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Microalgae have emerged as potential candidates for biomass production and pollutant removal. However, expensive biomass harvesting, insufficient biomass productivity, and low energy intensity limit the large-scale production of microalgae. To break through these bottlenecks, a novel technology of immobilized microalgae culture coupled with wastewater treatment has received increasing attention in recent years. In this review, the characteristics of two immobilized microalgae culture technologies are first presented and then their mechanisms are discussed in terms of biofilm formation theories, including thermodynamic theory, Derjaguin-Landau-Verwei-Overbeek theory (DLVO) and its extended theory (xDLVO), as well as ionic cross-linking mechanisms in the process of microalgae encapsulated in alginate. The main factors (algal strains, carriers, and culture conditions) affecting the growth of microalgae are also discussed. It is also summarized that immobilized microalgae show considerable potential for nitrogen and phosphorus removal, heavy metal removal, pesticide and antibiotic removal in wastewater treatment. The role of bacteria in the cultivation of microalgae by immobilization techniques and their application in wastewater treatment are clarified. This is economically feasible and technically superior. The problems and challenges faced by immobilized microalgae are finally presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Utilized 503 nuclear loci and complete plastome sequences obtained from 99 WGS datasets. • The monophyly of Elsholtzia and Keiskea was not supported. • Explored sources of conflicting signals among gene trees. • Incomplete lineage sorting (ILS) is part of the causes of gene tree discordance. • Significant chloroplast capture and gene flow signals providing evidence of hybridization events in Elsholtzieae. Obtaining a robust phylogeny proves challenging due to the intricate evolutionary history of species, where processes such as hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting can introduce conflicting signals, thereby complicating phylogenetic inference. In this study, we conducted comprehensive sampling of Elsholtzieae, with a particular focus on its largest genus, Elsholtzia. We utilized 503 nuclear loci and complete plastome sequences obtained from 99 whole-genome sequencing datasets to elucidate the interspecific relationships within the Elsholtzieae. Additionally, we explored various sources of conflicts between gene trees and species trees. Fully supported backbone phylogenies were recovered, and the monophyly of Elsholtzia and Keiskea was not supported. Significant gene tree heterogeneity was observed at numerous nodes, particularly regarding the placement of Vuhuangia and the E. densa clade. Further investigations into potential causes of this discordance revealed that incomplete lineage sorting (ILS), coupled with hybridization events, has given rise to substantial gene tree discordance. Several species, represented by multiple samples, exhibited a closer association with geographical distribution rather than following a strictly monophyletic pattern in plastid trees, suggesting chloroplast capture within Elsholtzieae and providing evidence of hybridization. In conclusion, this study provides phylogenomic insights to untangle taxonomic problems in the tribe Elsholtzieae, especially the genus Elsholtzia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National-level marine ranching plays an important role in enhancing the marine ecological environment, fostering social and economic development, and bolstering human well-being. Quantitatively analyzing the level of coordinated development of its "ecological-economic-social" benefits and the factors influencing them is of great theoretical significance and practical value for refining the new round of development planning and guiding its construction and management. Therefore, on the basis of establishing a theoretical framework for the interaction of "ecological-economic-social" benefits, shellfish and algae were selected as research objects. We calculated the levels of ecological, economic, and social benefits, explored the interrelationships among the three using the coupled coordination model, and analyzed the influencing factors by using multivariate linear regression and geographically weighted regression. The results showed that: (1) In 2015 and 2021, the ecological and economic benefits of national-level marine ranching for shellfish and algae were better than the social benefits, in which the ecological and social benefits were stable, while the economic benefits were more variable; (2) The degree of coordination of the coupling between the three benefits in each province was mostly low, with most experiencing severe disorder; (3) The level of openness to the outside world and the standard of living of fishermen contributed positively to the coordination of benefit coupling between shellfish and algae. Conversely, the level of science and technology, innovation capacity, and the level of social development had a slightly negative impact. In conclusion, shellfish and algal aquaculture in China's national-level marine ranching significantly contributes to the ecological, economic, and social systems. However, the merits and demerits of natural, social, and economic factors must be comprehensively considered to promote the sustainable development of marine ranching. • Shellfish and algae, as the main species of China's marine organisms, provide a guarantee for the country's food security. • The assessment of shellfish and algae benefits reflects the sustainable development level of marine ranching. • The relationships of shellfish and algae benefits vary due to factors, leading to discrepancies between theory and practice. • Integrating domestic and international marine ranching developments offers insights for China's marine ranching construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can result in a partial or complete loss of motor and sensory function below the injured segment, which has a significant impact on patients' quality of life and places a significant social burden on them. Long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) is a 200–1000 bp non-coding RNA that has been shown to have a key regulatory role in the progression of a variety of neurological illnesses. Many studies have demonstrated that differentially expressed LncRNAs following spinal cord injury can participate in inflammatory damage, apoptosis, and nerve healing by functioning as competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA); at the same time, it has a significant regulatory effect on sequelae such neuropathic pain. As a result, we believe that LncRNAs could be useful as a molecular regulatory target in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of spinal cord injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Buoyant barium alginate bubble beads (BABB) boosted the growth of immobilized microalgae. • BABB reduced the leakage of microalgae by 80% over traditional calcium alginate beads (CAB). • BABB enabled rapid microalgal biomass separation and full freeze−drying in 3.5 h. • Three strategic BABB optimizations were introduced for further enhanced culture. • Optimized BABB in open raceway pond reactor achieved 0.609 mg/bead biomass in 7 days. Microalgae immobilization in alginate beads shows promise for biomass production and water pollution control. However, carrier instability and mass transfer limitations are challenges. This study introduces buoyant barium alginate bubble beads (BABB), which offer exceptional stability and enhance Chlorella vulgaris growth. In just 12 days, compared to traditional calcium alginate beads, BABB achieved a 20 % biomass increase while minimizing cell leakage and simplifying harvesting. BABB optimization involved co-immobilization with BG-11 medium, enrichment of CO 2 in internal bubbles, and the integration of Fe nanoparticles (FeNPs). In the open raceway pond reactor, these optimizations resulted in a 39 % increase in biomass over 7 days compared to the unoptimized setup in closed flasks. Furthermore, enhancements in pigment and organic matter production were observed, along with improved removal of ammonia nitrogen and phosphate. These results highlight the overall advantages of BABB for microalgae immobilization, offering a scientific foundation for their effective utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]