Knockdown of microRNA390 Enhances Maize Brace Root Growth.

Brace root architecture is a critical determinant of maize's stalk anchorage and nutrition uptake, influencing root lodging resistance, stress tolerance, and plant growth. To identify the key microRNAs (miRNAs) in control of maize brace root growth, we performed small RNA sequencing using brace root samples at emergence and growth stages. We focused on the genetic modulation of brace root development in maize through manipulation of miR390 and its downstream regulated auxin response factors (ARFs). In the present study, miR167, miR166, miR172, and miR390 were identified to be involved in maize brace root growth in inbred line B73. Utilizing short tandem target mimic (STTM) technology, we further developed maize lines with reduced miR390 expression and analyzed their root architecture compared to wild-type controls. Our findings show that STTM390 maize lines exhibit enhanced brace root length and increased whorl numbers. Gene expression analyses revealed that the suppression of miR390 leads to upregulation of its downstream regulated ARF genes, specifically ZmARF11 and ZmARF26, which may significantly alter root architecture. Additionally, loss-of-function mutants for ZmARF11 and ZmARF26 were characterized to further confirm the role of these genes in brace root growth. These results demonstrate that miR390, ZmARF11, and ZmARF26 play crucial roles in regulating maize brace root growth; the involved complicated molecular mechanisms need to be further explored. This study provides a genetic basis for breeding maize varieties with improved lodging resistance and adaptability to diverse agricultural environments.

Development and characterization of pectin-based composite film incorporated with cannabidiol/2,6-di-O-methyl-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex for food packaging.

To reduce environmental pollution and improve human health, developing green active food packaging materials is very necessary. In this study, a novel antioxidant and antibacterial composite film was produced by incorporating inclusion complex (CDIC) of cannabidiol (CBD) with 2,6-di-O-methyl-ß-cyclodextrin (DM-ß-CD) into pectin. The pectin films loaded with CBD and hemp leaf water extract (HLE) were prepared for comparison. Comprehensive characterizations showed CBD was encapsulated by DM-ß-CD and CDIC was evenly dispersed into pectin matrix, forming the compact and intact film. The composite films showed good mechanical properties and biodegradability. CDIC film showed the highest transparency and smoothness (Rrms/Rmax: 2.6/16.8 nm). The addition of bioactives reduced the water-binding capacity and CDIC film had the strongest hydrophobicity. Besides, DM-ß-CD encapsulation improved the thermal stability of CBD in CDIC film. Benefiting from encapsulation and excellent bioactivities of CBD, CDIC film showed excellent antioxidant capacity and antibacterial activity, effectively inhibiting colony growth and maintaining the strawberry color in strawberry preservation. This work could provide a novel eco-friendly candidate for food packaging material and expand the use of CBD in food industry.

Synergism of jet milling and deep eutectic solvent pretreatment on grapevine lignin fractionation and enhancing enzymatic hydrolysis.

Herein, we investigated the synergistic effects of jet milling (JM) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatment on the fractionation of grapevine lignin and the consequent enhancement of enzymatic hydrolysis. Grapevine, a substantial byproduct of the wine industry, was subjected to JM pretreatment to produce finely powdered particles (median diameter D50 = 98.90), which were then further treated with acidic ChCl-LA and alkaline K2CO3-EG DESs. The results revealed that the combined JM + ChCl-LA pretreatment significantly increased the cellulose preservation under optimal conditions (110 °C, 4 h, and 20 % water content), achieving removal rates of 74.18 % xylan and 66.05 % lignin, respectively. The pretreatment temperature and inhibitor production were reduced, resulting in a remarkable threefold increase in glucose yield compared to untreated samples. Moreover, the structural analysis of the pretreated lignin indicated an enrichment of phenolic units, leading to enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial activities, particularly in the JM pretreated samples. These findings underscore the promising potential of the synergistic JM and DES pretreatment in facilitating the efficient utilization of grapevine lignocellulosic biomass for sustainable biorefinery technologies.

The Future-oriented Repetitive Thought (FoRT) scale: Validation in Chinese samples and application in the schizophrenia spectrum.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive thoughts are usually associated with psychopathology. The Future-oriented Repetitive Thought (FoRT) Scale is a measure designed to capture frequency of repetitive thought about positive and negative future events. However, the validity of the scale in Chinese population and its application in the schizophrenia spectrum have not been examined. METHODS: The current study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the FoRT scale and to apply it to the schizophrenia spectrum. In Study 1, three samples (total N = 1875) of university students were recruited for exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and validity test, respectively. In Study 2, we identified subsamples with high schizotypal traits (N = 89) and low schizotypal traits (N = 89), and recruited 36 inpatients with schizophrenia and 41 matched healthy controls. RESULTS: The three-factor (pessimistic repetitive future thinking, repetitive thinking about future goals, and positive indulging about the future) structure of the FoRT scale with one item deleted, fitted the Chinese samples. And the scale could distinguish patients with schizophrenia and individuals with high schizotypal traits from controls. CONCLUSION: These findings support that the Chinese version of the FoRT scale is a valid tool and provide evidence for the potential applications in the schizophrenia spectrum.

Heat-activated growth of metastable and length-defined DNA fibers expands traditional polymer assembly.

Biopolymers such as nucleic acids and proteins exhibit dynamic backbone folding, wherein site-specific intramolecular interactions determine overall structure. Proteins then hierarchically assemble into supramolecular polymers such as microtubules, that are robust yet dynamic, constantly growing or shortening to adjust to cellular needs. The combination of dynamic, energy-driven folding and growth with structural stiffness and length control is difficult to achieve in synthetic polymer self-assembly. Here we show that highly charged, monodisperse DNA-oligomers assemble via seeded growth into length-controlled supramolecular fibers during heating; when the temperature is lowered, these metastable fibers slowly disassemble. Furthermore, the specific molecular structures of oligomers that promote fiber formation contradict the typical theory of block copolymer self-assembly. Efficient curling and packing of the oligomers - or 'curlamers' - determine morphology, rather than hydrophobic to hydrophilic ratio. Addition of a small molecule stabilises the DNA fibers, enabling temporal control of polymer lifetime and underscoring their potential use in nucleic-acid delivery, stimuli-responsive biomaterials, and soft robotics.

RIRS with FV-UAS vs. MPCNL for 2-3-cm upper urinary tract stones: a prospective study.

To observe the efficacy and safety of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) combined with flexible vacuum-assisted ureteral access sheath (FV-UAS) and minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in patients with 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones. A total of 160 patients with 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones were prospectively randomized into 2 groups-80 in the FV-UAS group and 80 cases as control in the MPCNL group. The stone-free rates (SFRs) at different times (postoperative 1st day and 4th week) were considered as the primary outcome of the study. The secondary end points were operative time, hemoglobin decrease, postoperative hospital stay, and operation-related complications. There was no obvious difference between the two groups in patient's demographics and preoperative clinical characteristics (all P > 0.05). Postoperative data showed that mean decrease in hemoglobin level was less in FV-UAS group than that in MPCNL group (5.3 vs. 10.8 g/L, P < 0.001). Postoperative hospital stay in FV-UAS group was more shorten than that in MPCNL group (2.7 vs. 4.9 days, P < 0.001). There was no statistical significance between the two groups in SFRs during postoperative 1st day and 4th week (both P > 0.05). However, in terms of the rates of bleeding and pain, MPCNL group were both significantly higher than FV-UAS group (6.2 vs. 0.0%, P = 0.023; 16.2 vs. 2.5%, P = 0.003; respectively). Our study showed that RIRS with FV-UAS, a new partnership to treat 2-3 cm upper urinary tract stones, was satisfying as it achieved a high SFR rate and a low rate of complications. This method was safe and reproducible in clinical practice.

Fluorescent molecular rotors detect O6-methylguanine dynamics and repair in duplex DNA.

Alkylation at the O6 position of guanine is a common and highly mutagenic form of DNA damage. Direct repair of O6-alkylguanines by the "suicide" enzyme O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT, AGT, AGAT) maintains genome stability and inhibits carcinogenesis. In this study, a fluorescent analogue of thymidine containing trans-stilbene (tsT) is quenched by O6-methylguanine residues in the opposite strand of DNA by molecular dynamics that propagate through the duplex with as much as ∼9 Šof separation. Increased fluorescence of tsT or the cytosine analogue tsC resulting from MGMT-mediated DNA repair were distinguishable from non-covalent DNA-protein binding following protease digest. To our knowledge, this is the first study utilizing molecular rotor base analogues to detect DNA damage and repair activities in duplex DNA.

Identifying subgroups of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from the psychopathological and neuropsychological profiles.

The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) advocates the dimensional approach in characterizing mental disorders. We followed RDoC to characterize children with ADHD using profiling based on the cognitive and psychopathological domains. We aimed to identify and validate ADHD subtypes with different clinical characteristics and functional impairments. We recruited 362 drug-naïve children with ADHD and 103 typically developing controls. The cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups based on the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). The subgroups' clinical characteristics and functional impairments were assessed using the WEISS Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Parent Report (WFIRS-P) and the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ). The cluster analysis yielded four subgroups: (1) ADHD with severe impairment in psychopathology and executive functions (EF), (2) ADHD with mild executive dysfunctions and normal-level psychopathology, (3) ADHD with severe externalizing problems and (4) ADHD with severe executive dysfunctions. These subgroups showed different clinical characteristics and degrees of functional impairment. The EF impairment group displayed more serious learning problems and worse life skills than the externalizing group. The two groups with externalizing problems (i.e. the severe impairment group and the externalizing group) both exhibited higher rates of the combined subtype of ADHD and higher rates of comorbid ODD. Different subtypes of ADHD displayed different profiles of internalizing and externalizing problems and levels of executive dysfunctions. In particular, the subtype with severe impairment in EF exhibited more learning problems and worse life skills, suggesting EF is a critical target for intervention in children with ADHD.

Exploring techniques for encoding spoken instructions in working memory: a comparison of verbal rehearsal, motor imagery, self-enactment and action observation.

Encoding and recalling spoken instructions is subject to working memory capacity limits. Previous research suggests action-based encoding facilitates instruction recall, but has not directly compared benefits across different types of action-based techniques. The current study addressed this in two experiments with young adults. In Experiment 1, participants listened to instructional sequences containing four action-object pairs, and encoded these instructions using either a motor imagery or verbal rehearsal technique, followed by recall via oral repetition or enactment. Memory for instructions was better when participants used a motor imagery technique during encoding, and when recalling the instructions by enactment. The advantage of using a motor imagery technique was present in both verbal and enacted recall. In Experiment 2, participants encoded spoken instructions whilst implementing one of four techniques (verbal rehearsal, motor imagery, observation of others' actions or self-enactment), and then recalled the instructions by oral repetition or enactment. For both verbal and enacted recall, memory for instructions was least accurate in the rehearsal condition, while the other encoding conditions did not differ from each other. These novel findings indicate similar benefits of imagining, observation and execution of actions in encoding spoken instructions, and enrich current understanding of action-based benefits in working memory.

Relationship between theta/beta ratio and mind wandering in schizotypy.

Negative association was found between the frontal theta/beta ratio and mind wandering in participants with high schizotypal traits, while no such association was found in participants with low schizotypal traits. These findings provide insights into the neural mechanism of mind wandering in individuals with high schizotypal traits.

Long Non-Coding RNA Dancr Affects Myocardial Fibrosis in Atrial Fibrillation Mice via the MicroRNA-146b-5p/Smad5 Axis.

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia, and myocardial fibrosis (MF) has a close association with atrial remodeling and leads to AF. This study aimed to explore the function of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) differentiation antagonizing non-protein coding RNA (Dancr)/microRNA (miR)-146b-5p/Smad5 axis on MF in AF mice. Methods: AF mouse models were established. Overexpression Dancr lentivirus was injected into AF mice to increase Dancr expression in myocardial tissues. LncRNA Dancr, miR-146b-5p, and Smad5 expression levels and inflammatory factors (IL-18 and TNF-α) in the myocardial tissues were measured. MF was measured and the expression levels of MF-related genes (COL1A1, α-SMA, and FN1) were detected. In addition, in vitro HL-1 cell rapid pacing models were constructed, and after lncRNA Dancr and miR-146b-5p-related construct transfection, cell viability and cell apoptosis were determined. Results: LncRNA Dancr up-regulation ameliorated MF in the AF mice, reduced IL-18 and TNF-α expression levels in myocardial tissues, and decreased COL1A1, α-SMA, and FN1 expression levels. The in vitro HL-1 cell rapid pacing models suggested that miR-146b-5p overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of lncRNA Dancr overexpression on MF in HL-1 cells, and Smad5 interference reversed the ameliorative effects of miR-146b-5p interference on MF in HL-1 cells. Conclusions: LncRNA Dancr can sponge miR-146b-5p to promote Smad5 expression, thereby delaying MF in AF mice.

Drug-Coated Balloons for De Novo Coronary Artery Lesions: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE: Through meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of drug-coated balloons (DCB), compared with drug-eluting stents (DES) or uncoated devices, in the treatment of de novo coronary lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Only randomized controlled trials were included. The primary outcomes were late lumen loss (LLL), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on clinical indications, whether DCBs were used with a systematic or bailout stent, and types of DESs. RESULTS: The present meta-analysis demonstrated that DCBs elicit significantly lower incidences of TLR, MACE, and LLL, compared with uncoated devices, and similar incidences, compared with DESs, in the treatment of de novo coronary lesions. Subgroup analysis indicated that DCBs used with a bailout stent achieved lower incidences of binary restenosis and myocardial infarction, compared with uncoated devices, and provided less LLL than DESs. DCBs showed similar rates of TLR and MACE, with significantly less LLL, than DESs in treating de novo small-vessel diseases. The clinical efficacy of DCBs was similar to that of second-generation DES. CONCLUSION: Overall, DCB is favored over bare metal stent alone in treating de novo coronary lesions. DCBs appear to be a promising alternative to DESs in the treatment of de novo coronary lesions.

Minimalist Design of Wireframe DNA Nanotubes: Tunable Geometry, Size, Chirality, and Dynamics.

DNA nanotubes (NTs) have attracted extensive interest as artificial cytoskeletons for biomedical, synthetic biology, and materials applications. Here, we report the modular design and assembly of a minimalist yet robust DNA wireframe nanotube with tunable cross-sectional geometry, cavity size, chirality, and length, while using only four DNA strands. We introduce an h-motif structure incorporating double-crossover (DX) tile-like DNA edges to achieve structural rigidity and provide efficient self-assembly of h-motif-based DNA nanotube (H-NT) units, thus producing programmable, micrometer-long nanotubes. We demonstrate control of the H-NT nanotube length via short DNA modulators. Finally, we use an enzyme, RNase H, to take these structures out of equilibrium and trigger nanotube assembly at a physiologically relevant temperature, underlining future cellular applications. The minimalist H-NTs can assemble at near-physiological salt conditions and will serve as an easily synthesized, DNA-economical modular template for biosensors, plasmonics, or other functional materials and as cost-efficient drug-delivery vehicles for biomedical applications.

Therapeutic Effects of Huazhuojiedu Decoction on Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer by Regulating Mitophagy.

This research aims to explore the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of Huazhuojiedu decoction (HZJD) for alleviating precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) both in vivo and in vitro. HZJD is a traditional Chinese herbal formula consisting of 11 herbs. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four subgroups: control group, model group, positive drug group, and HZJD group. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, high iron diamine-alcian blue (HID-AB) staining, alcian blue-periodic acid Schiff (AB-PAS) staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and Western blot assays were performed after 10 weeks of HZJD treatment. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to detect cell proliferation. RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were performed to evaluate mitophagy levels. The results indicated that HZJD could retard the pathological progression in PLGC rats and reduce PLGC cell proliferation. Treatment with HZJD significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of Sirt3, Foxo3a, Parkin, and LC3 II/I, while decreasing the mRNA and protein expression levels of p62 and Tomm20. HZJD was found to have the ability to reverse the decline in mitophagy activity both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the study assessed the impact of HZJD and provided evidence regarding its potential molecular mechanism.

Protective Effect of Cannabidiol on Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Damage in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs).

Natural antioxidants play an important role in promoting good health because of their prevention for oxidative damage. The work aimed to explore the antioxidant mechanism and activity of cannabidiol (CBD) at the cellular level. The human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) with oxidative damage was employed as the model to study the protective capability of CBD. The results showed that CBD pre-treatment before the cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) resulted in an obvious increase of cell viability (about 100 %) and antioxidant related enzymes activity, and a decline of malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Besides, CBD could alleviate the increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, the contraction of nucleus, and condensation of chromatin. The changes showed a dose-dependent effect. Additionally, the free radicals scavenging capacity of CBD was comparable to that of typical natural antioxidant, anthocyanidins. In summary, CBD could be employed as a potent antioxidant source for avoiding the oxidative damage. These results could provide the foundation for the development of CBD antioxidant products.

Prospection deficits in patients with first-episode schizophrenia: a cross-sectional comparative study.

Prospection refers to the ability to simulate and pre-experience future events. Schizophrenia patients have difficulty in anticipating pleasure in future events, but previous studies examined prospection deficits in chronic schizophrenia patients. This study aimed to investigate prospection deficits in first-episode schizophrenia patients. Thirty first-episode schizophrenia patients and 31 healthy controls completed the Affective Prospection Task, which utilized pictorial cues to involve positive, neutral and negative prospection. Participants' ratings regarding the phenomenal characteristics of their prospected events were collected, and their prospected narratives were coded using a valid scoring manual. We also assessed intelligence, working memory and logical memory. The results showed, in all participants, valence of the cues significantly influenced participants' sense of pre-experience, temporal distance, emotion experience, vividness and participation of the prospected events, as well as the richness of sensory details. The two groups did not differ in self-report phenomenal characteristics of their prospected events. For coded characteristics, schizophrenia patients' prospected narratives were less rich in thought/emotion than controls, even after controlling for intelligence and memory deficits. We extended empirical evidence for prospection deficits from chronic schizophrenia samples to first-episode schizophrenia patients.

Difunctionalization of 1,3-Butadiene via Sequential Radical Thiol-ene Reaction and Allylation by Dual Photoredox and Titanium Catalysis.

Recently, radical difunctionalization of the feedstock 1,3-butadiene has become an attractive strategy for increasing molecular complexity. Herein, we present a novel approach that effectively combines radical thiol-ene chemistry with TiIII catalysis to enable a three-component aldehyde allylation using 1,3-butadiene as an allyl group source under visible light conditions. This sustainable and straightforward method has facilitated the rapid production of diverse allylic 1,3-thioalcohols with exceptional regio- and diastereoselectivity.

Changes in the salivary metabolome in patients with chronic erosive gastritis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic erosive gastritis (CEG) is closely related to gastric cancer, which requires early diagnosis and intervention. The invasiveness and discomfort of electronic gastroscope have limited its application in the large-scale screening of CEG. Therefore, a simple and noninvasive screening method is needed in the clinic. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to screen potential biomarkers that can identify diseases from the saliva samples of CEG patients using metabolomics. METHODS: Saliva samples from 64 CEG patients and 30 healthy volunteers were collected, and metabolomic analysis was performed using UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS in the positive and negative ion modes. Statistical analysis was performed using both univariate (Student's t-test) and multivariate (orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis) tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to determine significant predictors in the saliva of CEG patients. RESULTS: By comparing the saliva samples from CEG patients and healthy volunteers, 45 differentially expressed metabolites were identified, of which 37 were up-regulated and 8 were down-regulated. These differential metabolites were related to amino acid, lipid, phenylalanine metabolism, protein digestion and absorption, and mTOR signaling pathway. In the ROC analysis, the AUC values of 7 metabolites were greater than 0.8, among which the AUC values of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycoro-3-phosphodylcholine and 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycoro-3-phospholine (SOPC) were greater than 0.9. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, a total of 45 metabolites were identified in the saliva of CEG patients. Among them, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycoro-3-phosphorylcholine and 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycoro-3-phosphorine (SOPC) might have potential clinical application value.

Comparative study of encapsulated cannabidiol ternary solid dispersions prepared by different techniques: The application of a novel technique jet milling.

Jet milling is a common technique in ultrafine powder preparation field. It has never been used to design delivery systems. Cannabidiol (CBD) is an important cannabinoid of hemp but poor aqueous solubility limited its applications. In this study, solid dispersion (SD) technique was combined with cyclodextrin complexation technique, and jet milling was used for the first time to prepare SDs for improving CBD solubility. Different characterizations demonstrated that the dispersion effect and complexation structure of CBD SD3 prepared by jet milling were comparable to that of CBD SD2 prepared by spray drying (a common solution-based method), and were better than that of CBD SD1 prepared by cogrinding. The water solubility of CBD was increased to 20.902 µg/mL (909-fold) in CBD SD3. Besides, the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity to tumor cells of CBD were enhanced by dispersion. This work indicated that jet milling, as a new technique with low cost and excellent applicability, could be further developed for the delivery of food functional factors or bioactive molecules.

Acidic and alkaline deep eutectic solvents (DESs) pretreatment of grapevine: Component analysis, characterization, lignin structural analysis, and antioxidant properties.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been extensively applied to pretreat lignocellulose; however, comparative research on acidic and alkaline DES pretreatment is relatively lacking. Herein, pretreatment of grapevine agricultural by-products with seven DESs were compared in terms of removal of lignin and hemicellulose and component analysis of the pretreated residues. Among the tested DESs, both acidic choline chloride-lactic (CHCl-LA), and alkaline potassium carbonate-ethylene glycol (K2CO3-EG) were effective in delignification. Thereafter, the CHCl-LA and K2CO3-EG extracted lignin was compared by analyzing their physicochemical structure changes and antioxidant properties. The results showed that the thermal stability, molecular weight, and phenol hydroxyl percentage of CHCl-LA lignin were inferior to K2CO3-EG lignin. It was found that the high antioxidant activity of K2CO3-EG lignin was mainly attributed to the abundant phenol hydroxyl, guaiacyl (G), and para-hydroxy-phenyl (H). By comparing acidic and alkaline DES pretreatments and their lignin nuances in biorefining, novel insights are derived for the scheduling and selection of DES for lignocellulosic pretreatment.