Hepatic steatosis is associated with dysregulated cholesterol metabolism and altered protein acetylation dynamics in chickens

Background Hepatic steatosis is a prevalent manifestation of fatty liver, that has detrimental effect on the health and productivity of laying hens, resulting in economic losses to the poultry industry. Here, we aimed to systematically investigate the genetic regulatory mechanisms of hepatic steatosis in laying hens.Methods Ninety individuals with the most prominent characteristics were selected from 686 laying hens according to the accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver, and were graded into three groups, including the control, mild hepatic steatosis and severe hepatic steatosis groups. A combination of transcriptome, proteome, acetylome and lipidome analyses, along with bioinformatics analysis were used to screen the key biological processes, modifications and lipids associated with hepatic steatosis.Results The rationality of the hepatic steatosis grouping was verified through liver biochemical assays and RNA-seq. Hepatic steatosis was characterized by increased lipid deposition and multiple metabolic abnormalities. Integration of proteome and acetylome revealed that differentially expressed proteins(DEPs) interacted with differentially acetylated proteins(DAPs) and were involved in maintaining the metabolic balance in the liver. Acetylation alterations mainly occurred in the progression from mild to severe hepatic steatosis, i.e., the enzymes in the fatty acid oxidation and bile acid synthesis pathways were significantly less acetylated in severe hepatic steatosis group than that in mild group(P < 0.05). Lipidomics detected a variety of sphingolipids(SPs) and glycerophospholipids(GPs) were negatively correlated with hepatic steatosis(r ≤-0.5, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the severity of hepatic steatosis was associated with a decrease in cholesterol and bile acid synthesis and an increase in exogenous cholesterol transport.Conclusions In addition to acquiring a global and thorough picture of hepatic steatosis in laying hens, we were able to reveal the role of acetylation in hepatic steatosis and depict the changes in hepatic cholesterol metabolism. The findings provides a wealth of information to facilitate a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of fatty liver and contributes to the development of therapeutic strategies.

Monogenic gene therapy for glaucoma and optic nerve injury

The prevalence of glaucoma, the second leading cause of global blindness, is increasing due to aging populations. In glaucoma, degeneration of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells(RGCs) causes visual field defects and eventual blindness.

Asking one mechanism in glial cells during neuroinflammation

Multiple sclerosis(MS),which is characterized by inflammatory demyelination in the central nervous system(CNS),is the most common neurological disease in the young adult population.Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE),an animal model of MS,is often used in preclinical studies.Accumulating data indicate that in addition to immune cells such as T cells and dendritic cells,CNS resident microglia and astrocytes play important roles in demyelinating neuroinflammation(Healy et al.,2022).In particular,microglia are key immune-competent cells that can respond to environmental changes.Conditional depletion of transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1,a mitogen-associated protein kinase kinase kinase,in microglia is reported to reduce CNS inflammation and diminish axonal and myelin damage significantly.This suggests that elucidating the mechanisms of microglia-specific responses during pathologies may help in the development of treatments that reduce EAE/MS disease severity(Goldmann et al.,2013).

Anatomical and chemical characteristics associated with lodging resistance in wheat

Anatomical and chemical characteristics of stems affect lodging in wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars. Traits associated with lodging resistance, such as plant height, stem strength, culm wall thickness, pith diameter, and stem diameter, were extensively investigated in earlier studies. However, the solid stem trait was rarely considered. In this study, we measured a range of anatomical and chemical characteristics on solid and hollow stemmed wheat cultivars. Significant correlations were detected between resistance to lodging and several anatomical features, including width of mechanical tissue, weight of low internodes, and width of stem walls. Morphological features that gave the best indication of improved lodging resistance were increased stem width, width of mechanical tissue layer, and stem density. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 99% of the variation in lodging resistance could be explained by the width of the mechanical tissue layer, suggesting that solid stemmed wheat has several anatomical features for increasing resistance to lodging. In addition, microsatellite markers GWM247 and GWM340 were linked to a single solid stem QTL on chromosome 3BL in a population derived from the cross Xinongshixin(solid stem)/Line 3159(hollow stem). These markers should be valuable in breeding wheat for solid stem.

Research on the Drought Forecast of Potato in Central Inner Mongolia Based on Precipitation Anomaly

In order to explore the method and index of potato fine drought forecast in central Inner Mongolia,based on the data of potato yield and precipitation in Wuchuan County of Hohhot City,Guyang County of Baotou City,and Chayou Middle Banner of Ulan Qab City from 1979 to 2013,the relationship between precipitation anomaly percentage and meteorological yield during potato growth period in central Inner Mongolia was analyzed by regression analysis.According to the precipitation anomaly percentage meteorological drought index,the light drought,medium drought and heavy drought indexes of the seedling stage and flowering stage in the above-mentioned areas were obtained as follows:-5%--25%,-25%--40%,and<-40%,respectively.The results show that the models are more accurate in determining the yield reduction caused by drought,and can well predict the occurrence of drought.

Retrieval of Angle-Dependent Strong-Field Ionization by Using High Harmonics Generated from Aligned N_(2) Molecules

We propose a method to retrieve the angle-dependent strong-field ionization of highest occupied molecular orbital(HOMO)from high-order harmonic generation(HHG)of aligned molecules.This method is based on the single-molecule quantitative rescattering model with known alignment distribution and photo-recombination cross sections of fixed-in-space molecules.With the macroscopic HHG of aligned N2 molecules,we show that angledependent ionization of HOMO can be successfully retrieved at both low and high degrees of alignment.We then show that the error in the retrieved angular dependence of ionization becomes larger if the uncertainty in the alignment distribution is introduced in the retrieval procedure.We also examine that the retrieved ionization of HOMO is much deviated from the accurate one if the intensity of probe laser becomes higher such that inner HOMO-1 can contribute to HHG.

Study on the Risk of Regional Energy Security Cooperation

Energy security is an issue that many countries pay more attention to. Cooperation is a good way to solute it. According to the complex system theory, the regional energy cooperation means a state or process of balance system formed by the interaction and behavior coordination between agents. The features of the regional energy cooperation risk include: uncertainty, potential, fuzziness, diversity, relevance and particularity. And the regional energy cooperation risk can be divided into risk inside the system such as main body ability structure of the risk and main body decision-making risk, and the risk outside the system such as external environment factors and cooperation pattern factors.

Changes in the Water Area of Chahannaoer and Its Influencing Factors from 1986 to 2020

Based on the long-term Landsat remote sensing data,the dynamic changes in the water area of Chahannaoer from 1986 to 2020 were analyzed,and the influencing factors of lake changes were analyzed combined with meteorological data and human factors.The results show that in the past 35 years,the water area of Chahannaoer tended to reduce obviously on the whole;annual average evaporation and annual average relative humidity gradually decreased,and annual average temperature,annual average precipitation,and annual average wind speed increased.Precipitation and relative humidity were significantly positively correlated with water area;temperature and average wind speed were negatively correlated with water area,but the correlation was not significant;there was a weak correlation between evaporation and water area.Precipitation and relative humidity were the main climatic factors affecting the change of water area in Chahannaoer.

Dynamic modulation of nodulation factor receptor levels by phosphorylation-mediated functional switch of a RING-type E3 ligase during legume nodulation

The precise control of receptor levels is crucial for initiating cellular signaling transduction in response to specific ligands;however,such mechanisms regulating nodulation factor(NF)receptor(NFR)-mediated perception of NFs to establish symbiosis remain unclear.In this study,we unveil the pivotal role of the NFR-interacting RING-type E3 ligase 1(NIRE1)in regulating NFR1/NFR5 homeostasis to optimize rhizobial infection and nodule development in Lotus japonicus.We demonstrated that NiRE1 has a dual function in this regulatory process.It associates with both NFR1 and NFR5,facilitating their degradation through K48-linked polyubiquitination before rhizobial inoculation.However,following rhizobial inoculation,NFR1 phosphorylates NIRE1ata conserved residue,Tyr-109,inducing a functional switch in NIRE1,which enables NIRE1tomediateK63-linkedpolyubiquitination,thereby stabilizing NFR1/NFR5 in infected root cells.The introduction of phospho-dead NIRE1Y1osF leads to delayed nodule development,underscoring the significance of phosphorylation at Tyr-1o9 in orchestrating symbiotic processes.Conversely,expression of the phospho-mimic NIRE1Y0E results in the formation of spontaneous nodules in L.japonicus,further emphasizing the critical role of the phosphorylation-dependent functional switch in NiRE1.In summary,these findings uncover a fine-tuned symbiotic mechanism that a single E3 ligase could undergo a phosphorylationdependent functional switch to dynamically and precisely regulate NF receptor protein levels.

Gregariousness in lepidopteran larvae

The gregarious lifestyle of lepidopteran larvae is diverse and shaped by a com-plex interplay of ecological and evolutionary factors.Our review showed that the larval-aggregation behavior has been reported in 23 lepidopteran families,indicating multiple evolution of this behavior.Some larvae live in sibling groups throughout all larval in-stars and even pupation stages,which may result from the kin-selection.In contrast,group fusion may occur among different sibling or foraging groups of larvae and form larger ag-gregates,and the gregariousness of these species might be driven by the group-selection.While group size and foraging patterns vary greatly across species,it is generally associ-ated with improved larval survivorship and accelerated development.However,the advan-tages of group living,such as facilitating feeding activities,adjusting the temperature,and defending natural enemies,may diminish along with development,with strong intraspe-cific competition occurring at later instars,even when food is abundant.Therefore,the group sizes and fission-fusion dynamics of certain gregarious lepidopteran larvae may be a consequence of their cost-benefit balance depending on various biotic and abiotic fac-tors.Trail and aggregation pheromones,silk trails,or body contact contribute to collective movement and group cohesion of gregarious lepidopteran larvae.However,frequent con-tact among group members may cause the horizontal transmission of pathogens and pes-ticides,which may bring an integrated pest management strategy controlling gregarious lepidopteran pests.

Object use in insects

Insects are the most diverse group of organisms in the animal kingdom,and some species exhibit complex social behaviors.Although research on insect object use is still in its early stages,insects have already been shown to display rich object-use behaviors.This review focuses on patterns and behavioral flexibility in insect object-use behavior,and the role of cultural evolution in the development of object-use behaviors.Object use in insects is not widespread but has been documented in a diverse set of taxa.Some insects can use objects flexibly and display various object-use patterns.Like mammals and birds,insects use objects in diverse activities,including foraging,predator defense,courtship,and play.Intelligence,pre-existing manipulative behaviors,and anatomical structure affect innovations in object use.In addition,learning and imitation are the main mechanisms underlying the spread of object-use behaviors within populations.Given that insects are one of the major animal groups engaging in object use,studies of insect object use could provide general insights into object use in the animal kingdom.

Strigolactone and gibberellin signaling coordinately regulate metabolic adaptations to changes in nitrogen availability in rice

Modern semi-dwarf rice varieties of the“Green Revolution”require a high supply of nitrogen(N)fertilizer to produce high yields.A better understanding of the interplay between N metabolism and plant developmental processes is required for improved N-use efficiency and agricultural sustainability.Here,we show that strigolactones(SLs)modulate root metabolic and developmental adaptations to low N availability for ensuring efficient uptake and translocation of available N.The key repressor DWARF 53(D53)of the SL signaling pathway interacts with the transcription factor GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR 4(GRF4)and prevents GRF4 from binding to its target gene promoters.N limitation induces the accumulation of SLs,which in turn promotes SL-mediated degradation of D53,leading to the release of GRF4 and thus promoting the expression of genes associated with N metabolism.N limitation also induces degradation of the DELLA protein SLENDER RICE 1(SLR1)in an D14-and D53-dependent manner,effectively releasing GRF4 from competitive inhibition caused by SLR1.Collectively,our findings reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying SL and gibberellin crosstalk in response to N availability,advancing our understanding of plant growth–metabolic coordination and facilitating the design of the strategies for improving N-use efficiency in high-yield crops.

A novel secreted protein, NISP1, is phosphorylated by soybean Nodulation Receptor Kinase to promote nodule symbiosis

Nodulation Receptor Kinase(NORK) functions as a co-receptor of Nod factor receptors to mediate rhizobial symbiosis in legumes, but its direct phosphorylation substrates that positively mediate root nodulation remain to be fully identified.Here, we identified a GmNORK-Interacting Small Protein(GmNISP1) that functions as a phosphorylation target of GmNORK to promote soybean nodulation. GmNORKα directly interacted with and phosphorylated GmNISP1. Transcription of GmNISP1 was strongly induced after rhizobial infection in soybean roots and nodules. GmNISP1 encodes a peptide containing 90 amino acids with a “DY” consensus motif at its N-terminus.GmNISP1 protein was detected to be present in the apoplastic space. Phosphorylation of GmNISP1 by GmNORKα could enhance its secretion into the apoplast. Pretreatment with either purified GmNISP1 or phosphorylation-mimic GmNISP1~(12D) on the roots could significantly increase nodule numbers compared with the treatment with phosphorylation-inactive GmNISP1~(12A).The data suggested a model that soybean GmNORK phosphorylates GmNISP1 to promote its secretion into the apoplast, which might function as a potential peptide hormone to promote root nodulation.

Novel Natural Allelic Variations at the Rht-1 Loci in Wheat

Plant height is an important agronomic trait. Dramatic increase in wheat yield during the ＂green revolution＂ is mainly due to the widespread utilization of the Reduced height （Rht）-1gene. We analyzed the natural allelic variations of three homoeologous loci Rht-A1, Rht-B1, and Rht-D1 in Chinese wheat （Triticum aestivum L.） micro-core collections and the Rht-B1/D1 genotypes in over 1,500 bred cultivars and germplasms using a modified EcoTILLING. We identified six new Rht-A1 allelic variations （Rht-Alb-g）, eight new Rht-B1 allelic variations （Rht-Blh-o）, and six new Rht-D1 allelic variations （Rht-Dle-j）. These allelic variations contain single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） or small insertions and deletions in the coding or uncoding regions, involving two frame-shift mutations and 15 missenses. Of which, Rht-Dle and Rht-Dlh resulted in the loss of interactions of GID1-DELLA-GID2, Rht-Blicould increase plant height. We found that the Rht-Blh contains the same SNPs and 197 bp fragment insertion as reported in Rht-Blc. Further detection of Rht-Blh in Tibet wheat germplasms and wheat relatives indicated that Rht-Blc may originate from Rht-Blh. These results suggest rich genetic diversity at the Rht-1 loci and provide new resources for wheat breeding.

Effects of surfactants on the combined toxicity of TiO_2 nanoparticles and cadmium to Escherichia coli

The combined ecological toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles（nano-TiO2） and heavy metals has been paid more attention. As the common pollutants in water environment, surfactants could affect the properties of nanoparticles and heavy metals, and thus further influence the combined toxicity of nano-TiO2 and heavy metals. In this study, the effects of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate（SDBS） and Tween 80 on the single and combined toxicities of Cd2＋ and nano-TiO2 to Escherichia coli（E. coli） were examined, and the underlying influence mechanism was further discussed. The results showed both SDBS and Tween 80 enhanced the toxicity of Cd2＋ to E. coli in varying degrees. The reaction of SDBS and Cd2＋ could increase the outer membrane permeability and the bioavailability of Cd, while Tween 80 itself could enhance the outer membrane permeability. The combined toxicity of nano-TiO2 and Cd2＋ to E. coli in absence of surfactant was antagonistic because of the adsorption of Cd2＋ to nanoTiO2 particles. However, in the presence of SDBS, both SDBS and nano-TiO2 influenced the toxicity of Cd2＋ , and also SDBS could adsorb to nano-TiO2 by binding to Cd2＋ . The combined toxicity was reduced at Cd2＋ lower than 4 mg/L and enhanced at Cd2＋ higher than 4 mg/L under multiple interactions. Tween 80 enhanced the combined toxicity of nano-TiO2 and Cd2＋ by increasing the outer membrane permeability. Our study firstly elucidated the effects of surfactants on the combined toxicity of nano-TiO2 and Cd2＋ to bacteria, and the underlying influencing mechanism was proposed.

Assessment of Hebei flora against the IUCN Red List Criteria in China

Some plants of Hebei Province in China are under threat from human activities,such as over-herding and over-exploitation of wild medicinal plants and industrial plants,etc.To identify the plants in danger in the province and to inspect the quality of the environment encompassing Beijing and Tianjin,a red list of the threatened flora of Hebei Province was produced by using the IUCN Red List Criteria(version 3.1)and its guidelines(version 6.2).Some 262 species were assessed and the results were as follows:(1)the threatened flora include 211 species,accounting for 7.95%of the total native vascular plants.Among them,44 are Critically Endangered,80 Endangered and 87 Vulnerable;(2)the destruction of the habitat caused by human activities and the actual or potential exploitation of the plants themselves were the main threat factors of Hebei flora;(3)most of the threatened plants are located in the western,northern and northeastern mountainous regions,namely the key regions of Hebei plant diversity;the endemic and regionally endemic species are severely threatened.Consequently,the assessment not only presented the threatened status of Hebei flora but also indicated the relatively fragile health status of the environment of Beijing and Tianjin.Thus,it is suggested that the application of the IUCN Red List Criteria at the regional level,as an index,could reflect the health status of the local ecosystem.In addition,more concrete measures are needed to conserve the plant diversity and the natural ecosystem of Hebei Province and even the whole region encompassing Beijing and Tianjin.

Turkey’s International Humanitarian Assistance during the AKP Era:Key Actors,Concepts and Motivations

This study explores the key actors implementing Turkey’s international humanitarian assistance,the Turkish understanding of humanitarian assistance,and the main motivations of humanitarian assistance in post-2002 Turkey.Despite that Turkey has recently significantly increased its contribution to international humanitarian assistance,these efforts have received limited research attention from academia.By examining Turkey’s governmental,quasi-governmental and non-governmental aid organisations,and a historical account of the early Turkish international humanitarian assistance,the study discusses the relevant domestic,national security,and commercial motivations with respect to the implications of Turkey’s humanitarian aid.This study provides an overarching framework of Turkey’s international humanitarian assistance,which hopes to make a useful addition to the literature.