Global analysis of spatio-temporal variation in mineral nutritional quality of pepper (Capsicum spp.) fruit and its regulatory variables: A meta-analysis.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an important fruit vegetable worldwide, and it is a rich dietary source of minerals for human being. Yet, the spatio-temporal distribution of pepper fruit mineral composition and the factors influencing such variations at global scale remain unknown. A global meta-analysis of 140 publications providing 649, 562, 690, 811 datapoints was conducted to quantify and evaluate the nutritional quality, comprising potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), of pepper fruits and its influencing variables. The analysis showed that the global average of K, Mg, Fe and Zn content in pepper fruits was 20-25 g kg-1, 1-1.5 g kg-1, 80-100 mg kg-1, and 20-40 mg kg-1, respectively. There had been a downward trend in pepper fruit nutritional quality over the last decade, especially for Fe and Zn. And, the concentration of all these four nutrients were at lower levels in less developed regions, especially in Africa. Our results showed that the vegetable "green pepper" contains more K, Mg, Fe and Zn than the "hot pepper" used as spice. The concentration of K, Mg, Fe and Zn were increased with fruit yield but that of Fe and Zn were decreased with increase in single fruit weight. Nutritional quality was optimal at mean annual temperature of 10 ℃ - 20 ℃, and was adversely affected when mean annual precipitation was < 500 mm. Pepper fruits produced at pH 6.5-7.5 had higher fruit K concentration while acidic soils (pH<6.5) favored higher Fe and Zn concentrations. The higher soil organic matter (SOM) generally improved the nutritional quality of the pepper. Our results suggest that systematic selection of superior varieties and soil amelioration (adjusting pH and SOM) of the soil-crop system are needed to achieve higher nutritional quality of pepper fruit.

Maize zinc uptake is influenced by arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis under various soil phosphorus availabilities.

The antagonistic interplay between phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) in plants is well established. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating those interactions as influenced by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis remain unclear. We investigated Zn concentrations, root AM symbiosis, and transcriptome profiles of maize roots grown under field conditions upon different P levels. We also validated genotype-dependent P-Zn uptake in selected genotypes from a MAGIC population and conducted mycorrhizal inoculation experiments using mycorrhizal-defective mutant pht1;6 to elucidate the significance of AM symbiosis in P-Zn antagonism. Finally, we assessed how P supply affects Zn transporters and Zn uptake in extraradical hyphae within a three-compartment system. Elevated P levels led to a significant reduction in maize Zn concentration across the population, correlating with a marked decline in AM symbiosis, thus elucidating the P-Zn antagonism. We also identified ZmPht1;6 is crucial for AM symbiosis and confirmed that P-Zn antagonistic uptake is dependent on AM symbiosis. Moreover, we found that high P suppressed the expression of the fungal RiZRT1 and RiZnT1 genes, potentially impacting hyphal Zn uptake. We conclude that high P exerts systemic regulation over root and AM hyphae-mediated Zn uptake in maize. These findings hold implications for breeding Zn deficiency-tolerant maize varieties.

Optimizing the manure substitution rate based on phosphorus fertilizer to enhance soil phosphorus turnover and root uptake in pepper (Capsicum).

Introduction: In contemporary agriculture, the substitution of manure for chemical fertilizer based on phosphorus (P) input in vegetable production has led to a significant reduction in P fertilizer application rates, while, the effect of manure substitution rates on soil P transformation and uptake by root remain unclear. Methods: This research conducts a pot experiment with varying manure substitution rates (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 75% and 100%) based on P nutrient content to elucidate the mechanisms through which manure substitution affects P uptake in pepper. Results and discussion: The result showed that shoot and root biomass of pepper gradually increased as manure substitution rate from 10% to 40%, and then gradually decreased with further increases in the substitution rate. Soil alkaline phosphatase activity and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization gradually increased with manure substitution rates improvement. Specifically, when the substitution rate reached 30%-40%, the alkaline phosphatase activity increased by 24.5%-33.8% compared to the fertilizer treatment. In contrast, phytase activity and the relative expression of phosphate transporter protein genes in the root system was declined after peaking at 30% manure substitution. Additionally, soil available P remained moderate under 30%-40% substitution rate, which was reduced by 8.6%-10.2% compared to that in chemical fertilizer treatment, while microbial biomass P was comparable. In the current study, soil labile P similar to or even higher than that in chemical fertilizer treatment when the substitution rate was ≤40%. Correlation heatmaps demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between soil available P and factors related to labile P and moderately labile P. Conclusion: This finding suggested that substituting 30%-40% of chemical P with manure can effectively enhance root length, AM colonization, soil enzyme activity, soil labile P, and consequently improve P uptake in pepper. These findings provide valuable insights for future organic agricultural practices that prioritize P supply, aiming to standardize organic P management in farmland and achieve high crop yields and maintain soil health.

Iron-Catalyzed Csp2-Csp3 Cross-Coupling via Double Decarboxylation: One Step Synthesis of Remote Polar Alkenes.

Herein, we report an efficient photoinduced iron-catalyzed strategy for cross-couplings of alkyl carboxylic and acrylic acids, which provides a powerful tool for the synthesis of a variety of alkenes with polar functional groups. This novel synthetic methodology can also be applied to the preparation of ketones by using α-keto acids. Mechanistic experiments revealed preliminary mechanistic details. Diverse functionalization could be achieved, which may help streamline the synthesis of complex analogues for drug discovery.

Evaluation of the efficacy of MST-312, as a telomerase inhibitor, in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma after stem cell transplantation.

High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation are the best treatment options in patients with multiple myeloma. Numerous medicines have been studied as a maintenance treatment after transplantation. Still, the use of medications that, in addition to their maintenance properties, eliminate or delay relapse of the disease has always been researchers' purpose. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of MST-312 after stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma. For this purpose, 73 patients with multiple myeloma after stem cell transplantation were studied. Thirty-five patients were in the case group, and 37 patients were in the control group. The case group was treated with 100 mg/day MST-312. Stem cell survival was evaluated in the two groups. Also, the expression of TNFα and IL-6 genes were evaluated by the Real-time PCR technique. The results showed no significant difference between the two groups in terms of stem cell survival in the first year (P=0.72) and second years of treatment (P=0.66). But there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding progression-free survival (PFS) in the first year (P=0.041) and the second year (P=0.029). These results indicate that MST-312 inhibits the progress of the disease by inhibiting the telomerase activity of myeloma cells. Genetic evaluations also showed that IL-6 and TNF-α genes were significantly reduced in the case group. Therefore, it could be suggested that MST-312 has a selective inhibitory effect on myeloma cell growth and can be indicated as a suitable candidate for treating multiple myeloma.

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors regulated by Stat, Dorsal, and Relish are involved in anti-WSSV innate immune defense in Macrobrachium nipponense.

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALF) is an important antimicrobial peptide and critical effector molecule with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities in crustaceans. In addition to the previously reported five ALFs (MnALF1-5), another three ALFs [MnALF1, which is different from MnALF1 (ALF02818) that has been reported; MnALF6; and MnALF7] and an isoform of MnALF4 (MnALF4-isoform2) were newly identified from Macrobrachium nipponense in this study. MnALF6 has 134 amino acids and one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in MnALF6 resulted in the change of 107th amino acid from E to D. Intron 1 retention produced longer transcript of MnALF6. The full length of MnALF7 has 691 bp with a 363 bp ORF encoding 120 amino acid protein. Three SNPs in MnALF2 resulted in the conversion of amino acids at positions 70, 73, and 91 from T70I73P91 to K70L73S91. The deletion of 13 bp in MnALF4 resulted in early termination of ORF, resulting in MnALF4-isoform2 with only 98 amino acids. The gDNAs of MnALF1, MnALF2, MnALF5, and MnALF6 contain three exons and two introns, while those of MnALF3 and MnALF7 contain three exons, one known intron, and one unknown intron. The MnALF1-7 in M. nipponense were widely distributed in multiple tissues. After white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) stimulation, the expression levels of MnALF1-7 changed. Knockdown of MnALF1-7 could evidently increase the expression of the envelope protein VP28 and the copy number of WSSV during viral infection. Further studies found that silencing of three transcription factors (Stat, Dorsal, and Relish) in M. nipponense significantly inhibit the synthesis of MnALF1-7 during the process of WSSV challenge. This study adds to the knowledge about the roles of ALFs in the innate immune responses to WSSV infection in M. nipponense.

Characterization and functional analysis of a clip domain serine protease (MncSP) and its alternative transcript (MncSP-isoform) from Macrobrachium nipponense.

Clip domain serine protease (cSPs) play an important role in the innate immune defense of crustaceans. In this study, a clip domain serine protease (MncSP) and its alternative transcript (MncSP-isoform) were identified from Macrobrachium nipponense. The full-length cDNA sequences of MncSP and MncSP-isoform were 2447 and 2351 bp with open reading frames comprising 1497 and 1401 bp nucleotides and encoding 498 and 466 amino acids, respectively. The genome of MncSP had 10 exons and 9 introns. MncSP contained all 10 exons, whereas MncSP-isoform lacked the second exon. MncSP and MncSP-isoform contained a signal peptide, a clip domain, and a Tryp_SPc domain. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that MncSP and MncSP-isoform clustered with cSPs from Palaemonidae. MncSP and MncSP-isoform were widely distributed in hemocytes, heart, hepatopancreas, gills, stomach, and intestine. The expression profiles of MncSP and MncSP-isoform in the hemocytes of M. nipponense changed after simulation by Vibrio parahaemolyticus or Staphylococcus aureus. The RNAi of MncSP could inhibit the expression of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), including crustins and anti-lipopolysaccharide factors. Phenoloxidase activity was also down-regulated in MncSP-silenced prawns. This study indicated that MncSP participated in the synthesis of AMPs and the activation of prophenoloxidase.

Identification of four Spätzle genes (MnSpz1, MnSpz2, MnSpz2-isoform, and MnSpz3) and their roles in the innate immunity of Macrobrachium nipponense.

Spätzle, an extracellular ligand of the Toll receptor, is involved in the innate immunity of crustaceans. In this study, four Spätzle genes were cloned from Macrobrachium nipponense and designed as MnSpz1, MnSpz2, MnSpz2-isoform, and MnSpz3. The coding region of the four Spätzle genes all contained one intron and two exons, and they were predicted to be produced by gene duplication based on sequence similarities and phylogenetic tree. The predicted MnSpz1, MnSpz2, and MnSpz3 proteins all contained a signal peptide and a Spätzle domain. No signal peptide but a Spätzle domain existed in MnSpz2-isoform because of frameshift mutation caused by 50 bp nucleotide deletion compared with MnSpz2. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis showed that MnSpz1, MnSpz2, and MnSpz3 were expressed in all the detected tissues of M. nipponense, and MnSpz2 was found to be the major isoform in the heart, gills, stomach, and intestine. After stimulation by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, or White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), the expression levels of MnSpz1, MnSpz2, and MnSpz3 changed. Given the high similarities among MnSpz1-3, RNA interference (RNAi) using dsRNA of MnSpz1 inhibited the expression of the three Spätzle genes (MnSpz1, MnSpz2 and MnSpz3). Silencing of MnSpz1-3 down-regulated the expression levels of nine antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes in M. nipponense. After Knockdown of MnSpzs, the number of V. parahaemolyticus, S. aureus and WSSV copies in M. nipponense increased significantly in vivo. Our results suggest that Spätzles are involved in the innate immunity of M. nipponense. The expansion of MnSpz genes through gene duplication is beneficial to enhance the innate immune defense ability of M. nipponense.

Characterization and functional analysis of tandem threonine containing C-type lectin (Thr-Lec) from the ridgetail white prawn Exopalaemon carinicauda.

As an important pattern-recognition receptor (PRR), C-type lectins (CTLs) play significant roles in recognizing microbes and battle against pathogenic microorganism in innate immunity. In this study, two tandem threonine containing CTLs (designated as EcThr-LecA and EcThr-LecB) were identified from Exopalaemon carinicauda. The full-length cDNA of EcThr-LecA and EcThr-LecB consisted of 1521 and 1518 bp with 1251 and 1242 bp open reading frame encoding a protein with 412 and 413 amino acids, respectively. The genome structure of EcThr-LecA included 10 exons and 9 introns, and the sequences of intron6 and intron7 were variable. The nucleotide sequence of intron2 in EcThr-LecB was specific and different with that of EcThr-LecA. EcThr-LecA and EcThr-LecB proteins were predicted to have a signal peptide, two conserved carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD), and tandem threonine region. The expression levels of EcThr-LecA and EcThr-LecB in the intestine were significantly up-regulated after Vibrio parahaemolyticus and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to explore the effects of EcThr-LecB silencing on the mRNA expression of anti-lipopolysaccharide factor (ALF), crustin (CRU), and lysozyme (LYSO). Knock down of EcThr-LecB could evidently down-regulate the expression of eight different antibacterial peptides (AMPs), including EcALF2, EcCRU1, EcCRU3, EcCRU4, EcLYSO1, EcLYSO2, EcLYSO3, and EcLYSO4, whereas make no effect on the transcription of EcALF1, EcALF3, EcCRU2, and EcLYSO5. The recombinant two CRD domains and tandem threonine region (RLecB) of EcThr-LecB could bind diverse bacteria, lipopolysaccharide, and peptidoglycans in vitro. In addition, RLecB could accelerate the clearance of V. parahaemolyticus in vivo. The present data indicated that new-found tandem threonine containing CTLs in E. carinicauda may act as PRR to participate in the innate immune defense against pathogens by the recognition of non-self, regulation of AMPs, and clearance of invaders.

Tetrasubstituted olefin synthesis via Pd-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to internal alkynes using O2 as an oxidant.

The Pd(II)-catalyzed reaction of arylboronic acids and internal alkynes provides a convenient route to a wide variety of tetrasubstituted olefins. The reaction is conducted in DMSO using molecular O2 as an oxidant in the absence of any base. The reaction involves the cis addition of two aryl groups from the arylboronic acid to opposite ends of the triple bond of the internal alkyne. The synthesis tolerates a wide variety of functional groups, including alcohol, aldehyde, ester, TMS, and acetal groups. Electron-rich dialkylacetylenes, such as 4-octyne, provide highly substituted 1,3-dienes in moderate yields. The very mild O2/DMSO conditions also afford good to excellent yields of biaryls by the homocoupling of arylboronic acids.

Synthesis of aryl ketones or ketimines by palladium-catalyzed arene C-H addition to nitriles.

The unprecedented palladium-catalyzed C-H addition of arenes to nitriles provides moderate to excellent yields of aryl ketones or the corresponding hindered imines. The addition of a small amount of DMSO increases the yields dramatically. Both intermolecular and intramolecular reactions are successful, although the intramolecular reactions tend to be more sluggish. This novel chemistry is believed to involve palladium-catalyzed C-H activation of the arene by electrophilic aromatic substitution, followed by the unusual carbopalladation of a nitrile. Similar reactions have been successfully developed employing arylboronic acids and nitriles. A concise route to xanthones starting from cheap starting materials has been developed employing this synthetic protocol.

Diversity-oriented synthesis of 3-iodochromones and heteroatom analogues via ICl-induced cyclization.

The ICl-induced cyclization of heteroatom-substituted alkynones provides a simple, highly efficient approach to various 3-iodochromones and analogues. This process is run under mild conditions, tolerates various functional groups, and generally provides chromones in good to excellent yields. Subsequent palladium-catalyzed transformations afford a rapid increase in molecular complexity and a convenient preparation of a wide range of functionally substituted chromones, furans, and polycyclic compounds. Iodothiochromenones and iodoquinolinones are also prepared by similar ICl-induced cyclizations.

Regio- and stereoselective route to tetrasubstituted olefins by the palladium-catalyzed three-component coupling of aryl iodides, internal alkynes, and arylboronic acids.

[reaction: see text] The Pd-catalyzed three-component coupling of readily available aryl iodides, internal alkynes, and arylboronic acids provides a convenient, one-step, regio- and stereoselective route to tetrasubstituted olefins in good to excellent yields, although electron-poor aryl iodides and dialkylalkynes normally afford only low yields under our standard reaction conditions. The proper combination of substrates and reaction conditions is important for high yields. The presence of water generally substantially increases the yields of the desired tetrasubstituted olefins. The reaction involves cis-addition of the aryl group from the aryl iodide to the less hindered or more electron-rich end of the alkyne, while the aryl group from the arylboronic acid adds to the other end. A modified, room-temperature procedure has also been successfully developed, which works very well for some substrates. Tamoxifen and its derivatives are synthesized in a concise, regio- and stereoselective manner by applying our synthetic protocol.

Synthesis of tetrasubstituted olefins by Pd-catalyzed addition of arylboronic acids to internal alkynes.

[Reaction: see text] Tetrasubstituted olefins are readily prepared by the Pd-catalyzed cis addition of two aryl groups from an arylboronic acid to opposite ends of the triple bond of internal alkynes. The synthesis proceeds under very mild reaction conditions and tolerates a wide variety of functional groups, including alcohol, aldehyde, ester, TMS, and acetal groups.

Synthesis of aryl ketones by the PD-catalyzed C-H activation of arenes and intermolecular carbopalladation of nitriles.

The palladium-catalyzed reaction of simple arenes and nitriles provides good to excellent yields of aryl ketones or the corresponding hindered imines. The addition of a small amount of DMSO increases the yields dramatically. Both intermolecular and intramolecular examples of this process are successful. This novel chemistry is believed to involve palladium-catalyzed C-H activation, followed by carbopalladation of the nitrile.

An efficient, regio- and stereoselective palladium-catalyzed route to tetrasubstituted olefins.

An efficient, regio- and stereoselective palladium-catalyzed route to tetrasubstituted olefins has been developed, which involves the intermolecular coupling of an aryl iodide, an internal alkyne, and an arylboronic acid. The reaction involves cis-addition of the aryl group from the aryl halide to the less hindered or less electron-poor end of the alkyne, while the aryl group from the arylboronic acid adds to the other end. [reaction: see text]