ABSTRACT
Rice panicle traits serve as critical indicators of both yield potential and germplasm resource quality. However, traditional manual measurements of these traits, which typically involve threshing, are not only laborious and time-consuming but also prone to introducing measurement errors. This study introduces a high-throughput and nondestructive method, termed extraction of panicle traits (EOPT), along with the software Panicle Analyzer, which is designed to assess unshaped intact rice panicle traits, including the panicle grain number, grain length, grain width, and panicle length. To address the challenge of grain occlusion within an intact panicle, we define a panicle morphology index to quantify the occlusion levels among the rice grains within the panicle. By calibrating the grain number obtained directly from rice panicle images based on the panicle morphology index, we substantially improve the grain number detection accuracy. For measuring grain length and width, the EOPT selects rice grains using an intersection over union threshold of 0.8 and a confidence threshold of 0.7 during the grain detection process. The mean values of these grains were calculated to represent all the panicle grain lengths and widths. In addition, EOPT extracted the main path of the skeleton of the rice panicle using the Astar algorithm to determine panicle lengths. Validation on a dataset of 1,554 panicle images demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method, achieving 93.57% accuracy in panicle grain counting with a mean absolute percentage error of 6.62%. High accuracy rates were also recorded for grain length (96.83%) and panicle length (97.13%). Moreover, the utility of EOPT was confirmed across different years and scenes, both indoors and outdoors. A genome-wide association study was conducted, leveraging the phenotypic traits obtained via EOPT and genotypic data. This study identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with grain length, width, number per panicle, and panicle length, further emphasizing the utility and potential of this method in advancing rice breeding.
ABSTRACT
Zeolite-mediated catalytic cracking of alkanes is pivotal in the petrochemical and refining industry, breaking down heavier hydrocarbon feedstocks into fuels and chemicals. Its relevance also extends to emerging technologies such as biomass and plastic valorization. Zeolite catalysts, with shape selectivity and selective adsorption capabilities, enhance efficiency and sustainability due to their well-defined network of pores, dimensionality, cages/cavities, and channels. This study focuses on the alkane cracking over 10-membered ring (10-MR) zeolites under industrially relevant conditions. Through a series of characterizations, including operando UV-vis spectroscopy and solid-state NMR spectroscopy, we intend to address mechanistic debates about the alkane cracking mechanism, aiming to understand the dependence of product selectivity on zeolite topologies. The findings highlight topology-dependent mechanisms, particularly the role of intersectional void spaces in zeolite ZSM-5, influencing aromatic-based product selectivity. This work provides a unique understanding of zeolite-catalyzed hydrocarbon conversion, linking alkane activation steps to the traditional hydrocarbon pool mechanism, contributing to the fundamental knowledge of this crucial industrial process.
ABSTRACT
Composite oxides have been widely applied in the hydrogenation of CO/CO2 to methanol or as the component of bifunctional oxide-zeolite for the synthesis of hydrocarbon chemicals. However, it is still challenging to disentangle the stepwise formation mechanism of CH3OH at working conditions and selectively convert CO2 to hydrocarbon chemicals with narrow distribution. Here, we investigate the reaction network of the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol over a series of spinel oxides (AB2O4), among which the Zn-based nanostructures offer superior performance in methanol synthesis. Through a series of (quasi) in situ spectroscopic characterizations, we evidence that the dissociation of H2 tends to follow a heterolytic pathway and that hydrogenation ability can be regulated by the combination of Zn with Ga or Al. The coordinatively unsaturated metal sites over ZnAl2Ox and ZnGa2Ox originating from oxygen vacancies (OVs) are evidenced to be responsible for the dissociative adsorption and activation of CO2. The evolution of the reaction intermediates, including both carbonaceous and hydrogen species at high temperatures and pressures over the spinel oxides, has been experimentally elaborated at the atomic level. With the integration of a series of zeolites or zeotypes, high selectivities of hydrocarbon chemicals with narrow distributions can be directly produced from CO2 and H2, offering a promising route for CO2 utilization.
ABSTRACT
Waste masks pose a serious threat to the environment, including marine plastic pollution and soil pollution risks caused by landfills since the outbreak of COVID-19. Currently, numerous effective methods regarding disposal and resource utilization of waste masks have been reported, containing physical, thermochemical, and solvent-based technologies. As for physical technologies, the mechanical properties of the mask-based materials could be enhanced and the conductivity or antibacterial activity was endowed by adding natural fibers or inorganic nanoparticles. Regarding thermochemical technologies, catalytic pyrolysis could yield considerable hydrogen, which is an eco-friendly resource, and would mitigate the energy crisis. Noticeably, the solvent-based technology, as a more convenient and efficient method, was also considered in this paper. In this way, soaking the mask directly in a specific chemical reagent changes the original structure of polypropylene and obtains multi-functional materials. The solvent-based technology is promising in the future with the researches of sustainable and universally applicable reagents. This review could provide guidance for utilizing resources of waste masks and address the issues of plastic pollution.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Masks , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Plastics , SolventsABSTRACT
GII.2[P16] and GII.4 Sydney [P16] are currently the two predominant norovirus genotypes. This study sought to clarify their evolutionary patterns by analyzing the major capsid VP1 and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes. Sequence diversities were analyzed at both nucleotide and amino acid levels. Selective pressures were evaluated with the Hyphy package in different models. Phylogenetic trees were constructed by the maximum likelihood method from full VP1 sequences, and evolutionary rates were estimated by the Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. The results showed that (1) several groups of tightly linked mutations between the RdRp and VP1 genes were detected in the GII.2[P16] and GII.4[P16] noroviruses, and most of these mutations were synonymous, which may lead to a better viral fitness to the host; (2) although the pattern of having new GII.4 variants every 2-4 years has been broken, both the pre- and the post-2015 Sydney VP1 had comparable evolutionary rates to previously epidemic GII.4 variants, and half of the major antigenic sites on GII.4 Sydney had residue substitutions and several caused obvious changes in the carbohydrate-binding surface that may potentially alter the property of the virus; and (3) GII.4 Sydney variants during 2018-21 showed geographical specificity in East Asia, South Asia, and North America; the antigenic sites of GII.2 are strictly conserved, but the GII.2 VP1 chronologically evolved into nine different sublineages over time, with sublineage IX being the most prevalent one since 2018. This study suggested that both VP1 and RdRp of the GII.2[P16] and GII.4 Sydney [P16] noroviruses exhibited different evolutionary directions. GII.4[P16] is likely to generate potential novel epidemic variants by accumulating mutations in the P2 domain, similar to previously epidemic GII.4 variants, while GII.2[P16] has conserved predicted antigenicity and may evolve by changing the properties of nonstructural proteins, such as polymerase replicational fidelity and efficiency. This study expands the understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of GII.2[P16] and GII.4[P16] noroviruses and may predict the emergence of new variants.
ABSTRACT
Probiotics have been used for the treatment of chronic metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the mechanisms of antidiabetic effects are not well understood. The object of this study is to assess the antidiabetic effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Y15 isolated from Chinese traditional dairy products in vivo. Results revealed that L. plantarum Y15 administration improved the biochemical indexes related to diabetes, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, L. plantarum Y15 administration reshaped the structure of gut microbiota, decreased the abundance of LPS-producing, and increased short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, which subsequently reduce the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. L. plantarum Y15 administration also regulated the expressions of the inflammation and insulin signaling pathway-related genes. These results suggest that L. plantarum Y15 may serve as a potential probiotic for developing food products to ameliorate T2D.
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Lactobacillus plantarum , Probiotics , Animals , Cytokines/metabolism , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Insulin/metabolism , Insulin/pharmacology , Lactobacillus plantarum/metabolism , Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology , Mice , NF-kappa B/genetics , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Signal TransductionABSTRACT
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a non-specific chronic inflammatory disease with lesions located in the colon and rectum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of exopolysaccharide-1 (EPS-1) isolated by L. helveticus KLDS1.8701 on UC. The anti-inflammatory effects of EPS-1 were studied using dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced UC model. In vivo results showed that EPS-1 administration significantly ameliorated weight loss, colon shortening, disease activity index (DAI) score, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and colon tissue damage. In addition, EPS-1 administration significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Meanwhile, EPS-1 administration significantly up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins and mucin. Furthermore, EPS-1 administration modulated gut microbiota composition caused by DSS and increased the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels. Collectively, our study showed the alleviative effects of EPS- isolated by L. helveticus KLDS1.8701 on DSS-induced UC via alleviating intestinal inflammation, improving mucosal barrier function, and modulating gut microbiota composition.
ABSTRACT
Obesity is one of the most critical risk factors for diabetes mellitus and plays a significant role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). The present investigation aimed to evaluate the possible mechanism of action of vitexin on obesity-induced DN in a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed experimental C57BL/6 mice model. Obesity was induced in male C57BL/6 mice by chronic administration of HFD, and mice were concomitantly treated with vitexin (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg, p.o.). HFD-induced increased renal oxido-nitrosative stress and proinflammatory cytokine levels were significantly inhibited by vitexin. The Western blot analysis suggested that alteration in renal NF-κB, IκBα, nephrin, AMPK, and ACC phosphorylation levels was effectively restored by vitexin treatment. Histological aberration induced in renal tissue after chronic administration of HFD was also reduced by vitexin. In conclusion, vitexin suppressed the progression of obesity-induced DN via modulation of NF-κB/IkBα and AMPK/ACC pathways in an experimental model of HFD-induced DN in C57BL/6J mice.
Subject(s)
Anti-Obesity Agents/pharmacology , Apigenin/pharmacology , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy , Diabetic Nephropathies/drug therapy , Hypoglycemic Agents/pharmacology , Obesity/drug therapy , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics , AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism , Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase/genetics , Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase/metabolism , Animals , Anti-Obesity Agents/isolation & purification , Apigenin/isolation & purification , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/etiology , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/genetics , Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/pathology , Diabetic Nephropathies/etiology , Diabetic Nephropathies/genetics , Diabetic Nephropathies/pathology , Diet, High-Fat/adverse effects , Gene Expression Regulation , Hypoglycemic Agents/isolation & purification , I-kappa B Kinase/genetics , I-kappa B Kinase/metabolism , Male , Malondialdehyde/antagonists & inhibitors , Malondialdehyde/metabolism , Mice , Mice, Inbred C57BL , NF-kappa B/genetics , NF-kappa B/metabolism , Obesity/etiology , Obesity/genetics , Obesity/pathology , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Signal Transduction , Superoxide Dismutase/genetics , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism , Trigonella/chemistry , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolismABSTRACT
MoS2 nanosheet-decorated TiO2 nanocomposites were prepared via facile liquid-phase exfoliation of natural molybdenite combined with in situ hydrolysis route. These materials were used as a photocathode for the first time in microbial fuel cell (MFC) to reduce hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI)). Results showed the maximum power density of 1 wt% MoS2/TiO2-based MFC was 3.7 and 1.9 times higher than that of blank graphite and TiO2-based MFC, respectively. This MFC achieved 99.57% removal of Cr (VI) with a concentration of 20 mg L-1 within 8 h under visible light illumination at pH 2 and high degradation rate of 2.49 g m-3 h-1. The introduction of MoS2 nanosheets as a cocatalyst can expand the absorption of visible light, thereby leading to increased electronic participation in Cr (VI) reduction. Moreover, the appropriate amounts of MoS2 nanosheets also contribute to electrons migration and additional active site. The enhanced power output and Cr (VI) reduction efficiency of MFC can be attributed to the synergistic coupling between bioanode and MoS2/TiO2 photocathode. On the basis of its facile and scalable synthetic strategy as well as its stable and outstanding photoelectrocatalytic performance for MFC, this MoS2/TiO2 nanocomposite showed potential in the efficient treatment of wastewater.
Subject(s)
Bioelectric Energy Sources , Chromium , Electricity , Electrodes , Molybdenum , TitaniumABSTRACT
Nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with well-distribution size and strong blue emission were successfully synthesized via a simple mild hydrothermal strategy using citric acid and ethylenediamine as co-precursors. The highly fluorescent N-CDs exhibit high fluorescence quantum yield (QY, 58.6%), excitation-independent emission behavior, and good photostability. The experimental results showed that the N-CDs can be served as a fluorescent sensing platform for detection of Cr(VI) ions due to the effective fluorescence quenching effect of Cr(VI) ions. The quenching mechanism probably arises from the inner filter effect (IFE) and the electron transfer due to the strong interactions between functional groups (COOH, OH and NH2 groups) of the N-CDs and Cr(VI) ions. It is also found that the N-CDs showed high sensitivity toward Cr(VI) ions with a detection limit of 0.26⯵M. Moreover, the obtained N-CD can be employed as chemsensor to detect Cr (VI) in real river water samples, which have potential applications in the environmental water.