Transcriptome analysis highlights the influence of temperature on hydrolase and traps in nematode-trapping fungi

Pine wilt disease caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus poses a serious threat to the economic and ecological value of forestry. Nematode trapping fungi trap and kill nematodes using specialized trapping devices, which are highly efficient and non-toxic to the environment, and are very promising for use as biological control agents. In this study, we isolated several nematode-trapping fungi from various regions and screened three for their high nematocidal efficiency. However, the effectiveness of these fungi as nematicides is notably influenced by temperature and exhibits different morphologies in response to temperature fluctuations, which are categorized as “NA,” “thin,” “dense,” and “sparse.” The trend of trap formation with temperature was consistent with the trend of nematocidal efficiency with temperature. Both of which initially increased and then decreased with increasing temperature. Among them, Arthrobotrys cladodes exhibited the highest level of nematocidal activity and trap formation among the tested species. Transcriptome data were collected from A. cladodes with various trap morphologies. Hydrolase activity was significantly enriched according to GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Eight genes related to hydrolases were found to be consistent with the trend of trap morphology with temperature. Weighted gene co-expression analysis and the Cytoscape network revealed that these 8 genes are associated with either mitosis or autophagy. This suggests that they contribute to the formation of “dense” structures in nematode-trapping fungi. One of these genes is the serine protein hydrolase gene involved in autophagy. This study reveals a potentially critical role for hydrolases in trap formation and nematocidal efficiency. And presents a model where temperature affects trap formation and nematocidal efficiency by influencing the serine protease prb1 involved in the autophagy process

A novel image integration technology mapping system significantly reduces radiation exposure during ablation for a wide spectrum of tachyarrhythmias in children

ObjectiveRadiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has evolved into an effective and safe technique for the treatment of tachyarrhythmia in children. Concerns about children and involved medical staff being exposed to radiation during the procedure should not be ignored. “Fluoroscopy integrated 3D mapping”, a new 3D non-fluoroscopic navigation system software (CARTO Univu Module) could reduce fluoroscopy during the procedure. However, there are few studies about the use of this new technology on children. In the present study, we analyzed the impact of the CARTO Univu on procedural safety and fluoroscopy in a wide spectrum of tachyarrhythmias as compared with CARTO3 alone.MethodsThe data of children with tachyarrhythmias who underwent RFCA from June 2018 to December 2021 were collected. The CARTO Univu was used for mapping and ablation in 200 cases (C3U group) [boys/girls (105/95), mean age (6.8 ± 3.7 years), mean body weight (29.4 ± 7.9 kg)], and the CARTO3 was used in 200 cases as the control group (C3 group) [male/female (103/97), mean age (7.2 ± 3.9 years), mean body weight (32.3 ± 19.0 kg)]. The arrhythmias were atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT, n = 78), atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT, n = 35), typical atrial flutter (AFL, n = 12), atrial tachycardia (AT, n = 20) and ventricular arrhythmias [VAs, premature ventricular complexes or ventricular tachycardia, n = 55].Results① There was no significant difference in the acute success rate, recurrence rate, and complication rate between the C3 and C3U groups [(94.5% vs. 95.0%); (6.3% vs. 5.3%); and (2.0% vs. 1.5%); P > 0.05]. ② The CARTO Univu reduced radiation exposure: fluoroscopy time: AVRT C3: 8.5 ± 7.2 min vs. C3U: 4.5 ± 2.9 min, P < 0.05; AVNRT C3: 10.7 ± 3.2 min vs. C3U: 4.3 ± 2.6 min, P < 0.05; AT C3: 15.7 ± 8.2 min vs. C3U: 4.5 ± 1.7 min, P < 0.05; AFL C3: 8.7 ± 3.2 min vs. C3U: 3.7 ± 2.7 min, P < 0.05; VAs C3: 7.7 ± 4.2 min vs. C3U: 3.9 ± 2.3 min, P < 0.05. Corresponding to the fluoroscopy time, the fluoroscopy dose was also reduced significantly. ③ In the C3U group, the fluoroscopy during VAs ablation was lower than that of other arrhythmias (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe usage of the “novel image integration technology” CARTO Univu might be safe and effective in RFCA for a wide spectrum of tachyarrhythmias in children, which could significantly reduce fluoroscopy and has a more prominent advantage for VAs ablation

The complement system and human autoimmune diseases

Genetic deficiencies of early components of the classical complement activation pathway (especially C1q, r, s, and C4) are the strongest monogenic causal factors for the prototypic autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but their prevalence is extremely rare. In contrast, isotype genetic deficiency of C4A and acquired deficiency of C1q by autoantibodies are frequent among patients with SLE. Here we review the genetic basis of complement deficiencies in autoimmune disease, discuss the complex genetic diversity seen in complement C4 and its association with autoimmune disease, provide guidance as to when clinicians should suspect and test for complement deficiencies, and outline the current understanding of the mechanisms relating complement deficiencies to autoimmunity. We focus primarily on SLE, as the role of complement in SLE is well-established, but will also discuss other informative diseases such as inflammatory arthritis and myositis

An RNA Metabolism and Surveillance Quartet in the Major Histocompatibility Complex

At the central region of the mammalian major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a complement gene cluster that codes for constituents of complement C3 convertases (C2, factor B and C4). Complement activation drives the humoral effector functions for immune response. Sandwiched between the genes for serine proteinase factor B and anchor protein C4 are four less known but critically important genes coding for essential functions related to metabolism and surveillance of RNA during the transcriptional and translational processes of gene expression. These four genes are NELF-E (RD), SKIV2L (SKI2W), DXO (DOM3Z) and STK19 (RP1 or G11) and dubbed as NSDK. NELF-E is the subunit E of negative elongation factor responsible for promoter proximal pause of transcription. SKIV2L is the RNA helicase for cytoplasmic exosomes responsible for degradation of de-polyadenylated mRNA and viral RNA. DXO is a powerful enzyme with pyro-phosphohydrolase activity towards 5′ triphosphorylated RNA, decapping and exoribonuclease activities of faulty nuclear RNA molecules. STK19 is a nuclear kinase that phosphorylates RNA-binding proteins during transcription. STK19 is also involved in DNA repair during active transcription and in nuclear signal transduction. The genetic, biochemical and functional properties for NSDK in the MHC largely stay as a secret for many immunologists. Here we briefly review the roles of (a) NELF-E on transcriptional pausing; (b) SKIV2L on turnover of deadenylated or expired RNA 3′→5′ through the Ski-exosome complex, and modulation of inflammatory response initiated by retinoic acid-inducible gene 1-like receptor (RLR) sensing of viral infections; (c) DXO on quality control of RNA integrity through recognition of 5′ caps and destruction of faulty adducts in 5′→3′ fashion; and (d) STK19 on nuclear protein phosphorylations. There is compelling evidence that a dysregulation or a deficiency of a NSDK gene would cause a malignant, immunologic or digestive disease

Mechanically interlocked [c2]daisy chain backbone enabling advanced shape-memory polymeric materials

Abstract The incorporation of mechanically interlocked structures into polymer backbones has been shown to confer remarkable functionalities to materials. In this work, a [c2]daisy chain unit based on dibenzo-24-crown-8 is covalently embedded into the backbone of a polymer network, resulting in a synthetic material possessing remarkable shape-memory properties under thermal control. By decoupling the molecular structure into three control groups, we demonstrate the essential role of the [c2]daisy chain crosslinks in driving the shape memory function. The mechanically interlocked topology is found to be an essential element for the increase of glass transition temperature and consequent gain of shape memory function. The supramolecular host-guest interactions within the [c2]daisy chain topology not only ensure robust mechanical strength and good network stability of the polymer, but also impart the shape memory polymer with remarkable shape recovery properties and fatigue resistance ability. The incorporation of the [c2]daisy chain unit as a building block has the potential to lay the groundwork for the development of a wide range of shape-memory polymer materials

Advance typing of Vibrio parahaemolyticus through the mtlA and aer gene: A high-resolution, cost-effective approach

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a significant cause of foodborne illness, and its incidence worldwide is on the rise. It is thus imperative to develop a straightforward and efficient method for typing strains of this pathogen. In this study, we conducted a pangenome analysis of 75 complete genomes of V. parahaemolyticus and identified the core gene mtlA with the highest degree of variation, which distinguished 44 strains and outperformed traditional seven-gene-based MLST when combined with aer, another core gene with high degree of variation. The mtlA gene had higher resolution to type strains with a close relationship compared to the traditional MLST genes in the phylogenetic tree built by core genomes. Strong positive selection was also detected in the gene mtlA (ω > 1), representing adaptive and evolution in response to the environment. Therefore, the panel of gene mtlA and aer may serve as a tool for the typing of V. parahaemolyticus, potentially contributing to the prevention and control of this foodborne disease

Development of Sensitive and Reliable UPLC-MS/MS Methods for Food Analysis of Emerging Mycotoxins in China Total Diet Study

With the climatic changes that have taken place during the last decade, the spectrum of fungal pathogens as well as mycotoxins has considerably changed. As a result, some emerging mycotoxins have been shown to occur frequently in agricultural products. In this study, a sensitive and reliable method for the determination of 10 emerging mycotoxins (beauvericin, enniatin A, enniatin A1, enniatin B, enniatin B1, alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, altenuene, tentoxin, and tenuazonic acid) in 12 different food matrices (cereals, legumes, potatoes, meats, eggs, aquatic foods, dairy products, vegetables, fruits, sugars, beverages, and alcohol beverages) was developed and validated. After a simple extraction, a one-step sample clean-up by a HLB solid phase extraction (SPE) column was sufficient for all 12 food matrices prior to analysis with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Isotope internal standards 13C-TeA, TEN-d3, and 13C-AFB2 were used for accurate quantification. Validation in terms of linearity, selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision (intra and inter-day variability) were evaluated for the 10 mycotoxins in all selected matrices. The sensitivity varied from 0.0004 to 0.3 ng mL−1 (limits of detection) and from 0.002 to 0.9 ng mL−1 (limits of quantitation). The recoveries of 10 mycotoxins in fortified samples were from 60.6% to 164% including very low spiking levels in all 12 food matrices, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 12%. The proposed methodology was applied to the analysis of 60 samples collected from five provinces within the 6th China Total Diet Study with the results discussed in detail. The advantages of sensitivity, accuracy, and robustness made it a powerful tool for emerging mycotoxin monitoring and dietary exposure assessment

Improvement on mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of titanium-tantalum alloys in-situ fabricated via selective laser melting

In this study, the role of tantalum (Ta) on the phase transformation, microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of titanium-tantalum (Ti–Ta) alloys in-situ fabricated via selective laser melting (SLM) was investigated. Ti–Ta mixed powders with different Ta ratios ranging from 0 to 25 wt % were prepared by ball milling for the SLM process. With the increase of Ta content, the SLM-processed Ti–Ta alloys exhibits the microstructure evolution from the lath α grain to acicular α' + primary cellular β grains, accompanying with the gradual suppression of martensite transformation. The β-stabilized effect of Ta promotes the formation of β (Ti, Ta) solid solution phase in the alloys. The rise of Ta addition in SLM-processed Ti–Ta alloys contributes to the improvement on the tensile strength from 641 to 1186 MPa and the microhardness from 257 to 353 HV, which results from a combined effect of grain refinement strengthening and the solid solution strengthening. The Young's modulus decreases from 115 to 89 GPa due to the increasing amount of β phase. Additionally, the corrosion resistance of the Ti–Ta alloys is enhanced with few pits on the surfaces due to the increasing amount of Ta2O5 identified through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These findings provide the knowledge and boost the further understanding on the SLM-processed Ti–Ta alloys as promising candidates for biomedical application.Accepted versio

Epidemiological and Genomic analysis of Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from imported travelers at the port of Shanghai, China (2017-2019)

Abstract Background Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the predominant etiological agent of seafood-associated foodborne illnesses on a global scale. It is essential to elucidate the mechanisms by which this pathogen disseminates. Given the existing research predominantly concentrates on localized outbreaks, there is a pressing necessity for a comprehensive investigation to capture strains of V. parahaemolyticus cross borders. Results This study examined the frequency and genetic attributes of imported V. parahaemolyticus strains among travelers entering Shanghai Port, China, between 2017 and 2019.Through the collection of 21 strains from diverse countries and regions, Southeast Asia was pinpointed as a significant source for the emergence of V. parahaemolyticus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed clear delineation between strains originating from human and environmental sources, emphasizing that underlying genome data of foodborne pathogens is essential for environmental monitoring, food safety and early diagnosis of diseases. Furthermore, our study identified the presence of virulence genes (tdh and tlh) and approximately 120 antibiotic resistance-related genes in the majority of isolates, highlighting their crucial involvement in the pathogenesis of V. parahaemolyticus. Conclusions This research enhanced our comprehension of the worldwide transmission of V. parahaemolyticus and its antimicrobial resistance patterns. The findings have important implications for public health interventions and antimicrobial stewardship strategies, underscoring the necessity for epidemiological surveillance of pathogen at international travel hubs