同心圆式反应器中精确调控和连续制备β-四钼酸铵

采用同心圆式反应器制备β-四钼酸铵,研究制备过程中Mo离子聚合形态和微观结构受溶液酸度影响的变化规律。结果表明,将溶液的pH值控制在2.5以下可以得到四钼酸铵晶体;采用NH_(3)·H_(2)O将溶液pH值调回至3.0有利于细粒钼酸铵结晶的溶解,并促进七钼酸铵向四钼酸铵结晶的转变;降低(NH_(4))_(4)Mo_(4)O_(12)(O_(2))2·2H_(2)O晶体与结晶母液的接触时间有利于获得β-(NH_(4))_(2)Mo_(4)O_(13)结晶。基于钼的聚合机理,设计多个格区的同心圆反应器,实现钼酸铵结晶的分区域调控。通过调控硝酸、氨水和含晶种的母液在各格区中加入的位置和时机,可制备出优质的β-(NH_(4))_(2)Mo_(4)O_(13)结晶。

Therapeutic effect of secretome from TNF-αstimulated mesenchymal stem cells in an experimental model of corneal limbal stem cell deficiency

AIM:To explore the secretome efficacy in tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αstimulated mouse mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)in a murine model of corneal limbal alkali injury.METHODS:Corneal limbal stem cell deficiency(LSCD)was created in the eyes of male C57 mice.Concentrated conditioned medium from TNF-αstimulated MSCs(MSC-CMT)was applied topically for 4 wk,with basal medium and conditioned medium from MSCs as controls.Corneal opacification,corneal inflammatory response,and corneal neovascularization(NV)were evaluated.Corneal epithelial cell apoptosis,corneal conjunctivation,and inflammatory cell infiltration were assessed with TUNEL staining,CK3 and Muc-5 AC immunostaining,and CD11 b immunofluorescence staining,respectively.The effect of TSG-6 was further evaluated by knockdown with short hairpin RNA(sh RNA).RESULTS:Compared to the controls,topical administration of MSC-CMT significantly ameliorated the clinical symptoms of alkali-induced LSCD,with restrained corneal NV,reduced corneal epithelial cell apoptosis,and inhibition of corneal conjunctivation.In addition,MSC-CMT treatment significantly reduced CD11 b+inflammatory cell infiltration,and inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-1β,TNF-αand IL-6).Furthermore,the promotion of corneal epithelial reconstruction by MSC-CMT was largely abolished by TSG-6 knockdown.CONCLUSION:Our study provides evidence that MSCCMT enhances the alleviation of corneal alkali injuries,partially through TSG-6-mediated anti-inflammatory protective mechanisms.MSC-CMT may serve as a potential strategy for treating corneal disorders.

Gapless genome assembly of azalea and multi-omics investigation into divergence between two species with distinct f lower color

The genus Rhododendron(Ericaceae),with more than 1000 species highly diverse in f lower color,is providing distinct ornamental values and a model system for f lower color studies.Here,we investigated the divergence between two parental species with different f lower color widely used for azalea breeding.Gapless genome assembly was generated for the yellow-f lowered azalea,Rhododendron molle.Comparative genomics found recent proliferation of long terminal repeat retrotransposons(LTR-RTs),especially Gypsy,has resulted in a 125 Mb(19%)genome size increase in species-specific regions,and a significant amount of dispersed gene duplicates(13402)and pseudogenes(17437).Metabolomic assessment revealed that yellow f lower coloration is attributed to the dynamic changes of carotenoids/f lavonols biosynthesis and chlorophyll degradation.Time-ordered gene co-expression networks(TO-GCNs)and the comparison confirmed the metabolome and uncovered the specific gene regulatory changes underpinning the distinct f lower pigmentation.B3 and ERF TFs were found dominating the gene regulation of carotenoids/f lavonols characterized pigmentation in R.molle,while WRKY,ERF,WD40,C2H2,and NAC TFs collectively regulated the anthocyanins characterized pigmentation in the red-f lowered R simsii.This study employed a multi-omics strategy in disentangling the complex divergence between two important azaleas and provided references for further functional genetics and molecular breeding.

Haplotype-resolved genome assembly and allele- specific gene expression in cultivated ginger

Ginger(Zingiber officinale)is one of the most valued spice plants worldwide;it is prized for its culinary and folk medicinal applications and is therefore of high economic and cultural importance.Here,we present a haplotype-resolved,chromosome-scale assembly for diploid ginger anchored to 11 pseudochromosome pairs with a total length of 3.1 Gb.Remarkable structural variation was identified between haplotypes,and two inversions larger than 15Mb on chromosome 4 may be associated with ginger infertility.We performed a comprehensive,spatiotemporal,genome-wide analysis of allelic expression patterns,revealing that most alleles are coordinately expressed.The alleles that exhibited the largest differences in expression showed closer proximity to transposable elements,greater coding sequence divergence,more relaxed selection pressure,and more transcription factor binding site differences.We also predicted the transcription factors potentially regulating 6-gingerol biosynthesis.Our allele-aware assembly provides a powerful platform for future functional genomics,molecular breeding,and genome editing in ginger.

Dual mechanisms of Bcl-2 regulation in IP_(3)-receptor-mediated Ca^(2+)release:A computational study

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors(IP_(3)R)-mediated calcium ion(Ca^(2+))release plays a central role in the regulation of cell survival and death.Bcl-2 limits the Ca^(2+)release function of the IP3R through a direct or indirect mechanism.However,the two mechanisms are overwhelmingly complex and not completely understood.Here,we convert the mechanisms into a set of ordinary differential equations.We firstly simulate the time evolution of Ca^(2+)concentration under two different levels of Bcl-2 for the direct and indirect mechanism models and compare them with experimental results available in the literature.Secondly,we employ one-and two-parameter bifurcation analysis to demonstrate that Bcl-2 can suppress Ca^(2+)signal from a global point of view both in the direct and indirect mechanism models.We then use mathematical analysis to clarify that the indirect mechanism is more efficient than the direct mechanism in repressing Ca^(2+)signal.Lastly,we predict that the two mechanisms restrict Ca^(2+)signal synergistically.Together,our study provides theoretical insights into Bcl-2 regulation in IP_(3)R-mediated Ca^(2+)release,which may be instrumental for the successful development of therapies to target Bcl-2 for cancer treatment.

Photoluminescence of green nanophosphors Sr_(2)MgSi_(2)O_(7)doped with Tb^(3+)under 374-nm excitation

A series of Sr_(2)MgSi_(2)O_(7):Tb^(3+)nanophosphors is prepared using a high-temperature solid-state reaction.The x-ray diffraction patterns show that the crystal structure of the sample is not significantly affected by Tb^(3+)ions.However,the images of the scanning electron microscope illustrate that the average size of nanoparticles becomes larger with the increase of Tb^(3+)concentration.Unlike earlier investigations on down-conversion emission of Tb^(3+)ion excited by deep ultraviolet light,in this work,the photoluminescence characteristics of Sr_(2)MgSi_(2)O_(7)nanophosphors doped with different Tb^(3+)concentrations are analyzed under 374-nm excitations.The intense green emission at 545 nm is observed at an optimal doping concentration of 1.6 mol%.The main reason for the concentration quenching is due to the electric dipole-electric dipole interaction among Tb^(3+)ions.

Chromosome-scale assembly and evolution of the tetraploid Salvia splendens (Lamiaceae) genome

Polyploidization plays a key role in plant evolution,but the forces driving the fate of homoeologs in polyploid genomes,i.e.,paralogs resulting from a whole-genome duplication(WGD)event,remain to be elucidated.Here,we present a chromosome-scale genome assembly of tetraploid scarlet sage(Salvia splendens),one of the most diverse ornamental plants.We found evidence for three WGD events following an older WGD event shared by most eudicots(theγevent).A comprehensive,spatiotemporal,genome-wide analysis of homoeologs from the most recent WGD unveiled expression asymmetries,which could be associated with genomic rearrangements,transposable element proximity discrepancies,coding sequence variation,selection pressure,and transcription factor binding site differences.The observed differences between homoeologs may reflect the first step toward sub-and/or neofunctionalization.This assembly provides a powerful tool for understanding WGD and gene and genome evolution and is useful in developing functional genomics and genetic engineering strategies for scarlet sage and other Lamiaceae species.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy improves clinical outcomes in patients with repeated implantation failure

Objective:The objective of this study is to study whether preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy(PGT-A)improves the clinical outcomes of infertile patients with repeated implantation failure(RIF)undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer.Methods:This is a retrospective analysis of clinical pregnancy,live birth,miscarriage rates,and obstetric and perinatal outcomes of women with RIF with or without PGT-A.Statistical analyses of categorical data were performed using propensity score matching(PSM),χ^(2)test,and Student’s t test.Results:We enrolled 466 patients with RIF,of which,209 were in the RIF-PGT-A group.The rate of euploid blastocysts was significantly associated with age and day 5 or 6 blastocysts.There were significant differences between the RIF-PGT-A group and the RIF-non-PGT-A group across several parameters.After PSM,positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin(56.9%and 33.9%,P<0.01),clinical pregnancy(49.5%and 31.2%,P<0.01),live birth(43.1%and 25.7%,P<0.01),and fetal heart rates(50.0%and 29.8%,P<0.01)per transfer were significantly higher in the RIF-PGT-A group.Conclusion:Elective single-embryo transfer PGT-A can minimize the risk of obstetric and perinatal outcomes,especially fetal body weight,in women with RIF.Additionally,PGT-A can significantly improve pregnancy and live birth rates.

Exploring the mechanism of Yuxuebi Pill in the treatment of osteoarthritis through network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background:Osteoarthritis(OA)is one of the most common joint diseases which mainly involves damage to the articular cartilage andinvolves the entire joint tissue.Yuxuebi Pill(YXBP)is one of the traditional Chinese medicine compound drugs for the treatment of OA.In this study,we aimed to use network pharmacology and molecular docking technology to systematically explain the potential anti-OA mechanism of YXBP.Methods:We used the TCMSP database to query YXBP related natural compounds,and obtained potential targets of these natural compounds through PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction database.According to the OMIM database,GeneCard database,CTD database,and DrugBank database,the potential targets of OA were obtained.According to the location results of potential target genes of YXBP and OA,a PPI network was constructed and amplified to obtain the interaction between targets.We screened out the HUB target through topological analysis.In addition,we used David bioinformatics resources to enrich the GO biological processes and KEGG pathways.Molecular docking was used to verify the relationship between the core compounds and proteins.Results:This study identified five core components of YXBP for OA,including quercetin,beta-sitosterol,stigmasterol,kaempferol,and luteolin.At the same time,we obtained a total of 264 related targets for OA.Functional enrichment analysis suggested that YXBP exerted its pharmacological effects on OA by modulating multiple pathways,including the IL-17 signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,JAK-STAT signaling pathway.The biological processes mainly involve inflammation,cell apoptosis,and cell cycle.Subsequently,based on molecular docking the key compounds could be found to spontaneously bind to the proteins.Conclusions:YXBP may exert an anti-OA effect through pathways,including the IL-17 signaling pathway,HIF-1 signaling pathway,JAK-STAT signaling pathway.The application of network pharmacology and molecular docking technology may provide a novel method for research of Chinese herbal medicine.YXBP may also provide a complementary treatment option for patients with OA.

Preparation and application of a novel orotic acid chelating resin for removal of Cu(Ⅱ) in aqueous solutions

A novel chelating resin OABA,capable of removing Cu（Ⅱ） from aqueous solution,was synthesized via the reaction of macroporous chloromethylated PS-DVB copolymer beads with orotic acid.The elemental analysis（EA）,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FT-IR）,and scanning electron microscopy microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy（SEM-EDS） were used in the characterization of the synthesized chelating resin.Multiple,static batch adsorption experiments were conducted at different initial concentrations and temperatures.OABA showed good adsorption capacity for Cu（Ⅱ） and the equilibrium data could be well matched with the Freundlich isotherm model.Coexisting sodium chloride and calcium chloride in solutions favored the Cu（Ⅱ） adsorption.Moreover,the desorption process of Cu（Ⅱ） was tested and over 90%regeneration efficiency for the spent OABA was achieved at ammonia concentrations ranging from 1.0%to 2.0%.The results suggested that OABA would be a potential alternative adsorbent for Cu（Ⅱ）,even with other heavy metal ion treatments of wastewater.

Sperm-specific protein ACTL7A as a biomarker for fertilization outcomes of assisted reproductive technology

Obtaining high-quality embryos is one of the key factors to improve the clinical pregnancy rate of assisted reproductive technologies(ART).So far,the clinical evaluation of embryo quality depends on embryo morphology.However,the clinical pregnancy rate is still low.Therefore,new indicators are needed to further improve the evaluation of embryo quality.Several studies have shown that the decrease of sperm-specific protein actin-like 7A(ACTL7A)leaded to low fertilization rate,poor embryo development,and even infertility.The aim of this study was to study whether the different expression levels of ACTL7A on sperm can be used as a biomarker for predicting embryo quality.In this study,excluding the factors of severe female infertility,a total of 281 sperm samples were collected to compare the ACTL7A expression levels of sperms with high and low effective embryo rates and analyze the correlation between protein levels and in-vitro fertilization(IVF)laboratory outcomes.Our results indicated that the ACTL7A levels were significantly reduced in sperm samples presenting poor embryo quality.Furthermore,the protein levels showed a significant correlation with fertilization outcomes of ART.ACTL7A has the potential to be a biomarker for predicting success rate of fertilization and effective embryo and the possibility of embryo arrest.In conclusion,sperm-specific protein ACTL7A has a strong correlation with IVF laboratory outcomes and plays important roles in fertilization and embryo development.

Phase equilibria of low-Ni side in Nb-Ni-Ti system at 1100℃

The phase equilibria related to liquid phase in low-Ni side of Nb-Ni-Ti system at 1100℃were investigated through scanning electron microscope(SEM),electron probe micro-analyzer(EPMA),X-ray diffraction(XRD)and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC).The results show that there exists liquid phase in equilibrium with continuous solid solution(Nb,βTi)and compound TiNi in low-Ni side of Nb-Ni-Ti system at 1100℃.The liquid phase region originates from low-Ni side of binary TiNi system and extends to 9.4 at%Nb in isothermal section of Nb-Ni-Ti phase diagram.The solid solubility of Nb in binary compound TiNi is about 10.6 at%.At 1100℃,there exist two three-phase regions consisting of liquid+(Nb,βTi)+TiNi and(Nb,βTi)+TiNi+X_B in Nb-Ni-Ti system,where X_B is the compound with hexagonal structure and composition of 32.8 Nb-44.5 Ni-22.7 Ti.The wide two-phase region(Nb,βTi)+TiNi exists between these two three-phase regions.In this two-phase region,Ti content in continuous solid solution(Nb,βTi)varies from6.6 at%to 25.7 at%,but Ni content is almost the same,which is about 4.0 at%.The eutectic transformation L■(Nb,βTi)+TiNi takes place at about 1138℃in Nb-Ni-Ti ternary system.

Vitrification of In vitro-matured Oocytes:Effects of Meiotic Spindle Morphology on Clinical Outcome

Objective:The meiotic spindle controls chromosome movement and mediates various functions essential for fertilization and early postfertilization events.This study aimed to examine whether vitrification causes meiotic damage in vitro-matured metaphase II(MII)human oocytes,and whether the meiotic spindle morphology influences the subsequent developmental outcomes.Methods:The spindle characteristics of MII human oocytes in vitro matured were studied before and after vitrification using PolScope imaging and immunofluorescence staining.The developmental competence of oocytes was also examined.Results:A total of 419 human MII oocytes were obtained from 593 intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles at our hospital.Of these oocytes,54 were used for immunofluorescence staining,whereas the other oocytes were examined by PolScope imaging and classified into three groups according to the meiotic spindle morphology:(A)normal morphology,(B)weak refraction and short meiotic spindle,and(C)no detectable meiotic spindle.The three groups demonstrated statistically significant differences in terms of survival after vitrification.However,differences were not found in terms of oocyte chromosome structure and meiotic spindle morphology on immunofluorescence staining performed before and after vitrification.Oocyte survival,fertilization,and early embryonic development rates were significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B and C with or without vitrification.While vitrification had no effect on these metrics in Group A,Groups B and C demonstrated significantly lower fertilization and cleavage rates after vitrification/warming.Conclusions:Screening for normal meiotic spindle morphology and chromosome configuration before vitrification may increase the yield of healthy viable oocytes for various assisted reproductive technologies.