Multilayer regulatory landscape and new regulators identification for bud dormancy release and bud break in Populus.

For trees originating from boreal and temperate regions, the dormancy-to-active transition, also known as bud dormancy release and bud break, are crucial processes that allow trees to reactive growth in the spring. The molecular mechanisms underlying these two processes remain poorly understood. Here, through integrative multiomics analysis of the transcriptome, DNA methylome, and proteome, we gained insights into the reprogrammed cellular processes associated with bud dormancy release and bud break. Our findings revealed multilayer regulatory landscapes governing bud dormancy release and bud break regulation, providing a valuable reference framework for future functional studies. Based on the multiomics analysis, we have determined a novel long intergenic noncoding RNA named Phenology Responsive Intergenic lncRNA 1 (PRIR1) plays a role in the activation of bud break. that the molecular mechanism of PRIR1 has been preliminary explored, and it may partially promote bud break by activating its neighbouring gene, EXORDIUM LIKE 5 (PtEXL5), which has also been genetically confirmed as an activator for bud break. This study has revealed a lncRNA-mediated regulatory mechanism for the control of bud break in Populus, operating independently of known regulatory pathways.

Association of composite dietary antioxidant index with prevalence of stroke: insights from NHANES 1999-2018.

Background: There is a growing acknowledgment of the potential influence of antioxidative effects resulting from dietary decisions on the occurrence of stroke. The objective of this study was to elucidate the correlation between the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and the incidence of stroke in the general population of the United States. Methods: We gathered cross-sectional data encompassing 40,320 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning the years 1999 to 2018. Employing weighted multivariate logistic regression, we assessed the correlation between CDAI and stroke, while also investigating potential nonlinear relationships through restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression. Further, the intake of CDAI components were then incorporated into a predictive nomogram model, subsequently evaluated for its discriminatory prowess in stroke risk assessment using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Post-adjustment for confounding variables, we found that higher CDAI score were associated with a decreased risk of stroke, the odds ratio (OR) [95% CI] of CDAI associating with prevalence was 0.96 [0.94-0.98] (P< 0.001). Moreover, the adjusted OR [95% CI] for stroke across ascending CDAI quartiles stood at 0.90 [0.74-1.09], 0.74 [0.60-0.91], and 0.61 [0.50-0.76] compared to the reference quartile, respectively. The RCS analysis indicated a nonlinear yet negative correlation between CDAI and stroke. The nomogram model, constructed based the intake of antioxidants, exhibited a significant predictive capacity for stroke risk, boasting an area under the curve (AUC) of 77.4% (76.3%-78.5%). Conclusion: Our investigation ascertained a nonlinear negative relationship between CDAI and stroke within the broader American population. However, given the inherent limitations of the cross-sectional design, further comprehensive research is imperative to establish the causative nature of this association.

Cortical Sulcal Abnormalities Revealed by Sulcal Morphometry in Patients with Chronic and Episodic Migraine.

Purpose: Previous studies have reported mixed results regarding the importance of cortical abnormalities in patients with migraines. However, cortical sulci, as a component of the cerebral cortex, have not been specifically investigated in migraine patients. Therefore, we aim to evaluate alterations in cortical sulcal morphology among patients with chronic migraine (CM), episodic migraine (EM), and healthy controls (HCs). Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, structural magnetic resonance images were acquired from 35 patients with CM, 35 with EM, and 35 HCs. Cortical sulci were identified and reconstructed using the BrainVisa 5.0.4 software. We focused on regions involved in pain processing in which abnormal cortical structure were identified in previous neuroimaging studies. Morphometric analysis was performed to calculate sulcal parameters including mean depth, cortical thickness, and opening width. Partial correlation analyses of clinical characteristics and sulcal parameters were performed for CM, EM and the combined migraine (CM + EM) groups. Results: In comparison with HCs, both CM and EM groups showed increased opening width in bilateral insula. In comparison with HC and EM groups, CM patients showed increased cortical thickness in bilateral superior postcentral sulcus, bilateral median frontal sulcus and left superior parietal sulcus, as well as increased mean depth in the left anterior callosomarginal fissure and decreased mean depth in bilateral superior frontal sulcus and left median frontal sulcus. Migraine frequency and disease duration were both correlated with cortical thickness in bilateral superior postcentral sulcus. Conclusion: Abnormal sulcal morphometry primarily affected areas associated with pain processing in patients with migraine, with CM exhibiting more extensive abnormalities in areas related to sensory and affective processing. These changes may contribute to understanding the pathology of EM and CM.

Multiplex gene editing reveals cucumber MILDEW RESISTANCE LOCUS O family roles in powdery mildew resistance.

Powdery mildew (PM) is one of the most widespread and prevalent diseases that affects a wide range of crops. In cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), previous forward genetic studies have identified MILDEW RESISTANCE LOCUS O 8 (CsMLO8) as necessary but alone insufficient for cucumber PM resistance, and suggested the involvement of other members of the CsMLO family. However, the function of other CsMLO family members in cucumber remains largely unknown. Here, we developed a highly efficient multiplex gene editing system in cucumber to generate a series of Csmlo mutants from all the 13 family members. Systematic analysis of these mutants revealed growth effects of these CsMLO family members on development and PM resistance. Importantly, we obtained the Csmlo1/8/11 triple mutant with complete resistance to PM. Transcriptome and proteome analysis of PM-resistant Csmlo mutants suggested that the kinesin-like calmodulin-binding protein (KCBP)-interacting Ca2+-binding protein (CsKIC), calmodulin-like protein 28 (CsCML28) and Ca2+-dependent protein kinase 11 (CsCPK11)-mediated calcium signaling pathway is involved in PM resistance. CsMLO8 interacted directly with CsKIC, and the simultaneous silencing of both genes resulted in a phenotype that resembled the silencing of CsKIC alone. Silencing CsCML28 and CsCPK11 increased susceptibility to PM, whereas overexpressing CsCPK11 through genetic transformation enhanced cucumber's PM resistance, demonstrating their positive regulatory roles in PM resistance. Given the importance of PM resistance for cucurbit crops, this research provides unprecedented insights into the function of the proteins encoded by the CsMLO gene family as well as the plant defense response to PM pathogen.

Advancements in investigating the role of cerebral small vein loss in Alzheimer's disease-related pathological changes.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the prevailing type of dementia in the elderly, yet a comprehensive comprehension of its precise underlying mechanisms remains elusive. The investigation of the involvement of cerebral small veins in the advancement of AD has yet to be sufficiently explored in previous studies, primarily due to constraints associated with pathological staining techniques. However, recent research has provided valuable insights into multiple pathophysiological occurrences concerning cerebral small veins in AD, which may manifest sequentially, concurrently, or in a self-perpetuating manner. These events are presumed to be among the initial processes in the disease's progression. The impact of cerebral small vein loss on amyloid beta (Aß) clearance through the glial lymphatic system is noteworthy. There exists a potential interdependence between collagen deposition and Aß deposition in cerebral small veins. The compromised functionality of cerebral small veins can result in decreased cerebral perfusion pressure, potentially leading to cerebral tissue ischemia and edema. Additionally, the reduction of cerebral small veins may facilitate the infiltration of inflammatory factors into the brain parenchyma, thereby eliciting neuroinflammatory responses. Susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) is a valuable modality for the efficient assessment of cerebral small veins, precisely the deep medullary vein (DMV), and holds promise for the identification of precise and reliable imaging biomarkers for AD. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the current advancements and obstacles to the impairment of cerebral small veins in AD. Additionally, we emphasize future research avenues and the importance of conducting further investigations in this domain.

OsFBN7-OsKAS I module promotes formation of plastoglobules clusters in rice chloroplasts.

Plastoglobules (PGs) contiguous with the outer leaflets of thylakoid membranes regulate lipid metabolism, plastid developmental transitions, and responses to environmental stimuli. However, the function of OsFBN7, a PG-core fibrillin gene in rice, has not been elucidated. Using molecular genetics and physiobiochemical approaches, we observed that OsFBN7 overexpression promoted PG clustering in rice chloroplasts. OsFBN7 interacted with two KAS I enzymes, namely OsKAS Ia and OsKAS Ib, in rice chloroplasts. Lipidomic analysis of chloroplast subcompartments, including PGs in the OsFBN7 overexpression lines, confirmed that levels of diacylglycerol (DAG), a chloroplast lipid precursor and monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), the main chloroplast membrane lipids, were increased in PGs and chloroplasts. Furthermore, OsFBN7 enhanced the abundances of OsKAS Ia/Ib in planta and their stability under oxidative and heat stresses. In addition, RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses showed that the expression of the DAG synthetase gene PAP1 and MGDG synthase gene MDG2 was upregulated by OsFBN7. In conclusion, this study proposes a new model in which OsFBN7 binds to OsKAS Ia/Ib in chloroplast and enhances their abundance and stability, thereby regulating the chloroplast and PG membrane lipids involved in the formation of PG clusters.

Using dual-task gait to recognize Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Gait is a potential diagnostic tool for detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, little attention has been paid to arm movements during walking, and there is currently no consensus on gait asymmetry. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether arm motion and gait asymmetry could be utilized for identifying MCI and AD. Methods: In total, 102 middle-aged and elderly individuals were included in the final analysis and were assigned to the following three groups: AD (n = 27), MCI (n = 35), and a normal control group (n = 40). Gait and cognitive assessments were conducted for all participants. Gait detection included a single-task gait with free-speed walking and a dual-task gait with adding a cognitive task of successive minus seven to walking. Original gait parameters were collected using a wearable device featuring the MATRIX system 2.0. Gait parameters were shortened to several main gait domains through factor analysis using principal component extraction with varimax rotation. Subsequently, the extracted gait domains were used to differentiate the three groups, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated. Results: Factor analysis of single-task gait identified five independent gait domains: rhythm symmetry, rhythm, pace asymmetry, arm motion, and variability. Factor analysis of the dual-task gait identified four gait domains: rhythm, variability, symmetry, and arm motion. During single-task walking, pace asymmetry was negatively correlated with MoCA scores and could distinguish between the AD group and the other two groups. Arm motion was not associated with MoCA scores, and did not exhibit adequate discrimination in either task. Conclusion: Currently, there is no reliable evidence suggesting that arm motion can be used to recognize AD or MCI. Gait asymmetry can serve as a potential gait marker for the auxiliary diagnosis of AD but not for MCI.

Transcriptome-wide identification of NAC (no apical meristem/Arabidopsis transcription activation factor/cup-shaped cotyledon) transcription factors potentially involved in salt stress response in garlic.

Soil salinity has been an increasing problem worldwide endangering crop production and human food security. It is an ideal strategy to excavate stress resistant genes and develop salt tolerant crops. NAC (no apical meristem/Arabidopsis transcription activation factor/cup-shaped cotyledon) transcription factors have been demonstrated to be involved in salt stress response. However, relevant studies have not been observed in garlic, an important vegetable consumed in the world. In this study, a total of 46 AsNAC genes encoding NAC proteins were identified in garlic plant by transcriptome data. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the examined AsNAC proteins were clustered into 14 subgroups. Motif discovery revealed that the conserved domain region was mainly composed of five conserved subdomains. Most of the genes selected could be induced by salt stress in different tissues, indicating a potential role in salt stress response. Further studies may focus on the molecular mechanisms of the AsNAC genes in salt stress response. The results of the current work provided valuable resources for researchers aimed at developing salt tolerant crops.

FeCl3-Catalyzed Synthesis of Tanshinlactone Analogues from 1H-Indene-1,2,3-triones and Alkynes.

Tanshinlactone has been found in several natural products and biologically active compounds. Herein, a new FeCl3-catalyzed strategy using 1H-indene-1,2,3-triones and alkynes as starting materials is reported to obtain various tanshinlactone derivatives. This protocol has the advantages of involving low cost, environmentally benign catalysts, simple reaction conditions, and a broad range of substrates.

Nickel(0)-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Cross-Coupling of Aromatic Esters with Arylboronic Acids via Chelation Assistance.

10-Arylbenzo[h]quinolines were synthesized by cross-coupling of ethyl benzo[h]quinoline-10-carboxylate with arylboronic acids via group-directed Ni(0) catalyzation. The catalytic system combining Ni(COD)2 (10 mol %) with PCy3 (20 mol %) and t-BuOK (3 equiv) was optimal for the above transformations. A series of arylboronic acids reacted with ethyl benzo[h]quinoline-10-carboxylates for the production of various substituted 10-phenyl[h]quinolines in moderate and good yields under optimized reaction conditions.

Poplar acetylome profiling reveals lysine acetylation dynamics in seasonal bud dormancy release.

For perennials in boreal and temperate ecosystems, bud dormancy is crucial for survival in harsh winter. Dormancy is released by prolonged exposure to low temperatures and is followed by reactive growth in the spring. Lysine acetylation (Kac) is one of the major post-translational modifications (PTMs) that are involved in plant response to environmental signals. However, little information is available on the effects of Kac modification on bud dormancy release. Here, we report the dynamics of lysine acetylome in hybrid poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) dormant buds. A total of 7,594 acetyl-sites from 3,281 acetyl-proteins were identified, representing a large dataset of lysine acetylome in plants. Of them, 229 proteins were differentially acetylated during bud dormancy release and were mainly involved in the primary metabolic pathways. Site-directed mutagenesis enzymatic assays showed that Kac strongly modified the activities of two key enzymes of primary metabolism, pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH). We thus propose that Kac of enzymes could be an important strategy for reconfiguration of metabolic processes during bud dormancy release. In all, our results reveal the importance of Kac in bud dormancy release and provide a new perspective to understand the molecular mechanisms of seasonal growth of trees.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Diazapyrenes via Bischler-Napieralski Reaction.

Via Bischler-Napieralski cyclization of amide precursors as the key step, a series of diazapyrene derivatives were designed and successfully synthesized. Their crystal structures, optoelectronic properties, and acid-responsive feature were investigated, which demonstrated that the doping of nitrogen atoms to the pyrene framework remarkably modulates their physical and chemical properties.

[Models for estimating foliar Fe and Mn Concentration of Armeniaca vulgaris cv. Luntaibaixing using spectral reflectance].

Aimed at providing technology for a rapid nutrition diagnosis system of micronutrients in Armeniaca vulgaris cv. Luntaibaixing, we established an element concentration estimation model for its foliar ferrum (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentration based on spectrum analysis. The foliar spectrum reflectance at various phenological periods of fruit development under different soil fertility conditions was measured by Unispec-SC spectrometer. By analyzing the correlation of foliar Fe, Mn concentration at various phenological periods of fruit development, the spectrum reflectance Rλ and its first-order differential f' (Rλ), we filtered out its sensitive bands. And we established an element concentration estimation model for its foliar Fe and Mn at various phenological periods of fruit development with the linear regression model. The results showed that the spectral sensitive bands of foliar Fe in fruit setting period were 873 and 874 nm, 375 and 437 nm in fruit core-hardening period, 836 and 837 nm in maturity period and 325 and 1 054 nm in post-harvest period. However, the spectral sensitive bands of Mn were 913 and 1 129 nm, 425 and 970 nm, 390 and 466 nm, 423 and 424 nm, respectively. The Fe and Mn concentration of A. vulgaris cv. Luntaibaixing leaves were the most relevant to the first-order differential f' (RD) of its spectrum reflectance, whose linear spectrum estimation model fitting degree was the highest and reached to a significant or highly significant level. It showed that the spectral sensitive bands of Fe and Mn element varied with different phenological periods of fruit development. The spectrum estimation models for its foliar Fe and Mn concentration could be established with linear model according to its first-order differential f' (Rλ).