Background: Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by autonomic dysregulation and abnormal control of breathing, necessitating lifelong artificial ventilation. The impact of CCHS on patient quality of life (QoL) and caregiver burden remains unquantified. Methods: A cross-sectional study of QoL in CCHS patients (≥12 years; WHOQOL–BREF) and burden in CCHS caregivers (Zarit Burden Interview) was conducted. Participants were recruited from CCHS support organizations. Participant age group, sex, primary language, and country of residence were collected. Results: 271 individuals (78 CCHS, 193 caregivers) from 15 countries participated. CCHS patients reported significantly reduced physical, psychological, and social relationships domain scores compared to healthy controls (p<0.01), yet >70% reported good overall QoL. Over half reported moderate or worse impact on QoL items including medical treatment dependence and cognitive function. Young CCHS patients (<25 years) reported better overall QoL and general health than those ≥25 years. CCHS caregiver burden was increased compared to that reported in other chronic diseases, with >50% reporting frequent caregiving-induced stress. Caregivers who reported financial issues also reported higher total burden (p<0.05). Conclusions: CCHS QoL scores are depressed compared to healthy individuals. This study identified specific domains of QoL and caregiver burden most impacted by CCHS, revealed a relationship between age and QoL in CCHS, and finances and burden in caregivers. Results offer targets for future interventions to enhance QoL in CCHS and reduce caregiver burden. Further work is needed to elucidate the relationship between CCHS impact and disease- and treatment-specific factors.

The Gulf of Mexico (GoM) supports six sea turtle species, including hawksbill (E. imbricata) and Kemp’s ridley (L. kempii), which utilize discrete areas of the GoM as developmental, foraging, migratory, and nesting habitat. Hybridization is commonly observed in sea turtles but has not been previously reported between E. imbricata and L. kempii. On 30 July 2022, a juvenile E. imbricata x L. kempii hybrid stranded near Port Aransas, Texas, USA. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first hybrid between these species to be reported in literature. The southern and western GoM waters serve as important habitat for E. imbricata and L. kempii, and future observations of hybridization between the two is likely.

Desertification has been increasingly influenced by excessive human activities in recent years, leading to continuous desert expansion into adjacent grasslands. To examine the effects of restoration on soil microbial communities by focusing on the relationship between vegetation and soil, we used high-throughput sequencing technology to investigate the variation in 0--20 cm soil bacterial and fungal community structure and diversity across restored areas from 9a to 15a, considering different slope positions in the Hulunbuir sandy grassland. The results revealed that as the number of years of restoration increased, improvements in soil properties and increases in the abundance of eutrophic bacteria, along with decreases in the abundances of oligotrophic bacteria and fungi, were observed. The abundance of the soil bacterial communities increased, whereas the diversity and evenness remained unchanged, and the alpha diversity of the soil fungal communities decreased accordingly. The soil bacterial community was more sensitive than the soil fungal community in the study area, driven mainly by the soil moisture content, soil organic matter, and vegetation-related factors, while there was no significant correlation between the soil fungal community structure and environmental factors. These results indicate that the restoration process involving revegetated shrubs by plants in the Hulunbuir sandy land is similar to the process of shrub encroachment. Further sustainable measures should be explored in more comprehensive multidisciplinary studies for restoring the Hulunbuir sandy grassland.

Area-concentrated search (ACS) is a simple movement rule implying that an animal searches for resources using a ’state-dependent correlated random walk’. Accordingly, a forager increases its searching intensity by reducing the directionality of movement (’intensive search mode’ or ISM) when it detects a resource item, but if it searches unsuccessfully for a while, it returns to a more straight-line movement to search for new resource locations elsewhere (’extensive search mode’ or ESM). We propose a modified ACS, called delayed-response ACS (dACS), which would be more efficient in resource collection than standard ACS. Instead of immediately switching from ESM to ISM when encountering a resource, as is done in standard ACS, an individual foraging in the dACS mode delays this switch by ’x’ steps so it continues moving in a straight line for a while before switching to ISM. Our results show that an individual with a suitable delay parameter ’x’ for the dACS achieves substantially higher foraging success than an individual with standard ACS (x=0). Optimal foraging success occurs when ’x’ is approximately similar to the patch radius ’r’. This is because, with dACS, an individual can penetrate deeper into a cluster and stay longer within it, ultimately increasing the number of resources collected. Modifying the half-saturation constant ’h’ also affects the success of foraging, but the effects depend on resource density and cluster size. Generally, ’h’ modulates the optimal ’x’ value only slightly. dACS can be interpreted as a survey movement within a resource cluster before switching from ESM to ISM. The dACS rule does not rely on complex spatial memory but only on memorizing whether resources were found or not. It may thus occur in a wide range of taxa, from organisms without a central nervous system to animals with complex brain systems.

Background Chronic epilepsy patients often experience cognitive impairment, and hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, a feature of neurodegenerative disorders, may be linked to this comorbidity. Levetiracetam (LEV), an antiepileptic drug, improves cognitive function in epileptics, but the mechanism is unknown. This study investigated LEV’s effects on cognitive function and Tau phosphorylation in rats with epilepsy induced by kainic acid (KA). Methods Rats were divided into Sham, KA, and LEV treatment groups (100mg/kg and 300mg/kg, immediately or after 4 weeks). Morris water maze, Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, and immunoblotting were used to assess cognitive function, neuronal damage, Tau protein levels, and GSK-3β expression. Results Compared with the KA group, the escape latency of KA+LEV300M was shortened (P<0.01), the residence time in the target quadrant was prolonged (P<0.01), and the exploration distance in the target quadrant was extended (P<0.01). The results of Nissl staining showed that compared with the KA group, the morphology and number of Nissl bodies in the hippocampal regions of KA+LEV300M group were significantly improved (P<0.05). The immunohistochemical results showed that compared with KA group, the AT8 level in KA+LEV300M group (P<0.001) was significantly decreased. Compared with KA group, Tau protein phosphorylation level in KA+LEV300M group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with KA group, phosphorylation level of GSK-3β at Ser9 site in KA+LEV300M group increased significantly (P<0.01). Conclusion LEV reversed KA-induced hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein in chronic epileptic rats by inhibiting the activity of GSK-3β in the brain, thus improving the cognitive function of chronic epileptic rats.

Aim: Motivated by the need to enhance the accuracy of forest aboveground carbon storage (ACS) assessments, this study aimed to explore the effectiveness of different machine learning models in predicting ACS across various subtropical forest types in southern China. Location: The study was conducted in southern China, focusing on different types of subtropical forests. This region harbors several types of subtropical forests, which are rarely found at similar latitudes in the world. Methods: Variance inflation factor was employed to screen independent variables, resulting in the selection of 13 significant predictors. Four machine learning models—support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB)—were constructed to estimate carbon storage. Model performance was evaluated using root mean square error, coefficient of determination (R 2), and mean absolute error. The model with the best generalization ability was selected to calculate SHAP values for each predictor. Results: The XGB model demonstrated superior performance across all forest types, with R 2 values ranging from 0.898 to 0.974. In mountainous evergreen broad-leaved forests, the prediction accuracy followed the order of XGB > MLP > SVM > RF. In valley rainforests, MLP showed the highest R 2 value, but with higher MAE and RMSE, making it the second-best choice. The RF model performed moderately, while the SVM model showed the poorest performance. The SHAP values indicated that maximum diameter at breast height, slope, mean DBH, species evenness, altitude, and maximum tree height had significant effects on ACS. Conclusions: XGB model exhibits the best prediction performance and strongest adaptability for estimating ACS in subtropical southern China forests.Machine learning methods provide valuable references for predicting and assessing ACS in different types of zonal forests.

Phage display has proven to be a highly effective method of generating specific binding molecules that are used to build protein-based therapeutics. However, there is still a need for better phage display libraries, and ways to overcome the challenges that the immunized-sourced libraries provide. Here, we show a real-life example of a successful fully human synthetic sdAb phage display library. We also comment on the challenges currently faced and how to overcome them. Our approach involves many parameters such as library QC, specific panning outputs, efficient transition to mammalian expression, and what to look for in the resulting candidates. These VHO candidates show great promise in moving through late discovery phase and onto the generation of protein-based therapeutics.

A document by Mohamedalmogtaba Mostafa . Click on the document to view its contents.

A document by Mab Adam . Click on the document to view its contents.

Case reportRehabilitation for dyspnea and dysphagia caused by anti-laminin 332 mucous membrane pemphigoid in a patient with endometrial cancer: A case reportTomoyuki Nakamura, MD; Hiroshi Irisawa, MD; and Takashi Mizushima, MDDepartment of Rehabilitation Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University, 880, Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0293, JapanCorresponding author: Tomoyuki Nakamura880, Kitakobayashi, Mibu-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi 321-0293, JapanE mail: ntomoyuki525@gmail.com

This study introduces a PID parameter self-tuning method for non-coaxial two-wheeled vehicles using an Improved Beetle Antennae Search (IBAS) algorithm to enhance control accuracy. A mathematical model is developed based on the vehicle’s mechanics, and a Simulink simulation is constructed in Matlab. The method addresses the limitations of traditional PID control’s empirical parameter tuning by optimizing PID parameters with IBAS. Experiments across three motion states demonstrate IBAS’s superiority over BAS and PSO algorithms. In circular motion, IBAS reduces overshoot by 64.3% and ITAE by 12.3% compared to BAS, validating the optimized PID system’s effectiveness and supporting stable vehicle operation in confined spaces.

Background & Objective Blood loss during and after caesarean section is a key determinant of maternal mortality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This systematic review aimed to identify effective non-pharmacological interventions for reducing blood loss during and after caesarean section. Search Strategy Multiple databases were searched from inception to December 2023. Selection Criteria Prospective studies of women undergoing caesarean section assessing non-pharmacological interventions reporting estimated blood loss and/or post-partum haemorrhage were included. Retrospective studies and study populations not representative of the general caesarean section cohort were excluded. A difference in blood loss of >250ml or a relative risk reduction in post-partum haemorrhage of >25% was considered clinically important. Data Collection and Analysis Data was double extracted. Network meta-analyses and conventional pairwise meta-analyses were performed where appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2 or ROBINS-I tools. Main Results 97 studies were eligible for inclusion. 40 were synthesised in five distinct network meta-analyses (caesarean section surgical technique, placenta removal technique, timing of umbilical cord clamping, peritoneum closure and patient warming) and 36 in six pairwise meta-analyses (staple uterine incision, sharp versus blunt expansion of uterine incision, cervical dilatation, extra versus intra-abdominal uterine repair, suture material, and one versus two-layer uterine closure). None of the intervention groups were associated with a clinically important effect. Conclusions The published trials of non-pharmacological interventions on blood loss associated with caesarean section are inconclusive. There is a need for collaborative trials to identify effective and generalisable interventions. A key focus should be interventions that may be impactful in low resource settings where blood loss is the dominant determinant of maternal mortality related to caesarean section.

IntroductionHyperlactatemia, characterized by elevated levels of lactate in the blood, is commonly associated with various forms of metabolic stress, such as sepsis, shock, and tissue hypoxia. It is generally associated with acidosis. Lactic acidosis is the most common cause of metabolic acidosis in hospitalized patients[1]. Conversely, metabolic alkalosis, a disturbance marked by an increase in blood pH due to excessive bicarbonate or loss of hydrogen ions, often arises from gastrointestinal losses, diuretic use, or renal dysfunction [2] The simultaneous occurrence of hyperlactatemia and metabolic alkalosis is an uncommon and intriguing clinical scenario, as these two metabolic disturbances typically have opposing mechanisms.This case report highlights a rare instance of concurrent hyperlactatemia and metabolic alkalosis, exploring the underlying pathophysiology, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic approaches. By delving into the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and treatment outcomes, we aim to enhance the understanding of this unusual combination of metabolic abnormalities and provide insights into their management.

The quest for materials combining high thermal stability with environmental sustainability is intensifying in modern engineering. Synthetic fibres, while effective, often undermine sustainability goals due to their adverse environmental impact. This study explores the potential of Borassus flabellifer fruit shell (husk), typically discarded as agricultural waste in Bangladesh, as a bio-fibre alternative for thermal insulation applications. This work investigates the morphological, chemical, and thermal properties of the husk following alkali treatments with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of varying durations. The findings demonstrate that alkali treatment significantly enhances the thermal properties of Borassus husk, with observed increases in char content from 25% to 32% and Integral decomposition process temperature (IDPT) ranging from 905 to 1048 °C, which is around 12-30% higher than its untreated fibre, indicating enhanced thermal stability. Additionally, these treatments resulted in a reduction in specific heat capacity (Cp), which may be corresponded with an increase in integral process decomposition heat (IPDH). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that treated husks exhibit a rougher and cleaner surface, likely enhancing their adhesion properties in composite preparation. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis supported these findings, showing reduced hemicellulose peaks, which align with lower moisture absorption as confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optimum results were particularly observed in samples treated for 0.25 hour and 0.75 hour, indicating that Borassus husk treated with alkali for short durations could be an effective material for advanced engineering applications, which would promote eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and sustainable development.

Surgical management of a Symptomatic Sacral Tarlov cyst:A case reportPrakash Regmi1, Sandeep Bohara1,Alok C Thakur1, Dipendra K Shrestha1, Gopal Sedain11 Department of Neurosurgery, Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine, Maharajgunj 44600, NepalAbstractTarlov cyst is a type II meningeal cyst most commonly found in the sacral region. It is mostly asymptomatic, but it may present with low back pain and bowel or bladder symptoms. Most of these cysts are incidentally found on imaging. Symptomatic Tarlov cysts are extremely rare, commonly presenting as sacral or lumbar syndromes or rarely as cauda equina syndrome. We present a 28-year-old male with sacral Tarlov cyst, back pain, and urinary symptoms who was successfully managed surgically. We report this case to increase awareness of this rare entity.Keywords: Surgical management, Tarlov cyst, urinary symptomsIntroductionThe perineural cyst was found incidentally during an autopsy by Tarlov in 1938 and is known as the Tarlov cyst. It is a benign cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filled cyst of the spinal roots[1]. The etiology of the Tarlov cyst is unknown, but cyst growth may result from valve-like microcommunication permitting only the influx of CSF [2]. These cysts are often multiple and appear on dorsal nerve roots, most commonly in the sacral region. Most cysts remain asymptomatic and are found incidentally on imaging for other symptoms and signs. Few give symptoms like pain, which can also be associated with bowel or bladder symptoms.Surgical removal of perineural cysts is recommended if it is symptomatic and not manageable medically [3]. These cysts can also be managed conservatively with oral steroids and transforaminal epidural steroids.[4]We report a case of a 28-year-old male who had low back pain with bladder and bowel symptoms caused by a sacral perineural cyst. He was treated surgically with cyst fenestration.Case history and examinationA 28-year-old right-handed male presented with a history of difficulty in passing stool for one and a half years, which was then followed by increased frequency of urination. Constipation was gradual in onset and progressive. He then developed lower back pain, which radiated to the right lower limb. He occasionally developed a tingling sensation in the lateral aspect of the left lower limb up to the ankle, which was aggravated due to constipation and was relieved only after passing stool. The patient developed difficulty in passing urine and had to use clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) to clear the bladder. There was no history of trauma, fever, or limb weakness. In the past, he had undergone a right inguinal hernioplasty.On examination, the patient had a normal straight leg raising test and normal power and sensations in bilateral lower limbs.For the urinary symptoms, the patient was evaluated by a Urologist with a cystoscopy, which showed a normal compliant bladder with a thin stream of urine flow. Equivocal obstruction was observed with slightly weak contractibility. Micturating cystourethrogram (MCU) found a cone-shaped urinary bladder with increased volume.Differential diagnosis, investigation and treatmentHis lower back pain was persistent and was later evaluated with MRI of the lumbosacral spine, which showed a fluid signal intensity lesion (82x22x11mm) in the central spinal canal in the S2, S3, S4, and S5 sacral vertebra. The lesion extends into the right neural foramina of the S3-S4 level. (fig1)

Endodontic Management of Dilacerated Roots: A Case Series and Review of LiteratureAli Chamani1, Maryam Forghani3, Iman Shiezadeh2, Amirmohammad Moradpour21 Endodontics Resident, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran2 Student Research Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran3 Associate Professor of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Science*Corresponding author:

Electronic excited state in molecular aggregate or exciton states continue to attract great attentions due to the increasing demands for applications of molecular optoelectronics and sensing technology. The working principle behind the application is closely related to the excited state structure and dynamic processes in molecular aggregate. In our previous review article (Aggregate 2021; 2: e91), we had focused more on the molecular mechanism for aggregation induced emission (AIE) process. Here, we are going to summarize our recent progresses on theoretical investigations on the effects of excitonic coupling ( J) and the intermolecular charge transfer (CT) on the excited state structure and dynamic processes. These are in general missing for molecular quantum chemistry studies. We will first present a novel definition of exciton coherence length which can present a bijective relation with the radiative decay rate and obviously we have clarified the confusions appeared in literature. Then, we will look at the CT effect for aggregate starting from a simple three-state model coupled with quantum chemical calculation for molecular dimer and we focus on the intensity borrowing which can turn H-aggregate into emissive when the electron transfer and hole transfer integrals possessing the same sign and being large enough. We are able to propose a molecular descriptor to design molecular materials possibly possessing both high PLQY and carrier mobility. Finally, we introduced our work on the modified energy gap law for non-radiative decay rate in aggregate. We found there exist optimal J to minimize the non-radiative decay loss.

Bacterioruberin is a rare C50-carotenoid produced by halophilic archaea and possesses therapeutic properties as an antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial agent. The proteins involved in its biosynthesis pathway have been identified, but there are only a few structural and functional data on it, especially in the Haloarcula japonica strain TR-1. To address this, a comprehensive in silico analysis was performed to examine the structure and function of proteins in the underexplored bacterioruberin biosynthesis pathway. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that all the retrieved proteins belong to the Haloarculaceae family. Sequence-based analysis revealed diverse physicochemical properties. The distribution of proteins was determined using subcellular localization, transmembrane domain, and signal-peptide analyses. The data revealed unique signature motifs, and the proteins were classified into major classes based on their conserved domains and families. Protein-protein interaction analysis revealed potential functional partners. Binding pockets and active residues of these proteins were also identified. Finally, the predicted 3D structures of TR-1 proteins were validated and submitted to the Protein Model DataBase. To our knowledge, this is the first report to characterize the structure and function of BBP proteins on the underexplored yet potential archaeal strain. Our insights provide a foundation for metabolic engineering-based systems approaches for the sustainable production of bacterioruberin.

Introduction & Objectives: Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are common benign skin tumors that are typically easy to diagnose. However, some SKs can be challenging and may be confused with malignant tumors. Our objective was to identify clinical factors in the diagnosis and management of SK Materials & Methods: A single-center, retrospective, descriptive study was performed based on data between 2016 and 2022. A total of 365 cases with a conclusive histopathological diagnosis of SK and complete clinical data were selected. Results: In total, 146/365 (40%) were correctly diagnosed as SK. The remaining 219/365 (60%) were mostly diagnosed as nevi, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The diagnostic accuracy among physicians varied from 22% to 46%. For one physician, age influenced the clinical diagnosis (p=0.039). In the non-SK group, elderly patients had a tendency to have multiple excised lesions (p=0.045). The COVID-19 pandemic did not significantly affect the assessment criteria evaluated, except for the prioritization of larger SKs in 2020 than those excised in 2019 (p=0.049). Head lesions were more likely to have positive margins: 10/16 in the SK group vs 1/15 in the non-SK group (p=0.0052). The most common histological variant was the hyperkeratotic SK observed in 28.5% of cases. No histological variant had influence on the clinical diagnosis. Conclusion: Although SK are benign, they can present a clinical challenge in specific cases. Age, dimensions, experience and the number of lesions should be carefully considered when excising a lesion. Exposed areas are at risk of incomplete excisions.

Tongue Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Presenting as Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case reportWeijunWang1 BoSong1ˊHuiyingHuang2 YuMao3QingMa4 QunCao5YuexiGan61,3,4North Sichuan Medical University,2,5,6Leshan People’s Hospital,1ˊMeishan City People’s HospitalAbstract: The trigeminal nerve provides extensive sensory innervation to the face. The most common trigeminal nerve disorder is trigeminal neuralgia, classically defined as paroxysmal neuropathic pain occurring in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve. In 80–90% of cases, the cause is associated with vascular abnormalities, typically due to vascular compression of the trigeminal neurovascular system, leading to nerve impingement at its exit from the brainstem. For medically refractory pain, trigeminal nerve blockade under image guidance can be employed as a treatment option. Rare cases of trigeminal neuralgia may also result from compression by trigeminal nerve masses. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor that arises in various regions of secretory glands and accounts for 1–2% of all head and neck cancers. Primary ACC originating in the minor salivary glands of the tongue is extremely rare. We present a case of a 58-year-old female with invasive oral adenoid cystic carcinoma presenting with trigeminal neuralgia.Keywords: Oral Cancer, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, Pathological Biopsy, Palliative Care, Tubular Type

IntroductionLupus anticoagulant (LA) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of circulating antiphospholipid antibodies that interfere with the normal clotting process12,. It is associated with an increased risk of abnormal blood clot formation, leading to complications such as venous thromboembolism and pregnancy-related complications3. One of the laboratory findings commonly observed in individuals with lupus anticoagulant is a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), which reflects the impairment of the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade4-6.Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure commonly performed in pediatric patients to remove the tonsils due to recurrent infections, airway obstruction, or other specific indications. Surgical procedures in individuals with underlying coagulation disorders, including those with lupus anticoagulant-induced prolonged aPTT, present a challenge due to the potential risk of bleeding. The impact of lupus anticoagulant-induced prolonged aPTT on bleeding risk in tonsillectomy patients has not been extensively studied, particularly in pediatric populations. Understanding the bleeding risk associated with tonsillectomy in these patients is crucial for guiding clinical decision-making, optimizing surgical management, and ensuring patient safety.In this case study, we present the clinical course of a 4-year and10-month-old female patient with lupus anticoagulant-induced prolonged aPTT who underwent tonsillectomy. The objective of this study is to evaluate the bleeding risk in such patients and assess their postoperative recovery. By examining this specific case, we aim to contribute to the limited existing knowledge on the safety and outcomes of tonsillectomy in individuals with lupus anticoagulant-induced prolonged aPTT.

Riparian zones maintain biodiversity, cyclic nutrients, and regulate water quality. However, anthropogenic disturbances such as dam construction and climate variability threaten their stability. This study explored the seasonal and vegetation-specific dynamics of soil properties and microbial communities in riparian zones dominated by artificially remediated plants (ARPs). We studied these ARPs ( Cynodon dactylon (CD), Hemarthria altissima (HA), Salix matsudana (SM), and Taxodium distichum (TD)) across spring (T1), summer (T2), and autumn (T3). Analysis of 360 soil samples produced high-quality sequences that revealed insights into microbial diversity. Principal component analysis showed that organic matter, ammonium nitrogen, and total nitrogen were the main contributors to soil property variance. They explained 53.68% (T1), 51.52% (T2), and 56.37% (T3) of the variance (p < 0.01). The correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between soil pH and Nitrospirae (r = 0.603) and Proteobacteria (r = 0.558). Enzyme activity varied by season; acid phosphatase was highest in T3, and invertase was highest in T1. This study made functional predictions and identified pathways relevant to metabolism, genetic information processing, and environmental signal transduction. Both T3 via TD and T3 via CD showed seasonal shifts in their metabolic pathways. These shifts included an increase in carbohydrate metabolism in T3 via TD and an increase in amino acid metabolism in T3 via CD. Analysis of microbial diversity identified 68 bacterial phyla, with Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria being the dominant taxa. Our results show that ARPs improve microbe health, nutrient cycling, and the ecosystem as a whole. This has implications for restoring riparian ecosystems in places where the environment has changed.

Crop rotation can help to alleviate land use pressure, prevent soil degradation, and promote sustainable agricultural development. Land in Northeast China (NC) has long been overused to ensure national food security. Maize–soybean rotation (MSR) is an effective land conservation strategy but its suitability has not yet been determined in NC. In this study, we applied an optimized MaxEnt model by integrating multiple environmental variables to systematically predict the suitability of land for maize and soybean cultivation, establish an MSR suitability function, and define its specific range and priority in NC. The results are summarized as follows. (1) The optimized MaxEnt model obtained significantly improved performance, where the suitable areas for maize and soybean covered 60.25 % and 56.88 %, respectively, of the total area of NC. (2) Suitability for MSR was influenced by multiple factors, including the climate, topography, soil, and hydrology, but the soil conditions, particularly the gravel content and soil depth, were identified as the main factors. (3) Extensive areas of land in NC are suitable for supporting MSR, but highly suitable areas only account for 6.96% of the total area and they are primarily located in the Songnen Plain, most of which has been developed into cropland. In this study, we scientifically determined the areas suitable for implementing MSR in NC, thereby providing crucial support for adjusting the agricultural planting structure and optimizing land use planning in NC.

Microplastics (MP) are found to exist in various environmental media because of their small particle size, large quantity and difficult decomposition. Farmland soil is regarded as a major pool and source of MP. Inevitably, the chemical properties and microbial community of soil will be impacted when the MP enters the soil. Brassinolide (BR) has been shown to be an ameliorator of the adverse effect of MP on the development of Pinellia ternata. However, the potential impact of BR applications on the rhizosphere microecology of P. ternata under the interference of MP has not been researched. In the present study, P. ternata was used as test plant to study the influence of foliar BR application and soil MP interference on its root characteristics, soil enzyme activity, microbial community, and soil physical and chemical properties. In comparison with CK, the root length in the BR treatment and the combined treatment was significantly decreased by 22.8% and 35.8% respectively. As compared to the MP group, the combined treatment decreased catalase activity by 12.5% and increased urease activity by 15.8%. The combined treatment reduced pathogenic bacteria to some extent and improved the adverse effects caused by MP. The above results revealed that BR had some remediation potential in microbial community composition and soil enzyme activity under MP pollution. The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of MP on agricultural soil quality and remediation measures.