A novel activator-type ERF of Thinopyrum intermedium, TiERF1, positively regulates defence responses

Thinopyrum intermedium is resistant to many different pathogens. To understand the roles of ethylene response factors (ERFs) in defence responses, the first member of the ERF family in T. intermedium, TiERF1, was characterized and functionally analysed in this study. The TiERF1 gene encodes a putative protein of 292 amino acids, belonging to the B3 subgroup of the ERF transcription factor family. Biochemical assays demonstrated that the TiERF1 protein is capable of binding to the GCC box, a cis-element present in the promoters of pathogenesis-related (PR) genes, and possessing transactivation activity, as well as localizing to the nucleus. The transcript of TiERF1 in T. intermedium is rapidly induced by infection with Rhizoctonia cerealis, Fusarium graminearum, or Blumeria graminis, and ethylene, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid treatments. More importantly, the ectopic expression of TiERF1 in tobacco activated the transcript of the PR genes of tobacco with a GCC box cis-element, and ACO and ACS genes key to ethylene synthesis, and in turn improved the resistance level to Alternaria alternata and tobacco mosaic virus, as well as causing some phenotypic changes associated with ethylene response in the transgenic tobacco plants. Taken together, TiERF1 protein as an ERF transcription activator positively regulates defence responses via the activation of some defence-related genes

Neural stem cell-conditioned medium ameliorates Aβ25–35-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells by protecting mitochondrial function

Inhibition of amyloid β (Aβ)-induced mitochondrial damage is considered crucial for reducing the pathological damage in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We evaluated the effect of neural stem cell-conditioned medium (NSC-CDM) on Aβ25–35-induced damage in SH-SY5Y cells. An in vitro model of AD was established by treating SH-SY5Y cells with 40 µM Aβ25–35 for 24 h. SH-SY5Y cells were divided into control, Aβ25–35 (40 µM), Aβ25–35 (40 µM) + NSC-CDM, and Aβ25–35 (40 µM) + neural stem cell-complete medium (NSC-CPM) groups. Cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were detected by flow cytometry. Malondialdehyde content was detected by ELISA assay. Western blot analysis was used to detect cytochrome c release and apoptosis-related proteins. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial morphology. Cell viability significantly decreased and apoptosis significantly increased in SH-SY5Y cells treated with Aβ25–35, and both effects were rescued by NSC-CDM. In addition, NSC-CDM reduced ROS production and significantly inhibited the reduction of MMP caused by Aβ25–35. Furthermore, NSC-CDM ameliorated Aβ25–35-induced reduction in Bcl-2 expression levels and increased the expression levels of cytochrome c, caspase-9, caspase-3, and Bax. Moreover, Aβ25–35 induced the destruction of mitochondrial ultrastructure and this effect was reversed by NSC-CDM. Collectively, our findings demonstrated the protective effect of NCS-CDM against Aβ25–35-induced SH-SY5Y cell damage and clarified the mechanism of action of Aβ25–35 in terms of mitochondrial maintenance and mitochondria-associated apoptosis signaling pathways, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel anti-AD treatments

Cerebral protein synthesis in a knockin mouse model of the fragile X premutation

The (CGG)n-repeat in the 5’-untransiated region of the fragile X mental retardation gene (FMRi) gene is polymorphic and may become unstable on transmission to the next generation. In fragile X syndrome, CGG repeat lengths exceed 200, resulting in silencing of FMRi and absence of its protein product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). CGG repeat lengths between 55 and 200 occur in fragile X premutation (FXPM) carriers and have a high risk of expansion to a full mutation on maternal transmission. FXPM carriers have an increased risk for developing progressive neurodegenerative syndromes and neuropsychological symptoms. FMRi mRNA levels are elevated in FXPM, and it is thought that clinical symptoms might be caused by a toxic gain of function due to elevated FMRi mRNA. Paradoxically, FMRP levels decrease moderately with increasing CGG repeat length in FXPM. Lowered FMRP levels may also contribute to the appearance of clinical problems. We previously reported increases in regional rates of cerebral protein synthesis (rCPS) in the absence of FMRP in an Fmri knockout mouse model and in a FXPM knockin (KI) mouse model with 120 to 140 CGG repeats in which FMRP levels are profoundly reduced (80%-90%). To explore whether the concentration of FMRP contributes to the rCPS changes, we measured rCPS in another FXPM KI model with a similar CGG repeat length and a 50% reduction in FMRP. In all 24 brain regions examined, rCPS were unaffected. These results suggest that even with 50% reductions in FMRP, normal protein synthesis rates are maintained

Coxsackievirus A6 Induces Cell Cycle Arrest in G0/G1 Phase for Viral Production

Recent epidemiological data indicate that outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which can be categorized according to its clinical symptoms as typical or atypical, have markedly increased worldwide. A primary causative agent for typical HFMD outbreaks, enterovirus 71 (EV71), has been shown to manipulate the cell cycle in S phase for own replication; however, it is not clear whether coxsackievirus (CVA6), the main agent for atypical HFMD, also regulates the host cell cycle. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that CVA6 infection arrests the host cell cycle in G0/G1-phase. Furthermore, synchronization in G0/G1 phase, but not S phase or G2/M phase, promotes viral production. To investigate the mechanism of cell cycle arrest induced by CVA6 infection, we analyzed cell cycle progression after cell cycle synchronization at G0/G1 or G2/M. Our results demonstrate that CVA6 infection promotes G0/G1 phase entry from G2/M phase, and inhibits G0/G1 exit into S phase. In line with its role to arrest cells in G0/G1 phase, the expression of cyclinD1, CDK4, cyclinE1, CDK2, cyclinB1, CDK1, P53, P21, and P16 is regulated by CVA6. Finally, the non-structural proteins of CVA6, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase 3D and protease 3C , are demonstrated to be responsible for the G0/G1-phase arrest. These findings suggest that CVA6 infection arrested cell cycle in G0/G1-phase via non-structural proteins 3D and 3C, which may provide favorable environments for virus production

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) related to the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 among Chinese General Population: a Telephone Survey

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>China is at greatest risk of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 due to its huge population and high residential density. The unclear comprehension and negative attitudes towards the emerging infectious disease among general population may lead to unnecessary worry and even panic. The objective of this study was to investigate the Chinese public response to H1N1 pandemic and provide baseline data to develop public education campaigns in response to future outbreaks.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A close-ended questionnaire developed by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention was applied to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 among 10,669 responders recruited from seven urban and two rural areas of China sampled by using the probability proportional to size (PPS) method.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>30.0% respondents were not clear whether food spread H1N1 virusand. 65.7% reported that the pandemic had no impact on their life. The immunization rates of the seasonal flu and H1N1vaccine were 7.5% and 10.8%, respectively. Farmers and those with lower education level were less likely to know the main transmission route (cough or talk face to face). Female and those with college and above education had higher perception of risk and more compliance with preventive behaviors. Relationships between knowledge and risk perception (OR = 1.69; 95%CI 1.54-1.86), and knowledge and practices (OR = 1.57; 95%CI 1.42-1.73) were found among the study subjects. With regard to the behavior of taking up A/H1N1 vaccination, there are several related factors found in the current study population, including the perception of life disturbed (OR = 1.29; 95%CI 1.11-1.50), the safety of A/H1N1 vaccine (OR = 0.07; 95%CI 0.04-0.11), the knowledge of free vaccination policy (OR = 7.20; 95%CI 5.91-8.78), the state's priority vaccination strategy(OR = 1.33; 95%CI 1.08-1.64), and taking up seasonal influenza vaccine behavior (OR = 4.69; 95%CI 3.53-6.23).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This A/H1N1 epidemic has not caused public panic yet, but the knowledge of A/H1N1 in residents is not optimistic. Public education campaign may take the side effects of vaccine and the knowledge about the state's vaccination strategy into account.</p

The wheat LLM-domain-containing transcription factor TaGATA1 positively modulates host immune response to Rhizoctonia cerealis

Wheat (Triticumaestivum) is essential for global food security. Rhizoctonia cerealis is the causal pathogen of sharp eyespot, an important disease of wheat. GATA proteins in model plants have been implicated in growth and development; however, little is known about their roles in immunity. Here, we reported a defence role of a wheat LLM-domain-containing B-GATA transcription factor, TaGATA1, against R. cerealis infection and explored the underlying mechanism. Through transcriptomic analysis, TaGATA1 was identified to be more highly expressed in resistant wheat genotypes than in susceptible wheat genotypes. TaGATA1 was located on chromosome 3B and had two homoeologous genes on chromosomes 3A and 3D. TaGATA1 was demonstrated to localize in the nucleus, possess transcriptional-activation activity, and bind to GATA-core cis-elements. TaGATA1 overexpression significantly enhanced resistance of transgenic wheat to R. cerealis, whereas silencing of TaGATA1 suppressed the resistance. RT-qPCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR results indicated that TaGATA1 directly bound to and activated certain defence genes in host immune response to R. cerealis. Collectively, TaGATA1 positively regulates immune responses to R. cerealis through activating expression of defence genes in wheat. This study reveals a new function of plant GATAs in immunity and provides a candidate gene for improving crop resistance to R. cerealis

Prevalence and Temporal Trend (2016–2018) of Anaemia among 6–23-Month-Old Infants and Young Children in China

Anaemia is a public health problem that can lead to various harmful effects on physical and neurodevelopment in infants and young children (IYC). This study aimed to investigate trends of anaemia and haemoglobin concentration among 6- to 23-month-old Chinese IYC from 2016 to 2018. We used data from the China Nutrition Improvement Project on Children in Poor Areas (CNIPCPA), conducted in 142 national-level poor counties of 20 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities from 2016 to 2018. Our study included 103,621 6- to 23-month-old IYC selected by a stratified multistage cluster sampling design. There were 26,303, 33,443, and 43,875 IYC in the survey in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 27.0% in the three years. The prevalence of anaemia was 28.0%, 27.2%, and 26.2%, and the mean haemoglobin (Hb) was 11.82, 11.81, and 11.88 g/dL in 2016, 2017, and 2018, respectively. The prevalence of anaemia was highest in 6- to 11-month-olds, and declined with age. There was a gap in the education level between parents. However, the percentage of education improved in the rural areas of China. The prevalence of anaemia decreased significantly in the three years, which shows that prevention and control actions achieved the initial results

Racial Bias During “Black Lives Matter”: How Social Movement Reshapes Airbnb Host Performance

Racial bias is an important issue and has been observed on sharing economy (SE) platforms. However, few studies examine how racial bias changes during large-scale social movement. We examine this issue with five million Airbnb host records in the Unites States during the Black Lives Matter (BLM), one of the largest social movements since the Civil Rights era. We find that racial bias evolves during the BLM movement, affecting host performance differentially. Critically, host performance varies by supply-side contextual heterogeneity, such as racial composition in neighborhoods. The results highlight the dynamic process of racial bias in the sharing economy, which continues to be reshaped by social movement such as the BLM as well as local environment. The paper contributes to an understanding of racial bias as a dynamic process, especially during race-related social movement that spills over to online platforms and affects user behavior

Synthesis of Monoclinic Vanadium Dioxide via One-Pot Hydrothermal Route

Pure monoclinic vanadium dioxide nanoparticles (VO2 NPs) with a controlled uniform size are considered essential for the preparation of thermochromic smart window coatings on desired substrates. Herein, we report a facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of VO2(M) NPs without post-treatment of annealing, which may induce unwanted aggregation of NPs. In contrast with the annealed sample, the one-step processed VO2(M) NPs exhibit superior thermochromic performance with the solar modulation efficiency of 11.8% and luminous transmittance of 37.3%

Investigation of the mechanism of adult-stage resistance to barley yellow dwarf virus associated with a wheat–Thinopyrum intermedium translocation

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) can infect wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), leading to yield loss. Among four BYDV strains (GAV, GPV, PAV, and RMV) identified in China, BYDV-GAV is the prevailing isolate. YW642, a wheat–Thinopyrum intermedium translocation line, is resistant to BYDV isolates at both seedling and adult stages. Zhong 8601 is the wheat recurrent parent of YW642 and is susceptible to BYDV. In this study, we investigated the adult-stage resistance mechanism of YW642, measured BYDV titer and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in adult-stage leaves of YW642 and Zhong 8601 inoculated with BYDV-GAV, and identified transcriptional differences between YW642 and Zhong 8601 using microarray-based comparative transcriptomics. Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay and H2O2 assay showed that both BYDV titer and H2O2 content were markedly lower in YW642 than in Zhong 8601 at 21, 28, 35, and 40 days post-inoculation (dpi). The transcriptomic comparison revealed that many types of genes were significantly up-regulated at 35 dpi in adult-stage leaves of YW642 compared to Zhong 8601. The important up-regulated genes associated with the adult-stage resistance encoded 15 resistance-like proteins, pathogenesis-related proteins (such as defensin and lipid transfer proteins), protein kinase homologs, transcription factors, reactive oxygen species scavenging-related proteins, and jasmonic acid and gibberellic acid biosynthesis enzymes. These results suggest that precise expression regulation of these proteins plays a crucial role in adult-stage resistance of YW642 against BYDV infection