The transcription factor MdBPC2 alters apple growth and promotes dwarfing by regulating auxin biosynthesis.

Auxin plays important roles throughout plant growth and development. However, the mechanisms of auxin regulation of plant structure are poorly understood. In this study, we identified a transcription factor (TF) of the BARLEY B RECOMBINANT/BASIC PENTACYSTEINE (BBR/BPC) family in apple (Malus × domestica), MdBPC2. It was highly expressed in dwarfing rootstocks, and it negatively regulated auxin biosynthesis. Overexpression of MdBPC2 in apple decreased plant height, altered leaf morphology, and inhibited root system development. These phenotypes were due to reduced auxin levels and were restored reversed after exogenous indole acetic acid (IAA) treatment. Silencing of MdBPC2 alone had no obvious phenotypic effect, while silencing both Class I and Class II BPCs in apple significantly increased auxin content in plants. Biochemical analysis demonstrated that MdBPC2 directly bound to the GAGA-rich element in the promoters of the auxin synthesis genes MdYUC2a and MdYUC6b, inhibiting their transcription and reducing auxin accumulation in MdBPC2 overexpression lines. Further studies established that MdBPC2 interacted with the polycomb group (PcG) protein LIKE HETEROCHROMATIN PROTEIN 1 (LHP1) to inhibit MdYUC2a and MdYUC6b expression via methylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3). Silencing MdLHP1 reversed the negative effect of MdBPC2 on auxin accumulation. Our results reveal a dwarfing mechanism in perennial woody plants involving control of auxin biosynthesis by a BPC transcription factor, suggesting its use for genetic improvement of apple rootstock.

Acetylation of inorganic pyrophosphatase by S-RNase signaling induces pollen tube tip swelling by repressing pectin methylesterase.

Self-incompatibility (SI) is a widespread genetically determined system in flowering plants that prevents self-fertilization to promote gene flow and limit inbreeding. S-RNase-based SI is characterized by the arrest of pollen tube growth through the pistil. Arrested pollen tubes show disrupted polarized growth and swollen tips, but the underlying molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the swelling at the tips of incompatible pollen tubes in pear (Pyrus bretschneideri [Pbr]) is mediated by the SI-induced acetylation of the soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase (PPA) PbrPPA5. Acetylation at Lys-42 of PbrPPA5 by the acetyltransferase GCN5-related N-acetyltransferase 1 (GNAT1) drives accumulation of PbrPPA5 in the nucleus, where it binds to the transcription factor PbrbZIP77, forming a transcriptional repression complex that inhibits the expression of the pectin methylesterase (PME) gene PbrPME44. The function of PbrPPA5 as a transcriptional repressor does not require its PPA activity. Downregulating PbrPME44 resulted in increased levels of methyl-esterified pectins in growing pollen tubes, leading to swelling at their tips. These observations suggest a mechanism for PbrPPA5-driven swelling at the tips of pollen tubes during the SI response. The targets of PbrPPA5 include genes encoding cell wall-modifying enzymes, which are essential for building a continuous sustainable mechanical structure for pollen tube growth.

Transcriptional regulation of strigolactone signalling in Arabidopsis.

Plant hormones known as strigolactones control plant development and interactions between host plants and symbiotic fungi or parasitic weeds1-4. In Arabidopsis thaliana and rice, the proteins DWARF14 (D14), MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 2 (MAX2), SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2-LIKE 6, 7 and 8 (SMXL6, SMXL7 and SMXL8) and their orthologues form a complex upon strigolactone perception and play a central part in strigolactone signalling5-10. However, whether and how strigolactones activate downstream transcription remains largely unknown. Here we use a synthetic strigolactone to identify 401 strigolactone-responsive genes in Arabidopsis, and show that these plant hormones regulate shoot branching, leaf shape and anthocyanin accumulation mainly through transcriptional activation of the BRANCHED 1, TCP DOMAIN PROTEIN 1 and PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT 1 genes. We find that SMXL6 targets 729 genes in the Arabidopsis genome and represses the transcription of SMXL6, SMXL7 and SMXL8 by binding directly to their promoters, showing that SMXL6 serves as an autoregulated transcription factor to maintain the homeostasis of strigolactone signalling. These findings reveal an unanticipated mechanism through which a transcriptional repressor of hormone signalling can directly recognize DNA and regulate transcription in higher plants.

Low dinosaur biodiversity in central China 2 million years prior to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction.

Whether or not nonavian dinosaur biodiversity declined prior to the end-Cretaceous mass extinction remains controversial as the result of sampling biases in the fossil record, differences in the analytical approaches used, and the rarity of high-precision geochronological dating of dinosaur fossils. Using magnetostratigraphy, cyclostratigraphy, and biostratigraphy, we establish a high-resolution geochronological framework for the fossil-rich Late Cretaceous sedimentary sequence in the Shanyang Basin of central China. We have found only three dinosaurian eggshell taxa (Macroolithus yaotunensis, Elongatoolithus elongatus, and Stromatoolithus pinglingensis) representing two clades (Oviraptoridae and Hadrosauridae) in sediments deposited between ∼68.2 and ∼66.4 million y ago, indicating sustained low dinosaur biodiversity, and that assessment is consistent with the known skeletal remains in the Shanyang and surrounding basins of central China. Along with the dinosaur eggshell records from eastern and southern China, we find a decline in dinosaur biodiversity from the Campanian to the Maastrichtian. Our results support a long-term decline in global dinosaur biodiversity prior to 66 million y ago, which likely set the stage for the end-Cretaceous nonavian dinosaur mass extinction.

CRKL dictates anti-PD-1 resistance by mediating tumor-associated neutrophil infiltration in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited by treatment resistance. However, the mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance remain elusive. We aimed to identify the role of CT10 regulator of kinase-like (CRKL) in resistance to anti-PD-1 therapy in HCC. METHODS: Gene expression in HCC specimens from 10 patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy was identified by RNA-sequencing. A total of 404 HCC samples from tissue microarrays were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Transgenic mice (Alb-Cre/Trp53fl/fl) received hydrodynamic tail vein injections of a CRKL-overexpressing vector. Mass cytometry by time of flight was used to profile the proportion and status of different immune cell lineages in the mouse tumor tissues. RESULTS: CRKL was identified as a candidate anti-PD-1-resistance gene using a pooled genetic screen. CRKL overexpression nullifies anti-PD-1 treatment efficacy by mobilizing tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs), which block the infiltration and function of CD8+ T cells. PD-L1+ TANs were found to be an essential subset of TANs that were regulated by CRKL expression and display an immunosuppressive phenotype. Mechanistically, CRKL inhibits APC (adenomatous polyposis coli)-mediated proteasomal degradation of ß-catenin by competitively decreasing Axin1 binding, and thus promotes VEGFα and CXCL1 expression. Using human HCC samples, we verified the positive correlations of CRKL/ß-catenin/VEGFα and CXCL1. Targeting CRKL using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing (CRKL knockout) or its downstream regulators effectively restored the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in an orthotopic mouse model and a patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroid model. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of the CRKL/ß-catenin/VEGFα and CXCL1 axis is a critical obstacle to successful anti-PD-1 therapy. Therefore, CRKL inhibitors combined with anti-PD-1 could be useful for the treatment of HCC. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: Here, we found that CRKL was overexpressed in anti-PD-1-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and that CRKL upregulation promotes anti-PD-1 resistance in HCC. We identified that upregulation of the CRKL/ß-catenin/VEGFα and CXCL1 axis contributes to anti-PD-1 tolerance by promoting infiltration of tumor-associated neutrophils. These findings support the strategy of bevacizumab-based immune checkpoint inhibitor combination therapy, and CRKL inhibitors combined with anti-PD-1 therapy may be developed for the treatment of HCC.

Stabilizing High-Valence Copper(I) Sites with Cu-Ni Interfaces Enhances Electroreduction of CO2 to C2+ Products.

In this study, the copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) bimetallic electrocatalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction(CO2RR) are fabricated by taking the finely designed poly(ionic liquids) (PIL) containing abundant Salen and imidazolium chelating sites as the surficial layer, wherein Cu-Ni, PIL-Cu and PIL-Ni interaction can be readily regulated by different synthetic scheme. As a proof of concept, Cu@Salen-PIL@Ni(NO3)2 and Cu@Salen-PIL(Ni) hybrids differ significantly in the types and distribution of Ni species and Cu species at the surface, thereby delivering distinct Cu-Ni cooperation fashion for the CO2RR. Remarkably, Cu@Salen-PIL@Ni(NO3)2 provides a C2+ faradaic efficiency (FEC2+) of 80.9% with partial current density (jC 2+) of 262.9 mA cm-2 at -0.80 V (versus reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) in 1 m KOH in a flow cell, while Cu@Salen-PIL(Ni) delivers the optimal FEC2+ of 63.8% at jC2+ of 146.7 mA cm-2 at -0.78 V. Mechanistic studies indicates that the presence of Cu-Ni interfaces in Cu@Salen-PIL@Ni(NO3)2 accounts for the preserve of high-valence Cu(I) species under CO2RR conditions. It results in a high activity of both CO2-to-CO conversion and C-C coupling while inhibition of the competitive HER.

Nanozymes as Antibacterial Agents: New Concerns in Design and Enhancement Strategies.

Nanozymes exhibiting natural enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities as antibacterial agents present several advantages, including high stability, low cost, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, ease of preparation and storage, and minimal bacterial resistance. Consequently, they have attracted significant attention in recent years. However, the rapid expansion of antimicrobial nanozyme research has resulted in pioneering reviews that do not comprehensively address emerging concerns and enhancement strategies within this field. This paper first summarizes the factors influencing the intrinsic activity of nanozymes; subsequently, we outline new research considerations for designing antibacterial nanozymes with enhanced functionality and biosafety features such as degradable, imageable, targeted, and bacterial-binding nanozymes as well as those capable of selectively targeting pathogenic bacteria while sparing normal cells and probiotics. Furthermore, we review novel enhancement strategies involving external physical stimuli (light or ultrasound), the introduction of extrinsic small molecules, and self-supplying H2O2 to enhance the activity of antibacterial nanozymes under physiological conditions characterized by low concentrations of H2O2 and O2. Additionally, we present non-redox nanozymes that operate independently of highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) alongside those designed to combat less common pathogenic bacteria. Finally, we discuss current issues, challenges faced in the field, and future prospects for antibacterial nanozymes.

Direct response of liquid crystal to pH changes for wide range pH sensing via the whispering gallery mode.

pH sensing is essential in various fields including healthcare, environmental monitoring, food safety, and agriculture. In this Letter, we propose a method for a wide-range pH measurement based on the direct response of liquid crystal (LC) to pH variations via the whispering gallery mode (WGM). The liquid crystal 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) is selected for its excellent optoelectronic properties and the birefringence of 5CB microdroplets serving as spherical resonators. This sensor achieves wide-range pH sensing without any intermediaries. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) and WGM provide a qualitative morphological analysis and accurate quantitative spectral measurements. Under alkaline conditions (pH 7.6 to 13.3), POM images of 5CB microdroplets show a complete transition from bipolar to radial structures, with an average sensitivity of 1.78 nm/pH of redshift in WGM spectra. In acidic conditions (pH 6.65 to 1.5), structural changes observed by POM are minor, with a sensitivity of 1.06 nm/pH of blueshift in WGM spectra. This difference is attributed to the varying refractive indices of HCl and NaOH solutions. This method offers a reference for theoretical studies on pH and LC interactions and holds promise for the development of LC-based pH sensors.

Physician Modified Fenestrated Endografts for Endovascular Aortic Arch Repair in Zone 0.

OBJECTIVE: This multicentre study aimed to assess the early and midterm outcomes of physician modified fenestrated endografts (PMEGs) for endovascular aortic arch repair in zone 0. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2022, a retrospective study was conducted in three centres of consecutive patients undergoing endovascular aortic arch repair in zone 0 with PMEGs. Endpoints included technical success, 30 day mortality rate, major adverse events, secondary interventions, stent stability, target vessel patency, and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients (mean age 63 years; 45 males) with aortic arch pathology were included, comprising aortic dissections (n = 32; 59%) and aortic arch aneurysms (n = 22; 41%). Technical success was 98%. One patient died from stroke within 30 days. Major adverse events included stroke (n = 4; 7%), retrograde type A dissection (RTAD) (n = 3; 6%), and acute kidney injury (n = 2; 4%). During a median follow up of 12 months, there were two deaths (4%) of unknown cause at one month and 1.5 months, and no aortic related death. Type Ia, type Ic, and type IIIc endoleaks were observed in two (4%), three (6%), and two (4%) patients, respectively. No vessel stenosis was observed. Re-intervention was required in 10 patients (19%). Estimates of overall survival, freedom from secondary intervention, and freedom from target vessel instability at one year were 94.2% (standard error [SE] 3.3%), 81.8% (SE 6.0%), and 92.0% (SE 4.5%), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated the efficacy of PMEGs for zone 0 endovascular aortic arch repair, with acceptable technical success and mortality rates. Stroke, RTAD, and re-intervention rates remain a concern for endovascular therapy. A larger population and long term outcomes are required to assess the safety and durability of this technique as a beneficial choice for endovascular aortic arch repair in specialised centres.

Association between fibrinogen levels and stroke-associated pneumonia in acute ischemic stroke patients.

PURPOSE: Prior research had indicated a relationship between fibrinogen and stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), yet the nature of this relationship had not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study was designed to elucidate the prognostic value of fibrinogen levels in forecasting the occurrence of SAP among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional analysis, we included 1092 patients who had experienced AIS and were admitted to our facility within 72 h of the onset of their symptoms. Based on the SAP diagnostic criteria, patients were classified into two groups: SAP and non-SAP. The correlation between serum fibrinogen concentration and SAP was examined using univariate analysis. Curve fitting and multivariable logistic regression model were utilized for statistical evaluation. RESULTS: Out of the ischemic stroke patients included in the study, SAP was identified in 112 (10.26%) patients. A direct correlation was observed between fibrinogen levels and the incidence of SAP. An increase in fibrinogen levels corresponded with a heightened incidence of SAP. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant positive association between fibrinogen levels and SAP incidence (OR = 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18, 1.99)). CONCLUSION: A linear relationship between serum fibrinogen levels and the incidence of SAP in ischemic stroke patients was shown. The serum fibrinogen levels were positively and linearly correlated to SAP risk.

Liver injury and prolonged hospitalization as indicators of severity in patients with adenovirus infections.

BACKGROUND: Adenovirus (ADV) is a prevalent infective virus in children, accounting for around 5-10% of all cases of acute respiratory illnesses and 4-15% of pneumonia cases in children younger than five years old. Without treatment, severe ADV pneumonia could result in fatality rates of over 50% in cases of emerging strains or disseminated disease. This study aims to uncover the relationship of clinical indicators with primary ADV infection severity, regarding duration of hospitalization and liver injury. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we collected and analyzed the medical records of 1151 in-patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. According to duration of hospitalization, all patients were divided into three groups. Then the difference and correlation of clinical indicators with ADV infection were analyzed, and the relationship among liver injury, immune cells and cytokines was evaluated. RESULTS: The study revealed that patients with a duration of hospitalization exceeding 14 days had the highest percentage of abnormalities across most indicators. This was in contrast to the patients with a hospitalization duration of either less than or equal to 7 days or between 7 and 14 days. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated that a longer duration of body temperature of ≥ 39°C, bilateral lung lobes infiltration detected by X ray, abnormal levels of AST, PaO2, and SPO2, and a lower age were all predictive of longer hospital stays. Furthermore, an elevated AST level and reduced liver synthesis capacity were related with a longer hospital stay and higher ADV copy number. Additionally, AST/ALT was correlated positively with IFN-γ level and IFN-γ level was only correlated positively with CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided a set of predicting indicators for longer duration of hospitalization, which responded for primary severe ADV infection, and elucidated the possible reason for prolonged duration of hospitalization attributing to liver injury via higher ADV copy number, IFN-γ and CD4+ T cells, which suggested the importance of IFN-γ level and liver function monitoring for the patients with primary severe ADV infection.

Surgical Treatment for Sac Expansion Caused by Type II Endoleaks after Endovascular Aneurysm Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms/Iliac Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the outcomes of open surgery techniques involving sacotomy and suturing of the feeding vessels in patients with aneurysm sac expansion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients treated with sacotomy and suturing of feeding vessels for expanding aneurysm sacs with type II endoleaks following EVAR, between January 2018 and December 2022, were retrospectively included. All patients underwent preoperative digital subtraction angiography, and attempts were made to embolize the thick feeding vessels to reduce intraoperative bleeding. Age, sex, comorbidities, clinical presentation, aneurysm sac increase, morbidity, mortality, and follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 72.89 ± 5.13 years old, and 13 (92.9%) patients were male. The sac size at the time of the open procedure was 107.89 ± 22.58 mm, and the extent of sac growth at the time of the open procedure was 37.50 ± 18.29 mm. The initial technical success rate of laparotomy and open ligation of the culprit arteries causing type II endoleaks was 92.9% (13/14). Among the patients, 5 (35.7%) had been treated with interventional embolization before the open procedure. One endograft was removed and replaced by a bifurcated Dacron graft because of distal dislocation in one patient. All patients recovered, and no deaths were recorded postoperatively. No patients had an eventful postoperative course or any subsequent graft-related complications during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgical repair involving sacotomy and suturing of the feeding vessels appeared to have good outcomes in the treatment of patients with aneurysm sac expansion caused by type II endoleaks after EVAR. Preoperative embolization of feeding vessels can thus effectively reduce intraoperative bleeding.

A case of coronary sinus ostium atresia misdiagnosed as patent foramen ovale.

A 15-year-old male patient presented with a 3-year history of recurrent dizziness and headaches and was initially diagnosed with patent foramen ovale. A transcatheter closure procedure was planned and conducted under general anesthesia, utilizing ultrasound guidance through the femoral vein. Preadmission echocardiography confirmed the presence of a patent foramen ovale. However, further investigation with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) performed under general anesthesia, revealed that the observed atrial septal anomaly was not a patent foramen ovale. Instead, real-time TEE identified it as the left atrial opening of the coronary vein. Subsequent detailed TEE tracking confirmed a rare case of coronary sinus ostium atresia with left atrial reflux of the coronary vein, leading to a significant revision of the initial diagnosis and planned treatment.

Explore the feasibility of using spot-scanning proton arc therapy for a synchrotron accelerator-based proton therapy system - A simulation study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and plan quality of spot-scanning proton arc therapy (SPArc) using a synchrotron-accelerator-based proton therapy system compared to intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT). APPROACH: Five representative disease sites, including head and neck, lung, liver, brain chordoma, and prostate cancers, were retrospectively selected. Both IMPT and SPArc plans are generated with the HITACHI ProBEAT PBS system's minimum MU constraints and physics beam model. The SPArc plans are generated with 2.5° sampling frequency. The static delivery time was simulated based on the previously published synchrotron delivery sequence model, and the dynamic delivery time was simulated using a proton arc gantry mechanical model integrated with the synchrotron delivery sequence. Both dosimetric plan quality and delivery efficiency are evaluated. MAIN RESULTS: A superior plan quality is reached compared with the IMPT plans generated for the same disease site. However, a relatively prolonged static and dynamic delivery time post new challenge, as static time increased by 49.22% and dynamic time 59.10% on average. SIGNIFICANCE: This study presents the first simulation results of delivering the SPArc plans using a synchrotron-accelerated proton therapy system. The result shows its feasibility and limitations, which could guide future development.

Efficient Fourth-Order PSTD Algorithm with Moving Window for Long-Distance EMP Propagation.

Satellite-borne electromagnetic pulse (EMP) detection technology plays an important role in military reconnaissance, space environment monitoring, and early warning of natural disasters. However, the complex ionosphere greatly distorts the waveform during propagation and poses a challenge to EMP detection. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct theoretical research on EMP propagation in the ionosphere. Conventional second-order pseudo-spectral time-domain (PSTD-2) algorithm has difficulties in keeping the stability and accuracy of waveforms in calculations over hundreds of kilometers of propagation. To overcome the difficulties, a fourth-order PSTD algorithm incorporating the moving window technique (MWPSTD-4) is proposed. In the numerical examples, the performance of MWPSTD-4 is compared with PSTD-4 and PSTD-2 in the long-distance propagation of EMP. The results show that the MWPSTD-4 improves efficiency while guaranteeing accuracy and is suitable for large-scale electromagnetic field simulation. The proposed method provides a basic algorithm to eliminate the numerical dispersion interference for calculating the long-distance propagation of EMP in complex spaces and is helpful for the design and calibration of satellite-borne EMP detectors.

Algorithm Analysis and Optimization of a Digital Image Correlation Method Using a Non-Probability Interval Multidimensional Parallelepiped Model.

Digital image correlation (DIC), a widely used non-contact measurement technique, often requires empirical tuning of several algorithmic parameters to strike a balance between computational accuracy and efficiency. This paper introduces a novel uncertainty analysis approach aimed at optimizing the parameter intervals of a DIC algorithm. Specifically, the method leverages the inverse compositional Gauss-Newton algorithm combined with a prediction-correction scheme (IC-GN-PC), considering three critical parameters as interval variables. Uncertainty analysis is conducted using a non-probabilistic interval-based multidimensional parallelepiped model, where accuracy and efficiency serve as the reliability indexes. To achieve both high computational accuracy and efficiency, these two reliability indexes are simultaneously improved by optimizing the chosen parameter intervals. The optimized algorithm parameters are subsequently tested and validated through two case studies. The proposed method can be generalized to enhance multiple aspects of an algorithm's performance by optimizing the relevant parameter intervals.

Study on Linewidth and Phase Noise Characteristics of a Narrow Linewidth External Cavity Diode Laser.

In the field of inter-satellite laser communication, achieving high-quality communication and compensating for the Doppler frequency shift caused by relative motion necessitate lasers with narrow linewidths, low phase noise, and the ability to achieve mode-hop-free tuning within a specific range. To this end, this paper investigates a novel external cavity diode laser (ECDL) with a frequency-selective F-P etalon structure, leveraging the external cavity F-P etalon structure in conjunction with an auxiliary filter to achieve single longitudinal mode selection. The laser undergoes linewidth testing using a delayed self-heterodyne beating method, followed by the testing of its phase noise and frequency noise characteristics using a noise analyzer, yielding beat spectra and noise power spectral density profiles. Furthermore, the paper introduces an innovative bidirectional temperature-scanning laser method to achieve optimal laser-operating point selection and mode-hop-free tuning. The experimental results showcase that the single longitudinal mode spectral side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) is around 70 dB, and the output power exceeds 10 mW. Enhancing the precision of the F-P etalon leads to a more pronounced suppression of low-frequency phase noise, reducing the Lorentzian linewidth from the initial 10 kHz level to a remarkable 5 kHz level. The bidirectional temperature-scanning laser method not only allows for the selection of the optimal operating point but also enables mode-hop-free tuning within 160 pm.

Sn-Ag Synergistic Effect Enhances High-Rate Electrocatalytic CO2 -to-Formate Conversion on Porous Poly(Ionic Liquid) Support.

The electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) to formate is a promising route for highly efficient conversion and utilization of CO2 gas, due to the low production cost and the ease of storage of formate. In this work, porous poly(ionic liquid) (PPIL)-based tin-silver (Sn-Ag) bimetallic hybrids (PPILm -Snx Ag10- x ) are prepared for high-performance formate electrolytic generation. Under optimal conditions, an excellent formate Faradaic efficiency of 95.5% with a high partial current density of 214.9 mA cm-2 is obtained at -1.03 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode). Meanwhile, the high selectivity of formate (>≈83%) is maintained in a wide potential range (>630 mV). Mechanistic studies demonstrate that the presence of Ag-species is vital for the formation, maintenance, and high dispersion of tetravalent Sn(IV)-species, which accounts for the active sites for CO2 -to-formate conversion. Further, the introduction of Ag-species significantly enhances the activity by increasing the electron density near the Fermi energy level.

Risk factors for target vessel endoleaks after physician-modified fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair for postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with postdissection thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) have been more likely to develop endoleaks than those with degenerative TAAAs after fenestrated or branched endovascular aortic repair (F/BEVAR). In the present study, we aimed to determine the risk factors for target vessel (TV)-related endoleaks after visceral segment F/BEVAR for postdissection TAAAs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with degenerative and postdissection TAAAs treated with F/BEVAR between 2017 and 2021. All the patients had undergone computed tomography angiography before and 3 months, 6 months, and annually after discharge. Two experienced vascular surgeons had used data from computed tomography angiography and vascular angiography to judge the presence of endoleaks. The study end points were mortality, aneurysm rupture, and the emergence of and reintervention for TV-related endoleaks. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients (mean age, 66 ± 10 years; 69% men) had undergone F/BEVAR for 99 postdissection TAAAs and 96 degenerative TAAAs. During a mean follow-up of 16 ± 12 months, we found that the patients with postdissection TAAAs were younger (age, 64 ± 10 years vs 69 ± 9 years; P = .001), had required more prior aortic repairs (58% vs 40%; P = .012), and had had a higher body mass index (26.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2 vs 24.8 ± 3 kg/m2; P = .008), a larger visceral segment aortic diameter (47.1 ± 7.5 mm vs 44.5 ± 7.5 mm; P = .016), and more TV-related endoleaks (18% vs 7%; P = .023) compared with those with degenerative TAAAs. Of the 99 patients with postdissection TAAAs, 327 renal-mesenteric arteries were revascularized using 12 scallops, 141 fenestrations, and 174 inner or outer branch stents. A total of 25 TV-related endoleaks were identified among 18 patients during follow-up, including 6 type Ic (retrograde from the distal end of the branch), 3 type IIIb (bridging stent fabric tear), and 16 type IIIc endoleaks (detachment or loose connection of the bridging stent). The patients with an endoleak had had a larger visceral aortic diameter (52.7 ± 6.4 mm vs 45.8 ± 7.2 mm; P < .001) and had undergone revascularization of more TVs (3.7 ± 0.7 vs 3.2 ± 0.9; P = .032). In contrast, true lumen compression did not seem to affect the occurrence of TV endoleaks (39% vs 27%; P = .323). The use of presewn branch stents in the fenestration position was associated with a lower risk of TV-related endoleaks (5% vs 11%; P = .025). In addition, TVs derived entirely or partially from the false lumen were more prone to the development of endoleaks after reconstruction (19% vs 4% [P < .001]; and 15% vs 4% [P = .047], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We found that patients with postdissection TAAAs were more likely to have TV-related endoleaks after F/BEVAR in the visceral region than those with degenerative TAAAs. Additionally, patients with a larger aortic diameter and a greater number of fenestrations in the visceral region were more likely to have experienced TV-related endoleaks. Branch vessels deriving from the false lumen were also more likely to develop endoleaks after reconstruction, and prefabricated branch stents were related to a lower possibility of TV-related endoleaks.

Strigolactone and Karrikin Signaling Pathways Elicit Ubiquitination and Proteolysis of SMXL2 to Regulate Hypocotyl Elongation in Arabidopsis.

Strigolactones (SLs) and karrikins (KARs) are related butenolide signaling molecules that control plant development. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), they are recognized separately by two closely related receptors but use the same F-box protein MORE AXILLARY GROWTH2 (MAX2) for signal transduction, targeting different members of the SMAX1-LIKE (SMXL) family of transcriptional repressors for degradation. Both signals inhibit hypocotyl elongation in seedlings, raising the question of whether signaling is convergent or parallel. Here, we show that synthetic SL analog GR244DO enhanced the interaction between the SL receptor DWARF14 (D14) and SMXL2, while the KAR surrogate GR24 ent-5DS induced association of the KAR receptor KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2) with SMAX1 and SMXL2. Both signals trigger polyubiquitination and degradation of SMXL2, with GR244DO dependent on D14 and GR24 ent-5DS dependent mainly on KAI2. SMXL2 is critical for hypocotyl responses to GR244DO and functions redundantly with SMAX1 in hypocotyl response to GR24 ent-5DS Furthermore, GR244DO induced response of D14-LIKE2 and KAR-UP F-BOX1 through SMXL2, whereas GR24 ent-5DS induced expression of these genes via both SMAX1 and SMXL2. These findings demonstrate that both SLs and KARs could trigger polyubiquitination and degradation of SMXL2, thus uncovering an unexpected but important convergent pathway in SL- and KAR-regulated gene expression and hypocotyl elongation.