Early Treatment of Nevus of Ota in Children is More Effective and Beneficial to Mental Health: Observation on the Efficacy of Q-Switched Ruby Laser in Treating 159 Cases of Nevus of Ota in Children.

Background and Objective: Nevus of Ota (NO), also known as "brownish-blue nevus of the palate of the eye", is a benign dermal pigmentation that increases skin disease. The Q-switched ruby laser is a classic treatment for nevus of Ota in children, but the optimal age for treatment is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment effect of Q-switched ruby laser in children with nevus of Ota at different ages and the effect on psychological health status. Materials and Methods: Children with nevus of Ota treated with Q-switched ruby laser in the Department of Dermatology of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University from June 2015 to June 2019 were retrospectively analysed. And the mental health status was assessed using the CDI scale. Results: In the preschool children group (0-7 year age), the significant efficacy rates was 93.1%, the average number of treatments was 3.6, and the overall incidence of adverse reactions was 4.7%. The significant efficacy rates in the school-age children group (7-14 year age) was 90.3%, the average number of treatments was 5.1, and the overall incidence of adverse reactions was 13.7%. The mean post-treatment CDI score in the preschool children group was 10.8, and 9.7% of children exceeding 19 points. The mean pre-treatment CDI score in the school-age children group was 17.3, and 24.6% of children exceeding 19 points. The mean post-treatment CDI score was 13.6 and 15.1% of children exceeded 19 points. The chi-square test for the significant efficacy rate of the two groups showed P>0.05, which was not statistically significant. The significant efficacy rate of the preschool group and that of the school-age children group. The t-test for the number of treatments in the two groups showed P<0.05, which was statistically significant. Adverse reactions in the two groups showed a statistically significant P<0.05. The mean CDI scores and the percentage of depressed individuals in the school-age children group were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Q-switched ruby laser is safe and effective in treating nevus of Ota in children. Early treatment can reduce the number of treatments and the incidence of adverse reactions. In addition, early treatment can reduce children's depression, which is beneficial to mental health.

Salvage CD20-SD-CART therapy in aggressive B-cell lymphoma after CD19 CART treatment failure.

Background and aims: Patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma(r/r aBCL)who progressed after CD19-specific chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CD19CART) had a poor prognosis. Application of CAR T-cells targeting a second different antigen (CD20) expressed on the surface of B-cell lymphoma as subsequent anti-cancer salvage therapy (CD20-SD-CART) is also an option. This study aimed to evaluate the survival outcome of CD20-SD-CART as a salvage therapy for CD19 CART treatment failure. Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with aBCL after the failure of CD19 CART treatment at Beijing Gobroad Boren Hospital from December 2019 to May 2022. Patients were subsequently treated with CD20CART therapy or non-CART therapy (polatuzumab or non-polatuzumab). Results: A total of 93 patients were included in the study, with 54 patients receiving CD20-SD-CART therapy. After a median follow-up of 18.54 months, the CD20-SD-CART group demonstrated significantly longer median progression-free survival (4.04 months vs. 2.27 months, p=0.0032) and median overall survival (8.15 months vs. 3.02 months, p<0.0001) compared to the non-CART group. The complete response rate in the CD20-SD-CART group (15/54, 27.8%) was also significantly higher than the non-CART group (3/38, 7.9%, p=0.03). Multivariate analysis further confirmed that CD20CART treatment was independently associated with improved overall survival (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.16-0.51; p<0.0001) and progression-free survival (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.27-0.8; p=0.005). Conclusion: CD20-SD-CART could serve as an effective therapeutic option for patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma after CD19CART treatment failure.

Modeling the dynamic impacts of maritime network blockage on global supply chains.

Recent phenomena such as pandemics, geopolitical tensions, and climate change-induced extreme weather events have caused transportation network interruptions, revealing vulnerabilities in the global supply chain. A salient example is the March 2021 Suez Canal blockage, which delayed 432 vessels carrying cargo valued at $92.7 billion, triggering widespread supply chain disruptions. Our ability to model the spatiotemporal ramifications of such incidents remains limited. To fill this gap, we develop an agent-based complex network model integrated with frequently updated maritime data. The Suez Canal blockage is taken as a case study. The results indicate that the effects of such blockages go beyond the directly affected countries and sectors. The Suez Canal blockage led to global losses of about $136.9 ($127.5-$147.3) billion, with India suffering 75% of these losses. Global losses show a nonlinear relationship with the duration of blockage and exhibit intricate trends post blockage. Our proposed model can be applied to diverse blockage scenarios, potentially acting as an early-alert system for the ensuing supply chain impacts. Furthermore, high-resolution daily data post blockage offer valuable insights that can help nations and industries enhance their resilience against similar future events.

From individuals to families: design and application of self-similar chiral nanomaterials.

Establishing an intimate relationship between similar individuals is the beginning of self-extension. Various self-similar chiral nanomaterials can be designed using an individual-to-family approach, accomplishing self-extension. This self-similarity facilitates chiral communication, transmission, and amplification of synthons. We focus on describing the marriage of discrete cages to develop self-similar extended frameworks. The advantages of utilizing cage-based frameworks for chiral recognition, enantioseparation, chiral catalysis and sensing are highlighted. To further promote self-extension, fractal chiral nanomaterials with self-similar and iterated architectures have attracted tremendous attention. The beauty of a fractal family tree lies in its ability to capture the complexity and interconnectedness of a family's lineage. As a type of fractal material, nanoflowers possess an overarching importance in chiral amplification due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. This review summarizes the design and application of state-of-the-art self-similar chiral nanomaterials including cage-based extended frameworks, fractal nanomaterials, and nanoflowers. We hope this formation process from individuals to families will inherit and broaden this great chirality.

Reference values of carotid intima-media thickness and arterial stiffness in Chinese adults based on ultrasound radio frequency signal: A nationwide, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants. METHODS: A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, ß stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson's correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance. RESULTS: All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The ß stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 µm/year in women and 5.8 µm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

All-RNA-mediated targeted gene integration in mammalian cells with rationally engineered R2 retrotransposons.

All-RNA-mediated targeted gene integration methods, rendering reduced immunogenicity, effective deliverability with non-viral vehicles, and a low risk of random mutagenesis, are urgently needed for next-generation gene addition technologies. Naturally occurring R2 retrotransposons hold promise in this context due to their site-specific integration profile. Here, we systematically analyzed the biodiversity of R2 elements and screened several R2 orthologs capable of full-length gene insertion in mammalian cells. Robust R2 system gene integration efficiency was attained using combined donor RNA and protein engineering. Importantly, the all-RNA-delivered engineered R2 system showed effective integration activity, with efficiency over 60% in mouse embryos. Unbiased high-throughput sequencing demonstrated that the engineered R2 system exhibited high on-target integration specificity (99%). In conclusion, our study provides engineered R2 tools for applications based on hit-and-run targeted DNA integration and insights for further optimization of retrotransposon systems.

Bifidobacterium bifidum alleviates adenine-induced acute kidney injury in mice by improving intestinal barrier function.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a kind of critical kidney disease characterized by tubular injury, rapid decline of renal function and renal inflammation, with high clinical incidence. AKI has been shown to be associated with dysregulation of the gut microbiota and impaired intestinal barrier. Bifidobacterium has a positive impact on the treatment of many diseases. However, little is known about the role and mechanism of Bifidobacterium in AKI. Based on previous experiments, Bifidobacterium bifidum FL228.1 and FL276.1, which can relieve intestinal inflammation, and Bifidobacterium bifidum ZL.1, which has anti-inflammatory potential, were screened. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum FL228.1, FL276.1 and ZL.1 on AKI, focusing on their role in the gut microbiota composition and intestinal barrier function. Our results showed that Bifidobacterium bifidum FL228.1, FL276.1 and ZL.1 effectively improved kidney function in mice with AKI by regulating the gut microbiota dysregulation, inhibiting intestinal inflammation and rebuilding the intestinal mucosal barrier. In addition, intervention with probiotics turned the gut microbiota disturbance caused by AKI into a normalized trend, reversed the adverse outcome of microbiota imbalance, and increased the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria Bifidobacterium and Faecalibaculum. In summary, Bifidobacterium bifidum FL228.1, FL276.1, and ZL.1 alleviate adenine-induced AKI based on the gut-kidney axis. Although their mechanisms of action are different, their effect on alleviating AKI is almost the same.

Cellulose Nanofibrils/Alginates Double-Network Composites: Effects of Interfibrillar Interaction and G/M Ratio of Alginates on Mechanical Performance.

Interfibrillar phases and bonding in cellulose nanofibril (CNF)-based composites are crucial for materials performances. In this study, we investigated the influence of CNF surface characteristics, the guluronic acid/mannuronic acid ratio, and the molecular weight of alginates on the structure, mechanical, and barrier properties of CNF/alginate composite films. Three types of CNFs with varying surface charges and nanofibril dimensions were prepared from wood pulp fibers. The interfacial bonding through calcium ion cross-linking between alginate and carboxylated CNFs (TCNFs) led to significantly enhanced stiffness and strength due to the formation of an interpenetrating double network, compared to composites from alginates and CNFs with native negative or cationic surface charges. Various alginates extracted from Alaria esculenta (AE) and Laminaria hyperborea (LH) were also examined. The TCNF/AE composite, prepared from alginate with a high mannuronic acid proportion and high molecular weight, exhibited a Young's modulus of 20.3 GPa and a tensile strength of 331 MPa under dry conditions and a Young's modulus of 430 MPa and a tensile strength of 9.3 MPa at the wet state. Additionally, the TCNF/AE composite demonstrated protective properties as a barrier coating for fruit, significantly reducing browning of banana peels and weight loss of bananas stored under ambient conditions.

Nicotinamide mitigates visceral leishmaniasis by regulating inflammatory response and enhancing lipid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Currently, treatment regimens for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are limited because of the presence of numerous adverse effects. Nicotinamide, a readily available and cost-effective vitamin, has been widely acknowledged for its safety profile. Several studies have demonstrated the anti-leishmanial effects of nicotinamide in vitro. However, the potential role of nicotinamide in Leishmania infection in vivo remains elusive. METHODS: In this study, we assessed the efficacy of nicotinamide as a therapeutic intervention for VL caused by Leishmania infantum in an experimental mouse model and investigated its underlying molecular mechanisms. The potential molecular mechanism was explored through cytokine analysis, examination of spleen lymphocyte subsets, liver RNA-seq analysis, and pathway validation. RESULTS: Compared to the infection group, the group treated with nicotinamide demonstrated significant amelioration of hepatosplenomegaly and recovery from liver pathological damage. The NAM group exhibited parasite reduction rates of 79.7% in the liver and 86.7% in the spleen, respectively. Nicotinamide treatment significantly reduced the activation of excessive immune response in infected mice, thereby mitigating hepatosplenomegaly and injury. Furthermore, nicotinamide treatment enhanced fatty acid ß-oxidation by upregulating key enzymes to maintain lipid homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide initial evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic efficacy of nicotinamide in the treatment of Leishmania infection in BALB/c mice, suggesting its potential as a viable drug for VL.

Research progress of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like signaling in Toxoplasma gondii.

Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), is prevalent worldwide. The fact should be emphasized that a considerable proportion of individuals infected with T. gondii may remain asymptomatic; nevertheless, the condition can have severe implications for pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals. The current treatment of toxoplasmosis primarily relies on medication; however, traditional anti-toxoplasmosis drugs exhibit significant limitations in terms of efficacy, side effects, and drug resistance. The life cycles of T. gondii are characterized by distinct stages and its body morphology goes through dynamic alterations during the growth cycle that are intricately governed by a wide array of post-translational modifications (PTMs). Ubiquitin (Ub) signaling and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) signaling are two crucial post-translational modification pathways within cells, regulating protein function, localization, stability, or interactions by attaching Ub or ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) to target proteins. While these signaling mechanisms share some functional similarities, they have distinct regulatory mechanisms and effects. T. gondii possesses both Ub and Ubls and plays a significant role in regulating the parasite's life cycle and maintaining its morphology through PTMs of substrate proteins. Investigating the role and mechanism of protein ubiquitination in T. gondii will provide valuable insights for preventing and treating toxoplasmosis. This review explores the distinctive characteristics of Ub and Ubl signaling in T. gondii, with the aim of inspiring research ideas for the identification of safer and more effective drug targets against toxoplasmosis.

YTHDC1 aggravates high glucose-induced retinal vascular endothelial cell injury via m6A modification of CDK6.

OBJECTIVE: Retinal vascular endothelial cell (RVECs) injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among the patients with diabetes. RVECs dysfunction is the predominant pathological manifestation of vascular complication in diabetic retinopathy. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves as the most prevalent modification in eukaryotic mRNAs. However, the role of m6A RNA modification in RVECs dysfunction is still unclear. METHODS: RT-qPCR analysis and western blot were conducted to detect the change of m6A RNA modification in diabetic retinopathy. CCK-8 assay, transwell experiment, wound healing assay, tube formation experiment, m6A-IP-qPCR were performed to determine the role of YTHDC1 in RVECs. Retinal trypsin digestion test and H&E staining were used to evaluate histopathological changes. RESULTS: The levels of m6A RNA methylation were significantly up-regulated in HG-induced RVECs, which were caused by increased expression of YTHDC1. YTHDC1 regulated the viability, proliferation, migration and tube formation ability in vitro. YTHDC1 overexpression impaired RVECs function by repressing CDK6 expression, which was mediated by YTHDC1-dependent mRNA decay. Moreover, it showed sh-YTHDC1 inhibited CDK6 nuclear export. Sh-YTHDC1 promotes the mRNA degradation of CDK6 in the nucleus but does not affect the cytoplasmic CDK6 mRNA. In vivo experiments showed that overexpression of CDK6 reversed the protective effect of sh-YTHDC1 on STZ-induced retinal tissue damage. CONCLUSION: YTHDC1-mediated m6A methylation regulates diabetes-induced RVECs dysfunction. YTHDC1-CDK6 signaling axis could be therapeutically targeted for treating DR.

Validation of the DBP-8278B Wrist-type Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor in the general population according to the ISO 81060-2:2018/AMD 1:2020 protocol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the DBP-8278B Wrist-type Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor in the general population according to the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2 : 2018/AMD 1 : 2020). The test monitor was used to measure SBP and DBP and pulse rate in the wrists using the oscillometric method. According to this protocol using the same-arm sequential blood pressure measurement method, subjects were recruited to fulfill the age, sex, blood pressure, and cuff distribution criteria of the Universal Standard. A single cuff for wrist sizes of 13.5-21.5 cm was used. A total of 85 subjects were included in this study. According to Criterion 1, the mean difference in SBP between the test device and the reference device was 0.89 mmHg, with a SD of 7.76 mmHg. The mean difference of DBP was -1.44 mmHg, with a SD of 6.23 mmHg. The mean difference between SBP and DBP was less than 5.0 mmHg, and the SD was less than 8.0 mmHg, which met the requirements. According to Criterion 2, the SD of the mean differences of SBP between the test device and the reference device per subject was 5.65 mmHg, which was less than 6.88 mmHg and met the requirements. The SD of the mean differences of DBP between the test device and the reference device per subject was 5.61 mmHg, which was less than 6.78 mmHg and met the requirements. The DBP-8278B Wrist-type Fully Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor met the requirements of the AAMI/ESH/ISO Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2 : 2018/AMD 1 : 2020). It can be recommended for home and clinical use.

Genetic Analysis and Construction of a Fingerprint for Licensed Triadica sebifera Cultivars Using SSR Markers.

Triadica sebifera is an important landscaping tree species because of its colorful autumn leaves. In recent years, some cultivars have been bred and licensed, but it can be difficult to identify them from their morphological traits due to their similar phenotypes. To explore the genetic relationships and construct a fingerprint of the cultivars, the licensed T. sebifera cultivars were analyzed using SSR markers. A total of 179 alleles were identified among the 21 cultivars at 16 SSR loci, and these alleles exhibited a high level of genetic diversity (He = 0.86). The genetic variations mainly occurred among cultivars based on an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). According to phylogenetic analysis, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and Bayesian clustering analysis, the genetic relationships were independent of geographic distances, which may be mainly due to transplantations between regions. Some cultivars with different leaf colors showed obvious genetic differentiation and may be preliminary candidates for cross-breeding. Finally, the fingerprint for the licensed cultivars was constructed with two SSR markers. The results of this study can provide technical support for the application and legal protection of licensed Triadica sebifera cultivars.

Impact of diabetic kidney disease on post-operative complications after primary elective total hip arthroplasty: a nationwide database analysis.

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the United States necessitates further investigation into its impact on complications associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study utilizes a large nationwide database to explore risk factors in DKD cases undergoing THA. METHODS: This research utilized a case-control design, leveraging data from the national inpatient sample for the years 2016 to 2019. Employing propensity score matching (PSM), patients diagnosed with DKD were paired on a 1:1 basis with individuals free of DKD, ensuring equivalent age, sex, race, Elixhauser Comorbidity Index (ECI), and insurance coverage. Subsequently, comparisons were drawn between these PSM-matched cohorts, examining their characteristics and the incidence of post-THA complications. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was then employed to evaluate the risk of early complications after surgery. RESULTS: DKD's prevalence in the THA cohort was 2.38%. A 7-year age gap separated DKD and non-DKD patients (74 vs. 67 years, P < 0.0001). Additionally, individuals aged above 75 exhibited a substantial 22.58% increase in DKD risk (49.16% vs. 26.58%, P < 0.0001). Notably, linear regression analysis yielded a significant association between DKD and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), with DKD patients demonstrating 2.274-fold greater odds of AKI in contrast with non-DKD individuals (95% CI: 2.091-2.473). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that DKD is a significant risk factor for AKI in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Optimizing preoperative kidney function through appropriate interventions might decrease the risk of poor prognosis in this population. More prospective research is warranted to investigate the potential of targeted kidney function improvement strategies in reducing AKI rates after THA. The findings of this study hold promise for enhancing preoperative counseling by surgeons, enabling them to provide DKD patients undergoing THA with more precise information regarding the risks associated with their condition.

An Effective Ultrasound Features-Based Diagnostic Model via Principal Component Analysis Facilitated Differentiating Subtypes of Mucinous Breast Cancer From Fibroadenomas.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous breast carcinoma (MBC) is often misdiagnosed as fibroadenoma (FA),which can lead to inappropriate or delayed treatments. This study aimed to establish an efficient ultrasound (US)-based diagnostic model to distinguish MBC subtypes from FAs. METHODS: Between January 2017 and February 2024, 240 lesions were enrolled, comprising 65 cases of pure mucinous breast carcinoma (PMBC), 47 cases of mixed mucinous breast carcinoma (MMBC), and 128 cases of FAs. Ten US feature variables underwent principal component analysis (PCA). Models were constructed based on components explaining over 75% of the total variation, with varimax rotation applied for interpretability. Comprehensive models were developed to distinguish PMBCs and MMBCs from FAs. RESULTS: Six principal components were selected, achieving a cumulative contribution rate of 77.46% for PMBCs vs. FAs and 78.62% for MMBCs vs. FAs. The principal component of cystic-solid composition and posterior acoustic enhancement demonstrated the highest diagnostic value for distinguishing PMBCs from FAs (AUC: 0.86, ACC: 80.31%). Features including vascularization, irregular shape, ill-defined border, and larger size exhibited the highest diagnostic value for distinguishing MMBCs from FAs (AUC: 0.90, ACC: 87.43%). The comprehensive models showed excellent clinical value in distinguishing PMBCs (AUC = 0.86, SEN = 86.15%, SPE = 73.44%, ACC = 77.72%) and MMBCs (AUC = 0.92, SEN = 80.85%, SPE = 95.31%, ACC = 91.43%) from FAs. CONCLUSION: This diagnostic model holds promise for effectively distinguishing PMBCs and MMBCs from FAs, assisting radiologists in mitigating diagnostic biases and enhancing diagnostic efficiency.

Analyzing the quality differences between healthy and moldy cigar tobacco leaves during the air-curing process through fungal communities and physicochemical components.

Introduction: The air-curing process of cigar tobacco, as a key step in enhancing the quality of cigars, is often susceptible to contamination by mold spores, which severely constrains the quality of cigar tobacco. Methods: This study employed high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology and a continuous flow analysis system to analyze the differences between the microbial communities and physicochemical components of moldy and healthy cigar tobacco leaves. Furthermore, correlation analysis was performed to reveal the impact of mold on the quality of cigar tobacco. Results: The differences between the microbial flora and physicochemical compositions of moldy (MC) and healthy (HC) tobacco leaves were analyzed, revealing significant disparities between the two groups. Aspergillus spp. represented the dominant mold in MC, with nine out of twelve isolated molds showing higher quantities on MC than on HC. Mold contamination notably decreased the total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total alkaloids (TA), starch, protein, and flavor constituents while increasing the total fatty acid esters (TFAA), which was accompanied by a shift towards weakly acidic pH in the leaves. Fungal community analysis indicated a significant reduction in the fungal operational taxonomic unit (OUT) numbers and diversity indices in MC, contrasting with the bacterial trends. Aspergillus exhibited significantly higher relative abundance in MC, with LEfSe analysis pinpointing it as the primary driver of differentiation. Furthermore, significant negative correlations were observed between Aspergillus and TP, starch, TA, and protein, while a significant positive association was evident with TFAA. Network analysis underscored the pivotal role of Aspergillus as the species influencing disparities between HC and MC, with its abundance serving as a critical determinant during the air-curing process. Discussion: This study elucidated substantial quality distinctions between MC and HC during air-curing, with Aspergillus emerging as the key species contributing to leaf mold.

[Research Progress in Reducing Pollution and Sequestration of Carbon by Carbon Neutral Plants].

Under the dual constraints of economic development and ecological carrying capacity, it is necessary to explore more technical means to achieve carbon neutrality and peak in China. Plants are important carriers of terrestrial and marine carbon sink systems, whereas phytoremediation is also a scientific method to remedy environmental pollution. However, the current studies mostly focus on the single aspect of plant carbon sequestration (including both the reduction of pollutant concentrations in environmental media and degradation of pollutants) or plant pollution reduction, without considering the dual benefits of plant pollution reduction and carbon sequestration. In order to explore the carbon neutral effect of plants, we focused on the pollution reduction and carbon sequestration effect of carbon neutral plants and its progress and evaluated the pollution reduction and carbon sequestration potential of carbon neutral plants and other organisms (such as animals and soil microorganisms) and environmental functional materials. The mechanisms underlying the synergistic coupling of carbon neutral plants and animals, microorganisms, and environmental functional materials and ecosystems in reducing pollution and carbon sequestration were also explored. Finally, we proposed constructive prospects for future research on the effects of carbon neutral plants on pollution reduction and carbon sink.

Enantioselective synthesis of chiral amides by carbene insertion into amide N-H bond.

Chiral amides are important structure in many natural products and pharmaceuticals, yet their efficient synthesis from simple amide feedstock remains challenge due to its weak Lewis basicity. Herein, we describe our study of the enantioselective synthesis of chiral amides by N-alkylation of primary amides taking advantage of an achiral rhodium and chiral squaramide co-catalyzed carbene N-H insertion reaction. This method features mild condition, rapid reaction rate (in all cases 1 min) and a wide substrate scope with high yield and excellent enantioselectivity. Further product transformations show the synthetic potential of this reaction. Mechanistic studies reveal that the non-covalent interactions between the catalyst and reaction intermediate play a critical role in enantiocontrol.