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Oocyte meiotic maturation is a vital and final process in oogenesis. Unlike somatic cells, the oocyte needs to undergo two continuous meiotic divisions (meiosis I and meiosis II) to become a haploid gamete. Notably, oocyte meiotic progression includes two rounds of unique meiotic arrest and resumption. The first arrest occurs at the G2 (germinal vesicle) stage and meiosis resumption is stimulated by a gonadotropin surge; the second arrest takes place at the metaphase II stage, the stage from which it is released when fertilization takes place. The maturation-promoting factor, which consists of cyclin B1 (CCNB1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), is responsible for regulating meiotic resumption and progression, while CDK1 is the unique CDK that acts as the catalytic subunit of maturation-promoting factor. Recent studies showed that except for cyclin B1, multiple cyclins interact with CDK1 to form complexes, which are involved in the regulation of meiotic progression at different stages. Here, we review and discuss the control of oocyte meiotic progression by cyclins A1, A2, B1, B2, B3, and O.

In human cells, DNA is hierarchically organized and assembled with histones and DNA-binding proteins in three dimensions. Chromatin interactions play important roles in genome architecture and gene regulation, including robustness in the developmental stages and flexibility during the cell cycle. Here we propose in situ Hi-C method named Bridge Linker-Hi-C (BL-Hi-C) for capturing structural and regulatory chromatin interactions by restriction enzyme targeting and two-step proximity ligation. This method improves the sensitivity and specificity of active chromatin loop detection and can reveal the regulatory enhancer-promoter architecture better than conventional methods at a lower sequencing depth and with a simpler protocol. We demonstrate its utility with two well-studied developmental loci: the beta-globin and HOXC cluster regions. Chromatin interactions and genome architecture are key regulators of gene expression. Here the authors present Bridge-Linker-Hi-C to map active chromatin loops and enhancer-promoter interactions.

Background Protein regulator of cytokinesis-1 (PRC1) belongs to the microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) family, and is involved in cytokinesis. Recent investigations suggest PRC1 involvement in human carcinogenesis, including breast carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma and etc. However, whether PRC1 contributes to lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis remains unknown. Methods Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and Immunohistochemical staining (IHC) were used to evaluate and contrast the PRC1 expression profile in lung adenocarcinoma and adjacent normal lung tissues. We examined the clinical use of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. Additionally, the tumorigenesis impact of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells was verified via in vitro and in vivo metastasis and tumorigenesis assays. Notably, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was performed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the oncogenic role of PRC1 in lung adenocarcinoma. Results PRC1 mRNA and protein expressions were upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma tissues compared to adjacent normal lung tissues. PRC1 protein overexpression correlated with lymph node metastasis and was an independent poor prognostic factor for lung adenocarcinoma patients. Our data implied that PRC1 depletion limited the proliferation and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells in vitro and lowered tumor development and lung metastasis in vivo. Remarkably, limiting PRC1 substantially prompted G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Mechanistically, by conducting NGS on PRC1-depleted A549 cells and control cells, we discovered that PRC1 expression was significantly correlated with the Wnt signaling pathway. Conclusions This investigation offers confirmation that PRC1 is a prognostic and promising therapeutic biomarker for people with lung adenocarcinoma and takes on a key part in the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in lung adenocarcinoma development.

Research has supported the notion that gender plays a significant role in coping and mental health outcome among parents of children with ASD. The current study aims to examine gender role in the relationship between mental health outcome and coping in parents of children with ASD in Singapore. This study involved 97 fathers and 106 mothers of children with ASD completing self-report questionnaires. MANOVA revealed mothers experienced significantly higher stress levels than fathers. Stress was a significant predictor of depression for fathers but not for mothers. Regression analyses found use of active avoidance coping moderated the relationship between stress and depression in both parents. Implications of these findings on intervention are discussed.

Machine-learned potentials (MLPs) have exhibited remarkable accuracy, yet the lack of general-purpose MLPs for a broad spectrum of elements and their alloys limits their applicability. Here, we present a promising approach for constructing a unified general-purpose MLP for numerous elements, demonstrated through a model (UNEP-v1) for 16 elemental metals and their alloys. To achieve a complete representation of the chemical space, we show, via principal component analysis and diverse test datasets, that employing one-component and two-component systems suffices. Our unified UNEP-v1 model exhibits superior performance across various physical properties compared to a widely used embedded-atom method potential, while maintaining remarkable efficiency. We demonstrate our approach’s effectiveness through reproducing experimentally observed chemical order and stable phases, and large-scale simulations of plasticity and primary radiation damage in MoTaVW alloys. Machine-learned potentials are accurate but often lack broad applicability. Here, authors develop a general-purpose neuroevolution potential for 16 metals and their alloys, achieving efficient and accurate predictions of various physical properties.

A new high-precision angular-dependent potential of the Ni–Pd system was obtained by fitting the experimental data and first-principles calculations. Then, the element segregation characteristics and thermal stability of Ni–Pd bimetallic nanoparticles were investigated by Monte Carlo method and molecular dynamics method. The results show that the chemical ordering pattern of PdxNi1 − x nanoparticle is the result of the competition of surface energy, strain energy, bond energy and interface energy. When a small amount of Pd atoms are substitutionally doped into the Ni nanoparticle, all the Pd atoms will be segregated on the surface and dispersed. The synergistic effect of Ni atoms and Pd atoms in the surface will improve the catalytic activity and carbon deposition resistance of PdxNi1 − x nanoparticle catalyst in methane dry reforming reaction. Increasing the doping amount of Pd atoms will gradually reduce the melting point of PdxNi1 − x nanoparticle, thereby reducing its sintering resistance.

Spectrum handoff is one of the key techniques in a cognitive radio system. In order to improve the agility and the reliability of spectrum handoffs as well as the system throughput in hybrid cognitive radio networks (HCRNs) combing interweave mode with underlay mode, a predictive (or proactive) spectrum handoff scheme based on a deep Q-network (DQN) for HCRNs is proposed in this paper. In the proposed spectrum handoff approach, spectrum handoff success rate is introduced into an optimal spectrum resource allocation model to ensure the reliability of spectrum handoff, and the closed-form expression for the spectrum handoff success rate is obtained based on the Poisson distribution. Furthermore, we exploit the transfer learning strategy to further improve the DQN learning process and finally achieve a priority sequence of target available channels for spectrum handoffs, which can maximize the overall HCRNs throughput while satisfying constraints on secondary users’ interference with primary user, limits on the spectrum handoff success rate, and the secondary users’ performance requirements. Simulation results show that the proposed spectrum handoff scheme outperforms the state-of-the-art spectrum handoff algorithms based on predictive decision in terms of the convergence rate, the handoff success rate and the system throughput.

By implementing a high-frequency intelligent network of sensors, this work explores continuous monitoring and alerting for dynamic changes in water quality. Life depends on water, yet pollution is a greater menace. For this reason, precautions and careful observation are necessary. Typically, the focus on conventional water quality system monitoring is too much on data collection and needs more on analysis and extraction, limiting its capacity to offer thorough solutions. Making informed decisions becomes more complicated when there are discrepancies like damaged data, loss from power outages, or transmission issues. The proposed High-Frequency Intelligent Sensing Network (HFISN) monitoring system uses cloud computing, IoT and Big data technologies for intelligent sensing. Researchers developed it to address various challenges. Researchers recommend Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU) Sensor installation to enhance the system’s performance and facilitate better monitoring of sedimentation, particle issues, and water purity. This sensor makes it possible to make more informed decisions by expanding the platform’s dataset. The solution not only resolves data cleaning and analysis issues but also includes intelligent early-warning capabilities for timely alerts. Quantum Cloud (QC) technology is employed to enhance security and accessibility. Test findings confirm its robustness with extra features and a built-in turbidity sensor. Because the platform ensures data accuracy and dependability, it provides decision-makers with a solid foundation to protect water resources.

•Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system to express recombinant VP1, VP1-Ft, G-H loop-Ft, and Ferritin proteins.•Recombinant FMDV subunit vaccines significantly increased FMDV-specific IgG and IgG subclass antibody titers, and the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ.•Fused ferritin nanoparticle FMDV subunit vaccines providing partial survive on mice. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute, febrile, and highly contagious infectious disease common in cloven-hoofed animals. Outbreaks and epidemics of FMD can result in major economic losses of livestock. Using ferritin nanoparticles as the scaffold for an antigen can enhance the immunogenicity of the subunit vaccine and provide possible protection against FMD. We used a baculovirus expression system to express four recombinant proteins (VP1, VP1-Ft, G-H loop-Ft, and ferritin) and the protective immunity of the FMD ferritin nanoparticle vaccines was evaluated in mice. The recombinant subunit vaccines containing VP1, VP1-Ft, and G-H loop-Ft proteins significantly increased FMDV-specific IgG and IgG subclass antibody titers compared with the PBS group, as well as enhancing splenocyte proliferation and the expression of IL-4 and IFN-γ. The VP1 and VP1-Ft vaccines provided survival rates of 55.6% and 66.7%, respectively. The G-H loop-Ft vaccine provided a 77.8% survival rate compared with 100% survival in the inactivated vaccine group. The partial survival provided by the ferritin nanoparticle vaccines indicated that further study of the effects of the fused ferritin nanoparticle FMDV vaccines in animals is warranted.

Background Anus preservation has been a challenge in the treatment of patients with low rectal adenocarcinoma (within 5 cm from the anal verge) because it is difficult to spare the anus with its functioning sphincter complex under the safe margin of tumour resection. Patients with dMMR/MSI-H can achieve a favourable complete response (CR) rate by using a single immune checkpoint inhibitor. For patients with pMMR/MSS/MSI-L, intensified neoadjuvant three-drug chemotherapy may be the preferred option for anal preservation. In addition, the watch and wait (W&W) strategy has been proven safe and feasible for patients with rectal cancer who achieve a clinical complete response (cCR). Therefore, we initiated this clinical trial to explore the optimal neoadjuvant treatment pattern for patients with low locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) with different MMR/MSI statuses, aiming to achieve a higher cCR rate with the W&W strategy and ultimately provide more patients with a chance of anus preservation. Methods This is a randomised, controlled, open-label, multicentre phase III trial. Patients with clinical stage T2-4 and/or N + tumours located within 5 cm from the anal verge are considered eligible. Based on the results of pathological biopsy, the patients are divided into two groups: dMMR/MSI-H and pMMR/MSS. Patients in the dMMR/MSI-H group will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either arm A (monoimmunotherapy) or arm B (short-course radiotherapy followed by monoimmunotherapy). Patients in the pMMR/MSS group will be initially treated with long-term pelvic radiation with concurrent capecitabine combined with irinotecan. Two weeks after the completion of chemoradiotherapy (CRT), the patients will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to arm C (XELIRI six cycle regime) or arm D (FOLFIRINOX nine cycle regime). The irinotecan dose will be adjusted according to the UGT1A1-genotype. After treatment, a comprehensive assessment will be performed to determine whether a cCR has been achieved. If achieved, the W&W strategy will be adopted; otherwise, total mesorectal excision (TME) will be performed. The primary endpoint is cCR with the maintenance of 12 months at least, determined using digital rectal examination, endoscopy, and rectal MRI or PET/CT as a supplementary method. Discussion APRAM will explore the best anus preservation model for low LARC, combining the strategies of consolidation chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and short-course radiotherapy, and aims to preserve the anus of more patients using W&W. Our study provides an accurate individual treatment mode based on the MMR/MSI status for patients with low LARC, and more patients will receive the opportunity for anus preservation under our therapeutic strategy, which would transform into long-term benefits. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05669092 (Registered 28th Nov 2022).