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The nitrogen deposition has the potential to alter the trait composition of plant communities by affecting the fitness and physiological adaptation of species, consequently exerting an influence on ecosystem processes. Despite the importance of bryophytes in nutrient and carbon dynamics across different ecosystems, there is a lack of research examining the relationship between nitrogen deposition and the co-variation of bryophyte traits. To address this gap, a meta-analysis was conducted using data from 27 independent studies to investigate potential associations between trait co-variation of bryophytes and nitrogen deposition. The results revealed that interspecific variability regulates the influence of nitrogen deposition on bryophytes by affecting trait co-variation. Multiple correspondence analysis identified six combinations of closely related traits. For example, species with unbranched main stems frequently exhibit robust leaf midribs, leading to leaf wrinkling and leaf clasping around the stem as a response to water loss. Some weft or mat species tend to obtain resources (nitrogen) through their scale hairs on the main stem. Some species with narrow leaves require leaf teeth to maintain a normal leaf shape. The subgroup analyses indicated that certain traits, including unbranched main stem, changes in leaf morphology, robust leaf midrib, main stem without scale hairs, narrow leaf, leaf margin with teeth, undeveloped apophysis, and erect capsule minimize interaction with pollutants and represent a resource strategy. Conversely, functional traits representing a resource acquisition strategy, such as branched main stem, no changes in leaf morphology, short and weak leaf midrib, main stem with scale hairs, broad leaf, leaf margin without teeth, developed apophysis, and non-erect capsule increase pollutant exposure. Overall, our results suggest that anthropogenic global change may significantly impact bryophytes due to changes in their individual physiology and colony ecological indicators caused by increased nitrogen deposition. [Display omitted] • Highlights (for review). • Interspecific variability greatly influences bryophytes' response to N deposition. • Trait co-variation is an expression of interspecific variability. • Different trait combinations of bryophytes respond differently to N deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Transforming growth factor-β relates to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. • Comment on some debatable points shown. • Test Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium for this meta -analysis. Recently, He et al. performed a meta -analysis to interpret the association between transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) gene polymorphisms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk. However, we would like to comment on some debatable points shown in this meta -analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.) Iljin (Rha) is a member of the family Compositae that is widely used in folk medicine as a dietary supplement to treat cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), such as senile cardiac insufficiency, and to restore myocardial function after surgery. Sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), an NAD+-dependent class III histone deacetylase, plays a considerable role in the administration of CVDs. However, the specific effects and mechanism of Rha on myocardial injury remain unknown.Purpose: This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Rha against myocardial injury as well as its underlying mechanisms in vivo and in vitro.Methods: A myocardial ischaemia model was established in male SD rats by subcutaneously injecting ISO. The rats were gavaged with Rha (40, 80, 160 mg/kg) or Rho (6 ml/kg) for 14 successive days and then injected subcutaneously with ISO or saline solution on the 13th and 14th days. The positive effects of Rha against myocardial injury in rats were evaluated by ECG assessment, BP measurements, H&E staining, and myocardial enzyme detection. Biochemical indicators of energy metabolism and oxidative stress, such as NAD+/NADH, ATP, and MDA, were analysed by assay kits to assess the effects of Rha. The protein and mRNA expression levels of SIRT6 and Nrf2 in the myocardium were determined by western blotting and real-time PCR.Results: Our results showed that Rha ameliorated myocardial ischaemia and inhibited energy metabolism disorders (NAD+/NADH ratio, ATP, and LD) and oxidative stress (SOD, ROS, etc.) in rat myocardial tissue and H9c2 cells. In addition, Rha upregulated SIRT6 and Nrf2 expression in myocardial injury. Mechanistic studies then found that SIRT6 knockdown reduced the expression of Nrf2 as well as the effects of Rha on the levels of ATP, LD, and ROS, whereas activation of Nrf2 improved the effects of Rha in cells. In summary, Rha might exert its cardioprotective effects via the SIRT6-mediated Nrf2 signaling pathway.Conclusion: The results suggest that Rha regulates energy metabolism and oxidative stress through the SIRT6/Nrf2 signaling pathway to play a protective role in myocardial injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of biochar additions on N leaching and retention in tea soils and its microbial mechanism are still unclear. In this study, effects of biochar additions at rates of 0, 3% and 6% on N leaching, N retention and microbial responses in two tea soils with 20- and 60-year plantation ages were investigated under application with 15N-labeled urea. The results showed that cumulative mass of leached NH 4 +-N, NO 3 −-N and TN was reduced by 20.9%–91.9%, 35.1%–66.9% and 40.0%–72.8% under biochar additions, respectively. The retention of TN in soil was increased by 1.2%–5.8% under biochar amendment. Fertilizer-N in the leachate was reduced by 28.8%–62.1%, while fertilizer-N retention in the soils was enhanced by 3.2%–23.9% with biochar application. Biochar addition of 6% showed the highest mitigation of N leaching and enhancement of TN retention across the two soils. Biochar additions increased soil microbial biomass and enzyme activities and changed the bacterial community composition, indicating that biochar addition increased the microbial N requirement, stimulated soil N cycling, including nitrification and denitrification processes, and enhanced microbial N immobilization in the tea soils. Those microbial responses to biochar addition were higher in 60-year-old soil relative to 20-year-old soil, leading to a higher enhancement of N retention and mitigation of N leaching. Soil pH was the prime factor that influenced soil microbes, and it strongly correlated with microbial biomass, enzyme activity, the relative abundance of dominant phyla and α-diversity indices. Therefore, the enhancement of microbial biomass, activity and shifts of bacterial community composition related to N cycling in response to biochar additions that increased the soil pH could be an important mechanism to better understand the biochar-induced N leaching mitigation and N retention enhancement in tea soils under different plantation ages. Unlabelled Image • Biochar additions reduced NH 4 +-N, NO 3 −-N and TN leaching in tea soils. • TN retention in tea soils was increased under bamboo biochar additions. • 6% biochar addition optimizes N leaching mitigation and N retention enhancement. • Microbial biomass, activity and community composition were affected by biochar. • Biochar additions affected soil microbes related to N cycling via changing soil pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe herein a novel' “turn-on” SERS-based strategy for protease detection based on surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and the mediation of spacing between 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) labeled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) through enzyme assays. The method employed non-cross-linking aggregation of 4-MBA-modified AuNPs by peptides after treatment with target protease. Thus, SERS signals of 4-MBA are sharply increased because of the decreased electrostatic stability of AuNPs that initiated gold nanoaggregates incorporating Raman reporter molecules due to the formation of “Hot Spots”. Through this strategy, a novel and facile “turn-on” SERS biosensor for trypsin and thrombin based on enzymatic cleavage activity is established with sensitivity, selectivity and simplicity as AuNPs and peptides are easily accessible. Compared with other methods, this newly proposed method has improved sensitivity. The limit of detection was 85 fM (at the ratio of signal to noise, S/N=3:1) for trypsin. Controlled experiments showed that the method exhibited good selectivity over other proteases. We also proved that this principle could be easily adapted to detection of other proteases such as thrombin. The method demonstrated the capability for application in complex matrix samples. The results also presented the potential and superiority of SERS biosensor as a general approach for proteases based on enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-nucleotide variants (SNV) detection with high abundance sensitivity is of great significance in clinical application, molecular diagnostics and biological research. In this study, a high abundance sensitivity SNV detection strategy based on entropy-driven catalytic (EDC) amplification adjusted by stoichiometry is proposed. In EDC, the toehold exchange reaction is used to initiate subsequent catalytic reaction and can be adjusted by stoichiometry. When the by-product concentration in the toehold exchange reaction is excessive, the forward reaction will be inhibited, which can reduce or even block the unexpected reaction between the non-target and the probe. Meanwhile, some targets can still successfully take a toehold exchange reaction with the probe, thus completing the subsequent EDC. By adjusting the EDC, the SNV identification specificity of this system was improved and is superior to any single adjusted stoichiometry or EDC. When the low abundance target is detected from the mixture, this strategy enables SNV detection at 0.1% abundance with high abundance sensitivity. And even if the mixture contains three kind of 1000-fold interference sequences, this strategy can still discriminate the target SNV. Furthermore, the practical applicability of the adjusted EDC system was verified by p53 mutation discrimination in human urine. Image 1 • A SNV detection strategy based on EDC adjusted by stoichiometry is proposed. • EDC adjusted by stoichiometry improves specificity of the SNV detection system. • This strategy can detect SNV at 0.1% abundance with high abundance sensitivity. • Targets can be identified from a mixture containing three 1000-fold interference. • P53 mutation in human urine can be detected by this strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fermentation is extremely efficient at preparing porous materials on a large scale. • The pore size of FPHs made under mild conditions can be easily adjusted by time. • FPH-30 exhibits high evaporation rate of 1.594 kg m−2 h−1 and η of 95.15%. • FPHs show excellent composite and mechanical stability, and self-cleaning property. Solar interfacial evaporation is a promising technology for the purification of seawater and polluted water using sustainable solar energy. An adjustable shape and internal-channel size of photothermal evaporation material are essential for regulating heat utilization and water supply rate to three-dimensional (3D) evaporation device. However, a simple method for the preparation process is rarely reported to date. Inspired by bread making, a straightforward fermentation method is applied to the preparation of adjustable porous hydrogel as photothermal evaporation materials. It only takes 40 min to ferment and three simple freeze-thawing cycles to construct the final hydrogel materials. A mold can be used to easily adjust the external shape of the fermentation porous hydrogels (FPHs). The internal-channel size of FPHs can be simply tuned by the fermentation time. The flexible porous structure endows FPHs with excellent photothermal evaporation capability and makes it easy to meet the requirements of water supply rates under the light intensity of different latitudes for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing water scarcity and demand for biofuels and fodder has resulted in a change to traditional farming cropping system from double paddy rice (early rice–late rice, sign as ERLR) to maize–paddy rice (spring maize–late rice, sign as SMLR) in Asia. Whether the introduction of SMLR would induce lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and higher net carbon (C) sink remains unclear. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the C footprint and net ecosystem carbon budget (NECB) for ERLR and SMLR systems, based on a two–year (2017–2018) paddy field experiment in southeastern China. Results showed that introducing SMLR resulted in a slight decrease of grain yield by 3.78% in 2017 and a pronounced increase by 17.6% in 2018. The introduction of SMLR into ERLR significantly reduced the C footprint by 35.1–41.7%. This was attributed to spring maize having a 60.1–64.5% lower C footprint relative to early rice and the C footprint of later rice in SMLR being 17.7–19.0% lower than in ERLR. Methane emissions were the largest contributor to the C footprint in both cropping systems, accounting for 52.7–54.4% and 37.2–39.6% in ERLR and SMLR, respectively. This composition of C footprint was similar to that of early rice in ERLR and late rice in ERLR and SMLR. However, GHG emissions from the manufacture of nitrogen fertilizers were the largest fraction of the C footprint in spring maize production, accounting for 40.0–49.3%. Although SMLR resulted in a greater C output due to increased direct carbon dioxide emissions from soils (by 60.1–142%), the introduction of SMLR produced a higher C input. Furthermore, the increase of C input outweighed the increase of C output, leading to a significant increase of NECB by 80.1–147%. Results from this study demonstrate that the introduction of SMLR into ERLR is highly effective strategy for reducing C footprint and enhancing the net C sink as well as maintaining high grain yield. Image 1 • Introduction of maize–rice (MR) into double rice (RR) decreased GHG emissions. • Crop yield of MR decreased slightly in 2017 and increased greatly in 2018 than RR. • Introducing MR reduced C footprint by lowering it in both season crops. • Higher increase of C input than C output led to larger net C sink in MR. • MR is an alternative system with low C footprint and high C sink and crop yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Gradient structure demonstrates an enhanced capillary effect. • Gradient structure can hinder water flow and inhibit heat convection loss. • An evaporation efficiency of 93.4% is achieved under 1 sun illumination. • Template method (Teflon-glass) is used to prepare gradient structured hydrogel. • Microgels are attracted by the Teflon plate showing gradient distribution. Solar interfacial evaporation is a promising way to generate clean water from seawater using clean, abundant, and sustainable solar energy. However, non-directionally moving water with high thermal conductivity acts inevitably as a medium for heat transfer from the surface to the bottom through heat convection, resulting in low energy efficiency and a low evaporation rate. Herein, a gradient structured composite hydrogel combining a desired functional differentiation is reported. The network sizes in the hydrogel continuously change, demonstrating an enhanced capillary effect and a direction-limited water supply capability, inhibiting the heat convection loss. In addition, the reported gradient hydrogel shows broadband light absorption, satisfactory mechanical properties under a saturated swelling state, an unusually higher water evaporation rate for brine compared with that for pure water, and an inherent ability to evaporate under both 1 sun illumination and dark environment. The proposed gradient channels to restrict the flow direction of liquid, and consequently the heat convection loss, will have an significant impact on the design of other efficient photothermal evaporation systems and even the field of mass and heat transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the impacts of the incorporation of spring maize into paddy fields on the utilization of nitrogen (N) fertilizer by late rice, a two-year microplot experiment was performed using labeled 15N-urea to trace the fate of N fertilizer in spring maize-late rice (SM-LR) and early rice-late rice (ER-LR) systems. Compared with ER-LR system, SM-LR system showed higher grain yields and total N use of late rice. However, no difference in fertilizer-N use in late rice between the two cropping systems, and the utilization of soil-N rather than fertilizer-N was responsible for the increased total N uptake by late rice. Further microplot experiments on the fate of soil residual 15N showed a greater amount of soil residual 15N in the spring maize season than in the early rice season (122 vs. 72 kg N ha−1). However, soil residual 15N from the first season had a negligible contribution to the utilization of N in late rice. We conclude that the improvement in the soil N supply accounts for the increased total N use in late rice under the incorporation of spring maize into paddy fields. • Incorporation of spring maize in paddy fields increased total N uptake in late rice. • Fertilizer-N uptake in late rice was not improved by incorporating spring maize. • More soil residual 15N was found in the spring maize season than early rice season. • Soil residual 15N had a minor contribution to total N uptake in late rice. • Enhancement of soil-N supply accounted for the increased N uptake in late rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most valuable perennial forage crop, and assessing its yield and quality properties is essential to evaluate forage value of livestock production. However, regional patterns and controlling factors of the yield and quality of alfalfa have not been well documented. In this study, using a dataset of 7166 observations from 301 sites across the country collected from 334 publications, we explored the relationships between the yield and quality properties of alfalfa in China and the effects of environmental factors and management practices on them. The average dry matter yield of alfalfa was 11.18 ± 6.69 Mg ha-1, with average crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, crude ash, nitrogen-free extract, calcium, phosphorus and relative feed values of 19.05 ± 2.87%, 2.62 ± 0.97%, 27.16 ± 5.21%, 31.29 ± 5.58%, 40.48 ± 6.34%, 9.49 ± 1.59%, 38.67 ± 7.49%, 1.68 ± 0.55%, 0.25 ± 0.12%, and 151 ± 31.94, respectively. Alfalfa quality decreased with increasing yield. Geographically, alfalfa had higher yield and crude protein content in South China than in other regions. Quality was positively correlated with both precipitation and temperature, while yield showed a positive relationship with temperature but no significant relationship with precipitation. High soil nutrient availability (e. g., soil available nitrogen, SAN; soil available phosphorus, SAP; soil available potassium, SAK) improved the yield, while high SAN and SAP contents increased the crude protein content. The alfalfa yield increased and the quality decreased with advancing maturity and age, whereas increasing the number of harvests may benefit the quality. This study documents comprehensive information on the yield and quality of alfalfa and provides insights for policy makers for the effective management and sustainable development of alfalfa production. • The first comprehensive study about spatial patterns of alfalfa yield and quality in China and their influencing factors. • Alfalfa yield had a positive relationship with temperature but no relationship with precipitation. • Alfalfa in South China had a higher yield and nutrient value than that in other regions. • Soil fertility and management practices should be taken into consideration in national alfalfa production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Previous studies focused on two-dimensional soil heterogeneity. • In this study, a three-dimensional soil heterogeneity was created. • Plant root responded to soil heterogeneity depended on the plasticity of its root architecture. • Plants with the ability to respond to resources via adopting a large number of roots with short root length as the ratio of resource-rich patches is relatively small. • Plants responded to resources via adopting a small number of roots with long root length as the ratio of resource-rich patches is relatively large. Soil resources distribute heterogeneously in natural ecosystems, which is known as soil heterogeneity. Responses of plant roots to soil heterogeneity are important for their adaptation to the changes of environments. However, few observations of root systems in soil are recorded, and there is a lack of comprehensive theory for roots responses to soil heterogeneity. Soil heterogeneity including configurational heterogeneity and qualitative heterogeneity is developed in three dimensions via extending a stochastic spatially explicit lattice-based habitat model in two dimensions. Root dynamics of plants growing in such soil heterogeneity in three dimensions are simulated. In these simulations, three parameters (i.e. ratio of root distributed in resource-rich patches, mean root length and root number of plants) are measured. Comparing with the previous two dimensional model of heterogeneous pattern formation, this three-dimensional model is time-saving and more efficiency. The spatial pattern of habitats, as well as the adaptability of plants to soil heterogeneity, determines how plants place their roots into resource-rich and resource-poor patches. The plasticity of root architecture plays an important role in the root response to soil heterogeneity. Specifically, plants with the ability to respond to resources would adopt a large number of roots with short root length as the ratio of resource-rich patches is relatively small, while they would adopt a small number of roots with long root length as the ratio of resource-rich patches is relatively large. Such realistic three-dimensional model allows us to better explore the effects of soil heterogeneity on plant root dynamics. Applying this model in root dynamics improves our understanding of root distribution in spatial habitat and of the formation mechanism of root morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduce the latest technology of Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG). • Highlight various advanced high-efficiency strategies. • Comprehensive high-efficiency strategies are the key to higher efficient evaporation. • Discuss the latest application progress of the ISSG system. • Improving energy efficiency and reducing costs are the challenges in applications. The interface solar-driven steam generation technology is a new type of solar energy utilization technology that can simultaneously meet the needs of energy, environment, and freshwater. In recent years, this technology has attracted widespread attention and research. With the increasingly advanced high-efficiency strategy, the interface solar-driven steam generation system's performance is rapidly improving. This review discusses this system's latest developments in various high-efficiency strategies from three perspectives: light absorption, heat utilization, and water and salt control. By analyzing these high-efficiency strategies' progress and the deficiencies of the systems, it is recommended that future research should pay more attention to (1) the application of comprehensive high-efficiency strategies, (2) unified testing and efficiency calculation specifications, and (3) system stability and cost. Subsequently, this technology's latest applications in seawater desalination, sterilization, sewage treatment, and water and electricity cogeneration are discussed. After the above discussion, the review further analyzes the current systems' challenges in different practical applications and puts forward suggestions to deal with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]