Reduced neural distinctiveness of speech representations in the middle-aged brain.

Speech perception declines independent of hearing thresholds in middle-age, and the neurobiological reasons are unclear. In line with the age-related neural dedifferentiation hypothesis, we predicted that middle-aged adults show less distinct cortical representations of phonemes and acoustic-phonetic features relative to younger adults. In addition to an extensive audiological, auditory electrophysiological, and speech perceptual test battery, we measured electroencephalographic responses time-locked to phoneme instances (phoneme-related potential; PRP) in naturalistic, continuous speech and trained neural network classifiers to predict phonemes from these responses. Consistent with age-related neural dedifferentiation, phoneme predictions were less accurate, more uncertain, and involved a broader network for middle-aged adults compared with younger adults. Representational similarity analysis revealed that the featural relationship between phonemes was less robust in middle-age. Electrophysiological and behavioral measures revealed signatures of cochlear neural degeneration (CND) and speech perceptual deficits in middle-aged adults relative to younger adults. Consistent with prior work in animal models, signatures of CND were associated with greater cortical dedifferentiation, explaining nearly a third of the variance in PRP prediction accuracy together with measures of acoustic neural processing. Notably, even after controlling for CND signatures and acoustic processing abilities, age-group differences in PRP prediction accuracy remained. Overall, our results reveal "fuzzier" phonemic representations, suggesting that age-related cortical neural dedifferentiation can occur even in middle-age and may underlie speech perceptual challenges, despite a normal audiogram.

Continuously Tunable MOFs Enable Precise Mass Transfer for High-Performance Isomer Separation.

Modulating mass transfer is crucial for optimizing the catalytic and separation performances of porous materials. Here, we systematically developed a series of continuously tunable MOFs (CTMOFs) that exhibit incessantly increased mass transfer. This was achieved through the strategic blending of ligands with different lengths and ratios in MOFs featuring the fcu topology. By employing a proportional mixture of two ligands in the synthesis of UiO-66, the micropores expanded, facilitating faster mass transfer. The mass transfer rate was evaluated by dye adsorption, dark-field microscopy, and gas chromatography (GC). The GC performance proved that both too-fast and too-slow mass transfer led to low separation performance. The optimized mass transfer in CTMOFs resulted in an exceptionally high separation resolution (5.96) in separating p-xylene and o-xylene. Moreover, this study represents the first successful use of MOFs for high-performance separation of propylene and propane by GC. This strategy provides new inspiration in regulating mass transfer in porous materials.

Salvia guidongensis sp. nov.: unraveling a critical evolutionary link in East Asian Salvia from Central China integrating morphology, phylogeny, and plastid genomics.

Introduction: Salvia L., representing the largest genus within the mint family, is noted for its global distribution of approximately 1000 species, with East Asia, and particularly China, recognized as a critical center of diversity for the genus. Methods: Our research was conducted through extensive fieldwork in Guidong County, Hunan Province, China, where we identified a previously undescribed species of Salvia. The identification process involved detailed morphological observations, phylogenetic analyses, and plastid genomics. Results: The newly discovered species, Salvia guidongensis, exhibits unique characteristics not commonly observed in the East Asian lineage of Salvia, including dual floral colors within natural populations-either pale purple or pale yellow. Morphologically, while it shares similarities with members of sect. Glutinaria, S. guidongensis is distinct in its floral morphology, stature, and specific foliar traits. Phylogenetic analysis places S. guidongensis in a unique clade within the East Asian lineage of Salvia, suggesting it may serve as an important evolutionary link. Additionally, we explored the plastome features of S. guidongensis, comparing them with those of closely related species. Discussion: The discovery of S. guidongensis not only entriches the taxonomic tapestry of Salvia but also provides critical insights into the biogeography and evolutionary pathways of the genus in East Asia. By integrating morphological and molecular data, we validate the novel status of S. guidongensis and highlight its significance in bridging taxonomic and evolutionary gaps within Sect. Glutinaria of Salvia.

Near-UV Extinction of Submicron Thickness Ice Films in the 290-350 nm Range at 258 K.

Ice clouds affect the energy balance of the atmosphere through absorption, reflection, and scattering of solar radiation. We have developed a new experimental technique to simultaneously measure thin ice film extinction and its thickness (about 0.06-0.21 µm) by combining Brewster angle cavity ring-down spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance. The ice film serves as a proxy for ice clouds. Thin ice films were formed by water vapor deposition on a silica surface at 258 K. The average extinction cross sections of ice films were determined to be about 6.6 × 10-23, 8.1 × 10-23, 5.3 × 10-23, 5.6 × 10-23, 5.2 × 10-23, 5.1 × 10-23, and 3.9 × 10-23 cm2/molecule at wavelengths of 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 nm at 258 K, respectively. Atmospheric implications of the results are discussed.

Deciphering the Plastomic Code of Chinese Hog-Peanut (Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth., Leguminosae): Comparative Genomics and Evolutionary Insights within the Phaseoleae Tribe.

The classification and phylogenetic relationships within the Phaseoleae tribe (Leguminosae) have consistently posed challenges to botanists. This study addresses these taxonomic intricacies, with a specific focus on the Glycininae subtribe, by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the highly conserved plastome in Amphicarpaea edgeworthii Benth., a critical species within this subtribe. Through meticulous genomic sequencing, we identified a plastome size of 148,650 bp, composed of 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Comparative genomic analysis across seven Glycininae species illuminated a universally conserved circular and quadripartite structure, with nine genes exhibiting notable nucleotide diversity, signifying a remarkable genomic variability. Phylogenetic reconstruction of 35 Phaseoleae species underscores the affinity of Amphicarpaea with Glycine, placing Apios as a sister lineage to all other Phaseoleae species, excluding Clitorinae and Diocleinae subtribes. Intriguingly, Apios, Butea, Erythrina, and Spatholobus, traditionally clumped together in the Erythrininae subtribe, display paraphyletic divergence, thereby contesting their taxonomic coherence. The pronounced structural differences in the quadripartite boundary genes among taxa with unresolved subtribal affiliations demand a reevaluation of Erythrininae's taxonomic classification, potentially refining the phylogenetic contours of the tribe.

Ovariectomy induces hyperalgesia accompanied by upregulated estrogen receptor α and protein kinase B in the rat spinal cord.

Hormone supplementation is one of the common therapies for menopause-related disorders. Among different tools, the ovariectomy (OVX) rodents are widely accepted as an appropriate menopausal pain model. Our previous study has showed that OVX produces a significant pain facilitation in both acute pain and tonic pain, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of OVX treatment and estradiol (E2) supplementation on formalin-induced nociceptive responses, and explored the associated spinal mechanisms. Female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral OVX, and E2 supplementation was given subcutaneously from the 5th week after surgery (30 µg/day for 7 days). Our results showed that formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors did not differ between diestrus and proestrus stages of the estrous in intact rats. However, OVX exacerbated formalin-evoked inflammatory pain, especially in the late phase at 4-5 weeks but not 2 weeks post-surgery. E2 supplementation significantly reversed the OVX-triggered hyperalgesia. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed that both ERα and ERß in the spinal dorsal horn were co-labeled with the neuronal markers, but not with markers of astrocytes or microglia. The spinal ERα (but not ERß) expression significantly increased in the OVX group, which was reversed by E2 supplementation. Moreover, the OVX individuals showed an increased protein kinase B (AKT) level in lumbar spinal cord, and E2 supplementation diminished the AKT expression in OVX rats. Finally, intrathecal injection Wortmannin, an inhibitor for AKT signaling, effectively reduced the nociceptive behaviors in the late phase and the number of c-fos positive cells. Together, our findings indicate that E2 supplementation alleviates the OVX-induced hyperalgesia, which might be involved in spinal ERα and AKT mechanisms.

Comparison of the efficacy of autologous platelet gel and medical chitosan in the prevention of recurrence of intrauterine adhesions after transcervical resection of adhesion: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) in women is a debatable topic and there is no clear consensus in its management and treatment strategies. Previous treatment measures have limitations which necessitates to consider effective measures for prevention of recurrence of IUAs. Hence, the aim of this study to explore the efficacy and safety of intrauterine infusion of autologous platelet gel (APG) and medical chitosan in preventing recurrence of IUAs in females after transcervical resection of adhesion (TCRA). METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted among 80 patients presented with moderate to severe IUAs. Patients were randomized into two groups, APG group (n = 40) and medical chitosan group (n = 40). All patients were injected with either APG or medical chitosan after TCRA. RESULTS: The postoperative recurrence rate of adhesions in APG group was significantly lower than those in medical chitosan group (21% vs 49%). The median AFS score during the second-look hysteroscopy was significantly lower in APG group than in medical chitosan group (P = 0.008). The median AFS score reduction after TCRA surgery was significantly higher in APG group than in medical chitosan group (median, 95% CI 7.000, 6.0 to 8.3 vs. 6.000, 5.0 to 7.0, P = 0.004). Subgroup analysis of platelet concentration (1000 as cut-off value) into high- and low-dose subgroups reported no significant correlation existed between APG and baseline characteristics, recurrence rate and postoperative AFS reduction score except for previous intrauterine operation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Thus, after TCRA, intrauterine injections of APG provides better efficacy and safety compared with intrauterine injections of medical chitosan in preventing recurrence of intrauterine adhesions.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates: the natural biopolyester for future medical innovations.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of natural microbial biopolyesters with the same basic chemical structure and diverse side chain groups. Based on their excellent biodegradability, biocompatibility, thermoplastic properties and diversity, PHAs are highly promising medical biomaterials and elements of medical devices for applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery. However, due to the high cost of biotechnological production, most PHAs have yet to be applied in the clinic and have only been studied at laboratory scale. This review focuses on the biosynthesis, diversity, physical properties, biodegradability and biosafety of PHAs. We also discuss optimization strategies for improved microbial production of commercial PHAs via novel synthetic biology tools. Moreover, we also systematically summarize various medical devices based on PHAs and related design approaches for medical applications, including tissue repair and drug delivery. The main degradation product of PHAs, 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), is recognized as a new functional molecule for cancer therapy and immune regulation. Although PHAs still account for only a small percentage of medical polymers, up-and-coming novel medical PHA devices will enter the clinical translation stage in the next few years.

Toward Antifragility: Social Defeat Stress Enhances Learning and Memory in Young Mice Via Hippocampal Synaptosome Associated Protein 25.

Social adversity not only causes severe psychological diseases but also may improve people's ability to learn and grow. However, the beneficial effects of social adversity are often ignored. In this study, we investigated whether and how social adversity affects learning and memory in a mouse social defeat stress (SDS) model. A total of 652 mice were placed in experimental groups of six to 23 mice each. SDS enhanced spatial, novelty, and fear memory with increased synaptosome associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) level and dendritic spine density in hippocampal neurons among young but not middle-aged mice. Chemogenetic inhibition of hippocampal CaMK2A+ neurons blocked SDS-induced enhancement of learning or memory. Knockdown of SNAP-25 or blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit GluN2B in the hippocampus prevented SDS-induced learning memory enhancement in an emotion-independent manner. These findings suggest that social adversity promotes learning and memory ability in youths and provide a neurobiological foundation for biopsychological antifragility.

Biomimetic natural biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: new biosynthesis methods, recent advances, and emerging applications.

Biomimetic materials have emerged as attractive and competitive alternatives for tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine. In contrast to conventional biomaterials or synthetic materials, biomimetic scaffolds based on natural biomaterial can offer cells a broad spectrum of biochemical and biophysical cues that mimic the in vivo extracellular matrix (ECM). Additionally, such materials have mechanical adaptability, microstructure interconnectivity, and inherent bioactivity, making them ideal for the design of living implants for specific applications in TE and regenerative medicine. This paper provides an overview for recent progress of biomimetic natural biomaterials (BNBMs), including advances in their preparation, functionality, potential applications and future challenges. We highlight recent advances in the fabrication of BNBMs and outline general strategies for functionalizing and tailoring the BNBMs with various biological and physicochemical characteristics of native ECM. Moreover, we offer an overview of recent key advances in the functionalization and applications of versatile BNBMs for TE applications. Finally, we conclude by offering our perspective on open challenges and future developments in this rapidly-evolving field.

Plio-Pleistocene climatic change drives allopatric speciation and population divergence within the Scrophularia incisa complex (Scrophulariaceae) of desert and steppe subshrubs in Northwest China.

Numerous temperate plants and animals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are hypothesized to have differentiated due to vicariant allopatric speciation associated with the geologic uplifts. However, this hypothesis has rarely been tested through a phylogeographic study of relative species in a broader geographic context, including the QTP, Tianshan Mountains, Mongolian Plateau, and surrounding regions. To understand the speciation and diversification process of plants across this wide area, phylogeographic analysis were examined from Scrophularia incisa and two other closely relative species comprising S. kiriloviana and S. dentata. Thirty-two populations of the three close relatives were genotyped using chloroplast DNA fragments and nuclear microsatellite loci to assess population structure and diversity, supplemented by phylogenetic dating, ancestral area reconstructions and species distribution modelings, as well as niche identity tests. Our chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) phylogeny showed that this monophyletic group of desert and steppe semi-shrub is derived from a Middle Pliocene ancestor of the Central Asia. Lineages in Central Asia vs. China diverged through climate/tectonic-induced vicariance during Middle Pliocene. Genetic and ENM data in conjunction with niche differentiation analyses support that the divergence of S. incisa, S. dentata and S. kiriloviana in China lineage proceeded through allopatric speciation, might triggered by early Pleistocene climate change of increase of aridification and enlargement of deserts, while subsequent climate-induced cycles of range contractions/expansions enhanced the geographical isolation and habit fragmentation of these taxa. These findings highlight the importance of the Plio-Pleistocene climate change in shaping genetic diversity and driving speciation in temperate steppes and deserts of Northwestern China.

Evolutionary Comparison of the Complete Chloroplast Genomes in Convallaria Species and Phylogenetic Study of Asparagaceae.

The genus Convallaria (Asparagaceae) comprises three herbaceous perennial species that are widely distributed in the understory of temperate deciduous forests in the Northern Hemisphere. Although Convallaria species have high medicinal and horticultural values, studies related to the phylogenetic analysis of this genus are few. In the present study, we assembled and reported five complete chloroplast (cp) sequences of three Convallaria species (two of C. keiskei Miq., two of C. majalis L., and one of C. montana Raf.) using Illumina paired-end sequencing data. The cp genomes were highly similar in overall size (161,365-162,972 bp), and all consisted of a pair of inverted repeats (IR) regions (29,140-29,486 bp) separated by a large single-copy (LSC) (85,183-85,521 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (17,877-18,502 bp). Each cp genome contained the same 113 unique genes, including 78 protein-coding genes, 30 transfer RNA genes, and 4 ribosomal RNA genes. Gene content, gene order, AT content and IR/SC boundary structure were nearly identical among all of the Convallaria cp genomes. However, their lengths varied due to contraction/expansion at the IR/LSC borders. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) analyses indicated that the richest SSRs are A/T mononucleotides. Three highly variable regions (petA-psbJ, psbI-trnS and ccsA-ndhD) were identified as valuable molecular markers. Phylogenetic analysis of the family Asparagaceae using 48 cp genome sequences supported the monophyly of Convallaria, which formed a sister clade to the genus Rohdea. Our study provides a robust phylogeny of the Asparagaceae family. The complete cp genome sequences will contribute to further studies in the molecular identification, genetic diversity, and phylogeny of Convallaria.

The effect of lengthening aspiration on speech segmentation.

Listeners tend to perceive longer vowels as word-final and include the aspiration of a syllable-onset consonant in metalinguistically judging the duration of the following vowel. It may be hypothesized that longer aspiration is interpreted as extra vowel duration and hence, a word-finality cue. Alternatively, if aspiration is perceived as part of the onset, longer aspiration should be interpreted as word-initial, consistent with previous findings on consonant lengthening [White, Mattys, Stefansdottir, and Jones (2015). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138(2), 1214-1220]. An artificial language learning experiment with Taiwanese Southern Min listeners showed that lengthening aspiration in word-initial but not word-final syllables improved speech segmentation, supporting the second but not the first hypothesis.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Elatostema stewardii Merr. (Urticaceae).

Elatostema stewardii is an important medicinal plant endemic to China. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of E. stewardii was sequenced and assembled using next-generation sequencing technology. The complete chloroplast genome length of E. stewardii was 150,263 bp, including two inverted repeats (IRs) of 24,681 bp, which are separated by LSC and SSC of 83,791 bp and 17,110 bp, respectively. A total of 129 genes were included in the genome, consisting 85 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 36 tRNA genes, the overall GC content of this genome was 36.3%. There are few studies on the genus Elatostema of Urticaceae, this chloroplast genome sequence will provide useful data for further research on solving the generic and familial relationships in Urticaceae.

Smilax weniae, a New Species of Smilacaceae from Limestone Areas Bordering Guizhou and Guangxi, China.

A new species, Smilax weniae (Smilacaceae), from Southwest China, is described and illustrated. The new species bears peltate leaves, which was previously a unique feature of S. luei. However, it differs from the latter by having a broad ovate leaf blade, longer peduncle, and sexual dimorphic flowers. Further phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species were placed in a unique position in a subclade of Old World Smilax based on ptDNA and nrITS sequences. Combining detailed morphological comparisons and molecular evidence, we validated that S. weniae is an undescribed new species. Moreover, the plastome characteristics of S. weniae are reported.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Japanese buttercup Ranunculus japonicus Thunb.

Ranunculus japonicus is an important medicinal herb widely used in East Asia. In this study, we report the first complete chloroplast genome sequence of Ranunculus japonicus using next-generation sequencing technology. The chloroplast genome size of R. japonicus was 156,981 bp. A total of 129 genes were included, consisting 84 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. Thirteen protein-coding genes had intron (ycf3 gene, rps12 gene, rps12 gene, clpP gene contained two introns). A further phylogenomic analysis of Ranunculaceae, including 10 taxa, was conducted for assessing the placement of R. japonicus. It will provide valuable genetic information for this medicinally important species.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of spleen amaranth (Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell., Amaranthaceae).

Amaranthus dubius is a leafy vegetable widely cultivated in Asia and Africa. The complete chloroplast genome of Amaranthus dubius was sequenced and assembled in this study. The complete chloroplast genome is 150,520 bp. A total of 130 genes were identified, including 85 protein-coding genes, eight rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. The overall GC content of this genome was 36.6%. The phylogenetic tree based on 10 chloroplast genomes in Amaranthaceae supports that A. dubius is sister to A. hypochondriacus and A. caudatus.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Sparganium glomeratum (Typhaceae) from Jilin Province, China and phylogenetic analysis.

The complete chloroplast genome of Sparganium glomeratum was sequenced and assembled in this study. The circular genome is 160,391 bp in length and exhibits a typical quadripartite structure with a large single-copy (LSC, 87,660 bp) and small single-copy (SSC, 18,721 bp) regions, separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs, 27,005 bp). The cp genome contains 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis within the Poales showed that Sparganium is monophyletic and most closely related to Typha. Within Sparganium, S. glomeratum is sister to the clade of S. stoloniferum and S. euricarpum. The work reported here will provide useful information for the evolutionary studies on the genus of Sparganium.

The complete chloroplast genome of balsam aster (Aster ageratoides Turcz. var. scaberulus (Miq.) Ling., Asteraceae).

The first complete chloroplast genome of Aster ageratoides Turcz. var. scaberulus (Miq.) Ling. is reported in this study. The total chloroplast genome size of A. ageratoides var. scaberulus was 153,071 bp and comprised of a large single-copy region (LSC with 84,896 bp), a small single-copy region (SSC with 18,269 bp), and two inverted repeat regions (IR with 24,953 bp). A total of 122 genes were included in the genome, including 83 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 37 tRNA genes. Eleven protein-coding genes had intron (ycf3, clpP and rps12 gene contained two introns. Further phylogenomic analysis of Asteraceae, including 13 taxa, was conducted for the placement of A. ageratoides var. scaberulus.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of wild Japanese pepper Tubocapsicum anomalum Makino (Solanaceae).

As an important medicinal herb, no complete organelle molecular data has been reported for Tubocapsicum anomalum. In this study, the first complete chloroplast genome of Tubocapsicum anomalum Makino was sequenced and assembled. The genome is 155,802 bp in length and contained 124 encoded genes in total, including 75 protein-coding genes, 10 ribosomal RNA genes, and 39 transfer RNA genes. The phylogenomic analysis showed that Tubocapsicum anomalum was closely related to Withania somnifera according the current sampling extent.