Construction of human 3D striato-nigral assembloids to recapitulate medium spiny neuronal projection defects in Huntington's disease.

The striato-nigral (Str-SN) circuit is composed of medium spiny neuronal projections that are mainly sent from the striatum to the midbrain substantial nigra (SN), which is essential for regulating motor behaviors. Dysfunction of the Str-SN circuitry may cause a series of motor disabilities that are associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington's disease (HD). Although the etiology of HD is known as abnormally expanded CAG repeats of the huntingtin gene, treatment of HD remains tremendously challenging. One possible reason is the lack of effective HD model that resembles Str-SN circuitry deficits for pharmacological studies. Here, we first differentiated striatum-like organoids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), containing functional medium spiny neurons (MSNs). We then generated 3D Str-SN assembloids by assembling striatum-like organoids with midbrain SN-like organoids. With AAV-hSYN-GFP-mediated viral tracing, extensive MSN projections from the striatum to the SN are established, which formed synaptic connection with GABAergic neurons in SN organoids and showed the optically evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents and electronic field potentials by labeling the striatum-like organoids with optogenetic virus. Furthermore, these Str-SN assembloids exhibited enhanced calcium activity compared to that of individual striatal organoids. Importantly, we further demonstrated the reciprocal projection defects in HD iPSC-derived assembloids, which could be ameliorated by treatment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Taken together, these findings suggest that Str-SN assembloids could be used for identifying MSN projection defects and could be applied as potential drug test platforms for HD.

The maize transcription factor CCT regulates drought tolerance by interacting with Fra a 1, E3 ligase WIPF2, and auxin response factor Aux/IAA8.

Plants are commonly exposed to abiotic stressors, which can affect their growth, productivity, and quality. Previously, the maize transcription factor ZmCCT was shown to be involved in the photoperiod response, delayed flowering, and quantitative resistance to Gibberella stalk rot. In this study, we demonstrate that ZmCCT can regulate plant responses to drought. ZmCCT physically interacted with ZmFra a 1, ZmWIPF2, and ZmAux/IAA8, which localized to the cell membrane, cytoplasm, and nucleus, respectively, both in vitro and in vivo in a yeast two-hybrid screen in response to abiotic stress. Notably, ZmCCT recruits ZmWIPF2 to the nucleus, which has strong E3 self-ubiquitination activity dependent on its RING-H2 finger domain in vitro. When treated with higher indole-3-acetic acid/abscisic acid ratios, the height and root length of Y331-ΔTE maize plants increased. Y331-ΔTE plants exhibited increased responses to exogenously applied auxin or ABA compared to Y331 plants, indicating that ZmCCT may be a negative regulator of ABA signalling in maize. In vivo, ZmCCT promoted indole-3-acetic acid biosynthesis in ZmCCT-overexpressing Arabidopsis. RNA-sequencing and DNA affinity purification-sequencing analyses showed that ZmCCT can regulate the expression of ZmRD17, ZmAFP3, ZmPP2C, and ZmARR16 under drought. Our findings provide a detailed overview of the molecular mechanism controlling ZmCCT functions and highlight that ZmCCT has multiple roles in promoting abiotic stress tolerance.

High FOM PCF-SPR refractive index sensor based on MgF2-Au double-layer films.

A simple twin-core D-shape photonic crystal fiber sensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is designed for the measurement of refractive indices (RI). The twin-core D-shape structure enhances the SPR effect, and the M g F 2-Au dual-layer film narrows the linewidth in the loss spectrum, consequently improving both the sensitivity and figure of merit (FOM). The properties of the sensor are analyzed by the finite element method. In the RI range of 1.32-1.42, the maximum wavelength sensitivity, FOM, and resolution are 62,000 nm/RIU, 1281R I U -1, and 1.61×10-6, respectively.

Development and preliminary evaluation of the Comprehensive Health Self-Assessment Questionnaire (CHSAQ) for individuals in the Chinese People Liberation Army.

OBJECTIVE: There is currently no widely accepted multidimensional health assessment questionnaire for individuals in the Chinese People Liberation Army (PLA). This study developed a multidimensional health survey questionnaire (Comprehensive Health Self-Assessment Questionnaire, CHSAQ) suitable for personnel in the PLA and conducted a preliminary examination of its reliability, validity, and discriminative ability. METHODS: After 183 items from 32 dimensions were selected to form the initial version of the CHSAQ, three groups of soldiers were selected from May 2022 to April 2023 and completed three survey rounds (with 183, 131, and 55 valid items). The items were screened based on classic test theory. After screening, the final questionnaire entries were formed, the structure of the questionnaire was explored through exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, and its reliability, structural validity, and discriminative ability were evaluated. RESULTS: The final questionnaire consisted of 8 dimensions and 55 items on job satisfaction, anxiety and depression, daily activities, physical function, the otolaryngology system, the integumentary system, sleep disorders, and the visual system. The total cumulative variance contribution rate was 64.648% according to exploratory factor analysis. According to the confirmatory factor analysis, the normed fit index (NFI) was 0.880, and the comparison fit index (CFI) was 0.893 (close to 0.90). The Cronbach's α coefficient of the total questionnaire was 0.970, the split half reliability coefficient was 0.937, and the retest reliability coefficient was 0.902. The results are presented as different pairwise comparisons. CONCLUSION: Our study developed a self-report questionnaire for evaluating the comprehensive health status of personnel in the PLA in accordance with the standard procedure for questionnaire development. Our findings also showed that the CHSAQ for individuals in the PLA has good reliability and structural validity.

Morphological Aesthetics Assessment of the Predicted 3D Simulation Results and the Actual Results of Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Although three-dimensional (3D) simulations are becoming more common in preoperative breast augmentation planning, this does not necessarily imply that the simulated results are highly accurate. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the 3D simulation technique by comparing the differences in breast morphology between the 3D prediction model and the actual results. METHODS: The simulation and actual postoperative results of 103 patients who underwent breast augmentation were analyzed retrospectively. Therefore, a 3D model was created, and the parameters of line spacing, nipple position, breast projection, surface area, and volume were evaluated. Furthermore, consider the difference in chest circumferences and breast volume. RESULTS: In comparison with the simulation results, the actual results had a mean increase in the nipple to the inframammary fold (N-IMF) of 0.3 cm (P < 0.05) and a mean increase in basal breast width (BW) of 0.3 cm (P < 0.001), a difference that was not statistically significant in patients with larger breast volumes. There was a significant difference in the mean upper and lower breast volume distribution between simulated and actual breasts (upper pole 52.9% vs. 49.2%, P < 0.05, and lower pole 47.1% vs. 50.8%, P < 0.001). However, it was not statistically significant in patients with larger chest circumferences. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that 3D simulation has uncertainties related to the patient's chest circumference and breast volume. Therefore, these two critical factors must be considered when using simulation assessment in preoperative planning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A conserved N protein nano-vaccine of COVID-19 exerts potent and cross-reactive humoral and cellular immune responses in mice.

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mutates continually, the current vaccines are unable to provide sufficient protection. It is important to develop a broad-spectrum vaccine with conserved antigens to prevent variant infection. Here we fused the SARS-CoV-2 N protein with Helicobacter pylori nonheme ferritin to construct a SARS-CoV-2 N-Ferritin nanoparticle vaccine. Compared with the monomer N protein, the N-Ferritin nanoparticles induced more lymph node dendritic cells in mice to trigger adoptive immunity. Following this, the N-Ferritin elicited more robust and long-lasting antibody responses, which had better cross-reactivity with the SARS-CoV N protein. It is also worth noting that higher levels of N-specific IgG and IgA were distributed in the lungs of N-Ferritin-immunized mice. Furthermore, the N-Ferritin nanoparticles also resulted higher proportion of interferon-γ+ CD8+ T cells, CD8+ Tcm cells, and T cells with cross-reactivity in SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus. The conserved N-based nanoparticles could provide a promising vaccine developing strategy against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses.

Observation of the mixed magneto-optical Kerr effects using weak measurement.

In this paper, we use weak measurement to study the mixed magneto-optical Kerr effects (MOKEs) in a magnetic single layer of Co and in organic/Co bilayer films. The relationship between the amplified shift and the MOKE parameters is theoretically established and then experimentally observed as a function of both the magnetization intensity and the magnetization direction in magnetic thin films with an arbitrary magnetization. Furthermore, we experimentally observe a magnetic coupling at the organic/ferromagnetic interface. Due to this being a robust coupling, there is a significant dependence of the amplified shift with the thickness of the organic layer. This work has value for its application in the magnetic measurement technique for the more general case based on weak measurement.

Vaccination with recombinant Lactococcus lactis expressing HA1-IgY Fc fusion protein provides protective mucosal immunity against H9N2 avian influenza virus in chickens.

BACKGROUND: H9N2 virus is mainly transmitted through the respiratory mucosal pathway, so mucosal immunity is considered to play a good role in controlling avian influenza infection. It is commonly accepted that no adequate mucosal immunity is achieved by inactivated vaccines, which was widely used to prevent and control avian influenza virus infection. Thus, an improved vaccine to induce both mucosal immunity and systemic immunity is urgently required to control H9N2 avian influenza outbreaks in poultry farms. METHODS: In this study, we constructed a novel Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) strain expressing a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the HA1 proteins derived from an endemic H9N2 virus strain and chicken IgY Fc fragment. We evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of this recombinant L. lactis HA1-Fc strain. RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that chickens immunized with L. lactis HA1-Fc strain showed significantly increased levels of serum antibodies, mucosal secretory IgA, T cell-mediated immune responses, and lymphocyte proliferation. Furthermore, following challenge with H9N2 avian influenza virus, chickens immunized with L. lactis HA1-Fc strain showed reduced the weight loss, relieved clinical symptoms, and decreased the viral titers and the pathological damage in the lung. Moreover, oropharyngeal and cloacal shedding of the H9N2 influenza virus was detected in chicken immunized with L. lactis HA1-Fc after infection, the results showed the titer was low and reduced quickly to reach undetectable levels at 7 days after infection. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that the recombinant L. lactis HA1-Fc strain could induce protective mucosal and systemic immunity, and this study provides a theoretical basis for improving immune responses to prevent and control H9N2 virus infection.

Aesthetic Concerns of Chin Augmentation With Hyaluronic Acid Soft Tissue Filler in Chinese: A Prospective, Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The chin is an important facial structure that directly affects the overall contour of the face. The key to achieving a beautiful, effective, and safe chin injection is to make a good facial assessment and use an appropriate injection technique to achieve the best injection effect. OBJECTIVE: In this article, the authors will discuss cosmetic concepts for the chin area and verify the effectiveness of chin augmentation techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chin volume injections were performed on 23 Asian female subjects and 15 Asian male subjects. Demographic and imaging data were collected, and the facial aesthetic length was calculated. The authors also measured the length of beautiful chins, as evaluated by 2 plastic surgeons, and the ratios of chins from "The 100 Most Beautiful/Handsome Faces in China" published by TCC Asia in 2020. RESULTS: The mean volume of chin filling was 1.89 ± 0.74 mL in female subjects and 2.68 ± 1.28 mL in male subjects. The ideal length of the chin was equal to that of the nasal dorsum in male subjects, and the ideal chin-to-nasal dorsum ratio was 0.9 in female subjects. CONCLUSION: In this study, the authors investigate sex differences in chin aesthetics among the Chinese population and introduce an aesthetic and anatomical approach to chin injection.

Clinical Anatomy of the Chin Evaluated by 3-Dimensional Tomography and Cadaveric Dissection: Implications for Safety and Optimal Injection Techniques in Chinese.

BACKGROUND: Soft tissue fillers have been widely used for the correction of chin volume loss because of congenital conditions and aging. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to discuss anatomical concerns for chin filler injections, which may help to reduce the incidence of severe intravascular embolization complications and improve patient satisfaction. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We scanned 40 cadaveric heads with a contrast agent using a 64-row spiral computed tomography scanner. The scan was visualized by a Philips IntelliSpace workstation and analyzed by Materialise's interactive m image control system software to measure and quantify the arterial data. Twenty of 40 cadavers were dissected to define the layers of tissue. RESULTS: In total, 221 arteries passed through the sagittal plane of 40 specimens. The number of superficial arteries (163 of 221) was much greater than the number of deep arteries (58 of 221). The number of arteries gradually decreased with distance from the lower lip vermilion border plane, which formed the lower third of the face. CONCLUSION: This study introduces a safe and effective technique for administering chin filler injections that minimizes risks and improves patient satisfaction.

iPSCs-Derived Neurons and Brain Organoids from Patients.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into specific neurons and brain organoids by adding induction factors and small molecules in vitro, which carry human genetic information and recapitulate the development process of human brain as well as physiological, pathological, and pharmacological characteristics. Hence, iPSC-derived neurons and organoids hold great promise for studying human brain development and related nervous system diseases in vitro, and provide a platform for drug screening. In this chapter, we summarize the development of the differentiation techniques for neurons and brain organoids from iPSCs, and their applications in studying brain disease, drug screening, and transplantation.

Surgical techniques to prevent delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most common complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). DGE represents impaired gastric motility without significant mechanical obstruction and is associated with an increased length of hospital stay, increased healthcare costs, and a high readmission rate. We reviewed published studies on various technical modifications to reduce the incidence of DGE. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified by searching PubMed for relevant articles published up to December 2022. The following search terms were used: "pancreaticoduodenectomy", "pancreaticojejunostomy", "pancreaticogastrostomy", "gastric emptying", "gastroparesis" and "postoperative complications". The search was limited to English publications. Additional articles were identified by a manual search of references from key articles. RESULTS: In recent years, various surgical procedures and techniques have been explored to reduce the incidence of DGE. Pyloric resection, Billroth II reconstruction, Braun's enteroenterostomy, and antecolic reconstruction may be associated with a decreased incidence of DGE, but more high-powered studies are needed in the future. Neither laparoscopic nor robotic surgery has demonstrated superiority in preventing DGE, and the use of staplers is controversial regarding whether they can reduce the incidence of DGE. CONCLUSIONS: Despite many innovations in surgical techniques, there is no surgical procedure that is superior to others to reduce DGE. Further larger prospective randomized studies are needed.

Serendipita indica chitinase protects rice from the blast and bakanae diseases.

Serendipita indica, a multifunctional and useful endophyte fungus, has been intensively investigated in promoting plant growth and resistance towards biotic and abiotic stress. Multiple chitinases from microorganisms or plants have been identified to have a high antifungal activity as a biological control. However, chitinase of S. indica still needs to be characterized. We functionally characterized a chitinase (SiChi) in S. indica. The result showed that the purified SiChi protein confers high chitinase activity; importantly, SiChi inhibits the conidial germination of Magnaporthe oryzae and Fusarium moniliforme. After the successful colonization of rice roots by S. indica, both the rice blast disease and bakanae disease were significantly reduced. Interestingly, the purified SiChi could promptly induce rice disease resistance towards M. oryzae and F. moniliforme pathogens when sprayed on rice leaves. Like S. indica, SiChi could upregulate rice pathogen-resistant proteins and defense enzymes. In conclusion, chitinase of S. indica has direct antifungal activity and indirect induced resistance activity, implying an efficient and economic strategy for rice disease control by applying S. indica and SiChi.

Three-dimensional Evaluation of Results After Dual-Plane Breast Augmentation with and Without Internal Suture Mastopexy.

BACKGROUND: In patients with breast atrophy and ptosis, it is necessary to correct both problems simultaneously. This study aimed to analyze breast morphological changes with a three-dimensional (3D) scanning technique to demonstrate the improvement effect of dual-plane breast augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy. METHODS: 3D breast surface scans were performed preoperatively and postoperatively in 24 patients (n = 35 breasts) undergoing internal suture mastopexy combined with prosthetic augmentation through the periareolar approach and 24 patients (48 breasts) undergoing simple dual-plane breast augmentation. Changes in linear distance, breast volume and volume distribution, breast projection, and nipple position were analyzed to assess the breast morphology. RESULTS: Compared with simple breast augmentation, augmentation combined with internal suture mastopexy was associated with a higher upper pole volume increase and greater medial and upward nipple displacement. After the surgery, the upper pole volume increased by an average of 10.6% in combined augmentation group and decreased by an average of 2.2% in the simple breast augmentation group. The measured breast projections were 24.8 ± 2.2% lower than expected in the combined group and 23.1 ± 4.1% lower than expected in the simple group, based on implant parameters recorded by the manufacturer. The nipple moved 0.2 ± 0.5 cm laterally, 1.6 ± 0.6 cm upward, and 2.8 ± 0.7 cm anteriorly in the combined group and 0.9 ± 0.5 cm laterally, 0.7 ± 0.6 cm upward, and 3.0 ± 0.6 cm anteriorly in the simple group. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-plane breast augmentation in addition to internal suture mastopexy appears to reposition breast tissue from the lower pole to fill in the deficient upper breast, pull the nipple medially and superiorly, and ultimately correct mild to moderate breast ptosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

A Computed Tomographic Investigation of the Ophthalmic Artery Volume and Its Relevance to Soft Tissue Filler Injections.

BACKGROUND: The measured intraarterial volume of cadaveric ophthalmic arteries was utilized for safety recommendations during facial soft tissue filler injections. However, its clinical practicability and model applicability have become questionable. OBJECTIVES: To measure the volume of the ophthalmic artery in living individuals by utilizing computed tomography (CT) imaging technology. METHODS: A total of 40 Chinese patients (23 males, 17 females) were included in this study with a mean age of 61.0 (14.2) years and a mean body mass index of 23.7 (3.3) kg/m2. Patients were investigated with CT imaging technology to evaluate the length, diameter, and volume of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries as well as the length of the bony orbits, resulting in a total of 80 investigated ophthalmic arteries and orbits. RESULTS: Independent of gender, the average length of the ophthalmic artery was 80.6 (18.7) mm, the calculated volume of the ophthalmic artery was 0.16 (0.05) mL and the minimal and maximal internal diameter of the ophthalmic artery were 0.50 (0.05) mm and 1.06 (0.1) mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results obtained from the investigation of 80 ophthalmic arteries it must be concluded that current safety recommendations should be reevaluated. The volume of the ophthalmic artery appears to be 0.2 mL rather than 0.1 mL as previously reported. In addition, it appears impractical to limit the volume of soft tissue filler bolus injections to 0.1 mL due to the aesthetic requirements of each individual patient and treatment plan.

Age-Related Changes of the Zygomatic Ligament: An Experimental Animal Study.

BACKGROUND: Facial aging is a multifactorial process involving the skin, fat, muscles, bones, and ligaments. The role of facial ligaments in the facial aging process remains elusive. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify whether age-related changes in facial ligaments exist and how to best quantify such changes when investigating the zygomatic ligament in the rat. METHODS: A total of 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats (10 young, 10 middle-aged, 10 mature) were investigated to visualize the zygomatic ligament. Samples of the ligaments spanning the zygomatic arch and the skin were taken and histologically examined with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, Verhoeff's elastic, and picrosirius red staining. Quantification of the Type I/III collagen ratio and collagen content was performed by color deconvolution and electron microscopic imaging. RESULTS: With increasing age, collagen fibers inside of the examined ligaments appeared thicker and more closely arranged. The Type I/III collagen ratio was measured to be 1.74 in young animals, 3.93 in middle-aged animals, and 5.58 in mature animals. The ultra-microstructure of the ligament was less coordinated in direction and orientation in young and middle-aged animals than in mature animals, in which collagen fibers were bundled together in a strong and oriented mesh. CONCLUSIONS: Ligaments appeared thinner, transparent, more elastic, and less robust in young animals, whereas ligaments in mature animals appeared thicker, more fascia-like, less elastic, and more robust. An increase in the Type I/III collagen ratio, indicating greater stiffness and reduced elasticity, was observed with higher age of the investigated animals. These findings indicate that ligaments might increase in stiffness and rigidity with age.

Skewed allelic expression on X chromosome associated with aberrant expression of XIST on systemic lupus erythematosus lymphocytes.

A common feature of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is an increased prevalence in women. However, the molecular basis for sex disparity in SLE remains poorly understood. To examine the role of X-linked transcription in SLE adaptive immune cells, we performed RNA-seq in T cell and B cell subsets from either healthy donors or patients with SLE. Analyses of allelic expression (AE) profiles identified a pattern of increased allelic imbalance across the entire X chromosome in SLE lymphocytes. X-linked genes exhibiting AE in SLE had an extensive overlap with genes known to escape X chromosome inactivation (XCI). XIST RNA was overexpressed in SLE patients. Differential XIST expression correlated with AE profiles more positively at X-linked genes than the genome-wide background. Analysis of three independent RNA-seq data verified the XIST-associated skewed AE on X chromosome in SLE. Integrative analyses of DNA methylation profiles showed an increased variability of DNA methylation levels at these AE-related X-linked genes. In cultured lymphoblastic cells, knockdown of XIST specifically altered allelic imbalance patterns between X chromosomes. Our study provides genetic evidence that upregulation of XIST accompanied with more skewed allelic expression on X chromosome is associated with the pathogenesis of SLE and may provide mechanistic insights into the increased incidence of SLE in females.

Impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) duration on ART adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in Jinan of China.

BACKGROUND: Consistent and complete adherence is considered an essential requirement for patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of ART duration on ART adherence, identify the trend of complete adherence, and compare the factors associated with ART adherence between short-term and long-term ART group among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in Jinan of China. METHODS: MSM living with HIV aged 18 or above and currently on ART were recruited from October to December 2020 using convenience sampling. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to evaluate the impact of ART duration on adherence and compare factors associated with ART adherence between subgroups. The Mann-Kendall test was used to identify the trend of complete adherence. RESULTS: A total of 585 participants were included in analysis, consisting of 352 on short-term ART (ART initiation ≤ 3 years) and 233 on long-term ART (ART initiation > 3 years). Significant difference of complete ART adherence between short-term and long-term ART group was detected (79.8% vs. 69.1%, P = 0.003). Multivariable analysis showed that men with longer ART duration were less likely to report complete ART adherence (AOR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.81-0.95). A descending trend of complete adherence was identified (Z = 1.787, P = 0.037). Alcohol use and lack of medication reminders were barriers to complete adherence for both of the subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained efforts to encourage maintaining adherence for a lifetime are necessary, especially for those on long-term ART. Future interventions should be tailored to subgroups with different ART duration and individuals with specific characteristics.

Presence, sources, and risk assessment of heavy metals in the upland soils of northern China using Monte Carlo simulation.

The spatial dynamics of heavy metal contamination in the upland soils of northern China are relatively unknown, despite the region's high contribution to the national grain output. In this study, the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Sb, Sc, Ti, and Zn and subsequent ecological and human health risks were investigated in three major grain producing areas (Hexi Corridor, L1; Hetao irrigation area, L2; and eastern Inner Mongolia, L3) of northern China. Among the heavy metals, Ti had the highest average concentration of 3.02 g/kg, followed by Mn (470 mg/kg), Cr (56.6 mg/kg), Zn (34.3 mg/kg), Pb (19.4 mg/kg), Cu (17.8 mg/kg), Co (9.66 mg/kg), Sc (7.26 mg/kg), As (5.35 mg/kg), Sb (0.73 mg/kg), and Cd (0.17 mg/kg). Generally, the heavy metal concentrations decreased from west to east (L1 > L2 > L3) across northern China. Moreover, three potential sources of the heavy metal were distinguished, including natural process, anthropogenic activities (industrial development and agricultural cultivation), and atmospheric deposition. Although the contamination of the single metal (including Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb) was moderate in L1 and L2, the combined contamination was low in the upland soils. It was noted that Cd posed a moderate to considerable ecological risk on the upland soils in northern China. This metal was the most sensitive factor in assessing the combined ecological risk, with a contribution rate of 91.56-94.84%. Considering the ingestion exposure, the current concentrations of the metals posed minimal risks to human health. Furthermore, children experienced higher health risks than adults. Present study analyzed the probabilistic distribution of contamination, ecological, and health risk of heavy metals in upland soils of northern China, providing fundamental information for better agricultural heavy metal pollution assessment in China.

Physiology and Molecular Breeding in Sustaining Wheat Grain Setting and Quality under Spring Cold Stress.

Spring cold stress (SCS) compromises the reproductive growth of wheat, being a major constraint in achieving high grain yield and quality in winter wheat. To sustain wheat productivity in SCS conditions, breeding cultivars conferring cold tolerance is key. In this review, we examine how grain setting and quality traits are affected by SCS, which may occur at the pre-anthesis stage. We have investigated the physiological and molecular mechanisms involved in floret and spikelet SCS tolerance. It includes the protective enzymes scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), hormonal adjustment, and carbohydrate metabolism. Lastly, we explored quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that regulate SCS for identifying candidate genes for breeding. The existing cultivars for SCS tolerance were primarily bred on agronomic and morphophysiological traits and lacked in molecular investigations. Therefore, breeding novel wheat cultivars based on QTLs and associated genes underlying the fundamental resistance mechanism is urgently needed to sustain grain setting and quality under SCS.