Metabolomics reveals changes in soil metabolic profiles during vegetation succession in karst area.

Soil metabolites are critical in regulating the dynamics of ecosystem structure and function, particularly in fragile karst ecosystems. Clarification of response of soil metabolism to vegetation succession in karst areas will contribute to the overall understanding and management of karst soils. Here, we investigated the metabolite characteristics of karst soils with different vegetation stages (grassland, brushwood, secondary forest and primary forest) based on untargeted metabolomics. We confirmed that the abundance and composition of soil metabolites altered with vegetation succession. Of the 403 metabolites we found, 157 had significantly varied expression levels across vegetation soils, including mainly lipids and lipid-like molecules, phenylpropanoids and polyketides, organic acids and derivatives. Certain soil metabolites, such as maltotetraose and bifurcose, were sensitive to vegetation succession, increasing significantly from grassland to brushwood and then decreasing dramatically in secondary and primary forests, making them possible indicators of karst vegetation succession. In addition, soil metabolic pathways, such as galactose metabolism and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, also changed with vegetation succession. This study characterized the soil metabolic profile in different vegetation stages during karst secondary succession, which would provide new insights for the management of karst soils.

KF-Containing Interphase Formation Enables Better Potassium Ion Storage Capability.

Rechargeable potassium ion batteries have long been regarded as one alternative to conventional lithium ion batteries because of their resource sustainability and cost advantages. However, the compatibility between anodes and electrolytes remains to be resolved, impeding their commercial adoption. In this work, the K-ion storage properties of Bi nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanocomposites have been examined in two typical electrolyte solutions, which show a significant effect on potassium insertion/removal processes. In a KFSI-based electrolyte, the N-C@Bi nanocomposites exhibit a high specific capacity of 255.2 mAh g-1 at 0.5 A g-1, which remains at 245.6 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles, corresponding to a high capacity retention rate of 96.24%. In a KPF6-based electrolyte, the N-C@Bi nanocomposites show a specific capacity of 209.0 mAh g-1, which remains at 71.5 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles, corresponding to an inferior capacity retention rate of only 34.21%. Post-investigations reveal the formation of a KF interphase derived from salt decomposition and an intact rod-like morphology after cycling in K2 electrolytes, which are responsible for better K-ion storage properties.

Photosynthetic Acclimation of Larch to the Coupled Effects of Light Intensity and Water Deficit in Regions with Changing Water Availability.

The impact of frequent water deficits on dominant tree species in boreal forests has received increased attention, particularly towards addressing the global climate change scenarios. However, the impacts of coupled light intensity and water deficit in the regeneration and growth of Larix gmelinii seedlings, a dominant species in China's boreal forests, are still unclear. We conducted a dual-factor controlled experiment with four light intensities (natural sunlight, 50% shading, 75% shading, and 90% shading) and three soil water conditions (80%, 60%, and 40% soil saturated water content). The results showed that the coupling of light and water has a significant effect on the growth and development of Larix gmelinii seedlings. In 40% of the saturated soil moisture content, net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, chlorophyll a, and total phenol-leaf were significantly lower than the same light conditions under 80% soil saturated water content. Under the coupling treatment of 60% soil saturated water content and 50% shading treatment, the plant height increment, net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, chlorophyll a, and phenolic compound content were significantly higher than those of other coupling treatments; however, more than 75% shading inhibited photosynthetic parameters, chlorophyll a, total flavonoid-leaf, and total flavonoid-branch. Our results have important implications for forest management practices; they provide a scientific reference for the early growth of Larix gmelinii seedlings under the coupling of light and water and promote the survival and growth of seedlings.

Enhanced hypoxanthine utilization for cAMP salvage synthesis efficiently by Arthrobacter sp. CCTCC 2013431 via xanthine oxidase inhibition.

When hypoxanthine was utilized as the activator for the salvage pathway in cAMP synthesis, xanthine oxidase would generate in quantity leading to low hypoxanthine conversion ratios and cell viability. To enhance cAMP salvage synthesis, fermentations with citrate/luteolin and hypoxanthine coupling added were conducted in a 7 L bioreactor and then multiple physiological indicators of fermentation with luteolin addition were assayed. Due to hypoxanthine feeding, cAMP productivity reached 0.066 g/(L·h) with 43.5% higher than control, however, cAMP synthesis, cell growth and glucose uptake all ceased at 50 h which was shortened by 22 h in comparison to control. The addition of citrate resulted in the cessation of fermentation at 61 h, on the contrary, owing to luteolin addition, cAMP fermentation performance was enhanced significantly during the whole fermentation period (72 h) with higher hypoxanthine conversion ratios and cAMP contents when compared with citrate and only hypoxanthine added batches. Multiple physiological indicators revealed that luteolin inhibited xanthine oxidase activity reducing hypoxanthine decomposition and ROS generation. ATP/AMP, NADH/NAD+ and NADPH/NADP+ were significantly increased especially at the late phase. Moreover, HPRT, PUP expression contents and corresponding gene transcription levels were also elevated. Luteolin could inhibit xanthine oxidase activity and further decrease hypoxanthine decomposition and ROS generation leading to higher hypoxanthine conversion and less cell damage for cAMP salvage synthesis efficiently.

Novel Allelic Gene Variations in CmCLAVATA3 (CmCLV3) Were Identified in a Genetic Population of Melon (Cucumis melo L.).

Carpel number (CN) is an important trait affecting the fruit size and shape of melon, which plays a crucial role in determining the overall appearance and market value. A unique non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in CmCLAVATA3 (CmCLV3) is responsible for the variation of CN in C. melo ssp. agrestis (hereafter agrestis), but it has been unclear in C. melo ssp. melo (hereafter melo). In this study, one major locus controlling the polymorphism of 5-CN (multi-CN) and 3-CN (normal-CN) in melo was identified using bulked segregant analysis (BSA-seq). This locus was then fine-mapped to an interval of 1.8 Mb on chromosome 12 using a segregating population containing 1451 progeny. CmCLV3 is still present in the candidate region. A new allele of CmCLV3, which contains five other nucleotide polymorphisms, including a non-synonymous SNP in coding sequence (CDS), except the SNP reported in agrestis, was identified in melo. A cis-trans test confirmed that the candidate gene, CmCLV3, contributes to the variation of CNs in melo. The qRT-PCR results indicate that there is no significant difference in the expression level of CmCLV3 in the apical stem between the multi-CN plants and the normal-CN plants. Overall, this study provides a genetic resource for melon fruit development research and molecular breeding. Additionally, it suggests that melo has undergone similar genetic selection but evolved into an independent allele.

MP-13, a novel chimeric peptide of morphiceptin and pepcan-9, produces potent antinociception with limited side effects.

Pharmacological investigations have substantiated the potential of bifunctional opioid/cannabinoid agonists in delivering potent analgesia while minimizing adverse reactions. Peptide modulators of cannabinoid receptors, known as pepcans, have been investigated before. In this study, we designed a series of chimeric peptides based on pepcans and morphiceptin (YPFP-NH2). Here, we combined injections of pepcans and morphiceptin to investigate the combination treatment of opioids and cannabis and compared the analgesic effect with chimeric compounds. Subsequently, we employed computational docking to screen the compounds against opioid and cannabinoid receptors, along with an acute pain model, to identify the most promising peptide. Among these peptides, MP-13, a morphiceptin and pepcan-9 (PVNFKLLSH) construct, exhibited superior supraspinal analgesic efficacy in the tail-flick test, with an ED50 value at 1.43 nmol/mouse, outperforming its parent peptides and other chimeric analogs. Additionally, MP-13 displayed potent analgesic activity mediated by mu-opioid receptor (MOR), delta-opioid receptor (DOR), and cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor pathways. Furthermore, MP-13 did not induce psychological dependence and gastrointestinal motility inhibition at the effective analgesic doses, and it maintained non-tolerance-forming antinociception throughout a 7-day treatment regimen, with an unaltered count of microglial cells in the periaqueductal gray region, supporting this observation. Moreover, intracerebroventricular administration of MP-13 demonstrated dose-dependent antinociception in murine models of neuropathic, inflammatory, and visceral pain. Our findings provide promising insights for the development of opioid/cannabinoid peptide agonists, addressing a crucial gap in the field and holding significant potential for future research and development. PERSPECTIVE: This article offers insights into the combination treatment of pepcans with morphiceptin. Among the chimeric peptides, MP-13 exhibited potent analgesic effects in a series of preclinical pain models with a favorable side-effect profile.

3D-Printed Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffold Loaded with Curculigoside for Rat Cranial Defect Repair.

The treatment of various large bone defects has remained a challenge for orthopedic surgeons for a long time. Recent research indicates that curculigoside (CUR) extracted from the curculigo plant exerts a positive influence on bone formation, contributing to fracture healing. In this study, we employed emulsification/solvent evaporation techniques to successfully fabricate poly(ε-caprolactone) nanoparticles loaded with curculigoside (CUR@PM). Subsequently, using three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, we successfully developed a bioinspired composite scaffold named HA/GEL/SA/CUR@PM (HGSC), chemically cross-linked with calcium chloride, to ensure scaffold stability. Further characterization of the scaffold's physical and chemical properties revealed uniform pore size, good hydrophilicity, and appropriate mechanical properties while achieving sustained drug release for up to 12 days. In vitro experiments demonstrated the nontoxicity, good biocompatibility, and cell proliferative properties of HGSC. Through alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, cell migration assays, tube formation assays, and detection of angiogenic and osteogenic gene proteins, we confirmed the HGSC composite scaffold's significant angiogenic and osteoinductive capabilities. Eight weeks postimplantation in rat cranial defects, Micro-computed tomography (CT) and histological observations revealed pronounced angiogenesis and new bone growth in areas treated with the HGSC composite scaffold. These findings underscore the scaffold's exceptional angiogenic and osteogenic properties, providing a solid theoretical basis for clinical bone repair and demonstrating its potential in promoting vascularization and bone regeneration.

Targeting Nrf2 signaling pathways in the role of bladder cancer: From signal network to targeted therapy.

Bladder cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy of the urinary system and often recurs after tumor removal and/or is resistant to chemotherapy. In cancer cells, the activity of the signaling pathway changes significantly, affecting a wide range of cell activities from growth and proliferation to apoptosis, invasion and metastasis. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that plays an important role in cellular defense responses to a variety of cellular stresses. There is increasing evidence that Nrf2 acts as a tumor driver and that it is involved in the maintenance of malignant cell phenotypes. Abnormal expression of Nrf2 has been found to be common in a variety of tumors, including bladder cancer. Over-activation of Nrf2 can lead to DNA damage and the development of bladder cancer, and is also associated with various pathological phenomena of bladder cancer, such as metastasis, angiogenesis, and reduced toxicity and efficacy of therapeutic anticancer drugs to provide cell protection for cancer cells. However, the above process can be effectively inhibited or reversed by inhibiting Nrf2. Therefore, Nrf2 signaling may be a potential targeting pathway for bladder cancer. In this review, we will characterize this signaling pathway and summarize the effects of Nrf2 and crosstalk with other signaling pathways on bladder cancer progression. The focus will be on the impact of Nrf2 activation on bladder cancer progression and current therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking the effects of Nrf2. To better determine how to promote new chemotherapy agents, develop new therapeutic agents, and potential therapeutic targets.

WDR1 promotes prostate cancer progression through Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among men. A comprehensive understanding of PCa progression is crucial for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for its treatment. While WDR1 (WD-repeat domain 1) serves as a significant cofactor of actin-depolymerizing factor/cofilin, its role in PCa progression remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that knockdown of WDR1 in various PCa cells substantially inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as confirmed at both the cellular and molecular levels. Moreover, the overexpression of WDR1 promoted PCa cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro. Mechanistically, we showed that the application of lithium chloride, an activator of the Wnt/ß-Catenin signaling pathway, restored the suppressive effects of WDR1 deficiency on cell proliferation and migration in PCa cells. Our findings suggest that the WDR1-ß-Catenin axis functions as an activator of the malignant phenotype and represents a promising therapeutic target for PCa treatment.

A collaborative manipulation strategy to enhance the sodium ion storage capability of Prussian white cathodes.

A collaborative manipulation strategy of proper heat treatment and self-customized hydrofluoroether-based electrolyte design has been proposed for boosting the sodium-ion storage kinetics of Prussian white cathodes. Improved monoclinic phase stability and electrolyte-cathode compatibility are responsible for an impressive discharge capacity of 148.4 mA h g-1 and excellent electrode reversibility.

CmBr confers fruit bitterness under CPPU treatment in melon.

Many biotic or abiotic factors such as CPPU (N-(2-chloro-pyridin-4-yl)-N'-phenylurea), a growth regulator of numerous crops, can induce bitterness in cucurbits. In melon, cucurbitacin B is the major compound leading to bitterness. However, the molecular mechanism underlying CuB biosynthesis in response to different conditions remains unclear. Here, we identified a set of genes involved in CPPU-induced CuB biosynthesis in melon fruit and proposed CmBr gene as the major regulator. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we confirmed CmBr's role in regulating CuB biosynthesis under CPPU treatment. We further discovered a CPPU-induced MYB-related transcription factor, CmRSM1, which specifically binds to the Myb motif within the CmBr promoter and activates its expression. Moreover, we developed an introgression line by introducing the mutated Cmbr gene into an elite variety and eliminated CPPU-induced bitterness, demonstrating its potential application in breeding. This study offers a valuable tool for breeding high-quality non-bitter melon varieties and provides new insights into the regulation of secondary metabolites under environmental stresses.

A wild melon reference genome provides novel insights into the domestication of a key gene responsible for melon fruit acidity.

KEY MESSAGE: A wild melon reference genome elucidates the genomic basis of fruit acidity domestication. Structural variants (SVs) have been reported to impose major effects on agronomic traits, representing a significant contributor to crop domestication. However, the landscape of SVs between wild and cultivated melons is elusive and how SVs have contributed to melon domestication remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a 379-Mb chromosome-scale genome of a wild progenitor melon accession "P84", with a contig N50 of 14.9 Mb. Genome comparison identifies 10,589 SVs between P84 and four cultivated melons with 6937 not characterized in previously analysis of 25 melon genome sequences. Furthermore, the population-scale genotyping of these SVs was determined in 1175 accessions, and 18 GWAS signals including fruit acidity, fruit length, fruit weight, fruit color and sex determination were detected. Based on these genotyped SVs, we identified 3317 highly diverged SVs between wild and cultivated melons, which could be the potential SVs associated with domestication-related traits. Furthermore, we identify novel SVs affecting fruit acidity and proposed the diverged evolutionary trajectories of CmPH, a key regulator of melon fruit acidity, during domestication and selection of different populations. These results will offer valuable resources for genomic studies and genetic improvement in melon.

Dealloying-Derived Self-Supporting Nanoporous Zinc Film with Optimized Macro/Microstructure for High-Performance Solar Steam Generation.

Solar steam generation (SSG) is a promising technology for the production of freshwater that can help alleviate global water scarcity. Nanostructured metals, known for their localized surface plasmon resonance effect, have generated significant interest, but low-cost metal films with excellent water evaporation properties are challenging. In this work, we present a one-step dealloying route for fabricating self-supporting black nanoporous zinc (NP-Zn) films with a bicontinuous ligament/channel structure, using Al-Zn solid solution alloys as the precursors. The influence of alloy composition on the formation and macro/microstructure of NP-Zn was investigated, and an optimal Al98Zn2 was selected. Additionally, in situ and ex situ characterizations were conducted to unveil the dealloying mechanism of Al98Zn2 and phase/microstructure evolution of NP-Zn during dealloying, including the phase transition of Al(Zn) → Zn, significant volume shrinkage (89.8%), and the development of high porosity (81.3%). The nanoscale ligament/channel structure and high porosity endow the NP-Zn films with good broadband absorption and superior hydrophilicity and, more importantly, give them excellent SSG performance. The NP-Zn2 film displays high evaporation efficiency, superior stability, and good seawater desalination performance. The efficient SSG performance, material abundance, and low cost suggest that NP-Zn films have promising applications in metal-based photothermal materials for SSG.

Effects of short- and long-term plant functional group loss on alpine meadow community structure and soil nutrients.

The rapid loss of global biodiversity can greatly affect the normal functioning of ecosystems. However, how biodiversity losses affect plant community structure and soil nutrients is unclear. We conducted a field experiment to examine the short- and long-term effects of removing plant functional groups (Gramineae, Cyperaceae, legumes, and forbs) on the interrelationships among the species diversity, productivity, community structure, and soil nutrients in an alpine meadow ecosystem at Menyuan County, Qinghai Province. The variations in the species richness, above- and belowground biomass of the community gradually decreased over time. Species richness and productivity were positively correlated, and this correlation tended to be increasingly significant over time. Removal of the Cyperaceae, legumes, and other forbs resulted in fewer Gramineae species in the community. Soil total nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, and moisture contents increased significantly in the legume removal treatment. The removal of other forbs led to the lowest negative cohesion values, suggesting that this community may have difficulty recovering its previous equilibrium state within a short time. The effects of species removal on the ecosystem were likely influenced by the species structure and composition within the community. Changes in the number of Gramineae species indicated that they were more sensitive and less resistant to plant functional group removal. Legume removal may also indirectly cause distinct community responses through starvation and compensation effects. In summary, species loss at the community level led to extensive species niche shifts, which caused community resource redistribution and significant changes in community structure.

AlliumDB: a central portal for comparative and functional genomics in Allium.

The genus Allium belongs to the botanical family Amaryllidaceae and includes economically important crops such as onion, garlic, bunching onion, and leek, used as vegetables, spices, and traditional medicines. The large sizes of Allium genomes hamper the genetic dissection of agronomically important traits and molecular breeding. With the growing accumulation of genomic, resequencing, transcriptome, and phenotypic data, the demand for an integrative Allium database is increasing. Here we present a user-friendly database, AlliumDB (https://allium.qau.edu.cn), as a functional genomics hub integrating public and in-house data. The database contains all currently available nuclear and organelle genomes for Allium species, with genes comprehensively annotated based on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, orthology, gene families, protein families (Pfam), and non-coding RNA families (Rfam). Transcriptome and variation profiles are integrated into dynamic visualization tools. We took phenotypic photographs and generated trait records for hundreds of Allium germplasms collected worldwide, which are included in the database. We incorporated JBrowse for the visualization of gene structures, RNA sequencing data, and variation data. Analysis tools such as the basic local alignment search tool (BLAST), sequence fetch, enrichment, and motif analyses are available to explore potential gene functions. This database incorporates comprehensive Allium genotypic and phenotypic datasets. As the community assembles new genomes and generates resequencing data for Allium germplasms, the database will be improved and continuously updated with these multi-omics data and comparative genomic studies. We expect the AlliumDB database to become a key resource for the study of Allium crops.

Comparative genomics analysis reveals genetic characteristics and nitrogen fixation profile of Bradyrhizobium.

Bradyrhizobium is a genus of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, with some species producing nodules in leguminous plants. Investigations into Bradyrhizobium have recently revealed its substantial genetic resources and agricultural benefits, but a comprehensive survey of its genetic diversity and functional properties is lacking. Using a panel of various strains (N = 278), this study performed a comparative genomics analysis to anticipate genes linked with symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Bradyrhizobium's pan-genome consisted of 84,078 gene families, containing 824 core genes and 42,409 accessory genes. Core genes were mainly involved in crucial cell processes, while accessory genes served diverse functions, including nitrogen fixation and nodulation. Three distinct genetic profiles were identified based on the presence/absence of gene clusters related to nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and secretion systems. Most Bradyrhizobium strains from soil and non-leguminous plants lacked major nif/nod genes and were evolutionarily more closely related. These findings shed light on Bradyrhizobium's genetic features for symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

High-Performance p-Type Bi2Te3-Based Thermoelectric Materials Enabled via Regulating Bi-Te Ratio.

Bi2Te3-based alloys, as the sole commercial thermoelectric (TE) material, play an irreplaceable role in the thermoelectric field. However, the low TE efficiency, poor mechanical properties, and high cost have limited its large-scale applications. Here, high-performance p-type Bi2Te3-based materials were successfully prepared by ball milling and hot pressing. The optimized p-type Bi0.55Sb1.45Te3 + 2.5 wt % Bi shows a peak zT value of 1.45 at 360 K, and the average zT value of up to 1.24 at 300-480 K, which is completely comparable with previously reported Bi2Te3-based alloys with excellent performance. Such performance mainly results from the enhanced electrical conductivity and decreased lattice thermal conductivity via regulating carrier and phonon transport. Furthermore, this material shows good mechanical properties, in which the Vickers hardness and compressive strength are up to 0.95 GPa and 94.6 MPa, respectively. Overall, both the thermoelectric and mechanical performance of the materials fabricated by our processing technology are quite competitive. This may enlighten researchers concentrating on Bi2Te3-based alloys, thus further promoting their industrial applications.

Identification and functional characterization of conserved cis-regulatory elements responsible for early fruit development in cucurbit crops.

A number of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) conserved during evolution have been found to be responsible for phenotypic novelty and variation. Cucurbit crops such as cucumber (Cucumis sativus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), melon (Cucumis melo), and squash (Cucurbita maxima) develop fruits from an inferior ovary and share some similar biological processes during fruit development. Whether conserved regulatory sequences play critical roles in fruit development of cucurbit crops remains to be explored. In six well-studied cucurbit species, we identified 392,438 conserved noncoding sequences (CNSs), including 82,756 that are specific to cucurbits, by comparative genomics. Genome-wide profiling of accessible chromatin regions (ACRs) and gene expression patterns mapped 20,865 to 43,204 ACRs and their potential target genes for two fruit tissues at two key developmental stages in six cucurbits. Integrated analysis of CNSs and ACRs revealed 4,431 syntenic orthologous CNSs, including 1,687 cucurbit-specific CNSs that overlap with ACRs that are present in all six cucurbit crops and that may regulate the expression of 757 adjacent orthologous genes. CRISPR mutations targeting two CNSs present in the 1,687 cucurbit-specific sequences resulted in substantially altered fruit shape and gene expression patterns of adjacent NAC1 (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) and EXT-like (EXTENSIN-like) genes, validating the regulatory roles of these CNSs in fruit development. These results not only provide a number of target CREs for cucurbit crop improvement, but also provide insight into the roles of CREs in plant biology and during evolution.

Infrared Spectrum and Principal Component Analysis of Heavy Tar Cut by Different Fractions from Tar-Rich Coal.

The composition and content of heavy tar vary significantly depending on the pyrolysis conditions and separation methods. This study aimed to effectively identify the main components and content of heavy coal tar and provide a theoretical basis for its subsequent utilization. To achieve this, simulated distillation and infrared spectrum analysis of heavy coal tar were conducted with a focus on understanding the impact of simulated distillation on the composition and structure of tar. The results showed that the fraction content in the tar underwent significant changes after simulated distillation at different temperatures. Specifically, the content of light oil decreased from 4.3 to 0.1%, while the asphalt content increased from 77.6 to 90.6%. Infrared spectrum and peak fitting revealed that the distilled coal tars exhibited similar characteristic peaks in regions associated with hydroxyl, aliphatic hydrocarbon, oxygen-containing functional group, and aromatic hydrocarbon structure. Based on the infrared spectrum of heavy coal tar, principal component analysis was conducted on different fractions. When using two principal components, the cumulative value reached 96.93%. It was found that PC1 displayed strong peak signals around 749 and 687 cm-1, while PC2 exhibited strong peak signals near 2356 and 1143 cm-1.