Impact of Public Health and Social Measures on Cosmetic Treatments in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Multi-Center Study Combined With a Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Public health and social measures (PHSMs) are considered the most effective approaches for controlling epidemic diseases. This study aimed to explore variations in the time-dependent characteristics of and public preferences for cosmetic treatments during and after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Medical records from six medical institutions were extracted retrospectively. Time-series analyses were conducted to reveal the variations in characteristics in volume and proportion of cosmetic treatments according to PHSMs. A cross-sectional study was conducted with online questionnaire designed for the general population during and after the implementation of PHSMs. RESULT: A total of 141 033 records were included in this retrospective study. The implementation of PHSMs led to extremely low treatment volumes; compared with the increases in private hospitals, the treatment volumes in public hospitals exhibited earlier and more significant increases, even higher than pre-PHSM levels (p < 0.05), which mainly contributed to the increase in plastic surgery volumes during and after the implementation of PHSMs. The differences in the anxiety state, self-perceived appearance, and cosmetic treatment intentions of the participants were illustrated during and after PHSMs. We further demonstrated the participants' decisions on cosmetic treatments after the implementation of PHSMs during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: The immediate effects and aftereffects of PHSMs on cosmetic treatments were different in public and private hospitals. Furthermore, as PHSMs guided the adjustment of cosmetic treatments in the post-COVID-19 era, the intention to undergo cosmetic treatment during PHSMs was associated with the anxiety states and preferences of the population.

The OsNAC41-RoLe1-OsAGAP module promotes root development and drought tolerance in upland rice.

Drought is a major environmental stress limiting crop yields worldwide. Upland rice (Oryza sativa) has evolved complex genetic mechanisms to adjust to drought stress. However, few genetic variants have been identified that mediate drought resistance in upland rice, and little is known about the evolution of this trait during domestication. Here, using a genome-wide association study in rice, we identified ROOT LENGTH 1 (RoLe1) controlling root length and drought resistance. We demonstrate that a G-to-T polymorphism in the RoLe1 promoter increases binding of the transcription factor OsNAC41 to activate its transcription. We also show that RoLe1 interacts with and interferes with the function of OsAGAP, an ARF-GTPase activating protein involved in auxin-dependent root development, to modulate root development. Furthermore, RoLe1 enhanced crop yield by increasing the seed setting rate under moderate drought conditions. Genomic evolution analysis showed that a newly arisen favorable allelic variant, proRoLe1-526T, originated from Region I (Midwest Asia) and was retained in upland rice during domestication. Our findings propose a OsNAC41-RoLe1-OsAGAP module, providing promising genetic targets for molecular breeding of drought-resistant varieties in rice.

Effects of grassland degradation on diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of a pioneer plant.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are obligate symbionts that engage in crucial interactions with plants, playing a vital role in grassland ecology. Our study focuses on the pioneer plant Agropyron cristatum, and we collected soil samples from four degraded grasslands in Yudaokou to investigate the response of community composition to the succession of degraded grasslands. We measured the vegetation status, soil physical and chemical properties, AMF colonization, and spore density in different degraded grasslands. High-throughput sequencing was employed to analyze AMF in soil samples. Correlations among community composition, soil characteristics, and plant factors were studied using principal component and regression analyses. The distribution of AMF in grasslands exhibited variation with different degrees of degradation, with Glomus, Scutellospora, and Diversispora being the dominant genera. The abundance of dominant genera in AMF also varied, showing a gradual increase in the relative abundance of the genus Diversispora with higher degradation levels. AMF diversity decreased from 27.7% to 12.4% throughout the degradation process. Among 180 samples of Agropyron cristatum plants, AMF hyphae and vesicles displayed the highest infection status in non-degraded grasslands and the lowest in severely degraded ones. Peak AMF spore production occurred in August, with maximum values in the 0-10-cm soil layer, and the highest spore densities were found in lightly degraded grasslands. Apart from pH, soil factors exhibited a positive correlation with AMF infection during grassland degradation. Furthermore, changes in AMF community composition were jointly driven by vegetation and soil characteristics, with vegetation coverage and soil organic carbon significantly impacting AMF distribution. Significant differences in AMF variables (spore number and diversity index) were also observed at different soil depths. Grassland successional degradation significantly influences AMF community structure and composition. Our future focus will be on understanding response mechanisms and implementing improvement methods for AMF during grassland degradation and subsequent restoration efforts.

Natural variation in the Tn1a promoter regulates tillering in rice.

Rice tillering is an important agronomic trait that influences plant architecture and ultimately affects yield. This can be genetically improved by mining favourable variations in genes associated with tillering. Based on a previous study on dynamic tiller number, we cloned the gene Tiller number 1a (Tn1a), which encodes a membrane-localised protein containing the C2 domain that negatively regulates tillering in rice. A 272 bp insertion/deletion at 387 bp upstream of the start codon in the Tn1a promoter confers a differential transcriptional response and results in a change in tiller number. Moreover, the TCP family transcription factors Tb2 and TCP21 repress the Tn1a promoter activity by binding to the TCP recognition site within the 272 bp indel. In addition, we identified that Tn1a may affect the intracellular K+ content by interacting with a cation-chloride cotransporter (OsCCC1), thereby affecting the expression of downstream tillering-related genes. The Tn1a+272 bp allele, associated with high tillering, might have been preferably preserved in rice varieties in potassium-poor regions during domestication. The discovery of Tn1a is of great significance for further elucidating the genetic basis of tillering characteristics in rice and provides a new and favourable allele for promoting the geographic adaptation of rice to soil potassium.

The chloroplast pentatricopeptide repeat protein RCN22 regulates tiller number in rice by affecting sugar levels via the TB1-RCN22-RbcL module.

As an important yield component, the rice tiller number controls panicle number and determines grain yield. The regulation of rice tiller number by chloroplast pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins has not been reported. Here, we report a rice reduced culm number22 (rcn22) mutant which produces few tillers due to suppressed tiller bud elongation. Map-based cloning revealed that RCN22 encodes a chloroplast-localized P-type PPR protein. We found that RCN22 specifically binds to the 5'-UTR of RbcL mRNA (encoding the large subunit of Rubisco) and enhances its stability. The reduced RbcL mRNA abundance in rcn22 led to a lower photosynthetic rate and decreased sugar levels. Consequently, transcript levels of DWARF3 (D3) and TEOSINTE BRANCHED1 (TB1) (encoding negative regulators of tiller bud elongation) increased, whereas protein levels of a positive regulator DWARF53 (D53) decreased. Furthermore, high concentrations of sucrose could rescue the tiller bud growth defect of the rcn22 mutant. On the other hand, TB1 directly binds to the RCN22 promoter and downregulates its expression. The tb1/rcn22 double mutant showed a tillering phenotype similar to rcn22. Our results suggest that the TB1-RCN22-RbcL module plays a vital role in rice tiller bud elongation by affecting sugar levels.

Magnetic hybrid spheres of glauconite/calcium alginate interface for methylene blue adsorption: Synthesis, characterization, and novel physicochemical insights through theoretical treatment.

Fe3O4 nanoparticles were embedded within a glauconite­calcium alginate (G/CA) matrix to create magnetic hybrid spheres (MNPs-G/CA), with the aim of purifying water from methylene blue (MB) at temperatures of 25, 40, and 50 °C. MNPs-G/CA adsorbent was characterized using numerous techniques, including elemental mapping, zeta potential, FTIR, FESEM, XRD, EDX, and TEM. The greatest amount of the removed MB was achieved under definite conditions of solution pH 8.0, MNPs-G/CA mass (25 mg), interaction time (2 h), and 200 mg/L of MB concentration. The MB uptake process kinetic followed a pseudo-second-order equation (R2 > 0.99) at all tested temperatures. The equilibrium data were fitted to a statistical physics multilayer model in conjunction with the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The steric n parameter reveals that MNPs-G/CA adsorbent possesses a mixed adsorption orientation (i.e., ranging from 0.69 to 0.93) across various temperatures. The amount of MNPs-G/CA active positions (the NM parameter) was progressively increased from 245 mg/g to 419 mg/g. The measured adsorption capacities (Qsat) ranged from 466.49 to 664.37 mg/g, and the removal of MB molecules was consistent with an endothermic interaction. The interface between the MNPs-G/CA-MB was principally dictated by electrostatic attractions, as evidenced by the values of adsorption energies (∆E), which varied from 16.75 to 21.52 kJ/mol. The regenerated MNPs-G/CA offered over 80 % of its adsorption strength after the fourth adsorption-desorption cycle. This study contributes to our understanding of the physicochemical parameters controlling the MB adsorption mechanism on multifunctional hybrid adsorbents, like the interface between glauconite, alginate, and MNPs.

QTL detection and candidate gene identification of qCTB1 for cold tolerance in the Yunnan plateau landrace rice.

Cold stress is one of the main abiotic stresses that affects rice growth and production worldwide. Dissection of the genetic basis is important for genetic improvement of cold tolerance in rice. In this study, a new source of cold-tolerant accession from the Yunnan plateau, Lijiangxiaoheigu, was used as the donor parent and crossed with a cold-sensitive cultivar, Deyou17, to develop recombinant inbred lines (RILs) for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis for cold tolerance at the early seedling and booting stages in rice. In total, three QTLs for cold tolerance at the early seedling stage on chromosomes 2 and 7, and four QTLs at the booting stage on chromosomes 1, 3, 5, and 7, were identified. Haplotype and linear regression analyses showed that QTL pyramiding based on the additive effect of these favorable loci has good potential for cold tolerance breeding. Effect assessment in the RIL and BC3F3 populations demonstrated that qCTB1 had a stable effect on cold tolerance at the booting stage in the genetic segregation populations. Under different cold stress conditions, qCTB1 was fine-mapped to a 341-kb interval between markers M3 and M4. Through the combination of parental sequence comparison, candidate gene-based association analysis, and tissue and cold-induced expression analyses, eight important candidate genes for qCTB1 were identified. This study will provide genetic resources for molecular breeding and gene cloning to improve cold tolerance in rice. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-024-01488-3.

The wall-associated kinase GWN1 controls grain weight and grain number in rice.

Grain size is a crucial agronomic trait that determines grain weight and final yield. Although several genes have been reported to regulate grain size in rice (Oryza sativa), the function of Wall-Associated Kinase family genes affecting grain size is still largely unknown. In this study, we identified GRAIN WEIGHT AND NUMBER 1 (GWN1) using map-based cloning. GWN1 encodes the OsWAK74 protein kinase, which is conserved in plants. GWN1 negatively regulates grain length and weight by regulating cell proliferation in spikelet hulls. We also found that GWN1 negatively influenced grain number by influencing secondary branch numbers and finally increased plant grain yield. The GWN1 gene was highly expressed in inflorescences and its encoded protein is located at the cell membrane and cell wall. Moreover, we identified three haplotypes of GWN1 in the germplasm. GWN1hap1 showing longer grain, has not been widely utilized in modern rice varieties. In summary, GWN1 played a very important role in regulating grain length, weight and number, thereby exhibiting application potential in molecular breeding for longer grain and higher yield.

MXenes with ordered triatomic-layer borate polyanion terminations.

Surface terminations profoundly influence the intrinsic properties of MXenes, but existing terminations are limited to monoatomic layers or simple groups, showing disordered arrangements and inferior stability. Here we present the synthesis of MXenes with triatomic-layer borate polyanion terminations (OBO terminations) through a flux-assisted eutectic molten etching approach. During the synthesis, Lewis acidic salts act as the etching agent to obtain the MXene backbone, while borax generates BO2- species, which cap the MXene surface with an O-B-O configuration. In contrast to conventional chlorine/oxygen-terminated Nb2C with localized charge transport, OBO-terminated Nb2C features band transport described by the Drude model, exhibiting a 15-fold increase in electrical conductivity and a 10-fold improvement in charge mobility at the d.c. limit. This transition is attributed to surface ordering that effectively mitigates charge carrier backscattering and trapping. Additionally, OBO terminations provide Ti3C2 MXene with substantially enriched Li+-hosting sites and thereby a large charge-storage capacity of 420 mAh g-1. Our findings illustrate the potential of intricate termination configurations in MXenes and their applications for (opto)electronics and energy storage.

Multi-Level Switching of Spin-Torque Ferromagnetic Resonance in 2D Magnetite.

2D magnetic materials hold substantial promise in information storage and neuromorphic device applications. However, achieving a 2D material with high Curie temperature (TC), environmental stability, and multi-level magnetic states remains a challenge. This is particularly relevant for spintronic devices, which require multi-level resistance states to enhance memory density and fulfil low power consumption and multi-functionality. Here, the synthesis of 2D non-layered triangular and hexagonal magnetite (Fe3O4) nanosheets are proposed with high TC and environmental stability, and demonstrate that the ultrathin triangular nanosheets show broad antiphase boundaries (bAPBs) and sharp antiphase boundaries (sAPBs), which induce multiple spin precession modes and multi-level resistance. Conversely, the hexagonal nanosheets display slip bands with sAPBs associated with pinning effects, resulting in magnetic-field-driven spin texture reversal reminiscent of "0" and "1" switching signals. In support of the micromagnetic simulation, direct explanation is offer to the variation in multi-level resistance under a microwave field, which is ascribed to the multi-spin texture magnetization structure and the randomly distributed APBs within the material. These novel 2D magnetite nanosheets with unique spin textures and spin dynamics provide an exciting platform for constructing real multi-level storage devices catering to emerging information storage and neuromorphic computing requirements.

Natural variation in MORE GRAINS 1 regulates grain number and grain weight in rice.

Grain yield is determined mainly by grain number and grain weight. In this study, we identified and characterized MORE GRAINS1 (MOG1), a gene associated with grain number and grain weight in rice (Oryza sativa L.), through map-based cloning. Overexpression of MOG1 increased grain yield by 18.6%-22.3% under field conditions. We determined that MOG1, a bHLH transcription factor, interacts with OsbHLH107 and directly activates the expression of LONELY GUY (LOG), which encodes a cytokinin-activating enzyme and the cell expansion gene EXPANSIN-LIKE1 (EXPLA1), positively regulating grain number per panicle and grain weight. Natural variations in the promoter and coding regions of MOG1 between Hap-LNW and Hap-HNW alleles resulted in changes in MOG1 expression level and transcriptional activation, leading to functional differences. Haplotype analysis revealed that Hap-HNW, which results in a greater number and heavier grains, has undergone strong selection but has been poorly utilized in modern lowland rice breeding. In summary, the MOG1-OsbHLH107 complex activates LOG and EXPLA1 expression to promote cell expansion and division of young panicles through the cytokinin pathway, thereby increasing grain number and grain weight. These findings suggest that Hap-HNW could be used in strategies to breed high-yielding temperate japonica lowland rice.

Upland rice genomic signatures of adaptation to drought resistance and navigation to molecular design breeding.

Upland rice is a distinctive drought-aerobic ecotype of cultivated rice highly resistant to drought stress. However, the genetic and genomic basis for the drought-aerobic adaptation of upland rice remains largely unclear due to the lack of genomic resources. In this study, we identified 25 typical upland rice accessions and assembled a high-quality genome of one of the typical upland rice varieties, IRAT109, comprising 384 Mb with a contig N50 of 19.6 Mb. Phylogenetic analysis revealed upland and lowland rice have distinct ecotype differentiation within the japonica subgroup. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that adaptive differentiation of lowland and upland rice is likely attributable to the natural variation of many genes in promoter regions, formation of specific genes in upland rice, and expansion of gene families. We revealed differentiated gene expression patterns in the leaves and roots of the two ecotypes and found that lignin synthesis mediated by the phenylpropane pathway plays an important role in the adaptive differentiation of upland and lowland rice. We identified 28 selective sweeps that occurred during domestication and validated that the qRT9 gene in selective regions can positively regulate drought resistance in rice. Eighty key genes closely associated with drought resistance were appraised for their appreciable potential in drought resistance breeding. Our study enhances the understanding of the adaptation of upland rice and provides a genome navigation map of drought resistance breeding, which will facilitate the breeding of drought-resistant rice and the "blue revolution" in agriculture.

Sodium alginate-modified alkali-activated eggshell/Fe3O4 nanoparticles: A magnetic bio-based spherical adsorbent for cationic dyes adsorption.

Herein, a mixture of eggshell (ES) and magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) was alkali-activated using NaOH/Na2SiO3 solution and then, impregnated with sodium alginate (SA) to prepare a magnetic bio-based adsorbent (namely SAAES/SA/MNPs) for the decontamination of water containing basic dyes, in particular, methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV). The physicochemical properties of magnetic spheres of SAAES/SA/MNPs were characterized using XRD, FTIR, FESEM, EDX, elemental mapping, TEM, and zeta potential techniques. Dye adsorption equilibrium was studied experimentally at pH 8.0 and 25-55 °C, and a statistical physics multilayer model was applied to understand the removal mechanism of these dyes including the adsorption orientations on the adsorbent surface. The number of adsorbed dye molecules per functional group (n) of this bio-based adsorbent ranged from 0.70 to 0.91, indicating the presence of vertical and horizontal adsorption orientations for these organic molecules at all tested solution temperatures. The calculated saturation adsorption capacities (Qsat) were 332.57-256.62 mg/g for CV and 304.47-240.62 mg/g for MB, and an exothermic adsorption was observed for both adsorbates. The estimated adsorption energies (∆E) were < 25 kJ/mol, confirming that the SAAES/SA/MNPs-dye interactions were governed by physical forces as electrostatic interactions. This bio-based adsorbent was effectively regenerated using ethanol and it can be reused showing a removal of 71 and 74 % of MB and CV, respectively, after fourth adsorption-desorption cycles. Overall, the results of this article suggest the attractive performance of SAAES/SA/MNPs for removing basic dyes from aqueous solutions, thus highlighting the promising potential of this magnetic bio-based adsorbent for sustainable wastewater treatment at an industrial level.

Changes in the soil fungal communities of steppe grasslands at varying degradation levels in North China.

The grasslands in North China are rich in fungal resources. However, the knowledge of the structure and function of fungal communities and the role of microbial communities in vegetation restoration and succession are limited. Thus, we used an Illumina HiSeq PE250 high-throughput sequencing platform to study the changing characteristics of soil fungal communities in degraded grasslands, which were categorized as non-degraded (ND), lightly degraded, moderately degraded, and severely degraded (SD). Moreover, a correlation analysis between soil physical and chemical properties and fungal communities was completed. The results showed that the number of plant species, vegetation coverage, aboveground biomass, and diversity index decreased significantly with increasing degradation, and there were significant differences in the physical and chemical properties of the soil among the different degraded grasslands. The dominant fungal phyla in the degraded grassland were as follows: Ascomycota, 44.88%-65.03%; Basidiomycota, 12.68%-29.91%; and unclassified, 5.51%-16.91%. The dominant fungi were as follows: Mortierella, 6.50%-11.41%; Chaetomium, 6.71%-11.58%; others, 25.95%-36.14%; and unclassified, 25.56%-53.0%. There were significant differences in the microbial Shannon-Wiener and Chao1 indices between the ND and degraded meadows, and the composition and diversity of the soil fungal community differed significantly as the meadows continued to deteriorate. The results showed that pH was the most critical factor affecting soil microbial and fungal communities in SD grasslands, whereas soil microbial and fungal communities in ND grasslands were mainly affected by water content and other environmental factors.

Geographic differences and variation of functional components of brown rice in 690 mini-core collections from global germplasms.

Objective: To understand the geographic differences and variations in the functional components of brown rice cores collected from global rice germplasms. Methods: Four functional components, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), resistant starch (RS), total flavonoids, and alkaloids, in brown rice from 690 mini-core collections from 31 countries from five continents and the International Rice Research Institute, were analyzed using a spectrophotometry colorimetric method, and the results were statistically validated. Conclusion: The highest average amounts of functional components were obtained in Asian germplasms, except for GABA, and total flavonoids were highest in brown rice from Europe and Oceania, followed by Asia. The highest coefficient of variation for GABA was observed in Asia; that for RS and total flavonoids was observed in Africa, followed by Asia; and that for alkaloids was observed in America, followed by Asia. Overall, Asian countries were the most prominent and representative zones with the highest genotypic potential for functional components of brown rice. Forty-one rice accessions with enriched functional components originated mostly from biodiversity-rich areas in China, followed by those in the Philippines. Late sowing favored the enrichment of these components in brown rice. The current study provides a reference for rice breeding with enriched functional constituents, and guidelines for screening functional rice that could be used for human chronic disease research.

Effect of Air Pollutants and Meteorological Factors on Daily Outpatient Visits of Allergic Rhinitis in Hohhot, China.

Objective: There is limited evidence that atmospheric pollutants are associated with the number of allergic rhinitis (AR) visits. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between atmospheric pollutants and meteorological factors and the number of daily visits for AR in Hohhot City, providing a theoretical basis for further research on the effects of atmospheric pollutants on AR. Methods: Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to collect and organize the AR outpatient consultation data, air pollution and meteorological data in Hohhot City during 2018-2020, and the data were descriptively analyzed and Spearman correlation test was performed using SPSS22.0; A generalized additive model was built in R4.2.3 to analyze the effect of air pollution on the number of AR visits and its lagged and cumulative effects, while the robustness of the model was tested using a two-pollutant analysis. Finally, we analyzed the effects of the interaction of temperature, relative humidity and pollutants on the number of AR visits. Results: The daily average concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 in Hohhot during 2018-2020 were 38.1 µg/m3, 83.3 µg/m3, 36.1 µg/m3, 15.1 µg/m3, 14.2 mg/m3, and 99.95 µg/m3, respectively, with the concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeding the secondary limit of the national standard. The results of the generalized additive model analysis showed that the RR and 95% CI of the effect of each 10 µg/m3 increase in pollutant concentration (1 mg/m3 increase in CO) on the number of AR outpatient clinics were 1.008 (1.001-1.016), 1.002 (1-1.005), 1.072 (1.033-1.113), 1.020 (1007-1.034), 1.033 (1.014-1.052), 0.987 (0.9804-0.9936). Conclusion: Short-term exposure to PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and CO was significantly associated with an increase in AR clinic visits, and short-term exposure to O3 was significantly associated with a decrease in allergic rhinitis clinic visits.

Relationship Between Outdoor Air Pollutant Exposure and Premature Delivery in China- Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Preterm birth (PTB) is considered as a public health problem and one of the main risk factors related to the global disease burden. The purpose of this study aims to explore the influence of exposure to major air pollutants at different pregnancies on PTB. Methods: The relationship between air pollutants and PTB in China was collected from cohort studies and case-control studies published before 30 April 2022. Meta-analysis was carried out with STATA 15.0 software. Results: A total of 2,115 papers were retrieved, of which 18 papers met the inclusion criteria. The comprehensive effect of pollutant exposure and PTB were calculated. PM2.5 during entire pregnancy and O3 exposure during third trimester were positively associated with preterm birth. Every 10 µg/m3 increase in the average concentration of PM2.5 during the whole pregnancy will increase the risk of premature delivery by 4%, and every 10 µg/m3 increase in the average concentration of O3 in the third trimester will increase the risk of premature delivery by 1%. Conclusion: Exposure to PM2.5 entire prenatal pregnancy and O3 in third trimester is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth occurrence.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals the Genetic Basis of Total Flavonoid Content in Brown Rice.

Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anticarcinogenic effects. Breeding rice varieties rich in flavonoids can prevent chronic diseases such as cancer and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. However, most of the genes reported are known to regulate flavonoid content in leaves or seedlings. To further elucidate the genetic basis of flavonoid content in rice grains and identify germplasm rich in flavonoids in grains, a set of rice core collections containing 633 accessions from 32 countries was used to determine total flavonoid content (TFC) in brown rice. We identified ten excellent germplasms with TFC exceeding 300 mg/100 g. Using a compressed mixed linear model, a total of 53 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected through a genome-wide association study (GWAS). By combining linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis, location of significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), gene expression, and haplotype analysis, eight candidate genes were identified from two important QTLs (qTFC1-6 and qTFC9-7), among which LOC_Os01g59440 and LOC_Os09g24260 are the most likely candidate genes. We also analyzed the geographic distribution and breeding utilization of favorable haplotypes of the two genes. Our findings provide insights into the genetic basis of TFC in brown rice and could facilitate the breeding of flavonoid-rich varieties, which may be a prevention and adjuvant treatment for cancer and cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.

Genetic-based dissection of resistance to bacterial leaf streak in rice by GWAS.

BACKGROUND: Rice is the second-largest food crop in the world and vulnerable to bacterial leaf streak disease. A thorough comprehension of the genetic foundation of agronomic traits was essential for effective implementation of molecular marker-assisted selection. RESULTS: Our study aimed to evaluate the vulnerability of rice to bacterial leaf streak disease (BLS) induced by the gram-negative bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc). In order to accomplish this, we first analyzed the population structure of 747 accessions and subsequently assessed their phenotypes 20 days after inoculation with a strain of Xoc, GX01. We conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on a population of 747 rice accessions, consisting of both indica and japonica subpopulations, utilizing phenotypic data on resistance to bacterial leaf streak (RBLS) and sequence data. We identified a total of 20 QTLs associated with RBLS in our analysis. Through the integration of linkage mapping, sequence analysis, haplotype analysis, and transcriptome analysis, we were able to identify five potential candidate genes (OsRBLS1-OsRBLS5) that possess the potential to regulate RBLS in rice. In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic mechanism behind resistance to bacterial leaf streak, we conducted tests on these genes in both the indica and japonica subpopulations, ultimately identifying superior haplotypes that suggest the potential utilization of these genes in breeding disease-resistant rice varieties. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of our study broaden our comprehension of the genetic mechanisms underlying RBLS in rice and offer significant insights that can be applied towards genetic improvement and breeding of disease-resistant rice in rapidly evolving environmental conditions.

Highly flame-retardant materials of different divalent metal ions alginate/silver phosphate: Synthesis, characterizations, and synergistic phosphorus-polymetallic effects.

Three kinds of divalent metal ions (Ca2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) alginate/silver phosphate (MAlg/Ag3PO4) hybrid materials were prepared via an in-situ method, and the composites were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). To investigate their flame-retardant properties and phosphorus-polymetallic flame-retardant effects, the combustion behavior and flammability of the composites were assessed by using the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI) and micro-calorimeter tests (MCC). The results show that the three composites were thermally stable, among which the LOI of CaAlg/Ag3PO4, CuAlg/Ag3PO4 and ZnAlg/Ag3PO4 were 62.6 %, 46.5 % and 79.8 %, respectively, which were much higher than the prescribed flame retardants which was 27 %. According to the TGA, the thermal stability was ZnAlg/Ag3PO4 > CaAlg/Ag3PO4 > CuAlg/Ag3PO4. The heat release capacity (HRC) of the above three materials was 49 J/(g·K), 69 J/(g·K), 41 J/(g·K), respectively, and the fire safety performance was also in the same order as the thermal stability. By using the thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared analysis (TG-FTIR) and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), the flame retarding mechanism of MAlg/Ag3PO4 and the synergistic effect of Ag3PO4 and divalent metal ions were proposed based on the experimental data.