Exosomes derived from BMSCs in osteogenic differentiation promote type H blood vessel angiogenesis through miR-150-5p mediated metabolic reprogramming of endothelial cells.

Osteogenesis is tightly coupled with angiogenesis spatiotemporally. Previous studies have demonstrated that type H blood vessel formed by endothelial cells with high expression of CD31 and Emcn (CD31hi Emcnhi ECs) play a crucial role in bone regeneration. The mechanism of the molecular communication around CD31hi Emcnhi ECs and bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in the osteogenic microenvironment is unclear. This study indicates that exosomes from bone mesenchymal stem cells with 7 days osteogenic differentiation (7D-BMSCs-exo) may promote CD31hi Emcnhi ECs angiogenesis, which was verified by tube formation assay, qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining and µCT assays etc. in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, by exosomal miRNA microarray and WGCNA assays, we identified downregulated miR-150-5p as the most relative hub gene coupling osteogenic differentiation and type H blood vessel angiogenesis. With bioinformatics assays, dual luciferase reporter experiments, qRT-PCR and Western blot assays, SOX2(SRY-Box Transcription Factor 2) was confirmed as a novel downstream target gene of miR-150-5p in exosomes, which might be a pivotal mechanism regulating CD31hi Emcnhi ECs formation. Additionally, JC-1 immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and seahorse assay results showed that the overexpression of SOX2 could shift metabolic reprogramming from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to glycolysis to enhance the CD31hi Emcnhi ECs formation. The PI3k/Akt signaling pathway might play a key role in this process. In summary, BMSCs in osteogenic differentiation might secrete exosomes with low miR-150-5p expression to induce type H blood vessel formation by mediating SOX2 overexpression in ECs. These findings might reveal a molecular mechanism of osteogenesis coupled with type H blood vessel angiogenesis in the osteogenic microenvironment and provide a new therapeutic target or cell-free remedy for osteogenesis impaired diseases.

Association Between Glycated Hemoglobin and the Lipid Profile at the Central Yunnan Plateau: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction: Dyslipidemia commonly complicates type 2 diabetes mellitus, yet the relationship between glycosylated hemoglobin and blood lipid levels remains uncertain. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 27,158 participants from the People's Hospital of Yuxi. Statistical comparisons for continuous variables utilized analysis of variance (ANOVA), while chi-square analysis was employed for categorical variables. Boxplots assessed the concentration, dispersion, and deviation of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) distribution. A linear regression analysis examined the association between HbA1c and lipid profile, complemented by a fitting curve to visualize trends. Results: Participants who developed diabetes exhibited higher age and elevated Body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), TC, TG, LDL-C, and FPG levels compared to those without diabetes (p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis demonstrated significant associations between HbA1c values and TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C (p < 0.001). The plotted curve indicated that as TC, TG, and LDL levels increased, HbA1c levels rose, while HDL levels decreased. Conclusion: HbA1c was positively correlated with TC, TG, LDL-C, and negatively correlated with HDL-C in the population in the central Yunnan Plateau.

Identification of miRNA signature in cancer-associated fibroblast to predict recurrent prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major components of prostate stromal cells, which play a crucial part in tumor development and treatment resistance. This study aimed to establish a model of CAFs-related microRNAs (miRNAs) to assess prognostic differences, tumor microenvironments, and screening of anticancer drugs by integrating data from single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk RNA sequencing (buRNA-seq). METHODS: scRNA-seq and buRNA-seq data of primary prostate cancer (PCa) were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Statistical methods including Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), Lasso penalized, Random Forest, Random Forest Combination, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) were performed to select hub miRNAs. Pathway analyses and assessment of infiltrating immune cells were conducted using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and the CIBERSORT algorithm. The expression of CAFs-related miRNAs in fibroblast cell lines were validated through quantitative real-time PCR. Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8), wound-healing, clone formation, and cell migration assays were used to explore cell proliferation, growth, and migration in vitro. A mouse xenograft model was established to investigate the effect of CAFs on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS: Through single-cell transcriptomics analysis in 34 PCa patients, 89 CAFs-related mRNAs were identified. A prognostic model based on 9 CAFs-related miRNAs (hsa-miR-1258, hsa-miR-133b, hsa-miR-222-3p, hsa-miR-145-3p, hsa-miR-493-5p, hsa-miR-96-5p, hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-106b-5p, and hsa-miR-191-5p) was established to predict biochemical recurrence (BCR). We have determined through two prediction methods that NVP-TAE684 may be the optimal targeted therapy drug for treating CAFs. Downregulation of hsa-miR-106b-5p in CAFs significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation in vitro. In vivo studies using a xenograft model further confirmed that hsa-miR-106b-5p downregulation significantly reduced tumor growth. CONCLUSION: Our findings conducted an integrated bioinformatic analysis to develop a CAFs-related miRNAs model that provides prognostic insights into individualized and precise treatment for prostate adenocarcinoma patients. Downregulation of miR-106b-5p in CAFs significantly suppressed tumor growth, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Early versus delayed enteral nutrition in ICU patients with sepsis: a propensity score-matched analysis based on the MIMIC-IV database.

Background: Early enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended for sepsis management, but its optimal timing and clinical benefits remain uncertain. This study evaluates whether early EN improves outcomes compared to delayed EN in patients with sepsis. Methods: We analyzed data of septic patients from the MIMIC-IV 2.2 database, focusing on those in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Patients who initiated EN within 3 days were classified into the early EN group, while those who started EN between 3 and 7 days were classified into the delayed EN group. Propensity score matching was used to compare outcomes between the groups. Results: Among 1,111 patients, 786 (70.7%) were in the early EN group and 325 (29.3%) were in the delayed EN group. Before propensity score matching, the early EN group demonstrated lower mortality (crude OR = 0.694; 95% CI: 0.514-0.936; p = 0.018) and shorter ICU stays (8.3 [5.2, 12.3] vs. 10.0 [7.5, 14.2] days; p < 0.001). After matching, no significant difference in mortality was observed. However, the early EN group had shorter ICU stays (8.3 [5.2, 12.4] vs. 10.1 [7.5, 14.2] days; p < 0.001) and a lower incidence of AKI stage 3 (49.3% vs. 55.5%; p = 0.030). Subgroup analysis revealed that early EN significantly reduced the 28-day mortality rate in sepsis patients with lactate levels ≤4 mmol/L, with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.579 (95% CI: 0.361, 0.930; p = 0.024). Conclusion: Early enteral nutrition may not significantly reduce overall mortality in sepsis patients but may shorten ICU stays and decrease the incidence of AKI stage 3. Further research is needed to identify specific patient characteristics that benefit most from early EN.

Accuracy of fetal fraction measurements in a single-nucleotide polymorphism-based noninvasive prenatal test.

BACKGROUND: Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal aneuploidy relies on the analysis of fetoplacental cell-free DNA (cfDNA) found in maternal plasma. A minimum cfDNA fetal fraction (FF) is required for reliable test performance, but some methods may have suboptimal accuracy for FF measurement. This study investigated the accuracy of a single-nucleotide polymorphism- (SNP-) based NIPT method to assess FF. METHODS: FF measurements using SNP-based NIPT in consecutive samples from singleton male pregnancies were compared with FF measured using a "gold standard" Y-chromosome method. RESULTS: In a cohort of 106,846 samples, the SNP-based FF method showed a standard deviation (SD) of 0.42%. Compared to the Y chromosome FF method, a correlation coefficient, r, of 0.995, and bias of 0.17% were observed. The SD was not substantially different across specific FF ranges or for samples with high-risk NIPT results. CONCLUSIONS: The SNP-based NIPT method estimates FF with good accuracy, with a SD three to eight times better than other NIPT methods (0.42% vs. 1.3%-3.4%). FF is an important quality control parameter and should be routinely reported as part of NIPT.

The Liver Circadian Metabolic Homeostasis Influence by Combining Ketogenic Diet with Exercise.

The ketogenic diet (KD) and regular exercise (EX) are both capable of orchestrating circadian metabolism homeostasis during losing weight. However, the combined effects of these two factors on circadian metabolism remain poorly understood. To determine if the combined treatment yields a superimposed physiological phenotype, we measured weight loss, white adipose, the respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heat production, and activity parameters in individual and combined treatment groups. Surprisingly, none of these metrics displayed a cumulative effect when administered in the combined treatment approach. Additionally, we investigated the impact of combination therapy on molecular homeostasis through using high-throughput liver transcriptomic approaches. The results revealed that individual and combined treatments can reprogram the circadian rhythm; yet, the combined group exhibited a minimum quantity of cyclic transcript genes. Noteworthy, the amplitude of 24 h circadian expression genes was not significantly increased in the combination treatment, indicating that the combined approach has non-overlapping effects on maintenance peripheral metabolism homeostasis. This may be due to the liver requiring less ketogenic and gluconeogenic potential during metabolic processes. This research suggests that combined treatment may have adverse effects on the body's homeostasis and provide crucial insights for the homeostatic health of athletes or individuals who wish to lose weight.

Microplastic dilemma: Assessing the unexpected trade-offs between biodegradable and non-biodegradable forms on plant health, cadmium uptake, and sediment microbial ecology.

Despite extensive substitution of biodegradable plastics (BPs) for conventional plastics (CPs), research on their environmental ecological consequences as microplastics (MPs) is scarce. This study aimed to fill this gap by investigating the impacts of six prototypical MPs (categorized into BMPs and CMPs) on plant growth, cadmium (Cd) translocation, and bacterial communities in contaminated sediments. Results showed both BMPs and CMPs hindered plant development; yet interestingly, BMPs provoked more pronounced physiological and biochemical changes alongside increased oxidative stress due to reactive oxygen species accumulation. Notably, most MP types promoted the absorption of Cd by plant roots potentially via a "dilution effect". BMPs also induced larger shifts in soil microbial metabolic functions compared to CMPs. Ramlibacter was identified as a key biomarker distinguishing BMPs from CMPs, with link to multiple N metabolic pathways and N assimilation. This study offers novel insights into intricate biochemical mechanisms and environmental chemistry behaviors underpinning MP-Cd interactions within the plant-microbe-sediment system, emphasizing BMPs' higher potential ecological risks based on their significant effects on plant health and microbial ecology. This work contributes to enhancing the comprehensive understanding of their ecological implications and potential threats to environmental security.

Alongshan Virus Infection in Rangifer tarandus Reindeer, Northeastern China.

We investigated Alongshan virus infection in reindeer in northeastern China. We found that 4.8% of the animals were viral RNA-positive, 33.3% tested positive for IgG, and 19.1% displayed neutralizing antibodies. These findings suggest reindeer could serve as sentinel animal species for the epidemiologic surveillance of Alongshan virus infection.

Photodegradation of Microplastics through Nanomaterials: Insights into Photocatalysts Modification and Detailed Mechanisms.

Microplastics (MPs) pose a profound environmental challenge, impacting ecosystems and human health through mechanisms such as bioaccumulation and ecosystem contamination. While traditional water treatment methods can partially remove microplastics, their limitations highlight the need for innovative green approaches like photodegradation to ensure more effective and sustainable removal. This review explores the potential of nanomaterial-enhanced photocatalysts in addressing this issue. Utilizing their unique properties like large surface area and tunable bandgap, nanomaterials significantly improve degradation efficiency. Different strategies for photocatalyst modification to improve photocatalytic performance are thoroughly summarized, with a particular emphasis on element doping and heterojunction construction. Furthermore, this review thoroughly summarizes the possible fundamental mechanisms driving the photodegradation of microplastics facilitated by nanomaterials, with a focus on processes like free radical formation and singlet oxygen oxidation. This review not only synthesizes critical findings from existing studies but also identifies gaps in the current research landscape, suggesting that further development of these photocatalytic techniques could lead to substantial advancements in environmental remediation practices. By delineating these novel approaches and their mechanisms, this work underscores the significant environmental implications and contributes to the ongoing development of sustainable solutions to mitigate microplastic pollution.

Gene expression and immune infiltration analysis comparing lesioned and preserved subchondral bone in osteoarthritis.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease requiring additional research. This study compared gene expression and immune infiltration between lesioned and preserved subchondral bone. The results were validated using multiple tissue datasets and experiments. Methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the lesioned and preserved tibial plateaus of OA patients were identified in the GSE51588 dataset. Moreover, functional annotation and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were performed on the lesioned and preserved sides to explore potential therapeutic targets in OA subchondral bones. In addition, multiple tissues were used to screen coexpressed genes, and the expression levels of identified candidate DEGs in OA were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Finally, an immune infiltration analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 1,010 DEGs were identified, 423 upregulated and 587 downregulated. The biological process (BP) terms enriched in the upregulated genes included "skeletal system development", "sister chromatid cohesion", and "ossification". Pathways were enriched in "Wnt signaling pathway" and "proteoglycans in cancer". The BP terms enriched in the downregulated genes included "inflammatory response", "xenobiotic metabolic process", and "positive regulation of inflammatory response". The enriched pathways included "neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction" and "AMP-activated protein kinase signaling". JUN, tumor necrosis factor α, and interleukin-1ß were the hub genes in the PPI network. Collagen XI A1 and leucine-rich repeat-containing 15 were screened from multiple datasets and experimentally validated. Immune infiltration analyses showed fewer infiltrating adipocytes and endothelial cells in the lesioned versus preserved samples. Conclusion: Our findings provide valuable information for future studies on the pathogenic mechanism of OA and potential therapeutic and diagnostic targets.

The rare cause of ST segment elevation in left precordial leads - Diagnostic clues from subtle waveforms.

We report a case of ST segment elevation in left precordial leads with a convex shape caused by a rare etiology. By carefully analyzing the electrocardiogram (leads I, II, V3 to V9) of a patient with convex ST segment elevation in the left-sided chest leads, relevant etiological clues were derived. The findings were further supported by cardiac ultrasound and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, ruling out other common causes. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC) was postulated as the underlying cause, and potential mechanisms were discussed. The diagnosis was further confirmed through a follow-up period of over three years.

The Surface Confinement of FeO Assists in the Generation of Singlet Oxygen and High-Valent Metal-Oxo Species for Enhanced Fenton-Like Catalysis.

Transition metal compounds (TMCs) have long been potential candidate catalysts in persulfate-based advanced oxidation process (PS-AOPs) due to their Fenton-like catalyze ability for radical generation. However, the mechanism involved in TMCs-catalyzed nonradical PS-AOPs remains obscure. Herein, the growth of FeO on the Fe3O4/carbon precursor is regulated by restricted pyrolysis of MIL-88A template to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for tetracycline (TC) removal. The higher FeO incorporation conferred a 2.6 times higher degradation performance than that catalyzed by Fe3O4 and also a higher interference resistance to anions or natural organic matter. Unexpectedly, the quenching experiment, probe method, and electron paramagnetic resonance quantitatively revealed that the FeO reassigned high nonradical species (1O2 and FeIV═O) generation to replace original radical system created by Fe3O4. Density functional theory calculation interpreted that PMS molecular on strongly-adsorbed (200) and (220) facets of FeO enjoyed unique polarized electronic reception for surface confinement effect, thus the retained peroxide bond energetically supported the production of 1O2 and FeIV═O. This work promotes the mechanism understanding of TMCs-induced surface-catalyzed persulfate activation and enables them better perform catalytic properties in wastewater treatment.

Comparative Analysis of the Gelsemium Alkaloids Metabolism in Human, Pig, Goat, and Rat Liver Microsomes.

AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolism of Gelsemium elegans in human, pig, goat and rat liver microsomes and to elucidate the metabolic pathways and cleavage patterns of the Gelsemium alkaloids among different species. METHODS: A human, goat, pig and rat liver microsomes were incubated in vitro. After incubating at 37°C for 1 hour and centrifuging, the processed samples were detected by HPLC/Qq-TOFMS was used to detect alcohol extract of Gelsemium elegans and its metabolites. RESULTS: Forty-six natural products were characterized from alcohol extract of Gelsemium elegans and 13 metabolites were identified. These 13 metabolites belong to the gelsemine, koumine, gelsedine, humantenine, yohimbane, and sarpagine classes of alkaloids. The metabolic pathways included oxidation, demethylation and dehydrogenation. After preliminary identification, the metabolites detected in the four species were different. All 13 metabolites were detected in pig and rat microsomes, but no oxidative metabolites of Gelsedine-type alkaloids were detected in goat and human microsomes. CONCLUSION: In this study, Gelsemium elegans metabolic patterns in different species are clarified and the in vitro metabolism of Gelsemium elegans is investigated. It is of great significance for its clinical development and rational application.

Hypoxia-mediated attenuation of EGLN2 inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway leads to the formation of a loop between HIF-1α and MUC1-C promoting chemoresistance in bladder cancer.

The expression pattern of MUC1-C in tumors is closely linked to tumor progression; however, its specific mechanism remains unclear. The expression of MUC1-C in cancer and adjacent normal tissues was detected using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The IC50 of cells to gemcitabine was determined using the CCK8 assay. The effects of hypoxia and MUC1-C on the behavioral and metabolic characteristics of bladder cancer cells were investigated. Gene expression was assessed through Western blot and polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between the genes was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and Western blot. Finally, the role of the EGLN2 and NF-κB signaling pathways in the interaction between MUC1-C and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) was investigated. MUC1-C expression is significantly higher in bladder cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues, particularly in large-volume tumors, and is closely correlated with clinical features such as tumor grade. Tumor volume-mediated hypoxia resulted in increased expression of MUC1-C and HIF-1α in bladder cancer cells. Under stimulation of hypoxia, the inhibitory effect of EGLN2 on the NF-κB signaling pathway was weakened, allowing NF-κB to promote the positive feedback formation of MUC1-C and HIF-1α. Simultaneously, EGLN2-mediated degradation of HIF-1α was reduced. This ultimately led to elevated HIF-1α-mediated downstream gene expression, promoting increased glucose uptake and glycolysis, and ultimately resulting in heightened chemotherapy resistance and malignancy.

Simultaneous elimination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes by different Fe-N co-doped biochars activating peroxymonosulfate: The key role of pyridine-N and Fe-N sites.

The coexistence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in the environment poses a potential threat to public health. In our study, we have developed a novel advanced oxidation process for simultaneously removing ARGs and ARB by two types of iron and nitrogen-doped biochar derived from rice straw (FeN-RBC) and sludge (FeN-SBC). All viable ARB (approximately 108 CFU mL-1) was inactivated in the FeN-RBC/ peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system within 40 min and did not regrow after 48 h even in real water samples. Flow cytometry identified 96.7 % of dead cells in the FeN-RBC/PMS system, which verified the complete inactivation of ARB. Thorough disinfection of ARB was associated with the disruption of cell membranes and intracellular enzymes related to the antioxidant system. Whereas live bacteria (approximately 200 CFU mL-1) remained after FeN-SBC/PMS treatment. Intracellular and extracellular ARGs (tetA and tetB) were efficiently degraded in the FeN-RBC/PMS system. The production of active species, primarily •OH, SO4•- and Fe (IV), as well as electron transfer, were essential to the effective disinfection of FeN-RBC/PMS. In comparison with FeN-SBC, the better catalytic performance of FeN-RBC was mainly ascribed to its higher amount of pyridine-N and Fe0, and more reactive active sites (such as CO group and Fe-N sites). Density functional theory calculations indicated the greater adsorption energy and Bader charge, more stable Fe-O bond, more easily broken OO bond in FeN-RBC/PMS, which demonstrated the stronger electron transfer capacity between FeN-RBC and PMS. To encapsulate, our study provided an efficient and dependable method for the simultaneous elimination of ARGs and ARB in water.

Hydrazone Phosphaketene as a Synthetic Platform To Obtain Three Classes of 1,2,4-Diazaphosphol Derivatives by Switchable Chemoselectivity Strategies.

We introduce switchable chemoselectivity strategies based on the hydrazone phosphaketene intermediate to synthesize three classes of 1,2,4-diazaphosphol derivatives. First, the five-membered heterocyclic P and O anion intermediates acted as nucleophilic agents in the selective construction of C-P and C-O bonds. Second, the phosphinidene served as a phosphorus synthon, allowing for the formation of C-P and C-N bonds. Finally, a stepwise mechanism, supported by DFT calculations, was invoked to explain the reaction selectivity.

Doped Cu0 and sulfidation induced transition from R-O• to •OH in peracetic acid activation by sulfidated nano zero-valent iron-copper.

Peracetic acid (PAA) has emerged as a new effective oxidant for various contaminants degradation through advanced oxidation process (AOP). In this study, sulfidated nano zero-valent iron-copper (S-nZVIC) with low Cu doping and sulfidation was synthesized for PAA activation, resulting in more efficient degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX, 20 µM) and other contaminants using a low dose of catalyst (0.05 g/L) and oxidant (100 µM). The characterization results suggested that S-nZVIC presented a more uniform size and distribution with fewer metal oxides, as the agglomeration and oxidation were inhibited. More significantly, doped Cu0 and sulfidation significantly enhanced the generation and contribution of •OH but decreased that of R-O• in S-nZVIC/PAA/SMX system compared with that of nZVIC and S-nZVI, accounting for the relatively high degradation efficiency of 97.7% in S-nZVIC/PAA/SMX system compared with 85.7% and 78.9% in nZVIC/PAA/SMX and S-nZVI/PAA/SMX system, respectively. The mechanisms underlying these changes were that (i) doped Cu° could promote the regeneration of Fe(Ⅱ) for strengthened PAA activation through mediating Fe(Ⅱ)/Fe(Ⅲ) cycle by Cu(Ⅰ)/Cu(Ⅱ) cycle; (ii) S species might consume part of R-O•, resulting in a decreased contribution of R-O• in SMX degradation; (iii) sulfidation increased the electrical conductivity, thus facilitating the electron transfer from S-nZVIC to PAA. Consequently, the dominant reactive oxygen species transited from R-O• to •OH to degrade SMX more efficiently. The degradation pathways, intermediate products and toxicity were further analyzed through density functional theory (DFT) calculations, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and T.E.S.T software analysis, which proved the environmental friendliness of this process. In addition, S-nZVIC exhibited high stability, recyclability and degradation efficiency over a wide pH range (3.0∼9.0). This work provides a new insight into the rational design and modification of nano zero-valent metals for efficient wastewater treatment through adjusting the dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) into the more active free radicals.

Polygenic architecture of flowering time and its relationship with local environments in the grass Brachypodium distachyon.

Synchronizing the timing of reproduction with the environment is crucial in the wild. Among the multiple mechanisms, annual plants evolved to sense their environment, the requirement of cold-mediated vernalization is a major process that prevents individuals from flowering during winter. In many annual plants including crops, both a long and short vernalization requirement can be observed within species, resulting in so-called early-(spring) and late-(winter) flowering genotypes. Here, using the grass model Brachypodium distachyon, we explored the link between flowering-time-related traits (vernalization requirement and flowering time), environmental variation, and diversity at flowering-time genes by combining measurements under greenhouse and outdoor conditions. These experiments confirmed that B. distachyon natural accessions display large differences regarding vernalization requirements and ultimately flowering time. We underline significant, albeit quantitative effects of current environmental conditions on flowering-time-related traits. While disentangling the confounding effects of population structure on flowering-time-related traits remains challenging, population genomics analyses indicate that well-characterized flowering-time genes may contribute significantly to flowering-time variation and display signs of polygenic selection. Flowering-time genes, however, do not colocalize with genome-wide association peaks obtained with outdoor measurements, suggesting that additional genetic factors contribute to flowering-time variation in the wild. Altogether, our study fosters our understanding of the polygenic architecture of flowering time in a natural grass system and opens new avenues of research to investigate the gene-by-environment interaction at play for this trait.

Comparative plastomes of eight subgenus Chamaesyce plants and system authentication of Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba.

Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba (EHH) was provided with medicinal and edible uses, but frequently was adulterated with its closely related species. Hence, this study sought to identify EHH via an integrated approach comprising data from its morphological evaluation, HPLC analysis, comparative plastomes analysis and allele-specific PCR identification. First, the morphological characteristics of 8 subgenus Chamaesyce plants were summarized. Then, HPLC analysis showed that 18 batches of EHH were adulterated or unqualified. Furthermore, the plastomes of the 8 subg. Chamaesyce species were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a sister relationship among the 8 subg. Chamaesyce species. The allele-specific PCR authentication was developed by the nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions or deletions (InDels) analysis. The results of allele-specific PCR showed that 27 batches of EHH were adulterated, indicating that the superior sensitivity of molecular authentication over the other methods used. This study provided a reference for rational use and phylogenetic research of EHH.

FeSe2 and Its Composites for Pollutants Removal: Synthesis, Mechanisms, and Application Potential.

In recent years, the research of FeSe2 and its composites in environmental remediation has been gradually carried out. And the FeSe2 materials show great catalytic performance in photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and Fenton-like reactions for pollutants removal. Therefore, the studies and applications of FeSe2 materials are reviewed in this work, including the common synthesis methods, the role of Fe and Se species as well as the catalyst structure, and the potential for practical environmental applications. Hereinto, it is worth noting in particular that the lower-valent Se (Se2-), unsaturated Se (Se-), and Se vacancies (VSe) can play different roles in promoting pollutants removal. In addition, the FeSe2 material also demonstrates high stability, reusability, and adaptability over a wider pH range as well as universality to different pollutants. In view of the overall great properties and performance of FeSe2 materials compared with other typical Fe-based materials, it deserves and needs further research. And finally, this paper presents some challenges and perspectives in future development, looking forward to providing helpful guidance for the subsequent research of FeSe2 and its composites for environmental application.