Preparation and Mechanical Properties of Solid-phase Grafting Nanocomposites of PVC/Graft Copolymers/MMT

In order to improve the mechanical properties of PVC, by solid-phase grafting reaction, grafting on and nano-modifying the PVC process synchronously, acrylic monomers not only graft on PVC, but also are intercalated into the layers of MMT in the heating process. Blending PVC and the MMT-PVC grafting copolymers , we can get nanocomposites of PVC/ grafters/ MMT, and the mechanical performance of the material is improved.

Grafting Maleic Anhydride onto Carbon Fiber via a Solid-phase Grafting Method

By combining the strong and light carbon fibers （CFs） with polymers, composite materials with extraordinary mechanical properties are achieved. However, the mechanical properties of the as-prepared CF-reinforced polymer composites can not satisfy the applications in certain fields, especially for the poor interactions between CFs and the polymers. To enhance the mechanical properties of composite materials, a solid phase grafting method has been developed to improve the adhesion forces between CFs and the polymer, by modifying the surfaces of CFs. The effects of the reaction temperature, reaction time, as well as the dosage of the initiator and maleic anhydride （MAH） on the grafting efficiency have been investigated systematically. The structure and the surface chemistry of functionalized CFs have been characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared （FT-IR）, Scanning Electron Microscope （SEM）, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy （XPS）, Thermogravimetric （TG）, and contact angle test. All of these results demonstrate that MAH is grafted onto the surface of CFs successfully by the solid phase grafting method. The MAH grafted CFs significantly improve its wettability, which further improves the interfacial adhesion between CFs and the polymeric matrix. The optimal reaction conditions are determined, such as the MAH/CF molar ratio, the dosage of initiator, the reaction temperature and the reaction time to be 3/1, 2%, 90℃ and 4 h, respectively. These attractive interracial characteristics of modified CFs suggest that the method proposed herein is a novel and efficient approach to develop CF-reinforced polymer composites with outstanding mechanical properties for cutting-edge industrial applications.

“Grafting from”法制备高载量大孔弱阳离子交换层析介质

针对大孔聚合物层析介质孔径大、比表面积低而导致的蛋白结合容量低的问题,采用“graftingfrom”策略,以大孔聚丙烯酸酯微球为基质,通过氧化还原引发甲基丙烯酸在微球表面接枝聚合,制备了高载量弱阳离子交换层析介质.研究了单体浓度、过硫酸钾浓度及反应温度等因素对蛋白结合容量的影响.所得介质的蛋白静态结合容量和动态结合容量分别达到252.21和157.25mg/mL;同时发现具有一定离子交换容量的该类介质能够在0.2 mol/L NaCl缓冲液中保持100 mg/mL的蛋白结合容量.将该层析介质用于鸡卵清中溶菌酶的纯化,获得了较高的纯化效率.

Outcomes of surgical correction of Peyronie’s disease with plaque excision and grafting: Comparison of testicular tunica vaginalis graft versus bovine pericardium graft

Objective:Peyronie’s disease(PD)is an abnormal wound healing in the penile tunica albuginea.After fibrotic plaque excision,different graft materials have been used to repair the defects,but the optimal graft remains unknown.This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of testicular tunica vaginalis grafts and bovine pericardium grafts in patients with severe PD.Methods:A retrospective comparative study was conducted on 33 PD patients undergoing partial plaque excision and grafting from September 2015 to May 2021.The patients were divided into two groups depending on the type of graft used.For 15 patients in Group B,testicular tunica vaginalis grafts were used to repair the defect,while for 18 patients in Group A,bovine pericardium grafts were used.Data of the patient’s age,comorbidities,sexual function,penile curvature,postoperative complications,need for further treatment,change in penile length,and satisfaction were gathered and compared between the groups.Sexual function was evaluated using the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF-5),and a functional less than 20-degree penile curvature after surgery was considered a successful intervention.Results:There was no difference in age,comorbidities,degree of curvature,perioperative IIEF-5,operative time,plaque size,or complication rates.After surgery,a statistically significant improvement in curvature degree(p<0.05)and satisfactory penile appearance(p<0.05)were seen in both groups without any superiority between the two groups(p=0.423 and p=0.840,respectively).With a 30-month follow-up,the IIEF-5 was consistent in both groups,with no statistical significance between the groups(p=0.492).The main change in penile length during the operation was increased and still positive in the last follow-up in both groups without statistical significance(p=0.255 and p=0.101,respectively).Conclusion:Partial plaque excision and corporoplasty with both testicular tunica vaginalis or bovine pericardium grafts are equally effective in treating males with clinically significant PD.

Hindered phenolic antioxidant grafting on tailoring the DC electrical characteristics of polypropylene cable insulation

The authors focus on the impact of melt-free radical grafting with hindered phenolic antioxidants(AO3052)on the electrical properties of polypropylene(PP)for DC cable insulation.The DC conductivity,space charge distribution and breakdown characteristic tests of grafting-modified PP are performed by comparing unmodified PP.The results demonstrate that the grafting of antioxidants can effectively suppress space charge injection,owing to the deeper trap sites at the grafting molecule.The breakdown strength of the grafted PP is significantly enhanced from 30°C to 90°C and especially achieves a 5.3%-6.7%increase after the same DC-prestressed time at 90°C.The surface electrostatic potential and molecular orbitals of the grafted PP are calculated.Simulation shows that the antioxidant introduces multi-level local state traps that can effectively trap the injected space charge,thus decreasing the destruction of molecular chains by electrons and increasing the breakdown strength level.In conclusion,antioxidant grafting modification can improve the breakdown characteristics with or without DC prestress,and thus it appears to be promising in the application of PP-insulated cables.

Implications of Elevated Serum Cortisol in the Onset of Postoperative Delirium Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights from a Bangladesh-Based Single Center Experience

Background: Following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), delirium emerges as a prevalent complication. This study aimed to assess the correlation between elevated serum cortisol levels and the occurrence of postoperative delirium subsequent to off-pump CABG. Methods: Conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at BSMMU from October 2020 to September 2022, this comparative cross-sectional study included a total of 44 participants. Subjects, meeting specific criteria, were purposefully assigned to two groups based on off-pump CABG. Group A (n = 22) consisted of patients with normal serum cortisol levels, while Group B (n = 22) comprised individuals with high serum cortisol levels on the first postoperative day. Delirium onset was assessed at the bedside in the ICU on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative days using standard tools, namely the Richmond Agitation Sedation score (RASS) and The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM-ICU). Data were collected based on the presence or absence of delirium. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0, employing an independent Student’s t-test for continuous data and chi-square and Fischer’s exact test for categorical data. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group-A had a mean age of 54.50 ± 17.97, and Group-B had a mean age of 55.22 ± 15.45, both with a male predominance (81.81% and 86.36% respectively). The mean serum cortisol level was significantly higher in Group B (829.71 ± vs. 389.98 ± 68.77). Postoperative delirium occurred in 27.3% of Group B patients, statistically significant compared to the 4.5% in Group A. However, patients in Group B who developed delirium experienced significantly longer postoperative ICU and hospital stays (79.29 ± 12.27 vs. 11.44 ± 2.85, p ≤ 0.05). There was one mortality in Group B, which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study observed a significant association between elevated serum cortisol levels in the postoperative period and the occurrence of postoperative delirium after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Superhydrophobic melamine sponge prepared by radiation-induced grafting technology for efficient oil-water separation

This paper presents a superhydrophobic melamine(ME)sponge(ME-g-PLMA)prepared via high-energy radiation-induced in situ covalent grafting of long-alkyl-chain dodecyl methacrylate(LMA)onto an ME sponge for efficient oil–water separation.The obtained ME-g-PLMA sponge had an excellent pore structure with superhydrophobic(water contact angle of 154°)and superoleophilic properties.It can absorb various types of oils up to 66–168 times its mass.The ME-g-PLMA sponge can continuously separate oil slicks in water by connecting a pump or separating oil underwater with a gravity-driven device.In addition,it maintained its highly hydrophobic properties even after long-term immersion in different corrosive solutions and repeated oil adsorption.The modified ME-g-PLMA sponge exhibited excellent separation properties and potential for oil spill cleanup.

Surgical Treatment of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Using Minimally Invasive Surgical Drilling and Cancellous Grafting at Brazzaville University Hospital

Introduction: Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONTF) is a debilitating condition. Several treatments have been proposed with controversial results. The aim of our study was to evaluate treatment by surgical drilling coupled with in situ cancellous grafting. Materials and methods: Our study was a case-control study conducted at Brazzaville University Hospital from 1st January 2018 to 31 December 2023. It compared two groups of patients with ONTF: non-operated (13 patients, 20 hips) and operated (22 patients, 35 hips). We used the visual digital scale (VDS) for pain assessment, the Merle D’Aubigne-Postel (MDP) scoring system for clinical and functional assessment, and the evolution of necrosis. Results: The group of non-operated patients had a mean age of 35.69 ± 3.4 years, no improvement in pain with an EVN above seven at the last recoil and a mean global MDP score falling from 12.7 before offloading to 10.13 at one year. The group of patients operated on had a mean age of 37.86 ± 7.02 years, a significant reduction in pain (p = 0.00004) and a significantly increased MDP score (p = 0.0034). A comparison of the two groups of patients showed significant stabilization of the necrotic lesions in the operated patients (p = 0.00067), with better satisfaction in the same group. Conclusion: Surgical drilling combined with grafting in the treatment of early-stage ONTF has improved progress in our series. The technique is reproducible and less invasive. It has made it possible to delay unfavorable progression and, consequently, hip replacement surgery.

Clinical effect of botulinum toxin type A combined with autologous fat grafting in patients with nasolabial fold depression

BACKGROUND Nasolabial fold(NLF)depression can affect the facial appearance of patients to some extent and increase their psychological burdens.In recent years,autologous fat grafting(AFG)combined with botulinum toxin A(BTX-A)injection(AFG+BTX-A injection)has been gradually applied in the treatment of patients with NLF depression.Although studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety of AFG+BTX-A injection in treating NLF depression,the experimental design,observational indicators,and sample enrollment criteria vary remarkably,making it difficult to draw convincing and consistent conclusions.Thus,further relevant research is warranted.AIM To assess the esthetic improvement,efficacy,and safety of AFG+BTX-A injections in patients with NLF depression.METHODS This study included 60 patients with NLF depression who were treated in our hospital from February 2019 to April 2021.These patients were categorized into control(n=30)and observation(n=30)groups.The observation group received AFG+BTX-A injection,whereas the control group underwent AFG only.All patients were evaluated using the wrinkle severity rating scale(WSRS)and global aesthetic improvement scale.The compactness of facial contours,skin evaluation indexes,adverse reactions,and satisfaction of the two groups were evaluated 3 months postoperatively.RESULTS The WSRS scores of the observation group at 1,3,and 6 months postoperatively were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).Three months postoperatively,facial fine lines and pores showed obvious improvement and the skin index score was higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The compactness of facial contours was better in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).In addition,no remarkable differences were noted in the incidence of postoperative adverse reactions such as facial stiffness,facial asymmetry,facial bruising,and facial concavity inequality(P>0.05).CONCLUSION AFG+BTX-A injection is a highly safe,cost-effective,effective,and long-lasting treatment for NLF depression with high esthetic value,which should be promoted in the future.

Negative pressure device-assisted autologous fat grafting: A case report

This report describes a novel technique for improving depressed scars using negative pressure suction-assisted autologous fat grafting.A 35-year-old woman presented with a 20-year history of bilateral central buttock con-cavities,causing aesthetic concerns.To maximize fat graft survival and enhance tissue volume,we implemented intermittent negative pressure suction on the recipient area for one month preoperatively.The patient expressed satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome,and a three-month follow-up confirmed a significantly improved fat graft survival rate.This minimally invasive,cost-effective,and easily reproducible technique offers a promising clinical strategy for treating depressed scars.

Efficient and selective removal of Pb(Ⅱ) from landfill leachate using L-serine-modified polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric synthesized via radiation grafting technique

In this study,to efficiently remove Pb(Ⅱ) from aqueous environments,a novel L-serine-modified polyethylene/polypropylene nonwoven fabric sorbent(NWF-serine)was fabricated through the radiation grafting of glycidyl methacrylate and subsequent L-serine modification.The effect of the absorbed dose was investigated in the range of 5–50 kGy.NWF-serine was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,thermogravimetric analysis,and scanning electron microscopy.Batch adsorption tests were conducted to investigate the influences of pH,adsorption time,temperature,initial concentration,and sorbent dosage on the Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption performance of NWF-serine.The results indicated that Pb(Ⅱ) adsorption onto NWF-serine was an endothermic process,following the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model.The saturated adsorption capacity was 198.1 mg/g.NWF-serine exhibited Pb(Ⅱ) removal rates of 99.8% for aqueous solutions with initial concentrations of 100 mg/L and 82.1% for landfill leachate containing competitive metal ions such as Cd,Cu,Ni,Mn,and Zn.Furthermore,NWF-serine maintained 86% of its Pb(Ⅱ) uptake after five use cycles.The coordination of the carboxyl and amino groups with Pb(Ⅱ) was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis.

Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction: Short-Term Results from a Single Center in Bangladesh

Background: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is considered a safer alternative to on-pump surgery, especially in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD). Objectives: This study assessed short-term outcomes and functional improvements in LVD patients post-OPCAB. Methods: The study included 200 coronary artery disease patients who underwent isolated off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute between January 2019 and June 2020. Patients were categorized into Group 1, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 30% - 39%, and Group 2, with an LVEF of 40% or higher. Echocardiographic assessments of left ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction were performed preoperatively, at discharge, and one month postoperatively. Results: In Group 1, preoperative left ventricular internal dimensions during diastole (LVIDd) and systole (LVIDs) were 53.48 ± 4.40 mm and 44.23 ± 3.93 mm, respectively, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 35.28% ± 2.26%. At discharge, these values improved to 51.58 ± 4.04 mm (LVIDd), 41.23 ± 5.30 mm (LVIDs), and 39.25% ± 3.75% (LVEF). One month postoperatively, further improvements were observed: 46.29 ± 3.76 mm (LVIDd), 37.45 ± 3.68 mm (LVIDs), and 43.22% ± 4.67% (LVEF). Group 2 showed similar positive outcomes, with preoperative values of 47.09 ± 5.06 mm (LVIDd), 35.11 ± 5.25 mm (LVIDs), and 50.13% ± 7.25% (LVEF), improving to 42.37 ± 4.18 mm (LVIDd), 31.05 ± 4.19 mm (LVIDs), and 55.33% ± 7.05% (LVEF) at one month postoperatively. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in left ventricular function and NYHA class, with most patients moving from class III/IV to I/II. Complications were minimal, and no mortality was observed. Conclusion: OPCAB is safe and effective for patients with LVEF 30% - 39% and LVEF ≥ 40%, providing significant short-term functional improvements without increased risk.

Improvement of ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte based on Cu-Al bimetallic metal-organic framework fabricated through molecular grafting

A composite solid electrolyte comprising a Cu-Al bimetallic metal-organic framework(CAB),lithium salt(LiTFSI)and polyethylene oxide(PEO)was fabricated through molecular grafting to enhance the ionic conductivity of the PEO-based electrolytes.Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation results indicated that the electrolyte with 10 wt.%CAB(PL-CAB-10%)exhibits high ionic conductivity(8.42×10~(-4)S/cm at 60℃),high Li+transference number(0.46),wide electrochemical window(4.91 V),good thermal stability,and outstanding mechanical properties.Furthermore,PL-CAB-10%exhibits excellent cycle stability in both Li-Li symmetric battery and Li/PL-CAB-10%/LiFePO4 asymmetric battery setups.These enhanced performances are primarily attributable to the introduction of the versatile CAB.The abundant metal sites in CAB can react with TFSI~-and PEO through Lewis acid-base interactions,promoting LiTFSI dissociation and improving ionic conductivity.Additionally,regular pores in CAB provide uniformly distributed sites for cation plating during cycling.

Impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on postcoronary artery bypass grafting patients

BACKGROUND Some patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease experience major adverse cardiac events(MACE)and require readmission after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting(CABG)surgery.This is often attributed to patients'unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits,inadequate understanding of the disease,and poor disease management compliance.Thus,searching for more targeted nursing intervention models that can enhance patients'self-management abilities and reduce the risk of readmission after CABG surgery is significant.AIM To observe the impact of specialized nursing outpatient case management on patients after CABG surgery.METHODS A total of 103 patients who underwent CABG surgery in our hospital between April 2021 and April 2022 comprised the study sample.The patients were divided into two groups using an odd-even number grouping method.The control group received routine nursing care,while the case management group received specialized nursing outpatient case management.The differences in psychological status,adherence to medical treatment,self-care ability,knowledge mastery,quality of life scores,and the occurrence rate of MACE were compared between the two groups.RESULTS After the intervention,the case management group had lower scores on the selfrating depression scale and self-rating anxiety scale and lower MACE rate,as well as higher scores for adherence to a healthy diet,medication adherence,good lifestyle habits,regular exercise,and timely follow-up,higher scores on the Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management Scale,higher scores for managing adverse habits,symptoms,emotional cognition,emergency response,disease knowledge,general lifestyle,and treatment adherence,higher scores for understanding coronary heart disease,recognizing the importance of medication adherence,understanding selfcare points after CABG surgery,and being aware of post-CABG precautions,higher scores for physical well-being,disease condition,general health,social-psychological well-being,and work-related aspects(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Specialized nursing outpatient case management can enhance patient adherence to medical treatment,knowledge mastery,psychological well-being,and overall quality of life in patients after CABG surgery.

Delayed Grafting as a Valid Technique in Burn Management: Experience from a Burn Unit in Oman

Background: Early excision and grafting has been the preferred method of managing major burns around the world since 1970. Considering the advances in health care and the development of new antibiotics over the past 50 years, delayed grafting as a technique for the management of burns over 15%-20% of total body surface area (TBSA) could have comparable results to that of early excision. This study aims to highlight the outcomes of practicing delayed grafting in burn patients. Methods: A case series analysis was performed of 51 patients who were admitted to the burns unit in Sultan Qaboos Hospital Salalah with over 20% TBSA between January 2014 and December 2019. The patients received prophylactic antibiotics and silver sulphadiazine dressing until the burn eschar had completely separated, followed by grafting. Results: Two patients were lost during the entire duration of the study. The mortality rate was comparable to that of early excision, while the rate of hypertrophic scarring was lower than the range reported by other studies. Conclusion: In the management of patients with over 20% TBSA, delayed grafting after complete separation of eschar is still a valid technique.

Solid-phase microextraction of endogenous metabolites from intact tissue validated using a Biocrates standard reference method kit

Improved analytical methods for the metabolomic profiling of tissue samples are constantly needed.Currently,conventional sample preparation methods often involve tissue biopsy and/or homogenization,which disrupts the endogenous metabolome.In this study,solid-phase microextraction(SPME)fibers were used to monitor changes in endogenous compounds in homogenized and intact ovine lung tissue.Following SPME,a Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ assay was applied to make a downstream targeted metabolomics analysis and confirm the advantages of in vivo SPME metabolomics.The AbsoluteIDQ kit enabled the targeted analysis of over 100 metabolites via solid-liquid extraction and SPME.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between conventional liquid extractions from homogenized tissue and SPME results for both homogenized and intact tissue samples.In addition,principal component analysis revealed separated clustering among all the three sample groups,indicating changes in the metabolome due to tissue homogenization and the chosen sample preparation method.Furthermore,clear differences in free metabolites were observed when extractions were performed on the intact and homogenized tissue using identical SPME procedures.Specifically,a direct comparison showed that 47 statistically distinct metabolites were detected between the homogenized and intact lung tissue samples(P<0.05)using mixed-mode SPME fibers.These changes were probably due to the disruptive homogenization of the tissue.This study's findings highlight both the importance of sample preparation in tissue-based metabolomics studies and SPME's unique ability to perform minimally invasive extractions without tissue biopsy or homogenization while providing broad metabolite coverage.

Scalable solid-phase synthesis of defect-rich graphene for oxygen reduction electrocatalysis

Defect-engineered carbon materials have been emerged as promising electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)in metal-air batteries.Developing a facile strategy for the preparation of highly active nanocarbon electrocatalysts remains challenging.Herein,a low-cost and simple route is developed to synthesize defective graphene by pyrolyzing the mixture of glucose and carbon nitride.Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the graphene formation is ascribed to two-dimensional layered feature of carbon nitride,and high compatibility of carbon nitride/glucose systems.Structural measurements suggest that the graphene possesses rich edge and topological defects.The graphene catalyst exhibits higher power density than commercial Pt/C catalyst in a primary Zn-air battery.Combining experimental results and theoretical thermodynamic analysis,it is identified that graphitic nitrogen-modified topological defects at carbon framework edges are responsible for the decent ORR performance.The strategy presented in this work can be can be scaled up readily to fabricate defective carbon materials.

Carbon Doping Triggered Efficient Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution of Cross-Linked Porous Ru-MoO_(2) Via Solid-Phase Reaction Strategy

The defect-free structure of Mo-based materials is a“double-edged sword”,which endows the material with excellent stability,but limits its chemical versatility and application in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction(HER).Carbon doping engineering is an attractive strategy to effectively improve the performance of Mo-based catalyst and maintain their stability.Herein,we report a cross-linked porous carbon-doped MoO_(2)(C–MoO_(2))-based catalyst Ru/C–MoO_(2) for electrochemical HER,which is prepared by the convenient redox solid-phase reaction(SPR)of porous RuO_(2)/Mo_(2)C composite precursor.Theoretical studies reveal that due to the presence of carbon atoms,the electronic structure of C–MoO_(2) has been properly adjusted,and the loaded small Ru nanoparticles provide a fast water dissociation rate and moderate H adsorption strength.In electrochemical studies under a pH-universal environment,Ru/C–MoO_(2) electrocatalyst exhibits a low overpotential at a current density of 10 mA cm^(-2) and has a low Tafel slope.Meanwhile,Ru/C-MoO_(2) has excellent stability for more than 100 h at an initial current density of 100 mA cm^(-2).

Grafting effects on bioactive compounds,chemical and agronomic traits of‘Corbarino’tomato grown under greenhouse healthy conditions

In tomatoes,grafting onto resistant rootstocks represents an effective strategy to control several soil-borne diseases that reduce crop profitability,especially for landraceswith little or no resistance tomultiple pathogens/pests.In this study,the high-value‘Corbarino’tomato landrace was grafted onto seven commercial Solanum interspecific rootstocks to evaluate graft compatibility,yield performance,and qualitative characteristics under greenhouse healthy conditions.Three rootstocks were themost effective in improving fruit yield without negatively affecting the carpometric,technological,and health-related traits of the traditional tomato.‘Dinafort’rootstock increased fresh and dry yield,harvest index,and fruit/clusters,while mean fruit weight,shape index,total and soluble solid content,simple sugars,organic acids,flavonoids,ascorbic acid,and trans-lycopene content did not differ with respect to the ungrafted‘Corbarino’.‘Interpro’rootstock also showed promising results for the overall yield and quality traits,although it reduced the trans-lycopene content in the fruit.‘Silex’rootstock showed the highest harvest index as result of decreased vigour.The fruit quality induced by‘Silex’was satisfactory and high levels of simple sugars,flavonoids,ascorbic acid,and trans-lycopene were also observed.However,graft success,especially for‘Dinafort’and‘Silex’,needs to be improved by investigating more suitable methods for seedling production,grafting,acclimatization,etc.

Nicotiana benthamiana XYLEM CYSTEINE PROTEASE genes facilitate tracheary element formation in interfamily grafting

Grafting is a plant propagation technique widely used in agriculture.A recent discovery of the capability of interfamily grafting in Nicotiana has expanded the potential combinations of grafting.In this study,we showed that xylem connection is essential for the achievement of interfamily grafting and investigated the molecular basis of xylem formation at the graft junction.Transcriptome and gene network analyses revealed gene modules for tracheary element(TE)formation during grafting that include genes associated with xylem cell differentiation and immune response.The reliability of the drawn network was validated by examining the role of the Nicotiana benthamiana XYLEM CYSTEINE PROTEASE(NbXCP)genes in TE formation during interfamily grafting.Promoter activities of NbXCP1 and NbXCP2 genes were found in differentiating TE cells in the stem and callus tissues at the graft junction.Analysis of a Nbxcp1;Nbxcp2 loss-of-function mutant indicated that NbXCPs control the timing of de novo TE formation at the graft junction.Moreover,grafts of the NbXCP1 overexpressor increased the scion growth rate as well as the fruit size.Thus,we identified gene modules for TE formation at the graft boundary and demonstrated potential ways to enhance Nicotiana interfamily grafting.