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The concrete in the auxiliary structure decomposes to produce high-alkaline pore water in the disposal repositories thus substantially affecting the mechanical properties of bentonite. Direct shear tests have been performed on GMZ01 bentonite inundated in NaOH and KOH solutions for evaluating the alkaline solution impact on its shear strength (SS). The experimental results reveal that the SS value is directly related to the concentration of the two kinds of alkaline solution. At the same concentration, the SS of the sample treated with KOH solution is higher than that of the NaOH solution. The concept of modified effective stress p' helps to understand the SS of bentonite eroded by alkaline solution on the basis of Mohr–Coulomb criterion. Upon further analyses, it was found that angle of internal friction φ' increased at higher alkaline concentration. The micrographs of scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed the cracking of smectite aggregates depicted as smaller stacks after corrosion of alkaline solution. As a result, the smectite layers surface was nonuniform which led to the increase of surface roughness as well as the φ′. The effective cohesion c′ remained unchanged in NaOH solutions, however, it was observed to increase with the KOH concentration which is mainly due to the strong K-linkage of K+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Three bark beetle species, Tomicus yunnanensis, T. brevipilosus, and T. minor, are the most economically significant pests of the Yunnan pine in Southwestern China. Chemical and physical communication play key roles in various life activities. In this study, we described the fine structure of the adult mouthparts of these three Tomicus species using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We identified three types of mandibular shapes, which match with their biomechanical properties, their ability to process food, and their preferred foraging locations on tree trunks. Eleven types of sensilla were discernible, including sensilla basiconica, sensilla twig basiconica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichoidea, and sensilla digitiformia. The function roles of each sensilla type were given based on its distribution and structures, especially on the internal structures such as dendrites and tubular body. Most chemoreceptors occur on the palpal tips. No significant differences among the sexes or species were identified; however, intraspecific variability in the number of sensilla twig basiconica 3 and sensilla digitiformia sensilla was evident. These findings will aid future studies of the feeding niches and reproductive behaviors of Tomicus beetles. Tomicus yunnanensis, T. brevipilosus, and T. minor are the most economically significant pests of Pinus yunnanensis in Southwestern China. Chemical and physical factors play critical roles in diverse biological activities. Here, we describe the fine structure of the adult mouthparts of these three Tomicus species using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We identified three types of mandibular shapes, which determine their biomechanical properties, their ability to process food, and their preferred foraging locations on tree trunks. Eleven types of sensilla were discernible, including sensilla basiconica (Sb.1–2), sensilla twig basiconica (Stb.1–3), sensilla coeloconica (Sco), sensilla chaetica (Sch.1–2), sensilla trichoidea (Str.1–2), and sensilla digitiformia (Sdi). Each basiconic sensillum occurs on the palpal tips and is innervated by 2–6 dendrites. Sb.1 are gustatory receptors, Sb.2 are olfactory receptors, and the three other sensilla have dual taste and mechanical functions. Sco, Sch, and Str are mechanoreceptors. Sdi are mechanical vibration receptions, given that they are innervated by one dendrite with numerous dendritic branches into the nonporous cuticle. No significant differences among the sexes or species were identified; however, intraspecific variability in the number of Stb.3 and Sdi sensilla was evident. These results will aid future studies of Tomicus beetle behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Can new genetic factors responsible for male infertility be identified, especially for those characterized by asthenospermia despite normal sperm morphology?Summary Answer: We identified the novel pathogenetic gene IQ motif and ubiquitin-like domain-containing (IQUB) as responsible for male infertility characterized by asthenospermia, involving sperm radial spoke defects.What Is Known Already: To date, only a few genes have been found to be responsible for asthenospermia with normal sperm morphology. Iqub, encoding the IQUB protein, is highly and specifically expressed in murine testes and interacts with the proteins radial spoke head 3 (RSPH3), CEP295 N-terminal like (CEP295NL or DDC8), glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) and outer dense fiber of sperm tails 1 (ODF1) in the yeast two-hybrid system.Study Design, Size, Duration: The IQUB variant was identified by whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 126 male infertility patients with typical asthenospermia recruited between 2015 and 2020. Knockout (KO) and knockin (KI) mouse models, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and other functional assays were performed, between 2019 and 2021.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: The IQUB variant was identified by whole-exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Iqub KO and KI mice were constructed to mimic the phenotype of the affected individual. After recapitulating the phenotype of human male infertility, scanning and TEM were performed to check the ultrastructure of the sperm. Western blot and co-immunoprecipitation were performed to clarify the pathological mechanism of the IQUB variant.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: We identified a homozygous nonsense IQUB variant (NM_001282855.2:c.942T> G(p.Tyr314*)) from an infertile male. Iqub KO and KI mice mimicked the infertility phenotype and confirmed IQUB to be the pathogenetic gene. Scanning and TEM showed that sperm of both the mouse models and the affected individual had radial spoke defects. The functional assay suggested that IQUB may recruit calmodulin in lower Ca2+ environments to facilitate the normal assembly of radial spokes by inhibiting the activity of RSPH3/p-ERK1/2 (a nontypical AKAP (A-Kinase Anchoring Protein) forming by RSPH3 and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (p-ERK1/2)).Limitations, Reasons For Caution: Additional cases are needed to confirm the genetic contribution of IQUB variants to male infertility. In addition, because no IQUB antibody is available for immunofluorescence and the polyclonal antibody we generated was only effective in western blotting, immunostaining for IQUB was not performed in this study. Therefore, this study lacks direct in vivo proof to confirm the effect of the variant on IQUB protein level.Wider Implications Of the Findings: Our results suggest a causal relation between IQUB variants and male infertility owing to asthenospermia, and partly clarify the pathological mechanism of IQUB variants. This expands our knowledge of the genes involved in human sperm asthenospermia and potentially provides a new genetic marker for male infertility.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFC2700100), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32130029, 82171643, 81971450, 82001538, and 81971382) and the Guangdong Science and Technology Department Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Innovation Project (2020A0505140003). There are no competing interests to declare.Trial Registration Number: N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial remediation, utilizing reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), is considered a promising method for lowering toxic environmental chromium levels. In this study, a Cr(VI)-resistant fungal strain, Fusarium proliferatum S4 (F. proliferatum), was isolated from seriously chromium-polluted soil at Haibei Chemical Plant, China. This strain for treatment chromium-containing solution resulted in 100.00%, 93%, and 74% removal at initial concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mg L−1 Cr(VI), respectively, after 12 days of treatment in a batch mode. Contributions of different cell fractions to Cr(VI) removal were explored. The Cr(VI) removal capacity of various cell components from strong to weak was as follows: cytoplasm, cell secretions, and cell debris. Observations obtained by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that not only the cell surfaces but also the intracellular contents were involved Cr through adsorption, reduction, or accumulation. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated that a large number of functional groups (amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, and phosphate groups) participated in chromium binding on the cell surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Cr on the cell surface only as Cr(III). The results have important implications for an in-depth understanding of microbial chromate reduction by F. proliferatum. This study provides an insight into the microbial Cr(VI) bioreduction efficiency, and mechanisms in the chromium-contaminated environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gray blight disease is one of the most destructive diseases of tea plants and occurs widely in the tea-growing areas of the world. It is caused by several fungal phytopathogens, of which Pseudopestalotiopsis camelliae-sinensis is the main pathogen in China. The environmentally friendly antimicrobial, phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA), a metabolite of the natural soil-borne bacteria Pseudomonas spp., can inhibit a range of fungal crop diseases. In this study, we determined that PCA was active against Ps. camelliae-sinensis in vitro. We studied the mode of action of PCA on hyphae using a microscopic investigation, transcriptomics, biochemical methods, and molecular docking. The results of scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicated that PCA caused developmental deformity of mycelia and organelle damage, and it significantly decreased the accumulation of exopolysaccharides on the hyphal surface. The transcriptome revealed that 1705 and 1683 differentially expressed genes of Ps. camelliae-sinensis treated with PCA were up-regulated or down-regulated, respectively, with genes associated with ribosome biogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and encoding various proteins of N -glycan biosynthesis being significantly up-regulated. Up-regulation of nine genes related to N -glycan biosynthesis of Ps. camelliae-sinensis in response to PCA treatment was confirmed by reverse transcription qPCR. The enzymatic activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase of hyphae was significantly decreased by PCA treatment. Our results indicated that exposure to PCA resulted in expression changes in oxidoreductase genes, accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and decreased activity of catalase, with concomitant damage to the fungal cell membrane and cell wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three benthic Gyrosigma species isolated from sediments of a tropical mangrove in Hainan Island, China, are described using light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy: G. centropunctatum sp. nov., G. dongzhaiense sp. nov. and G. orbitum Thaler et Kaczmarska. Gyrosigma centropunctatum is a tube-dwelling species possessing a unique row of pores on either side of the central area. Gyrosigma dongzhaiense differs from congeners by a combination of small cell size, linear-sigmoid outline, and higher stria density. Gyrosigma orbitum is another tube-dwelling species, which possesses two remarkable oval pits on the external central area. This study expands our knowledge of the marine species diversity and distribution of Gyrosigma in the tropical Western Pacific. We discuss the taxonomic significance of tubes in the species identification of Gyrosigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) is a broad-spectrum bacteriostatic substance produced from the fruit of the Litsea tree that has been used for the treatment of various diseases in China for thousands of years. Here, the antifungal activities of LCEO against 10 different fungi (Naganishia diffluens, Fusarium sacchari, Cladosporium tenuissimum, Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium subglutinans, Mucor racemosus, Penicillium oxalicum, Penicillium chrysogenum , and Aspergillus niger) that cause rot to waxberries were assessed. The chemical components of LCEO and its modes of action against P. oxalicum were investigated. Citral (32.62 %) was characterized as the main component of LCEO by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. LCEO exhibited excellent antifungal activities against all 10 fungi. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration of LCEO against P. oxalicum were 2.24 and 4.48 g/L, respectively. Furthermore, LCEO (MIC) compromised membrane permeability and integrity, caused leakage of the cell components, and increased production of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the morphology and ultrastructure of the LCEO-treated hyphal cell membrane and organelles were severely damaged. Meanwhile, LCEO increased the shelf life of waxberries from 1–2 to 5–6 d. LCEO is a potential ecologically friendly alternative to commercial fungicides to inhibit postharvest fungal contamination of waxberries during shipment and storage. [Display omitted] • Components of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) were identified by GC–MS. • LCEO showed outstanding inhibitory effects against ten fungal pathogen of waxberry. • LCEO damaged the plasma and mitcchondrial membrane of P. oxalicum. • LCEO resulted in the leakage of nucleic acids and soluble sugar from the mycelia. • LCEO is an alternative of synthetic preservatives to reduce decay in waxberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new lycopsid megaspore species with intricate ornamentation, Flabellisporites zhaotongensis Sui, McLoughlin et Feng sp. nov., is described from the Lopingian Xuanwei Formation of Yunnan Province, Southwest China, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This trilete megaspore is characterized by elevated membraneous flanges adorned with multifurcate spines, the longest of which are discrete ribbon-like appendages that basally converge to form a membrane around the equator; and evenly spaced single or bifurcate spines with sharp tips covering the remaining surfaces. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that the megaspore wall consists of four layers: (1) a thin and dense foot layer; (2) an inner spongy layer with small circular or elongate sporopollenin grains with parallel arrangement; (3) an outer, more porous, spongy layer consisting of larger and better interconnected sporopollenin units, that form a grid-like structure in certain cases; and (4) an electron-dense outermost layer forming the sculptural elements. Both morphological and ultrastructural characteristics indicate that the new megaspore species belongs to Isoetales. Our discovery represents the oldest occurrence of Flabellisporites , indicating the origin of this morpho-lineage before the end-Permian mass extinction, and enriches the known diversity of isoetalean lycopsids in the late Permian Cathaysian Flora. • A new lycopsid megaspore species of Flabellisporites is described from the upper Permian of Southwest China. • This is the first record of Flabellisporites from upper Paleozoic strata. • Morphology and ultrastructure indicate the new megaspore species belongs to Isoetales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the heterogeneous distribution of soil organic carbon (C) (SOC) in different soil environments is essential for predicting SOC preservation. However, SOC distribution differs in profile scales and molecular levels in various farmland soils, making it challenging to elucidate the environmental behaviors of SOC. In the present study, upland and paddy soil samples were both collected at different depths (0–100 cm) from an alluvial plain in the Pearl River Delta of South China. Wet chemistry experiments coupled with 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and spherical aberration correction scanning transmission electron microscopy (Cs-STEM) were used to determine the vertical distribution, chemical composition, and nano-scale sequestration mechanisms of SOC in upland and paddy soils. SOC content for upland soil, which was highest at the depth of 0–20 cm (6.98 ± 0.34 g·kg−1), decreased with increasing soil depth, while that of paddy soil had the highest content at a depth of 80–100 cm (86.66 ± 5.26 g·kg−1). Statistical analysis revealed that mineral-associated organic C (MAOC) in the upland soil and particulate organic C (POC) in the paddy soil were the major C fractions that were related to SOC content. Further analysis of NMR spectra showed that the molecular composition of upland SOC differs vertically, while the molecular composition and proportion of organic C in paddy soil varied with soil depth. Cs-STEM results revealed that the relative percentage of carboxyl C decreased from 0 to 20 cm (42.1%) to 80–100 cm (28.8%) with an increase in aromatic C from 7.7 to 27.2% for the upland soil, while the four C species showed similar abundance for paddy soil at different depths, consistent with the NMR results. Overall, the upland SOC was not as easily mineralized as that of paddy soil due to a lower percentage of easily oxidized carbon, higher percentage of MAOC, and higher decomposition degree. The results of this study would enrich our quantitative understanding of the profile distribution and chemical diversity of SOC from macro to micro scales in the alluvial plain from South China, and provide insights into C preservation in natural soils. [Display omitted] • Paddy/upland SOC increases/decreases with increasing soil depth within 0–100 cm. • The deep SOC in paddy was more easily oxidized than that of the topsoil. • MAOC in upland and POC in paddy were strongly context dependent with SOC. • Decomposition degree of SOM was higher in upland than that in paddy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two distinctive lycopsid megaspore species, Henrisporites yunnanensis Sui, McLoughlin et Feng sp. nov. and H. qujingensis Sui, McLoughlin et Feng sp. nov., are described from the Lopingian Xuanwei Formation of Yunnan Province, Southwest China, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Henrisporites yunnanensis is characterized by prominent membranous triradiate labra with ragged margins, a broad irregularly serrated membranous zona with radiating spiny extensions, and ramified or unbranched spines on the spore surface, those on the distal surface especially having capillate termini. Punctatisporites -type microspores occur adhering to the megaspore surface. The megaspore wall incorporates four layers, viz., from inside to outside: (1) a thin and dense foot layer especially thickened at the laesurae lips; (2) a moderately-thick layer with small circular and loosely distributed sporopollenin grains with parallel arrangement; (3) a thick spongy layer consisting of elongate, curved and interconnected sporopollenin units perpendicular to the inner layers; and (4) an electron-dense outermost layer forming the ornamentation. Henrisporites qujingensis has lower membranous labra, a generally continuous membranous zona with radiate spiny margins but, in some cases, dissected into single fimbria, and bearing sparsely distributed and locally forked stubby spines over the spore surface. Henrisporites qujingensis also has a four-layered wall. The innermost thin foot layer is covered by a loose layer of tiny parallel sporopollenin grains. A thick spongy layer is developed exterior to the second layer and comprises elongate, curved, and intersecting sporopollenin units forming a porous zone. The outermost layer consists of varied sculptural processes with contrasting densities between the proximal and distal surfaces. The morphological and ultrastructural characteristics suggest that these new megaspores belong to Isoetales. Our discovery represents the earliest global occurrence of Henrisporites , which has been documented exclusively from the Mesozoic in previous studies. • Two new lycopsid megaspore species of Henrisporites are described from the Permian of Southwest China. • These are the first records of Henrisporites from upper Paleozoic strata. • Henrisporites yunnanensis is associated with Punctatisporites microspores. • Morphology and ultrastructure indicate the two new megaspores belong to Isoetales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycophytes were an important group of plants in the late Permian (Lopingian) vegetation of Southwest China. However, our understanding of these lycophytes is based mostly on the study of megafossil specimens. Here, we describe a unique lycophyte megaspore, Paxillitriletes permicus Sui, McLoughlin et Feng sp. nov., from the Lopingian Xuanwei Formation of Yunnan Province, Southwest China. This trilete megaspore is characterized by prominent membraneous triradiate flanges, long bifurcate spines, an arcuate ridge expanded into a zona, and triangular to polygonal reticulate sculpture. Ultrastructural analysis reveals that the megaspore wall consists of four layers. The innermost layer is the foot layer, which forms a thin and solid basal lamina. It is covered by a dense layer containing small and parallel sporopollenin grains. A thick spongy layer is developed exterior to the dense layer and consists of elongate, curved, and intersected sporopollenin units with porous zones. The outermost layer is dense, of variable thickness, and forms the processes. Morphological and ultrastructural features indicate that the new megaspore belongs to a herbaceous isoetalean. This is the first detailed investigation of megaspores from the Lopingian of China using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Our discovery represents the oldest occurrence of Paxillitriletes , and adds to the diversity of late Permian lycophytes in the Cathaysian Flora in the paleotropics of the eastern Tethys Ocean. • A new lycophyte megaspore species is described from the Lopingian of Southwest China. • The megaspore has membraneous triradiate flanges, bifurcate spines, narrow zona, reticula. • Its wall has a dense layer with small and parallel sporopollenin grains enclosing foot layer. • A thick porous layer with elongate, curved sporopollenin units exterior to the dense layer. • Morphology and ultrastructure indicate the megaspore belongs to a herbaceous isoetalean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) is the first third-generation synchrotron facility in China and operated at an electron energy of 3.5 GeV. One of the seven beamlines in the first construction phase is devoted to soft x-ray spectromicroscopy and is equipped with an elliptically polarized undulator light source, a plane grating monochromator, and a scanning transmission x-ray microscope end station. Initial results reveal the high performance of this beamline, with an energy resolving power estimated to be over 10 000 at the argon L-edge and a spatial resolution better than 30 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fingered Citron essential oil exhibited significant anti-listeria activity. • Obvious alterations of cell morphology were observed by SEM and TEM. • The responses of L. M were explored by transcriptome analysis after exposure to FCEO. • Chemotaxis and flagella assembly were significantly enhanced. • The uptake of carbohydrates and metallic cations changed significantly. Listeria monocytogenes , which could cause severe disease of listeriosis, is one of the most concerned foodborne pathogens worldwide. Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle (Fingered Citron) is one of the citrus species cultivated in south China. Here, we investigated the efficacy of Fingered Citron essential oil (FCEO) against L. monocytogenes and explored the response of L. monocytogenes in the presence of FCEO using genome-wide transcriptome analysis. FCEO exhibited strong anti-listeria activity and obvious alterations of cell morphology were observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, GO analysis demonstrated many potential cell responses, including metabolic process, cellular process, single-organism process, cell part, membrane, catalytic activity, binding, and transporter activity. KEGG analysis suggests that L. monocytogenes respond and adapt by (1) increasing motility through the enhancement of flagella rotation; (2) promoting cell tumbles and re-orientating to escape from FCEO; (3) enhancing the uptake of carbohydrates from environment to gain more energy; (4) changing the uptake of several metallic cations, including iron, zinc, cobalt, and nickel. Our research contributes to the understanding of the adaptive responses of L. monocytogenes exposed to FCEO and provides novel insights for finding new targets of anti-listeria therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nanoparticles may be an important N form in shallow-marine sediments. • Bearing-N nanoparticles can accompany many elements during the transportation. • N-bearing nanoparticles maybe take part in the local biotic interaction. Nitrogen (N) in sediments plays a significant role in N-cycling in the estuarine and coastal ecosystems. However, there is only limited information available on the N-bearing nanoparticles in the shallow-marine sediments. Here, we have found that N can occur as the nanoparticle in surface sediments (0–5 cm) of a shallow bay (Zhenhai Bay) in the South China. These particles are usually 50 to 200 nm in size and contain C, N, O, Si, Fe, K, and Na in composition reveled by energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). According to the scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images, these N-bearing nanoparticles exhibit rod-shape, sheet-like particle, fibrillar, and spheroidal in morphology. These findings indicate that nanoparticels could be a transport form for N, and many elements could also accompany nanoparticles during the transportation. The biophile elements (C, N and Fe) within the N-bearing nanoparticles and fibrillar morphology of these nanopartilcles indicate that they may be biogenesis, which is consistent with the characteristics of δ14N (4.51–4.64‰), and C/N (11.2–11.9) in sediments. Therefore, N-bearing nanoparticles maybe take part in the local biotic interaction. In addition, since nanoparticles do not settle out of seawater rapidly and some N-bearing nanoparticles have potential to form the solid phase, a part of N-bearing nanoparticles may separate N from the biological N-cycling. Therefore, N-bearing nanoparticles could affect the local biological N-cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Laozuoshan gold deposit is a reduced gold skarn deposit. • The mineralogical and compositional evolution of the sulfides constrain the physicochemical conditions of multi-stage ore-forming fluids. • Assemblage and chemical composition of sulfides reveal the gold mineralization occurred under low f O 2 and low f S 2 conditions. • The pyrrhotite replaced by marcasite and pyrite indicates the fluids changed from the weakly acidic and reducing to more neutral and weakly oxidizing. The Laozuoshan gold deposit is a large gold deposit which experienced the early hydrothermal mineralization and the late hydrothermal mineralization in Jiamusi Massif, Northeast China. The Jiamusi Massif hosts numerous gold deposits that are commonly considered as products of the metamorphic hydrothermal process during two oceanic subductions episodes. In this study, we report detailed textures observations, identify the sulfides phases by the laser Raman spectroscopy, and obtain in situ composition data with electron probe micro analysis to further understand the formation and metasomatism of multi-stage sulfides deposition in the Laozuoshan gold deposit. The paragenetic relationship between pyrite and marcasite at the nanoscale was also clarified by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. According to the observed textural relationships among ore and gangue minerals, the early hydrothermal mineralization period can be divided into three stages (Stage I to Stage III), and the late hydrothermal mineralization period into four stages (Stage IV to Stage VII). The sulfides are mainly pyrrhotite (Po-1) in Stage I , with minor chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, and pyrite. The Ag-rich (averaging 15.44 wt%) electrum (Au-1) is hosted in arsenopyrite, which is also rich in cobalt (averaging 2.69 wt%). Pyrite (Py-2) is the main sulfide in Stage II , with minor chalcedony and calcite. The mineral stability relationships in both Stage I and Stage II confirm that there was an increase in sulfur and oxygen fugacities and a decrease in temperature. The sulfides are mainly arsenopyrite (Apy-2) in Stage III , with minor native golds and tellurbismuth. The native golds (Au-2) average 8.02 wt% silver. Arsenopyrite geothermometers indicate precipitation temperatures between 420 and 390 °C for Stage III. The sulfur and oxygen fugacities of the ore-related fluids were below the pyrite-pyrrhotite buffer during Stage III , revealing a reduced fluids system. In the late hydrothermal mineralization period, multiple magmatic activities caused multi-stage hydrothermal fluids events. In Stage VI , the pyrrhotite replaced by marcasite and pyrite through the dissolution-reprecipitation mechanism, indicating the increase in pH and oxygen fugacity of the fluids, and alteration from weakly acidic and weakly reduced conditions to neutral and weakly oxidizing conditions. The mineralogical and compositional evolution of the sulfides in the Laozuoshan gold deposit constrain the physicochemical conditions of multi-stage ore-forming fluids, which is of considerable significance in understanding the metamorphic-hydrothermal superimposed gold-bearing fluids evolved in the Jiamusi Massif. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metal-bearing particles from the groundwater of Weilasituo deposit were studied using TEM. • Ore-related Ag-, Zn-, Cu-, Sn-, W-, Mo-, Pb- and Fe-bearing particles were characterized. • The characteristics of the metal-bearing particles show similarity to the concealed ore bodies. • Nanoparticles play an important role in transporting and distributing metals in the groundwater. • The metal-bearing particles can be utilized as an indicator for geo-exploration. Nanoparticles in groundwater have important implications for facilitating the transportation of metals in groundwater and, to a certain extent, can reveal the geochemical conditions of the groundwater. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in analytical techniques that allow for in-depth characterization of nanoparticles in the groundwater and utilize these characteristics for geochemical prospecting. Metal-bearing particles in groundwater samples from deep-lying orebodies (referred to as "deep groundwater") of the Weilasituo Zn-Cu-Ag Deposit, Inner Mongolia, China and the groundwater from motor-pumped wells of a catchment basin around Weilasituo were chosen to study. Using high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), individual particles were characterized. Based on the TEM compositional and structural investigation, Ag-, Pb-, Cu-, Zn-, Sn-, As- and Mo-bearing particles were observed in the groundwater samples collected in the deep ore and the catchment basin. These metal-bearing particles are compositionally and structurally similar to the ore mineral/metal-bearing particles observed in the ore bodies and can directly reflect the ore-forming elemental characteristics, e.g., metallogenic element assemblage and mineralization type, of the Weilasituo deposit. The result indicates that the metal-bearing particles originating from the concealed ore bodies migrate via the groundwater flow and discharge to the catchment basin. This finding implies that the metal-bearing particle phases have great significances in facilitating the transportation of ore-related species and forming the geochemical anomalies in the groundwater. This field-scale study demonstrates that, by applying the analytical transmission electron microscopy, the nanocharacteristics of metal-particles can be utilized to improve the accuracy and sensitivity for geochemical mineral exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma japonicum is a major parasitic disease in the People's Republic of China. Liver fibrosis is the main pathological mechanism of schistosomiasis, and it is also the major lesion. The common drug used for its treatment, praziquantel (PZQ), does not have a marked effect on liver fibrosis. Resveratrol (RSV), which is an antioxidant, improves mitochondrial function and also attenuates liver fibrosis. The combination of PZQ and RSV has been found to have a synergistic antischistosomal effect on Schistosoma mansoni; additionally, the activity of PZQ is enhanced in the presence of RSV. Here, we examine the therapeutic effects of RSV on the S. japonicum infection in a mouse model, and we investigate RSV as a novel therapeutic agent for mitochondrial function and schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis (SSLF). Mitochondrial membrane potential was examined using flow cytometry analysis. The expression of the mitochondrial biogenesis genes PGC-α and fibrosis-associated genes collagen I, collagen III and α-SMA were examined using western blot analysis. Fibrosis-associated histological changes were examined using Masson trichrome staining. Additionally, the effects of RSV on S. japonicum adult worms were examined using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RSV treatment improved mitochondrial function by increasing membrane potential and increasing PGC-α expression (mitochondrial biogenesis). Further, RSV attenuated liver injury, including liver scarring, by decreasing collagen deposition and the extent of fibrosis, based on the decrease in expression of the fibrosis-related genes. RSV also decreased the adult worm count and caused considerable physical damage to the worm. These results indicate that RSV upregulates mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibits fibrosis. RSV may have potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of fibrosis in schistosomiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]