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Numerous low-temperature geothermal waters are distributed extensively in Mangbang-Longling of western Yunnan in China, whose formation mechanism has not been completely investigated yet. This study focused on the hydrogeochemical evolution, reservoir temperature, and recharge origin of geothermal waters using hydrogeochemical and deuterium-oxygen (D-O) isotopic studies. The low-temperature geothermal waters were characterized by HCO3-Na type, while shallow cold spring was of the hydrochemical type of HCO3-Ca. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of low-temperature geothermal waters were mainly determined by the dissolution of silicate minerals based on the geological condition and correlations of major and minor ions. The reservoir temperatures of low-temperature geothermal waters ranged from 111°C to 126°C estimated by silica geothermometry and the silicon-enthalpy graphic method. Low-temperature geothermal waters circulated at the largest depth of 1794–2077 m where deep high-temperature geothermal waters were involved. The data points of δD and δ18O of the hot spring water samples in the study area show a linear right-up trend, indicating the δ18O reaction between the water and rock and a possible mixture of magmatic water from below. The low-temperature thermal waters were recharged by meteoric water at the elevation of 2362–3653 m calculated by δD values. Upwelling by heating energy, low-temperature geothermal waters were exposed as geothermal springs in the fault and fracture intersection and mixed by up to 72% shallow cold waters at surface. Based on acquired data, a conceptual model of the low-temperature geothermal waters in the Mangbang-Longling area was proposed for future exploitation.

Groundwater in confined aquifers is the preferred water resource worldwide, and its hydrochemical quality is the premise for sustainable development. A systematic hydrogeochemical research was conducted to get insight into the hydrochemical characteristics, genesis, and potential health threats of confined groundwater, based on analytical data of 45 groundwater samples collected from the urban area of Hengshui, Central North China Plain (NCP). The results showed most groundwater had desirable hydrochemical quality with a nearly neutral to slightly alkaline nature and dominantly soft-fresh Cl-Na face. Solute chemistry was governed by rock-water interaction including minerals dissolution and ion exchange, but out of the anthropogenic influences. All nitrogen pollutants and Zn were within the desirable limit, while F−, Mn, and Fe were beyond the desirable limit recommended by WHO in 28.9%, 15.6%, and 68.9% of samples. Overall chronic health risk from these toxic elements was identified in terms of various populations and mainly contributed by F−. Infants were more prone to the health risks of aqueous pollutants. Differential water supplies based on hydrochemical quality are recommended, and water improvement measures are suggested to be conducted aiming at the harmful fluoride in confined groundwater. The present research could provide valuable references for the health sustainability of confined groundwater utilization in sedimentary plains like NCP worldwide.

Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) was used as a replacement for Pb in gasoline before it was found to be harmful, and for this reason, these two contaminants often coexist in groundwater at older fuel...

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an important marine osmolyte. Aphotic environments are only recently being considered as potential contributors to global DMSP production. Here, our Mariana Trench study reveals a typical seawater DMSP/dimethylsulfide (DMS) profile, with highest concentrations in the euphotic zone and decreased but consistent levels below. The genetic potential for bacterial DMSP synthesis via the dsyB gene and its transcription is greater in the deep ocean, and is highest in the sediment.s DMSP catabolic potential is present throughout the trench waters, but is less prominent below 8000 m, perhaps indicating a preference to store DMSP in the deep for stress protection. Deep ocean bacterial isolates show enhanced DMSP production under increased hydrostatic pressure. Furthermore, bacterial dsyB mutants are less tolerant of deep ocean pressures than wild-type strains. Thus, we propose a physiological function for DMSP in hydrostatic pressure protection, and that bacteria are key DMSP producers in deep seawater and sediment., Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an osmolyte produced by marine microbes that plays an important role in nutrient cycling and atmospheric chemistry. Here the authors go to the Mariana Trench—the deepest point in the ocean—and find bacteria are key DMSP producers, and that DMSP has a role in protection against high pressure.

Stabilization/solidification (S/S) is a low-cost and effective remedial technique for dredged contaminated sediments. Quick lime (CaO)-activated and reactive magnesia (MgO)-activated ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) are effective and low-carbon S/S binders. However, the existence of metals, especially Zn, in contaminated sediments, may hinder the hydration of GGBS. This study compared the performance and mechanisms of CaO-GGBS, MgO-GGBS and ordinary Portland cement (OPC) for the treatment of Zn-contaminated clay slurry using unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, one-stage batch leaching test, and mineralogical and thermal analyses. The results showed that the application of the MgO-GGBS (GGBS dosage of 10 % and MgO of 0 %–3 % (of dry clay by mass)) had positive effects on the mechanical strength and Zn immobilization of the contaminated clay slurry while the CaO-GGBS affected negatively and the situation became even worse at a higher CaO dosage (0 %–1.5 % of dry clay by mass). In comparison with OPC, the application of MgO-GGBS produced higher mechanical strength and that for CaO-GGBS was the lowest. The Zn leaching difference depends on initial Zn concentrations. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that a retarder, calcium zinc hydroxide, formed in the immobilization process when adding the CaO-GGBS binder, hindering the GGBS hydration and further leading to inferior strength and higher Zn leachability. The clay slurry treated by the MgO-GGBS binder was found to have a higher calcium silicate hydrate content which explained its high strength and low leachability.

Sulfoxaflor belongs to a new class of insecticides which are effective against many sap-feeding pests. Sitobion miscanthi, Rhopalosiphum padi, and Metopolophium dirhodum are the predominant pests coexisting on wheat plants. It is unknown whether these aphid species have developed resistance to sulfoxaflor. Here, the susceptibilities of three wheat aphid species from different regions of China to sulfoxaflor were evaluated. The results showed that two S. miscanthi, one R. padi, and two M. dirhodum field populations were highly resistant to sulfoxaflor. Additionally, 13 S. miscanthi, 9 R. padi, and 4 M. dirhodum field populations were moderately resistant to sulfoxaflor. Analysis of differences in toxicity showed that the susceptibility levels of R. padi in 9 of 20 regions, M.&nbsp, dirhodum in 5 of 9 regions, and M. dirhodum in 3 of 9 regions to sulfoxaflor were greater than those of S. miscanthi, S. miscanthi, and R. padi in the same regions, respectively. Thus, each wheat aphid species has field populations that are highly sulfoxaflor resistant. The R. padi and M. dirhodum populations were more susceptible to sulfoxaflor than those of S. miscanthi. These findings provide new insights into insecticide resistance development and rational sulfoxaflor use.

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is one of Earth’s most abundant organosulfur molecules, and bacteria in marine sediments have been considered significant producers. However, the vertical profiles of DMSP content and DMSP-producing bacteria in subseafloor sediment have not been described. Here, we used culture-dependent and -independent methods to investigate microbial DMSP production and cycling potential in South China Sea (SCS) sediment. The DMSP content of SCS sediment decreased from 11.25 to 20.90 nmol g–1 in the surface to 0.56–2.08 nmol g–1 in the bottom layers of 8-m-deep subseafloor sediment cores (n = 10). Very few eukaryotic plastid sequences were detected in the sediment, supporting bacteria and not algae as important sediment DMSP producers. Known bacterial DMSP biosynthesis genes (dsyB and mmtN) were only predicted to be in 0.0007–0.0195% of sediment bacteria, but novel DMSP-producing isolates with potentially unknown DMSP synthesis genes and/or pathways were identified in these sediments, including Marinobacter (Gammaproteobacteria) and Erythrobacter (Alphaproteobacteria) sp. The abundance of bacteria with the potential to produce DMSP decreased with sediment depth and was extremely low at 690 cm. Furthermore, distinct DMSP-producing bacterial groups existed in surface and subseafloor sediment samples, and their abundance increased when samples were incubated under conditions known to enrich for DMSP-producing bacteria. Bacterial DMSP catabolic genes were also most abundant in the surface oxic sediments with high DMSP concentrations. This study extends the current knowledge of bacterial DMSP biosynthesis in marine sediments and implies that DMSP biosynthesis is not only confined to the surface oxic sediment zones. It highlights the importance of future work to uncover the DMSP biosynthesis genes/pathways in novel DMSP-producing bacteria.

Phreatic groundwater plays a significant role in the water supply for human communities, especially in water scarce regions. This research was conducted to investigate the hydrochemistry and contamination of phreatic groundwater and their constraints on drinking water supply in a semiarid region of the North China Plain. A total of 49 phreatic groundwaters were collected for the hydrochemical analysis. The results suggested the phreatic groundwater had a slightly alkaline nature. Although the groundwater had a large variation of salinity with the TDS of 172–1,875 mg/l, most groundwater was moderately-hard fresh and of HCO3-Ca type. Contaminants of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, Fe, F−, Zn, Mn were detected, but only NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, and Fe were found exceeding the drinking water desirable limits at some sites. The nitrogen contaminants were from anthropogenic inputs (urban sewage effluents and agricultural fertilizers) and mainly distributed in the central study area. The anthropogenic inputs of nitrogen contaminants also elevated groundwater salinity. Among the exceeding contaminants, only NO3− would pose a potential health risk to water consumers. The existing health risks by NO3− ranged from medium risk (HQ of 1–4) to high risk (hazard quotient > 4) for all populations, and most risks were categorized into the medium risk rank. Groundwater F− was also found with health risk at some sporadic sites although it did not exceed, only approached, the desirable limit. Its health risk was only to infants and categorized into the medium risk with the maximum HQ of 1.55. Most phreatic groundwater (83.67%) in the study area had relatively good quality and was suitable for domestic usage with the EWQI value below 150. Others belonged to the poor (EWQI of 150–200) and extremely poor (EWQI > 200) quality categories, and mainly distributed in the urban Gaocheng. Thus, it is recommended to pay attentions to the anthropogenic contaminants inputs into phreatic aquifers in human activities areas.

Sixty groundwater samples were collected from the Mianyang area in Sichuan Basin for hydrogeochemical analysis, quality assessment, and human health risk evaluation. Principal component analysis (PCA), ratios of major ions and geochemical modelling were used to investigate the factors regulating the hydrogeochemical compositions. Groundwater samples were of Ca-HCO3 type and the average cation and anion concentrations were in the order of Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > NO3− > F−. The hydrogeochemical compositions were dominated by calcite dissolution, silicate dissolution, and ion exchange. NO3− contamination was identified and attributed to anthropogenic activities. 65% (39) of the water samples were suitable for human consumption based on the entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI). The human health risk was evaluated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) mathematical model. The hazard quotient of nitrate (HQNitrate) and total non-carcinogenic health risk (HITotal) values contended that non-carcinogenic health risk was greater in infants as compared to children and adults. Therefore, appropriate remediation for decreasing nitrate concentration in drinking water was recommended to prevent further health risk. This research can provide references to ensure groundwater security and realize effective management of groundwater in the Mianyang area and other similar regions worldwide.

Pyruvate kinase (PYK) is a speed-limited enzyme of glycolysis that catalyzes the formation of pyruvate, and plays an important role in acetyl-CoA synthesis. The acetyl-CoA is the precursor of sex pheromone biosynthesis in Helicoverpa armigera. However, the role of PYK in sex pheromone biosynthesis remains elusive. Here, PYK in H. armigera (HaPYK) was found to be highly expressed in the pheromone glands (PGs). The developmental expression profile of HaPYK was consistent with the fluctuation of sex pheromone release. Function analysis revealed that the knockdown of HaPYK led to a decrease in the levels of pyruvic acid and acetyl-CoA in PGs, which in turn caused a significant decrease in cis-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16: Ald) production, female capability to attract males, and mating frequency. Further study demonstrated that sugar feeding (5% sugar) increased the transcription and enzyme activity of HaPYK, thereby facilitating sex pheromone biosynthesis. Moreover, pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) upregulated HaPYK activity through protein kinase C (PKC), as shown by PKC-specific inhibitor analysis. Altogether, our results revealed that PBAN activated HaPYK by Ca2+/PKC, thereby regulating the synthesis of pyruvate and subsequent acetyl-CoA, ensuring the supply of sex pheromone precursor, and finally facilitating sex pheromone biosynthesis and mating behavior.

Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is one of the most frequently used UV filters in sunscreens and other cosmetic products. Its ubiquitous presence in various environmental matrices and its endocrine disrupting properties have been widely reported. However, we know little about the effect of EHMC exposure on humans, mainly due to its fast metabolism. In this study, urine and plasma of EHMC-dosed rats were analysed to identify its major metabolites. Five metabolites were found, with four firstly reported. Two metabolites were putatively identified as 4-methoxycinnamic acid (4-MCA) and 4'-methoxyacetophenone (4'-MAP). Quantitative results revealed that their excretion concentrations were much higher than the parent compound. Because of these high concentrations, for the human biomonitoring study, EHMC and these two metabolites were detected simultaneously in urine samples from Chinese children and adolescents. The results indicated wide exposure to EHMC, 4-MCA and 4'-MAP. The correlation between urinary concentration of EHMC and 4-MCA as well as 4-MCA and 4'-MAP provided important clues as to the sources and metabolic pathways among these three compounds. Several demographic factors were also assessed with the exposure level. As the first human exposure study of EHMC in a Chinese population, this report would help to establish an exposure database facilitating health risk assessment of EHMC.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, strictly aerobic strain, designated as MTEO17T, was isolated from a 1000 m deep seawater sample of the Mariana Trench. Growth was observed at 10–45 °C (optimum, 37 °C), in the presence of 0.0–12.0 % NaCl (w/v; optimum, 3.0 %) and at pH 6.0–10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0). Phylogenetic analysis, based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, revealed that strain MTEO17T belonged to the genus Alcanivorax and showed the highest sequence similarity of 97.9 % to Alcanivorax nanhaiticus MCCC 1A05629T. The estimated average nucleotide identity and DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain MTEO17T and A. nanhaiticus MCCC 1A05629T were 78.98 and 23.80 %, respectively. The significant dominant fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). The polar lipids comprised two phosphatidylethanolamines, one phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid and four unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain MTEO17T was 57.5 %. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence, strain MTEO17T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Alcanivorax , for which the name Alcanivorax profundi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MTEO17T (=KCTC 52694T=MCCC 1K03252T).

A triazine hit identified from a screen of the BMS compound collection was optimized for potency, in vivo activity, and off-target profile to produce the bicyclic pyrimidine γ-secretase modulator BMS-932481. The compound showed robust reductions of Aβ1–42 and Aβ1–40 in the plasma, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid of mice and rats. Consistent with the γ-secretase modulator mechanism, increases in Aβ1–37 and Aβ1–38 were observed, with no change in the total amount of Aβ1–x produced. No Notch-based toxicity was observed, and the overall preclinical profile of BMS-932481 supported its further evaluation in human clinical trials.

The reliable prediction of transport and attenuation of dissolved-phase contamination in the unsaturated zone is a complex and multi-process problem. Based on the adsorption properties of soil samples to solutes, the soil column test and laboratory analysis were carried out in this study. The effects of the loam inter-layer on the migration and breakthrough of the characteristic pollutant benzene and non-absorbent Br− were studied. The results showed that the relatively high clay content of the inter-layer significantly changed the BTC (breakthrough curve). It not only delayed the migration time of benzene into the aquifer but also to some extent produced an attenuation effect, effectively reducing the content of the characteristic pollutants through the unsaturated zone. The dispersion coefficient was obtained through the measured Br−. The theoretical values were calculated and compared with the experimental data by using a one-dimensional unsaturated solute transport equation. The result was basically consistent, which proved the validity and reliability of the model. Through the BTC of benzene, the retardation factor was obtained and used to describe the influence of the loam inter-layer on the migration and breakthrough, which could provide the basis for the accurate modeling of groundwater remediation projects.

This paper investigated the performance of in situ gas thermal remediation (GTR) technique for the remediation of organic contaminated soil and groundwater. The pollutants of the site are mainly benzene, chlorobenzene, and petroleum. To evaluate the effectiveness of GTR, 100-m2 site soil with a depth of up to 18 m were installed with heating wells and extraction wells. The temperature in the GTR system was 100~200 °C, and the pressure was 0.5~2.0 kPa. It ran for 34 days. Later, soil and groundwater were sampled 7 days after treatment. The results show that the temperatures of the central remediation area and the heating well surrounding area were higher than that of the edge position. The average temperature of the surface soil was the lowest. The highest temperatures were found at depths of − 3 m and − 6 m. In addition, the removal rates of benzene, chlorobenzene, and petroleum in soil were up to 99.81%, 99.72%, and 98.23%, respectively. Meanwhile, those for groundwater were up to 98.77%, 97.70%, and 99.99%, respectively. The removal rate of pollutants in soil is affected by temperature and the nature of the soil. Although many GTR projects have been applied in the USA, this project is the first engineering application project of GTR technology in China. The results present the good in situ organic removal efficiency of GTR system in this study and therefore provide a guidance and technical support for similar projects in China.

The co-contamination of the environment by metals and organic pollutants is a significant concern, and one such example is lead (Pb) and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) due to their historic use as fuel additives. Clinoptilolite is an abundant and efficient zeolite for metal removal, but the potential interference of co-existing organic pollutants on metal removal, such as MTBE, have rarely been discussed. In this study, a combination of batch sorption tests and synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopic analyses were employed to investigate Pb sorption mechanism(s) onto clinoptilolite in the presence and absence of MTBE. A comparison was made to synthetic ZSM-5 zeolite to gain insights into differences in Pb binding mechanisms between hydrophilic (clinoptilolite) and hydrophobic (ZSM-5) zeolites. Site occupancy and surface precipitation contributed equally to Pb removal by clinoptilolite, while surface precipitation was the main Pb removal mechanism for ZSM-5 followed by site occupancy. Despite the negligible effect of 100 mg/L MTBE on observed Pb removal from solution by both zeolites, a surface-embedded Pb removal mechanism, through the Mg site on clinoptilolite surface, arises when MTBE is present. This study provides an understanding of atomic-level Pb uptake mechanisms on zeolites, with and without co-contaminating MTBE, which aids in their application in water treatment at co-contaminated sites.

IntroductionCurcumin (CUR) was reported to stimulate the expression of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3), a potential new target for the replacement therapy of osteoporosis. Besides, marrow stem cells (MSC)-derived exosomes (EXO) were proven to improve osteoporosis by promoting the proliferation of osteoblasts. In this study, we aimed to study the effect of CUR and BMSC-derived exosomes in the treatment of osteoporosis.Material and methodsMicroscopy was used to characterize exosomes derived from bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs). MicroCT was carried out to analyze the parameters of bone formation. Western blot was carried out to analyze the expression of surface markers on BMSC-derived exosomes and METTL3/Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) proteins under different conditions. Real-time PCR was used to assess the gene expression under different circumstances.ResultsThe exosomes derived from CUR-treated BMSCs showed an enhanced therapeutic effect on osteoporosis mice compared with exosomes derived from untreated BMSCs. Mechanistically, the effect of BMSC-derived exosomes on restoring the de-regulated expression of METTL3, miR-320 and RUNX2 was significantly enhanced by CUR treatment upon BMSCs. Besides, CUR treatment upon BMSCs showed an obvious effect on enhancing the stimulatory role of BMSC-derived exosomes in the expression of METTL3, miR-320, RUNX2, BGLAP and LAP in BMSCs. Furthermore, luciferase assay demonstrated that miR-320 was capable of suppressing the expression of RUNX2 through binding to the 3’ UTR of RUNX2.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that BMSC-derived exosomes could modulate the METTL3/miRNA-320/RUNX2 axis to attenuate osteoporosis by promoting osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Moreover, the CUR treatment upon BMSCs promoted the therapeutic effect of BMSC-derived exosomes.

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is one of Earth’s most abundant organosulfur molecules. Recently, many marine heterotrophic bacteria were shown to produce DMSP, but few studies have combined culture-dependent and independent techniques to study their abundance, distribution, diversity and activity in seawater or sediment environments. Here we investigate bacterial DMSP production potential in East China Sea (ECS) samples. Total DMSP (DMSPt) concentration in ECS seawater was highest in surface waters (SW) where phytoplankton were most abundant, and it decreased with depth to near bottom waters. However, the percentage of DMSPt mainly apportioned to bacteria increased from the surface to the near bottom water. The highest DMSP concentration was detected in ECS oxic surface sediment (OSS) where phytoplankton were not abundant. Bacteria with the genetic potential to produce DMSP and relevant biosynthesis gene transcripts were prominent in all ECS seawater and sediment samples. Their abundance also increased with depth and was highest in the OSS samples. Microbial enrichments for DMSP-producing bacteria from sediment and seawater identified many novel taxonomic groups of DMSP-producing bacteria. Different profiles of DMSP-producing bacteria existed between seawater and sediment samples and there are still novel DMSP-producing bacterial groups to be discovered in these environments. This study shows that heterotrophic bacteria significantly contribute to the marine DMSP pool and that their contribution increases with water depth and is highest in seabed surface sediment where DMSP catabolic potential is lowest. Furthermore, distinct bacterial groups likely produce DMSP in seawater and sediment samples, and many novel producing taxa exist, especially in the sediment.

Groundwater of alluvial fan plains is the foremost water source, especially in arid/semiarid regions. Its contaminants are big issues for water supply and public health concern. To reveal the groundwater chemistry, contaminants sources and health threats in alluvial aquifers, 81 groundwaters were collected from a typical alluvial fan plain of northern China for nitrogen, fluoride and major ions analysis. Statistical analysis and hydrochemical diagrams as well as human health risk assessment were performed. Nitrate is widely distributed and 53% of groundwaters exceed the permissible limit with the maximum concentration up to 326 mg/L. The distributions of nitrite, ammonia and fluoride contaminants are sporadic in spatial, and the concentrations of fluoride in groundwaters are slightly beyond the permissible limit of 1 mg/L. The hydrochemical facies shift from HCO3-Ca or Mixed HCO3-Na·Ca type to Mixed Cl-Mg·Ca and Cl Ca type with the increase of nitrate content. Two factors (Factor-1 and Factor-2) are extracted by factor analysis and account 63% of the total variances. The positive loading of F− and negative loading of NO3− on Factor-2 reveal geogenic and anthropogenic origins, respectively. The significant positive loadings of TDS, TH, SO42−, Cl−, Ca2+, Mg2+ on Factor-1 reveal the governing mechanisms on groundwater chemistry by intermixed sources of geogenic origins and anthropogenic inputs. Hydrogeochemical evolution in the study area is driven by both water-rock interaction and anthropogenic forces. Anthropogenic inputs/influences are the dominated forces increasing groundwater nitrate content and salinity in the piedmont zone and the residential and industrial zone of the southeastern lower parts, and would pose potential non-carcinogenic risks to various populations via oral intake pathway. Rational measures should be taken to protect groundwater quality out of the threats of anthropogenic pollution. The geogenic fluoride in groundwater would threat the health of children through oral pathway and should be also concerned. Capsule The driving forces of groundwater chemistry in alluvial fan plains were revealed using integrated approach of factor analysis and geostatistical modelling.

Qianyu Yue,* Yanyan Xu,* Xiaoli Deng, Shenglan Wang, Jingman Qiu, Baojiang Qian, Yunhui Zhang Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province (The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology), Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Yunhui Zhang; Xiaoli DengDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province (The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology), No. 157, Jinbi Road, Kunming, 650032, Yunnan, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 871-63638515Email Yueqianyu2020@163.com; xeygyc@163.comBackground: Circular RNA (circRNA) is a key regulator of cancer, and it has been proved to be involved in the regulation of cancer progression including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Circ-PITX1 was found to be a significantly upregulated circRNA in NSCLC, and its role and potential mechanism in NSCLC progression deserve further investigation.Methods: The expression levels of circ-PITX1, microRNA (miR)-1248 and cyclin D2 (CCND2) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle process, migration and invasion were determined using cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell assay. Xenograft models were built to explore the role of circ-PITX1 in NSCLC tumor growth in vivo. The glycolysis and glutamine metabolism of cells were assessed by detecting the consumptions of glucose and glutamine, cell extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), and the productions of lactate, α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) and ATP. The protein levels of hexokinase 2 (HK-2), glutaminase 1 (GLS1) and CCND2 were tested by Western blot (WB) analysis. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay were employed to verify the interaction between miR-1248 and circ-PITX1 or CCND2.Results: Circ-PITX1 was upregulated in NSCLC and its silencing could inhibit the proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle process, glycolysis, glutamine metabolism, and promote the apoptosis of NSCLC cells in vitro, as well as reduced tumor growth in vivo. In the terms of mechanism, we found that circ-PITX1 could act as a sponge of miR-1248, and miR-1248 could target CCND2. In addition, miR-1248 inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of circ-PITX1 knockdown on NSCLC progression. Similarly, CCND2 overexpression also reversed the suppressive effect of miR-1248 on NSCLC progression. Moreover, circ-PITX1 positively regulated CCND2 expression by sponging miR-1248.Conclusion: Circ-PITX1 served as a sponge of miR-1248 to promote NSCLC progression by upregulating CCND2.Keywords: non-small cell lung cancer, circ-PITX1, miR-1248, CCND2

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly induced by the increased content of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) in the atmosphere. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of betulinic acid derivative on lung inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease induced by particulate matter 2.5. Material/Methods The mice were given a PM2.5 (25 μl) suspension for 7 days by the intranasal route to establish a COPD model. The content of TNF-α and IL-6 in the BALF samples was measured by commercially available ELISA kits. Results The PM2.5-induced higher LDH and ACP levels were significantly alleviated in mouse lung tissues by treatment with betulinic acid derivative. Treatment with betulinic acid derivative also suppressed PM2.5-induced increase in AKP and ALB levels in mouse lung tissues. Betulinic acid derivative reversed PM2.5-mediated suppression of SOD activity and elevation of NOS level in mouse BALF. Moreover, the PM2.5-induced excessive NO and MDA levels in mouse BALF were significantly reduced (P

Red mud and phosphogypsum are voluminous industrial by-products worldwide. They have long been disposed of in landfills or open storage, leading to a waste of resource and environmental pollution. This study provides a novel approach to recycle these industrial by-products as sustainable red mud-phosphogypsum-Portland cement (RPPC) binders for stabilization/solidification (S/S) of multimetal-contaminated soil. The physical strength, metal leachability and microstructure of S/S soil were investigated after 7-day and 28-day curing, as well as freezing-thawing (F-T) cycle and wetting-drying (W-D) cycle. The results show that the strength of soil treated by all binders fulfilled the uniaxial compressive strength requirement (350 kPa) of S/S waste in landfills. Microstructural analyses show that the main hydration products of the RPPC S/S soil are ilmenite, ettringite, anhydrite and hydrated calcium silicate. The 10% and 15% RPPC binders have a competitive metal immobilization ability compared with 10% PC, but the immobilization priority is different: Pb > Zn > Cd in RPPC system and Zn > Cd > Pb in PC system, respectively, probably due to the precipiataion of Pb2+ with the abundant SO42− in phosphogypsum in RPPC system. The strength of RPPC and PC treated soil was still higher than 350 kPa except for RPPC7.5 after 10 freeze-thaw or 10 wetting-drying cycles. The RPPC binder performed worse than PC binder after both freeze-thaw and wetting-drying cycles, especially at a lower dosage. Only the metal leaching concentrations of samples treated by RPPC15 and PC10 could fulfil the Chinese standards for hazardous wastes.

Assessments for groundwater quality and potential health risk are significant for better utilization and exploitation. In the present study, seventy groundwater samples were collected from domestic tube wells and public water-supply wells in the Nanchong area, southwestern China. The integration of statistical analysis, ion correlation, geomodelling analysis, entropy water quality index and health risks assessment were compiled in this study. Statistical analysis indicated the cations followed the concentration order as Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+, while anions' concentrations were HCO3- > SO42- > Cl- > NO3- > F- based on Box and Whisker plot. Piper triangle diagram proposed the hydrochemical type was characterized as Ca-HCO3. Correlations of ions and geomodelling revealed the concentrations of major ions were mainly determined by calcite dissolution and ion exchange process and NO3- concentrations were controlled by agriculture activities. Entropy water quality index computation demonstrated that 96% of groundwater samples possessed the EWQI values of 29-95, and thus were suitable for drinking purpose. The HITotal values for 66% groundwater samples exceeded the acceptable limit for non-carcinogenic risk (HI =1) for infants, followed by 41% for children, 37% for adult males, and 30% for adult females. The non-carcinogenic human health risk of different population groups followed the order of infants > children > adult males > adult females. In future, targeted measures for human health risks of NO3- will focus on the improvements for agricultural activities, including reducing the use of nitrogenous fertilizer, changing irrigation pattern, etc. Our study provides the vital knowledge for groundwater management in the Nanchong and development of the Cheng -Yu Economic Circle.

Freshwater sludge (FS) is generated in large quantities during the production of drinking water every day. It is largely underutilized, and has long been filter pressed to sludge cake and then disposed of in landfills. The search for more economical and sustainable disposal or reuse options is urgently needed. Biochar and hydrochar are increasingly popular wastes derived materials with huge potential for soil improvement, environmental remediation, and mitigation of climate change, but there is a lack of research on the production of FS derived biochar and hydrochar. In this study, biochar was produced by pyrolysis at 300, 500 or 700 °C for 1 h, and hydrochar was produced by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) at 140, 160, 180 or 200 °C for 4 h. Proximate analyses show that the biochar has a higher carbon stability and is possibly suitable for carbon sequestration, while the hydrochar contains more labile carbon structures. The ultimate analysis indicates that the surface hydrophobicity is in the order of: biochar > hydrochar > FS. The phytotoxicity tests indicate their positive effects on germination of wheat seeds. This study provides a new treatment to reuse numerous FS and put forward the possible applications of its carbonaceous products, which is expected to facilitate a circular economy and realize the zero-waste target.

Groundwater is an essential resource for sustainable development, whose quality is significant for human health. In the present study, twenty-eight groundwater samples were collected from domestic tube wells and public water supply wells in the Suining area, southwestern China. The integration of statistical analysis, correlations of ions, geomodelling, and entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) was carried out to clarify the hydrochemistry and groundwater quality in the study area. By the statistical analysis, the cations followed the concentration order as Ca2+> Na+> Mg2+> K+, while anions’ concentrations were HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > NO3− > F−. Piper trilinear diagram showed the hydrochemical type was characterized as Ca-HCO3. Correlations of ions and geomodelling revealed the concentrations of major ions were mainly determined by carbonate dissolution and ion exchange process, and NO3− concentrations were controlled by agriculture activities. EWQI computation demonstrated that most of the groundwater samples possessed EWQI values higher than 100. Therefore, groundwater quality is lower than the permissible limit of the World Health Organization (WHO), suitable for drinking purposes in the Suining area. Our study provides vital knowledge for groundwater management in the Suining and other similar areas.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) double-wall corrugated pipe is a flexible buried pipe widely used in municipal drainage, and its deformation is affected by the compactness of the surrounding soil. This paper uses the ABAQUS to establish a three-dimensional pipe-soil model of double-wall corrugated pipes, and the mechanical response behavior of corrugated pipes with different nominal diameters subject to external loads is studied. The results show that the strain distribution characteristics for pipes with different diameters are very similar, and the circumferential strain value at critical positions of the pipe is proportional to its nominal diameter. Under poor backfill conditions, small-diameter pipelines are more prone to damage caused by strain concentration, while large-diameter pipelines may be damaged due to local bending.

Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Rhopalosiphum padi (Linnaeus), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), and Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are important pests of wheat and other cereals worldwide. In this study, the susceptibilities of four wheat aphid species to seven insecticides were assessed. Furthermore, the activities of carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferase (GSTs), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450s) were determined in imidacloprid treated and untreated aphids. The results showed that the susceptibilities of four wheat aphid species to tested insecticides are different and M. dirhodum has shown higher tolerance to most insecticides. Relatively higher CarE and GST activities were observed in M. dirhodum, and P450s activities increased significantly in response to imidacloprid treatment. Moreover, susceptibility to imidacloprid were increased by the oxidase inhibitor piperonyl butoxide in M. dirhodum (20-fold). The results we have obtained imply that P450s may play an important role in imidacloprid metabolic process in M. dirhodum. We suggest that a highly species-specific approach is essential for managing M. dirhodum.

Bing Yuan,1,* Feng Liao,1,* Zhi-Zhou Shi,2 Yuan Ren,1 Xiao-Li Deng,1 Ting-Ting Yang,1 Deng-Yuan Li,1 Ru-Fang Li,1 Dan-Dan Pu,1 Yu-Jue Wang,1 Yan Tan,1 Zhen Yang,1 Yun-Hui Zhang1 1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China; 2Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this work.Correspondence: Zhen YangDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail 49387127@qq.comYun-Hui ZhangDepartment of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail yunhuizhang3188@126.comObjective: Lung cancer is the first leading cause of cancer-related deaths both worldwide and in China and threatens human health and quality of life. New drugs and therapeutic methods are urgently needed. Our study evaluated the roles of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in lung cancer and further explored its underlying mechanisms.Methods: CCK-8, colony formation and trypan blue exclusion assays were used to detect the cell viability, colony formation ability and cell death. qRT-PCR and Western blotting assays were applied to analyze the expressions of key molecules.Results: DHA inhibited the proliferation and colony formation abilities and enhanced the cell death and induced ferroptosis of lung NCI-H23 and XWLC-05 cancer cells. DHA reduced PRIM2 expression and silencing PRIM2 mimicked the inhibitory roles on proliferation and colony formation and promotive roles on cell death and ferroptosis of DHA in lung NCI-H23 and XWLC-05 cancer cells. We further found that DHA treatment and loss of PRIM2 reduced the GSH level and increased the cellular lipid ROS and mitochondrial MDA levels, and further downregulated the expressions of SLC7A11 and β-catenin in lung cancer cells, respectively. Exogenetic overexpression of PRIM2 recovered the inhibitory effects of DHA on proliferation and colony formation in lung NCI-H23 cancer cells, meanwhile loss of PRIM2 sensitizes NCI-H23 cells to DHA therapy. In vivo experiment further showed that DHA treatment significantly suppressed the tumor growth and downregulated PRIM2 and SLC7A11.Conclusion: Our study suggested that DHA inhibited the proliferation, colony formation and enhanced cell death and induced ferroptosis of lung cancer cells by inactivating PRIM2/SLC7A11 axis. Loss of PRIM2 induced ferroptosis might developed to be a novel therapeutic method in lung cancer therapy.Keywords: dihydroartemisinin, lung cancer, proliferation, ferroptosis, PRIM2, SLC7A11

Using diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) is a recently developed alternative method of rapidly evaluating the bioavailability of metals in soil. However, the method has found only limited application in systematic assessment of the bioavailability of cadmium (Cd) in red limestone paddy soils treated with different soil amendments. Of the four methods compared for estimating Cd content of rice grains from plants grown in such soils of central China treated with eleven different soil amendments in pot culture, Cd content of DGT-labile soil was significantly correlated to Cd concentrations in brown rice (R = 0.447, p 0.01). The other three methods involved CaCl

Insect Odorant-Binding Proteins (OBPs) play crucial roles in the discrimination, binding and transportation of odorants. Herein, the full-length cDNA sequence of Minus-C OBP1 (MaltOBP1) from the Japanese pine sawyer beetle, Monochamus alternatus, was cloned by 3′ and 5′ RACE-PCR and analyzed. The results showed that MaltOBP1 contains a 435 bp open reading frame (ORF) that encodes 144 amino acids, including a 21-amino acid signal peptide at the N-terminus. The matured MaltOBP1 protein possesses a predicted molecular weight of about 14 kDa and consists of six α-helices, creating an open binding pocket, and two disulfide bridges. Immunoblotting results showed that MaltOBP1 was most highly expressed in antennae in both sexes, followed by wings and legs. Fluorescence assays demonstrated that MaltOBP1 protein exhibited high binding affinity with (R)-(+)-α-pinene, (−)-β-pinene, trans-caryophyllene, (R)-(+)-limonene and (–)-verbenone, which are the main volatile compounds of the pine tree. Our combined results suggest that MaltOBP1 plays a role in host seeking behavior in M. alternatus.

The microbial cycling of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and its gaseous catabolites dimethylsulfide (DMS) and methanethiol (MeSH) are important processes in the global sulfur cycle, marine microbial food webs, signaling pathways, atmospheric chemistry, and potentially climate regulation. Many functional genes have been identified and used to study the genetic potential of microbes to produce and catabolize these organosulfur compounds in different marine environments. Here, we sampled seawater, marine sediment and hydrothermal sediment, and polymetallic sulfide in the eastern Chinese marginal seas and analyzed their microbial communities for the genetic potential to cycle DMSP, DMS, and MeSH using metagenomics. DMSP was abundant in all sediment samples, but was fivefold less prominent in those from hydrothermal samples. Indeed, Yellow Sea (YS) sediment samples had DMSP concentrations two orders of magnitude higher than in surface water samples. Bacterial genetic potential to synthesize DMSP (mainly in Rhodobacteraceae bacteria) was far higher than for phytoplankton in all samples, but particularly in the sediment where no algal DMSP synthesis genes were detected. Thus, we propose bacteria as important DMSP producers in these marine sediments. DMSP catabolic pathways mediated by the DMSP lyase DddP (prominent in Pseudomonas and Mesorhizobium bacteria) and DMSP demethylase DmdA enzymes (prominent in Rhodobacteraceae bacteria) and MddA-mediated MeSH S-methylation were very abundant in Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea sediments (BYSS) samples. In contrast, the genetic potential for DMSP degradation was very low in the hydrothermal sediment samples—dddP was the only catabolic gene detected and in only one sample. However, the potential for DMS production from MeSH (mddA) and DMS oxidation (dmoA and ddhA) was relatively abundant. This metagenomics study does not provide conclusive evidence for DMSP cycling; however, it does highlight the potential importance of bacteria in the synthesis and catabolism of DMSP and related compounds in diverse sediment environments.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), members of the nuclear hormone receptor family, attract wide attention as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of multiple diseases, and their target selective ligands were also intensively developed for pharmacological agents such as the approved drugs fibrates and thiazolidinediones (TZDs). Despite their potent pharmacological activities, PPARs are reported to be involved in agent- and pollutant-induced multiple organ toxicity or protective effects against toxicity. A better understanding of the protective and the detrimental role of PPARs will help to preserve efficacy of the PPAR modulators but diminish adverse effects. The present review summarizes and critiques current findings related to PPAR-mediated types of toxicity and protective effects against toxicity for a systematic understanding of PPARs in toxicology and applied pharmacology.

The applications of biogenic Mn oxides (BMOs) formed by Mn-oxidizing fungus in decontaminating heavy metals have attracted increasing attention. In this study, an efficient Mn-oxidizing fungus was isolated from soil and identified as Cladosporium halotolerans strain XM01. The Mn(II) adsorption and oxidation activities of this strain were investigated, showing significantly high removal and oxidation rates of soluble Mn(II) of 99.9% and 88.2%, respectively. Dynamic analysis of the Mn(II) removal process demonstrated the oxidation process of Mn(II) to Mn(III) was the rate-limiting step in the Mn(II) metabolic process. The XRD and SAED characterization showed that more layers were orderly accumulated along the c-axis with the formation of fungal BMOs, which might lead to the decrease in its specific surface area. The adsorption of Cd(II) by the formed BMOs was investigated and compared with two typical abiotic Mn oxides, indicating that the adsorption capacity decreased with the following order: immature BMO, mature BMO, δ-MnO2, acid birnessite, while the fixation capacity decreased in the order of acid birnessite, mature BMO, δ-MnO2, immature BMO. The inverse correlation between the capacity of Cd(II) adsorption and fixation of immature and mature BMOs was probably attributed to the increase in the layer stacking of BMOs. This result indicates an interesting phenomenon of high reservation of Cd(II) resulting from sequential transformation from strong adsorption to strong fixation with the formation of BMOs. This study offers considerable insights into fungal Mn oxidation mechanisms and provides theoretical guidance for fungal BMOs in heavy metals bioremediation.

Objective: Metabolomics may unravel global metabolic changes in response to environmental exposures and identify important biological pathways involved in the pathophysiology of childhood obesity. Phthalate has been considered an obesogen and contributing to overweight and obesity in children. The purpose of this study is to evaluate changes in urine metabolites in response to the environmental phthalate exposure among overweight or obese children, and to investigate the metabolic mechanisms involved in the obesogenic effect of phthalate on children at puberty. Methods: Within the national Puberty Timing and Health Effects in Chinese Children (PTHEC) study, 69 overweight/obese children and 80 normal weight children were selected into the current study according to their puberty timing and WGOC (The Working Group for obesity in China) references. Urinary concentrations of six phthalate monoesters (MMP, MEP, MnBP, MEHP, MEOHP and MEHHP) were measured using API 2000 electrospray triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (ESIMS/MS). Metabolomic profiling of spot urine was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed urinary metabolites associated with phthalate monoesters exposure were examined using orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis and multiple linear regression models. In addition, the candidate metabolites were regressed to obesity indices with multiple linear regression models and logistic regression models in all subjects. Results: Compared with normal weight children, higher levels of MnBP were detected in urinary samples of children with overweight and obesity. After adjusting for confounders including chronological age, gender, puberty onset, daily energy intake and physical activity and socio-economic level, positive association remained between urinary MnBP concentration and childhood overweight/obesity [OR = 1.586, 95% CI:1.043,2.412]. We observed elevated MnBP concentration was significantly correlated with increased levels of monostearin, 1-monopalmitin, stearic acid, itaconic acid, glycerol 3-phosphate, 5-methoxytryptamine, kyotorphin, 1-methylhydantoin, d-alanyl-d-alanine, pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid, 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylglycol, and butyraldehyde. Meanwhile, increased MnBP concentration was also significantly correlated with decreased levels of lactate, glucose 6-phosphate, d-fructose 6-phosphate, palmitic acid, 4-acetamidobutyric acid, l-glutamic acid, n-acetyl-l-phenylalanine, iminodiacetic acid, hydroxyproline, pipecolinic acid, l-ornithine, n-acetyl-l-glutamic acid, guanosine, cytosin, and (s)-mandelic acid in the normal weight subjects. The observations indicated that MnBP exposure was related to global urine metabolic abnormalities characterized by disrupting arginine and proline metabolism and increasing oxidative stress and fatty acid reesterification. Among the metabolic markers related to MnBP exposure, 1-methylhydantoin, pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid and monostearin were found to be positively correlated with obesity indices, while hydroxyproline, l-ornithine, and lactate were negatively associated with overweight/obesity in children. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the disrupted arginine and proline metabolism associated with phthalate exposure might contribute to the development of overweight and obesity in school-age children, providing insights into the pathophysiological changes and molecular mechanisms involved in childhood obesity. Keywords: Phthalate, Childhood overweight/obesity, Metabolic profiles, Arginine and proline metabolism

The reactions of ethyl and butyl xanthates with Pb2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ were investigated to determine the solubility products of metal xanthates using UV/Visible spectroscopic method and software WinSGW and MEDUSA. The effects of solution pH, chemical reactions and ionic strength on the determination of solubility products of metal xanthates were investigated. For a given metal, the solubility product of metal xanthate was found to decrease with the increase of the carbon chain length of the alkyl group. The determined solubility products of metal xanthates were in the order of ZnX2 > CdX2 > PbX2 and M(EX)2 > M(BX)2. The accurate Ksp constant allowed more accurate calculation of the minimal concentration of xanthate ions for treating heavy metal-containing waste water to selectively separate metal ions, avoiding the potential presence of toxic xanthates in the treated water.

Previous studies have linked prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure to adverse birth outcomes. Reductions in placental size might mediate those adverse effects. We examined whether umbilical cord blood PBDEs concentrations were associated with placental size at birth. A total of 121 mother-newborn pairs residing in Wenzhou were enrolled in this study. Concentrations of 19 PBDEs in umbilical cord blood were determined by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Placental length, breadth and surface area was measured by medical professionals after delivery. BDE-206, 207, 208, 209 and the total of 19 PBDE congeners concentrations were negatively associated with placental length, breadth and surface area. Our results suggest that prenatal PBDEs exposure may suppress placental growth, resulting in reduced placental size.

In order to understand the influence of feedstock type on biochar adsorption of heavy metals, the adsorption characteristics of nickel (Ni2+), copper (Cu2+) and lead (Pb2+) onto biochars derived from mixed softwood and Miscanthus straw were compared. The biochars were produced from mixed softwood pellets (SWP) and Miscanthus straw pellets (MSP), at both 550 and 700 °C for each material, using a standardised production procedure recommended by the UK Biochar Research Centre. Kinetics analyses show that the adsorption of Ni2+ to all four biochars reached equilibrium within 5 min. The degree of Ni2+ removal for all four biochars remained nearly constant within initial pH values of 3-8, because the equilibrium pH values within this range were similar due to the buffering effect of the biochars. A sharp increase of Ni2+ removal percentage for all biochars at initial solution pH 8-10 was observed as the equilibrium pH also increased. MSP derived biochars generally had higher maximum adsorption capacities (Qmax) for the three tested metals as compared with those from SWP, which was likely due to their higher degree of carbonisation during production. This study shows that feedstock type is a primary factor affecting the adsorption capacities of the tested biochars for heavy metals.

Lepidoptera sex pheromone biosynthesis is regulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN). PBAN regulates not only female sex pheromone biosynthesis but also male sex pheromone biosynthesis. Previous research has confirmed that PBAN regulates sex pheromone biosynthesis using Ca2+ as a secondary messenger in all examined species to date. However, the downstream signal of Ca2+ has remained elusive. In the present study, calcineurin A (CNA), a downstream signal of Ca2+ , was discovered in Helicoverpa armigera male hairpencil and named HaCNA. Sequence analysis demonstrated that the open reading frame of HaCNA contains 1488 nucleotides encoding 495 amino acid residues. A homology search revealed that HaCNA shares a high amino acid identity with the CNA of other insects. Developmental and spatial expression analyses revealed that the mRNA levels of HaCNA peaked at 24 h after emergence and that HaCNA expression was ubiquitous in all examined tissues. Activity analysis revealed that PBAN activates HaCNA, and a Ca2+ inhibitor, Lacl3 , attenuated the effect of PBAN by decreasing HaCNA activity. Pharmacological inhibitor and RNA interference-mediated knockdown assays revealed that both activity inhibition and decreased mRNA levels of HaCNA led to a significant decrease in the production of the male sex pheromone components [octadecanol and (Z)-11 hexadecanol)] and in the efficacy of female mating acceptance. Our results demonstrate that HaCNA acts as downstream signal of PBAN/Ca2+ and plays an important role in PBAN-induced male sex pheromone biosynthesis and female mating acceptance.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has become a new global epidemic with a rapidly increasing prevalence. Previous studies have suggested that air pollution is associated with GDM risk, but the results are inconsistent, and mechanistic studies are limited. Based on a hospital-based cohort, a total of 6374 participants were included in this study. Individual daily PM2.5 exposure at a 1-km resolution was predicted using a full-spatiotemporal-coverage model. The results of multiple linear regression showed that glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was significantly associated with PM2.5 both in the 1-month preconception and in the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, HbA1c decreased 0.437% (95% CI: − 0.629, − 0.244) as the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) increased by one interquartile range (IQR) (9.2 ng/ml). An IQR increase in PM2.5 exposure was also negatively associated with serum 25(OH)D (estimated change% and 95% CI: − 7.249 (− 9.054, − 5.408) in the 1-month preconception and − 13.069 (− 15.111, − 10.979) in the first trimester of pregnancy). Mediation analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D status mediated the association between HbA1c and PM2.5 exposure both in the preconception and in the first trimester (mediated percent: 2.00% and 4.05% (Sobel p ＜ 0.001), respectively). The result suggested a vicious cycle among PM2.5 exposure, lower serum VD status and a higher HbA1c. More studies are warranted since the protective effect of 25(OH)D against glucose disorders associated with air pollution in this study was limited.

Insect pests are primarily controlled by insecticides. However, the sensitivity decreases and insecticide resistance is problematic for the effective management of agriculturally important insects, including Metopolophium dirhodum, which is an aphid that commonly feeds on cereals. The insecticide sensitivity status and potential resistance of M. dirhodum field populations remain relatively unknown. In this study, the susceptibility of 19 M. dirhodum populations from seven provinces in Northern China to neonicotinoids, pyrethroids, organophosphates, and a macrolide (abamectin) was determined in 2017–2019. The results indicated that two populations were highly resistant to thiamethoxam, with a relative resistance ratio (RLR) of 134.03 and 103.03, whereas one population was highly resistant to beta-cypermethrin (RLR of 121.42). On the basis of the RLR, the tested M. dirhodum populations ranging from susceptible to showing moderate levels of resistance to imidacloprid (RLR of 1.50 to 57.29), omethoate (RLR of 1.07 to 18.73), and abamectin (RLR of 1.10 to 25.89), but they were ranging from susceptible to showing tolerance or low levels of resistance to bifenthrin (RLR of 1.14 to 6.02) and chlorpyrifos (RLR of 1.11 to 7.59). Furthermore, a pair-wise correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between the median lethal concentrations (LC50) for beta-cypermethrin and thiamethoxam, reflecting the cross-resistance between these two insecticides. The data obtained in our study provide timely information about aphid insecticide sensitivity, which may be used to delay the evolution of M. dirhodum insecticide resistance in Northern China.

Triptolide (TP), a primary bioactive ingredient isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. (TWHF), has attracted great interest for its therapeutic biological activities in inflammation and autoimmune disease. However, its clinical use is limited by severe testicular toxicity, and the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. Our preliminary evidence demonstrated that TP disrupted glucose metabolism and caused testicular toxicity. During spermatogenesis, Sertoli cells (SCs) provide lactate as an energy source to germ cells by glycolysis. The transcription factors GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4) and specificity protein 1 (Sp1) can regulate glycolysis. Based on this evidence, we speculate that TP causes abnormal glycolysis in SCs by influencing the expression of the transcription factors GATA4 and Sp1. The mechanism of TP-induced testicular toxicity was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The data indicated that TP decreased glucose consumption, lactate production, and the mRNA levels of glycolysis-related transporters and enzymes. TP also downregulated the protein expression of the transcription factors GATA4 and Sp1, as well as the glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase platelet (PFKP). Phosphorylated GATA4 and nuclear GATA4 protein levels were reduced in a dose- and time-dependent manner after TP incubation. Similar effects were observed in shGata4-treated TM4 cells and BALB/c mice administered 0.4 mg/kg TP for 28 days, and glycolysis was also inhibited. Gata4 knockdown downregulated Sp1 and PFKP expression. Furthermore, the Sp1 inhibitor plicamycin inhibited PFKP protein levels in TM4 cells. In conclusion, TP inhibited GATA4-mediated glycolysis by suppressing Sp1-dependent PFKP expression in SCs and caused testicular toxicity.

Samples of ambient air (including gaseous and particulate phases), dust fall, surface soil, rhizosphere soil, core (edible part), outer leaf, and root of cabbage from eight vegetable plots near a large coking manufacturer were collected during the harvest period. Concentrations, compositions, and distributions of parent PAHs in different samples were determined. Our results indicated that most of the parent PAHs in air occurred in the gaseous phase, dominated by low molecular weight (LMW) species with two to three rings. Specific isomeric ratios and principal component analysis were employed to preliminarily identify the local sources of parent PAHs emitted. The main emission sources of parent PAHs could be apportioned as a mixture of coal combustion, coking production, and traffic tailing gas. PAH components with two to four rings were prevailing in dust fall, surface soil, and rhizosphere soil. Concentrations of PAHs in surface soil exhibited a significant positive correlation with topsoil TOC fractions. Compositional profiles in outer leaf and core of cabbage, dominated by LMW species, were similar to those in the local air. Overall, the order of parent PAH concentration in cabbage was outer leaf > root > core. Partial correlation analysis and multivariate linear stepwise regression revealed that PAH concentrations in cabbage core were closely associated with PAHs present both in root and in outer leaf, namely, affected by adsorption, then absorption, and translocation of PAHs from rhizosphere soil and ambient air, respectively.

Microbial production and catabolism of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), generating the climatically active gases dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and methanethiol (MeSH), have key roles in global carbon and sulfur cycling, chemotaxis, and atmospheric chemistry. Microorganisms in the sea surface microlayer (SML), the interface between seawater and atmosphere, likely play an important role in the generation of DMS and MeSH and their exchange to the atmosphere, but little is known about these SML microorganisms. Here, we investigated the differences between bacterial community structure and the distribution and transcription profiles of the key bacterial DMSP synthesis (dsyB and mmtN) and catabolic (dmdA and dddP) genes in East China Sea SML and subsurface seawater (SSW) samples. Per equivalent volume, bacteria were far more abundant (~ 7.5-fold) in SML than SSW, as were those genera predicted to produce DMSP. Indeed, dsyB (~ 7-fold) and mmtN (~ 4-fold), robust reporters for bacterial DMSP production, were also far more abundant in SML than SSW. In addition, the SML had higher dsyB transcripts (~ 3-fold) than SSW samples, which may contribute to the significantly higher DMSP level observed in SML compared with SSW. Furthermore, the abundance of bacteria with dmdA and their transcription were higher in SML than SSW samples. Bacteria with dddP and transcripts were also prominent, but less than dmdA and presented at similar levels in both layers. These data indicate that the SML might be an important hotspot for bacterial DMSP production as well as generating the climatically active gases DMS and MeSH, a portion of which are likely transferred to the atmosphere.

Stabilization/Solidification (S/S) has been widely used in soil remediation to both improve physical properties and immobilize extensive contaminants. GGBS (granulated ground blast furnace slag)-MgO-CaO (GMCs) was used to treat Pb/Zn contaminated soil. The physical and microstructural characteristics of stabilized/solidified contaminated soil were investigated in this study. Microstructural analysis showed that the main hydration products of GMC treated contaminated soil were C–S–H and hydrotalcite like gels (Ht), which dominated the physical strength of S/S soil. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and the leachability of GMC treated contaminated soil were improved with the increase in GMC proportion (5%–15%), curing time (7 days and 28 days) and temperature (5 °C, 21 °C and 45 °C) due to the enhanced hydration. The compressive strengths of the majority mixes met the US EPA criterion (0.35 MPa). The strength of S/S soils was less affected by the increase of curing temperature after a longer curing period (28 days). According to the XRD and SEM results, both Pb and Zn in S/S contaminated soil could be immobilized by the precipitation and the adsorption on the surface of calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H). Zn can also be incorporated into the structure of C–S–H and Ht. The addition of Pb/Zn decreased the physical strength in the order of: Pb(5000 mg/kg)>Pb(10000 mg/kg)>Zn/Pb(5000 mg/kg)>Pb(20000 mg/kg).

MomL is a marine-derived quorum-quenching (QQ) lactonase which can degrade various N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs). Intentional modification of MomL may lead to a highly efficient QQ enzyme with broad application potential. In this study, we used a rapid and efficient method combining error-prone polymerase chain reaction (epPCR), high-throughput screening and site-directed mutagenesis to identify highly active MomL mutants. In this way, we obtained two candidate mutants, MomLI144V and MomLV149A. These two mutants exhibited enhanced activities and blocked the production of pathogenic factors of Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc). Besides, seven amino acids which are vital for MomL enzyme activity were identified. Substitutions of these amino acids (E238G/K205E/L254R) in MomL led to almost complete loss of its QQ activity. We then tested the effect of MomL and its mutants on Pcc-infected Chinese cabbage. The results indicated that MomL and its mutants (MomLL254R, MomLI144V, MomLV149A) significantly decreased the pathogenicity of Pcc. This study provides an efficient method for QQ enzyme modification and gives us new clues for further investigation on the catalytic mechanism of QQ lactonase.

Triptolide (TP), a principal bioactive component extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. (TWHF), has attracted wide attention of its therapeutic effects on inflammation and autoimmune diseases. However, the therapeutic application of TP is hindered by severe cardiomyocyte toxicity and narrow therapeutic window. We previously identified that the p53 was an indispensable contributor in TP-induced myocardial injury. p53 has an inhibitory effect on IKKβ-NF-κB pathway that regulates glucose transporters (GLUT) expression. Based on these evidences, we speculate that p53 mediates TP-disturbed glucose uptake by blocking IKKβ-NF-κB signaling. This study focused on the effect of TP on cardiac glucose uptake and the role of p53 in glucose metabolism in cardiomyocytes, and p53 −/− mice. TP treatment depressed glucose consumption and ATP production resulting in myocardial damage. Incubation with ATP (5 mM) remarkably decreased the cellular damage. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence identified that TP suppressed glucose uptake by restricting IKKβ-NF-κB signaling activation, GLUT1 and GLUT4 expression. p53 inhibition alleviated the cell damage and the compromise of glucose uptake. Mechanistically, p53 antagonist PFTα abolished TP-induced the inhibition of IKKβ, IκBα phosphorylation, p65 nuclear translocation, and GLUT1, GLUT4 expression. Consistently, in acute heart injury models, p53 deficiency upregulated IKKβ-NF-κB activation and GLUT1, GLUT4 protein levels which was also indicated as amelioration of heart histological injury after 1.2 mg kg−1 TP administration. The present findings indicate that TP-induced p53 overactivation suppresses glucose uptake by inhibiting IKKβ–NF-κB pathway and downregulating NF-κB-dependent GLUT1 and GLUT4 expression.