Breathable Wearable Smartsensors Deriving from Interface Self-Assembled Film for Tracking l-Cysteine.

The advent of wearable sensors heralds a transformation in the continuous, noninvasive analysis of biomarkers critical for disease diagnosis and fitness management. Yet, their advancement is hindered by the functional challenges affiliated with their active sensing analysis layer. Predominantly due to suboptimal intrinsic material properties and inconsistent dispersion leading to aggregation, thus compromising sensor repeatability and performance. Herein, an innovative approach to the functionalization of wearable electrochemical sensors was introduced, specifically addressing these limitations. The method involves a proton-induced self-assembly technique at the organic-water (O/W) interface, facilitating the generation of biomarker-responsive films. This research offers flexible, breathable sensor capable of real-time precision tracking l-cysteine (l-Cys) precision tracking. Utilizing an activation mechanism for Prussian blue nanoparticles by hydrogen peroxide, the catalytic core exhibits a specific response to l-Cys. The implications of this study refine the fabrication of film-based analysis electrodes for wearable sensing applications and the broader utilization of two-dimensional materials in functional-specific response films. Findings illuminate the feasibility of this novel strategy for precise biomarker tracking and extend to pave the way for constructing high-performance electrocatalytic analytical interfaces.

All-trans retinoic acid pretreatment of mesenchymal stem cells enhances the therapeutic effect on acute kidney injury.

A promising new therapy option for acute kidney injury (AKI) is mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, there are several limitations to the use of MSCs, such as low rates of survival, limited homing capacity, and unclear differentiation. In search of better therapeutic strategies, we explored all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) pretreatment of MSCs to observe whether it could improve the therapeutic efficacy of AKI. We established a renal ischemia/reperfusion injury model and treated mice with ATRA-pretreated MSCs via tail vein injection. We found that AKI mice treated with ATRA-MSCs significantly improved renal function compared with DMSO-MSCs treatment. RNA sequencing screened that hyaluronic acid (HA) production from MSCs promoted by ATRA. Further validation by chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments verified that retinoic acid receptor RARα/RXRγ was a potential transcription factor for hyaluronic acid synthase 2. Additionally, an in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation model was established using human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2). After co-culturing HK-2 cells with ATRA-pretreated MSCs, we observed that HA binds to cluster determinant 44 (CD44) and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway, which enhances the anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and proliferative repair effects of MSCs in AKI. Inhibition of the HA/CD44 axis effectively reverses the renal repair effect of ATRA-pretreated MSCs. Taken together, our study suggests that ATRA pretreatment promotes HA production by MSCs and activates the PI3K/AKT pathway in renal tubular epithelial cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of MSCs against AKI.

Identification of common and specific fibrosis-related genes in three common chronic kidney diseases.

BACKGROUND: Kidney fibrosis is the common final pathway of virtually all advanced forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) including diabetic nephropathy (DN), IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and membranous nephropathy (MN), with complex mechanism. Comparative gene expression analysis among these types of CKD may shed light on its pathogenesis. Therefore, we conducted this study aiming at exploring the common and specific fibrosis-related genes involved in different types of CKD. METHODS: Kidney biopsy specimens from patients with different types of CKD and normal control subjects were analyzed using the NanoString nCounter® Human Fibrosis V2 Panel. Genes differentially expressed in all fibrotic DN, IgAN and MN tissues compared to the normal controls were regarded as the common fibrosis-related genes in CKD, whereas genes exclusively differentially expressed in fibrotic DN, IgAN or MN samples were considered to be the specific genes related to fibrosis in DN, IgAN and MN respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed to validate the expression of the selected genes. RESULTS: Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (PTPRC), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), interleukin 10 receptor alpha (IL10RA) and CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) were identified as the potential common genes for kidney fibrosis in different types of CKD, while peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARA), lactate oxidase (LOX), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) were identified as the specific fibrosis-associated genes for DN, IgAN and MN respectively. qRT-PCR demonstrated that the expression levels of these selected genes were consistent with the NanoString analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There were both commonalities and differences in the mechanisms of fibrosis in different types of CKD, the commonalities might be used as the common therapeutic targets for kidney fibrosis in CKD, while the differences might be used as the diagnostic markers for DN, IgAN and MN respectively. Inflammation was highly relevant to the pathogenesis of fibrosis. This study provides further insight into the pathophysiology and treatment of fibrotic kidney disease.

LncRNA-HOTAIR promotes endothelial cell pyroptosis by regulating the miR-22/NLRP3 axis in hyperuricaemia.

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in the renal inflammatory response caused by hyperuricaemia. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms through which lncRNA is involved in endothelial injury induced by hyperuricaemia remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the regulatory role of lncRNA-HOTAIR in high concentration of uric acid (HUA)-induced renal injury. We established hyperuricaemia mouse model and an in vitro uric acid (UA)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury model. In HUA-treated HUVECs and hyperuricaemia mice, we observed increased HOTAIR and decreased miR-22 expression. The expression of pyroptosis-associated protein (NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD-N, GSDMD-FL) was increased. The release of LDH, IL-1ß and IL-18 in cell supernatants and the sera of model mice was also increased. The proliferation of HUVECs stimulated by HUA was significantly inhibited, and the number of TUNEL-positive cells in hyperuricaemia mouse kidney was increased. Bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter and RIP assays confirmed that HOTAIR promoted NLRP3 inflammasome activation by competitively binding miR-22. In gain- or loss-of-function experiments, we found that HOTAIR and NLRP3 overexpression or miR-22 knock down activated the NLRP3 inflammasome and promoted pyroptosis in HUA-treated HUVECs, while NLRP3 and HOTAIR knockdown or a miR-22 mimic exerted the opposite effects. Furthermore, in vivo experiments validated that HOTAIR knockdown alleviated renal inflammation in hyperuricaemia mice. In conclusion, we demonstrated that in hyperuricaemia, lncRNA-HOTAIR promotes endothelial cell pyroptosis by competitively binding miR-22 to regulate NLRP3 expression.

Development and validation of a model for the early prediction of the RRT requirement in patients with rhabdomyolysis.

INTRODUCTION: Rhabdomyolysis (RM) is a complex set of clinical syndromes involving the rapid dissolution of skeletal muscles. The early detection of patients who need renal replacement therapy (RRT) is very important and may aid in delivering proper care and optimizing the use of limited resources. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of the following three databases were performed: the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD), the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database and electronic medical records from the First Medical Centre of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (PLAGH). The data from the eICU-CRD and MIMIC-III datasets were merged to form the derivation cohort. The data collected from the Chinese PLAGH were used for external validation. The factors predictive of the need for RRT were selected using a LASSO regression analysis. A logistic regression was selected as the algorithm. The model was built in Python using the ML library scikit-learn. The accuracy of the model was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). R software was used for the LASSO regression analysis, nomogram, concordance index, calibration, and decision and clinical impact curves. RESULTS: In total, 1259 patients with RM (614 patients from eICU-CRD, 324 patients from the MIMIC-III database and 321 patients from the Chinese PLAGH) were eligible for this analysis. The rate of RRT was 15.0% (92/614) in the eICU-CRD database, 17.6% (57/324) in the MIMIC-III database and 5.6% in the Chinese PLAGH (18/321). After the LASSO regression selection, eight variables were included in the RRT prediction model. The AUC of the model in the training dataset was 0.818 (95% CI 0.78-0.87), the AUC in the test dataset was 0.794 (95% CI 0.72-0.86), and the AUC in the Chinese PLAGH dataset (external validation dataset) was 0.820 (95% CI 0.70-0.86). CONCLUSIONS: We developed and validated a model for the early prediction of the RRT requirement among patients with RM based on 8 variables commonly measured during the first 24 h after admission. Predicting the need for RRT could help ensure appropriate treatment and facilitate the optimization of the use of medical resources.

The top 100 most cited articles on rhabdomyolysis: A bibliometric analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Over the past few decades, the incidence of Rhabdomyolysis (RM) has significantly increased. The prognosis is substantially worse if renal failure develops. Many problems remain to be addressed regarding the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of RM. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterize the top 100 most cited publications regarding rhabdomyolysis (RM) by performing a bibliometric analysis. METHODS: Publications focusing on RM were identified from the Science Citation Index-Expanded (SCI-E) of the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliographic information was collected, including year of publication, authorship, publishing journals, institution, country of origin and keywords. CiteSpace V5.6.R2 and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology were used for descriptive analysis. RESULTS: The 100 most cited articles were published between 1995 and 2016, with citation numbers ranging from 116 to 904. The United States (60) has been the largest contributor to RM research. Hartford Hospital and University of Texas were found to be the most productive institutions, with five articles each. Thompson, PD, who authored six articles, was the most productive author. The American Journal of Cardiology published the most articles (5), followed by the New England Journal of Medicine (4). The top three co-cited journals were the New England Journal of Medicine (74), Lancet (59) and JAMA (54). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable information on the study of RM. These findings may be used to guide clinical decision-making and identify new research fields.

Research Progress on the Role of Inflammasomes in Kidney Disease.

Inflammasomes are multimeric complexes composed of cytoplasmic sensors, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase activation and recruitment domain (ASC or PYCARD), and procaspase-1 and play roles in regulating caspase-dependent inflammation and cell death. Inflammasomes are assembled by sensing pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and initiate inflammatory responses by activating caspase-1. Activated caspase-1 promotes the release of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-18 and eventually induces pyroptosis. Inflammasomes are closely related to kidney diseases. In particular, the NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome has been shown to cause acute and chronic kidney diseases by regulating canonical and noncanonical mechanisms of inflammation. Small-molecule inhibitors that target NLRP3 and other components of the inflammasome are potential options for the treatment of kidney-related diseases such as diabetic nephropathy. This article will focus on the research progress on inflammasomes and the key pathogenic roles of inflammasomes in the development and progression of kidney diseases and explore the potential of this intracellular inflammation to further prevent or block the development of the kidney disease.

Gene Microarray Integrated with High-Throughput Proteomics for the Discovery of Transthyretin in Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Rhabdomyolysis, one of the leading causes of acute kidney injury (AKI), develops after trauma, drug toxicity, infections, burns, and physical exertion. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in gene and protein expression to elucidate the pathogenesis of rhabdomyolysis (RM)-induced AKI. METHODS: In this study, we used glycerol induced renal injury as a model of RM-induced AKI. Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0 microarrays were used to perform gene microarray analysis. Isobaric tagging with related and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling mass spectrometry (MS) was applied to screen and identify differentially expressed proteins between RM-induced AKI and normal murine renal tissue. Verification experiments included immunohistochemistry (IHC), real-time PCR, Western blotting, and the measurement of ATP and ROS production. HK-2 cells were incubated in vitro with ferrous myoglobin and pcDNA-TTR, followed by assays to detect cell proliferation, ROS and apoptosis. RESULTS: According to gene microarray and iTRAQ-MS analysis, we screened 17 common elements. After multiple analyses, we selected transthyretin (TTR) as our focus and investigated TTR in the kidney. Verification experiments with IHC confirmed differential expression levels of TTR proteins. Furthermore, Western blotting showed a stepwise decrease in TTR in AKI renal tissues. Cell-based experiments showed that overexpression of TTR could improve HK-2 cell viability and inhibit apoptosis. TTR reduced apoptosis by decreasing the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). CONCLUSION: This study reports a possible mechanism for RM-induced AKI and suggests that reductions in TTR could increase the generation of ROS and induce apoptosis. TTR may be a potentially valuable target for RM-induced AKI.

Cardiovascular metabolic risk factors and glomerular filtration rate: a rural Chinese population study.

METHODS: A total of 2426 study subjects from rural China aged 35 years and above (934 men and 1492 women) were enrolled in a cross-sectional survey. The eGFR calculation was based on the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. The strength of the association between cardiovascular metabolic risk factors and eGFR was analyzed using a linear regression model. RESULTS: Cardiovascular metabolic risk factors, including age, body weight, waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), creatinine (Cr), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), systolic pressure, and diastolic pressure, were associated with eGFR. Additionally, the eGFR level gradually decreased and showed a linear trend with the increase in metabolic syndrome risk factors. CONCLUSION: Metabolic risk factors are correlated with a reduction in renal function and CKD.

Using Next-Generation Sequencing to Identify a Mutation in Human MCSU that is Responsible for Type II Xanthinuria.

BACKGROUND: Hypouricemia is caused by various diseases and disorders, such as hepatic failure, Fanconi renotubular syndrome, nutritional deficiencies and genetic defects. Genetic defects of the molybdoflavoprotein enzymes induce hypouricemia and xanthinuria. Here, we identified a patient whose plasma and urine uric acid levels were both extremely low and aimed to identify the pathogenic gene and verify its mechanism. METHODS: Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we detected a mutation in the human molybdenum cofactor sulfurase (MCSU) gene that may cause hypouricemia. We cultured L02 cells, knocked down MCSU with RNAi, and then detected the uric acid and MCSU concentrations, xanthine oxidase (XOD) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) activity levels, and xanthine/hypoxanthine concentrations in cell lysates and culture supernatants. RESULTS: The NGS results showed that the patient had a mutation in the human MCSU gene. The in vitro study showed that RNAi of MCSU caused the uric acid, human MCSU concentrations, the XOD and XDH activity levels among cellular proteins and culture supernatants to be extremely low relative to those of the control. However, the xanthine/hypoxanthine concentrations were much higher than those of the control. CONCLUSIONS: We strongly confirmed the pathogenicity of the human MCSU gene.

High Concentrations of Uric Acid Inhibit Endothelial Cell Migration via miR-663 Which Regulates Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog by Targeting Transforming Growth Factor-ß1.

BACKGROUND: Whether microRNAs participate in endothelial dysfunction HUA remains unknown. A previous study indicated that miR-663 was the most significantly differentially expressed endothelial microRNA under HUA conditions. Some studies have demonstrated that the miR-663 target gene and TGF-ß1, promoted endothelial cell migration by inhibiting PTEN deleted on chromosome 10. Therefore, we hypothesized that HUA inhibits endothelial migration via miR-663, which regulates PTEN by targeting TGF-ß1. METHODS: PCR analysis was performed to determine miR-663 expression levels. A luciferase assay was performed to validate whether miR-663 targets TGF-ß1 directly. Western blot analysis was performed to determine TGF-ß1 and PTEN expression levels. An miR-663 inhibitor and TGF-ß1- and PTEN-specific siRNAs were transfected into EA.hy926 cells to inhibit miR-663, TGF-ß1, and PTEN expression, respectively. A wound healing assay was performed to determine the migratory ability of EA.hy926 cells. RESULTS: miR-663 had higher expression levels in HUA-stimulated endothelial cells and in the sera of hyperuricemic patients and animals. TGF-ß1 was targeted directly by miR-663. Endothelial miR-663 was up-regulated under HUA conditions, and HUA inhibited endothelial cell migration via miR-663, which targeted TGF-ß1. Thus, TGF-ß1 regulated cell migration in a PTEN-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: HUA inhibits endothelial cell migration via miR-663, which regulates PTEN by targeting TGF-ß1.

Knowledge mapping of UMOD of English published work from 1985 to 2022: a bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: UMOD is exclusively produced by renal epithelial cells. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) suggested that common variants in UMOD gene are closely connected with the risk of CKD. However, a comprehensive and objective report on the current status of UMOD research is lacking. Therefore, we aim to conduct a bibliometric analysis to quantify and identify the status quo and trending issues of UMOD research in the past. METHODS: We collected data from the Web of Science Core Collection database and used the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology, the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology and Microsoft Excel 2019 to perform bibliometricanalysis and visualization. RESULTS: Based on the data from the WoSCC database from 1985 to 2022, a total of 353 UMOD articles were published in 193 academic journals by 2346 authors from 50 different countries/regions and 396 institutions. The United States published the most papers. Professor Devuyst O from University of Zurich not only published the greatest number of UMOD-related papers but also is among the top 10 co-cited authors. KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL published the most necroptosis studies, and it was also the most cited journal. High-frequency keywords mainly included 'chronic kidney disease', 'Tamm Horsfall protein' and 'mutation'. CONCLUSIONS: The number of UMOD-related articles has steadily increased over the past decades Current UMOD studies focused on Biological relevance of the UMOD to kidney function and potential applications in the risk of CKD mechanisms, these might provide ideas for further research in the UMOD field.

Sex-Dependent Rhizosphere Microbial Dynamics and Function in Idesia polycarpa through Floral and Fruit Development.

Male Idesia polycarpa, which display distinct morphological and physiological traits, exhibit greater adaptability to stressful environments than females. However, the connection between this adaptability and rhizosphere processes remains unclear. Here, we investigate the differences in root bacterial community structures between male and female plants at different developmental stages, identifying bacterial strains associated with plant sex through functional predictions. This study aims to inform the optimal allocation of male and female plants during cultivation and provide a theoretical basis for sex identification and breeding. Samples from seven-year-old male and female plants were collected during the flowering (May) and fruit ripening (October) stages. Rhizosphere nutrient content and bacterial diversity were analyzed using Illumina high-throughput sequencing technology. The results demonstrate that total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), and available potassium (AK) varied between sexes at different times. No significant differences between male and female plants were observed in the Shannon, Simpson, and Chao1 indexes during the flowering period. However, the Chao1 and Shannon indexes were significantly higher at fruit maturity in male rather than female plants. The predominant phyla of rhizosphere bacteria were Pseudomonadota, Acidobacteriota, and Actinomycetes. Interestingly, from flowering to fruit ripening, the dominant phyla in both male and female plants shifted from Actinomycetes to Pseudomonadota. A significant correlation was observed between pH and AK and rhizosphere bacteria (p < 0.05), with metabolism being the main functional difference. This study provides preliminary insights into the functional predictions and analyses of bacteria associated with Idesia polycarpa. The above findings lay the groundwork for further investigation into the sex-specific differences in microbial flora across different developmental stages, elucidating the mechanisms underlying flora changes and offering theoretical support for the high-quality management of Idesia polycarpa.

One-Stone-for-Two-Birds Strategy for VSe2 to Enable High Capacity and Long-Life Zinc Storage.

Based on a specific zinc storage mechanism and excellent electronic conductivity, transition metal dichalcogenides, represented by vanadium diselenide, are widely used in aqueous zinc-ion battery (AZIB) energy storage systems. However, most vanadium diselenide cathode materials are presently limited by low specific capacity and poor cycling life. Herein, a simple hydrothermal process has been proposed for obtaining a vanadium diselenide cathode for an AZIB. The interaction of defects and crystal planes enhances zinc storage capacity and reduces the migration energy barrier. Moreover, abundant lamellar structure greatly increases reaction sites and alleviates volume expansion during the electrochemical process. Thus, the as-obtained vanadium diselenide AZIB exhibits an excellent reversible specific capacity of 377 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1, and ultralong cycle stability of 291 mAh g-1 after 3200 cycles, with a nearly negligible capacity loss. This one-stone-for-two-birds strategy would be expected to be applied to large-scale synthesis of a high-performance zinc-ion battery cathode in the future.

Renal inflammation combined with renal function reserve reduction accelerate kidney aging via pentose phosphate pathway.

Aging is closely associated with inflammation, which affects renal function reserve (RFR) in the kidneys. This study aims to investigate the impact of reduced RFR reduction on kidney aging and the influence of renal inflammation and RFR reduction on this process. Natural aging rats and those subjected to unilateral nephrectomy (UNX), 1/6 nephrectomy (1/6NX), and unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) were observed at 6, 12, 18, and 21 months. Our findings suggest that RFR reduction and renal inflammation can accelerate kidney aging, and inflammation contributes more. Metabolomics analysis revealed alterations in amino acid metabolism contribute to RFR decline. Furthermore, experiments in vitro confirmed the involvement of pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in promoting aging though inflammation. Our research provides novel insights into for the mechanism of kidney aging and provides indirect support for clinical treatment decisions, such as addressing kidney inflammation, stones, or tumors that may necessitate partial or complete nephrectomy.

Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes boost mesenchymal stem cells to promote peripheral nerve regeneration.

Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) remains a severe clinical problem with debilitating consequences. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy is promising, but the problems of poor engraftment and insufficient neurotrophic effects need to be overcome. Herein, we isolated platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes (PRP-Exos), which contain abundant bioactive molecules, and investigated their potential to increase the regenerative capacity of MSCs. We observed that PRP-Exos significantly increased MSC proliferation, viability, and mobility, decreased MSC apoptosis under stress, maintained MSC stemness, and attenuated MSC senescence. In vivo, PRP-Exo-treated MSCs (pExo-MSCs) exhibited an increased retention rate and heightened therapeutic efficacy, as indicated by increased axonal regeneration, remyelination, and recovery of neurological function in a PNI model. In vitro, pExo-MSCs coculture promoted Schwann cell proliferation and dorsal root ganglion axon growth. Moreover, the increased neurotrophic behaviour of pExo-MSCs was mediated by trophic factors, particularly glia-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and PRP-Exos activated the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway in MSCs, leading to the observed phenotypes. These findings demonstrate that PRP-Exos may be novel agents for increasing the ability of MSCs to promote neural repair and regeneration in patients with PNI.

Analysis of Leaf and Soil Nutrients, Microorganisms and Metabolome in the Growth Period of Idesia polycarpa Maxim.

Idesia polycarpa Maxim is an emerging oil plant species. Understanding its microecological characteristics and internal mechanisms can serve as a basis for field management and the screening and application of growth-promoting bacteria during the growth phase of young trees. This study used three-year-old young I. polycarpa to analyze the tree's root morphology, soil, and leaf nutrient status variations from May to October. In addition, differences in the rhizosphere soil, leaf metabolites, and microorganisms were observed. The results showed that, from May to October, the total nitrogen (TN) in the soil significantly decreased, whereas the TN, total potassium (TK), and total phosphorus (TP) in the leaves differed (p < 0.05). The leaf-dominant bacteria changed from Pseudomonadota to Firmicutes phylum. In addition, the relative abundance of soil and leaf-dominant bacteria decreased. The study found that the soil and leaf differential metabolites were mainly sugars and phenolic acids. The soil bacterial community showed a significant correlation with soil pH, available potassium (AK), available phosphorus (AP), and TN (p < 0.05). Further, the soil fungal community was significantly correlated with pH and AK (p < 0.001). TP, pH, and TK were the main factors influencing the leaf bacterial community, while the leaf fungal community was significantly correlated with five factors, including pH, TC, and TN. The root morphology was also mainly affected by pH, Pedomicrobium sp., Talaromyces sp., Penicillium sp., and D-Mannitol 2.

CuCl2-Activated Sustainable Microporous Carbons with Tailorable Multiscale Pores for Effective CO2 Capture.

Porosity is the key factor in determining the CO2 capture capacity for porous carbon-based adsorbents, especially narrow micropores of less than 1.0 nm. Unfortunately, this desired feature is still a great challenge to tailor micropores by an effective, low-corrosion, and environmentally friendly activating agent. Herein, we reported a suitable dynamic porogen of CuCl2 to engineer microporous carbons rich in narrow micropores of <1.0 nm for solving the above problem. The porosity can be easily tuned by varying the concentration of the CuCl2 porogen. The resultant porous carbons exhibited a multiscale micropore size, high micropore volume, and suitable surface nitrogen doping content, especially high-proportioned ultromicropores of <0.7 nm. As adsorbents for capturing CO2, the obtained microporous carbons possess satisfactory CO2 uptake, moderate heat of CO2 adsorption, reasonable CO2/N2 selectivity, and easy regeneration. Our work proposes an alternative way to design porous carbon-based adsorbents for efficiently capturing CO2 from the postcombustion flue gases. More importantly, this work opens up an almost-zero cost and industrially friendly route to convert biowaste into high-added-value adsorbents for CO2 capture in an industrial practical application.

An investigation of the growth status of 19-year-old Idesia polycarpa 'Yuji' plantation forest in the mountainous region of Henan, China.

Plantation forests play an important role in the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. Idesia polycarpa Maxim is an emerging woody oil tree species in most Asian countries. The 19-year-old Idesia polycarpa 'Yuji' plantation forest was selected as a sample site. The nutrient contents of the understory soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), and pH were analyzed. Several metrics were measured to quantify the growth status of the forest, such as tree heights (H), clear bole heights (CBH), diameters at breast height (DBH), and male-to-female ratios (MFR). In addition, we harvested the fruits to analyze oil content and fatty acid composition. The results found that the nutrient content of the soil was TC (4.93%), TN (0.42%), NN (43.08 mg kg-1), OC (4.90 g kg-1), AP (13.66 mg kg-1), AK (30.48 mg kg-1), and pH (7.90). The growth characteristics were H (11.75 m), DBH (12.79 cm), and CBH (6.17 m). The MFR was close to 1:1. Besides, the oil content of the fruit and unsaturated fatty acids was 24.08% and 68.49%, respectively. As an alternative tree species, the plantation of Idesia polycarpa offers great potential in artificial afforestation in some particular places with specific forest site conditions.

Eight Typical Aroma Compounds of 'Panguxiang' Pear during Development and Storage Identified via Metabolomic Profiling.

Aroma is an appreciated fruit property, and volatile flavor plays a key role in determining the perception and acceptability of fruit products by consumers. However, metabolite composition that contributes to the aroma in fruit quality is unclear. In this study, we detected 645 volatile organic compounds of 'Panguxiang' pear in total, including esters, alcohols, alkanes, acids, ketones, terpenes and aldehydes. In addition, the levels of sugars, organic acids and amino acids in 'Panguxiang' pear were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. In the aroma generation, glucose was the dominant sugar, followed by sucrose and fructose. At the development transferred storage stage, organic acids may not participate in aroma biosynthesis. The amino acids that may play potential roles in aroma substance synthesis are tyrosine and glycine. Through metabolomics analysis at different stages of 'Panguxiang' pear, we selected 65 key metabolites that were significantly related to glucose, sucrose, fructose, tyrosine and glycine, according to the trends of metabolite concentrations. Finally, we chose eight candidate metabolites (e.g., three esters, two aldehydes, one alcohol, one acid and one ketone) as the representative aroma substances of the 'Panguxiang' pear compared to the metabolome of the 'Korla' at stage Z5. Data and results from this study can help better understand the variations in aroma quality among pear varieties and assist in developing breeding programs for pear varieties.