We propose and demonstrate a synchronously pumped mode-locked Tm-doped fiber(TDF) laser without any extra mode-locking elements. Pumped by a 1.56 μm pulse fiber laser, the TDF laser generates 1.17 ps pulses with a ...We propose and demonstrate a synchronously pumped mode-locked Tm-doped fiber(TDF) laser without any extra mode-locking elements. Pumped by a 1.56 μm pulse fiber laser, the TDF laser generates 1.17 ps pulses with a spectral width of 9.7 nm and a repetition rate of 9.33 MHz. The emission wavelength is tunable along with the cavity length detuning in a wide range of 3 mm. The high detuning toleration is beneficial to achieve high temperature and vibration stability in all-fiber configuration lasers.展开更多
Religious convictions are a source of bitter confrontations between especially the Muslims and Christians ofNigeria. The problem is so endemic that there are conspicuous spillovers into the political and social sphere...Religious convictions are a source of bitter confrontations between especially the Muslims and Christians ofNigeria. The problem is so endemic that there are conspicuous spillovers into the political and social spheres ofeveryday living in the country. This reality threatens the already fragile unity and social health of the country andhence becomes one that needs special attention. The need to proffer solution to this cankerworm demands that wetake a historical survey of similar or near-similar situations in the human civilization and excavate ideas that weregiven as a way forward. It is in this bid that the ideas of John Locke in his book A Letter Concerning Tolerationbecome very useful. Locke argued for a secular state with a clear dichotomy between government activities, whichbelong to the public domain and hence involve every citizen and matters of faith which are private and devoid ofany form of coercion. Such differentiation is meant to remove the force of compulsion from religion and thepractice thereof as well as keep the government "undefiled" when the need for adjudication in matters that pertainto religion eventually arises. Locke's ideas in the book were aimed at forging peace and decorum in an Englishsociety that was virtually turned asunder by the demon of religious intolerance. This scenario exactly qualifiespresent-day Nigeria, hence there is much need to x-ray these ideas and apply same in our desire to nip the menaceof religious bigotry in the bud. The nature of this work made it necessary to apply the method of text analysis andevaluation to enable us to get an adequate appreciation of Locke's intentions and how these can serve our purposein present-day Nigeria.展开更多
In this paper I examine some presuppositions of toleration and pluralism and explore two models, viz., a deontological and a consequentialist model, respectively, which could support the view that rational agents shou...In this paper I examine some presuppositions of toleration and pluralism and explore two models, viz., a deontological and a consequentialist model, respectively, which could support the view that rational agents should act in a tolerant way. Against the background which is offered by the first model, I give two arguments in favor of the view that people are better off and more rational if they act in a tolerant way. The first argument draws upon aprinciple of charity which is usually applied in philosophy of mind and philosophy of language, but which could, equally well, work with regard to foundational issues in ethics and philosophy of action. The second argument is built upon the epistemic principle offallibilism and it is meant to show that acting in a tolerant way is the rational thing to do from this perspective.展开更多
Carotenoids are lipophilic isoprenoid pigments with essential roles in plants.While the cultivated allotetraploid cottons exhibit distinct mature anther coloration—yellow in Gossypium barbadense versus predominantly ...Carotenoids are lipophilic isoprenoid pigments with essential roles in plants.While the cultivated allotetraploid cottons exhibit distinct mature anther coloration—yellow in Gossypium barbadense versus predominantly white in G.hirsutum—the genetic basis of this divergence remains unclear.The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic basis of anther-color variation in cotton(Gossypium)species.We firstly identified carotenoids as the primary pigments underlying yellow-anthers coloration.Comparative transcriptomics of anthers revealed that the carotenoid biosynthesis gene GbPSY4 was expressed as a key regulator in G.barbadense.Functional validation via tissue-specific expression,subcellular localization,in vivo enzymatic assays,and virus-induced gene silencing confirmed its role in carotenoid biosynthesis and yellow pigmentation.Genome-wide association studies in a G.hirsutum population revealed GhPSY4_At,an ortholog of GbPSY4,as the causal gene of anther-color variation.We conclude that PSY4-regulated carotenoid biosynthesis governs yellow pigmentation.Furthermore,a finding that G.hirsutum accessions with yellow anthers showed greater pollen viability under high-temperature stress than those with white anthers suggests that the same pathway that governs yellow pigmentation influences heat tolerance.PSY4 is a promising target for breeding stress-tolerant cotton varieties.展开更多
Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted t...Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.展开更多
Post-translational modifications(PTMs)regulate the occurrence and development of cancer,and lactylation modification is a new form of PTMs.Recent studies have found that lactic acid modification can regulate the immun...Post-translational modifications(PTMs)regulate the occurrence and development of cancer,and lactylation modification is a new form of PTMs.Recent studies have found that lactic acid modification can regulate the immune tolerance of cancer cells.The classical theory holds that prostate apoptosis response-4(PAR-4)is a tumor suppressor protein.However,our recent research has found that PAR-4 has a biological function of promoting cancer in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and our analysis shows that PAR-4 can be modified of lactic acid.These research evidences suggest that PAR-4 lactylation modification may drive immune tolerance in HCC.Therefore,inhibiting PAR-4 lactylation modification is very likely to increase the sensitivity of HCC to immunotherapy.展开更多
Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus) is sensitive to salt stress. For breeding applications, it is of great significance to explore the genetic mechanism underlying salt tolerance in watermelon by analyzing the dehydration r...Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus) is sensitive to salt stress. For breeding applications, it is of great significance to explore the genetic mechanism underlying salt tolerance in watermelon by analyzing the dehydration responsive element-binding(DREB) factor family members.However, they are rarely studied in watermelon. In this study, we identified ClaDREB gene family members in watermelon based on whole genome data;analyzed the physicochemical properties, evolution, and phylogeny;and studied their expression patterns under salt stress in two watermelon varieties with varying salt tolerance. In total, 57 DREB family members were identified in watermelon, and most of them were located in the nucleus. ClaDREBs were divided into six subgroups Ⅰ-Ⅵ. The promoter region of ClaDREBs from subgroup Ⅱ contained many defense-related and stress responsive elements. Among them, ClaDREB14 was significantly upregulated by salt stress and exhibited differential expression in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive varieties. Moreover, overexpression of ClaDREB14 in watermelon roots significantly improved the salt tolerance of transgenic plants;mainly, it significantly increased the activities of POD, SOD, and CAT and significantly reduced MDA content.However, the results from gene-edited watermelon roots obtained using CRISPR/Cas9 vectors showed the opposite trend. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ClaDREB14 directly binds to the cis-acting element ACCGAC in the promoter region of ClaPOD6 and promotes its expression.Therefore, ClaDREB14 may enhance salt tolerance by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in watermelon roots. This study provided valuable information on the DREB gene family in watermelon and laid the foundation for future functional validation and genetic engineering applications.展开更多
Structural variation is an important source of genetic variation in wheat and have been important in the evolution of the wheat's genome.Few studies have examined the relationship between structural variations and...Structural variation is an important source of genetic variation in wheat and have been important in the evolution of the wheat's genome.Few studies have examined the relationship between structural variations and agronomy and drought tolerance.The present study identified structural chromosome variations(SCVs)in a doubled haploid(DH)population and backcross introgression lines(BC5F3)derived from Jinmai 47 and Jinmai 84 using fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH).There are one simple translocation,10 present/absent variations(PAVs),and one copy number variation(CNV)between Jinmai 47 and Jinmai 84,which distributed in 10 chromosomes.Eight SCVs were associated with 15 agronomic traits.A PAV recombination occurred on chromosome 2A,which was associated with grain number per spike(GNS).The 1BL/1RS translocation and PAV.2D were associated with significant reductions in plant height,deriving from the effects on LI2-LI4,LI2-LI4 and UI,respectively respectively.PAV.2D was also contributed to an increase of 3.13%for GNS,1BL/1RS significantly increased spikelet number,grain length(GL),and grain thickness(GT).The effect of PAV.4A.1 on GL,PAV.6A on spike length(SL)and thousand-grain weight(TGW),PAV.6B on SL,GT and TGW were identified and verified.PAVs on chromosomes 2A,6A,1D,2D,and a CNV on chromosome 4B were associated with the drought tolerance coefficients.Additive and interaction effects among SCVs were observed.Many previously cloned key genes and yield-related QTL were found in polymorphic regions of PAV.2B,PAV.2D,and CNV.4B.Altogether,this study confirmed the genetic effect of SCVs on agronomy and drought tolerance,and identification of these SCVs will facilitate genetic improvement of wheat through marker-assisted selection.展开更多
Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann)is a cosmopolitan pest of economic importance.It is controlled by using the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which involves rearing and release of sterile males destined to mate with wild fem...Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann)is a cosmopolitan pest of economic importance.It is controlled by using the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which involves rearing and release of sterile males destined to mate with wild females,causing generation-to-generation suppression.Medflies are colonized by microorganisms,primarily the Enterobacteriaceae,with the genera Klebsiella and Enterobacter being the most common.Such microbiota contributes to host fitness.During the SIT,diet with antibiotics and irradiation for sterility of adults alter microbiota.We aimed to determine the role of Medfly microbiota on resistance to abiotic stress conditions,evaluating its function under:(i)starvation,(ii)elevated temperatures,and(iii)dry environments.These conditions simulate challenges Medfly may encounter after release,which differ from controlled rearing environments.We compared adult survival between symbiotic and aposymbiotic individuals,under starvation,two thermal regimes(25 and 30℃)or two humidity regimes(20%-25%and 80%-90%R.H.).Aposymbiotic individuals were obtained after providing them with water containing a mixture of antibiotics and methylparaben.Treatment with antimicrobials effectively reduced the gut microbiota.While starvation had no significant effect on survival,a higher proportion of aposymbiotic individuals died earlier at 30℃ and under dry humidity,with the effect being more pronounced after 48 h.Our results suggest that microbiota plays a role in adaptation of Medfly under environmental stress.We report for the presence of a culturable yeast in the digestive tract of C.capitata,Zygosaccharomyces rouxii.Providing a probiotic adult diet with bacteria and Z.rouxii prior to release could improve SIT outcomes under adverse conditions.展开更多
During drilling process,the water phase in drilling fluids infiltrates rock fractures through capillary action.The surface wettability of dolomite is governed by multiple factors,resulting in an unstable wetting state...During drilling process,the water phase in drilling fluids infiltrates rock fractures through capillary action.The surface wettability of dolomite is governed by multiple factors,resulting in an unstable wetting state.Studies have shown that altering the surface wettability of reservoir rocks to an intermediate wetting state can effectively reduce the damage of drilling fluids to oil and gas reservoirs and improve oil and gas recovery.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a reservoir protectant to prevent the water phase in the drilling fluid from intruding into the oil and gas reservoirs.Given this,a modified polysiloxane was synthesized to alter the surface wettability of dolomite.Tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane(D^(H)_(4))and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane(D_(4))were ring-opened copolymerized to obtain the hydrogencontaining polysiloxane,which in turn reacted with unsaturated hydrocarbons to obtain the modified polysiloxane.The ability of reservoir protectants to regulate the surface wettability of dolomite under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions was tested.The experimental results show that the reservoir protectant is able to alter the wettability of the dolomite surface to an intermediate wetting state by adsorption on the rock surface even after 16 h of aging at 240℃ and 15% salt concentration.展开更多
Urbanization destroys wildlife habitats,fragmenting them into small patches with poor connectivity,leading to population declines in species sensitive to such chan ges.Escape is the most common anti-predator strategy ...Urbanization destroys wildlife habitats,fragmenting them into small patches with poor connectivity,leading to population declines in species sensitive to such chan ges.Escape is the most common anti-predator strategy adopted by birds,refuges in habitats reduce or eliminate predation risk.Therefore,creating habitats with suitable refuges for birds has significant implications for their conservation.However,there have been few studies on refuge selection in birds.This study examined the Eurasian Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus)and Oriental Magpie(Pica serica)in urban and rural areas of Chengde City,northern China by measuring their alert distance(AD),flight initiation distance(FID),an d distance fled(DF)and analyzed their refuge selection characteristics after escaping.The FID/AD ratio was employed to assess the behavioral differences of birds in the risk trade-off.The results showed that the FID and FID/AD of both species were lower in urban areas than in rural areas and were negatively correlated with immediate human density.Sparrow FID was significantly affected by group size and landing substrate type.The FID of sparrows was positively correlated with the group size.The sparrows that fled to bushes escaped earlier.In urban and rural areas,sparrows exhibited significantly lower FID,DF,and FID/AD than magpies.The species adopted different refuge selection strategies,with magpies preferentially selecting trees with greater vertical height and sparrows selecting both trees and bushes.Further analysis indicated that the horizontal and vertical distances fled of both species were lower when fleeing to bushes.Urban planning and conservation areas construction should incorporate the ecological needs of local bird species to rationally configure their habitat structure,thereby optimizing the effect of avian conservation.展开更多
Elevated CO_(2)(eCO_(2))may mitigate stress-induced damage to cotton(Gossypium spp.)growth and development.However,understanding the early-stage responses of cotton to multiple abiotic stressors at eCO_(2)levels has b...Elevated CO_(2)(eCO_(2))may mitigate stress-induced damage to cotton(Gossypium spp.)growth and development.However,understanding the early-stage responses of cotton to multiple abiotic stressors at eCO_(2)levels has been limited.This study quantified the impacts of chilling(CS,22/14℃,day/night temperature),heat(HS,38/30℃),drought(DS,50%irrigation of the control),and salt(SS,8 d S m-1)stresses on pigments,physiology,growth,and development of 14 upland cotton cultivars under ambient CO_(2)(aCO_(2),420 ppm;current)and eCO_(2)(700 ppm;future)levels during the vegetative stage.The eCO_(2)partially negated the effects of all stresses by improving one or more of the pigments,physiological,growth,and development traits,except CS.For instance,HS at aCO_(2)significantly increased stomatal conductance by 36%compared with non-stressed plants at aCO_(2).However,HS at eCO_(2)significantly decreased stomatal conductance by 18%compared with HS at aCO_(2).The first squaring was delayed by one day under SS at aCO_(2)but two days earlier under SS at eCO_(2)than non-stressed plants at aCO_(2).Root and shoot dry mass and the total leaf area were significantly higher under all stresses,except for CS,at the eCO_(2)compared with similar stresses at the aCO_(2).Most growth and development traits,including plant height,leaf area,and shoot dry mass,displayed a mirroring response pattern between aCO_(2)and eCO_(2)under all environments except CS.Cultivars exhibited significant interaction with stressed environments.Further,results revealed differential sensitivity and adaptation potential of cultivars to stress environments at varying CO_(2)levels.This study highlights the need to consider eCO_(2)in designing breeding programs to develop stress-tolerant varieties for future cotton-growing environments.展开更多
As one of the main chronic diseases in modern society,coronary heart disease,as a major disease that affects people’s lives and health,has the characteristics of hidden onset and sudden onset.Coronary heart disease h...As one of the main chronic diseases in modern society,coronary heart disease,as a major disease that affects people’s lives and health,has the characteristics of hidden onset and sudden onset.Coronary heart disease has relatively clear risk factors.Among them,blood lipid levels and blood sugar levels,as two main risk factors,play an important role in promoting the onset of coronary heart disease.The two complement each other in a vicious cycle,synergize and promote each other,promote the process of coronary atherosclerosis,thereby causing coronary heart disease.Multiple components in blood lipids and poor management of long-term blood sugar levels play a major role in specific clinical problems.This article reviews the different components of blood lipids and the effects of hyperglycemia on coronary heart disease,and initially expounds the mechanism by which blood lipids and blood sugar levels synergize each other to aggravate the risk of coronary heart disease,and combines them with relevant clinical issues,in order to help clinicians guide the prevention of coronary heart disease in terms of blood lipids and blood sugar levels.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Jinlida granules(津力达颗粒,JLD)on body weight,glucose tolerance,intestinal inflammation and barrier function in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese rats and explore the regulation...OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Jinlida granules(津力达颗粒,JLD)on body weight,glucose tolerance,intestinal inflammation and barrier function in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese rats and explore the regulation of the gut microbiota as a potential treatment mechanism.METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control,HFD,low-dose JLD(L-JLD),high-dose JLD(HJLD),and sitagliptin groups.The rats,with the exception of those in the control group,were fed a HFD to establish an obesity model while simultaneously receiving 0.5%carboxymethyl cellulose,L-JLD,H-JLD or sitagliptin for 25 weeks.We assessed body weight,conducted oral glucose tolerance tests,and analysed faecal samples using metagenomic sequencing.Haematoxylin-eosin(HE),Masson and immunohistochemical(IHC)staining were employed to evaluate histological changes in the colon tissue.Immunofluorescence(IF)staining was used to measure the expression levels of Zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and Claudin-1 in colon tissue.The colon tissue was also subjected to transcriptomic evaluation.RESULTS:JLD treatment significantly reduced body weight and enhanced glucose tolerance in obese rats.It alleviated colonic tissue damage,decreased collagen deposition,inhibited macrophage infiltration,and increased the expression of the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-1.Metagenomic analysis revealed JLDinduced shifts in the gut microbiota composition(increasing the abundance of Turicibacter,Faecalibaculum,Coriobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus reuteri),enriching beneficial bacteria and metabolic pathways(increasing the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites,ascorbate and aldarate metabolism,oxidative phosphorylation,C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism and beta-alanine metabolism).Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of inflammatory and immune pathways(inhibition of the tumour necrosis factor signalling pathway,advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products signalling pathway,toll-like receptor signalling pathway,and interleukin-17 signalling pathway),suggesting a comprehensive modulatory effect of JLD on intestinal health and metabolic function.CONCLUSIONS:JLD granules effectively improve glucose tolerance and ameliorate obesity-related intestinal dysfunctions in HFD-induced obese rats.These benefits are likely mediated through the modulation of the gut microbiota,the suppression of intestinal inflammation,the enhancement of barrier function,and the attenuation of proinflammatory pathways.Our findings offer novel insights into the therapeutic potential of JLD,emphasizing its role in integrating gut microbiota management into the treatment of metabolic disorders.展开更多
Reactive oxygen species(ROS)act as early messengers in plants exposed to drought,salinity,heat and other environmental challenges.Their timely removal is crucial.Unchecked ROS injure membranes,macromolecules and photo...Reactive oxygen species(ROS)act as early messengers in plants exposed to drought,salinity,heat and other environmental challenges.Their timely removal is crucial.Unchecked ROS injure membranes,macromolecules and photosynthetic systems,ultimately curbing growth or causing cell death.While mitochondria possess inhouse antioxidant machinery,how non-mitochondrial systems contribute to mitochondrial redox homeostasis has remained unresolved.Laura F.DiGiovanni et al.demonstrate that peroxisomes directly protect mitochondria through contact-mediated ROS shuttling.This discovery extends the concept of organelle crosstalk beyond metabolic exchange to contact-mediated ROS flux,adding a system-level buffer against oxidative stress.Deep understanding and regulation of this pathway are highly significant for exploring how ROS coordinate plant stress responses,enhancing crop stress resistance and reducing extreme environment-induced oxidative damage.This may provide breeders and agronomists with a novel approach to develop stress-resistant traits.展开更多
BACKGROUND Due to the dry and cold climate,the obvious temperature difference between day and night,and the low oxygen content of the air in the plateau area,people are prone to upper respiratory tract diseases,and of...BACKGROUND Due to the dry and cold climate,the obvious temperature difference between day and night,and the low oxygen content of the air in the plateau area,people are prone to upper respiratory tract diseases,and often the condition is prolonged,and the patients are prone to anxiety and uneasiness,which may be related to the harshness of the plateau environment,somatic discomfort due to the lack of oxygen,anxiety about the disease,and other factors.AIM To investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)on anxiety,sleep disorders,and hypoxia tolerance in patients with high-altitude respiratory diseases.METHODS A total of 2337 patients with high-altitude-related respiratory diseases treated at our hospital between November 2023 and January 2024 were selected as the study subjects.The subjects’pre-high-altitude residential altitude was approximately 1700 meters.They were divided into two groups.Both groups were given symptomatic treatment,and the control group implemented conventional nursing intervention,while the research group simultaneously conducted CBT intervention;assessed the degree of health knowledge of the two groups,and applied the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess the anxiety and sleep quality of the patients before and after the intervention,respectively.It also observed the length and efficiency of sleep,and detected the level of serum hypoxia inducible factor-1α,erythropoietin(EPO)and clinical intervention before and after intervention.EPO levels,and investigated satisfaction with the clinical intervention.RESULTS The rate of excellent health knowledge in the intervention group was 93.64%,which was higher than that in the control group(74.23%;P<0.05).Before the intervention,there was no significant difference in Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores between the two groups(P>0.05),and after the intervention,the scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in sleep duration and sleep efficiency between the groups before the intervention(P>0.05),and after the intervention,the scores of the study group were significantly larger than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in serum hypoxia inducible factor-1αand EPO between the two groups before intervention(P>0.05),and both research groups were significantly lower than the control group after intervention(P<0.05).According to the questionnaire survey,the intervention satisfaction of the study group was 95.53%,which was higher than that of the control group(80.14%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION The CBT intervention in the treatment of patients with high-altitude-related respiratory diseases helps improve patients'health knowledge,relieve anxiety,improve sleep quality and hypoxia tolerance,and improve nursing satisfaction.展开更多
Toxic heavy metal and metalloid(THMM)contamination poses a major global challenge,threatening human health and sustainable agriculture.The crucial role of the Cytochrome P450(CYP)gene family in plant tolerance to THMM...Toxic heavy metal and metalloid(THMM)contamination poses a major global challenge,threatening human health and sustainable agriculture.The crucial role of the Cytochrome P450(CYP)gene family in plant tolerance to THMMs has been recently highlighted,but there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding,especially in relation to metabolites.This study delved into the identification of CYP genes that are linked to the tolerance mechanisms of plants in response to heavy metal stress.The findings highlight the significant metabolic pathways that contribute to this resilience,using rice and Arabidopsis as exemplars.THMM exposure changed CYP gene expression in plants,and THMM antidotes mitigated its downregulation and that of flavonoid biosynthesis genes.CYP genes involved in THMM responses were predominantly enriched in the pathways associated with flavonoid synthesis,indicating functional adaptations to distinct stresses.Notably,anthocyanin(Ant)accumulation,a type of flavonoid,affected the uptake of various heavy metals in Brassica rapa,with flavonoid biosynthesis-associated genes correlating with Cd or As tolerance and Ant content.These findings highlight the critical importance of flavonoid metabolism and the intricate network of biosynthesis genes in bolstering plant resilience against heavy metal stress.This enhanced understanding paves the way for significant advancements in phytoremediation technologies,offering innovative solutions for soil and water decontamination.展开更多
Background Maternal obesity during pregnancy can lead to increased risk for metabolic disease in offspring during adulthood,helping fuel the worldwide increase in obesity.Fortunately,studies in rodent models have esta...Background Maternal obesity during pregnancy can lead to increased risk for metabolic disease in offspring during adulthood,helping fuel the worldwide increase in obesity.Fortunately,studies in rodent models have established that female dams(F0)that perform voluntary wheel running exercise during pregnancy have first-generation(F1)offspring with improved glucose tolerance,suggesting a potential means to reduce the burden of generational metabolic disease transmission.We have shown that maternal exercise also affects F1 male offspring as sires,as their progeny(F2)have similarly improved metabolic health.Whether maternal exercise can affect F1 females in a manner that improves F2 offspring metabolism is not known.Here,we determined whether voluntary exercise by F0 grandmothers,via their F1 female progeny,produced F2 male and female offspring with an improved metabolic phenotype.Methods Six-week-old C57BL/6 N female mice(F0)were fed a chow diet and either kept sedentary or exercise trained by voluntary wheel running for 2 weeks preconception and during pregnancy.Chow-fed sedentary F1 female offspring at 8 weeks of age were bred with age-matched untreated virgin males to generate F2 offspring.F2 were kept sedentary and chow fed and studied up to 52 weeks of age.Metabolic parameters were assessed,including food intake,body weight,body composition,glucose tolerance,systemic glucose and insulin levels,and liver metabolism.Results Grandmaternal exercise did not significantly alter male and female F2 offspring body weights measured throughout the first year of life,nor was there an effect of grandmaternal exercise on F2 offspring fat mass or lean mass.Remarkably,despite the lack of effect on body weight parameters,grandmaternal exercise resulted in improved glucose tolerance and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)in F2 offspring at 52 weeks of age,effects that were more pronounced in male F2 offspring.Conclusion Voluntary wheel running exercise in female mice during pregnancy leads to metabolic improvements in her grand offspring,despite no direct intervention of the intermediate maternal generation.Maternal physical activity during pregnancy may reduce metabolic diseases in later generations.展开更多
Source-sink coordination serves as the foundation for improving crop yield.Current research primarily focuses on individual factors,such as increasing the source or expanding the sink,which often leads to disrupted so...Source-sink coordination serves as the foundation for improving crop yield.Current research primarily focuses on individual factors,such as increasing the source or expanding the sink,which often leads to disrupted source-sink balance,causing trade-offs among photosynthesis,yield,and stress response.To address these limitations,we present an integrated synthetic biological framework that synergistically enhances photosynthetic efficiency(source capacity),sink optimization,and abiotic stress tolerance.We developed an editing-overexpression coupling(EOC)vector system enabling simultaneous overexpression of four photosynthesis-enhancing genes(Cyt c6,PsbA,FBPase,OsMGT3),knockout of three yield-limiting genes(GS3,Gn1a,OsAAP5),and self-excision of selection markers,gene-editing modules,and fragment deletion cassettes.Field evaluations of CFMP-gga transgenic lines revealed significant physiological improvements,including 13%–17%increase in photosynthetic rates,improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters,and increased stomatal conductance.These enhancements translated into remarkable agronomic gains,including 18.7%–22.3%higher grain yield,23.1%–26.1%increased biomass,and improved panicle architecture(increased grain size and grain number per panicle).The engineered lines maintained superior thermotolerance(under 42°C stress)and alkali tolerance(at pH 10)compared to wild-type controls.This study provides a strategy for enhancing crop yield by demonstrating that coordinated multi-gene regulation of source-sink dynamics,coupled with stress resilience engineering,achieves concurrent improvements.展开更多
IR64 is an elite Xian/indica variety developed by International Rice Research Institute(IRRl)in 1985,which has been the most widely grown variety and core breeding parent in South/Southeast Asia(Mackill and Khush,2018...IR64 is an elite Xian/indica variety developed by International Rice Research Institute(IRRl)in 1985,which has been the most widely grown variety and core breeding parent in South/Southeast Asia(Mackill and Khush,2018).IR64 has been utilized to develop stress-tolerant(such as drought-adapted and submergenceresistant)near-isogenic lines,underscoring its great potential in agricultural genomics(Tanaka et al.,2020).展开更多
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos 61675188 and 61875052the Open Fund of Key Laboratory Pulse Power Laser Technology of China under Grant No SKL2016KF03
文摘We propose and demonstrate a synchronously pumped mode-locked Tm-doped fiber(TDF) laser without any extra mode-locking elements. Pumped by a 1.56 μm pulse fiber laser, the TDF laser generates 1.17 ps pulses with a spectral width of 9.7 nm and a repetition rate of 9.33 MHz. The emission wavelength is tunable along with the cavity length detuning in a wide range of 3 mm. The high detuning toleration is beneficial to achieve high temperature and vibration stability in all-fiber configuration lasers.
文摘Religious convictions are a source of bitter confrontations between especially the Muslims and Christians ofNigeria. The problem is so endemic that there are conspicuous spillovers into the political and social spheres ofeveryday living in the country. This reality threatens the already fragile unity and social health of the country andhence becomes one that needs special attention. The need to proffer solution to this cankerworm demands that wetake a historical survey of similar or near-similar situations in the human civilization and excavate ideas that weregiven as a way forward. It is in this bid that the ideas of John Locke in his book A Letter Concerning Tolerationbecome very useful. Locke argued for a secular state with a clear dichotomy between government activities, whichbelong to the public domain and hence involve every citizen and matters of faith which are private and devoid ofany form of coercion. Such differentiation is meant to remove the force of compulsion from religion and thepractice thereof as well as keep the government "undefiled" when the need for adjudication in matters that pertainto religion eventually arises. Locke's ideas in the book were aimed at forging peace and decorum in an Englishsociety that was virtually turned asunder by the demon of religious intolerance. This scenario exactly qualifiespresent-day Nigeria, hence there is much need to x-ray these ideas and apply same in our desire to nip the menaceof religious bigotry in the bud. The nature of this work made it necessary to apply the method of text analysis andevaluation to enable us to get an adequate appreciation of Locke's intentions and how these can serve our purposein present-day Nigeria.
文摘In this paper I examine some presuppositions of toleration and pluralism and explore two models, viz., a deontological and a consequentialist model, respectively, which could support the view that rational agents should act in a tolerant way. Against the background which is offered by the first model, I give two arguments in favor of the view that people are better off and more rational if they act in a tolerant way. The first argument draws upon aprinciple of charity which is usually applied in philosophy of mind and philosophy of language, but which could, equally well, work with regard to foundational issues in ethics and philosophy of action. The second argument is built upon the epistemic principle offallibilism and it is meant to show that acting in a tolerant way is the rational thing to do from this perspective.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32170271,32470277)the Project of Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City(SCKJ-JYRC-2023-52)the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(252300421076,222300420024).
文摘Carotenoids are lipophilic isoprenoid pigments with essential roles in plants.While the cultivated allotetraploid cottons exhibit distinct mature anther coloration—yellow in Gossypium barbadense versus predominantly white in G.hirsutum—the genetic basis of this divergence remains unclear.The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic basis of anther-color variation in cotton(Gossypium)species.We firstly identified carotenoids as the primary pigments underlying yellow-anthers coloration.Comparative transcriptomics of anthers revealed that the carotenoid biosynthesis gene GbPSY4 was expressed as a key regulator in G.barbadense.Functional validation via tissue-specific expression,subcellular localization,in vivo enzymatic assays,and virus-induced gene silencing confirmed its role in carotenoid biosynthesis and yellow pigmentation.Genome-wide association studies in a G.hirsutum population revealed GhPSY4_At,an ortholog of GbPSY4,as the causal gene of anther-color variation.We conclude that PSY4-regulated carotenoid biosynthesis governs yellow pigmentation.Furthermore,a finding that G.hirsutum accessions with yellow anthers showed greater pollen viability under high-temperature stress than those with white anthers suggests that the same pathway that governs yellow pigmentation influences heat tolerance.PSY4 is a promising target for breeding stress-tolerant cotton varieties.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.32271389,31900987(both to PY)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province,No.BK20230608(to JJ)。
文摘Regulatory T cells,a subset of CD4^(+)T cells,play a critical role in maintaining immune tolerance and tissue homeostasis due to their potent immunosuppressive properties.Recent advances in research have highlighted the important therapeutic potential of Tregs in neurological diseases and tissue repair,emphasizing their multifaceted roles in immune regulation.This review aims to summarize and analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of Tregs in relation to neurological diseases and neural regeneration.Beyond their classical immune-regulatory functions,emerging evidence points to non-immune mechanisms of regulatory T cells,particularly their interactions with stem cells and other non-immune cells.These interactions contribute to optimizing the repair microenvironment and promoting tissue repair and nerve regeneration,positioning non-immune pathways as a promising direction for future research.By modulating immune and non-immune cells,including neurons and glia within neural tissues,Tregs have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in enhancing regeneration in the central and peripheral nervous systems.Preclinical studies have revealed that Treg cells interact with neurons,glial cells,and other neural components to mitigate inflammatory damage and support functional recovery.Current mechanistic studies show that Tregs can significantly promote neural repair and functional recovery by regulating inflammatory responses and the local immune microenvironment.However,research on the mechanistic roles of regulatory T cells in other diseases remains limited,highlighting substantial gaps and opportunities for exploration in this field.Laboratory and clinical studies have further advanced the application of regulatory T cells.Technical advances have enabled efficient isolation,ex vivo expansion and functionalization,and adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells,with efficacy validated in animal models.Innovative strategies,including gene editing,cell-free technologies,biomaterial-based recruitment,and in situ delivery have expanded the therapeutic potential of regulatory T cells.Gene editing enables precise functional optimization,while biomaterial and in situ delivery technologies enhance their accumulation and efficacy at target sites.These advancements not only improve the immune-regulatory capacity of regulatory T cells but also significantly enhance their role in tissue repair.By leveraging the pivotal and diverse functions of Tregs in immune modulation and tissue repair,regulatory T cells–based therapies may lead to transformative breakthroughs in the treatment of neurological diseases.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.82573045,82460602,82560459)the Hainan Provincial Graduate Student Innovative Research Project(No.Qhys2024-440).
文摘Post-translational modifications(PTMs)regulate the occurrence and development of cancer,and lactylation modification is a new form of PTMs.Recent studies have found that lactic acid modification can regulate the immune tolerance of cancer cells.The classical theory holds that prostate apoptosis response-4(PAR-4)is a tumor suppressor protein.However,our recent research has found that PAR-4 has a biological function of promoting cancer in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and our analysis shows that PAR-4 can be modified of lactic acid.These research evidences suggest that PAR-4 lactylation modification may drive immune tolerance in HCC.Therefore,inhibiting PAR-4 lactylation modification is very likely to increase the sensitivity of HCC to immunotherapy.
基金funded by grants fromthe China Agriculture Research System of MOF and MARA(CARS-25)the Key Research and Development Program of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region(Grant No.2023B02017)+3 种基金the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program(CAAS-ASTIP-2021-ZFRI,CAAS-ASTIP-2024-WRI)the Basic Research Funds of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(Grant No.1610192023201)Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(Grant No.252300421694)Joint Research on Agricultural Variety Improvement of Henan Province(Grant No.2022010503).
文摘Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus) is sensitive to salt stress. For breeding applications, it is of great significance to explore the genetic mechanism underlying salt tolerance in watermelon by analyzing the dehydration responsive element-binding(DREB) factor family members.However, they are rarely studied in watermelon. In this study, we identified ClaDREB gene family members in watermelon based on whole genome data;analyzed the physicochemical properties, evolution, and phylogeny;and studied their expression patterns under salt stress in two watermelon varieties with varying salt tolerance. In total, 57 DREB family members were identified in watermelon, and most of them were located in the nucleus. ClaDREBs were divided into six subgroups Ⅰ-Ⅵ. The promoter region of ClaDREBs from subgroup Ⅱ contained many defense-related and stress responsive elements. Among them, ClaDREB14 was significantly upregulated by salt stress and exhibited differential expression in salt-tolerant and salt-sensitive varieties. Moreover, overexpression of ClaDREB14 in watermelon roots significantly improved the salt tolerance of transgenic plants;mainly, it significantly increased the activities of POD, SOD, and CAT and significantly reduced MDA content.However, the results from gene-edited watermelon roots obtained using CRISPR/Cas9 vectors showed the opposite trend. Furthermore, we demonstrated that ClaDREB14 directly binds to the cis-acting element ACCGAC in the promoter region of ClaPOD6 and promotes its expression.Therefore, ClaDREB14 may enhance salt tolerance by increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes in watermelon roots. This study provided valuable information on the DREB gene family in watermelon and laid the foundation for future functional validation and genetic engineering applications.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Major Project of Shanxi Province,China(202201140601025-2,202302140601001)the Agricultural Science Research Project of Shanxi Agricultural University,China(2023BQ108)+1 种基金the Senior Foreign Experts Introducing Project,China(G202204011L)the Science and Technology Innovation Young Talent Team of Shanxi Province,China(202204051001019)。
文摘Structural variation is an important source of genetic variation in wheat and have been important in the evolution of the wheat's genome.Few studies have examined the relationship between structural variations and agronomy and drought tolerance.The present study identified structural chromosome variations(SCVs)in a doubled haploid(DH)population and backcross introgression lines(BC5F3)derived from Jinmai 47 and Jinmai 84 using fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH).There are one simple translocation,10 present/absent variations(PAVs),and one copy number variation(CNV)between Jinmai 47 and Jinmai 84,which distributed in 10 chromosomes.Eight SCVs were associated with 15 agronomic traits.A PAV recombination occurred on chromosome 2A,which was associated with grain number per spike(GNS).The 1BL/1RS translocation and PAV.2D were associated with significant reductions in plant height,deriving from the effects on LI2-LI4,LI2-LI4 and UI,respectively respectively.PAV.2D was also contributed to an increase of 3.13%for GNS,1BL/1RS significantly increased spikelet number,grain length(GL),and grain thickness(GT).The effect of PAV.4A.1 on GL,PAV.6A on spike length(SL)and thousand-grain weight(TGW),PAV.6B on SL,GT and TGW were identified and verified.PAVs on chromosomes 2A,6A,1D,2D,and a CNV on chromosome 4B were associated with the drought tolerance coefficients.Additive and interaction effects among SCVs were observed.Many previously cloned key genes and yield-related QTL were found in polymorphic regions of PAV.2B,PAV.2D,and CNV.4B.Altogether,this study confirmed the genetic effect of SCVs on agronomy and drought tolerance,and identification of these SCVs will facilitate genetic improvement of wheat through marker-assisted selection.
基金Fund for Scientific and Technological Research of Argentina(FONCyT PICT 2018 number 03521).
文摘Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann)is a cosmopolitan pest of economic importance.It is controlled by using the Sterile Insect Technique(SIT),which involves rearing and release of sterile males destined to mate with wild females,causing generation-to-generation suppression.Medflies are colonized by microorganisms,primarily the Enterobacteriaceae,with the genera Klebsiella and Enterobacter being the most common.Such microbiota contributes to host fitness.During the SIT,diet with antibiotics and irradiation for sterility of adults alter microbiota.We aimed to determine the role of Medfly microbiota on resistance to abiotic stress conditions,evaluating its function under:(i)starvation,(ii)elevated temperatures,and(iii)dry environments.These conditions simulate challenges Medfly may encounter after release,which differ from controlled rearing environments.We compared adult survival between symbiotic and aposymbiotic individuals,under starvation,two thermal regimes(25 and 30℃)or two humidity regimes(20%-25%and 80%-90%R.H.).Aposymbiotic individuals were obtained after providing them with water containing a mixture of antibiotics and methylparaben.Treatment with antimicrobials effectively reduced the gut microbiota.While starvation had no significant effect on survival,a higher proportion of aposymbiotic individuals died earlier at 30℃ and under dry humidity,with the effect being more pronounced after 48 h.Our results suggest that microbiota plays a role in adaptation of Medfly under environmental stress.We report for the presence of a culturable yeast in the digestive tract of C.capitata,Zygosaccharomyces rouxii.Providing a probiotic adult diet with bacteria and Z.rouxii prior to release could improve SIT outcomes under adverse conditions.
基金funded by the Opening Project of Oil&Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province(YQKF202214)。
文摘During drilling process,the water phase in drilling fluids infiltrates rock fractures through capillary action.The surface wettability of dolomite is governed by multiple factors,resulting in an unstable wetting state.Studies have shown that altering the surface wettability of reservoir rocks to an intermediate wetting state can effectively reduce the damage of drilling fluids to oil and gas reservoirs and improve oil and gas recovery.Therefore,it is necessary to develop a reservoir protectant to prevent the water phase in the drilling fluid from intruding into the oil and gas reservoirs.Given this,a modified polysiloxane was synthesized to alter the surface wettability of dolomite.Tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane(D^(H)_(4))and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane(D_(4))were ring-opened copolymerized to obtain the hydrogencontaining polysiloxane,which in turn reacted with unsaturated hydrocarbons to obtain the modified polysiloxane.The ability of reservoir protectants to regulate the surface wettability of dolomite under high-temperature and high-salinity conditions was tested.The experimental results show that the reservoir protectant is able to alter the wettability of the dolomite surface to an intermediate wetting state by adsorption on the rock surface even after 16 h of aging at 240℃ and 15% salt concentration.
基金funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(C2025201032 to J.W.)High-Level Talents Research Start-Up Project of Hebei University(521100222044 to J.W.)+1 种基金the Huizhi Lead Innovation Space Project in High-tech Zone of Chengde City(HZLC202410 to L.M.)National Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(202510098011 to H.Z.)。
文摘Urbanization destroys wildlife habitats,fragmenting them into small patches with poor connectivity,leading to population declines in species sensitive to such chan ges.Escape is the most common anti-predator strategy adopted by birds,refuges in habitats reduce or eliminate predation risk.Therefore,creating habitats with suitable refuges for birds has significant implications for their conservation.However,there have been few studies on refuge selection in birds.This study examined the Eurasian Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus)and Oriental Magpie(Pica serica)in urban and rural areas of Chengde City,northern China by measuring their alert distance(AD),flight initiation distance(FID),an d distance fled(DF)and analyzed their refuge selection characteristics after escaping.The FID/AD ratio was employed to assess the behavioral differences of birds in the risk trade-off.The results showed that the FID and FID/AD of both species were lower in urban areas than in rural areas and were negatively correlated with immediate human density.Sparrow FID was significantly affected by group size and landing substrate type.The FID of sparrows was positively correlated with the group size.The sparrows that fled to bushes escaped earlier.In urban and rural areas,sparrows exhibited significantly lower FID,DF,and FID/AD than magpies.The species adopted different refuge selection strategies,with magpies preferentially selecting trees with greater vertical height and sparrows selecting both trees and bushes.Further analysis indicated that the horizontal and vertical distances fled of both species were lower when fleeing to bushes.Urban planning and conservation areas construction should incorporate the ecological needs of local bird species to rationally configure their habitat structure,thereby optimizing the effect of avian conservation.
基金supported by the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station,Special Research Initiative(MAFES-SRI),USA,the USDA-Agricultural Research Service(USDA-ARS)(58-6064-3-007)the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,USA(MIS-430030)。
文摘Elevated CO_(2)(eCO_(2))may mitigate stress-induced damage to cotton(Gossypium spp.)growth and development.However,understanding the early-stage responses of cotton to multiple abiotic stressors at eCO_(2)levels has been limited.This study quantified the impacts of chilling(CS,22/14℃,day/night temperature),heat(HS,38/30℃),drought(DS,50%irrigation of the control),and salt(SS,8 d S m-1)stresses on pigments,physiology,growth,and development of 14 upland cotton cultivars under ambient CO_(2)(aCO_(2),420 ppm;current)and eCO_(2)(700 ppm;future)levels during the vegetative stage.The eCO_(2)partially negated the effects of all stresses by improving one or more of the pigments,physiological,growth,and development traits,except CS.For instance,HS at aCO_(2)significantly increased stomatal conductance by 36%compared with non-stressed plants at aCO_(2).However,HS at eCO_(2)significantly decreased stomatal conductance by 18%compared with HS at aCO_(2).The first squaring was delayed by one day under SS at aCO_(2)but two days earlier under SS at eCO_(2)than non-stressed plants at aCO_(2).Root and shoot dry mass and the total leaf area were significantly higher under all stresses,except for CS,at the eCO_(2)compared with similar stresses at the aCO_(2).Most growth and development traits,including plant height,leaf area,and shoot dry mass,displayed a mirroring response pattern between aCO_(2)and eCO_(2)under all environments except CS.Cultivars exhibited significant interaction with stressed environments.Further,results revealed differential sensitivity and adaptation potential of cultivars to stress environments at varying CO_(2)levels.This study highlights the need to consider eCO_(2)in designing breeding programs to develop stress-tolerant varieties for future cotton-growing environments.
文摘As one of the main chronic diseases in modern society,coronary heart disease,as a major disease that affects people’s lives and health,has the characteristics of hidden onset and sudden onset.Coronary heart disease has relatively clear risk factors.Among them,blood lipid levels and blood sugar levels,as two main risk factors,play an important role in promoting the onset of coronary heart disease.The two complement each other in a vicious cycle,synergize and promote each other,promote the process of coronary atherosclerosis,thereby causing coronary heart disease.Multiple components in blood lipids and poor management of long-term blood sugar levels play a major role in specific clinical problems.This article reviews the different components of blood lipids and the effects of hyperglycemia on coronary heart disease,and initially expounds the mechanism by which blood lipids and blood sugar levels synergize each other to aggravate the risk of coronary heart disease,and combines them with relevant clinical issues,in order to help clinicians guide the prevention of coronary heart disease in terms of blood lipids and blood sugar levels.
基金Supported by the National Key Research and Development Program'Modernization Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine':Cardiovascular Event Chain(Metabolic Syndrome,Atherosclerosis,Myocardial Infarction,Arrhythmia,Heart Failure)(No.2017YFC700500)the Key R&D Program of Hebei:Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Project:Clinical Research on the Treatment of Diabetes Foot with Collateral Drugs and the Mechanism of Its Influence on Collateral Vessel Reconstruction(No.223777155D)+1 种基金the Scientific Research Project of Hebei Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine:Clinical Study on Jinlida Granules in Treating Intestinal Dysfunction of diabetes and Its Effect on Short Chain Fatty Acids(No.2023179)the Scientific Research Project of Hebei Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine:Clinical Study on Tongluo Therapy for Diabetes Foot and Its Influence on Microcirculation(No.2018200)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of Jinlida granules(津力达颗粒,JLD)on body weight,glucose tolerance,intestinal inflammation and barrier function in high-fat diet(HFD)-induced obese rats and explore the regulation of the gut microbiota as a potential treatment mechanism.METHODS:Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control,HFD,low-dose JLD(L-JLD),high-dose JLD(HJLD),and sitagliptin groups.The rats,with the exception of those in the control group,were fed a HFD to establish an obesity model while simultaneously receiving 0.5%carboxymethyl cellulose,L-JLD,H-JLD or sitagliptin for 25 weeks.We assessed body weight,conducted oral glucose tolerance tests,and analysed faecal samples using metagenomic sequencing.Haematoxylin-eosin(HE),Masson and immunohistochemical(IHC)staining were employed to evaluate histological changes in the colon tissue.Immunofluorescence(IF)staining was used to measure the expression levels of Zonula occludens-1(ZO-1)and Claudin-1 in colon tissue.The colon tissue was also subjected to transcriptomic evaluation.RESULTS:JLD treatment significantly reduced body weight and enhanced glucose tolerance in obese rats.It alleviated colonic tissue damage,decreased collagen deposition,inhibited macrophage infiltration,and increased the expression of the tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Claudin-1.Metagenomic analysis revealed JLDinduced shifts in the gut microbiota composition(increasing the abundance of Turicibacter,Faecalibaculum,Coriobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus reuteri),enriching beneficial bacteria and metabolic pathways(increasing the biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites,ascorbate and aldarate metabolism,oxidative phosphorylation,C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism and beta-alanine metabolism).Transcriptomic analysis revealed downregulation of inflammatory and immune pathways(inhibition of the tumour necrosis factor signalling pathway,advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products signalling pathway,toll-like receptor signalling pathway,and interleukin-17 signalling pathway),suggesting a comprehensive modulatory effect of JLD on intestinal health and metabolic function.CONCLUSIONS:JLD granules effectively improve glucose tolerance and ameliorate obesity-related intestinal dysfunctions in HFD-induced obese rats.These benefits are likely mediated through the modulation of the gut microbiota,the suppression of intestinal inflammation,the enhancement of barrier function,and the attenuation of proinflammatory pathways.Our findings offer novel insights into the therapeutic potential of JLD,emphasizing its role in integrating gut microbiota management into the treatment of metabolic disorders.
基金funded from the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(LH2024C095,YQ2023B001)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2024M751241)+3 种基金the National Key Laboratory of Green Pesticides(Central China Normal University)the earmarked fund for China Agricultural Research System(CARS170503)Heilongjiang Province Agriculture Research SystemEcological Agriculture 20231197Heilongjiang Province“Double First Class”Discipline Collaborative Innovation Achievement Project(LJGXCG2023-036).
文摘Reactive oxygen species(ROS)act as early messengers in plants exposed to drought,salinity,heat and other environmental challenges.Their timely removal is crucial.Unchecked ROS injure membranes,macromolecules and photosynthetic systems,ultimately curbing growth or causing cell death.While mitochondria possess inhouse antioxidant machinery,how non-mitochondrial systems contribute to mitochondrial redox homeostasis has remained unresolved.Laura F.DiGiovanni et al.demonstrate that peroxisomes directly protect mitochondria through contact-mediated ROS shuttling.This discovery extends the concept of organelle crosstalk beyond metabolic exchange to contact-mediated ROS flux,adding a system-level buffer against oxidative stress.Deep understanding and regulation of this pathway are highly significant for exploring how ROS coordinate plant stress responses,enhancing crop stress resistance and reducing extreme environment-induced oxidative damage.This may provide breeders and agronomists with a novel approach to develop stress-resistant traits.
基金Supported by Army Logistics Department Health Bureau Project,No.QJGYXYJZX-012.
文摘BACKGROUND Due to the dry and cold climate,the obvious temperature difference between day and night,and the low oxygen content of the air in the plateau area,people are prone to upper respiratory tract diseases,and often the condition is prolonged,and the patients are prone to anxiety and uneasiness,which may be related to the harshness of the plateau environment,somatic discomfort due to the lack of oxygen,anxiety about the disease,and other factors.AIM To investigate the effects of cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT)on anxiety,sleep disorders,and hypoxia tolerance in patients with high-altitude respiratory diseases.METHODS A total of 2337 patients with high-altitude-related respiratory diseases treated at our hospital between November 2023 and January 2024 were selected as the study subjects.The subjects’pre-high-altitude residential altitude was approximately 1700 meters.They were divided into two groups.Both groups were given symptomatic treatment,and the control group implemented conventional nursing intervention,while the research group simultaneously conducted CBT intervention;assessed the degree of health knowledge of the two groups,and applied the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess the anxiety and sleep quality of the patients before and after the intervention,respectively.It also observed the length and efficiency of sleep,and detected the level of serum hypoxia inducible factor-1α,erythropoietin(EPO)and clinical intervention before and after intervention.EPO levels,and investigated satisfaction with the clinical intervention.RESULTS The rate of excellent health knowledge in the intervention group was 93.64%,which was higher than that in the control group(74.23%;P<0.05).Before the intervention,there was no significant difference in Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores between the two groups(P>0.05),and after the intervention,the scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in sleep duration and sleep efficiency between the groups before the intervention(P>0.05),and after the intervention,the scores of the study group were significantly larger than those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in serum hypoxia inducible factor-1αand EPO between the two groups before intervention(P>0.05),and both research groups were significantly lower than the control group after intervention(P<0.05).According to the questionnaire survey,the intervention satisfaction of the study group was 95.53%,which was higher than that of the control group(80.14%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION The CBT intervention in the treatment of patients with high-altitude-related respiratory diseases helps improve patients'health knowledge,relieve anxiety,improve sleep quality and hypoxia tolerance,and improve nursing satisfaction.
基金supported by the Guizhou Provincial Science and Technology Project(Grant No.[2022]091).
文摘Toxic heavy metal and metalloid(THMM)contamination poses a major global challenge,threatening human health and sustainable agriculture.The crucial role of the Cytochrome P450(CYP)gene family in plant tolerance to THMMs has been recently highlighted,but there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding,especially in relation to metabolites.This study delved into the identification of CYP genes that are linked to the tolerance mechanisms of plants in response to heavy metal stress.The findings highlight the significant metabolic pathways that contribute to this resilience,using rice and Arabidopsis as exemplars.THMM exposure changed CYP gene expression in plants,and THMM antidotes mitigated its downregulation and that of flavonoid biosynthesis genes.CYP genes involved in THMM responses were predominantly enriched in the pathways associated with flavonoid synthesis,indicating functional adaptations to distinct stresses.Notably,anthocyanin(Ant)accumulation,a type of flavonoid,affected the uptake of various heavy metals in Brassica rapa,with flavonoid biosynthesis-associated genes correlating with Cd or As tolerance and Ant content.These findings highlight the critical importance of flavonoid metabolism and the intricate network of biosynthesis genes in bolstering plant resilience against heavy metal stress.This enhanced understanding paves the way for significant advancements in phytoremediation technologies,offering innovative solutions for soil and water decontamination.
基金supported by NIH awards R01 DK101043 to LJG and P30 DK036836 to Joslin Diabetes Centersupported by American Diabetes Association Grant No.1-17-PMF-009+1 种基金supported by American Diabetes Association(Grant No.1-25-PDF-67)supported by fellowships from Sunstar Foundation,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(JSPS),Kanae Foundation,and Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare.
文摘Background Maternal obesity during pregnancy can lead to increased risk for metabolic disease in offspring during adulthood,helping fuel the worldwide increase in obesity.Fortunately,studies in rodent models have established that female dams(F0)that perform voluntary wheel running exercise during pregnancy have first-generation(F1)offspring with improved glucose tolerance,suggesting a potential means to reduce the burden of generational metabolic disease transmission.We have shown that maternal exercise also affects F1 male offspring as sires,as their progeny(F2)have similarly improved metabolic health.Whether maternal exercise can affect F1 females in a manner that improves F2 offspring metabolism is not known.Here,we determined whether voluntary exercise by F0 grandmothers,via their F1 female progeny,produced F2 male and female offspring with an improved metabolic phenotype.Methods Six-week-old C57BL/6 N female mice(F0)were fed a chow diet and either kept sedentary or exercise trained by voluntary wheel running for 2 weeks preconception and during pregnancy.Chow-fed sedentary F1 female offspring at 8 weeks of age were bred with age-matched untreated virgin males to generate F2 offspring.F2 were kept sedentary and chow fed and studied up to 52 weeks of age.Metabolic parameters were assessed,including food intake,body weight,body composition,glucose tolerance,systemic glucose and insulin levels,and liver metabolism.Results Grandmaternal exercise did not significantly alter male and female F2 offspring body weights measured throughout the first year of life,nor was there an effect of grandmaternal exercise on F2 offspring fat mass or lean mass.Remarkably,despite the lack of effect on body weight parameters,grandmaternal exercise resulted in improved glucose tolerance and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)in F2 offspring at 52 weeks of age,effects that were more pronounced in male F2 offspring.Conclusion Voluntary wheel running exercise in female mice during pregnancy leads to metabolic improvements in her grand offspring,despite no direct intervention of the intermediate maternal generation.Maternal physical activity during pregnancy may reduce metabolic diseases in later generations.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0907600)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31100869)+1 种基金Central Public-interest Scientific Institutions Basal Research Fund for Zhang Zhiguo(Y2025YY06)the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Nonprofit Scientific Institutions for Lu Tiegang,and Cui Xuean.
文摘Source-sink coordination serves as the foundation for improving crop yield.Current research primarily focuses on individual factors,such as increasing the source or expanding the sink,which often leads to disrupted source-sink balance,causing trade-offs among photosynthesis,yield,and stress response.To address these limitations,we present an integrated synthetic biological framework that synergistically enhances photosynthetic efficiency(source capacity),sink optimization,and abiotic stress tolerance.We developed an editing-overexpression coupling(EOC)vector system enabling simultaneous overexpression of four photosynthesis-enhancing genes(Cyt c6,PsbA,FBPase,OsMGT3),knockout of three yield-limiting genes(GS3,Gn1a,OsAAP5),and self-excision of selection markers,gene-editing modules,and fragment deletion cassettes.Field evaluations of CFMP-gga transgenic lines revealed significant physiological improvements,including 13%–17%increase in photosynthetic rates,improved chlorophyll fluorescence parameters,and increased stomatal conductance.These enhancements translated into remarkable agronomic gains,including 18.7%–22.3%higher grain yield,23.1%–26.1%increased biomass,and improved panicle architecture(increased grain size and grain number per panicle).The engineered lines maintained superior thermotolerance(under 42°C stress)and alkali tolerance(at pH 10)compared to wild-type controls.This study provides a strategy for enhancing crop yield by demonstrating that coordinated multi-gene regulation of source-sink dynamics,coupled with stress resilience engineering,achieves concurrent improvements.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province(2408085MC058 and 2308085QC91)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32301783and U21A20214)+5 种基金Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(CAAS CSIAF-202303)Nanfan special project,CAAS(YYLH2309,YBXM2322,YYLH2401)Scientific Innovation 2030 Project(2022ZD0401703)CAAS Innovative Team Award,Science and Technology of Innovative research program of Anhui Province(202423m1005002)National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFD1200900)the Natural Science Foundation General Program of Hebei Province(C2024204242).
文摘IR64 is an elite Xian/indica variety developed by International Rice Research Institute(IRRl)in 1985,which has been the most widely grown variety and core breeding parent in South/Southeast Asia(Mackill and Khush,2018).IR64 has been utilized to develop stress-tolerant(such as drought-adapted and submergenceresistant)near-isogenic lines,underscoring its great potential in agricultural genomics(Tanaka et al.,2020).