Search Results (431)

A new series of 6-arylaminoflavones was synthesized via the Buchwald–Hartwig cross-coupling reaction, aiming to functionalize the flavone core efficiently. Reaction optimization revealed that Pd₂(dba)₃/XantPhos with Cs₂CO₃ in toluene provided the best yields, with isolated yields ranging from 8% to 95%, depending on the arylamine structure. Steric hindrance and electron-withdrawing groups at the arylamine ring impacted the reaction outcomes. Cytotoxicity assays in different human cancer cell lines indicated that substitution patterns at both the arylamine and B-rings strongly impacted biological activity. In particular, compounds bearing a 3,4-dimethoxy substitution at the B-ring and a trifluoromethyl (13c) or chlorine (13g) group at the aniline moiety exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity. These findings provide insights into the structure–activity relationship of 6-arylaminoflavones while contributing to the development of synthetic methodologies for functionalized flavones. Full article

The aim of this research is to identify policy and practice interventions that support a just transition towards resilient practices for resource-dependent communities. We focus on Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho, two provinces in the Northern Midlands and Mountains of Vietnam. The region is reliant on agriculture but is assessed as highly vulnerable to climate change. We surveyed 105 farming households. A Likert-type questionnaire asked respondents to self-assess their experiences of weather extremes and of changes they had made to their farming practices. Our results show that for both Thai Nguyen and Phu Tho, farmers see the effects of climate change on their crops. Respondents in Thai Nguyen were more likely to report technically driven adaptation and engagement with extension services. Respondents in Pho Tho were more likely to continue traditional practices. For both, use of traditional knowledge and practices was related to taking measures to adapt to climate change. Our main conclusion is that at least three actions could support a just transition to resilient livelihoods. First is incorporating natural science and traditional knowledge into decision-making for just transitions. Second is considering long-term implications of interventions that appear to support livelihoods in the short term. Third is tailoring messaging and engagement strategies to the requirements of the most vulnerable people. The main message of this study is that a just transition for resource-dependent communities will inevitably be context-specific. Even in centralized and authoritarian contexts, flexibility to adapt top-down policies to locals’ own experiences of changing climates is needed. Full article

Flammulina velutipes is a widely cultivated edible mushroom in East Asia, recognized for its nutritional benefits and distinct morphology characterized by a long stipe and a compact, hemispherical pileus. The pileus not only plays a critical biological role in reproduction through spore formation but also serves as a key commercial trait influencing consumer preference and market value. Despite its economic importance, pileus development in F. velutipes is highly sensitive to environmental factors, among which carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration is particularly influential under indoor cultivation conditions. While previous studies have reported that elevated CO₂ levels can inhibit pileus expansion in other mushroom species, the molecular mechanisms by which CO₂ affects pileus growth in F. velutipes remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of CO₂ concentration on pileus morphology and gene expression in F. velutipes by cultivating fruiting bodies under two controlled atmospheric conditions: low (1000 ppm) and high (10,000 ppm) CO₂. Morphometric analysis revealed that elevated CO₂ levels significantly suppressed pileus expansion, reducing the average diameter by more than 50% compared to the low CO₂ condition. To elucidate the underlying genetic response, we conducted RNA sequencing and identified 102 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 78 being downregulated under elevated CO₂. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the involvement of cyclin-dependent protein kinase regulatory pathways in this response. Two cyclin genes were found to be significantly downregulated under elevated CO₂ conditions, and their suppression was validated through quantitative real-time PCR. These genes, possessing conserved cyclin_N domains, are implicated in the regulation of the eukaryotic cell cycle, particularly in mitotic growth. These results indicate that CO₂-induced downregulation of cyclin genes may underlie cell cycle arrest, contributing to inhibited pileus development. This study is the first to provide transcriptomic evidence that elevated CO₂ concentrations specifically repress PHO80-like cyclin genes in F. velutipes, revealing a molecular mechanism by which CO₂ stress inhibits pileus development. These findings suggest that elevated CO₂ triggers a morphogenetic checkpoint by repressing PHO80-like cyclins, thereby modulating cell cycle progression during fruiting body development. This study provides the first evidence of such a transcriptional response in edible mushrooms and offers promising molecular targets for breeding CO₂-resilient strains and optimizing commercial cultivation conditions. Full article

SPX (SYG1/Pho81/XPR1) family genes play a pivotal role in phosphorus signaling, phosphorus uptake, and phosphorus translocation in plants. However, to date, the SPX family genes have not been systematically investigated in cotton. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis and identified 44 SPX family genes in Gossypium hirsutum, classifying them into four subfamilies (SPX, SPX-MFS, SPX-EXS, and SPX-RING) based on conserved domains. An expression analysis revealed that the majority of SPX family genes were highly expressed in the root and stem. We identified hormone response, stress response, low-temperature response, and PHR1 binding sequence (P1BS) cis-elements in the promoters of the SPX genes. Additionally, the expression of GhPHO1-4, GhSPX1-1/1-2/1-3, and GhSPX-MFS2-1/2-2 was significantly altered under phosphorus-deficient conditions and may be involved in the regulation of Pi response. A Y2H assay suggested that GhSPX1-1 interacts with GhPHR1A and GhSPX1-2 interacts with GhPHL1A. Our findings provide a basis for further cloning and functional verification of genes related to the regulatory network of low phosphorus tolerance in cotton. Full article

Background: Staphylococcus spp. represent the most prevalent Gram-positive organisms in children with malignancies or undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the epidemiology, risk factors, treatment strategies, and outcomes of staphylococcal infections (SIs) in paediatric haemato-oncology (PHO) and HCT patients in Poland over a 12-year period. Methods: A retrospective, multicentre study was conducted across 17 paediatric oncology centres in Poland. The clinical and microbiological data of patients under the age of 18, diagnosed with malignancies or post-HCT, were analysed for confirmed SI between 2012 and 2023. The variables assessed included demographics, underlying conditions, infection type and source, antimicrobial susceptibility, treatment, and 30-day infection-free survival. Results: Among 1725 patients with SI, 1433 were PHO and 292 were HCT patients. The cumulative incidence of SI was 12.7% in PHO and 14.3% in HCT patients (p = 0.008). The 30-day survival rate was significantly higher in PHO compared to HCT patients (98.4% vs. 93.2%, p < 0.001). Most deaths were caused by S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, and S. hominis, predominantly involving methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MRCNS). Multivariate Cox regression identified undergoing HCT (HR = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.6–5.6, p < 0.001) and treatment of infection > 10 days (HR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1–3.6, p = 0.019) as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusions: Staphylococcal infections pose a significant challenge in paediatric oncology and transplant populations. Optimising prevention, diagnostics, and antimicrobial therapy is crucial for improving outcomes in these high-risk groups. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with cancer suffer due to the underlying disease and prescribed cancer-directed therapies, and non-pharmacologic modalities may offer improved symptom control without additional medications. We sought to elicit knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of Pediatric Hematology Oncology (PHO) providers surrounding the incorporation of acupuncture for symptom management for their patients. Methods: A cross-sectional survey instrument was created, formatted, and delivered to physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) at a single US pediatric cancer center. Survey responses were summarized by descriptive statistics. Results: A total of 78 PHO clinicians participated (response rate 29%). Most participants were interested in learning more about acupuncture (n = 42, 56.0%), yet rarely (n = 17, 22.7%) or never (n = 46, 61.3%) recommend acupuncture to patients. Most (n = 51, 73.9%) noted that they would support institutional development of an acupuncture program. Over half (n = 37, 52.2%) indicated their threshold for minimum hematologic indices for acupuncture includes a platelet count greater than 20,000 and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) greater than 500 (n = 37, 54.4%). Approximately two-thirds (n = 52, 66.7%) of participants noted that acupuncture could improve their patient’s quality of life, and most (n = 46, 67.6%) were not worried about harm. Conclusions: Acupuncture for symptom management is an evidenced-based, guideline-concordant recommendation for adults with cancer, but robust data in the pediatric oncology population are lacking. PHO providers do not routinely recommend acupuncture for patients but note that it may improve quality of life. Given their high symptom burden, rigorous studies of non-pharmacologic strategies for pediatric symptom management are vital. Acupuncture should be examined as a potential beneficial adjunct. Full article

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) enhance crop stress resistance but their roles in microbial-mediated phosphorus cycling within intercropping systems are unclear. Thus, We conducted a two-year field study using corn (Zea mays L. cv. Denghai 605) and soybean (Glycine max L. cv. Hedou 22) in fluvisols and luvisols soil according to World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) standard. Under a 4-row corn and 6-row soybean strip intercropping system, three treatments were applied: a water control (CK), and two plant growth regulators—T1 (EC: ethephon [300 mg/L] + cycocel [2 g/L]) and T2 (ED: ethephon [300 mg/L] + 2-Diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate [10 mg/L]). Foliar applications were administered at the V7 stage (seventh leaf) of intercropped corn plants to assess how foliar-applied PGRs (T1/T2) modulated the soil phosphorus availability, microbial communities, and functional genes in maize intercropping systems. PGRs increased the soil organic phosphorus and available phosphorus contents, and alkaline phosphatase activity, but not total phosphorus. PGRs declined the α-diversity in fluvisols soil but increased the α-diversity in luvisols soil. The major taxa changed from Actinobacteria (CK) to Proteobacteria (T1) and Saccharibacteria (T2) in fluvisols soil, and from Actinobacteria/Gemmatimonadetes (CK) to Saccharibacteria (T1) and Acidobacteria (T2) in luvisols soil. Functional gene dynamics indicated soil-specific regulation, where fluvisols soil harbored more phoD (organic phosphorus mineralization) and relA (polyphosphate degradation) genes, whereas phnP gene dominated in luvisols soil. T1 stimulated organic phosphorus mineralization and inorganic phosphorus solubilization in fluvisols soil, upregulating regulation genes, and T2 enhanced polyphosphate synthesis and transport gene expression in luvisols soil. Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Chloroflexi were positively correlated with organic phosphorus mineralization and polyphosphate cycling genes, whereas Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia correlated with available potassium (AP), total phosphorus (TP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Thus, PGRs activated soil phosphorus by restructuring soil type-dependent microbial functional networks, connecting PGRs-induced shifts with microbial phosphorus cycling mechanisms. These findings facilitate the targeted use of PGRs to optimize microbial-driven phosphorus efficiency in strategies for sustainable phosphorus management in diverse agricultural soils. Full article

Phosphorus deficiency poses a significant challenge to the growth and productivity of crops, particularly in nutrient-poor soils. This study investigates the effects of phosphorus deficiency on the growth, endogenous phytohormones, metabolome, and transcriptome of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) over a growth period from 30 to 120 days. We found that low phosphorus conditions significantly reduced both above- and below-ground biomass, while tuber number remained unchanged. Endogenous phytohormone analysis revealed altered levels of abscisic acid (ABA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cytokinins, indicating a complex hormonal response to phosphorus starvation. Transcriptomic analysis identified a total of 6324 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 60 days, with significant enrichment in pathways related to stress response and phosphorus utilization (PAPs and PHO1). Metabolomic profiling revealed notable shifts in key metabolites, with consistent downregulation of several phosphorous-related compounds. Our findings highlight the intricate interplay between growth, hormonal regulation, metabolic reprogramming, and gene expression in response to phosphorus deficiency in sweet potato. This research underscores the importance of understanding nutrient stress responses to enhance sweet potato resilience and inform sustainable agricultural practices. Future research should focus on exploring the potential for genetic and agronomic interventions to mitigate the effects of phosphorus deficiency and optimize sweet potato productivity in challenging environments. Full article

Current temperature sensors require regular recalibration to maintain reliable temperature measurement. Photonic/quantum-based approaches have the potential to radically change the practice of thermometry through provision of in situ traceability, potentially through practical primary thermometry, without the need for sensor recalibration. This article gives an overview of the European Partnership in Metrology (EPM) project: Photonic and quantum sensors for practical integrated primary thermometry (PhoQuS-T), which aims to develop sensors based on photonic ring resonators and optomechanical resonators for robust, small-scale, integrated, and wide-range temperature measurement. The different phases of the project will be presented. The development of the integrated optical practical primary thermometer operating from 4 K to 500 K will be reached by a combination of different sensing techniques: with the optomechanical sensor, quantum thermometry below 10 K will provide a quantum reference for the optical noise thermometry (operating in the range 4 K to 300 K), whilst using the high-resolution photonic (ring resonator) sensor the temperature range to be extended from 80 K to 500 K. The important issues of robust fibre-to-chip coupling will be addressed, and application case studies of the developed sensors in ion-trap monitoring and quantum-based pressure standards will be discussed. Full article

The combined application of chemical fertilizers with organic materials contributes to higher contents of bioavailable phosphorus. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. A field experiment including four treatments, chemical fertilizer (CF), chemical fertilizer with biochar (CB), chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer (CO), and chemical fertilizer with biochar and organic fertilizer (CBO), was conducted to explore how the combination of fertilizer applications enhanced soil phosphorus bioavailability using metagenomic sequencing technology. The results showed that chemical fertilizers combined with organic materials (CB, CO, and CBO) significantly increased citrate-extractable phosphorus by 34.61–138.92% and hydrochloric acid-extractable phosphorus contents by 72.85–131.07% compared to CF. In addition, the combined applications altered the microbial community structure and increased the abundance of phoR, spoT, and ppnK genes, but decreased those of gcd, phoD, and ppk1 genes. A partial least squares path model indicated that the combined applications regulated the microbial community composition and gene abundance of phosphorus-cycling microorganisms by influencing soil physicochemical properties, thereby enhancing soil phosphorus cycling. Correlation analysis indicated that pH, total phosphorus, and available phosphorus were the key factors influencing microbial communities, while available nitrogen and total nitrogen primarily regulated phosphorus cycling gene abundance. In addition, the CO and CBO treatments significantly increased maize yield by 14.60% and 21.04%, respectively. Overall, CBO most effectively enhanced bioavailable phosphorus content and maize yield. This study provides a foundation for developing rational fertilization strategies and improving soil phosphorus use efficiency. Full article

This study examined the regulatory mechanism of calcium (Ca) amendment on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) fractions and extracellular enzyme activities, elucidating the role of Ca in soil carbon cycling processes. A field experiment with maize was conducted, comparing treatments of low calcium (T1), high calcium (T2), and a calcium-free control (CK). Measurements included inter-root SOC fractions—soluble organic carbon (DOC), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC)—and the activities of the following extracellular enzymes: β-xylanase, β-glucosidase (β-glu), phenol oxidase (Phox), peroxidase (Pero), phosphatase (Phos), acetylaminoglucosidase (NAG), and urease. The main findings indicated the following: (1) Calcium addition significantly increased SOC content (115.04% and 99.22% higher in T1 and T2, respectively, than CK during the entire reproductive period) and enhanced microbial activity (elevated DOC and MBC). However, SOC decreased by 8.44% (T1) and 16.38% (T2) relative to CK in the late reproductive stage (irrigation–ripening), potentially reflecting microbial utilization (supported by the inverse correlation between SOC and MBC/DOC), and maize carbon reallocation during grain filling. (2) Calcium activated β-glu, Phox, Phos, NAG, and urease (p < 0.05), with pronounced increases in Phox (241.13 IU·L⁻¹) and Phos (1126.65 U·L⁻¹), indicating enhanced organic matter mineralization and phosphorus availability. (3) Calcium-driven MBC and ROC accumulation was associated with the positive regulation of Phox (path coefficient > 0.8) and the negative regulation of Phos. SOC was co-regulated by β-glu and Phos (R² = 0.753). (4) Calcium dynamically optimized the short-term carbon distribution through enzyme activity while promoting long-term sequestration. Our study provides new evidence supporting multi-pathway interactions through which calcium mediates enzyme networks to influence the soil carbon cycle. The findings provide a theoretical foundation for calcium fertilizer management and soil carbon sequestration strategies in agriculture, advancing academic and practical goals for sustainable development and carbon neutrality. Full article

In the absence of fully effective therapies and preventive strategies against the development of urosepsis, a deeper understanding of the virulence mechanisms of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains is needed. UPEC strains employ a wide range of virulence factors (VFs) to persist in the urinary tract and bloodstream. UPEC strains were isolated from patients with sepsis and a control group without sepsis. PCR was used to detect 36 genes encoding various groups of virulence and fitness factors. Profiling of both intracellular and extracellular bacterial proteins was also included in our approach. Bacterial metabolites were identified and quantified using GC-MS and LC-MS techniques. The UpaG autotransporter, a trimeric E. coli AT adhesin, was significantly more prevalent in urosepsis strains (p = 0.00001). Iron uptake via aerobactin and the Iha protein also appeared to be predictive of urosepsis (p = 0.03 and p = 0.002, respectively). While some studies suggest an association between S fimbriae and the risk of urosepsis, we observed no such correlation (p = 0.0001). Proteomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that elevated levels of bacterial citrate, malate, coenzyme Q10, pectinesterase (YbhC), and glutamate transport proteins, as well as the regulators PhoP two-component system, CpxR two-component system, Nitrate/nitrite response regulator protein NarL, and the Ferrienterobactin receptor FepA, may play a role in sepsis. These genetic biomarkers, proteins, and metabolites derived from UPEC could potentially serve as indicators for assessing the risk of developing sepsis. Full article

Background/Objectives: Colistin is a last-resort treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa multidrug-resistant infections, but resistance to it is emerging. While colistin resistance in P. aeruginosa is typically associated with chromosomal mutations inducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) aminoarabinosylation, other mutations unrelated to LPS modifications have been proposed to influence the extent of colistin resistance. Here, we examined whether the genetic background and culture conditions affect the evolution of high-level colistin resistance in this bacterium. Methods: We performed in vitro evolution experiments in the presence or absence of increasing colistin concentrations with two phylogenetically distant reference strains in a standard laboratory medium and in two media mimicking P. aeruginosa growth during lung or systemic infections. Resistance-associated mutations were identified by comparative genomics, and the role of selected mutated genes was validated by allele replacement, deletion, or conditional mutagenesis. Results: Most colistin-resistant mutants carried mutations in genes belonging to four functional groups: two-component systems controlling LPS aminoarabinosylation (PmrAB, PhoPQ), LPS biosynthesis, the production of the polyamine norspermidine, and fatty acid metabolism. No mutation was exclusively and invariably associated with a specific strain or medium. We demonstrated that norspermidine is detrimental to the acquisition of colistin resistance upon PmrAB activation and that impaired fatty acid biosynthesis can promote colistin resistance, even if it increases susceptibility to other antibiotics. Conclusions: The evolution of colistin resistance in P. aeruginosa appeared to be only marginally affected by the genetic background and culture conditions. Notably, mutations in fatty acid biosynthetic genes represent a newly identified genetic determinant of P. aeruginosa colistin resistance, warranting further investigation in clinical isolates. Full article

Background/Objectives: Phosphate level is a critical factor in the health of dialysis patients, as it is linked to cardiovascular risk. In peritoneal dialysis (PD), phosphate removal is related to residual kidney function, dietary intervention, and the ability of the visceral peritoneum to transport phosphate. The role of dialysis prescriptions in phosphate management is not sufficiently enhanced. Standardizing a phosphate removal propensity marker could optimize the peritoneal dialytic program. Our preliminary report aims to evaluate a simple model of phosphate handling and to assess which marker during the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) could better describe the propensity of phosphate removal through the peritoneal membrane. Methods: We hypothesized a simple two-compartment model to describe phosphate removal driven by diffusion. We performed an explorer study on 10 PD patients to assess the reliability of the two-compartment model. In each patient, we evaluated the basal condition and performed a PET with 2 L of 3.86% glucose exchange to assess phosphate handling. We collected blood and peritoneal effluent samples at the beginning of the test (t0), after 1 h (t1), and after 4 h (t4). We proposed and examined the following biomarkers: the ratio between dialysis effluent phosphate and plasma at t4 (PHO-D/P4); the difference between dialysis effluent phosphate at t0 and t4 (PHOΔd0-d4); and phosphate permeability–area product at t4 (PHO-PxA4). Results: 9 men and one woman with a mean age of 58.7 ± 16.7 years and a mean dialysis vintage of 25 ± 18.3 months were enrolled. The PHO-D/P4 mean was 0.68 ± 0.18, the PHO-Δd0-d4 median was 0.89 mmol/L [0.7–1.19], and the PHO-PxA4 mean was 1.7 ± 0.85. PHO-D/P4was significantly related to creatinine D/P4 (beta 1.49, p < 0.001), PHO-Δd0-d4 was significantly influenced by plasma phosphate at t0 (beta 0.56, p < 0.001), and the PHO-PxA4 was significantly influenced by ultrafiltration (beta 0.003, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our two-compartment model, we observed the independence of the PHO-D/P4marker, which could serve as a potential marker for standardizing phosphate handling. However, PHO-Δd0-d4 and PHO-PxA4 normalized by plasma phosphate at t0 and ultrafiltration rate were able to reserve a potential good performance as markers in phosphate handling standardization. Full article

Biochar is increasingly being applied to improve various degraded soils. However, studies on its use in ameliorating saline–alkaline grasslands remain limited. This study conducted experimental trials using soil collected from an alkalized meadow grassland in the Horqin Steppe, applying biochar with the application rates of 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 kg/m² in planting boxes. The objectives were to evaluate the effects of biochar addition on soil properties and microbial community and to explore the feasibility of using biochar for alkalized grassland improvement. Biochar addition to alkalized meadow soil enhanced the biomass of planted Astragalus adsurgens and improved soil properties. Soil bulk density was reduced; porosity, moisture content, and field moisture capacity significantly increased; soil nutrients were significantly ameliorated. Simultaneously, soil enzyme activities, including urease, phosphomonoesterase, protease, and polyphenol oxidase, significantly increased. Biochar application altered the microbial community structures in the alkalized meadow soil, primarily through the shifts in the relative abundance of dominant taxa rather than the fundamental changes in dominant phyla or genera. Biochar addition significantly raised the abundance of phoD- and nifH-harboring microorganisms, suggesting the enhancement in functions of soil N fixation and P transformation. Key factors influencing bacterial community structure included electrical conductivity, total P, total K, bulk density, and available K, whereas fungal communities were primarily affected by bulk density, porosity, and available N. Excessive biochar application can diminish its yield-enhancing effects, and the recommended biochar application rate for alkalized meadow grasslands in practice is 1.5 kg/m². These findings are expected to provide experimental evidence for utilizing biochar in degraded grasslands improvement. Full article