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To improve the sulfur reaction kinetics and inhibit the notorious shuttle effects, a tube‐in‐tube structure decorated by carbon nanotubes (CNT) and Fe3C nanoparticles (TIT/Fe3C‐CNT) is designed as sulfur host for lithium‐sulfur batteries (LSBs) in this work. The construction of tube‐in‐tube structure increases the active sites and the specific surface area of the material. Additionally, Fe3C nanoparticles can effectively adsorb the soluble lithium polysulfides and promote their catalytic conversion, thus greatly alleviating the shuttle effects. As a result of these advantages, the TIT/Fe3C‐CNT‐based cathode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 841 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles with a low decay of 0.056 % per cycle at 0.5 C. This work provides a promising and reasonable approach to the rational design of sulfur host for LSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a promising energy storage device, an aqueous zinc ion battery (AZIB) still suffers dendrite growth, hydrogen evolution, and corrosion. Hydrogel electrolyte solves the above issues to some extent. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties of most hydrogel electrolytes are not competitive enough to meet booming demand for flexible electronics. In this work, a robust "chain‐gear" hydrogel electrolyte (PM‐HE) crosslinked by polymeric micelles (PMs) is constructed, in which PMs serve as "gears" and form "chain‐gear" structure with polyanion chains. Specifically, "gears" support molecular chains, constructing hierarchically porous structures and opening up paths for Zn2+. Apart from as crosslinkers, PMs exist competitive mechanism with polyanion chains to promote ion decoupling. Such a "chain‐gear" structure can realize desolvation and accelerate ion transport. Thereby, PM‐HE possesses excellent ionic conductivity (60.6 mS cm−1) and ultrahigh transference number (0.88). Symmetrical cells can realize stable cycling over 1500 h with Zn uniform deposition. Remarkably, PM‐HE has excellent tensile (0.23 MPa) and compressive (11.3 MPa) properties profited from strengthening and toughening effect of PMs. The flexible battery can supply power stably under harsh conditions. This work proposes the strategy of constructing an all‐around hydrogel electrolyte based on reasonable design in network structure, providing more possibilities for the practical application of flexible AZIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymphoma is the most common secondary cause of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in adults. Lymphoma‐associated HLH (LA‐HLH) in the elderly population is not rare, however, little has been reported regarding clinicopathological characteristics, prognostic factors, and outcomes of LA‐HLH in the elderly population. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a multicenter cohort of elderly patients with LA‐HLH. Clinicopathological features and treatment information were collected. The impacts of baseline characteristics and treatments on survival outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 173 elderly patients with LA‐HLH were included. Compared with young patients, elderly patients showed different clinical and laboratory features. Regarding lymphoma subtypes, B‐cell lymphoma was more common in elderly patients (elderly 61.3% vs. young 32.3%, p < 0.001) while T/NK‐cell lymphoma was more common in young patients (65.3% vs. 35.3%, p < 0.001). The median survival of elderly patients with LA‐HLH was only 92 days. The prior use of HLH therapy or etoposide‐containing HLH therapy was not associated with improved overall survival. T/NK‐cell subtype, a lower platelet count (≤53 × 109/L), a lower albumin level (≤32.1 g/L), a higher LDH level (>1407 U/L), and a higher creatinine level (>96.8 μmol/L) were independent predictors of decreased overall survival and 60‐day survival. A prognostic index was established and demonstrated to be robust in predicting the overall survival and 60‐day survival of elderly patients with LA‐HLH. Conclusions: LA‐HLH in elderly patients displayed heterogeneous clinicopathological features and survival outcomes. Treatments need to be optimized to improve the outcomes of elderly patients with LA‐HLH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between coronary heart disease (CHD) and the risk of perioperative ischemic stroke in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the incidence of ischemic stroke within 30 days after a noncardiac surgery. A cohort of 221,541 patients who underwent noncardiac surgery between January 2008 and August 2019 was segregated according to whether they were diagnosed with CHD. Primary, sensitivity, and subgroup logistic regression analyses were conducted to confirm that CHD is an independent risk factor for perioperative ischemic stroke. Propensity score matching analysis was used to account for the potential residual confounding effect of covariates. Results: Among the 221,541 included patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, 484 patients (0.22%) experienced perioperative ischemic stroke. The risk of perioperative ischemic stroke was higher in patients with CHD (0.7%) compared to patients without CHD (0.2%), and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that CHD was associated with a significantly increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke (odds ratio (OR), 3.7943; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.865–4.934; p < 0.001). In a subset of patients selected by propensity score matching (PSM) in which all covariates between the two groups were well balanced, the association between CHD and increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke remained significantly significant (OR 1.8150; 95% CI, 1.254–2.619; p = 0.001). In the subgroup analysis stratified by age, preoperative β‐blockers, and fibrinogen‐to‐albumin ratio (FAR), the association between CHD and perioperative ischemic stroke was stable (p for interaction >0.05). Subgroup analyses also showed that CHD was significantly increased the risk of perioperative ischemic stroke in the preoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥94.2 mmHg subgroups (p for interaction <0.001). Conclusion: CHD is significantly associated with an increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke and is an independent risk factor for perioperative ischemic stroke after noncardiac surgery. Strict control of preoperative blood pressure may reduce the risk of perioperative ischemic stroke for patients with CHD undergoing noncardiac surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Neuroinflammation is a recognized contributor to cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease, with ferroptosis emerging as a novel mechanism underlying cognitive dysfunction associated with neuroinflammation. Insulin, pivotal in the central nervous system, holds promise for cognitive function enhancement. This study aimed to establish a cognitive impairment model through intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and explore the impact of intracerebroventricular insulin injection on cognitive function in mice. Methods: We employed diverse experimental techniques, including animal behavior testing, molecular assays, targeted metabolomics, nuclear medicine, and electron microscopy, to assess neurodegenerative changes, brain insulin resistance (IR), glucose uptake and metabolism, and ferroptosis. The model of cognitive impairment was induced via intracerebroventricular injection of LPS, followed by intracerebroventricular administration of insulin to evaluate its effects. Results: Insulin treatment effectively mitigated LPS‐induced cognitive decline and safeguarded against neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, insulin alleviated LPS‐induced insulin resistance, enhanced glucose uptake in the hippocampus, and promoted the Pentose Phosphate Pathway (PPP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) production. Additionally, insulin activated the glutathione (GSH)‐glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway, reducing lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial damage characteristic of LPS‐induced ferroptosis in the hippocampus. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the therapeutic potential of insulin in alleviating LPS‐induced cognitive impairment and ferroptosis by modulating glucose metabolism. This study offers a promising avenue for future interventions targeting cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body mass index (BMI) serves as a global metric for assessing obesity and overall health status. However, the impact of BMI, treated as a continuous variable, on the risk of perioperative stroke remains poorly understood. This retrospective cohort study aimed to elucidate the association between BMI and the risk of perioperative ischemic stroke in patients undergoing non‐cardiovascular surgery. Methods: A cohort of 223,415 patients undergoing noncardiac surgery at the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 1, 2008 and August 31, 2019 was screened. Preoperative high BMI, defined as BMI >22.64 kg/m2, was the primary exposure, and the outcome of interest was the new diagnosis of perioperative ischemic stroke within 30 days post‐surgery. Robust controls for patient and intraoperative factors were implemented to minimize residual confounding. Logistic regression and propensity score matching were employed, and patients were stratified into subgroups for further investigation. Results: The overall incidence of perioperative ischemic stroke was 0.23% (n = 525) in the cohort. After adjusting for patient‐related variables (OR 1.283; 95% CI, 1.04–1.594; p < 0.05), surgery‐related variables (OR 1.484; 95% CI, 1.2–1.849; p < 0.001), and all confounding variables (OR 1.279; 95% CI, 1.025–1.607; p < 0.05), patients with BMI >22.64 kg/m2 exhibited a significantly increased risk of perioperative ischemic stroke. This association persisted in the propensity score matched cohort (OR 1.577; 95% CI, 1.203–2.073; p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses indicated that preoperative BMI >22.64 kg/m2 correlated with an elevated risk of perioperative ischemic stroke in female patients, those with coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular diseases, and individuals undergoing neurosurgery. Conclusion: We first identified BMI >22.64 kg/m2 as a substantial and independent risk factor for perioperative ischemic stroke in Chinese noncardiac surgery patients. Normal BMI may not suffice as a universal preventive standard. Instead, a more stringent perioperative weight management approach is recommended, particularly for specific subgroups such as female patients, those with coronary heart disease and peripheral vascular disease, and individuals scheduled for neurosurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium‐ion batteries, with high energy density and long cycle life, have become the battery of choice for most vehicles and portable electronic devices; however, energy density, safety and cycle life require further improvements. Single‐functional group electrolyte additives are very limited in practical applications, a ternary polymer bifunctional electrolyte additive copolymer (acrylonitrile‐butyl hexafluoro methacrylate‐ poly (ethylene glycol) methacrylate‐ methyl ether) (PMANHF) was synthesized by free radical polymerization of acrylonitrile, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4‐hexafluorobutyl methacrylate and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate. A series of characterizations show that in Li metal anodes, the preferential reduction of PMANHF is conducive to the formation of a uniform and stable solid electrolyte interphase layer, and Li deposition is uniform and dense. At the NCM811 cathode, a film composed of LiF‐ and Li3N‐rich is formed at the cathode‐electrolyte interface, mitigating the side reaction at the interface. At 1.0 mA cm−2, the Li/Li cell can be stabilized for 1000 cycles. In addition, the Li/NCM811 cell can stabilize 200 cycles with a cathode capacity of 153.7 mAh g−1, with the capacity retention of 89.93 %, at a negative/positive capacity ratio of 2.5. This study brings to light essential ideas for the fabrication of additives for lithium‐metal batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Jiama deposit, a significant porphyry‐skarn‐type copper polymetallic deposit located within the Gangdese metallogenic belt in Tibet, China, exemplifies a typical porphyry metallogenic system. However, the mineral chemistry of its accessory minerals remains under‐examined, posing challenges for resource assessment and ore prospecting. Utilizing electron microprobe analysis and LA‐ICP‐MS analysis, this study investigated the geochemical characteristics of apatite in ore‐bearing granite and monzogranite porphyries, as well as granodiorite, quartz diorite, and dark diorite porphyries in the deposit. It also delved into the diagenetic and metallogenic information from these geochemical signatures. Key findings include: (1) The SiO2 content, rare earth element (REE) contents, and REE partition coefficients of apatite indicate that the dark diorite porphyry possibly does not share a cogenetic magma source with the other four types of porphyries; (2) the volatile F and Cl contents in apatite, along with their ratio, indicate the Jiama deposit, formed in a collisional setting, demonstrates lower Cl/F ratios in apatite than the same type of deposits formed in a subduction environment; (3) compared to non‐ore‐bearing rock bodies in other deposits formed in a collisional setting, apatite in the Jiama deposit exhibits lower Ce and Ga contents. This might indicate that rock bodies in the Jiama deposit have higher oxygen fugacity. Nevertheless, the marginal variation in oxygen fugacity between ore‐bearing and non‐ore‐bearing rock bodies within the deposit suggests oxygen fugacity may not serve as the decisive factor in the ore‐hosting potential of rock bodies in the Jiama deposit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Fibroblast activation protein α (FAP) is expressed in normal adipose tissue and related to some pleiotropic metabolic regulators. However, the exact role and mechanism of FAP in obesity and related metabolic disorders are not well understood. Methods: FAP knockout mice were fed a normal diet or a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. FAP knockout mice or wild‐type mice treated with an FAP inhibitor were subjected to cold stress for 5 days. Results: FAP deficiency protected mice against HFD‐induced obesity and obesity‐associated metabolic dysfunction, including glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperlipidemia. Notably, FAP deficiency largely reversed obesity‐induced adipose tissue macrophage accumulation and M1‐M2 imbalance in white adipose tissue (WAT). Moreover, energy expenditure was significantly higher in FAP‐deficient mice fed an HFD. Both FAP deficiency and inhibition increased cold tolerance through enhancing WAT beiging. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that FAP deficiency protects mice against diet‐induced obesity and related metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, the protective effects are probably mediated via the promotion of WAT beiging and suppression of inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Regions harbouring high unique phylogenetic diversity (PD) are priority targets for conservation. Here, we analyse the global distribution of plant PD, which remains poorly understood despite plants being the foundation of most terrestrial habitats and key to human livelihoods.Capitalising on a recently completed, comprehensive global checklist of vascular plants, we identify hotspots of unique plant PD and test three hypotheses: (1) PD is more evenly distributed than species diversity; (2) areas of highest PD (often called 'hotspots') do not maximise cumulative PD; and (3) many biomes are needed to maximise cumulative PD.Our results support all three hypotheses: more than twice as many regions are required to cover 50% of global plant PD compared to 50% of species; regions that maximise cumulative PD substantially differ from the regions with outstanding individual PD; and while (sub‐)tropical moist forest regions dominate across PD hotspots, other forest types and open biomes are also essential.Safeguarding PD in the Anthropocene (including the protection of some comparatively species‐poor areas) is a global, increasingly recognised responsibility. Having highlighted countries with outstanding unique plant PD, further analyses are now required to fully understand the global distribution of plant PD and associated conservation imperatives across spatial scales. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ferroptosis has recently been recognized as a new cause of ischemia reperfusion injury due to blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption followed by secondary iron‐loaded transferrin (TF) influx. As a novel and independent cell death pathway, ferroptosis was characterized by iron‐dependent lipid peroxidation, decline of GSH, GPX4, and shrinking mitochondria. Cottonseed oil (CSO), a liposoluble solvent, can alleviate ischemia stroke injuries and oxidative stress. However, the effect of CSO on ischemic stroke–induced ferroptosis has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the effect of CSO on ferroptosis caused by cerebral ischemic injury in rats. Methods: We conducted the subcutaneous injection of 1.3 mL/kg CSO every other day for 3 weeks on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion–reperfusion (MCAO‐R) injury. We used Garcia Test, TTC staining, HE, Nissl and NeuN staining, Evans blue test, 68Ga‐citrate PET, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, Elisa kits, and transmission electron microscopy to detect the infarct volume, neural injuries, and ferroptosis‐related indexes. Results: CSO treatment could significantly ameliorate MCAO‐R‐induced neurological dysfunction in a male rat model. Furthermore, it reduced infarct volume and neuronal injuries; protected BBB integrity; reduced the influx of iron ion, TF, and TF receptors; up‐regulated anti‐ferroptosis proteins (GPX4, xCT, HO1, FTH1), while down‐regulating ferroptosis‐related protein ACSL4; increased the activity of GSH and SOD; and decreased MDA and LPO levels. Mitochondrial destruction induced by ischemic stroke was also alleviated by CSO treatment. Conclusion: CSO treatment can alleviate ischemic stroke injury via ferroptosis inhibition, which provides a new potential therapeutic mechanism for CSO neuroprotection against ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding to androgen receptors in dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a promising treatment for AGA but suffers from inconsistent outcomes and inconsistent effective light parameters. This study investigated the impact of red light at various irradiances on normal and DHT‐treated DPCs. Our results suggested that red light at 8 mW/cm2 was most effective in promoting DPCs growth. Furthermore, a range of irradiances from 2 to 64 mW/cm2 modulated key signaling pathways, including Wnt, FGF, and TGF, in normal and DHT‐treated DPCs. Interestingly, 8 mW/cm2 had a greater impact on these pathways in DHT‐treated DPCs and altered the Shh pathway, suggesting that the effect of PBM varies with the cellular environment. This study highlights specific factors that influence PBM effectiveness and provides insight into the need for personalized PBM treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jiama is a giant, high‐grade porphyry copper system in the Gangdese metallogenic belt, Tibet. Multistage intermediate–felsic porphyries intruded in this deposit, some of which are strongly associated with copper‐polymetallic mineralization. These ore‐bearing porphyries include monzogranite, granodiorite, and quartz diorite porphyries. A new granite aplite dyke was found in the south of Jiama. Its age, genesis, and relationship with ore‐related magmatism are obscure. Here, its emplacement age and petrogenesis were determined using mineralogy, zircon U‐Pb dating, geochemistry, and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope studies. The zircon LA‐ICP‐MS U‐Pb age of the aplite dyke is 16.66 ± 0.21 Ma (n = 14, MSWD = 0.66), earlier than that of the ore‐bearing porphyries (∼15 Ma) in Jiama. Furthermore, the aplite exhibits high amounts of silicon (SiO2 = 73.39%–74.74%), potassium (K2O = 5.12%–6.61%), aluminum (Al2O3 = 14.25%–14.69%), and light/heavy rare earth elements (LREE/HREE = 12.12–16.19) as well as negative europium (δEu = 0.47–0.72) and weak negative cerium anomalies (δCe = 0.84–0.93). The aplite dyke is characteristic of metaluminous–peraluminous I‐type granite, which is rich in large‐ion lithophile elements (Rb, Ba, Th and U) and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (Nb, P and Ti). The aplite dyke and ore‐bearing porphyries in the Jiama deposit are the results of a partial melting of the juvenile lower crust, according to whole‐rock geochemistry and Sr‐Nd‐Pb isotope data, but the dyke and ore‐bearing porphyries were emplaced from the same magma chamber at different times. Thus, the aplite dyke shows the composition of the early evolution stage of shallow magma in the Jiama deposit and is the product of rapid condensation and crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS‐CoV‐2 aptamer is a favorable candidate for the recognition and detection of SARS‐CoV‐2, owing to its small size and easy synthesis. However, the issue of compromised binding affinities in real samples and targeting mutant SARS‐CoV‐2 hinder wide applications of the aptamer. In this study, it is discovered that molecular crowding could increase binding affinity of CoV2‐6C3 aptamer against RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) of SARS‐CoV‐2 via increasing the absolute value of the enthalpy change. The values of the equilibrium dissociation constant in molecular crowding decrease by 70% and 150%, respectively, against wild‐type and mutant RBD compared with those in buffer without crowding. Moreover, the detection limit of SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus is up to 5 times lower under molecular crowding compared to dilute conditions. The discovery deepens the understanding of aptamer‐target interaction mechanisms in crowding conditions and provides an effective way to apply SARS‐CoV‐2 aptamer for virus recognition and detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the development of electrochemical biosensors for uric acid has made great achievements. Firstly, uric acid electrochemical biosensors were classified according to their reaction mechanism. Then, the reaction mechanism of the uric acid sensor and the application of nano‐modified materials were deeply analyzed from the perspective of non‐enzyme and enzymes. In this paper, the catalytic oxidation capacity, enzyme adsorption effect, conductivity, robustness, detection range, and detection limit of uric acid sensors were discussed and compared. Finally, the advantages of acid‐sensitive electrochemical biosensors were summarized, and the constructive recommendations were proposed for improving the deficiencies of acid biosensors. The potential for further development in this area was also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue light has attracted extensive attention as a new potential cancer therapy. Recent studies have indicated that blue light has a significant inhibition effect on A459 cells. However, the effect of light parameters on the treatment of A549 cells and the mechanism of how blue light made the effect was still unclear. This study aimed to investigate A549 cells responses to blue light with varying irradiance and dose‐dense, and tried to find out the mechanism of the effects blue light made. The results suggested that the responses of A549 cells to blue light with different irradiance and dose‐dense were different and the decrease of cell viability reached saturation when the irradiance reached 3 mW/cm2 and the dose‐dense reached 3.6 J/cm2. It was assumed that blue light suppressed PI3K/AKT pathway and promoted the expression of JNK and p53 to affect the proliferation of A549 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depression has become one of the most common mental illnesses in the world. For better prediction and diagnosis, methods of automatic depression recognition based on speech signal are constantly proposed and updated, with a transition from the early traditional methods based on hand‐crafted features to the application of architectures of deep learning. This paper systematically and precisely outlines the most prominent and up‐to‐date research of automatic depression recognition by intelligent speech signal processing so far. Furthermore, methods for acoustic feature extraction, algorithms for classification and regression, as well as end to end deep models are investigated and analysed. Finally, general trends are summarised and key unresolved issues are identified to be considered in future studies of automatic speech depression recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The relationship between age at menarche (AAM) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk is still inconclusive. This Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to assess systematically the causal relationship between AAM and GDM risk in human beings. Materials and Methods: Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms associated with AAM, oestradiol levels, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) levels and bioavailable testosterone (BioT) levels were screened via the genome‐wide association study enrolling individuals of European descent. Summary‐level data for GDM (123 579 individuals) were extracted from the UK Biobank. An inverse‐variance‐weighted method was used for the primary MR analysis. Sensitivity analyses were examined via MR‐Egger regression, heterogeneity tests, pleiotropy tests and leave‐one‐out tests. The directionality that exposure causes the outcome was verified using the MR‐Steiger test. Results: Genetically predicted early AAM was found to have a causal positive association with a higher risk of GDM (odds ratio = 0.798, 95% confidence interval = 0.649‐0.980, p =.031). In the multivariable MR analysis adjusted for oestradiol, SHBG and BioT levels, the causal association between AAM and GDM risk remained (odds ratio = 0.651, 95% confidence interval = 0.481‐0.881, p =.006). A 1‐SD increase in SHBG or BioT levels was significantly associated with a 41.4% decrease or 20.8% increase in the overall GDM risk (p = 3.71E‐05 and.040), respectively. However, after controlling for AAM, oestradiol levels and BioT levels by multivariable MR analysis, there was no direct causal effect of SHBG levels on GDM risk (p =.084). Similarly, after adjusting for AAM, oestradiol levels and SHBG levels by multivariable MR analysis, there was no direct causal effect of BioT levels on the risk of GDM (p =.533). In addition, no direct causal association was identified between oestradiol levels and GDM risk in univariable MR analysis or multivariable MR analysis. Conclusion: Genetic variants predisposing individuals to early AAM were independently associated with higher GDM risk. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms underlying this putative causative association. In addition, AAM may be helpful in clinical practice to identify women at risk for GDM; pregnant women who are young for menarche may need to take precautions before GDM develops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Darwinian shortfall, i.e. the lack of knowledge of phylogenetic relationships, significantly impedes our understanding of evolutionary drivers of global patterns of biodiversity. Spatial bias in the Darwinian shortfall, where phylogenetic knowledge in some regions is more complete than others, could undermine eco‐ and biogeographic inferences. Yet, spatial biases in phylogenetic knowledge for major groups – such as plants – remain poorly understood. Using data for 337 023 species (99.7%) of seed plants (Spermatophyta), we produced a global map of phylogenetic knowledge based on regional data and tested several potential drivers of the observed spatial variation. Regional phylogenetic knowledge was defined as the proportion of the regional seed plant flora represented in GenBank's nucleotide database with phylogenetically relevant data. We used simultaneous autoregressive models to explain variation in phylogenetic knowledge based on three biodiversity variables (species richness, range size and endemism) and six socioeconomic variables representing funding and accessibility. We compared observed patterns and relationships to established patterns of the Wallacean shortfall (the lack of knowledge of species distributions). We found that the Darwinian shortfall is strongly and significantly related to the macroecological distribution of species' range sizes. Small‐ranged species were significantly less likely to have phylogenetic data, leading to a concentration of the Darwinian shortfall in species‐rich, tropical countries where range sizes are small on average. Socioeconomic factors were less important, with significant but quantitatively small effects of accessibility and funding. In conclusion, reducing the Darwinian shortfall and smoothen its spatial bias will require increased efforts to sequence the world's small‐ranged (endemic) species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathepsin B (CTSB) is a lysosomal protease that is overexpressed in the early stage of many cancer types. Precise evaluation of CTSB expression in vivo may provide a promising method for the early diagnosis of cancers. By virtue of the high‐resolution PA imaging modality, a "smart" photoacoustic (PA) probe Cypate‐CBT, which can self‐assemble to cypate‐containing nanoparticles in response to abundant GSH and CTSB inside tumor cells, was developed for the sensitive and specific detection of CTSB activity. Compared with unmodified Cypate, our probe Cypate‐CBT exhibited a 4.9‐fold or 4.7‐fold PA signal enhancement in CTSB‐overexpressing MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells or tumors, respectively, revealing intracellular accumulation of the probe after CTSB‐initiated self‐assembly. We expect Cypate‐CBT to be employed as an effective PA imaging agent for clinical diagnosis of cancer at early stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Synaptogenix scientists have pioneered a regenerative therapeutic strategy designed to reduce (1.) a beta‐oligomers and hyperphosphorylated tau, but importantly, (2.) also restores the AD – induced loss of synaptic networks and neurons. In pre‐clinical studies (Sun and Alkon, TIPS, 2019), increased numbers of mature, mushroom spine synapses were measured with serial electron micrographs of the hippocampus with the rat spatial maze memory task, and were further significantly increased by the Bryostatin‐induced activation of the PKC epsilon‐BDNF cascade (Hongpaisan and Alkon, PNAS, 2007). Similarly, Bryostatin increased the numbers of mature synapses, normalized cognitive deficits, and prevented neuronal death in pre‐clinical models of neurodegeneration including AD (p<.01, 2‐tailed), stroke, Fragile X syndrome, and traumatic brain injury. Subsequently, compassionate use trials showed marked improvements in advanced AD patients (Nelson et al., JAD, 2017). Method: Thereafter, an initial pilot (13 weeks, N=150) trial of Bryostatin to treat AD, Study #202, and a 2nd (13 weeks, N=100) pilot trial, Study #203, included identical protocols: 7 i.v. doses of 20 mcg / kg Bryostatin over 11 weeks with Placebo groups in each. Results: Bryostatin Treatment (at Week #13) in the 1st trial improved Severe Impairment Battery (SIB) scores over baseline (+4.5 over baseline, p<.04, 2‐tailed, pre‐specified exploratory analyses of AD patients, MMSE 14 – 4, vs. placebo, without chronic Namenda, Farlow et al., J. Alz. Dis., 2019). In a second pilot trial, Bryostatin caused significant SIB improvement (+4.12 over baseline) in the pre‐specified Moderate Stratum (MMSE 10 – 14) of advanced AD patients without Namenda (p <.005, 2‐tailed). In both trials, trend analyses demonstrated increased drug benefit with increasing dosing number. In a pooled trend analysis of Studies #202, 203, Bryostatin caused highly significant benefit (p<.001) and Placebo was NS. Conclusion: While issues such as baseline imbalance (Study #203) and Namenda blockade of Bryostatin efficacy (Study #202) prevented reaching primary endpoints, these pre‐specified exploratory analyses (see above) revealed clear evidence of Bryostatin therapeutic efficacy, now being tested in an NIH‐sponsored, 6‐month trial, incorporating lessons learned from these pilot studies. This potential efficacy involved significant improvement over baseline, not only reduction in the rate of cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetation growth of the Loess Plateau is often restricted by water, which seriously threatens the water sustainability of regional ecosystem. In order to clarify the relationship between supply and demand of vegetation water use after Grain for Green Project, this study selected Malian River Basin as the research area and calculated the vegetation water use and water demand using the eco‐hydrological model. The results showed that the annual water demand of the basin was 570 mm, while the average annual water supply was only 294 mm, accounting only for 52.0% of the demand. From 2000 to 2018, the temporal and spatial matching degree of water supply and demand in the Malian River Basin were 0.63 and 0.65, respectively. On the whole, the water resources in Malian River Basin can basically support the growth of vegetation, but in some areas are not sustainable. Water resources in the southern region can only barely maintain the normal growth of vegetation under the current conditions, so it is not recommended to carry out new plantation in this area. The evaluation of matching degree in the northern from January to April is poor, so it is necessary to appropriately reduce the planting area of economic crops and replace it with planting herbaceous plants with small water consumption in Spring. Compared with the current conditions, under the future climate scenarios of ssp126 and ssp585, the Malian River Basin will show a trend of warming and humidification. The temporal matching degree of water supply and demand also significantly improved to 0.83 and 0.92, indicating that even if the planting structure did not change significantly, water supply would gradually meet the needs of vegetation. The study results can provide the basis for formulating more scientific and reasonable vegetation restoration policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the decreasing cost and availability of many newly developed bioinformatics pipelines, next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized plant systematics in recent years. Genome skimming has been widely used to obtain high‐copy fractions of the genomes, including plastomes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA). In this study, through simulations, we evaluated the optimal (minimum) sequencing depth and performance for recovering single‐copy nuclear genes (SCNs) from genome skimming data, by subsampling genome resequencing data and generating 10 data sets with different sequencing coverage in silico. We tested the performance of four data sets (plastome, nrDNA, mtDNA, and SCNs) obtained from genome skimming based on phylogenetic analyses of the Vitis clade at the genus level and Vitaceae at the family level, respectively. Our results showed that optimal minimum sequencing depth for high‐quality SCNs assembly via genome skimming was about 10× coverage. Without the steps of synthesizing baits and enrichment experiments, coupled with incredibly low sequencing costs, we showcase that deep genome skimming (DGS) is as effective for capturing large data sets of SCNs as the widely used Hyb‐Seq approach, in addition to capturing plastomes, mtDNA, and entire nrDNA repeats. DGS may serve as an efficient and economical alternative and may be superior to the popular target enrichment/Hyb‐Seq approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 is threating global health. Inhibiting interaction of the receptor‐binding domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein (SRBD) and human ACE2 receptor is a promising treatment strategy. However, SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing antibodies are compromised by their risk of antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) and unfavorably large size for intranasal delivery. To avoid these limitations, we demonstrated an aptamer blocking strategy by engineering aptamers' binding to the region on SRBD that directly mediates ACE2 receptor engagement, leading to block SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. With aptamer selection against SRBD and molecular docking, aptamer CoV2‐6 was identified and applied to prevent, compete with, and substitute ACE2 from binding to SRBD. CoV2‐6 was further shortened and engineered as a circular bivalent aptamer CoV2‐6C3 (cb‐CoV2‐6C3) to improve the stability, affinity, and inhibition efficacy. cb‐CoV2‐6C3 is stable in serum for more than 12 h and can be stored at room temperature for more than 14 days. Furthermore, cb‐CoV2‐6C3 binds to SRBD with high affinity (Kd=0.13 nM) and blocks authentic SARS‐CoV‐2 virus with an IC50 of 0.42 nM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to our paper on the evolutionary history of the Chinese flora, Qian suggests that certain features of the divergence time estimation employed might have led to biased conclusions in Lu et al (2018). Here, we consider Qian's specific criticisms, explore the extent of uncertainty in the data and demonstrate that (i) no systematic bias toward dates that are too young or too old is detected in Lu et al.; (ii) constraint of the crown age of angiosperms does not bias the generic ages estimated by Lu et al.; and (iii) ages derived from the Chinese regional phylogeny do not bias the conclusions reported by Lu et al. All these analyses confirm that the conclusions reported previously are robust. We argue that, like many large‐scale biodiversity analyses, sources of noise in divergence time estimation are to be expected, but these should not be confused with bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rapidly increasing case reports revealed that neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) had concomitant other system symptoms besides nervous system symptoms. In this study, we systematically evaluated the symptoms, signs, auxiliary examination, and pathological changes in different systems in NIID patients. Methods: NIID patients were confirmed by examining GGC repeats in the NOTCH2NLC gene. Clinical data of NIID patients including symptoms, signs, and auxiliary examinations were collected for analysis. Ubiquitin and p62 were detected in different tissues from previous surgical samples. Results: Fifty‐one NIID patients from 17 families were included in this study. Except neurological symptoms, clinical manifestations from other systems were very notable and diverse. The proportions of different system symptoms were 88.2% in nervous system, 78.4% in respiratory system, 72.5% in circulatory system, 72.5% in locomotor system, 66.7% in urinary system, 64.7% in digestive system, 61.5% in reproductive system, and 50.0% in endocrine system. In addition, other common symptoms included sexual dysfunction (43.1%), pupil constriction (56.9%), blurred vision (51.0%), and hearing loss (23.5%). Ubiquitin and p62‐positive cells were found in different tissues and systems in 24 NIID patients with previous surgery. Initial symptoms of NIID and median onset age in different systems also revealed system heterogeneity of NIID. Interpretation: For the first time, we systematically demonstrated that NIID is a heterogeneous and systemic neurodegenerative disease by providing clinical and pathological evidence. In addition to the nervous system, the clinical symptomatic and pathological spectrum of NIID has been extended to almost all systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brachydactyly type A (BDA) is defined as short middle phalanges of the affected digits and is subdivided into four types (BDA1‐4). To date, the molecular cause is unknown. However, there is some evidence that pathogenic variants of HOXD13 could be associated with BDA3 and BDA4. Here, we report a Chinese autosomal dominant BDA3 pedigree with a novel HOXD13 mutation. The affected individuals presented with an obviously shorter fifth middle phalanx. The radial side of the middle phalanx was shorter than the ulnar side, and the terminal phalanx of the fifth finger inclined radially and formed classical clinodactyly. Interestingly, the index finger was normal. The initial diagnosis was BDA3. However, the distal third and fourth middle phalanges were also slightly affected, resulting in mild radial clinodactyly. Both feet showed shortening of the middle phalanges, which were fused to the distal phalanges of the second to the fifth toes, as reported in BDA4. Therefore, this pedigree had combined BDA3 and atypical BDA4. By direct sequencing, a 13 bp deletion within exon 1 of HOXD13 (NM_000523.4: c.708_720del13; NP_000514.2: p.Gly237fs) was identified. The 13 bp deletion resulted in a frameshift and premature termination of HOXD13. This study provides further evidences that variants in HOXD13 cause BDA3‐BDA4 phenotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past five decades, under the joint influence of climate change and human activity, river runoff in most areas of Loess Plateau showed a significant declining trend, which poses a great threat to ecological security and land degradation and soil erosion control. To identify the key factors controlling this decline and quantify the contribution rates of the multiple factors, a runoff simulation was established based on the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), and the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors on runoff change was calculated by comparing the results of the simulation based on different modeling scenarios. First, the impact of climatic factors on runoff change was gradually decreasing over time, and the anthropogenic factors' impact was increasing based on the runoff observations. Second, the SWAT model proved to be reliable and acceptable for both the calibration and the validation periods, with R2 and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values both above.8. Third, the influence of climatic factors decreases from 85.70% to 42.43% but that of anthropogenic factors increases from 14.3% to 57.57% in different subperiods. Among the anthropogenic factors, the influence of the direct factor (water withdrawal) is growing the fastest, and the influence of indirect factors is increasing continuously. Therefore, future ecological management and water‐related planning in Loess Plateau should consider the importance of human activity and the relationship between humans and the Earth. Finally, a range of comprehensive countermeasures are proposed to assist with sustainable watershed management in the Loess Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Recent advances in generating large‐scale phylogenies enable broad‐scale estimation of species diversification. These now common approaches typically are characterized by (1) incomplete species coverage without explicit sampling methodologies and/or (2) sparse backbone representation, and usually rely on presumed phylogenetic placements to account for species without molecular data. We used empirical examples to examine the effects of incomplete sampling on diversification estimation and provide constructive suggestions to ecologists and evolutionary biologists based on those results. Methods: We used a supermatrix for rosids and one well‐sampled subclade (Cucurbitaceae) as empirical case studies. We compared results using these large phylogenies with those based on a previously inferred, smaller supermatrix and on a synthetic tree resource with complete taxonomic coverage. Finally, we simulated random and representative taxon sampling and explored the impact of sampling on three commonly used methods, both parametric (RPANDA and BAMM) and semiparametric (DR). Results: We found that the impact of sampling on diversification estimates was idiosyncratic and often strong. Compared to full empirical sampling, representative and random sampling schemes either depressed or inflated speciation rates, depending on methods and sampling schemes. No method was entirely robust to poor sampling, but BAMM was least sensitive to moderate levels of missing taxa. Conclusions: We suggest caution against uncritical modeling of missing taxa using taxonomic data for poorly sampled trees and in the use of summary backbone trees and other data sets with high representative bias, and we stress the importance of explicit sampling methodologies in macroevolutionary studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Demingding is a poorly studied post‐collisional porphyry Cu‐Mo deposit, located in the eastern part of the Gangdese porphyry copper belt. In this study, we present LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U‐Pb dating, whole‐rock geochemistry, and zircon trace elemental data for the mineralization related biotite monzogranite porphyry in Demingding. Zircon U‐Pb dating shows that the weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of the Miocene biotite monzogranite porphyry is 20.36 ± 0.46 Ma (MSWD = 2.6, n = 21). The Miocene biotite monzogranite porphyry is characterized by high SiO2, K2O, and Al2O3 contents and shows adakite‐like signatures. These rocks have high Sr/Y ratios, fractionated REE patterns with low HREE abundances, enrichment in LILE compared with HFSE, and have (87Sr/86Sr)i values of 0.7059 to 0.7062, εNd(t) values of −2.35 to −1.67 and (206Pb/204Pb)i ratios of 18.50–18.55. These features are similar to other Miocene adakite‐like intrusions in the Gangdese belt. We propose that the biotite monzogranite porphyry shares the same petrogenesis with other Miocene ore‐bearing adakite‐like intrusions in the Eastern Gangdese belt and was derived from remelting of the subduction‐modified, eclogitized Tibetan lower crust and mixing with hydrous mafic magmas from metasomatized Tibetan mantle. The zircons from biotite monzogranite porphyry have only minimal negative Eu anomalies (EuN/EuN* > 0.3), and exhibit large ratios of Ce4+/Ce3+(average value of 113), 10,000*(EuN/EuN*)/Y (3.94–8.14, >1), Ce/Nd (9–58, Average value of 30), (Ce/Nd)/Y (0.008–0.127, >0.003), and low value of Dy/Yb (0.15–0.24, <0.3), indicating that the biotite monzogranite porphyry is relatively hydrous and oxidized. The biotite monzogranite porphyry, therefore, is believed to be a relatively fertile intrusion with certain exploration potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of our analysis is to identify the effect of l‐carnitine (LC) and l‐acetyl carnitine (LAC) on the semen parameters of men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (iOAT). We performed a comprehensive search to ascertain all the trials about LC and LAC in the treatment of iOAT and compared the results, including percentage of total sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage of forward sperm motility, semen volume, percentage of atypical forms, total motile spermatozoa, forward motile spermatozoa and the number of pregnancies between the two groups that treated with LC + LAC or placebo respectively. Seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 693 patients were included in our analysis. We found that patients who treated with LC and LAC had significantly increased the percentage of forward sperm motility (MD 6.98; 95% CI 1.06–12.90; p =.02), total motile spermatozoa (MD 16.45; 95% CI 8.10–24.79; p =.0001), forward motile spermatozoa (MD 13.01; 95% CI 11.08–14.94; p <.00001) and the number of pregnancies (OR 3.76; 95% CI 1.66–8.50; p =.002). However, no significant differences were found in other semen indicators between the two groups. LC and LAC can significantly increase part of the semen parameters. The combination therapy of LC and LAC is effective in the men with iOAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a common complication of pregnancy, gestational hypoxia has been shown to predispose offspring to vascular dysfunction. Propionate, one of short‐chain fatty acids, exerts cardioprotective effects via reducing blood pressure. This study examined whether prenatal hypoxia impaired propionate‐stimulated large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) channel activities in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of offspring. Pregnant rats were exposed to hypoxia (10.5% oxygen) and normoxia (21% oxygen) from gestational day 7‐21. At 6 weeks of age, VSMCs in mesenteric arteries of offspring were analysed for BK channel functions and gene expressions. It was shown firstly that propionate could open significantly BK single channel in VSMCs in a concentration‐dependent manner. Antagonists of G protein βγ subunits and inositol trisphosphate receptor could completely suppress the activation of BK by propionate, respectively. Gαi/o and ryanodine receptor were found to participate in the stimulation on BK. Compared to the control, vasodilation and increments of BK NPo (the open probability) evoked by propionate were weakened in the offspring by prenatal hypoxia with down‐regulated Gβγ and PLCβ. It was indicated that prenatal hypoxia inhibited propionate‐stimulated BK activities in mesenteric VSMCs of offspring via reducing expressions of Gβγ and PLCβ, in which endoplasmic reticulum calcium release might be involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to examine whether and how postnatal high‐fat diet had additional impact on promoting vascular dysfunction in the offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia. Methods and Results: Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned to hypoxia (10.5% oxygen) or normoxia (21% O2) groups from gestation days 5‐21. A subset of male offspring was placed on a high‐fat diet (HF, 45% fat) from 4‐16 weeks of age. Prenatal hypoxia induced a decrease in birth weight. In offspring‐fed HF diet, prenatal hypoxia was associated with increased fasting plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. Compared with the other three groups, prenatal hypoxic offspring with high‐fat diet showed a significant increase in blood pressure, phenylephrine‐mediated vasoconstrictions, L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ (Cav1.2) channel currents, and elevated mRNA and protein expression of Cav1.2 α1 subunit in mesenteric arteries or myocytes. The large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) channels currents and the BK channel units (β1, not α‐subunits) were significantly increased in mesenteric arteries or myocytes in HF offspring independent of prenatal hypoxia factor. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that prenatal hypoxia followed by postnatal HF caused vascular dysfunction through ion channel remodelling in myocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a photocatalyst with a distorted skeleton and synthesized by grafting triamterene onto graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) frameworks was prepared. The pteridine ring of the triamterene‐based nitrogen‐enriched organic structure functions as a trapped electron site owing to its inductive effect. The benzene ring in triamterene plays an important role in the even dispersion of electrons by a conjugative effect. Redistribution of the intramolecular electronic potential is caused by a synergistic effect between the pteridine and benzene rings of triamterene and promotes separation and migration of the photoinduced charge carriers. After coupling with triamterene, the π electrons of g‐C3N4 are relocated; that is, the intrinsic electronic and band structures of g‐C3N4 are effectively modulated. The modified polymeric photocatalyst shows a high photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 157.5 μmol h−1, a value that is 4.3 times higher than the H2 evolution rate of pristine g‐C3N4 (36.8 μmol h−1), with an apparent quantum efficiency of 9.7 % at λ=450 nm. The incorporation of triamterene into the g‐C3N4 frameworks significantly expands its π‐delocalized system by redistribution of the electronic potential, expands the visible‐light absorption range, and effectively promotes the separation and migration of photoinduced charge carriers. This strategy may provide a reference for promoting charge separation of g‐C3N4 through redistribution of the electronic potential and for synthesizing novel carbon nitride based semiconductors for efficient solar energy conversion into hydrogen. Moving things around: This study reports the preparation, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of triamterene‐grafted graphitic carbon nitride photocatalysts that display enhanced visible‐light absorption and improved separation of charge carriers owing to redistribution of the electronic potential of the π‐conjugated system; these photocatalysts thus show a high rate of hydrogen evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Prenatal hypoxia (PH) is a common pregnancy complication, harmful to brain development. This study investigated whether and how PH affected Wnt pathway in the brain. Pregnant rats were exposed to hypoxia (10.5% O2) or normoxia (21% O2; Control). Foetal brain weight and body weight were decreased in the PH group, the ratio of brain weight to body weight was increased significantly. Prenatal hypoxia increased mRNA expression of Wnt3a, Wnt7a, Wnt7b and Fzd4, but not Lrp6. Activated β‐catenin protein and Fosl1 expression were also significantly up‐regulated. Increased Hif1a expression was found in the PH group associated with the higher Wnt signalling. Among 5 members of the Sfrp family, Sfrp4 was down‐regulated. In the methylation‐regulating genes, higher mRNA expressions of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3b were found in the PH group. Sodium bisulphite and sequencing revealed hyper‐methylation in the promoter region of Sfrp4 gene in the foetal brain, accounting for its decreased expression and contributing to the activation of the Wnt‐Catenin signalling. The study of PC12 cells treated with 5‐aza further approved that decreased methylation could result in the higher Sfrp4 expression. In the offspring hippocampus, protein levels of Hif1a and mRNA expression of Sfrp4 were unchanged, whereas Wnt signal pathway was inhibited. The data demonstrated that PH activated the Wnt pathway in the foetal brain, related to the hyper‐methylation of Sfrp4 as well as Hif1a signalling. Activated Wnt signalling might play acute protective roles to the foetal brain in response to hypoxia, also would result in disadvantageous influence on the offspring in long‐term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Using phylogenetic approaches to test hypotheses on a large scale, in terms of both species sampling and associated species traits and occurrence data—and doing this with rigor despite all the attendant challenges—is critical for addressing many broad questions in evolution and ecology. However, application of such approaches to empirical systems is hampered by a lingering series of theoretical and practical bottlenecks. The community is still wrestling with the challenges of how to develop species‐level, comprehensively sampled phylogenies and associated geographic and phenotypic resources that enable global‐scale analyses. We illustrate difficulties and opportunities using the rosids as a case study, arguing that assembly of biodiversity data that is scale‐appropriate—and therefore comprehensive and global in scope—is required to test global‐scale hypotheses. Synthesizing comprehensive biodiversity data sets in clades such as the rosids will be key to understanding the origin and present‐day evolutionary and ecological dynamics of the angiosperms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New Findings What is the central question of this study? The effectiveness of low-frequency electroacupuncture in the treatment of metabolic disorders associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by an imbalance in sex steroid production, is controversial., What is the main finding and its importance? In a rat model of PCOS induced by the inhibition of P450 aromatase, low-frequency electroacupuncture increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol but did not improve the insulin resistance or the adipose tissue dysfunction, suggesting that a balance of sex steroids is needed to restore the metabolic function in this rat model of PCOS., Low-frequency electroacupuncture restores sex steroid synthesis and sympathetic activity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which may ameliorate its metabolic disturbances, probably by modulating sympathetic nerve activity or sex steroid synthesis. We investigated whether low-frequency electroacupuncture regulates the metabolic function to the same extent as treatment with estradiol or β-adrenergic blocking in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome induced by a P450 aromatase inhibitor (letrozole). Letrozole (200 μg day−1) or placebo pellets were implanted in prepubertal Wistar rats. Six weeks thereafter, rats were treated for 5-6 weeks with the following: low-frequency electroacupuncture (5 days per week); a β-adrenergic blocker (propranolol hydrochloride, 0.1 mg kg−1, 5 days per week); or 17β-estradiol (2.0 μg) every fourth day. Body weight development, body composition, locomotor activity, insulin sensitivity, tissue-specific glucose uptake, lipid profile, adipocyte size, serum concentrations of adiponectin and insulin, and gene expression in inguinal fat were measured. All treatments increased circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. Estradiol treatment restored locomotor activity and increased insulin sensitivity but did not modify the glucose uptake in muscle and fat. An upregulation of genes related to insulin sensitivity and downregulation of genes related to adipogenesis were observed in subcutaneous adipose tissue from rats exposed to letrozole. Only estradiol treatment normalized the expression of these genes. In conclusion, low-frequency electroacupuncture increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol without affecting insulin sensitivity or adipose tissue function, which could suggest effects on hepatic lipid regulation, probably mediated by the action of estradiol or the β-adrenergic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot method is introduced for the successful synthesis of narrow-distributed ( Đ = 1.22) vinyl polymer with both ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) ( Mw = 1.31 × 106 g mol−1) and micro-/nanomorphology under mild conditions. The method involves the following four stages: homogeneous polymerization, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), PISA and reorganization, and PISA and multiple reorganizations. The key points to the production of UHMW polystyrene are to minimize radical termination by segregating radicals in different nanoreactors and to ensure sufficient chain propagation by promoting further reorganizations of these reactors in situ. This method therefore endows polymeric materials with the outstanding properties of both UHMW and tunable micro-/nanoparticles under mild conditions in one pot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rosidae, a clade of approximately 90 000 species of angiosperms, exhibits remarkable morphological diversity and extraordinary heterogeneity in habitats and life forms. Resolving phylogenetic relationships within Rosidae has been difficult, in large part due to nested radiations and the enormous size of the clade. Current estimates of phylogeny contain areas of poor resolution and/or support, and there have been few attempts to synthesize the available data into a comprehensive view of Rosidae phylogeny. We aim to improve understanding of the phylogeny of Rosidae with a dense sampling scheme using both newly generated sequences and data from GenBank of the chloroplast rbcL, atpB, and matK genes and the mitochondrial matR gene. We combined sequences from 9300 species, representing 2775 genera, 138 families, and 17 orders into a supermatrix. Although 59.26% of the cells in the supermatrix have no data, our results generally agree with previous estimates of Rosidae phylogeny and provide greater resolution and support in several areas of the topology. Several noteworthy phylogenetic relationships are recovered, including some novel relationships. Two families (Euphorbiaceae and Salvadoraceae) and 467 genera are recovered as non-monophyletic in our sampling, suggesting the need for future systematic studies of these groups. Our study shows the value of a botanically informed bioinformatics approach and dense taxonomic sampling for resolving rosid relationships. The resulting tree provides a starting point for large-scale analyses of the evolutionary patterns within Rosidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]