Natural variation of GmFNSII-2 contributes to drought resistance by modulating enzyme activity in soybean

As an essential crop that provides vegetable oil and protein,soybean(Glycine max(L.)Merr.)is widely planted all over the world.However,the scarcity of water resources worldwide has seriously impacted on the quality and yield of soybean.To address this,exploring excellent genes for improving drought resistance in soybean is crucial.In this study,we identified natural variations of GmFNSII-2(flavone synthase II)significantly affect the drought resistance of soybeans.Through sequence analysis of GmFNSII-2 in 632 cultivated and 44 wild soybeans nine haplotypes were identified.The full-length allele GmFNSII-2^(C),but not the truncated allele GmFNSII-2^(A) possessing a nonsense nucleotide variation,increased enzyme activity.Further research found that GmDREB3,known to increase soybean drought resistance,bound to the promoter region of GmFNSII-2^(C).GmDREB3 positively regulated the expression of GmFNSII-2^(C),increased flavone synthase abundance and improved the drought resistance.Furthermore,a singlebase mutation in the GmFNSII-2^(C) promoter generated an additional drought response element(CCCCT),which had stronger interaction strength with GmDREB3 and increased its transcriptional activity under drought conditions.The frequency of drought-resistant soybean varieties with Hap 1(Pro:GmFNSII-2^(C))has increased,suggesting that this haplotype may be selected during soybean breeding.In summary,GmFNSII-2^(C) could be used for molecular breeding of drought-tolerant soybean.

Formation of Natural Melanin/TiO_(2) Nanostructure Hybrids with Enhanced Optical,Thermal and Magnetic Properties as a Soft Material

The natural Melanin/TiO_(2) was synthesized by the use of ultrasonication under UV radiation.The influence of natural melanin on the structural,optical and thermal properties of TiO_(2) nanoparticles was investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,thermogravimetric analysis and UV-Vis spectroscopy.It was observed that incorporating natural melanin on TiO_(2) nanoparticles(TiO_(2)-Mel)occurred at 2.01 eV with a low value of Urbach energy around 100 meV indicating improvement in the crystalline structure.Magnetic measurement at room temperature showed diamagnetic behavior.Furthermore,thermal results showed that TiO_(2)-Mel is stable even at temperatures up to 400℃.According to the results obtained by the thermal stability of melanin with titanium dioxide,it can be a good candidate in many applications such as solar cells and optoelectronics.

Numerical Simulation of Asphaltene Precipitation and Deposition during Natural Gas and CO_(2) Injection

Asphaltene deposition is a significant problem during gas injection processes,as it can block the porous medium,the wellbore,and the involved facilities,significantly impacting reservoir productivity and ultimate oil recovery.Only a few studies have investigated the numerical modeling of this potential effect in porous media.This study focuses on asphaltene deposition due to natural gas and CO_(2) injection.Predictions of the effect of gas injection on asphaltene deposition behavior have been made using a 3D numerical simulation model.The results indicate that the injection of natural gas exacerbates asphaltene deposition,leading to a significant reduction in permeability near the injection well and throughout the reservoir.This reduction in permeability strongly affects the ability of gas toflow through the reservoir,resulting in an improvement of the displacement front.The displacement effi-ciency of the injection gas process increases by up to 1.40%when gas is injected at 5500 psi,compared to the scenario where the asphaltene model is not considered.CO_(2) injection leads to a miscible process with crude oil,extracting light and intermediate components,which intensifies asphaltene precipitation and increases the viscosity of the remaining crude oil,ultimately reducing the recovery rate.

Natural product-based treatment potential for type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes(T2D)is a metabolic disease of impaired glucose utilization and a major cause of cardiovascular disease(CVD).The pathogenesis of both diseases shares common risk factors and mechanisms,and both are significant contributors to global morbidity and mortality.Supplements of natural products for T2D mellitus(T2DM)and CVD can be seen as a potential preventive and effective therapeutic strategy.AIM To critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of natural products in T2D and coronary artery disease(CAD).METHODS By using specific keywords,we strategically searched the PubMed database.Randomized controlled trials(RCTs)were searched as the primary focus that examined the effect of natural products on glycemic control,oxidative stress,and antioxidant levels.We focused on outcomes such as low blood glucose levels,adjustment on markers of oxidative stress and antioxidants.After screening fulllength papers,we included 9 RCTs in our review that met our inclusion criteria.RESULTS In the literature search on the database,we found that various natural products like plant secondary metabolites play a diverse role in the management of CAD.American ginseng,sesame oil and cocoa flavanols proved effective in lowering blood glucose levels and controlling blood pressure,which are key factors in managing T2DM and CVD.In diabetic patients Melissa officinalis effectively reduce inflammation and shows diabetes prevention.Both fish oil and flaxseed oil reduced insulin levels and inflammatory markers,suggesting benefits for both conditions.The lipid profile and endothelial function were enhanced by Nigella sativa oil and Terminalia chebula,which is significant for the management of cardiovascular risk factors in T2DM.Additionally Bilberry extract also showed promise for improving glycemic control in patients with T2DM.CONCLUSION The high level of antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-angiogenic properties found in natural products makes them promising therapeutic options for the management of CAD,with the potential benefit of lowering the risk of CAD.

Mechanisms of action of natural products on type 2 diabetes

Over the past several decades,type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)has been considered a global public health concern.Currently,various therapeutic modalities are available for T2DM management,including dietary modifications,moderate exercise,and use of hypoglycemic agents and lipid-lowering medications.Although the curative effect of most drugs on T2DM is significant,they also exert some adverse side effects.Biologically active substances found in natural medicines are important for T2DM treatment.Several recent studies have reported that active ingredients derived from traditional medicines or foods exert a therapeutic effect on T2DM.This review compiled important articles regarding the therapeutic effects of natural products and their active ingredients on isletβcell function,adipose tissue inflammation,and insulin resistance.Additionally,this review provided an in-depth understanding of the multiple regulatory effects on different targets and signaling pathways of natural medicines in the treatment of T2DM as well as a theoretical basis for clinical effective application.

Are Ni/and Ni5Fe1/biochar catalysts suitable for synthetic natural gas production?A comparison with g-Al2O3 supported catalysts

Among challenges implicit in the transition to the post-fossil fuel energetic model,the finite amount of resources available for the technological implementation of CO_(2) revalorizing processes arises as a central issue.The development of fully renewable catalytic systems with easier metal recovery strategies would promote the viability and sustainability of synthetic natural gas production circular routes.Taking Ni and NiFe catalysts supported over g-Al_(2)O_(3) oxide as reference materials,this work evaluates the potentiality of Ni and NiFe supported biochar catalysts for CO_(2) methanation.The development of competitive biochar catalysts was found dependent on the creation of basic sites on the catalyst surface.Displaying lower Turn Over Frequencies than Ni/Al catalyst,the absence of basic sites achieved over Ni/C catalyst was related to the depleted catalyst performances.For NiFe catalysts,analogous Ni_(5)Fe_(1) alloys were constituted over both alumina and biochar supports.The highest specific activity of the catalyst series,exhibited by the NiFe/C catalyst,was related to the development of surface basic sites along with weaker NiFe-C interactions,which resulted in increased Ni0:NiO surface populations under reaction conditions.In summary,the present work establishes biochar supports as a competitive material to consider within the future low-carbon energetic panorama.

NATURALLY REDUCTIVE(α_(1),α_(2))METRICS

Letting F be a homogeneous(α_(1),α_(2))metric on the reductive homogeneous manifold G/H,we first characterize the natural reductiveness of F as a local f-product between naturally reductive Riemannian metrics.Second,we prove the equivalence among several properties of F for its mean Berwald curvature and S-curvature.Finally,we find an explicit flag curvature formula for G/H when F is naturally reductive.

自然杀伤细胞2组成员A、程序性死亡因子配体1表达检测对PD-L1阻断免疫治疗肌层浸润性膀胱癌反应性的预测价值

目的:探究自然杀伤细胞2组成员A(NKG2A)及程序性死亡因子配体1(PD-L1)表达检测对PD-L1阻断免疫治疗肌层浸润性膀胱癌反应性的预测价值。方法:选取100例肌层浸润性膀胱癌患者作为研究对象,对其行PD-L1阻断免疫治疗后,根据治疗反应性将其分为缓解组和未缓解组;对缓解组患者随访3个月,将其分为复发组和未复发组。比较两组患者NKG2A和PD-L1在CD4^(+)和CD8^(+)上的表达水平,采用ROC曲线分析NKG2A和PD-L1预测膀胱癌患者治疗反应性的价值。结果:100例研究对象中,缓解组患者72例(72.00%),未缓解组患者28例(28.00%),两组性别、年龄比较无统计学差异(均P>0.05),但缓解组患者肿瘤直径小于未缓解组,NKG2A、PD-L1/CD4^(+)和PD-L1/CD8^(+)表达水平均低于未缓解组(均P<0.05)。膀胱癌患者NKG2A、PD-L1/CD4^(+)和PD-L1/CD8^(+)表达预测免疫治疗后缓解的AUC值分别为0.771、0.724、0.710;联合诊断的AUC为0.836。72例缓解患者中,出现复发29例(40.28%),未出现复发43例(59.72%),两组性别、年龄以及肿瘤直径比较无统计学差异(均P>0.05),但复发组NKG2A、PD-L1/CD4^(+)和PD-L1/CD8^(+)表达水平均高于未复发组(均P<0.05)。NKG2A、PD-L1/CD4^(+)和PD-L1/CD8^(+)表达预测膀胱癌患者缓解后复发的AUC值分别为0.775、0.740、0.728;联合诊断的AUC为0.874。结论:NKG2A、PD-L1/CD4^(+)和PD-L1/CD8^(+)在不同治疗反应性肌层浸润性膀胱癌患者外周血中表达水平不同,三者对于膀胱癌患者PD-L1阻断免疫治疗反应性均有一定的预测价值,且三者联合预测效能最佳。

Immune evasion and therapeutic opportunities based on natural killer cells

Natural killer(NK)cells can elicit an immune response against malignantly transformed cells without recognizing antigens,and they also exhibit cytotoxic effects and immune surveillance functions in tumor immunotherapy.Although several studies have shown the promising antitumor effects of NK cells in immunotherapy,their function is often limited in the tumor microenvironment because tumor cells can easily escape NK cell-induced death.Thus,for efficient tumor immunotherapy,the mechanism by which tumor cells escape NK cell-induced cytotoxicity must be fully understood.Various novel molecules and checkpoint receptors that mediate the disruption of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment have been discovered.In this review,we analyze and detail the major activating and inhibitory receptors on the surface of NK cells to delineate the mechanism by which tumor cells suppress NKG2D ligand expression and increase tumor receptor and inhibitory receptor expression[NKG2A,programmed cell death1(PD-1),and T-cell immunoglobulin and immunoreceptor tyrosine inhibitory motif(TIGIT)]on the NK cell surface,and thus inhibit NK cell activity.We also reviewed the current status of treatments based on these surface molecules.By comparing the therapeutic effects related to the treatment status and bypass mechanisms,we attempt to identify optimal single or combined treatments to suggest new treatment strategies for tumor immunotherapy.

CO_(2)/N_(2)置换-降压强化开采天然气水合物

将天然气水合物中的CH_(4)置换为CO_(2)水合物是未来能源生产和温室气体控制的一种创新方法,但通常条件下CO_(2)对水合物中CH_(4)的置换效率较低,因此采用混合气联合降压强化置换的开采方法被提出。模拟(海底静水压力)在三轴应力约束状态下,通过注入固定比例[n(CO_(2))∶n(N_(2))=4∶1]的置换气体,研究降压强化置换过程中储层气相组分、CH_(4)开采率与CO_(2)封存率的变化。结果表明:CO_(2)+N_(2)联合降压强化置换法大幅度提高CH_(4)水合物置换效率,CH_(4)置换率相较于传统置换法的15.2%提升至35.22%,其中N_(2)直接贡献率占8.66%。通过降压强化,显著增强分解后期阶段气体扩散效果,提高CH_(4)开采率与CO_(2)封存率,对提高水合物转换开采具有良好的应用前景。

TiO_2/polyaniline composites:An efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of methylene blue under natural light

Polyaniline （PAn） sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 composites （TiO2/PAn） were successfully prepared and used as an efficient photocatalyst for the degradation of dye methylene blue （MB）. The results showed that PAn was able to sensitize TiO2 efficiently and the composite photocatalyst could be activated by absorbing both the ultraviolet and visible light （λ： 190 ～ 800 nm）, whereas pure TiO2 absorbed ultraviolet light only （λ 〈 380 nm）. Under the irradiation of natural light, MB could be degraded more efficiently on the TiO2/PAn composites than on the TiO2 Furthermore, it could be easily separated from the solution by simple sedimentation.

CeO_2-ZrO_2-La_2O_3-Al_2O_3 composite oxide and its supported palladium catalyst for the treatment of exhaust of natural gas engined vehicles

Composite supports CeO2-ZrO2-Al2O3（CZA） and CeO2-ZrO2-Al2O3-La2O3（CZALa） were prepared by co-precipitation method. Palladium catalysts were prepared by impregnation and their purification ability for CH4, CO and NOx in the mixture gas simulated the exhaust from natural gas vehicles （NGVs） operated under stoichiometric condition was investigated. The effect of La2O3 on the physicochemical properties of supports and catalysts was characterized by various techniques. The characterizations with X-ray diffraction （XRD） and Raman spectroscopy revealed that the doping of La2O3 restrained effectively the sintering of crystallite particles, maintained the crystallite particles in nanoscale and stabilized the crystal phase after calcination at 1000 ℃. The results of N2-adsorption, H2-temperatnre-programmed reduction （H2-TPR） and oxygen storage capacity （OSC） measurements indicated that La2O3 improved the textural properties, reducibility and OSC of composite supports. Activity testing results showed that the catalysts exhibit excellent activities for the simultaneous removal of methane, CO and NOx in the simulated exhaust gas. The catalysts supported on CZALa showed remarkable thermal stability and catalytic activity for the three pollutants, especially for NOx. The prepared palladium catalysts have high ability to remove NOx, CH4 and CO, and they can be used as excellent catalysts for the purification of exhaust from NGVs operated under stoichiometric condition. The catalysts reported in this work also have significant potential in industrial application because of their high performance and low cost.

Green Synthesis of Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Natural Extracts

Green synthesis is an alternative method for obtaining nanoparticles for environmentally friendly purposes. The present work describes the synthesis and characterization of titanium oxide nanoparticles, starting from three natural sources: orange peel, hibiscus rosa sinensis and Aloe vera. Titanium (IV) tetrabutoxide in ethanol solution was used as precursor. The methodology used was based on the sol-gel technique, through which TiO2 nanoparticles were obtained in the anatase phase. The characterization of the nanoparticles was carried out by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR), which allowed the identification of a good degree of purity and crystallinity of the samples obtained.

Experimental determination and prediction of the compressibility factor of high CO_2 content natural gas with and without water vapor

In order to study the effect of different CO2 contents on gas compressibility factor（Z-factor）,the JEFRI-PVT apparatus has been used to measure the Z-factor of dry natural gas with CO2 content range from 10.74 to 70.42 mol%at the temperature range from 301.2 to 407.3 K and pressure range from 7 to 44 MPa.The results show that Z-factor decreases with increasing CO2 content in natural gas at constant temperature and increases with increasing temperature for natural gas with the same CO2 content.In addition,the Z-factor of water-saturated natural gas with high CO2 content has been measured.A comparison of the Z-factor between natural gas with and without saturated water vapor indicates that the former shows a higher Z-factor than the latter.Furthermore,Peng-Robinson,Hall-Yarborough,and Soave-Benedict-Webb- Rubin equations of state（EoS）are used for the calculation of Z-factor of high CO2 content natural gas with and without water vapor.The optimal binary interaction parameters（BIP）for PR EoS are presented.The measured Z-factor is compared with the calculated Z-factor based on three models,which shows that PR EoS combined with van der Waals mixing rule for gas without water and Huron-Vidal mixing rule for water-saturated gas,are in good agreement with the experimental data.

基于Sentinel-2影像的东寨港国家级自然保护区景观格局变化及其驱动力研究

文章以东寨港国家级自然保护区及1 km外围地带为研究区域,选取2017—2021年的Sentinel-2遥感影像数据,采用人机交互方式解译景观类型,计算景观格局指数,进而对比分析5年期间保护区内外的景观格局变化情况及其主要驱动力。结果表明:(1)在保护区内,红树林湿地面积呈现上升趋势,林地面积有所减少,养殖水面面积显著减少;保护区景观连通性较好、碎度较低,其中红树林为优势景观。(2)在外围地带,红树林湿地面积有所增加,林地面积有所减少,养殖水面和建筑面积均减少,但耕地面积有所增加;与保护区相比,景观破碎化程度较高、连接度与整体性较差。(3)红树林生态保护修复活动是保护区景观格局发生显著变化的主要驱动力,而养殖、建筑等人类活动是改变外围地带景观格局的主要因素。研究结果对于优化保护区的保护管理和加强外围地带的人类活动管控具有参考价值。

Natural products for cancer prevention associated with Nrf2–ARE pathway

Cancer chemoprevention involves the application of natural or synthetic compounds to reduce the risk of cancer development.One of the most effective strategies for preventing human cancers might involve inducing phase II detoxifying enzymes and antioxidant enzymes via natural dietary compounds.The regulatory regions of these inducible genes encode the antioxidant response element(ARE).Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2),as a transcription factor,plays a key role in the expression of ARE-mediated genes.Similarly,Nrf2 performs an essential function in the up-regulation of these genes in response to oxidative stress and treatment with dietary phytochemicals.In this article,we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the Nrf2/ARE pathway as a potential molecular target for cancer chemoprevention and its molecular regulation mechanisms,and highlight Nrf2/ARE inducers derived from natural products,which may be used as chemopreventive agents for cancer patients.©2013 Beijing Academy of Food Sciences.Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.All rights reserved.

Simulation and energy performance assessment of CO_2 removal from crude synthetic natural gas via physical absorption process

The paper presents an energy performance assessment of CO2 removal for crude synthetic natural gas （SNG） upgrade by Selexol absorption process. A simplified process simulation of the Selexol process concerning power requirement and separation performance was developed. The assessment indicates that less pressure difference between crude SNG and absorption pressure favors the energy performance of CO2 removal process. When both crude SNG and absorption pressures are 20 bar, CO2 removal process has the best energy performance. The optimal specific power consumption of the CO2 removal process is 566 kJ/kgCO2. The sensitivity analysis shows that the CO2 removal efficiency would significantly influence the total power consumption of the removal process, as well as higher heating value （HHV） and CO2 content in SNG. However, the specific power consumption excluding crude SNG and SNG compressions changes little with the variance of CO2 removal efficiency. If by-product CO2 is compressed for CO2 capture, the process would turn into a CO2-sink for the atmosphere. Correspondingly, an increase of 281 kJ/kgCO2 in specific power consumption is required for compressing the separated CO2.

Natural astaxanthin enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved semen quality through the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway in aging layer breeder roosters

Background:Natural astaxanthin(ASTA)has strong antioxidant properties and has been widely used as a health product to improve human health.However,the effects of ASTA on the reproductive performance of aging roosters have been poorly studied.We aimed to investigate the effects of dietary ASTA on semen quality and antioxidant capacity in aging roosters and to explore the potential mechanism of semen quality change via antioxidation defense system.Methods:In the present study,9653-week-old Jinghong No.1 layer breeder roosters were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing 0,25,50,or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks.Results:Semen quality in the ASTA groups remarkably improved than that in the control group,and antioxidant activities,the abilities to scavenge hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions,increased gradually with ASTA addition(P<0.05).In addition,the mRNA levels of antioxidant enzymes as well as the mRNA and protein levels of the mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)were markedly increased in the 50-100 mg/kg ASTA group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Collectively,these results demonstrate that dietary ASTA may improve semen quality by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and the ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals,which may be related to upregulation of the MAPK/Nrf2 pathway.

Recent advances in the managements of type 2 diabetes mellitus and natural hypoglycemic substances

Diabetes has become a global concern at present,among which type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)accounts for approximately 90%-95%of patients.T2DM is a type of metabolic disorder syndrome that results from a genetic defect,and it is based on insulin resistance and an insulin secretion disorder.The occurrence of T2DM is usually the outcome of both genetic and environmental factors and their interactions.The etiology and pathogenesis of diabetes have not been fully elucidated,and no radical therapeutic cure has been found.Patients with T2DM suffer from complications such as the development of a chronic hyperglycemic condition and even serious metabolic disorders and organ damage in the body and depression and dementia,in addition to other chronic complications.Many studies have suggested that diet is crucial in the development of diabetes and the control of blood glucose.Natural substances have the characteristics of low toxicity and few side effects and may be key to the development of diabetic health products and preventive treatments.This paper reviews the etiology,pathogenesis,risks,treatments and diets related to T2DM to summarize the types of recently available natural products,from both local and foreign sources,for lowering blood glucose at home and their application in supplementary hypoglycemic foods.The key findings and conclusions suggest that there are various known T2DM-inducing factors,including genetic and environmental factors and three types of hybrid factors.

HBsAg stimulates NKG2D receptor expression on natural killer cellsand inhibits hepatitis C virus replication

Background： Higher hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg） facilitates hepatitis C virus （HCV） clearance inpatients with hepatitis B virus （HBV）/HCV co-infection. We investigated the effect of exogenous HBsAgon the inhibition of HCV replication mediated by natural killer （NK） cells.