Machine learning identifies PYGM as a macrophage polarization-linked metabolic biomarker in rectal cancer prognosis.

Background: Macrophage polarization plays a pivotal role in shaping the tumor microenvironment and influencing rectal cancer progression. However, the metabolic and prognostic regulators governing this process remain largely undefined.

Methods: We constructed a macrophage polarization gene signature (MPGS) by integrating weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) with multiple machine learning algorithms across two independent cohorts: 363 rectal cancer samples from GSE87211 and 177 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

NRT1.1B acts as an abscisic acid receptor in integrating compound environmental cues for plants.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is the most crucial phytohormone for plants in adapting to environmental conditions. While the ABA signaling network in plants has been extensively explored, our understanding of the diverse ABA sensing systems remains limited. Here, we found that the transcriptional response to ABA is suppressed under high-nitrate conditions but substantially increases under low-nitrate conditions, suggesting a tight integration of ABA signaling with nutrient conditions.

Neonatal sevoflurane anesthesia induces persistent cognitive deficits in mice through CypD-dependent mitochondrial impairment in parvalbumin interneurons.

Repeated neonatal sevoflurane anesthesia induces cognitive impairment in adulthood, but its neuropathological mechanisms remain unclear. Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons, which rely heavily on mitochondrial stability, are susceptible to anesthesia. Mitochondrial matrix protein Cyclophilin D (CypD) is involved in cognition by regulating the mitochondrial function.

Targeting the complement-mTOR-autophagy axis: the role of apolipoprotein E in depression.

Background: Depression is a highly prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disorder, and while Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a critical regulator of lipid transport and neuronal function, has been implicated in regulating depressive behaviors, the underlying mechanisms remain insufficiently understood.

Results: In this study, we explored the role of ApoE in depression using complementary animal models. We observed significantly reduced ApoE levels in the hippocampus of both chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression models, with ApoE knockout (ApoE) mice exhibiting exacerbated depressive-like behaviors.

Single-cell sequencing reveals dysregulated cell type perturbations and critical mediator communication remodelling in colorectal cancer.

Background: The heterogeneity of colorectal cancer (CRC) and its complex immune microenvironment pose significant challenges for treatment. Understanding the cellular composition and dynamic changes is essential for uncovering mechanisms of tumour progression.

Methods: To investigate the cellular heterogeneity and immune microenvironment of CRC, identifying critical subpopulations, functional pathways, and prognostic biomarkers, single-cell transcriptomic data from 41 CRC samples across four datasets were integrated.

Targeting ApoE-KCC2 Signaling Rescues GABAergic Synaptic Dysfunction and Depression-like Behaviors in Mice.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases; however, its function and underlying mechanisms in depression remain elusive. In this study, we employed chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) to establish a mouse model of depression and observed significantly reduced ApoE expression in the hippocampus. By leveraging ApoE knockout ( ) and knockdown (ApoE-KD) mouse models, we demonstrated that ApoE deficiency induced depression-like behaviors, which were closely associated with impaired GABAergic synaptic transmission and down-regulation of ApoE receptors and K-Cl cotransporter 2 (KCC2).

Single-cell transcriptomics in colorectal cancer uncover the potential of metastasis and immune dysregulation of a cell cluster overexpressed PRSS22.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide, and its complex pathogenesis and significant tumor cell heterogeneity remain major challenges. With the rapid development of single-cell sequencing technology, we can now delve deeper into the cellular composition and dynamic changes within the tumor microenvironment, revealing cellular interactions and their potential roles in tumorigenesis.

Method: In this study, we systematically analyzed comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing data from 25 colorectal cancer and 10 adjacent normal tissue samples.

Study on ultrasound microangiography of placenta in fetal growth restriction.

Objective: Reduced placental microvascular perfusion is the most important cause of fetal growth restriction (FGR), yet there are currently no effective tools available for assessing placental microcirculation. Ultrasound microangiography is an emerging technology capable of imaging vessels at the micron level. Currently, there is no research on the application of ultrasound microangiography technology for assessing placental microcirculation.

Nutritional Value and Therapeutic Benefits of Dragon Fruit: A Comprehensive Review with Implications for Establishing Australian Industry Standards.

Dragon fruit, which is native to northern South America and Mexico, has become a significant crop in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Vietnam, China, and Australia. The fruit ( spp.) is rich in various bioactive phytochemical compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and pigments such as betalains and anthocyanins, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

Dysregulation of parvalbumin expression and neurotransmitter imbalance in the auditory cortex of the BTBR mouse model of autism spectrum disorder.

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) frequently exhibit abnormalities in auditory perception, a phenomenon potentially attributed to alterations in the excitatory and inhibitory cells constituting cortical circuits. However, the exact genetic factors and cell types affected by ASD remain unclear. The present study investigated the balance of excitatory and inhibitory activity in the auditory cortex using BTBR T Itpr3/J (BTBR) mice, a well-established model for autism research.

The relationship between hypoxia and Alzheimer's disease: an updated review.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, and the most prevalent form of dementia. The main hallmarks for the diagnosis of AD are extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque deposition and intracellular accumulation of highly hyperphosphorylated Tau protein as neurofibrillary tangles. The brain consumes more oxygen than any other organs, so it is more easily to be affected by hypoxia.

Cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease FAD mouse model: Synaptic loss facilitated by activated microglia via C1qA.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive dysfunction. The connection between neuroinflammation and abnormal synaptic function in AD is recognized, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we utilized a mouse model of AD, FAD mice aged 6-7 months, to investigate the molecular changes affecting cognitive impairment.

A cooperative scheme for late leaf spot estimation in peanut using UAV multispectral images.

In Australia, peanuts are mainly grown in Queensland with tropical and subtropical climates. The most common foliar disease that poses a severe threat to quality peanut production is late leaf spot (LLS). Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have been widely investigated for various plant trait estimations.

Differential responses of leaf photosynthesis to insect and pathogen outbreaks: A global synthesis.

Outbreak of insects or pathogens (referred to as biotic disturbance), which is projected to continually increase in a warmer climate, may profoundly affect plant photosynthesis and production. However, the response of plant photosynthesis to biotic disturbance remains unclear, especially differences in response between insects and pathogens, which hinders the prediction of plant productivity in future climate. In this study, a meta-analysis approach was used to examine effects of insects and pathogens on photosynthetic rate per unit leaf area (Pn) and the associated characteristics from 115 studies.

Combined effects of biochar and fertilizer applications on yield: A review and meta-analysis.

The use of biochar is changing, and the combined application of biochar with fertilizer is increasingly gaining acceptance. However, the yield gains results reported in the existing literature through the co-application of fertilizer with biochar are conflicting. To resolve this, we utilized a meta-analysis of 627 paired data points extracted from 57 published articles to assess the performance of the co-application of biochar and fertilizers on crop yield compared with the corresponding controls.

Biochar compound fertilisers increase plant potassium uptake 2 years after application without additional organic fertiliser.

Biochar compound fertilisers (BCFs) are an emerging technology that combine biochar with nutrients, clays and minerals and can be formulated to address specific issues in soil-plant systems. However, knowledge of BCF performance over consecutive crops and without re-application is limited. This study aims to assess the residual effect of organic BCFs soil-plant nutrient cycling 2 years after application and without additional fertiliser inputs.

Carbon limitation overrides acidification in mediating soil microbial activity to nitrogen enrichment in a temperate grassland.

Higher ecosystem nitrogen (N) inputs resulting from human activities often suppress soil microbial biomass and respiration, thereby altering biogeochemical cycling. Soil acidification and carbon (C) limitation may drive these microbial responses, yet their relative importance remains elusive, which limits our understanding of the longer term effects of increasing N inputs. In a field experiment with continuous N addition at seven different rates from 0 to 50 g N m  year over 6 years in a temperate grassland of Inner Mongolia, China, we examined the responses of soil microbial biomass and respiration to changes in soil acidity and C availability by adding lime and/or glucose to soil samples.

Soil-plant nitrogen isotope composition and nitrogen cycling after biochar applications.

Biochar has strong potential to improve nitrogen (N) use efficiency in both agricultural and horticultural systems. Biochar is usually co-applied with full rates of fertiliser. However, the extent to which N cycling can be affected after biochar application to meet plant N requirement remains uncertain.

Late growing season carbon subsidy in native gymnosperms in a northern temperate forest.

Evergreen tree species that maintain positive carbon balance during the late growing season may subsidize extra carbon in a mixed forest. To test this concept of 'carbon subsidy', leaf gas exchange characteristics and related leaf traits were measured for three gymnosperm evergreen species (Chamaecyparis thyoides, Tsuga canadensis and Pinus strobus) native to the oak-hickory deciduous forest in northeast USA from March (early Spring) to October (late Autumn) in a single year. All three species were photosynthetically active in Autumn.

Landscape genetic structure of reveals a putatively adaptive differentiation under strong gene flow in estuaries.

Estuarine organisms grow in highly heterogeneous habitats, and their genetic differentiation is driven by selective and neutral processes as well as population colonization history. However, the relative importance of the processes that underlie genetic structure is still puzzling. is a perennial grass almost limited in the Changjiang River estuary and its adjacent Qiantang River estuary.

Transient Stability of Epigenetic Population Differentiation in a Clonal Invader.

Epigenetic variation may play an important role in how plants cope with novel environments. While significant epigenetic differences among plants from contrasting habitats have often been observed in the field, the stability of these differences remains little understood. Here, we combined field monitoring with a multi-generation common garden approach to study the dynamics of DNA methylation variation in invasive Chinese populations of the clonal alligator weed ().

The effects of short term, long term and reapplication of biochar on soil bacteria.

Biochar has been shown to affect soil microbial diversity and abundance. Soil microbes play a key role in soil nutrient cycling, but there is still a dearth of knowledge on the responses of soil microbes to biochar amendments, particularly for longer-term or repeated applications. We sampled soil from a field trial to determine the individual and combined effects of newly applied (1 year ago), re-applied (1 year ago into aged biochar) and aged (9 years ago) biochar amendments on soil bacterial communities, with the aim of identifying the potential underlying mechanisms or consequences of these effects.

Mild and Copper-Free Stereoselective Cyanation of gem-Difluoroalkenes by Using Benzyl Nitrile as a Cyanating Reagent.

A novel copper-free highly stereoselective cyanation of gem-difluoroalkenes by using benzyl nitrile as a cyanating reagent with the assistance of tBuOLi under air atmosphere at room temperature was developed. A variety of versatile fluorinated alkenyl nitriles were obtained. The proposed mechanism involved the C-H bond oxidation, C-CN bond cleavage, and then nucleophilic vinylic substitution (SN V).

The Relative Importance of Genetic Diversity and Phenotypic Plasticity in Determining Invasion Success of a Clonal Weed in the USA and China.

Phenotypic plasticity has been proposed as an important adaptive strategy for clonal plants in heterogeneous habitats. Increased phenotypic plasticity can be especially beneficial for invasive clonal plants, allowing them to colonize new environments even when genetic diversity is low. However, the relative importance of genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity for invasion success remains largely unknown.

Short-term dynamics of carbon and nitrogen using compost, compost-biochar mixture and organo-mineral biochar.

This study aims to examine the effects of different organic treatments including compost (generated from cattle hide waste and plant material), compost mixed with biochar (compost + biochar) and a new formulation of organo-mineral biochar (produced by mixing biochar with clay, minerals and chicken manure) on carbon (C) nitrogen (N) cycling. We used compost at the rate of 20 t ha(-1), compost 20 t ha(-1) mixed with 10 t ha(-1) biochar (compost + biochar) and organo-mineral biochar which also contained 10 t ha(-1) biochar. Control samples received neither of the treatments.