Polydopamine Synergizes with Quercetin Nanosystem to Reshape the Perifollicular Microenvironment for Accelerating Hair Regrowth in Androgenetic Alopecia.

Accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their resultant vascular dysfunction in androgenic alopecia (AGA) hinder hair follicle survival and cause permanent hair loss. However, safe and effective strategies to rescue hair follicle viability to enhance AGA therapeutic efficiency remain challenging. Herein, we fabricated a quercetin-encapsulated (Que) and polydopamine-integrated (PDA@QLipo) nanosystem that can reshape the perifollicular microenvironment to initial hair follicle regeneration for AGA treatment. Both the ROS scavenging and angiogenesis promotion abilities of PDA@QLipo were demonstrated. In vivo assays revealed that PDA@QLipo administrated with roller-microneedles successfully rejuvenated the "poor" perifollicular microenvironment, thereby promoting cell proliferation, accelerating hair follicle renewal, and facilitating hair follicle recovery. Moreover, PDA@QLipo achieved a higher hair regeneration coverage of 92.5% in the AGA mouse model than minoxidil (87.8%), even when dosed less frequently. The nanosystem creates a regenerative microenvironment by scavenging ROS and augmenting neovascularity for hair regrowth, presenting a promising approach for AGA clinical treatment.

Experimental Demonstration of Topological Catalysis for CO2 Electroreduction.

The past decade has witnessed substantial progress in understanding nontrivial band topology and discovering exotic topological materials in condensed-matter physics. Recently, topological physics has been further extended to the chemistry discipline, leading to the emergence of topological catalysis. In principle, the topological effect is detectable in catalytic reactions, but no conclusive evidence has been reported yet. Herein, by precisely manipulating the topological surface state (TSS) of Bi2Se3 nanosheets through thickness control and the application of a magnetic field, we provide direct experimental evidence to illustrate topological catalysis for CO2 electroreduction. With and without the cooperation of TSS, CO2 is mainly reduced into liquid fuels (HCOOH and H2C2O4) and CO, exhibiting high (up to 90% at -1.1 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode) and low Faradaic efficiency (FE), respectively. Theoretically, the product and FE difference can be attributed to the TSS-regulated adsorption of key intermediates and the reduced barrier of the potential-determining step. Our work demonstrates the inherent correlation between band topology and electrocatalysis, paving a new avenue for designing high-performance catalysts.

Exploring factors impacting haplotype-based noninvasive prenatal diagnosis for single-gene recessive disorders.

Haplotype-based noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) is applicable for various recessive single-gene disorders in proband families. However, a comprehensive exploration of critical factors influencing the assay performance, such as fetal fraction, informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) count, and recombination events, has yet to be performed. It is critical to identify key factors affecting NIPD performance, including its accuracy and success rate, and their impact on clinical diagnostics to guide clinical practice. We conducted a prospective study, recruiting 219 proband families with singleton pregnancies at risk for eight recessive single-gene disorders (Duchenne muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, phenylketonuria, methylmalonic acidemia, hemophilia A, hemophilia B, non-syndromic hearing loss, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia) at 7-14 weeks of gestation. Haplotype-based NIPD was performed by evaluating the relative haplotype dosage (RHDO) in maternal circulation, and the results were validated via invasive prenatal diagnosis or newborn follow-ups. Among the 219 families, the median gestational age at first blood draw was 8+5 weeks. Initial testing succeeded for 190 families and failed for 29 due to low fetal fraction (16), insufficient informative SNPs (9), and homologous recombination near pathogenic variation (4). Among low fetal fraction families, successful testing was achieved for 11 cases after a redraw, while 5 remained inconclusive. Test failures linked to insufficient informative SNPs correlated with linkage disequilibrium near the genes, with F8 and MMUT exhibiting the highest associated failure rates (14.3% and 25%, respectively). Homologous recombination was relatively frequent around the DMD and SMN1 genes (8.8% and 4.8%, respectively) but led to detection failure in only 44.4% (4/9) of such cases. All NIPD results from the 201 successful families were consistent with invasive diagnostic findings or newborn follow-up. Fetal fraction, informative SNPs count, and homologous recombination are pivotal to NIPD performance. Redrawing blood effectively improves the success rate for low fetal fraction samples. However, informative SNPs count and homologous recombination rates vary significantly across genes, necessitating careful consideration in clinical practice. We have designed an in silico method based on linkage disequilibrium data to predict the number of informative SNPs. This can identify genomic regions where there might be an insufficient number of SNPs, thereby guiding panel design. With these factors properly accounted for, NIPD is highly accurate and reliable.

First-trimester noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of seven facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 families using SNP-based amplicon sequencing: An earlier, rapid and safer way.

The study is to explore the feasibility and value of SNP-based noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) in early pregnancy weeks. We prospectively collected seven FSHD1 families, with an average gestational age of 8+6. Among these seven couples, there were three affected FSHD1 mothers and four affected fathers. A multiplex-PCR panel comprising 402 amplicons was designed to selective enrich for highly heterozygous SNPs upstream of the DUX4 gene. Risk haplotype was constructed based on familial linkage analysis. Fetal genotypes were accurately inferred through relative haplotype dosage analysis using Bayes Factor. All tests were successfully completed in a single attempt, and no recombination events were detected. NIPD results were provided within a week, which is 4 weeks earlier than karyomapping and 7 weeks earlier than Bionano single-molecule optical mapping (BOM). Ultimately, five FSHD1 fetuses and two normal fetuses were successfully identified, with a 100% concordance rate with karyomapping and BOM. Therefore, SNP-based NIPD for FSHD1 was demonstrated to be feasible and accurate in early weeks of gestation, although the risk of recombination events cannot be completely eliminated. In the future, testing of more cases is still necessary to fully determine the clinical utility.

Near-infrared-II responsive ovalbumin functionalized gold-genipin nanosystem cascading photo-immunotherapy of cancer.

Synergistic cancer therapies have attracted wide attention owing to their multi-mode tumor inhibition properties. Especially, photo-responsive photoimmunotherapy demonstrates an emerging cancer treatment paradigm that significantly improved treatment efficiency. Herein, near-infrared-II responsive ovalbumin functionalized Gold-Genipin nanosystem (Au-G-OVA NRs) was designed for immunotherapy and deep photothermal therapy of breast cancer. A facile synthesis method was employed to prepare the homogeneous Au nanorods (Au NRs) with good dispersion. The nanovaccine was developed further by the chemical cross-linking of Au-NRs, genipin and ovalbumin. The Au-G-OVA NRs outstanding aqueous solubility, and biocompatibility against normal and cancer cells. The designed NRs possessed enhanced localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, which extended the NIR absorption in the second window, enabling promising photothermal properties. Moreover, genipin coating provided complimentary red fluorescent and prepared Au-G-OVA NRs showed significant intracellular encapsulation for efficient photoimmunotherapy outcomes. The designed nanosystem possessed deep photothermal therapy of breast cancer and 90% 4T1 cells were ablated by Au-G-OVA NRs (80µg ml-1concentration) after 1064 nm laser irradiation. In addition, Au-G-OVA NRs demonstrated outstanding vaccination phenomena by facilitating OVA delivery, antigen uptake, maturation of bone marrow dendritic cells, and cytokine IFN-γsecretion for tumor immunosurveillance. The aforementioned advantages permit the utilization of fluorescence imaging-guided photo-immunotherapy for cancers, demonstrating a straightforward approach for developing nanovaccines tailored to precise tumor treatment.

Prenatal exome sequencing for morphologically normal fetus: Should we be doing it?

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the yield of prenatal exome sequencing (pES) in morphologically normal fetuses. METHOD: This retrospective study analyzed 254 families with morphologically normal fetuses who underwent prenatal trio exome sequencing based on parental request between September 2020 and October 2023. RESULTS: Overall, abnormal findings were detected in 8 families (3.1%, 8/254) by pES. Among these, 6 families (2.3%, 6/254) were found to have fetuses affected with monogenic disorders (2 autosomal recessive conditions and 4 autosomal dominant conditions), while 2 families (0.8%, 2/254) were incidentally found to be couples at risk of having a future pregnancy with a recessive condition. Among the six fetuses detected with monogenic disorders, two fetuses carried a de novo variant in OPA1 and NF1, which are known to cause Optic atrophy 1 and Neurofibromatosis, respectively. One fetus was detected with a maternally inherited variant in PKD2 related to polycystic kidney disease 2 (not known to the mother until then). One fetus was detected with a maternally inherited variant in SDHB associated with Pheochromocytoma. Two fetuses carried compound heterozygous variants in NAGLU and GJB2 associated with Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIB and Deafness, respectively. In the 2 families where parents were found to be carriers but the fetuses were unaffected, heterozygous variants in the GJB2 and SERPINB7 genes were detected in the parents, respectively, which are associated with deafness and palmoplantar keratoderma. CONCLUSION: Our research indicated that pES can provide significant critical information for families with morphologically normal fetuses. Prenatal screening with exome sequencing requires careful management and detailed pre-test and post-test genetic counseling.

Noninvasive twin genotyping for recessive monogenic disorders by relative haplotype dosage.

OBJECTIVE: To establish a haplotype-based noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) workflow for single-gene recessive disorders that adapt to dizygotic (DZ) twin pregnancies. METHOD: Twin pregnancies at risk of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Becker muscular dystrophy, hemophilia B, spinal muscular atrophy, phenylketonuria, and nonsyndromic hearing loss were recruited. For subsequent analysis, capture sequencing targeting highly heterozygotic single nucleotide polymorphism sites was conducted. Paternal-specific alleles were used to calculate the total and individual fetal fractions and determine zygosity. A two-step Bayes Factor model was applied to clarify the complex genomic landscape in the maternal plasma: the first step involved determining whether the twins inherited the same haplotype, and the second step involved estimating their individual genotypes. NIPT results were subsequently confirmed by invasive diagnosis. RESULTS: Nine twin pregnancies were recruited, including five DZ and four monozygotic (MZ) twins. The earliest gestational age was 8+0 weeks, and the minimum fetal fraction was 4.6%. Three twin pregnancies were reported with one affected fetus, while the remaining six were reported without affected fetuses. Two dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies were confirmed to be MZ twins. The NIPT results were 100% consistent with those of invasive procedures or diagnostic genetic testing after birth. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to perform NIPT for single-gene disorders in twin pregnancies and preliminarily confirm its clinical feasibility. Acknowledging the twins' genotypes in the first trimester is valuable as it empowers obstetric care providers and parents to have adequate time for pregnancy management and decision-making.

Spike structure of gold nanobranches induces hepatotoxicity in mouse hepatocyte organoid models.

BACKGROUND: Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been extensively recognized as an active candidate for a large variety of biomedical applications. However, the clinical conversion of specific types of GNPs has been hindered due to their potential liver toxicity. The origin of their hepatotoxicity and the underlying key factors are still ambiguous. Because the size, shape, and surfactant of GNPs all affect their properties and cytotoxicity. An effective and sensitive platform that can provide deep insights into the cause of GNPs' hepatotoxicity in vitro is therefore highly desired. METHODS: Here, hepatocyte organoid models (Hep-orgs) were constructed to evaluate the shape-dependent hepatotoxicity of GNPs. Two types of GNPs with different nanomorphology, gold nanospheres (GNSs) and spiny gold nanobranches (GNBs), were synthesized as the representative samples. Their shape-dependent effects on mice Hep-orgs' morphology, cellular cytoskeletal structure, mitochondrial structure, oxidative stress, and metabolism were carefully investigated. RESULTS: The results showed that GNBs with higher spikiness and tip curvature exhibited more significant cytotoxicity compared to the rounded GNSs. The spike structure of GNBs leads to a mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorder in Hep-orgs. Meanwhile, similar trends can be observed in HepG2 cells and mice models, demonstrating the reliability of the Hep-orgs. CONCLUSIONS: Hep-orgs can serve as an effective platform for exploring the interactions between GNPs and liver cells in a 3D perspective, filling the gap between 2D cell models and animal models. This work further revealed that organoids can be used as an indispensable tool to rapidly screen and explore the toxic mechanism of nanomaterials before considering their biomedical functionalities.

Design of a monocapillary with an inner Al2O3/HfO2 multilayer to obtain focused monochromatic hard X-rays.

An X-ray monocapillary with an inner multilayer can be a promising optical device to obtain focused monochromatic X-rays. A focused beam is acquired via controlling the shape of the monocapillary meanwhile monochromatic X-rays are screened out by the inside multilayer. For hard X-rays such as C u-k α line 8.04 keV and M o-k α line 17.44 keV, A l 2 O 3/H f O 2 is an effective material pair for the X-ray multilayer that can reflect the X-rays at an acceptable efficiency. In this work, four tapered-monocapillaries with inner A l 2 O 3/H f O 2 multilayers are designed to focus and monochromatize X-rays (8.04 keV and17.44 keV, respectively) from the point source and collimated beam. The theoretical transmission performance, including the beam size, reflectivity, and monochromaticity of the device, is also calculated. The results show that the ideal optics can focus desired X-rays with efficiency of about 60%. It provides a reference for fabricating this optics in the future, especially via the atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique, which represents great potential to coat uniform film on a curved surface.

[Genetic analysis of a child with Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical and genetic features of a child with Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) and variant of the ADAR1 gene. METHODS: A child who was admitted to the Department of Dermatology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in June 2020 due to irregular pigmented maculopapular rash on the dorsum of hands was selected as the study subject. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out for the child and his similarly affected father, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the candidate variant. SWISS-MODEL was used to predict the secondary and tertiary structures of the wild-type and mutant ADAR1 proteins. RESULTS: The child, a 13-year-old boy, had symmetrical hyperpigmented and depigmented spots on the back of his hands and was clinically diagnosed with DSH. WES and Sanger sequencing results showed that he and his father had both harbored a heterozygous c.2858dup (p.T954Dfs*20) truncating variant in exon 10 of the ADAR1 gene. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the variant was predicted as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PM1+PP3). CONCLUSION: The c.2858dup (p.T954Dfs*20) variant of the ADAR1 gene probably underlay the DSH in this pedigree.

[Expert consensus on the prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for uniparental disomy-related imprinting disorders].

Uniparental disomy (UPD)-related imprinting disorders are a group of congenital disorders which can lead to severe birth defects. Their molecular etiology is the occurrence of UPD in the genomic imprinting regions, which may cause disturbed expression of parent-of-origin imprinted genes. With the widespread applications of genetic testing techniques, the prenatal diagnosis of UPD-related imprinted diseases has gradually become clinical routines. However, due to the complicated pathogenesis of such disorders, currently there is still a lack of standards and norms for the understanding, diagnosis, management and genetic counseling. By referring to the relevant guidelines and consensus, the latest progress of research, and opinions from experts in the relevant fields, the writing group has formulated a consensus over the prenatal diagnosis and genetic counseling for UPD-related imprinting disorders, with an aim to provide a more accurate and rational evaluation in prenatal clinics.

[Analysis of a child with Microvillus inclusion disease due to variants of MYO5B gene and a literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of a neonate with Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID). METHODS: A neonate with MVID admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in May 2019 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data were collected. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). A literature was also carried out to summarize the clinical and genetic characteristics of MVID. RESULTS: The prematurely born neonate had presented with unexplained refractory diarrhea and metabolic acidosis. Active symptomatic treatment was ineffective, and the child had died at 2 months old. WES revealed that he had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the MYO5B gene, namely c.1591C>T (p.R531W) and deletion of exon 9. Sanger sequencing showed that the R531W variant was inherited form his father, and MLPA confirmed that the exon 9 deletion was inherited from his mother. Seven children with MVID were reported in China, of which one was lost during follow-up and six had deceased. One hundred eighty eight patients were reported worldwide and only one was cured. The clinical features of MVID had included refractory diarrhea, metabolic acidosis and poor prognosis. CONCLUSION: The child was diagnosed with MVID due to the compound heterozygous variants of the MYO5B gene, which has provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.

[Expert consensus on the test development and preliminary implementation of whole genome sequencing for fetal structural abnormalities].

Fetal structural anomalies and birth defects are primarily caused by genetic variants such as chromosomal number abnormalities, copy number variations (CNV), single nucleotide variants (SNV), and small insertions and deletions (indel). Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) based on next-generation sequencing (NGS) as an emerging technology for genetic disease diagnosis can detect the aforementioned types of variants. In recent years, high-depth WGS (> 30×) for prenatal diagnosis has also become available, and proved to be practical for unraveling the genetic etiology of fetal developmental abnormalities. To facilitate clinical practice, test development and preliminary implementation of WGS for diagnosing fetal structural anomalies, we have formulated a consensus over the application of WGS in prenatal diagnosis by compiling previously published consensuses, guidelines, and research findings to provide a guidance on data analysis, reporting recommendations, and consultation of prenatal WGS results.

[Analysis of PAH gene variants and prenatal diagnosis for 43 Chinese pedigrees affected with Phenylketonuria].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene variants and prenatal diagnosis for 43 Chinese pedigrees affected with Phenylketonuria (PKU). METHODS: Forty three PKU pedigrees diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between 2019 and 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Variants of the PAH gene of the probands were screened by high-throughput sequencing, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. Negative cases were further analyzed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to detect large fragment deletions and duplications of the PAH gene. For 43 women undergoing subsequent pregnancy, Sanger sequencing, MLPA, combined with short tandem repeats (STR) sequence-based linkage analysis, were carried out for prenatal diagnosis. RESULTS: Among the 86 alleles carried by the 43 probands, 78 nucleotide variants (90.70%) and 3 large deletions (3.49%) were found based on high-throughput sequencing and MLPA. The 81 mutant alleles had included 21 missense variants, 5 splice site variants, 4 nonsense variants, 2 microdeletions, 1 insertional variant and 2 large fragment deletions. Relatively common variants have included p.Arg243Gln (23.26%), p.Arg111Ter (8.14%), EX6-96A>G (6.98%), p.Val399Val (5.81%) and p.Arg413Pro (4.65%). Most of the variants were located in exons 7, 11, 3, 6 and 12. For the 43 families undergoing prenatal diagnosis, 9 fetuses (20.45%) were diagnosed with PKU, 20 (45.45%) were heterozygous carriers, and 15 (34.09%) did not carry the same pathogenic allele as the proband. All neonates were followed up till 6 months old, and the accuracy of prenatal diagnosis was 100%. CONCLUSION: The combination of high-throughput sequencing, Sanger sequencing, MLPA and linkage analysis can increase the diagnostic rate of PKU and attain accurate prenatal diagnosis.

[Clinical and genetic analysis of ten Chinese pedigrees affected with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of ten Chinese pedigrees affected with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome. METHODS: From December 2017 to January 2022, ten pedigrees diagnosed with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were enrolled as the study subjects. Clinical data of all subjects were collected, and some had subjected to copy number variation sequencing or single nucleotide polymorphism array to analyze the pattern of inheritance. RESULTS: The probands had included six fetuses and four adolescents. Four of the six prenatal cases showed abnormal ultrasound indicators, including three with soft indicators and one with abnormal fetal structural development. The clinical phenotype of the four adolescent cases had included mental retardation, delayed language development, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The size of the copy number variations had ranged from 1.31 to 1.42 Mb, involving the classic region of 7q11.23 duplication syndrome. Of these, five cases had undergone parental origin testing, three cases were de novo, and two were hereditary. CONCLUSION: Individuals with 7q11.23 duplication syndrome may show substantial clinical phenotypic heterogeneity, hence the affected families should be provided with pre-pregnancy consultation and reproductive guidance.

[Genetic analysis of a case with Al Kaissi syndrome and a literature review].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic etiology of a child with delayed growth and development and carry out a literature review. METHODS: A child suspected for Al Kaissi syndrome at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University on March 6, 2021 was selected as the study subject. Following extraction of genomic DNA, the child was subjected to copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) and whole exome sequencing (WES), and candidate variants were verified by PCR-agarose gel electrophoresis and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Prenatal diagnosis was conducted on chorionic villi sample upon subsequent pregnancy. RESULTS: The child, a 6-year-and-4-month-old boy, has dysmorphic features including low-set protruding ears and triangular face, delayed language and intellectual development, and ventricular septal defect. CNV-seq result has found no obvious abnormality, whilst WES revealed homozygous deletion of exons 1 and 2 of the CDK10 gene, which was confirmed by PCR-agarose gel electrophoresis and qPCR. Both of his parents were heterozygous carriers. Prenatal diagnosis using chorionic villi samples suggested that the fetus also carried the heterozygous deletion. CONCLUSION: The clinical features of Al Kaissi syndrome in this child can probably be attributed to the homozygous deletion of exons 1 and 2 of the CDK10 gene.

Multiple variation patterns of terpene synthases in 26 maize genomes.

Terpenoids are important compounds associated with the pest and herbivore resistance mechanisms of plants; consequently, it is essential to identify and explore terpene synthase (TPS) genes in maize. In the present study, we identified 31 TPS genes based on a pan-genome of 26 high-quality maize genomes containing 20 core genes (present in all 26 lines), seven dispensable genes (present in 2 to 23 lines), three near-core genes (present in 24 to 25 lines), and one private gene (present in only 1 line). Evaluation of ka/ks values of TPS in 26 varieties revealed that TPS25 was subjected to positive selection in some varieties. Six ZmTPS had ka/ks values less than 1, indicating that they were subjected to purifying selection. In 26 genomes, significant differences were observed in ZmTPS25 expression between genes affected by structural variation (SV) and those not affected by SV. In some varieties, SV altered the conserved structural domains resulting in a considerable number of atypical genes. The analysis of RNA-seq data of maize Ostrinia furnacalis feeding revealed 10 differentially expressed ZmTPS, 9 of which were core genes. However, many atypical genes for these responsive genes were identified in several genomes. These findings provide a novel resource for functional studies of ZmTPS.

Pan-genome of Citrullus genus highlights the extent of presence/absence variation during domestication and selection.

The rich genetic diversity in Citrullus lanatus and the other six species in the Citrullus genus provides important sources in watermelon breeding. Here, we present the Citrullus genus pan-genome based on the 400 Citrullus genus resequencing data, showing that 477 Mb contigs and 6249 protein-coding genes were absent in the Citrullus lanatus reference genome. In the Citrullus genus pan-genome, there are a total of 8795 (30.5%) genes that exhibit presence/absence variations (PAVs). Presence/absence variation (PAV) analysis showed that a lot of gene PAV were selected during the domestication and improvement, such as 53 favorable genes and 40 unfavorable genes were identified during the C. mucosospermus to C. lanatus landrace domestication. We also identified 661 resistance gene analogs (RGAs) in the Citrullus genus pan-genome, which contains 90 RGAs (89 variable and 1 core gene) located on the pangenome additional contigs. By gene PAV-based GWAS, 8 gene presence/absence variations were found associated with flesh color. Finally, based on the results of gene PAV selection analysis between watermelon populations with different fruit colors, we identified four non-reference candidate genes associated with carotenoid accumulation, which had a significantly higher frequency in the white flesh. These results will provide an important source for watermelon breeding.

Dynamic Metal-Ligand Coordination Boosts CO2 Electroreduction.

The interfacial structure of heterogeneous catalysts determines the reaction rate by adjusting the adsorption behavior of reaction intermediates. Unfortunately, the catalytic performance of conventionally static active sites has always been limited by the adsorbate linear scaling relationship. Herein, we develop a triazole-modified Ag crystal (Ag crystal-triazole) with dynamic and reversible interfacial structures to break such a relationship for boosting the catalytic activity of CO2 electroreduction into CO. On the basis of surface science measurements and theoretical calculations, we demonstrated the dynamic transformation between adsorbed triazole and adsorbed triazolyl on the Ag(111) facet induced by metal-ligand conjugation. During CO2 electroreduction, Ag crystal-triazole with the dynamically reversible transformation of ligands exhibited a faradic efficiency for CO of 98% with a partial current density for CO as high as -802.5 mA cm-2. The dynamic metal-ligand coordination not only reduced the activation barriers of CO2 protonation but also switched the rate-determining step from CO2 protonation to the breakage of C-OH in the adsorbed COOH intermediate. This work provided an atomic-level insight into the interfacial engineering of the heterogeneous catalysts toward highly efficient CO2 electroreduction.

Dynamically Reversible Interconversion of Molecular Catalysts for Efficient Electrooxidation of Propylene into Propylene Glycol.

For the electrooxidation of propylene into 1,2-propylene glycol (PG), the process involves two key steps of the generation of *OH and the transfer of *OH to the C═C bond in propylene. The strong *OH binding energy (EB(*OH)) favors the dissociation of H2O into *OH, whereas the transfer of *OH to propylene will be impeded. The scaling relationship of the EB(*OH) plays a key role in affecting the catalytic performance toward propylene electrooxidation. Herein, we adopt an immobilized Ag pyrazole molecular catalyst (denoted as AgPz) as the electrocatalyst. The pyrrolic N-H in AgPz could undergo deprotonation to form pyrrolic N (denoted as AgPz-Hvac), which can be protonated reversibly. During propylene electrooxidation, the strong EB(*OH) on AgPz favors the dissociation of H2O into *OH. Subsequently, the AgPz transforms into AgPz-Hvac that possesses weak EB(*OH), benefiting to the further combination of *OH and propylene. The dynamically reversible interconversion between AgPz and AgPz-Hvac accompanied by changeable EB(*OH) breaks the scaling relationship, thus greatly lowering the reaction barrier. At 2.0 V versus Ag/AgCl electrode, AgPz achieves a remarkable yield rate of 288.9 mmolPG gcat-1 h-1, which is more than one order of magnitude higher than the highest value ever reported.