A nanofluidic spiking synapse.

Currently, the nanofluidic synapse can only perform basic neuromorphic pulse patterns. One immediate problem that needs to be addressed to further its capability of brain-like computing is the realization of a nanofluidic spiking device. Here, we report the use of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate membrane to achieve bionic ionic current-induced spiking. In addition to the simulation of various electrical pulse patterns, our synapse could produce transmembrane ionic current-induced spiking, which is highly analogous to biological action potentials with similar phases and excitability. Moreover, the spiking properties could be modulated by ions and neurochemicals. We expect that this work could contribute to biomimetic spiking computing in solution.

Deficiency of smooth muscle cell ILF3 alleviates intimal hyperplasia via HMGB1 mRNA degradation-mediated regulation of the STAT3/DUSP16 axis.

Intimal hyperplasia is a complicated pathophysiological phenomenon attributable to in-stent restenosis, and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Interleukin enhancer-binding factor 3 (ILF3), a double-stranded RNA-binding protein involved in regulating mRNA stability, has been recently demonstrated to assume a crucial role in cardiovascular disease; nevertheless, its impact on intimal hyperplasia remains unknown. In current study, we used samples of human restenotic arteries and rodent models of intimal hyperplasia, we found that vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) ILF3 expression was markedly elevated in human restenotic arteries and murine ligated carotid arteries. SMC-specific ILF3 knockout mice significantly suppressed injury induced neointimal formation. In vitro, platelet-derived growth factor type BB (PDGF-BB) treatment elevated the level of VSMC ILF3 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. ILF3 silencing markedly inhibited PDGF-BB-induced phenotype switching, proliferation, and migration in VSMCs. Transcriptome sequencing and RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing depicted that ILF3 maintained its stability upon binding to the mRNA of the high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1), thereby exerting an inhibitory effect on the transcription of dual specificity phosphatase 16 (DUSP16) through enhanced phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Therefore, the results both in vitro and in vivo indicated that the loss of ILF3 in VSMC ameliorated neointimal hyperplasia by regulating the STAT3/DUSP16 axis through the degradation of HMGB1 mRNA. Our findings revealed that vascular injury activates VSMC ILF3, which in turn promotes intima formation. Consequently, targeting specific VSMC ILF3 may present a potential therapeutic strategy for ameliorating cardiovascular restenosis.

Unveiling the Intrinsic Photophysics in Quasi-Two-Dimensional Perovskites.

The two-dimensional (2D) perovskites have drawn intensive attention due to their unique stability and outstanding optoelectronic properties. However, the debate surrounding the spatial phase distribution and band alignment among different 2D phases in the quasi-2D perovskite has created complexities in understanding the carrier dynamics, hindering material and device development. In this study, we employed highly sensitive transient absorption spectroscopy to investigate the carrier dynamics of (BA)2(MA)n-1PbnI3n+1 quasi-2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite thin films, nominally prepared as n = 4. We observed the carrier-density-dependent electron and hole transfer dynamics between the 2D and three-dimensional (3D) phases. Under a low carrier density within the linear response range, we successfully resolved three ultrafast processes of both electron and hole transfers, spanning from hundreds of femtoseconds to several picoseconds, tens to hundreds of picoseconds, and hundreds of picoseconds to several nanoseconds, which can be attributed to lateral-epitaxial, partial-epitaxial, and disordered-interface heterostructures between 2D and 3D phases. By considering the interplay among the phase structure, band alignment, and carrier dynamics, we have proposed material synthesis strategies aimed at enhancing the carrier transport. Our results not only provide deep insights into an accurate intrinsic photophysics of quasi-2D perovskites but also inspire advancements in the practical application of these materials.

Oxygen Vacancy Mediation in SnO2 Electron Transport Layers Enables Efficient, Stable, and Scalable Perovskite Solar Cells.

Previous findings have suggested a close association between oxygen vacancies in SnO2 and charge carrier recombination as well as perovskite decomposition at the perovskite/SnO2 interface. Underlying the fundamental mechanism holds great significance in achieving a more favorable balance between the efficiency and stability. In this study, we prepared three SnO2 samples with different oxygen vacancy concentrations and observed that a low oxygen vacancy concentration is conducive to long-term device stability. Iodide ions were observed to easily diffuse into regions with high oxygen vacancies, thereby speeding up the deprotonation of FAI, as made evident by the detection of the decomposition product formamide. In contrast, a high oxygen vacancy concentration in SnO2 could prevent hole injection, leading to a decrease in interfacial recombination losses. To suppress this decomposition reaction and address the trade-off, we designed a bilayer SnO2 structure to ensure highly efficient carrier transport still while maintaining a chemically inert surface. As a result, an enhanced efficiency of 25.06% (certified at 24.55% with an active area of 0.09 cm2 under fast scan) was achieved, and the extended operational stability maintained 90% of their original efficiency (24.52%) after continuous operation for nearly 2000 h. Additionally, perovskite submodules with an active area of 14 cm2 were successfully assembled with a PCE of up to 22.96% (20.09% with an aperture area).

Dual Engine Boosts Organic Photoelectrochemical Transistor for Enhanced Modulation and Bioanalysis.

Organic photoelectrochemical transistor (OPECT) has shown substantial potential in the development of next-generation bioanalysis yet is limited by the either-or situation between the photoelectrode types and the channel types. Inspired by the dual-photoelectrode systems, we propose a new architecture of dual-engine OPECT for enhanced signal modulation and its biosensing application. Exemplified by incorporating the CdS/Bi2S3 photoanode and Cu2O photocathode within the gate-source circuit of Ag/AgCl-gated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) channel, the device shows enhanced modulation capability and larger transconductance (gm) against the single-photoelectrode ones. Moreover, the light irritation upon the device effectively shifts the peak value of gm to zero gate voltage without degradation and generates larger current steps that are advantageous for the sensitive bioanalysis. Based on the as-developed dual-photoelectrode OPECT, target-mediated recycling and etching reactions are designed upon the CdS/Bi2S3, which could result in dual signal amplification and realize the sensitive microRNA-155 biodetection with a linear range from 1 fM to 100 pM and a lower detection limit of 0.12 fM.

Construction of an Ohmic Contact Cathode by Two Metal Sulfides for efficient Capture and Catalysis of Polysulfide.

The slow reaction kinetics and severe shuttle effect of lithium polysulfide make Li-S battery electrochemical performance difficult to meet the demands of large electronic devices such as electric vehicles. Based on this, an electrocatalyst constructed by metal phase material (MoS2) and semiconductor phase material (SnS2) with ohmic contact is designed for inhibiting the dissolution of lithium polysulfide with improving the reaction kinetics. According to the density-functional theory calculations, it is found that the heterostructured samples with ohmic contacts can effectively reduce the reaction-free energy of lithium polysulfide to accelerate the sulfur redox reaction, in addition to the excellent electron conduction to reduce the overall activation energy. The metallic sulfide can add more sulfophilic sites to promote the capture of polysulfide. Thanks to the ohmic contact design, the carbon nanotube-MoS2-SnS2 achieved a specific capacity of 1437.2 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C current density and 805.5 mAh g-1 after 500 cycles at 1 C current density and is also tested as a pouch cell, which proves to be valuable for practical applications. This work provides a new idea for designing an advanced and efficient polysulfide catalyst based on ohmic contact.

Regulate the Solvation Structure and Interface by Nitrate in Phosphate-Based Electrolytes for 4.5 V-Class Ni-Rich Batteries.

Phosphate-based electrolyte propels the advanced battery system with high safety. Unfortunately, restricted by poor electrochemical stability, it is difficult to be compatible with advanced lithium metal anodes and Ni-rich cathodes. To alleviate these issues, the study has developed a phosphate-based localized high-concentration electrolyte with a nitrate-driven solvation structure, and the nitrate-derived N-rich inorganic interface shows excellent performance in stabilizing the LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathode interface and modulating the lithium deposition morphology on the anode. The results show that the Li|| NCM811 cell has exceptional long-cycle stability of >80% capacity retention after 800 cycles at 4.3 V, 1 C. A more prominent capacity retention rate of 93.3% after 200 cycles can be reached with the high voltage of 4.5 V. While being compatible with the phosphate-based electrolyte with good flame retardancy and the good electrochemical stability of Ni-rich lithium metal battery (LMBs) systems, the present work expands the construction of anion-rich solvation structures, which is expected to promote the development of the high-performance LMBs with safety.

Localized High-Concentration Sulfone Electrolytes with High-Voltage Stability and Flame Retardancy for Ni-Rich Lithium Metal Batteries.

The localized high-concentration electrolyte (LHCE) propels the advanced high-voltage battery system. Sulfone-based LHCE is a transformative direction compatible with high energy density and high safety. In this work, the application of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulphonyl)imide and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) in the LHCE system constructed from sulfolane and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE) is investigated. The addition of diluent causes an increase of contact ion pairs and ionic aggregates in the solvation cluster and an acceptable quantity of free solvent molecules. A small amount of LiFSI as an additive can synergistically decompose with TTE on the cathode and participate in the construction of both electrode interfaces. The designed electrolyte helps the Ni-rich system to cycle firmly at a high voltage of 4.5 V. Even with high mass load and lean electrolyte, it can keep a reversible specific capacity of 91.5% after 50 cycles. The constructed sulfone-based electrolyte system exhibits excellent thermal stability far beyond the commercial electrolytes. Further exploration of in-situ gelation has led to a quick conversion of the designed liquid electrolyte to the gel state, accompanied by preserved stability, which provides a direction for the synergistic development of LHCE with gel electrolytes.

A Novel Classification System of Renal Hilar Tumors for Surgical Guidance: Technique, Outcome, and Safety.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to develop an innovative classification and guidance system for renal hilar tumors and to assess the safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for managing such tumors. METHODS: A total of 179 patients undergoing RAPN for renal hilar tumors were retrospectively reviewed. A novel classification system with surgical techniques was introduced and the perioperative features, tumor characteristics, and the efficacy and safety of RAPN were compared within subgroups. RESULTS: We classified the tumors according to our novel system as follows: 131 Type I, 35 Type II, and 13 Type III. However, Type III had higher median R.E.N.A.L., PADUA, and ROADS scores compared with the others (all p < 0.001), indicating increased operative complexity and higher estimated blood loss [180.00 (115.00-215.00) ml]. Operative outcomes revealed significant disparities between Type III and the others, with longer operative times [165.00 (145.00-200.50) min], warm ischemia times [24.00 (21.50-30.50) min], tumor resection times [13.00 (12.00-15.50) min], and incision closure times [22.00 (20.00-23.50) min] (all p < 0.005). Postoperative outcomes also showed significant differences, with longer durations of drain removal (77.08 ± 18.16 h) and hospitalization for Type III [5.00 (5.00-6.00) d] (all p < 0.05). Additionally, Type I had a larger tumor diameter than the others (p = 0.009) and pT stage differed significantly between the subtypes (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: The novel renal hilar tumor classification system is capable of differentiating the surgical difficulty of RAPN and further offers personalized surgical steps tailored to each specific classification. It provides a meaningful tool for clinical practice.

Overcrowded 14,14'-Bidibenzo[a,j]anthracenes: Challenges in Syntheses and Atypical Property of Lacking Symmetry-Breaking Charge Transfer (SBCT).

14,14'-Bidibenzo[a,j]anthracenes (BDBAs) were prepared by iridium-catalyzed annulation of 5,5'-biterphenylene with alkynes. The molecular geometries of overcrowded BDBAs were verified by X-ray crystallography. The two dibenzo[a,j]anthryl moieties are connected through the sterically hindered 14 positions, resulting in highly distorted molecular halves. The conformation with a small twist angle between two molecular halves can minimize steric conflicts between the substituents at 1 and 13 positions and the carbon atoms of the central axis, as well as steric clashes between those substituents. One such example is octafluoro-substituted BDBA, where the interplanar angle between two anthryl moieties is approximately 31° (currently the lowest reported value, cf. 81° in 9,9'-bianthracene). The intramolecular interactions and electronic couplings between two molecular halves resulted in upfield 1H NMR signals, redshifted absorption and emission bands, and a reduced HOMO-LUMO gap. Photodynamic investigations on BDBAs indicated that the formation of the conventional symmetry-breaking charge transfer (SBCT) state was suspended by restricted rocking around the central C-C bond. Such a mechanism associated with this highly constrained conformation was examined for the first time.

Solvent-Induced In(III)-MOFs with Controllable Interpenetration Degree Performing High-Efficiency Separation of CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4.

Herein, three In(III)-based metal-organic frameworks (In-MOFs) with different degrees of interpenetration (DOI), namely In-MOF-1, In-MOF-2, and In-MOF-3, constructed by In3+ and Y-shaped ligands 4,4',4″-s-triazine-2,4,6-triyltribenzoate (H3TATB), are successfully synthesized through the ionothermal/solvothermal method. Subsequently, three novel In-MOFs, including noninterpenetration polycatenation, 2-fold interpenetrated, and 4-fold interpenetrated structure, are employed as the platform for systematically investigating the separation efficiency of CO2/N2, CO2/CH4, and CO2/CH4/N2 mixture gas system. Among them, In-MOF-2 shows the highest CO2 uptake capacities at 298 K and simultaneously possesses the low adsorption enthalpy of CO2 (26.4 kJ/mol at low coverage), a feature desirable for low-energy-cost adsorbent regeneration. The CO2/N2 (v: v = 15/85) selectivity of In-MOF-2 reaches 37.6 (at 298 K and 1 bar), also revealing outstanding selective separation ability from flue gases and purifying natural gas, affording a unique robust separation material as it has moderate DOI and pore size. In-MOF-2 shows exceptional stability and feasibility to achieve reproducibility. Aperture adjustment makes In-MOF-2 a versatile platform for selectively capturing CO2 from flue gases or purifying natural gas.

Distribution characteristics of sulfonamide antibiotics between water and extracellular polymeric substances in municipal sludge.

The interaction between extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in municipal sludge and antibiotics in wastewater is critical in wastewater treatment, resource recovery, and sludge management. Therefore, it is increasingly urgent to investigate the distribution coefficient (Log K) of sulfonamide antibiotics (SAs) in EPS, particularly in sludge-derived dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and aqueous phase systems. Herein, through balance experiments, the concentrations of SAs were determined using alkaline extraction EPS (AEPS) and alginate-like extracellular polymer (ALE) systems, and the Log KDOC values were determined. The results showed that the Log KDOC of AEPS was higher than that of ALE, which exhibited a negative KDOC value, indicating an inhibitory effect on dissolution. For the three SAs studied, the Log KDOC values were in the following order: sulfamethoxazole > sulfapyridine > sulfadiazine. This order can be attributed to the differing physicochemical properties, such as polarity, of the SAs. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectra and fitting results indicated a lack of aromatic proteins dominated by tryptophan and humus-like substances in ALE. Meanwhile, the hydrophobic interaction of aromatic proteins dominated by tryptophan was the main driving force in the binding process between AEPS and SAs.

Loureirin A Promotes Cell Differentiation and Suppresses Migration and Invasion of Melanoma Cells via WNT and AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathways.

Resina Draconis is a traditional Chinese medicine, with the in-depth research, its medicinal value in anti-tumor has been revealed. Loureirin A is extracted from Resina Draconis, however, research on the anti-tumor efficacy of Loureirin A is rare. Herein, we investigated the function of Loureirin A in melanoma. Our research demonstrated that Loureirin A inhibited the proliferation of and caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in melanoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Further study showed that the melanin content and tyrosinase activity was enhanced after Loureirin A treatment, demonstrated that Loureirin A promoted melanoma cell differentiation, which was accompanied with the reduce of WNT signaling pathway. Meanwhile, we found that Loureirin A suppressed the migration and invasion of melanoma cells through the protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Taken together, this study demonstrated for the first time the anti-tumor effects of Loureirin A in melanoma cells, which provided a novel therapeutic strategy against melanoma.

Changes in frailty and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Chinese people: a nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The older people bears a severe burden of disease due to frailty and depressive symptoms, however, the results of association between the two in the older Chinese people have been conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the developmental trajectories and interactions of frailty and depressive symptoms in the Chinese middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: The study used four waves of data from 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2018 in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) database, focused on middle-aged and older people ≥ 45 years of age, and analyzed using latent growth models and cross-lagged models. RESULTS: The parallel latent growth model showed that the initial level of depressive symptoms had a significant positive predictive effect on the initial level of frailty. The rate of change in depressive symptoms significantly positively predicted the rate of change in frailty. The initial level of frailty had a significant positive predictive effect on the initial level of depressive symptoms, but a significant negative predictive effect on the rate of change in depressive symptoms. The rate of change in frailty had a significant positive predictive effect on the rate of change in depressive symptoms. The results of the cross-lagged analysis indicated a bidirectional causal association between frailty and depressive symptoms in the total sample population. Results for the total sample population grouped by age and gender were consistent with the total sample. CONCLUSIONS: This study recommends advancing the age of concern for frailty and depressive symptoms to middle-aged adults. Both men and women need early screening and intervention for frailty and depressive symptoms to promote healthy aging.

Clinical features and surgical treatments of scoliosis in neurofibromatosis type 1: a systemic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1) is an autosomal-dominant tumor predisposition genetic disease affecting approximately 1 in 3000 live births. The condition could present various manifestations ranging from skin abnormalities to neurological tumors. The musculoskeletal system could also be frequently affected, and scoliosis is the most common orthopedic manifestation. Characterized by the early-onset and rapid progression tendency, NF 1-related dystrophic scoliosis presented discrepancies from idiopathic scoliosis in terms of natural history, clinical features, and management outcomes and thus required special attention. In the current study, the authors conducted a systemic review to outline the body of evidence of the natural history, clinical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and surgical complications of NF 1-induced scoliosis, aiming to provide an elucidative insight into this condition. METHOD: Systemic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the latest Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The search was performed in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science Core Collection up to December 27, 2022, using related keywords. Clinical features such as frequencies, segmental involvement, and hereditary information were summarized and described qualitatively. Meta-analysis was conducted using R software and the 'meta' package to yield an overall outcome of efficacy and safety of surgical management, precisely, spinal fusion procedure and growing rods procedure. Corrective rate of Cobb angle, sagittal kyphosis angle, and T1-S1 length post-operative and at the last follow-up was used to evaluate the efficacy, and the occurrence of surgery-related complications was used to evaluate the safety. RESULT: A total of 37 articles involving 1023 patients were included. Approximately 26.6% of the NF 1 patients would present with scoliosis. Patients tend to develop scoliosis at an earlier age. The thoracic part turned out to be the most affected segment. No obvious correlation between scoliosis and genotype or hereditary type was observed. Both spinal fusion and growing rod surgery have shown acceptable treatment outcomes, with spinal fusion demonstrating better performance in terms of effectiveness and safety. The growing rods technique seemed to allow a better lengthening of the spine. The mainstay post-operative complications were implant-related complications but could be managed with limited revision surgery. Severe neurological deficits were rarely reported. CONCLUSION: Scoliosis, especially the subtype characterized by dystrophic bony changes, is a significant orthopedic manifestation of NF1. It has an early onset, a tendency to persistently and rapidly progress, and is challenging to deal with. The current review outlines the available evidence from the perspective of natural history, clinical features, and the treatment efficacy and safety of the mainstay surgical options. Patients with NF1 scoliosis will benefit from a better understanding of the disease and evidence based treatment strategies.

Effectiveness of the lay health advisor program on oral function and quality of life in aboriginal older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Aboriginal older adults residing in remote areas have poor oral function due to inadequate access to healthcare services. Lay health advisor (LHA) strategies can fill capacity shortages of healthcare professionals in rural communities and increase population acceptance of health care or healthy behaviours. OBJECTIVE(S): To evaluate the effectiveness the LHA program on oral function and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among older adults in aboriginal community. METHODS: Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 122) and a control group (CG; n = 118). All participants performed oral exercises, and the EG received additional one-on-one 30-min lessons by an LHA over 4 weeks. Data were collected through face-to-face interview and oral examination. The generalized estimating equation model was used to analyse changes in outcomes over time. RESULTS: The EG exhibited significantly greater improvement in swallowing (ß = .63) at the 6-month follow-up and in masticatory performance (ß = .52) and pronunciation of the syllable/pa/ (ß = 2.65) at the 2-week follow-up than the CG did. The EG had a significantly lower plaque control record (ß = -.14) and plaque index (ß = -.30) at the 3-month follow-up than the CG did. Moreover, the OHRQoL was significantly increased at 6-months follow-up in the EG (p = .010). CONCLUSION: The LHA program had positive effects on chewing, swallowing and plaque control in aboriginal older adults. LHA group also experienced positive long-term effect on OHRQoL after intervention.

Singlet Fission in a New Series of Systematically Designed Through-space Coupled Tetracene Oligomers.

Singlet fission (SF) holds great promise for current photovoltaic technologies, where tetracenes, with their relatively high triplet energies, play a major role for application in silicon-based solar cells. However, the SF efficiencies in tetracene dimers are low due to the unfavorable energetics of their singlet and triplet energy levels. In the solid state, tetracene exhibits high yields of triplet formation through SF, raising great interest about the underlying mechanisms. To address this discrepancy, we designed and prepared a novel molecular system based on a hexaphenylbenzene core decorated with 2 to 6 tetracene chromophores. The spatial arrangement of tetracene units, induced by steric hindrance in the central part, dictates through-space coupling, making it a relevant model for solid-state chromophore organization. We then revealed a remarkable increase in SF quantum yield with the number of tetracenes, reaching quantitative (196 %) triplet pair formation in hexamer. We observed a short-lived correlated triplet pair and limited magnetic effects, indicating ineffective triplet dissociation in these through-space coupled systems. These findings emphasize the crucial role of the number of chromophores involved and the interchromophore arrangement for the SF efficiency. The insights gained from this study will aid designing more efficient and technology-compatible SF systems for applications in photovoltaics.

Symmetry-breaking of Dibenzo[b,d]thiophene Sulfone Enhancing Polaron Generation for Boosted Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution.

The current bottleneck in the development of efficient photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution is the limited availability of high-performance acceptor units. Over the past nine years, dibenzo[b,d]thiophene sulfone (DBS) has been the preferred choice for the acceptor unit. Despite extensive exploration of alternative structures as potential replacements for DBS, a superior substitute remains elusive. In this study, a symmetry-breaking strategy was employed on DBS to develop a novel acceptor unit, BBTT-1SO. The asymmetric structure of BBTT-1SO proved beneficial for increasing multiple moment and polarizability. BBTT-1SO-containing polymers showed higher efficiencies for hydrogen evolution than their DBS-containing counterparts by up to 166 %. PBBTT-1SO exhibited an excellent hydrogen evolution rate (HER) of 222.03 mmol g-1 h-1 and an apparent quantum yield of 27.5 % at 500 nm. Transient spectroscopic studies indicated that the BBTT-1SO-based polymers facilitated electron polaron formation, which explains their superior HERs. PBBTT-1SO also showed 14 % higher HER in natural seawater splitting than that in deionized water splitting. Molecular dynamics simulations highlighted the enhanced water-PBBTT-1SO polymer interactions in salt-containing solutions. This study presents a pioneering example of a substitute acceptor unit for DBS in the construction of high-performance photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution.

[Genome-wide identification of bZIP family genes and screening of candidate AarbZIPs involved in terpenoid biosynthesis in Artemisia argyi].

Artemisia argyi is an important medicinal and economic plant in China, with the effects of warming channels, dispersing cold, and relieving pain, inflammation, and allergy. The essential oil of this plant is rich in volatile terpenoids and widely used in moxi-bustion and healthcare products, with huge market potential. The bZIP transcription factors compose a large family in plants and are involved in the regulation of plant growth and development, stress response, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites such as terpenoids. However, little is known about the bZIPs and their roles in A. argyi. In this study, the bZIP transcription factors in the genome of A. argyi were systematically identified, and their physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationship, conserved motifs, and promoter-binding elements were analyzed. Candidate AarbZIP genes involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were screened out. The results showed that a total of 156 AarbZIP transcription factors were identified at the genomic level, with the lengths of 99-618 aa, the molecular weights of 11.7-67.8 kDa, and the theoretical isoelectric points of 4.56-10.16. According to the classification of bZIPs in Arabidopsis thaliana, the 156 AarbZIPs were classified into 12 subfamilies, and the members in the same subfamily had similar conserved motifs. The cis-acting elements of promoters showed that AarbZIP genes were possibly involved in light and hormonal pathways. Five AarbZIP genes that may be involved in the regulation of terpenoid biosynthesis were screened out by homologous alignment and phylogenetic analysis. The qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of the five AarbZIP genes varied significantly in different tissues of A. argyi. Specifically, AarbZIP29 and AarbZIP55 were highly expressed in the leaves and AarbZIP81, AarbZIP130, and AarbZIP150 in the flower buds. This study lays a foundation for the functional study of bZIP genes and their regulatory roles in the terpenoid biosynthesis in A. argyi.