ClaPEPCK4: target gene for breeding innovative watermelon germplasm with low malic acid and high sweetness.

Malic acid markedly affects watermelon flavor. Reducing the malic acid content can significantly increase the sweetness of watermelon. An effective solution strategy is to reduce watermelon malic acid content through molecular breeding technology.

Targeted delivery of rhodopsin's assembled core is required for outer segment extension in mouse rod photoreceptors.

Vertebrate vision in dim-light environments is initiated by rod photoreceptor cells that express the photopigment rhodopsin, a G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR). To ensure efficient light capture, rhodopsin is densely packed into hundreds of membrane discs that are tightly stacked within the rod-shaped outer segment compartment. Along with its role in eliciting the visual response, rhodopsin serves as both a building block necessary for proper outer segment formation as well as a trafficking guide for a few outer segment resident membrane proteins.

Efficacy of multi-color near-infrared fluorescence with indocyanine green: A new imaging strategy and its early experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Background: Near-infrared fluorescence imaging using intravenous indocyanine green (ICG) has a wide range of applications in multiple surgical scenarios. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), it facilitates intraoperative identification of the biliary system and reduces the risk of bile duct injury. However, the usual single color fluorescence imaging (SCFI) has limitations in manifesting the fluorescence signal of the target structure when its intensity is relatively low.

Astragaloside IV ameliorates atherosclerosis by targeting TAK1 to suppress endothelial cell proinflammatory activation.

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease mainly characterized by the activation of endothelial cells and recruitment of macrophages, leading to plaque formation. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), a natural saponin derived from Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, has been shown to confer protective effects against cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the role of AS-IV on atherosclerosis and the underlying mechanism.