SDX on the X chromosome is required for male sex determination

Dear Editor, Sex determination is one of the most fundamental develop-ment processes,as gender is the first and most important identity of human.In most mammals...     

A meta-analysis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 in preeclampsia

Inflammation may play a major role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). In this meta-analysis, we determined whether maternal polymorphisms and serum concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were associated with PE. All studies investigating the associations between PE and maternal polymorphisms of TNF-α-308G/A, IL-6-174G/C, and IL-10-1082A/G or serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 were reviewed. We found that neither maternal TNF-α-308G/A (p=0.86, odds ratio [OR]=0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.25), IL-6 174G/C (p=0.14, OR=1.23, 95% CI, 0.93-1.61), nor IL-10-1082A/G (p=0.72, OR=1.07, 95% CI, 0.75-1.52) were associated with PE. On the other hand, maternal TNF-α (p<0.00001, weighted mean difference [WMD]=19.63 pg/ml, 95% CI, 18.54-20.72 pg/ml), IL-6 (p<0.00001, WMD=6.58 pg/ml, 95% CI, 5.49-7.67 pg/ml), and IL-10 (p=0.0005, WMD=19.30 pg/ml, 95% CI, 8.42-30.17 pg/ml) concentrations were significantly higher in PE patients versus controls. Our findings strengthen the clinical evidence that PE is accompanied by exaggerated inflammatory responses, but do not support TNF-α-308G/A, IL-6-174G/C, and IL-10-1082A/G as candidate susceptibility loci in PE.     

High‐Temperature Shock Enabled Nanomanufacturing for Energy‐Related Applications

Functional nanomaterials are playing a crucial role in the emerging field of energy‐related devices. Recently, as a novel synthesis method, high‐temperature shock (HTS), which is rapid, low cost, eco‐friendly, universal, scalable, and controllable, has provided a promising option for the rational design and synthesis of various high‐quality nanomaterials. In this report, the HTS technique, including the equipment setup and operating principle, is systematically introduced, and recent progress in the synthesis of nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion applications using this HTS method is summarized. The growth mechanisms of nanoparticles and carbonaceous nanomaterials are thoroughly discussed, followed by the summary of the characteristic advantages of the HTS strategy. A series of nanomaterials prepared by the HTS method, including carbon‐based films, metal nanoparticles and compound nanoparticles, show high performance in the diverse applications of storage energy batteries, highly active catalysts, and smart energy devices. Finally, the future perspectives and directions of HTS in nanomanufacturing for broader applications are presented.     

Autophagy regulates apoptosis by targeting NOXA for degradation

Apoptosis and autophagy mutually regulate various cellular physiological and pathological processes. The crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis is multifaceted and complicated. Elucidating the molecular mechanism of their crosstalk will advance the therapeutic applications of autophagy for treating cancer and other diseases. NOXA, a BH3-only member of the BCL-2 family, was reported to induce apoptosis and promote autophagy. Here, we report that autophagy regulates apoptosis by targeting NOXA for degradation. Inhibiting autophagy increases NOXA protein levels by extending the protein half-life. NOXA accumulation effectively suppresses tumor cell growth by inducing apoptosis, which is further enhanced when p53 is present. Mechanistically, NOXA is hijacked by p62 as autophagic cargo, and its three lysine residues at the C-terminus are necessary for NOXA degradation in lysosomes. Taken together, our study demonstrates that NOXA serves as a bridge in the crosstalk between autophagy and apoptosis and implies that autophagy inhibitors could be an effective therapy for cancer, especially wild-type p53-containing cancer.     

Rotary torque produced by proton motive force in FoF1 motor

We have attempted direct observation of the light-driven rotation of a FoF(1)-ATP motor. The FoF(1)-ATP motor was co-reconstituted by the deletion-delta subunit of FoF(1)-ATP synthase with bacteriorhodopsins (BRs) into a liposome. The BR converts radiation energy into electrochemical gradient of proton to drive the FoF(1)-ATP motor. Therefore, the light-driven rotation of FoF(1)-ATP motor has been directly observed by a fluorescence microscopy using a fluorescent actin filament connected to beta-subunit as a marker of its orientation. The rotational torque value of the Fo motor was calculated as 27.93+/-1.88pNnm. The ATP motor is expected to be a promising rotary molecular motor in the development of nanodevices.     

新疆察布查尔锡伯族体质特征调查

本文调查了新疆察布查尔锡伯族居民220人(男130人、女90人),年龄从20岁到78岁。观察22项,测量65项。调查结果表明,锡伯族居民具有典型的黄种人东亚人种的特征。如头圆宽且高,胡须少,眼裂狭窄、上眼睑褶皱多达睫毛处。耳大、鼻梁较直、鼻高中等,指距长、骨盆宽等。这些特征用等差级数法比较,与达斡尔族、华北地区汉族、蒙古族较接近,与苗族、黎族较远。     

Oxalate production at different initial Pb²+ concentrations and the influence of oxalate during solid-state fermentation of straw with Phanerochaete chrysosporium

The production of oxalate at different initial Pb²⁺ concentrations during solid-state fermentation of straw with Phanerochaete chrysosporium was investigated. It was found that the maximal peak value of oxalate concentration (22.84 mM) was detected at the initial Pb²⁺ concentration of 200 mg kg⁻¹ dry straw, while the minimum (15.89 mM) at the concentration of 600 mg Pb²⁺ kg⁻¹ dry straw, and at moderate concentration of Pb²⁺ the capability of oxalic acid secretion was enhanced. In addition, it was also found that more oxalic acid accumulation went together with better Pb²⁺ passivation effect and higher manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity. The present findings will improve the understandings of the interactions of heavy metals with white-rot fungi and the role of oxalate in lignin degradation system, which could provide useful references for more efficient treatment of Pb-contaminated lignocellulosic waste.