An integrated and rapid evaluation of Curcumae Radix from different botanical origins based on chemical components, antiplatelet aggregation effect and Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy.

Curcumae Radix (CR) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with significant pharmaceutical importance, including enhancing blood circulation and addressing blood stasis. This study aims to establish an integrated and rapid quality assessment method for CR from various botanical origins, based on chemical components, antiplatelet aggregation effects, and Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate algorithms. Firstly, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) combined with chemometric analyses was used to examine variations in the chemical profiles of CR. Secondly, the activation effect on blood circulation of CR was assessed using an in vitro antiplatelet aggregation assay. The studies revealed significant variations in chemical profiles and antiplatelet aggregation effects among CR samples from different botanical origins, with constituents such as germacrone, ß-elemene, bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin showing a positive correlation with antiplatelet aggregation biopotency. Thirdly, FT-NIR spectroscopy was integrated with various machine learning algorithms, including Artificial Neural Network (ANN), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Subspace K-Nearest Neighbors (Subspace KNN), to classify CR samples from four distinct sources. The result showed that FT-NIR combined with KNN and SVM classification algorithms after SNV and MSC preprocessing successfully distinguished CR samples from four plant sources with an accuracy of 100%. Finally, Quantitative models for active constituents and antiplatelet aggregation bioactivity were developed by optimizing the partial least squares (PLS) model with interval combination optimization (ICO) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) techniques. The CARS-PLS model achieved the best predictive performance across all five components. The coefficient of determination (R2p) and root mean square error (RMSEP) in the independent test sets were 0.9708 and 0.2098, 0.8744 and 0.2065, 0.9511 and 0.0034, 0.9803 and 0.0066, 0.9567 and 0.0172 for germacrone, ß-elemene, bisdemethoxycurcumin, demethoxycurcumin and curcumin, respectively. The ICO-PLS model demonstrated superior predictive capabilities for antiplatelet aggregation biotency, achieving an R2p of 0.9010, and an RMSEP of 0.5370. This study provides a valuable reference for the quality evaluation of CR in a more rapid and comprehensive manner.

Novel Amorphous Nitride-Halide Solid Electrolytes with Enhanced Performance for All-Solid-State Batteries.

Solid electrolytes (SEs) in all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) are garnering considerable attention for their potential applications in next-generation energy storage systems. Amorphous SEs with dual-anion hold great promise for achieving favorable performance, such as high ionic conductivity and good compatibility with electrodes within ASSBs. Here, we discover a family of amorphous nitride-halide SEs, Li3xMClyNx (M = Ta or La, 1 ≤ 3x ≤ 1.4, y = 5 or 3), which can achieve ionic conductivities up to 7.34 mS cm‒1 at 30 °C. The amorphous properties and local structures are investigated using powder X-ray diffraction, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and atomic pair distribution function analysis. Impressively, ASSBs employing amorphous Li3xTaCl5Nx have demonstrated good performance at high rates and charging voltages, as well as at low temperature.

The levels of amino acid metabolites in serum induce the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis by mediating the inflammatory protein S100A12.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting tens of millions of people globally. The causal relationship between metabolites and AD pathology has not yet been formally indicated, and the mediating mechanism by which metabolites affect AD has not yet been explored. This study aimed to determine the genetic relationship between metabolites and AD and to determine the pathways through which amino acid metabolites affect AD. Meta-analysis integrates the results of multiple GWAS analyses using METAL software. Using bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR), we analyzed the causal relationships between metabolites and AD. The principal MR test of causal effects was conducted using inverse-variance weighted regression, and we used reverse MR analysis to exclude reverse causality. We also performed the MR-PRESSO test to detect and correct for possible pleiotropic effects, and used the Cochran Q test to assess heterogeneity. Two-step MR was utilized to analyze the mediating factors between amino acid metabolites and the onset of AD. The correlation between mediating factors (inflammatory protein S100A12) and immune cell infiltration was analyzed using the edgeR and GSVA software packages. Using single-cell sequencing data from skin tissues of patients with AD, we studied the regulatory role of the S100A12 gene in immune cells. Multiple drug databases and macromolecular docking were used to search for S100A12-targeting drugs. Bidirectional two-sample MR analyses indicated that twenty-two metabolites and one inflammatory protein (S100A12) were significantly associated with AD pathogenesis. S100A12 is a mediator of amino acid metabolites (N6-methyllysine; N2-acetyl,N6,N6-dimethyllysine and N6,N6-dimethyllysine) that are genetically associated with AD. S100A12 was positively correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cell types in lesional AD skin. The amino acid metabolites N6-methyllysine; N2-acetyl,N6,N6-dimethyllysine and N6,N6-dimethyllysine influence AD pathogenesis by mediating S100A12 expression.

Angelicae dahuricae radix alleviates simulated microgravity induced bone loss by promoting osteoblast differentiation.

Bone loss caused by long-duration spaceflight seriously affects the skeletal health of astronauts. There are many shortcomings in currently available treatments for weightlessness-induced bone loss. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of Angelica dahuricae Radix (AR) on simulated microgravity-induced bone loss. Here, we established a hind limb unloading (HLU) mouse model and treated HLU mice with AR (2 g/kg) for 4 weeks. Results indicated that AR significantly inhibited simulated microgravity-induced bone loss. In addition, the components in AR were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS; results showed that a total of 224 compounds were detected in AR, which mainly contained 7 classes of components. Moreover, the network pharmacological predictions suggested that active ingredients of AR might act on PTGS2 to prevent bone loss. These results elucidate the efficacy of AR in preventing microgravity-induced bone loss and its potential for use in protecting the bone health of astronauts.

Nanoprobe Based on Novel NIR-II Quinolinium Cyanine for Multimodal Imaging.

NIR-II imaging has the advantages of high sensitivity, spatiotemporal resolution, and high penetration depth, thereby serving as a potential alternative to conventional imaging methods. Herein, a novel NIR-II dye IR-1010 (λex/λem = 1010/1058 nm) is reported with high quantum yield (3.08%) and good stability, by incorporating p-methoxyphenyl groups into a quinolinium cyanine dye. Then a multifunctional nanoprobe, termed IUFP NPs, is developed by the incorporation of upconversion (UC) nanoparticles (NPs), perfluoro-15-crown-5-ether (PFCE), and IR-1010, to display the novel performance of multimodal imaging. Under the single-wavelength excitation (980 nm), IUFP NPs simultaneously emit the NIR-II fluorescence of IR-1010 and visible UC luminescence of UCNPs, and thus realize the UC imaging for cells, and NIR-II fluorescence/photoacoustic/19F magnetic resonance imaging for blood vessels, lymph nodes and tumor in mice. This work affords a novel approach to NIR-II dyes and a general strategy for the design of multimodal imaging probes.

Mechanism of JNK action in oxidative stress-enhanced gut injury by Clostridium perfringens type A infection.

In piglets, oxidative stress can exacerbate gut injury caused by pathogens. C-Jun amino-terminal kinase (JNK) is associated with oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal epithelial barrier. However, it is unclear whether oxidative stress can increase gut injury by Clostridium perfringens type A (CpA) and whether JNK mediates this process. We aimed to investigate if and how the JNK can regulate the effect of oxidative stress on gut injury induced by CpA infection. In this study, the oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 cells was modeled, and the changes in the susceptibility of IPEC-J2 cells to CpA were examined after treatment of oxidative stressed IPEC-J2 cells with JNK inhibitor (SP600125) and JNK siRNA. Pre-injection with the SP600125 solution was also carried out in oxidative stressed mice, followed by CpA infection. Results indicated that compared to that in the Control group, IPEC-J2 cells under oxidative stress showed reduced transmembrane resistance, degraded tight junction (TJ) proteins, increased membrane permeability, and enhanced CpA infection, all of which were reversed by inhibiting or interfering with JNK expression. Similarly, compared to that in the Control group, mice under oxidative stress showed degradation of jejunal TJ proteins, increased intestinal permeability and barrier damage by CpA, while mice pre-injected with the SP600125 solution showed alleviation of these alterations. These results suggested that oxidative stress enhanced the infection of IPEC-J2 cells and the gut injury caused by CpA, which was mediated by JNK. This study provides important insights regarding the mechanism by which oxidative stress enhanced intestinal damage by CpA.

Advanced upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is indistinguishable from renal infection by imaging: A case report.

RATIONALE: The current diagnostic approach for urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) relies on symptoms and imaging. Nevertheless, the diagnosis can be challenging in advanced cases presenting with atypical imaging and symptoms. This article presents an unreported case with atypical imaging and symptoms to provide some experience in diagnosing advanced UTUC. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 55-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital with a 2-month history of persistent left scrotal pain and intermittent left lower back pain. DIAGNOSES: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a left kidney infection. Paradoxically, the patient did not present with a fever, and the white blood cell count was within normal limits. To further clarify the diagnosis, urine cytology was performed. Surprisingly, malignant tumor cells were discovered. The diagnosis of UTUC was considered. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent radical tumor resection. OUTCOMES: The surgery was successfully performed. The patient received regular chemotherapy after surgery. No recurrence was found during the follow-up. LESSONS: This case is a rare and enlightening clinical scenario. When imaging reveals renal infection accompanied by varicocele or renal vein embolism, it is crucial to consider the possibility of advanced UTUC.

Electron-Spin Regulation Driving Heterointerface Electron Distribution and Phase Transition toward Ultrafast and Durable Sodium Storage.

Phase engineering is an effective strategy for modulating the electronic structure and electron transfer mobility of cobalt selenide (CoSe2) with remarkable sodium storage. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to improve fast-charging and cycling performance. Herein, a heterointerface coupling induces phase transformation from cubic CoSe2 to orthorhombic CoSe2 accompanied by the formation of MoSe2 to construct a CoSe2/MoSe2 heterostructure decorated with N-doped carbon layer on a 3D graphene foam (CoSe2/MoSe2@NC/GF). The incorporated Mo cations in the bridged o-CoSe2/MoSe2 not only act an electron donor to regulate charge-spin configurations with more active electronic states but also trigger the upshift of d/p band centers and a decreased ∆d-p band center gap, which greatly enhances ion adsorption capability and lowers the ion diffusion barrier. As expected, the CoSe2/MoSe2@NC/GF anode demonstrates a high-rate capability of 447 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1 and an excellent cyclability of 298 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 over 1000 cycles. The work deepens the understanding of the elaborate construction of heterostructured electrodes for high-performance SIBs.

Early differential diagnosis between acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and acute-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in children: Clinical factors and routine biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: To identify clinical factors and biomarkers that could contribute to early differential diagnosis of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and acute-onset chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (A-CIDP) in the pediatric population, with limited evidence. METHODS: We conducted an observational retrospective study of children diagnosed with AIDP and A-CIDP between January 2014 and December 2022. Demographic data, clinical features, and routine biomarkers were also analyzed. Statistical analysis was used to identify significant features with high sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: We included 91 AIDP and 17 A-CIDP patients. The A-CIDP group had an older median age (6.33 vs. 4.33 years, p = 0.017), required more complex immunotherapies (p < 0.001), and showed a longer time to nadir over 2 weeks (76.5 % vs. 7.7 %, p < 0.001). Gastrointestinal dysfunction (29.4 % vs. 6.59 %, p = 0.014) and numbness (35.3 % vs. 12.1 %, p = 0.027) were more prevalent in A-CIDP. The AIDP patients had a longer median hospitalization stays (13 vs. 11 days, p < 0.05), more prodromal events (90.1 % vs. 64.7 %, p = 0.013), and more frequent cranial nerve palsy (61.5 % vs. 5.88 %, p < 0.001). The disability scores on admission, discharge, and peak were worse in the AIDP group (p < 0.001). AIDP patients showed higher cerebrospinal fluid protein (p = 0.039), albumin quotient (p = 0.048), leukocytes (p = 0.03), neutrophils (p = 0.010), platelet count (p = 0.005), systemic inflammatory index (SII) (p = 0.009), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (p = 0.039). Multivariable regression identified two independent predictors of early A-CIDP detection: time from onset to peak beyond 2 weeks (OR = 37.927, 95%CI = 7.081-203.15) and lower modified Rankin Scale score on admission (OR = 0.308, 95%CI = 0.121-0.788). CONCLUSION: Our study found that when the condition continued to deteriorate beyond two weeks with a lower mRS on admission and possibly less cranial nerve involvement, we may favor the diagnosis of pediatric A-CIDP rather than AIDP.

Mutation of YFT3, an isomerase in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway, impairs its catalytic activity and carotenoid accumulation in tomato fruit.

Tomato fruit colors are directly associated with their appearance quality and nutritional value. However, tomato fruit color formation is an intricate biological process that remains elusive. In this work we characterized a tomato yellow fruited tomato 3 (yft3, e9292, Solanum lycopersicum) mutant with yellow fruits. By the map-based cloning approach, we identified a transversion mutation (A2117C) in the YFT3 gene encoding a putative isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (SlIDI1) enzyme, which may function in the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway by catalyzing conversion between isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP). The mutated YFT3 (A2117C) (designated YFT3 allele) and the YFT3 genes did not show expression difference at protein level, and their encoded YFT3 allelic (S126R) and YFT3 proteins were both localized in plastids. However, the transcript levels of eight genes (DXR, DXS, HDR, PSY1, CRTISO, CYCB, CYP97A, and NCED) associated with carotenoid synthesis were upregulated in fruits of both yft3 and YFT3 knockout (YFT3-KO) lines at 35 and 47 days post-anthesis compared with the red-fruit tomato cultivar (M82). In vitro and in vivo biochemical analyses indicated that YFT3 (S126R) possessed much lower enzymatic activities than the YFT3 protein, indicating that the S126R mutation can impair YFT3 activity. Molecular docking analysis showed that the YFT3 allele has higher ability to recruit isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), but abolishes attachment of the Mg2+ cofactor to IPP, suggesting that Ser126 is a critical residue for YTF3 biochemical and physiological functions. As a result, the yft3 mutant tomato line has low carotenoid accumulation and abnormal chromoplast development, which results in yellow ripe fruits. This study provides new insights into molecular mechanisms of tomato fruit color formation and development.

Individuals with anxiety and depression use atypical decision strategies in an uncertain world.

Previous studies on reinforcement learning have identified three prominent phenomena: (1) individuals with anxiety or depression exhibit a reduced learning rate compared to healthy subjects; (2) learning rates may increase or decrease in environments with rapidly changing (i.e. volatile) or stable feedback conditions, a phenomenon termed learning rate adaptation; and (3) reduced learning rate adaptation is associated with several psychiatric disorders. In other words, multiple learning rate parameters are needed to account for behavioral differences across participant populations and volatility contexts in this flexible learning rate (FLR) model. Here, we propose an alternative explanation, suggesting that behavioral variation across participant populations and volatile contexts arises from the use of mixed decision strategies. To test this hypothesis, we constructed a mixture-of-strategies (MOS) model and used it to analyze the behaviors of 54 healthy controls and 32 patients with anxiety and depression in volatile reversal learning tasks. Compared to the FLR model, the MOS model can reproduce the three classic phenomena by using a single set of strategy preference parameters without introducing any learning rate differences. In addition, the MOS model can successfully account for several novel behavioral patterns that cannot be explained by the FLR model. Preferences for different strategies also predict individual variations in symptom severity. These findings underscore the importance of considering mixed strategy use in human learning and decision-making and suggest atypical strategy preference as a potential mechanism for learning deficits in psychiatric disorders.

Anti-PD-1 combined with hypomethylating agent and CAG regimen bridging to allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a novel strategy for relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia.

Introduction: The prognosis of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/rAML) is dismal, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) is a potential cure. Combining anti-PD-1, hypomethylating agent (HMA), and CAG (cytarabine, aclarubicin/idarubicin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) regimen has showed primary efficacy in r/rAML. However, pre-transplant exposure to anti-PD-1 may lead to severe graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This preliminary study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of allo-HSCT in r/rAML patients receiving the anti-PD-1+HMA+CAG regimen. Methods: Fifteen r/rAML patients (12 related haploidentical donors [HIDs], 2 matched siblings, 1 unrelated donor) received this regimen and subsequent peripheral blood HSCT. Results: Four patients with HIDs received a GVHD prophylaxis regimen consisted of Anti-thymocyte globulin and a reduced-dose of post-transplant cyclophosphamide. The median follow-up was 20.9 months (range, 1.2-34.2). The cumulative incidences of acute GVHD grade 2-4 and grade 3-4 were 40% and 13.3%, respectively. The 2-year incidence of moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD, non-relapse mortality, and relapse were 10%, 22.3%, and 22.5%, respectively. The 2-year overall survival and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival rates were 54% and 48.6%, respectively. No death or relapse was observed in the PTCy group. Conclusion: The anti-PD-1+HMA+CAG regimen bridging to allo-HSCT for r/r AML was tolerable with promising efficacy. GVHD prophylaxis with PTCy for HID-HSCT showed preliminary survival advantage.

Histological and transcriptomic insights into the interaction between grapevine and Colletotrichum viniferum.

Introduction: Grape is of high economic value. Colletotrichum viniferum, a pathogen causing grape ripe rot and leaf spot, threatens grape production and quality. Methods: This study investigates the interplay between C. viniferum by Cytological study and transcriptome sequencing. Results: Different grapevine germplasms, V. vinifera cv. Thompson Seedless (TS), V. labrusca accession Beaumont (B) and V. piasezkii Liuba-8 (LB-8) were classified as highly sensitive, moderate resistant and resistant to C. viniferum, respectively. Cytological study analysis reveals distinct differences between susceptible and resistant grapes post-inoculation, including faster pathogen development, longer germination tubes, normal appressoria of C. viniferum and absence of white secretions in the susceptible host grapevine. To understand the pathogenic mechanisms of C. viniferum, transcriptome sequencing was performed on the susceptible grapevine "TS" identifying 236 differentially expressed C. viniferum genes. These included 56 effectors, 36 carbohydrate genes, 5 P450 genes, and 10 genes involved in secondary metabolism. Fungal effectors are known as pivotal pathogenic factors that modulate plant immunity and affect disease development. Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana screened 10 effectors (CvA13877, CvA01508, CvA05621, CvA00229, CvA07043, CvA05569, CvA12648, CvA02698, CvA14071 and CvA10999) that inhibited INF1 (infestans 1, P. infestans PAMP elicitor) induced cell death and 2 effectors (CvA02641 and CvA11478) that induced cell death. Additionally, transcriptome analysis of "TS" in response to C. viniferum identified differentially expressed grape genes related to plant hormone signaling (TGA, PR1, ETR, and ERF1/2), resveratrol biosynthesis genes (STS), phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes (PAL and COMT), photosynthetic antenna proteins (Lhca and Lhcb), transcription factors (WRKY, NAC, MYB, ERF, GATA, bHLH and SBP), ROS (reactive oxygen species) clearance genes (CAT, GSH, POD and SOD), and disease-related genes (LRR, RPS2 and GST). Discussion: This study highlights the potential functional diversity of C. viniferum effectors. Our findings lay a foundation for further research of infection mechanisms in Colletotrichum and identification of disease response targets in grape.

Barrier Polarity Reversal Based on Interfacial Modification of Au Nanoparticles for Nonvolatile Multilevel Memory and Optoelectronic Synapses.

Optoelectronic synaptic devices, integrating light sensing and information processing capabilities, have emerged as advantageous tools for the implementation of visual neuromorphic computing. However, the transient light-triggered response characteristic typically results in unstable memory retention times and restricted current response ranges, posing significant challenges to the development and practical application of neural network systems. In response to these limitations, this study developed a nonvolatile optoelectronic memory based on the indium tin oxide (ITO)/Au nanoparticles (NPs)/amorphous Ga2O3 (a-Ga2O3)/Pt structure. Unlike conventional optoelectronic memories, this device features a modification with Au NPs that markedly enhances the Schottky barrier height at the interface. Au NPs function as a charge-trapping layer for sensitive and large-scale modulation of the barrier by the light field, thereby enabling the nonvolatile reversal of the device's barrier polarity. This innovative approach enables controllable multilevel data storage with an ultra large on/off ratio (∼104) and excellent retention capability exceeding 12,000 s. Additionally, the device emulates essential synaptic functions and demonstrates potential application values in visual weak signal perception and image memory. This study introduces a mechanism for Schottky barrier polarity control and presents a promising strategy for the development of future high-performance integrated devices and optoelectronic synaptic elements.

Anion Chemistry towards On-Site Construction of Solid-Electrolyte Interface for Highly Stable Metallic Zn Anode.

Reversibility of metallic Zn anode serves as the corner stone for the development of aqueous Zn metal battery, which motivates scrutinizing the electrolyte-Zn interface. As the representative organic zinc salt, zinc trifluorosulfonate (Zn(OTf)2) facilitates a broad class of aqueous electrolytes, however, the stability issue of Zn anode remains crucial. The great challenge lies in the lack of Zn anode protection by the pristinely formed surface structure in aqueous Zn(OTf)2 electrolytes. Accordingly, an electrochemical route was developed to grow a uniform zinc trifluorosulfonate hydroxide (ZTH) layer on Zn anode as an artificial SEI, via regulation on metal dissolution and strong coordination ability of zinc ions. Co-precipitation was proposed to be the formation mechanism for the artificial SEI, where the reduction stability of OTf‾ anion and the low-symmetry layer structure of ZTH was unmasked. This artificial SEI favors interfacial kinetics, depresses side reactions, and well maintains its integrity during cycling, leading to a prolonged lifespan of Zn stripping/plating with a high DOD of ~85%, and an improved cycling stability of ~92% retention rate for V2O5/Zn cell at 1 A g-1. The unveiled role of anion on Zn anode drives the contemplation on the surface chemistry for the blooming aqueous rechargeable battery.

Enhancing Cardioprotection Through Neutrophil-Mediated Delivery of 18ß-Glycyrrhetinic Acid in Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury.

Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and initiates inflammatory responses. Traditional therapies targeting specific cytokines or ROS often prove inadequate. An innovative drug delivery system (DDS) is developed using neutrophil decoys (NDs) that encapsulate 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) within a hydrolyzable oxalate polymer (HOP) and neutrophil membrane vesicles (NMVs). These NDs are responsive to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), enabling controlled GA release. Additionally, NDs adsorb inflammatory factors, thereby reducing inflammation. They exhibit enhanced adhesion to inflamed endothelial cells (ECs) and improved penetration. Once internalized by cardiomyocytes through clathrin-mediated endocytosis, NDs protect against ROS-induced damage and inhibit HMGB1 translocation. In vivo studies show that NDs preferentially accumulate in injured myocardium, reducing infarct size, mitigating adverse remodeling, and enhancing cardiac function, all while maintaining favorable biosafety profiles. This neutrophil-based system offers a promising targeted therapy for MI/RI by addressing both inflammation and ROS, holding potential for future clinical applications.

Planothidiumpseudolinkei sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta), a new marine monoraphid diatom species from the coast of Guangxi, China.

A new marine monoraphid diatom species, Planothidiumpseudolinkei sp. nov., is described from the coast of Guangxi, China. The detailed morphology of this epipsammic diatom is studied by using both light and scanning electron microscopy. P.pseudolinkei differs from congeners by a combination of morphological features including capitate apices, multiseriate striae, a small central area on the raphe valve and an oblong sinus on the rapheless valve. Ecological preferences of Planothidium are also briefly discussed.

Functions and Regulatory Mechanisms of bHLH Transcription Factors during the Responses to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Woody Plants.

Environmental stresses, including abiotic and biotic stresses, have complex and diverse effects on the growth and development of woody plants, which have become a matter of contention due to concerns about the outcomes of climate change on plant resources, genetic diversity, and world food safety. Plant basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) are involved in a variety of physiological processes and play an important role in biotic and abiotic stress responses of woody plants. In recent years, an increasing body of studies have been conducted on the bHLH TFs in woody plants, and the roles of bHLH TFs in response to various stresses are increasingly clear and precise. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a systematic and comprehensive review of the progress of the research of woody plants. In this review, the structural characteristics, research history and roles in the plant growth process of bHLH TFs are summarized, the gene families of bHLH TFs in woody plants are summarized, and the roles of bHLH TFs in biotic and abiotic stresses in woody plants are highlighted. Numerous studies mentioned in this review have shown that bHLH transcription factors play a crucial role in the response of woody plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review serves as a reference for further studies about enhancing the stress resistance and breeding of woody plants. Also, the future possible research directions of bHLH TFs in response to various stresses in woody plants will be discussed.

Establishment of an antiplatelet aggregation efficacy-oriented effect-constituent index for quality evaluation of Curcumae Rhizoma from different species (Curcuma phaeocaulis Val, Curcuma kwangsiensis S. G. Lee et C. F. Liang and Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling).

Curcumae rhizoma (CR) is the dried rhizoma of Curcuma phaeocaulis Val (CP), Curcuma kwangsiensis S. G. Lee et C. F. Liang (CK) and Curcuma wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling (CW), used widely to treat blood stagnation in China. Currently, quality control indicators for CR are limited to chemical composition analysis. It is unclear whether the current quality standard of the multicomponent content of CR can reflect clinical effects, due to the lack of the evaluation of biological effects. A method of evaluating quality was developed called the effect-constituent index (ECI). By meticulously measuring and calibrating the key active components, the ECI offers a comprehensive assessment of the CR's biological effects, establishing a crucial link to clinical efficacy and safety. An analytical protocol employing high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was devised to ascertain the presence and measure ten principal constituents within CR sourced from various species and the content of total volatile oil was also measured. An In vitro antiplatelet aggregation assay was developed to measure the antiplatelet aggregation biopotencies of thirty batches of CR and ten main components. Then, the calibration weights for each constituent in the ECI were determined based on the antiplatelet aggregation biopotency values of eight components with notable efficacy. The ECI calculation involved summing the products obtained by multiplying the content (Ci) of each component by its corresponding biopotency weight (Wi). Correlation analysis unveiled a the most robust correlation (R = 0.8579, p < 0.001) between ECI and antiplatelet aggregation biopotency of CR, when compared to individual components or volatile oil content. The devised ECI, synthesizing chemical and biological data pertinent to clinical effectiveness, facilitates a nuanced assessment of CR quality across various species in its efficacy in treating blood stagnation. This method addresses the challenge of guaranteeing effectiveness through chemical analysis alone. This study offers substantiation for the applicability of the ECI as a tool for assessing the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).