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Insect-associated bacteria play an important role in the resistance to pesticides, yet bacterial community compositions in wild insect host populations and the environmental factors that shape them are mostly elusive. In this study, Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi) populations were collected from major wheat growing regions in China. Following high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA gene fragments, association analyses were performed within the bacterial community associated with S. miscanthi, as well as with population resistance levels to four commonly used pesticides and different environmental factors. We found that bacterial community structures differed in various regions, and that the abundances of dominant bacteria such as Buchnera, Candidatus Regiella, Candidatus Hamiltonella showed high variations. The resistance of S. miscanthi to avermectin and bifenthrin was shown to decline with increasing bacterial diversity. Meanwhile, with the increase of bacterial network modularity, the resistance of S. miscanthi populations to imidacloprid, avermectin and bifenthrin also increased correspondingly. In addition, correlation analysis indicated that altitude and air pressure had the strongest impact on bacterial community diversity and relative abundance, followed by humidity, rainfall and temperature. Overall, insights into such complex interactions between bacteria and their insect hosts offer new directions for biological pest control.

Trace analysis method is a reliable basis for studying the translocation and metabolism of imidacloprid used as an insecticide in wheat, and it clarifies whether biologically active metabolites including residual imidacloprid, have long-lasting insecticidal potency against wheat aphids under seed treatment during the entire growth period. In this study, a highly sensitive analytical method was established to determine the residues of imidacloprid and its six metabolites (5-hydroxy imidacloprid, imidacloprid olefin, imidacloprid guanidine, imidacloprid urea, 6-chloronicotinic acid, and imidacloprid nitrosimine) in wheat-soil systems, such as in wheat leaves, wheat ears, wheat grains, roots, and soil. All the compounds were extracted using an ACN:water (8:2, v/v) mixture and purified by dispersive solid-phase extraction. The average recoveries ranged from 74.4% to 109.5% for all matrices, with intra- and inter-day variations of less than 14.9%. The limit of quantitation was in the range of 0.001-0.005 mg/kg. The method is demonstrated to be sensitive and accurate for monitoring imidacloprid and its metabolites at trace levels during the entire growth period under field conditions.

Microbial abundance and community composition in marine sediments have been widely explored. However, high‐resolution vertical changes of benthic microbial diversity and co‐occurrence patterns are poorly described. The ecological contributions of abundant and rare species in sediments also remain largely unknown. Here, by analysing microbial populations at 14 depth layers of 10 subseafloor sediment cores (water depth 1,250–3,530 m) obtained in the South China Sea, we provided the vertical profiles of microbial β‐diversity and co‐occurrence influenced by subcommunities of different abundance. These 134 sediment samples were clustered into four groups according to sediment depth (1–2, 6–10, 30–90 and 190–790 cm) with obvious shifts in microbial community compositions. The vertical succession of microorganisms was consistent with redox zonation and influenced by terrestrial inputs. Partitioning of vertical β‐diversity showed extremely high species replacement between deep layers and the surface layer, indicating selection‐induced loss of rare species and dispersal of dormant cells and spores. By contrast, for horizontal β‐diversity, richness of rare species became increasingly significant in deep sediments. Accompanying this β‐diversity profile were clear changes in the association pattern, with microorganisms being less connected in deeper sediment layers, probably reflecting reduced syntrophic interactions. Rare species accounted for an indispensable proportion in the co‐occurrence network, and tended to form complex “small worlds.” The rare subcommunity also responded differently to various environmental factors compared with the abundant subcommunity. Our findings expand current knowledge on vertical changes of marine benthic microbial diversity and their association patterns, emphasizing the potential roles of rare species.

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.

The Cuonadong deposit is located in southern Tibet and represents the first large-scale tin polymetallic deposit in the Himalayan region. Sn-(W) skarn mineralization is spatially related to leucogranites, whereas Be-Nb-Ta mineralization mainly develops in pegmatites. Alteration and veining in this deposit can be divided in to five stages: prograde skarn (stage I), retrograde skarn (stage II), cassiterite-quartz vein (stage III), cassiterite-sulfide vein (stage IV) and fluorite quartz vein (stage V). 40Ar 39Ar dating of muscovite from the skarn and phlogopite from the cassiterite-sulfide vein yield isochron ages of 15.4 ± 0.3 Ma and 15.0 ± 0.3 Ma, respectively, whereas U Pb dating of cassiterite from the skarn yields a Tera-Wasserburg low-intercept precise age of 14.2 ± 0.2 Ma. Zircon and monazite U Pb ages of the causative stanniferous leucogranites are 15.3 ± 0.1 Ma and 14.9 ± 0.2 Ma, respectively. Mineralization ages are consistent with the emplaced ages of the granites within the analytical uncertainties, which indicates that the tin polymetallic mineralization is genetically related to the Miocene leucogranites. Sn-bearing leucogranites have zircon eHf(t) values that vary from −13.3 to −8.5 (-10.7 on average), with an average TDM2 value of 1.56 Ga, which reveals that the leucogranites are derived from partial melting of ancient metasedimentary rocks. According to the zircon trace elements, the Miocene leucogranites are highly differentiated reduced S-type granites that formed at relatively high temperature. The average homogenization temperatures of fluid inclusions in different minerals that formed at stages II, III, IV and V are 351, 315, 240 and 175 °C, respectively, whereas their salinities are 8.3, 4.9, 9.5 and 3.8 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. The C-H-O-S-Pb isotopes indicate that the ore-forming fluid and materials mainly originated from Miocene leucogranite. Dehydration and partial melting of mica in the Greater Himalayan crystalline complex due to east-west extension at 18–14 Ma developed the stanniferous leucogranite and ore-controlling fault system. Because of the pervasive occurrence of gneiss domes and Miocene Sn-bearing leucogranites similar to Cuonadong, the Himalaya has strong potential to be a new globally important Sn-(W) rare metal metallogenic belt.

ImportanceAlthough certain air pollutants have been associated with adverse obstetric outcomes, evidence regarding the association of ozone (O3) exposure with the risk of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) is limited and inconsistent.ObjectivesTo evaluate the association between gestational O3 exposure and HDP (ie, gestational hypertension and preeclampsia) risk, and to explore the window of susceptibility for O3 exposure during pregnancy.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study recruited pregnant patients from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China, from March 2017 to December 2018. Participants were older than 18 years, had no infectious diseases or chronic noncommunicable diseases before pregnancy, were Shanghai residents with intent to participate in the study, and had plans to give birth in Shanghai. Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia were diagnosed according to the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology during the study period. Data on residential addresses, demographic characteristics, and household living environments were collected from participants through a questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed from December 10, 2021, to May 10, 2022.ExposuresA high temporospatial resolution model was applied to predict individual levels of daily O3 exposure during pregnancy.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe outcomes were gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, and data on these diagnoses were extracted from the hospital’s information system. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the associations between O3 exposure and risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. Exposure-response associations were confirmed by restricted cubic spline functions. Distributed lag models were used to identify the O3 exposure window of susceptibility.ResultsAmong the 7841 participants (all females; mean [SD] age, 30.4 [3.8] years), 255 (3.2%) had gestational hypertension and 406 (5.2%) had preeclampsia. Pregnant individuals with HDP had considerably higher prepregnancy body mass indexes and lower educational levels. The mean (SD) O3 exposure levels were 97.66 (25.71) μg/m3 in the first trimester and 106.13 (22.13) μg/m3 in the second trimester. Each 10-μg/m3 increment of O3 exposure during the first trimester was associated with higher gestational hypertension risk (relative risk, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.04-1.57). However, gestational O3 exposure was not associated with the risk of preeclampsia. The restricted cubic spline function analysis revealed an exposure-response association between O3 exposure and risk of gestational hypertension.Conclusions and RelevanceResults of this study showed an association between increased gestational hypertension risk and O3 exposure during the first trimester. Furthermore, gestational weeks 1 to 9 were identified as the window of susceptibility for O3 exposure and elevated gestational hypertension risk. Sustainable O3 control is needed to reduce the disease burden of gestational hypertension.

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is a responsible pathogen for wheat stripe rust, which can be dispersed for a long distance by upper air flow. Understanding its origin and migration is vital to control the disease. We analyzed the population structures of the pathogen, which include 297 samples from Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu in 2008 and 2011, by using the concatenated gene Cdc2-(Ef-1α)-Mapk1. From which, 18 vs 27 SNP loci, and 26 vs 23 haplotypes were tested in 2008 and 2011, respectively. The ancestral haplotype was detected in Yunnan in both years. Yunnan population had a higher mutation rate than Gansu population, which was 3.46e-03 vs 2.33e-03 in 2008, and 5.74e-03 vs 3.54e-03 in 2011, respectively. While the Gansu population had more recombination events than the Yunnan population, which was 3 vs 2 in 2008, and 5 vs 1 in 2011, respectively. The Gansu population had a higher genetic diversity than the Yunnan population, with the haplotype diversity of 0.7641 vs 0.7076 in 2008, and 0.8103 vs 0.4764 in 2011, respectively. There was a massive gene flow between Yunnan and Gansu, the Nm was 142.60 vs 9.47 in 2008 and 2011, respectively. The trajectories of upper air flow during wheat growing season from 2005 to 2013, directed mainly from Yunnan to Gansu. Based on above and previous researches regarding South Gansu as the crucial over-summering source of the stripe rust pathogen in China, Yunnan is suggested as the probable origin center for the pathogen in China, while Gansu is argued as the secondary center.

Marketing and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are crucial factors that affect closed-loop supply chain network (CLSCN) equilibrium. And the environment of enterprises’ behaviors often occurs during durations and dynamics. To explore the optimal marketing and CSR strategies in a dynamic multi-period CLSCN system, this paper investigates the dynamic multi-period CLSCN equilibrium problem considering marketing and CSR. A multi-period CLSCN system includes manufacturers, retailers, recyclers, and demand markets. Based on Nash non-cooperative game theory and variational inequality, we design the optimal behavior and equilibrium conditions of members. Then, a new equilibrium model of a multi-period CLSCN is constructed. In this model, marketing is the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers, and CSR is the responsibility of manufacturers. Numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the model and analyzed to describe how marketing and CSR affect equilibrium results. We find that the retailers are responsible for marketing, and the level of CSR activities of the manufacturers is higher during the early period, which is most beneficial to the multi-period CLSCN system and social welfare. Based on the conclusions of this paper, the management enlightenments from the perspectives of enterprises and government are also proposed.

Background Maternal stress and nutrition during pregnancy are two of the most commonly studied factors in the context of fetal development. However, few investigators have considered the combined effects of stress and diet in pregnant women and their offspring. Aims To determine the impact of maternal stress on offspring birth weight, and the potential mediating role of maternal dietary patterns. Methods A total of 3542 pregnant women and their singleton live births were recruited from Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort (Shanghai MCPC). Maternal stress was assessed using the Life Event Scale for Pregnant Women (LESPW) in early and late pregnancy. Food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was performed to evaluate maternal diet in late pregnancy. Multiple linear regression was conducted to estimate the associations between maternal stress and child birth weight. Logistic regression was performed to calculate the association between maternal stress and small for gestational age (SGA)/large for gestational age (LGA). The bootstrap method was used to investigate the mediating effects of maternal dietary patterns. Results Maternal subjective events stress (β = 0.367) and total stress (β = 0.079) in early pregnancy, and positive objective life events stress (β = 0.275) in late pregnancy, were positively associated with birth weight. Maternal dietary pattern of “high-fat and sugar” mediated the associations between subjective events stress and total stress during early pregnancy and birth weight. An increased risk for LGA was observed among women exposed to relatively higher stress during early pregnancy (OR, 1.416; 95% CI, 1.035-1.937). No statistically significant associations were found between maternal stress during late pregnancy and child birth weight or SGA/LGA. Conclusions Maternal life events stress during early pregnancy significantly increases neonatal birth weight and risk for LGA, which may mediate by a “high-fat and sugar” dietary pattern. Limitations The lack of biological markers limits the explanation of the mechanism. The assessment of diet used food intake frequency to evaluate dietary characteristics, which may miss information of energy intake.

The aim of this pilot study was to predict the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by the elemental content in fingernails and urine with machine learning analysis. Sixty seven pregnant women (34 control and 33 GDM patient) were included. Fingernails and urine were collected in the first and second trimesters, respectively. The concentrations of elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Logistic regression model was applied to estimate the adjusted odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The predictive performances of multiple machine learning algorithms were evaluated, and an ensemble model was built to predict the risk for GDM based on the elemental contents in the fingernails. Beryllium, selenium, tin and copper were positively assoicated with the risk of GDM while nickel and mercury showed opposite result. The trained ensemble model showed larger area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (0.81) using fingernail Ni, Cu and Se concentrations. The model was validated by external data set with AUC = 0.71. In summary, the results of the present study highlight the potential of fingernails, as an alternative sample, together with machine learning in human biomonitoring studies.

The role of dietary amino acids or intact proteins in the progression of colitis remains controversial, and the mechanism involving gut microbes is unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of an elemental diet (ED) enriched in amino acids and a polymeric diet enriched in intact protein on the pathogenesis of DSS-induced colitis in mice. Our results showed that ED induced remission of colitis in mice. Notably, ED treatment reduced the abundance of the mucolytic bacteria Akkermansia and Bacteroides, which was attributed to the decreased colonic protein fermentation. Consistently, the activities of mucolytic enzymes were decreased, leading to the protection of mucus layer degradation and microbial invasion. The fecal microbiota transplantation of ED-fed mice reshaped microbial ecology and alleviated intestinal inflammation in recipient mice. ED failed to induce remission of colitis in pseudo-germ-free mice. Together, we convincingly demonstrated the critical role of gut microbiota in the prevention of ED on colitis.ImportanceThe prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease is rapidly increasing and has become a global burden. Several specific amino acids have been shown to benefit mucosal healing and colitis remission. However, the role of amino acids or intact proteins in diets and enteral nutrition formulas is controversial, and the mechanisms involving gut microbes remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of an elemental diet (ED) enriched in amino acids and a polymeric diet enriched in intact protein on the pathogenesis of colitis in mice. The underlying mechanisms were explored by utilizing fecal microbiota transplantation and pseudo-germ-free mice. ED treatment reduced the abundance of mucolytic bacteria, thereby protecting the mucus layer from microbial invasion and degradation. For the first time, we convincingly demonstrated the critical role of gut microbiota in the effects of ED. This study may provide new insights into the gut microbiota-diet interaction in human health.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) are two types of emerging organic pollutants with potential human health hazards. Here, a rapid and sensitive method was developed for the determination of sixteen PFASs and seven OPFRs in human serum by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS).After optimizing the chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions, respectively, 100 μL of serum sample was liquid-liquid extracted using 8 mL of methyl tert-butyl ether. The 23 targets were quantified within 8 min. All targets were quantified by the isotope-internal standard method in both negative- and positive-ion mode by UPLC/MS/MS.The method was validated in terms of sensitivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy. The limit of detection ranged between 0.004 and 0.650 ng/mL. Recoveries ranged from70.0% to 118.9% with a relative standard deviation lower than 20%. The developed method was successfully applied to analyze targeted analytes in human serum samples. A total of 13 of 23 analytes were detected in over 50% of samples.A sensitive and rapid method was developed to quantify sixteen PFASs and seven OPFRs in serum. Sensitivity, linearity, recovery, and precision were validated and found to be satisfactory. This method can be a valuable tool for evaluation of exposure to both PFASs and OPFRs with high separation efficiency and sensitivity.

When amphibious aircraft, ships, and other equipment perform tasks on the water, especially in winter or in low-temperature environments such as high latitudes, high altitudes, and polar regions, they will inevitably encounter icing problems which can adversely affect the safety and performance of these devices. In order to study the mechanical properties of freshwater and seawater ice, this paper tests and analyzes the tensile and shear strengths of static ice and proposes the test principle of shear and tensile strengths of static ice. It then designs and builds the corresponding test equipment, prepares the freshwater and seawater ice samples, and completes the tests. Experiments yield the shear and tensile strengths of freshwater and different seawater samples at various temperatures, and the temperature–strength curves are then drawn. The findings can provide technical support and valuable reference for anti-icing and de-icing design of water vehicles in low-temperature and hostile ocean environments.

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.

Purpose To explore the association between maternal physical activity (PA) and sleep quality during pregnancy, and the necessary PA level at different gestational stages to attain improved sleep quality. Methods A total of 2443 participants were recruited from the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort (Shanghai MCPC) study, who had completed questionnaires including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) at gestational weeks (GW) of 12-16 and 32-36. PSQI scores and their seven components at the two GW were compared, as were PSQI scores at 12-16 and 32-36 GW and the increment in PSQI relative to PA. Regression analysis was conducted to assess the effect of PA and its change on the total PSQI score at different GW. Results The mean PSQI scores increased significantly during pregnancy, from 6.30 ± 3.01 at 12-16 GW to 7.23 ± 3.47 at 32-36 GW. Compared with women in low PA level, moderate levels of PA at both 12-16 GW and 32-36 GW were significantly reduced PSQI scores of 0.42 (95% CI:-0.68,-0.16) and 0.32 (95% CI:-0.63,-0.01), respectively. At 32-36 GW, high PA level also significantly decreased PSQI score, with a greater decline than moderate PA level. (AOR=-0.87,95% CI:-1.57,-0.18). PA increment from 12-16 to 32-36 weeks of pregnancy created a significant decline of 0.54 in PSQI scores. Conclusion The study revealed sleep quality was worse at the third trimester and moderate PA level had the potential for improvement of sleep quality both in the first and the third trimester. High PA level was also beneficial to improve sleep quality of pregnant women in the third trimester.

Background Recent research suggested that oxytocin might be associated with prenatal anxiety or depression. Also, our previous study indicated that resilience could buffer the effect of stress on prenatal anxiety and depression, which is a kind of psychological adjustment ability to stress in life. The effects of oxytocin and resilience are supposed to be similar but no study was carried out to find the association between them. Current evidence on the effect of oxytocin on prenatal mental health were with small sample size and equivocal results, especially with a lack of studies in Chinese pregnant women. Aims To investigate the relationship between oxytocin and resilience, and its role in regulating prenatal anxiety and depression among Chinese women. Methods The study was based on a sub-sample of the Shanghai Maternal-Child Pairs Cohort (Shanghai MCPC) by stratified random sampling. A total of 632 participants completed blood collection for serum oxytocin measurement and questionnaires pertaining to early pregnancy stress and resilience in the second trimester, which were assessed by the Life Event Scale for Pregnancy Women (LESPW) and the revised Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), respectively. Prenatal anxiety and depression were assessed by Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Center for Epidemiological Survey, Depression Scale (CES-D), respectively, at the third trimester. Correlation analysis and stratified linear regression analyses were conducted to understand the role of oxytocin in regulating prenatal anxiety and depression. Results The concentration of serum oxytocin in the second trimester ranged from 98.14 pg⋅ml−1 to 197.28 pg⋅ml−1, and there was no significant difference between different gestational age (r = 0.024, P = 0.579). The association between stress and prenatal anxiety was stronger in high oxytocin group than that in low oxytocin group, with B value of 3.338 and 2.638, respectively, after adjusting for residence, educational level, family income and parity. The same effect was found in the association between stress and prenatal depression, with B value of 2.360 and 2.060, respectively. However, it was not significantly associated with early pregnancy stress (Z = 1.933, P = 0.630), prenatal anxiety (Z = 1.387, P = 0.165), prenatal depression (Z = −0.027, P = 0.978), nor resilience (F = 1.282, P = 0.280). Limitations The existence of recall bias and restricted residential areas of the participants may limit the extrapolation of the study. Also, unsynchronized sampling timing of the oxytocin and psychological resilience measures is another limitation. Conclusions Serum oxytocin levels in the second trimester had an effect of modification between early pregnancy stress and prenatal anxiety and depression. Pregnant women with high oxytocin in the second trimester should receive more attention and further study is needed on the mechanism of oxytocin for the mental health of pregnant women.

It is of great significance to develop a dietary intervention strategy to prevent inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A millet-rich diet can ameliorate IBD, but the active ingredients and mechanisms remain to be studied. Our results showed that the oral administration of foxtail millet protein hydrolysates (FMPH) reduced the disease activity index (DAI) score and improved the colon symptoms of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. FMPH reduced the serum LPS level, increased intestinal ZO-1 and occludin expression, inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation, and reduced the levels of TNF-α and IL-6. Further, FMPH inhibited Th17 cell differentiation, and inhibited inflammasome activation and IL-1β expression through the NLRP3/ASC/caspase-1 pathway. The results on Caco-2 cells confirmed the role of FMPH on tight junction and inflammasomes activation. A total of 2620 peptides were identified in FMPH by UPLC-MS/MS, of which 22 peptides were predicted as potential biopeptides, and the key sequences were LPF, ANP, PY, YW, and IPP. This study supports the effect of a diet rich in millet on the improvement of IBD and provides a scientific basis for the use of millet protein as a functional food to improve intestinal inflammation.

Early pregnancy is crucial for fetal growth. Maternal thyroid hormone is critical for fetal growth and can be disturbed under exogenous exposure. However, it's uncertain whether exposure to PM

Nanoparticles have been widely applied as gene carrier for improving RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency in medical and agricultural fields. However, the mechanism and delivery process of nanoparticle-mediated RNAi is not directly visualized. Here we synthesized a star polymer (SPc) consisted of a hydrophilic shell with positively-charged tertiary amine in the side chain as a gene nanocarrier, which was taken as an example to investigate the mechanism in gene delivery. The SPc could assemble with dsRNA spontaneously through electrostatic force, hydrogen bond and van der Waals force. Interestingly, the SPc could protect dsRNA from degradation by RNase A, insect hemolymph and immune cells, thus remarkably increasing the stability of dsRNA. Meanwhile, the SPc could efficiently promote the cellular uptake, endosomal escape and active exocytosis for systematic spreading of dsRNA. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the SPc could up-regulate some key genes such as Chc, AP2S1 and Arf1 for activating clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, the suppression of endocytosis by a specific inhibitor hindered the cellular uptake of SPc-delivered dsRNA in vitro, and the subsequent RNAi effect was also disappeared in vivo. To our knowledge, our study is the first direct visualization of the detailed cellular delivery process and mechanism of nanocarrier-mediated gene delivery. Above mechanism supports the application of nanocarrier-based RNAi in gene therapy and pest management.

In spite of the well-established design and construction approaches of slag–cement–bentonite slurry walls, the materials deteriorate inevitably in contaminated land. The development of effective materials which are sustainable, resilient and self-healing over the lifetime of slurry walls becomes essential. This study, for the first time, adopts a styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene (SEBS) polymer to modify slag–cement–bentonite materials to enhance mechanical and self-healing performance. The results show that the increase in SEBS dosage results in significantly increased strain at failure, indicating the enhanced ductility thanks to the modification by the deformable polymer. The increased ductility is beneficial as the slurry wall could deform to a greater extent without cracks. After the permeation of liquid paraffin, the SEBS exposed on the crack surface swells and seals the crack, with the post-healing permeability only slightly higher than the undamaged values, which exhibits good self-healing performance. Scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography analyses innovatively reveal the good bonding and homogeneous distribution of SEBS in slag–cement–bentonite. SEBS acts as a binder to protect the slag–cement–bentonite sample from disintegration, and the swollen SEBS particles effectively seal and heal the cracks. These results demonstrate that the SEBS-modified slag–cement–bentonite could provide slurry walls with resilient mechanical properties and enhanced self-healing performance.

Freshwater sludge (FS) produced from drinking water treatment plants is generally filter pressed and disposed in the landfill. However, FS could be potentially reused. In this study, FS were processed into biochar and hydrochar via pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization, respectively. The sorption characteristics/mechanisms of FS and its derivatives (biochar-B300, B500 and B700 and hydrochar-H140, H160, H180 and H200) for the removal of three typical pollutants (i.e., lead (Pb), phosphorus (P) and enrofloxacin (ENR)) found in swine wastewater were investigated using batch adsorption tests and microstructural analyses. It was found that Pb sorption was relatively enhanced due to the increased electrostatic attraction and surface precipitation of Pb(OH)2 while the anionic phosphate adsorption relatively decreased as a result of enhanced electrostatic repulsion at higher solution pHs. Comparatively, ENR adsorption was less affected by solution pH probably due to dominance of physical adsorption evidenced by the good fitting of the BET isotherm model (R2 = 0.95). The maximum sorption capacities of Pb were in the order of B700≈B500 (71 mg/g)>B300 ~ FS(37 mg/g)>H140 ~ H160 (13 mg/g)>H180 ~ H200 (6 mg/g). The adsorption capacities for P were relatively lower: FS (47 mg/g)>B300 (38 mg/g)>H140 (27 mg/g)>B700 (37 mg/g)≈B500 (24 mg/g)≈H160 (23 mg/g)>H180 (16 mg/g)>H200 (14 mg/g). This study provides an understanding of the sorption characteristics and mechanisms of FS and its carbonaceous products for common cationic, anionic and organic pollutants and elucidates new insights into the reuse of FS for pollutant removal to achieve the waste-to-resource concept and enhance water quality, soil health and food safety. Nanyang Technological University National Environmental Agency (NEA) The funding support provided by National Environment Agency (NEA) (No. USS-IF-2021-1) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (No. 04INS000555C120) is appreciated.

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.

In recent years, slagging-gasification technology has received increasing attention in treating municipal solid waste (MSW). Compared with conventional incineration, the higher temperature in the slagging-gasification process optimizes its residue composition, and gasification fly ash (GFA) is the only unreused solid residue. Although GFA is a potential civil engineering material, its high content of heavy metals, chlorides, and sulfates hinders its practical use. Moreover, although carbonation has proven to immobilize heavy metals in incineration fly ash, the conventional gas carbonation method cannot remove chlorides and sulfates. In this study, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) treatment was studied to treat GFA for the first time, and sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) was used for comparison. Different concentrations of NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 solutions were used to treat the GFA, and comprehensive tests were conducted on the treated samples. The results indicated that NaHCO3 treatment was effective in immobilizing Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni in GFA, while Na2CO3 treatment could not effectively immobilize Pb and Zn. Both NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 promoted the removal of chlorides and sulfates in GFA. The wastewater from the NaHCO3 treatment contained fewer heavy metals compared with those from water washing or Na2CO3 treatment, benefitting its treatment or reuse. Ministry of Education (MOE) The authors also acknowledge funding support from Singapore MOE AcRF Tier 1 grant (RG139/20).

Resveratrol is a dietary polyphenol that interacts with gut microbiota to possess various biological activities. To identify the microbial metabolites of resveratrol, fresh feces from 12 volunteers were cultured in vitro. Their urine samples were collected after taking a commercial capsule containing 600 mg of resveratrol. Metabolites were characterized and quantified by UPLC-Q-Exactive plus orbitrap MS/MS. The results showed that dihydroresveratrol, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid, and lunularin were the major microbial metabolites of RSV with interindividual differences. 3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid significantly attenuated the inflammatory response of LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells and DSS-induced colitis in antibiotics-treated pseudo-germ-free mice by regulating MAPK and NF-κB pathways. In contrast, dihydroresveratrol did not exhibit significant anti-inflammatory effects, and lunularin exhibited pro-inflammatory effects in cells. This study may help to better understand the health effects of resveratrol and its microbial metabolites.

Associations between individual exposure to ozone (OWe aimed to explore the associations of gestational OA total of 7834 pregnant women were included. Individual ONearly 13.29 % of participants developed GDM. After controlling for covariates, we observed increased GDM risks per IQR increment of OIn summary, we found that gestational O

The use of chitosan-based flocculants (CBFs) to remove dissolved heavy metals from wastewater is widely advocated. This study applied machine learning (ML) methods to develop a prediction model for the efficiency of heavy metals removal using CBFs. The random forest (RF) models could accurately predict the removal efficiency of heavy metals (R

Simple Summary Airflow is very important for the long-distance migration of O. decorus asiaticus, and wind shear, in particular, is the main factor related to forced landing. Analyzing the weather records, we found that the northwest wind prevailed when the population invaded. Specifically, from July to August, a large number of emerging adults appeared in the source areas of Mongolia, and the large-scale northwest wind was the decisive condition for the successful long-distance migration of O. decorus asiaticus. The species has a strong migratory ability, flying along the airflow for several nights. If the northwest air current meets the southwest warm current going north, a large number of O. decorus asiaticus will drop due to wind shear, and then a major outbreak will occur. Analysis of the source of the insects shows that the O. decorus asiaticus break outs in China may have originated from Mongolia. They were brought into China by the southerly airflow at night, and they likely made a forced landing in Beijing due to wind shear, sinking airflow, rainfall and other reasons. In summary, through analysis of the insect’s prevalence and the meteorological conditions in Mongolia, we can provide a basis for predicting the occurrence of O. decorus asiaticus in China. Abstract Oedaleus decorus asiaticus (Bey-Bienko) is a destructive pest in grasslands and adjacent farmland in northern China, Mongolia, and other countries in Asia. It has been supposed that this insect pest can migrate a long distance and then induce huge damages, however, the migration mechanism is still unrevealed. The current study uses insect light trap data from Yanqing (Beijing), together with regional meteorological data to determine how air flow contributes to the long-distance migration of O. decorus asiaticus. Our results indicate that sinking airflow is the main factor leading to the insects’ forced landing, and the prevailing northwest wind was associated with O. decorus asiaticus taking off in the northwest and moving southward with the airflow from July to September. Meanwhile, the insects have a strong migratory ability, flying along the airflow for several nights. Thus, when the airflow from the northwest met the northward-moving warm current from the southwest, a large number of insects were dropped due to sinking airflow, resulting in a large outbreak. Our simulations suggest that the source of the grasshoppers involved in these outbreaks during early 2000s in northern China probably is in Mongolia, and all evidence indicates that there are two important immigrant routes for O. decorus asiaticus migration from Mongolia to Beijing. These findings improves our understanding of the factors guiding O. decorus asiaticus migration, providing valuable information to reduce outbreaks in China that have origins from outside the country.

Interspecies competition affects the distribution, quantity, and community structure of insects, especially among closely-related (congeners) species. Some ecological factors differentially affect the fitness of co-existing species, thus conferring an advantage on one competitor, and then the structure of communities. The present work evaluated the effects of high temperature and natural enemies on the interspecific competition between the grain aphid Sitobion miscanthi (Takahashi) (Aphididae: Hemiptera) and bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), two key pests of wheat in China. Results showed that the population growth of R. padi was faster at 30°C, and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm) value was 5 times that of S. miscanthi, indicating that R. padi was more high-temperature resistant and has advantages in interspecific competition at high temperature. Moreover, compared to S. miscanthi, the population of R. padi was less affected by their predator, larvae of the multicolored Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and aphid parasitoids, Aphidius avenae (Haliday) or Aphidius gifuensis (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), which made them gain an advantage in the interspecific competition. Our results enrich the knowledge of phytophagous insect interspecific completion and implicate the ecological mechanism of R. padi may become the dominant species in wheat fields in China.

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.

Groundwater resource in alluvial aquifers is significantly essential for the sustainable development of arid regions worldwide. Forty-eight phreatic groundwaters were sampled and analyzed to elucidate the hydrochemical features, genesis and constraints on domestic and irrigational water supply in a hyper-arid alluvial fan on Tibetan plateau. The human health risk assessment and entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) along with drinking water guidelines were introduced to assess groundwater quality for domestic purpose, and the irrigation suitability was discussed in terms of the potential soil permeability damage and salinity hazard. The results indicated groundwater in the Golmud alluvial fan plain is slightly alkaline water and dominated in the hydrochemical faces of mixed Cl–Mg–Ca type, and followed Cl–Na type and mixed HCO3–Na–Ca type. Groundwater nitrite (~ 6.25%) and ammonia (~ 2.08%) exceed the drinking water standards in the farmlands and human settlements at the alluvial fan front, but would not threaten human health. The geogenic toxic elements of fluoride and boron would potentially pose health risks to the populations of infants, children and adult males at some sporadic locations. The risks are mainly attributed to the aqueous fluoride. Groundwaters in the alluvial fan plain are almost suitable for domestic purpose according to the EWQI appraisal results (35–151), and have suitable quality for irrigation regardless of sodium adsorption ratio, percentage sodium and permeability index. But, salinity hazard is widespread and should be concerned. Groundwater chemistry is basically governed by the natural rock–water interactions and influenced by agricultural practices and urban domestic effluents at the alluvial fan front. These anthropogenic contamination inputs resulted in the excessive nitrogen and elevated salinity of groundwater. Measures should be taken to protect groundwater resources in alluvial aquifers out of anthropogenic contamination. Geogenic fluoride is also needed to pay attention in the drinking water supply.

Machine learning (ML) lifecycle is a cyclic process to build an efficient ML system. Though a lot of commercial and community (non-commercial) frameworks have been proposed to streamline the major stages in the ML lifecycle, they are normally overqualified and insufficient for an ML system in its nascent phase. Driven by real-world experience in building and maintaining ML systems, we find that it is more efficient to initialize the major stages of ML lifecycle first for trial and error, followed by the extension of specific stages to acclimatize towards more complex scenarios. For this, we introduce a simple yet flexible framework, MLife, for fast ML lifecycle initialization. This is built on the fact that data flow in MLife is in a closed loop driven by bad cases, especially those which impact ML model performance the most but also provide the most value for further ML model development—a key factor towards enabling enterprises to fast track their ML capabilities. Better yet, MLife is also flexible enough to be easily extensible to more complex scenarios for future maintenance. For this, we introduce two real-world use cases to demonstrate that MLife is particularly suitable for ML systems in their early phases.

Prebiotics are effective in modulating gut microbiota and may further benefit colitis remission. 2'-fucosyllactose (2'FL) and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) are the main prebiotics in human and animal milk, respectively. This study aimed to investigate the colitis-preventing effects of 2'FL and GOS, and explore the underlying mechanisms involving the gut microbiota. The chronic colitis was induced by 1.5 % dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 4 consecutive cycles and manifested as aggravation of colitis symptoms, gut barrier disruption, and colonic inflammation. We found that 2'FL was more effective than GOS against colitis at the same dosage (500 mg/kg bw). 2'FL and GOS have a differential response on gut microbiota, reflecting the inhibition of Romboutsia and the enrichment of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, and unclassified_f_Lachnosipiaceae. In addition, the differential response on microbial metabolome was reflected in the elevation of secondary bile acids, which activated Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) and further suppressed the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Furthermore, fecal bacterial transplantation confirmed the critical role of gut microbiota in the prevention of colitis by 2'FL and GOS. Overall, microbiota and microbial metabolites are essential parts of 2'FL and GOS against colitis, and their differential responses may account for different effects in alleviating colitis.

Prenatal fine particulate matter (PMWe included 267 mother-child pairs in this analysis. Prenatal PMThe PMPrenatal exposure to PM

Soil pollution is one of the major threats to the environment and jeopardizes the provision of key soil ecosystem services. Vertical barriers, including slurry trench walls and walls constructed with soil mix technology, have been employed for decades to control groundwater flow and subsurface contaminant transport. This paper comprehensively reviewed and assessed the typical materials and mechanical and permeability properties of soil–bentonite, cement–bentonite and soil mix barriers, with the values of mix design and engineering properties summarized and compared. In addition, the damage and durability of barrier materials under mechanical, chemical, and environmental stresses were discussed. A number of landmark remediation projects were documented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of barrier systems. Recent research about crack-resistant and self-healing barrier materials incorporating polymers and minerals at Cambridge University and performance monitoring techniques were analyzed. Future work should focus on two main areas: the use of geophysical methods for non-destructive monitoring and the optimization of resilient barrier materials.

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.

Background UV filters are emerging contaminants with endocrine disrupting effects, but little is known about their health effects, especially for children. Objective To assess the association between multiple organic UV filters exposure and adiposity measures and by gender in peripubertal children. Methods This prospective follow-up study included 327 children aged 7–15 years old. Urinary organic UV filters including benzophenone derivatives (BP-2, BP-3), octyl dimethyl para-aminobenzoic acid (OD-PABA), ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and its metabolite (4-MCA and 4′-MAP) were quantified. Six adiposity biometrics including height, weight, waist and hip circumferences, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thickness were measured with 1.5-year duration. The Bayesian kernel machine regression method was used to estimate the associations of UV filters mixture with adiposity measurements, and longitudinal analyses were then considered to further evaluate the associations between individual UV filters and trajectories of growth development using linear mixed models or generalized linear mixed models. Results Exposure to mixture of UV filters was negatively associated with most adiposity measurements, with a reduction of 1.399 kg/m2 (95% CI: −2.246 to −0.551 kg/m2) in BMI, 0.674 (95% CI: −1.045 to −0.304) in BMI z-score, 0.033 BF% (95% CI: −0.053 to −0.013), and 2.301 mm (95% CI: −3.823 to −0.78) in subscapular skinfold thickness at baseline, comparing the 75th percentile to the 25th level of UV filters mixture exposure. Consistent associations were found at follow-up. Both baseline and follow-up results suggested that EHMC was identified as the most important contributor to lower adiposity measurements, which was also confirmed by linear mixed models in longitudinal analyses. No significant effects were found in girls. Conclusion This study found that childhood organic UV filters exposure was negatively associated with adiposity measures in peripubertal boys, but not girls.

When an aircraft flies in a cloud layer containing supercooled water droplets, under the combined action of meteorological conditions and the aircraft's own flight status, it is easy to form an ice layer on the surface of the windward parts of the aircraft. The icing of different parts makes the flight safety of the aircraft threatened. Aircraft icing is an important research topic in the aviation field. It is often necessary to predict the icing type of aircraft and analyze the impact of icing on aircraft flight. This article summarizes the ice types of aircraft icing and their formation conditions, and analyzes several methods commonly used in aircraft icing research, hoping to be helpful for the follow-up more in-depth research.