Genome-wide and candidate gene association studies identify BnPAP17 as conferring the utilization of organic phosphorus in oilseed rape

Phosphorus(P)is essential for living plants,and P deficiency is one of the key factors limiting the yield in rapeseed production worldwide.As the most important organ for plants,root morphology traits(RMTs)play a key role in P absorption.To investigate the genetic variability of RMT under low P availability,we dissected the genetic structure of RMTs by genome-wide association studies(GWAS),linkage mapping and candidate gene association studies(CGAS).A total of 52 suggestive loci were associated with RMTs under P stress conditions in 405 oilseed rape accessions.The purple acid phosphatase gene BnPAP17 was found to control the lateral root number(LRN)and root dry weight(RDW)under low P stress.The expression of BnPAP17 was increased in shoot tissue in P-efficient cultivars compared to root tissue and P-inefficient cultivars in response to low P stress.Moreover,the haplotype of BnPAP17^(Hap3)was detected for the selective breeding of P efficiency in oilseed rape.Over-expression of the BnPAP17^(Hap3)could promote the shoot and root growth with enhanced tolerance to low P stress and organic phosphorus(Po)utilization in oilseed rape.Collectively,these findings increase our understanding of the mechanisms underlying BnPAP17-mediated low P stress tolerance in oilseed rape.

Unveiling DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease:a review of array-based human brain studies

The intricacies of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis are being increasingly illuminated by the exploration of epigenetic mechanisms,particularly DNA methylation.This review comprehensively surveys recent human-centered studies that investigate whole genome DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology.The examination of various brain regions reveals distinctive DNA methylation patterns that associate with the Braak stage and Alzheimer’s disease progression.The entorhinal cortex emerges as a focal point due to its early histological alterations and subsequent impact on downstream regions like the hippocampus.Notably,ANK1 hypermethylation,a protein implicated in neurofibrillary tangle formation,was recurrently identified in the entorhinal cortex.Further,the middle temporal gyrus and prefrontal cortex were shown to exhibit significant hypermethylation of genes like HOXA3,RHBDF2,and MCF2L,potentially influencing neuroinflammatory processes.The complex role of BIN1 in late-onset Alzheimer’s disease is underscored by its association with altered methylation patterns.Despite the disparities across studies,these findings highlight the intricate interplay between epigenetic modifications and Alzheimer’s disease pathology.Future research efforts should address methodological variations,incorporate diverse cohorts,and consider environmental factors to unravel the nuanced epigenetic landscape underlying Alzheimer’s disease progression.

In Vivo Studies and Flow Cytometric Investigation on Anticancer Potential of Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesized via Aqueous Extract of Clerodendron phlomidis

Nowadays,doctors and nutritionists recommend individuals incorporate selenium-rich foods such as nuts,cereals,and mushrooms into their regular diet to maintain fitness and overall health.Selenium nanoparticles(SeNPs)exhibit strong chemopreventive capabilities.The anticipations for SeNPs with enhanced and tunable bioactive activities have led to a keen interest in phytofabrication.In this study,the aqueous extract of Clerodendron phlomidis plant leaves was utilized for the synthesis of SeNPs.In traditional Indian medicine,this plant extract is recognized as a significant anti-diabetic agent.The flavonoids tetrahydroxylflavone,7-hydroxyflavanone,and 6,4’-dimethyl-7-acetoxy-scutellarein present in this plant leaf extract demonstrate excellent anticancer activity.These secondary metabolites exhibit the ability to reduce sodium selenite into SeNPs.At a concentration of 13μg/mL,the synthesized SeNPs effectively inhibited the proliferation of the HepG2 cell line.The results suggest that the SeNPs possess promising anti-cancer potential against liver cancer and can be considered as a therapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment.Additionally,the cell cycle arrest induced by SeNPs was further confirmed by the fluorescence-activated cell sorting(FACS)method,indicating that SeNPs could efficiently differentiate cancer cells from normal cells.Notably,it showed a significant improvement in diethylnitrosamine(DEN)-induced Swiss Wistar rat groups.This scientific investigation highlights the high anti-cancer potential of SeNPs,positioning them as a promising therapeutic agent for liver cancer treatment.

Genome-wide association studies reveal the genetic basis of amino acid content variation in tea plants

Tea is one of the most popular non-alcoholic beverages in the world,and free amino acids,especially theanine,make a major contribution to the umami taste of tea.However,the genetic basis of the variation in amino acid content in tea plants remains largely unknown.Here,we measured the free amino acid content in fresh leaves of 174 tea accessions over two years using a targeted metabolomics approach and obtained genotype data via RNA sequencing.Genome-wide association studies were conducted to investigate loci affecting the content of free amino acids.A total of 69 quantitative trait loci(–log10(P-value)>5)were identified.Functional annotation revealed that branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase,glutamine synthetase,nitrate transporter,and glutamate decarboxylase might be important for amino acid metabolism.Two significant loci,glutamine synthetase(Glu1,P=3.71×10^(−4);Arg1,P=4.61×10^(−5))and branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase(Val1,P=4.67×10^(−5);I_Leu1,P=3.56×10^(−6)),were identified,respectively.Based on the genotyping result,two alleles of CsGS(CsGS-L and CsGS-H)and CsBCAT(CsBCAT-L and CsBCAT-H)were selected to perform function verification.Overexpression of CsGS-L and CsGS-H enhanced the contents of glutamate and arginine in transgenic plants,and overexpression of CsBCAT-L and CsBCAT-H promoted the accumulation of valine,isoleucine and leucine.Enzyme activity assay uncovered that SNP1054 is important for CsGS catalyzing glutamate into glutamine.Furthermore,CsGS-L and CsGS-H differentially regulated the accumulation of glutamine,and CsBCAT-L and CsBCAT-H differentially regulated the accumulation of branched-chain amino acids.In summary,the findings in our study would provide new insights into the genetic basis of amino acids contents variation in tea plants and facilitate the identification of elite genes to enhance amino acids content.

“Blind men and an elephant”:The need for animals in research,drug safety studies,and understanding civilizational diseases

Animal-based research and drug safety studies are essential to understanding the mysteries of nature and the long-term survival of humans.Due to the rapid increase in the global human population,conflict-and economically driven human migration,tourism-related activities,densely populated metropolitan areas,and local policies,humans will be affected by a multitude of novel disease-causing microorganisms and civilizational diseases.Despite disparities among countries,recent and planned changes in regulations concerning animal research and drug safety studies could have detrimental effects on both the animal research community and nations lacking sufficient social support systems.Based on existing scientific literature,I argue that we need animal research encompassing aspects such as animal development,behavior,drug safety studies,and for the understanding of future civilizational diseases.Depending on the nature of the research questions and local challenges,a suitable animal model organism should be made mandatory.

Roles of Case Studies and Case Reports in US East Asian Medicine:A Narrative-Medicine Perspective

Recorded stories of the clinical encounter stretch back to ancient times.Throughout their history,these narratives have been called by different names,reflecting changes in format,function,and audience.This paper examines and explains the differences in two related forms of clinical writing as practiced by East Asian Medicine clinicians in the United States today-the case study and the case report.Each has its strengths and weaknesses;each is suited to different roles.The case study is ideal for education and the practice of narrative medicine,whereas the case report has played a vital role in propelling East Asian Medicine into the arena of modern scientific research.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants:The case of Artemisia vulgaris L.substituted for Artemisia annua L.in Western Uganda

Background:Different parts of Artemisia vulgaris L.(A.vulgaris)are ethno-medicinally used as an emmenagogue and for the treatment of ailments such as malaria fever,ulcers,and cancer.However,anecdotal evidence shows that the plant is often substituted for Artemisia annua L.(A.annua)by herbalists in Western Uganda due to similarities in their morphology.Misidentification of medicinal plants and mislabelling of herbal products have been incriminated in toxicity and adverse health outcomes in traditional medicine practise.Because safety continues to be a major issue with the use of herbal remedies,it becomes imperative therefore that medicinal plants should be correctly identified.Methods:This study focused on investigating the macroscopic,microscopic,physicochemical characteristics and phytochemical composition of A.vulgaris leaves compared to A.annua to ease its correct identification.Results:The results showed that there are some colour differences between the leaves of the two species,with a close arrangement of microscopic features but different leaf constants.The leaves of the two Artemisia species had similar tastes,but their shapes and colours(greenish-yellow for A.annua and dark green for A.vulgaris)can be used by the local community to distinguish between them.The artemisinin content was higher in A.vulgaris leaves(1.72%)than in A.annua(1.43%),but the reverse was observed for the total flavonoid content.Conclusion:This observation could justify the change in the use of A.vulgaris by the indigenous community in western Uganda.Further studies should consider the pharmacognostic comparison of A.annua with other species in the genus Artemisia and the use of molecular techniques such as DNA barcoding.

A Review of Studies about Mongolian Patent Medicine Huhegaridi-9 (Qinggan Jiuwei Pills)

It has been applied for many diseases such as plague fever, cold cough, sore throat and so on. In order to better study Huhegaridi-9, this paper started from the production process of Mongolian Patent Medicine Huhegaridi-9. It analyzed and discussed the clinical application, chemical components and pharmacological research of Huhegaridi-9. It is expected to provide a reference for relevant researchers and workers.

Delivering Tram-Based Boulevards: Learning from Opportunities and Challenges in Three European City Case Studies

Increasing calls for zero-carbon cities invite transformative solutions for people and places within our cities around the world. Key to the transformation is cities and regions shifting in mobility away from fossil-fuel based car-oriented solutions. The paper investigates a range of case studies where “tram-based boulevards” have been planned or implemented to provide such opportunities. The case studies share a common broader policy objective: to transform the car-oriented or car-saturated areas to an intensified urban template based on a critical presence of dedicated mid-tier transit infrastructure and active transport. “Trams”, or mid-tier, mid-capacity transit when combined with Transit oriented development (TOD) along whole corridors can provide transformative pathways towards zero-carbon outcomes as well as multiple, strong urban benefits. However, many successful or instructive examples of this practice from non-English speaking countries, particularly in Europe, are underdocumented in the international literature. The paper addresses this gap by investigating opportunities and challenges evident in a range of European case studies. These are explored for insight towards policy learning particularly in New World cities seeking to transform into a zero-carbon and more transit-oriented template: How can decision-makers avoid repeating the identified pitfalls, and instead focus on emulating the successful approaches and outcomes? We conclude the need for recognition of the inherent synergies between transport and land use settings in any endeavour, and their translation into policy priorities in both fields of planning. We also conclude the importance of decision makers proactively identifying and critically appraising specific opportunities for change, concerning funding, technology, public opinion, stakeholder alliances or market dynamics, and capitalising on them at suitable moments in time.

A Survey of English Translation Studies of Lu You’s Poetry Based on the Data Analysis of Domestic Academic Journals (2001-2022)

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the current state of research on the English translation of Lu You’s poetry, utilizing a data sample comprising research papers published in the CNKI Full-text Database from 2001 to 2022. Employing rigorous longitudinal statistical methods, the study examines the progress achieved over the past two decades. Notably, domestic researchers have displayed considerable interest in the study of Lu You’s English translation works since 2001. The research on the English translation of Lu You’s poetry reveals a diverse range of perspectives, indicating a rich body of scholarship. However, several challenges persist, including insufficient research, limited translation coverage, and a noticeable focus on specific poems such as “Phoenix Hairpin” in the realm of English translation research. Consequently, there is ample room for improvement in the quality of research output on the English translation of Lu You’s poems, as well as its recognition within the academic community. Building on these findings, it is argued that future investigations pertaining to the English translation of Lu You’s poetry should transcend the boundaries of textual analysis and encompass broader theoretical perspectives and research methodologies. By undertaking this shift, scholars will develop a more profound comprehension of Lu You’s poetic works and make substantive contributions to the field of translation studies. Thus, this article aims to bridge the gap between past research endeavors and future possibilities, serving as a guide and inspiration for scholars to embark on a more nuanced and enriching exploration of Lu You’s poetry as well as other Chinese literature classics.

A review of challenges and opportunities in micropillar compression studies in Mg alloys

This review paper provides an overview of the micropillar compression technique as applied to magnesium(Mg) and its alloys. It explores the influence of various factors, such as pillar size, shape, temperature, and strain rate on the mechanical properties of Mg.Additionally, the impact of alloying elements, aging, and precipitates in Mg alloys has been extensively examined, revealing their significant influence on mechanical performance. The study highlights the strength and strain hardening improvements in Mg with decreasing pillar size in micropillar compression. Furthermore, the role of precipitates as strengthening agents, affecting deformation mechanisms and overall mechanical response, is explored. These valuable insights are crucial for designing Mg-based materials with enhanced mechanical properties for advanced engineering applications.

Theoretical Transplantation into Translation Studies——An Analysis on the Pragmatic Application of Hofstede’s

The deepening process of globalization has given rise to restless cultural exchanges among people from different regions of the world through newspapers,books,and other written media.However,the significant differences in languages and cultures have become an insurmountable gap in intercultural communication.To lubricate cultural exchanges,new translation theories that focus on the transformation of different cultural concepts shall be introduced and adopted.This paper aims to extract applicable notions from Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions for pragmatic translation studies by laying emphasis on its pragmatic value through case study.By such theoretical transplantation,valuable suggestions are proposed to tackle cultural misunderstandings and conflicts encountered amid cultural exchanges.

The Islamic Studies in China-Research in Political and Social Fields

In the research of political and social fields,modern Islamic politics has evolved into three schools of nationalism,modernism and fundamentalism in the 20th century.The research in the field of contemporary Islam involves different countries,nationalities and different economic and political conditions.It is not only the research field of religion,but also has the characteristics of interdisciplinary academic frontier.From the perspective of academic research,these trends have attracted the attention and research of scholars inside and outside the church on Islamic political and social issues.Recently,there have been many problems related to Islam and the current international political life,as well as the research results of Islamic social thoughts and social movements.

基于WOFOST模型与遥感数据同化的县级尺度玉米估产研究

区域尺度的作物生长动态监测和产量预测对于保障粮食安全和农业政策的制定具有重要参考依据。遥感数据同化应用极大提高了作物估产的时效性和精度。为及时、准确地实现县级尺度粮食产量的估测,以及提升产量估测的精度,以辽宁省铁岭县为研究区,采用WOFOST(world food studies)模型与遥感同化相结合的方法对铁岭县玉米进行估产研究。通过采用扩展傅里叶幅度敏感性检验算法(extened Fourier amplitude sensitivity test,EFAST)敏感性分析方法实现玉米估产敏感性参数的分析,以及本地化;通过采用参数自动率定程序PEST(parameter estimation)实现参数的优化,验证结果为采样点产量的平均误差为852.39 kg·hm^(-2),模型模拟的精度达到92.82%。为进一步提高和优化模型估产精度,将遥感反演得到的叶面积指数采用集合卡尔曼滤波算法与模型模拟的叶面积指数进行数据同化,平均误差从同化前的852.39 kg·hm^(-2)降低为435.01 kg·hm^(-2),估产精度从92.82%提高到96.33%,有效提高了WOFOST模型估产的精度。结果表明:水分对玉米的生长发育限制并不大,其产量形成主要受光温影响,对温度、光能利用效率和最大同化速率有关的参数具有较高的敏感性;优化后的模型能够较好模拟铁岭县玉米生长发育情况,产量验证表明优化后的模型模拟的效果较好,但仍存在一定的误差;比值植被指数与叶面积指数的相关性最高,反演模型精度较好,反演结果表明叶面积指数在抽雄吐丝期差距较大,而在成熟期的差距不大;经过作物模型与遥感数据同化之后,估产的精度得到明显提高,说明遥感与作物模型同化是一种有效地提高作物估产和产量预测精度的方法。

世界中国学视野下的中原学建设(笔谈)

当今世界正在经历广泛而又深刻的社会变革。面对“百年未有之大变局”“中华民族伟大复兴的战略全局”,迫切需要哲学社会科学进行知识变革、提供思想先导,迫切需要构建中国自主的知识体系以打破“西方中心论”的认知迷思。中国自主知识体系有宏观与微观之分,作为地方性理论学科建设生动实践的中原学则是以根性研究、谱系研究、基因研究、精神研究为核心的、历史与现实相统一的一门系统知识、学问及学说的总和,是中国学的重要组成部分,在构建中国自主知识体系的过程中具有不可替代的地位和作用。近年,中原学建设的相关实践充分体现了大变革时代哲学社会科学自主知识体系发展的新取向,在此过程中也形成了一些理论与实践成果。中原学的独特之处在于其地域性和综合性,中原地区作为中国历史文化的重要发源地,拥有丰富的历史文化遗产和独特的地域特色。中原学研究不仅要深入挖掘这些历史文化遗产,还要结合现实情况进行综合分析,为中原地区的经济社会发展提供科学指导。为进一步把握中原学建设与发展的总体方向,推动中原学研究的深入发展,河南社会科学杂志社策划了本期“世界中国学视野下的中原学建设”笔谈,约请国内知名专家学者从文化学、历史学的视角对中原学、地方学建设提出创建性意见和思考。

中医辨证治疗前庭性偏头痛的多中心前瞻性队列研究

目的:评价中医辨证治疗前庭性偏头痛的临床疗效,探讨中医辨证用药规律。方法:采用前瞻性队列研究方法,选取前庭性偏头痛患者197例,根据是否采用中医辨证治疗为暴露因素,分为中药组与西药组,分别为123例与74例。观察两组治疗第4、8、12周的眩晕复发率及相关结局指标。结果:治疗第4、8、12周,眩晕复发率中药组依次为14.9%、18.4%、29.7%,西药组依次为12.3%、32.8%、55.6%,其中第8、12周两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后第4周,眩晕残障量表评分(dizziness handicap inventory,DHI)、VAS评分改善情况西药组优于中药组,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),第8、12周DHI、VAS评分改善情况中药组均优于西药组(P<0.05);共收集门诊处方273首,涉及中药76味,使用频率前十位的中药依次为天麻、法半夏、柴胡、茯神、远志、茯苓、酸枣仁、煅龙骨、珍珠母、黄芩。结论:中医辨证治疗前庭性偏头痛在改善眩晕症状,控制眩晕复发方面优势明显,但起效速度方面不及西药治疗。临床用药以疏肝解郁、重镇安神为主,安神之法应贯穿治疗始终。

2011—2020年四川省实施结核病防治规划的卫生经济学评价

目的:评估2011—2020年四川省结核病防治经费投入产生的社会效益,为制定新时期中长期发展规划提供参考依据。方法:采用回顾性研究方法,从“结核病管理信息系统”和“传染病监测”系统中收集四川省2011—2020年(“十二五”和“十三五”期间)涂阳肺结核患者治疗转归情况和肺结核患者劳动人口比例,结合四川省统计年鉴和全国结核病防治规划终期评估规划自评调查表等获取经费资料和人均国内生产总值(GDP),采用卫生经济学中常用的成本-效果、成本-效用、成本-效益等3种分析方法估算10年间结核病防治经费投入的社会效果、社会效用和社会效益,并对比分析“十二五”和“十三五”期间的估算结果。结果:2011—2020年,四川省共投入结核病防治经费76032.60万元,成功治疗涂阳肺结核患者160167例,避免了696899名健康人受到传染,挽救了1155277个伤残调整寿命年(disability adjusted life year,DALY),为社会节约医疗费用6.05亿元,挽回社会经济损失约370.32亿元。每投入1091.01元即可避免1名健康人被传染,每投入658.13元即可挽回1个DALY,每投入1元即可产生49.50元的社会经济效益。“十三五”期间带来的总社会效益(209.22亿元)较“十二五”期间(167.14亿元)增长了25.18%[(209.22-167.14)/167.14],但政府每投入1元的结核病防治经费产生的社会效益(47.56元)较“十二五”期间(52.17元)减少了4.61元。结论:2011—2020年间各级政府和国际项目对四川省结核病防控工作投入的经费产生了较好的社会效果、效用和效益。建议在保持目前经费投入力度的基础上,各级政府进一步加大投入,尤其对病原学阳性肺结核患者的发现和治疗管理力度,以期产生更高的社会效益。

乡村研学旅行课程设计开发与实践——以门头沟西达摩村为例

在乡村振兴战略的推动下,对乡村旅游与教育结合的新模式———研学旅行及其课程设计开发进行了深入探讨。以门头沟西达摩村为案例,基于其丰富的文化和自然资源,探索了研学旅行作为乡村旅游发展新途径的可行性。依据西达摩村的地理、历史和文化特点,设计开发了一系列研学课程,并通过对课程需求、课程内容、实施策略的系统探讨,提出了西达摩村乡村研学旅行课程的新方案。该方案不仅为学生提供丰富的实践体验,还有助于发展旅游经济,传承乡村优秀传统文化,助力乡村振兴战略的实施。

新能源汽车对成品油替代的区域性研究

2023年,中国新能源汽车已进入全面市场拓展期。目前,中国新能源汽车正处于“两高一强”的发展阶段,对成品油的替代呈现“一家独大”的现状。将全国分为东北、西北、西南、华东、华南、华北六个区域,构建“长期看保有,中期看销量,短期看运营车”的分析框架,从短期、中期、长期三个维度对不同区域、不同省份的新能源汽车的成品油替代作用展开细化分析研究。建议成品油销售企业根据各区域新能源汽车发展特色制定油品销售规划,分区域推进综合能源服务站的布局与建设,同时助力公共领域新能源汽车的应用推广工作,以应对新能源汽车对成品油的替代,加快世界一流综合性国际能源公司的建设。

中原学离新时代中国学、世界中国学还有多远

中原文化、黄河文化是中华文明总进程的核心和引领者。担负新时代新的文化使命,建设中华民族现代文明,创造人类文明新形态,要求我们从构建中国自主知识体系的高度来定位、研究中原文化、黄河文化,推进中原文化、黄河文化的学问化、学术化、学科化、学派化表达,不断提升中华文化的影响力。在新时代中国学、世界中国学视野下,中原学要确立中华民族现代文明、人类文明新形态两个研究方向,回答好习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想是中华文化和中国精神的时代精华、中国道路与中华文明道路的关系、在中国式现代化的基础上深化中原学研究、推动中原学的国际化表达等四个核心问题。如此,中原学才能超越地域范畴,从中原之学走向中国之学、世界之学。