Preparation of a Polymeric Phosphoramide Flame-Retardant and Its Effect on the Flame-Retardant Properties of Epoxy Resin.

The flammability of epoxy resins and knowing how to achieve curing are particularly important factors during use. A novel approach for enhancing the fire resistance and reducing the smoke emission of epoxy resin during the curing process is suggested, which involves the utilization of a three-source integrated polymerization intumescent flame-retardant. In this study, the synthesis of poly 4,4-diaminodiphenylsulfone spirocyclic pentaerythritol bisphosphonate (PCS) is achieved through using solution polymerization, utilizing 4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) and spirocyclic pentaerythritol bisphosphorate disphosphoryl chloride (SPDPC) as initial components. Following that, the EP underwent the inclusion of PCS to examine its resistance to heat, its ability to prevent flames, its effectiveness in reducing smoke and its curing effect. Compared to the unmodified epoxy resin, the addition of PCS can not only cure the epoxy resin, but also decompose before the epoxy resin and has a good carbonization effect. With the addition of 7 wt.% PCS, the LOI value can achieve 31.2% and successfully pass the UL-94 test with a V-0 rating. Moreover, the cone calorimeter experiment demonstrated a noteworthy decline of 59.7% in the maximum heat release rate (pHRR), 63.7% in overall heat release (THR), and 42.3% in total smoke generation (TSP). Based on the examination of TG-FTIR and SEM findings, there is ample evidence to suggest that PCS, functioning as a phosphorus-nitrogen intumescent flame-retardant that combines three origins, has the potential to exhibit a favorable flame-retardant impact in both its gas and condensed phases.

Landscape of human organoids: Ideal model in clinics and research.

In the last decade, organoid research has entered a golden era, signifying a pivotal shift in the biomedical landscape. The year 2023 marked a milestone with the publication of thousands of papers in this arena, reflecting exponential growth. However, amid this burgeoning expansion, a comprehensive and accurate overview of the field has been conspicuously absent. Our review is intended to bridge this gap, providing a panoramic view of the rapidly evolving organoid landscape. We meticulously analyze the organoid field from eight distinctive vantage points, harnessing our rich experience in academic research, industrial application, and clinical practice. We present a deep exploration of the advances in organoid technology, underpinned by our long-standing involvement in this arena. Our narrative traverses the historical genesis of organoids and their transformative impact across various biomedical sectors, including oncology, toxicology, and drug development. We delve into the synergy between organoids and avant-garde technologies such as synthetic biology and single-cell omics and discuss their pivotal role in tailoring personalized medicine, enhancing high-throughput drug screening, and constructing physiologically pertinent disease models. Our comprehensive analysis and reflective discourse provide a deep dive into the existing landscape and emerging trends in organoid technology. We spotlight technological innovations, methodological evolution, and the broadening spectrum of applications, emphasizing the revolutionary influence of organoids in personalized medicine, oncology, drug discovery, and other fields. Looking ahead, we cautiously anticipate future developments in the field of organoid research, especially its potential implications for personalized patient care, new avenues of drug discovery, and clinical research. We trust that our comprehensive review will be an asset for researchers, clinicians, and patients with keen interest in personalized medical strategies. We offer a broad view of the present and prospective capabilities of organoid technology, encompassing a wide range of current and future applications. In summary, in this review we attempt a comprehensive exploration of the organoid field. We offer reflections, summaries, and projections that might be useful for current researchers and clinicians, and we hope to contribute to shaping the evolving trajectory of this dynamic and rapidly advancing field.

Revealing the active ingredients and mechanism of P. sibiricumm in non-small-cell lung cancer based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and molecular docking.

The alcohol extraction of P. sibiricum has exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the production of free radicals and the proliferation of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) A549 cells. Despite the diverse components found in alcohol extraction of P. sibiricum and its multiple targets, the active components and associated targets remain largely unidentified. Hence, there is a need for additional investigation into the pharmacodynamic elements and mechanisms of action. This study aimed to analyze and identify the components responsible for the anti-tumor activity of alcohol extraction from P. sibiricum using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS for the first time. Subsequently, the targets of the active components were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction database, whereas the targets for NSCLC were sourced from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database (OMIM) and the GeneCards database. Next, the targets of chemical composition were integrated with disease targets via Venny online. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed utilizing DAVID. Subsequently, a network analysis of "components-targets-pathways" was established using Cytoscape 3.8.2 and assessed with the "network analyzer" plug-in. Molecular docking was conducted utilizing Autodock 1.5.6. The study aimed to examine the anti-proliferative impacts and underlying mechanisms of alcohol extraction from P. sibiricum on NSCLC through in vivo and in vitro investigations utilizing an animal model of transplanted tumor, CCK8 assay, cell scratch test, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. The study unveiled that 17 active components extracted from P. sibiricum alcohol demonstrated anti-non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) effects through the modulation of 191 targets and various significant signaling pathways. These pathways include Endocrine resistance, PI3K/AKT, Chemical carcinogenesis-receptor activation, Proteoglycans in cancer, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, AMPK signaling pathway, and other related signaling pathways. Network analysis and molecular docking results indicated that specific compounds such as (25S)-26-O-(ß-d-glucopyranosyl)-furost-5-en3ß,22α,26-triol3-O-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-ß-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-ß-d-glucopyranoside, Timosaponin H1, Deapi-platycodin D3, (3R)-5,7-dihydroxy-6,8-dimethyl-3-(4'-hydroxybenzyl)-chroman-4-one, Disporopsin, Funkioside F, Kingianoside E, Parisyunnanoside H, and Sibiricoside B primarily targeted 17 key proteins (BCL2, EGFR, ESR1, ESR2, GRB2, IGF1R, JUN, MAP2K1, MAPK14, MAPK8, MDM2, MMP9, mTOR, PIK3CA, RAF1, RPS6KB1, and SRC) collectively. In conclusion, the alcohol extraction of P. sibiricum demonstrated inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of metastasis through various pathways.

Resveratrol attenuates cyclosporin A-induced upregulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor and hypertension via the AMPK/SIRT1 and MAPK/NF-κB pathways in the rat mesenteric artery.

Cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive agent, is extensively utilized for the prevention of transplant rejection and treat autoimmune disease in the clinic, despite its association with a high risk of hypertension development among patients. Resveratrol is a kind of non-flavonoid phenolic compound that widely exists in many plants. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism by which resveratrol ameliorates cyclosporin A-induced hypertension. The arterial rings of the mesentery were incubated with cyclosporin A and resveratrol in vitro. Rats were administered cyclosporin A and/or resveratrol for 3 weeks in vivo. Blood pressure was measured via the tail arteries. Vasoconstriction curves were recorded using a sensitive myograph. The protein expression was evaluated through Western blotting. This study demonstrated that resveratrol mitigated the cyclosporin A-induced increase in blood pressure in rats. Furthermore, resveratrol markedly inhibited the cyclosporin A-induced upregulation of thromboxane A2 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the rat mesenteric artery both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, resveratrol activated AMPK/SIRT1 and inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, resveratrol restored the cyclosporin A-induced upregulation of the thromboxane A2 receptor and hypertension via the AMPK/SIRT1 and MAPK/NF-κB pathways in rats.

Understanding Sorafenib-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity: Mechanisms and Treatment Implications.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been recognized as crucial agents for treating various tumors, and one of their key targets is the intracellular site of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR). While TKIs have demonstrated their effectiveness in solid tumor patients and increased life expectancy, they can also lead to adverse cardiovascular effects including hypertension, thromboembolism, cardiac ischemia, and left ventricular dysfunction. Among the TKIs, sorafenib was the first approved agent and it exerts anti-tumor effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by inhibiting angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation through targeting VEGFR and RAF. Unfortunately, the adverse cardiovascular effects caused by sorafenib not only affect solid tumor patients but also limit its application in curing other diseases. This review explores the mechanisms underlying sorafenib-induced cardiovascular adverse effects, including endothelial dysfunction, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, dysregulated autophagy, and ferroptosis. It also discusses potential treatment strategies, such as antioxidants and renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, and highlights the association between sorafenib-induced hypertension and treatment efficacy in cancer patients. Furthermore, emerging research suggests a link between sorafenib-induced glycolysis, drug resistance, and cardiovascular toxicity, necessitating further investigation. Overall, understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing sorafenib therapy and minimizing cardiovascular risks in cancer patients.

A study integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate the effects of Shicao in alleviating acute liver injury.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Shicao is the aerial part of Achillea alpina L., a common herb found mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditional Chinese medicine has a history of thousands of years and is widely used to treat various diseases. AIM OF STUDY: To explore the hepatoprotective effects of Shicao on CCl4-induced acute liver injury. METHODS: A rat model of acute liver injury was established and liver function indices were assessed to evaluate the protective effect of Shicao on the liver. Untargeted metabolomics of the serum and liver tissues was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to identify differential metabolites related to acute liver injury. A network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene constituents was constructed using network pharmacology. Hub targets and key components of the effect of Shicao on acute liver injury were screened from the network. RESULTS: Compared to the model group, Shicao improved the degree of liver damage through the assessment of the liver index, ALT and AST levels, and hepatic pathology slices, demonstrating its hepatoprotective effect against acute liver injury in rats. 10 and 38 differential metabolites involved in acute liver injury were identified in serum and liver tissues, respectively. Most of these were regulated or restored following treatment with Shicao, which mainly consisted of bile acids, lipids, and nucleotides such as taurocholic acid, LysoPC (17:0), and adenosine diphosphate ribose. Through the network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene-constituents, 10 key components and 5 hub genes, along with 7 crucial differential metabolites, were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and primary bile acid biosynthesis, which may play important roles in the prevention of acute liver injury by Shicao. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that Shicao had protective effects against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. It was speculated that the ingredients of Shicao might be closely related to the hub targets, thereby regulating the levels of key metabolites, affecting inflammatory response and oxidative stress and attenuate the liver injury consequently. This study provides a basis for further investigation of its therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action.

Effects of restoration years on soil nitrogen and phosphorus in inland salt marshes.

Inland salt marsh wetlands have very important ecological functions in semi-arid areas. However, degradation and soil desertification have impacted these areas, making it necessary to study the impact of wetland restoration years on the soil quality of salt marsh wetland. We used remote sensing methods, field surveys, and inquiries to examine the seasonal profile effects of two-, four-, and six-year restoration periods on total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) in P. australis and S. triqueter wetland natural states. Our results showed that soil TN in P. australis wetland in restored conditions was higher than that in natural conditions. The average soil TP of the S. triqueter wetlands at 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, and 30-40 cm layers was 0.36 g/kg, 0.31 g/kg, 0.21 g/kg, and 0.17 g/kg s in September, respectively. The soil TP of the S. triqueter wetland increased slightly over the entire growing season. The restoration years had a great influence on the soil TP of the S. triqueter wetland from May to July. The soil TN in the P. australis wetland was almost restored to its natural condition in each layer during the six-year restoration period. The soil TP of the S. triqueter wetland was higher in the restored two-year period and showed a decreasing trend with an increased soil depth. Our conclusions can significantly guide the restoration of inland salt marsh wetlands.

Substance basis and pharmacological mechanism of heat-clearing herbs in the treatment of ischaemic encephalopathy: a systematic review and network pharmacology.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Ischaemic encephalopathy is a common cerebrovascular disease caused by insufficient blood supply to the cerebral vessels. The ischaemic encephalopathy is closely associated with the development of many chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. Neurotrophic therapy has become the main therapeutic strategy for ischaemic encephalopathy. However, neurotrophic drugs only slightly recover the neurological function of patients, and their long-term efficacy is uncertain. Previous reports revealed that the active ingredients of natural medicines play important roles in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. In this study, we reviewed clearing herbs with anti-ischaemic encephalopathy functions using the data from quantitative statistical and network pharmacological exploration methods. We also discussed the different bioactive components and pharmacological effects of these herbs. METHODS: First, we collected Chinese herbal prescriptions against ischaemic encephalopathy in four databases. Then, we statistically analysed the frequency of application of heat-clearing herbs to obtain the commonly used heat-clearing herbs against ischaemic encephalopathy, and classified them according to their efficacy according to the statistical results, to summarize the mechanism of anti-ischaemic effects of different bioactive components; Second, the network database was used to obtain the above components of heat-clearing Chinese medicines and their corresponding targets of action, disease targets of ischaemic stroke; Venny 2.1.0 was used to obtain component-disease target intersections; Cytoscape was used to construct the 'Drug-Active Ingredient-Target Network Graph '; DAVID was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. RESULTS: Literature and database screening involved 149 prescriptions, with a total of 269 flavours of Chinese medicines and 20 flavours of single-flavour heat-clearing Chinese medicines; The top nine in terms of frequency of use were Radix Paeoniae Rubra、Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata、Figwort Root、Cortex Moutan、Scutellariae Radix、Coptidis Rhizoma、Gardeniae Fructus、Cassiae Semen、Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. The common components obtained from network pharmacology were beta-sitosterol, quercetin, and stigmasterol, which mainly act on key targets such as RELA, AKT1, JUN, PRKACA, PTGS2, RAF1 and CHUK; and their active ingredients are mainly involved in signalling pathways such as Calcium, PI3K-Ak, MAPK, cAMP, IL-17, HIF-1, TNF, T-cell receptor, NF-kappa B and JAK-STAT. CONCLUSIONS: Heat-clearing herbs are useful and promising for the protection against and prevention of ischemic encephalopathy. The results of the network pharmacological studies are similar to the mechanisms of anti-ischemic encephalopathy of the active ingredients of the purgative herbs we have listed; Thin either directly protects cerebrovascular tissues by improving vascular permeability and reducing the area of infarcted tissues, or produces protective effects through molecular signaling pathways. It can be seen that the components of heat-clearing Chinese medicines can exert cerebroprotective effects through multiple pathways, which provides us with a reference for further development and study of heat-clearing Chinese medicines in the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases.

Identification of Gonatophragmium mori Causing Mulberry Zonate Leaf Spot Disease and Characterization of Their Biological Enemies in Guangxi, China.

Mulberry zonate leaf spot disease (MZLSD) is an important fungal disease of mulberry trees, which seriously affects the productivity and quality of mulberry leaves. MZLSD has been widely reported in sericultural production areas in Guangxi, China, in recent years. In this study, the causal agent of MZLSD was isolated from symptomatic samples and identified as Gonatophragmium mori (Acrospermaceae) based on morphological characterization and molecular analyses using nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA). Pathogenicity tests confirmed that G. mori is the pathogen responsible for MZLSD. Furthermore, we isolated antagonistic endophytic bacteria (AEB) from healthy mulberry leaves. Plate confrontation experiments showed that the lipopeptide crude extracts (LPCE) of three endophytic bacteria can inhibit the growth of G. mori, and the diameter of the antibacterial circle reaches more than 60 mm when their concentration of LPCE is 200 mg/ml. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that LPCE caused drastic changes in mycelial morphology. Fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the LPCE-induced apoptosis-like cell death in G. mori hyphae. Finally, based on morphological and molecular features, we identified the three isolates as Bacillus subtilis DS07, B. subtilis DS32, and B. velezensis Q6, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first time to identify G. mori by combining characterization and molecular analyses, and we provide timely information about the use of biocontrol agents for suppression of G. mori.

Discovery of a Novel Benzothiadiazine-Based Selective Aldose Reductase Inhibitor as Potential Therapy for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

Aldose reductase 2 (ALR2), an activated enzyme in the polyol pathway by hyperglycemia, has long been recognized as one of the most promising targets for complications of diabetes, especially in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). However, many of the ALR2 inhibitors have shown serious side effects due to poor selectivity over aldehyde reductase (ALR1). Herein, we describe the discovery of a series of benzothiadiazine acetic acid derivatives as potent and selective inhibitors against ALR2 and evaluation of their anti-DPN activities in vivo. Compound 15c, carrying a carbonyl group at the 3-position of the thiadiazine ring, showed high potent inhibition against ALR2 (IC50 = 33.19 nmol/L) and ∼16,109-fold selectivity for ALR2 over ALR1. Cytotoxicity assays ensured the primary biosafety of 15c. Further pharmacokinetic assay in rats indicated that 15c had a good pharmacokinetic feature (t1/2 = 5.60 h, area under the plasma concentration time curve [AUC(0-t)] = 598.57 ± 216.5 µg/mL * h), which was superior to epalrestat (t1/2 = 2.23 h, AUC[0-t] = 20.43 ± 3.7 µg/mL * h). Finally, in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model, 15c significantly increased the nerve conduction velocities of impaired sensory and motor nerves, achieved potent inhibition of d-sorbitol production in the sciatic nerves, and significantly increased the paw withdrawal mechanical threshold. By combining the above investigations, we propose that 15c might represent a promising lead compound for the discovery of an antidiabetic peripheral neuropathy drug.

Shuangshi Tonglin capsule improves chronic prostatitis through the SIRT-1/AMPK and MAPK signalling pathways.

Objectives: To explore the effects of the Shuangshi Tonglin (SSTL) capsule on CP/CPPS and reveal the therapeutic mechanisms. Methods: A CP/CPPS rat-model group received an intraprostatic injection of CFA. SSTL capsule were administered daily by oral gavage at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 g/kg for 28 days. Pain threshold tests were performed, and prostate and blood samples were collected. We performed histological analysis of the prostate tissue and immunohistochemical analysis of TNF-α and COX-2. Measure the TNF-α levels, detect antioxidant levels in serum and prostate tissue, and evaluate the expression of proteins with the AMPK/SIRT-1 and MAPK signalling pathways. Results: After SSTL capsule treatment, all animals exhibited an increased mechanical pain threshold in the lower abdomen, decreased inflammation in the stroma, and reduced histological structural damage. Inflammation was reduced through the observed decrease in the levels of various inflammatory factors, as well as in the increase of the levels of MDA, p-AMPK, and SIRT-1. The suppression of IKKß, p-P38, p-ERK and p-JNK was also observed. Conclusions: SSTL capsule treatment decreased inflammation in the stroma and reduced histological structural damage. It improved CP/CPPS symptoms by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation. Our study indicates that the SSTL capsule is an effective treatment for prostatitis.

Immune pathway activation in neurons triggers neural damage after stroke.

Ischemic brain injury is a severe medical condition with high incidences in elderly people without effective treatment for the resulting neural damages. Using a unilateral mouse stroke model, we analyze single-cell transcriptomes of ipsilateral and contralateral cortical penumbra regions to objectively reveal molecular events with single-cell resolution at 4 h and 1, 3, and 7 days post-injury. Here, we report that neurons are among the first cells that sense the lack of blood supplies by elevated expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein ß (C/EBPß). To our surprise, the canonical inflammatory cytokine gene targets for C/EBPß, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), are subsequently induced also in neuronal cells. Neuronal-specific silencing of C/EBPß or IL-1ß and TNF-α substantially alleviates downstream inflammatory injury responses and is profoundly neural protective. Taken together, our findings reveal a neuronal inflammatory mechanism underlying early pathological triggers of ischemic brain injury.

Analysis of changes in bacterial diversity in healthy and bacterial wilt mulberry samples using metagenomic sequencing and culture-dependent approaches.

Introduction: Mulberry bacterial wilt is a serious destructive soil-borne disease caused by a complex and diverse group of pathogenic bacteria. Given that the bacterial wilt has been reported to cause a serious damage to the yield and quality of mulberry, therefore, elucidation of its main pathogenic groups is essential in improving our understanding of this disease and for the development of its potential control measures. Methods: In this study, combined metagenomic sequencing and culture-dependent approaches were used to investigate the microbiome of healthy and bacterial wilt mulberry samples. Results: The results showed that the healthy samples had higher bacterial diversity compared to the diseased samples. Meanwhile, the proportion of opportunistic pathogenic and drug-resistant bacterial flora represented by Acinetobacter in the diseased samples was increased, while the proportion of beneficial bacterial flora represented by Proteobacteria was decreased. Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC), Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC), Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. quasipneumoniae, K. michiganensis, K. oxytoca, and P. ananatis emerged as the main pathogens of the mulberry bacterial wilt. Discussion: In conclusion, this study provides a valuable reference for further focused research on the bacterial wilt of mulberry and other plants.

Low-density polyethylene microplastics and biochar interactively affect greenhouse gas emissions and microbial community structure and function in paddy soil.

Paddy soils are susceptible to microplastics (MPs) contamination. As a common soil amendment, biochar (BC) has been extensively applied in paddy fields. The co-occurrence of MPs and BC may cause interactive effects on soil biogeochemical processes, which has yet been well studied. In this study, a 41-days of microcosm experiment was conducted using paddy soil added with 0.5-1.5 wt% of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and 5 wt% of BC individually or jointly. Application of BC, LDPE, or their mixture into soil significantly increased the emission of methane (CH4), but suppressed the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2). LDPE addition lowered soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, while BC exerted an opposite effect. Proteobacteria was the most dominant phylum with a relative abundance range of 35.1-51.0%, followed by Actinobacteria (19.3-30.9%) and Acidobacteria (7.5-23.5%). The abundances of the mcrA gene and pH values were increased in soils added with BC or/and LDPE, which were the possible reasons for the higher CH4 emissions in these treatments. The emission of N2O was positively related to the abundances of norB and narG genes, suggesting denitrification was a major pathway to produce N2O. Results of structural equation modeling demonstrated that addition of BC or/and LDPE MPs could affect greenhouse gas emissions from paddy soil by altering soil chemical properties, microbial community structure, and functional gene abundances.

Co-chaperoning of chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis by ORANGE family proteins in plants.

Chlorophylls and carotenoids are essential photosynthetic pigments. Plants spatiotemporally coordinate the needs of chlorophylls and carotenoids for optimal photosynthesis and fitness in response to diverse environmental and developmental cues. However, how the biosynthesis pathways of these two pigments are coordinated, particularly at posttranslational level to allow rapid control, remains largely unknown. Here, we report that the highly conserved ORANGE (OR) family proteins coordinate both pathways via posttranslationally mediating the first committed enzyme in each pathway. We demonstrate that OR family proteins physically interact with magnesium chelatase subunit I (CHLI) in chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway in addition to phytoene synthase (PSY) in carotenoid biosynthesis pathway and concurrently stabilize CHLI and PSY enzymes. We show that loss of OR genes hinders both chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis, limits light-harvesting complex assembly, and impairs thylakoid grana stacking in chloroplasts. Overexpression of OR safeguards photosynthetic pigment biosynthesis and enhances thermotolerance in both Arabidopsis and tomato plants. Our findings establish a novel mechanism by which plants coordinate chlorophyll and carotenoid biosynthesis and provide a potential genetic target to generate climate-resilient crops.

Analysis of endophytic bacterial flora of mulberry cultivars susceptible and resistant to bacterial wilt using metagenomic sequencing and culture-dependent approach.

Endophytes have a wide range of potential in maintaining plant health and sustainable agricultural environmental conditions. In this study, we analysed the diversity of endophytic bacteria in four mulberry cultivars with different resistance capacity against bacterial wilt using metagenomic sequencing and culture-dependent approaches. We further assessed the role of 11 shared genera in the control of bacterial wilt of mulberry. The results of the present study showed that Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria were the three dominant phyla in all communities, with the representative genera Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas. The diversity analysis showed that the communities of the highly and moderately resistant varieties were more diverse compared to those of the weakly resistant and susceptible varieties. The control tests of mulberry bacterial wilt showed that Pantoea, Atlantibacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Acinetobacter were effective, with a control rate of over 80%. Microbacterium and Kosakonia were moderately effective, with a control rate between 50 and 80%. At the same time, Escherichia, Lysinibacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium were found to be less effective, with a control rate of less than 40%. In conclusion, this study provides a reasonable experimental reference data for the control of bacterial wilt of mulberry.

Astragaloside IV-mediated inhibition of oxidative stress by upregulation of ghrelin in type 2 diabetes-induced cognitive impairment.

This study is to observe the upregulation effect of astragaloside IV on ghrelin in diabetic cognitive impairment (DCI) rats and to investigate the pathway in prevention and treatment by reducing oxidative stress. The DCI model was induced with streptozotocin (STZ) in conjunction with a high-fat and high-sugar diet and divided into three groups: model, low-dose (40 mg/kg), and high-dose (80 mg/kg) astragaloside IV. After 30 days of gavage, the learning and memory abilities of rats, as well as their body weight and blood glucose levels, were tested using the Morris water maze and then detection of insulin resistance, SOD activity, and serum MDA levels. The whole brain of rats was sampled for hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining to observe pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect ghrelin expression in the hippocampal CA1 region. A Western blot was used to determine changes in GHS-R1α/AMPK/PGC-1α/UCP2. RT-qPCR was used to determine the levels of ghrelin mRNA. Astragaloside IV reduced nerve damage, increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, decreased MDA levels, and improved insulin resistance. Ghrelin levels and expression increased in serum and hippocampal tissues, and ghrelin mRNA levels increased in rat stomach tissues. According to Western blot, it increased the expression of the ghrelin receptor GHS-R1α and upregulated the mitochondrial function associated-protein AMPK-PGC-1α-UCP2. Astragaloside IV increases ghrelin expression in the brain to reduce oxidative stress and delay diabetes-induced cognitive impairment. It may be related to the promotion of ghrelin mRNA levels.

Assessment of Carbon Storage under Different SSP-RCP Scenarios in Terrestrial Ecosystems of Jilin Province, China.

Carbon storage is one of the key factors determining the global carbon balance in the terrestrial ecosystems. Predicting future changes in carbon storage is significant for regional sustainable development in the background of the "dual carbon" objective. This study which coupled the InVEST model and the PLUS model and is based on land use in different future scenarios evaluated the evolution characterization of terrestrial carbon storage in Jilin Province from 2000 to 2040 and explored the impact of related factors on it. The results show that: (1) from 2000 to 2020, the area of cultivated land and built-up areas increased continuously in Jilin Province, while the area of forest land, grassland, and wetland decreased with time; the ecological land has been restored to a certain degree. (2) Due to the continuous reduction in ecological land, the overall carbon storage in Jilin Province from 2000 to 2020 showed a downward trend, with a total reduction of 30.3 Tg, and the carbon storage in the western part of Jilin Province changed significantly. The SSP2-RCP4.5 scenario shows a minimum value of carbon storage in 2030 and a small increase in 2040; the SSP1-RCP2.6 scenario shows an increasing trend in carbon storage from 2020 to 2040; the area of built-up areas and cultivated land increases and the loss in carbon storage is more serious under the SSP5-RCP8.5 scenario. (3) On the whole, with the increase in elevation and slope, the carbon storage showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, and the carbon storage of shady and semi-shady slopes was higher than that of sunny and semi-sunny slopes; forest land and cultivated land were the keys to carbon storage changes in Jilin Province.

Complete Genome Sequence of Pantoea ananatis Strain LCFJ-001 Isolated from Bacterial Wilt Mulberry.

A Pantoea ananatis strain, named LCFJ-001 (GDMCC: 1.6101), was isolated for the first time from bacterial wilt-diseased roots of mulberry (Morus atropurpurea) in the western part of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Moreover, through Koch's postulates, it was proven that LCFJ-001 can cause mulberry wilt, which is one of the pathogens of mulberry bacterial wilt. Here, we report a complete, annotated genome sequence of P. ananatis LCFJ-001. The entire genome sequence of P. ananatis strain LCFJ-001 was a 4,499,350 bp circular chromosome with 53.50% GC content. In total, 3,521 genes were annotated, of which 3,418 were assigned protein-coding genes. In addition, 22 ribosomal RNAs and 81 transfer RNAs were identified. The presented resource will help explore the pathogenetic mechanisms of mulberry wilt disease caused by the genus Pantoea.

Facile synthesis of novel helical imprinted fibers based on zucchini-derived microcoils for efficient recognition of target protein in biological sample.

Highly selective recognition and purification of target proteins from complex biological matrices remains a challenging subject in natural and life sciences. Compared with natural recognition receptors, artificial imprinted polymers are an ideal alternative candidate. In this study, we report a novel method to prepare helical protein imprinted fibers (HPIFs) with zucchini-derived microcoils as a carrier, firstly. Inspired by the self-polymerization of adhesive proteins in mussels, dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were chosen as bifunctional monomers for the first time to form a biocompatible imprinted layer. The chemical/physical properties and recognition performance of HPIFs were studied in a series of experiments. Additionally, the practicability of HPIFs was verified by specifically recognizing target protein in complex egg white sample. The one-step synthesis process and excellent binding performance of HPIFs make them a promising material for protein recognition and purification, and endow HPIFs with potential application value in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical fields.