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Background: Phenotypic, ecological, and genetic differences are crucial for species delimitation and understanding speciation. However, the defining the distribution boundaries and mechanisms driving lineage differentiation of Taxus species in northern and central China remain unclear. This study combines three molecular markers (trnL-trnF, rbcL, ITS), leaf morphological, and ecological data, integrating multiple taxonomy, ecology, and phylogeography approaches to systematically investigate the taxonomic status and spatial genetic patterns of Taxus species in these regions. Results: A total of 177 samples from 27 populations, representing the natural distribution of Taxus in central and northern China, were collected. T. chinensis (TC) mainly occurs from 1000–2400 m in the south of Qinling Mountains, T. mairei (TM) from 100–1000 m in the south of Daba Mountains, and T. qinlingensis (TQ) from 900–1800 m in the north of Qinling Mountains. The three species overlap in the central Qinling, eastern Daba, and Wushan Mountains at elevations of 900–1800 m. Seventeen haplotypes and 21 ribotypes were identified, forming three clusters corresponding to TC, TM, and TQ. Both cpDNA and nDNA data reveals distinct phylogeographic structures, significant genetic differentiation, and smaller bidirectional gene flow among species. Genetic and niche play a more prominent role in species divergence than morphological traits. Effective population sizes and genetic diversity are higher in TC and TM than in TQ. Suitable habitats expanded southwestward after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and are projected to shift northwestward and contract under future warming scenarios. Conclusion: Geologic movement (rapid uplift of the Qinling and surrounding mountains), climate fluctuations (cold-drying effect, and glacial-interglacial cycles), and habitat heterogeneity (gradients in geography and elevation) together shaped interspecific adaptive differentiation and shifts in population dynamics of the three Taxus species. The Qinling-Daba-Wushan mountain range likely played a key role in the independent evolution of these species in local glacial refugia and their post-glacial recontact at the intersection of these mountain ranges. This study provides new insights into the taxonomic status and genetic variation pattern of Taxus species in central and northern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots (CDs) with room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) have emerged as popular luminescent materials in recent years. RTP CDs have a wide range of applications in several fields, such as anticounterfeiting, information encryption, sensors, and optoelectronics, due to their excellent optical properties, simple preparation process, etc. Therefore, it is significant to develop RTP CDs with a long lifetime and outstanding optical intensity. In the present work, N, P, and B atoms codoped into CDs (N, P, and B-CDs) were synthesized by a simple and green one-step hydrothermal method using arginine, phosphoric acid, and boric acid as precursors. The dense cross-linked network generated by hydrothermal carbonization and the effect of codoping of multiple atoms endowed N, P, and B-CDs with excellent phosphorescence properties. Under UV light, the N, P, and B-CDs showed blue fluorescence, and after the removal of the UV light, the afterglow of the RTP CDs visible to the naked eye was green and still persisted for about 12 s. The absolute photoluminescence quantum yield (QY) and phosphorescence lifetime of N, P, and B-CDs were 15.89% and 902 ms, respectively, indicating long-lifetime RTP CDs. Finally, this work exemplified the remarkable effectiveness of N, P, and B-CDs in anticounterfeiting and information encryption. This work provides an idea for the preparation of simple and efficient RTP CDs and a strategy for the field of anticounterfeiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Soybean is an important protein and oil crop, and improving yield has traditionally been a major breeding goal. However, salt stress is an important abiotic factor that can severely impair soybean yield by disrupting metabolic processes, inhibiting photosynthesis, and hindering plant growth, ultimately leading to a decrease in productivity. Methods: This study utilized phenotypic and genotypic data from 563 soybean germplasms sourced from over 20 countries. Employing four distinct models—we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using four models, including MLM, MLMM, FarmCPU, and BLINK in GAPIT 3, we conducted a Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associated with salt tolerance in soybean. Subsequently, these identified SNP were further analyzed for candidate gene discovery. Using 34,181 SNPs for genomic prediction (GP) to assess prediction accuracy. Results: Our study identified 10 SNPs significantly associated with salt tolerance, located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 7, and 16. And we identified 11 genes within a 5 kb window upstream and downstream of the QTLs on chromosomes 1, 3, and 16. Utilizing the GWAS-derived SNP marker sets for genomic prediction (GP) yielded r-values greater than 0.35, indicating a higher level of accuracy. This suggests that genomic selection for salt tolerance is feasible. Discussion: The 10 identified SNP markers and candidate genes in this study provide a valuable reference for screening and developing salt-tolerant soybean germplasm resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has recently become a novel and non-invasive treatment option for refractory epilepsy. Previous systematic reviews have suggested that tDCS may be effective in treating epilepsy, this study presents the first meta-analysis on its effectiveness. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from database inception to May 2024. The Cochrane risk of bias tool RoB2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias. Primary outcomes included changes in seizure frequency from baseline and the proportion of patients with a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency. Results: Of the 608 studies initially identified, 14 were finally included. The pooled results from the random-effects model indicated that tDCS significantly reduced seizure frequency (WMD 0.41, 95% CI 0.24, 0.59). Further subgroup analysis revealed that tDCS significantly reduced seizure frequency in temporal lobe epilepsy, and seizure frequency was more alleviated in studies that had treatment sessions of fewer than 5 times, and followed up within 2 months' post-treatment. Only four studies provided data on patients with a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency, showing no significant difference (RR 2.96, 95% CI 0.85, 10.32). In the systematic review, three studies analyzed cognitive function changes after tDCS treatment, but none reported significant improvements. The most common side effect during tDCS treatment was transient tingling, and no patients required additional life-support measures due to side effects. Conclusion: The current meta-analysis on available trials indicates that tDCS can effectively reduce seizure frequency in the short term and is well-tolerated. However, its impact on cognitive improvement in epilepsy patients requires further investigation. Systematic review registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2024-6-0033/, identifier INPLASY202460033. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Using Optical coherence tomography (OCT), we evaluated the association between peripapillary retinal nerve fiber, macular thickness, macular ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer, and drug resistance. Methods: In this cross‐sectional study, we recruited people diagnosed with epilepsy and healthy controls. People with epilepsy were further stratified as drug‐resistant or non‐drug‐resistant based on their response to anti‐seizure medications. OCT measurements were conducted, and findings in right eye were analyzed. Results: Fifty‐one drug‐resistant participants, 37 non‐drug‐resistant, and 45 controls were enrolled. The average peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer, and macular thickness were thinner in the epilepsy groups than in controls. The drug‐resistant group had significantly lower average ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer thickness (p = 0.004) and a higher proportion of abnormal/borderline GC/IPL thickness (p = 5.40E‐04) than the non‐drug‐resistant group. Nevertheless, no significant differences were seen between the average thickness of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber and macular thickness. The temporal sectors of these three parameters were also significantly thinner in the drug‐resistant group than in the non‐drug‐resistant. In a multivariate regression model, drug resistance was an independent predictor of reduced ganglion cell‐inner plexiform thickness (Odds ratios OR = 10.25, 95% CI 2.82 to 37.28). Increased seizure frequency (r = −0.23, p = 0.039) and a higher number of anti‐seizure medications ever used (r = −0.27, p = 0.013) were negatively associated with ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer thickness. Significance: Individuals with drug‐resistant epilepsy had a consistent reduction in average ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer thickness and the temporal sector of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness. This suggests that ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer thickness could potentially serve as an indicator of the burden of drug resistance, as it correlated with reduced thickness in individuals having more frequent seizures and greater exposure to ASMs. Plain Language Summary: In our study, we used a special tool called OCT to measure how thick the retina is in people with epilepsy and in healthy control. We found that the retina was consistently thinner in all areas for those with epilepsy compared to healthy control. Particularly, a specific layer called the ganglion cell‐inner plexiform layer was a lot thinner in the group that didn't respond to medications, and this thinning was related to how often seizures occurred and how much medications were taken. Also, certain parts of the retina were thinner in the drug‐resistant group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influences of depression on cancer have noticeably attracted scholars' attention. This study is aimed at exploring the relationships between depression and colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). Methods: Differentially expressed genes in COAD were overlapped with depression‐related genes (DRGs) to obtain COAD‐DRGs. A risk model was constructed to predict overall survival (OS) using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. GSE39582 dataset was utilized to validate the model. A nomogram was developed utilizing the clinical data. Results: A risk model containing 11 genes was constructed. The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the model could well predict the OS. In the high‐risk group, the infiltration levels of plasma cells, resting/activated memory CD4 T cells, and monocytes were reduced, and only the infiltration levels of CD8 T cells and regulatory T cells were elevated. Cox regression analysis indicated that the risk score emerged as an independent prognostic factor. Finally, a nomogram of comprehensive risk score, age, and pM stage was established, and the predictions of this model aligned well with the actual OS data. Conclusion: A COAD risk prediction model was successfully constructed utilizing 11 DRGs. This model assists in implementing more effective treatment and care strategies, enhancing the clinical outcomes for COAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To analyze the risk factors and clinical significance of delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) after intracranial aneurysm (IA) clipping. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of IA patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2015 to December 2019. A total of 480 patients undergoing aneurysm clipping were included. The patients with DCI were set as the observation group (n=42), and those without as the control group (n=438). The risk factors for DCI were screened by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Univariate analysis showed that female (P=0.029), small aneurysms (P=0.001), intraoperative aneurysm rupture (IAR) (P=0.007) and cerebral vasospasm (P < 0.001) were risk factors for DCI after IA clipping, while smoking history (P=0.020) was a protective factor. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that small aneurysms (P=0.002, OR=2.951, 95%CI: 1.478~5.893), IAR (P=0.004, OR=7.829, 95%CI: 1.924~31.854) and cerebral vasospasm (P < 0.001, OR=5.919, 95%CI: 2.887~12.134) were postoperative independent risk factors for DCI. Conclusion Proper treatment of small aneurysms, proactive prevention of IAR and treatment of cerebral vasospasm can prevent the occurrence of DCI effectively, and thereby reduce the disability rate and improve the prognosis of patients.