pH-Responsive Amphiphilic Triblock Fluoropolymers as Assemble Oxygen Nanoshuttles for Enhancing PDT against Hypoxic Tumor.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a cancer treatment strategy that utilizes photosensitizers to convert oxygen within tumors into reactive singlet oxygen (1O2) to lyse tumor cells. Nevertheless, pre-existing tumor hypoxia and oxygen consumption during PDT can lead to an insufficient oxygen supply, potentially reducing the photodynamic efficacy. In response to this issue, we have devised a pH-responsive amphiphilic triblock fluorinated polymer (PDP) using copper-mediated RDRP. This polymer, composed of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate, 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and (perfluorooctyl)ethyl acrylate, self-assembles in an aqueous environment. Oxygen, chlorine e6 (Ce6), and doxorubicin (DOX) can be codelivered efficiently by PDP. The incorporation of perfluorocarbon into the formulation enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of PDP, consequently extending the lifetime of 1O2. This increased lifetime, in turn, amplifies the PDT effect and escalates the cellular cytotoxicity. Compared with PDT alone, PDP@Ce6-DOX-O2 NPs demonstrated significant inhibition of tumor growth. This study proposes a novel strategy for enhancing the efficacy of PDT.

Cross-Linked Polyvinylimidazole Complexed with Heteropolyacid Clusters for Deep Oxidative Desulfurization.

The combustion of fuel with high sulfur concentrations produces a large number of sulfur oxides (SOx), which have a range of negative effects on human health and life. The preparation of catalysts with excellent performance in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process is highly effective for reducing SOx production. In this paper, cross-linked polyvinylimidazole (VE) was successfully created using a simple ontology aggregation method, after which a catalyst of polyvinylimidazolyl heteropolyacid clusters (VE-HPA) was prepared by adding heteropolyacid clusters. Polyvinylimidazolyl-phosphotungstic acid (VE-HPW) showed an outstanding desulfurization performance, and the desulfurization efficiency reached 99.68% in 60 min at 50 °C with H2O2 as an oxidant. Additionally, the catalyst exhibited recyclability nine consecutive times and remained stable, with a removal rate of 98.60%. The reaction mechanism was eventually proposed with the assistance of the free radical capture experiment and GC-MS analysis.

Genome-wide characterization of regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1) gene family in Artemisia annua L. revealed a conservation evolutionary pattern.

BACKGROUND: Artemisia annua is the major source for artemisinin production. The artemisinin content in A. annua is affected by different types of light especially the UV light. UVR8, a member of RCC1 gene family was found to be the UV-B receptor in plants. The gene structures, evolutionary history and expression profile of UVR8 or RCC1 genes remain undiscovered in A. annua. RESULTS: Twenty-two RCC1 genes (AaRCC1) were identified in each haplotype genome of two diploid strains of A. annua, LQ-9 and HAN1. Varied gene structures and sequences among paralogs were observed. The divergence of most RCC1 genes occurred at 46.7 - 51 MYA which overlapped with species divergence of core Asteraceae during the Eocene, while no recent novel RCC1 members were found in A. annua genome. The number of RCC1 genes remained stable among eudicots and RCC1 genes underwent purifying selection. The expression profile of AaRCC1 is analogous to that of Arabidopsis thaliana (AtRCC1) when responding to environmental stress. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a comprehensive characterization of the AaRCC1 gene family and suggested that RCC1 genes were conserved in gene number, structures, constitution of amino acids and expression profiles among eudicots.

PEGA-BA@Ce6@PFCE Micelles as Oxygen Nanoshuttles for Tumor Hypoxia Relief and Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy.

Tumor hypoxia, which is mainly caused by the inefficient microvascular systems induced by rapid tumor growth, is a common characteristic of most solid tumors and has been found to hinder treatment outcomes for many types of cancer therapeutics. In this study, an amphiphilic block copolymer, poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate-block-n-butyl acrylate (PEGA-BA), was prepared via the ATRP method and self-assembled into core-shell micelles as nano radiosensitizers. These micelles encapsulated a photosensitizer, Chlorin e6 (Ce6), and demonstrated well-defined morphology, a uniform size distribution, and high oxygen loading capacity. Cell experiments showed that PEGA-BA@Ce6@PFCE micelles could effectively enter cells. Further in vitro anticancer studies demonstrated that the PEGA-BA@Ce6@PFCE micelles significantly suppressed the tumor cell survival rate when exposed to a laser.

[Effects of chloropicrin fumigation on soil and growth and development of Panax notoginseng].

The continuous cropping obstacle of Panax notoginseng is serious, and effective control measures are lacking. Soil disinfection with chloropicrin(CP) has been proven to be effective in reducing the obstacles to continuous cropping of other crops. In order to ascertain the effect of CP in the continuous cropping of P. notoginseng, this paper explored the influences of CP at different treatment concentrations(0,30,40,50 kg/Mu, 1 Mu≈667 m~2) on soil macro-element nutrients, soil enzyme activity, growth and development of P. notoginseng, and the accumulation of medicinal components. The results showed that CP fumigation significantly increased the content of total nitrogen, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and available phosphorus in the soil, but it had no significant effect on potassium content. The soil protease activity showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing with the prolonging of the treatment time. Both the soil urease and acid phosphatase activities showed a trend of first decreasing and then increasing with the prolonging of the treatment time. The higher the CP treatment concentration was, the lower the urease and acid phosphatase activities would be in the soil. The protease activity was relatively high after CP40 treatment, which was better than CP30 and CP50 treatments in promoting the nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium accumulation in P. notoginseng. The seedling survival rates after CP0, CP30, CP40, and CP50 tratments in October were 0, 65.56%, 89.44%, and 83.33%, respectively. Compared with the CP30 and CP50 treatments, CP40 treatment significantly facilitated the growth and development of P. notoginseng, the increase in fresh and dry weights, and the accumulation of root saponins. In summary, CP40 treatment accelerates the increase in soil nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients and their accumulation in P. notoginseng, elevates the seedling survival rate of P. notoginseng, enhances the growth and development of P. notoginseng, and promotes the accumulation of medicinal components. CP40 treatment is therefore recommended in production.

Potassium enhances cadmium resistance ability of Panax notoginseng by brassinolide signaling pathway-regulated cell wall pectin metabolism.

The mechanism of how potassium (K) attenuates cadmium (Cd)-induced demethylation and anabolism of cell wall (CW) pectin through the brassinolide (BR) signaling pathway was verified in Panax notoginseng (Burk.). The P. notoginseng pectin methylesterase gene (PnPME1) was cloned and functionally verified in tobacco. Pectin and BR metabolism, Cd content and the pectin methylation degree (PMD) were detected in response to K, 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBL), and brassinazole treatments of P. notoginseng and tobacco under Cd stress. Activity of the main root pectin methylesterase enzyme (PME) was promoted by 22.29% under the EBL treatment, and Cd content increased by 29.03% under Cd stress. Potassium reduced PME activity and Cd content in main root pectin by 61.03% and 50.73%, respectively, under the EBL and Cd co-treatment. Potassium inhibited the promoting effects of Cd stress on the expression of PnPME1 by 57.04%. Potassium also inhibited expression of BR synthesis genes PnDET2, PnROT3, PnCYP90A1, and PnBR6OX1 by 65.61%, 52.02%, 47.36%, and 55.16%, respectively, and reduced the accumulation of Cd. The PnPME1 was located in the CW. The activity of transgenic tobacco root PME was higher than that of the wild-type, while the PMD was significantly lower. The regulatory effects of K and EBL on tobacco root pectin metabolism were consistent with those in P. notoginseng. In conclusion, K downregulated the expression of BR synthesis genes in P. notoginseng roots under Cd stress and reduced the production of BRs, which inhibited PnPME1 expression. The reduction in PME activity increased the PMD, which reduced the accumulation of Cd.

Physapubescin B enhances the sensitivity of gastric cancer cells to trametinib by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway.

Given the poor prognosis of unresectable advanced gastric cancer (GC), novel therapeutic strategies are needed. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade, the most frequently activated pathway in GC, plays an important role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway is an attractive therapeutic target for GC. In this study, trametinib, a mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor, reduced the p-ERK level and significantly increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in GC cells, resulting in reduced sensitivity to trametinib. Physapubescin B (PB), a steroidal compound extracted from the plant Physalis pubescens L., inhibited the proliferation and induced the apoptosis of GC cells by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation. The combination of PB and trametinib suppressed the STAT3 phosphorylation induced by trametinib, and synergistically suppressed gastric tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results indicate that inhibition of both MEK and STAT3 may be effective for patients with MAPK/ERK pathway-addicted GC.

Towards breeding of rapeseed (Brassica napus) with alien cytoplasm and powdery mildew resistance from Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata).

Powdery mildew (PM), caused by Erysiphe cruciferarum, is an epidemic of oil rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) growing worldwide, but PM resistant germplasm is rare in this species. We screened 102 accessions of B. napus and other cruciferous species and found an Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata) cultivar 'White flower' immune to PM in both the field and greenhouse. Outcrossing in the female parent 'White flower' was promoted by using a chemical gametocide tribenuron-methyl, to obtain hybrid seeds of distant hybridization with an elite B. napus cultivar 'Zhongshuang11'. Three true F1 hybrids with B. carinata cytoplasm were obtained without using embryo rescue, which showed complete male sterility and light yellow petals. The hybrid plants and the progenies derived from backcrossing were validated using morphological traits, seed quality, and molecular markers. Five lines in the BC1F3 generation, named 'W7-1', 'W7-4', 'W7-6', 'W8-1', and 'W8-3', and one BC2F2 line 'W3PS-1', whose young leaf was yellow green, were identified to be resistant or moderately resistant to PM. The seed quality and some morphological traits of these lines resembled the parent 'Zhongshuang11', indicating that the resistance gene(s) has been preliminarily introduced into B. napus.

Optimization of Ultrasonic Flavonoid Extraction from Saussurea involucrate, and the Ability of Flavonoids to Block Melanin Deposition in Human Melanocytes.

(1) Background: Flavonoids are the primary medicinal ingredient of Saussurea involucrate, which have significant antioxidant capacity. Optimizing the extraction of Saussurea involucrate flavonoids (SIFs) and exploring the ability to block melanin deposition caused by reactive oxygen can greatly promote the development of S. involucrate whitening products. (2) Methods: Ultrasonic extraction process was optimized using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Then, the effect of SIFs on antioxidant activity and anti-deposition of melanin, and genes related to the melanin synthesis are studied. (3) Results: The optimal extraction procedures are as follows: the extraction time, ethanol content, and solvent ratio (v/w) are 64 min, 54%, and 54:1, respectively. The reducing activity and scavenging rates of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and ABTS+ were promoted as more S. involucrate flavonoid extract was added. The SIFs extract induced a decrease in the melanin synthesis by inhibiting the human melanoma A375 cell tyrosinase activity. SIFs also depress expression of melanin synthesis related genes. (4) Conclusions: the highest SIFs content was obtained by using 54% ethanol and 54:1 solvent ratio (v/w) for 64 min. The extract of SIFs exhibited good ability of antioxidant and anti-deposition of melanin in human melanocytes.

Eudesmanolides and Other Constituents from the Flowers of Wedelia trilobata.

Two eudesmane sesquiterpene lactones, wedetrilides B (1) and C (2), along with five known analogues (3 - 8), an ent-kaurane diterpenoid (9), a steroid (10), as well as cinnamic acid derivatives (11 - 13), were isolated from the flowers of Wedelia trilobata. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and by comparison of their NMR data with those of related compounds. Furthermore, the structures of 1 and 3 - 5 were confirmed by X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses. Compounds 4 and 5 exhibited weak cytotoxic activities against the MCF-7, HeLa, and A549 cell lines. Compounds 3 - 5 were also evaluated for their inhibitory effects against HIV lytic replication.

Optimization of Flavonoids Extraction Process in Panax notoginseng Stem Leaf and a Study of Antioxidant Activity and Its Effects on Mouse Melanoma B16 Cells.

The Panax notoginseng (P. notoginseng) stem leaf is rich in flavonoids. However, because of a lack of research on the flavonoid extraction process and functional development of P. notoginseng stem leaf, these parts are discarded as agricultural wastes. Therefore, in this study, we intend to optimize the extraction process and develop the skin-whitening functions of P. notoginseng stem leaf extracts. The extraction process of the stem and leaf of P. notoginseng flavonoid (SLPF) is optimized based on the Box⁻Behnken design (BBD) and the response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum extraction conditions of the SLPF are as follows: the extraction time, the ethanol concentration, the sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) content and the liquid material ratio (v/w, which are 52 min, 48.7%, 1.9%, and 20:1, respectively. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the average total SLPF content is 2.10%. The antioxidant activity and anti-deposition of melanin of mouse B16 cells of P. notoginseng stem leaf extracts are studied. The results indicate that the EC50 values of reducing activity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activities, the superoxide anion removal ability, and the 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) free radical removal ability are 7.212, 2.893, 2.949, and 0.855 mg/mL, respectively. The extracts IC50 values of the tyrosinase and melanin synthesis are 0.045 and 0.046 mg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the optimal processing technology for the SLPF obtained in this study not only increases its utilization rate, but also decreases material costs. The extracts from the P. notoginseng stem leaf may be developed as food or beauty products.

Evidence That Does Not Support Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2)-catalyzed Reaction as a Rate-limiting Step in Cancer Cell Glycolysis.

It has been recognized that the rate-limiting function of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in glycolysis plays an important role in distributing glycolytic intermediates for anabolic and catabolic purposes in cancer cells. However, after analysis of the catalytic capacity of PKM2 relative to other glycolytic enzymes, the regulation range of PKM2 activity, metabolic flux control, and thermodynamics, we suggest that the PKM2-catalyzed reaction is not a rate-limiting step in cancer cell glycolysis. Hexokinase and phosphofructokinase 1 (PFK1), the first and third enzyme along the pathway, are rate-limiting enzymes that limit the overall glycolytic rate, whereas PKM2 and lactate dehydrogenase, the last two enzymes in the pathway, are for the fast removal of upstream intermediates to prevent the obstruction of the pathway. The argument is in accordance with the catalytic capacity of glycolytic enzymes, regulation range of enzyme activities, metabolic flux control, and thermodynamics.

Lactones from Ficus auriculata and their effects on the proliferation function of primary mouse osteoblasts in vitro.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the petroleum ether, chloroform and EtOAc extracts of the stems of Ficus auriculata led to the isolation of five new 12-membered lactones (3R,4R)-4-hydroxy-de-O-methyllasiodiplodin (1), 6-oxolasiodiplodin (2) and ficusines A-C (3-5), together with three known related analogues (6-8). The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data. The absolute configurations of 3 and 8 were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 3-5 represent the first 12-membered lactones with a quinone ring unit. Compounds 6 and 7 exhibited significant proliferation function of primary osteoblasts (OBs) in vitro. Especially, the promotion rate of 6 reached 151.55±1.34% (P<0.001) at the concentration of 100 µM.

Vertebrobasilar Artery Occlusion Treatment Outcomes Within 24 hours of Estimated Occlusion Time.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) in patients with acute vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) within 24 hours of estimated occlusion time (EOT) and to evaluate the effect of early and late time window in a cohort of patients with VBAO treated with EVT. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted on patients within 24 hours of the EOT in 65 stroke centers in China. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≤3 at 90 days. Patients were divided into the medical management (MM) group and the EVT group. Times were dichotomized into early (EOT ≤6 hours) and late (>6 hours) time windows. Multivariate logical regression models were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EVT and the effect of time windows on outcomes in EVT patients. RESULTS: Among 4124 patients, 2473 and 1651 patients were included in the early and late windows, respectively. 1702 patients received MM and 2422 were treated with EVT. EVT was associated with a higher rate of a favorable outcome at 90 days both in early (odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% CI 1.94-2.41) and late (OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.65-2.17) time windows. No differences were found regarding favorable outcome (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87-1.03) between VBAO patients treated with EVT within and beyond 6 hours. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute VBAO who received EVT within 24 hours were associated with improved favorable outcome compared with patients who received MM. EVT beyond 6 hours is feasible and safe with no increase in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Effects of Mao tea from Nankun Mountain on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) poses a significant health threat due to its potential progression to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Without proper management, NAFLD can lead to severe complications and significantly impact overall health and longevity. This study explores the potential anti-steatosis effects of Nankun Mountain Mao tea (MT) on hepatic lipid accumulation using both in vitro and in vivo models. In vitro experiments reveal that MT reduces lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and counteracts hepatic steatosis induced by palmitic acid and oleic acid. In vivo investigations on high-fat diet (HFD)-fed and high-fat, fructose, and cholesterol (HFFC)-fed mice demonstrate that MT administration alleviates hepatic steatosis by reducing lipid accumulation, enhancing liver function, and mitigating inflammation. Transcriptomic analyses unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the impact of MT on lipid metabolism and inflammation. It turns out that MT inhibits de novo lipid synthesis and NF-κB pathway against NAFLD. Furthermore, target prediction analysis identifies potential bioactive components group (BCG) within MT that may contribute to its anti-steatosis properties. Validation studies on primary hepatocytes confirm the effectiveness of these bioactive components in diminishing lipid accumulation and inflammation, suggesting their role in the therapeutic efficacy of MT against NAFLD.

Comparison of the components of fresh Panax notoginseng processed by different methods and their anti-anemia effects on cyclophosphamide-treated mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The traditional Chinese herb Panax notoginseng (PN) tonifies blood, and its main active ingredient is saponin. PN is processed by different methods, resulting in different compositions and effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate changes in the microstructure and composition of fresh PN processed by different techniques and the anti-anemia effects on tumor-bearing BALB/c mice after chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (CTX). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fresh PN was processed by hot-air drying (raw PN, RPN), steamed at 120 °C for 5 h (steamed PN, SPN), or fried at 130 °C, 160 °C, or 200 °C for 8 min (fried PN, FPN1, FPN2, or FPN3, respectively); then, the microstructures were compared with 3D optical microscopy, quasi-targeted metabolites were detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS), and saponins were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An anemic mouse model was established by subcutaneous H22 cell injection and treatment with CTX. The antianemia effects of PN after processing via three methods were investigated by measuring peripheral blood parameters, performing HE staining and measuring cell proliferation via immunofluorescence. RESULTS: 3D optical profiling revealed that the surface roughness of the SPN and FPN was greater than that of the other materials. Quasi-targeted metabolomics revealed that SPN and FPN had more differentially abundant metabolites whose abundance increased, while SPN had greater amounts of terpenoids and flavones. Analysis of the composition and content of the targeted saponins revealed that the contents of rare saponins (ginsenoside Rh1, 20(S)-Rg3, 20(R)-Rg3, Rh4, Rk3, Rg5) were greater in the SPN. In animal experiments, the RBC, WBC, HGB and HCT levels in peripheral blood were increased by SPN and FPN. HE staining and immunofluorescence showed that H-SPN and M-FPN promoted bone marrow and spleen cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: The microstructure and components of fresh PN differed after processing via different methods. SPN and FPN ameliorated CTX-induced anemia in mice, but the effects of PN processed by these two methods did not differ.

Immobilization of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ac in metal-organic frameworks through biomimetic mineralization for sustainable pest management.

Traditional chemical pesticide dosage forms and crude application methods have resulted in low pesticide utilization, increased environmental pollution, and the development of resistance. Compared to traditional pesticides, nanopesticides enhance the efficiency of pesticide utilization and reduce the quantity required, thereby decreasing environmental pollution. Herein, Cry1Ac insecticidal crystal protein from Bacillus thuringiensis Subsp. Kurstaki HD-73 was encapsulated in a metal-organic framework (zeolite imidazolate framework-8, ZIF-8) through biomimetic mineralization to obtain Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides. The Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 nanopesticides exhibited a dodecahedral porous structure, and the introduction of Cry1Ac did not affect the intrinsic crystal structure of ZIF-8. The indoor toxicity analysis revealed that the toxicity of Cry1Ac towards Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée), Helicoverpa armigera Hubner, and Spodoptera litura Fabricius was not affected by ZIF-8 encapsulation. Surprisingly, Cry1Ac@ZIF-8 still exhibited excellent pest management efficacy even after exposure to heat, UV irradiation, and long-term storage. More importantly, the encapsulation of ZIF-8 significantly enhanced the internal absorption performance of Cry1Ac in maize leaves and extended its persistence period. Thus, ZIF-8 could potentially serve as a promising carrier for the preparation of nanopesticides with enhanced applicability, stability, and persistence period, providing a powerful strategy to improve the application of Cry1Ac in future agricultural pest management.

Dazomet fumigation modification of the soil microorganism community and promotion of Panax notoginseng growth.

Introduction: Panax notoginseng, a medicinal herb in China, is attacked by several pathogens during its cultivation. Dazomet (DZ) is a soil fumigant that is effective in controlling soil-borne pathogens, but its long-term effects on P. notoginseng growth and soil properties are unknown. Methods: We conducted field experiments over two consecutive years to assess the impact of three concentrations of DZ fumigation (35 kg/666.7 m2, 40 kg/666.7 m2, and 45 kg/666.7 m2) on soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, and P. notoginseng growth. Correlation analyses were performed between microbial community changes and soil properties, and functional predictions for soil microorganisms were conducted. Results: DZ fumigation increased total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available phosphorus, available potassium, and ammonia nitrogen levels in the soil. DZ fumigation promoted the nutrient accumulation and improvement of agronomic traits of P. notoginseng, resulted in a 2.83-3.81X yield increase, with the highest total saponin content increasing by 24.06%. And the 40 kg/666.7 m2 treatment had the most favorable impact on P. notoginseng growth and saponin accumulation. After DZ fumigation, there was a decrease in the relative abundance of pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium, Plectosphaerella, and Ilyonectria, while beneficial bacteria such as Ramlibacter, Burkholderia, and Rhodanobacteria increased. The effects of fumigation on soil microorganisms and soil physicochemical properties persisted for 18 months post-fumigation. DZ fumigation enhanced the relative abundance of bacteria involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, reduced the relative abundance of plant-animal pathogenic fungi, reduced the occurrence of soil-borne diseases. Conclusion: In conclusion, DZ fumigation enhanced soil physicochemical properties, increased the proportion of beneficial bacteria in the soil, and rebalanced soil microorganism populations, consequently improving the growth environment of P. notoginseng and enhancing its growth, yield, and quality. This study offers a theoretical foundation for DZ fumigation as a potential solution to the continuous cropping issue in perennial medicinal plants such as P. notoginseng.

A comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes revealed the chloroplast heteroplasmy of Artemisia annua.

Artemisia annua L. is the main source of artemisinin, an antimalarial drug. High diversity of morphological characteristics and artemisinin contents of A. annua has affected the stable production of artemisinin while efficient discrimination method of A. annua strains is not available. The complete chloroplast (cp) genomes of 38 A. annua strains were assembled and analyzed in this study. Phylogenetic analysis of Artemisia species showed that distinct intraspecific divergence occurred in A. annua strains. A total of 38 A. annua strains were divided into two distinct lineages, one lineage containing widely-distributed strains and the other lineage only containing strains from northern China. The A. annua cp genomes ranged from 150, 953 to 150, 974 bp and contained 131 genes, and no presence or absence variation of genes was observed. The IRs and SC junctions were located in rps19 and ycf1, respectively, without IR contraction observed. Rich sequence polymorphisms were observed among A. annua strains, and a total of 60 polymorphic sites representing 14 haplotypes were identified which unfolding the cpDNA heteroplasmy of A. annua. In conclusion, this study provided valuable resource for A. annua strains identification and provided new insights into the evolutionary characteristics of A. annua.