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There are ample national, transnational, and international geopolitical conflicts around the world, the two most prominent likely being the current ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, and the conflict between Taiwan (the Republic of China) and China (the People's Republic of China). To avoid criticism or the label of political bias, academics might refrain from using the term Taiwan or might not refer to it as a country. Similarly, they might not know whether they should refer to Crimea or the Donbas as being Ukrainian or Russian. Authors currently have little guidance and are somewhat left to their own devices when it comes to referring to these and other locations and territories, uncertain of the names that should be used to indicate them. They might also observe disclaimers on publishers' websites, in the footer of editorial board pages, or even as a small notice in their own manuscripts placed there by the publisher that distance the publisher from geopolitical conflicts and/or territorial claims, claiming neutrality, independent of whether those papers mention those conflicts, or not. Such disclaimers might be perceived as self-serving, placing the onus of responsibility of the choice of territorial term on authors' shoulders, so publishers should offer clearer advice to authors and editors on how to better handle this issue, that is, how to accurately name locations in geopolitically sensitive areas. There is a risk that papers that are insufficiently sensitive to such issues may be labelled as erroneous, and subjected to correction or retraction, or the authors may be subjected to public criticism or humiliation, so resolving this issue falls within the realm of academic publishing ethics. Currently, very little advice exists for geopolitical issues in the Committee on Publication Ethics and International Committee of Medical Journal Ethics ethics-related publishing guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer research is occasionally described as being in a reproducibility crisis. The cancer literature has ample papers retracted due to misconduct, including the use of paper mills, invalid authorship, or fake data. The objective of this paper was to gain an appreciation of the balance of retractions and associated retraction notices of 23 retracted Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals papers associated with paper mills. By 23 March 2023, these retracted papers had already accumulated 287 citations according to Web of Science Core Collection, 253 according to Scopus, and 365 according to Google Scholar, i.e., metrically speaking, they were highly rewarded. All authors had an affiliation (71% being a hospital) in China. Most (12/21; 57%) of corresponding authors had emails with a @163.com suffix. Four of the retraction notices (i.e., 17%) explicitly indicated paper mills as a reason for retraction although, in general, the retraction notices lacked details and background that could assist readers' understanding of the retractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeonia (Paeoniaceae), a culturally and economically important plant genus, has an isolated taxonomy while the evolution of this genus is unclear. A plant species endemic to southwest China, Paeonia mairei is precious germplasm for evolution-related research and cultivar improvement, and its conservation is urgent. However, little is known about its patterns of habitat distribution and responses to climate change. Using 98 occurrence sites and data of 19 bioclimatic variables, we conducted principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis to delineate different climatic populations. Maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) was applied to each population to evaluate the importance of environmental variables in shaping their distribution, and to identify distribution shifts under different climate change scenarios. We also applied MaxEnt to all of the P. mairei presence sites (P_Whole) to evaluate the need to construct separate species distribution models for separate populations rather than a common approach by treating them as a whole. Our results show that local adaptation exists within the distribution range of P. mairei and that all presence sites were clustered into a western population (P_West) and an eastern population (P_East). Two variables (precipitation of the driest month and temperature seasonality) are important when shaping the distribution of P_West, and another two variables (mean diurnal range and mean temperature of the wettest quarter) are important for P_East. Both populations are likely to shift upward under climate change, while P_East may lose most current suitable areas while P_West may not. P_Whole produced a narrower area compared to the combination of P_West and P_East but a suitable area (south Chongqing) may have been missed in the prediction. Accordingly, a population-based approach in constructing a species distribution model is needed to provide a detailed appreciation of the distribution of P. mairei , allowing for a population-based conservation strategy. In this case, it could include assisted migration to new and suitable distribution areas for P_West and in situ conservation in high elevation regions for P_East. The results of our study could be a useful reference for implementing the long-term conservation and further research of P. mairei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabriggsia ovalifolia W. T.Wang. is an endangered species indigenous to China. Leaf cuttings and petiole segments derived from 1-year-old potted plants, originally derived from in vitro cultures, were used to study the effects of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) and orientation (only for leaf cuttings) on the induction of adventitious shoots and roots. Leaf cuttings and petiole segments dipped in 20.0 μM 6-benzyladenine (BA) for 30 min induced the highest number of shoots per explant (6.8 and 9.8, respectively) among the PGRs tested, and 1 - 20 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) induced more roots than indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) or χ-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Leaf cuttings placed abaxial side down induced significantly more adventitious shoots (5.0 per cutting) than leaf cuttings placed abaxial side up (0.6 per cutting). More than 96% of plantlets survived when transferred to square plastic trays filled with a 1:1 (v/v) mix of sand and perlite. This study provides a simple, quick and efficient method of propagation from leaf cuttings or petiole segments, allowing this endangered ornamental species to be maintained sustainably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh pollen grains of 37 species representing eight genera ( Magnolia , Manglietia , Lirianthe , Houpoëa , Talauma , Michelia , Woonyoungia , and Parakmeria ) of the subfamily Magnolioideae, one of the most primitive families among the angiosperms, were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, and 31 of them are reported for the first time. The Magnoliaceae family is typically stenopalynous. Pollen grains are bilaterally symmetrical, heteropolar, boat-shaped and monosulcate, rounded or elliptical in distal view. They are medium to large in size, ranging from 41.6 ± 4.4 μm to 94.1 ± 5.6 μm in the longest axis. Most species examined have microperforate ornamentation. Uniform perforations of 0.2 μm or from 0.1 μm to 0.5 μm in diameter on the outer surface of the exine were detected in Manglietia and Lirianthe species. Pollen grains of some species had microgemmae or ring-like appurtenances on the outer surface of the exine. Six pollen types and three subtypes are proposed in the Magnoliaceae. This is one more than the five types proposed by Praglowski in 1974. A key for the identification of these pollen types and subtypes is presented and its taxonomic implications in the Magnolioideae are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.) is a woody, dioecious plant that can be grown in dry and poor soil conditions. It has recently received world-wide attention as a new berry crop with a very high nutritional value and unique medicinal properties, as well as a means of combating soil erosion. A major problem is, however, dried-shrink disease (DSD), which destroys sea buckthorn plants and halts commercial production. In this study, we investigated symptoms and pathogenicity of DSD, isolated and identified pathogens using a combination of morphology and ITS sequences, and evaluated the disease index (DI) of different cultivars in the field. DSD infection causes isolated yellowing of plant tissues, and as the disease develops the bark putresces, dries and shrinks, and finally the plant dies. DSD infects older plants (>3 years), often at the plant base. Death of plant parts above the infected area does not influence root vitality, and a new plant can therefore be regenerated. Combining morphological characters and ITS sequences, we isolated and identified four fungal pathogens causing DSD, including Fusarium acuminatum, F. oxysporum, Fusarium camptoceras and Phomopsis spp. DI values for 27 cultivars ranged from 0 to 10.4. About half of the cultivars were regarded as resistant (DI<3.2) to DSD, and half as susceptible (DI>6.7). Cultivar ‘Zhongguoshaji’ (DI=4.2) showed an intermediate level of DSD resistance. Our data provides basic information for further studies of the mechanism of pathogenicity, and for breeding of DSD-resistant cultivars. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Variation in floral organ number in plants is triggered by extremely complex transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a pivotal role in the post-transcriptional regulation of floral organs. Paeonia lactiflora Pall., originating from China, is a precious herbaceous plant with ornamental, medicinal, and oil properties. Building on previous transcriptional studies, this work examined post-transcriptional regulation of peony stamen petalization using critical-stage flower buds. Using high-throughput small RNA sequencing, a miRNA expression profile was constructed. This was used to identify 10 known, 334 conserved, and 255 novel miRNAs, 155, 151, and 44 of which were differentially expressed at three developmental stages (stamen primordium, stamen primordium partly petaloid, and stamen primordium completely petaloid). Degradome analysis identified 55 miRNAs and 127 potential target genes. A miRNA-target network suggested that miR172- PlRAP2 , miR160- PlARF , miR396- PlGRF , miR319- PlTCP4 , and miR384\394- PlFBOX modules are key regulators of peony stamen petalization. The regulation of miR319 and PlTCP4 during peony flower development was validated through transient expression in tobacco. This study provides insight into miRNA-mediated regulation of petalized stamen formation in herbaceous peony and refines the post-transcriptional network at critical stages of this process. • 10 known, 334 conserved, and 255 novel miRNAs were identified during the stamen petalization process in P. lactiflora. • Expression pattern analysis of miRNA and target genes was performed. • Degradome analysis identified 55 miRNAs and 127 potential target genes. • PlTCP4 were validated as targets of miR319-y through transient expression in tobacco. • A novel regulatory model of peony stamen petalization regulated by miRNA was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.) is a woody, outcrossing dioecious pioneer plant, being widely planted as a new berry crop with rich nutritional and medicinal compounds, as well as a means of prevention of soil erosion. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were generated in 219 plants of 40 cultivars from China and other countries, representing two species of Hippophae salicifolia and Hippophae rhamnoides that includes two subspecies (ssp. mongolica and ssp. rhamnoides) and intraspecific hybrids between ssp. mongolica and ssp. sinensis. Fifteen selected ISSR primers generated 385 bands with an average of 25.6 bands per primer. Thirty hundred and eighty-five bands were used to generate a Dice''s coefficient matrix of pairwise comparisons between individual ISSR profiles. Cluster analysis based on this matrix showed clustering of plants into groups which was in good agreement with their taxonomic classification. The results also revealed the presence of different cultivars with the same name, identical cultivars but with a different name and the genetic relationship of cultivars with unknown parentage to those with known parentage. Our data will be helpful in collection and conservation of sea buckthorn germplasm and potential hybrid strategy for breeding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nothodoritis zhejiangensis Z. H. Tsi is a rare and endangered epiphytic orchid restricted to a narrow distribution in China. The species is threatened with extinction as a result of loss of suitable habitats. An efficient propagation system is part of this species' conservation plan. Seed germination reached 64.7% on Knudson's C (KC) medium containing 1.0 mg⋅L-1 α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 10% coconut water, and 0.1% activated charcoal. After 50 days culture, most callus (71.3%) from seed-derived protocorms formed on KC medium with 1.0 mg⋅L-1 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and 10% coconut water. Callus could be subcultured 12 times during ≈2 years with more than a 3.0-fold increase from the third to the twelfth subculture. Furthermore, 84% of callus from the tenth sub-culture on KC media supplemented with 1.0 mg⋅L-1 NAA, 5% coconut water, and 0.1% activated charcoal formed protocorm-like bodies (PLBs). Many (57%) protocorms on KC medium containing 1.0 mg⋅L-1 6-benzylaminopurine and 10% coconut water formed PLBs. Both callus and PLBs formed simultaneously from different protocorms on KC medium containing 0.01 to 1.0 mg⋅L-1 thidiazuron and 10% coconut water. PLBs were incubated 12 times during ≈2 years with an approximate 2.4-fold increase per sub-culture. Both callus and PLBs maintained their competence to regenerate plantlets. Hyponex N026 medium supplemented with 1.0 mg⋅L-1 NAA, 50 g⋅L-1 banana homogenate, and 0.1% activated charcoal was suitable for plantlet formation and growth of 95.5% of plantlets that developed from PLBs. The roots of plantlets 2 cm in height or taller were wrapped in Chilean sphagnum moss and fixed to a fir bark block; 69.3% of plantlets survived after 180 days in a greenhouse. This protocol is an efficient means for the large-scale propagation of this endangered orchid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paeonia Radix Rubra (PRR) is a very common traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The roots of Paeonia lactiflora and Paeonia anomala subsp. veitchii are used for the production of PRR. However, other species of section Paeonia in China are also used to produce PRR. The roots of section Paeonia from 20 populations of seven species and two subspecies in China were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-Q-TOF- MS). A total of 21 metabolites were identified, including nine monoterpene glycosides, seven tannins, three phenols, one paeonol and one flavonoid. There were significant differences in the composition and content of metabolites among different populations. The relative contents of monoterpene glycosides and tannins were generally higher in most samples. Cluster analysis showed that 20 populations could be divided into four groups. Among them, the populations of P. lactiflora and Paeonia mairei were clustered together in one group. The content of paeoniflorin in P. lactiflora was high (>22.20 mg g -1 , dry weight, the same below), and the content of lactiflorin in P. mairei (>17.50 mg g -1 ) was significantly higher than in other species (<2.30 mg g -1 ). The monoterpene glycoside content in P. mairei (>51.60 mg g -1 ) was significantly higher than in other species (<43.40 mg g -1 ), suggesting that it could be useful medicinal germplasm for the development of monoterpene glycosides. In addition, some populations of Paeonia emodi, Paeonia sterniana and P. mairei may also be used as potential germplasm resources for use in PRR. Genetic and environmental factors resulted in differences in the composition and content of metabolites in different populations of the same species. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully consider the origin of Paeonia germplasm when selecting medicinal materials to be used as resources for the production of PRR., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)