Mapping the research of mitochondria and Parkinson's disease: a bibliometric analysis.

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting the elderly. Relevant studies suggest a significant connection between the mitochondria and PD. Publications exploring this connection have steadily increased in recent years. This study employs a bibliometric approach to comprehensively analyze the current status and future directions of the research on mitochondria and PD. Method: We retrieved data from the Web of Science database and used CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and "Bibliometrix" software to visually analyze various aspects of the research field. These aspects included the number of published papers, contributing countries and institutions, authors, publishing journals, cited references, and keywords. Results: Our analysis identified a total of 3,291 publications involving 14,670 authors from 2,836 organizations across 78 countries. The publication volume exhibited a continuous upward trend from 1999 to 2023. The United States emerged as the leading force in this research area, contributing the highest number of high-quality publications. Notably, the United States collaborated extensively with Germany and the United Kingdom. The University of Pittsburgh stood out as the most prolific institution. Harvard University had the highest academic influence and closely cooperated with the University of Pittsburgh, Juntendo University, and McGill University. Dr. Hattori Nobutaka was identified as the most prolific author, while Dr. Youle, Richard J emerged as the most influential author based on the highest average citation frequency. The Journal of Neurochemistry was the most published journal. The most co-cited paper was titled "Hereditary early-onset Parkinson's disease caused by mutations in PINK1." The major keywords included oxidative stress, alpha-synuclein, pink1, mitophagy, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitofusin 2, ubiquitin, and mitochondrial quality control have been identified as new research hotspots in recent years. Conclusion: Mitochondria-PD research is experiencing a steady increase in activity, fueled by increasing close collaboration between countries and different institutions. However, there is a need to further strengthen collaboration and communication between developed and developing nations. Current research has focused on the specific mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction and their relationship with PD. Mitofusin 2, ubiquitin, and mitochondrial quality control are positioned to be the hotspots and future research directions.

Realizing Excellent Infrared Nonlinear Optical Performance in Eu-Based Chalcogenides via Rational Cross Substitution Strategy.

In recent years, rare-earth-based chalcogenides have gained attention promising materials in the field of infrared nonlinear optical (IR-NLO) applications owing to their exceptional physicochemical properties. However, they frequently encounter challenges such as adverse two-photon absorption and low laser-induced damage thresholds (LIDTs) caused by narrow optical band gaps (Eg), which limit their practical utility. In this study, we started with the centrosymmetric (CS) parent compound EuGa2S4 to develop two new noncentrosymmetric (NCS) Eu-based chalcogenides, namely, EuZnSiS4 and EuCdSiS4, employing a rational cross-substitution strategy. Despite having identical stoichiometry, both compounds crystallize in distinct NCS orthorhombic space groups [Fdd2 (no. 43) vs Ama2 (no. 40)], as confirmed by single-crystal structure analysis. Their crystal structures feature highly distorted tetrahedral motifs interconnected via corner-sharing, forming unique two-dimensional layers that host Eu2+ cations. Furthermore, both compounds exhibit robust phase-matching second-harmonic generation (SHG) intensities of 1.5 × AgGaS2 for EuZnSiS4 and 2.8 × AgGaS2 for EuCdSiS4 under 2050 nm excitation. They also demonstrate high LIDTs (approximately 14-17 × AgGaS2), wide Eg (>2.5 eV), and transparency windows extending up to 18.2 µm. Particularly noteworthy, EuCdSiS4 stands out as a pioneering example in the Eu-based IR-NLO system for successfully combining a broad Eg (>2.56 eV, equivalent to that of AgGaS2) with a significant SHG effect (>1.0 × AgGaS2) simultaneously. Structural analyses and theoretical insights underscore that the reasonable combination of asymmetric functional units plays a pivotal role in driving the CS-to-NCS structural transformation and enhancing the NLO and linear optical properties of these Eu-based chalcogenides. This study presents a promising chemical pathway for advancing rare-earth-based functional materials and suggests exciting opportunities for their future applications in IR-NLO technologies.

Imatinib mesylate reduces c-MYC expression in double-hit lymphoma cells by suppressing inducible cytidine deaminase.

BACKGROUND: Double-hit lymphoma (DHL) with c-MYC gene translocation is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. In DHL cells, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) promotes antibody class switch recombination (CSR), ultimately leading to c-MYC gene translocation caused by Myc/IgH DNA double-strand breaks. However, currently there is still no method to suppress the expression of AID. METHODS: In this study, we compared the clinical significance of AID expression in DHL, Additionally, two human double-hit lymphoma cell lines were used to analyze the effect of imatinib mesylate on c-MYC in vitro, and the therapeutic effect was also evaluated in xenograft mouse models. RESULTS: Imatinib mesylate downregulated the AID and c-MYC proteins in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia associated with DHL. In addition, imatinib mesylate reduced AID and c-MYC expression in SU-DHL-4 and OCI-Ly18 DHL cells. Imatinib mesylate exerted significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation and metastasis of SU-DHL-4 and OCI-Ly18 cells. Finally, imatinib mesylate reduced not only tumor burden in DHL mouse models, but also AID and c-MYC expression in vivo. CONCLUSION: These findings reveal that imatinib mesylate effectively reduces the carcinogenic function of c-MYC in DHL, providing novel strategies for developing therapies targeting c-MYC-driven DHL.

Lipocalin-2 aggravates blood-brain barrier dysfunction after intravenous thrombolysis by promoting endothelial cell ferroptosis via regulating the HMGB1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major contributor to hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) following intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). However, the clinical therapies aimed at BBB protection after IVT remain limited. METHODS: One hundred patients with AIS who underwent IVT were enrolled (42 with HT and 58 without HT 24 h after IVT). Based on the cytokine chip, the serum levels of several AIS-related proteins, including LCN2, ferritin, matrix metalloproteinase-3, vascular endothelial-derived growth factor, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis, were detected upon admission, and their associations with HT were analyzed. After finding that LCN2 was related to HT in patients with IVT, we clarified whether the modulation of LCN2 influenced BBB dysfunction and HT after thrombolysis and investigated the potential mechanism. RESULTS: In patients with AIS following IVT, logistic regression analysis showed that baseline serum LCN2 (p = 0.023) and ferritin (p = 0.046) levels were independently associated with HT. A positive correlation between serum LCN2 and ferritin levels was identified in patients with HT. In experimental studies, recombinant LCN2 (rLCN2) significantly aggravated BBB dysfunction and HT in the thromboembolic stroke rats after thrombolysis, whereas LCN2 inhibition by ZINC006440089 exerted opposite effects. Further mechanistic studies showed that, LCN2 promoted endothelial cell ferroptosis, accompanied by the induction of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and the inhibition of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins. Ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (fer-1) significantly restricted the LCN2-mediated BBB disruption. Transfection of LCN2 and HMGB1 siRNA inhibited the endothelial cell ferroptosis, and this effects was reversed by Nrf2 siRNA. CONCLUSION: LCN2 aggravated BBB disruption after thrombolysis by promoting endothelial cell ferroptosis via regulating the HMGB1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, this may provide a promising therapeutic target for the prevention of HT after IVT.

Role of naringin in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major pathological basis of coronary heart disease. However, the currently available medications are unable to effectively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in the majority of patients with AS. Therefore, naringin has been attracting considerable attention owing to its anti-AS effects. Naringin can inhibit the growth, proliferation, invasion, and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells, ameliorate endothelial cell inflammation and apoptosis, lower blood pressure, halt the cell cycle at the G1 phase, and impede growth via its antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. These activities suggest the potential anti-AS effects of naringin. In this review article, we comprehensively summarized the latest findings on the anti-AS effects of naringin and their underlying mechanisms, providing a crucial reference for future research on the anti-AS potential of this agent.

Design, synthesis and antimycobacterial activity of novel benzothiazinones with improved water solubility.

Nitrobenzothiazinones (BTZs) represent a novel type of antitubercular agents targeting DprE1. Two clinical candidates BTZ043 and PBTZ169, as well as many other BTZs showed potent anti-TB activity, but they are all highly lipophilic and their poor aqueous solubility is still a serious issue need to be addressed. Here, we designed and synthesized a series of new BTZ derivatives, wherein a hydrophilic COOH or NH2 group is directly attached to the oxime moiety of TZY-5-84 discovered in our lab, through various linkers. Two compounds 1a and 3 were first reported to possess excellent activity against MTB H37Rv and MDR-MTB strains (MIC: <0.029-0.095 µM), low toxicity and acceptable oral PK profiles, as well as significantly improved water solubility (1200 and > 2000 µg/mL, respectively), suggesting they may serve as promising hydrophilic BTZs for further antitubercular drug discovery.

Cellular senescence: A novel therapeutic target for central nervous system diseases.

The underlying mechanisms of diseases affecting the central nervous system (CNS) remain unclear, limiting the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Remarkably, cellular senescence, a biological phenomenon observed in cultured fibroblasts in vitro, is a crucial intrinsic mechanism that influences homeostasis of the brain microenvironment and contributes to the onset and progression of CNS diseases. Cellular senescence has been observed in disease models established in vitro and in vivo and in bodily fluids or tissue components from patients with CNS diseases. These findings highlight cellular senescence as a promising target for preventing and treating CNS diseases. Consequently, emerging novel therapies targeting senescent cells have exhibited promising therapeutic effects in preclinical and clinical studies on aging-related diseases. These innovative therapies can potentially delay brain cell loss and functional changes, improve the prognosis of CNS diseases, and provide alternative treatments for patients. In this study, we examined the relevant advancements in this field, particularly focusing on the targeting of senescent cells in the brain for the treatment of chronic neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis) and acute neurotraumatic insults (e.g., ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury).

Preparation of multi-modified/carbonized/gelatinized starch and its de-risking effect on Cd(II) and hymexazol in wastewater.

In this study, starch (S) was gelatinized and carbonized to prepare carbonized/gelatinized S (CGS) as the research material. Then, peat extract (Pe) and surfactants with different ratios were single- and multi-modified on CGS, respectively, to prepare Pe-modified CGS (Pe-CGS) and multi-modified CGS, respectively. The microscopic morphology of multi-modified CGS was studied using various testing methods. The de-risking effect on Cd(II) and hymexazol in wastewater was investigated, and the effects of temperature, pH, and ionic strength were compared. The spheroidal structure of S was destroyed after carbonization, and Pe and surfactants were modified on the surface and changed the surface properties of CGS. The adsorption processes of Cd(II) and hymexazol were suitable to be described by the Langmuir and Freundlich models, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacities (qm) of Cd(II) and adsorption capacity parameter (k) of hymexazol on different modified CGSs presented the peak value at BS/Pe-CGS. With the increase in the modification ratio of Pe, BS, and SDS, qm and k increased, which showed a high value at 100 % modification. Increases in temperature and pH were beneficial to Cd(II) adsorption but were not conducive to hymexazol adsorption. The adsorption amount decreased for Cd(II) and increased first and then reduced for hymexazol with the rise in ionic strength. The adsorption process exhibited spontaneity, endothermic behavior for Cd(II), exothermic behavior for hymexazol, and an entropy-increasing reaction. The adsorption amount of Cd(II) and hymexazol by multi-modified CGS maintained approximately 81 % of the original sample after three rounds of regeneration.

Regional Summed Corneal Refractive Power Changes in Myopic Orthokeratology and Their Relationships With Axial Elongation.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between regional summed corneal refractive power changes (CRPCs) in myopic orthokeratology and axial elongation. DESIGN: This retrospective study included 70 eyes of 70 patients aged 8 years to 13 years who underwent orthokeratology lens (OK lens) treatment, and all patients underwent regular follow-ups at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center between January 2019 and May 2021. METHODS: Axial length (AL) was measured at baseline and 12 months by an IOLmaster 5.0. Refractive error power was measured using cycloplegia. Regional summed CRPCs were calculated by MATLAB software using difference tangential power maps at the sixth month acquired by corneal topography measurements (Medmont E300 Corneal Topographer; Medmont Pty, Victoria, Australia) and defined as changes in corneal refractive power at the sixth month from baseline. The regional summed CRPCs were then subdivided into 4-mm diameter circles, 4- to 5-mm diameter chords, and 5- to 6-mm diameter chords according to the distance from the central of the pupil and into negative, positive, and total according to the values. Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression analysis, and stepwise multiple linear regression analysis were performed to analyze the relationships among these parameters. RESULTS: Axial elongation had a negative relationship with positive regional summed corneal refractive power in the central 4-mm diameter circle and age (r=-0.282, P =0.018; r=-0.473, P <0.001, respectively) and a positive relationship with negative regional summed corneal refractive power in the 5- to 6-mm diameter chord (r=0.361, P =0.002). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified age (standardized ß =-0.434, P <0.001) and negative regional summed corneal refractive power in the 5- to 6-mm diameter chord (standardized ß =0.305, P =0.004) as factors influencing AL elongation. CONCLUSION: Negative regional summed corneal refractive power in a 5- to 6-mm diameter chord after OK lens treatment may be an important index for evaluating the control effects of axial elongation.

Development and IND-enabling studies of a novel Cas9 genome-edited autologous CD34+ cell therapy to induce fetal hemoglobin for sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common, severe genetic blood disorder. Current pharmacotherapies are partially effective and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with immune toxicities. Genome editing of patient hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to reactivate fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in erythroid progeny offers an alternative potentially curative approach to treat SCD. Although the FDA released guidelines for evaluating genome editing risks, it remains unclear how best to approach pre-clinical assessment of genome-edited cell products. Here, we describe rigorous pre-clinical development of a therapeutic γ-globin gene promoter editing strategy that supported an investigational new drug application cleared by the FDA. We compared γ-globin promoter and BCL11A enhancer targets, identified a potent HbF-inducing lead candidate, and tested our approach in mobilized CD34+ hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) from SCD patients. We observed efficient editing, HbF induction to predicted therapeutic levels, and reduced sickling. With single-cell analyses, we defined the heterogeneity of HbF induction and HBG1/HBG2 transcription. With CHANGE-seq for sensitive and unbiased off-target discovery followed by targeted sequencing, we did not detect off-target activity in edited HSPCs. Our study provides a blueprint for translating new ex vivo HSC genome editing strategies toward clinical trials for treating SCD and other blood disorders.

The tripartite motif-containing 24 is a multifunctional player in human cancer.

Tripartite motif-containing 24 (TRIM24), also known as transcriptional intermediary factor 1α (TIF1α), is the founding member of TIF1 family. Recent evidence indicates that aberrant expression of TRIM24, functions as an oncogene, is associated with poor prognosis across various cancer types. TRIM24 exhibits a multifaceted structure comprising an N-terminal TRIM region with a RING domain, B-box type 1 and type 2 domains, and a coiled-coil region, as well as a C-terminal plant-homeodomain (PHD)-bromodomain. The bromodomain serves as a 'reader' of epigenetic histone marks, regulating chromatin structure and gene expression by linking associated proteins to acetylated nucleosomal targets, thereby controlling transcription of genes. Notably, bromodomains have emerged as compelling targets for cancer therapeutic development. In addition, TRIM24 plays specialized roles as a signal transduction molecule, orchestrating various cellular signaling cascades in cancer cells. Herein, we review the recent advancements in understanding the functions of TRIM24, and demonstrate the research progress in utilizing TRIM24 as a target for cancer therapy.

Screening Strategy Identifies an Overlooked Deep-Ultraviolet Transparent Nonlinear Optical Crystal.

In the deep-ultraviolet (DUV) region, nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals must meet stringent requirements, including a large optical band gap and sufficient second harmonic generation (SHG) response. Typically, these criteria are fulfilled by borates, carbonates and nitrates containing π-conjugated groups. In contrast, sulfates and phosphates, with polarizabilities significantly smaller than those of π-conjugated groups, struggle to achieve similar performance. Here, we present the discovery of Mg2PO4Cl, a magnesium-based phosphate, identified from over 10,000 phosphates based on a polar-axial-symmetry screening strategy, which exhibits the highest SHG response (5.2 × KH2PO4 (KDP)) with phase-matching ability among non-π-conjugated DUV transparent NLO crystals. This compound belongs to the Pna21 space group, with [PO4] units consistently aligned along the 21 screw axis and glide planes throughout its crystal structure. Theoretical calculations attribute its remarkable SHG effect to the orderly arrangement of heteroanionic [MgO5Cl] and [MgO4Cl2] polyhedra alongside isolated [PO4] tetrahedra, supported by Berry phase analysis. Furthermore, a crystallographic structure analysis of phosphates and sulfates with significant SHG effects validates the effectiveness of our screening strategy. These findings offer valuable insights into the origins of NLO effects in non-π-conjugated compounds from both a material design and structural chemistry perspective, inspiring future efforts to revitalize DUV phosphates.

Association of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) and gallstones among US adults aged ≤ 50 years: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017-2020.

BACKGROUND: The chronic digestive condition gallstones is quite common around the world, the development of which is closely related to oxidative stress, inflammatory response and abnormalities of lipid metabolism. In the last few years, as a novel biomarker of lipid metabolism, the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) has garnered significant interest. However, its relationship with gallstones has not been studied yet. METHODS: 3,772 people, all under 50, were included in this study, and their full data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for the years 2017-2020. Information on gallstones was obtained through self-reported questionnaires. Smoothed curve fitting multifactorial logistic regression was utilized to evaluate the connection of NHHR with gallstone formation incidence. Subsequently, subgroup analysis and interaction tests were applied. Finally, to create a prediction model, logistic regression and feature screening by last absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used. The resulting model was displayed using a nomogram. RESULTS: In multivariate logistic regression that accounted for all factors, there was a 77% increase in the likelihood of gallstones for every unit rise in lnNHHR (OR 1.77 [CI 1.11-2.83]). Following NHHR stratification, the Q4 NHHR level was substantially more linked to the risk of gallstones than the Q1 level (OR 1.86 [CI 1.04-3.32]). This correlation was stronger in women, people under 35, smokers, abstainers from alcohol, non-Hispanic White people, those with excessively high cholesterol, people with COPD, and people without diabetes. After feature screening, a predictive model and visualized nomogram for gallstones were constructed with an AUC of 0.785 (CI 0.745-0.819), which was assessed by DCA to be clinically important. CONCLUSION: In the group of people ≤ 50 years of age, elevated NHHR levels were substantially linked to a higher incidence of gallstones. This correlation was stronger in several specific groups such as females, under 35 years of age, smokers, and so on. Predictive models constructed using the NHHR have potential clinical value in assessing gallstone formation.

Automatic measurement of anatomical parameters of the lumbar vertebral body and the intervertebral disc on radiographs by deep learning.

Background: Lumbar spine disorders are one of the common causes of low back pain (LBP). Objective and reliable measurement of anatomical parameters of the lumbar spine is essential in the clinical diagnosis and evaluation of lumbar disorders. However, manual measurements are time-consuming and laborious, with poor consistency and repeatability. Here, we aim to develop and evaluate an automatic measurement model for measuring the anatomical parameters of the vertebral body and intervertebral disc based on lateral lumbar radiographs and deep learning (DL). Methods: A model based on DL was developed with a dataset consisting of 1,318 lateral lumbar radiographs for the prediction of anatomical parameters, including vertebral body heights (VBH), intervertebral disc heights (IDH), and intervertebral disc angles (IDA). The mean of the values obtained by 3 radiologists was used as a reference standard. Statistical analysis was performed in terms of standard deviation (SD), mean absolute error (MAE), Percentage of correct keypoints (PCK), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), regression analysis, and Bland-Altman plot to evaluate the performance of the model compared with the reference standard. Results: The percentage of intra-observer landmark distance within the 3 mm threshold was 96%. The percentage of inter-observer landmark distance within the 3 mm threshold was 94% (R1 and R2), 92% (R1 and R3), and 93% (R2 and R3), respectively. The PCK of the model within the 3 mm distance threshold was 94-99%. The model-predicted values were 30.22±3.01 mm, 10.40±3.91 mm, and 10.63°±4.74° for VBH, IDH, and IDA, respectively. There were good correlation and consistency in anatomical parameters of the lumbar vertebral body and disc between the model and the reference standard in most cases (R2=0.89-0.95, ICC =0.93-0.98, MAE =0.61-1.15, and SD =0.89-1.64). Conclusions: The newly proposed model based on a DL algorithm can accurately measure various anatomical parameters on lateral lumbar radiographs. This could provide an accurate and efficient measurement tool for the quantitative evaluation of spinal disorders.

Deep learning-based quantitative morphological study of anteroposterior digital radiographs of the lumbar spine.

Background: Morphological parameters of the lumbar spine are valuable in assessing lumbar spine diseases. However, manual measurement of lumbar morphological parameters is time-consuming. Deep learning has automatic quantitative and qualitative analysis capabilities. To develop a deep learning-based model for the automatic quantitative measurement of morphological parameters from anteroposterior digital radiographs of the lumbar spine and to evaluate its performance. Methods: This study used 1,368 anteroposterior digital radiographs of the lumbar spine to train a deep learning model to measure the quantitative morphological indicators, including L1 to L5 vertebral body height (VBH) and L1-L2 to L4-L5 intervertebral disc height (IDH). The means of the manual measurements by three radiologists were used as the reference standard. The parameters predicted by the model were analyzed against the manual measurements using paired t-tests. Percentage of correct key points (PCK), intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), Pearson correlation coefficient (r), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and Bland-Altman plots were performed to assess the performance of the model. Results: Within the 3-mm distance threshold, the model had a PCK range of 99.77-99.46% for the L1 to L4 vertebrae and 77.37% for the L5 vertebrae. Except for VBH-L5 and IDH_L3-L4, IDH_L4-L5 (P<0.05), the estimated values of the model in the remaining parameters were not statistically significant compared with the reference standard (P>0.05). Except for VBH-L5 and IDH_L4-L5, the model showed good correlation and consistency with the reference standard (ICC =0.84-0.96, r=0.85-0.97, MAE =0.5-0.66, RMSE =0.66-0.95). The model outperformed other models (EfficientDet + Unet, EfficientDet + DarkPose, HRNet, and Unet) in predicting landmarks within a distance threshold of 1.5 to 5 mm. Conclusions: The model developed in this study can automatically measure the morphological parameters of the L1 to L4 vertebrae from anteroposterior digital radiographs of the lumbar spine. Its performance is close to the level of radiologists.

Genome-Wide Analyses of MADS-Box Genes Reveal Their Involvement in Seed Development and Oil Accumulation of Tea-Oil Tree (Camellia oleifera).

The seeds of Camellia oleifera produce high amount of oil, which can be broadly used in the fields of food, industry, and medicine. However, the molecular regulation mechanisms of seed development and oil accumulation in C. oleifera are unclear. In this study, evolutionary and expression analyses of the MADS-box gene family were performed across the C. oleifera genome for the first time. A total of 86 MADS-box genes (ColMADS) were identified, including 60 M-type and 26 MIKC members. More gene duplication events occurred in M-type subfamily (6) than that in MIKC subfamily (2), and SEP-like genes were lost from the MIKCC clade. Furthermore, 8, 15, and 17 differentially expressed ColMADS genes (DEGs) were detected between three developmental stages of seed (S1/S2, S2/S3, and S1/S3), respectively. Among these DEGs, the STK-like ColMADS12 and TT16-like ColMADS17 were highly expressed during the seed formation (S1 and S2), agreeing with their predicted functions to positively regulate the seed organogenesis and oil accumulation. While ColMADS57 and ColMADS07 showed increasing expression level with the seed maturation (S2 and S3), conforming to their potential roles in promoting the seed ripening. In all, these results revealed a critical role of MADS-box genes in the C. oleifera seed development and oil accumulation, which will contribute to the future molecular breeding of C. oleifera.

MXene Supported Surface Plasmon Polaritons for Optical Microfiber Ammonia Sensing.

The properties of surface plasmons are notoriously dependent on the supporting materials system. However, new capabilities cannot be obtained until the technique of surface plasmon enabled by advanced two-dimensional materials is well understood. Herein, we present the experimental demonstration of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) supported by single-layered MXene flakes (Ti3C2Tx) coating on an optical microfiber and its application as an ammonia gas sensor. Enabled by its high controllability of chemical composition, unique atomistically thin layered structure, and metallic-level conductivity, MXene is capable of supporting not only plasmon resonances across a wide range of wavelengths but also a selective sensing mechanism through frequency modulation. Theoretical modeling and optics experiments reveal that, upon adsorbing ammonia molecules, the free electron motion at the interface between the SiO2 microfiber and the MXene coating is modulated (i.e., the modulation of the SPPs under applied light), thus inducing a variation in the evanescent field. Consequently, a wavelength shift is produced, effectively realizing a selective and highly sensitive ammonia sensor with a 100 ppm detection limit. The MXene supported SPPs open a promising path for the application of advanced optical techniques toward gas and chemical analysis.

Assessing Transition Pathways of Hydrogen Production in China with a Probabilistic Framework.

The transition of China's hydrogen production system to meeting carbon neutrality is considerably uncertain. This study uses a probabilistic framework to assess the transition pathways of hydrogen production in China to meet the goal of carbon neutrality and reveals the key technology selection mechanism. Three strategies for hydrogen production transition were considered: delayed, orderly, and radical, corresponding to the green hydrogen shares between 70 and 95% in 2060. More ambitious strategies tended to result in greater uncertainty of green hydrogen production and introduce higher system costs and cost uncertainty. The different strategies showed notable differences in carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction pathways. The cumulative CO2 emissions of the delayed strategy may reach 3 times that of the radical strategy, and the CO2 reduction uncertainty of the orderly strategy may be twice that of the other strategies. Alkaline electrolyzers were predicted to dominate green hydrogen production until being surpassed by proton exchange membrane electrolyzers (PEM) after 2060. The synergy of the solar-energy storage-PEM technology combination was notable because expensive electrolyzers tended to increase utilization, thereby diluting fixed costs. Our results underscore the importance of studying the impact of uncertainty and technology selection mechanisms on transition pathways.

New geographical records and molecular investigation of the ciliate Spirostomum.

Spirostomum is a genus of large ciliates, and its species are distributed worldwide. However, there has been limited research conducted on their geographical distribution and genomics. We obtained nine samples of ciliates from eight regions in Liaoning Province, China, and conducted a study on their geographical distribution and characteristics. Morphological and second-generation high-throughput sequencing methods were applied to identify the species, and a phylogenetic tree was established to gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution and evolutionary relationships of Spirostomum in Northeast China. The results identified Spirostomum yagiui and Spirostomum subtilis as a newly recorded species in Northeast China region. There are now five species of Spirostomum that have been recorded in China, and new details on the genomic characteristics of Spirostomum yagiui were provided. In addition, this study also identified the main branches of Spirostomum teres and Spirostomum minus in northern China, and provided a theoretical basis for the existence of hidden species. Spirostomum yagiui is the first species in the family Spirostomidae to have undergone mitochondrial genome sequencing.