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Molybdate intercalation significantly reduces the thickness of cobalt–nickel layered hydroxide, greatly increases its specific surface area, regulates its pore distribution, increases the crystal plane spacing, promotes the diffusion rate of hydroxide in it, and increases its specific capacity. Meanwhile, the bilayered MCN-LDH@CP electrode significantly improved the areal energy density and peak power density and cycle stability of the CoNi//Zn battery. The quasi-solid-state MCN-LDH@CP//Zn battery can still charge a mobile phone even when hammered and pierced, showing excellent safety and reliability. [Display omitted] Seeking cathode materials with high areal capacity and excellent cycling tolerance is a key step to develop aqueous rechargeable zinc-based alkaline batteries with high energy density, power density and excellent stability. Here, the bilayered cathode composite (MCN-LDH@CP) of molybdate intercalated cobalt–nickel layered hydroxide nanosheets (MCN-LDH) grown on cobalt phosphate octahydrate microsheet (CP) was prepared by a two-step hydrothermal process. Molybdate intercalation significantly reduces the thickness of cobalt–nickel layered hydroxide, greatly increases its specific surface area, regulates its pore distribution, increases the crystal plane spacing, promotes the diffusion rate of hydroxide in it, and increases its specific capacity. Meanwhile, the bilayered MCN-LDH@CP electrode significantly improved the areal energy density (2.89 mWh/cm2) and peak power density (111.22 mW/cm2) and cycle stability (97.8 % after 7000 cycles) of the CoNi//Zn battery. The excellent stability is mainly due to the fact that the MCN-LDH overlay inhibits the loss of P element of CP and improves the structural stability of the sample. The quasi-solid-state MCN-LDH@CP//Zn battery can still charge a mobile phone even when hammered and pierced, showing excellent safety and reliability. This work opens a new avenue to develop CoNi//Zn batteries with high energy density, power density and excellent tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • We explored lineage diversity and regional distribution of Moina in China. • Four Moina species complexes with eleven mtDNA lineages occurred across China. • Discordance between mtDNA and nuclear ITS-1 phylogenies of Moina was detected. • An mtDNA phylogeny showed apparent paraphyly in two Moina taxa. Abstract The distribution and genetic diversity of freshwater zooplankton is understudied in the Eastern Palearctic. Here, we explored the lineage diversity and regional distribution of the genus Moina in China. Members of this genus are often keystone components of freshwater ecosystems and have been frequently subjected to toxicological and physiological studies. Four species of Moina were identified, based on morphology, in 50 of 113 Chinese water bodies examined, and their phylogenetic position was analyzed using both a mitochondrial (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I; COI) and a nuclear marker (the nuclear internal transcribed spacer; ITS-1). Both molecular markers identified four clades corresponding broadly to the morphological species. Mitochondrial DNA analysis showed the presence of four species complexes with eleven lineages across China, five of which were new. However, some lineages (and even individual haplotypes) were widespread in Eurasia, suggesting an ability to disperse over long distances. In contrast, a few lineages exhibited restricted distributions. The nuclear phylogeny also recognized four species of Moina within China and seven very distinct clades. Interestingly, one specimen possessing Moina cf. micrura mtDNA had ITS-1 alleles of the M. cf. brachiata clade. This discordance between mtDNA and nuclear ITS-1 phylogenies is indicative of interspecific introgression and hybridization. Additionally, our COI phylogeny showed apparent paraphyly in two Moina species groups, suggesting introgression of their mitochondrial genomes. Our data shows the regional distribution/diversity of the Moina species complex in a Eurasian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Two distinct species complexes (D. pulex and D. mitsukuri) were documented. • Strikingly different patterns of clonal diversity were observed among populations. • Obligate parthenogenesis was confirmed by genotyping dormant ephippial eggs. • Obligate parthenogens probably originated through interspecific hybridization. Abstract Recent studies of the distribution and diversity of freshwater zooplankton have indicated that the previously understudied Eastern Palearctic region is an important biogeographic hotspot. Here, we explored the lineage diversity and reproductive modes of the Daphnia pulex species group across China. Members of this group are often keystone species of standing water bodies and are frequently used as a model system for ecological, evolutionary and, more recently, genomic studies. We found members of the D. pulex group in seven of seventy-six Chinese water bodies examined. We analyzed their phylogenetic position using mitochondrial markers, and explored the genetic structure of six populations using microsatellite markers. Mitochondrial DNA analysis suggested the presence of two distinct species complexes in China: the D. pulex complex that has a global distribution, and an apparently endemic Eastern Palearctic D. mitsukuri complex. Microsatellite analyses of six populations suggested that three of these reproduced by cyclical parthenogenesis, as evidenced by high clonal diversity and the absence of deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In contrast, three other populations showed remarkably low diversity of multilocus genotypes. This suggests an obligate parthenogenetic reproductive mode, which was confirmed in one of the populations by comparison of genotypes of Daphnia adults and dormant embryos. All presumably obligate parthenogenetic clones were heterozygous at the majority of microsatellite loci, suggesting their hybrid origin. This was further supported by analyses of a small GTPase nuclear gene (rab4), as two alleles within single individuals belonged to different clades. Interestingly, one putatively obligate parthenogenetic clone carried three distinct alleles suggesting higher ploidy and potential gene flow between the D. pulicaria and D. mitsukuri complexes. Our data show that the expansion of the D. pulex complex in the Eastern Palearctic was associated with widespread hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the underlying cause of many severe vascular diseases and is primarily characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism. Paeonol (Pae), a bioactive compound derived from Paeonia Suffruticosa Andr., is recognized for its significant role in reducing lipid accumulation. Our research objective is to explore the link between lipid buildup in foam cells originating from macrophages and the process of ferroptosis, and explore the effect and mechanism of Pae on inhibiting AS by regulating ferroptosis. In our animal model, ApoE-deficient mice, which were provided with a high-fat regimen to provoke atherosclerosis, were administered Pae. The treatment was benchmarked against simvastatin and ferrostatin-1. The results showed that Pae significantly reduced aortic ferroptosis and lipid accumulation in the mice. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that Pae could decrease lipid accumulation in foam cells induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and challenged with the ferroptosis inducer erastin. Crucially, the protective effect of Pae against lipid accumulation was dependent on the SIRT1/NRF2/GPX4 pathway, as SIRT1 knockdown abolished this effect. Our findings suggest that Pae may offer a novel therapeutic approach for AS by inhibiting lipid accumulation through the suppression of ferroptosis, mediated by the SIRT1/NRF2/GPX4 pathway. Such knowledge has the potential to inform the creation of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at regulating ferroptosis within the context of atherosclerosis. Pae exerts anti atherosclerosis mechanism by inhibiting lipid accumulation induced by macrophage-derived foam cells caused by ferroptosis. [Display omitted] • Ferroptosis has the capacity to trigger lipid accumulation in macrophage-derived foam cells. • Pae exhibits anti-atherosclerotic properties through the inhibition of ferroptosis. • Pae inhibits macrophage-derived foam cells ferroptosis via the SIRT1/NRF2/GPX4 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract C-2α hydroxylated triterpenoids are a large class of plant secondary metabolites. These compounds, such as maslinic, corosolic and alphitolic acid, have important biological activities against HIV, cancer and diabetes. However, the biosynthesis pathways of these compounds have not been completely elucidated. Specifically, the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme responsible for C-2α hydroxylation was unknown. In this study, a novel CYP enzyme that catalyzes C-2α hydroxylation was identified in Crataegus pinnatifida (Hawthorn) using a metabolic engineering platform. It is a multifunctional enzyme with C-2α oxidase activity on oleanane-, ursane- and lupane-type pentacyclic triterpenoids. In addition, the complete biosynthesis pathways of these three triterpenoids were reconstituted in yeast, resulting in the production of 384, 141 and 23 mg/L of maslinic, corosolic and alphitolic acid, respectively. This metabolic engineering platform for functional gene identification and strain engineering can serve as the basis for creating alternative pathways for the microbial production of important natural products. Highlights • A metabolic engineering platform was established for identification of unknown plant CYP genes. • CYP716C49 was identified from hawthorn for C-2α hydroxylation of triterpenoids. • CYP716C49 is a multifunctional enzyme. • Yeast cell factories were constructed for production of 3 pentacyclic triterpenoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ancient DNA analysis of 24 archaeological bovid remains recovered from large Neolithic (6300 BP to 5000 calBP) pit and ditch features at Houtaomuga, Northeast China, identified 23 of these samples as aurochs (Bos primigenius). These DNA-based identifications contrast with the morphological analysis of the remains, which identified them as Bison exiguous. The abundance of auroch remains at this site contradicts the general assumption that this species was not present in large numbers in Neolithic China. It also suggests archaeologists need to revise the notion that wild aurochs played an insignificant role in the lifeways of Neolithic peoples in China. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses of a 294 bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop indicate the identified aurochs belong to a unique haplogroup (Haplogroup C) that is indigenous to East Asia and made no direct contribution to modern domesticated cattle Bos taurus. Moreover, temporal changes in haplotype frequencies were observed among the identified aurochs, suggesting population fluctuations potentially caused by human hunting activities occurred among Chinese aurochs during the Neolithic. This study also identified one sample (HT31) radiocarbon dated to ca. 5500–5300 calBP as Bos taurus , making it one of the earliest known taurine cattle specimens in China. HT31's location in Northeast China and early date points to the existence of another entrance for domesticated cattle into China, the Northeast China Route via the Mongolian Steppe. Highlights • DNA confirms that aurochs were much more abundantly available in Neolithic China. • Many aurochs remains may have been mistakenly identified as Bison exiguous. • All aurochs belong to Haplogroup C and no direct contribution to modern cattle. • DNA identified one of the earliest Bos taurus remains in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A newly discovered Paleolithic site in loess deposits in the Lushi Basin, South Luo River, central China, is dated using pedostratigraphic analysis, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and magnetostratigraphic analysis. This region is regarded as an important place for hominin occupation and settlement during the early to middle Pleistocene. Results indicate that the archaeological site dates from 600ka to 620ka, reinforcing the view that Homo erectus had occupied a large area of eastern Asia by 620ka. The lithic assemblages of Lushi Basin is a flake and core technology, typical for this time period in north-central China. It may be compared with that at the Zhoukoudian locality 1 in north China and some sites in the Luonan Basin, and provides important data for understanding the behavior and stone tool technology of early Chinese hominins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Domestic horses played a pivotal role in ancient China, but their exact origin remains controversial. To investigate the origin of Chinese domestic horses, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 35 horse remains, aged between 4000 and 2000 years, excavated from nine archaeological sites in northern China. The Chinese ancient horses exhibited high matrilineal diversity, falling into all the seven haplogroups (A–G) observed in modern horses. These results suggest that several maternal lines were introduced into the gene pool of Chinese horses in the past. Haplogroups A and F were more prevalent in ancient horses than the other haplogroups. Interestingly, only haplogroups A and F were present in the samples older than 4000 years, while the more recent horses (between 2000 and 3000 years BP) fell into all seven haplogroups. Comparison with DNA data of present-day horses suggests that haplogroup F is like to be an ancient haplogroup of East Asian origin. These analyses also suggest that the origin of Chinese domestic horses is complex, and external mtDNA input occurred after initial domestication. Our results indicate that the Chinese ancient horses are more related to the modern Mongolian horses. Lastly, our results cannot support the previous hypothesis that early Chinese domestic horses were derived from the Przewalski horse. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Micro-botanical and fungal remains on Xipo vessels suggested alcoholic beverages. • The beverages were cereal-based (rice, millet), and mainly saccharified by Monascus. • Providing large amounts of alcoholic drinks with large vats might be a costly signal. • Competitive feasting emerged in the late middle Yangshao period. • The phenomena accompanied the intensified inter-regional interactions at the time. In this paper, we focus on a Neolithic Yangshao culture community with emergent social hierarchy associated with feasting activities. We analyzed the microfossil remains (micro-botanical and fungi) on 15 vessels excavated from the cemetery section of the Xipo site in northern China, highlighting four dakougang large vats with non-local characteristics from the two largest elite tombs (ca. 3300–2900 cal BC). The results revealed hongqujiu red beer, and the brewing method was likely using red mold Monascus as the main saccharification agent in a semi-solid-state fermentation condition, which is unprecedented in Yangshao cultural assemblages based on current data. This brewing method likely originated in the eastern coastal regions and may have been introduced to Xipo as an exotic and prestigious item. Large quantities of red beer and elite ceramics may have been used to advertise elite's social status in competitive feasts. Such feasts may have been not only conducted by the living elites as a power competition, but also expected to be carried out by their deceased ancestors in the afterlife. The red beer appears to have played a pivotal role in this ritualized continuum between the present world and the supposed future life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]