Effect of Harvest Time on Growth and Bioactive Compounds in Salvia miltiorrhiza.

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is a perennial medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is adapted to a wide range of soil pH with the potential to serve as an alternative crop in the United States. To enhance its cultivation and economic viability, it is crucial to develop production practices that maximize bioactive compound yields for danshen. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different harvest times on plant growth and subsequent yields of bioactive components of danshen. Three harvest times were selected (60, 120, or 180 days after transplanting [DAT]). In general, plants harvested at 180 DAT had higher plant growth index (PGI), shoot number, shoot weight, root number, maximum root length, maximum root diameter, and root weight compared to plants harvested at 60 or 120 DAT. However, plants harvested at 60 or 120 DAT had higher SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis Development) values. Plants harvested at 120 or 180 DAT had a higher content of tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, and salvianolic acid B compared to those harvested at 60 DAT. This study provides insights for optimizing the time of harvest of danshen to maximize plant growth and bioactive compound production.

Comparative Mitogenomics and Phylogenetic Implications for Nine Species of the Subfamily Meconematinae (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae).

Currently, the subfamily Meconematinae encompasses 1029 species, but whole-mitochondrial-genome assemblies have only been made available for 13. In this study, the whole mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of nine additional species in the subfamily Meconematinae were sequenced. The size ranged from 15,627 bp to 17,461 bp, indicating double-stranded circular structures. The length of the control region was the main cause of the difference in mitochondrial genome length among the nine species. All the mitogenomes including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs) and a control region (CR). The majority strand encoded 23 genes, and the minority strand encoded 14 genes. A phylogenetic analysis reaffirmed the monophyletic status of each subfamily, but the monophysitism of Xizicus, Xiphidiopsis and Phlugiolopsis was not supported.

Molecular Epidemiological Characteristics of Carbapenem Resistant Aeromonas from Hospital Wastewater.

Background: Hospital wastewater (HWW) promotes the spread of carbapenem resistance genes (CRGs). Aeromonas carry a large number of CRGs in HWW, they may play a role as a suitable reservoir for CRGs, while resistomes in HWW are still poorly characterized regarding carbapenem resistant Aeromonas. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the molecular epidemiological characteristics of carbapenem resistant Aeromonas in HWW. Methods: A total of 33 carbapenem resistant Aeromonas were isolated from HWW. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were used to assess the antimicrobial resistance profiles. Molecular typing was performed using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR (ERIC-PCR) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The horizontal transmission mode of bla KPC was explored through conjugation and transformation experiments. The stability of bla KPC-IncP-6 plasmids was assessed through plasmid stability and in vitro competition test. The PCR mapping method was used to investigate the structural diversity of bla KPC. Results: The detection rates of bla KPC and cphA in Aeromonas were 97.0% and 39.4% respectively. Aeromonas caviae were grouped into 13 clusters by ERIC-PCR and 12 STs by MLST. Aeromonas veronii were grouped into 11 clusters by ERIC-PCR and 4 STs by MLST. 56.3% bla KPC were located on mobilizable IncP-6 plasmids. bla KPC-IncP-6 plasmid showed high stability and low cost fitness. Conclusion: Carbapenem resistant Aeromonas from HWW mainly carried bla KPC, which exhibited great structural diversity. Aeromonas might serve as reservoirs for bla KPC and bla KPC might spread mainly through transformation in HWW.

Culm Morphological Analysis in Moso Bamboo Reveals the Negative Regulation of Internode Diameter and Thickness by Monthly Precipitation.

The neglect of Moso bamboo's phenotype variations hinders its broader utilization, despite its high economic value globally. Thus, this study investigated the morphological variations of 16 Moso bamboo populations. The analysis revealed the culm heights ranging from 9.67 m to 17.5 m, with average heights under the first branch ranging from 4.91 m to 7.67 m. The total internode numbers under the first branch varied from 17 to 36, with internode lengths spanning 2.9 cm to 46.4 cm, diameters ranging from 5.10 cm to 17.2 cm, and wall thicknesses from 3.20 mm to 33.3 mm, indicating distinct attributes among the populations. Furthermore, strong positive correlations were observed between the internode diameter, thickness, length, and volume. The coefficient of variation of height under the first branch showed strong positive correlations with several parameters, indicating variability in their contribution to the total culm height. A regression analysis revealed patterns of covariation among the culm parameters, highlighting their influence on the culm height and structural characteristics. Both the diameter and thickness significantly contribute to the internode volume and culm height, and the culm parameters tend to either increase or decrease together, influencing the culm height. Moreover, this study also identified a significant negative correlation between monthly precipitation and the internode diameter and thickness, especially during December and January, impacting the primary thickening growth and, consequently, the internode size.

S-nitrosylation may inhibit the activity of COP1 in plant photomorphogenesis.

Protein S-nitrosylation, which is defined by the covalent attachment of nitric oxide (NO) to the thiol group of cysteine residues, is known to play critical roles in plant development and stress responses. NO promotes seedling photomorphogenesis and NO emission is enhanced by light. However, the function of protein S-nitrosylation in plant photomorphogenesis is largely unknown. E3 ligase CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1) and transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL 5 (HY5) antagonistically regulate seedling photomorphogenesis. COP1 inhibits plant photomorphogenesis by targeting photomorphogenic promoters like HY5 for 26S proteasome degradation. Here, we report that COP1 is S-nitrosylated in vitro. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that two evolutionarily well conserved residues, cysteine 425 and cysteine 607, in the WD40 domain of COP1 are S-nitrosylated. S-nitrosylated glutathione (GSNO) is an important physiological NO donor for protein S-nitrosylation. The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) gsnor1-3 mutant, which accumulates higher level of GSNO, accumulated higher HY5 levels than wildtype (WT), indicating that COP1 activity is inhibited. Protein S-nitrosylation can be reversed by Thioredoxin-h5 (TRXh5) in plants. Indeed, COP1 interacts directly with TRXh5 and its close homolog TRXh3. Moreover, catalase 3 (CAT3) acts as a transnitrosylase that transfers NO to its target proteins like GSNO reductase (GSNOR). We found that CAT3 interacts with COP1 in plants. Taken together, our data indicate that the activity of COP1 is likely inhibited by NO via S-nitrosylation to promote the accumulation of HY5 and photomorphogenesis.

A clinical and computed tomography-based nomogram to predict the outcome in patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: To explore the positive predictors of the clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO) after endovascular mechanical thrombectomy (EMT) at a 90-day follow-up, and to establish a nomogram model to predict the clinical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AIS patients with ACLVO detected by multimodal Computed Tomography imaging who underwent EMT were collected. Patients were divided into the favorable and the unfavorable groups according to the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate predictors of the favorable outcome (mRS of 0-2). A nomogram model for predicting the clinical outcome after EMT was drawn, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate its predictive value. RESULTS: Totally 105 patients including 65 patients in the favorable group and 40 in the unfavorable group were enrolled. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that admission National Institute of Health Stroke scale (NIHSS) score [0.858 (95% CI 0.778-0.947)], ACLVO at M2 [20.023 (95% CI 2.204-181.907)] and infarct core (IC) volume [0.943 (95% CI 0.917-0.969)] was positively correlated with favorable outcome. The accuracy of the nomogram model in predicting the outcome was 0.923 (95% CI 0.870-0.976), with a cutoff value of 119.6 points. The area under the ROC curve was 0.848 (95% CI 0.780-0.917; sensitivity, 79.7%; specificity, 90.0%). CONCLUSION: A low Admission NIHSS score, ACLVO at M2, and a small IC volume were positive predictors for favorable outcome. The nomogram model may well predict the outcome in AIS patients with ACLVO after EMT.

[The Efficacy and Safety of Venetoclax Combined with Azacitidine in the Treatment of Adult Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia Who Are Unfit for Intensive Chemotherapy].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of venetoclax (VEN) combined with azacitidine (AZA) in the treatment of adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy. METHODS: The clinical data of 21 adult patients with unfit AML who were treated with VEN combined with AZA in the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from January 2021 to May 2022 were collected, and the efficacy and safety were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: After one course of treatment with VEN and AZA, 16 out of 21 unfit AML patients reached complete remission (CR)/CR with incomplete hematologic recovery (CRi), 2 patients reached partial remission (PR), the overall response rate (ORR) was 85.7%. Among the 16 patients with CR/CRi, 13 achieved minimal residual disease (MRD) negativity. Among the 11 patients with adverse prognosis, 8 achieved CR/CRi. By the deadline of follow-up, the median overall suivival (OS) of the entire cohort was not reached, with 1-year OS rate of 61.7%. The main adverse events of VEN combined with AZA were myelosuppression, gastrointestinal reactions and infections. There were 13 cases of leukopenia, 7 cases of neutropenia, 7 cases of anemia, 4 cases of thrombocytopenia, and these hematologic adverse events were all grade 3-4. There were 11 cases with gastrointestinal reactions and 7 cases with infections. The above adverse events were controllable and tolerable. No tumor lysis syndrome or infection related death occurred. CONCLUSION: VEN combined with AZA can quickly achieve deep remission in adult patients with unfit AML, and it shows a good safety profile.

Bumblebee Foraging Dynamics and Pollination Outcomes for Cherry Tomato and Pear Varieties in Northern China.

Bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) have strong environmental adaptability and high pollen transfer efficiency, making them well-suited pollinators of economic crops. However, bumblebee pollination is still not widely applied in northern China due to the lack of data on foraging behavior and pollination effects. We conducted a three-year experiment involving cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and pears (Pyrus spp.) treated with bumblebee pollination to evaluate the foraging behavior and pollination effects on these two crops. Results showed that B. terrestris had enhanced foraging activities as daytime temperatures rose from 18 °C to 26 °C, as indicated by the increased number of bees leaving the hive and returning bees carrying pollen in greenhouses in winter. There were two peaks in the foraging activity of bumblebees in pear orchards in early spring, which was closely related to the temperature change in the daytime. Undoubtedly, cherry tomatoes treated with B. terrestris had higher fruit setting rate, weight, seed number, and fruit yields compared to those with hormone 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid treatments, as well as a lower rate of deformed fruits. B. terrestris pollination can significantly increase the fruit setting rate and fruit yield of pears, compared with open pollination, and can fully achieve the effect of hand pollination. B. terrestris pollination can improve cultivation efficiency, increase yield, and produce more economic benefits. Moreover, it can also contribute to reducing hormone residues and ensure the safety of agricultural products. We recommend its application to cherry tomatoes in greenhouses in winter and potential application to pears in orchards in early spring in northern China. However, the risk to local bumblebee species of introducing commercially available bumblebees into orchards should be considered and evaluated in future research. This study provides both empirical support and a theoretical basis for the selection of bumblebees as pollinators in the production of economically important crops and the improvement of crop cultivation management in northern China.

Molecular and phenotypic characteristics of Bardet-Biedl syndrome in Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a type of non-motile ciliopathy. To date, 26 genes have been reported to be associated with BBS. However, BBS is genetically heterogeneous, with significant clinical overlap with other ciliopathies, which complicates diagnosis. Disability and mortality rates are high in BBS patients; therefore, it is urgent to improve our understanding of BBS. Thus, our study aimed to describe the genotypic and phenotypic spectra of BBS in China and to elucidate genotype-phenotype correlations. METHODS: Twenty Chinese patients diagnosed with BBS were enrolled in this study. We compared the phenotypes of Chinese BBS patients in this study with those from other countries to analyze the phenotypic differences across patients worldwide. In addition, genotype-phenotype correlations were described for our cohort. We also summarized all previously reported cases of BBS in Chinese patients (71 patients) and identified common and specific genetic variants in the Chinese population. RESULTS: Twenty-eight variants, of which 10 are novel, in 5 different BBS-associated genes were identified in 20 Chinese BBS patients. By comparing the phenotypes of BBSome-coding genes (BBS2,7,9) with those of chaperonin-coding genes (BBS10,12), we found that patients with mutations in BBS10 and 12 had an earlier age of onset (1.10 Vs. 2.20, p < 0.01) and diagnosis (4.64 Vs. 13.17, p < 0.01), whereas patients with mutations in BBS2, 7, and 9 had a higher body mass index (28.35 Vs. 24.21, p < 0.05) and more vision problems (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in 91 Chinese BBS patients, mutations were predominant in BBS2 (28.89%) and BBS7 (15.56%), and the most frequent variants were in BBS2: c.534 + 1G > T (10/182 alleles) and BBS7: c.1002delT (7/182 alleles), marking a difference from the genotypic spectra of BBS reported abroad. CONCLUSIONS: We recruited 20 Chinese patients with BBS for genetic and phenotypic analyses, and identified common clinical manifestations, pathogenic genes, and variants. We also described the phenotypic differences across patients worldwide and among different BBS-associated genes. This study involved the largest cohort of Chinese patients with BBS, and provides new insights into the distinctive clinical features of specific pathogenic variants.

Comparative plastomes of eight subgenus Chamaesyce plants and system authentication of Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba.

Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba (EHH) was provided with medicinal and edible uses, but frequently was adulterated with its closely related species. Hence, this study sought to identify EHH via an integrated approach comprising data from its morphological evaluation, HPLC analysis, comparative plastomes analysis and allele-specific PCR identification. First, the morphological characteristics of 8 subgenus Chamaesyce plants were summarized. Then, HPLC analysis showed that 18 batches of EHH were adulterated or unqualified. Furthermore, the plastomes of the 8 subg. Chamaesyce species were analyzed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a sister relationship among the 8 subg. Chamaesyce species. The allele-specific PCR authentication was developed by the nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions or deletions (InDels) analysis. The results of allele-specific PCR showed that 27 batches of EHH were adulterated, indicating that the superior sensitivity of molecular authentication over the other methods used. This study provided a reference for rational use and phylogenetic research of EHH.

Curcumin-Piperlongumine Hybrid Molecule Increases Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Lung Cancer through JNK/c-Jun Signaling Pathway.

The instability of curcumin's structure and the toxic side effects of piperlongumine have limited their potential applications in cancer treatment. To overcome these challenges, we designed and synthesized a novel curcumin-piperlongumine hybrid molecule, 3-[(E)-4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene]-1-[(E)-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)acryloyl]piperidin-2-one (CP), using a molecular hybridization strategy. CP exhibited enhanced structural stability and safety compared with its parent compounds. Through in vitro and in vivo biological activity screenings, CP effectively inhibited cell proliferation, caused cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, CP-induced apoptosis was partially mediated by cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, we discovered that CP induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through the regulation of JNK signaling. These findings highlight the potential of CP as a promising therapeutic agent for lung cancer treatment.

Cyy-287, a novel pyrimidine-2,4-diamine derivative, efficiently mitigates inflammatory responses, fibrosis, and lipid synthesis in obesity-induced cardiac and hepatic dysfunction.

Background: Inflammation and metabolic disorders are important factors in the occurrence and development of obesity complications. In this study, we investigated the protective effect and underlying mechanism of a novel pyrimidine-2,4-diamine derivative, Cyy-287, on mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: The mice were randomly separated into four groups (n ≥ 7): control (regular diet), HFD, HFD with Cyy-287 (5 mg/kg), and HFD with Cyy-287 (20 mg/kg) following HFD feeding for 10 weeks. After a 10-week administration, ALT and AST enzymes, echocardiography, immunohistochemical (IHC), Western blot (WB), Masson and Sirius Red staining were used to evaluate functional and morphological changes to the heart and liver. Microsomes from the mouse liver were extracted to quantify the total amount of CYP450 enzymes after drug treatment. Results: Cyy-287 decreased the levels of serum glucose, LDL, TC, ALT, and AST activities in HFD-treated mice. However, Cyy-287 administration increased ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) index of the heart. Cyy-287 inhibited histopathological changes in the heart and liver; decreased inflammatory activity; significantly diminished p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) axis, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c); and upregulated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in HFD-treated mice. Cyy-287 restored the content of hepatic CYP450 enzymes. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that Cyy-287 protected heart and liver cells from obesity-induced damage by inhibiting inflammation, fibrosis, and lipid synthesis.

Dihydroquercetin improves experimental acute liver failure by targeting ferroptosis and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis through the SIRT1/p53 axis.

BACKGROUND: Ferroptosis and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis are both involved in the pathogenesis of acute liver failure (ALF). Ferroptosis-produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) trigger the chain oxidation of polyunsaturated phospholipids and promote mitochondrial apoptosis. Dihydroquercetin (DHQ) also plays an important protective role against liver injury. PURPOSE: Here, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of DHQ on ALF. We also explored the underlying mechanism. METHODS: We established a Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-Gal)-induced ALF mouse model and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)/D-Gal-induced ALF LO2 cell model. 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and Dihydroethidium (DHE) were used to detect total ROS levels. Lipid ROS was assessed using C11-BODIPY flow cytometry. Lipid peroxidative products levels were detected using MDA ELISA assay and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) immunohistochemistry. QRT-PCR and western blots were used to test mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively. Cell viability was evaluated with CCK8 assay, and apoptosis was analyzed using flow cytometry. RESULTS: DHQ treatment improved LPS/D-Gal-induced ALF, as well as TNF-α/D-Gal-induced reductions in LO2 viability and increased sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. DHQ pretreatment also reduced the accumulation of ROS, reduced lipid peroxidation, elevated mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm), and decreased liver cell apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, the knockdown of SIRT1 and p53 activator (Tenovin-6) treatment reversed DHQ's inhibitory effects on ferroptosis and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in vitro. DHQ enhanced p53 deacetylation by both up-regulating SIRT1 expression and directly bonding to SIRT1. We also found that Tenovin-6's stimulatory effects on ferroptosis and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in the DHQ-treated LO2 ALF cell model were partially attenuated by overexpression of solute carrier family 7member 11 (SLC7A11), as well as by apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1) knockdown. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that DHQ alleviated ALF by inhibiting both ferroptosis and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by regulating the SIRT1/p53 axis. Thus, DHQ may serve as a novel therapy for ALF.

An optimized culturomics strategy for isolation of human milk microbiota.

Viable microorganisms and a diverse microbial ecosystem found in human milk play a crucial role in promoting healthy immune system and shaping the microbial community in the infant's gut. Culturomics is a method to obtain a comprehensive repertoire of human milk microbiota. However, culturomics is an onerous procedure, and needs expertise, making it difficult to be widely implemented. Currently, there is no efficient and feasible culturomics method specifically designed for human milk microbiota yet. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a more efficient and feasible culturomics method specifically designed for human milk microbiota. We obtained fresh samples of human milk from healthy Chinese mothers and conducted a 27-day enrichment process using blood culture bottles. Bacterial isolates were harvested at different time intervals and cultured on four different types of media. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis, we identified a total of 6601 colonies and successfully obtained 865 strains, representing 4 phyla, 21 genera, and 54 species. By combining CBA and MRS media, we were able to cultivate over 94.4% of bacterial species with high diversity, including species-specific microorganisms. Prolonged pre-incubation in blood culture bottles significantly increased the number of bacterial species by about 33% and improved the isolation efficiency of beneficial bacteria with low abundance in human milk. After optimization, we reduced the pre-incubation time in blood culture bottles and selected optimal picking time-points (0, 3, and 6 days) at 37°C. By testing 6601 colonies using MALDI-TOF MS, we estimated that this new protocol could obtain more than 90% of bacterial species, reducing the workload by 57.0%. In conclusion, our new culturomics strategy, which involves the combination of CBA and MRS media, extended pre-incubation enrichment, and optimized picking time-points, is a feasible method for studying the human milk microbiota. This protocol significantly improves the efficiency of culturomics and allows for the establishment of a comprehensive repertoire of bacterial species and strains in human milk.

Overexpression of SPP1 is a prognostic indicator of immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: The extracellular phosphoprotein, secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), plays a crucial role in various tumors and regulating the immune system. This study aimed to evaluate its prognostic value and relationship to immune infiltration in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS: In the TCGA and GEO datasets, the information on clinic and transcriptome analysis of SPP1 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was examined accordingly. The association of SPP1 expression with overall survival and clinicopathologic characteristics was investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis. CancerSEA database was utilized to investigate the role of SPP1 at the cellular level by single-cell analysis. Additionally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to assess the correlation among the immune cells that infiltrated. RESULTS: NSCLC tissues exhibited a notable rise in SPP1 expression compared with that of normal tissues. Furthermore, the overexpression of SPP1 was substantially associated with clinicopathological features and unfavorable survival outcomes in individuals with LUAD, whereas no such correlation was observed in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Immune cells that infiltrate tumors and their corresponding genes were associated with SPP1 expression levels in LUAD. CONCLUSIONS: SPP1 is a reliable indicator for assessing LUAD immune infiltration status and prognosis. With this approach, SPP1 can help earlier LUAD diagnosis and act as a possible immunotherapy target.

Organic fertilizer type and dose affect growth, morphological and physiological parameters, and mineral nutrition of watermelon seedlings.

Background: Organic agriculture has grown rapidly in recent years due to its environmental friendliness, sustainability, and improved farm profitability. Transplants are commonly used for fruits and vegetables to achieve consistent quality, uniformity, and easy field spacing control. The efficacy and optimal amounts of fertilizers for organic transplant production need to be investigated. Methods: The effects of three organic fertilizers (Sustane 4-6-4, Nature Safe 7-7-7, and Dramatic 2-4-1) and one conventional fertilizer Peters Professional 20-20-20 (Conventional) with four doses (nitrogen (N) content was matched among fertilizers in each level, as 0.14 g/L, 0.28 g/L, 0.56 g/L, and 0.84 g/L N, respectively) on watermelon seedlings were compared in this study. Results: The results showed that all organic fertilizer treatments were not significantly different from the Conventional group in terms of watermelon germination. The only exception was the highest dose of Sustane 4-6-4 (0.84 g/L N) which decreased the germination rate and relative emergence index. Generally, growth index, shoot fresh and dry weights, true leaf number, and stem diameter increased as the amount of N increased within each fertilizer type. The best shoot growth was observed in the highest doses of Conventional and Dramatic 2-4-1 treatments (0.84 g/L N). However, Dramatic 2-4-1 treatments resulted in the lowest root growth when compared to other fertilizers at the same N dose. The second highest fertilization dose (0.56 g/L N) of Sustane 4-6-4 had the best root growth according to root fresh weight, root volume, root area, total root length, as well as the numbers of root tip and crossing when compared to other treatments. For seedlings, a well-developed root system can ensure a good seedling establishment and high survival rate under stressful field conditions after transplanting. Thus, Sustane 4-6-4 at 14 g/L (0.56 g/L N) is recommended to produce high-quality organic watermelon seedlings among the treatments applied in this study.

Impact of single-trial avoidance learning on subsequent sleep.

Both non-rapid eye movement (NonREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, as well as sleep spindle and ripple oscillations, are important for memory formation. Through cortical EEG recordings of prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during and after an inhibitory avoidance task, we analysed the dynamic changes in the amounts of sleep, spindle and ripple oscillations related to memory formation. The total amount of NonREM sleep was reduced during the first hour after learning. Moreover, significant decrease of the total spindle and ripple counts was observed at the first hour after learning as well. In addition, foot shock alone, with no associated learning, produced little effect on the dynamics of sleep oscillations, indicating that the learning experience is necessary for these changes to occur.

Liquid-phase catalyst pre-seeding for controlled growth of layered MoS2 films over a large area via chemical vapor deposition.

We introduce an innovative method that facilitates precise control of high-quality molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) growth, extending up to three layers, on a large scale. This scalable growth is realized by employing solution-based catalysts and precursors in conjunction with chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The catalyst not only diminishes the precursor's activation energy and melting temperature but also augments the overall reaction rate. By regulating the concentration ratio, we directly manipulate the precursor concentrations, thereby promoting clean growth. This unique control mechanism, as delineated in this study, is unprecedented. Our findings confirm that the catalyst introduction does not compromise the quality of the resulting samples. Field effect transistors (FETs) fabricated from the synthesized MoS2 display superior electrical properties; they exhibit a high carrier mobility of 32.1 cm2 V-1 s-1 and an on/off current ratio of 108, signifying their promising electrical performance. Accordingly, our findings suggest that the solution-based CVD strategy presented herein can be potentially utilized for the integration of FETs into a multitude of practical applications.