Nanowire-in-bowl-shaped piezoelectric cavity structure for SERS directional detection of nanoplastics less than 50†nm.

The accurate detection of nanoplastics is crucial due to their harmful effects on the environment and human beings. However, there is a lack of detection methods for nanoplastics smaller than 50 nm. In this research, we successfully constructed an Ag/CuO nanowire (NW)/BaTiO3@Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) Bowl-shaped substrate with a nanowire-in-Bowl-shaped piezoelectric cavity structure that can modulate surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) by the piezoelectric effect by the virtue of the tip effect of the CuO NW and light focusing effect of the Bowl-shaped cavity. Due to its unique nanowire-in-Bowl-shaped structure and piezoelectrically modifiable ability, nanoplastics less than 50 nm were successfully detected and quantitatively analyzed. We believe that the Ag/CuO NW/BaTiO3@PVDF Bowl-shaped substrate can provide an efficient, accurate, and feasible way to achieve qualitative and quantitative detection of nanoplastics.

Perfusion deficits in thrombolysis-treated acute ischemic stroke patients with negative or positive diffusion-weighted imaging.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CT perfusion may provide diagnostic information for intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV t-PA) administration in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. We aimed to compare the clinical features and perfusion deficits of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI)-negative and DWI-positive AIS patients. METHODS: This retrospective and observational study included thrombolysis-treated AIS patients undergoing multimodel CT imaging before treatment and DWI after treatment between 2021 and 2022. Two experienced neuroradiologists blindly and independently examined the images to identify perfusion deficits in AIS patients. The patients were divided into DWI-positive and DWI-negative groups based on visible hyperintense lesions on DWI. A modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of ≤ 2 indicated good functional outcomes at discharge. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine whether CT perfusion was an independent predictor of positive DWI imaging on follow-up. RESULTS: This study included 151 patients, of whom 35 (23.2%) patients were DWI-negative on follow-up. These DWI-negative patients were less likely to have a medical history of atrial fibrillation; they had lower triglyceride levels, a shorter admission time, lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores after IV t-PA and lower mRS scores at discharge, and had better functional outcomes. A total of 37.1% of DWI-positive and 25.7% of DWI-negative patients had vascular stenosis (P = 0.215). A total of 47.4% of DWI-positive and 37.1% of DWI-negative patients had CT perfusion deficits (P = 0.284). A total of 73.5% of patients with normal CT perfusion had positive DWI, while 19.1% of patients with perfusion deficits had negative DWI. The sensitivity and specificity of NCCT were 14.8% and 97.1% (Kappa = 0.061, P = 0.074), CTP was 47.4% and 62.9% for predicting DWI lesion (Kappa = 0.069, P = 0.284). CONCLUSIONS: About 23.2% of AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis treatment did not have a relevant DWI-MRI lesion on follow-up. Over one-third of patients in the DWI-MRI negative group showed CT perfusion deficits, with a sensitivity of 47.4% for predicting DWI lesions in non-mechanical thrombectomy patients.

Transcriptome and methylome changes in two contrasting mungbean genotypes in response to drought stress.

BACKGROUND: Due to drought stress, the growth, distribution, and production of mungbean is severely restricted. Previous study combining physiological and transcriptomic data indicated different genotypes of mungbean exhibited variable responses when exposed to drought stress. Aside from the genetic variation, the modifications of environmentally induced epigenetics alterations on mungbean drought-stress responses were still elusive. RESULTS: In this study, firstly, we compared the drought tolerance capacity at seedling stage by detecting physiological parameters in two contrasting genotypes wild mungbean 61 and cultivar 70 in response to drought stress. We found that wild mungbean 61 showed lower level of MDA and higher levels of POD and CAT, suggesting wild mungbean 61 exhibited stronger drought resistance. Transcriptomic analysis indicated totally 2859 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected when 70 compared with 61 (C70 vs C61), and the number increased to 3121 in the comparison of drought-treated 70 compared with drought-treated 61 (D70 vs D61). In addition, when drought-treated 61 and 70 were compared with their controls, the DEGs were 1117 and 185 respectively, with more down-regulated DEGs than up-regulated in D61 vs C61, which was opposite in D70 vs C70. Interestingly, corresponding to this, after drought stress, more hypermethylated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in 61 were detected and more hypomethylated DMRs in 70 were detected. Further analysis suggested that the main variations between 61 and 70 existed in CHH methylation in promoter. Moreover, the preference of methylation status alterations in D61 vs C61 and D70 vs C70 also fell in CHH sequence context. Further analysis of the correlation between DMRs and DEGs indicated in both D61 vs C61 and D70 vs C70, the DMRs in gene body was significantly negatively correlated with DEGs. CONCLUSIONS: The physiological parameters in this research suggested that wild mungbean 61 was more resistant to drought stress, with more hypermethylated DMRs and less hypomethylated DMRs after drought stress, corresponding to more down-regulated DEGs than up-regulated DEGs. Among the three DNA methylation contexts CG, CHG, and CHH, asymmetric CHH contexts were more dynamic and prone to be altered by drought stress and genotypic variations.

MdMKK9-Mediated the Regulation of Anthocyanin Synthesis in Red-Fleshed Apple in Response to Different Nitrogen Signals.

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade is a widely existing signal transduction system in eukaryotes, and plays an important role in the signal transduction processes of plant cells in response to environmental stress. In this study, we screened MdMKK9, a gene in the MAPK family. This gene is directly related to changes in anthocyanin synthesis in the 'Daihong' variety of red-fleshed apple (Malus sieversii f neidzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf). MdMKK9 expression was up-regulated in 'Daihong' tissue culture seedlings cultured at low levels of nitrogen. This change in gene expression up-regulated the expression of genes related to anthocyanin synthesis and nitrogen transport, thus promoting anthocyanin synthesis and causing the tissue culture seedlings to appear red in color. To elucidate the function of MdMKK9, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 system to construct a gene editing vector for MdMKK9 and successfully introduced it into the calli of the 'Orin' apple. The MdMKK9 deletion mutants (MUT) calli could not respond to the low level of nitrogen signal, the expression level of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes was down-regulated, and the anthocyanin content was lower than that of the wild type (WT). In contrast, the MdMKK9-overexpressed calli up-regulated the expression level of anthocyanin synthesis-related genes and increased anthocyanin content, and appeared red in conditions of low level of nitrogen or nitrogen deficiency. These results show that MdMKK9 plays a role in the adaptation of red-fleshed apple to low levels of nitrogen by regulating the nitrogen status and anthocyanin accumulation.

Restoration of forearm supination by combining pronator teres with allogeneic tendon.

BACKGROUND: Many solutions have been proposed in treating of forearm supination. Comparing with other supination function reconstructions, pronator teres rerouting is believed to be less effective due to its insufficient supination strength. The aim of this study is to introduce a modified procedure, and compare its result with two previous approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2015 to 2020, 11 patients have restored forearm supination by rerouting of the pronator teres weave sutured with allogeneic tendons. The average follow-up period was 17.5 months (12 to 24). The range of active supination at the final follow-up was recorded. RESULTS: Almost all patients acquired good supination range. The average active post-operative supination was 72.7° (60° to 80°) at the final follow-up. No complication was observed. All patients retained full range of pronation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a modified supination function reconstruction with simple operating, fine results, low risks, and no affecting of pronation function. The use of allogeneic tendon makes up for the muscles with insufficient length, making it valuable to reconsider those rebuilding operations that were once considered unpromising by many.

Evaluation of Rectal Cancer Circumferential Resection Margin Using Faster Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network in High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Images.

BACKGROUND: High-resolution MRI is regarded as the best method to evaluate whether there is an involved circumferential resection margin in rectal cancer. OBJECTIVE: We explored the application of the faster region-based convolutional neural network to identify positive circumferential resection margins in high-resolution MRI images. DESIGN: This was a retrospective study. SETTINGS: The study conducted at a single surgical unit of a public university hospital. PATIENTS: We studied 240 patients with rectal cancer in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from July 2016 to August 2018, who were determined to have a positive circumferential resection margin and who had received a high-resolution MRI. All posttreatment cases were excluded from this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The faster region-based convolutional neural network was trained by 12,258 transverse relaxation-weighted (T2-weighted imaging) images of pelvic high-resolution MRI to build an artificial intelligence platform and complete clinical tests. In this network, the proportion of positive and negative circumferential resection margin images was 1:2. In accordance with the test results of the validation group, the metrics of the receiver operating characteristic curves and the area under the curve were applied to compare the diagnostic results of the artificial intelligence platform with those of senior radiology experts. RESULTS: In this artificial intelligence platform, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the circumferential resection margin status as determined were 0.932, 0.838, and 0.956. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was 0.953. The time required to automatically recognize an image was 0.2 seconds. LIMITATIONS: This is a single-center retrospective study with limited data volume and a highly selected patient cohort. CONCLUSIONS: In high-resolution MRI images of rectal cancer before treatment, the application of faster region-based convolutional neural network to segment the positive circumferential resection margin has high accuracy and feasibility. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B88. EVALUACIÓN DEL MARGEN DE RESECCIÓN CIRCUNFERENCIAL DEL CÁNCER RECTAL MEDIANTE EL USO DE UNA RED NEURONAL CONVOLUCIONAL MÁS RÁPIDA BASADA EN UNA REGIÓN EN IMÁGENES DE RESONANCIA MAGNÉTICA DE ALTA RESOLUCIÓN: La resonancia magnética de alta resolución se considera el mejor método para evaluar si existe un margen de resección circunferencial involucrado en el cáncer de recto.Se exploró la aplicación de la red neuronal convolucional más rápida basada en una región para identificar márgenes de resección circunferencial positivos en imágenes de resonancia magnética de alta resolución.Este fue un estudio retrospectivo realizado en una única unidad quirúrgica de un hospital universitario público.Estudiamos 240 pacientes con cáncer rectal en el Hospital Afiliado de la Universidad de Qingdao desde el 2 de julio de 2006 hasta el 2 de agosto de 2008, a los que se determinó que tenían un margen de resección circunferencial positivo y que habían recibido una resonancia magnética de alta resolución. Todos los casos posteriores al tratamiento fueron excluidos de este estudio.La red neuronal convolucional más rápida basada en una región recibió capacitación de 12,258 imágenes de RM pélvica de alta resolución con relajación transversal para construir una plataforma de inteligencia artificial y completar pruebas clínicas. En esta red, la proporción de imágenes con margen de resección circunferencial positivo y negativo fue 1: 2. De acuerdo con los resultados de las pruebas del grupo de validación, se aplicaron las métricas de las curvas de las características operativas del receptor y del área bajo la curva para comparar los resultados de diagnóstico de la plataforma de inteligencia artificial con los de expertos de radiología de alto nivel.En esta plataforma de inteligencia artificial, la precisión, sensibilidad y especificidad del estado del margen de resección circunferencial según lo determinado fueron 0.932, 0.838 y 0.956, respectivamente. El área bajo las curvas características de operación del receptor fue de 0.953. El tiempo requerido para reconocer automáticamente una imagen fue de 0.2 segundos.Este es un estudio retrospectivo de centro único con volumen de datos limitado y una cohorte de pacientes altamente seleccionada.En las imágenes de resonancia magnética de alta resolución de cáncer rectal antes del tratamiento, la aplicación de la red neuronal convolucional más rápida basada en una región, para segmentar el margen de resección circunferencial positivo tiene una alta precisión y factibilidad. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B88.

An Au Nanofilm-Graphene/D-Type Fiber Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Highly Sensitive Specificity Bioanalysis.

A highly sensitive Au-graphene structure D-type fiber surface plasmon resonance biosensor is presented in this study to specifically detect biomolecules. The method of growing graphene is employed directly on the copper, and then a gold film of optimum thickness is sputtered, and the copper foil is etched to obtain the structure. This method makes the contact closer between the gold layer and the graphene layer to improve surface plasmon resonance performance. The performance of this type of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor has been previously verified both theoretically and experimentally. With the proposed Au-graphene structure D-type fiber biosensor, the SPR behaviors are obtained and discussed. In the detection of ethanol solution, a red shift of 40 nm is found between the refractive index of 1.3330 and 1.3657. By calculation, the sensitivity of the sensor we designed is 1223 nm/RIU. Besides, the proposed sensor can detect the nucleotide bonding between the double-stranded DNA helix structures. Thus, our sensors can distinguish between mismatched DNA sequences.

Analysis of Antioxidant Activity and Flavonoids Metabolites in Peel and Flesh of Red-Fleshed Apple Varieties.

In this research, we compared the phenotypical characters, total anthocyanins content, total phenols content, and antioxidant activity of red-fleshed apple cultivars 'XJ4', 'QN-5', 'DH' and 'HX1' at three fruit developmental stages. A further flavonoids metabolites study was conducted in 'XJ4' and 'DH'. We found broader variation of total anthocyanins content in the peel of the four cultivars, which might result in larger differences of free radicals scavenging rate. The most significant difference in fruit phenotype, anthocyanins content, and DPPH scavenging rate was observed between 'XJ4' and 'DH' at mature stage. Therefore, the flavonoids metabolites of 'XJ4' and 'DH' at mature stage were compared to unveil the details of anthocyanins compounds. The unique compounds pelargonidin 3-O-ß-d-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-malonylhexoside were detected only in peel and flesh of 'XJ4' but not in 'DH', which might contribute to the purple peel and dark-red flesh color of 'XJ4'. Significantly decreased upstream metabolites in the early biosynthetic genes regulated domain were found only in 'XJ4' peel but not in the flesh. This might explain why the anthocyanins content in 'XJ4' peel was decreased largely at the mature stage. Taken together, our findings will give some insight into the metabolites study in flavonoid biosynthetic pathway of red-fleshed apple.

Experimental and theoretical investigation for surface plasmon resonance biosensor based on graphene/Au film/D-POF.

A D-shape plastic optical fiber (D-POF) surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor based on the graphene/Au film (G/Au) was proposed and experimentally demonstrated for detection of DNA hybridization process. To improve the detection performance of SPR sensors, the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) method was used to evaporate the Au film directly onto the graphene grown on copper foil, and the Au film acted as a role of traditional Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA). The process made graphene and Au film form seamless contact. Next, the G/Au was transferred onto the D-shape fiber together. We explored the G/Au SPR sensor by using the finite element method (FEM) and obtained the optimum materials thickness to form configuration. Compared to other plastic optical fiber experiments, the proposed sensor's sensitivity was improved effectively and calculated as 1227 nm/RIU in a range of glucose solution. Meanwhile, our proposed sensor successfully distinguishes hybridization and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) by observing the resonance wavelength change. It also exhibits a satisfactory linear response (R2 = 0.996) to the target DNA liquids with respective concentrations of 0.1nM to1µM, which shows this method's wide potential in medical diagnostics.

Effect of Nanocrystallization of Anthocyanins Extracted from Two Types of Red-Fleshed Apple Varieties on Its Stability and Antioxidant Activity.

Red-fleshed apple (Malus sieversii f. neidzwetzkyana (Dieck) Langenf) has attracted more and more attention due to its enriched anthocyanins and high antioxidant activity. In this study we extracted total anthocyanins and phenols from two types of red-fleshed apples-Xinjing No.4 (XJ4) and Red Laiyang (RL)-to study the stability and antioxidant activity of anthocyanins after encapsulation onto Corn Starch Nanoparticles (CSNPs). The results indicated the anthocyanins and total phenol levels of XJ4 were 2.96 and 2.25 times higher than those of RL respectively. The anthocyanin concentration and loading time had a significant effect on CSNPs encapsulation, and XJ4 anthocyanins always showed significantly higher loading capacity than RL. After encapsulation, the morphology of RL-CSNPs and XJ4-CSNPs was still spherical with a smooth surface as CSNPs, but the particle size increased compared to CSNPs especially for RL-CSNPs. Different stress treatments including UV light, pH, temperature, and salinity suggested that XJ4-CSNPs exhibited consistently higher stability than RL-CSNPs. A significantly enhanced free radical scavenging rate under stress conditions was observed, and XJ4-CSNPs had stronger antioxidant activity than RL-CSNPs. Furthermore, XJ4-CSNPs exhibited a slower released rate than RL-CSNPs in simulated gastric (pH 2.0) and intestinal (pH 7.0) environments. Our research suggests that nanocrystallization of anthocyanins is an effective method to keep the anthocyanin ingredients intact and active while maintaining a slow release rate. Compared to RL, encapsulation of XJ4 anthocyanins has more advantages, which might be caused by the significant differences in the metabolites of XJ4. These findings give an insight into understanding the role of nanocrystallization using CSNPs in enhancing the antioxidant ability of anthocyanins from different types of red-fleshed apples, and provide theoretical foundations for red-fleshed apple anthocyanin application.

3D SERS substrate based on Au-Ag bi-metal nanoparticles/MoS2 hybrid with pyramid structure.

It is very vital to construct the dense hot spots for the strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals. We take full advantage of the MoS2 edge-active sites induced from annealing the Ag film on the surface of the MoS2. Furthermore, the composite structure of Au-Ag bi-metal nanoparticles (NPs)/MoS2 hybrid with pyramid structure is obtained by the in situ grown AuNPs around AgNPs, which serves the optimal SERS performance (enhancement factor is ~9.67 × 109) in experiment. Due to the introduction of AuNPs with the simple method, the denser hot spots contribute greatly to the stronger local electric field, which is also confirmed by the finite-different time-domain (FDTD) simulation. Therefore, the ultralow limit of detection (the LOD of 10-13 and 10-12 M respectively for the resonant R6G and non-resonant CV), quantitative detection and excellent reproducibility are achieved by the proposed SERS substrate. For practical application, the melamine molecule is detected with the LOD of 10-10 M using the proposed SERS substrate that has the potential to be a food security sensor.

Gate-Tunable Spatial Modulation of Localized Plasmon Resonances.

We demonstrate localization and field-effect spatial control of the plasmon resonance in semiconductor nanostructures, using scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy in the mid-infrared region. We adopt InAs nanowires embedding a graded doping profile to modulate the free carrier density along the axial direction. Our near-field measurements have a spatial resolution of 20 nm and demonstrate the presence of a local resonant feature whose position can be controlled by a back-gate bias voltage. In the present implementation, field-effect induces a modulation of the free carrier density profile yielding a spatial shift of the plasmon resonance of the order of 100 nm. We discuss the relevance of our electrically tunable nanoplasmonic architectures in view of innovative optoelectronic devices concepts.

Quantitative trait variation is revealed in a novel hypomethylated population of woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca).

BACKGROUND: Phenotypic variation is determined by a combination of genotype, environment and their interactions. The realization that allelic diversity can be both genetic and epigenetic allows the environmental component to be further separated. Partitioning phenotypic variation observed among inbred lines with an altered epigenome can allow the epigenetic component controlling quantitative traits to be estimated. To assess the contribution of epialleles on phenotypic variation and determine the fidelity with which epialleles are inherited, we have developed a novel hypomethylated population of strawberry (2n = 2x = 14) using 5-azacytidine from which individuals with altered phenotypes can be identified, selected and characterized. RESULTS: The hypomethylated population was generated using an inbred strawberry population in the F. vesca ssp. vesca accession Hawaii 4. Analysis of whole genome sequence data from control and hypomethylated lines indicate that 5-azacytidine exposure does not increase SNP above background levels. The populations contained only Hawaii 4 alleles, removing introgression of alternate F. vesca alleles as a potential source of variation. Although genome sequencing and genetic marker data are unable to rule out 5-azacytidine induced chromosomal rearrangements as a potential source of the trait variation observed, none were detected in our survey. Quantitative trait variation focusing on flowering time and rosette diameter was scored in control and treated populations where expanded levels of variation were observed among the hypomethylated lines. Methylation sensitive molecular markers indicated that 5-azacytidine induced alterations in DNA methylation patterns and inheritance of methylation patterns were confirmed by bisulfite sequencing of targeted regions. It is possible that methylation polymorphisms might underlie or have induced genetic changes underlying the observable differences in quantitative phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: This population developed in a uniform genetic background provides a resource for the discovery of new variation controlling quantitative traits. Genome sequence analysis indicates that 5-azacytidine did not induce point mutations and the induced variation is largely restricted to DNA methylation. Using this resource, we have identified new variation and demonstrated the inheritance of both variant trait and methylation patterns. Although direct associations remain to be determined, these data suggest epigenetic variation might be subject to selection.

THz saturable absorption in turbostratic multilayer graphene on silicon carbide.

We investigated the room-temperature Terahertz (THz) response as saturable absorber of turbostratic multilayer graphene grown on the carbon-face of silicon carbide. By employing an open-aperture z-scan method and a 2.9 THz quantum cascade laser as source, a 10% enhancement of transparency is observed. The saturation intensity is several W/cm2, mostly attributed to the Pauli blocking effect in the intrinsic graphene layers. A visible increase of the modulation depth as a function of the number of graphene sheets was recorded as consequence of the low nonsaturable losses. The latter in turn revealed that crystalline disorder is the main limitation to larger modulations, demonstrating that the THz nonlinear absorption properties of turbostratic graphene can be engineered via a proper control of the crystalline disorder and the layers number.

Color Doppler imaging of an ulnar artery perforator forearm flap for resurfacing finger defects.

BACKGROUND: Fingertip defect reconstruction with various free perforator flaps has been widely reported. We recommend a technique of using color Doppler imaging to locate ulnar artery perforator. And we used a free mesioforearm flap based on ulnar artery perforator for the reconstruction of fingertip defect. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since 2010, 7 fingertip defect cases have been repaired at our hospital using free mesioforearm flaps, based on the ulnar artery perforator. The free flap was designed according to Doppler detection. The flap contained perforator vessels and cutaneous nerves. The donor site was directly sutured or skin grafted. RESULTS: All 7 flaps survived with good quality and esthetic contours and grasp function of the hand was satisfactory. They were evaluated by 2-point discrimination, with 5 cases with neurorrhaphy of 6 to 8 mm and 2 cases without neurorrhaphy of 10 to 12 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is a suitable method for preoperatively locating the vascular pedicle. The free mesioforearm flap based on ulnar artery perforator is a good option to repair fingertip defect.

The Stenopsyche simplex Species Group from China with descriptions of three new species (Trichoptera: Stenopsychidae).

The Chinese Stenopsyche simplex Group is revised for the first time since Weaver's (1987) revision. The group includes 14 described species and 3 new species. Two diagnostic subgroups were recognized by Schmid (1959). The first subgroup of Chinese species includes S. anaximander Malicky 2011, S. brevata Tian & Zheng 1989, S. chinensis Hwang 1957, S. dentata Navás 1930, S. splendida Martynov 1935, S. dubia Schmid 1965, S. rotundata Schmid 1965, S. simplex Schmid 1959, and S. tienmushanensis Hwang 1957; of these, S. dentata is assigned to this first subgroup for the first time. The second diagnostic subgroup includes S. denticulata Ulmer 1926, S. longispina Ulmer 1926, S. stoetzneri Döhler 1929, S. uniformis Schmid 1965 and S. formosana Kobayashi, 1987. The species newly described here include Stenopsyche ningshanensis sp. nov., from Shaan-xi Province, belonging to the first subgroup, and Stenopsyche acanthoclada sp. nov. and Stenopsyche jinxiuensis sp. nov., both from Guang-xi Province and belonging to the second subgroup. Distribution maps of the two diagnostic subgroups of Chinese species and illustrations of male genitalia of the three new species are provided along with collection data for additional specimens for the previously described species.

Hypermethylation in the promoter regions of flavonoid pathway genes is associated with skin color fading during 'Daihong' apple fruit development.

Apple fruit skin color fading is not well understood although the molecular mechanism of skin color formation is well known. The red-fleshed apple cultivar 'Daihong' (DH) exhibited fading skin color during fruit development despite having a heterozygous R6 allele but lacking Red-TE for red fruit skin. In this study, transcriptomic analysis revealed the expression level of MdMYB10 increased with fruit development whereas reduced expression levels of MdMYBPA1, MdCHS, MdANS, MdUFGT, MdLAR, and MdANR were observed, consistent with decreased levels of chalcone, anthocyanin, catechin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) indicated a global gain in cytosine methylation levels and increased methylation in 5' and 3' flanking regions of genes and transposable elements (TEs), and in TE bodies in all CG, CHG and CHH contexts, especially the mCHH context, during fruit development. The increased DNA methylation was attributed to reduced expression levels of DNA demethylase genes, including MdDME1, MdROS1, and MdROS2. Association analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between promoter methylation levels of MdCHS, MdCHI, MdMYBPA1, and their respective transcript levels, as well as a negative correlation between promoter methylation levels of MdCHS, MdCHI, MdANR, and MdFLS, and the content of chalcones, naringenin-7-glucoside, epicatechin, and quercetin. Treatment with the DNA demethylation agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine verified the negative correlation between DNA methylation and gene expression within the flavonoid pathway. These findings suggest that hypermethylation in promoter regions of genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway is associated with the reduction of gene expression and flavonoid content, and fruit skin color fading during DH apple development.

Self-assembled morphologies of ABA triblock copolymer brushes in selective solvents.

A simulated annealing method is used to investigate the self-assembled morphologies of symmetric ABA triblock copolymer brushes, formed by one end of the A-blocks tethered onto a planar surface, immersed in a solvent selective for the middle B-blocks. The morphological dependences of the brushes on polymer grafting density and block lengths are investigated systematically. Phase diagrams for systems with different grafting densities are constructed. The simulation results show that the grafted amphiphilic triblock copolymers can self-assemble to form a variety of complicated morphologies which can be classified in terms of the number of A-rich layers in the morphology. In particular, the formation of the structures with one A-rich layer or called "folded" brush structures is consistent with the speculation from the experimental studies of ABA triblock copolymer brushes. More detailed structures depend on the grafting density and the lengths of the blocks. Furthermore, at a high grafting density, the effects of the lengths of blocks and the interaction energies between different species in the system on the conformation of chains are investigated to illustrate the formation mechanisms of self-assembled morphologies of the amphiphilic triblock copolymer brushes.

Red-Fleshed Apple Flavonoids Extract Alleviates Male Reproductive Injury Caused by Busulfan in Mice.

In this research, we analyzed the protective effects of red-fleshed apple flavonoid extracts (RAFEs) on male reproductive injury induced by busulfan, using both in vitro and in vivo models. In the cell-based experiments, RAFEs significantly improved cell viability and proliferation rates compared to control groups. Similarly, in vivo testing with male mice showed that RAFEs and whole apple flavonoid extracts (WAFEs) enhanced various biochemical and liver function-related indicators in the testes; however, RAFEs demonstrated superior efficacy in mitigating testicular damage. Through immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting, we found that RAFEs notably enhanced the expression of spermatogenesis-related genes. Moreover, RAFEs increased the expression of oxidative stress- and apoptosis-related genes, thereby effectively reducing oxidative damage in the testes. These findings highlight the potential of RAFEs as natural agents for the prevention and treatment of male reproductive injury, paving the way for future research and potential therapeutic applications.

Relation of childhood obesity/cardiometabolic phenotypes to adult cardiometabolic profile: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Not all obese adults have cardiometabolic abnormalities. It is unknown whether this is true in children and, if true, whether children who have metabolically healthy overweight/obesity (MHO) will also have favorable cardiometabolic profiles in adulthood. These aspects were examined in 1,098 individuals who participated as both children (aged 5-17 years) and adults (aged 24-43 years) in the Bogalusa Heart Study between 1997 and 2002 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. MHO was defined as being in the top body mass index quartile, while low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, mean arterial pressure, and glucose were in the bottom 3 quartiles, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol was in the top 3 quartiles. Forty-six children (4.2%) had MHO, and they were more likely to retain MHO status in adulthood compared with children in other categories (P < 0.0001). Despite markedly increased obesity in childhood and in adulthood, these same MHO children and adults showed a cardiometabolic profile generally comparable to that of nonoverweight/obese children (P > 0.05 in most cases). Moreover, there was no difference in carotid intima-media thickness in adulthood between MHO children and nonoverweight/obese children. Further, carotid intima-media thickness in adulthood was lower in MHO children than in metabolically abnormal, overweight/obese children (P = 0.003). In conclusion, the MHO phenotype starts in childhood and continues into adulthood.