Catalytic Promiscuity of Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase Enables Stereoselective Synthesis of Chiral α-Tetralones.

In the field of biocatalysis, discovering novel reactivity from known enzymes has been a longstanding challenge. Fatty acid photo-decarboxylase from Chlorella variabilis (CvFAP) has drawn considerable attention as a promising photoenzyme with potential green chemistry applications; however, its non-natural reactivity has rarely been exploited to date. Herein we report a non-natural reductive dehalogenation (deacetoxylation) reactivity of CvFAP inspired by its natural oxidative decarboxylation process, enabling the  stereoselective synthesis of a series of chiral α-substituted tetralones with high yields (up to 99%) and e.r. values (up to 99:1). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the native photoenzyme catalyzed the reductive dehalogenation via a novel mechanism involving oxidized state (FADox) / semiquinone state (FADsq) redox pair and an electron transfer (ET)/proton transfer (PT) process of radical termination, distinct from the previous reports. To our knowledge, this study represents a new example of CvFAP promiscuity, and thus expands the reactivity repertoire of CvFAP and highlights the versatility of CvFAP in asymmetric synthesis.

Nanozyme-based colorimetric sensor arrays coupling with smartphone for discrimination and "segmentation-extraction-regression" deep learning assisted quantification of flavonoids.

Achieving rapid, cost effective, and intelligent identification and quantification of flavonoids is challenging. For fast and uncomplicated flavonoid determination, a sensing platform of smartphone-coupled colorimetric sensor arrays (electronic noses) was developed, relying on the differential competitive inhibition of hesperidin, nobiletin, and tangeretin on the oxidation reactions of nanozymes with a 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine substrate. First, density functional theory calculations predicted the enhanced peroxidase-like activities of CeO2 nanozymes after doping with Mn, Co, and Fe, which was then confirmed by experiments. The self-designed mobile application, Quick Viewer, enabled a rapid evaluation of the red, green, and blue values of colorimetric images using a multi-hole parallel acquisition strategy. The sensor array based on three channels of CeMn, CeFe, and CeCo was able to discriminate between different flavonoids from various categories, concentrations, mixtures, and the various storage durations of flavonoid-rich Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium through a linear discriminant analysis. Furthermore, the integration of a "segmentation-extraction-regression" deep learning algorithm enabled single-hole images to be obtained by segmenting from a 3 × 4 sensing array to augment the featured information of array images. The MobileNetV3-small neural network was trained on 37,488 single-well images and achieved an excellent predictive capability for flavonoid concentrations (R2 = 0.97). Finally, MobileNetV3-small was integrated into a smartphone as an application (Intelligent Analysis Master), to achieve the one-click output of three concentrations. This study developed an innovative approach for the qualitative and simultaneous multi-ingredient quantitative analysis of flavonoids.

Employment status and depressive symptoms in taiwanese older adults: an 11-year prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Taiwan became an aged society in March 2018, and it is expected to become a super-aged society by 2025. The trend of increasing proportions of older adults continuing to work is inevitable. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of employment on the mental health of older adults. Therefore, we longitudinally explored the relationship between employment status and depressive symptoms in Taiwanese older adults. METHODS: The study included 5,131 individuals aged 50 and above, of which 55.6% were men, who had participated in the national-wide Taiwan Longitudinal Study of Aging in 1996, 1999, 2003, and 2007. Of them, 1,091 older adults had completed all four surveys. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression scale; the total score on this scale ranges from 0 to 30. Employment status was assessed during each survey wave. Logistic regression was performed using a cross-sectional design. The effects of unemployment on depressive symptoms were analyzed using a generalized estimating equation model with a repeated measures design. RESULTS: In each survey wave, employed older adults exhibited better mental health than did unemployed ones. After adjustments for potential confounders, unemployment was found to exert a significant adverse effect on depressive symptoms. The repeated measures analysis revealed that employment protected against depressive symptoms, as noted in the subsequent surveys conducted after 3 to 4 years (aOR [95% CI] = 0.679 [0.465-0.989]). CONCLUSION: Employment may reduce the risk of depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults in Taiwan.

In situ implantable DNA hydrogel for diagnosis and therapy of postoperative rehemorrhage following intracerebral hemorrhage surgery.

Postoperative rehemorrhage following intracerebral hemorrhage surgery is intricately associated with a high mortality rate, yet there is now no effective clinical treatment. In this study, we developed a hemoglobin (Hb)-responsive in situ implantable DNA hydrogel comprising Hb aptamers cross-linked with two complementary chains and encapsulating deferoxamine mesylate (DFO). Functionally, the hydrogel generates signals upon postoperative rehemorrhage by capturing Hb, demonstrating a distinctive "self-diagnosis" capability. In addition, the ongoing capture of Hb mediates the gradual disintegration of the hydrogel, enabling the on-demand release of DFO without compromising physiological iron-dependent functions. This process achieves self-treatment by inhibiting the ferroptosis of neurocytes. In a collagenase and autologous blood injection model-induced mimic postoperative rehemorrhage model, the hydrogel exhibited a 5.58-fold increase in iron absorption efficiency, reducing hematoma size significantly (from 8.674 to 4.768 cubic millimeters). This innovative Hb-responsive DNA hydrogel not only offers a therapeutic intervention for postoperative rehemorrhage but also provides self-diagnosis feedback, holding notable promise for enhancing clinical outcomes.

Near Ultraviolet-Excitable Cyan-Emissive Hybrid Copper(I) Halides Nonlinear Optical Crystals with Near-Unity Photoluminescence Quantum Yield and High-Efficiency X-ray Scintillation.

Designing and synthesizing multifunctional hybrid copper halides with near ultraviolet (NUV) light-excited high-energy emission (< 500 nm) remains challenging. Here, a pair of broadband-excited high-energy emitting isomers, namely, α-/ß-(MePh3P)2CuI3 (MePh3P = methyltriphenylphosphonium), were synthesized. α-(MePh3P)2CuI3 with blue emission peaking at 475 nm is firstly discovered wherein its structure contains regular [CuI3]2‒ triangles and crystallizes in centrosymmetric space group P21/c. While ß-(MePh3P)2CuI3 featuring distorted [CuI3]2‒ planar triangles shows inversion symmetry breaking and crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric space group P21, which exhibits cyan emission peaking at 495 nm with prominent near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield and the excitation band ranging from 200 to 450 nm. Intriguingly, ß-(MePh3P)2CuI3 exhibits phase-matchable second-harmonic generation response of 0.54 × KDP and a suitable birefringence of 0.06@1064 nm. Furthermore, ß-(MePh3P)2CuI3 also can be excited by X-ray radioluminescence with a high scintillation light yield of 16193 photon/MeV and an ultra-low detection limit of 47.97 nGy/s, which is only 0.87% of the standard medical diagnosis (5.5 µGy/s). This work not only promotes the development of solid-state lighting, laser frequency conversion and X-ray imaging, but also provides a reference for constructing multifunctional hybrid metal halides.

Comparative genome-wide analysis of circular RNAs in Brassica napus L.: target-site versus non-target-site resistance to herbicide stress.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNA molecules, are recognized for their unique functions; however, their responses to herbicide stress in Brassica napus remain unclear. In this study, the role of circRNAs in response to herbicide treatment was investigated in two rapeseed cultivars: MH33, which confers non-target-site resistance (NTSR), and EM28, which exhibits target-site resistance (TSR). The genome-wide circRNA profiles of herbicide-stressed and non-stressed seedlings were analyzed. The findings indicate that NTSR seedlings exhibited a greater abundance of circRNAs, shorter lengths of circRNAs and their parent genes, and more diverse functions of parent genes compared with TSR seedlings. Compared to normal-growth plants, the herbicide-stressed group exhibited similar trends in the number of circRNAs, functions of parent genes, and differentially expressed circRNAs as observed in NTSR seedlings. In addition, a greater number of circRNAs that function as competing microRNA (miRNA) sponges were identified in the herbicide stress and NTSR groups compared to the normal-growth and TSR groups, respectively. The differentially expressed circRNAs were validated by qPCR. The differntially expressed circRNA-miRNA networks were predicted, and the mRNAs targeted by these miRNAs were annotated. Our results suggest that circRNAs play a crucial role in responding to herbicide stress, exhibiting distinct responses between NTSR and TSR in rapeseed. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying herbicide resistance in rapeseed.

Prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma.

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computer tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma (MM). Fifty-one consecutive patients with relapsed MM were enrolled in this retrospective study. 18F-FDG parameters based on the Italian Myeloma Criteria for PET Use (IMPeTUs) and clinical data were analyzed for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The Cox proportional risk model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis, and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for survival analysis. The median length of follow-up was 20 months (IQR, 5-29 months), the median PFS for the entire cohort was 8 months (IQR, 3-17 months) and the median OS was 21 months (IQR, 8-49 months). Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that the Deauville score of BM > 3 [HR 2.900, 95% CI (1.011, 8.319), P = 0.048] and the presence of EMD [HR 3.134, 95% CI (1.245, 7.891), P = 0.015] were independent predictors of poor PFS. The presence of EMD [HR 12.777, 95% CI (1.825, 89.461), P = 0.010] and the reduced platelets count [HR 7.948, 95% CI (1.236, 51.099), P = 0.029] were adversely associated with OS. 18F-FDG PET/CT parameters based on IMPeTUs have prognostic significance in patients with relapsed MM.

Stratifying risk of failure to achieve textbook outcomes among patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter score validation study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The concept of textbook outcomes (TOs) has gained increased attention as a critical metric to assess the quality and success of outcomes following complex surgery. A simple yet effective scoring system was developed and validated to predict risk of not achieving textbook outcomes (non-TOs) following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Using a multicenter prospectively collected database, risk factors associated with non-TO among patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC were identified. A predictive scoring system based on factors identified from multivariate regression analysis was used to risk stratify patients relative to non-TO. The score was developed using 70 % of the overall cohort and validated in the remaining 30 %. RESULTS: Among 3681 patients, 1458 (39.6 %) failied to experience a TO. Based on the derivation cohort, obesity, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score(ASA score), Child-Pugh grade, tumor size, and extent of hepatectomy were identified as independent predictors of non-TO. The scoring system ranged from 0 to 10 points. Patients were categorized into low (0-3 points), intermediate (4-6 points), and high risk (7-10 points) of non-TO. In the validation cohort, the predicted risk of developing non-TOs was 39.0 %, which closely matched the observed risk of 39.9 %. There were no differences among the predicted and observed risks within the different risk categories. CONCLUSIONS: A novel scoring system was able to predict risk of non-TO accurately following hepatectomy for HCC. The score may enable early identification of individuals at risk of adverse outcomes and inform surgical decision-making, and quality improvement initiatives.

Utilizing Artificial Neural Networks for Establishing Hearing-Loss Predicting Models Based on a Longitudinal Dataset and Their Implications for Managing the Hearing Conservation Program.

Background: Though the artificial neural network (ANN) technique has been used to predict noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), the established prediction models have primarily relied on cross-sectional datasets, and hence, they may not comprehensively capture the chronic nature of NIHL as a disease linked to long-term noise exposure among workers. Methods: A comprehensive dataset was utilized, encompassing eight-year longitudinal personal hearing threshold levels (HTLs) as well as information on seven personal variables and two environmental variables to establish NIHL predicting models through the ANN technique. Three subdatasets were extracted from the afirementioned comprehensive dataset to assess the advantages of the present study in NIHL predictions. Results: The dataset was gathered from 170 workers employed in a steel-making industry, with a median cumulative noise exposure and HTL of 88.40 dBA-year and 19.58 dB, respectively. Utilizing the longitudinal dataset demonstrated superior prediction capabilities compared to cross-sectional datasets. Incorporating the more comprehensive dataset led to improved NIHL predictions, particularly when considering variables such as noise pattern and use of personal protective equipment. Despite fluctuations observed in the measured HTLs, the ANN predicting models consistently revealed a discernible trend. Conclusions: A consistent correlation was observed between the measured HTLs and the results obtained from the predicting models. However, it is essential to exercise caution when utilizing the model-predicted NIHLs for individual workers due to inherent personal fluctuations in HTLs. Nonetheless, these ANN models can serve as a valuable reference for the industry in effectively managing its hearing conservation program.

Finite element analysis of the treatment of a minimally invasive approach combined with a novel anatomical locking plate for scapular body fractures.

BACKGROUND: The minimally invasive approach for the treatment of displaced scapular neck or body fractures has the advantages of less trauma and minimal muscle dissection. In clinical practice, the minimally invasive approach combined with an anatomical locking plate has been used to treat scapular body fractures. In addition, we have made minor modifications to the minimally invasive approach. However, the biomechanical study about the approach combined with an anatomical locking plate in treating scapular body fractures was limited. METHODS: Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to conduct the biomechanical comparison between the anatomical locking plate (AP model) and reconstructive plate (RP model) in the treatment of scapular body fractures through the modified minimally invasive approach. A healthy male volunteer with no history of scapula or systemic diseases was recruited. High-resolution computed tomography images of his right scapula were obtained. Two scapula models were constructed and analyzed by the software of Mimics 21.0, Geomagic Wrap 2021, SolidWorks 2021, and ANSYS Workbench 2022, respectively. RESULTS: Through static structural analysis, in terms of equivalent von Mises stress, equivalent elastic strain, and total deformation, the AP model exhibited superior safety characteristics, enhanced flexibility, and anticipated stability compared with the RP model. This was evidenced by lower maximum stress, lower maximum strain and displacement. CONCLUSION: The minimally invasive approach combined with an anatomical locking plate for scapular body fractures had better biomechanical stability. The study provided a biomechanical basis to guide the clinical treatment of scapular body fractures.

Dataset of wheat HSP90.2 chaperome.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the world's most important staple crops, whose production is critical to feed the expanding population worldwide. The 90-kDa Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) is a highly abundant chaperone protein involved in multiple cellular processes. It facilitates the folding of nascent preproteins for their maturation and functioning. This data described HSP90.2 clients identified from the whole genome of wheat. The HSP90.2 chaperome contains over 1500 proteins, most detected by the C terminus and full-length of HSP90.2. Over 60 % of the clients reside in the cytosol, nucleus, and chloroplasts. Cytoskeleton-related proteins are enriched in the chaperome of the N terminus of HSP90.2. The clients of the middle part of HSP90.2 contains several factors involved in ethylene biosynthesis and extracellular vesicle or organelle-related activities. Some clients related to plant hypersensitive response are induced by stripe rust. The presented dataset could isolate proteins regulated by HSP90.2 at the post-translational level.

Using a multi-omics approach to explore potential associations with rumen content and serum of cows with different milk production levels based on genomic predicted transmitting ability for milk and phenotypic milk production.

This study aims to compare rumen microbiome and metabolites between second lactation dairy cows in the 75th percentile (n = 12; 57.2 ± 5.08 kg/d) of production according to genomic predicted transmitting ability for milk (GPTAM) and their counterparts in the 25th percentile (n = 12; 47.2 ± 8.61 kg/d). It was hypothesized that the metagenome and metabolome would differ between production levels. Cows were matched by days in milk (DIM), sire, occurrence of disease, and days open in previous lactation. For an additional comparison, the cows were also divided by phenotype into high (n = 6; 61.3 ± 2.8 kg/d), medium (n = 10; 55 ± 1.2 kg/d), and low (n = 8; 41.9 ± 5.6 kg/d) based on their milk production. Samples were collected 65 ± 14 DIM. Rumen content was collected using an oro-gastric tube and serum samples were collected from the coccygeal vessels. High-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used for rumen and serum metabolite profiling. Shotgun metagenomics was used for rumen microbiome profiling. Microbiome sample richness and diversity were used to determine alpha and Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index was used to estimate beta diversity. Differences in metabolites were determined using t-tests or ANOVA. Pearson correlations were used to consider associations between serum metabolites and milk production. There was no evidence of a difference in rumen metabolites or microbial communities by GPTAM or phenotype. Cows in the phenotypic low group had greater serum acetate to propionate ratio and acetate proportion compared to the cows in the phenotypic medium group. Likewise, serum propionate proportion was greater in the medium compared to the low phenotypic group. Serum acetate, butyrate, and propionate concentrations had a weak positive correlation with milk production. When investigating associations between rumen environment and milk production, future studies must consider the impact of the ruminal epithelium absorption and post-absorption processes in relation to milk production.

A Soft-Fiber Bioelectronic Device with Axon-Like Architecture Enables Reliable Neural Recording In Vivo under Vigorous Activities.

Implantable neural devices that record neurons in various states, including static states, light activities such as walking, and vigorous activities such as running, offer opportunities for understanding brain functions and dysfunctions. However, recording neurons under vigorous activities remains a long-standing challenge because it leads to intense brain deformation. Thus, three key requirements are needed simultaneously for neural devices, that is, low modulus, low specific interfacial impedance, and high electrical conductivity, to realize stable device/brain interfaces and high-quality transmission of neural signals. However, they always contradict each other in current material strategies. Here, a soft fiber neural device capable of stably tracking individual neurons in the deep brain of medium-sized animals under vigorous activity is reported. Inspired by the axon architecture, this fiber neural device is constructed with a conductive gel fiber possessing a network-in-liquid structure using conjugated polymers and liquid matrices and then insulated with soft fluorine rubber. This strategy reconciles the contradictions and simultaneously confers the fiber neural device with low modulus (300 kPa), low specific impedance (579 kΩ µm2), and high electrical conductivity (32 700 S m-1) - ≈1-3 times higher than hydrogels. Stable single-unit spike tracking in running cats, which promises new opportunities for neuroscience is demonstrated.

Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the bladder: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the bladder is a rare non-urothelial tumor of the bladder. The treatment of LCNEC of the bladder is different from that of urothelial carcinoma (UC); therefore, early and accurate diagnosis is particularly important. As LCNEC of the bladder is rare and its clinical symptoms and radiographic features are similar to those of urothelial tumors, the clinical diagnosis of the disease remains challenging. CASE SUMMARY: We report a 72-year-old female patient who presented with gross hematuria for 3 mo. A solitary tumor located in the anterior wall of the bladder was found by cystoscopy. Pathological examination after biopsy suggested UC of the bladder in the absence of immunohistochemical assessment. The patient underwent partial cystectomy and was finally diagnosed with LCNEC (pT2bN0M0) based on the results of postoperative immunohistochemical examination. During the 10-mo follow-up, no signs of tumor recurrence or metastasis were found. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical examination is essential for diagnosing LCNEC of the bladder. Accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment in the early stage of the disease are crucial for improving the prognosis.

Short-Term Exposure to Wildfire-Specific PM2.5 and Hospitalization for Diabetes Morbidity: A Study in Multiple Countries and Territories.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate associations of wildfire fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with diabetes across multiple countries and territories. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We collected data on 3,612,135 diabetes hospitalizations from 1,008 locations in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Thailand, and Taiwan during 2000-2019. Daily wildfire-specific PM2.5 levels were estimated through chemical transport models and machine-learning calibration. Quasi-Poisson regression with distributed lag nonlinear models and random-effects meta-analysis were applied to estimate associations between wildfire-specific PM2.5 and diabetes hospitalization. Subgroup analyses were by age, sex, location income level, and country or territory. Diabetes hospitalizations attributable to wildfire-specific PM2.5 and nonwildfire PM2.5 were compared. RESULTS: Each 10 µg/m3 increase in wildfire-specific PM2.5 levels over the current day and previous 3 days was associated with relative risks (95% CI) of 1.017 (1.011-1.022), 1.023 (1.011-1.035), 1.023 (1.015-1.032), 0.962 (0.823-1.032), 1.033 (1.001-1.066), and 1.013 (1.004-1.022) for all-cause, type 1, type 2, malnutrition-related, other specified, and unspecified diabetes hospitalization, respectively. Stronger associations were observed for all-cause, type 1, and type 2 diabetes in Thailand, Australia, and Brazil; unspecified diabetes in New Zealand; and type 2 diabetes in high-income locations. Relative risks (95% CI) of 0.67% (0.16-1.18%) and 1.02% (0.20-1.81%) for all cause and type 2 diabetes hospitalizations were attributable to wildfire-specific PM2.5. Compared with nonwildfire PM2.5, wildfire-specific PM2.5 posed greater risks of all-cause, type 1, and type 2 diabetes and were responsible for 38.7% of PM2.5-related diabetes hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: We show the relatively underappreciated links between diabetes and wildfire air pollution, which can lead to a nonnegligible proportion of PM2.5-related diabetes hospitalizations. Precision prevention and mitigation should be developed for those in advantaged communities and in Thailand, Australia, and Brazil.

Discovery of a terpene synthase synthesizing a nearly non-flexible eunicellane reveals the basis of flexibility.

Eunicellane diterpenoids, containing a typical 6,10-bicycle, are bioactive compounds widely present in marine corals, but rarely found in bacteria and plants. The intrinsic macrocycle exhibits innate structural flexibility resulting in dynamic conformational changes. However, the mechanisms controlling flexibility remain unknown. The discovery of a terpene synthase, MicA, that is responsible for the biosynthesis of a nearly non-flexible eunicellane skeleton, enable us to propose a feasible theory about the flexibility in eunicellane structures. Parallel studies of all eunicellane synthases in nature discovered to date, including 2Z-geranylgeranyl diphosphate incubations and density functional theory-based Boltzmann population computations, reveale that a trans-fused bicycle with a 2Z-configuration alkene restricts conformational flexibility resulting in a nearly non-flexible eunicellane skeleton. The catalytic route and the enzymatic mechanism of MicA are also elucidated by labeling experiments, density functional theory calculations, structural analysis of the artificial intelligence-based MicA model, and mutational studies.

Polyoxygenated cembrane-type diterpenes from the Hainan soft coral Lobophytum crassum as a promising source of anticancer agents with ErbB3 and ROR1 inhibitory potential.

A detailed chemical investigation of the Hainan soft coral Lobophytum crassum led to the identification of a class of polyoxygenated cembrane-type macrocyclic diterpenes (1-28), including three new flexible cembranoids, lobophycrasins E-G (2-4), and twenty-five known analogues. Their structures were elucidated by combining extensive spectroscopic data analysis, quantum mechanical-nuclear magnetic resonance (QM-NMR) methods, the modified Mosher's method, X-ray diffraction analysis, and comparison with data reported in the literature. Bioassays revealed that sixteen cembranoids inhibited the proliferation of H1975, MDA-MB231, A549, and H1299 cells. Among them, Compounds 10, 17, and 20 exhibited significant antiproliferative activities with IC50 values of 1.92-8.82 µM, which are very similar to that of the positive control doxorubicin. Molecular mechanistic studies showed that the antitumour activity of Compound 10 was closely related to regulation of the ROR1 and ErbB3 signalling pathways. This study may provide insight into the discovery and utilization of marine macrocyclic cembranoids as lead compounds for anticancer drugs.

The First Discovery of Marine Polyoxygenated Cembranolides as Potential Agents for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis.

Cembranolides are characteristic metabolites in marine soft corals, with complex structures and widespread biological activities. However, seldom has an intensive pharmacological study been done for these intriguing marine natural products. In this work, systematic chemical investigation was performed on Sinularia pedunculata by HSQC-based small molecule accurate recognition technology (SMART), resulting in the isolation and identification of 31 cembrane-type diterpenoids, including six new ones. In the bioassay, several compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory activities on the inhibition of NO production. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) was comprehensively analyzed, and two most bioactive and less toxic compounds 8 and 9 could inhibit inflammation through suppressing NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways, and reduce the secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In a mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute colitis, 8 and 9 exhibited good anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to repair the colon epithelium, giving insight into the application of cembranolides as potential ulcerative colitis (UC) agents.

Factors governing the dynamics of soil organic carbon and nitrogen in wetlands undergoing management changes in a semi-arid region.

Soil organic carbon and nitrogen play pivotal roles as indicators of soil quality and ecological functioning in wetlands. The escalating impact of human activities and climate change has led to a severe degradation of wetland soils, particularly in semi-arid regions. However, an understanding of the factors governing the dynamics of total soil organic carbon (TSOC) and total soil nitrogen (TSN) in semi-arid areas remains elusive, impeding a comprehensive understanding of wetland ecological functions. The present study investigated variations in TSOC and TSN content as well as vegetation and soil physicochemical properties under five different land management practices (mowed wetlands, mowed and slightly grazed wetlands, moderately grazed wetlands, heavily grazed wetlands, and natural wetlands unaffected by human interference) in the semi-arid Songnen Plain region of China. The results revealed significant decreases in TSOC and TSN content within managed wetlands compared to natural wetlands. Moreover, positive correlations were observed between pairs of SOC-TN or their storage values for SOC (TSOC)-TN (TSN). Furthermore, TSOC and TSN exhibited significant positive associations with aboveground and belowground biomass levels, stem C:N, stem C:P, soil C:P, and soil N:P. Additionally, redundancy analysis indicated that species diversity accounted for 37.4% of the variations in TSOC-TSN while belowground biomass accounted for 8.5% of the variations. Furthermore, nutrient content within stems (particularly N content and C:P) contributed to a 37.2% variation in TSOC and TSN whereas root nutrient content (especially N:P, C:N, and C:P) contributed to a 15.3% variation. Soil C:P, C:N, and total phosphorous (TP) content accounted for 65.7%, 9.6%, and 7.5% of variations of TSOC and TSN, respectively. Besides, variation partitioning analysis revealed that plant community characteristics, community nutrient content, and soil physicochemical properties collectively influenced the dynamics of TSOC and TSN. Among these factors, soil physicochemical properties emerged as the primary drivers of carbon and nitrogen dynamics in degraded wetlands in semi-arid regions. The impact on TSN was more pronounced than that of TSOC. This study provides valuable insights for understanding the processes and mechanisms underlying carbon and nitrogen accumulation in degraded wetlands, facilitating the development of regionally adaptive management plans under different management practices.

Genome-wide identification of the MED25 BINDING RING-H2 PROTEIN gene family in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) and the role of SiMBR2 in resistance to abiotic stress in Arabidopsis.

MAIN CONCLUSION: The SiMBR genes in foxtail millet were identified and studied. Heterologous expression of SiMBR2 in Arabidopsis can improve plant tolerance to drought stress by decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species. Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), a C4 crop recognized for its exceptional resistance to drought stress, presents an opportunity to improve the genetic resilience of other crops by examining its unique stress response genes and understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance. In our previous study, we identified several genes linked to drought stress by transcriptome analysis, including SiMBR2 (Seita.7G226600), a member of the MED25 BINDING RING-H2 PROTEIN (MBR) gene family, which is related to protein ubiquitination. Here, we have identified ten SiMBR genes in foxtail millet and conducted analyses of their structural characteristics, chromosomal locations, cis-acting regulatory elements within their promoters, and predicted transcription patterns specific to various tissues or developmental stages using bioinformatic approaches. Further investigation of the stress response of SiMBR2 revealed that its transcription is induced by treatments with salicylic acid and gibberellic acid, as well as by salt and osmotic stresses, while exposure to high or low temperatures led to a decrease in its transcription levels. Heterologous expression of SiMBR2 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced the plant's tolerance to water deficit by reducing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species under drought stress. In summary, this study provides support for exploring the molecular mechanisms associated with drought resistance of SiMBR genes in foxtail millet and contributing to genetic improvement and molecular breeding in other crops.