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Pyroptosis provides a novel perspective for the design of anti‐tumor strategies. However, when pyroptosis reaches a plateau, its negative role becomes “defense” signaling to evade immune surveillance. Herein, a triblock polymeric micelles TPT@PIO NPs are reported, including a hydrophobic block backbone poly (propylene sulfide) (PPS), a hydrophobic side chain disulfide bond‐bearing indomethacin (MABHD‐IND), a hydrophilic block poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA), and an encapsulated hydrophobic drug topotecan (TPT) through hydrophobic forces, exhibit excellent stability and responsiveness to the oxidation‐reduction microenvironment. This dual treatment mode utilizes TPT to trigger the activation of the pyroptosis process and uses IND to eliminate the immune escape by inhibiting the COX‐2/PGE2 pathway, ultimately making the growth of tumors being inhibited via the synergy of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Furthermore, the failure of the immunosuppressive network accelerates the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the lungs and impedes the generation of tumor nodules. The changes in levels of cytokines caused by pyroptosis and the immune memory effect enhance the defense of transfer as well. In general, the ability of TPT@PIO NPs to regulate the Janus‐faced nature of pyroptosis acts as an indispensable role in suppressing tumor proliferation and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy‐based combination regimens are recommended as first‐line treatment for colorectal cancer. However, multidrug resistance (MDR) and limited drug infiltration in tumor microenvironment remain critical challenges. Herein, a pH/redox dual activated supramolecular DAS@CD‐OxPt (IV) nanoparticles (NPs) via host‐guest molecular recognition to achieve relay drugs delivery of active oxaliplatin (OxPt (IV)) and Src inhibitor dasatinib (DAS) between tumor cells is developed. DAS@CD‐OxPt (IV) NPs exhibit prolonged circulation in the blood and intra‐tumoral retention. Triggered by the endo/lysosome (pH 5.0), flexible DAS@CD‐OxPt (IV) NPs exhibited proton‐driven in situ assembly to form nanofiber in tumor cells. Dual chemotherapeutic agents released from DAS@CD‐OxPt (IV) NPs synergistically cause irreversible DNA damage by blocking p53‐mediated DNA repair. Supramolecular nanofibers can further serve as the "ammunition depot" to continuously release drugs from dying cells and transport them into neighboring tumor cells, leading to domino‐like cell death and enhanced immunogenicity. Furthermore, DAS@CD‐OxPt (IV) NPs combined with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy strikingly suppress CT26 tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expanding and enhancing the quality of consumption is crucial to satisfy the increasing demand for a higher standard of living. However, the rising risk of chronic diseases impacts not only the level of consumption but also impedes the optimization of consumption patterns. This research utilizes Staggered Difference-in-Differences (DID) and Difference-in-Differences-in-Differences (DDD) models to evaluate the effects of chronic disease shocks on both the levels and structures of household consumption, leveraging data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) across four survey waves from 2012 to 2018. Additionally, the study examines the effects and mechanisms of the multi-level health insurance system in mitigating the impact of chronic disease shocks. The study discerns a significant decrease in household consumption expenditure, obstruction in the enhancement of consumption structures, and a constriction of consumption diversity attributable to chronic disease shocks. Heterogeneous analysis reveals that the impact of chronic shocks varies across factors such as age, capital endowment, urban versus rural residence, and the availability of healthcare resources. Moreover, the analysis highlights the heterogeneous mitigating effects of the multi-level health insurance system, particularly through diminishing out-of-pocket medical expenses and the propensity for precautionary savings. The findings accentuate the imperative for the enhancement and equalization of the multi-level health insurance system to fortify household consumption, offering significant policy insights for the realization of the "Healthy China" vision. JEL Classification : P36, D12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian rhythm involved with physiology has been reported to affect pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. We hypothesized that circadian variations in physiology disturb anesthesia and eventually affect recovery after anesthesia. A retrospective cohort study initially included 107,406 patients (1 June 2016–6 June 2021). Patients were classified into morning or afternoon surgery groups. The primary outcome was daytime variation in PACU (post-anesthesia care unit) recovery time and Steward score. Inverse probability weighting (IPW) approach based on propensity score and univariable/multivariable linear regression were used to estimate this outcome. Of 28,074 patients, 13,418 (48%) patients underwent morning surgeries, and 14,656 (52%) patients underwent afternoon surgeries. LOWESS curves and IPW illustrated daytime variation in PACU recovery time and Steward score. Before adjustment, compared to morning surgery group, afternoon surgery group had less PACU recovery time (median [interquartile range], 57 [46, 70] vs. 54 [43, 66], p < 0.001) and a higher Steward score (5.62 [5.61, 5.63] vs. 5.66 [5.65, 5.67], p < 0.001). After adjustment, compared to morning surgery group, afternoon surgery group had less PACU recovery time (58 [46, 70] vs. 54 [43, 66], p < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression, morning surgery is statistically associated with an increased PACU recovery time (coefficient, −3.20; 95% confidence interval, −3.55 to −2.86). Among non-cardiac surgeries, daytime variation might affect recovery after general anesthesia. These findings indicate that the timing of surgery improves recovery after general anesthesia, with afternoon surgery providing protection. In this retrospective cohort study of 28,074 participants, the afternoon surgery group has a higher Steward score than the morning surgery group. In multivariable linear regression, morning surgery is statistically associated with an increased PACU recovery time. Among non-cardiac surgeries, daytime variation affects the recovery after general anesthesia, with afternoon surgery providing protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The susceptibility of different individuals to anesthetics varies widely, and sevoflurane is no exception. We hypothesized that polymorphisms in genes involved in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics may explain this variation. A total of 151 individuals undergoing otorhinolaryngology surgery were included. The influence of genetic polymorphisms on sevoflurane sensitivity were investigated through SNaPshot technology. Individuals carrying KCNK2 rs6686529 G > C, MTRR rs3733784 TT, rs2307116 GG, or rs1801394 AA polymorphisms had a higher sensitivity to the sedative effect of sevoflurane than those without those polymorphisms. The univariate linear regression analysis indicated that MTRR rs3733784 TT, rs2307116 GG, and rs1801394 AA were potentially significant predictors of higher sensitivity to the sedative effect of sevoflurane. Moreover, CYP2E1 rs3813867 G > C and rs2031920 C > T, GABRG1 rs279858 T > C, KCNK3 rs1275988 CC, GRIN2B rs1806201 GG, MTRR rs2307116 G > A, and rs1801394 A > G were associated with a higher sensitivity to the cardiovascular effect of sevoflurane. Our results suggested that 9 single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in metabolizing enzymes, transport proteins, target proteins of sevoflurane and folate metabolism may help to explain individual differences in the susceptibility to the sedative or cardiovascular effect of sevoflurane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tau pathology is observed during autopsy in many patients with Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD). Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using the tracer 18F‐florzolotau has the potential to capture tau accumulation in the living brain. Objective: The aim was to describe the results of 18F‐florzolotau PET/CT (computed tomography) imaging in patients with PDD. Methods: Ten patients with PDD, 9 with Parkinson's disease with normal cognition (PD‐NC), and 9 age‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. Clinical assessments and 18F‐florzolotau PET/CT imaging were performed. Results: 18F‐Florzolotau uptake was significantly higher in the cortical regions of patients with PDD compared with both PD‐NC and HCs, especially in the temporal lobe. Notably, 18F‐florzolotau uptake in the occipital lobe of patients with PDD showed a significant correlation with cognitive impairment as reflected by Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. Conclusions: 18F‐Florzolotau PET imaging can effectively capture the occurrence of tau pathology in patients with PDD, which was also linked to MMSE scores. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is a common pathological feature of many heart diseases and seriously threatens the normal activity of the heart. Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum) tea is a functional food that is commercially available worldwide. Gypensapogenin I (Gyp I), which is a novel dammarane-type saponin, was obtained from the hydrolysates of total gypenosides. It has been reported to exert a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect. In our study, we attempted to investigate the efficiency and possible molecular mechanism of Gyp I in cardiac injury treatment induced by ISO. In vitro, Gyp I was found to increase the survival rate of H9c2 cells and inhibit apoptosis. Combined with molecular docking and Western blot analysis, Gyp I was confirmed to regulate the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. In vivo, C57BL6 mice were subcutaneously injected with 10 mg/kg ISO to induce heart failure. Mice were given a gavage of Gyp I (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg/d for three weeks). Pathological alterations, fibrosis-, inflammation-, and apoptosis-related molecules were examined. By means of cardiac function detection, biochemical index analysis, QRT-PCR monitoring, histopathological staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis, it was elucidated that Gyp I could improve cardiac dysfunction, alleviate collagen deposition, and reduce myocardial fibrosis (MF). In summary, we reported for the first time that Gyp I showed good myocardial protective activity in vitro and in vivo, and its mechanism was related to the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocuronium is widely utilized in clinical general anaesthesia, and individual differences in pharmacology and clearance have been observed. Two hundred thirty‐six Chinese patients undergoing selective thyroid/breast mass resection were studied. Total intravenous anaesthesia was induced with a single dose of propofol (2 mg·kg−1), sufentanil (0.5 μg·kg−1), and rocuronium (0.6 mg·kg−1) and maintained with propofol (3–5 mg·kg−1·h−1) and remifentanil (0.2–0.4 μg·kg−1·min−1). Intubation conditions and a train‐of‐four index of patients were utilized to assess the effects and duration of rocuronium. The data from 228 patients were analysed and reported. Genotypes NR1I2 rs2472677 C > T, NR1I2 rs6785049 G > A, SLCO1B1 rs4363657 T > C, SLCO1A2 rs4762699 T > C, and UGT1A1 rs4148323 G > A contributed to individual variation in rocuronium. Of the clinical variables tested, age, BMI, total dose of propofol, NR1I2 rs2472677, and SLCO1A2 rs4762699 correlated significantly (P < 0.05 for all) with the clinical duration or total clinical action time of rocuronium in a multiple linear regression model. No significant interactions were observed in intubation conditions. Genetic variations in NR1I2 rs2472677, NR1I2 rs6785049, SLCO1B1 rs4363657, SLCO1A2 rs4762699, and UGT1A1 rs4148323 were related to extensive interindividual variability in the clinical duration and total clinical action time of rocuronium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sevoflurane can induce memory impairment during clinical anesthesia; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. TASK-3 channels are one of the potential targets of sevoflurane. Accumulating evidence supports a negative role of intracranial theta rhythms (4–12 Hz) in memory formation. Here, we investigated whether TASK-3 channels contribute to sevoflurane-induced memory impairment by regulating hippocampal theta rhythms. In this study, the memory performance of mice was tested by contextual fear conditioning and inhibitory avoidance experiments. The hippocampal local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded from chronically implanted electrodes located in CA3 region. The results showed that sevoflurane concentration-dependently impaired the memory function of mice, as evidenced by the decreased time mice spent on freezing and reduced latencies for mice to enter the shock compartment. Our electrophysiological results revealed that sevoflurane also enhanced the spectral power of hippocampal LFPs (1–30 Hz), particularly in memory-related theta rhythms (4–12 Hz). These effects were mitigated by viral-mediated knockdown of TASK-3 channels in the hippocampal CA3 region. The knockdown of hippocampal TASK-3 channels significantly reduced the enhancing effect of sevoflurane on hippocampal theta rhythms and alleviated sevoflurane-induced memory impairment. Our data indicate that sevoflurane can increase hippocampal theta oscillations and impair memory function via TASK-3 channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Accruing positron emission tomography (PET) studies have suggested that dopaminergic functioning and metabolic changes are correlated with cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's disease (PD). Yet, the relationship between dopaminergic or cerebral metabolism and different cognitive domains in PD is poorly understood. To address this scarcity, we aimed to investigate the interactions among dopaminergic bindings, metabolic network changes, and the cognitive domains in PD patients. Methods: We recruited 41 PD patients, including PD patients with no cognitive impairment (PD-NC; n = 21) and those with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI; n = 20). All patients underwent clinical evaluations and a schedule of neuropsychological tests and underwent both 11C-N-2-carbomethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-tropane (11C-CFT) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET imaging. Results: 11C-CFT imaging revealed a significant positive correlation between executive function and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding at both the voxel and regional levels. Metabolic imaging revealed that executive function correlated with 18F-FDG uptake, mainly in inferior frontal gyrus, putamen, and insula. Further analysis indicated that striatal DAT binding correlated strictly with metabolic activity in the temporal gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, and cingulate gyrus. Conclusion: Our findings might promote the understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognitive impairment in PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality of life (QoL) was worse in Parkinson's disease patients with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) or dementia (PDD) than PD patients with normal cognition (PD-NC). The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the potential heterogeneous determinants of QoL in PD patients with different cognitive statuses. Methods: We recruited 600 PD patients, including 185 PD-NC patients, 336 PD-MCI patients and 79 PDD patients, in this cross-sectional study. All patients completed the QoL assessment by the 39-item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), as well as clinical evaluations and neuropsychological tests. The determinants of the QoL were analyzed by multiple stepwise regression analysis. Results: QoL was more impaired across the three groups (PD-NC < PD-MCI < PDD). The Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS-III) score, Geriatric Depression Rating Scale (GDS) score and daily levodopa equivalent dose (LED) were independent variables of PDQ-39 in PD-NC patients. The GDS score, disease duration, UPDRS-III score, Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and sex were independent variables of PDQ-39 in PD-MCI patients. The GDS score and disease duration were independent variables of PDQ-39 in PDD patients. Conclusion: The determinants of QoL in PD-NC, PD-MCI and PDD patients were heterogeneous. Motor function was considered to be the most crucial determinant for QoL in PD-NC, while depression was indicated to be the most vital determinant for PD-MCI and PDD. For QoL improvement, clinicians might need to focus more on motor function in PD-NC patients and on depression in PD-MCI and PDD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) or dementia (PDD) has been shown to be correlated with poor quality of life (QoL). The association between specific cognitive domains and QoL is less clear. Objective: To determine how the cognitive domains affect QoL in different cognitive states in PD. Methods: We recruited 600 PD patients, including 185 PD patients with normal cognition (PD-NC), 336 PD-MCI patients, and 79 PDD patients. All patients underwent a scale-based assessment (PDQ-39) for QoL, as well as clinical evaluations and neuropsychological tests. Results: Compared to PD-NC group, QoL became more impaired in the PD-MCI and PDD groups. Generalized linear model revealed that no neuropsychological test was significantly associated with QoL in PD-NC group; neuropsychological tests in attention and language domains were significantly associated with QoL in PD-MCI patients; neuropsychological tests in memory and language domains were significantly associated with QoL in PDD patients. Conclusions: Cognitive domains contribute differently to QoL in PD. These findings may prompt clinicians to target specific cognitive domains for improving QoL in the PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cationic photosensitive resin (3DSLR-01) for stereolithography 3D printing was prepared with 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl-3',4'-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate (2021P), 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol glycidyl ether (JX-026), diglycidyl 4,5-epoxycyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate (S-186), polycaprolactone polyol(Polyol-0305), novolac epoxy resin(F-51), bis(3-ethyl-3-oxetanylmethyl) ether (S-221) and a mixture of triarylsulfonium hexafluoroantimonate salts solution (UVI-6976). The properties of the photosensitive resin and its UV-cured films were investigated by some instruments and equipment. The experimental results show that the critical exposure (Ec) of the photosensitive resin is 16.3 mJ/cm2, the penetration depth (Dp) is 0.14 mm, and the optical property of the photosensitive resin is excellent. Rectangle plates were printed by using a stereolithography apparatus (HRPL-150A) with the photosensitive resin as the manufacturing material, and the shrinkage rates of the plates were less than 0.60%, which showed that the accuracy of the manufactured plates was very high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Neurotoxic A1 astrocytes are induced by inflammation after spinal cord injury (SCI), and the inflammation-related Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFκB) pathway may be related to A1-astrocyte activation. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a promising therapy for SCI, where transplanted MSCs exhibit anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating proinflammatory factors, such as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and NFκB. MSC-exosomes (MSC-exo) reportedly mimic the beneficial effects of MSCs. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether MSCs and MSC-exo exert inhibitory effects on A1 astrocytes and are beneficial for recovery after SCI. Methods: The effects of MSC and MSC-exo on SCIinduced A1 astrocytes, and the potential mechanisms were investigated in vitro and in vivo using immunofluorescence and western blot. In addition, we assessed the histopathology, levels of proinflammatory cytokines and locomotor function to verify the effects of MSC and MSC-exo on SCI rats. Results: MSC or MSC-exo co-culture reduced the proportion of SCIinduced A1 astrocytes. Intravenously-injected MSC or MSC-exo after SCI significantly reduced the proportion of A1 astrocytes, the percentage of p65 positive nuclei in astrocytes, and the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in the ventral horn. Additionally, we observed decreased lesion area and expression of TNFα, Interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-1β, elevated expression of Myelin Basic Protein (MBP), Synaptophysin (Syn) and Neuronal Nuclei (NeuN), and improved Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan (BBB) scores and inclined-plane-test angle. In vitro assay showed that MSC and MSC-exo reduced SCI-induced A1 astrocytes, probably via inhibiting the nuclear translocation of the NFκB p65. Conclusion: MSC and MSC-exo reduce SCI-induced A1 astrocytes, probably via inhibiting nuclear translocation of NFκB p65, and exert antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effects following SCI, with the therapeutic effect of MSCexo comparable with that of MSCs when applied intravenously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Par6α (partitioning defective 6 homologue alpha), a component of the Par3/Par6/aPKC complex, was recently shown to be essential for axon specification during neuronal development. However, the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of Par6α in the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation process have not been investigated. In this study, we found that the expression of let-7f-5p was downregulated during differentiation of bone marrow-derived MSCs to neuron-like cells. Interestingly, Par6α was predicted to be a target gene of let-7f-5p by computerized analysis and the luciferase reporter assay. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches, we found that expression of Par6α was inversely correlated with let-7f-5p levels during differentiation (p < 0.05). By silencing Par6α using siRNAs, we demonstrated that Par6α was necessary for MSC neuronal differentiation. Altogether, our studies proved that inhibition of let-7f-5p facilitates induction of MSCs into neuron-like cells by directly targeting Par6α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The probe has the dual ability to detect viscosity and CN−. • The probe has a near-infrared emission wavelength. • The probe has excellent mitochondrial targeting capability. • The probe enables real-time monitoring of mitochondrial viscosity. • The probe enables the detection of cyanide in plants. Viscosity has a significant impact on aerobic respiration in mitochondria. Many foods contain cyanide (CN−) and can cause serious toxicity when consumed in excess. This study discusses the design and synthesis of a dual-response coumarin-based near-infrared fluorescent probe (CCB) for the simultaneous detection of mitochondrial viscosity and CN−. CCB and viscosity have a strong log-linear relationship with a correlation coefficient of 0.997. Additionally, CN− detection can be visualized using a colorimetric method with a detection limit as low as 0.22 µM. Test strips were prepared to facilitate CN− detection in plants. Additional studies have shown the remarkable biocompatibility of CCB, which may be used for real time detection of exogenous CN− and intracellular mitochondrial viscosity and in vivo bioimaging of viscosity in mice. The probe is crucial for understanding disorders connected with mitochondrial viscosity and identifying CN− in daily living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate if the role of Cav-1 in GDM-induced macrosomia is through regulating AMPK signaling pathway in placenta. Methods: We used diagnostic criteria of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and macrosomia to separate and compare placental protein and mRNA levels from GDM with macrosomia group (GDMM), GDM with normal birth weight group (GDMN) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT) with normal birth weight group (CON). Western blotting was performed to examine differentially expressed proteins of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway related proteins, including phosphorylated-AMPKα(Thr172), AMPKα, phosphorylated-Acetyl-CoA carboxylase(Ser79) (p-ACC(Ser79)), ACC and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in placenta between the three groups. The mRNA levels of Cav-1, AMPKα, ACC and GLUT1 in placenta were measured by real time-PCR. Results: In the GDMM placenta group, both protein and mRNA levels of Cav-1 were down-regulated, while GLUT1 was up-regulated; the phosphorylation and mRNA levels of ACC and AMPKα were decreased, but total ACC protein levels were increased compared to both the GDMN (p<0.05) and CON groups (p<0.05). In GDMM placenta group, there was a significant negative correlation observed between neonatal birth weight (NBW) and protein expression levels of Cav-1, p-ACC(Ser79) and p-AMPKα(Thr172) (p<0.05), while positive relationship with ACC and GLUT1 protein levels. Besides, in GDMM group placental mRNA levels, NBW had a positive correlation with GLUT1 (p<0.05), while negative with Cav-1, AMPKα and ACC expression (p<0.05). Cav-1 protein expression was positively associated with p-AMPK and p-ACC (p<0.05), and negatively associated with GLUT1 (p<0.05). Interestingly, p-AMPK protein expression was closely related to p-ACC (p<0.05), but not with GLUT1. Conclusion: GDM-induced macrosomias have more severe inhibition of Cav-1 expression in placenta. Cav-1 is associated with placental glucose and fatty acid transport via the induction of AMPK signaling pathway and the reduction of GLUT1 signaling pathway to reverse GDM-induced macrosomia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical algal blooms in great lakes increase the level of algal organic matters (AOMs), significantly altering the composition of natural organic matters (NOMs) in freshwater of lake. This study examined the AOM's characteristics of Nitzschia palea ( N. palea ), one kind of the predominant diatom and an important biomarker of water quality in the great lakes of China, to investigate the effect of AOMs on the variation of NOMs in lakes and the process of algal energy. Excitation–emission matrix fluorescence (EEM) spectroscopy, synchronous fluorescence (SF) spectroscopy and deconvolution UV–vis (D-UV) spectroscopy were utilized to characterize AOMs to study the effects of nutrient loading on the composition change of AOMs. From results, it was revealed that the phosphorus is the limiting factor for N. palea 's growth and the generation of both total organic carbon and amino acids but the nitrogen is more important for the generation of carbohydrates and proteins. EEM spectra revealed differences in the composition of extracellular organic matter and intracellular organic matter. Regardless of the nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, aromatic proteins and soluble microbial products were the main components, but the nitrogen concentration had a significant impact on their composition. The SF spectra were used to study the AOMs for the first time and identified that the protein-like substances were the major component of AOMs, creating as a result of aromatic group condensation. The D-UV spectra showed carboxylic acid and esters were the main functional groups in the EOMs, with –OCH 3 , –SO 2 NH 2 , –CN, –NH 2 , –O– and –COCH 3 functional groups substituting into benzene rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is one of the most common methods for gene expression studies. Data normalization based on reference genes is essential for obtaining reliable results for qRT-PCR assays. This study evaluated potential reference genes of Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.), which is an important tuber crop and medicinal plant in East Asia. The expression of ten candidate reference genes across 20 samples from different organs and development stages was assessed. We identified the most stable genes for qRT-PCR studies using combined samples from different organs. Our results also suggest that different suitable reference genes or combinations of reference genes for normalization should be applied according to different organs and developmental stages. To validate the suitability of the reference genes, we evaluated the relative expression of PE2.1 and PE53, which are two genes that may be associated with microtuber formation. Our results provide the foundation for reference gene(s) selection in D. opposita and will contribute toward more accurate gene analysis studies of the genus Dioscorea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]