Association between cognitive function and body composition in older adults: data from NHANES (1999-2002).

Aim: To investigate the association between cognitive function and body composition in older adults. Methods: We collected data on 2080 older adults (>60 years of age) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for the years 1999-2000 and 2001-2002. Candidate variables included: demographic data (sex, age, race, education level, marital status, poverty-to-income ratio), alcohol consumption, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, total bone mineral density, and total fat mass. A logistic regression model was established to analyze the association between cognitive function and body composition in older adults. In addition, stratified logics regression analysis was performed by sex and age. Results: Bone mineral density significantly affects cognitive function in older adults (p<0.01). When examining the data according to sex, this correlation is present for women (p < 0.01). For men, though, it is not significant (p = 0.081). Stratified by age, total bone mineral density was significantly correlated with cognitive function in 60-70 and 70-80 years old people, but not in older adults older than 80 years(for 60-70 years old, p = 0.019; for 70-80 years old, p = 0.022). There was no significant correlation between total bone mineral density and cognitive function (p = 0.575). Conclusion: The decrease of total bone mineral density was significantly correlated with cognitive decline in the older adults, especially among women and older people in the 60 to 80 age group. There was no connection between total fat mass, total percent fat, total lean mass, appendicular lean mass, appendicular lean mass /BMI and cognitive function in the older adults.

A new species of Populus and the extensive hybrid speciation arising from it on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

While the diversity of species formation is broadly acknowledged, significant debate exists regarding the universal nature of hybrid species formation. Through an 18-year comprehensive study of all Populus species on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, 23 previously recorded species and 8 new species were identified. Based on morphological characteristics, these can be classified into three groups: species in section Leucoides, species with large leaves, and species with small leaves in section Tacamahaca. By conducting whole-genome re-sequencing of 150 genotypes from these 31 species, 2.28 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing these SNPs not only revealed a highly intricate evolutionary network within the large-leaf species of section Tacamahaca but also confirmed that a new species, P. curviserrata, naturally hybridized with P. cathayana, P. szechuanica, and P. ciliata, resulting in 11 hybrid species. These findings indicate the widespread occurrence of hybrid species formation within this genus, with hybridization serving as a key evolutionary mechanism for Populus on the plateau. A novel hypothesis, "Hybrid Species Exterminating Their Ancestral Species (HSEAS)," is introduced to explain the mechanisms of hybrid species formation at three different scales: the entire plateau, the southeastern mountain region, and individual river valleys.

Identification and variation analysis of the composition and content of essential oil and fragrance compounds in Phoebe zhennan wood at different tree ages.

Wood essential oil and wood products with special fragrances are high value-added forest products. Despite the availability of essential oil and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Phoebe zhennan wood, their variation and dependence on tree age have not been examined. After essential oil extraction and wood processing, the yields and compositions of essential oils and VOCs in wood from P. zhennan trees of different ages (10a, 30a, and 80a) were determined. The yield of essential oil from 30a wood was significantly greater than that from 10a and 80a wood. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed 672 and 41 volatile compounds, respectively, in the essential oil and wood, the majority of which exhibited large fluctuations in relative content and composition depending on tree age. Sesquiterpenoids, fatty acids and conjugates may greatly contribute to the main components of essential oil from wood. Almost all major sesquiterpenoid compounds, such as caryophyllene α-oxide, eudesmo, and cubebene, were identified in the essential oils from the 30a and 80a wood, and their relative contents were much greater than those in the 10a wood. The main components of the wood fragrance were sesquiterpenoids. The types and relative contents of sesquiterpenoids from wood increased with tree age. These results suggest that choosing wood from trees of a suitable age will significantly improve the efficiency of wood utilization.

Tabersonine Induces the Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma In vitro and In vivo.

BACKGROUND: Tabersonine, a natural indole alkaloid derived from Apocynaceae plants, exhibits antiinflammatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, among other pharmacological effects. However, its anti-tumor properties and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain underexplored. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of tabersonine and its mechanisms in inducing apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of tabersonine on the viability and proliferation of liver cancer cells were evaluated using MTT assay and colony formation assay. AO/EB, Hoechst, and Annexin V-FITC/ PI staining techniques were employed to observe cell damage and apoptosis. JC-1 staining was used to detect changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis was conducted to study the anti-tumor mechanism of tabersonine on liver cancer cells. Additionally, a xenograft model using mice hepatoma HepG2 cells was established to assess the anti-tumor potency of tabersonine in vivo. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Our findings revealed that tabersonine significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation, inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells. Treatment with tabersonine inhibited Akt phosphorylation, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, promoted cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, and increased the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2. These findings suggested that tabersonine induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, tabersonine treatment activated the death receptor pathway of apoptosis. In vivo studies demonstrated that tabersonine significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to demonstrate that tabersonine induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells through both mitochondrial and death receptor apoptotic pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent candidate for hepatic cancer.

Interspecific variations in growth, physiology and Cd accumulation between Populus deltoides and P. × canadensis in response to Cd pollution under two soil types.

Both acid and alkaline purple soils in China are increasingly affected by Cd contamination. The selection of fast-growing trees suitable for remediating different soil types is urgent, yet there is a severe lack of relevant knowledge. In this study, we conducted a controlled pot experiment to compare the growth, physiology, and Cd accumulation efficiency of two widely recognized poplar species, namely Populus deltoides and P. × canadensis, under Cd contamination (1 mg kg-1) in acid and alkaline purple soils. The objective was to determine which poplar species is best suited for remediating different soil types. Our findings are as follows: (1) the total biomass of both poplars remained largely unaffected by Cd pollution in both soil types. Notably, under Cd pollution, the total biomass of P. deltoides in acid purple soil was 1.53 times greater than that in alkaline purple soil. (2) Cd pollution did not significantly induce oxidative damage in the leaves of either poplar species in both soil types. However, in acid purple soil, Cd contamination led to a 21% increase in NO3- concentration and a 44% increase in NH4+ concentration in P. × canadensis leaves, whereas in alkaline purple soil, it led to a 59% increase in NH4+ concentration in P. deltoides leaves. (3) Cd concentrations in all root orders of P. × canadensis were significantly higher than those in P. deltoides, especially in the first three root orders, under alkaline purple soil. The total Cd accumulation by P. × canadensis in Cd-polluted alkaline purple soil was 2.18 times higher than that in Cd-polluted acid purple soil, a difference not observed in P. deltoides. (4) redundancy analysis indicated that the sequestration effect of higher soil organic matter on Cd availability in acid purple soil was more pronounced than the release effects caused by lower pH. In conclusion, P. × canadensis is better suited for remediating alkaline purple soil due to its higher capacity for Cd uptake, while P. deltoides is more suitable for remediating Cd-contaminated acid purple soil due to its better growth conditions and greater Cd enrichment capability.

A model of hybrid speciation process drawn from three new poplar species originating from distant hybridization between sections.

Although numerous studies have been conducted on hybrid speciation, our understanding of this process remains limited. Through an 18-year systematic investigation of all taxa of Populus on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, we discovered three new taxa with clear characteristics of sect. Leucoides. Further evidence was gathered from morphology, whole-genome bioinformatics, biogeography, and breeding to demonstrate synthetically that they all originated from distant hybridization between sect. Leucoides and sect. Tacamahaca. P. gonggaensis originated from the hybridization of P. lasiocarpa with P. cathayana, P. butuoensis from the hybridization of P. wilsonii with P. szechuanica, and P. dafengensis from the hybridization of P. lasiocarpa with P. szechuanica. Due to heterosis, the three hybrid taxa possess greater ecological adaptability than their ancestral species. We propose a hybrid speciation process model that incorporates orthogonal, reverse, and backcrossing events. This model can adequately explain some crucial evolutionary concerns, such as the nuclear-cytoplasmic conflict on phylogeny and the extinction of ancestral species within the distribution range of hybrid species.

Comparative Metabolomics and Transcriptome Analysis Reveal the Fragrance-Related Metabolite Formation in Phoebe zhennan Wood.

Nanmu (Phoebe zhennan) has a unique fragrance and is a high-quality tree species for forest conservation. The types and contents of volatile compounds in different tissues of nanmu wood are different, and the study of its volatile metabolites can help us to understand the source of its fragrance and functions. In order to explore the metabolites related to the wood fragrance of nanmu and to find out the unique volatile substances in the heartwood, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to analyze the non-targeted metabolomics in five radial tissues from the sapwood to the heartwood of nanmu. A total of 53 volatile metabolites belonging to 11 classes were detected in all tissues, including terpenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, organoheterocyclics, phenols, esters, organic acids, alcohols, alkaloids, alkane, indoles derivatives, and others. And most of the volatile metabolites were identified for the first time in nanmu wood. Among them, terpenes and aromatic hydrocarbons were the main volatile components. In addition, 22 differential metabolites were screened from HW and SW, HW, and TZ via metabolomic analysis. Among these DAMs, three volatile metabolites (cadinene, a sesquiterpenoid; p-cymene, a monoterpenoid; 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene, an aromatic hydrocarbon) contributed heavily to the characteristic fragrance of the heartwood. Additionally, the expression of transcripts showed that the unigenes in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway were especially up-regulated in the SW. Therefore, we speculated that fragrance-related metabolites were synthesized in SW and then deposited in heartwood during sapwood transformed to heartwood. The expression levels of transcription factors (e.g., WRKY, C2H2, NAC) acted as the major regulatory factors in the synthesis of terpenoid. The results lay the foundations for further studies on the formation mechanism of fragrance components in nanmu wood and also provide a reference for the further development and utilization of nanmu wood.

Chinese expert consensus on the construction of the fluoroless cardiac electrophysiology laboratory and related techniques.

Transcatheter radiofrequency ablation has been widely introduced for the treatment of tachyarrhythmias. The demand for catheter ablation continues to grow rapidly as the level of recommendation for catheter ablation. Traditional catheter ablation is performed under the guidance of X-rays. X-rays can help display the heart contour and catheter position, but the radiobiological effects caused by ionizing radiation and the occupational injuries worn caused by medical staff wearing heavy protective equipment cannot be ignored. Three-dimensional mapping system and intracardiac echocardiography can provide detailed anatomical and electrical information during cardiac electrophysiological study and ablation procedure, and can also greatly reduce or avoid the use of X-rays. In recent years, fluoroless catheter ablation technique has been well demonstrated for most arrhythmic diseases. Several centers have reported performing procedures in a purposefully designed fluoroless electrophysiology catheterization laboratory (EP Lab) without fixed digital subtraction angiography equipment. In view of the lack of relevant standardized configurations and operating procedures, this expert task force has written this consensus statement in combination with relevant research and experience from China and abroad, with the aim of providing guidance for hospitals (institutions) and physicians intending to build a fluoroless cardiac EP Lab, implement relevant technologies, promote the standardized construction of the fluoroless cardiac EP Lab.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for cerebellar ataxia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can manage cerebellar ataxia (CA) by suppressing cerebral cortical excitability. Hence, this study aimed to summarize the efficacy and safety of rTMS for CA patients by meta-analysis. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for eligible studies published till 20 May 2023. Weighted mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the effect of rTMS treatment. Additionally, the quality of the included studies and the risk of bias were evaluated using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Overall, eight studies involving 278 CA patients were included in this meta-analysis. rTMS could significantly improve the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) (MD: -2.00; 95% CI: -3.97 to -0.02, p = 0.05), International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) (MD: -3.96; 95% CI: -5.51 to -2.40, p < 0.00001), Timed Up-and-Go test (TUG) (MD: -1.54; 95% CI: -2.24 to -0.84, p < 0.0001), 10-m walk test (10 MWT) (MD10-m steps: -2.44; 95% CI: -4.14 to -0.73, p = 0.005), and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) (MD: 2.59; 95% CI: 1.15-4.03, p = 0.0004) as compared to sham stimulation. Active rTMS was not significantly different from sham rTMS in changing the duration (MD10-m time: -1.29; 95% CI: -7.98 to 5.41, p = 0.71). No severe adverse events were observed in both sham stimulation and active rTMS groups. Conclusion: This meta-analysis provides limited evidence that rTMS may be beneficial in treating CA patients. However, these findings should be treated with caution due to the limitations of the smaller sample size and the inconsistent approach and target of rTMS treatment. Therefore, more large-scale RCTs are required to further validate our analytical findings. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=295726, identifier: CRD42022295726.

Drought stress-mediated differences in phyllosphere microbiome and associated pathogen resistance between male and female poplars.

Phyllosphere-associated microbes play a crucial role in plant-pathogen interactions while their composition and diversity are strongly influenced by drought stress. As dioecious plant species exhibited secondary dimorphism between the two sexes in response to drought stress, whether such difference will lead to sex-specific differences in phyllosphere microbiome and associated pathogen resistance between male and female conspecifics is still unknown. In this study, we subjected female and male full siblings of a dioecious poplar species to a short period of drought treatment followed by artificial infection of a leaf pathogenic fungus. Our results showed that male plants grew better than females with or without drought stress. Female control plants had more leaf lesion area than males after pathogen infection, whereas drought stress reversed such a difference. Further correlation and in vitro toxicity tests suggested that drought-mediated sexual differences in pathogen resistance between the two plant sexes could be attributed to the shifts in structure and function of phyllosphere-associated microbiome rather than the amount of leaf main defensive chemicals contained in plant leaves. Supportively, the microbiome analysis through high-throughput sequencing indicated that female phyllosphere enriched a higher abundance of ecologically beneficial microbes that serve as biological plant protectants, while males harbored abundant phytopathogens under drought-stressed conditions. The results could provide potential implications for the selection of suitable poplar sex to plants in drought or semi-drought habitats.

Effective Therapeutic Verification of Crocin I, Geniposide, and Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus In Vivo and In Vitro.

For many centuries, Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides Ellis) was highly valued as a food homologous Chinese herbal medicine with various bioactive compounds, including crocin I and geniposide. However, the functional mechanism underlying the hypoglycemic effect of gardenia is absent in the literature. To evaluate the effect of gardenia and its different extracts on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in in vivo and in vitro experiments, the dried gardenia powder was extracted using 60% ethanol and eluted at different ethanol concentrations to obtain the corresponding purified fragments. After that, the active chemical compositions of the different purified gardenia fragments were analyzed using HPLC. Then, the hypoglycemic effects of the different purified gardenia fragments were compared using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Finally, the different extracts were characterized using UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS and the mass spectrometric fragmentation pathway of the two main compounds, geniposide and crocin I, were identified. The experimental results indicated that the inhibitory effect of the 40% EGJ (crocin I) on the α-glucosidase was better than the 20% EGJ (geniposide) in vitro. However, the inhibitory effect of geniposide on T2DM was better than crocin I in the animal experiments. The different results in vivo and in vitro presumed potentially different mechanisms between crocin I and geniposide on T2DM. This research demonstrated that the mechanism of hypoglycemia in vivo from geniposide is not only one target of the α-glucosidase but provides the experimental background for crocin I and the geniposide deep processing and utilization.

Superior improvement on soil quality by Pennisetum sinese vegetation restoration in the dry-hot valley region, SW China.

Vegetation restoration is a good way to improve soil quality and reduce erosion. However, the impact of vegetation restoration on soil quality in the dry-hot valley region has been overlooked for many years. This study aimed to reveal the effects of Pennisetum sinese (PS) and natural vegetation (NV) on soil quality and then to explore the feasibility of introducing PS for the vegetation restoration of the dry-hot valley region. The PS and NV restoration areas deserted land evolving from cultivated land (CL) have been established since 2011. The results showed that the soil properties were obviously improved by PS from the dry to wet seasons, except for the soil available phosphorous. The comprehensive soil quality indexes of the three typical seasons (dry, dry-wet, and wet) were determined by using nonlinear weighted additive (NLWA) based on the total dataset, significant dataset and minimum dataset (MDS). The results indicated that the comprehensive minimum dataset soil quality index (MDS-SQI) of the three typical seasons evaluate soil quality well. The soil quality of PS was significantly greater than that of CL and NV (P < 0.05), as shown by the MDS-SQI. Additionally, PS could maintain a stable soil quality in the three typical seasons, while both CL and NV had obvious fluctuations. In addition, the result of the generalized linear mode suggested that the vegetation type had the greatest impact on the soil quality (44.51 %). Comprehensively, vegetation restoration in the dry-hot valley region has a positive impact on the soil properties and quality. PS is a great candidate species for the early vegetation restoration in the dry-hot valley region. This work provides a reference for vegetation restoration and rational utilization of soil resources in degraded ecosystems in dry-hot valleys and other soil erosion areas.

Variations and patterns of C and N stoichiometry in the first five root branch orders across 218 woody plant species.

Despite the vital role in carbon (C) sequestration and nutrient retention, variations and patterns in root C and nitrogen (N) stoichiometry of the first five root orders across woody plant species remains unclear. We compiled a dataset to explore variations and patterns of root C and N stoichiometry in the first five orders of 218 woody plant species. Across the five orders, root N concentrations were greater in deciduous, broadleaf, and arbuscular mycorrhizal species than in evergreen, coniferous species, and ectomycorrhizal association species, respectively. Contrasting trends were found for root C : N ratios. Most root branch orders showed clear latitudinal and altitudinal trends in root C and N stoichiometry. There were opposite patterns in N concentrations between latitude and altitude. Such variations were mainly driven by plant species, and climatic factors together. Our results indicate divergent C and N use strategies among plant types and convergence and divergence in the patterns of C and N stoichiometry between latitude and altitude across the first five root orders. These findings provide important data on the root economics spectrum and biogeochemical models to improve understanding and prediction of climate change effects on C and nutrient dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems.

Integrating physiological and transcriptome analyses clarified the molecular regulation mechanism of PyWRKY48 in poplar under cadmium stress.

WRKY transcription factors (TFs) play an important role in regulating plant growth and responses to environmental stress. However, the molecular mechanism of WRKY to cadmium (Cd) stress is unclear, which prevents phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil from widely application. To determine the underlying mechanism, PyWRKY48-overexpressing poplars were obtained (OE-32 and OE-67) to study the Cd tolerance and accumulation in poplars. Results showed that the Cd content in the aboveground part of the two transgenic poplar lines were 1.57 and 1.99 times higher than that of wild type (WT), and lateral roots, GSH, PCs content and GST activity increased significantly. RNA-seq. data about transgenic and WT poplars revealed that 2074 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in roots, 4325 in leaves, and 499 in both tissues. And these DEGs were mainly concentrated in ABC transport protein (PaABC), heavy-metal binding protein (PaHIPP), and transportation and loading of xylem (PaNPF, PaBSP) proteins, and they enhanced Cd accumulation. Meanwhile, PyWRKY48 increased the Cd tolerance of transgenic poplars by up-regulating the expression of PaGRP, PaPER and PaPHOS, which encode cell wall proteins, antioxidant enzyme, and heavy metal-associated proteins, respectively. In addition, overexpression PyWRKY48 promoted poplar growth by increasing the chlorophyll and carotenoid content. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: This study generated PyWRKY48-overexpressing poplars and functionally verified them in Cd-contaminated soil, to analyze the effects of the gene on poplar growth, Cd tolerance and Cd accumulation. RNA seq. data revealed that several genes are involved in Cd exposure. This may provide a strong molecular basis and new ideas for improving the phytoremediation efficiency of Cd-contaminated soils. Importantly, the transgenic poplars grew better and accumulated more Cd than the wild-type. Therefore, PyWRKY48-overexpressing poplars could be considered useful for mitigating environmental pollution.

The effect of enterprise financialization on green innovation: evidence from Chinese A-share non-financial listed enterprises.

The financialization of entity enterprises brings both benefits and risks for economic development. In the context of green economy transformation, exploring the impact of enterprise financialization on green innovation deserves more focus. This paper takes the A-share non-financial listed companies from 2007 to 2021 as the research sample to examine how corporate financialization affects green innovation. The results reveal that the enterprise financialization is negatively associated with green innovation, which is more significant for the short-term financialization. Further analysis shows that external supervision governance (institutional investors and analysts' attention) can alleviate the hindering effect of corporate financialization on green innovation. The mechanism tests confirm that enterprise financialization prevents enterprise green innovation by increasing enterprise risk-taking level and reducing R&D investment (capital input and labor input). Heterogeneity analysis reports that higher consumer eco-friendly preference and consumption level can ease the hindering effect of corporate financialization on corporate green innovation. This paper can provide inspiration for enterprises to reasonably arrange asset investment and how to stimulate enterprises' enthusiasm for green innovation, thus powering the green development of the real economy.

The Impact of Interactive Control in Budget Management on Innovation Performance of Enterprises: From the Perspective of Manager Role Stress.

This study aimed to study the influence of the interactive budget on enterprise innovation performance from the perspective of managerial psychology, and to examine the mediating effect of managers' stress and the moderating effect of environmental turbulence in this influence. The study collected 228 managers' data in the Yangtze River Delta region of China through online questionnaires; the structural equation model is constructed by IBM SPSS Amos 24.0, and the data is analyzed by Mplus 7.4 and IBM SPSS 23.0. The results showed that: (1) an interactive budget positively affects enterprise innovation performance; (2) the role stress of managers plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between an interactive budget and enterprise innovation performance; (3) environmental turbulence positively moderates the relationship between the interactive budget and enterprise innovation performance; and (4) the positive effect of the interactive budget on enterprise innovation performance is more significant in enterprises with a high proportion of female managers, and the negative effect on the role stress of managers is more significant in high-tech enterprises. In theory, the results enrich the research on the impact of an interactive budget on individual managers' psychology, and further reveals the "black box" of the impact of an interactive budget on enterprise innovation performance; in practice, the results make enterprises attach importance to the influence of control environments on the psychological health of managers, and provides a reference for enterprises to use control methods rationally to promote innovation in budget management.

Soil cadmium stress affects the phyllosphere microbiome and associated pathogen resistance differently in male and female poplars.

Microorganisms associated with the phyllosphere play a crucial role in protecting plants from diseases, and their composition and diversity are strongly influenced by heavy metal contaminants. Dioecious plants are known to exhibit sexual dimorphism in metal accumulation and tolerance between male and female individuals. Hence, in this study we used male and female full-siblings of Populus deltoides to investigate whether the two sexes present differences in their phyllosphere microbiome structures and in their associated resistance to the leaf pathogenic fungus Pestalotiopsis microspora after exposure to excess soil cadmium (Cd). We found that Cd-treated male plants grew better and accumulated more leaf Cd than females. Cd stress reduced the lesion areas on leaves of both sexes after pathogen infection, but male plants exhibited better resistance than females. More importantly, Cd exposure differentially altered the structure and function of the phyllosphere microbiomes between the male and female plants, with more abundant ecologically beneficial microbes and decreased pathogenic fungal taxa harbored by male plants. In vitro toxicity tests suggested that the sexual difference in pathogen resistance could be attribute to both direct Cd toxicity and indirect shifts in the phyllosphere microbiome. This study provides new information relevant for understanding the underlying mechanisms of the effects of heavy metals involved in plant-pathogen interactions.

The effects of fertility and synchronization variation on seed production in two Chinese fir clonal seed orchards.

Variations in fertility and synchronization information is fundamental to seed orchard management. Our objective was to determine clonal variation and stability in strobili production, phenology, synchronization, and seed production in two generation clonal seed orchards (CSO) of Chinese fir. The number of female and male strobili and the phenology of 42 clones in both the 2.0- and 2.5-generation clonal seed orchards were investigated and recorded to calculate the variation and stability of fertility and synchronization. In both seed orchards, an obvious variation in gamete contribution was found among clones, indicating deviation from random mating. Female receptivity was in the pollen shedding stage, which is favorable to pollination. However, low synchronization (mean POij = 0.283) between clones indicated low overlap between female receptivity and pollen shedding. A higher POij value within clones than within outcrossing combinations indicated a high risk of selfing in two seed orchards, particularly for early- and late-flowering clones. The number of female strobili and POij (as female) significantly influence seed production. Overall, fertility and synchronization variation had notable consequences for seed production. Scientific genetic management is indispensable for promoting fertility uniformity and synchronization to obtain maximal genetic gain.

Integrated Transcriptomic, Metabolomic, and Physiological Analyses Reveal New Insights into Fragrance Formation in the Heartwood of Phoebe hui.

Phoebe hui is an extremely valuable tree that is the main source of the fragrant golden-thread nanmu wood. Although the fragrance of wood has been investigated in several trees, the potential substances and gene regulation mechanisms that are involved in fragrance formation are poorly understood. Here, three radial tissues, sapwood (SW), heartwood (HW), and the transition zone (TZ) in between them, were compared via integrative physiological, volatile-metabolomic, and transcriptomic analyses to identify the key metabolites and regulatory mechanisms involved in fragrance formation. During heartwood formation, gradual starch grain loss was accompanied by the deposition of lipids and extractives in the cell lumen. Extracts of terpenoids were synthesized and accumulated in the heartwood, including monoterpenoids (limonene and p-cymene) and sesquiterpenes (cubebene and guaiadiene); these were identified as being closely related to the special fragrance of the wood. Additionally, the expression of transcripts showed that the genes related to primary metabolism were specifically upregulated in the SW, whereas genes annotated in terpenoid biosynthesis were specifically upregulated in the HW. Therefore, we speculated that terpenoid biosynthesis occurs in situ in the HW via the HW formation model of Type-III (Santalum) using the precursors that were produced by primary metabolism in the SW. The expression levels of transcription factors (e.g., MYB, WRKY, and C2H2) acted as the major regulatory factors in the synthesis of terpenoids. Our results explain the special fragrance in P. hui and broaden the current knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of fragrance formation. This work provides a framework for future research that is focused on improving wood quality and value.

Integrative Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Mechanism of Specific Color Formation in Phoebe zhennan Heartwood.

Nanmu (Phoebe zhennan) is an extremely valuable tree plant that is the main source of famous "golden-thread nanmu" wood. The potential metabolites and gene regulation mechanisms involved in golden thread formation are poorly understood, even though the color change from sapwood to heartwood has been investigated in several tree plants. Here, five radial tissues from sapwood to heartwood were compared via integrative metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis to reveal the secondary metabolites and molecular mechanisms involved in golden thread formation. During heartwood formation, gradual starch grain loss is accompanied by the cell lumen deposition of lipids and color-related extractives. Extractives of 20 phenylpropanoids accumulated in heartwood, including cinnamic acids and derivatives, coumarin acid derivatives, and flavonoids, which were identified as being closely related to the golden thread. Phenylpropanoids co-occurring with abundant accumulated metabolites of prenol lipids, fatty acyls, steroids, and steroid derivatives may greatly contribute to the characteristics of golden thread formation. Additionally, the expression of nine genes whose products catalyze phenylpropanoid and flavonoids biosynthesis was upregulated in the transition zone, then accumulated and used to color the heartwood. The expression levels of transcription factors (e.g., MYB, bHLH, and WRKY) that act as the major regulatory factors in the synthesis and deposition of phenylpropanoid and flavonoids responsible for golden thread formation were also higher than in sapwood. Our results not only explain golden thread formation in nanmu, but also broaden current knowledge of special wood color formation mechanisms. This work provides a framework for future research focused on improving wood color.