The maize single-nucleus transcriptome comprehensively describes signaling networks governing movement and development of grass stomata.

The unique morphology of grass stomata enables rapid responses to environmental changes. Deciphering the basis for these responses is critical for improving food security. We have developed a planta platform of single-nucleus RNA-sequencing by combined fluorescence-activated nuclei flow sorting, and used it to identify cell types in mature and developing stomata from 33,098 nuclei of the maize epidermis-enriched tissues. Guard cells (GCs) and subsidiary cells (SCs) displayed differential expression of genes, besides those encoding transporters, involved in the abscisic acid, CO2, Ca2+, starch metabolism, and blue light signaling pathways, implicating coordinated signal integration in speedy stomatal responses, and of genes affecting cell wall plasticity, implying a more sophisticated relationship between GCs and SCs in stomatal development and dumbbell-shaped guard cell formation. The trajectory of stomatal development identified in young tissues, and by comparison to the bulk RNA-seq data of the MUTE defective mutant in stomatal development, confirmed known features, and shed light on key participants in stomatal development. Our study provides a valuable, comprehensive, and fundamental foundation for further insights into grass stomatal function.

Proton is Essential or Not: A Fresh Look on Pseudocapacitive Energy Storage of PANI Composites.

Protonation has been considered essential for the pseudocapacitive energy storage of polyaniline (PANI) for years, as proton doping in PANI chains not only activates electron transport pathways, but also promotes the proceeding of redox reactions. Rarely has the ability for PANI of storing energy without protonation been investigated, and it remains uncertain whether PANI has pseudocapacitive charge storage properties in an alkaline electrolyte. Here, this work first demonstrates the pseudocapacitive energy storage for PANI without protonation using a PANI/graphene composite as a model material in an alkaline electrolyte. Using in situ Raman spectroscopy coupled with electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) measurements, this work determines the formation of -N= group over potential on a PANI chain and demonstrates the direct contribution of OH- in the nonprotonation type of oxidation reactions. This work finds that the PANI/graphene composite in an alkaline electrolyte has excellent cycling stability with a wider operation voltage of 1 V as well as a slightly higher specific capacitance than that in an acidic electrolyte. The findings provide a new perspective on pseudocapacitive energy storage of PANI-based composites, which will influence the selection of electrolytes for PANI materials and expand their application in energy storage fields.

Method of generating speckle patterns for digital image correlation based on modified Conway's Game of Life.

The measurement accuracy of digital image correlation (DIC) is influenced by the quality of the speckle pattern. Although various models for generating random speckle patterns have been well discussed, obtaining appropriate speckle images with isotropic quality and performance could be a challenging issue in DIC. In this paper, we propose a novel (to our knowledge) method for generating speckle patterns based on modified Conway's game of life (GoL). By sequentially assembling the speckle patterns generated from the modified GoL, we produced the GoL speckle image. Then, verification and comparison experiments were conducted through pure in-plane translations. The results show that the generated speckle image which was resized with k s=6& k r=2 processing and subsequently fuzzified using a Gaussian filter, produces the best accuracy for DIC measurement. Furthermore, based on the rigid body in-plane rotation displacement tests in the physical experimental results of three different speckle images, the GoL speckle generated from our proposed method shows the smallest measurement error. This indicates that the proposed speckle patterns generating method could provide a new type of speckle pattern with better quality and accuracy.

All-optical polarization scrambler based on polarization beam splitting with an amplified fiber ring.

Optical-fiber-based polarization scramblers can reduce the impact of polarization sensitive performance of various optical fiber systems. Here, we propose a simple and efficient polarization scrambler based on an all-optical Mach-Zehnder structure by combining a polarization beam splitter and an amplified fiber ring. To totally decoherence one polarization split beam, a fiber ring together with an amplifier is incorporated. The ratio of two orthogonal beams can be controlled by varying the amplification factor, and we observe different evolution trajectories of the output state of polarizations on the Poincaré sphere. When the amplification factor exceeds a certain threshold, the scrambler system exhibits nearly ideal polarization scrambling behavior. A commercial single wavelength laser with a linewidth of 3 MHz is utilized to characterize the scrambling performance. We found that when the sampling rate is 1.6 MSa/s, a scrambling speed up to 2000krad/s can be obtained for the average degree of polarization being less than 0.1. We also exploit these random polarization fluctuations to generate random binary numbers, indicating that the proposed technique is a good candidate for a random bit generator.

Noninvasive longitudinal PET/CT imaging of CAR T cells using PSMA reporter gene.

PURPOSE: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved great success in treating hematologic malignancies. However, it is yet to prove effective in the treatment of solid tumors. Thus, it is necessary to develop appropriate methodology for the long-term, accurate, and quantitative evaluation of the distribution and activities of CAR T cells in solid tumors. In the present study, we engineered TfR ΔPSMA CAR (CAR-ΔPSMA) T cells, which targeted the transferrin receptor (TfR) expressed by tumor cells and could be tracked in vivo via a reporter gene encoding the truncated prostate specific membrane antigen (ΔPSMA). We then quantitatively monitored these CAR T cells in vitro and in vivo using [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT). METHODS: The CAR-ΔPSMA T cells were genetically engineered by transducing T cells with a lentiviral vector encoding TfR41BBζ-T2A-ΔPSMA. Firstly, the target expression, activation, and cytotoxicity of CAR-ΔPSMA T cells were validated in vitro. Secondly, the minimum thresholds of CAR-ΔPSMA T cells detection for [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT were also determined in vitro and in vivo respectively. Lastly, the feasibility of monitoring the biodistribution and infiltration of CAR-ΔPSMA T cells after systematic administration was evaluated in the breast cancer subcutaneous xenograft model. RESULTS: The CAR-ΔPSMA T cells retained activation and tumor killing capacity after transduction of the ΔPSMA-encoding reporter gene. Next, the CAR-ΔPSMA T cells could be reliably tracked by [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT, the detection sensitivity of which was 250 cells/mm3 in vitro and 100 cells/mm3 in vivo. Next, the sequential imaging assays revealed that [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT could be used to specifically visualize ΔPSMA+ CAR T cells at the tumor site. The increase in the [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 signal intensity over time allowed us to effectively detect CAR T cells in vivo. CONCLUSION: Our findings preliminarily confirmed that [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 PET/CT could reliably detect CAR-ΔPSMA T cells in vitro and in vivo in solid tumors, laying the foundation for the monitoring CAR T cell therapy in the future.

Development and evaluation of albumin binder-conjugated heterodimeric radiopharmaceuticals targeting integrin αvß3 and CD13 for cancer therapy.

PURPOSE: The advancement of heterodimeric tracers, renowned for their high sensitivity, marks a significant trend in the development of radiotracers for cancer diagnosis. Our prior work on [68Ga]Ga-HX01, a heterodimeric tracer targeting CD13 and integrin αvß3, led to its approval for phase I clinical trials by the China National Medical Production Administration (NMPA). However, its fast clearance and limited tumor retention pose challenges for broader clinical application in cancer treatment. This study aims to develop a new radiopharmaceutical with increased tumor uptake and prolonged retention, rendering it a potential therapeutic candidate. METHODS: New albumin binder-conjugated compounds were synthesized based on the structure of HX01. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of these new compounds were performed after labelling with 68Ga. Small-animal PET/CT imaging were conducted at different time points at 0.5-6 h post injection (p.i.) using BxPC-3 xenograft mice models. The one with the best imaging performance was further radiolabeled with 177Lu for small-animal SPECT/CT and ex vivo biodistribution investigation. RESULTS: We have synthesized novel albumin binder-conjugated compounds, building upon the structure of HX01. When radiolabeled with 68Ga, all compounds demonstrated improved pharmacokinetics (PK). Small-animal PET/CT studies revealed that these new albumin binder-conjugated compounds, particularly [68Ga]Ga-L6, exhibited significantly enhanced tumor accumulation and retention compared with [68Ga]Ga-L0 without an albumin binder. [68Ga]Ga-L6 outperformed [68Ga]Ga-L7, a compound developed using a previously reported albumin binder. Furthermore, [177Lu]Lu-L6 demonstrated rapid clearance from normal tissues, high tumor uptake, and prolonged retention in small-animal SPECT/CT and biodistribution studies, positioning it as an ideal candidate for radiotherapeutic applications. CONCLUSION: A new integrin αvß3 and CD13 targeting compound was screened out. This compound bears a novel albumin binder and exhibits increased tumor uptake and prolonged tumor retention in BxPC-3 tumors and low background in normal organs, making it a perfect candidate for radiotherapy when radiolabeled with 177Lu.

Si anode with high initial Coulombic efficiency, long cycle life, and superior rate capability by integrated utilization of graphene and pitch-based carbon.

A variety of strategies have been developed to enhance the cycling stability of Si-based anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Although significant progress has been made in enhancing the cycling stability of Si-based anodes, the low initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) remains a significant challenge to their commercial application. Herein, pitch-based carbon (C) coated Si nanoparticles (NPs) were wrapped by graphene (G) to obtain Si@C/G composite with a small specific surface area (SSA) of 11.3 m2 g-1, resulting in a high ICE of 91.2% at 500 mA g-1. Moreover, the integrated utilization of graphene and soft carbon derived from the low-cost petroleum pitch strongly promotes the electrical conductivity, structure stability, and reaction kinetics of Si NPs. Consequently, the synthesized Si@C/G with a Si loading of 54.7% delivers large reversible capacity (1191 mAh g-1 at 500 mA g-1), long cycle life over 200 cycles (a capacity retention of 87.1%), and superior rate capability (952 mAh g-1 at 1500 mA g-1). When coupled with a homemade LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode in a full cell, it exhibits a promising cycling stability for 200 cycles. This work presents an innovative approach for the manufacture of Si-based anode materials with commercial application.

3D Printing of Capacitive Pressure Sensors with Tuned Wide Detection Range and High Sensitivity Inspired by Bio-Inspired Kapok Structures.

Flexible pressure sensors have drawn considerable attention for their potential applications as electronic skins with both sensitivity and pressure response range. Although the introduction of surface microstructures effectively enhances sensitivity, the confined volume of their compressible structures results in a limited pressure response range. To address this issue, a biomimetic kapok structure is proposed and implemented for constructing the dielectric layer of flexible capacitive pressure sensors employing 3D printing technology. The structure is designed with easily deformable concave and rotational structures, enabling continuous deformation under pressure. This design results in a significant expansion of the pressure response range and improvement in sensitivity. Further, the study purposively analyses crucial parameters of the devised structure that affect its compressibility and stability. These include the concave angle θ, height ratio d1/d2, rotation angle α, and width k. As a result, the ultimate pressure sensors demonstrate remarkable features such as high sensitivity (≈2.38 kPa-1 in the range of 0-10 kPa), broad detection range (734 kPa), fast response time (23 ms), and outstanding pressure resolution (0.4% at 500 kPa). This study confirms the viability of bionic structures for flexible sensors, and their potential to expand the scope of wearable electronic devices.

Dexmedetomidine Infusion Versus Placebo During Light or Deep Anesthesia on Postoperative Delirium in Older Patients Undergoing Major Noncardiac Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Factorial Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delirium (POD) is common among older surgical patients and may be affected by dexmedetomidine and depth of anesthesia. We designed this pilot study to assess the feasibility of comparing dexmedetomidine with normal saline during light versus deep anesthesia on POD in older patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. METHODS: In this pilot randomized factorial study, 80 patients aged 60 years or older undergoing major noncardiac surgery were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive dexmedetomidine infusion 0.5 µg/kg/h or normal saline placebo during light (bispectral index [BIS] target 55) or deep (BIS target 40) anesthesia. Feasibility end points included consent rate and dropout rate, timely enrollment, blinded study drug administration throughout surgery, no inadvertent unmasking, achieving BIS target throughout >70% of surgery duration, and the process of twice-daily POD screening. In addition, we estimated the POD incidences in the 2 control groups (placebo and deep anesthesia) and treatment effects of dexmedetomidine and light anesthesia. RESULTS: Between November 1, 2021, and June 30, 2022, 78 patients completed the trial (mean [standard deviation, SD] age, 69.6 [4.6] years; 48 male patients [62%]; dexmedetomidine-deep, n = 19; dexmedetomidine-light, n = 20; placebo-deep, n = 19; placebo-light, n = 20). This study had a high consent rate (86%) and a low dropout rate (2.5%). Average recruitment was 5 patients at each center per month. Dexmedetomidine and normal saline were administered in a blinded fashion in all patients. Unmasking did not occur in either group. Approximately 99% of patients received the scheduled study drug infusion throughout the surgery. Approximately 81% of patients achieved the BIS targets throughout >70% of the surgery duration. The scheduled twice-daily POD screening was completed without exception. Overall, 10 of the 78 patients (13%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7%-22%) developed POD. For the 2 reference groups, POD was observed in 7 of the 39 patients (17.9%; 95% CI, 9%-32.7%) in the placebo group and 7 of the 38 patients (18.4%; 95% CI, 9.2%-33.4%) in the deep anesthesia group. Regarding the treatment effects on POD, the estimated between-group difference was -10% (95% CI, -28% to 7%) for dexmedetomidine versus placebo, and -11% (95% CI, -28% to 6%) for light versus deep anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this pilot study demonstrate the feasibility of assessing dexmedetomidine versus placebo during light versus deep anesthesia on POD among older patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery, and justify a multicenter randomized factorial trial.

Efficacy and safety of prophylactic balloon occlusion in the management of placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) is a serious obstetric complication associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality. Prophylactic balloon occlusion (PBO), as an intravascular interventional therapies, has emerged as a potential management strategy for controlling massive hemorrhage in patients with PAS. However, current evidence about the clinical application of PBO in PAS patients are still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PBO in the management of PAS. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including PAS patients underwent cesarean delivery was conducted in a tertiary hospital from January 2015 to March 2022. Included PAS patients were further divided into balloon and control groups by whether PBO was performed. Groups were compared for demographic characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative parameters, maternal and neonatal outcomes, PBO-related complication and follow up outcomes. Additionally, multivariate-logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the definitive associations between PBO and risk of massive hemorrhage and hysterectomy. RESULTS: A total of 285 PAS patients met the inclusion criteria were included, of which 57 PAS patients underwent PBO (PBO group) and 228 women performed cesarean section (CS) without PBO (control group). Irrespective of the differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups, PBO intervention did not reduce the blood loss, hysterectomy rate and postoperative hospital stay, but it prolonged the operation time and increased the cost of hospitalization (All P < 0.05) Additionally, there were no significant differences in postoperative complications, neonatal outcomes, and follow-up outcomes(All P > 0.05). In particular, patients undergoing PBO were more likely to develop the venous thrombosis postoperatively (P = 0.001). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PBO significantly decreased the risk of massive hemorrhage (OR 0.289, 95%CI:0.109-0.766, P = 0.013). The grade of PAS and MRI with S2 invasion were the significant risk factors affecting massive hemorrhage(OR:6.232 and OR:5.380, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: PBO has the potential to reduce massive hemorrhage in PAS patients undergoing CS. Obstetricians should, however, be aware of potential complications arising from the PBO. Additionally, MRI with S2 invasion and PAS grade will be useful to identify PAS patients who at high risk and may benefit from PBO. In brief, PBO seem to be a promising alternative for management of PAS, yet well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to convincingly demonstrate its benefits and triage the necessity of PBO.

Effects of meteorological factors on influenza transmissibility by virus type/subtype.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative evidence on the impact of meteorological factors on influenza transmissibility across different virus types/subtypes is scarce, and no previous studies have reported the effect of hourly temperature variability (HTV) on influenza transmissibility. Herein, we explored the associations between meteorological factors and influenza transmissibility according to the influenza type and subtype in Guangzhou, a subtropical city in China. METHODS: We collected influenza surveillance and meteorological data of Guangzhou between October 2010 and December 2019. Influenza transmissibility was measured using the instantaneous effective reproductive number (Rt). A gamma regression with a log link combined with a distributed lag non-linear model was used to assess the associations of daily meteorological factors with Rt by influenza types/subtypes. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationship between ambient temperature and Rt was non-linear, with elevated transmissibility at low and high temperatures. Influenza transmissibility increased as HTV increased when HTV < around 4.5 °C. A non-linear association was observed between absolute humidity and Rt, with increased transmissibility at low absolute humidity and at around 19 g/m3. Relative humidity had a U-shaped association with influenza transmissibility. The associations between meteorological factors and influenza transmissibility varied according to the influenza type and subtype: elevated transmissibility was observed at high ambient temperatures for influenza A(H3N2), but not for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09; transmissibility of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 increased as HTV increased when HTV < around 4.5 °C, but the transmissibility decreased with HTV when HTV < 2.5 °C and 3.0 °C for influenza A(H3N2) and B, respectively; positive association of Rt with absolute humidity was witnessed for influenza A(H3N2) even when absolute humidity was larger than 19 g/m3, which was different from that for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B. CONCLUSIONS: Temperature variability has an impact on influenza transmissibility. Ambient temperature, temperature variability, and humidity influence the transmissibility of different influenza types/subtypes discrepantly. Our findings have important implications for improving preparedness for influenza epidemics, especially under climate change conditions.

Analysis of quality evaluation and optimal harvest period of Aurantii Fructus from different sources using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS.

INTRODUCTION: The active constituents in Aurantii Fructus sourced from different regions within Hunan Province exhibit variations, with certain samples demonstrating substandard quality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of the chemical composition and quality of Aurantii Fructus from various sources, establish a robust methodology for quality evaluation, and determine the optimal harvesting period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The components of Aurantii Fructus were qualitatively analyzed using a non-targeted metabolomics approach. Multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to identify potential markers, enabling qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the quality and optimal harvest period of Aurantii Fructus. RESULTS: Overall, 155 compounds were identified in Aurantii Fructus, with Huangpi exhibiting the highest number of components. Eleven potential markers were selected to assess the quality of Aurantii Fructus. The average content of Huangpi was the highest, indicating a high level of similarity. The samples' overall scores were ordered as follows: Huangpi > Xiangcheng > Choucheng > Daidai. Anren and Changde's Huangpi exhibited high contents, being rich in chemical components, resulting in favorable scores. Similarly, Changde's Xiangcheng displayed significant medicinal value. As the harvest time was delayed, there was an increase in fruit size, accompanied by thinner peels and a continuous decrease in the contents of potential markers. The best harvest period of Aurantii Fructus was within 1 week before and after the Lesser Heat. CONCLUSION: The present study establishes a precise and efficient method for evaluating the quality of Aurantii Fructus, thereby providing more comprehensive insights into its composition. This research lays the foundation for subsequent development and utilization of Aurantii Fructus.

[Effect of Family Functioning on Adolescents' Internalizing and Externalizing Problem Behaviors: The Multiple Mediating Roles of Empathy and Emotional Competence]. / å®¶åº­åŠŸèƒ½å¯¹é’å°‘å¹´å† å¤–åŒ–é—®é¢˜è¡Œä¸ºçš„å½±å“ï¼šå ±æƒ å’Œæƒ ç»ªèƒ½åŠ›çš„å¤šé‡ä¸­ä»‹ä½œç”¨.

Objective: To examine the mediating role of empathy and emotional competence in the association between family functioning and internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors among adolescents in China. Methods: In this study, we used the data from the June-July 2022 survey of Chengdu Positive Child Development (CPCD) cohort. All respondents were 5th-9th graders from six primary or secondary schools in Chengdu. The Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Chinese Family Assessment Instrument (C-FAI), the empathy subscale of the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (C-IRI), and the emotional competence (EC) subscale of the Chinese Positive Youth Development Scale (CPYD) were used to evaluate the respondents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors, family functioning, empathy, and emotional competence, respectively. The average score derived from the total score of a scale divided by the number of entries in each dimension was used as the final score of the scale. Independent samples t-tests or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to examine the differences in family functioning, empathy, emotional competence, and internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors across student groups with different demographic characteristics (sex, grade, and region). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between family functioning, empathy, emotional competence, and internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors. AMOS 24.0 was used to validate the hypothesized model and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the mediating effects of empathy and emotional competence between family functioning and internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors among adolescents. Results: A total of 3026 eligible participants were included, including 1548 (51.16%) male students and 1478 (48.84%) female students. Among the respondents, 798 (26.37%) were 5th graders, 738 (24.39%) were 6th graders, 567 (18.74%) were 7th graders, 614 (20.29%) were 8th graders, and 309 (10.21%) were 9th graders. In addition, 2064 (68.21%) of all respondents were from urban areas and 962 (31.79%) were from rural areas. The results of the difference analysis showed that the differences in adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors were statistically significant between students of different grades (P=0.004), and that the differences in family functioning and empathy scores were also statistically significant between students of different grades (all P<0.001), whereas the differences in adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors were not statistically significant between sexes and regions (P=0.919, 0.959). The results of correlation analysis showed that family functioning scores (the higher the score, the worse the family functioning) were significantly negatively correlated with empathy and emotional competence (r=-0.482, -0.432, P<0.01), and significantly positively correlated with internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors (r=0.220, P<0.01). Empathy was significantly positively correlated with emotional competence (r=0.402, P<0.01). Empathy and emotional competence were significantly negatively correlated with all the dimensions of internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors (r=-0.115, -0.305, P<0.01). Emotional competence partially mediated the relationship between family functioning and adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors, with a mediation effect value being 0.042 (95% [confidence interval] CI: 0.031-0.057). Empathy and emotional competence had chain mediation effect between family functioning and adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors, with the value of the mediation effect being 0.010 (95% CI: 0.007-0.014). Conclusion: Family functioning influences adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors in a direct way and through the chain-mediating roles of empathy and emotional competence.

[Transcriptional regulation mechanism of differential accumulation of flavonoids in different varieties of Lonicera macranthoides based on metabonomics and transcriptomics].

This study aims to explore the molecular regulatory mechanism of the differential accumulation of flavonoids between 'Xianglei' and the wild type of Lonicera macranthoides. The flowers, stems, and leaves of the two varieties of L. macranthoides were collected. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UPLC-MS) and high-throughput sequencing(RNA-seq) were employed to screen out the differential flavonoids, key differentially expressed genes(DEGs) and transcription factors(TFs). Fourteen DEGs were randomly selected for verification by qRT-PCR. The results showed that a total of 17 differential flavonoids were obtained, including naringin chalcone, apigenin, and quercetin. The transcriptomic analysis predicted 19 DEGs associated with flavonoids, including 2 genes encoding chitin synthase(CHS) and 3 genes encoding chalcone isomerase(CHI). The regulatory network analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA) screen out the key enzyme genes CHS1, FLS1, and HCT regulating the accumulation of flavonoids. MYB12 and LBD4 may be involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids by regulating the expression of key enzyme genes CHS1, FLS1, and HCT. The qRT-PCR and RNA-seq results were similar regarding the expression patterns of the 14 randomly selected DEGs. This study preliminarily analyzed the transcriptional regulatory mechanism for the differential accumulation of flavonoids in the two varieties of L. macranthoides and laid a foundation for further elucidating the regulatory effects of key enzyme genes and TFs on the accumulation of flavonoids.

Poaceae-specific ß-1,3;1,4-d-glucans link jasmonate signalling to OsLecRK1-mediated defence response during rice-brown planthopper interactions.

Brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens), a highly destructive insect pest, poses a serious threat to rice (Oryza sativa) production worldwide. Jasmonates are key phytohormones that regulate plant defences against BPH; however, the molecular link between jasmonates and BPH responses in rice remains largely unknown. Here, we discovered a Poaceae-specific metabolite, mixed-linkage ß-1,3;1,4-d-glucan (MLG), which contributes to jasmonate-mediated BPH resistance. MLG levels in rice significantly increased upon BPH attack. Overexpressing OsCslF6, which encodes a glucan synthase that catalyses MLG biosynthesis, significantly enhanced BPH resistance and cell wall thickness in vascular bundles, whereas knockout of OsCslF6 reduced BPH resistance and vascular wall thickness. OsMYC2, a master transcription factor of jasmonate signalling, directly controlled the upregulation of OsCslF6 in response to BPH feeding. The AT-rich domain of the OsCslF6 promoter varies in rice varieties from different locations and natural variants in this domain were associated with BPH resistance. MLG-derived oligosaccharides bound to the plasma membrane-anchored LECTIN RECEPTOR KINASE1 OsLecRK1 and modulated its activity. Thus, our findings suggest that the OsMYC2-OsCslF6 module regulates pest resistance by modulating MLG production to enhance vascular wall thickness and OsLecRK1-mediated defence signalling during rice-BPH interactions.

Transient dynamics of pulsating polarization rotating dual solitons in an ultrafast fiber laser.

The state of polarization is essential for a full description of ultrashort pulses. We experimentally observe the transient vector dynamics of pulsating vector solitons with rotating polarizations in a single-wall carbon nanotube mode-locked fiber laser. We acquire the single-shot polarization evolution of two different dual soliton pulsations using a homemade real-time wavelength-resolved state of polarization measurement system. We identify experimentally two different types of dual-soliton pulsations with longer and shorter pulsating periods respectively, and we find that dispersive-caused wave-caused energy exchange may be the reason for the distinct single soliton polarization evolution in multi-soliton cases. Our results are crucial for understanding the essence of soliton behaviour and developing novel potential applications of ultrafast fiber lasers.

Association of the triglyceride-glucose index with coronary artery disease complexity in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

AIM: The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been shown to be an independent predictor for the progression and prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Whether the TyG index predicts the severity of CAD in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unknown. METHODS: A total of 1,007 individuals presenting with ACS undergoing coronary angiography were stratified according to the tertiles of the TyG index and The Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (SYNTAX) score (SYNTAX score ≤ 22 versus SYNTAX score > 22). CAD complexity was determined by the SYNTAX score. RESULTS: After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, the TyG index was still an independent risk factor for mid/high SYNTAX scores (SYNTAX score > 22, OR 2.6452, 95% CI 1.9020-3.6786, P < 0.0001). Compared with the lowest tertile of the TyG (T1) group, the risk for a mid/high SYNTAX score in the T2 and T3 groups was 2.574-fold higher (OR, 2.574; 95% CI 1.610-4.112; P < 0.001) and 3.732-fold higher (OR, 3.732; 95% CI 2.330-5.975; P < 0.001), respectively. Furthermore, there was a dose‒response relationship between the TyG index and the risk of complicated CAD (SYNTAX score > 22; nonlinear P = 0.200). The risk for a mid/high SYNTAX score in the T2 and T3 groups was significantly higher in normoglycemia, prediabetes mellitus, and diabetes mellitus subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: A higher TyG index was associated with the presence of a higher coronary anatomical complexity (SYNTAX score > 22) in ACS patients, irrespective of diabetes mellitus status. The TyG index might serve as a noninvasive predictor of CAD complexity in ACS patients and could potentially influence the management and therapeutic approach.

[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 theranostic probe for hepatocellular carcinoma imaging and therapy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of using [177Lu]Lu-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-617 and [177Lu]Lu-Evans blue (EB)-PSMA-617 for in vivo radioligand therapy by single-dose administration in a PSMA-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) xenograft mouse model. METHODS: [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617 were prepared, and labelling efficiency and radiochemical purity were determined. A HepG2 human HCC subcutaneous xenograft mouse model was established. After intravenous injection of [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 or [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617 (37 MBq) into the mouse model, single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) was performed. Biodistribution studies were conducted to verify targeting specificity and pharmacokinetics. In the radioligand therapy study, mice were randomized into 4 groups: 37 MBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, 18.5 MBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, 7.4 MBq [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617, and saline (control). A single-dose administration was applied at the beginning of therapy studies. Tumor volume, body weight, and survival were monitored every 2 days. After the end of therapy, mice were euthanized. Tumors were then weighed, and systemic toxicity was evaluated via blood testing and histological examination of healthy organs. RESULTS: [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617 were successfully prepared with high purity and stability. SPECT/CT and biodistribution showed that tumor uptake was higher and persisted longer for [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617 compared with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 was rapidly cleared from the blood, while [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617 persisted for significantly longer. In radioligand therapy studies, tumor growth was significantly suppressed in the 37 MBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, 18.5 MBq [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617, and 7.4 MBq [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617 groups compared to the saline group. Median survival was 40, 44, 43, and 30 days, respectively. No healthy organ toxicity was observed in safety and tolerability evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Radioligand therapy using [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and [177Lu]Lu-EB-PSMA-617 significantly suppressed tumor growth and prolonged survival time in PSMA-positive HCC xenograft mice without obvious toxicity. These radioligands appear promising for clinical use in humans, and future studies are warranted.

Preclinical evaluation of a dual-receptor targeted tracer [68Ga]Ga-HX01 in 10 different subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor models.

PURPOSE: The integrin αvß3 and aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) play vital roles in the tumor angiogenesis process. They are highly expressed in a variety of tumor cells and proliferating endothelial cells during angiogenesis, which have been considered as highly promising targets for tumor imaging. Arginine-glycine-aspartic (RGD) and asparagine-glycine-arginine (NGR) are two peptides specifically binding to the integrin αvß3 and CD13, respectively. In this study, we optimized our previously developed probe and preclinically evaluated the new integrin αvß3 and CD13 dual-targeted probe, NOTA-RGD-NGR (denoted as HX01) radiolabeled with 68Ga, in 10 different subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor models. METHODS: The specific activity and radiochemical purity of [68Ga]Ga-HX01 were identified. The dual-receptor targeting ability was confirmed by a series of blocking studies and partly muted tracers using BxPC-3 xenograft model. The dynamic imaging study and dose escalation study were explored to determine the optimal imaging time point and dosage in the BxPC-3 xenograft model. Next, we established a variety of subcutaneous and orthotopic tumor models including pancreas (BxPC-3), breast (MCF-7), gallbladder (NOZ), lung (HCC827), ovary (SK-OV-3), colorectal (HCT-8), liver (HuH-7), stomach (NUGC-4), and glioma (U87) cancers. All models underwent [68Ga]Ga-HX01 PET/CT imaging about 2 weeks post-inoculation, with a subset of them undergoing [18F]FDG PET/CT scan performed concurrently, and their results were compared. In addition, ex vivo biodistribution studies were also performed for verifying the semi-quantitative results of the non-invasive PET images. RESULTS: [68Ga]Ga-HX01 significantly outperformed single target probes in the BxPC-3 xenograft model. All blocking and single target groups exhibited significantly descending tumor uptake. The high tumor uptakes were found in BxPC-3, MCF-7, and NOZ subcutaneous tumors (%ID/g > 1.1), while middle uptakes were observed in HCC827, SK-OV-3, HCT-8, and HuH-7 subcutaneous tumor (%ID/g 0.7-1.0). Due to the low background, the tumor-to-muscle and tumor-to-blood ratios of [68Ga]Ga-HX01 were higher than that of [18F]FDG. CONCLUSIONS: [68Ga]Ga-HX01, as a dual target imaging agent, exhibited superior in vivo performance in different subcutaneous and orthotopic mice models of human tumors over [18F]FDG and its respectively mono-receptor targeted agents, which warrants the future clinical translation for tumor imaging.

PhAAT1, encoding an anthocyanin acyltransferase, is transcriptionally regulated by PhAN2 in petunia.

Anthocyanins widely exist in plants and they are important pigments for color of petals and fruits. They are produced through a multi-step pathway controlled by transcription factor complexes. The anthocyanin skeleton modification is the last reaction in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, which improves the stability of anthocyanins. Acylation modification is an important modification of anthocyanins. However, the identification and function of anthocyanin acyltransferase genes and their expression regulation are rarely reported. In this study, we identified the petunia anthocyanin acyltransferase gene, PhAAT1. PhAAT1 is located in the cytoplasm and PhAAT1 silencing changed flower color and reduced the stability of anthocyanin. Metabolomics analysis showed that PhAAT1 silencing led to the reduction of p-coumaroylated and caffeoylated anthocyanins. In addition, PhAAT1 was positively regulated by the MYB transcription factor, PhAN2, which directly interacts with the promoter of PhAAT1.