Physiological, molecular, and morphological adjustment to waterlogging stress in ramie and selection of waterlogging-tolerant varieties.

Waterlogging stress is a severe abiotic challenge that impedes plant growth and development. Ramie (Boehmeria nivea L.) is a Chinese traditional characteristic economic crop, valued for its fibers and by-products. To investigate the waterlogging tolerance of ramie and provide the scientific basis for selecting waterlogging-tolerant ramie varieties, this study examined the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of 15 ramie germplasms (varieties) under waterlogging stress. The results revealed varied impacts of waterlogging stress across the 15 ramie varieties, characterized by a decrease in SPAD values, net photosynthesis rates, and relative water content of ramie leaves, along with a significant increase in relative conductivity and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, POD, CAT, and APX. Additionally, the levels of soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and free proline exhibited varying degrees of increase. Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), ZZ_2 and ZSZ_1 were identified as relatively tolerant and susceptible varieties. Transcriptome analysis showed that the differential expressed genes between ZZ_2 and ZSZ_1 were significantly enriched in metabolic pathways, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and inositol phosphate metabolism, under waterlogging stress. In addition, the expression of hypoxia-responsive genes was higher in ZZ_2 than in ZSZ_1 under waterlogging stress. These differences might account for the varied waterlogging responses between the two varieties. Therefore, this study explored the morpho-physiological responses of ramie under waterlogging stress and identified the molecular mechanisms involved, providing valuable insights for improving ramie varieties and breeding new ones.

Effectiveness of sports intervention: A meta-analysis of the effects of different interventions on adolescent internet addiction.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of different interventions on adolescent internet addiction, a meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed to determine the possible intervention effects of these interventions. METHODS: Computer searches of the China National Knowledge Network, Wanfang, VIP, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases were performed. The relevant randomized controlled trials were designed to assess the effects of interventions on adolescent internet addiction. The retrieval period ranged from the establishment of the database to January 31, 2024. Literature screening, data extraction, and bias risk assessment were carried out independently by two researchers. CMA 3.3, Stata 17.0 software and Review Manager 5.3 were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: A total of 89 studies with 6876 samples were included. A traditional meta-analysis of 51 single interventions and controlled studies revealed that sports intervention, cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, mindfulness intervention, attention bias training and group counseling significantly improved adolescent Internet addiction [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -1.75, 95 % CI (-2.07, -1.44), p < 0.01; I2 = 94 %] compared to no-treatment groups. A network meta-analysis showed that combined intervention (Sucra = 93.5) had the highest probability of being the best intervention for adolescent Internet addiction, and acupuncture interventions showed the most promise as a single intervention modality; however, due to the limited number of studies, we believe that sports intervention could be the most appropriate single intervention. DISCUSSION: The evidence provided by existing studies shows that compared with other single interventions, combined interventions have the greatest effect on adolescent IA, and sports may be the best single intervention. However, because of the limitations of sample size and quality of individual studies, the strength of the evidence still needs to be further verified by additional standardized and high-quality studies.

Multispectral smart window: Dynamic light modulation and electromagnetic microwave shielding.

A novel multispectral smart window has been proposed, which features dynamic modulation of light transmittance and effective shielding against electromagnetic microwave radiation. This design integrates liquid crystal dynamic scattering and dye doping techniques, enabling the dual regulation of transmittance and scattering within a single-layer smart window. Additionally, the precise control of conductive film thickness ensures the attainment of robust microwave signal shielding. We present a theoretical model for ion movement in the presence of an alternating electric field, along with a novel approach to manipulate negative dielectric constant. The proposed model successfully enables a rapid transition between light transparent, absorbing and haze states, with an optimum drive frequency adjustable to approximately 300 Hz. Furthermore, the resistive design of the conductive layer effectively mitigates microwave radiation within the 2-18 GHz range. These findings offer an innovative perspective for future advancements in environmental construction.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the PP2C gene family in Apocynum venetum and Apocynum hendersonii.

BACKGROUND: Protein phosphatase class 2 C (PP2C) is the largest protein phosphatase family in plants. Members of the PP2C gene family are involved in a variety of physiological pathways in plants, including the abscisic acid signalling pathway, the regulation of plant growth and development, etc., and are capable of responding to a wide range of biotic and abiotic stresses, and play an important role in plant growth, development, and response to stress. Apocynum is a perennial persistent herb, divided into Apocynum venetum and Apocynum hendersonii. It mainly grows in saline soil, deserts and other harsh environments, and is widely used in saline soil improvement, ecological restoration, textiles and medicine. A. hendersonii was found to be more tolerant to adverse conditions. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the PP2C gene family and its expression pattern under salt stress and to identify important candidate genes related to salt tolerance. RESULTS: In this study, 68 AvPP2C genes and 68 AhPP2C genes were identified from the genomes of A. venetum and A. hendersonii, respectively. They were classified into 13 subgroups based on their phylogenetic relationships and were further analyzed for their subcellular locations, gene structures, conserved structural domains, and cis-acting elements. The results of qRT-PCR analyses of seven AvPP2C genes and seven AhPP2C genes proved that they differed significantly in gene expression under salt stress. It has been observed that the PP2C genes in A. venetum and A. hendersonii exhibit different expression patterns. Specifically, AvPP2C2, 6, 24, 27, 41 and AhPP2C2, 6, 24, 27, 42 have shown significant differences in expression under salt stress. This indicates that these genes may play a crucial role in the salt tolerance mechanism of A. venetum and A. hendersonii. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of the AvPP2C and AhPP2C gene families in Apocynum, which provided a reference for further understanding the functional characteristics of these genes.

Physicochemical evaluation, structural characterization, in vitro and in vivo bioactivities of water-soluble polysaccharides from Luobuma (Apocynum L.) tea.

Luobuma tea is made from the leaves of Apocynum hendersonii (Bt) and A. venetum (Ht) and has been used for a very long time in China and Japan as herbal tea. This study isolated water-soluble polysaccharides from the two species` teas. Physicochemical properties, structural properties, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities were determined for the first time. The results showed that the Bt and Ht polysaccharides with molecular weights of 31.21 and 49.11 kDa, respectively, composed of arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, glucose, xylose, fucose, and mannose. A dose-dependent nitric oxide production and interleukin-6 inhibitory effects were obtained. Also, they suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 mRNA in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Likewise, Bt and Ht have significantly reduced edema in the paws of mice after carrageenan injection. These results suggested that the Luobuma teas polysaccharides can be explored as potential antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.

Comprehensive analysis of the immune implication of EPHX4 gene in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: The role of Epoxide Hydrolase-4 (EPHX4), a member of epoxide hydrolase family, has not been investigated in cancer. The purpose of this article is to explore the application value of EPHX4 in laryngeal cancer and its relationship with immune infiltration. METHODS: We observed that EPHX4 expression and its survival assays in laryngeal cancer specimens based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohorts. We also analyzed the correlation between immune cell infiltration levels and EPHX4 gene copy number in laryngeal cancer. Finally, we conducted in vitro assay to evaluate the functions of EPHX4 in laryngeal cancer cell line. RESULTS: EPHX4 is highly expressed in laryngeal cancer specimens and has a poor prognosis. EPHX4 related immune cell analysis showed that it participated in NK Natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity. Finally, Cell experiments indicate that EPHX4 could promote laryngeal cancer cell line proliferation, colony formation and invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Our research results suggest that EPHX4 may be a potential immunotherapy target for laryngeal cancer. The nominated immune signature is a helpful and promising prognostic indicator in laryngeal cancer. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Comparison of outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with and without a cervical collar: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The clinical outcomes of patients who received a cervical collar after anterior cervical decompression and fusion were evaluated by comparison with those of patients who did not receive a cervical collar. METHODS: All of the comparative studies published in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Medline, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases as of 1 October 2023 were included. All outcomes were analysed using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: Four studies with a total of 406 patients were included, and three of the studies were randomized controlled trials. Meta-analysis of the short-form 36 results revealed that wearing a cervical collar after anterior cervical decompression and fusion was more beneficial (P < 0.05). However, it is important to note that when considering the Neck Disability Index at the final follow-up visit, not wearing a cervical collar was found to be more advantageous. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative cervical range of motion, fusion rate, or neck disability index at 6 weeks postoperatively (all P > 0.05) between the cervical collar group and the no cervical collar group. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in the 6-week postoperative cervical range of motion, fusion rate, or neck disability index between the cervical collar group and the no cervical collar group. However, compared to patients who did not wear a cervical collar, patients who did wear a cervical collar had better scores on the short form 36. Interestingly, at the final follow-up visit, the neck disability index scores were better in the no cervical collar group than in the cervical collar group. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023466583.

The impact of thickness-related grain boundary migration on hole concentration and mobility of p-type transparent conducting CuI films.

CuI films present promising optoelectronic properties for transparent conductors. However, the high hole concentration in CuI films hinders the controllable modulation of hole mobility, limiting their application in low-dimensional thin-film transistors. In this study, CuI films were prepared through a Cu film iodination method at room temperature, and a systematic investigation was conducted on the modulation of hole concentration and mobility with varying film thickness. The films exhibited a zinc blende structure (γ-phase) with increasing grain size as the thickness increased. The transmittance and optical bandgap of the films decreased with increasing thickness. The correlation of vacancy concentration with changing film thickness was analyzed through photoluminescence spectroscopy, revealing the influence of grain boundary migration on vacancy formation. The reduction in film thickness diminishes the migration of CuI grain boundaries, consequently reducing the probability of Cu vacancy and I vacancy formation, resulting in diminished hole concentration and enhanced hole mobility and film conductivity. The film with a thickness of 20 nm demonstrated optimal performance, with a transmittance of 90%, hole concentration of 4.09 × 1017 cm-3, hole mobility of 506.50 cm2 V-1 s-1, and conductivity of 33.19 S cm-1. This work deepens the understanding of hole transport such as hole concentration and mobility modulation in CuI films, highlighting the importance of controlling grain boundary migration during the film growth process.

Percutaneous microchannel unilateral approach bilateral micro decompression for adjacent segmental degeneration after lumbar fusion at 10 years: a case report and review of literature.

Background: Adjacent segmental degeneration after lumbar fusion is one of the common long-term complications after lumbar fusion. With the continuous development of adjacent segmental degeneration, patients who fail conservative treatment often need reoperation to relieve symptoms. In recent years, the technique of bilateral microdecompression through unilateral approach under microchannel has been widely used in the treatment of lumbar degenerative diseases. However, the efficacy of this procedure for adjacent-segment degeneration after lumbar fusion has not been established. Here, we report a case of bilateral microscopic decompression via a unilateral approach through a microchannel in a patient with adjacent segmental degeneration after lumbar fusion. Case report: A 70-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital because of lumbago accompanied by left lower extremity pain, numbness and weakness for 2 years, which aggravated for 2 months. Ten years ago, he underwent PLIF for lumbar spinal stenosis, and recovered well after the operation. According to imaging data and physical examination, the diagnosis was adjacent segmental degeneration after lumbar fusion. Bilateral microdecompression was performed through a unilateral approach under a microchannel. Good clinical outcomes was observed through 1-year postoperative follow-up. Conclusions: This report reports the successful treatment of a patient with ASD 10 years after lumbar fusion. Bilateral microdecompression via a unilateral approach under a microchannel is a safe and effective method for the treatment of ASD after lumbar fusion with good surgical outcomes.

Lipids signaling and unsaturation of fatty acids participate in ramie response to submergence stress and hypoxia-responsive gene regulation.

Ramie is a valuable crop that produces high-quality fibers and holds promise in ecological management and potential therapeutic properties. The damage of submergence during the fertile period seriously affects the growth of ramie. This study used transcriptomics and UPLC-QTOF/MS-based lipidomics analysis to reveal the lipids remodeling and stress adaptation mechanism in ramie response to submergence. The results of subcellular distribution showed that lipids in ramie leaf cells mostly aggregate in the inter-chloroplast cytoplasm to form lipid droplets under submergence stress. High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and lipidomics analysis showed that the composition and content of lipids in ramie leaves significantly changed under submergence stress, and the content of fatty acids (FAs) gradually accumulated with the extension of the submergence treatment time. Further analysis revealed that the content of 18:3 (n3) Coenzyme A (C18:3-CoA) increased significantly with the prolongation of submergence stress, and the exogenous addition of C18:3-CoA activated the expression of hypoxia-responsive marker genes such as BnADH1, BnPCO2, BnADH1, and BnPDC1. These results suggest that the ramie lipid metabolism pathways were significantly affected under submergence, and the C18:3-CoA may act directly or indirectly on the hypoxia-responsive genes to activate their transcriptional activities, thereby enhancing the tolerance of ramie to submergence stress.