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Proanthocyanidins (PAs) is a kind of polyphenols widely distributed in plants, and their astringent properties can protect plants from herbivores and regulate fruit taste. There is a great difference in PA composition between astringent (A)‐type and nonastringent (NA)‐type persimmon. Here, we studied the potential of DkDTX1/MATE1 in regulating PAs composition through its preferred transport in persimmon fruit. The results of fluorescence microscope showed that the DkDTX1/MATE1 green fluorescence overlapped with the blue light emitted by PA. Overexpression of DkDTX1/MATE1 in persimmon leaves not only significantly increase the concentrations of PA, but also upregulated the expression of PA biosynthesis pathway genes. Further overexpression of DkDTX1/MATE1 in persimmon fruit discs and stable genetic transformation of DkDTX1/MATE1 also led to PA concentrations increased. Molecular docking and transporter assays showed that DkDTX1/MATE1 preferentially transported catechin, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate. DkDTX1/MATE1 mainly bound to the PA precursors via serine at position 68. Our findings indicate that DkDTX1/MATE1 play a role in the accumulation of PAs in early stage of fruit development and affects the astringency of persimmon through preferential transport PA precursors, which provided a theoretical basis for the future use of metabolic engineering to regulate the composition of PAs in persimmon. Summary Statement: The differential expression and preferential transport activity of DkDTX1/MATE1 promote the accumulation of more epigallocatechin gallate in the early stage of fruit development, which leads to the high astringency of fruit in persimmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the safety and efficacy of using a paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) for the treatment of ureteric stenosis. Ureteric stenosis is a condition characterized by narrowing of the ureter, which can lead to obstruction and long-term complications if left untreated. Surgical reconstruction is the standard treatment, but some patients are unable or unwilling to undergo surgery. Balloon dilatation is a minimally invasive alternative, but recurrence rates are high. The PCB, which delivers paclitaxel locally, has shown promise in other medical fields but has limited use in urological diseases. This study conducted experiments on pigs and found that PCB was safe and effective in treating ureteric stenosis, resulting in improved luminal patency and reduced fibrosis. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. [Extracted from the article]

Conversion of quinoline C−H bonds into C−C bonds is essential for obtaining the enormous array of derivatives required for pharmaceutical and agrochemical development. Despite over a century of synthetic efforts, direct alkylation and alkenylation at C3−H positions in a wide array of quinoline precursors remain predominantly challenging and elusive. This report outlines the first successful quinoline C3−H alkylation and alkenylation reactions, exhibiting exceptional regio‐ and stereoselectivity, all achieved under redox‐neutral and transition‐metal‐free conditions. The method involves a three‐step, one‐pot or two‐pot sequence, including 1,4‐dearomative addition, functionalization at C3, and elimination or transalkylation to produce 3‐alkylated/alkenylated quinolines. The presence of a carbonyl group in these products allows for further synthetic manipulations, enabling the production of cyanides, amides, amines, and simple alkyl derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural regeneration of Juglans mandshurica (Juglans mandshurica Maxim.) is challenging. To elucidate its regeneration patterns, we conducted a comparative analysis of the spatial distribution and regeneration indices of Juglans mandshurica seedlings across different habitats, from the forest edge to the inner forest, over a span of 1000 m. Our findings revealed significant differences in seedling growth and regeneration patterns among these habitats. The growth indicators of Juglans mandshurica seedlings were notably higher at the forest edge compared to other habitats. The proportion of Juglans mandshurica seedlings was lower than that of 1- and 2-year-old seedlings, with only 7% being young seedlings at the forest edge. Juglans mandshurica renewal seedlings were aggregated, with the degree of aggregation as follows: 15 m > forest edge > 60 m > 30 m. The regeneration index was highest at the forest edge (1.0) and decreased with distance: 15 m (0.62), 30 m (0.52), 60 m (0.42). Shrub species and other seedlings at the forest edge showed a significant negative correlation with the Juglans mandshurica seedling numbers (p < 0.05). At 15 m, tree species displayed a significant (p < 0.05) or highly significant (p < 0.01) negative correlation. Stand closure at 30 m exhibited a substantial (p < 0.05) or highly significant (p < 0.01) negative correlation with the Juglans mandshurica regeneration index. At 60 m, the tree species, number, and basal area at breast height showed a significant (p < 0.05) or highly significant (p < 0.01) negative correlation with the Juglans mandshurica regeneration index. The forest edge had the highest renewal index and effectiveness, making it a priority for the conservation and management of Juglans mandshurica renewal. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the conservation and sustainable management of Juglans mandshurica populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundSawtooth oscillations are macroscopic instabilities in plasma. To better control the sawtooth oscillation in an advanced experimental superconducting tokamak (EAST) device, it is necessary to develop sawtooth controlling methods that help improve the confined performance of plasma in the EAST device.PurposeThis study aims to analyze sawtooth behavior under the on-axis heating by ion cyclotron resonance frequency (ICRF) wave in the EAST device.MethodsFirst of all, the soft X-ray integrated signal intensity data was used to analyze the sawtooth period and amplitude. The radius of q=1 surface and the plasma pressure gradient at q=1 surface were calculated using a soft X-ray intensity profile. Then the neutron yield flux was obtained from the neutron yield flux diagnostic data. Finally, the equilibrium reconstruction results of the equilibrium fitting algorithm (EFIT) were combined with polarimeter-interferometer (POINT) diagnostic data to investigate the relationship between the variation of ICRF and plasma current density.ResultsExperimental results show that the sawtooth period is positively correlated with the ICRF power, and the variation in sawtooth period is roughly same as that in sawtooth amplitude and plasma pressure gradient at q=1 surface. The ICRF power needs to exceed 0.8 MW to change the radius of q=1 surface. The sawtooth period and q=1 surface with ICRF power change are more sensitive under solely ICRF heating than under ICRF+lower hybrid wave (LHW)+electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH).ConclusionsSawtooth behavior of EAST plasma is affected by the fast ions produced by ICRF and the radius change of q=1 surface.