Climate-adaptive crop distribution can feed food demand, improve water scarcity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Optimizing crop distribution stands as a pivotal approach to climate change adaption, enhancing crop production sustainability, and has been recognized for its immense potential in ensuring food security while minimizing environmental impacts. Here, we developed a climate-adaptive framework to optimize the distribution of staple crops (i.e., wheat, maize, and rice) to meet the multi-dimensional needs of crop production in China. The framework considers the feasibility of the multiple cropping systems (harvesting more than once on a cropland a year) and adopts a multi-dimensional approach, incorporating goals related to crop production, water consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By optimizing, the total irrigated area of three crops would decrease by 7.7 % accompanied by a substantial 69.8 % increase in rain-fed areas compared to the baseline in 2010. This optimized strategy resulted in a notable 10.0 % reduction in total GHG emissions and a 13.1 % decrease in irrigation water consumption while maintaining consistent crop production levels. In 2030, maintaining the existing crop distribution and relying solely on yield growth would lead to a significant maize production shortfall of 27.0 %, highlighting a looming challenge. To address this concern, strategic adjustments were made by reducing irrigated areas for wheat, rice, and maize by 2.3 %, 12.8 %, and 6.1 %, respectively, while simultaneously augmenting rain-fed areas for wheat and maize by 120.2 % and 55.9 %, respectively. These modifications ensure that production demands for all three crops are met, while yielding a 6.9 % reduction in GHG emissions and a 15.1 % reduction in irrigation water consumption. This optimization strategy offers a promising solution to alleviate severe water scarcity issues and secure a sustainable agricultural future, effectively adapting to evolving crop production demands in China.

Unveiling Vacuolar H+-ATPase Subunit a as the Primary Target of the Pyridinylmethyl-Benzamide Fungicide, Fluopicolide.

An estimated 240 fungicides are presently in use, but the direct targets for the majority remain elusive, constraining fungicide development and efficient resistance monitoring. In this study, we found that Pcα-actinin knockout did not influence the sensitivity of Phytophthora capsici to fluopicolide, which is a notable oomycete inhibitor. Using a combination of Bulk Segregant Analysis Sequencing and Drug Affinity Responsive Target Stability (DARTS) assays, the vacuolar H+-ATPase subunit a (PcVHA-a) was pinpointed as the target protein of fluopicolide. We also confirmed four distinct point mutations in PcVHA-a responsible for fluopicolide resistance in P. capsici through site-directed mutagenesis. Molecular docking, ATPase activity assays, and a DARTS assay suggested a fluopicolide-PcVHA-a interaction. Sequence analysis and further molecular docking validated the specificity of fluopicolide for oomycetes or fish. These findings support the claim that PcVHA-a is the target of fluopicolide, proposing vacuolar H+-ATPase as a promising target for novel fungicide development.

Analysis of microplastics released from plastic take-out food containers based on thermal properties and morphology study.

Plastic take-out food containers may release microplastics (MPs) into food and pose a potential risk to food safety and human health. Here, after being subjected to hot water treatment, MPs released from three types of plastic food containers (polypropylene, PP; polyethylene, PE; expanded polystyrene, EPS) were identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the size of released MPs ranged from 0.8-38 µm and over 96% MPs were smaller than 10 µm. Various MPs concentrations were found from the three types of containers, that is, 1.90 × 104, 1.01 × 105, and 2.82 × 106 particles/L on average from PP, PE, and EPS, respectively. Moreover, based on thermal and morphology analysis, we discovered that both relaxations of the polymer chains in the rubbery state and defects caused by processing techniques might contribute to the release of MPs. Thus, such release can be reduced by increasing the thermal stability of the materials and mitigating the defects generated during production.

Moxibustion regulates T-regulatory/T-helper 17 cell balance by modulating the microRNA-221/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 axis in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progression is associated with the balance of T-regulatory (Treg) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, while the role of microRNAs (miRs) in regulating Treg/Th17 cell balance has not been clarified. This study aimed to assess whether moxibustion could regulate Treg/Th17 cell balance by modulating the miR-221/suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) axis in the RA mouse model. METHODS: A mouse model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established in male DBA/1J mice. Twenty-two days after CIA induction, the mice received daily treatment with moxibustion for 12 times. Pathological scores were assessed according to the levels of synovial hyperplasia. The expression levels of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-17 and IL-10 were analyzed in serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) splenocytes was analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The expression levels of RA-related miRs and target genes were subsequently detected, and the target of miR-221 was confirmed by the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: It was revealed that moxibustion treatment decreased the pathological scores and downregulated the expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-17, while upregulated the expression level of IL-10. The Treg/Th17 cell balance was regulated by moxibustion treatment. The expression level of miR-221 was suppressed by moxibustion treatment. Furthermore, SOCS3 was found as the direct target of miR-221, which mediated the function of moxibustion by regulating the Treg/Th17 cell balance. CONCLUSION: Moxibustion therapy regulated the Treg/Th17 cell balance by modulating the miR-221/SOCS3 axis in the RA mouse model.

20% of uncertainty in yield estimates could be caused by the radiation source.

Solar radiation is the energy for all biological, physical, and chemical processes of the earth's surface system, and affects the growth and development of crops at all stages. But the diverse data sources and fusion algorithms lead to large differences in the radiation values in various climate datasets. Accurate estimates of the radiation data is not an easy task, the uncertainty of which and the impact on crop yield simulation remains unknown. In this study, the total solar radiation amounts from four independent global radiation datasets were shown considerable heterogeneity across regions and cropping seasons. Forcing the dynamic crop models with the four radiation inputs produced similarly great uncertainties of simulated yield in most regions, with the greatest uncertainty up to 30% of average yield for wheat in Europe. The global-scale uncertainty of simulated yield is increasing during the past three decades and would reach up to 20% of its averages in the future, equivalent to 300 million tons when converting to the global crop production. The results of this study suggest that the previously projected crop yield changes with climate change have large uncertainties propagated from solar radiation data sources used for projections. These uncertainties may mislead the assessment of future food security.

Isolated Decompression for Transverse Sacral Fractures with Cauda Equina Syndrome.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of isolated decompression for patients with transverse sacral fractures and cauda equina syndrome, which have been rarely reported before. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve neurological impaired patients with transverse sacral fracture from January 2010 to March 2017 treated in our institution were evaluated. All patients went through isolated decompression and were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Fracture causes, classifications, associated injury, radiologic results, clinical outcomes using the Majeed index, and neurological outcomes using the Gibbons criteria were evaluated. RESULTS Motor vehicle accidents and falling injuries were the major causes of trauma. The average time from trauma to surgery was 89.8 days. Eleven patients underwent laminectomy with no more than 3 segments resected and 1 patient had S1-S4 excised. Three patients with fracture involving the lumbopelvic joint had L5 laminectomy. All patients achieved bony union, with 7 patients (63.6%) showing satisfactory pelvic outcome. Average Gibbons scores improved from 2.8 to 1.9 at 18-month average follow-up, but most patients were left with residual pain. No surgical-related complications were seen in any patients. CONCLUSIONS Isolated decompression can be considered for patients who present a stable sacrum with non-displaced fracture or an old fracture that shows fracture healing. Favorable pelvic outcomes and neurological recovery, along with acceptable stability, can be acquired.

Clickable coupling of carboxylic acids and amines at room temperature mediated by SO2F2: a significant breakthrough for the construction of amides and peptide linkages.

The construction of amide bonds and peptide linkages is one of the most fundamental transformations in all life processes and organic synthesis. The synthesis of structurally ubiquitous amide motifs is essential in the assembly of numerous important molecules such as peptides, proteins, alkaloids, pharmaceutical agents, polymers, ligands and agrochemicals. A method of SO2F2-mediated direct clickable coupling of carboxylic acids with amines was developed for the synthesis of a broad scope of amides in a simple, mild, highly efficient, robust and practical manner (>110 examples, >90% yields in most cases). The direct click reactions of acids and amines on a gram scale are also demonstrated using an extremely easy work-up and purification process of washing with 1 M aqueous HCl to provide the desired amides in greater than 99% purity and excellent yields.

Pharmaceutical and medicinal significance of sulfur (SVI)-Containing motifs for drug discovery: A critical review.

Sulfur (SVI) based moieties, especially, the sulfonyl or sulfonamide based analogues have showed a variety of pharmacological properties, and its derivatives propose a high degree of structural diversity that has established useful for the finding of new therapeutic agents. The developments of new less toxic, low cost and highly active sulfonamides containing analogues are hot research topics in medicinal chemistry. Currently, more than 150 FDA approved Sulfur (SVI)-based drugs are available in the market, and they are widely used to treat various types of diseases with therapeutic power. This comprehensive review highlights the recent developments of sulfonyl or sulfonamides based compounds in huge range of therapeutic applications such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticonvulsant, antitubercular, antidiabetic, antileishmanial, carbonic anhydrase, antimalarial, anticancer and other medicinal agents. We believe that, this review article is useful to inspire new ideas for structural design and developments of less toxic and powerful Sulfur (SVI) based drugs against the numerous death-causing diseases.

Differential Effects of Three Techniques for Hepatic Vascular Exclusion during Resection for Liver Cirrhosis on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious concern during hepatic vascular occlusion. The objectives of this study were to assess effects of three techniques for hepatic vascular occlusion on I/R injury and to explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: Liver cirrhotic rats had undertaken Pringle maneuver (PR), hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HH), or hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control (WH). Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-ß (TRIF), and hemeoxygenase 1 (HMOX1) were assayed. RESULTS: The histopathologic analysis displayed that liver harm was more prominent in the PR group, but similar in the HH and WH groups. The HH and WH groups responded to hepatic I/R inflammation similarly but better than the PR group. Mechanical studies suggested that TNF-α/NF-κB signaling and TLR4/TRIF transduction pathways were associated with the differential effects. In addition, the HH and WH groups had significantly higher levels of hepatic HMOX1 (P < 0.05) than the PR group. CONCLUSIONS: HH and WH confer better preservation of liver function and protection than the Pringle maneuver in combating I/R injury. Upregulation of HMOX1 may lead to better protection and clinical outcomes after liver resection.

Expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α and its correlation with phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase after portal vein ligation in rats.

AIMS: Portal vein ligation (PVL) has been used to effectively increase future liver remnant (FLR) in hepatectomy for treatment of liver cancer. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well characterized. The present study aimed to determine expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) in response to PVL and assess the correlation of HIF-1α and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). MAIN METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent PVL and were sacrificed at different time points (12, 24, 48, 72, and 168h) after surgery. Hepatic HIF-1α expression in the regenerating liver was assessed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry, in parallel; PEPCK levels were quantified by ELISA. KEY FINDINGS: We found that the ligated liver lobes diminished progressively, whereas the unligated lobes underwent compensatory regeneration after 70% ligation of portal vein branches in the PVL group. Hepatic HIF-1α and PEPCK levels in the unligated liver lobes were significantly increased in the PVL group compared to the hepatic artery ligation (HAL) and the sham (SH) operation groups. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed positive correlation between HIF-1α expression and PEPCK levels in the unligated lobes after PVL. Further analysis indicated that higher levels of HIF-1α and PEPCK in response to liver regeneration were paralleled by an increase in the ratio of the mass and volume of unligated lobes to the whole liver. SIGNIFICANCE: HIF-1α was up-regulated and positively correlated with PEPCK during liver regeneration after PVL in rats, suggesting that HIF-1α may modulate hepatic gluconeogenesis through PEPCK, which may ensure the energy supply required for liver regeneration.

Cobra neurotoxin produces central analgesic and hyperalgesic actions via adenosine A1 and A2A receptors.

Cobra neurotoxin, a short-chain peptide isolated from snake venom of Naja naja atra, showed both a central analgesic effect and a hyperalgesic effect in mice tests. In order to explore mechanisms, a hypothesis is put forward that cobra neurotoxin takes effect through adenosine receptor pathway. The central effects of cobra neurotoxin were evaluated using the hot plate test (a model of acute pain) and the spinal cord injury (a model of central pain) in mice and using A1 receptor antagonist (DPCPX) and A2A receptor antagonist (ZM241385); behaviors were scored and signal molecules such as reactive oxygen species and adenosine triphosphate levels and mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase expression were measured. Low dose of cobra neurotoxin (25 µg/kg) had analgesic effects which were inhibited by DPCPX, while high dose of cobra neurotoxin (100 µg/kg) had hyperalgesic effects which were blocked by ZM241385. Cobra neurotoxin reduced reactive oxygen species and increased adenosine triphosphate in brain tissues, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase expression was markedly inhibited by cobra neurotoxin. Cobra neurotoxin may take effect through mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase pathway inhibition by activating adenosine A1Rs and cause changes of reactive oxygen species and adenosine triphosphate through feedback mechanisms. Overdose cobra neurotoxin further activates the adenosine A2ARs to generate pain sensitization. This research proposes a new central analgesic mechanism of cobra neurotoxin and discloses dual regulation of pain.

The Effect of Uniaxial Mechanical Stretch on Wnt/ß-Catenin Pathway in Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Wnt/ß-catenin signal is required in bone formation and remodling, but little is known about whether Wnt/ß-catenin signal could promote osteogenic differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) after uniaxial mechanical stretch. In this study, rat BMSCs were identified by flow cytometry and used for mechanical stretch. A custom-made uniaxial dynamic stretch apparatus was applied for rat BMSCs stretch. There were 2 groups in the study: the mechanical stretch group and the nonstretch control group. Cell morphology, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mRNA levels (Wnt3a, Lrp5, ß-catenin, as well as Runx2 were evaluated using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and protein levels (ß-catenin and Runx2 were examined using western blot) were observed in both groups. The authors finally found that not only the cell proliferation, ALP activity, but also mRNA expression of Wnt3a, Lrp5, ß-catenin, and Runx2 in BMSCs were markedly elevated by mechanical stretch than the controls. Protein levels of ß-catenin and Runx2 were significantly higher than that of control as well. Activation of mechanical stretch was partially reversed by DKK-1, a classical inhibitor of Wnt/ß-catenin signal. These results demonstrate that uniaxial mechanical stretch could stimulate osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of BMSCs by activating the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling.

Synthesis and neuroprotective effects of the complex nanoparticles of iron and sapogenin isolated from the defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera.

CONTEXT: The defatted seeds of Camellia oleifera var. monosperma Hung T. Chang (Theaceae) are currently discarded without effective utilization. However, sapogenin has been isolated and shows antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities suggestive of its neuroprotective function. OBJECTIVE: In order to improve the activities of sapogenin, the nanoparticles of iron-sapogenin have been synthesized, and the neuroprotective effects are evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Structural characters of the nanoparticles were analyzed, and the antioxidant effect was assessed by DPPH method, and the neuroprotective effect was evaluated by rotenone-induced neurodegeneration in Kunming mice injected subcutaneously into the back of neck with rotenone (50 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks and then treated by tail intravenous injection with the iron-sapogenin at the dose of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg for 7 days. Mice behaviour and neurotransmitters were tested. RESULTS: The product had an average size of 162 nm with spherical shape, and scavenged more than 90% DPPH radicals at 0.8 mg/mL concentration. It decreased behavioural disorder and malondialdehyde content in mice brain, and increased superoxide dismutase activity, tyrosine hydroxylase expression, dopamine and acetylcholine levels in brain in dose dependence, and their maximum changes were respectively up to 60.83%, 25.17%, 22.13%, 105.26%, 42.17% and 22.89% as compared to vehicle group. Iron-sapogenin nanoparticle shows significantly better effects than the sapogenin. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Iron-sapogenin alleviates neurodegeneration of mice injured by neurotoxicity of rotenone, it is a superior candidate of drugs for neuroprotection.

Polymyxin B protects against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model of obstructive jaundice.

This study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of polymyxin B (PMB) against hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats with obstructive jaundice. Thirty-six Wistar rats (eighteen each) with induced hepatic I/R injury by biliary tract ligation and recanalization were assigned to a control group (reperfused with normal saline) and a PMB group (reperfused with PMB). Indicators involving liver function, oxidation resistance, pro-inflammatory state, and anti-apoptosis effect were determined following the instructions. Compared with normal saline, PMB reperfusion resulted in a significant improvement of liver function (increase of glutathione and reduction of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase), oxidation resistance (decreased malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase activity), alleviation of pro-inflammatory state (less tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) mRNA, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1), and anti-apoptosis effect (more Bcl-2 and less Bax). PMB protects the liver from I/R injury mainly through reducing cellular oncosis and apoptosis and regulating the expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and ICAM-1.

[Analgesic effect of acupuncture compound anesthesia in functionality nasal endoscopic sinus surgery].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the analgesic effect of acupuncture compound anesthesia in functionality nasal endoscopic sinus surgery (FNES). METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing FNES were randomly divided into three groups. Group A was treated with routine local anesthesia, and group B and C were treated with electroacupuncture at Yintang (EX-HN 3) and Yingxiang (LI 20) for 30 min before local anesthesia. Group B received routine local anesthesia, and group C received decrement local anesthesia. The dosage of narcotic, modified fingers pain scores and postoperative satisfaction scores were observed in three groups. RESULTS: The operative dosage of decicaine was (118.33 +/- 26.21) mg in group A, (100.83 +/- 4.56) mg in group B, and (71.33 +/- 8.90) mg in group C, with significant differences among the three groups (all P < 0.01), the lowest dosage was used in group C and the highest dosage in group A. The fingers pain scores of group B and C were both lower than that of group A (both P < 0.01), and the postoperative satisfaction scores of group B and C were both higher than that of group A (both P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture compound anesthesia can effectively alleviate the pain, decrease the dosage of local anesthetic, lower the discomfortableness and be helpful for safety of the patients during sinus surgery.

[Influence of acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia with different frequency electroacupuncture on immune function in patients undergoing pneumonectomy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore different frequency electroacupuncture in acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia on analgesic effect and immune function in the pulmonary resection patients in order to recommend the best electroacupuncture frequency in acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-three patients scheduled for pneumonectomy were randomly divided into group A (n = 31), B (n = 34), C (n = 32), D (n = 34) and E (n = 32). Houxi (SI 3), Zhigou (TE 6), Neiguan (PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) were selected in the five groups. Group A was treated with sham acupuncture by pasting needles without needle bodies at acupoints and electroacupuncture at the needle handle, and group B with 2 Hz electroacupuncture, and group C with 2 Hz/ 100 Hz electroacupuncture, and group D with 100 Hz electroacupuncture, and group E with 2 Hz/100 Hz transcetaneous acupoints electrical stimulation, and general anesthesia was produced in all the groups followed by 30 min electrical stimulation and the stimulation was lasted till the end of operation. The dosages of the anesthetics and the changes of surface antigen of leukomonocyte (CD3+ , CD4+ , CD8+ and CD4+/CD8+) and natural killer (NK) cell were observed at 1 day before surgery, intraoperative and 1 day after surgery. RESULTS: In comparison with group A, the dosages of Propofol in group B and D were decreased, Fentanyl in group B, D and E were decreased. CD3+ and CD4+ in 5 groups increased at first and then decreased over time (all P < 0.01), and group E and C could inhibit the decrease of CD3+ and CD4+ in postoperation in comparison with that in the other three groups (all P < 0.05). CD8+ in 5 groups has no change in different times (all P > 0.05), and group E and D could inhibit the decrease of CD8+ in postoperation in comparison with that in the other three groups (all P < 0.05). CD4+/CD8+ in 5 groups has no change in different times (all P > 0.05), and group E and C could inhibit the decrease of CD4+/CD8+ in postoperation in comparison with that in the other three groups (all P < 0.05). NK cells of 5 groups were increased gradually in different times (all P < 0.01), with the similar regulation of NK cells (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia with 2 Hz and 100 Hz electroacupuncture together with 2 Hz/100 Hz transcetaneous acupoints electrical stimulation have the best analgesic effect, and 2 Hz/100 Hz transcetaneous acupoints electrical stimulation and 2 Hz/100 Hz electroacupuncture have the best regulation of immune function. Acupuncture-drug compound anesthesia with 2 Hz/100 Hz transcetaneous acupoints electrical stimulation is recommended for that it can not only decrease the dosages of the anesthetics, but also significantly improve the immunosuppression in patients undergoing pneumonectomy.