Apple(Malus×domestica)is a popular temperate fruit crop worldwide.However,its growth,productivity,and quality are often adversely affected by abiotic stresses such as drought,extreme temperature,and high salinity...Apple(Malus×domestica)is a popular temperate fruit crop worldwide.However,its growth,productivity,and quality are often adversely affected by abiotic stresses such as drought,extreme temperature,and high salinity.Due to the long juvenile phase and highly heterozygous genome,the conventional breeding approaches for stress-tolerant cultivars are time-consuming and resource-intensive.These issues may be resolved by feasible molecular breeding techniques for apples,such as gene editing and marker-assisted selection.Therefore,it is necessary to acquire a more comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underpinning apples’response to abiotic stress.In this review,we summarize the latest research progress in the molecular response of apples to abiotic stressors,including the gene expression regulation,protein modifications,and epigenetic modifications.We also provide updates on new approaches for improving apple abiotic stress tolerance,while discussing current challenges and future perspectives for apple molecular breeding.展开更多
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease.Early studies hold an opinion that gut microbiota is environmentally acquired and associated with RA susceptibility.However,accumulating evidence demonstrates that gene...Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease.Early studies hold an opinion that gut microbiota is environmentally acquired and associated with RA susceptibility.However,accumulating evidence demonstrates that genetics also shape the gut microbiota.It is known that some strains of inbred laboratory mice are highly susceptible to collagen-induced arthritis(CIA),while the others are resistant to CIA.Here,we show that transplantation of fecal microbiota of CIA-resistant C57BL/6J mice to CIA-susceptible DBA/1J mice confer CIA resistance in DBA/1J mice.C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have enriched B.fragilis than DBA/1J mice and RA patients.Transplantation of B.fragilis prevents CIA in DBA/1J mice.We identify that B.fragilis mainly produces propionate and C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have higher level of propionate.Fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)in RA are activated to undergo tumor-like transformation.Propionate disrupts HDAC3-FOXK1 interaction to increase acetylation of FOXK1,resulting in reduced FOXK1 stability,blocked interferon signaling and deactivation of RA-FLSs.We treat CIA mice with propionate and show that propionate attenuates CIA.Moreover,a combination of propionate with anti-TNF etanercept synergistically relieves CIA.These results suggest that B.fragilis or propionate could be an alternative or complementary approach to the current therapies.展开更多
Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecological disease with endometrial cell implantation outside the uterus.Angiogenesis is a major pathophysiology in endometriosis.Our previous studies have demonstrated that the pr...Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecological disease with endometrial cell implantation outside the uterus.Angiogenesis is a major pathophysiology in endometriosis.Our previous studies have demonstrated that the prodrug of epigallocatechin gallate(ProEGCG)exhibits superior anti-endometriotic and anti-angiogenic effects compared to epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG).However,their direct binding targets and underlying mechanisms for the differential effects remain unknown.In this study,we demonstrated that oral ProEGCG can be effective in preventing and treating endometriosis.Additionally,1D and 2D Proteome Integral Solubility Alteration assay-based chemical proteomics identified metadherin(MTDH)and PX domain containing serine/threonine kinase-like(PXK)as novel binding targets of EGCG and ProEGCG,respectively.Computational simulation and BioLayer interferometry were used to confirm their binding affinity.Our results showed that MTDH-EGCG inhibited protein kinase B(Akt)-mediated angiogenesis,while PXK-ProEGCG inhibited epidermal growth factor(EGF)-mediated angiogenesis via the EGF/hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF-1a)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)pathway.In vitro and in vivo knockdown assays and microvascular network imaging further confirmed the involvement of these signaling pathways.Moreover,our study demonstrated that ProEGCG has superior therapeutic effects than EGCG by targeting distinct signal transduction pathways and may act as a novel antiangiogenic therapy for endometriosis.展开更多
The traditional standard wet sieving method uses steel sieves with aperture?0.063 mm and can only determine the particle size distribution(PSD)of gravel and sand in general soil.This paper extends the traditional meth...The traditional standard wet sieving method uses steel sieves with aperture?0.063 mm and can only determine the particle size distribution(PSD)of gravel and sand in general soil.This paper extends the traditional method and presents an extended wet sieving method.The extended method uses both the steel sieves and the nylon filter cloth sieves.The apertures of the cloth sieves are smaller than 0.063 mm and equal 0.048 mm,0.038 mm,0.014 mm,0.012 mm,0.0063 mm,0.004 mm,0.003 mm,0.002 mm,and 0.001 mm,respectively.The extended method uses five steps to separate the general soil into many material sub-groups of gravel,sand,silt and clay with known particle size ranges.The complete PSD of the general soil is then calculated from the dry masses of the individual material sub-groups.The extended method is demonstrated with a general soil of completely decomposed granite(CDG)in Hong Kong,China.The silt and clay materials with different particle size ranges are further examined,checked and verified using stereomicroscopic observation,physical and chemical property tests.The results further confirm the correctness of the extended wet sieving method.展开更多
To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO_(2)) to multi-carbon (C_(2+)) products is of great importance.Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst,by which the maximum C_(2+) Faradaic ef...To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO_(2)) to multi-carbon (C_(2+)) products is of great importance.Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst,by which the maximum C_(2+) Faradaic efficiency can reach 72.7%in flow-cell system,with the partial current density reaching 0.62 A cm^(-2).The in situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the *CO adsorption can be strengthened on such a N-doped Cu catalyst,thus promoting the *CO utilization in the subsequent C–C coupling step.Simultaneously,the water activation can be well enhanced by N doping on Cu catalyst.Owing to the synergistic effects,the selectivity and activity for C_(2+) products over the N-deoped Cu catalyst are much improved.展开更多
Deep shale gas reserves that have been fractured typically have many relatively close perforation holes. Due to theproximity of each fracture during the formation of the fracture network, there is significant stress i...Deep shale gas reserves that have been fractured typically have many relatively close perforation holes. Due to theproximity of each fracture during the formation of the fracture network, there is significant stress interference,which results in uneven fracture propagation. It is common practice to use “balls” to temporarily plug fractureopenings in order to lessen liquid intake and achieve uniform propagation in each cluster. In this study, a diameteroptimization model is introduced for these plugging balls based on a multi-cluster fracture propagationmodel and a perforation dynamic abrasion model. This approach relies on proper consideration of the multiphasenature of the considered problem and the interaction force between the involved fluid and solid phases. Accordingly,it can take into account the behavior of the gradually changing hole diameter due to proppant continuousperforation erosion. Moreover, it can provide useful information about the fluid-dynamic behavior of the consideredsystem before and after plugging. It is shown that when the diameter of the temporary plugging ball is1.2 times that of the perforation hole, the perforation holes of each cluster can be effectively blocked.展开更多
基金This project was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Project(2022YFD1602107)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172530)+1 种基金the Key S&T Special Projects of Shaanxi Province,China(2020zdzx03-01-02)the Key S&T Special Projects of Shanxi Province,China(202201140601027-6).
文摘Apple(Malus×domestica)is a popular temperate fruit crop worldwide.However,its growth,productivity,and quality are often adversely affected by abiotic stresses such as drought,extreme temperature,and high salinity.Due to the long juvenile phase and highly heterozygous genome,the conventional breeding approaches for stress-tolerant cultivars are time-consuming and resource-intensive.These issues may be resolved by feasible molecular breeding techniques for apples,such as gene editing and marker-assisted selection.Therefore,it is necessary to acquire a more comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underpinning apples’response to abiotic stress.In this review,we summarize the latest research progress in the molecular response of apples to abiotic stressors,including the gene expression regulation,protein modifications,and epigenetic modifications.We also provide updates on new approaches for improving apple abiotic stress tolerance,while discussing current challenges and future perspectives for apple molecular breeding.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation Council of China(82172386 and 81922081 to C.L.,82100943 to X.F.,82104216 to J.L.,and 82230081,82250710175 and 8226116039 to G.X.)the Department of Education of Guangdong Province(2021KTSCX104 to C.L.)+5 种基金the 2020 Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Strategy Special Fund(Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Lab)(2020B1212030006 to A.L.)the Guangdong Provincial Science and Technology Innovation Council Grant(2017B030301018 to G.X.)the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2022A1515012164 to C.L.,and 2023A1515012000 to X.F.)the Science,Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen(JCYJ20210324104201005 to C.L.,JCYJ20220530115006014 to X.F.,JCYJ20230807095118035 to J.L.,and JCYJ20220818100617036 to G.X.)the Hong Kong General Research Fund(12102722 to A.L.)the Hong Kong RGC Themebased Research Scheme(T12-201/20-R to A.L.).
文摘Rheumatoid arthritis(RA)is an autoimmune disease.Early studies hold an opinion that gut microbiota is environmentally acquired and associated with RA susceptibility.However,accumulating evidence demonstrates that genetics also shape the gut microbiota.It is known that some strains of inbred laboratory mice are highly susceptible to collagen-induced arthritis(CIA),while the others are resistant to CIA.Here,we show that transplantation of fecal microbiota of CIA-resistant C57BL/6J mice to CIA-susceptible DBA/1J mice confer CIA resistance in DBA/1J mice.C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have enriched B.fragilis than DBA/1J mice and RA patients.Transplantation of B.fragilis prevents CIA in DBA/1J mice.We identify that B.fragilis mainly produces propionate and C57BL/6J mice and healthy human individuals have higher level of propionate.Fibroblast-like synoviocytes(FLSs)in RA are activated to undergo tumor-like transformation.Propionate disrupts HDAC3-FOXK1 interaction to increase acetylation of FOXK1,resulting in reduced FOXK1 stability,blocked interferon signaling and deactivation of RA-FLSs.We treat CIA mice with propionate and show that propionate attenuates CIA.Moreover,a combination of propionate with anti-TNF etanercept synergistically relieves CIA.These results suggest that B.fragilis or propionate could be an alternative or complementary approach to the current therapies.
基金supported by the GRF RGC&CRF,Hong Kong(Grant Nos.:475012 and C5045-20 EF)HMRF,Hong Kong(Grant No.:03141386)+3 种基金ITF,Hong Kong(Grant No.:ITS/209/12)UGC Direct Grant 2011,2012,2021.032HKOG Trust Fund 2011,2014,2019the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.:81974225 and 82201823)。
文摘Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecological disease with endometrial cell implantation outside the uterus.Angiogenesis is a major pathophysiology in endometriosis.Our previous studies have demonstrated that the prodrug of epigallocatechin gallate(ProEGCG)exhibits superior anti-endometriotic and anti-angiogenic effects compared to epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG).However,their direct binding targets and underlying mechanisms for the differential effects remain unknown.In this study,we demonstrated that oral ProEGCG can be effective in preventing and treating endometriosis.Additionally,1D and 2D Proteome Integral Solubility Alteration assay-based chemical proteomics identified metadherin(MTDH)and PX domain containing serine/threonine kinase-like(PXK)as novel binding targets of EGCG and ProEGCG,respectively.Computational simulation and BioLayer interferometry were used to confirm their binding affinity.Our results showed that MTDH-EGCG inhibited protein kinase B(Akt)-mediated angiogenesis,while PXK-ProEGCG inhibited epidermal growth factor(EGF)-mediated angiogenesis via the EGF/hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF-1a)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)pathway.In vitro and in vivo knockdown assays and microvascular network imaging further confirmed the involvement of these signaling pathways.Moreover,our study demonstrated that ProEGCG has superior therapeutic effects than EGCG by targeting distinct signal transduction pathways and may act as a novel antiangiogenic therapy for endometriosis.
基金The work described in this paper was partially supported by grants from the Research Grant Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,China(Project Nos.HKU 17207518 and R5037-18).
文摘The traditional standard wet sieving method uses steel sieves with aperture?0.063 mm and can only determine the particle size distribution(PSD)of gravel and sand in general soil.This paper extends the traditional method and presents an extended wet sieving method.The extended method uses both the steel sieves and the nylon filter cloth sieves.The apertures of the cloth sieves are smaller than 0.063 mm and equal 0.048 mm,0.038 mm,0.014 mm,0.012 mm,0.0063 mm,0.004 mm,0.003 mm,0.002 mm,and 0.001 mm,respectively.The extended method uses five steps to separate the general soil into many material sub-groups of gravel,sand,silt and clay with known particle size ranges.The complete PSD of the general soil is then calculated from the dry masses of the individual material sub-groups.The extended method is demonstrated with a general soil of completely decomposed granite(CDG)in Hong Kong,China.The silt and clay materials with different particle size ranges are further examined,checked and verified using stereomicroscopic observation,physical and chemical property tests.The results further confirm the correctness of the extended wet sieving method.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (22033009, 22121002, 22238011)。
文摘To improve the electrocatalytic transformation of carbon dioxide (CO_(2)) to multi-carbon (C_(2+)) products is of great importance.Here we developed a nitrogen-doped Cu catalyst,by which the maximum C_(2+) Faradaic efficiency can reach 72.7%in flow-cell system,with the partial current density reaching 0.62 A cm^(-2).The in situ Raman spectra demonstrate that the *CO adsorption can be strengthened on such a N-doped Cu catalyst,thus promoting the *CO utilization in the subsequent C–C coupling step.Simultaneously,the water activation can be well enhanced by N doping on Cu catalyst.Owing to the synergistic effects,the selectivity and activity for C_(2+) products over the N-deoped Cu catalyst are much improved.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.U21B2071).
文摘Deep shale gas reserves that have been fractured typically have many relatively close perforation holes. Due to theproximity of each fracture during the formation of the fracture network, there is significant stress interference,which results in uneven fracture propagation. It is common practice to use “balls” to temporarily plug fractureopenings in order to lessen liquid intake and achieve uniform propagation in each cluster. In this study, a diameteroptimization model is introduced for these plugging balls based on a multi-cluster fracture propagationmodel and a perforation dynamic abrasion model. This approach relies on proper consideration of the multiphasenature of the considered problem and the interaction force between the involved fluid and solid phases. Accordingly,it can take into account the behavior of the gradually changing hole diameter due to proppant continuousperforation erosion. Moreover, it can provide useful information about the fluid-dynamic behavior of the consideredsystem before and after plugging. It is shown that when the diameter of the temporary plugging ball is1.2 times that of the perforation hole, the perforation holes of each cluster can be effectively blocked.
