Promoted hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol over single-atom Cu sites with Na+-decorated microenvironment.

Although single-atom Cu sites exhibit high efficiency in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol, they are prone to forming Cu nanoparticles due to reduction and aggregation under reaction conditions, especially at high temperatures. Herein, single-atom Cu sites stabilized by adjacent Na+ ions have been successfully constructed within a metal-organic framework (MOF)-based catalyst, namely MOF-808-NaCu. It is found that the electrostatic interaction between the Na+ and Hδ- species plays a pivotal role in upholding the atomic dispersion of Cu in MOF-808-NaCu during CO2 hydrogenation, even at temperatures of up to 275°C. This exceptional stabilization effect endows the catalyst with excellent activity (306 g·kgcat-1·h-1), high selectivity to methanol (93%) and long-term stability at elevated reaction temperatures, far surpassing the counterpart in the absence of Na+ (denoted as MOF-808-Cu). This work develops an effective strategy for the fabrication of stable single-atom sites for advanced catalysis by creating an alkali-decorated microenvironment in close proximity.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the signal perception and transduction during seed germination.

QuerySeed germination is a vital step in the life cycle of a plant, playing a significant role in seedling establishment and crop yield potential. It is also an important factor in the conservation of plant germplasm resources. This complex process is influenced by a myriad of factors, including environmental conditions, the genetic makeup of the seed, and endogenous hormones. The perception of these environmental signals triggers a cascade of intricate signal transduction events that determine whether a seed germinates or remains dormant. Despite considerable progress in uncovering the molecular mechanisms governing these processes, many questions remain unanswered. In this review, we summarize the current progress in the molecular mechanisms underlying the perception of environmental signals and consequent signal transduction during seed germination, and discuss questions that need to be addressed to better understand the process of seed germination and develop novel strategies for germplasm improvement.

Turning on Singlet Oxygen Generation by Outer-Sphere Microenvironment Modulation in Porphyrinic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Photocatalytic Oxidation.

Singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) is ubiquitously involved in various photocatalytic oxidation reactions; however, efficient and selective production of 1 O2 is still challenging. Herein, we reported the synthesis of nickel porphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) incorporating functional groups with different electron-donating/-withdrawing features on their pore walls. These functional groups established a dedicated outer-sphere microenvironment surrounding the Ni catalytic center that tunes the activity of the COFs for 1 O2 -mediated thioether oxidation. With the increase of the electron-donating ability of functional groups, the modulated outer-sphere microenvironment turns on the catalytic activity from a yield of nearly zero by the cyano group functionalized COF to an excellent yield of 98 % by the methoxy group functionalized one. Electronic property investigation and density-functional theory (DFT) calculations suggested that the distinct excitonic behaviors attributed to the diverse band energy levels and orbital compositions are responsible for the different activities. This study represents the first regulation of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) based on the strategy of outer-sphere microenvironment modulation in COFs.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the HAK Gene Family in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) and Their Expression Profiles under Saline and Alkaline Conditions.

The high-affinity K+ transporter (HAK) family, the most prominent potassium transporter family in plants, which involves K+ transport, plays crucial roles in plant responses to abiotic stresses. However, the HAK gene family remains to be characterized in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). We explored HAKs in quinoa, identifying 30 members (CqHAK1-CqHAK30) in four clusters phylogenetically. Uneven distribution was observed across 18 chromosomes. Furthermore, we investigated the proteins' evolutionary relationships, physicochemical properties, conserved domains and motifs, gene structure, and cis-regulatory elements of the CqHAKs family members. Transcription data analysis showed that CqHAKs have diverse expression patterns among different tissues and in response to abiotic stresses, including drought, heat, low phosphorus, and salt. The expressional changes of CqHAKs in roots were more sensitive in response to abiotic stress than that in shoot apices. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that under high saline condition, CqHAK1, CqHAK13, CqHAK19, and CqHAK20 were dramatically induced in leaves; under alkaline condition, CqHAK1, CqHAK13, CqHAK19, and CqHAK20 were dramatically induced in leaves, and CqHAK6, CqHAK9, CqHAK13, CqHAK23, and CqHAK29 were significantly induced in roots. Our results establish a foundation for further investigation of the functions of HAKs in quinoa. It is the first study to identify the HAK gene family in quinoa, which provides potential targets for further functional study and contributes to improving the salt and alkali tolerance in quinoa.

Blood biomarkers in the application of diagnosis and prediction of overall survival for 1089 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Previous studies have indicated that some blood metrics play a crucial role in the diagnostic and prognostic values of various solid tumours. However, their comprehensive and unbiased comparison for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been performed. Twenty blood metrics evaluated in tumours or noncancerous diseases were selected. We selected 1089 patients with NPC and analyzed the relationship between these metrics, clinical characteristics, and overall survival (OS). The albumin and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) exhibited a high area under the curve (AUC) value (> 0.7) together with high "sensitivity (Sen) + specificity (Spe) (> 1.5)" or Youden index (> 0.5) when compared to healthy populations. In comparing NPC and nasal polyps, 9 of 20 blood metrics showed a high AUC value (> 0.7). However, only the PNI and international normalised ratio show a sufficiently high Sen + Spe or Youden Index. None of them could distinguish the status of the TNM classification well. Only the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) could predict the OS of patients with NPC (cut-off, 4.91; p = 0.0069). Blood metrics as non-invasive biomarkers are valuable tools for clinical management. Among these indicators, PNI is the most ideal indicator to distinguish NPC from healthy and nasal polyps. The LMR has good prognostic value.

Linker Engineering of Sandwich-Structured Metal-Organic Framework Composites for Optimized Photocatalytic H2 Production.

While the microenvironment around catalytic sites is recognized to be crucial in thermocatalysis, its roles in photocatalysis remain subtle. In this work, a series of sandwich-structured metal-organic framework (MOF) composites, UiO-66-NH2 @Pt@UiO-66-X (X means functional groups), is rationally constructed for visible-light photocatalytic H2 production. By varying the ─X groups of the UiO-66-X shell, the microenvironment of the Pt sites and photosensitive UiO-66-NH2 core can be simultaneously modulated. Significantly, the MOF composites with identical light absorption and Pt loading present distinctly different photocatalytic H2 production rates, following the ─X group sequence of ─H > â”€Br > â”€NA (naphthalene) > â”€OCH3  > â”€Cl > â”€NO2 . UiO-66-NH2 @Pt@UiO-66-H demonstrates H2 production rate up to 2708.2 µmol g-1  h-1 , ≈222 times that of UiO-66-NH2 @Pt@UiO-66-NO2 . Mechanism investigations suggest that the variation of the ─X group can balance the charge separation of the UiO-66-NH2 core and the proton reduction ability of Pt, leading to an optimal activity of UiO-66-NH2 @Pt@UiO-66-H at the equilibrium point.

The Ratio of Monocyte to Apolipoprotein A1 is an Independent Predictor of Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: To explore the predictive value of the ratio of monocyte to apolipoprotein A1 (MAR) (a new index related to inflammation and lipid in breast cancer (BC)) and its relationship with clinicopathological staging. Methods: The hematological test results of 394 patients with breast diseases, including 276 cases of BC, 118 cases of benign breast disease (BBD), and 219 healthy volunteers (HV), were retrospectively collected. The clinical value of MAR was analyzed with binary logistic regression. Results: Using statistical software analysis, the results showed that MAR level (P<0.001) was the largest in the BC group, followed by BBD, and the lowest in the HV group, and it was found to be an indicator to distinguish BC from BBD, also an independent risk factor for BC. The increase in MAR level showed that the risk of BC was 3.733 times higher than that of HV (P<0.001). In addition, there was a notable difference in MAR between early, middle and late stages of BC patients (P=0.047), with the highest MAR level in late stage (0.510±0.078) and the lowest MAR level in early stage (0.392±0.011); the MAR level of those with tumor invasion depth of Phase 4 was the highest (0.484±0.072), and that of Phase 1/2 was the lowest (0.379±0.010), with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). MAR was positively correlated with tumor invasion depth (P<0.001, r=0.210), that's, the size of MAR increased when there was more deeper tumor invasion. Conclusion: MAR is a new indicator for the auxiliary differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast diseases, and is also an independent risk factor for BC. High-level MAR is closely related to late staging and tumor invasion depth of BC. It can be seen that MAR is a potentially valuable predictor of BC, and this is the first study to explore the clinical value of MAR in BC.

Clinical experience using peripheral blood parameters to analyse the mutation type of thalassemia carriers in pregnant women.

Thalassaemia is a typically monogenic disease caused by mutations or deletions in the globin gene and has a high prevalence in southern China. Prenatal screening for thalassaemia can be effective in reducing the incidence of thalassaemia. Haematologic parameters of pregnant thalassaemia carriers are diverse and potentially valuable for identifying different types of genotypes. By comparing and evaluating haematological parameters, formulas in the literature, we tried to reveal differences between pregnant women carrying different types of thalassaemia genes. The Mentzer formula (MCV/RBC) showed a strong ability to differentiate thalassaemia genotypes in pregnant women. In addition, combined with haemoglobin electrophoresis HbA2 can further distinguish the -α/αα, αTα/αα, -/αα, ß+/N and ß0/N groups. HbA2 divides them into two groups. Based on the Mentzer formula, we can further decide which type of thalassaemia to screen (α/ß and the subgroups) for genotyping. Therefore, this simpler and more cost-effective workflow has great potential for application in screening pregnant women for thalassaemia carriers.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Currently, it is known that thalassaemia gene carriers have abnormal blood indicators. Many findings describe their important values in distinguishing thalassaemia and other blood diseases. They combined different metrics as an algorithm to distinguish thalassaemia and iron deficiency anaemia. Prenatal screening is an effective method to reduce the incidence of thalassaemia. The current main method is PCR. Due to technical and financial constraints, many backward places cannot use this technology. The necessity for prenatal screening for thalassaemia has been overlooked.What the results of this study add? Among these algorithms, Mentzer formula revealed differences in haematological parameters during pregnancy between normal individuals and thalassaemia carriers. Combining the HbA2, thalassaemia carriers can be distinguished from normal individuals, including -α/αα, αTα/αα, -/αα, ß0/N and ß+/N.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We provide another tool for these hospitals that donot have Hb electrophoresis test and PCR. Then the clinical doctor can get some evidence and suggest women go to another big hospital for essential tests. It is an excellent suggestion. In the future, we will collect more specific gene types and further investigate their potential relationship using these formulas.

De novo transcriptome analysis reveals the molecular regulatory mechanism underlying the response to excess nitrogen in Azolla spp.

Phytoremediation potential of Azolla in removal of nitrogen from wastewater has been promising. However, little is known about the response of Azolla to high concentrations of nitrogen. In this study, the responses of four Azolla species to different concentrations of total nitrogen ranging from 0 to 180 mg L-1 were examined. The responses varied among different species, and the high nitrogen-tolerant species A. caroliniana and A. microphylla could remove nitrogen from aqueous solutions with higher efficiencies. We further performed transcriptome analysis to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the response to high nitrogen stress in Azolla. RNA-seq analysis revealed a synergistic regulatory network of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in nitrogen transport and metabolism in A. microphylla, mainly in the roots. Under high nitrogen treatment, the DEGs encoding nitrate transporters or nitrate transporter 1/peptide transporters (NRTs/NPFs), ammonium transporters (AMTs), nitrate reductase (NIA), nitrite reductase (NIR) and glutamine synthetases/glutamate synthases (GSs/GOGATs) were down-regulated, and the DEGs encoding glutamate dehydrogenases (GDHs) were up-regulated, suggesting that A. microphylla possessed high tolerance against excess nitrogen through down-regulation of nitrate and ammonium uptake and fine regulation of nitrogen assimilation in the roots. Our results provided a theoretical foundation for better utilization of Azolla for wastewater treatment.

Motivating borate doped FeNi layered double hydroxides by molten salt method toward efficient oxygen evolution.

The incorporation of borate is a beneficial strategy to improve the catalytic activity of transition metal-based electrocatalyts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, how to efficiently introduce borate has always been a challenge. Here, a facile and scalable molten salt method is developed to successfully dope borate into FeNi layered double hydroxides (FeBi@FeNi LDH) for efficient OER. The molten salt method can not only promote the formation of evenly dispersed nano-pompous FeBi precursor, thus providing the possibility to realize the direct doping of borate and the increase of mass, charge transfer and oxygen evolution active sites in FeNi LDH, but also promote the in-situ growth of FeBi@FeNi LDH on the conductive iron foam, improvingconductivity and stability of the material. The results indicate that the synthesized FeBi@FeNi LDH shows enhanced OER activity by delivering current densities of 10 and 100 mA cm-2 at low overpotentials of 246 and 295 mV and showing a small Tafel slope of 56.48 mV dec-1, benefiting from the optimization of geometric structure of active sites as well as the adjustment of electron density by borate doping especially in the case of molten salt. In addition, the sample can maintain durability at an industrial current density of 100 mA cm-1 for 90 h. This work provides a new way for the construction of efficient catalysts using boron doping assisted by molten salt.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis provides insight into carpel petaloidy in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera).

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a highly recognized flower with high ornamental value. Flower color and flower morphology are two main factors for flower lotus breeding. Petaloidy is a universal phenomenon in lotus flowers. However, the genetic regulation of floral organ petaloidy in lotus remains elusive. In this study, the transcriptomic analysis was performed among three organs, including petal, carpel petaloidy, and carpel in lotus. A total of 1,568 DEGs related to carpel petaloidy were identified. Our study identified one floral homeotic gene encoded by the MADS-box transcription factor, AGAMOUS (AG) as the candidate gene for petaloid in lotus. Meanwhile, a predicted labile boundary in floral organs of N. nucifera was hypothesized. In summary, our results explored the candidate genes related to carpel petaloidy, setting a theoretical basis for the molecular regulation of petaloid phenotype.

Ultrahigh activity of molybdenum/vanadium-doped Ni-Co phosphides nanoneedles based on ion-exchange for hydrogen evolution at large current density.

Heteroatom doping is a promising strategy to optimize the electronic structure of transition metal phosphides so enhancing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, complex and harsh experimental design is often required to achieve homogeneous doping of corresponding elements while achieving the best regulating effect. Herein, a facile ion-exchange (IE) strategy is applied to dope Mo/V species evenly into Ni-Co phosphides under mild conditions while maintaining the nanoneedle morphology. The electrochemical characterization verifies Mo dopants have a better electronic regulation effect on NiCoP crystal than V dopants, corresponding to the better hydrogen evolution performance of Mo-NiCoP/NF. Notably, due to the highly dispersed nanoneedle morphology, the synergistic effect of Ni-Co phosphides, and the optimized electronic structure, Mo-NiCoP/NF demonstrates a higher activity than that of the noble metal Pt/C at the high current density (>99 mA cm-2). The present work is supposed to open new sights for the development of high-performance catalysts by ion-exchange strategy.

The value of hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width ratio (Hb/RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer.

ABSTRACT: The clinical significance of hemoglobin-to-red blood cell distribution width (Hb/RDW) for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) has not been reported yet. This study aimed to evaluate the value of preoperative Hb/RDW, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) for the diagnosis of NPC.A total of 180 NPC patients (NPC group) and 149 healthy subjects (control group) were recruited to assess the value of Hb/RDW, NLR, and PLR for the diagnosis of NPC.It was noted that NLR and PLR were significantly higher in the NPC group than those in the control group (P < .001); however, Hb/RDW was lower in the NPC group compared with that in the control group (P < .001). NLR was also remarkably different between patients of stage I+II and those of stage III+IV (P = .043), and that was different in patients with lymph node metastases or not (P = .030). Besides, PLR was significantly different in patients with serosal invasion or not (P = .031). In receiver operating characteristic curve, compared with Hb/RDW alone (sensitivity, 66.67%; specificity, 85.23%), the sensitivity (67.78%, 72.78%) and specificity (89.62%, 90.6%) of Hb/RDW with NLR and PLR were both increased. Furthermore, Hb/RDW combined with NLR area under the ROC (AUC), 0.824; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.779-0.864, P = .0080) or PLR (AUC: 0.851, 95% CI: 0.808-0.888, P = .0002) had a greater AUC value for the diagnosis of NPC compared with Hb/RDW alone (AUC: 0.781, 95% CI: 0.732-0.824).Hb/RDW can be used as a valuable indicator for auxiliary diagnosis of NPC. Preoperative Hb/RDW combined with NLR or PLR is of great significance in the auxiliary diagnosis and pathological staging of NPC.

Yap1-2 Isoform Is the Primary Mediator in TGF-ß1 Induced EMT in Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive human malignancy and intrinsically resistant to conventional therapies. YAP1, as a key downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, plays an important role in tumorigenesis including PDAC. Alternative mRNA splicing of YAP1 results in at least 8 protein isoforms, which are divided into two subgroups (YAP1-1 and YAP1-2) based on the presence of either a single or double WW domains. We investigated the functions and regulatory mechanisms of YAP1-1 and YAP1-2 in PDAC cells induced by TGF-ß to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CRISPR-Cas9 and shRNA were used to silence YAP1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells. Re-constituted lentivirus mediated overexpression of each single YAP1 isoform was generated in the parental knockout L3.6 cells. EMT was induced by treatment with TGF-ß, EGF and bFGF in parental and the constructed stable cell lines. Western blot and qPCR were used to detect the expression of EMT markers. Scratch wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect cell migration. The stability and subcellular localization of YAP1 proteins were determined by Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, as well as ubiquitination assays. We showed that TGF-ß, EGF and bFGF all significantly promoted EMT in PDAC cells, which was inhibited by knockdown of YAP1 expression. Interestingly, YAP1-1 stable cells exhibited a stronger migratory ability than YAP1-2 cells under normal culture condition. However, upon TGF-ß treatment, L3.6-YAP1-2 cells exhibited a stronger migratory ability than L3.6-YAP1-1 cells. Mechanistically, TGF-ß treatment preferentially stabilizes YAP1-2 and enhances its nuclear localization. Furthermore, TGF-ß-induced EMT and YAP1-2 activity were both blocked by inhibition of AKT signaling. Our results showed that both YAP1-1 and YAP1-2 isoforms are important mediators in the EMT process of pancreatic cancer. However, YAP1-2 is more important in mediating TGF-ß-induced EMT, which requires AKT signaling.

Genome-wide analysis of AP2/ERF superfamily in lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and the association between NnADAP and rhizome morphology.

BACKGROUND: The AP2/ERF family is widely present in plants and plays a crucial regulatory role in plant growth and development. As an essential aquatic horticultural model plant, lotus has an increasingly prominent economic and research value. RESULTS: We have identified and analysed the AP2/ERF gene family in the lotus. Initially, 121 AP2/ERF family genes were identified. By analysing their gene distribution and protein structure, and their expression patterns during the development of lotus rhizome, combined with previous studies, we obtained an SNP (megascaffold_20:3578539) associated with lotus rhizome phenotype. This SNP was in the NnADAP gene of the AP2 subfamily, and the changes in SNP (C/T) caused amino acid conversion (proline/leucine). We constructed a population of 95 lotus varieties for SNP verification. Through population typing experiments, we found that the group with SNP CC had significantly larger lotus rhizome and higher soluble sugar content among the population. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we speculate that the alteration of the SNP in the NnADAP can affect the size and sugar content of the lotus rhizome.

Identification of potential biomarkers for abdominal pain in IBS patients by bioinformatics approach.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by chronic abdominal discomfort and pain. The mechanisms of abdominal pain, as a relevant symptom, in IBS are still unclear. We aimed to explore the key genes and neurobiological changes specially involved in abdominal pain in IBS. METHODS: Gene expression data (GSE36701) was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. Fifty-three rectal mucosa samples from 27 irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) patients and 40 samples from 21 healthy volunteers as controls were included. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups were identified using the GEO2R online tool. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed on the DAVID database. Then a protein-protein interaction network was constructed and visualized using STRING database and Cytoscape. RESULTS: The microarray analysis demonstrated a subset of genes (CCKBR, CCL13, ACPP, BDKRB2, GRPR, SLC1A2, NPFF, P2RX4, TRPA1, CCKBR, TLX2, MRGPRX3, PAX2, CXCR1) specially involved in pain transmission. Among these genes, we identified GRPR, NPFF and TRPA1 genes as potential biomarkers for irritating abdominal pain of IBS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of certain pain-related genes (GRPR, NPFF and TRPA1) may contribute to chronic visceral hypersensitivity, therefore be partly responsible for recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort in IBS patients. Several synapses modification and biological process of psychological distress may be risk factors of IBS.

A CONSTANS-LIKE gene of Nelumbo nucifera could promote potato tuberization.

MAIN CONCLUSION: CONSTANS-LIKE 5 of Nelumbo nucifera is capable of promoting potato tuberization through CONSTANS-FLOWERING LOCUS T and gibberellin signaling pathways with a probable association with lotus rhizome enlargement. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that is affiliated to the Nelumbonaceace family. It is widely used as an ornamental, vegetable, and medicinal herb with its rhizome being a popular vegetable. To explore the molecular mechanism underlying its rhizome enlargement, we conducted a systematic analysis on the CONSTANS-LIKE (COL) gene family, with the results, indicating that this gene plays a role in regulating potato tuber expansion. These analyses included phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, and expressional patterns of lotus COL family genes. Based on these analyses, NnCOL5 was selected for further study on its potential function in lotus rhizome formation. NnCOL5 was shown to be located in the nucleus, and its expression was positively associated with the enlargement of lotus rhizome. Besides, the overexpression of NnCOL5 in potato led to increased tuber weight and starch content under short-day conditions without changing the number of tubers. Further analysis suggested that the observed tuber changes might be mediated by affecting the expression of genes in CO-FT and GA signaling pathways. These results provide valuable insight in understanding the functions of COL gene as well as the enlargement of lotus rhizome.

A bHLH gene NnTT8 of Nelumbo nucifera regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis.

Lotus is an important aquatic ornamental plant, whose flower color is one of the key horticultural traits that determines its ornamental value. Previous studies revealed that anthocyanins largely determined the red color of lotus flower, which are also the main component that has beneficial effects on human health. However, the regulation mechanism of flower pigmentation in lotus flower remains unclear. In the present study, in order to further understand the regulatory mechanism underlying the anthocyanin biosynthesis, a bHLH gene NnTT8 was characterized to be phylogenetically close to AtTT8 and the bHLH proteins from other plant species that have been indicated to be involved in the positive regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis. Complementation analysis in Arabidopsis tt8 mutant showed that NnTT8 could function similarly to AtTT8 in regulating anthocyanin and proanthocyanin biosynthesis. An MYB transcription factor capable of interacting with NnTT8 was also characterized from lotus. The identification of a bHLH transcription factor playing regulatory roles in anthocyanin biosynthesis is crucial, as it might help to obtain more in-depth insight into the coloration of lotus and help in breeding high anthocyanin content lotus variety that can be explored for lotus flower beverages.

Genome-wide identification of MADS-box gene family in sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) identifies a SEPALLATA homolog gene involved in floral development.

BACKGROUND: Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is a vital perennial aquatic ornamental plant. Its flower shape determines the horticultural and ornamental values. However, the mechanisms underlying lotus flower development are still elusive. MADS-box transcription factors are crucial in various features of plant development, especially in floral organogenesis and specification. It is still unknown how the MADS-box transcription factors regulate the floral organogenesis in lotus. RESULTS: To obtain a comprehensive insight into the functions of MADS-box genes in sacred lotus flower development, we systematically characterized members of this gene family based on the available genome information. A total of 44 MADS-box genes were identified, of which 16 type I and 28 type II genes were categorized based on the phylogenetic analysis. Furthermore, the structure of MADS-box genes and their expressional patterns were also systematically analyzed. Additionally, subcellular localization analysis showed that they are mainly localized in the nucleus, of which a SEPALLATA3 (SEP3) homolog NnMADS14 was proven to be involved in the floral organogenesis. CONCLUSION: These results provide some fundamental information about the MADS-box gene family and their functions, which might be helpful in not only understanding the mechanisms of floral organogenesis but also breeding of high ornamental value cultivars in lotus.

Modulation engineering of in situ cathodic activation of FePx based on W-incorporation for the hydrogen evolution reaction.

In situ electrochemical activation as a new pretreating method to adjust electrocatalytic performance attracts extensive attention. However, the activation mechanisms of electrocatalysts are still ambiguous. Herein, we propose a facile modulation strategy of in situ cathodic activation of FePx based on W-incorporation (W-FePx/IF) for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The activated W-FeOx with obvious surface reconstruction demonstrates the role of W-incorporation for driving the cathodic activation of FePx, which suggests the larger surface area and more active sites. In fact, W incorporation can not only accelerate the cathodic activation process but also act as the adsorption sites for Had to form the synergistic effect with FeOx for water dissociation. The obtained W-FeOx/IF exhibits greatly enhanced HER activity featuring decreased overpotential from 237.7 to 154.0 mV at 100 mA cm-2, which may be ascribed to W-FeOx with double catalytic active sites after cathodic activation. Additionally, the modulation effects of cathodic activation can be exactly achieved by changing electrochemical parameters such as CV cycles. W-FeOx/IF also shows excellent long-term stability for at least 100 h at 100 mA cm-2. This modulation engineering based on metal doping is expected to provide inspiration for the understanding of the cathodic activation process for efficient electrocatalysts.