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[Display omitted] • A brand-new composite catalyst ZnFe 2 O 4 /Fe 3 O 4 @MWCNTs along with persulfate activation was established under near infrared radiation. • Temperature rising makes sure the synergistic system was of superior degradation and recycling performance for dyes (95%) and antibiotics (94.6%) in just 60 min than that of past research. • Persulfate adsorption on the surface and the theoretical kinetic constants calculated by DFT along with pathway analysis and toxicological properties of ampicillin degradation added to its industrial application. • This work bears certain efficacious research directions for water treatment technology. One of the most effective ways to address the problems of low solar spectrum utilization in photocatalysis and the high cost of persulfate activation technology is to create a cost-effective synergistic photothermal persulfate system. In this work, a brand-new composite catalyst called ZnFe 2 O 4 /Fe 3 O 4 @MWCNTs (ZFC) was developed to activate PDS (K 2 S 2 O 8) from the aforementioned basis. ZFC's surface temperature could unbelievably reach 120.6 °C in 150 s together with the degrading synergistic system solution temperature could reach 48 °C under near-infrared light (NIR) in 30 min, thus accelerating the ZFC/PDS decolorization rate for reactive blue KN-R (150 mg/L) to 95% in 60 min. Furthermore, the ZFC's ferromagnetism bore it with good cycling performance, allowing it to maintain an 85% decolorization rate even after 5 cycles with OH·, SO 4 -·, 1O 2 , and O 2 –· dominating the degrading process. In the meantime, the DFT calculations of the kinetic constants for the entire process of S 2 O 8 2- adsorption on Fe 3 O 4 in dye degradation solution were in agreement with the outcomes of the experimental pseudo-first-order kinetic fitting. By analyzing the particular degradation route of ampicillin (50 mg/L) and the possible environmental impact of the intermediate using LC-MS and the toxicological analysis software (T.E.S.T.), respectively, it was shown that this system might function as an environmentally friendly method for removing antibiotics. This work may provide some productive research lines for the creation of a photothermal persulfate synergistic system and suggest fresh approaches to water treatment technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our recent multi-omics studies have revealed rich sources of novel bioactive proteins and polypeptides from marine organisms including cnidarians. In the present study, we initially conducted a transcriptomic analysis to review the composition profile of polypeptides from Zoanthus sociatus. Then, a newly discovered NPY-like polypeptide-ZoaNPY was selected for further in silico structural, binding and virtually pharmacological studies. To evaluate the pro-angiogenic effects of ZoaNPY, we employed an in vitro HUVECs model and an in vivo zebrafish model. Our results indicate that ZoaNPY, at 1–100 pmol, enhances cell survival, migration and tube formation in the endothelial cells. Besides, treatment with ZoaNPY could restore a chemically-induced vascular insufficiency in zebrafish embryos. Western blot results demonstrated the application of ZoaNPY could increase the phosphorylation of proteins related to angiogenesis signaling including PKC, PLC, FAK, Src, Akt, mTOR, MEK, and ERK1/2. Furthermore, through molecular docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) verification, ZoaNPY was shown to directly and physically interact with NPY Y2 receptor. In view of this, all evidence showed that the pro-angiogenic effects of ZoaNPY involve the activation of NPY Y2 receptor, thereby activating the Akt/mTOR, PLC/PKC, ERK/MEK and Src- FAK-dependent signaling pathways. Furthermore, in an excision wound model, the treatment with ZoaNPY was shown to accelerate the wound healing process in mice. Our findings provide new insights into the discovery and development of novel pro-angiogenic drugs derived from NPY-like polypeptides in the future. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heart and brain are the core organs of the circulation and central nervous system, respectively, and play an important role in maintaining normal physiological functions. Early neuronal and cardiac damage affects organ function. The relationship between the heart and brain is being continuously investigated. Evidence-based medicine has revealed the concept of the "heart- brain axis," which may provide new therapeutic strategies for certain diseases. Takeda protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) is a metabolic regulator involved in energy homeostasis, bile acid homeostasis, and glucose and lipid metabolism. Inflammation is critical for the development and regeneration of the heart and brain during metabolic diseases. Herein, we discuss the role of TGR5 as a metabolic regulator of heart and brain development and injury to facilitate new therapeutic strategies for metabolic and ischemic diseases of the heart and brain. • There is a brain-heart axis and organ damage may be reduced by intervening fluid changes in brain and heart injury. • TGR5 is widely distributed in various types of cells, and is closely related to the metabolism and injury of brain and heart. • TGR5 may play a key role in brain and heart diseases, which become a potential treatment for diseases related to the brain and heart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Drawida gisti was sequenced and compared with the mitogenomes of other Metagynophora species. The circular mitogenome was 14,648 bp in length and contained two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs). The types of constitutive genes and the direction of the coding strand that appeared in Drawida mitogenome were identical to those observed in other Metagynophora species, except for a missing lengthy non-coding region. The conservative relationships between Drawida species were supported by the overall analyses of 13 PCGs, two rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs. A comparison of the Metagynophora mitogenomes revealed that the ATP8 gene possessed the highest polymorphism among the 13 PCGs and two rRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the Moniligastridae contained Drawida , which is a primitive Metagynophora group. Our study provides a step forward toward elucidating the evolutionary linkages within Drawida and even Metagynophora. • Extremely small mitogenome size of Drawida gisti • Absence of lengthy non-coding regions in Drawida mitogenomes • Significant difference in codon usage of mitochondrial genes between Drawida and other earthworms • Conservative relationships of Metagynophora supported by mitogenomes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cysteine, an early sulfur-containing compound in plants, is of significant importance in sulfur metabolism. CYS encodes cysteine synthetase that further catalyzes cysteine synthesis. In this investigation, CYS genes, identified from genome-wide analysis of Gossypium hirsutum bioinformatically, led to the discovery of GhCYS2 as the pivotal gene responsible for Cd2+ response. The silencing of GhCYS2 through virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) rendered plants highly susceptible to Cd2+ stress. Silencing GhCYS2 in plants resulted in diminished levels of cysteine and glutathione while leading to the accumulation of MDA and ROS within cells, thereby impeding the regular process of photosynthesis. Consequently, the stomatal aperture of leaves decreased, epidermal cells underwent distortion and deformation, intercellular connections are dramatically disrupted, and fissures manifested between cells. Ultimately, these detrimental effected culminating in plant wilting and a substantial reduction in biomass. The association established between Cd2+ and cysteine in this investigation offered a valuable reference point for further inquiry into the functional and regulatory mechanisms of cysteine synthesis genes. [Display omitted] • Cd2+ affects intercellular microstructure and photosynthesis in cotton. • GhCYS2 regulates cysteine levels responding to Cd2+. • GhCYS2 effectively modulates the resistance of Cd2+ in cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the potential emissions of heavy metal pollution in Lake Caizi due to extensive agriculture, urban growth and fishing activities, the risk posed by metal concentrations to aquatic environments and human populations has not yet been studied. In this study we compared the concentrations of Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in water, sediment, and economic fish species with different habitat preferences and trophic guilds across important fishery areas in Lake Caizi, located on the northern shore of the Yangtze River, Southeast China. The concentrations of Cr in water were found approximately 6 times higher than the safety thresholds established by international legislation. Cr, Zn, As and Cd concentrations in sediments surpassed the background values for Yangtze River basin in Anhui Province. However, all the studied fish species in Lake Caizi had metal concentrations lower than legislation thresholds established by China and international organizations. Heavy metal concentrations were found to be significantly higher in demersal (inhabiting near the sediments) and piscivorous (possessing higher trophic level) fishes than in pelagic/benthopelagic (inhabiting the upper and lower water column) and herbivorous/planktivorous (possessing lower trophic level) fishes. Our finding demonstrated that the metal concentrations in fishes are simultaneously influenced by the habitat and bio-accumulation through the food chain. According to target hazard quotient (THQ) calculations for heavy metal contents in the muscles of fish species, all the determined heavy metals gave THQ values lower than 1, suggesting the inexistence of health risks from the intake of fishes from Lake Caizi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity is one of the most common factors affecting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and NaCl is one of the main factors of salinity stress which can cause heavy losses in agricultural production in the world. The application of exogenous melatonin (MT) plays a major role in numerous plants against various stress environments. The effects of exogenous MT on the NaCl tolerance of alfalfa treated with the control, 100 µmol L−1 MT, 150 mmol L−1 NaCl, or 150 mmol L−1 NaCl+ 100 µmol L−1 MT were investigated. The results showed that MT increased growth parameters, inhibited chlorophyll degradation and promoted photosynthetic gas exchange parameters (photosynthetic rate, conductance to H 2 O, and transpiration rate) and stomatal opening under NaCl stress. Osmotic regulation substances such as soluble sugar, proline and glycine betaine were the highest in the NaCl treatment and the second in the NaCl+MT treatment. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were reduced and sodium was increased by NaCl, whereas these levels were reversed by the NaCl+MT treatment. MT inhibited cell membrane imperfection, lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation caused by NaCl stress. MT up-regulated the gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased the content of antioxidant non-enzyme substances to scavenge excessive ROS in NaCl-treated plants. In addition, all indicators interacted with each other to a certain extent and could be grouped according to the relative values. All variables were divided into PC 1 (89.2 %) and PC 2 (4 %). They were clustered into two categories with opposite effects, and most of them were significant variables. Hence, these findings reveal that exogenous MT alleviates the inhibitory effects of NaCl stress on photosynthesis, stomata opening, osmotic adjustment, ion balance and redox homeostasis, enhancing tolerance and growth of alfalfa. Furthermore, it suggests that MT could be implemented to improve the NaCl tolerance of alfalfa. [Display omitted] • Exogenous MT improves photosynthetic capacity of alfalfa under salt stress. • Exogenous MT modulates osmotic stress caused by salt stress. • MT maintains ion homeostasis and promotes mineral nutrition in salt-treated alfalfa. • MT reduces ROS and lipid peroxidation by regulating gene and antioxidant system. • MT improves the salt tolerance of alfalfa by co-regulating multiple pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil and water environments are inevitably contaminated by the excess of artificial nanoparticles (NPs) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers. There is a possibility of phosphate facilitating or inhibiting the transport of nanoparticles titanium dioxides (nTiO 2 ). It is a great urgency and high priority to investigate the nTiO 2 retention mechanisms and accurately describe the transport of nTiO 2 in the presence of phosphate. Anatase nTiO 2 with two sizes of 20 and 50 nm through the saturated porous sand columns were observed under the conditions (0–50 mM NaNO 3 electrolyte, influent P concentrations of 0.10 mM and 2.0 mM, pH 6.5 and 7.5). The experimental results show the phosphate favor the dispersion of nTiO 2 , and consequently improve their transport patterns. The likely mechanism is that phosphate adsorption increasing the negative charge on the surface promotes the transportability of nTiO 2 resulting from the low deposition rate and attachment efficiency of NPs. In particular, the facilitated transport of nTiO 2 (50 nm) is greater than those relative smaller as 20 nm. In addition, this enhancement of nTiO 2 transportability by phosphate at pH 6.5 is increased at higher pH of 7.5 due to the more negative zeta potential of surface, which indicates the potential risks to groundwater systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the combined effects of 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) on the growth and reproduction of male zebrafish, three-month-old fish were exposed to 0.005 or 0.020 µg/L EE2, 100 or 500 µg/L DBP or their binary mixtures under semi-static conditions. Investigated parameters include the length, weight, condition factor, vitellogenin (VTG) induction, acyl-CoA oxidase (AOX) protein level, histopathological alteration of testis, liver and gill, and reproductive capacity. After 21 d exposure, no statistical difference was found among the weights, lengths and condition factors of different treatment groups. In all binary mixture groups, decreased VTG levels were detected compared to EE2-only groups; and the AOX levels were significantly lower than DBP-only treatments while both chemicals can individually induce AOX synthesis. Therefore, EE2 and DBP may act additively on VTG and antagonistically on AOX induction in males. After 45 d exposure, delayed gametogenesis was observed for the DBP-only groups, indicated by fewer spermatozoa and more spermatocytes, which was further aggravated with the addition of EE2. The developmental delay of testis partially recovered after a 30 d depuration in clean water. Combined exposure also caused liver and gill lesions, which were not alleviated during the 30 d depuration, suggesting a nonreversible harmful effect the same as single exposure. Mixed EE2 and DBP were observed to impair the reproductive capability (the fecundity and fertilization rate) of males, while single exposure did not. Co-exposed to 0.020 µg/L EE2 and 100 µg/L DBP promoted the early hatching of offspring (F1 generation) at 48 h post-fertilization (hpf), but the survival rates of the F1 generation were similar in all treatments. Our findings indicate that the effects of mixed EE2 and DBP at environmentally relevant levels can be either antagonistic or additive relying on the specific toxicological endpoints and the respective doses of each chemical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytotoxicity of nanoparticles has attracted considerable interest, given the broad applications of nanomaterials in different fields. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a major forage crop grown worldwide with a high protein content. The molecular regulation mechanisms involved in nanomaterial-treated alfalfa were examined in this research. In our lab, 18 cDNA libraries of Golden Empress (GE) and Bara 310SC (SC) under control (CK), middle (10 g kg−1)- and high (20 g kg−1)-graphene stress treatments were constructed in 2019. All clean reads were matched to the reference Medicago_truncatula genome, the mapping ratio was higher than 50%, and a total of 3946 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. The number of DEGs that reflect transcriptional activity is proportional to the degree of stress. For example, 1241/610 and 1794/1422 DEGs were identified as significant in the leaves of GE/SC under mid- and high-graphene treatment, respectively. Furthermore, GO analysis of the DEGs annotated in some significant biochemical process terms included 'response to abiotic stimulus', 'oxidation-reduction process', 'protein kinase activity', and 'oxidoreductase activity'. KEGG pathway analysis of the DEGs revealed strongly mediated graphene-responsive genes in alfalfa mainly linked to the 'biosynthesis of amino acids', 'isoflavonoid biosynthesis', 'linoleic acid metabolism', and 'phenylpropanoid biosynthesis' pathways. In addition, hundreds of DEGs, including photosynthetic, antioxidant enzyme, nitrogen metabolism, and metabolic sucrose and starch genes, have been identified as potentially involved in the response to graphene. Physiological findings revealed that enzymes related to the metabolism of nitrogen play a crucial role in the adaptation of graphene stress to alfalfa. Ultimately, in response to graphene stress, a preliminary regulatory mechanism was proposed for the self-protective mechanism of alfalfa, which helps to explain the phytotoxicity of the molecular mechanism of nanoparticle-treated crops. • Data on the phytotoxicity of graphene to alfalfa in soil were provided. • Phytotoxicity of graphene damage to the nitrogen metabolism process. • Results provide accurately characterize the risk of these materials in the environment. • These findings help to find sustainable nano-enabled plant protection strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PM 2.5 infiltrates into circulation and increases the risk of systemic vascular dysfunction. As the first-line barrier against external stimuli, the molecular mechanism of the biological response of vascular endothelial cells to PM 2.5 exposure remains unclear. In this study, 4-week-old mice were exposed to Hangzhou 'real' airborne PM 2.5 for 2 months and were found to display bronchial and alveolar damage. Importantly, in the present study, we have demonstrated that Cdk5 deficit induced peripheral vasoconstriction through angiotensin II type 1 receptor under angiotensin II stimulation in Cdh5-cre;Cdk5 f/n mice. In the brain, Cdk5 deficit increased the myogenic activity in the medullary arterioles under external pressure. On the other hand, no changes in cerebral blood flow and behavior patterns were observed in the Cdh5-cre;Cdk5 f/n mice exposed to PM 2.5. Therefore, our current findings indicate that CDK5 plays an important role in endothelium cell growth, migration, and molecular transduction, which is also a sensor for the response of vascular endothelial cells to PM 2.5. • Cdk5 deficit aggravates PM 2.5 -induced lung injury in Cdh5-cre;Cdk5f/n mice. • Deficit of Cdk5 aggravates peripheral vasoconstriction by PM 2.5 through AT1R-mediated signal in mice. • PM 2.5 exposure increases sensitivity of medullary arterioles to external pressure in Cdh5-cre;Cdk5f/n mice. • PM 2.5 has no effect on vasodilation of thoracic aorta, cognitive and emotional behavior patterns upon Cdk5 deficit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The macro-scale intrinsic functional network architecture of the human brain has been well characterized. Early studies revealed robust and enduring patterns of static connectivity, while more recent work has begun to explore the temporal dynamics of these large-scale brain networks. Little work to date has investigated directed connectivity within and between these networks, or the temporal patterns of afferent (input) and efferent (output) connections between network nodes. Leveraging a novel analytic approach, prediction correlation, we investigated the causal interactions within and between large-scale networks of the brain using resting state fMRI. This technique allows us to characterize information transfer between brain regions in both the spatial (direction) and temporal (duration) scales. Using data from the Human Connectome Project (N = 200) we applied prediction correlation techniques to four resting-state fMRI scans (each scan has TRs = 1200). Three central observations emerged. First, the strongest and longest duration connections were observed within the somatomotor, visual, and dorsal attention networks. Second, the short duration connections were observed for high-degree nodes in the visual and default networks, as well as in the hippocampus. Specifically, the connectivity profile of the highest-degree nodes was dominated by efferent connections to multiple cortical areas. Moderate high-degree nodes, particularly in hippocampal regions, showed an afferent connectivity profile. Finally, multimodal association nodes in lateral prefrontal brain regions demonstrated a short duration, bidirectional connectivity profile, consistent with this region's role in integrative and modulatory processing. These results provide novel insights into the spatiotemporal dynamics of human brain function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid tumor and thyroid goiter are prevalent disease around the world. In this case-control study, we investigated the association between exposure to a total of twelve mineral elements and thyroid disease as well as thyroid functions. Participants with thyroid tumor or goiter (N = 197) were matched with a healthy population (N = 197) by age (± 2 years old) and same sex. Questionnaires were used to collect data about the demographic characteristics and information of subjects. Serum and urine samples were collected simultaneously for each of the subjects. Mineral elements, iodine level of urine and levels of the total seven thyroid function indexes in serum were detected respectively. Conditional logistic regression was applied to estimate the associations between mineral elements and the risk of thyroid tumor and goiter through single-element models and multiple-element models. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate relationships between mineral elements and percentage changes of thyroid functions. Higher concentrations of mineral elements in the recruited population were found in this study than other comparable studies, and the levels of chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), selenium (Se), antimony (Sb), thallium (Tl) and lead (Pb) in the case group were lower than the control group. According to the single-element models, Cr, Mn, Ni, Sb and Tl showed significant negative associations with the risk of thyroid tumor and goiter, and, Cd showed nonmonotonic dose response. Cd and mercury (Hg) showed a nonmonotonic percentage change with T4, while Tl was associated with the increased FT4 in the control group. Therefore, Cd, Hg and Tl may disturb the balance of thyroid function to some extent, and Cr, Mn, Ni, Cd, Sb, and Tl may become potential influencing factors for the risk of thyroid tumor and goiter. ga1 • Association of mineral exposure and thyroid tumor was explored by case-control study. • Cr, Mn, Ni, Cd, Sb, and Tl were potential risk factors for thyroid tumor and goiter. • Cd, Hg and Tl may disturb the balance of thyroid function. • Population in coastal area has higher body burden of mineral elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the mechanisms underlying the action of the heavy metals Cd and Zn on the photosynthetic function of plant leaves, the effects of 100 μmol L−1 Cd and 200 μmol L−1 Zn stress (the exposure concentrations of Cd and Zn in the culture medium were 2.24 mg kg−1 and 5.36 mg kg−1) on the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents as well as the photosynthetic function of tobacco leaves (Long Jiang 911) were studied. The key proteins in these physiological processes were quantitatively analyzed using a TMT-based proteomics approach. Cd stress was found to inhibit the expression of key enzymes during chlorophyll synthesis in leaves, resulting in a decrease of the Chl content. However, Zn stress did not significantly influence the chlorophyll content. Leaves adapted to Zn stress by upregulating CAO expression and increase the Chl b content. Although the Car content in leaves did not significantly change under either Cd or Zn stress, the expressions of ZE and VDE during Car metabolism decreased significantly under Cd stress. This was accompanied by damages to the xanthophyll cycle and the NPQ-dependent energy dissipation mechanism. In contrast, under Zn stress, leaves adapted to Zn stress by increasing the expression of VDE, thus improving NPQ. Under Cd stress, the expressions of three sets of proteins were significantly down-regulated, including PSII donor-side proteins (PPD3, PPD6, OEE1, OEE2-1, OEE2-2, OEE2-3, and OEE3-2), receptor-side proteins (D1, D2, CP43, CP47, Cyt b559α, Cyt b559β, PsbL, PsbQ, PsbR, Psb27-H1, and Psb28), and core proteins of the PSI reaction center (psaA, psaB, psaC, psaD, psaE-A, PsaE-B, psaF, psaG, psaH-1, psaK, psaL, psaN, and psaOL). In comparison, only eight of the above proteins (PPD6, OEE3-2, PsbL, PsbQ, Psb27-H1, psaL, and psaOL) were significantly down-regulated by Zn stress. Under Cd stress, both the donor side and the receptor side of PSII were damaged, and PSII and PSI experienced severe photoinhibition. However, Zn stress did not decrease either PSII or PSI activities in tobacco leaves. In addition, the expression of electron transport-related proteins (cytb6/f complex, PC, Fd, and FNR), ATPase subunits, Rubisco subunits, and RCA decreased significantly in leaves under Cd stress. However, no significant changes were observed in any of these proteins under Zn stress. Although Cd stress was found to up-regulate the expressions of PGRL1A and PGRL1B and induce an increase of PGR5/PGRL1-CEF in tobacco leaves, NDH-CEF was significantly inhibited. Under Zn stress, the expressions of ndhH and PGRL1A in leaves were significantly up-regulated, but there were no significant changes in either NDH-CEF or PGR5/PGRL-CEF. Under Cd stress, the expressions of proteins related to Fd-dependent nitrogen metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging processes (e.g., FTR, Fd-NiR, and Fd-GOGAT) were significantly down-regulated in leaves. However, no significant changes of any of the above proteins were identified under Zn stress. In summary, Cd stress could inhibit the synthesis of chlorophyll in tobacco leaves, significantly down-regulate the expressions of photosynthesis-related proteins or subunits, and suppress both the xanthophyll cycle and NDH-CEF process. The expressions of proteins related to the Fd-dependent nitrogen metabolism and ROS scavenging were also significantly down-regulated, which blocked the photosynthetic electron transport, thus resulting in severe photoinhibition of both PSII and PSI. However, Zn stress had little effect on the photosynthetic function of tobacco leaves. Image 1 • Pigment metabolism and photosynthetic function of tobacco under Cd and Zn stress were studied. • Cd inhibited the chlorophyll synthesis, while the proportion of Chl b increased under Zn stress. • Cd-induced photoinhibition of PSII and PSI, Zn had little effect on photosynthetic function. • Photoprotective mechanism (NPQ and CEF) was damaged under Cd stress. • Tobacco leaves adapted to Zn stress by increasing the expression of VDE and then improving NPQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two biochars were produced from bagasse and hickory chips (referred to as BB and HCB, respectively) and evaluated for their sorption ability of Hg(II) in aqueous solution. A commercial activated carbon (AC) which is commonly used for Hg(II) removal was included for comparison. Both biochars showed higher sorption capacities than AC, following the trend of BB > HCB > AC. The sorption of Hg(II) by BB and AC was mainly attributed to the formation of ( COO) 2 Hg II and ( O) 2 Hg II . As a result, the adsorption capacity of Hg(II) by BB decreased 17.6% and 37.6% after COOH and OH were blocked, respectively and that of Hg(II) by AC decreased 6.63% and 62.2% for COOH and OH hindered, respectively. However, blocking the function groups had little effect on the Hg removal by HCB since sorption of Hg(II) by HCB was mainly resulted from the π electrons of C C and C O induced Hg-π binding. Further X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated the possibility of reduction of the Hg(II) to Hg(I) by phenol groups or π electrons during the removal of Hg(II) by both biochars. In conclusion, biochar is more effective than activated carbon in removing Hg(II) and there exists a high potential that biochar can be a substitute of activated carbon for removal of Hg(II) from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wetland restoration is a major objective of environmental management worldwide. We present a frameworkat the regional level that prioritizes historical biodiversity and restoration suitability. The goal of the framework is to maximize biodiversity gains from restoration while minimizing the cost. We used C-Plan, a prioritization tool for systematic conservation planning (SCP), to balance the biodiversity gains withthe costs of restoration, or restoration suitability. We overlaid historical spatial data from 1995 to estimate historical distributions of 91 biodiversity features. These features were used to conduct an irreplaceability analysis to assess the restoration value of historical biodiversity. We then modelled restoration suitability based on environmental data of six criteria. Finally, we applied a complementarity analysis to achieve the quantitative targets of all biodiversity features while minimizing the cost of restoration. We tested this framework in the highly degraded wetlands ofSanjiang Plain, China. By applying our framework to Sanjiang Plain, we successfully identified areas with both high restoration value and high restoration suitability. The area of this cost-effective plan was an extension of 4620 km2, covering 80% of the disappearing wetlands and 4% of the total Sanjiang Plain. Compared to the restoration value-only plan, which had an extension of 4486 km2, the cost-effective plan covered a little more area to achievethe targets forall biodiversity features but with lower implementation costs where the proportion of high restoration suitability increases from 43% to 50%.Our prioritization framework can be used to analyse regional restoration efforts in other regions and ecosystems, and inform planners on how to maximize biodiversity gains while minimizing costs. Highlights • A model for prioritizing wetland restoration is proposed. • The model is based on historical biodiversity and restoration suitability. • The resulted priority sites maximize biodiversity gains while minimizing costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ca2+ is an essential nutrient for plants and animals which plays an important role in plant signal transduction. Although the function and regulation of mechanism of Ca2+ in alleviating various biotic and abiotic stresses in plants have been studied deeply, the molecular mechanism to adapt high Ca2+ stress is still unclear in cotton. In this study, 103 cotton accessions were germinated under 200 mM CaCl 2 stress, and two extremely Ca2+-resistant (Zhong 9807, R) and Ca2+-sensitive (CRI 50, S) genotypes were selected from 103 cotton accessions. The two accessions were then germinated for 5 days in 0 mM CaCl 2 and 200 mM CaCl 2 respectively, after which they were sampled for transcriptome sequencing. Morphological and physiological analyses suggested that PLR2 specifically expressed in R may enhance the ability of cotton to scavenge ROS by promoting the synthesis of SDG. In conclusion, this study proposed the adaptation mechanisms to response to the high Ca2+ stress in cotton which can contribute to improve the stress resistance of cotton. • CML (Calmodulin-like) proteins play a major role in signal transduction under high Ca2+ stress. • Interaction between CML and ABA (Abscisic acid) signaling pathway under high Ca2+ stress. • High Ca2+ stress promotes SDG (secoisolariciresinol) production in cotton. • SDG alleviates high Ca2+ stress by scavenging ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]