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The function of the root system is crucial for plant survival, such as anchoring plants, absorbing nutrients and water from the soil, and adapting to stress. MYB transcription factors constitute one of the largest transcription factor families in plant genomes with structural and functional diversifications. Members of this superfamily in plant development and cell differentiation, specialized metabolism, and biotic and abiotic stress processes are widely recognized, but their roles in plant roots are still not well characterized. Recent advances in functional studies remind us that MYB genes may have potentially key roles in roots. In this review, the current knowledge about the functions of MYB genes in roots was summarized, including promoting cell differentiation, regulating cell division through cell cycle, response to biotic and abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, salt stress, nutrient stress, light, gravity, and fungi), and mediate phytohormone signals. MYB genes from the same subfamily tend to regulate similar biological processes in roots in redundant but precise ways. Given their increasing known functions and wide expression profiles in roots, MYB genes are proposed as key components of the gene regulatory networks associated with distinct biological processes in roots. Further functional studies of MYB genes will provide an important basis for root regulatory mechanisms, enabling a more inclusive green revolution and sustainable agriculture to face the constant changes in climate and environmental conditions.

The forthcoming GRAVITY+ instrument promises to usher in an era of “industrial-scale” mass measurements of isolated black holes (BHs), with the potential to assemble a sample of many tens of BHs via interferometric microlensing over several years. A key challenge will be selecting interferometric follow-up targets from a 1 order of magnitude larger pool of ongoing microlensing events when using traditional selection based on event timescale alone. A. Gould proposed a criterion optimized for BH selection using space-based microlens parallax measurements enabled by a satellite. We adapt it to work with microlens parallax constraints obtainable from ground-based data only. Using Galactic simulations, we show that our selection criterion is highly efficient, expecting to detect about a dozen BHs per year with GRAVITY+ from following up ∼35 selected events.

Pulmonary complications (PC), including infectious pneumonia (IP) and non-infectious interstitial lung disease (ILD), are major contributors of morbidity and mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As they are fundamentally different with respect to their respective etiologies and pathophysiology, we aimed to comprehensively identify and compare their risk factors. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in seven electronic databases from database inception to September 2025. Pooled effect sizes were computed using appropriate model-based methods and thoroughly examined for heterogeneity. Our analytical approach advanced an evidence stratification framework that integrated both univariate associations and multivariate-adjusted results, which classified factors into four strata of findings: robust independent risk factors, preliminary independent risk factors, potential risk factors, and protective factors. In total, 16 studies comprising 6,978 participants yielded fundamentally distinct risk architectures. IP was predominantly driven by immunosuppression and systemic inflammation, with robust independent risk factors including advanced age, pulmonary involvement, high CRP/WBC, immunosuppressant use, and antibacterial drug use. In contrast, ILD was strongly driven by autoimmunity and vascular pathology, with preliminary independent risk factors including Raynaud's phenomenon, anti-Sm antibody positivity, high IgG and C4 levels. Most strikingly, serum IgG emerged as two strongly associated factors: low levels of serum IgG protected against IP, whereas high levels of serum IgG increased ILD risk. This is the first study to systematically stratify PC risk factors in SLE, demonstrating their distinct pathogenesis. The hierarchic framework allows a shift from a uniform management mindset to individualized risk evaluation for the respective complications, supportimg targeted prevention and early detection strategies. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view, identifier CRD420251020965.

Background Current guidelines recommend rhythm control for improving symptoms and quality of life in symptomatic patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the long-term prognostic outcomes of rhythm control compared with rate control are still inconclusive. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the effects of early rhythm control compared with rate control on clinical outcomes in newly diagnosed AF patients. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed and Embase databases up to August 2022 for randomized and observational studies reporting the associations of early rhythm control (defined as within 12 months of AF diagnosis) with effectiveness outcomes. The primary outcome was a composite of death, stroke, admission to hospital for heart failure (HF), or acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from each study were pooled using a random-effects model, complemented with an inverse variance heterogeneity or quality effects model. Results A total of 8 studies involving 447,202 AF patients were included, and 23.5% of participants underwent an early rhythm-control therapy. In the pooled analysis using the random-effects model, compared with rate control, the early rhythm-control strategy was significantly associated with reductions in the primary composite outcome (HR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.86–0.89) and secondary outcomes, including stroke or systemic embolism (HR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.71–0.85), ischemic stroke (HR = 0.81, 95% CI: 0.69–0.94), cardiovascular death (HR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.99), HF hospitalization (HR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.88–0.92), and ACS (HR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.76–0.98). Reanalyses using the inverse variance heterogeneity or quality effects model yielded similar results. Conclusions Our current meta-analysis suggested that early initiation of rhythm control treatment was associated with improved adverse effectiveness outcomes in patients who had been diagnosed with AF within 1 year. Registration The study protocol was registered to PROSPERO (CRD42021295405).

Background: The impact of previous embryo transfer failure on pregnancy outcomes following assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments remains unclear. Thus, this study aimed to compare pregnancy outcomes between elective single blastocyst transfer (SBT) and double high-quality cleavage embryo transfer (DC-ET) after failure with SBT in the first embryo transfer cycle. Methods: A total of 263 women who underwent a second frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) after failure with the SBT in the first embryo transfer cycle, from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2023 at the Reproductive Medical Center of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, were included. Patients were divided into the DC-ET and SBT groups based on the number and developmental stage of the embryos transferred. Clinical characteristics and pregnancy outcomes, including clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, embryo implantation rate, multiple pregnancy rate, and pregnancy loss rate, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the DC-ET (n = 122) and SBT (n = 141) groups. However, the number of available blastocysts was significantly lower in the DC-ET group, as fewer embryos underwent blastocyst culture, whereas the implantation rate was significantly higher in the SBT group than in the DC-ET group (48.94% vs. 30.74%; p < 0.001, adjusted p = 0.002; odds ratio (OR): 2.023, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.300–3.149). However, no differences were observed in clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, or pregnancy loss rate between the groups. The multiple pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the SBT group than in the DC-ET group (2.90% vs. 20.63%; adjusted p = 0.007; OR: 0.113, 95% CI: 0.023–0.549). Conclusions: SBT results in similar pregnancy outcomes as DC-ET but carries a lower risk of multiple pregnancy after failure with SBT.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are important secondary metabolites abundantly distributed in Brassicaceae plants, whose degradation products benefit plant resistance but are regarded as disadvantageous factors for human health. Thus, reducing GSL content is an important goal in the breeding program in crops, such as Brassica napus . In this study, 1280 genes in the GSL pathway were identified from 14 land plant genomes, which are specifically distributed in Brassicaceae and are extensively expanded in B. napus . Most GSL pathway genes had many positive selection sites, especially the encoding genes of transcription factors (TFs) and structural genes involved in the GSL breakdown process. There are 344 genes in the GSL pathway in the B. napus genome, which are unequally distributed on the 19 chromosomes. Whole-genome duplication mainly contributed to the gene expansion of the GSL pathway in B. napus . The genes in GSL biosynthesis were regulated by various TFs and cis -elements in B. napus and mainly response to abiotic stress and hormone induction. A comparative transcriptome atlas of the roots, stems, leaves, flowers, siliques, and seeds of a high- (ZY821), and a low-GSL-content (ZS11) cultivar was constructed. The features of the two cultivars may be attributed to diverse expression differences in each organ at different stages, especially in seeds. In all, 65 differential expressed genes (DEGs) concentrated on the core structure pathway were inferred to mainly influence the GSL contents between ZY821 and ZS11. This study provides an important RNA-seq dataset and diverse gene resources for future manipulating GSLs biosynthesis and distribution in B. napus using molecular breeding methods.

Background Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for Brassica napus L. growth and development, and is mainly acquired from the soil as phosphate (Pi). However, there is no research on the system analysis of Pi utilization related genes ( PURs ) in B. napus yet. Results In this study, 285 PURs were identified in B. napus genome, including 4 transcription factor (TF) gene families (83 genes) and 17 structural gene families (202 genes). Subcellular localization analysis showed that the proteins encoded by B. napus PURs were mainly located in the nucleus (~ 46.0%) and cell membrane (~ 36.5%). Chromosome localization analysis suggested that B. napus PURs were distributed on An (131) and Cn (149) subgenomes without bias. Analysis of 35 representative species confirmed that PURs were widely present in plants ranging from Chlorophyta to angiosperms with a rapid expansion trend. Collinearity analysis revealed that allopolyploidization and small-scale duplication events resulted in the large expansion of B. napus PURs . For each gene pair of B. napus PURs , the sequence identity of promoter was significantly lower than that of CDS, proving the significant difference in promoter region that might be related to the divergence of PURs expression and function. Transcription factor (TF) binding site prediction, cis-element analysis, and microRNA prediction suggested that the expressions of B. napus PURs are regulated by multiple factors including 32 TF gene families (362), 108 types of CRE (29,770) and 25 types of miRNAs (66). Spatiotemporal expression analysis demonstrated that B. napus PURs were widely expressed during the whole developmental stages, and most synteny-gene pairs (76.42%) shared conserved expression patterns. RNA-seq analyses revealed that most B. napus PURs were induced by low Pi stress, and the hub genes were generally the Pi transporter (PHT) family members. qRT-PCR analysis proved that the expression levels of four B. napus PURs were positively correlated with the root system architecture of three B. napus varieties under low Pi supply at the seedling stage. Conclusion The 285 PURs were identified from B. napus with strong LP inducible expression profile. Our findings regarding the evolution, transcriptional regulation, and expression of B. napus PURs provide valuable information for further functional research.

Interferometric observations of gravitational microlensing events offer an opportunity for precise, efficient, and direct mass and distance measurements of lensing objects, especially those of isolated neutron stars and black holes. However, such observations have previously been possible for only a handful of extremely bright events. The recent development of a dual-field interferometer, GRAVITY Wide, has made it possible to reach out to significantly fainter objects and increase the pool of microlensing events amenable to interferometric observations by 2 orders of magnitude. Here, we present the first successful observation of a microlensing event with GRAVITY Wide and the resolution of microlensed images in the event OGLE-2023-BLG-0061/KMT-2023-BLG-0496. We measure the angular Einstein radius of the lens with subpercent precision, θE = 1.280 ± 0.009 mas. Combined with the microlensing parallax detected from the event light curve, the mass and distance to the lens are found to be 0.472 ± 0.012 M⊙ and 1.81 ± 0.05 kpc, respectively. We present the procedure for the selection of targets for interferometric observations and discuss possible systematic effects affecting GRAVITY Wide data. This detection demonstrates the capabilities of the new instrument, and it opens up completely new possibilities for the follow-up of microlensing events and future routine discoveries of isolated neutron stars and black holes.

We resolve the multiple images of the binary-lens microlensing event ASASSN-22av using the GRAVITY instrument of the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI). The light curves show weak binary-lens perturbations, complicating the analysis, but the joint modeling with the VLTI data breaks several degeneracies, arriving at a strongly favored solution. Thanks to precise measurements of the angular Einstein radius θ E = 0.724 ± 0.002 mas and microlens parallax, we determine that the lens system consists of two M dwarfs with masses of M 1 = 0.258 ± 0.008 M ⊙ and M 2 = 0.130 ± 0.007 M ⊙, a projected separation of r ⊥ = 6.83 ± 0.31 au, and a distance of D L = 2.29 ± 0.08 kpc. The successful VLTI observations of ASASSN-22av open up a new path for studying intermediate-separation (i.e., a few astronomical units) stellar-mass binaries, including those containing dark compact objects such as neutron stars and stellar-mass black holes.

Background The C 2 HEST score has been validated for predicting AF in the general population or post-stroke patients. We aimed to assess whether this risk score could predict incident AF and other clinical outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) patients. Methods A total of 2202 HFpEF patients without baseline AF in the TOPCAT trial were stratified by baseline C 2 HEST score. Cox proportional hazard model and competing risk regression model was used to explore the relationship between C 2 HEST score and outcomes, including incident AF, stroke, all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, and HF hospitalization. The discriminative ability of the C 2 HEST score for various outcomes was assessed by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Results The incidence rates of incident AF, stroke, all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, and HF hospitalization were 1.79, 0.70, 3.81, 2.42, 15.50, and 3.32 per 100 person-years, respectively. When the C 2 HEST score was analyzed as a continuous variable, increased C 2 HEST score was associated with increased risk of incident AF (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.29–1.75), as well as increased risks of all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, and HF hospitalization. The AUC for the C 2 HEST score in predicting incident AF (0.694, 95% CI 0.640–0.748) was higher than all-cause death, cardiovascular death, any hospitalization, or HF hospitalization. Conclusions The C 2 HEST score could predict the risk of incident AF as well as death and hospitalization with moderately good predictive abilities in patients with HFpEF. Its simplicity may allow the possibility of quick risk assessments in busy clinical settings.