Search

Since its identification as a marker for advanced melanoma in the 1980s, CD146 has been found to have multiple functions in both physiological and pathological processes, including embryonic development, tissue repair and regeneration, tumor progression, fibrosis disease, and inflammations. Subsequent research has revealed that CD146 is involved in various signaling pathways as a receptor or co-receptor in these processes. This correlation between CD146 and multiple diseases has sparked interest in its potential applications in diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. To better comprehend the versatile roles of CD146, we have summarized its research history and synthesized findings from numerous reports, proposing that cell plasticity serves as the underlying mechanism through which CD146 contributes to development, regeneration, and various diseases. Targeting CD146 would consequently halt cell state shifting during the onset and progression of these related diseases. Therefore, the development of therapy targeting CD146 holds significant practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a potential platform for carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion owing to their periodic permanent porosity, adjustable structure, and chemical stability. For good catalytic performance in CO2 conversion, collaborative multifunctions should be strategically integrated into the catalytic system design and construction. In this study, a four-in-one high-efficiency catalyst was synthesized and tested for CO2 cycloaddition to form cyclic carbonate. The obtained Tp-MPB-Br-COF had a high nitrogen content, which enhanced its CO2 affinity through substantial Lewis acid-base or dipole-quadrupole interactions; moreover, the acid (protons transferring from oxygen (–OH) to nitrogen (–NH)), hydrogen bond donor (hydroxyl group), and Br− (nucleophile group) served as three active sites, further improving the catalyst activity. These results provide a basis for designing efficient and stable CO2-conversion catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the lockdown and social distancing during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), gaming has become a popular leisure activity. This study aimed to explore changes in gaming behavior after the lifting of COVID-19 lockdowns and risk factors for increased gaming behavior. This online retrospective study included 5268 gamers. A total of 5% gamers scored 32 or higher on the 9-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale—Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), suggesting diagnosis of internet gaming disorder (IGD). Over one-third of gamers reported an increase in time spent on gaming per day after the lockdowns were lifted. Logistic regression analysis revealed that gamers who were female, students, experienced stress, or scored higher on IGDS9-SF were more likely to spend more time on gaming per day after the lifting of lockdowns. These findings highlighted the needs for more effective coping strategies or interventions to prevent excessive gaming, especially for females and students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify potential predictors by assessing adverse outcomes in ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) patients. Eighty-nine untreated AAV patients were followed up to January 31, 2022, death, or loss of follow-up. Clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, treatment, and progress were collected, and disease activity was evaluated via Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS). We determined risk factors of high-risk events, defined as developing tumors, renal replacement therapy (RRT), and death. Patients and renal survivals were computed by the Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. Cox regression analysis was performed for assessing variables for predicting death. During 267 person-years follow-up, 46 patients occurred high-risk events, including 20 patients receiving RRT, 12 patients developing tumors, and 29 patients who died mostly from organ failure and infection. Decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P < 0.001) and complement 3 levels (P = 0.019) were associated with high-risk events. Patients with lower serum potassium tended to develop tumors (P = 0.033); with higher BVAS (HR = 1.290, 95%CI 1.075–1.549, P = 0.006) and lower eGFR (HR = 0.782, 95%CI 0.680–0.901, P = 0.001) were more likely to undergo RRT. Patients with cardio and renal involvement exhibited a lower frequency of renal survival and all-cause mortality. Through multivariate COX analysis, age (HR = 1.016, 95%CI 1.016–1.105, P = 0.006) and eGFR (HR = 0.982, 95%CI 0.968–0.997, P = 0.018) predicted death in AAV, separately. The BVAS and eGFR could be a great prognosticator for RRT, while age and eGFR can independently predict the death. Serum potassium level and immunoglobulins should be focused on their predictor value in development of cancer and renal outcomes in AAV patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: The state-of-the-art development in electrochemical H2O2 production via the two-electron oxygen reduction reaction is reviewed with emphasis on material science, reaction mechanisms, and fundamental factors that govern the reaction route. General principles and strategies for catalyst design are summarized to understand the inherent relationships between the catalyst properties and electrocatalytic performances. Perspectives and challenges are presented to get insights into the large-scale manufacturing of H2O2 via the electrochemical routes. An environmentally benign, sustainable, and cost-effective supply of H2O2 as a rapidly expanding consumption raw material is highly desired for chemical industries, medical treatment, and household disinfection. The electrocatalytic production route via electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) offers a sustainable avenue for the on-site production of H2O2 from O2 and H2O. The most crucial and innovative part of such technology lies in the availability of suitable electrocatalysts that promote two-electron (2e–) ORR. In recent years, tremendous progress has been achieved in designing efficient, robust, and cost-effective catalyst materials, including noble metals and their alloys, metal-free carbon-based materials, single-atom catalysts, and molecular catalysts. Meanwhile, innovative cell designs have significantly advanced electrochemical applications at the industrial level. This review summarizes fundamental basics and recent advances in H2O2 production via 2e–-ORR, including catalyst design, mechanistic explorations, theoretical computations, experimental evaluations, and electrochemical cell designs. Perspectives on addressing remaining challenges are also presented with an emphasis on the large-scale synthesis of H2O2 via the electrochemical route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary nodules evaluation is clinically crucial because they may be the early predictors of lung cancer. Except for CT screening and serum tumor biomarkers testing, genetic alteration analysis by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology can also help to find cancer earlier. In this study, we report a case of multiple pulmonary nodules patient with EGFR R776H and FANCE R381H germline mutations. Her father, paternal aunt, and elder uncle harbored either one or both two mutations and were found with multiple pulmonary ground-glass or sub-solid nodules. Her 7-year-old daughter also inherited the same two mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Cyclohexanedodecol (CHD) could facilitate the Zn dendrite-free plating/stripping at a nanoscale. The CHD molecules could effectively modify the hydrated Zn(H2O)62+ structure in aqueous Zn ion batteries. The addition of CHD could establish robust protection layers on the Zn electrode surface. The CHD-modified electrolytes exhibit long-term cycling stability. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) can be one of the most promising electrochemical energy storage devices for being non-flammable, low-cost, and sustainable. However, the challenges of AZIBs, including dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, corrosion, and passivation of zinc anode during charging and discharging processes, must be overcome to achieve high cycling performance and stability in practical applications. In this work, we utilize a dual-functional organic additive cyclohexanedodecol (CHD) to firstly establish [Zn(H2O)5(CHD)]2+ complex ion in an aqueous Zn electrolyte and secondly build a robust protection layer on the Zn surface to overcome these dilemmas. Systematic experiments and theoretical calculations are carried out to interpret the working mechanism of CHD. At a very low concentration of 0.1 mg mL−1 CHD, long-term reversible Zn plating/stripping could be achieved up to 2200 h at 2 mA cm−2, 1000 h at 5 mA cm−2, and 650 h at 10 mA cm−2 at the fixed capacity of 1 mAh cm−2. When matched with V2O5 cathode, the resultant AZIBs full cell with the CHD-modified electrolyte presents a high capacity of 175 mAh g−1 with the capacity retention of 92% after 2000 cycles under 2 A g−1. Such a performance could enable the commercialization of AZIBs for applications in grid energy storage and industrial energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth (T-zone) is a strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) named "STOP (Stop, Take a Breath, Observe, Proceed) touching your face" for reducing face-touching behavior. Methods: In this online-based, two-arm, wait-list, randomized controlled trial, eligible participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 545) or control group (n = 545). The results of 60-min self-monitoring of face-touching behavior were reported before and after the intervention. Reduction of the percentage of T-zone touching was the primary outcome, and reduction of face-touching frequency was a key secondary outcome. Outcomes were analyzed on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis with a complete case analysis (CCA). Results: ITT analysis revealed that the percentage of T-zone touching was significantly reduced by 8.1% in the intervention group (from 81.1 to 73.0%, RR = 0.901, OR = 0.631, RD = − 0.081, p = 0.002), and insignificantly reduced by 0.6% in the control group (from 80.0 to 79.4%, p = 0.821). Fewer participants performed T-zone touching in the intervention group than in the control group (73.0% vs. 79.4%, RR = 0.919, OR = 0.700, RD = − 0.064, p = 0.015) after the intervention, and there was a greater reduction of T-zone touching frequency in the intervention group than in the control group [mean ± SD: 1.7 ± 5.13 vs. 0.7 ± 3.98, mean difference (95% CI): 1.03 (0.48 to 1.58), p < 0.001, Cohen's d = − 0.218]. The above results were further confirmed by CCA. Conclusions: This brief mindfulness-based intervention was potentially effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and could be further investigated as an intervention for preventing other infectious diseases spread by hand-to-face touching. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04330352. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of hysteroscopic mesh resection in managing presacral mesh infection following sacrocolpopexy. A retrospective analysis was conducted on three cases of presacral mesh infection treated with hysteroscopic total mesh resection between January 2020 and December 2021. The cases were classified and diagnosed using category-time-site (CTS) coding for complications, and perioperative indicators were evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 61.67 years (SD 4.44). Surgical time averaged 37.33 min (SD 5.11), with an intraoperative bleeding volume of 13.33 ml (SD 4.44). The hospitalization cost was 12,436.43 yuan (SD 2281.79), and the postoperative hospitalization duration was 6.25 days (SD 0.88). The preoperative frailty index was 0.18 in two out of three cases, indicating favorable surgical tolerance. There were no 30-day unplanned readmissions. At 3 months post-operation, the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) score was 100%, indicating good outcomes with a subjective cure rate of 100%. These findings indicate that hysteroscopic mesh resection could be a viable and effective treatment modality for presacral mesh infection following sacrocolpopexy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron (B) deficiency influences sugar beet development and productivity. A hydroponic set up of experiment was conducted by utilizing different B concentrations to study the impact of different morphological and physiological responses of sugar beet seedlings under B deficiency. The results showed that B deficiency (14 days of stress) inhibited the growth of different plant parts of sugar beet. The B deficiency significantly increased the leaf specific weight (SLW) and the root-shoot ratio of sugar beet seedlings. The activities of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed a decreasing tendency under B deficiency, while the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (O2−) increased with B concentration. Malonaldehyde (MDA) and proline contents were induced at B deficiency. In conclusion, B deficiency significantly reduced dry weight and leaf area, resulting in stunted sugar beet seedlings. It was manifested by a significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and accumulation of ROS in the plant cells, inducing oxidative stress. The current study revealed that B deficiency affects plant growth and various morpho-physiological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment is to clarify the effect of boron application on leaves of different boron-sensitive beet varieties and to suggest a suitable recommendation for the management of extracorrhizal nutrients in beet production. Treatment included boron-tolerant variety (KWS1197) and boron-sensitive variety (KWS0143) with four levels of foliar boron spraying [0 (B0), 0.2% (B0.2), 0.4% (B0.4) and 0.8% (B0.8) boric acid]. The leaf properties, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and mineral element content were determined. The results showed that boron spraying significantly increased the dry matter accumulation and leaves area of sugar beet. An appropriate amount of boron (B0.2 and B0.4) could significantly increase the net photosynthetic rate of leaves, SPAD value and PIABS, and best results were achieved with treatment B0.2. Boron spraying increased the PSII activity of leaves by increasing RC/CSm and ETo/ABS. The content of B in leaves increased significantly after boron spraying, while the content of Ca and Mg increased at the beginning and then decreased. At high boron stress (B0.8), SPAD value, PIABS and Mg contents of KWS0143 variety were recorded lower than those of B0, indicating that the photosynthetic process of the seedlings was inhibited. However, the KWS1197 variety had better physiological responses and stronger boron absorption ability. Comprehensive analysis revealed that B0.2 treatment was the optimal concentration for leaf spraying in beet, and excessive (B0.8) application of boron fertilizer would lead to boron toxicity, so as to reduced photosynthetic performance and inhibited the overall growth behavior of the beet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mutational spectrum and prognostic factors of NRAS-mutated (NRASmut) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are largely unknown. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 1,149 cases of de novo AML and discovered 152 NRASmut AML (13%). Of the 152 NRASmut AML, 89% had at least one companion mutated gene. DNA methylation-related genes confer up to 62% incidence. TET2 had the highest mutation frequency (51%), followed by ASXL1 (17%), NPM1 (14%), CEBPA (13%), DNMT3A (13%), FLT3-ITD (11%), KIT (11%), IDH2 (9%), RUNX1 (8%), U2AF1 (7%) and SF3B1(5%). Multivariate analysis suggested that age ≥ 60 years and mutations in U2AF1 were independent factors related to failure to achieve complete remission after induction therapy. Age ≥ 60 years, non-M3 types and U2AF1 mutations were independent prognostic factors for poor overall survival. Age ≥ 60 years, non-M3 types and higher risk group were independent prognostic factors for poor event-free survival (EFS) while allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was an independent prognostic factor for good EFS. Our study provided new insights into the mutational spectrum and prognostic factors of NRASmut AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel dual-drug delivery system (DDDS) for cancer chemotherapy has been established by employing highly purified and mildly oxidized large-inner-diameter multi-walled carbon nanotubes (LID-MWCNTs) as the vector. The LID-MWCNTs were modified with the antitumor drugs, cisplatin (CDDP) and doxorubicin (DOX). CDDP was encapsulated inside the nanotube vectors by a wet-chemical approach while DOX was attached to the external surfaces through non-covalently interaction. The loading efficiencies of CDDP and DOX were as high as 84.56 and 192.67%, respectively. Notably, after CDDP was encapsulated inside the nanotubes, a three-level blocking strategy, which included polyethylene glycol, folic acid and DOX, was employed to block the CDDP exits at different levels. The pH-sensitive release profile of CDDP was demonstrated using a modified characterization method, as well as that of DOX. Finally, the anticancer activity of the DDDS on MCF-7 cells was tested and a synergistic effect was recorded. This work is part of our LID-MWCNTs based drug delivery system studies, and provides a basis for developing a novel comprehensive antitumor treatment that combines chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. Graphical Abstract: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat yellow mosaic disease (WYM) became more serious in China in the recent years. Cultivation of resistant varieties is the major strategy for disease control. To identify WYM resistant genes in Chinese wheat cultivar 'Yining Xiaomai', a population of 106 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) from a cross between Yining Xiaomai and Zhen 9523 (WYM-susceptible) was generated. Phenotypic data of WYM resistance of the RILs were collected over three successive years in a naturally infected field nursery. A linkage map consisting of 29 genetic linkage groups involving 144 SSR or EST markers was constructed, using the JoinMap 4.0 software. By composite interval mapping using IciMapping 4.0, a stable major QTL associated with WYM resistance, designated QYm.nau- 2D, was mapped to chromosome 2D which explained up to 93.2 % of the phenotypic variance. More linkage markers including 11 SNP and 11 STS markers were developed to saturate the QYm.nau- 2D region. The presence of WYM resistance was further validated using a resistant RIL derived F population consisting 318 lines. A high resolution map at QYm.nau- 2D region was re-constructed which established a basis for map-based cloning of the resistant gene. Four markers were validated to be diagnostic markers to discriminate 195 breeding lines with known pedigree. These markers could be used in marker-assisted selection to breeding WYM resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The feasibility of using fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) along with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) and nonnegative least squares (NNLS) method for the differentiation of phytoplankton taxonomic groups was investigated. Forty-one phytoplankton species belonging to 28 genera of five divisions were studied. First, the PARAFAC model was applied to EEMs, and 15 fluorescence components were generated. Second, 15 fluorescence components were found to have a strong discriminating capability based on Bayesian discriminant analysis (BDA). Third, all spectra of the fluorescence component compositions for the 41 phytoplankton species were spectrographically sorted into 61 reference spectra using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and then, the reference spectra were used to establish a database. Finally, the phytoplankton taxonomic groups was differentiated by the reference spectra database using the NNLS method. The five phytoplankton groups were differentiated with the correct discrimination ratios (CDRs) of 100% for single-species samples at the division level. The CDRs for the mixtures were above 91% for the dominant phytoplankton species and above 73% for the subdominant phytoplankton species. Sixteen of the 85 field samples collected from the Changjiang River estuary were analyzed by both HPLC-CHEMTAX and the fluorometric technique developed. The results of both methods reveal that Bacillariophyta was the dominant algal group in these 16 samples and that the subdominant algal groups comprised Dinophyta, Chlorophyta and Cryptophyta. The differentiation results by the fluorometric technique were in good agreement with those from HPLC-CHEMTAX. The results indicate that the fluorometric technique could differentiate algal taxonomic groups accurately at the division level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MiRNA-binding-site single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in homologous recombination repair (HRR) pathway genes may change DNA repair capacity and affect susceptibility to cancer though complex gene-gene and gene-reproductive factors interactions. However, these SNPs associated with breast cancer (BC) are still unclear in Chinese women. Therefore, we conducted a case-control study to evaluate the genetic susceptibility of the five miRNA-binding-site SNPs in HRR pathway genes ( MRE11A rs2155209, NBS1 rs2735383, RAD51 rs963917 and rs963918 and RAD52 rs7963551) in the development of BC. MRE11A rs2155209 and RAD52 rs7963551 were found to be associated with BC risk (OR: 1.87; 95 % CI: 1.23-2.86 and OR: 0.36; 95 % CI: 0.24-0.58). NBS1 rs2735383, RAD51 rs963917 and rs963918 were associated with BC risk after stratification according to reproductive factors. Haplotypes of CA decreased the risk of BC (OR: 0.53; 95 % CI: 0.4-0.68), while the TA and TG haplotypes could increase the risk of BC (OR: 1.28; 95 % CI: 1.05-1.57 and OR: 1.31; 95 % CI: 1.09-1.62). Combined effect of risk alleles showed that the five SNPs were associated with increased BC risk in a dose-dependent manner ( P = 0.003). The GC genotype of rs2735383, AG + GG genotype of rs963918 and AC + CC genotype of rs7963551 were associated with PR positivity of BC patients. These findings suggest that the miRNA-binding-site SNPs involved in HRR pathway genes may affect susceptibility of BC in Chinese women; moreover, the interactions of gene-gene and gene-reproductive factors play vital roles in the progression of BC. Further functional studies with larger sample are needed to support and validate these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat yellow mosaic (WYM) caused by wheat yellow mosaic bymovirus (WYMV) has been growing as one of the most serious diseases affecting wheat production in China. In this study, the association of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing WYMV resistance with molecular markers was established using 164 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from 'Xifeng Wheat' (highly resistant) × 'Zhen 9523' (highly susceptible). Phenotypic data of WYMV resistance of the RILs were collected from 4-year, two-location replicated field trials. A molecular marker-based linkage map, which was comprised of 273 non-redundant loci and represented all the 21 wheat chromosomes, was constructed with the JoinMap 4.0 software. Using the Windows QTL Cartographer V2.5 software, three QTLs associated with WYMV resistance, QYm.njau- 3B.1, QYm.njau- 5A.1 and QYm.njau- 7B.1, were detected on chromosomes 3BS, 5AL, and 7BS, respectively. The favorable allele effects were all contributed by 'Xifeng Wheat'. Among the three QTLs, QYm.njau- 3B.1 and QYm.njau- 5A.1 were detected in all the four trials and the overall mean, and could explain 3.3-10.2% and 25.9-53.7% of the phenotypic variation, respectively, while QYm.njau- 7B.1 was detected in one trial and the overall mean and explained 4.9 and 3.3% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. A large portion of the variability for WYMV response was explained by a major QTL, QYm.njau- 5A.1. The relationship of the molecular markers linked with QYm.njau- 5A.1 and the WYMV resistance was further validated using a secondary F population. The results showed that three markers, i.e., Xwmc415.1, CINAU152, and CINAU153, were closely linked to QYm.njau- 5A.1 with the genetic distances of 0.0, 0.0, and 0.1 cM, respectively, indicating they should be useful in marker-assisted selection (MAS) wheat breeding for WYMV resistance. A panel of germplasm collection consisting of 46 wheat varieties with known WYMV response phenotypes was further used to validate the presence and effects of QYm.njau- 5A.1 and the above three markers. It was found that QYm.njau- 5A.1 was present in 12 of the 34 WYMV-resistant varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB), also called wheat scab, is an important disease in warm and humid regions worldwide, which not only reduces crop yield and grain quality, but also is a major safety concern in food and feed production due to mycotoxin contamination. Growing wheat cultivars with FHB resistance is one of the most economical and effective means to control the disease. Chinese wheat landrace Wangshuibai is an important resistant source from southern China. Several resistance QTLs in Wangshuibai were identified and mapped on chromosomes or chromosomal arms including 3BS, 4B, 6BS, 7AL, etc. In the present research, a mutant with increased FHB susceptibility, designated as NAUH117, was identified from the M progenies of Wangshuibai irradiated by fast neutron. Genetic analysis of the F, F, and F families from the reciprocal cross of Wangshuibai and NAUH117 indicated that NAUH117 was a recessive mutant. Genome-wide molecular marker analysis identified a deletion in the short arm of chromosome 3B of NAUH117, spanning the region of FL0.57 to FL1.00 that covers the locus of Fhb1 previously mapped on chromosome 3BS. Further molecular cytogenetics characterization by bi-color fluorescence in situ hybridization using three repetitive sequences, pSc119.2, pAs1 and GAA-satellite indicated that a multiple chromosome rearrangements occurred in chromosomes 3B, 6B, 3D, 4D, and 3A of the mutant. During these processes, a distal fragment of chromosome arm 3BS was eliminated, which is confirmed by molecular marker analysis. Four markers covered the deletion fragment were used for analysis of the F population. The result showed that the 3BS deletion was only present in the susceptible plants, indicating that the deletion of 3BS fragment in NAUH117 increased susceptibility to FHB. The susceptible mutant will be valuable for the validation of the contribution of the resistant QTL located on 3BS, and for the characterization of the molecular mechanisms of FHB resistance in Wangshuibai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitric oxide was discovered in both the lab and the alga culture pond of Daya Bay (1–300 m3) before the growth of alga reached the maximum. The results included: (1) NO was detected before the growth of alga reached the maximum in the case of red tide alga and food alga, and the concentration of NO decreased rapidly after the growth maximum; (2) the curve between NO concentration and time indicated that the concentration of NO in the daytime was more than that at night, and the maximal concentration of NO appeared in the midday (1–3 pm); (3) the growth of alga reached the maximum in the alga culture pond of Daya Bay in about 8–10 d, and NO was discovered in 5–7 d; (4) the measured NO concentration was 10−9 mol/L, 10−9–10−8 mol/L, and 10−8 mol/L for Haeterosigma akashiwo, mixed alga in Daya Bay and Chaetoceros Curvisetus individually; (5) the relation of illumination with NO production was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many food algae and red tide algae were cultivated in the f/2 medium, and the nitric oxide (NO) concentration of the medium and the cell density were determined. The experiments on algae were conducted when different concentrations of NO were added into the medium using two methods. The results show that low concentrations of NO were self-produced by marine algae during the exponential growth period and were about nmol/L level. But at the end of the period, i.e., 2 or 3 days before the cell density reaches the maximum, an NO peak appeared, with the NO concentration reaching 10 nmol/L. The NO threshold concentration exists according to the influence of exogenous NO on the marine phytoplankton growth. One type is the threshold concentration that can promote algae growth, and its value is between 10 and 1 nmol level, or even lower. The other type can inhibit the phytoplankton growth, which is about μmol level or higher. The results indicate that red tide algae are far more sensitive to NO than are food algae. The fundamental experimental outcome above may provide a new clue for red tide chemical forecast by inspecting the NO change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the patterns of NO effect on marine phytoplankton growth from chemical perspective. The experimental results of four algae, which are Platymonas halgolandica var. tsingtaoensis, Platymonas subcordiformis, Skeletonema costatum and Nitzschia closterium farma minutissima, are as follows: (i) In f/2 medium or f/50 medium, the growth of these four algae was obviously promoted or inhibited when nitric oxide of different concentrations was added once or twice each day during the cultivation; (ii) The NO effects on the growth of marine phytoplankton are in normal distribution. Different phytoplankton has different optimum NO concentration, which is consistent with the influence of NO on the growth of high plants; (iii) The effect of NO on Platymonas halgolandica var. tsingtaoensi, which is a food alga, is different from that on the red tide algae Skeletonema costatum and Nitzschia closterium farma minutissima. The authors put forward a new opinion that every alga has its own NO threshold concentration. All the above results may provide new clues to understand the formation of red tide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ectropis obliqua Prout (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is the most devastating insect pest of tea plants in China and infests thousands of hectares of tea plantations in China annually. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a major phenolic compound in tea leaves and has a strong antibacterial function. Here, we show that EGCG can effectively improve the fitness of E. obliqua larvae and present the reason by which EGCG promotes larval fitness. In this study, we compared the fitness difference among Control, Antibiotic and Treatment of larvae. The fitness of larvae treated with EGCG and antibiotic was similar and better than that of control group. We also demonstrated that EGCG treatment could significantly reduce species richness and abundance of gut bacteria in E. obliqua larvae. Hence that we speculate that EGCG promotes larval fitness and is associated with ECGG antimicrobial activity. In short, our study provides evidence of the E. obliqua larvae have adapted to secondary compounds found in tea leaves, and may even benefit from these compounds. Our study also contributes to a greater understanding of the reason involved in plant-insect interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flowering time and seed size are traits related to domestication. However, identification of domestication-related loci/genes of controlling the traits in soybean is rarely reported. In this study, we identified a total of 48 domestication-related loci based on RAD-seq genotyping of a natural population comprising 286 accessions. Among these, four on chromosome 12 and additional two on chromosomes 11 and 15 were associated with flowering time, and four on chromosomes 11 and 16 were associated with seed size. Of the five genes associated with flowering time and the three genes associated with seed size, three genes Glyma11g18720, Glyma11g15480 and Glyma15g35080 were homologous to Arabidopsis genes, additional five genes were found for the first time to be associated with these two traits. Glyma11g18720 and Glyma05g28130 were co-expressed with five genes homologous to flowering time genes in Arabidopsis, and Glyma11g15480 was co-expressed with 24 genes homologous to seed development genes in Arabidopsis. This study indicates that integration of population divergence analysis, genome-wide association study and expression analysis is an efficient approach to identify candidate domestication-related genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]