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• Brassinosteroids have been implicated in the differentiation of vascular cell types in herbaceous plants, but their roles during secondary growth and wood formation are not well defined. • Here we pharmacologically and genetically manipulated brassinosteroid levels in poplar trees and assayed the effects on secondary growth and wood formation, and on gene expression within stems. • Elevated brassinosteroid levels resulted in increases in secondary growth and tension wood formation, while inhibition of brassinosteroid synthesis resulted in decreased growth and secondary vascular differentiation. Analysis of gene expression showed that brassinosteroid action is positively associated with genes involved in cell differentiation and cell-wall biosynthesis. • The results presented here show that brassinosteroids play a foundational role in the regulation of secondary growth and wood formation, in part through the regulation of cell differentiation and secondary cell wall biosynthesis.

Thermal dynamics in cylindrical Li-ion batteries, governed by electrochemical heat generation, are critical to performance and safety in high-power applications such as electric vehicles and grid storage. Building on our previous work, which introduced and validated both single-layer and multi-layer models, this study focuses exclusively on experimentally validating the multi-layer formulation under a broader range of ambient temperatures. The proposed multi-layer model captures temperature evolution across all internal components, including the electrolyte, electrodes, current collectors, and casing, accurately resolving spatial heat accumulation. Experimental validation is conducted across four temperatures (21 C, 0 C, 40 C, and − 10 C), demonstrating strong agreement and highlighting the model’s robustness. These results offer actionable insights into internal thermal behavior and may support the design of advanced thermal management strategies, contributing to the development of safer and more efficient Li-ion batteries for next-generation energy storage systems.

RNA imaging is of great importance for understanding its complex spatiotemporal dynamics and cellular functions. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of small-molecule fluorescent probes for RNA imaging. However, most of the reported studies have mainly focused on improving the photostability, permeability, long emission wavelength, and compatibility with live-cell imaging of RNA probes. Less attention has been paid to the selectivity and detection limit of this class of probes. Highly selective and sensitive RNA probes are still rarely available. In this study, a new set of styryl probes were designed and synthesized, with the aim of upgrading the detection limit and maintaining the selectivity of a lead probe QUID−1 for RNA. Among these newly synthesized compounds, QUID−2 was the most promising candidate. The limit of detection (LOD) value of QUID−2 for the RNA was up to 1.8 ng/mL in solution. This property was significantly improved in comparison with that of QUID−1. Further spectroscopy and cell imaging studies demonstrated the advantages of QUID−2 over a commercially available RNA staining probe, SYTO RNASelect, for highly selective and sensitive RNA imaging. In addition, QUID−2 exhibited excellent photostability and low cytotoxicity. Using QUID−2, the global dynamics of RNA were revealed in live cells. More importantly, QUID−2 was found to be potentially applicable for detecting RNA granules in live cells. Collectively, our work provides an ideal probe for RNA imaging. We anticipate that this powerful tool may create new opportunities to investigate the underlying roles of RNA and RNA granules in live cells.

Background Previous phylogenetic analyses of species within the genus Golovinomyces (Ascomycota , Erysiphales), based on ITS and 28S rDNA sequence data, revealed a co-evolutionary relationship between powdery mildew species and hosts of certain tribes of the plant family Asteraceae. Golovinomyces growing on host plants belonging to the Heliantheae formed a single lineage, comprised of a morphologically differentiated complex of species, which included G. ambrosiae , G. circumfusus , and G. spadiceus . However, the lineage also encompassed sequences retrieved from Golovinomyces specimens on other Asteraceae tribes as well as other plant families, suggesting the involvement of a plurivorous species. A multilocus phylogenetic examination of this complex, using ITS, 28S, IGS (intergenic spacer), TUB2 (beta-tubulin), and CHS1 (chitin synthase I) sequence data was carried out to clarify the discrepancies between ITS and 28S rDNA sequence data and morphological differences. Furthermore, the circumscription of species and their host ranges were emended. Results The phylogenetic and morphological analyses conducted in this study revealed three distinct species named, viz., (1) G. ambrosiae emend. (including G. spadiceus ), a plurivorous species that occurs on a multitude of hosts including, Ambrosia spp., multiple species of the Heliantheae and plant species of other tribes of Asteraceae including the Asian species of Eupatorium ; (2) G. latisporus comb. nov. (≡ Oidium latisporum ), the closely related, but morphologically distinct species confined to hosts of the Heliantheae genera Helianthus , Zinnia , and most likely Rudbeckia ; and (3) G. circumfusus confined to Eupatorium cannabinum in Europe. Conclusions The present results provide strong evidence that the combination of multi-locus phylogeny and morphological analysis is an effective way to identify species in the genus Golovinomyces .

Background Since their domestication, recent inbreeding together with intensive artificial selection and population bottlenecks have allowed the prevalence of deleterious mutations and the increase of runs-of-homozygosity (ROH) in domestic pigs. This makes pigs a good model to understand the genetic underpinnings of inbreeding depression. Results Here we integrated a comprehensive dataset comprising 7239 domesticated pigs and wild boars genotyped by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chips, along with phenotypic data encompassing growth, reproduction and disease-associated traits. Our study revealed differential ROH landscapes during domestication and artificial selection of Eurasian pigs. We observed associations between ROH burden and phenotypic traits such as body conformation and susceptibility to diseases like scrotal hernia. By examining associations of whole-genome and regional ROH burden with gene expression, we identified specific genes and pathways affected by inbreeding depression. Associations of regional ROH burden with gene expression also enabled the discovery of novel regulatory elements. Lastly, we inferred recessive lethal mutations by examining depletion of ROH in an inbred population with relatively small sample size, following by fine mapping with sequencing data. Conclusions These findings suggested that both phenotypic and genetic variations have been reshaped by inbreeding, and provided insights to the genetic mechanisms underlying inbreeding depression.

There are few effective and safe neuroprotective agents for the treatment of ischemic stroke currently. Caffeic acid is a phenolic acid that widely exists in a number of plant species. Previous studies show that caffeic acid ameliorates brain injury in rats after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. In this study we explored the protective mechanisms of caffeic acid against oxidative stress and ferroptosis in permanent cerebral ischemia. Ischemia stroke was induced on rats by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Caffeic acid (0.4, 2, 10 mg·kg −1 ·d −1 , i.g.) was administered to the rats for 3 consecutive days before or after the surgery. We showed that either pre-pMCAO or post-pMCAO administration of caffeic acid (2 mg·kg −1 ·d −1 ) effectively reduced the infarct volume and improved neurological outcome. The therapeutic time window could last to 2 h after pMCAO. We found that caffeic acid administration significantly reduced oxidative damage as well as neuroinflammation, and enhanced antioxidant capacity in pMCAO rat brain. We further demonstrated that caffeic acid down-regulated TFR1 and ACSL4, and up-regulated glutathione production through Nrf2 signaling pathway to resist ferroptosis in pMCAO rat brain and in oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-treated SK-N-SH cells in vitro. Application of ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, blocked the neuroprotective effects of caffeic acid in both in vivo and in vitro models, evidenced by excessive accumulation of iron ions and inactivation of the ferroptosis defense system. In conclusion, caffeic acid inhibits oxidative stress-mediated neuronal death in pMCAO rat brain by regulating ferroptosis via Nrf2 signaling pathway. Caffeic acid might serve as a potential treatment to relieve brain injury after cerebral ischemia. Caffeic acid significantly attenuated cerebral ischemic injury and resisted ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro. The regulation of Nrf2 by caffeic acid initiated the transcription of downstream target genes, which were shown to be anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and antiferroptotic. The effects of caffeic acid on neuroinflammation and ferroptosis in cerebral ischemia were explored in a primary microglia-neuron coculture system. Caffeic acid played a role in reducing neuroinflammation and resisting ferroptosis through the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which further suggested that caffeic acid might be a potential therapeutic method for alleviating brain injury after cerebral ischemia.

Tang-Song poetry, a distinguished element of China’s traditional cultural heritage, is intricately linked with the historical and cultural development of Chinese cities. This paper uses Nanjing as a case study and applies digital humanities techniques to analyze and compare the spatiotemporal distribution of place names found in Tang-Song poetry with those in online travel narratives. The aim is to uncover key factors that have influenced the cultural continuity of these historical cities and their relevance today. Findings indicate that: (1) Locations mentioned in Tang and Song poetry show significant spatial differentiation, with urban areas displaying a clustered distribution and suburbs showing scattered hotspots. (2) The number of locations referenced in Song poetry increased significantly compared to Tang poetry, suggesting that Nanjing’s economic growth heightened the city’s appeal and inspired more literary output. (3) Song Dynasty poetry reflects a shift toward more neutral and negative emotions, with a marked decrease in positive expressions. This rise in negative sentiment can be traced to the decline in national strength from the Tang to the Song Dynasty, amplifying Nanjing’s role as a place of reflection and mourning. (4) Nanjing’s cultural hotspots, such as Xuanwu Lake and the Zhongshan Scenic Area, feature prominently in both Tang-Song poetry and modern travelogues. This study contributes to research in literary geography and literary tourism at the urban spatial level, offering fresh insights into the cultural legacy of historical cities.

A highly efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method is needed for the molecular study of model tree species such as hybrid poplar 84K (Populus alba × P. glandulosa cv. ‘84K’). In this study, we report a callus-based transformation method that exhibits high efficiency and reproducibility. The optimized callus induction medium (CIM1) induced the development of calli from leaves with high efficiency, and multiple shoots were induced from calli growing on the optimized shoot induction medium (SIM1). Factors affecting the transformation frequency of calli were optimized as follows: Agrobacterium concentration sets at an OD600 of 0.6, Agrobacterium infective suspension with an acetosyringone (AS) concentration of 100 µM, infection time of 15 min, cocultivation duration of 2 days and precultivation duration of 6 days. Using this method, transgenic plants are obtained within approximately 2 months with a transformation frequency greater than 50%. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and β-galactosidase (GUS) histochemical staining analyses confirmed the successful generation of stable transformants. Additionally, the calli from leaves were subcultured and used to obtain new explants; the high transformation efficiency was still maintained in subcultured calli after 6 cycles. This method provides a reference for developing effective transformation protocols for other poplar species.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental health condition associated with substantial emotional and functional impairment. While interest in neurophysiological markers is growing, gender-specific neural oscillatory patterns measured by portable electroencephalogram (EEG) devices remain underexplored. This study examined whether relative spectral power in the high alpha band (11–13 Hz), recorded by a three-channel prefrontal EEG device during eyes-closed resting state, is associated with emotional states and clinical diagnosis, with attention to gender differences. Forty participants from the MODMA dataset were included, comprising 18 patients with MDD (8 females, 10 males; mean age = 30.39 ± 10.91 years) and 22 healthy controls (8 females, 14 males; mean age = 30.86 ± 9.40 years). All participants completed EEG recordings using both a 128-channel laboratory system and a portable three-channel device (Fp1, Fpz, Fp2). Emotional status was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). Pearson correlations between relative spectral power and emotional scale scores were computed separately for males and females, with false discovery rate (FDR) correction applied to multiple comparisons. Spectral features from the portable EEG closely matched those of the lab system (r = 0.975). High alpha power was positively correlated with PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores, with stronger and more extended correlations observed in females, sometimes reaching into the low beta range. After FDR correction, significant correlations were observed primarily at 11–14 Hz. At 11.9 Hz, PHQ-9 correlations were significant for both males (r = 0.40, p  = 0.011) and females (r = 0.33, p  = 0.037). High alpha power also distinguished MDD from controls (r = 0.32, p  = 0.042), independent of age and education. Frontal high alpha activity measured by a portable EEG device is a promising neural marker of emotional dysregulation, with stronger and broader associations observed in females. These findings support gender-sensitive EEG-based screening approaches for mood disorders in community and clinical settings.

Recurrence and adverse events after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment occur frequently even treated with the most efficient therapy for HCC, liver transplantation. Therefore, better understanding of HCC progression is required to advance the therapeutic strategy of HCC. This study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) on HCC cell invasion and migration. SNHG14 and miR-656-3p expression in HCC tissues and cells were examined by qRT-PCR. After co-transfection with sh-SNHG14, miR-656-3p inhibitor, miR-656-3p mimic, si-SIRT5, pcDNA3.1-SIRT5 and corresponding negative controls, HepG2 and MHCC97H cell proliferation, invasion and migration were detected. Then the expression levels of SNHG14, miR-656-3p and SIRT5 were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Luciferases reporter gene assay and RNA pull down identified the relation between SNHG14 and miR-656-3p and between miR-656-3p and SIRT5. SNHG14 was upregulated and miR-656-3p was downregulated in HCC cells. Inhibition of SNHG14 could inhibit HepG2 and MHCC97H cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Upregulation of miR-656-3p or knockdown of SIRT5 significantly suppressed the biological process of HepG2 and MHCC97H cells. SNHG14 directly acted on miR-656-3p and SIRT5 was a target gene of miR-656-3p. miR-656-3p inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-SIRT5 could reverse the inhibition of sh-SNHG14 on cell proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells. SNHG14 promotes HCC cell invasion and migration through regulating miR-656-3p/SIRT5 axis.