Transcriptome and metabolome analyses reveal molecular insights into waterlogging tolerance in Barley.

Waterlogging stress is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting the productivity and quality of many crops worldwide. However, the mechanisms of waterlogging tolerance are still elusive in barley. In this study, we identify key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential metabolites (DM) that mediate distinct waterlogging tolerance strategies in leaf and root of two barley varieties with contrasting waterlogging tolerance under different waterlogging treatments. Transcriptome profiling revealed that the response of roots was more distinct than that of leaves in both varieties, in which the number of downregulated genes in roots was 7.41-fold higher than that in leaves of waterlogging sensitive variety after 72 h of waterlogging stress. We also found the number of waterlogging stress-induced upregulated DEGs in the waterlogging tolerant variety was higher than that of the waterlogging sensitive variety in both leaves and roots in 1 h and 72 h treatment. This suggested the waterlogging tolerant variety may respond more quickly to waterlogging stress. Meanwhile, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway was identified to play critical roles in waterlogging tolerant variety by improving cell wall biogenesis and peroxidase activity through DEGs such as Peroxidase (PERs) and Cinnamoyl-CoA reductases (CCRs) to improve resistance to waterlogging. Based on metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis, we found the waterlogging tolerant variety can better alleviate the energy deficiency via higher sugar content, reduced lactate accumulation, and improved ethanol fermentation activity compared to the waterlogging sensitive variety. In summary, our results provide waterlogging tolerance strategies in barley to guide the development of elite genetic resources towards waterlogging-tolerant crop varieties.

Multi-layered effects of Panax notoginseng on immune system.

Recent research has demonstrated the immunomodulatory potential of Panax notoginseng in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases and cerebral hemorrhage, suggesting its significance in clinical practice. Nevertheless, the complex immune activity of various components has hindered a comprehensive understanding of the immune-regulating properties of Panax notoginseng, impeding its broader utilization. This review evaluates the effect of Panax notoginseng to various types of white blood cells, elucidates the underlying mechanisms, and compares the immunomodulatory effects of different Panax notoginseng active fractions, aiming to provide the theory basis for future immunomodulatory investigation.

Noninvasive Light Flicker Stimulation Promotes Optic Nerve Regeneration by Activating Microglia and Enhancing Neural Plasticity in Zebrafish.

Purpose: Forty-hertz light flicker stimulation has been proven to reduce neurodegeneration, but its effect on optic nerve regeneration is unclear. This study explores the effect of 40-Hz light flicker in promoting optic nerve regeneration in zebrafish and investigates the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Wild-type and mpeg1:EGFP zebrafish were used to establish a model of optic nerve crush. Biocytin tracing and hematoxylin and eosin staining were employed to observe whether 40-Hz light flicker promotes regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites. Optomotor and optokinetic responses were evaluated to assess recovery of visual function. Immunofluorescence staining of mpeg1:EGFP zebrafish was performed to observe changes in microglia. Differentially expressed genes that promote optic nerve regeneration following 40-Hz light flicker stimulation were identified and validated through RNA-sequencing analysis and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results: Zebrafish exhibited spontaneous optic nerve regeneration after optic nerve injury and restored visual function. We observed that 40-Hz light flicker significantly activated microglia following optic nerve injury and promoted regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites, as well as recovery of visual function. Transcriptomics and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that 40-Hz light flicker increased the expression of genes associated with neuronal plasticity, including bdnf, npas4a, fosab, fosb, egr4, and ier2a. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate that 40-Hz light flicker stimulation promotes regeneration of retinal ganglion cell axons and dendrites and recovery of visual function in zebrafish, which is associated with microglial activation and enhancement of neural plasticity.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes the osteogenesis of mechanical force-treated periodontal ligament cells via Piezo1.

Background: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) can accelerate tooth movement and preserve tooth and bone integrity during orthodontic treatment. However, the mechanisms by which LIPUS affects tissue remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) remain unclear. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) are pivotal in maintaining periodontal tissue equilibrium when subjected to mechanical stimuli. One notable mechano-sensitive ion channel, Piezo1, can modulate cellular function in response to mechanical cues. This study aimed to elucidate the involvement of Piezo1 in the osteogenic response of force-treated PDLCs when stimulated by LIPUS. Method: After establishing rat OTM models, LIPUS was used to stimulate rats locally. OTM distance and alveolar bone density were assessed using micro-computed tomography, and histological analyses included hematoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and immunohistochemical staining. GsMTx4 and Yoda1 were respectively utilized for Piezo1 functional inhibition and activation experiments in rats. We isolated human PDLCs (hPDLCs) in vitro and evaluated the effects of LIPUS on the osteogenic differentiation of force-treated hPDLCs using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red staining. Small interfering RNA and Yoda1 were employed to validate the role of Piezo1 in this process. Results: LIPUS promoted osteoclast differentiation and accelerated OTM in rats. Furthermore, LIPUS alleviated alveolar bone resorption under pressure and enhanced osteogenesis of force-treated PDLCs both in vivo and in vitro by downregulating Piezo1 expression. Subsequent administration of GsMTx4 in rats and siPIEZO1 transfection in hPDLCs attenuated the inhibitory effect on osteogenic differentiation under pressure, whereas LIPUS efficacy was partially mitigated. Yoda1 treatment inhibited osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs, resulting in reduced expression of Collagen Ⅰα1 and osteocalcin in the periodontal ligament. However, LIPUS administration was able to counteract these effects. Conclusion: This research unveils that LIPUS promotes the osteogenesis of force-treated PDLCs via downregulating Piezo1.

Computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection for hepatoblastoma in proximity to the major liver vasculature.

BACKGROUND: The management of hepatoblastoma (HB) becomes challenging when the tumor remains in close proximity to the major liver vasculature (PMV) even after a full course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). In such cases, extreme liver resection can be considered a potential option. AIM: To explore whether computer-assisted three-dimensional individualized extreme liver resection is safe and feasible for children with HB who still have PMV after a full course of NAC. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from children with HB who underwent surgical resection at our center from June 2013 to June 2023. We then analyzed the detailed clinical and three-dimensional characteristics of children with HB who still had PMV after a full course of NAC. RESULTS: Sixty-seven children diagnosed with HB underwent surgical resection. The age at diagnosis was 21.4 ± 18.8 months, and 40 boys and 27 girls were included. Fifty-nine (88.1%) patients had a single tumor, 39 (58.2%) of which was located in the right lobe of the liver. A total of 47 patients (70.1%) had PRE-TEXT III or IV. Thirty-nine patients (58.2%) underwent delayed resection. After a full course of NAC, 16 patients still had close PMV (within 1 cm in two patients, touching in 11 patients, compressing in four patients, and showing tumor thrombus in three patients). There were 6 patients of tumors in the middle lobe of the liver, and four of those patients exhibited liver anatomy variations. These 16 children underwent extreme liver resection after comprehensive preoperative evaluation. Intraoperative procedures were performed according to the preoperative plan, and the operations were successfully performed. Currently, the 3-year event-free survival of 67 children with HB is 88%. Among the 16 children who underwent extreme liver resection, three experienced recurrence, and one died due to multiple metastases. CONCLUSION: Extreme liver resection for HB that is still in close PMV after a full course of NAC is both safe and feasible. This approach not only reduces the necessity for liver transplantation but also results in a favorable prognosis. Individualized three-dimensional surgical planning is beneficial for accurate and complete resection of HB, particularly for assessing vascular involvement, remnant liver volume and anatomical variations.

Identification of the coexisting virus-derived siRNA in maize and rice infected by rice black-streaked dwarf virus.

Rice black-streaked dwarf virus is transmitted by small brown planthoppers, which causes maize rough dwarf disease and rice black-streaked dwarf disease. This virus leads to slow growth or death of the host plants. During the co-evolutionary arms race between viruses and plants, virus-derived small interfering RNAs challenge the plant's defense response and inhibit host immunity through the RNA silencing system. However, it is currently unknown if rice black-streaked dwarf virus can produce the same small interfering RNAs to mediate the RNA silencing in different infected species. In this study, four small RNA libraries and four degradome libraries were constructed by extracting total RNAs from the leaves of the maize (Zea mays) inbred line B73 and japonica rice (Oryza sativa) variety Nipponbare exposed to feeding by viruliferous and non-viruliferous small brown planthoppers. We analyzed the characteristics of small RNAs and explored virus-derived small interfering RNAs in small RNA libraries through high-throughput sequencing. On analyzing the characteristics of small RNA, we noted that the size distributions of small RNAs were mainly 24-nt (19.74%-62.00%), whereas those of virus-derived small interfering RNAs were mostly 21-nt (41.06%-41.87%) and 22-nt (39.72%-42.26%). The 5'-terminal nucleotides of virus-derived small interfering RNAs tended to be adenine or uracil. Exploring the distribution of virus-derived small interfering RNAs hot spots on the viral genome segments revealed that the frequency of hot spots in B73 was higher than those in Nipponbare. Meanwhile, hotspots in the S9 and S10 virus genome segments were distributed similarly in both hosts. In addition, the target genes of small RNA were explored by degradome sequencing. Analyses of the regulatory pathway of these target genes unveiled that viral infection affected the ribosome-related target genes in maize and target genes in metabolism and biosynthesis pathways in rice. Here, 562 and 703 virus-derived small interfering RNAs were separately obtained in maize and rice, and 73 virus-derived small interfering RNAs named as co-vsiRNAs were detected in both hosts. Stem-loop PCR and RT-qPCR confirmed that co-vsiRNA 3.1 and co-vsiRNA 3.5 derived from genome segment S3 simultaneously play a role in maize and rice and inhibited host gene expression. The study revealed that rice black-streaked dwarf virus can produce the same small interfering RNAs in different species and provides a new direction for developing the new antiviral strategies.

Electroencephalography as an objective method for assessing subjective emotions during the application of cream.

OBJECTIVE: To compare emotional responses elicited by four cosmetic products on different sensory modalities (smell, visual, and touch), and analyze the link between objective instrumental analysis results and subjective evaluation of participants occurring within dimensional valence-arousal model of emotions. METHODS: In this study, four cream products exhibiting variations in olfactory perception, visual appearance and perception usability were selected. Electroencephalography (EEG) and a subjective emotion scale were used to assess participants' emotional responses during the sensory experience of utilizing the creams. RESULTS: The study revealed that the objective emotional valence and arousal of different cream products exhibited certain variations at distinct stages of usage. The trend of valence differences induced by different products measured by EEG at the same stage was almost as same as measured by subjective evaluation. The correspondence between the valence measured by EEG closely approximated that obtained through subjective evaluation across various products at distinct stages of usage. These findings demonstrate a significant correlation between EEG-based valence and subjective valence, however, no such relationship was observed for arousal. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of using EEG as a method to assess emotions elicited by various stages of cosmetics application, including smelling, looking, rubbing, and afterfeel. This technique serves as a valuable supplement to traditional methods for examining emotional responses by providing more objective evidence.

Sustainable bioactive food packaging based on electrospun zein-polycaprolactone nanofibers integrated with aster yomena extract loaded halloysite nanotubes.

Compostable zein-polycaprolactone (PZ) electrospun nanofiber integrated with different concentrations of Aster yomena extract loaded halloysite nanotubes (A. yomena-HNT) as bioactive nanofibrous food packaging is reported. SEM micrographs reveal heterogeneous nanofibers. A. yomena extract used in the study showed weak antioxidant activity with AAI and TEAC values of 0.229 and 0.346. In vitro, release profile over 7 days of A. yomena indicates a controlled, sustained, and prolonged release. The prepared nanofibers were effective against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The prepared composite nanofibers were rendered biocompatible and nontoxic when subjected to WST-1 and LDH assay after incubating with NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. PZ-15 nanofiber packaging showed the best postharvest quality preservation in Black mulberry fruits after 4 days of storage at 25 °C and 85 % Rh. Moreover, the in vitro decomposition test reveals that the fabricated nanofibers decompose in the soil and do not pose as a threat to the environment.

PREX2 contributes to radiation resistance by inhibiting radiotherapy-induced tumor immunogenicity via cGAS/STING/IFNs pathway in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) lacks established biomarkers or molecular targets for predicting or enhancing radiation response. Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate-dependent Rac exchange factor 2 (PREX2) exhibits intricate implications in tumorigenesis and progression. Nevertheless, the precise role and underlying mechanisms of PREX2 in CRC radioresistance remain unclear. METHODS: RNA-seq was employed to identify differentially expressed genes between radioresistant CRC cell lines and their parental counterparts. PREX2 expression was scrutinized using Western blotting, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. The radioresistant role of PREX2 was assessed through in vitro colony formation assay, apoptosis assay, comet assay, and in vivo xenograft tumor models. The mechanism of PREX2 was elucidated using RNA-seq and Western blotting. Finally, a PREX2 small-molecule inhibitor, designated PREX-in1, was utilized to enhance the efficacy of ionizing radiation (IR) therapy in CRC mouse models. RESULTS: PREX2 emerged as the most significantly upregulated gene in radioresistant CRC cells. It augmented the radioresistant capacity of CRC cells and demonstrated potential as a marker for predicting radioresistance efficacy. Mechanistically, PREX2 facilitated DNA repair by upregulating DNA-PKcs, suppressing radiation-induced immunogenic cell death, and impeding CD8+ T cell infiltration through the cGAS/STING/IFNs pathway. In vivo, the blockade of PREX2 heightened the efficacy of IR therapy. CONCLUSIONS: PREX2 assumes a pivotal role in CRC radiation resistance by inhibiting the cGAS/STING/IFNs pathway, presenting itself as a potential radioresistant biomarker and therapeutic target for effectively overcoming radioresistance in CRC.

Excavating important nodes in complex networks based on the heat conduction model.

Analyzing the important nodes of complex systems by complex network theory can effectively solve the scientific bottlenecks in various aspects of these systems, and how to excavate important nodes has become a hot topic in complex network research. This paper proposes an algorithm for excavating important nodes based on the heat conduction model (HCM), which measures the importance of nodes by their output capacity. The number and importance of a node's neighbors are first used to determine its own capacity, its output capacity is then calculated based on the HCM while considering the network density, distance between nodes, and degree density of other nodes. The importance of the node is finally measured by the magnitude of the output capacity. The similarity experiments of node importance, sorting and comparison experiments of important nodes, and capability experiments of multi-node infection are conducted in nine real networks using the Susceptible-Infected-Removed model as the evaluation criteria. Further, capability experiments of multi-node infection are conducted using the Independent cascade model. The effectiveness of the HCM is demonstrated through a comparison with eight other algorithms for excavating important nodes.

Destabilization of fear memory by Rac1-driven engram-microglia communication in hippocampus.

Rac1 is a key regulator of the cytoskeleton and neuronal plasticity, and is known to play a critical role in psychological and cognitive brain disorders. To elucidate the engram specific Rac1 signaling in fear memory, a doxycycline (Dox)-dependent robust activity marking (RAM) system was used to label dorsal dentate gyrus (DG) engram cells in mice during contextual fear conditioning. Rac1 mRNA and protein levels in DG engram cells were peaked at 24 h (day 1) after fear conditioning and were more abundant in the fear engram cells than in the non-engram cells. Optogenetic activation of Rac1 in a temporal manner in DG engram cells before memory retrieval decreased the freezing level in the fear context. Optogenetic activation of Rac1 increased autophagy protein 7 (ATG7) expression in the DG engram cells and activated DG microglia. Microglia-specific transcriptomics and fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed that overexpression of ATG7 in the fear engram cells upregulated the mRNA of Toll-like receptor TLR2/4 in DG microglia. Knockdown of microglial TLR2/4 rescued fear memory destabilization induced by ATG7 overexpression or Rac1 activation in DG engram cells. These results indicate that Rac1-driven communications between engram cells and microglia contributes to contextual fear memory destabilization, and is mediated by ATG7 and TLR2/4, and suggest a novel mechanistic framework for the cytoskeletal regulator in fear memory interference.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in riverine sediments along the East China Sea: A large-scale integrated analysis.

This study comprehensively assesses spatial distribution, pollution levels, and potential sources of heavy metal(loid)s in surface sediments across multiple river systems along the coastal area of the East China Sea. Copper in Qiantang River and Xiangshan Bay showed higher concentations and exceeded the threshold effect value, while the higher content of Lead was mainly found in the Saijiang River, Oujiang River, and Minjiang River. Heavy metal(loid)s in the alluvium of Qiantang River, Jiaojiang River, and Yangtze River showed low to moderate pollution levels, with Cd posing the highest ecological risk, followed by Hg. Meanwhile, Qiantang River, Jiaojiang River, Yangtze River, and Oujiang River exhibited considerable to moderate ecological risks and low toxic risk. PMF model analysis results reveal that concentrations of Cr, Ni, and As were closely related with natural geogenic input (36.56 %), while industrial and traffic activities (48.77 %) were primary source of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Hg, and main source of Cd was agricultural emissions (14.67 %).

Phosphorus starvation response genes and function coupling: A mechanism to regulate phosphorus availability in a subtropical estuary.

Phosphorus (P) plays an important role in regulating primary production in estuarine environments. However, knowledge of the P-functional gene composition of microbial communities and the mechanisms of microbial adaptation to changes in available P in estuaries remain limited. This study coupling 16 s rDNA and metagenomics sequencing was conducted to reveal the relationship between P cycling functional genes, microbial interactions, and P availability in the Jiulong River Estuary. The results showed that the relative abundance of P cycling functions genes was highest in winter, and lowest in summer. Spatially, the total relative abundance of P cycling functions genes was higher in the riverward than that in the seaward. P cycling functional microbial interactions and P cycling gene coupling were strongest in summer and in the seaward. Changes in both temperature and salinity had significant direct and indirect effects on P cycling function, and the influence of salinity on P cycling function was greater than that on the microbial community in the estuary. Salinity had significant direct negative effects on inorganic P-solubilization (IP), organic P-mineralization (OP), and P uptake and transport functions (PT). Whereas, salinity had a significant positive effect on P-starvation response regulation (PR) function. Thus, salinity and microbial communities regulate the soluble reactive phosphate concentrations in estuarine environments by strengthening internal coupling among P cycling functions, promoting PR function, and facilitating PT gene expression. PR is the most important predictors, PR, PT, and PR-PT together explained 38.56 % of the overall soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) variation. Over 66 % of the explained SRP variations can be predicted by the PR, PT, and PR-PT functional genes. This finding improves the knowledge base of the microbial processes for P cycling and provides a foundation for eutrophication management strategies in the estuary.

Effects of Maillard reaction of different monosaccharide-modified on some functional properties of fish gelatin.

In this work, the effects of Maillard reaction of different monosaccharide-modified fish gelatin were studied. The changes of gel properties, rheology and structure of fish gelatin before and after modification were compared and analyzed, and oil-in-woter emulsions were prepared. The results showed that the five-carbon monosaccharide had stronger modification ability than the six-carbon monosaccharide, which was mainly due to the different steric hindrance of the amino acids in the nuclear layer and the outer layer to the glycosylation reaction. With the progress of the Maillard reaction, the color of fish gelatin gradually became darker. The attachment of sugar chains inhibited the gelation process of fish gelatin, decreased the gelation rate, changed the secondary structure, increased the content of ß-turn or α-helix, increased the degree of fluorescence quenching, and enhanced the emulsifying properties and emulsion stability. This study provides useful information for the preparation of different types of monosaccharide-modified proteins and emulsions.

Characterization of a novel anti-PVRIG antibody with Fc-competent function that exerts strong antitumor effects via NK activation in preclinical models.

Poliovirus receptor-related immunoglobulin domain-containing protein, or PVRIG, is a newly discovered immune checkpoint that has emerged as a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. It is primarily expressed on activated T and natural killer (NK) cells, and once engaged with its ligand, PVRL2, it induces inhibitory signaling in T cells, thereby promoting the functional exhaustion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Here, we characterized IBI352g4a, a novel humanized anti-PVRIG antibody with Fc-competent function, explored the mechanism of its antitumor activity in preclinical models, and systemically evaluated the contribution of FcrR engagement to PVRIG blockade-induced antitumor activity. IBI352g4a binds to the extracellular domain of human PVRIG with high affinity (Kd = 0.53 nM) and specificity, and fully blocks the interaction between PVRIG and its ligand PVRL2. Unlike other immune checkpoints, IBI352g4a significantly induced NK cell activation and degranulation, but had a minimal effect on T-cell activation in in vitro functional assays. IBI352g4a induced strong antitumor effect in several preclinic models, through in vivo mechanism analysis we found that both NK and T cells contribute to the antitumor effect, but NK cells play predominant roles. Specifically, a single dose of IBI352g4a induced significant NK cell activation in TILs, but T-cell activation was observed only after the second dose. Moreover, the Fc effector function is critical for both NK cell activation and treatment efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Our study, for the first time, demonstrates that both NK activation and FcrR engagement are required for antitumor efficacy induced by PVRIG blockade.

Psychometric properties of the wellbeing literacy 6-item scale in Chinese military academy cadets.

Background: Positive psychology is a vibrant field of study, and conceptualizations of the components of well-being have received a great deal of attention from researchers. The study of well-being literacy thus provides an innovative perspective for enhancing and sustaining individuals' experiences of well-being. Objective: This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the wellbeing literacy 6-item (Well-Lit 6) scale in Chinese military academy cadets. Methods: A total of 3,218 undergraduate students from five military academies in China were recruited to complete questionnaires online. Results: (1) The items of the scale showed high discrimination; (2) The alpha coefficient of the scale was 0.986 and the split-half reliability was 0.981, indicating high homogeneous reliability and split-half reliability; (3) The scale model fitted well and displayed structural validity; (4) The correlation between well-being literacy and related indicators was significant, and the calibration correlation and convergent-discriminant validity of the scale were high; (5) After gradually adding demographic variables, known predictors factors and well-being literacy, the ∆R2 for subjective well-being, life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety ranged from 0.036 to 0.067, 0.184 to 0.340, and 0.009 to 0.017, respectively, showing high incremental validity; (6) the total well-being literacy scores differed significantly by gender, grade, and parenting style. Conclusion: The Chinese version of the Well-Lit 6 is reliable and valid in predicting and accessing the subjective well-being, life satisfaction, emotion regulation, and psychological resilience of Chinese military academy cadets.

N95 respirators alter facial skin physiological functions and lipidome composition in health care personnel.

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, wearing medical respirators and masks was essential to prevent transmission. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effects of N95 mask usage by measuring facial skin biophysical characteristics and changes in the lipidome. METHODS: Sixty healthy volunteers wore N95 respirators for 3 or 6 h. Facial images were acquired and physiological parameters were measured in specific facial areas, before and after mask-wearing. Lipidome analysis was also performed. RESULTS: After N95 respirator usage, facial erythema was observed in both the 3 and 6 h groups. Both sebum secretion and trans-epidermal water loss increased significantly in mask-covered cheeks and chins after 6 h of mask wearing compared with before mask wearing (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis revealed significant differences in lipid composition after mask wearing compared with before. The ceramide subclass NS exhibited a positive correlation with stratum corneum hydration, whereas the AP subclass was negatively correlated with trans-epidermal water loss in the 6 h group. CONCLUSION: Prolonged wear of N95 respirators may impair facial skin function and alter lipidome composition.

A study on the anti-senescent effects of flavones derived from Prinsepia utilis Royle seed residue.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Prinsepia utilis Royle, also known as the Anas fruit, is a unique perennial woody oil plant from Yunnan Province, China. In the ancient texts of Dongba sutras and Yunnan Southern Materia Medica, it has been documented that the local Naxi, Tibetan, and Mosuo communities extensively utilize the root and leaf fruits of green thorns for various purposes. These include treating mild-to-moderate specific dermatitis, moisturising the skin, providing protection against UV damage, aiding childbirth in pregnant women, safeguarding stomach health, reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis, and delaying aging. AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, leftover residues from oil extraction were efficiently reused, and flavonoids were identified during subsequent extraction and separation processes. The anti-senescent effects of flavonoids in P. utilis Royle have not been systematically studied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the anti-senescent properties of the flavonoids obtained from P. utilis Royle. METHODS: First, HPLC and other analytical techniques were used to identify the components of the P. utilis Royle flavonoid (PURF). Next, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion O2-, collagenase, and elastase were initially detected using in vitro biochemical assays. To examine its antioxidant properties, a zebrafish model was used, and to confirm its anti-senescent effects, a d-galactose-induced mouse aging model was employed. The anti-senescent mechanism of PURF was examined using a natural senescence HFF model. Furthermore, the anti-senescent target was confirmed using a 3D full T-Skin™ model. RESULTS: In vitro biochemical assays demonstrated that flavones exhibited potent antioxidant activity and anti-senescent potential by inhibiting DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion O2-, collagenase, and elastase. It significantly enhanced the antioxidant effect on zebrafish while suppressing ROS and inflammatory injury, up-regulating COL1A1, COL3A1, AMPK, and mTOR gene expression and down-regulating MMP-9, TGF-ß, p21, and p16 gene expression suggesting its potential anti-senescent ability. Findings from the D-galactose-induced aging mouse model showed that PURF greatly increased SOD levels, while simultaneously decreasing HYP and MDA levels. In addition, when PURF was given to the HFF cell and 3D full T-Skin™ model, consistent trends were observed in gene and protein expression, with up-regulation of COL1A1, COL3A1, AMPK, and mTOR genes and down-regulation of TGF-ß, MMP-1, MMP-9, p21, and p16 genes. Therefore, these preliminary findings indicate that flavones can modulate AMPK/mTOR/TGF-ß signalling pathways to exert its influence. CONCLUSION: The kernel residue of natural P. utilis Royle oil extracted from Yunnan province was previously considered agricultural waste, but we successfully extracted and isolated its flavonoid components. Our preliminary studies demonstrated its potential as an environmentally friendly anti-senescent raw material.

Construction of zirconium/hafnium-oxo clusters based on a new protection-calix[8]arene.

Calix[8]arene has been used as a promising type of macrocyclic ligand for the construction of multinuclear metal-oxo clusters (MOCs), but not for zirconium/hafnium-oxo clusters (Zr/HfOCs). In this paper, we report the first series of ZrOCs (HfOCs) based on calix[8]arene: Zr4, Zr8, Hf4, and Hf8. Zr8/Hf8 has a rhombohedral conformation and can be regarded as a derivative of the octahedral Zr6 cluster. Remarkably, I2 adsorption experiments indicate that Zr4 (Zr8) adsorbs much faster than Hf4 (Hf8). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that metallic Zr atoms interact more strongly with I2 than metallic Hf atoms. The successful application of calix[8]arene for the synthesis of well-defined ZrOCs (HfOCs) shows a bright future for MOCs protected by macrocyclic ligands.