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Background Lysine succinylation (Ksu) exists in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and influences a variety of metabolism processes. However, little attention has been paid to Ksu in insects, especially the notorious invasive pest Solenopsis invicta . Results In this study, the first analyses of Ksu proteome and overlap between Ksu and lysine acetylation (Kac) in S . invicta were presented. 3753 succinylated sites in 893 succinylated proteins were tested. The dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase, V-type proton ATPase subunit G, and tubulin alpha chain all had evolutionary conservatism among diverse ant or bee species. Immunoblotting validation showed that there were many Ksu protein bands with a wide range of molecular mass. In addition, 1230 sites in 439 proteins were highly overlapped between Ksu and Kac. 54.05% of Ksu proteins in cytoplasm were acetylated. The results demonstrated that Ksu may play a vital part in the allergization, redox metabolism, sugar, fat, and protein metabolism, energy production, immune response, and biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites. Conclusions Ksu and Kac were two ubiquitous protein post-translational modifications participated in a variety of biological processes. Our results may supply rich resources and a starting point for the molecular basic research of regulation on metabolic pathways and other biological processes by succinylation and acetylation.

Lysine acetylation (Kac) plays a critical role in the regulation of many important cellular processes. However, little is known about Kac in Solenopsis invicta , which is among the 100 most dangerous invasive species in the world. Kac in S . invicta was evaluated for the first time in this study. Altogether, 2387 Kac sites were tested in 992 proteins. The prediction of subcellular localization indicated that most identified proteins were located in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and nucleus. Venom allergen Sol i 2, Sol i 3, and Sol i 4 were found to be located in the extracellular. The enriched Kac site motifs included Kac H, Kac Y, Kac G, Kac F, Kac T, and Kac W. H, Y, F, and W frequently occurred at the +1 position, whereas G, Y, and T frequently occurred at the –1 position. In the cellular component, acetylated proteins were enriched in the cytoplasmic part, mitochondrial matrix, and cytosolic ribosome. Furthermore, 25 pathways were detected to have significant enrichment. Interestingly, arginine and proline metabolism, as well as phagosome, which are related to immunity, involved several Kac proteins. Sequence alignment analyses demonstrated that V-type proton ATPase subunit G, tubulin alpha chain, and arginine kinase, the acetylated lysine residues, were evolutionarily conserved among different ant species. In the investigation of the interaction network, diverse interactions were adjusted by Kac. The results indicated that Kac may play an important role in the sensitization, cellular energy metabolism, immune response, nerve signal transduction, and response to biotic and abiotic stress of S . invicta . It may be useful to confirm the functions of Kac target proteins for the design of specific and effective drugs to prevent and control this dangerous invasive species.

The causal relationship between gut microbiota and DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration remains unclear. This study aims to examine the causal effect of gut microbiota on the acceleration of DNA methylation phenotypic age using Mendelian randomization. A total of 212 gut microbiota were included in this study, and their 16S rRNA sequencing data were obtained from the Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) database. The GWAS data corresponding to DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration were selected as the outcome variable. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) was conducted using R software. During the analysis process, careful consideration was given to address potential biases arising from linkage disequilibrium and weak instrumental variables. The results from inverse-variance weighting (IVW) analysis revealed significant associations ( P  < 0.05) between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) corresponding to 16 gut microbiota species and DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration. Out of the total, 12 gut microbiota species exhibited consistent and robust causal effects. Among them, 7 displayed a significant positive correlation with the outcome while 5 species showed a significant negative correlation with the outcome. This study utilized Mendelian randomization to unravel the intricate causal effects of various gut microbiota species on DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) imposes a heavy disease burden in China, accounting for over 50% of global cases and approximately 301,000 annual deaths. Current prognostic markers inadequately predict recurrence in early-stage patients. This study investigates microRNA-107 (miR-107) as a novel prognostic biomarker for ESCC. Tumor tissues (  = 66) and adjacent normal tissues (  = 28) were collected from ESCC patients undergoing radical surgery (2010-2012). miR-107 expression was quantified reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) (normalized to U6 snRNA). Clinicopathological correlations and survival outcomes were analyzed using tests, Kaplan-Meier/log-rank tests, and Cox regression. Comparative analysis of miR-107 levels was performed in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma line 109 (EC109) cancer cells versus human esophageal epithelial cell (HEEC) normal epithelial cells. miR-107 expression was significantly lower in esophageal cancer tissues (0.801 ± 0.737) compared to adjacent non-cancerous tissues (1.390 ± 1.346),  = 0.006. Low miR-107 expression (cutoff = median) correlated with advanced tumor, node, metastasis stage (TNM stage) (I V: 100% 21.4%,  < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (73.1% 35%,  < 0.001), and larger tumor size (70% 33.3%,  < 0.001). Patients with low miR-107 had shorter median overall survival (10 59 months; Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.475, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) [0.247-0.915];  < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed miR-107 as an independent prognostic factor alongside TNM stage (HR = 3.586, 95% CI [2.253-5.708];  < 0.001). Consistently, EC109 cells exhibited 59% lower miR-107 levels than HEEC (  = 0.029). miR-107 downregulation is a robust predictor of aggressive ESCC phenotypes and poor survival. It holds promise as a clinical biomarker for risk stratification and personalized therapy. Future studies should validate these findings in multicenter cohorts and elucidate miR-107's functional mechanisms.

Neuroinflammation plays a key role in the progression of secondary brain injury after ischemic stroke, and exosomes have been increasingly recognized to eliminate inflammatory responses through various mechanisms. This study aimed to explore the effect and possible mechanism of human umbilical vein endothelial cells derived exosomes (H-EXOs) on neuroinflammation. We established a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (tMCAO/R) in male rats and oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) model in cultured neurons to mimic secondary brain injury after ischemic stroke in vivo . H-EXOs were administered at the same time of reperfusion. Results showed that the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) were significantly increased both in rat brain tissue and cultured neural cells after ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury. H-EXOs treatment significantly improved the cultured cell viability, reduced infarct sizes, mitigated neurobehavioral defects, and alleviated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with the control group, indicating that H-EXOs exerted anti-inflammatory effect against I/R injury. Further studies revealed that the anti-inflammatory effect of H-EXOs could be weakened by small-interfering RNA (siKLF4) transfection. KLF14 was a protective factor produced during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. In conclusion, H-EXOs protect neurons from inflammation after I/R injury by enhancing KLF14 expression.

Mallada basalis (Walker) has the potential to be a valuable biological control agent because of its predatory abilities, strong reproductive capacity, and broad prey range. This study aimed to improve on a previously used artificial diet for M. basalis, to achieve a longer oviposition period and greater survival rate and fecundity. We analyzed the development, survival, longevity, and reproduction of M. basalis (F1 and F2 generations) fed two artificial diets (AD1 and AD2). Both diets contained chicken egg yolk, beer yeast powder, honey, trehalose, seawater spirulina, and potassium sorbate. AD1 also contained sucrose and vitamin C. The duration of F1 1st larvae, F1 2nd larvae, F1 pupae, F2 egg, and F2 2nd larvae reared on AD1 were significantly shorter than those reared on AD2. F1 adult longevity and F2 oviposition period for AD1 (45.40 d and 31.00 d) were significantly longer than for AD2 (30.74 d and 20.80 d). All the following were significantly greater for AD1 compared with AD2: F1 female proportion, F1 daily oviposition, F1 female oviposition, F2 daily oviposition, F2 female oviposition, F1 emergence rate, F2 pupation rate, and F3 egg hatching rate. Moreover, for M. basalis fed AD2, the duration of F2 2nd and 3rd larvae (9.00 d and 8.64 d) were significantly longer than for F1 (4.70 d and 4.92 d). The F1 oviposition period (31.57 d) was significantly longer than F2 (20.80 d). The F2 female oviposition (189.20 egg/female) was significantly less than F1 (307.14 egg/female). We found that the oviposition period and female longevity of F1 reared on AD1 was longer than that reared on the artificial diet in a previous study. The daily oviposition and female oviposition of F1 from AD1 was larger, while the F2 egg hatching rate was greater compared with that from the previous diet. However, the offspring of M. basalis fed AD2 were less thrifty. We found diet AD1 supported development and reproduction better than AD2 and the diets in our previous study. These findings may contribute to the mass rearing of this economically important predatory green lacewing.

Aims This study investigated the association of capillary blood glucose (CBG)‐assessed time in range (TIR) (3.9–10.0 mmol/L) with insulin sensitivity and islet β‐cell function. Materials and Methods We recruited 455 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Seven‐point glucose‐profile data (pre‐ and 120 min post‐main meals, bedtime) were collected over three consecutive days. Plasma glucose and serum insulin concentrations were measured at 0, 60, and 120 min after a 100 g standard steamed bread meal test. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and Matsuda index were computed to evaluate insulin resistance. The HOMA of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) and the area under the curve between insulin and blood glucose (IAUC0−120/GAUC0−120) were used to estimate β‐cell function. Results TIR was positively correlated with the 60 and 120 min insulin values, IAUC0−120, the Matsuda index, HOMA‐β, and IAUC0−120/GAUC0−120 (rs: 0.154, 0.129, 0.137, 0.194, 0.341, and 0.334, respectively; P < 0.05) but inversely correlated with HOMA‐IR (rs: –0.239, P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounders, multinomial multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds ratios (ORs) of achieving the target time in range (>70%) increased by 12% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3–21%), 7% (95% CI: 1–14%), 10% (95% CI: 5–16%), and 45% (95% CI: 25–68%) for each 10 mIU/L increase in the 60 and 120 min insulin values, 10 unit increase in HOMA‐β, and unit increase in IAUC0−120/GAUC0−120, respectively (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the OR decreased by 10% (95% CI: 1–18%) for each unit increase in HOMA‐IR (P < 0.05). Conclusions Insulin resistance and islet β‐cell function are related to capillary blood glucose‐assessed TIR. 1. To our knowledge this is the first study looking at insulin resistance and TIR in patients with T2DM. 2. Insulin resistance is negatively correlated with TIR in patients with T2DM 3. Impaired ‐cell function has negative effects on TIR in patients with T2DM

Plant cell walls, which are mainly composed of pectin, play important roles in plant defence responses to pathogens. Pectin is synthesised in a highly esterified form and then de-esterified by pectin methylesterases (PMEs). Because of this, PMEs are directly involved in plant defence. However, the molecular mechanisms of their interactions with pectins remain unclear. In this study, we compared the expression level and enzyme activities of PMEs in a banana Cavendish cultivar ( Musa AAA ‘Brazilian’) inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense pathogenic races 1 ( Foc 1) and 4 ( Foc 4). We further examined the spatial distribution of PMEs and five individual homogalacturonans (HGs) with different degree of pectin methylesterification (DM). Results suggested that the banana roots infected with Foc 1 showed lower PME activity than those infected with Foc 4, which was consisted with observed higher level of pectin DM. The level of HGs crosslinked with Ca 2+ was significantly higher in roots infected with Foc 1 compared with those infected with Foc 4. Therefore, banana exhibited significantly different responses to Foc 1 and Foc 4 infection, and these results suggest differences in PME activities, DM of pectin and Ca 2+ -bridged HG production. These differences could have resulted in observed differences in virulence between Foc 1 and Foc 4.

Background 18p deletion (18p-) syndrome is a rare chromosomal abnormality with a wide range of phenotypes. Its main clinical features are short stature, intellectual disability, and facial dysmorphism, which are rarely accompanied by autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD) or pituitary abnormalities. Herein, we report the first Chinese patient with a de novo 18p deletion who presented with ATD and non-functioning pituitary adenoma. Case presentation A 24-year-old female patient presented with severe ptosis, intellectual disability, hypothyroidism associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and a non-functional pituitary adenoma. Deletion of the short arm of chromosome 18 was detected in a G-banded karyotyping (46, XX, del [18] [p11.1]). Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed a 14.9 Mb deletion in chromosome 18p11.32p11.21, defined as arr[GRCh38]18p11.32p11.21(136227–15079295)x1. The literature review indicated that patients with 18p- syndrome and ATD were predominantly female with early disease onset (mean age: 15 years). Conclusions 18p- syndrome is associated with ATD and pituitary abnormalities. Therefore, endocrine system evaluation and genetic analysis of the 18p breakpoint region are valuable for predicting patient prognosis.

As a weapon for economic development, green finance plays an important supporting and promoting role in the economic recovery and transformation of enterprises in the post-epidemic era. By constructing a dual-channel supply chain model, this paper considers two situations in which manufacturers participate in carbon trading and green finance loans, and uses Stackelberg game to study the impact of different situations on participants’ profits and emission reduction decisions. The results show that: under the carbon trading mechanism, the carbon emission reduction level of the manufacturer is inversely proportional to the relevant price, and the demand and profit of the two channels increase with the increase in emission reduction; when carbon trading and green financial loans are carried out at the same time, participants have lower profits, but with the increase in emission reductions, it is still a growing trend.