Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair combined with platelet-rich plasma products can reduce the rate of retearing and improve clinical outcomes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies on the potential benefits of protein-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for rotator cuff injuries have been published, the results have been conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether PRP is beneficial for the prevention of retears after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). METHODS: Two reviewers conducted independent literature searches based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a PRP treatment group with a control group were included. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Clinical outcomes were compared using the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous variables and weighted mean difference (WMD) for continuous variables. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: This review included 21 RCTs (1359 patients). Significant results were noted in favor of PRP treatment compared with controls based on retearing rates (16.5% vs 23.6%, respectively; P = .002) and the Constant score in the short term (WMD: 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-3.70; I2 = 0%; P = .02), medium term and long term (WMD: 2.56 [95% CI: 1.57-3.55]; I2 = 2%; P < .001); the University of California, Los Angeles score in the short term (WMD: 1.14 [95% CI: 0.43-1.85]; I2 = 25%; P = .002) but not in the medium and long term (WMD: 0.66 [95% CI: -0.16 to 1.48]; I2 = 57%; P = .11); and the visual analog scale score in the short term (WMD: -0.63 [95% CI: -0.83 to-0.43]; I2 = 41%; P < .001), medium and long term (WMD: -0.12 [95% CI: -0.19 to-0.05]; I2 = 0%; P = .008). There was no significant difference in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores between the treatment and control groups in the short term (WMD: -0.48 [95% CI: -2.80 to 1.85]; I2 = 22%; P = .69) or medium and long term (WMD: 0.92 [95% CI: -1.56 to 3.39]; I2 = 40%; P = .47). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative use of PRP reduces the risk of rotator cuff repair failure, improves clinical outcomes, and reduces recurrence rates.

"It's My Moral Responsibility to Protect Others!" Examining the Effects of Moral Framing and Message Format on Influenza Vaccination Attitude and Intention.

Vaccinations serve a dual purpose: safeguarding the vaccinated individuals while also preventing potential transmission to others. However, the pro-vaccine message has primarily emphasized the personal health risks and harms of not getting vaccinated, while rarely highlighting the moral responsibility of getting vaccinated to protect others. Guided by the Model of Intuitive Morality and Exemplars (MIME) along with the narrative persuasion framework, the current study conducted a 2 (moral framing: vaccination to protect oneself vs. protect others) X 2 (message format: statistical vs. narrative) between-subject online experiment to examine the effects of moral framing and message format on vaccination decision-making. The results revealed that individuals exposed to a pro-vaccine message framing vaccination as a moral responsibility to protect others from harm reported significantly higher levels of perceived moral responsibility and elevation, more positive attitudes toward the flu vaccine, and an increased intention to get vaccinated compared to a pro-vaccine message emphasizing vaccination for self-protection. Counterintuitively, presenting the moral responsibility of receiving the flu vaccine to safeguard others in a statistical format was discovered to be more effective in fostering favorable attitudes toward vaccination and increasing the intention to get vaccinated. This study offers a valuable insight: promoting vaccination as a moral duty could be a promising strategy for motivating individuals to get vaccinated.

Co-localization and analysis of miR477b with fiber length quantitative trait loci in cotton.

Cotton is an important cash crop for the textile industry. However, the understanding of natural genetic variation of fiber elongation in relation to miRNA is lacking. A miRNA gene (miR477b) was found to co-localize with a previously mapped fiber length (FL) quantitative trait locus (QTL). The miR477b was differentially expressed during fiber elongation between two backcross inbred lines (BILs) differing in FL and its precursor sequences. Bioinformatics and qRT-PCR analysis were further used to analyse the miRNA genes, which could produce mature miR477b. Cotton plants with virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) constructs to over-express the allele of miR477b from the BIL with longer fibers had significantly longer fibers as compared with negative control plants, while the VIGS plants with suppressed miRNA expression had significantly shorter fibers. The expression level of the target gene (DELLA) and related genes (RDL1 and EXPA1 for DELLA through HOX3 protein) in the two BILs and/or the VIGS plants were generally congruent, as expected. This report represents one of the first comprehensive studies to integrate QTL linkage mapping and physical mapping of small RNAs with both small and mRNA transcriptome analysis, followed by VIGS, to identify candidate small RNA genes affecting the natural variation of fiber elongation in cotton.

ß-sitosterol Alleviates High Fatty Acid-Induced Lipid Accumulation in Calf Hepatocytes by Regulating Cholesterol Metabolism.

A significant reduction in plasma concentration of cholesterol during early lactation is a common occurrence in high-yielding dairy cows. An insufficient synthesis of cholesterol in the liver has been linked to lipid accumulation caused by high concentrations of fatty acids during negative energy balance (NEB). As ruminant diets do not provide quantitative amounts of cholesterol for absorption, phytosterols such as ß-sitosterol may serve to mitigate the shortfall in cholesterol within the liver during NEB. To gain mechanistic insights, primary hepatocytes were isolated from healthy female 1-day old calves for in vitro studies with or without 1.2mM fatty acids (FA) to induce metabolic stress. Furthermore, hepatocytes were treated with 50µM ß-sitosterol with or without FA. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with subsequent Bonferroni correction. Results revealed that calf hepatocytes treated with FA had greater content of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triacylglycerol (TAG), and greater mRNA and protein abundance of the lipid synthesis-related SREBF1 and FASN. In contrast, mRNA and protein of CPT1A (fatty acid oxidation) and the cholesterol metabolism-related targets SREBF2, HMGCR, ACAT2, APOA1, ABCA1 and ABCG5 was lower. Content of the antioxidant-related glutathione (GSH) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) also was lower. Compared with FA challenge alone, 50µM ß-sitosterol led to greater mRNA and protein abundance of SREBF2, HMGCR, ACAT2 and ABCG5, and greater content of GSH and activity of SOD. In contrast, compared with the FA group, the mRNA and protein abundance of SREBF1 and ACC1 and the content of TAG and NEFA in the ß-sitosterol + FA group were lower. Overall, ß-sitosterol can promote cholesterol metabolism and reduce oxidative stress while reducing lipid accumulation in hepatocytes challenged with high concentrations of fatty acids.

Effects of umami substances as taste enhancers on salt reduction in meat products: A review.

Sodium is one of the essential additives in meat processing, but excessive sodium intake may increase risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, reducing salt content while preserving its preservative effect, organoleptic properties, and technological characteristics poses challenges. In this review, the mechanism of salt reduction of umami substances was introduced from the perspective of gustation-taste interaction, and the effects of the addition of traditional umami substances (amino acids, nucleotides, organic acids(OAs)) and natural umami ingredients (mushrooms, seaweeds, tomatoes, soybeans, tea, grains) on the sensory properties of the meat with reduced-salt contents were summarized. In addition, the impacts of taste enhancers on eating quality (color, sensory, textural characteristics, and water-holding capacity (WHC)), and processing quality (lipid oxidation, pH) of meat products (MP) and their related mechanisms were also discussed. Among them, natural umami ingredients exhibit distinct advantages over traditional umami substances in terms of enhancing quality and nutritional value. On the basis of salt reduction, natural umami ingredients improve the flavor, texture, WHC and antioxidant capacity. This comprehensive review may provide the food industry with a theoretical foundation for mitigating salt consumption through the utilization of umami substances and natural ingredients.

Developing active and intelligent biodegradable packaging from food waste and byproducts: A review of sources, properties, film production methods, and their application in food preservation.

Food waste and byproducts (FWBP) are a global issue impacting economies, resources, and health. Recycling and utilizing these wastes, due to processing and economic constraints, face various challenges. However, valuable components in food waste inspire efficient solutions like active intelligent packaging. Though research on this is booming, its material selectivity, effectiveness, and commercial viability require further analysis. This paper categorizes FWBP and explores their potential for producing packaging from both animal and plant perspectives. In addition, the preparation/fabrication methods of these films/coatings have also been summarized comprehensively, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and their commercial adaptability. Finally, the functions of these films/coatings and their ultimate performance in protecting food (meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables) are also reviewed systematically. FWBP provide a variety of methods for the application of edible films, including being made into coatings, films, and fibers for food preservation, or extracting active substances directly or indirectly from them (in the form of encapsulation) and adding them to packaging to endow them with functions such as barrier, antibacterial, antioxidant, and pH response. In addition, the casting method is the most commonly used method for producing edible films, but more film production methods (extrusion, electrospinning, 3D printing) need to be tried to make up for the shortcomings of the current methods. Finally, researchers need to conduct more in-depth research on various active compounds from FWBP to achieve better application effects and commercial adaptability.

Binding patterns of inhibitors to different pockets of kinesin Eg5.

The kinesin-5 family member, Eg5, plays very important role in the mitosis. As a mitotic protein, Eg5 is the target of various mitotic inhibitors. There are two targeting pockets in the motor domain of Eg5, which locates in the α2/L5/α3 region and the α4/α6 region respectively. We investigated the interactions between the different inhibitors and the two binding pockets of Eg5 by using all-atom molecular dynamics method. Combined the conformational analysis with the free-energy calculation, the binding patterns of inhibitors to the two binding pockets are shown. The α2/L5/α3 pocket can be divided into 4 regions. The structures and binding conformations of inhibitors in region 1 and 2 are highly conserved. The shape of α4/α6 pocket is alterable. The space of this pocket in ADP-binding state of Eg5 is larger than that in ADP·Pi-binding state due to the limitation of a hydrogen bond formed in the ADP·Pi-binding state. The results of this investigation provide the structural basis of the inhibitor-Eg5 interaction and offer a reference for the Eg5-targeted drug design.

Trade-offs between root-secreted acid phosphatase and root morphology traits, and their contribution to phosphorus acquisition in Brassica napus.

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is one of the most important oil crops in the world and shows sensitivity to low phosphorus (P) availability. In many soils, organic P (Po) is the main component of the soil P pool. Po must be mineralised to Pi through phosphatases, and then taken up by plants. However, the relationship between root-secreted acid phosphatases (APase) and root morphology traits, two important P-acquisition strategies in response to P deficiency, is unclear among B. napus genotypes. This study aimed to understand their relationship and how they affect P acquisition, which is crucial for the sustainable utilisation of agricultural P resources. This study showed significant genotypic variations in root-secreted APase activity per unit root fresh weight (SAP) and total root-secreted APase activity per plant (total SAP) among 350 B. napus genotypes. Seed yield was positively correlated with total SAP but not significantly correlated with SAP. Six root traits of 18 B. napus genotypes with contrasting root biomass were compared under normal Pi, low Pi and Po. Genotypes with longer total root length (TRL) reduced SAP, but those with shorter TRL increased SAP under P deficiency. Additionally, TRL was important in P-acquisition under three P treatments, and total SAP was also important in P-acquisition under Po treatment. In conclusion, trade-offs existed between the two P-acquisition strategies among B. napus genotypes under P-deficient conditions. Total SAP was an important root trait under Po conditions. These results might help to breed B. napus with greater P-acquisition ability under low P availability conditions.

Polar coordinate active-matrix digital microfluidics for high-resolution concentration gradient generation.

Automated concentration gradient generation is one of the most important applications of lab-on-a-chip devices. Digital microfluidics is a unique platform that can effectively achieve digitalized gradient concentration preparation. However, the dynamic range and concentration resolution of the prepared samples heavily rely on the size and the number of effective electrodes. In this work, we report an active-matrix digital microfluidic device with polar coordinate electrode arrangement. The device contains 33 different electrode sizes, generating digital droplets of different volumes. To compare with the conventional rectangular coordinate arrangement with a similar electrode number, this work shows an approximately 19 times resolution enhancement for the achievable concentration gradient. We characterized the stability and uniformity of droplets generated by electrodes of different sizes, and the coefficient of variation of stable droplets was less than 3%. The fluorescent nanomaterial's concentration quantification and glucose concentration characterization experiments were also conducted, and the correlation coefficients for the linearities were all above 0.99.

Raman spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics for identification of adulteration and fraud in muscle foods: a review.

Muscle foods, valued for their significant nutrient content such as high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, are vulnerable to adulteration and fraud, stemming from dishonest vendor practices and insufficient market oversight. Traditional analytical methods, often limited to laboratory-scale., may not effectively detect adulteration and fraud in complex applications. Raman spectroscopy (RS), encompassing techniques like Surface-enhanced RS (SERS), Dispersive RS (DRS), Fourier transform RS (FTRS), Resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS), and Spatially offset RS (SORS) combined with chemometrics, presents a potent approach for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of muscle food adulteration. This technology is characterized by its efficiency, rapidity, and noninvasive nature. This paper systematically summarizes and comparatively analyzes RS technology principles, emphasizing its practicality and efficacy in detecting muscle food adulteration and fraud when combined with chemometrics. The paper also discusses the existing challenges and future prospects in this field, providing essential insights for reviews and scientific research in related fields.

Rational Combination of π-Conjugated and Non-π-Conjugated Groups Achieving Strong Nonlinear Optical Response, Large Optical Anisotropy, and UV Light-Switchable Fluorescence.

Combining π-conjugated and non-π-conjugated groups is an important strategy for synthesizing new nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals. However, the second harmonic generation (SHG) response and optical anisotropy can be limited by improper spatial alignment of these functional groups in the crystal structure. In this work, it is revealed that non-π-conjugated [NH2 SO3 ] group acts as both hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, effectively regulating the 2D planar structure formed by π-conjugated [C4 N3 H6 ] groups. The resulting organic-inorganic hybrid crystal C4 N3 H6 SO3 NH2 exhibits a strong SHG response (2.5 × KDP), large optical anisotropy (0.233@546 nm), and blue-violet and green fluorescence near 360 and 520 nm, respectively. This work expands the methodology for creating new NLO crystals through organic-inorganic hybridization, while also showcasing the potential of C4 N3 H6 SO3 NH2 as a multifunctional optical material.

Clinical Analysis of Lacosamide Monotherapy in the Treatment of Self-Limited Epilepsy with Centrotemporal Spikes.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of lacosamide (LCM) monotherapy in the treatment of self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS). Methods: In this study, 89 children with SeLECTS who were treated with LCM monotherapy in the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from June 2019 to June 2021 were included. Clinical seizures and spike wave index (SWI) on video EEG during slow-wave sleep were evaluated before and after treatment. The role of LCM monotherapy in improving SWI, controlling clinical seizures and improving cognition was analyzed, and corresponding adverse reactions were documented. Results: There were 52 males and 37 females in this group, with an average age of 7.6 ± 2.1 years. The total effective rate was 93.83% and at 18 months of treatment, the cumulative control rate was 85.19%, the retention rate was 91.01% and the effective rate in terms of EEG spike index was 72.92%, all of which showed a high rate; there was no statistically significant difference in intelligence quotient before and after treatment (P > 0.05). In addition, it was found in the study that the earlier the age of onset, the less obvious the improvement in SWI after LCM treatment; the lower the baseline seizure frequency, the more significant the improvement in SWI after LCM treatment. Conclusion: LCM monotherapy had curative effect and adverse reactions for SeLECTS, with no negative impact on cognition. These significant findings indicate that LCM is likely to become a widely prescribed ASM for the treatment of SeLECTS. Meanwhile, the onset age and baseline seizure frequency had certain value in judging prognosis and predicting curative effect.

Cadmium Hydroxyl Chloride with Balanced Band Gap and Second-Harmonic-Generation Response.

Ultraviolet (UV) nonlinear-optical (NLO) materials are crucial in laser technology due to their ability to modulate light frequency. In this work, when d10 cations, hydroxyl groups, and Cl atoms were combined, a cadmium double salt, Cd(OH)Cl, was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. It has a large phase-matched second-harmonic-generation (SHG) response at 1064 nm (2.5 × KDP) with a short UV-cutoff edge (260 nm), which can be applied in a solar-blind UV band. Theoretical calculations suggest that [Cd(OH)3Cl3] groups lead to a large SHG response. Our work may shed light on the exploration of new NLO materials in metal hydroxyl chlorides.

Monotropein Alleviates Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Mouse Model by Inhibiting AKT/NF-κB Pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical management of asthma remains as a prevalent challenge. Monotropein (MON) is a naturally occurring cyclic enol ether terpene glycoside with medical application potential. This study aims to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of MON in the mouse model of chronic asthma. METHODS: An ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mouse model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of MON at different doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). The potential involvement of protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway in the effect of MON was investigated by the administration of an AKT activator SC79. Histological changes in pulmonary tissues were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The profiles of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-4, IL-5, IL-13, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and OVA-specific IgE in blood samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The oxidative stress in the lung tissues was determined by measuring malondialdehyde level. The phosphorylation activation of AKT and NF-κB was examined by immunoblotting in the lung tissues. RESULTS: MON treatment suppressed the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the airways of OVA-induced asthma mice and reduced the thickness of the bronchial wall and smooth muscle layer in a dose-dependent manner. MON treatment also reduced the levels of OVA-specific IgE in serum and cytokines in BALF in asthma-induced mice, and attenuated the oxidative stress in the lung tissues. OVA induced the phosphorylation of AKT and NF-κB proteins in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice, which was significantly suppressed by MON treatment. The co-administration of AKT activator SC79 impaired the therapeutic effect of MON on asthma-induced mice. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated the potential therapeutic effect of MON on asthmatic mouse model, suggesting that MON attenuated the inflammatory and oxidative damages in ling tissues by dampening the AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.

[C(NH2)3]6Mo7O24: A Guanidinium Molybdate as a UV Nonlinear Optical Crystal with Large Birefringence.

The key to searching novel nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals was effectively combining the NLO-active units to obtain a noncentrosymmetric structure. Nevertheless, the present predicament lies in the growing challenge of discovering novel crystals within conventional inorganic frameworks that surpass the properties of the current NLO materials. In view of this, researchers expanded their research focus to the organic-inorganic hybridization system; it is foreseeable to concentrate the advantages from several kinds of NLO-active units to acquire novel NLO crystals with superior properties. We herein report an organic-inorganic hybrid molybdate crystal, namely, [C(NH2)3]6Mo7O24 (GMO). It was successfully obtained via combining inorganic NLO-active MoO6 octahedra and organic π-conjugated [C(NH2)3]+ groups. GMO demonstrates a moderate second-harmonic-generation response, specifically measuring about 1.3 times the value of KDP. Additionally, it exhibits a significant birefringence value of 0.203 at the wavelength of 550 nm and possesses a wide band gap of 3.31 eV. Theoretical calculations suggest that the optical properties of the GMO are primarily influenced by the synergy effect of [C(NH2)3]+ groups between MoO6 octahedra.

[C(NH2)3][B(C2O2H4)2]: An Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Borate Containing Nonlinear-Optical Active Unit [B(C2O2H4)2]- with Solar-Blind-Region Optical Nonlinearity.

We herein report an unprecedented organic-inorganic hybrid borate incorporating a novel nonlinear-optical (NLO) active unit, namely, [C(NH2)3][B(C2O2H4)2]. The novel NLO active unit was derived from the condensation reaction between two glycol molecules and one (BO4)5- group. The title compound exhibits a moderate second-harmonic-generation effect (0.7 × KDP), a significant band gap (5.76 eV), and a suitable birefringence (0.078 at 550 nm). The optical properties are determined by the synergistic interaction between the C(NH2)3+ cation and the [B(C2O2H4)2]- group, as indicated by theoretical calculations.

A study on the dynamic impact of carbon emission trading on green and high-quality development.

As a pivotal element in market mechanisms, carbon trading is increasingly recognized as crucial for achieving China's Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals. This study introduces a comprehensive dynamic model, integrating carbon trading, emissions, economic growth, and green technology innovation, to offer a holistic understanding of the interplay between these domains. Utilizing principles from nonlinear dynamics and chaos theory, the model is adept at simulating various scenarios and assessing the effectiveness of government policies in stabilizing these complex systems. In-depth analysis provided by this research sheds light on the nuanced impact of carbon trading policies on sustainable development. Key findings highlight (1) Carbon trading's essential role as a catalyst in propelling sustainable and high-quality growth. (2) A strong positive relationship is observed between the sophistication of the carbon trading mechanism and its effectiveness in stimulating green technology innovation and fostering high-quality green development. Notably, carbon trading's influence on green technology innovation markedly enhances the efficacy of carbon emission reduction strategies. (3) Government regulations are instrumental in augmenting carbon prices, thus incentivizing increased corporate participation in emission reduction and enhancing the overall impact of carbon emission reduction. Nevertheless, the study identifies a critical threshold in regulatory intensity, beyond which there is a risk of system destabilization ( a 3 ≥ 0.032 ). These findings underscore the imperative for developing an integrated national carbon emission trading market, prioritizing sustainable growth strategies and diligently pursuing China's environmental objectives.

Zinc and sulfur functionalized biochar as a peroxydisulfate activator via deferred ultraviolet irradiation for tetracycline removal.

To enhance the degradation of tetracycline class (TC) residuals of high-concentration from pharmaceutical wastewater, a novel zinc (Zn) and sulfur (S) functionalized biochar (SC-Zn), as a peroxydisulfate (PDS) activator, was prepared by two-step pyrolysis using ZnSO4 accumulated water-hyacinth. Results showed that the removal rate of 50, 150, and 250 mg per L TC reached 100%, 99.22% and 94.83% respectively, by the SC-Zn/PDS system at a dosage of 0.3 g per L SC-Zn and 1.2 mM PDS, via the deferred ultraviolet (UV) irradiation design. Such excellent performance for TC removal was due to the synergetic activation of PDS by the biochar activator and UV-irradiation with biochar as a responsive photocatalyst. The functionalization of the co-doped Zn and S endowed the biochar SC-Zn with a significantly enhanced catalytic performance, since Zn was inferred to be the dominant catalytic site for SO4˙- generation, while S played a key role in the synergism with Zn by acting as the primary adsorption site for the reaction substrates. The employed SC-Zn/PDS/UV system had excellent anti-interference under different environmental backgrounds, and compared with the removal rate of TC by adsorption of SC-Zn, the increasing rate in the SC-Zn/PDS/UV system (18.75%) was higher than the sum of the increases in the SC-Zn/PDS (9.87%) and SC-Zn/UV systems (3.34%), furtherly verifying the systematic superiority of this synergy effect. This study aimed to prepare a high-performance functionalized biochar activator and elucidate the rational design of deferred UV-irradiation of PDS activation to efficiently remove high-concentration antibiotic pollutants.

Genomic and co-expression network analyses reveal candidate genes for oil accumulation based on an introgression population in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum).

KEY MESSAGE: Integrated QTL mapping and WGCNA condense the potential gene regulatory network involved in oil accumulation. A glycosyl hydrolases gene (GhHSD1) for oil biosynthesis was confirmed in Arabidopsis, which will provide useful knowledge to understand the functional mechanism of oil biosynthesis in cotton. Cotton is an economical source of edible oil for the food industry. The genetic mechanism that regulates oil biosynthesis in cottonseeds is essential for the genetic enhancement of oil content (OC). To explore the functional genomics of OC, this study utilized an interspecific backcross inbred line population to dissect the quantitative trait locus (QTL) interlinked with OC. In total, nine OC QTLs were identified, four of which were novel, and each QTL explained 3.62-34.73% of the phenotypic variation of OC. The comprehensive transcript profiling of developing cottonseeds revealed 3,646 core genes differentially expressed in both inbred parents. Functional enrichment analysis determined 43 genes were annotated with oil biosynthesis processes. Implementation of weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that 803 differential genes had a significant correlation with the OC phenotype. Further integrated analysis identified seven important genes located in OC QTLs. Of which, the GhHSD1 gene located in stable QTL qOC-Dt3-1 exhibited the highest functional linkages with the other network genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed significant evolutionary differences in the HSD1 sequences between oilseed- and starch- crops. Furthermore, the overexpression of GhHSD1 in Arabidopsis yielded almost 6.78% higher seed oil. This study not only uncovers important genetic loci for oil accumulation in cottonseed, but also provides a set of new candidate genes that potentially influence the oil biosynthesis pathway in cottonseed.

Unearthing Superior Inorganic UV Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Materials: A Mineral-Inspired Method Integrating First-Principles High-Throughput Screening and Crystal Engineering.

Natural minerals, with their adaptable framework structures exemplified by perovskite and lyonsite, have sparked substantial interest as potential templates for the design of advanced functional solid-state materials. Nonetheless, the quest for new materials with desired properties remains a substantial challenge, primarily due to the scarcity of effective and practical synthetic approaches. In this study, we have harnessed a synergistic approach that seamlessly integrates first-principles high-throughput screening and crystal engineering to reinvigorate the often-overlooked fresnoite mineral, Ba2 TiOSi2 O7 . This innovative strategy has culminated in the successful synthesis of two superior inorganic UV nonlinear optical materials, namely Rb2 TeOP2 O7 and Rb2 SbFP2 O7 . Notably, Rb2 SbFP2 O7 demonstrates a comprehensive enhancement in nonlinear optical performance, featuring a shortened UV absorption edge (260 nm) and a more robust second-harmonic generation response (5.1×KDP). Particularly striking is its significantly increased birefringence (0.15@546 nm), which is approximately 30 times higher than the prototype Ba2 TiOSi2 O7 (0.005@546 nm). Our research has not only revitalized the potential of the fresnoite mineral for the development of new high-performance UV nonlinear optical materials but has also provided a clearly defined roadmap for the efficient exploration of novel structure-driven functional materials with targeted properties.