LncRNA Nron regulates osteoclastogenesis during orthodontic bone resorption

Activation of osteoclasts during orthodontic tooth treatment is a prerequisite for alveolar bone resorption and tooth movement.However,the key regulatory molecules involved in osteoclastogenesis during this process remain unclear.Long noncoding RNAs(lnc RNAs)are a newly identified class of functional RNAs that regulate cellular processes,such as gene expression and translation regulation.Recently,lnc RNAs have been reported to be involved in osteogenesis and bone formation.However,as the most abundant noncoding RNAs in vivo,the potential regulatory role of lnc RNAs in osteoclast formation and bone resorption urgently needs to be clarified.We recently found that the lnc RNA Nron(long noncoding RNA repressor of the nuclear factor of activated T cells)is highly expressed in osteoclast precursors.Nron is downregulated during osteoclastogenesis and bone ageing.To further determine whether Nron regulates osteoclast activity during orthodontic treatment,osteoclastic Nron transgenic(Nron c TG)and osteoclastic knockout(Nron CKO)mouse models were generated.When Nron was overexpressed,the orthodontic tooth movement rate was reduced.In addition,the number of osteoclasts decreased,and the activity of osteoclasts was inhibited.Mechanistically,Nron controlled the maturation of osteoclasts by regulating NFATc1 nuclear translocation.In contrast,by deleting Nron specifically in osteoclasts,tooth movement speed increased in Nron CKO mice.These results indicate that lnc RNAs could be potential targets to regulate osteoclastogenesis and orthodontic tooth movement speed in the clinic in the future.

Evolutionary genomics of structural variation in the tea plant,Camellia sinensis

Structural variants(SVs)are a type of genetic variation that contribute substantially to phenotypic diversity and evolution.Further study of SVs will help us understand the influence of SVs associated with tea quality and stress resistance and provide new insight into tea plant breeding improvement and genetic research.However,SVs have not been thoroughly discovered in the tea plant genomes.Herein,we constructed a large-scale SV map across a population of 107 resequenced genomes,including both ancient and cultivated tea plants.A total of 44,240 highconfident SVs were identified,including 34,124 DEL(deletions),4,448 DUP(duplications),2,503 INV(inversions),544 INS(insertions)and 2,621 TRA(translocations).In total,12,400 protein-coding genes were overlapped with SVs,of which 49.5%were expressed in all five tea tissues.SVbased analysis of phylogenetic relationships and population structure in tea plants showed a consistent evolutionary history with the SNP-based results.We also identified SVs subject to artificial selection and found that genes under domestication were enriched in metabolic pathways involving theanine and purine alkaloids,biosynthesis of monoterpenoid,phenylpropanoid,fatty acid,and isoflavonoid,contributing to traits of agronomic interest in tea plants.In addition,a total of 27 terpene synthase(TPS)family genes were selected during domestication.These results indicate that these SVs could provide extensive genomic information for tea quality improvement.

Phosphorus speciation,transformation and benthic processes with implications for environmental impacts in the aquaculture area of Rushan Bay

Phosphorus(P)is an essential nutrient for many organisms in the ocean,which plays a central role in the stability of ecosystems and the evolution of the environment.The distribution,occurrence and source-sink process of P in offshore waters are highly influenced by mariculture activities.P transformation in water-sediment system is the key process in P cycling,however,the mechanism is poorly documented in the coastal sea which is influenced by human activities.Based on the comprehensive surveys in the adjacent waters outside Rushan Bay in May,July and August 2014 and February 2015,the form and transformation of P in the suspended particulate matter(SPM)and surface sediment were analyzed.The results showed that contents of total P,authigenic P and organic P of SPM increased with the increase in distance from the shoreline off Rushan Bay,and the detrital-P decreased.The partition coefficient of P between water and SPM was related to the chemical activity of different forms of P,and a higher reactivity of inorganic P associated with SPM was observed.Hypoxia induced by mariculture changes the distribution and morphological composition of P in SPM and sediment in this typical aquaculture area,which can result in a conversion of sink to source of P in the sediment,thereby having a significant impact on the regional nutrient budget and associated with eutrophication.

Research on Career Planning Education for College Students

Career planning refers to the process in which an individual establishes career development goals,chooses a career,formulates corresponding education,training,and work plans,and takes necessary actions to achieve career goals while taking into account personal qualities and the external environment.This study analyzes the status quo and problems of career planning among college students and puts forward specific strategies to improve the career planning of college students.

Whole-genome Duplication Reshaped Adaptive Evolution in A Relict Plant Species,Cyclocarya paliurus

Cyclocarya paliurus is a relict plant species that survived the last glacial period and shows a population expansion recently.Its leaves have been traditionally used to treat obesity and diabetes with the well-known active ingredient cyclocaric acid B.Here,we presented three C.paliurus genomes from two diploids with different flower morphs and one haplotype-resolved tetraploid assembly.Comparative genomic analysis revealed two rounds of recent whole-genome duplication events and identified 691 genes with dosage effects that likely contribute to adaptive evolution through enhanced photosynthesis and increased accumulation of triterpenoids.Resequencing analysis of 45 C.paliurus individuals uncovered two bottlenecks,consistent with the known events of environmental changes,and many selectively swept genes involved in critical biological functions,including plant defense and secondary metabolite biosynthesis.We also proposed the biosynthesis pathway of cyclocaric acid B based on multi-omics data and identified key genes,in particular gibberellinrelated genes,associated with the heterodichogamy in C.paliurus species.Our study sheds light on evolutionary history of C.paliurus and provides genomic resources to study the medicinal herbs.

Gut microbiota bridges dietary nutrients and host immunity

Dietary nutrients and the gut microbiota are increasingly recognized to cross-regulate and entrain each other,and thus affect host health and immune-mediated diseases.Here,we systematically review the current understanding linking dietary nutrients to gut microbiota-host immune interactions,emphasizing how this axis might influence host immunity in health and diseases.Of relevance,we highlight that the implications of gut microbiota-targeted dietary intervention could be harnessed in orchestrating a spectrum of immune-associated diseases.

Delaunay graph-based moving mesh method with damping functions

The fluid–structure interaction and aerodynamic shape optimization usually involve the moving or deforming boundaries, thus the dynamic mesh techniques are the key techniques to cope with such deformation. A novel dynamic mesh method was developed based on the Delaunay graph in this paper. According to the Delaunay graph, the mesh points were divided into groups. In each group, a factor ranging from 0 to 1 was calculated based on the area/volume ratio. By introducing a proper function for this factor, this method can control the mesh quality with high efficiency. Several test cases were compared with other dynamic mesh methods regarding mesh quality and CPU time, such as radial basis function method and Delaunay graph mapping method.

Effect of Saccharomyces boulardii and Bacillus subtilis B10 on gut microbiota modulation in broilers

The gut microbiota plays important roles in animal overall health and productiveness. Balancing host gut microbiota by probiotics has been documented. Our previous study showed that Saccharomyces boulardii(Sb) and Bacillus subtilis B10(Bs) significantly improve growth performance and modulate the intestinal histomorphology in broilers. To increase the knowledge regarding Sb and Bs, this study investigated the effects of these 2 probiotic strains on the gut microbiota in broilers. Three hundred 1-day-old Sanhuang broilers(Chinese cross breed) were randomly divided into 3 groups, each group with 5 replications(n = 20). The control group(CK) was fed a basal diet containing an antibiotic(virginiamycin, 20 mg/kg) and the other 2 groups received Sb and Bs(1 × 10~8cfu/kg of feed) in addition to the basal diet. After 72 d of treatment, pyrosequencing revealed that the bacterial communities varied along the section of intestinal tract in the control and Bs groups, but not in the Sb group. No difference in microbial diversity was observed among 3 groups. The major phyla observed along the GI tract of broilers(particularly in the duodenum and cecum) were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia, which were considered potentially growth performance-related. Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were observed at a much higher abundance in the jejunums and ileums of the Sb group(P < 0.05). In addition, the jejunal microbial communities formed 3 different clusters at either the genus level or the category of metabolism among the groups, based on the principal component analyses. These data indicated that Sb and Bs can modulate the microbial ecosystem, and subsequently enhance the health status of broilers.

Ultrafast Miniature Robotic Swimmers with Upstream Motility

With the development of materials science and micro-nano fabrication techniques,miniature soft robots at millimeter or submillimeter size can be manufactured and actuated remotely.The small-scaled robots have the unique capability to access hard-to-reach regions in the human body in a noninvasive manner.To date,it is still challenging for miniature robots to accurately move in the diverse and dynamic environments in the human body(e.g.,in blood flow).To effectively locomote in the vascular system,miniature swimmers with upstream swimming capability are required.Herein,we design and fabricate a miniature robotic swimmer capable of performing ultrafast swimming in a fluidic environment.The maximum velocity of the swimmer in water is 30 cm/s,which is 60 body lengths.Moreover,in a tubular environment,the swimmer can still obtain a swimming velocity of 17 cm/s.The swimmer can also perform upstream swimming in a tubular environment with a velocity of 5 cm/s when the flow speed is 10 cm/s.The ultrasound-guided navigation of the swimmer in a phantom mimicking a blood vessel is also realized.This work gives insight into the design of agile undulatory milliswimmers for future biomedical applications.

Enhancement of Xrcc1-mediated base excision repair improves the genetic stability and pluripotency of iPSCs

诱导多能干细胞(iPSC)因其强大的自我更新和分化能力而具有广阔的应用前景.然而,多个研究表明体细胞诱导重编程过程会引入数以千计的遗传畸变,进而带来临床应用的安全性问题,已有前期研究证明单核苷酸变异(SNVs)的逐渐积累会致使iPSC丧失发育潜能,但致使SNVs产生并积累的原因还尚未探明.本研究通过对不同DNA损伤修复通路的筛选验证后,发现重编程过程早中期碱基切除修复(BER)效率的不足是导致SNVs积累的重要原因,进一步的研究发现XRCC1可以显著增强重编程前中期的BER,从而降低引入的SNVs,提高iPSC基因组的稳定性.同时,XRCC1介导的BER增强也提高了体细胞诱导重编程的效率.更为重要的是,体内嵌合体实验证实高效的BER可以显著提高iPSC的质量.综上,该研究可以有效提高iPSC基因组的稳定性和多能性,为其临床应用的安全性提供了新思路.

Recent Advances in Assembly of Complex Plant Genomes

Over the past 20 years,tremendous advances in sequencing technologies and computational algorithms have spurred plant genomic research into a thriving era with hundreds of genomes decoded already,ranging from those of nonvascular plants to those of flowering plants.However,complex plant genome assembly is still challenging and remains difficult to fully resolve with conventional sequencing and assembly methods due to high heterozygosity,highly repetitive sequences,or high ploidy characteristics of complex genomes.Herein,we summarize the challenges of and advances in complex plant genome assembly,including feasible experimental strategies,upgrades to sequencing technology,existing assembly methods,and different phasing algorithms.Moreover,we list actual cases of complex genome projects for readers to refer to and draw upon to solve future problems related to complex genomes.Finally,we expect that the accurate,gapless,telomere-totelomere,and fully phased assembly of complex plant genomes could soon become routine.

A selective N,N-dithenoyl-rhodamine based fluorescent probe for Fe3+ detection in aqueous and living cells

A novel N,N-dithenoyl-rhodamine based fluorescent and colorimetric Fe3+probe 1 was designed and synthesized by only one step from Rhodamine B hydrazide and 2-thiophenecarbonyl chloride.The structure of probe 1 was characterized by 1 H NMR/13C NMR spectroscopy,IR spectroscopy,and HRMS spectrometry.Accompanying with significant changes in visual color and fluorescent spectrum,probe 1 displayed good sensitivity for Fe3+with an abroad pH span.The detection limit(3.76μmol/L,0.2 mg/L)for Fe3+was lower than WHO recommended value(0.3 mg/L)for drinking water.Using two thiophene carbonyl groups as coordinating functional recognition group,probe 1 showed excellent selectivity towards Fe3+over diverse coexistent metal ions and anions.The sensing mechanism between dithenoyl-substituted probe 1 and Fe3+was further confirmed by 1 H NMR and IR titration experiments,binding constants study,and Job’s plot analysis.Furthermore,probe 1 also exhibited good cell membrane permeability and could be used as an efficient Fe3+probe in living human cells.

Genomic Variations in the Tea Leafhopper Reveal the Basis of Its Adaptive Evolution

Tea green leafhopper(TGL),Empoasca onukii,is of biological and economic interest.Despite numerous studies,the mechanisms underlying its adaptation and evolution remain enigmatic.Here,we use previously untapped genome and population genetics approaches to examine how the pest adapted to different environmental variables and thus has expanded geographically.We complete a chromosome-level assembly and annotation of the E.onukii genome,showing notable expansions of gene families associated with adaptation to chemoreception and detoxification.Genomic signals indicating balancing selection highlight metabolic pathways involved in adaptation to a wide range of tea varieties grown across ecologically diverse regions.Patterns of genetic variations among 54 E.onukii samples unveil the population structure and evolutionary history across different tea-growing regions in China.Our results demonstrate that the genomic changes in key pathways,including those linked to metabolism,circadian rhythms,and immune system functions,may underlie the successful spread and adaptation of E.onukii.This work highlights the genetic and molecular basis underlying the evolutionary success of a species with broad economic impacts,and provides insights into insect adaptation to host plants,which will ultimately facilitate more sustainable pest management.

Dietary folic acid addition reduces abdominal fat deposition mediated by alterations in gut microbiota and SCFA production in broilers

Intensive selective breeding for high growth rate and body weight cause excess abdominal fat in broilers.Gut microbiota and folic acid were reported to regulate lipid metabolism.A total of 210 one-day-old broilers were divided into the control(folic acid at 1.3 mg/kg)and folic acid groups(folic acid at 13 mg/kg)to illustrate the effects of folic acid on growth performance,abdominal fat deposition,and gut microbiota,and the experiment lasted 28 d.Results revealed that dietary folic acid addition decreased abdominal fat percentage(P<0.05)and down-regulated genes expression related to cell proliferation and differentiation in abdominal fat including IGF1,EGF,C/EBPα,PPARγ,PLIN1,FABP4 and PCNA(P<0.05).Folic acid addition decreased caecal Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio(P<0.01)and increased the proportions of Alistipes,Oscillospira,Ruminococcus,Clostridium,Dehalobacterium and Parabacteroides(P<0.05).Caecal acetic acid,and propionic acid contents were found to be higher under folic acid treatment(P<0.05),which were negatively related to genes expression associated with adipocyte proliferation and differentiation(P<0.05).Ruminococcus was positively correlated with caecal acetic acid content,and the same phenomenon was detected between propionic acid and Oscillospira and Ruminococcus(P<0.05).Acetic acid and Oscillospira were identified to be negatively associated with abdominal fat percentage(P<0.05).In conclusion,our data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of folic acid reduced fat deposition in broilers by inhibiting abdominal adipocyte proliferation and differentiation,which might be mediated by changes in gut microbiota and short chain fatty acid production.