Simulating short-term light responses of photosynthesis and water use efficiency in sweet sorghum under varying temperature and CO2 conditions.

Climate change, characterized by rising atmospheric CO2 levels and temperatures, poses significant challenges to global crop production. Sweet sorghum, a prominent C4 cereal extensively grown in arid areas, emerges as a promising candidate for sustainable bioenergy production. This study investigated the responses of photosynthesis and leaf-scale water use efficiency (WUE) to varying light intensity (I) in sweet sorghum under different temperature and CO2 conditions. Comparative analyses were conducted between the A n-I, g s-I, T r-I, WUEi-I, and WUEinst-I models proposed by Ye et al. and the widely utilized the non-rectangular hyperbolic (NRH) model for fitting light response curves. The Ye's models effectively replicated the light response curves of sweet sorghum, accurately capturing the diminishing intrinsic WUE (WUEi) and instantaneous WUE (WUEinst) trends with increasing I. The fitted maximum values of A n, g s, T r, WUEi, and WUEinst and their saturation light intensities closely matched observations, unlike the NRH model. Despite the NRH model demonstrating high R 2 values for A n-I, g s-I, and T r-I modelling, it returned the maximum values significantly deviating from observed values and failed to generate saturation light intensities. It also inadequately represented WUE responses to I, overestimating WUE. Across different leaf temperatures, A n, g s, and T r of sweet sorghum displayed comparable light response patterns. Elevated temperatures increased maximum A n, g s, and T r but consistently declined maximum WUEi and WUEinst. However, WUEinst declined more sharply due to the disproportionate transpiration increase over carbon assimilation. Critically, sweet sorghum A n saturated at current atmospheric CO2 levels, with no significant gains under 550 µmol mol-1. Instead, stomatal closure enhanced WUE under elevated CO2 by coordinated g s and T r reductions rather than improved carbon assimilation. Nonetheless, this response diminished under simultaneously high temperature, suggesting intricate interplay between CO2 and temperature in modulating plant responses. These findings provide valuable insights into photosynthetic dynamics of sweet sorghum, aiding predictions of yield and optimization of cultivation practices. Moreover, our methodology serves as a valuable reference for evaluating leaf photosynthesis and WUE dynamics in diverse plant species.

Transcription factors MhDREB2A/MhZAT10 play a role in drought and cold stress response crosstalk in apple.

Drought and cold stresses seriously affect tree growth and fruit yield during apple (Malus domestica) production, with combined stress causing injury such as shoot shriveling. However, the molecular mechanism underlying crosstalk between responses to drought and cold stress remains to be clarified. In this study, we characterized the zinc finger transcription factor ZINC FINGER OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA 10 (ZAT10) through comparative analysis of shoot-shriveling tolerance between tolerant and sensitive apple rootstocks. MhZAT10 responded to both drought and cold stresses. Heterologous expression of MhZAT10 in the sensitive rootstock 'G935' from domesticated apple (Malus domestica) promoted shoot-shriveling tolerance, while silencing of MhZAT10 expression in the tolerant rootstock 'SH6' of Malus honanensis reduced stress tolerance. We determined that the apple transcription factor DEHYDRATION RESPONSE ELEMENT-BINDING PROTEIN 2A (DREB2A) is a direct regulator activating the expression of MhZAT10 in response to drought stress. Apple plants overexpressing both MhDREB2A and MhZAT10 genes exhibited enhanced tolerance to drought and cold stress, while plants overexpressing MhDREB2A but with silenced expression of MhZAT10 showed reduced tolerance, suggesting a critical role of MhDREB2A-MhZAT10 in the crosstalk between drought and cold stress responses. We further identified drought-tolerant MhWRKY31 and cold-tolerant MhMYB88 and MhMYB124 as downstream regulatory target genes of MhZAT10. Our findings reveal a MhDREB2A-MhZAT10 module involved in crosstalk between drought and cold stress responses, which may have applications in apple rootstock breeding programs aimed at developing shoot-shriveling tolerance.

Vegetable-derived indole enhances the melanoma-treating efficacy of chemotherapeutics.

Food-drug interaction is an important but overlooked issue. For example, little is known concerning whether or not the chemotherapy of cancers is affected by the well-defined dietary chemicals such as 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-3,3'-diindolylmethane (LTr1) derived from daily consumed cruciferous vegetables. This work, inspired by the described melanogenesis reduction by certain indoles, presents that LTr1 mitigates the melanogenesis and thus potentiates the in vitro and in vivo anti-melanoma effectiveness of different chemotherapeutic agents including dacarbazine, vemurafenib, and sorafenib. In B16 melanoma cells, LTr1 was shown to inhibit the melanogenesis by acting towards the regulatory (R) subunit of protein kinase A (PRKAR1a) associated with the phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB). This allows LTr1 to reduce the expression of melanogenesis-related enzymes such as tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1), and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TYRP2). Furthermore, LTr1 was addressed to bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and up-regulate the expression of CYP1A1 encoding cytochrome P450 1A1, leading to the escalation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. The increased ROS generation promotes the cysteine-to-cystine transformation to inhibit the pheomelanogenesis in melanomas. Collectively, the work identifies LTr1 as a new melanogenesis inhibitor that modulates the PKA/CREB/MITF and AhR/CYP1A1/ROS pathways, thereby providing a new option for (re)sensitizing melanomas to chemotherapeutics.

Nano-Sized Antioxidative Trimetallic Complex Based on Maillard Reaction Improves the Mineral Nutrients of Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.).

The metallic complex is widely used in agricultural applications. Due to the oxidation of the metal and environmental unfriendliness of ligand, maintaining an efficient mineral supply for plants without causing environmental damage is difficult. Herein, an antioxidative trimetallic complex with high stability was synthesized by interacting Ca2+, Fe2+, and Zn2+ with the biocompatible ligands from the Maillard reaction. The composite structure elucidation was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Thermal stability was measured by thermogravimetric (TG). Antioxidative activities were evaluated by ferric reducing antioxidant power and radical scavenging activity assays. The three metals were successfully fabricated on the Maillard reaction products (MRPs) with contents of Ca (9.01%), Fe (8.25%), and Zn (9.67%). Microscopy images revealed that the three metals were uniformly distributed on the MRPs with partial aggregation of <30 nm. FTIR and XPS results revealed that the metals were interacted with MRPs by metal-O and metal-N bonds. TG and antioxidative activity assays showed that the trimetallic complex meets the requirements of thermodynamics and oxidation resistance of horticultural applications. Additionally, the results of the exogenous spraying experiment showed that the trimetallic complex significantly increased the mineral contents of the "Fuji" apple. By treatment with the complex, the concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Zn were increased by 85.4, 532.5, and 931.1% in the leaf; 16.0, 225.2, and 468.6% in the peel; and 117.6, 217.9, and 19.5% in the flesh, respectively. The MRP-based complexes offered a higher growth rate of the mineral content in apples than ones based on sugars or amino acids. The results of the spraying experiment carried out in 2 years show that the method has high reproducibility. This study thus promotes the development of green metallic complexes and expands the scope of agrochemical strategy.

Three new polyketide derivatives of the endophytic fungus Aspergillus cristatus 2H1.

Three new polyketide derivatives, 2-ethoxycarbonyl-endocrocin (1), 6-methoxy-2-ethoxycarbonyl-endocrocin (2) and pannorin C (3), along with sixteen known compounds (4-19) were isolated from a plant endophytic fungus Aspergillus cristatus 2H1. Their structures were elucidated by 1D/2D NMR and HR-ESI-MS data analysis. Compound 3 showed weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 20 µg/ml). Compounds 14 and 15 showed effective cytotoxicity on human melanoma A375 cells (IC50 4.13 µM for 14, 3.39 µM for 15).

Pharmacophore-inspired discovery of FLT3 inhibitor from kimchi.

Globally consumed kimchi is manufactured through fermenting cruciferous vegetables containing indole glucosinolates (IG). But few reports describe the IG metabolism during the fermentation. Here, we show that indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a breakdown product of IG, is transformed during the kimchi fermentation into 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) and 2-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-3,3'-diindolylmethane (LTr1). LTr1 was found to kill the acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) receptor mutations, by inhibiting the FLT3 phosphorylation and the expression of downstream proteins (STAT5, ERK, and AKT). In the immune-depleted mice xenografted with human MV4-11 cells, LTr1 was demonstrated to reduce the tumor growth and synergize with sorafenib, an anti-AML agent in clinic. The work updates the chemical and biological knowledge about kimchi, and in particular establishes LTr1 as an FLT3 inhibitor that is effective and synergistic with sorafenib in treating AML.

Effects of long-term fertilization without phosphorus on greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields.

The strategy of few or no-phosphorus fertilization in rice season but more in wheat season can effectively increase phosphorus use efficiency and reduce phosphorus loss through runoff and leaching. It remains unknown whether the lack of phosphorus will affect greenhouse gas emission in the rice season. We monitored the CH4 and N2O emission fluxes during the growth period of rice treated with normal phosphorus application (NPK) and no-phosphorus application (NK) in two long-term experimental fields in Suzhou and Yixing. The results showed that long-term no-phosphorus application promoted CH4 and N2O emission in both fields. Compared with the NPK treatment, CH4 and N2O emissions from the NK treatment significantly increased by 57% and 25% in Suzhou experi-mental field, respectively, while those in Yixing experimental field were also significantly increased by 221% and 70%, respectively. The contents of organic acid, dissolved organic carbon and available phosphorus in soil were reduced under long-term NK treatment, and they were closely related to CH4 emission. Soil available phosphorus content was significantly negatively correlated with CH4 emission (r=-0.987). The global warming potential (GWP) was greater in NK treatment than NPK treatment in both fields. Therefore, long-term no-phosphorus application could decrease the contents of organic acid, soluble organic carbon, and available phosphorus in soils, resulting in more CH4 and N2O emission in rice field.

Abietic acid ameliorates psoriasis-like inflammation and modulates gut microbiota in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Abietic acid (AA), an antibacterial terpenoid, was initially isolated from rosin which has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat psoriasis. In our previous works, we found that water-processed rosin (WPR) can alleviate imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like inflammation in mice. However, the efficacy of AA, the main component of WPR, against psoriasis remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we confirmed the anti-psoriasis efficacy of AA (40 mg/kg daily for 7 days) in IMQ-induced psoriasis-like inflammation BALB/c mouse model by the psoriasis area severity index (PASI), flow cytometry, ELISA, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, we detected the relative abundance of gut microbe using high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to validate whether AA modulate gut microbe. RESULT: Oral administration of AA ameliorates IMQ-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation through reducing PASI scores, regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells in the mouse spleen, and downregulating the level of serum cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-17A, TGF-1ß, and IL-23. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the relative abundance of gut bacteria related to inflammation, such as, Anaerotruncus and Christensenella at genus level were decreased, while Kurthia, Citrobacter, and Klebsiella at genus level were increased in AA group mice. Additionally, the correlation analysis illustrated that the key microbiota had a close relationship with the psoriasis-like inflammation related indexes. CONCLUSION: AA might exert the anti-psoriasis effect via inhibiting Th17-related immune responses, hinting that it might be a candidate for treating psoriasis. Meanwhile, the alteration of intestinal microbiota by AA treatment is another possible explanation for the amelioration of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation.

[Source Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of PAHs in PM2.5 During Winter in Liaocheng City].

To investigate the mass concentrations, sources, and health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient particulate matter (PM) in Liaocheng City during winter, 14 types of PAHs in PM2.5 were determined from January to February of 2017. The sources of the PAHs were analyzed by using diagnostics ratios and the principal component analysis (PCA)-multiple linear regression (MLR) model,and the health risk of PAHs was assessed by BaP equivalent concentrations (BaPeq) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The results showed that the mass concentrations of PAHs in PM2.5 during winter were (64.89±48.23) ng·m-3, Fla, Pyr, and Chry were predominant species, accounting for 15.5%, 12.8%, and 12.7% of the total concentrations of PAHs, respectively. Moreover, the ring distribution of the PAHs was dominated by four-ring PAHs. The pollution during the pre-Spring Festival and firework Ⅱwere the most severe during the sampling period. The results of the PCA-MLR model suggested that PAHs originated mostly from coal burning, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions. The toxicity exposure index (TEQ) in Liaocheng City during winter was (6.37±4.92) ng·m-3. The results of the risk model revealed that the ILCR of adults was higher than that of children, and both groups of ILCR for winter were in the range of the risk threshold. This suggests that a potential risk in terms of inhalation PAH exposure for residents in Liaocheng City.

Gefitinib with or without Transarterial Infusion Chemotherapy (Cisplatin) for Large Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer with Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutations.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively investigate the safety and benefit of gefitinib plus transarterial infusion (TAI) therapy as a first-line treatment compared to gefitinib alone for patients with large (>7 cm) nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2013, 92 consecutive treatment-naïve patients with large NSCLC with EGFR mutations, who were treated using gefitinib plus TAI (G+T, n = 42) or gefitinib alone (G, n = 50) were reviewed. The primary endpoints were the objective response rate (ORR) and tumor reduction rate. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and safety was also assessed. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were balanced, and no patients experienced treatment-related death. Toxicity outcomes did not differ between the G+T and G groups. The tumor reduction rate in the G+T group was significantly higher than that in the G group (42.9 vs 31.9%, P = .028). The ORR was 83% in the G+T group and 72% in the G group (P = .197). The median PFS was significantly longer in the G+T group than in the G group (14.0 vs 10.0 months, P = .023). The median OS was 30.0 months in the G+T group and 27.0 months in the G group (P = .235). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that compared with gefitinib alone, combination therapy with gefitinib plus TAI was well tolerated and potentially improved the tumor reduction rate and PFS in patients with large NSCLC with EGFR mutations.

[Multivariate analysis of relationship between soil nutrient factors and fruit quality characte-ristic of 'Fuji' apple in two dominant production regions of China]. / 两大优势产区'富士'è‹¹æžœå›­åœŸå£¤å »åˆ†ä¸Žæžœå®žå“è´¨å ³ç³»çš„å¤šå˜é‡åˆ†æž.

The objective of this experiment is to probe into the influence of soil nutrient contents on fruit quality features of 'Fuji' apple, screen major soil nutrient factors affecting fruit quality features, clarify the suitable soil nutrient content for good fruit quality indicators, and to provide theoretical basis in reasonable orchard soil fertilizer application for improving fruit qua-lity in the Circum-Bohai and Loess Plateau apple production regions in China. The soil nutrient contents and 'Fuji' fruit qualities were respectively analyzed at 66 commercial 'Fuji' apple orchards standard rootstock in the Circum-Bohai and Loess Plateau apple production regions of 22 counties in China from 2010 to 2011. The partial least squares regression (PLS) was used to screen major soil nutrient elements affecting fruit quality, and to establish regression equation of relationship between fruit quality and major soil nutrition factors. Linear programming was used to obtain optimum proposals of soil nutrient elements for good apple quality. The results showed that alkaline hydrolytic N, available P, Ca, Fe, and Zn of soil were significantly higher while pH and available K were significantly lower in Circum-Bohai region than in Loess Plateau apple production region. Soluble solid content in Loess Plateau was higher than in Circum-Bohai; moreover, ratio of soluble solids content and titratable acidity was lower. The soil available B in the Circum-Bohai and Loess Plateau apple production regions had positive effect on fruit mass, and total N had negative effect on fruit firmness. The soluble solid contents in the Circum-Bohai were mainly negatively affected by total N and positively by available B, while positively affected by available Ca and negatively by alkaline hydrolytic N in the Loess Plateau region. The desired soil nutrients for good fruit qualities were high avai-lable B, pH and suitable available K in the Circum-Bohai, and low total N, high alkaline hydrolytic N, available K, Fe and suitable available Zn and B in the Loess Plateau region. It was the key technical measures in soil nutrient management for good fruit quality to increase available B and pH, adjust available K in the Circum-Bohai, and to enhance alkaline hydrolytic N, available K, Fe, and to decrease pH, and adjust available Zn and B in the Loess Plateau region.

Somatosensory neuron types identified by high-coverage single-cell RNA-sequencing and functional heterogeneity.

Sensory neurons are distinguished by distinct signaling networks and receptive characteristics. Thus, sensory neuron types can be defined by linking transcriptome-based neuron typing with the sensory phenotypes. Here we classify somatosensory neurons of the mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) by high-coverage single-cell RNA-sequencing (10 950 ± 1 218 genes per neuron) and neuron size-based hierarchical clustering. Moreover, single DRG neurons responding to cutaneous stimuli are recorded using an in vivo whole-cell patch clamp technique and classified by neuron-type genetic markers. Small diameter DRG neurons are classified into one type of low-threshold mechanoreceptor and five types of mechanoheat nociceptors (MHNs). Each of the MHN types is further categorized into two subtypes. Large DRG neurons are categorized into four types, including neurexophilin 1-expressing MHNs and mechanical nociceptors (MNs) expressing BAI1-associated protein 2-like 1 (Baiap2l1). Mechanoreceptors expressing trafficking protein particle complex 3-like and Baiap2l1-marked MNs are subdivided into two subtypes each. These results provide a new system for cataloging somatosensory neurons and their transcriptome databases.

[Spatio-temporal characteristics of agricultural drought in Shaanxi Province, China based on integrated disaster risk index]. / åŸºäºŽç¾å®³é£Žé™©ç»¼åˆæŒ‡æ ‡çš„é™•è¥¿çœå†œä¸šå¹²æ—±æ—¶ç©ºç‰¹å¾.

With the change of climate, agricultural drought has directly threatened the food security. Based on the natural disaster risk theory, we analyzed the spatial and temporal characteristics of agricultural drought in Shanxi Province from 2009 to 2013. Four risk factors (hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and drought resistance ability) were selected with the consideration of influence factors of drought disasters. Subsequently, the index weight was determined by the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and the aggregative indicator of natural disaster risk was established. The results showed that during the study period, the agricultural drought risk slightly declined in the northern Shaanxi, but increased sharply in the southern Shaanxi, especially in Shangluo City. While for the central part of Shaanxi Province, it maintained good stability, which was the highest in Xianyang City and the lowest in Xi'an City. Generally, the agricultural drought risk in Shaanxi Province gradually increased from south to north.

[Influence of submerged macrophytes on phosphorus transference between sediment and overlying water in the growth period].

In order to study the process of phosphorus transfer between sediment and overlying water, Hydrilla verticillata and Vallisneria natans were cultured in spring, Potamogeton crispus was cultured in winter. Changes of environmental factors and phosphorus concentrations in water and sediment were investigated. The results indicated that: submerged macrophytes could reduce all phosphorus fractions in the overlying water. Phosphorus concentrations in overlying water maintained in a relative low level in the growth period of submerged macrophytes. The concentrations of total phosphorus (TP) in overlying water of H. verticillata, V. natans and P. crispus were 0.03-0.05, 0.04-0.12, 0.02-0.11 mg x L(-1), respectively. All phosphorus fractions in sediment were reduced. The maximum value between submerged macrophyte and control of H. verticillata, V. natans and P. crispus were 35.34, 60.67 and 25.92 mg x kg(-1), respectively. Dissolved oxygen (DO), redox potential (Eh) and pH in overlying water increased (DO 10.0-14.0 mg x L(-1), Eh 185-240 mV, pH 8.0-11.0) in the submerged macrophytes groups. Submerged macrophytes increased Eh( -140 - -23 mV) and maintained pH(7.2-8.0) in neutral range. The results indicated that submerged macrophytes affected phosphorus transferring between sediment and overlying water through increasing DO, Eh and pH in overlying water, and Eh in sediment.

[Establishment of target genomic DNA capturing system for next generation sequencing].

The motivation of this research is to establish a system of target genomic DNA capture and enrichment, which could be used in deep sequencing of target regions with next-generation sequencing. To design the 120 bp capture probes (baits) and prepare the SureSelect reagents, 2,414,977 bp human genomic sequence of 11,824 exons in 1250 genes were submitted to the Agilent eArray platform and manufactured by Agilent. Two human genomic DNA samples were used and conducted the successive experiments for sequencing library construction: shearing fragmentation by sonication, blunt-ending and phosphorylation, adaptor ligation, 150-200 bp fragments size selection, followed by hybridization with the baits, hybrid selection with magnetic beads, and PCR amplification. Prior to SOLiD sequencing reaction, the libraries were amplified with emulsion PCR and enriched with the P2 enrichment beads. The library samples were loaded to sequencing Chip for Work Flow Analysis (WFA) or sequencing running with default parameters. The results displayed that 46 509 baits were designed and synthesized for 11,147 gene regions, and SureSelect capture probe regent was prepared. Real-time PCR showed the target enrichment efficiency up to 2(9) times with the SureSelect system. WFA revealed that the libraries were suitable for SOLiD Sequencing. The sequencing data revealed that 70% of the unique mapped sequence tags matched the target regions, and the average coverage of the target regions were above 200-fold. All these demonstrated the feasibility of the established system of target genome sequence capture for next generation DNA sequencing.