Left Structure Research Articles

Antagonistic interactions between cytokinin and gibberellin during initial stem growth and leaf structure of royal poinciana [Delonix regia (Bojer ex. Hook.) Raf.

Antagonistic interactions between cytokinin and gibberellin during initial stem growth and leaf structure of royal poinciana [Delonix regia (Bojer ex. Hook.) Raf.

Caught between two states: The compromise in acclimation of photosynthesis, transpiration and mesophyll conductance to different amplitudes of fluctuating irradiance.

While dynamic regulation of photosynthesis in fluctuating light is increasingly recognized as an important driver of carbon uptake, acclimation to realistic irradiance fluctuations is still largely unexplored. We subjected Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) wild-type and jac1 mutants to irradiance fluctuations with distinct amplitudes and average irradiance. We examined how irradiance fluctuations affected leaf structure, pigments and physiology. A wider amplitude of fluctuations produced a stronger acclimation response. Large reductions of leaf mass per area under fluctuating irradiance framed our interpretation of changes in photosynthetic capacity and mesophyll conductance as measured by three separate methods, in that photosynthetic investment increased markedly on a mass basis, but only a little on an area basis. Moreover, thermal imagery showed that leaf transpiration was four times higher under fluctuating irradiance. Leaves growing under fluctuating irradiance, although thinner, maintained their photosynthetic capacity, as measured through light- and CO2-response curves; suggesting their photosynthesis may be more cost-efficient than those under steady light, but overall may incur increased maintenance costs. This is especially relevant for plant performance globally because naturally fluctuating irradiance creates conflicting acclimation cues for photosynthesis and transpiration that may hinder progress towards ensuring food security under climate-related extremes of water stress.

Effects of prescribed fire on planted oak growth and survival in restored savannas

Most oak savannas in the Midwestern United States have been lost to agriculture and habitat degradation. Because of their rarity and high plant and animal diversity, savannas are often a target for restoration, which frequently relies on the direct planting of oak seedlings to establish the necessary canopy. Returning fire to the system is critical to the herbaceous component, but with planted seedlings, managers risk damaging or killing trees if burning is introduced too soon. We studied the growth and physiological responses of three oak species (Quercus alba, Quercus macrocarpa, and Quercus velutina) to prescribed fire to determine impacts on planted trees. This study utilized two restored oak savanna units that were planted in 1995 and 1998, each with burned and unburned areas. We tracked trees ranging from 0.9 to 29.8 cm in diameter at breast height (DBH) to determine the size threshold above which top kill is unlikely and documented differences in leaf structure and extension growth between the burned and unburned areas. There was no mortality observed. Moreover, no trees larger than 4 cm DBH were top killed by the fire. Fire responses in leaf mass per unit area and chlorophyll content were small and inconsistent across species. However, all oak species grew more in burned areas than trees in adjacent unburned areas. Therefore, the addition of low‐intensity prescribed fire to an oak savanna planting may increase the growth rate of planted trees with minimal risk of mortality once trees have reached sufficient size.

Adsorption and uptake of functionalized nanoplastics (NPs) by wetland plant (Sphagnum): A unique pathway for polystyrene-NPs reduction in non-vascular plants

Wetlands are sources and sinks for nanoplastics (NPs), where adsorption and uptake by plants constitute a crucial pathway for NPs accumulation. This study found that Sphagnum exhibited a high potential (~89.75 %) to intercept NPs despite the lack of root systems and stomata. Two pathways for 100nm polystyrene NPs accumulation in Sphagnum were located: (i) Spiral interception and foliar adsorption. Efficient adsorption is credited to the micro/nano-interlocked leaf structure, which is porous, hydrophilic and rough. (ii) Intracellular enrichment through pores. Fluorescence tracking indicates pseudo-leaves (lateral > cephalic branches) as primary organs for internalization. Accumulation of differently functionalized NPs was characterized: PS-Naked-NPs (PS), PS-COOH-NPs (PC) and PS-NH2-NPs (PN) were all largely retained by pathway (i), while pathway (ii) mainly uptake PN and PC. Unlike PS aggregation in transparent cells, PC enrichment in chloroplast cells and PN in intercellular spaces reduced pigment content and fluorescence intensity. Further, the effects of the accumulated NPs on the ecological functions of Sphagnum were evaluated. NPs reduce carbon flux (assimilation rate by 57.78 %, and respiration rate by 33.50%), significantly decreasing biomass (PS = 13.12 %, PC = 26.48 %, PN = 35.23 %). However, toxicity threshold was around 10 μg/mL, environmental levels (≤1 μg/mL) barely affected Sphagnum. This study advances understanding of the behavior and fate of NPs in non-vascular plants, and provides new perspectives for developing Sphagnum substrates for NPs interception.

Genetics and plasticity of white leaf mark variegation in white clover (Trifolium repens L.).

Leaf variegation is common in plants and confers diverse adaptive functions. However, its genetic underpinnings remain largely unresolved; this is particularly true for variegation that arises through modified leaf tissue structure that affects light reflection. White clover is naturally polymorphic for structure-based white leaf mark variegation. It therefore provides a useful system to examine the genetic basis of this phenotype, and to assess potential costs to photosynthetic efficiency resulting from modified leaf structures. This study sought to map the loci controlling the white leaf mark in white clover and evaluate the relationship between white leaf mark, leaf thickness, and photosynthetic efficiency. We generated a high-density genetic linkage map from an F3 mapping population, employing reference genome-based SNP markers. White leaf mark was quantified through detailed phenotypic evaluations alongside leaf thickness to test how tissue thickness may affect the variegation phenotype. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was performed to characterize their genetic bases. Photosynthetic efficiency measurements were used to test for physiological trade-offs between variegation and photosynthetic output. The V locus, a major gene responsible for the white leaf mark polymorphism, was mapped to the distal end of chromosome 5, and several modifier loci were also mapped that contribute additively to variegation intensity. The presence and intensity of white leaf mark was associated with greater leaf thickness; however, increased variegation did not detectably affect photosynthetic efficiency. We have successfully mapped the major locus governing the white leaf mark in white clover, along with several modifier loci, revealing a complex basis for this structure-based variegation. The apparent absence of compromised photosynthesis in variegated leaves challenges the notion that variegation creates fitness trade-offs between photosynthetic efficiency and other adaptive functions. This finding suggests that other factors may maintain the white leaf mark polymorphism in white clover.

Effects of Low-Phosphorus Stress on Use of Leaf Intracellular Water and Nutrients, Photosynthesis, and Growth of Brassica napus L.

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the main reasons limiting plant production of Brassica napus L. Exploring the dynamics of leaf intracellular substances and the correlations with photosynthesis and growth helps to understand the response mechanisms of B. napus L. to P deficiency. This study conducted experiments on B. napus L. plants by measuring the leaf electrophysiological parameters, leaf structure, elastic modulus (Em), photosynthesis, and growth indices under different P treatment conditions. The dynamics of leaf intracellular water and nutrients of B. napus L. were calculated and analyzed by using the electrophysiological parameters, and the plant tolerance threshold to low-P stress was discovered. The results indicated that the status of the leaf intracellular water and nutrients remained stable when the P concentration was not lower than 0.250 mmol·L−1, but maximized the photosynthesis and growth at a P level of 0.250 mmol·L−1. The 0.125 mmol·L−1 P concentration significantly decreased the mesophyll cell volume, and the palisade–sponge ratio and tightness degree of leaf tissue structure were remarkably increased. This led to an increase in cell elastic modulus, and significantly improved the water retention capacity of leaf cells. At the same time, the intracellular water use efficiency and total nutrient transport capacity of leaves remained stable. As a result, the photosynthesis and growth of plants were maintained at the same level as that of the control group. However, photosynthesis and growth were clearly inhibited with a further decrease in P concentration. Therefore, 0.125 mmol·L−1 was the tolerance threshold of B. napus L. to low P. With the help of electrophysiological information, the effects of the dynamics of intracellular substances on photosynthesis and growth of B. napus L. under low-P stress can be investigated, and the plant’s adaptive response can be revealed. However, the findings of the current hydroponic study are not directly applicable to field conditions with naturally P-deficient soils.

Left atrial mechanical dispersion and left atrial stiffness predicts recurrence of atrial fibrillation: In patients with moderate-severe rheumatic mitral stenosis

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between preoperative left atrial function and recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after mitral valve surgery and Cox Maze procedure in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) combined with AF, in order to facilitate clinical risk stratification and to guide treatment strategies. Methods and resultsPatients with moderate-to-severe rheumatic MS attending Beijing Anzhen Hospital of Capital Medical University from April 2022 to September 2023 were prospectively collected, and all of them underwent transthoracic two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography to assess left atrial structure and function before undergoing mitral valve surgery and Cox Maze procedure and postoperative follow-up. 121 patients were enrolled, of whom 77.69 % (94/121) were female, with a median follow-up time of 9.56 ± 1.83 months, and 48 patients (39.7 %, 48/121) had postoperative recurrence of AF. Preoperative left atrial stiffness index (LASI) [3.76(3.10–5.44) vs. 2.41(1.75–3.33), P < 0.001] and left atrial mechanical dispersion (SD-TPS) (15.84 ± 5.92vs. 11.58 ± 5.96, P = 0.001) were significantly higher in the postoperative AF recurrence group than in the without recurrence group; Multivariable cox regression analysis showed that LASI>3.15 and SD -TPS > 13.2 were associated with independent risk factors for AF recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.957, 95 %CI,1.366–6.399, P = 0.006 and hazard ratio = 2.892, 95 %CI,1.381–6.057, P = 0.005). ConclusionLASI and SD-TPS were effective predictors of postoperative recurrence of AF in patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatic MS, and LASI >3.15 and SD-TPS% >13.2 were independent influences on the recurrence of AF after Cox Maze in this group of patients.

The anatomy, micromorphology, and essential oils of the Turkish endemic and endangered species Alchemilla orduensis

In this study, the anatomical and micromorphological characteristics of the vegetative organs and the essential oil constituents of the aerial and underground parts of the local and endangered endemic species A. orduensis Pawł. were evaluated. For anatomical study, sections of root, rhizome, stem, leaves and petiole were excised and stained with safranin/fast green mixture. Leaf and petiole structures were examined micromorphologically. Essential oil contents were determined by headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) analysis. The results showed that rectangular meristematic cells were present in the root. The leaf is of the bifacial and amphistomatic type. Stomata cells are of the anomocytic type. The stomatal index for the upper surface of the leaves is 0.04, while the stomatal index for the lower surface is 0.17. Druse crystals were found in the rhizome, stem and leaves. Among the various compounds identified, the most abundant groups in the aboveground parts are alcohols (39.81%) and ketones (14.99%) with 1-Octen-3-ol, 1-octan-3-one and borane- methyl sulfide complex as the main compounds. Terpenes (23.44%) and alcohols (11.82%), in which myrtenolis was the main compound, were most abundant in the underground parts.

Novel Domain Knowledge-Encoding Algorithm Enables Label-Efficient Deep Learning for Cardiac CT Segmentation to Guide Atrial Fibrillation Treatment in a Pilot Dataset.

Background: Segmenting computed tomography (CT) is crucial in various clinical applications, such as tailoring personalized cardiac ablation for managing cardiac arrhythmias. Automating segmentation through machine learning (ML) is hindered by the necessity for large, labeled training data, which can be challenging to obtain. This article proposes a novel approach for automated, robust labeling using domain knowledge to achieve high-performance segmentation by ML from a small training set. The approach, the domain knowledge-encoding (DOKEN) algorithm, reduces the reliance on large training datasets by encoding cardiac geometry while automatically labeling the training set. The method was validated in a hold-out dataset of CT results from an atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation study. Methods: The DOKEN algorithm parses left atrial (LA) structures, extracts "anatomical knowledge" by leveraging digital LA models (available publicly), and then applies this knowledge to achieve high ML segmentation performance with a small number of training samples. The DOKEN-labeled training set was used to train a nnU-Net deep neural network (DNN) model for segmenting cardiac CT in N = 20 patients. Subsequently, the method was tested in a hold-out set with N = 100 patients (five times larger than training set) who underwent AF ablation. Results: The DOKEN algorithm integrated with the nn-Unet model achieved high segmentation performance with few training samples, with a training to test ratio of 1:5. The Dice score of the DOKEN-enhanced model was 96.7% (IQR: 95.3% to 97.7%), with a median error in surface distance of boundaries of 1.51 mm (IQR: 0.72 to 3.12) and a mean centroid-boundary distance of 1.16 mm (95% CI: -4.57 to 6.89), similar to expert results (r = 0.99; p < 0.001). In digital hearts, the novel DOKEN approach segmented the LA structures with a mean difference for the centroid-boundary distances of -0.27 mm (95% CI: -3.87 to 3.33; r = 0.99; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The proposed novel domain knowledge-encoding algorithm was able to perform the segmentation of six substructures of the LA, reducing the need for large training data sets. The combination of domain knowledge encoding and a machine learning approach could reduce the dependence of ML on large training datasets and could potentially be applied to AF ablation procedures and extended in the future to other imaging, 3D printing, and data science applications.

Eco-friendly triboelectric nanogenerator for self-powering stacked In2O3 nanosheets/PPy nanoparticles-based NO2 gas sensor

As atmospheric issues and energy crises worsen, developing environmentally friendly, low-cost, high-performance self-powered gas sensing systems for gas pollutant monitoring is crucial for the development of ecological civilization. In this work, an eco-friendly self-powered nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensor (EFNS) system based on an eco-friendly triboelectric nanogenerator (EF-TENG) is reported. The system comprises a power supply unit (EF-TENG) and a sensing unit (In2O3/PPy sensor), connected through a signal stabilization circuit. EF-TENG utilizes eco-friendly and biodegradable gelatin and PLA/PBAT as the friction layer. By introducing leaf structures on the gelatin surface using a template method, the output voltage and current of EF-TENG were increased by 1.44 and 1.67 times, respectively. The peak power density and root mean square power density of EF-TENG reached 1386 mW m−2 and 185.35 mW m−2, respectively. Additionally, EF-TENG exhibited excellent long-term stability, maintaining a stable output voltage (∼24 V) after rectification and voltage stabilization treatment under conditions of 15–55°C and 40–80 % RH. Additionally, an In2O3/PPy heterostructure sensor was prepared, and the EFNS system was constructed through impedance matching effects, revealing the NO2 response mechanism of the In2O3/PPy heterostructure. This achieved a wide detection range and highly sensitive (Vg/Va = 355 %@30 ppm) detection of NO2. This work provides insights into eco-friendly self-powered gas sensors and sensing mechanisms, offering ideas for the development of environmental monitoring sensors and clean energy harvesting devices.

Tempskya hailunensis sp. nov. (Tempskyaceae), a new tree fern with preserved leaf-like structures, from the Cretaceous of the Songliao Basin, Northeast China

A new tree fern of the family Tempskyaceae, Tempskya hailunensis sp. nov., is described herein based on a silicified trunk from the Cretaceous of Hailun City, Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. The new species is composed of dichotomizing large stems surrounded by a mesh of adventitious roots, petioles, and leaf-like structures, constituting a solid and compact false trunk. The dorsiventral stems contain solenosteles that have long internodes with mostly two leaf traces. The stem cortex consists of a sclerenchymatous outer zone and a parenchymatous inner zone, and the stem pith is divided into a parenchymatous outer zone and a sclerenchymatous inner zone. Wide multicellular scales are attached to the stem epidermis. Leaf-like structures embedded among adventitious roots in the trunk are isobilateral, thick, and without distinct intercellular spaces. Also present are dispersed annuli of sporangia, which are only few cells long and apparently uniseriate. Though it cannot be fully ruled out that these vegetative and fertile remains belong to epiphytes that colonized the Tempskya trunk, the consistent and exclusive occurrence of these particular types of remains makes it likely that they belonged to the Tempskya plant itself. This new species represents only the second fossil record of Tempskya from China, increasing the known diversity of this genus during the Cretaceous both in Asia and globally. Moreover, it provided evidence for recognizing probable leaf structure and growth habit of Tempskya.

Radiating Elements Using Novel Configurations Based on Leaf Structures

Radiating Elements Using Novel Configurations Based on Leaf Structures

Domestication and Genetic Improvement Alter the Symbiotic Microbiome Structure and Function of Tomato Leaf and Fruit Pericarp.

Many studies have attempted to explore the changes in the structure and function of symbiotic microbiomes, as well as the underlying genetic mechanism during crop domestication. However, most of these studies have focused on crop root microbiomes, while those on leaf and fruit are rare. In this study, we generated a comprehensive dataset including the metagenomic (leaf) and metatranscriptomic (fruit pericarp in the orange stage) data of hundreds of germplasms from three tomato clades: Solanum pimpinellifolium (PIM), cherry tomato (S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) (CER), and S. lycopersicum group (BIG). We investigated the effect of domestication and improvement processes on the structure of the symbiotic microbiome of tomato leaf and fruit pericarp, as well as its genetic basis. We were able to obtain the composition of the symbiotic microbiome of tomato leaf and fruit pericarp, based on which the tomato clade (PIM, CER, or BIG) was predicted with high accuracy through machine learning methods. In the processes of tomato domestication and improvement, changes were observed in the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa, Bacillus for example, in the tomato leaf and fruit pericarp symbiotic microbiomes, as well as in the function of these symbiotic microbiomes. In addition, SNP loci that were significantly associated with microbial species that are characteristic of tomato leaf were identified. Our results show that domestication and genetic improvement processes alter the symbiotic microbiome structure and function of tomato leaf and fruit pericarp. We propose that leaf and fruit microbiomes are more suitable for revealing changes in symbiotic microbiomes during the domestication process and the underlying genetic basis for these changes due to the exclusion of the influence of environmental factors such as soil types on the microbiome structure.

Genetic diversity and population structure of grapevine Roditis leaf discoloration‐associated virus in Turkey vineyards

AbstractGrapevine Roditis leaf discoloration‐associated virus (GRLDaV) is a type of virus that infects grapevines. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of GRLDaV in Turkey vineyards and investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the selected viral isolates from Turkey compared to isolates from other countries. In this study, 800 shoot samples from Turkey vineyards were collected in late spring and autumn from different regions. The samples were analysed by RT‐PCR targeting the partial RNaseH‐like gene region of the virus genome. The overall prevalence of GRLDaV was 8.1% among the samples. Phylogenetic analysis of the GRLDaV genome showed that the GRLDaV isolates were clustered into two major lineages. The nucleotide diversity (π) value of Group I, including only Mediterranean isolates, was lower than Group II, suggesting little variation among isolates. Even though π values were low among the geographical regions in Turkey, the region with the highest nucleotide diversity was the Aegean population, followed by the Eastern and Mediterranean populations. Comparison between nonsynonymous and synonymous substitutions showed that negative selection acts on synonymous amino acids. Along with neutrality tests and gene flow analyses, it was emphasized that genetic drift played an important role in shaping the GRLDaV populations. This study provides important information on the prevalence and genetic diversity of GRLDaV in Turkey vineyards. The findings will help to develop better strategies to manage and control this virus, which can cause significant economic losses in grape industries.

Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Leaf Spring Using Guided Elastic Waves

The integration of advanced materials, such as fiber-reinforced composites, has transformed numerous industries by offering lightweight and high-performance solutions. In the context of automotive applications, these composites enable producing more efficient vehicles. Nevertheless, there are still uncertainties regarding operational safety. Potential emergence of barely visible damages such as fiber fracture, delamination, and debonding accounts for a limited lifespan of the composite components. To address these concerns, permanent monitoring offers a compelling solution, enabling the early detection of damage, thus reducing maintenance costs and the risk of failures regarding human life. In this sense, guided waves based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has demonstrated promising results. However, it has so far primarily remained in laboratory settings with limited real-life applications due to some challenges, such as the costs involved and the transparency of results. This contribution focuses on the development of permanent monitoring of a novel spring leaf component manufactured of a carbon and glass fiber-reinforced composite. To establish permanent structural monitoring, piezoelectric transducer arrays have been integrated into the composite spring leaf structure during manufacturing. The placement of these transducers is determined through sensitivity analysis, considering ultrasound wave propagation characteristics. After a series of measurements, state-of-the-art damage identification methods customized to designed SHM setup are employed and compared. Outcomes are discussed with an emphasis on the efficient detection of narrow body composite structures. Additionally, damage detection evaluation of low-sensitive areas in such structures are explored in particular. While reliability assessment and compensation of environmental effects have been left for future research, this study presents tested methods and results, aiming to contribute to the advancement of SHM techniques in practical applications.

Mechanisms of Lanthanum-mediated mitigation of salt stress in soybean (Glycine max L.).

Salinity is considered one of the abiotic stresses that have the greatest impact on soybean production worldwide. Lanthanum (La) is a rare earth element that can reduce adverse conditions on plant growth and productivity. However, the regulatory mechanism of La-mediated plant response to salt stress has been poorly studied, particularly in soybeans. Therefore, our study investigated the mechanisms of La-mediated salt stress alleviation from the perspectives of the antioxidant system, subcellular structure, and metabolomics responses. The results indicated that salt stress altered plant morphology and biomass, resulting in an increase in peroxidation, inhibition of photosynthesis, and damage to leaf structure. Exogenous La application effectively promoted the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), as well as the soluble protein content, while decreasing the Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio in roots and leaves, and reducing oxidative damage. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that La prevented the disintegration of chloroplasts. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further confirmed that La addition mitigated the decline in protein, carbohydrates, and pectin levels in the leaves. Lanthanum decreased the leaf flavonoid content and synthesis by inhibiting the content of key substances in the phenylalanine metabolism pathway during NaCl exposure. Collectively, our research indicates that La reduces cell damage by regulating the antioxidant system and secondary metabolite synthesis, which are important mechanisms for the adaptive response of soybean leaves, thereby improving the salt tolerance of soybeans.

Echocardiographic Parameters of Left Atrial Structure and Function and Clinical Outcomes at 2 Years in Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation - The ANAFIE Echocardiographic Substudy.

This prospective ANAFIE Registry substudy investigated the relationship between the echocardiographic parameters of left atrial (LA) structure and function and clinical outcomes at 2 years among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients aged ≥75 years. Outcomes of 1,474 elderly non-valvular AF (NVAF) patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography at baseline were analyzed by categories of maximum LA volume index (max. LAVi) and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) total. Baseline mean±standard deviation LAEF total and max. LAVi were 28.2±14.9% and 54.2±25.9 mL/m2, respectively. Proportions of oral anticoagulant (OAC), direct OAC, and warfarin use were 92.7%, 68.7%, and 24.0%, respectively. Patients with LAEF total ≤45.0% (n=1,213) vs. >45.0% (n=224) were at higher risk of cardiovascular events (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.19, P=0.021) and heart failure (HF) hospitalization (HR: 2.25, P=0.045). Risk of all-cause death was higher with max. LAVi >48.0 mL/m2(n=656) vs. ≤48.0 mL/m2(n=621) (HR: 1.69, P=0.048). Subgroups with abnormal LA function and structure had increased incidence of cardiac/cardiovascular events and HF hospitalization. No significant interaction was observed between echocardiographic parameters and OAC type. Elderly Japanese patients with NVAF and LAEF total ≤45.0% were at higher risk of cardiovascular events and HF hospitalization, and those with max. LAVi >48.0 mL/m2were at higher risk of all-cause death.

Leaf-like networks consisting of TiO2/biochar composite for enhanced adsorptive-photocatalytic treatment of antibiotic and dye

The problematic solid-liquid separation and low light utilization of traditional powder composites have hindered the industrial application prospect of adsorptive-photocatalytic technology. In this work, a Sycamore leaf-like hierarchically porous structured TiO2/biochar composite (LBT) was synthesized via a sol-hydrothermal method. The distinctive leaf structure effectively addressed the issue of transparency while simultaneously facilitating recyclability. LBT exhibited a high removal efficiency of 95.65 % for MO under simulated sunlight, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 284.06 mg/g. The synergistic action of adsorption-photocatalysis resulted in the degradation of 74.17 % adhered MO on LBT, enabling the recyclability and reusability of the composite material. Furthermore, employing LBT achieved removal efficiency of 80.78 % and degradation of 50.21 % for CIP, respectively. This work provides a practical approach for the efficient removal of organic pollutants from water by utilizing multifunctional materials with adsorptive-photocatalytic properties.

Changes in the leaf structure and pigment complex of &lt;i&gt;Betula pendula&lt;/i&gt; under conditions of technogenic air pollution

Changes in the leaf structure and pigment complex of &lt;i&gt;Betula pendula&lt;/i&gt; under conditions of technogenic air pollution

UV-B Radiation Enhances Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. Quality by Improving the Leaf Structure and Increasing the Icaritin Content.

Epimedium brevicornu Maxim. is a herbal plant with various therapeutic effects, and its aboveground tissues contain flavonol compounds such as icaritin that can be used to produce new drugs for the treatment of advanced liver cancer. Previous studies have shown that ultraviolet-B (UV-B, 280-315 nm) stress can increase the levels of flavonoid substances in plants. In the current study, we observed the microstructure of E. brevicornu leaves after 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 d of UV-B radiation (60 μw·cm-2) and quality formation mechanism of E. brevicornu leaves after 0, 10, and 20 d of UV-B radiation by LC‒ESI‒MS/MS. The contents of flavonols such as icariside I, wushanicaritin, icaritin, and kumatakenin were significantly upregulated after 10 d of radiation. The results indicated that UV-B radiation for 10 d inhibited the morphological development of E. brevicornu but increased the content of active medicinal components, providing a positive strategy for epimedium quality improvement.