Alzheimer's disease with depressive symptoms: Clinical effect of intermittent theta burst stimulation repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.

BACKGROUND: Alzheimer's disease (AD), characterized by the ongoing deterioration of neural function, often presents alongside depressive features and greatly affects the quality of life of individuals living with the condition. Although several treatment methods exist, their efficacy is limited. In recent years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) utilizing the theta burst stimulation (TBS) mode, specifically the intermittent TBS (iTBS), has demonstrated promising therapeutic potential in the management of neuropsychiatric disorders. AIM: To examine the therapeutic efficacy of iTBS mode of rTMS for treating depressive symptoms in patients with AD. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 105 individuals diagnosed with AD with depressive symptoms at Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital, affiliated with Huzhou University, between January 2020 and December 2023. Participants received standard pharmacological interventions and were categorized into control (n = 53) and observation (n = 52) groups based on treatment protocols. The observation group received iTBS mode of rTMS, while the control group received pseudo-stimulation. A comparative analysis evaluated psychological well-being, adverse events, and therapeutic at initiation of hospitalization (T0) and 15 days post-treatment (T1). RESULTS: At T1, both groups exhibited a marked reduction in self-rating depression scale and Hamilton depression scale scores compared to T0. Furthermore, the observation group showed a more pronounced decrease than the control group. By T1, the Mini-mental state examination scores for both groups had increased markedly from their initial T0 assessments. Importantly, the increase was particularly more substantial in the observation group than in the control group. Fourteen patients in the control group had ineffective treatment effects, while five patients in the observation group experienced the same. Additionally, the observation group experienced a substantially reduced incidence of ineffective treatment as compared to the control group (both P < 0.05); there were no recorded serious adverse events in either group. CONCLUSION: The iTBS model of rTMS effectively treated AD with depression, improving depressive symptoms and cognitive function in patients without serious adverse reactions, warranting clinical consideration.

Unveiling the Role of Electric Double-Layer in Sulfur Catalysis for Batteries.

The metal-catalyzed sulfur reaction in lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries usually suffers from the strong binding of sulfur species to the catalyst surface, which destroys the electric double layer (EDL) region there. This causes rapid catalyst deactivation because it prevents the desorption of sulfur species and mass transport through the EDL is hindered. This work introduces a competitive adsorption factor (fsulfur) as a new indicator to quantify the competitive adsorption of sulfur species in the EDL and proposes an alloying method to change it by strengthening the p-d hybridization of alloying metals with electrolyte solvents. A cobalt-zinc alloy catalyst with a moderate fsulfur lowers the activation energy of the rate-limiting step of the conversion of lithium polysulfides to lithium sulfide, giving a platform capacity proportion that is 96% of the theoretical value and has a greatly improved anti-passivation ability, especially at high sulfur loadings and lean electrolyte conditions (a low E/S ratio of 5 µL mgS -1). A pouch cell using this approach has a high energy density of up to 464 Wh kg-1. Such a competitive adsorption indicator and alloying strategy offer a new guideline for catalyst design and a practical electrocatalysis solution for Li-S batteries.

Targeted dephosphorylation of SMAD3 as an approach to impede TGF-ß signaling.

TGF-ß (transforming growth factor-ß) signaling is involved in a myriad of cellular processes and its dysregulation has been implicated in many human diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. TGF-ß transcriptional responses are controlled by tail phosphorylation of transcription factors SMAD2 and SMAD3 (mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3). Therefore, targeted dephosphorylation of phospho-SMAD3 could provide an innovative mechanism to block some TGF-ß-induced transcriptional responses, such as the transcription of SERPINE-1, which encodes plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). Here, by developing and employing a bifunctional molecule, BDPIC (bromoTAG-dTAG proximity-inducing chimera), we redirected multiple phosphatases, tagged with bromoTAG, to dephosphorylate phospho-SMAD3, tagged with dTAG. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we generated homozygous double knock-in A549 bromoTAG/bromoTAG PPM1H/ dTAG/dTAG SMAD3 cells, in which the BDPIC-induced proximity between bromoTAG-PPM1H and dTAG-SMAD3 led to a robust dephosphorylation of dTAG-SMAD3 and a significant decrease in SERPINE-1 transcription. Our work demonstrates targeted dephosphorylation of phospho-proteins as an exciting modality for rewiring cell signaling.

A comparison of the clinical efficacy of total hip arthroplasty via direct anterior approach and posterior approach: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The approach of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has long been controversial, and many studies have compared different approaches. However, there is still a lack of consistent conclusions and comprehensive, systematic comparisons and evaluations. METHODS: This study retrieved 7 databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database. The search time ranged from the establishment of each database to November 1, 2023. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4, and outcome was presented as the weighed mean difference for continuous data and risk/odds ratio for dichotomous data. We used the Mantel-Haneszel method and random effects model to obtain the overall effects of the differences in the impact of 2 surgical methods on clinical outcomes in all included studies. RESULTS: A total of 33 articles were included in this study, including 14478 participants, 4911 participants in DAA group and 9567 participants in PA group. The visual analogue scale scores of the DAA group at 1 day and 2 days after THA were significantly lower than those of the PA group (mean difference [MD] = -0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.83 to -0.30, P < .01) at 1 day and (MD = -0.67, 95% CI: -1.16 to -0.17, P = .01) at 2 days. The risk of intraoperative fracture (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.11-4.29, P = .05) and lateral femoral nerve injury (risk ratio = 7.84, 95% CI: 1.69-36.42, P < .01) in the DAA group was significantly higher than that of the PA group. The number of prostheses in the Lewinnek safe zone of the DAA group was significantly higher than that of the PA group (risk ratio = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00-1.27, P = .05). The results showed no significant difference between the DAA group and the PA group in the time to stop using walking aids, dislocation rate, groin pain, incision complications, heterotopic ossification, intraoperative blood loss, and acetabular anterior (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the PA group, patients in the DAA group showed more ideal anatomical and imaging results, shorter hospital stay, and showing advantages in postoperative pain, but with a higher incidence of intraoperative complications.

Preparation, characterization and microencapsulation of walnut (Juglans regia L.) peptides-zinc chelate.

In this research, a novel kind of walnut (Juglans regia L.) peptides-zinc (Zn-WPs) chelate was obtained using the mass ratio of the walnut peptides (WPs) to ZnSO4.7H2O of 3.5:1 at pH 8.5 and 50°C for 84 min, with the chelation rate of 84.5%. In comparison to walnut peptides (WPs), the contents of aspartic acid and glutamic acid in Zn-WPs chelate are approximately 27%, indicating that hydrophilic amino acids predominantly bind with walnut peptides. Following chelation with zinc ions, the ultraviolet-visible (UV) characteristic absorption peak shifted from 213 nm to 210 nm, while the average particle size of the chelate increased to 8.0 ± 0.14 µm, presenting a loose spherical structure under scanning electron microscopy. These findings suggest the formation of new substances. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed carboxyl, amino, and peptide bonds as the chelation sites of WPs and zinc. The IC50 of walnut peptides-zinc (Zn-WPs) chelate is 2.91 mg/mL, indicative of a favorable DPPH radical scavenging rate. Furthermore, Zn-WPs chelate microcapsules were produced via the spray drying method, achieving an encapsulation rate of 75.67 ± 0.83% under optimal conditions. These microcapsules demonstrate robust stability across diverse environmental conditions. This study underscores the potential of Zn-WPs and its chelate microcapsules to enhance stability and bioactivity under varying circumstances. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In this study, a new walnut peptide-zinc (Zn-WPs) chelate was prepared. The presence of zinc ions changes the structure and properties of walnut peptides and improves its stability. The production of Zn-WPs chelate microcapsules enables Zn-WPs to have strong in vitro stability under different pH and simulated gastrointestinal digestion conditions. These results provide novel insights for developing the walnut peptides as bioactive ingredients in functional foods.

Major specialized natural products from the endangered plant Heptacodium miconioides, potential medicinal uses and insights into its longstanding unresolved systematic classification.

A comprehensive phytochemical investigation of the flower buds and leaves/twigs of Heptacodium miconioides, a cultivated ornamental plant native to China and categorized as 'vulnerable', has led to the isolation of 45 structurally diverse compounds, which comprise 18 phenylpropanoids (1-4, 7-20), 11 pentacyclic triterpenoids (5, 6, 21-29), eight secoiridoid glycosides (30-37), three quinic acid derivatives (38-40), and a few miscellaneous components (41-45). Among them, (+)-α-intermedianol (1), (+)-holophyllol A (2), and (-)-pseudolarkaemin A (3) represent previously unreported enantiomeric lignans, while (+)-7'(R)-hydroxymatairesinol (4) is an undescribed naturally occurring lignan. Heptacoacids A (5) and B (6) are undescribed 24-nor-urs-28-oic acid derivatives. Their chemical structures were determined by 2D-NMR, supplemented by evidence from specific rotations and circular dichroism spectra. Given the uncertainty surrounding the systematic position of Heptacodium, integrative taxonomy (ITA), a method utilized to define contentious species, is applied. Chemotaxonomy, a vital aspect of ITA, becomes significant. By employing hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and syntenic pattern analysis methods, a taxonomic examination based on the major specialized natural products from the flower buds of H. miconioides and two other Caprifoliaceae plants (i.e., Lonicera japonica and Abelia × grandiflora) could offer enhanced understanding of the systematic placement of Heptacodium. Additionally, compounds 39 and 40 displayed remarkable inhibitory activities against ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), with IC50 values of 0.11 and 1.10 µM, respectively. In summary, the discovery of medical properties and refining systematic classification can establish a sturdy groundwork for conservation efforts aimed at mitigating species diversity loss while addressing human diseases.

The short- and mid-term efficacy and safety of elagolix in the management of pain associated with endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Elagolix, an approved non-peptide GnRH antagonist, shows promise in relieving endometriosis-related pain, but its short- and mid-term efficacy and potential side effects are still under investigation. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to provide data for therapeutic applications by methodically evaluating elagolix's safety and effectiveness in treating endometriosis-related pain. METHODS: Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, and others were thoroughly searched. The search time was from the establishment date to September 2023. The study included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of elagolix versus placebo in treating endometriosis-associated pain. After data extraction and literature scanning, quality assessment was carried out using Quality evaluation was carried out using the bias risk assessment tool suggested by the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook 5.1.0 after literature screening and data extraction. Stata 15.0 was used to do the meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, five RCTs involving 2056 patients were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant superiority of elagolix over placebo in the management of endometriosis-related pain, specifically in endometriosis pain [WMD=-0.77, 95% CI (-1.00, -0.53), P<0.001], as well as in non-menstrual pelvic pain, daily assessment of dysmenorrhea (DYS), and dyspareunia (DYSP), all of which are associated with endometriosis. Regarding safety, no discernible variation was observed in the incidence of serious adverse responses between the elagolix and placebo groups [RR=0.90, 95% CI (0.58, 1.40), P=0.643]. Conversely, the elagolix group exhibited a significantly higher incidence rate of general adverse responses [RR = 1.34, 95% CI (1.18, 1.52), P<0.001] compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of elagolix in reducing pain in premenopausal women with endometriosis has been demonstrated over the short- to mid-term. However, careful monitoring for potential adverse effects is essential throughout the treatment duration.

Gut microbiota and healthy longevity.

Recent progress on the underlying biological mechanisms of healthy longevity has propelled the field from elucidating genetic modification of healthy longevity hallmarks to defining mechanisms of gut microbiota influencing it. Importantly, the role of gut microbiota in the healthy longevity of the host may provide unprecedented opportunities to decipher the plasticity of lifespan on a natural evolutionary scale and shed light on using microbiota-targeted strategies to promote healthy aging and combat age-related diseases. This review investigates how gut microbiota affects healthy longevity, focusing on the mechanisms through which gut microbiota modulates it. Specifically, we focused on the ability of gut microbiota to enhance the intestinal barrier integrity, provide protection from inflammaging, ameliorate nutrientsensing pathways, optimize mitochondrial function, and improve defense against age-related diseases, thus participating in enhancing longevity and healthspan.

[Land Use Optimization and Carbon Reserve Assessment in the Shiyang River Basin].

Studying the response relationship and spatial distribution characteristics of carbon reserve and land use change and predicting the change trend of carbon reserve caused by the change of land use type in the future can provide some reference for watershed policy formulation, land use structure adjustment, and the realization of the "two-carbon" goal. Based on the land use data from 2000, 2010, and 2020, the InVEST model was used to calculate carbon reserves and analyze the change characteristics and to simulate the land use change and its impact on carbon reserves in natural development, urban development, and ecological protection in 2030 with the help of the PLUS model. The study found that ① the main land types in the Shiyang River Basin from 2000 to 2020 were cultivated land, grassland, and unused land. The area of cultivated land, water area, and construction land in the Shiyang River Basin showed a significant increasing trend, and the construction land area increased the most. ② In the natural development scenario of 2030, cultivated land, water area, and construction all increased by 6.15%, 9.56%, and 29.9%, respectively. In the urban development scenario, the area of construction land increased the most. Compared with that in the other two scenarios, the area of forest land and grassland increased in the ecological protection scenarios. ③ The carbon reserves of the Shiyang River Basin from 2000 to 2020 showed a steady increase, with an overall increase of 0.035×108 t. The increased carbon reserves were mainly due to the increase in cultivated land area. ④ In 2030, the carbon reserves of the Shiyang River Basin showed an increasing trend in all three scenarios. The carbon reserves in the three scenarios were 5.65×108, 5.64×108,and 5.73×108 t, respectively, with the largest increase in carbon reserves in the ecological conservation scenario, mainly due to the increase in grassland and woodland. The results showed that the expansion of construction land was the main cause of the loss of carbon reserves. If effective ecological protection measures are taken, the carbon reserves in the Shiyang River Basin will be improved, and the problem of the loss of carbon reserves caused by economic development can be solved.

The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism serves as a potential marker of body weight in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a predominant neurotrophic factor in the brain, indispensable for neuronal growth, synaptic development, neuronal repair, and hippocampal neuroplasticity. Among its genetic variants, the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is widespread in the population and has been associated with the onset and aggravation of diverse pathologies, including metabolic conditions like obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, cancer, and an array of psychiatric disorders. Psychiatric disorders constitute a broad category of mental health issues that influence mood, cognition, and behavior. Despite advances in research and treatment, challenges persist that hinder our understanding and effective intervention of these multifaceted conditions. Achieving and maintaining stable body weight is pivotal for overall health and well-being, and the relationship between psychiatric conditions and body weight is notably intricate and reciprocal. Both weight gain and loss have been linked to varying mental health challenges, making the disentanglement of this relationship critical for crafting holistic treatment strategies. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism's connection to weight fluctuation in psychiatric patients has garnered attention. This review investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms by which the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism moderates body weight among individuals with psychiatric disorders. It posits the polymorphism as a potential biomarker, offering prospects for improved monitoring and therapeutic approaches for mental illnesses.

Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Corrosion Boosting Bulk FeCoNiCrMo High-Entropy Alloys as Highly Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst.

The key to enhancing water electrolysis efficiency lies in selecting highly efficient catalysts. Currently, high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are utilized in electrocatalysis applications owing to their diverse elemental composition, disordered elemental distribution, and the high solubility of each element, endowing them with excellent catalytic performance. The experiments were conducted using isoatomic FeNiCrMo HEA as a precursor, with a high-activity three-dimensional nanoporous structure rapidly synthesized via electrochemical one-step dealloying in a choline chloride-thiourea (ChCl-TU) deep eutectic solvent (DES). The results indicate that the dealloyed Fe20Co20Ni20Cr20Mo20 HEA mainly consists of two phases: face-centered cubic and σ phases. The imbalance in the distribution of elements in these two phases leads to quite different corrosion speeds with the FCC phase being preferentially corroded. Furthermore, synergistic electron coupling between surface atoms in the three-dimensional nanoporous structure strengthens the behavior of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). At a current density of 40 mA cm-2, the overpotential after dealloying decreased to 370 mV, demonstrating excellent stability. The technique demonstrated in this work provides a novel approach to improve the catalytic activity of OER.

Apolipoprotein L3 inhibits breast cancer proliferation and modulates cell cycle via the P53 pathway.

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Apolipoprotein L3 (APOL3), a member of the apolipoprotein family, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, the functions and underlying mechanisms of APOL3 in breast cancer have yet to be elucidated. Methods: The patient data were sourced from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were used to assess expression of APOL3. Cell proliferation rates were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to examine cell cycle distribution. Western blotting was conducted to investigate the expression of cell cycle related proteins. A xenograft model was used to evaluate the effect of APOL3 in vivo. APOL3-binding proteins were identified through mass spectrometry, co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) assay and immunofluorescence assay. Results: APOL3 expression was significantly downregulated in breast cancer, and its low expression was correlated with poor prognostic outcomes. Overexpression of APOL3 suppressed breast cancer cell proliferation, induced cell cycle disruption. Conversely, knockdown of APOL3 promoted cell proliferation. In vivo animal experiments demonstrated that APOL3 overexpression can inhibit tumor proliferation. Mass spectrometry, CO-IP and immunofluorescence assay confirmed the interaction between APOL3 and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1). Furthermore, YBX1 knockdown following APOL3 knockdown mitigated the enhanced proliferation. These results provide new ideas for clinically targeting APOL3 to inhibit proliferation in breast cancer. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that APOL3 inhibits breast cancer cell proliferation and cell cycle modulating P53 pathway through the interaction of YBX1.

Elucidating the Impact of Li3InCl6-Coated LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 on the Electro-Chemo-Mechanics of Li6PS5Cl-Based Solid-State Batteries.

Li6PS5Cl has attracted significant attention due to its high Li-ion conductivity and processability, facilitating large-scale solid-state battery applications. However, when paired with high-voltage cathodes, it experiences adverse side reactions. Li3InCl6 (LIC), known for its higher stability at high voltages and moderate Li-ion conductivity, is considered a catholyte to address the limitations of Li6PS5Cl. To extend the stability of Li6PS5Cl toward LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2 (NCA), we applied nanocrystalline LIC as a 180 nm-thick protective coating in a core-shell-like fashion (LIC@NCA) via mechanofusion. Solid-state batteries with LIC@NCA allow an initial discharge specific capacity of 148 mA h/g at 0.1C and 80% capacity retention for 200 cycles at 0.2C with a cutoff voltage of 4.2 V (vs Li/Li+), while cells without LIC coating suffers from low initial discharge capacity and poor retention. Using a wide spectrum of advanced characterization techniques, such as operando XRD, XPS, FIB-SEM, and TOF-SIMS, we reveal that the superior performance of solid-state batteries employing LIC@NCA is related to the suppression of detrimental interfacial reactions of NCA with Li6PS5Cl, delamination, and particle cracking compared to uncoated NCA.

Phytochemical and biological studies on rare and endangered plants endemic to China. Part XXXVI. Tsugaforrestiacids A-O: Structurally diverse C-18 carboxylated diterpenoids from the twigs and needles of the 'vulnerable' conifer Tsuga forrestii and their inhibitory effects on ATP-citrate lyase.

An extensive phytochemical investigation on the EtOAc-soluble fraction of the 90% MeOH extract from the twigs and needles of the 'vulnerable' Chinese endemic conifer Tsuga forrestii (Forrest's hemlock) led to the isolation and characterization of 50 structurally diverse diterpenoids, including 15 unreported C-18 carboxylated ones (tsugaforrestiacids A-O, 1-15, resp.). Among them, compounds 1-7 are abieten-18-oic acids, compound 8 is an abieten-18-succinate, and compounds 10-12 are podocarpen-18-oic acids, whereas compounds 13-15 are pimarane-type, isopimarane-type, and totarane-type diterpenoid acids, respectively. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by a combination of spectroscopic methods, GIAO NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analyses, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. All the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against the ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), a key enzyme in cellular metabolism. Tsugaforrestiacids E (5) and H (8) were found to have significant inhibitory effects against ACL, with IC50 values of 5.3 and 6.2 µM, respectively. The interactions of the bioactive molecules with the ACL enzyme were examined by molecular docking studies. The isolated diterpenoids also provide chemotaxonomic evidence to support the delimitation of Tsuga from its closest sister group (Nothotsuga). The above findings highlight the importance of protecting plant species with unique and diverse secondary metabolites, which may be potential sources of new therapeutic agents for the treating ACL-associated diseases.

Psoralen attenuates cigarette smoke extract-induced inflammation by modulating CD8+ T lymphocyte recruitment and chemokines via the JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory inflammatory disease. Psoralen (PSO) is the main pharmacological component identified from Bu-Shen-Fang-Chuan formula which has been traditionally used in treatment of COPD, yet its efficacy in COPD inflammation were unreported. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the anti-inflammatory potential of PSO in COPD and unravel the underlying mechanisms, focusing on T lymphocyte recruitment and the modulation of chemokines, namely monokine induced by interferon-gamma (CXCL9), interferon inducible protein 10 (CXCL10), and interferon inducible T-Cell alpha chemoattractant (CXCL11). In vitro, RAW264.7 was stimulated by interferon (IFN)-γ + cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and were treated with PSO (2.5, 5, 10 µM), then the levels of chemokines and the activation of Janus kinase (JAK)/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) pathway were analyzed by real time PCR and western blot. In vivo, a murine model was established by intraperitoneal injection of CSE on day 1, 8, 15, and 22, then treated with PSO (10 mg/kg). Our experiments in vitro illustrated that PSO reduced the levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11, and decreased the protein phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT1. Additionally, PSO effectively improved inflammatory infiltration and decreased the proportion of CD8+ T cells in CSE-exposed mice. Furthermore, PSO reduced the levels of CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue, and decreased the protein phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT1. In conclusion, our results revealed the therapeutic potential of PSO for COPD inflammation, possibly mediated through the regulation of CD8+ T cell recruitment and chemokines via the JAK2/STAT1 signaling pathway.

Undescribed polyketides from endophytes associated with the critically endangered conifer Abies beshanzuensis.

Four undescribed polyketides, beshanzones A (1) and B (2) as well as beshanhexanols A (3) and B (4), along with three known ones (5-7) were isolated from the rice fermentation of two endophytic fungi associated with the critically endangered Chinese endemic conifer Abies beshanzuensis. γ-Butyrolactone derivatives 1, 2, and 5 were isolated from Phomopsis sp. BSZ-AZ-2, an interesting strain that drawn our attention this time. The cyclohexanol derivatives 3, 4, 6, and 7 were obtained during a follow-up investigation on Penicillium commune BSZ-P-4-1. The chemical structures including absolute configurations of compounds 1-4 were determined by spectroscopic methods, Mo2(OAc)4 induced electronic circular dichroism (IECD), GIAO NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analyses. In particular, compound 2 contains a novel 5/5 bicyclic ring system, which might be biogenetically derived from the known compound 5 through hydrolysis followed by an Aldol reaction. All isolates were evaluated for their antimicrobial activities against a small panel of bacterial and fungal pathogens. Compounds 6 and 7 showed moderate inhibitory activities against Candida albicans, with MIC values of 16 and 32 µg/mL, respectively.

Amino acid permease OsAAP12 negatively regulates rice tillers and grain yield by transporting specific amino acids to affect nitrogen and cytokinin pathways.

Amino acids are necessary nutrients for the growth of Oryza sativa (rice), which can be mediated by amino acid transporter; however, our understanding of these transporters is still limited. This study found that the expression levels of amino acid permease gene OsAAP12 differed between indica and japonica rice. Altered expression of OsAAP12 negatively regulated tillering and yield in transgenic rice lines. Subcellular localization revealed that OsAAP12 was primarily localized to the plasma membrane. Moreover, it was indicated that OsAAP12 transported polar neutral amino acids asparagine (Asn), threonine (Thr), and serine (Ser) through experiments involving yeast heterologous complementation, fluorescence amino acid uptake, and amino acid content determination. Additionally, exogenous application of amino acids Asn, Thr, and Ser suppressed axillary buds outgrowth in OsAAP12 overexpression lines compared with wild-type ZH11. Conversely, the opposite trend was observed in CRISPR mutant lines. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression patterns of genes involved in the nitrogen and cytokinin pathways were generally altered in OsAAP12 modified lines. Hormone assays indicated that OsAAP12 mutant lines accumulated cytokinins in the basal part of rice, whereas overexpression lines had the opposite effect. In summary, CRISPR mutant of OsAAP12 boosted rice tillering and grain yield by coordinating the content of amino acids and cytokinins, which has potential application value in high-yield rice breeding.

A new canthinone glycoside isolated from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima with NO inhibitory activity.

One new canthinone glycoside (1), together with six known compounds (2-7) including three lignans (2-4), two coumarins (5-6) and one phenol (7) was isolated from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima. The structure of new compound 1 was established by the interpretation of UV, IR, MS and NMR data, while its absolute configuration was determined by acid hydrolysis and GIAO NMR calculations with DP4+ probability analysis. The inhibitory effects of all compounds on Nitric oxide (NO) production were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Results showed that compounds 2 and 5 displayed NO production inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 30.1 and 15.3 µM, respectively.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae.

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a notorious pest in agriculture that has developed resistance to almost all chemical types used for its control. Here, we assembled a chromosome-level genome for the TSSM using Illumina, Nanopore, and Hi-C sequencing technologies. The assembled contigs had a total length of 103.94 Mb with an N50 of 3.46 Mb, with 87.7 Mb of 34 contigs anchored to three chromosomes. The chromosome-level genome assembly had a BUSCO completeness of 94.8%. We identified 15,604 protein-coding genes, with 11,435 genes that could be functionally annotated. The high-quality genome provides invaluable resources for the genetic and evolutionary study of TSSM.