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Water shortage caused by long-term drought is one of the most serious abiotic stress factors in maize. Different drought conditions lead to differences in growth, development, and metabolism of maize. In previous studies, proteomics and genomics methods have been widely used to explain the response mechanism of maize to long-term drought, but there are only a few articles related to metabolomics. In this study, we used transcriptome and metabolomics analysis to characterize the differential effects of drought stress imposed at seedling or flowering stages on maize. Through the association analysis of genes and metabolites, we found that maize leaves had 61 and 54 enriched pathways under seedling drought and flowering drought, respectively, of which 13 and 11 were significant key pathways, mostly related to the biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenylpropanes, glutathione metabolism and purine metabolism. Interestingly, we found that the α-linolenic acid metabolic pathway differed significantly between the two treatments, and a total of 10 differentially expressed genes and five differentially abundant metabolites have been identified in this pathway. Some differential accumulation of metabolites (DAMs) was related to synthesis of jasmonic acid, which may be one of the key pathways underpinning maize response to different types of long-term drought. In general, metabolomics provides a new method for the study of water stress in maize and lays a theoretical foundation for drought-resistant cultivation of silage maize.

In this study, we have developed and implemented a new technology capable of probabilistically selecting phase arrival times and determining the initial polarity of seismic waveforms without the requirement of prior information. In this new method, the arrival time is determined through an eigen-equation associated with the probability distribution of the noise level, which is then used to calculate the probability of the polarity. We have tested this method using synthetic waveforms as well as records from well-established databases. The results demonstrate a high degree of concurrence with manually picked arrival times and polarities (98% accuracy) in the local seismic catalog. This suggests that the proposed method can provide consistent and unified judgments in phase picking tasks. In comparison, this method has shown comparable reliability to existing neural-network-based AI methods while maintaining greater portability due to its lack of dependence on training data. Graphical abstract

The deformation mode of the Tibetan Plateau is of crucial importance for understanding its construction and extrusion processes, as well as for the assessment of regional earthquake potential. Block motion and viscous flow models have been proposed to describe the deformation field but are not fully supported by modern geophysical observations. The 2021 Mw 7.4 Maduo earthquake, which occurred inside the Songpan-Ganzi terrane (SGT) in central-east Tibet, provides a chance to evaluate the associated deformation mode of the region. We conduct a joint inversion for this earthquake and resolve a bilateral rupture process, which is characterized by super- and subshear rupture velocities, respectively. We interpret this distinct rupture behavior to be the result of the respective slip concentration depths of the two ruptured segments. We analyze geological, seismic, and geodetic evidence and find that the SGT upper crust shows distributed shear deformation and distinct transverse anisotropy, which are associated with folded structures originating from compression of the paleo-Tethys ocean accretional prism realigned by following shear deformation. The SGT receives lateral shear loading from its NS boundary and accommodates a right-step sinistral motion across the terrane boundary faults. The unique tectonic setting of the SGT defines locations and behaviors of internal faulting and strong earthquakes such as the 2021 Maduo earthquake, with the latter occurring on slow-moving faults at intervals of several thousands of years.

Background Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignant disease with a high rate of recurrence and metastasis, few effective treatment options and poor prognosis. Here, we designed and constructed a combined photothermal immunotherapy strategy based on cancer cell membrane-coated biomimetic black phosphorus quantum dots (BBPQDs) for tumor-targeted photothermal therapy and anti-PD-L1 mediated immunotherapy. Results BBPQDs have good photothermal conversion efficiency and can efficiently target tumor cells through homologous targeting and tumor homing. Under near infrared irradiation, we found that BBPQDs kill tumors directly through photothermal effects and induce dendritic cells maturation. In vivo studies have confirmed that the combined photothermal immunotherapy strategy displays a stronger antitumor activity than anti-PD-L1 monotherapy. In addition, BBPQDs-mediated photothermal therapy in combination with anti-PD-L1 treatment inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis by reprograming the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into an immune-active microenvironment, and promoting the local and systemic antitumor immune response. We further found that the combined photothermal immunotherapy strategy can produce an immune memory effect against tumor rechallenge. Conclusions This study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for inhibiting the recurrence and metastasis of TNBC, with broad application prospects.

The comprehension of earthquakes and natural hazards, including volcanic eruptions and landslides, as well as explosions, through observational data is a pivotal activity within the field of seismology [...]

Background Nervous system toxicity (NST) is a frequent and serious adverse event (AE) associated with blinatumomab, the first bispecific antibody drug targeting CD19 and CD3. Real-world data are needed to better understand the incidence and characteristics of NST in clinical practice. Methods Data were obtained from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). The reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), Bayesian confidence interval progressive neural network (BCPNN), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) algorithms were utilized for data mining. Results A total of 5,962 blinatumomab-related cases were analyzed. NSTs were more frequent in males (44.01%) and younger individuals (18–45 years, 28.39%), with a higher prevalence in the USA (77.99%). Forty-three signals of NST were identified, of which neurotoxicity, neurological symptoms, agnosia, intention tremor, and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome had the highest ROR values. Concomitant use of medication for age, musculoskeletal system, genitourinary system, and sexual hormones were independent risk factors for NST, and age was an independent protective factor for fatal NST. The median time to onset (TTO) for neurological events was 3 days (range, 1 ~ 21). The highest fatality rate for neurological events was observed for increased intracranial pressure disorders, which also had the highest co-occurrence rate with cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Conclusions Age is an independent protective factor for fatal NST, and CRS leads to a higher fatality rate for NST patients treated with blinatumomab. Thorough medication evaluation should be conducted before administering blinatumomab, especially for high-risk patients with preexisting neurological conditions. Highlights ∙ Blinatumomab shows a higher incidence of NST, particularly in males and younger patients, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring in these demographics ∙ The study identified 43 distinct signals of NST, with neurotoxicity and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome having the highest reporting odds ratios, indicating significant clinical concern. ∙ Specific concomitant medications related to age, musculoskeletal, and genitourinary systems, along with sexual hormones, are identified as independent risk factors for NST, emphasizing the importance of careful medication assessment. ∙ Age was found to be an independent protective factor against fatal NST, while increased intracranial pressure disorders were associated with the highest fatality rates, particularly in connection with CRS.

The Ordos Block, surrounded by numerous active faults, is a relatively rigid but dangerous area with many strong historical earthquakes. We derive the block rotation velocity and fault slip rates in this area by using GPS data recorded from 1999 to 2007 and implementing an elastic block model. Instead of assuming vertical faults, as did most previous studies in and around Ordos, we use an improved method to invert for the fault dip angles and construct a closed 3-D fault system in our inversion. The predicted slip rates range from <1 mm/yr to ~ 10 mm/yr. Our results are roughly consistent with geological and other geodetic observations. Using the estimated slip rates, we also calculate the cumulative seismic moment due to fault locking and the released moment from historical earthquake catalogues. A comparison of the two quantities indicates that the Hetao Rift has an unreleased seismic moment equal to a M w 7.9 earthquake, which is also indicated by frequent earthquakes above M6 after 1900.

The wide-and narrow-row cropping technology used for maize has the advantages of protecting cultivated soil and improving the population structure in maize fields. However, the relationship between nitrogen application position and root interactions has not been determined. Through pot and field experiments, we evaluated the effects of two nitrogen application positions ((narrow row nitrogen application (RC) and wide row nitrogen application (RN)) and two nitrogen application regimens ((high nitrogen(HN) and low nitrogen(LN)) on root growth and yield composition of wide-narrow row maize during the flowering and harvest stages. In field experiments, RC increased the biomass, length and surface area of competing roots (narrow-row roots, CR) at the flowering stage. The yield and agronomic efficiency of N(AEN) and partial factor productivity of N(PFPN) were increased by RN compared to RC under HN, However, the AEN under LN was significantly lower; There was no significant effect on maize growth and biomass allocation at the same level of application of N. At the flowering stage, the results of CR and non-competing roots (wide-row roots, NCR) was consistent under pot experiments and the field experiments, and the yield under RN was also higher than that under RC, although the difference was not significant. Furthermore, according to the principal component analysis and correlation analysis, the competing roots were the main factor influencing yield and AEN. In conclusion, our study showed that RN is a useful fertilization method to improve overall productivity. All in all, how roots coordinate neighbors and nitrogen spatial heterogeneity is a complex ecological process, and its trophic behavior deserves further study.

Earthquakes are one of the natural disasters that pose a major threat to human lives and property. Earthquake prediction propels the construction and development of modern seismology; however, current deterministic earthquake prediction is limited by numerous difficulties. Identifying the temporal and spatial statistical characteristics of earthquake occurrences and constructing earthquake risk statistical prediction models have become significant; particularly for evaluating earthquake risks and addressing seismic planning requirements such as the design of cities and lifeline projects based on the obtained insight. Since the 21st century, the occurrence of a series of strong earthquakes represented by the Wenchuan M 8 earthquake in 2008 in certain low-risk prediction areas has caused seismologists to reflect on traditional seismic hazard assessment globally. This article briefly reviews the development of statistical seismology, emphatically analyzes the research results and existing problems of statistical seismology in seismic hazard assessment, and discusses the direction of its development. The analysis shows that the seismic hazard assessment based on modern earthquake catalogues in most regions should be effective. Particularly, the application of seismic hazard assessment based on ETAS (epidemic type aftershock sequence) should be the easiest and most effective method for the compilation of seismic hazard maps in large urban agglomeration areas and low seismic hazard areas with thick sedimentary zones.

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, threatens ecosystems and human health. ( . ), a medicinal plant valued for its polysaccharide-rich rhizomes, exhibits significant tolerance to Cd stress. Melatonin (MT), a phytohormone, has emerged as a key regulator of plant resilience to heavy metal toxicity. However, the mechanisms underlying MT-mediated biosynthesis of . polysaccharides (BSP) under Cd exposure, as well as its role in alleviating Cd-induced oxidative damage, remain poorly characterized. Soil was passivated with 250 μmol/L CdCl 2.5H O for one month before transplanting one-year-old . seedlings. One week after transplantation, the leaves of . were sprayed with MT (50, 100, and 200 μmol/L) weekly. After 60 days, samples were collected and analyzed for physiological and biochemical indices (chlorophyll, osmoregulatory substances, Cd, reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzyme activities, polysaccharides, flavonoids and saponins). Additionally, samples from CK, Cd-only, and Cd+50MT groups were collected for integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, and the transcriptome data were validated via qRT-PCR. Our findings revealed that Cd stress substantially suppressed seedling growth, manifesting as significant reductions in fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll content, and proline accumulation relative to control plants. Under Cd stress, application of 50 μmol/L MT achieved the maximal reduction in the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H O ) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while significantly enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzyme. Additionally, under the treatment of 50 μmol/L MT (Cd+50M), the contents of polysaccharides and flavonoids were also significantly increased. Multi-omics integration identified 21 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 4 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) prominently associated with the BSP biosynthetic pathway, among which 10 DEGs showed strong correlations with DEMs. Coexpression network analysis underscored MT-mediated modulation of pivotal BSP synthesis genes (e.g., , , , and ), with , , , and transcription factors implicated as central regulators. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the reliability of the transcriptome data. This study is helpful for understanding the regulatory network of MT in BSP biosynthesis under Cd stress and the role of MT in alleviating Cd-induced oxidative damage, thereby providing potential strategies for cultivating medicinal plants in heavy metal-contaminated environments.