Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the WNK kinase gene family in soybean.

WNK kinases are a unique class of serine/threonine protein kinases that lack a conserved catalytic lysine residue in the kinase domain, hence the name WNK (with no K, i.e., lysine). WNK kinases are involved in various physiological processes in plants, such as circadian rhythm, flowering time, and stress responses. In this study, we identified 26 WNK genes in soybean and analyzed their phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, chromosomal distribution, cis-regulatory elements, expression patterns, and conserved protein motifs. The soybean WNK genes were unevenly distributed on 15 chromosomes and underwent 21 segmental duplication events during evolution. We detected 14 types of cis-regulatory elements in the promoters of the WNK genes, indicating their potential involvement in different signaling pathways. The transcriptome database revealed tissue-specific and salt stress-responsive expression of WNK genes in soybean, the second of which was confirmed by salt treatments and qRT-PCR analysis. We found that most WNK genes were significantly up-regulated by salt stress within 3 h in both roots and leaves, except for WNK5, which showed a distinct expression pattern. Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular characteristics and evolutionary history of the soybean WNK gene family and lay a foundation for further analysis of WNK gene functions in soybean. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-024-01440-5.

4.4 kW Nd:YAG slab amplifier with a high repetition frequency and high beam quality.

Using the self-developed fused indium wetting technology and planar waveguide, the uniform heat dissipation of the slab crystal and uniform pumping of the pump light were achieved, respectively. Based on the master oscillator power amplification (MOPA) scheme, the power was then amplified when the seed light source passed through the Nd:YAG slab crystal three times. Additionally, the image transfer system that we added to the amplified optical path achieved high beam quality. Finally, we obtained a rectangular pulsed laser with an output average power of 4461 W, a repetition frequency of 20 kHz, a pulse width of 62 ns, an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 26.8%, and a beam quality of ß x=7.0 and ß y=7.7.

Magnoflorine: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicity.

Magnoflorine is an important quaternary aporphine alkaloid that is isolated from some commonly used herbal medicines (e.g., Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehder & E.H.Wilson and Coptis chinensis Franch.). In recent years, magnoflorine has received increasing attention due to its multiple pharmacological activities. This review provides the first comprehensive summary of the plant sources, pharmacological effects, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of magnoflorine. The results indicated that magnoflorine possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological properties, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, neuropsychopharmacological, immunomodulatory, hypotensive, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that magnoflorine has low bioavailability and high absorption and elimination rates. However, the other compounds (e.g., berberine) present in herbal medicines could reduce the absorption and removal rates of magnoflorine and increase its bioavailability. Moreover, toxicity studies have suggested that magnoflorine is non-toxic to most cells. However, long-term and high-dose toxicity testing in animals is still lacking. In view of good pharmacological activities, magnoflorine is expected to be a potential drug candidate for the treatment of diabetes, depression, or Alzheimer's disease. However, further studies are needed to elucidate its molecular mechanisms and targets, clarify its toxicity, and improve its oral bioavailability.

Comparative Analysis of Genetic and Chemical Differences between Four Berberis Herbs Based on Molecular Phylogenetic and HPLC Methods.

In traditional Tibetan medicinal system, Berberis herbs mainly originate from the dried barks of Berberis kansuensis, Berberis dictyophylla, Berberis diaphana, and Berberis vernae. In this study, molecular phylogenetic method based on four markers (i.e., rbcL, internal transcribed spacer (ITS), ITS2, and psbA-trnH) and HPLC chemical analysis were used to evaluate the chemical and genetic differences between the four Berberis species. The results showed that the discriminatory power of ITS, ITS2 and psbA-trnH was low, but the rbcL marker was highly effective and reliable for the species differentiation. The four Berberis species can be successfully classified based on phylogenetic analysis of the rbcL sequences. Moreover, the results of chemical analysis showed that four main alkaloids (i.e., berberine, palmatine, magnoflorine, and jatrorrhizine) cannot be used as chemical markers for discrimination of the four Berberis species. These findings provide valuable information for distinguishing the four Berberis Tibetan herbs.

The complete chloroplast genome of Pseudotsuga sinensis, a China endemic species.

In this study, we collected plant material from Pseudotsuga sinensis in Guizhou, China, and sequenced it. The complete chloroplast genome consisted of 122,243 bp, including a large single-copy (LSC) region, a small single-copy (SSC) region, and two inverted repeat regions like those in P. sinensis var. wilsoniana. The GC content of P. sinensis and P. sinensis var. wilsoniana are 38.7% and 38.8%, respectively. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree reveals that P. sinensis was a sister species to P. sinensis var. wilsoniana. Hence, the availability of the chloroplast genome of P. sinensis will promote further phylogenetic studies of the family Pinaceae.

Phytochemicals for the treatment of metabolic diseases: Evidence from clinical studies.

With the continuous improvement of people's living standard, the incidence of metabolic diseases is gradually increasing in recent years. There is growing interest in finding drugs to treat metabolic diseases from natural compounds due to their good efficacy and limited side effects. Over the past few decades, many phytochemicals derived from natural plants, such as berberine, curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, rutin, and hesperidin, have been shown to have good pharmacological activity against metabolic diseases in preclinical studies. More importantly, clinical trials using these phytochemicals to treat metabolic diseases have been increasing. This review comprehensively summarizes the clinical progress of phytochemicals derived from natural plants in the treatment of several metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Accumulating clinical evidence shows that a total of 18 phytochemicals have good therapeutic effects on the three metabolic diseases by lowering blood glucose and lipid levels, reducing insulin resistance, enhancing insulin sensitivity, increasing energy expenditure, improving liver function, and relieving inflammation and oxidative stress. The information will help us better understand the medicinal value of these phytochemicals and promote their clinical application in the treatment of metabolic diseases.

The complete chloroplast genome of Semenovia thomsonii (Tordylieae: Apiaceae), a new record from Xizang, China.

Semenovia thomsonii is a perennial herb native to India. In this study, we assembled and annotated the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of a specimen collected from Xizang, China, using whole genome next-generation sequencing. The cp genome is circular in structure and 147,137 bp in length, consisting of one large single-copy (LSC) region of 92,885 bp, one small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,448 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat regions of 36,804 bp. The overall GC content of the genome is 37.6%. The cp genome was predicted to contain 129 genes, including 85 protein-coding, 36 tRNA, and eight rRNA. Phylogenetic analysis of S. thomsonii and 21 cp genomes in the Apiaceae fully resolved S. thomsonii in a clade with S. gyirongensis, and S. transiliensis. These genetic data represent the first confirmed report of S. thomsonii from Xizang, China and provide useful information to the phylogenetic history of the genus Semenovia.

The complete chloroplast genome of Berberis weiningensis (Berberidaceae), an endemic and traditional Chinese medicinal herb.

Berberis weiningensis is a frequently-used traditional Chinese medicinal herb that included various active alkaloids. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of B. weiningensis. The complete cp genome of B. weiningensis is 166,275 bp in length, and has a typical structure with large single-copy (LSC 73,624 bp) and small single-copy (SSC 18,608 bp) regions separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs 37,019 bp) of large size. The B. weiningensis cp genome contains 147 genes, of which 101 protein-coding genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 38 tRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that Berberis species closely clustered with Mahonia species, which obviously support that Mahonia and Berberis are not monophyletic.

Compact high-efficiency 100-W-level diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG laser with linearly polarized TEM00 mode output.

We present a compact high-efficiency and high-average-power diode-side-pumped Nd:YAG rod laser oscillator operated with a linearly polarized fundamental mode. The oscillator resonator is based on an L-shaped convex-convex cavity with an improved module and a dual-rod configuration for birefringence compensation. Under a pump power of 344 W, a linearly polarized average output power of 101.4 W at 1064 nm is obtained, which corresponds to an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 29.4%. The laser is operated at a repetition rate of 400 Hz with a beam quality factor of M(2)=1.14. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest optical-to-optical efficiency for a side-pumped TEM(00) Nd:YAG rod laser oscillator with a 100-W-level output ever reported.

The complete chloroplast genome of Mahonia oiwakensis (Berberidaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal plant.

Mahonia oiwakensis is a frequently-used traditional Chinese medicinal plant with efficient anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory ability. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of M. oiwakensis. The complete cp genome of M. oiwakensis is 165,126 bp in length, and has a typical structure with large (LSC 73,382 bp) and small (SSC 18,644 bp) single-copy regions separated by a pair of inverted repeats (IRs 36,550 bp) of large size. The M. oiwakensis cp genome contains 148 genes, of which 103 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis shows that M. oiwakensis closely clustered with Mahonia bealei, but were nested among three speices of Berberis, which robustly supports that Mahonia is not monophyletic, thus needs redefinition.

Molecular systematics of Angelica and allied genera (Apiaceae) from the Hengduan Mountains of China based on nrDNA ITS sequences: phylogenetic affinities and biogeographic implications.

Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian analyses of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer sequences were used to infer the phylogenetic affinities and historical biogeography of Angelica and its allies (Apiaceae tribe Selineae), with emphasis on those species of Angelica and Peucedanum endemic to the Hengduan Mountains of south-central China. Results of these analyses corroborate a monophyletic Angelica (Angelica sensu stricto) upon the inclusion of Coelopleurum, Czernaevia, and one of two examined species of Ostericum, but with the exclusion of several species previously attributable to Angelica. Angelica oncosepala and A. likiangensis arise within the genus Heracleum in tribe Tordylieae; the former is recognized under its original name, Heracleum oncosepalum. Angelica sinensis, A. tianmuensis and A. paeoniifolia arise within the Sinodielsia clade of previous circumscription, closely related to Levisticum officinale. Angelica anomala is a sister group to Ostericum grosseserratum in the previously delimited Acronema clade. Angelica apaensis and A. decursiva, taxa whose phylogenetic affinities have previously been controversial, are confirmed within Angelica. Northeast Asia (including Japan, northeast China, Korea and adjacent areas of Russia), Western Europe, and North America are inferred to be ancestral areas of Angelica based on optimal solutions of a dispersal-vicariance analysis, with the Hengduan Mountains likely providing a refugium for Angelica during the latter part of the Tertiary.

Complete plastome sequence of Tetrataenium Candicans (tribe Tordylieae, Apiaceae): a medicinal plant.

Tetrataenium candicans is a Himalayan native medicinal plant species. In this study, we report and characterize the complete plastid genome sequence of T. candicans in order to provide genomic resources helpful for promoting its systematics research and conservation. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome is a circular structure and 147,335 bp in length, composing of one large single-copy (LSC) region of 92,996 bp, one small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,473 bp, and separated by a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 18,433 bp each. It encodes 129 genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The GC content is 37.5%. Phylogenetic analysis of 31 representative plastomes indicated that the T. candicans was close to Semenovia gyirongensis.

Analysis of corneal morphologic and pathologic changes in early-stage congenital aniridic keratopathy.

AIM: To determine typical corneal changes of congenital aniridic keratopathy (CAK) using corneal topography and confocal systems, and to identify characteristics that might assist in early diagnosis. METHODS: Patients with CAK and healthy control subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic examinations including axial length, corneal thickness, tear film condition, corneal topography, and laser-scanning in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). RESULTS: In early stage aniridic keratopathy, Schirmer I test (SIT), break-up time (BUT), mean keratometry (mean K) and simulated keratometry (sim K) were reduced relative to controls (P<0.05), while simulation of corneal astigmatism (sim A) and corneal thickness were increased (P<0.05). In addition, significantly more eyes exhibited flat cornea compared with the control group. Inflammatory dendritic cells were present in the aniridic epithelium, with significantly increased density relative to controls (P<0.05). Palisade ridge-like features and abnormal cell morphology were observed in six out of sixteen CAK cases. In central cornea area, the aniridic corneas had the increased subbasal nerve density. CONCLUSION: These changes in corneal morphology in borderline situations can be useful to confirm the diagnosis of CAK.

Molecular authentication of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Angelica sinensis based on internal transcribed spacer of nrDNA / Autentificación molecular de la planta medicinal tradicional china Angelica sinensis basada en el espaciador interno transcrito del ADNnr

Traditionally, the authentication of the traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), Angelica sinensis, is based on slightly different morphological characters and complex compounds. Usually, those methods are simultaneously affected by several factors, leading to subtle and ambiguous results. In this study, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of A. sinensis and seven other Angelica species used as adulterants were sequenced. A pair of specific primers was designed from the polymorphic ITS regions to distinguish A. sinensis from the adulterants and regional substitutes. These ITS-derived primers amplified approximately 520 bp specific fragments from the adulterants, whereas no products was amplified with the DNA of A. sinensis. We tested eight commercially crude materials purchased in the market by using these specific primers. The result showed that there were four samples adulterating A. sinensis with regional substitutes. This indicated that A. sinensis could be accurately distinguished from the adulterants and regional substitutes. Therefore, the method of molecular authentication based on the ITS sequences may be contributed to raw material production and quality control of A. sinensis.