent the genetic diversity of the whole collection. By analyzing seven significant SNP markers associated with the traits such as the germination period of one bud and two leaves (OTL) and the germination period of one bud and three leaves (OtL), four candidate genes possibly related to OTL and OtL were identified. Conclusions This study revealed the impact of indigenous communities on the population structure of 415 tea accessions, indicating the importance of cultural practices for protection and utilization of tea plant genetic resources. Four potential candidate genes associated with the OTL and OtL of tea plant were also identified, which will facilitate genetic research, germplasm conservation, and breeding

Identification of key genes and pathways involved in response to pain in goat and sheep by transcriptome sequencing

Abstract Purpose This aim of this study was to investigate the key genes and pathways involved in the response to pain in goat and sheep by transcriptome sequencing. Methods Chronic pain was induced with the injection of the complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) in sheep and goats. The animals were divided into four groups: CFA-treated sheep, control sheep, CFA-treated goat, and control goat groups (n = 3 in each group). The dorsal root ganglions of these animals were isolated and used for the construction of a cDNA library and transcriptome sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in CFA-induced sheep and goats and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was performed. Results In total, 1748 and 2441 DEGs were identified in CFA-treated goat and sheep, respectively. The DEGs identified in CFA-treated goats, such as C-C motif chemokine ligand 27 (CCL27), glutamate receptor 2 (GRIA2), and sodium voltage-gated channel alpha subunit 3 (SCN3A), were mainly enriched in GO functions associated with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, inflammatory response, and immune response. The DEGs identified in CFA-treated sheep, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-related DEGs (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor gamma 3 subunit [GABRG3], GABRB2, and GABRB1), SCN9A, and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1), were mainly enriched in GO functions related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, NMDA receptor, and defense response. Conclusions Our data indicate that NMDA receptor, inflammatory response, and immune response as well as key DEGs such as CCL27, GRIA2, and SCN3A may regulate the process of pain response during chronic pain in goats. Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and NMDA receptor as well as GABA-related DEGs, SCN9A, and TRPV1 may modulate the process of response to pain in sheep. These DEGs may serve as drug targets for preventing chronic pain

Involvement of PPARγ/FSP27 in the pathogenic mechanism underlying insulin resistance: tipping the balance between lipogenesis and fat storage in adult catch-up growth rats

Abstract Background Catch-up growth in adult (CUGA) is characterized by visceral fat accumulation, ectopic lipid deposition and insulin resistance (IR). Here, we investigated the determinants of these pathophysiological consequences of CUGA. Methods Rats were divided into different groups: control rats were offered normal chow ad libitum (AL), while experimental rats were put on 4-week caloric restriction (CR) initially, followed by regaining weight-matched normal chow (RN) in the RN group. General characteristics of lipid metabolism, expression level of genes in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and glucose infusion rate (GIR60–120) by the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp were examined. Results After CR, percentage of abdominal fat mass (AFM%) was lower in the RN group than in the AL group but no difference was observed in serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). Expression of fat-specific protein 27 (FSP27) was decreased in the RN group, while the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ (PPARγ), the key lipogenic gene, was increased. After refeeding, AFM% increased over time and serum NEFA persistently elevated in the RN group. Ectopic triglyceride contents were increased whereas insulin sensitivity was impaired. The expression of FSP27 did not follow the increase in the expression of PPARγ. Additionally, we observed a sustained increase in the expression of ATGL and CGI-58 in VAT in the RN group compared with the AL group after CR and refeeding, and a persistent shift-to-the-left of adipocyte size distribution accompanied by enhanced lipogenesis during CUGA. Conclusion The persistent CR-induced imbalance of lipogenesis/fat storage capacity might be responsible for the CUGA-associated metabolic disorders

Research on the properties of peat soil and foundation treatment technology

In the infrastructure construction of my country and the countries along the “Belt and Road”, there are many projects involving peat soil foundation treatment, but there is a lack of in-depth research on the properties of peat soil and foundation treatment technology, and there is no complete set of relevant foundation treatment technical specification systems. However, the traditional replacement method for ground treatment characteristics cannot meet the needs of energy saving, environmental protection and green development concepts. This article adopts the method of literature research, taking Sri Lanka (CKE project) as an example to introduce the engineering foundation treatment technology of peat soil in detail, and provide a reference for the construction and treatment of peat soil foundation. How to realize the technical problem of peat soil-based treatment needs to be solved urgently, so the understanding of peat soil requirements is beneficial in the long term

Transcriptomic Analysis of the Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Pathway Reveals the Molecular Mechanism Associated with Purple Color Formation in Dendrobium Nestor

Dendrobium nestor is a famous orchid species in the Orchidaceae family. There is a diversity of flower colorations in the Dendrobium species, but knowledge of the genes involved and molecular mechanism underlying the flower color formation in D. nestor is less studied. Therefore, we performed transcriptome profiling using Illumina sequencing to facilitate thorough studies of the purple color formation in petal samples collected at three developmental stages, namely—flower bud stage (F), half bloom stage (H), and full bloom stage (B) in D. nestor. In addition, we identified key genes and their biosynthetic pathways as well as the transcription factors (TFs) associated with purple flower color formation. We found that the phenylpropanoid–flavonoid–anthocyanin biosynthesis genes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chalcone synthase, anthocyanidin synthase, and UDP-flavonoid glucosyl transferase, were largely up-regulated in the H and B samples as compared to the F samples. This upregulation might partly account for the accumulation of anthocyanins, which confer the purple coloration in these samples. We further identified several differentially expressed genes related to phytohormones such as auxin, ethylene, cytokinins, salicylic acid, brassinosteroid, and abscisic acid, as well as TFs such as MYB and bHLH, which might play important roles in color formation in D. nestor flower. Sturdy upregulation of anthocyanin biosynthetic structural genes might be a potential regulatory mechanism in purple color formation in D. nestor flowers. Several TFs were predicted to regulate the anthocyanin genes through a K-mean clustering analysis. Our study provides valuable resource for future studies to expand our understanding of flower color development mechanisms in D. nestor

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel Recombinant Classical Pseudorabies Virus in the Context of the Variant Strains Pandemic in China

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) variants were discovered in immunized pigs in Northern China and have become the dominant strains since 2011, which caused huge economic losses. In this study, a classical PRV strain was successfully isolated in a PRV gE positive swine farm. The complete genome sequence was obtained using a high-throughput sequencing method and the virus was named JS-2020. The nucleotide homology analysis and phylogenetic tree based on complete genome sequences or gC gene showed that the JS-2020 strain was relatively close to the classical Ea strain in genotype II clade. However, a large number of amino acid variations occurred in the JS-2020 strain compared with the Ea strain, including multiple immunogenic and virulence-related genes. In particular, the gE protein of JS-2020 was similar to earlier Chinese PRV strains without Aspartate insertion. However, the amino acid variations analysis based on major immunogenic and virulence-related genes showed that the JS-2020 strain was not only homologous with earlier PRV strains, but also with strains isolated in recent years. Moreover, the JS-2020 strain was identified as a recombinant between the GXGG-2016 and HLJ-2013 strains. The pathogenicity analysis proved that the PRV JS-2020 strain has typical neurogenic infections and a strong pathogenicity in mice. Together, a novel recombinant classical strain was isolated and characterized in the context of the PRV variant pandemic in China. This study provided some valuable information for the study of the evolution of PRV in China

Step-by-step assembly of 4d-4f-3d complex based on heptamolybdate anion

National Natural Science Foundation of China [21001026, 61008040]; Innovation Fund for Young Scientist of Fujian Province [2010J05022]; State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences [20110006]; Fuzhou University [2009-XY-5]Four new complexes, (NH4)(11.9)[Ln(4.7)(MoO4)(H2O)(23)(Mo7O24)(4)]center dot xH(2)O (Ln=Pr, x=34 (1); Ln=-Nd, x=19 (2)), [NH4](28)[Ce-8(MoO4)(2)(H2O)(31)(Mo7O24)(8)]center dot 74H(2)O (3) (NH4)(26)[CoPr8(MoO4)(2)(H2O)(33)(Mo7O24)(8)]center dot 54H(2)O. (4) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, CHN elemental analyses TGA analyses, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Complex 1-3 are OD compounds constructed by the connection between Ln(III) ions and [Mo7O24](6-) unit. In complex 4. the existence of Coll connects the polyanion clusters into 1D chain. The introduction of 3d metal (cobalt cation) and 4f metal (Ln=Nd-III, Ce-III) encourages the coordination capability for [Mo7O24](6-) unit, which shows interesting coordination modes. The [Mo7O24](6-) unit in 1-4 shows three new coordination modes, connecting up to four metal cations. Complexes 1-4 show antiferromagnetic behavior via variable temperature magnetic study. The photoluminescence spectrum indicates the photoluminescence property for 4. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved