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Performance breakthrough of energy‐storage electrodes under commercial‐level mass loading (≥10 mg cm−2) are highly pursued but restricted by sluggish mass/charge transfer rates and kinetically unfavorable reaction sites. In response, through electrochemical microenvironment reconstitution, these limitations are broken by engineering synergy between vacancies and oxyanions in the active matrix (Rec‐NiCoExch), which showcases a record‐level areal capacitance of 10.9 C cm−2 with a high mass loading of 20 mg cm−2 and a retention of 72% at 100‐fold current density. Such a design further endows the hybrid supercapacitor with an areal capacity of 20.9 C cm−2 and an energy density of 4.6 mWh cm−2, outperforming most of the benchmark results. Theoretical calculation reveals that in situ evolved oxyanions not only act as the effective adsorption sites but also secure the oxygen vacancies, enabling the potential synergy toward improved electronic conductivity and enhanced reactivity of Ni sites. As a proof‐of‐concept, the as‐assembled quasi‐solid‐state micro‐supercapacitor deliveries an ultrahigh energy density of 111.5 µWh cm−2 and presents great potential in intermittent energy storage by the solar panel‐supercapacitor‐LED system. This work offers insights for constructing commercial‐level energy‐storage electrodes by mastering surface/interface engineering for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on optic neuritis (ON) induced by COVID-19, a condition characterized by inflammation of the optic nerve. The study included 13 hospitalized patients who experienced vision loss after a mild COVID-19 infection. The patients had an initial attack of ON but did not experience a relapse. The study found that involvement of certain segments of the optic nerve was associated with better visual recovery. Treatment with corticosteroids and plasmapheresis improved visual acuity and prognosis for most patients. However, the study had limitations due to a small sample size and short follow-up period, and further research is needed to confirm the significance of certain antibodies in these patients. [Extracted from the article]

The crucial functional arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and diazotrophs play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling during vegetation restoration. However, the impact of managed vegetation restoration strategies on AMF and diazotroph communities remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the community structure and diversity of AMF and diazotrophs in a karst region undergoing managed vegetation restoration from cropland. Soil samples were collected from soils under three vegetation restoration strategies, plantation forest (PF), forage grass (FG), and a mixture of plantation forest and forage grass (FF), along with a control for cropland rotation (CR). The diversity of both AMF and diazotrophs was impacted by managed vegetation restoration. Specifically, the AMF Shannon index was higher in CR and PF compared to FF. Conversely, diazotroph richness was lower in CR, PF, and FG than in FF. Furthermore, both AMF and diazotroph community compositions differed between CR and FF. The relative abundance of AMF taxa, such as Glomus, was lower in FF compared to the other three land-use types, while Racocetra showed the opposite trend. Among diazotroph taxa, the relative abundance of Anabaena, Nostoc, and Rhizobium was higher in FF than in CR. Soil properties such as total potassium, available potassium, pH, and total nitrogen were identified as the main factors influencing AMF and diazotroph diversity. These findings suggest that AMF and diazotroph communities were more sensitive to FF rather than PF and FG after managed vegetation restoration from cropland, despite similar levels of soil nutrients among PF, FG, and FF. Consequently, the integration of diverse economic tree species and forage grasses in mixed plantations notably altered the diversity and species composition of AMF and diazotrophs, primarily through the promotion of biocrust formation and root establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional transition metal carbides/nitrides (MXenes) are emerging members of the two-dimensional material family, obtained by removing the A layer of the MAX phase through methods such as liquid-phase etching. This article summarizes the structure and properties of MXenes, as well as several preparation methods, including etching with hydrofluoric acid and fluoride salts, alkali-based etching, electrochemical etching, Lewis acid molten salt etching, and direct synthesis. Due to their unique two-dimensional structure and surface chemistry, MXenes exhibit good metallic conductivity, hydrophilicity, excellent flexibility, and ion intercalation properties, showing great potential in the research and application of supercapacitors and attracting widespread attention. The combination of MXene with other types of materials, including polymers, metal hydroxides, metal oxides, and carbon materials, takes advantage of composites to improve energy storage performance and shows great potential in the research and application of supercapacitors. This article provides a detailed summary of MXene composite materials and capacitor performance and introduces the research progress of MXene materials in the field of supercapacitor energy storage applications, aiming to provide references for the preparation of high-performance MXene supercapacitor electrode materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bifunctional catalyst used for urea oxidation-assisted hydrogen production can efficiently catalyze the urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) simultaneously, thus simplifying electrolytic cell installation and reducing the cost. Constructing the heterointerface of two components or species and doping heteroatom are effective strategies to improve the performance of electrocatalysts, which could regulate the local electronic structure of the catalysts at their interface region, adjust their orbital overlap, and achieve enhanced catalytic performance. In this study, a simple hydrothermal method was studied for the preparation of B-doped Ni5P4/Ni2P heterostructures on nickel foam (B-Ni5P4/Ni2P@NF). Under 1 M KOH at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, an overpotential of 76 mV was obtained for the HER. When 0.3 M urea was added to 1 M KOH, the performance of the prepared catalyst was greatly improved. When the current density reached 10 mA cm−2, the potential was only 1.35 V. In addition, urea-assisted overall water splitting voltage was only 1.41 V. Thus, the B-Ni5P4/Ni2P catalyst possess excellent electrocatalytic activity. The main reason for the excellent properties of the electrocatalyst is the construction of heterostructure, which regulates the electronic structure of the catalyst at its interface and generates a new efficient active site. In addition, the doping of B atoms further promotes the charge transfer rate, thus strengthening the interaction between two phases and improving the catalytic performance. This study provides a simple, environmentally friendly, and rapid design method to prepare an active bi-functional electrocatalyst that has a positive effect on urea-assisted overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient implementation of a catalyst-integrated cathode-based heterogeneous electro-Fenton (HEF) process usually suffers from the conflict between the optimal potentials of the two targeted reduction reactions (O2 to H2O2 and metal(n+1)+ to metaln+). In addition, the residual H2O2 in the HEF effluent poses a potential environmental risk to aquatic ecosystems and would further make the HEF technology impractical. Herein, a tandem system of dual-cathode HEF and UV radiation is proposed to bypass these issues. In the dual-cathode HEF unit, the air-diffusion cathode (ADC) without aeration and the FeOCl-functionalized graphite felt (FeOCl/GF) perform their respective functions at different operating current densities (100 mA cm−2 for ADC and 5 mA cm−2 for FeOCl/GF) to achieve efficient H2O2 production, ˙OH formation and Fe(III) electroreduction simultaneously. Subsequently, the underutilized H2O2 in the HEF effluent will be reactivated in the UV module to eliminate the risk of oxidant residues while further improving the decontamination efficiency. Importantly, interesting antagonistic and synergistic phenomena governed by the cathodic current density of the ADC in this tandem system were also highlighted by constructing different standalone/coupled processes. The HEF/UV tandem strategy proposed in the present work offers a promising scheme for distributed wastewater treatment due to the demonstrated preeminent process efficiency, as well as the reagent- and residual-oxidant-free green chemistry concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial viruses are the most abundant biological entities in soil ecosystems. Owing to the advent of metagenomics and viromics approaches, an ever‐increasing diversity of virus‐encoded auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) have been identified in soils, including those involved in the transformation of carbon, phosphorus, and sulfur, degradation of organic pollutants, and antibiotic resistance, among other processes. These viral AMGs can alter soil biogeochemical processes and metabolic activities by interfering with bacterial host metabolism. It is recognized that viral AMGs compensate for host bacterial metabolism outputs by encoding accessory functional genes and are favourable for the hosts' adaptation to stressed soil environments. The eco‐evolutionary mechanisms behind this fascinating diversity of viral AMGs in soil microbiomes have begun to emerge, such as horizontal gene transfer, lytic‐lysogenic conversion, and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. In this mini‐review, we summarize recent advances in the diversity and function of virus‐encoded AMGs in the soil environment, especially focusing on the evolutionary significance of AMGs involved in virus‐host interactions. This mini‐review also sheds light on the existing gaps and future perspectives that could have major significance for viral AMGs research in soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2) polymorphs photocatalysts containing two or more crystal phases have customarily been synthesized at high temperature using complicated procedures or expensive equipment, accompanied by the formation of by-products. Therefore, here, we propose an effective acid-regulated hydrolysis and condensation of titanium cation strategy to directly synthesize mesoporous TiO 2 with controllable phase junctions. In the method, poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDADMAC) is used as the structure directing agent to produce mesostructure, and hydrochloric acid (HCl) is used as the acid regulator and coordination agent to adjust the hydrolysis and condensation modes of Ti4+, thereby controlling the crystal structure and phase junctions of synthesized mesoporous TiO 2 polymorphs. Furthermore, since the heterophase junctions and mesostructure effectively improve the separation and transfer of photo-generated electron-holes, the obtained R 74 B 26 with unique brookite and rutile phase junctions owns the highest photocatalytic activity among all obtained samples, the evolution rate of H 2 is 8.98 mmol h‐1−1 g−1. This work will open up new perspectives toward the synthesis of mesoporous polycrystalline material for various potential applications. [Display omitted] • Acid-regulated hydrolysis and condensation of titanium cations method is proposed to construct multiphase mesoporous TiO 2. • PDADMAC acts as a pore-forming gent to produce radially divergent mesopores. • Mesoporous TiO 2 with rutile and brookite phase exhibits enhanced photocatalytic H 2 evolution rate （8.98 mmol h-1 g-1）. • The mechanism of H 2 evolution is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco black shank caused by Phytophthora nicotianae is a serious disease in tobacco cultivation. We found that naringenin is a key factor that causes different sensitivity to P. nicotianae between resistant and susceptible tobacco. The level of basal flavonoids in resistant tobacco was distinct from that in susceptible tobacco. Of all flavonoids with different content, naringenin showed the best antimicrobial activity against mycelial growth and sporangia production of P. nicotianae in vitro. However, naringenin showed very low or no antimicrobial activity to other plant pathogens. We found that naringenin induced not only the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, but also the expression of salicylic acid biosynthesis‐related genes. Naringenin induced the expression of the basal pathogen resistance gene PR1 and the SAR8.2 gene that contributes to plant resistance to P. nicotianae. We then interfered with the expression of the chalcone synthase (NtCHS) gene, the key gene of the naringenin synthesis pathway, to inhibit naringenin biosynthesis. NtCHS‐RNAi rendered tobacco highly sensitive to P. nicotianae, but there was no change in susceptibility to another plant pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum. Finally, exogenous application of naringenin on susceptible tobacco enhanced resistance to P. nicotianae and naringenin was very stable in this environment. Our findings revealed that naringenin plays a core role in the defence against P. nicotianae and expanded the possibilities for the application of plant secondary metabolites in the control of P. nicotianae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To show the clinical characteristics, identify the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features, and observe the visual outcome of methanol-induced optic neuropathy. Methods. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from in-patients diagnosed with methanol-induced optic neuropathy in the Neuro-Ophthalmology Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2016 to January 2021. Results. Eight patients were included in this study. The exposure time was 6–34 h for ingestion, 3-4 months for inhalation, and more than ten years for skin absorption. All patients demonstrated bilateral acute visual impairment. Seven of eight patients had other accompanying systemic symptoms. Seven of eight patients demonstrated optic nerve lesions in MRI, and five presented with a hyperintense T2 signal in a "central" type. OCT showed the macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (mGCL-IPL) thinning before the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) thinning. The visual improvement was achieved transiently for seven of eight patients after treatment. One patient with a mitochondrial DNA mutation maintained a bilateral no-light perception (NLP) from the onset to the last visit. All patients had poor visual prognoses, with either light perception or NLP. Conclusions. Methanol-induced optic neuropathy is a rare bilateral optic neuropathy with a poor visual outcome. A centrally hyperintense T2 signal of the optic nerve is common in methanol-induced optic neuropathy. The thinning of the mGCL-IPL is more sensitive than that of the pRNFL for early diagnosis. A mitochondrial genetic defect may be a predisposing factor for methanol-induced optic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have shown that phosphoinositide 3-kinase enhancer-activating Akt (PIKE-A) is involved in the regulation of several biological processes in cancer. In our previous study, we demonstrated a crucial function of PIKE-A in cancer energy metabolism by regulating pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) flux. However, whether PIKE-A regulates energy metabolism through affecting mitochondrial changes are poorly understood. In the present study, we show that PIKE-A promotes mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to increasing proliferation of glioblastoma cell. Mechanistically, PIKE-A affects the expression of respiratory chain complex Ⅱ succinate dehydrogenase A (SDHA), mediated by regulating the axis of STAT3/FTO. Taken together, these results revealed that inhibition of PIKE-A reduced STAT3/FTO/SDHA expression, leading to the suppression of mitochondrial function. Thus, our findings suggest the PIKE-A/STAT3/FTO/SDHA axis as promising anti-cancer treatment targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: RNA binding motif 20 (RBM20) regulates mRNA splicing specifically in muscle tissues. Missense mutations in the arginine/serine (RS) domain of RBM20 lead to abnormal gene splicing and have been linked to severe dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in human patients and animal models. Interestingly, many of the reported DCM-linked missense mutations in RBM20 are in a highly conserved RSRSP stretch within the RS domain. Recently, it was found that the two Ser residues within this stretch are constitutively phosphorylated, yet the identity of the kinase(s) responsible for phosphorylating these residues, as well as the function of RSRSP phosphorylation, remains unknown. (2) Methods: The ability of three known SR protein kinases (SRPK1, CLK1, and AKT2) to phosphorylate the RBM20 RSRSP stretch and regulate target gene splicing was evaluated by using both in vitro and in vivo approaches. (3) Results: We found that all three kinases phosphorylated S638 and S640 in the RSRSP stretch and regulated RBM20 target gene splicing. While SRPK1 and CLK1 were both capable of directly phosphorylating the RS domain in RBM20, whether AKT2-mediated control of the RS domain phosphorylation is direct or indirect could not be determined. (4) Conclusions: Our results indicate that SR protein kinases regulate the splicing of a cardiomyopathy-relevant gene by modulating phosphorylation of the RSRSP stretch in RBM20. These findings suggest that SR protein kinases may be potential targets for the treatment of RBM20 cardiomyopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protists are commonly considered to be drivers of soil microbial functional groups in terrestrial ecosystems. Although the impact of land use intensity on protist diversity and community composition has been well reported, the response of the protist community to different lithologies is less well understood. We conducted field sampling in forests restored for at least 60 years and long-term maize-cultivated croplands as control, assessing protist diversity, community composition, and interaction patterns in response to lithology across temperature gradients (with temperature differences exceeding 9 °C). In limestone, protist richness in forests and croplands was 22.1 % and 16.4 % significantly (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) higher, respectively, than in clastic rock. In croplands, compared to forests, protist richness, Shannon index, and Simpson index were 39.7 %, 24.7 %, and 6.6 % significantly (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) higher over limestone and 46.5 %, 20.8 %, and 4.5 % significantly (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) higher over clastic rock, respectively. These variations are associated with soil properties, such as soil pH and Ca2+ content. In limestone forest soils, the relative abundance of Cercozoa decreased while Lobosa increased with rising mean annual temperature, indicating their different adaptations to increasing temperature. Limestone exhibited more complex co-occurrence networks than clastic rock in forest environments, suggesting greater stability. This phenomenon is attributed to the crucial role of Apicomplexa, Cercozoa, Conosa, Lobosa, and Ochrophyta, which exhibited numerous connections to other groups in different ecosystems. Future functional studies on protists in fragile ecosystems, together with other microbiomes, carry significant implications for the region's resilience to climate change and the sustainability of ecological restoration efforts. • Protist richness was greater in limestone than in clastic rock under different land use intensities. • Protist diversity was higher in croplands with high land use intensity than in forests with low land use intensity. • In forest ecosystems, limestone substrates fostered stronger connections among protistan taxa than clastic rocks. • With increasing temperature, the relative abundance of Cercozoa decreased, whereas that of Lobosa increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The small signal models are constructed under different operation modes for AC-DC hybrid spot networks. • The influence of different control parameters on the system stability is demonstrated, and the relevant parameters are optimized. AC-DC hybrid spot networks contain strong redundancy. It further enhances the power supply reliability of spot network systems and is helpful for the integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). However, there are few stability analysis studies of AC-DC hybrid spot networks. Focusing on the AC-DC hybrid spot network, which adopts a unified control strategy, its stability problem is studied in this article. A mathematical model of each unit is constructed for this system. Via linearization of spatial state equations, a small-signal model of the AC-DC hybrid spot network is established under different operation modes. Moreover, corresponding eigenvalue criteria are obtained, and the stability problem is analyzed by using the eigenvalue analysis method when the AC-DC hybrid spot network is subjected to a slight interference under the unified control strategy. The dominant factors of each eigenvalue are studied. Based on this approach, the influence of different control parameters on the system stability is demonstrated. Then, the control parameters are selected for control optimization. A simulation model is constructed in MATLAB/Simulink software. The eigenvalue criteria and simulation results validate the applicability of the small-signal model constructed in this article and the effectiveness of the optimization conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-based photocatalysts are widely applied in energy and environmental fields by virtue of their excellent oxidation ability. However, there is still no effective method to construct Z-scheme heterojunctions and regulate the surface simultaneously. Herein, a series of BiOCl/Bi2S3 photocatalysts were prepared in a controlled manner via a bottom-up strategy. The higher exposure degree of the {001} facets of BiOCl in the composites was confirmed by XRD. According to TEM and HRTEM, Bi2S3 quantum dots were uniformly loaded on the surface of BiOCl, and the heterojunction was successfully constructed between them. The photocatalytic performances of the composites were evaluated by the degradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. It was found that the degradation rate of BOC-BS-5 was 4.1 and 11.5 times those of BiOCl and Bi2S3, respectively. Moreover, BOC-BS-5 presented excellent stability after four cycle experiments. The remarkable photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the Z-scheme heterojunction, which was confirmed by ESR. The Z-scheme heterojunction retained a strong reduction–oxidation activity and displayed a high charge separation efficiency. For another, according to XPS, the oxygen vacancies in composites were significantly increased, which could promote charge transfer and further improve the photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, ˙O2− and ˙OH were identified to be the main reactive oxygen species in the degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Acute myocardial infarction (MI), caused by acute coronary artery obstruction, is a common cardiovascular event leading to mortality. Nuclear dot protein 52 (NDP52) is an essential selective autophagy adaptor, although its function in MI is still obscure. This study was designed to examine the function of NDP52 in MI and the associated mechanisms. Results: Our results revealed that MI challenge overtly impaired myocardial geometry and systolic function, along with cardiomyocyte apoptosis, myocardial interstitial fibrosis, and mitochondrial damage, and NDP52 nullified such devastating responses. Further studies showed that the blockade of mitochondrial clearance is related to MI-induced buildup of damaged mitochondria. Mechanistic approaches depicted that 7-day MI induced abnormal mitophagy flux, resulting in poor lysosomal clearance of injured mitochondria. NDP52 promoted mitophagy flux through the recruitment of Ras-associated protein RAB7 (RAB7) and TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). On protein co-localization, TBK1 phosphorylated RAB7, in line with the finding that chloroquine or a TBK1 inhibitor reversed NDP52-dependent beneficial responses. Innovation: This study denoted a novel mechanism that NDP52 promotes cardioprotection against ischemic heart diseases through interaction with TBK1 and RAB7, leading to RAB7 phosphorylation, induction of mitophagy to clear ischemia-induced impaired mitochondria, thus preventing cardiomyocyte apoptosis in MI. Conclusion: Our results indicate that NDP52 promotes autophagic flux and clears damaged mitochondria to diminish reactive oxygen species and cell death in a TBK1/RAB7-dependent manner and thus limits MI-induced injury. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1119–1135. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

m6A modification has been studied in tumors, but its role in host anti-tumor immune response and TAMs polarization remains unclear. The fatty acid oxidation (FAO) process of TAMs is also attracting attention. A co-culture model of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and macrophages was used to simulate the tumor microenvironment. Expression changes of m6A demethylase genes FTO and ALKBH5 were screened. ALKBH5 was further investigated. Gain-of-function experiments were conducted to study ALKBH5's effects on macrophage M2 polarization, CRC cell viability, proliferation, migration, and more. Me-RIP and Actinomycin D assays were performed to study ALKBH5's influence on CPT1A, the FAO rate-limiting enzyme. AMP, ADP, and ATP content detection, OCR measurement, and ECAR measurement were used to explore ALKBH5's impact on macrophage FAO level. Rescue experiments validated ALKBH5's mechanistic role in macrophage M2 polarization and CRC malignant development. In co-culture, CRC cells enhance macrophage FAO and suppress m6A modification in M2 macrophages. ALKBH5 was selected as the gene for further investigation. ALKBH5 mediates CPT1A upregulation by removing m6A modification, promoting M2 macrophage polarization and facilitating CRC development. These findings indicate that ALKBH5 enhances fatty acid metabolism and M2 polarization of macrophages by upregulating CPT1A, thereby promoting CRC development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MDH2 regulates the PPP pathway through metabolites in lung cancer. • Malate was identified as a natural small molecule inhibitor of the metabolic enzyme 6PGD. • Dimethyl malate promotes sensitivity of lung cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Metabolic reprogramming is an important coordinator of tumor development and resistance to therapy, such as the tendency of tumor cells to utilize glycolytic energy rather than oxidative phosphorylation, even under conditions of sufficient oxygen. Therefore, targeting metabolic enzymes is an effective strategy to overcome therapeutic resistance. We explored the differential expression and growth-promoting function of MDH2 by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting experiments in lung cancer patients and lung cancer cells. Pentose phosphate pathway-related phenotypes (including ROS levels, NADPH levels, and DNA synthesis) were detected intracellularly, and the interaction of malate and proteinase 6PGD was detected in vitro. In vivo experiments using implanted xenograft mouse models to explore the growth inhibitory effect and pro-chemotherapeutic function of dimethyl malate (DMM) on lung cancer. We found that the expression of malate dehydrogenase (MDH2) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) was increased in lung cancer. Biological function enrichment analysis revealed that MDH2 not only promoted oxidative phosphorylation, but also promoted the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP pathway). Mechanistically, it was found that malate, the substrate of MDH2, can bind to the PPP pathway metabolic enzyme 6PGD, inhibit its activity, reduce the generation of NADPH, and block DNA synthesis. More importantly, DMM can improve the sensitivity of lung cancer to the clinical drug cisplatin. We have identified malate as a natural inhibitor of 6PGD, which will provide new leads for the development of 6PGD inhibitors. In addition, the metabolic enzyme MDH2 and the metabolite malate may provide a backup option for cells to inhibit their own carcinogenesis, as the accumulated malate targets 6PGD to block the PPP pathway and inhibit cell cycle progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an incurable and disabling bowel disease driven by multiple risk factors that severely limit patients' quality of life. We integrated the RNA-sequencing data of 1238 IBD patients, and investigated the pathogenesis of IBD by combining transcriptional element prediction analysis and immune-related analysis. Here, we first determined that KIAA1109 is inhibited in IBD patients. The expression of KIAA1109 and NOD2, the key receptor of NOD-like receptors, showed a negative correlation. The NOD-like receptor signaling pathway is activated and exerts transcriptional regulation on the chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL2 through the activation of the transcription factors NFκB and AP1. Analysis of immune infiltration revealed that the expression of chemokines CXCL1 and CXCL2 may regulate the inflammatory response induced by immune cells. These findings suggest that the KIAA1109-NOD2-NFκB/AP1-CXCL1/CXCL2 regulatory axis is the molecular mechanism of IBD pathogenesis, which will provide a new perspective for the diagnosis, treatment and management of IBD patients. [Display omitted] • We identified the IBD risk gene KIAA1109 for the diagnosis and treatment of IBD. • KIAA1109-NOD2-NFκB/AP1-CXCL1/CXCL2 regulatory axis may be the molecular mechanism of IBD pathogenesis. • Targets in the NOD2-NFκB regulatory loop should be avoided when developing drugs to treat IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytophthora nicotianae is highly pathogenic to Solanaceous crops and is a major problem in tobacco production. The tobacco cultivar Beihart1000-1 (BH) is resistant, whereas the Xiaohuangjin 1025 (XHJ) cultivar is susceptible to infection. Here, BH and XHJ were used as models to identify resistant and susceptible genes using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Roots were sampled at 0, 6, 12, 24, and 60 h post infection. In total, 23,753 and 25,187 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in BH and XHJ, respectively. By mapping upregulated DEGs to the KEGG database, changes of the rich factor of "plant pathogen interaction pathway" were corresponded to the infection process. Of all the DEGs in this pathway, 38 were specifically regulated in BH. These genes included 11 disease-resistance proteins, 3 pathogenesis-related proteins, 4 RLP/RLKs, 2 CNGCs, 7 calcium-dependent protein kinases, 4 calcium-binding proteins, 1 mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, 1 protein EDS1L, 2 WRKY transcription factors, 1 mannosyltransferase, and 1 calmodulin-like protein. By combining the analysis of reported susceptible (S) gene homologs and DEGs in XHJ, 9 S gene homologs were identified, which included 1 calmodulin-binding transcription activator, 1 cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel, 1 protein trichome birefringence-like protein, 1 plant UBX domain-containing protein, 1 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, 2 callose synthases, and 2 cellulose synthase A catalytic subunits. qRT-PCR was used to validate the RNA-seq data. The comprehensive transcriptome dataset described here, including candidate resistant and susceptible genes, will provide a valuable resource for breeding tobacco plants resistant to P. nicotianae infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life test of the 30 cm diameter ion thruster developed by the Lanzhou institute of physics began in Apr. 2018 and ended in Jan. 2020, lasting 6,500 h. This paper introduces the results of the 6,500-h life test of the 30 cm diameter ion thruster completed on the ground, including the ground facility for life test, the variations of the thrusters working performance, the times of the breakdown and power restart, and the erosion of the key components. The results show that the performance parameters, such as thrust, specific impulse and efficiency, do not change obviously during the test and magnetic field of the discharge chamber has no change. With the increase of test time, breakdown times increased significantly, whereas the power restart time decreased correspondingly. The diameter of the cathode orifice decreases gradually and there is a blockage risk of orifice. However, the diameter of the keeper orifice increases and presents an inverted cone erosion pattern. The diameter of the decelerator grid aperture expanded from 1.6 to 1.8 mm from 0 to 1,000 h and slightly enlarged after that. The aperture diameter of the accelerator grid presented linear enlargement but the pits-and-grooves erosion is obvious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The background pressure of vacuum chamber determines operation and performance of ion thrusters. In order to present the neutral plume and temperature distribution of a 30-cm-diameter ion thruster working under rated condition and in a large vacuum facility, theoretical calculation and numerical simulation are used to investigate the characteristics of thruster neutral plume. The results show that the neutral plume can be treated as an oriented molecular flow. Both theoretical calculation and numerical simulation results show that axial temperature profiles of neutral plume on the center line of facility decreases very slowly; however, in the area near the ion cooled target, temperature rapidly decreases from 500 to 100 K. In terms of pressure, it is found in both results that when the thruster is working, the vacuum degree of the chamber is in the order of 10−3 Pa. The simulation result, however, obviously shows the vacuum degree in the area near the thruster outlet and cooled target is higher than that in the middle area. The velocity of the neutral flow appears directional and decreases almost exclusively along the center line of the facility. The simulation results present a similar trend and agree well with the experimental results, and the comparison error is less than 10%. However, the calculations have some errors with the experimental results due to neglecting the absorption effect and energy deposition of the ion cooled target to neutral atoms. The study shows that numerical simulation can better describe the neutral plume expansion map of the facility, and the theoretical calculation can be used to roughly estimate neutral plume characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) is a devastating fungal disease that causes severe yield losses of soybean worldwide. In the present study, a representative population of 185 soybean accessions was selected and utilized to identify the quantitative trait nucleotide (QTN) of partial resistance to soybean SSR via a genome-wide association study (GWAS). A total of 22,048 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with minor allele frequencies (MAF) > 5% and missing data < 3% were used to assess linkage disequilibrium (LD) levels. Association signals associated with SSR partial resistance were identified by two models, including compressed mixed linear model (CMLM) and multi-locus random-SNP-effect mixed linear model (mrMLM). Finally, seven QTNs with major effects (a known locus and six novel loci) via CMLM and nine novel QTNs with minor effects via mrMLM were detected in relation to partial resistance to SSR, respectively. One of all the novel loci (Gm05:14834789 on Chr.05), which was co-located by these two methods, might be a stable one that showed high significance in SSR partial resistance. Additionally, a total of 71 major and 85 minor candidate genes located in the 200-kb genomic region of each peak SNP detected by CMLM and mrMLM were found, respectively. By using a gene-based association, a total of six SNPs from three major effects genes and eight SNPs from four minor effects genes were identified. Of them, Glyma.18G012200 has been characterized as a significant element in controlling fungal disease in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy resin containing active hydroxymethyl group, 5-hydroxymethyl resorcinol diglycidyl ether, was synthesized to produce 5-hydroxymethyl resorcinol diglycidyl ether-terminated polyurethane (ETPU1000). The synthesized epoxy resin is a small monomer molecule, and no polymer is produced during the synthesis process. A monomer contains one hydroxyl group, and more flexible polyurethane segments can be introduced into the main chain when synthesizing the epoxy-terminated polyurethane. The synthesis process of ETPU1000 was investigated by FT-IR spectroscopy. The disappearance of NCO peak in the FT-IR spectrum showed that diisocyanate has completely reacted to form ETPU1000. Then, a series of epoxy cured systems were prepared by changing the mass ratio of ETPU1000 and the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), and cured with 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl methane (DDM). The effect of the content of ETPU1000 on the thermal properties, mechanical properties and fracture morphology of epoxy cured systems were investigated. The results showed that when the DGEBA/ETPU1000 blends with 75 wt% ETPU1000, impact strength of the cured systems reached 29.6 kJ·m−2, which significantly increased by 176.6% compared to that of neat epoxy. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the fracture surfaces of cured DGEBA/ETPU1000 blends, which showed obvious ductile fracture characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The grids play a central role in ion thrusters and considerably affect both the performance and lifetime. In this article, the primary goal is to study the variation of the grid gap during the startup process of an ion thruster in orbit. Therefore, we established a detailed model of ion thrusters using ANSYS. We have carried out several experiments to valid both thermal and mechanical performances of the model. The results reveal that the temperature of the ion thruster in orbit periodically varies. The grid gap between the screen grid and the accelerator grid decreases at first and then increases during the startup process, in which the minimum depends on the initial temperature and the thermal control. Higher temperature and more thermal control will raise the minimum gap. To launch a 30-cm-diameter ion thruster from the lowest temperature point and ensure a safe gap, 50 °C thermal control would do a great help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging contamination of pathogenic bacteria in the soil has caused a serious threat to public health and environmental security. Therefore, effective methods to inactivate pathogenic bacteria and decrease the environmental risks are urgently required. As a century-old technique, bacteriophage (phage) therapy has a high efficiency in targeting and inactivating pathogenic bacteria in different environmental systems. This review provides an update on the status of bacteriophage therapy for the inactivation of pathogenic bacteria in the soil environment. Specifically, the applications of phage therapy in soil-plant and soil-groundwater systems are summarized. In addition, the impact of phage therapy on soil functioning is described, including soil function gene transmission, soil microbial community stability, and soil nutrient cycling. Soil factors, such as soil temperature, pH, clay mineral, water content, and nutrient components, influence the survival and activity of phages in the soil. Finally, the future research prospects of phage therapy in soil environments are described. Unlabelled Image • Phage therapy has extensive application prospect in soil environment. • Phage therapy inactivated pathogenic bacteria in groundwater-soil-plant system. • Phage therapy significantly impeded ARB migration in vertical soil column. • The influence of phage therapy on soil functioning deserves further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Inanimate motors, driven by the difference in surface tension, provide platforms for studying the physics of characteristic motion and mimicking the complex behaviors of biological systems. However, it is challenging to endow inanimate motors with high autonomy, with an emphasis on simulating the behavior of living organisms in response to external stimuli. Herein, by applying sodium chloride (NaCl) as an external stimulus, we achieve the regulation of motion mode and chemotaxis in a self-propelled camphor system. We present a comprehensive surface/interface understanding of motion bifurcation with the increase of concentration NaCl, i.e., continuous motion to no motion via oscillatory motion. The features of motions (the speed and frequency) and the mechanisms are elucidated depending on the concentrations of NaCl and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Furthermore, the characteristic motion and chemotaxis to the salt stimulus are correlated to the dynamic breaking/reforming of the surface tension balance and gradient-type distribution phenomenon triggered by dynamic camphor dissolution, surfactant adsorption /diffusion and camphor-surfactant interaction. This work sheds light on the typical motions of inanimate motors and scrutinizes the synergy between dual additives, which will boost the design of advanced self-propelled systems with nonlinear characteristic motion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advance in medical technology and healthcare has dramatically improved the average human lifespan. One of the consequences for longevity is the high prevalence of aging-related chronic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and metabolic abnormalities. As the composition of aging population is raising in western countries, heart failure remains the number one cause of death with a more severe impact in the elderly. Obesity and aging are the most critical risk factors for increased susceptibility to heart failure in developing and developed countries. Numerous population-based and experimental data have depicted a close relationship between the age-related diseases and obesity. There is an overall agreement that obesity is causally linked to the development of cardiovascular disorders and severe premature cardiac aging. Accumulating evidence indicates that autophagy plays an important role in obesity, cardiac aging and diseases. In this review, we will focus on the role of autophagy in obesity-related cardiac aging and diseases, and how it regulates age-dependent changes in the heart. • Obesity predisposes premature aging and aging-related anomalies. • Obesity induces inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy failure. • Autophagy may be considered as a target for the intervention of obesity-related heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miR)-125a is highly expressed in T cells and regulates the functions of Treg through the IL-6-STAT3 signaling pathway. However, the role of miR-125a in regulating immune responses in intestinal mucosa of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is still not understood. Here we showed that miR-125a expression was decreased in PBMC and inflamed intestinal mucosa from IBD patients compared with that in healthy controls. Transduction with LV-miR-125a into IBD CD4+ T cells could significantly inhibit proinflammatory cytokine production, including IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-17A. RNA-seq analysis of miR-125a−/− CD4+ T cells revealed enhanced genes (e.g., Stat1 , Stat3 , RORγt , Irf4 , Klf13) in T cell activation and effector pathways, while ETS-1 as its functional target promoted IBD CD4+ T cell differentiation into Th1 cells. Consistently, miR-125a−/− mice developed more severe colitis induced by TNBS compared with WT mice. Thus, our data suggest that miR-125a protects intestinal mucosa from inflammatory injury and that ETS-1 as its target participates in the pathogenesis of IBD. • miR-125a expression is decreased in inflamed mucosa and peripheral blood from IBD patients. • miR-125a inhibits Th1/Th17 cell differentiation and TNF-α production in IBD. • IL-6 and TNF-α downregulate miR-125a expression in CD4+ T cells from IBD patients. • miR-125a restrains Th1 cell differentiation and TNF-α production of CD4+ T cells by targeting ETS-1. • miR-125a deficient mice develop more severe colitis induced by TNBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Biochar impeded the vertical migration of ARPB from top soil to lower soil. • Polyvalent phage targeted inactivation of ARPB along different soil layers. • Biochar amendment with phage therapy synergistically eliminated ARG risk. • Combined treatment maintained the diversity of the bacteria community. Abstract The vertical migration of antibiotic resistance pathogenic bacteria (ARPB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the surface soil-vadose soil system has become a new threat to ecological safety and public health; there is an imperative need to develop an efficient technique for targeted control and inactivation of ARPB in these systems. In this work, undisturbed soil columns (0 ∼ −5 m) were constructed to investigate the impact of biochar amendment or/and polyvalent bacteriophage (ΦYSZ-KK) therapy on the vertical control and inactivation of tetracycline-resistant Escherichia coli K-12 and chloramphenicol-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia K-6. The simultaneous application of polyvalent phage and biochar impeded the vertical migration of ARPB from the top soil to lower soil layers and stimulated the ARPB dissipation in the soil column. After 60-day incubation, levels of ARPB and ARGs decreased significantly in the soil column by magnitudes of 2-6. Additionally, high throughput sequencing indicated that the simultaneous application of biochar and phage clearly maintained the structure and diversity of the soil microbial communities (p < 0.05). This work therefore demonstrates that the application of a biochar/phage combination is an environmentally friendly, efficacious measure for the control and inactivation of ARPB/ARGs in vertical soil column systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 19F signal (δ down) was significantly affected by C9 -substituent in γ-lactam. • 19F (δ down) chemical shift is sensitive to chirality variations at C9 -alkyls. • 19F NMR signal assignments in rotameric molecules are presented. • 19F shielding is crucial to monitoring biological dynamics and conformations. Covalently identical ortho -F nuclei display dual 19F NMR signals in di- ortho -F substituted N -phenyl γ-lactams. We found that the deshielding 19F signal (δ down) was significantly affected by C9 -substituent, especially when C9 - substituents are steric bulky. Notably, the deshielded 19F chemical shift is sensitive to chirality variations at C9 -alkyls, while the shielded 19F NMR signal δ up manifests negligible changes among various C9 -alkyl derivatives. Calculated molecular electrostatic surface potentials (ESPs) were used to interpret the experimental observations. 19F NMR signal assignments in an exemplary rotameric molecule are presented based on our understanding on structure-19F shielding relationship. Our work described here provides basics to deciphering 19F shielding in biologically important molecules and drugs, and to use of 19F chemical shifts in monitoring molecular dynamics and conformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The test involves seamless steel tubes with D / t = 31 and different sizes of interacting defects. • The strains within and between the defects were measured and the data were analyzed. • The failure location for colony corrosion defects was obtained. • The conclusion is helpful to improve the efficiency of failure pressure evaluation for colony corrosion. The interaction between adjacent defects significantly influences the internal pressure loading capacity of corroded pipelines, and the failure pressure of the interacting defects is lower than that the defects would attain when they were isolated. Therefore, it is necessary to study the interaction mechanism between different defects. The experimental program described in the paper involves seamless steel tubes with D / t = 31 and different sizes of interacting defects. The fluid is passed inside the sealed pipeline and the failure pressure of such locally corroded pipeline was obtained experimentally. The strains within and between the defects were measured using strain gauges and the measured data were analyzed. The results of full-scale corroded pipeline tests showed that the strain of failure defect will rise first and then decrease, and the interaction between this defect and adjacent defects is the most obvious. Through the analysis of the failure location of interacting defects with internal pressure, it can be seen that the failure location was the defect with the lowest internal pressure bearing capacity for adjacent defects with significantly different failure pressures. In contrast, the failure location was the defect in the middle of the corrosion region for adjacent defects with no significant difference in failure pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wet mixing and solvent evaporation were used to prepare in situ exfoliation and surface functionalization of graphene oxide (GO). The structure and composition of diglycidyl 7‐oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptane‐3,4‐dicarboxylate (TDE85) functionalized GO (TDE85‐GO) were characterized. A thorough investigation was done into how surface functionalization affected the shape and dispersion of GO as well as the mechanical and thermal performance of the TDE85‐GO/epoxy composites. TDE85‐GO was evenly distributed throughout the matrix as a result of the special preparation method and excellent interfacial interaction between the functionalized GO and epoxy. By incorporating 0.5 wt% of TDE85‐GO, the molecular weight between crosslinks decreased from 435.1 to 182.0 g/mol, and the glass transition temperature significantly increased by 45.7°C from 148.8 to 194.5°C. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break increased by 18.3%, 3.7%, and 29.9%, respectively. Moreover, thermomechanical and water resistance properties have also been improved. This approach is a workable one to produce high‐performance structural composites. This approach represents a practical strategy for developing high‐performance structural composites. Highlights: In situ exfoliation and surface functionalization of graphene oxide.Glass transition temperature increased by 45.7°C with 0.5 wt% of TDE85‐GO.Tensile, thermomechanical, and water resistance properties were improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emerging mixed contamination of antibiotics and microplastics in greenhouse soil has made the control of antibiotic resistant gene (ARG) transmission a novel challenge. In this work, surfactant sophorolipid was applied to enhance the dissipation of tetracycline (TC) and tet genes in the presence of microplastics in greenhouse soil. During 49 days of incubation, soil bacteria and phages were both found to be the crucial reservoirs of ARGs. Meanwhile, microplastic’s presence significantly inhibited the dissipation of TC and ARGs in the soil. However, sophorolipid application was proved to outweigh the negative impact caused by microplastic existence, and lead to the highest dissipation of soil TC and ARGs. Significant positive correlation was detected between the dissipation rate of water-soluble and exchangeable TC content and bacteria/phage co-mediated ARG levels. This also held true between the two fractions of soil TC and the ratio of ARG level in the bacteria to that in the phages (B ARGs /P ARGs ). The opposite impacts of microplastic presence and sophorolipid amendment on the TC/ARG dissipation found in this work provides new information for understanding ARG transmission between bacteria and phages in the mixed contaminated greenhouse soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative splicing is an essential post-transcriptional process to generate multiple functional RNAs or proteins from a single transcript. Progress in RNA biology has led to a better understanding of muscle-specific RNA splicing in heart disease. The recent discovery of the muscle-specific splicing factor RNA-binding motif 20 (RBM20) not only provided great insights into the general alternative splicing mechanism but also demonstrated molecular mechanism of how this splicing factor is associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. Here, we review our current knowledge of muscle-specific splicing factors and heart disease, with an emphasis on RBM20 and its targets, RBM20-dependent alternative splicing mechanism, RBM20 disease origin in induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), and RBM20 mutations in dilated cardiomyopathy. In the end, we will discuss the multifunctional role of RBM20 and manipulation of RBM20 as a potential therapeutic target for heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ag 2 C 2 O 4 and Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 (Commercial P25-TiO 2 ) nocomposites with different weight ratios of Ag 2 C 2 O 4 to P25-TiO 2 (denoted as Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 -0.02, Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 -0.08, Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 -0.15, Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 -0.25, Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 -0.3) were synthesized by a facile liquid precipitation method. The photocatalytic activity of samples was evaluated by the degradation of propylene and acetaldehyde gas under visible light irradiation. All the samples displayed a highly efficient and stable photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, compared to pure Ag 2 C 2 O 4 and P25-TiO 2 (used as reference), Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 nanocomposites showed much higher photocatalytic activity and Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 -0.25 possessed the highest photocatalytic activity. The kinetic behavior of Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 -0.25 was well accordant with a pseudo-first-order reaction and the reaction rate constants were calculated to be 11.13 h −1 and 0.5376 h −1 for the degradation of propylene and acetaldehyde, respectively. The mechanism of highly efficient and stable photocatalytic activity was discussed. On the one hand, Ag 2 C 2 O 4 undergoes firstly photo-corrosion during the initial photocatalytic process generating nascent metallic Ag on the surface of Ag 2 C 2 O 4 , which subsequently endowing the Ag@Ag 2 C 2 O 4 with visible light phtocatalytic activity due to the plasma resonance of Ag. On the other hand, Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 nanocomposites also experience the same journey resulting in the formation of Ag@Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 . Differently from Ag@Ag 2 C 2 O 4 , two paths are involved to separate the electron and hole excited by the photon of nascent metallic Ag so as to acquire much higher phtocatalytic activity for Ag@Ag 2 C 2 O 4 /TiO 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acetylene-terminated benzoxazines (A-BOZs) were copolymerized with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) epoxy resin to improve their processibility and adhesive properties without sacrificing much thermal performance. The three possible polymerization reactions for A-BOZs/DGEBA blends were monitored by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The rheological characterization showed that a much wider processing window could be obtained for A-BOZs/DGEBA because of the dilution effect of the epoxy. The lap shear strength of A-BOZs improved significantly with the incorporation of DGEBA. Furthermore, the cured blends also showed good heat and water resistance properties and high glass transition temperature (Tg). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High abundance of human pathogen and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in landfill leachate has become an emerging threat against human health. Therefore, sulfate- and calcination-modified eggshells as green agricultural bioresource were applied to test the feasibility of removing pathogenic bacteria and ARGs from leachate. The highest removal of Escherichia coli ( E. coil ) and gentamycin resistant gene ( gmrA ) from artificial contaminated landfill leachate was achieved by the application of eggshell with combined treatment of sulfate and calcination. The 16S and gmrA gene copies of E. coil declined significantly from 1.78E8 ± 8.7E6 and 4.12E8 ± 5.9E6 copies mL −1 to 1.32E7 ± 2.6E6 and 2.69E7 ± 7.2E6 copies mL −1 , respectively, within 24 h dynamic adsorption equilibrium process ( p < 0.05). Moreover, according to the Langmuir kinetic model, the greatest adsorption amount (1.56 × 10 9 CFU E. coil per gram of modified eggshells) could be obtained at neutral pH of 7.5. The optimal adsorption eggshells were then screened to the further application in three typical landfill leachates in Nanjing, eastern China. Significant decrease in species and abundance of pathogenic bacteria and ARGs ( tet , sul , erm , qnr , and amp C) indicated its great efficiency to purify landfill leachates. This study demonstrated that sulfate-calcined eggshells can be an environmentally-friendly and highly efficient bioadsorbent to the management of reducing dissemination risk of pathogen and ARGs in landfill leachate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut microbiota has been well recognized in regulation of intestinal homeostasis and pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the mechanisms involved are still not completely understood. Further, the components of the microbiota which are critically responsible for such effects are also largely unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that, in addition to pathogen-associated molecular patterns, nutrition and bacterial metabolites might greatly impact the immune response in the gut and beyond. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA), which are metabolized by gut bacteria from otherwise indigestible fiber-rich diets, have been shown to ameliorate diseases in animal models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and allergic asthma. Although the exact mechanisms for the action of SCFA are still not completely clear, most notable among the SCFA targets is the mammalian G protein-coupled receptor pair of GPR41 and GPR43. In addition to the well-documented inhibition of histone deacetylases activity mainly by butyrate and propionate, which causes anti-inflammatory activities on IEC, macrophages, and dendritic cells, SCFA has recently been implicated in promoting development of Treg cells and possibly other T cells. In addition to animal models, the beneficial effects have also been reported from the clinical studies that used SCFA therapeutically in controlled trial settings in inflammatory disease, in that application of SCFA improved indices of IBD and therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated in acute radiation proctitis. In this review article, we will summarize recent progresses of SCFA in regulation of intestinal homeostasis as well as in pathogenesis of IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landfills are perfect sites to study the effect of human migration on fluctuation of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) as they are the final destination of municipal waste. For example, large-scale human migration during the holidays is often accompanied by changes in waste dumping having potential effects on ARG abundance. Three landfills were selected to examine fluctuation in the abundance of fifteen ARGs and Intl 1 genes for 14 months in Nanjing, eastern China. Mass human migration, the amount of dumped waste and temperature exerted the most significant effects on bimonthly fluctuations of ARG levels in landfill sites. As a middle-sized cosmopolitan city in China, millions of college students and workers migrate during holidays, contributing to the dramatic increases in waste production and fluctuation in ARG abundances. In line with this, mass migration explained most of the variation in waste dumping. The waste dumping also affected the bioaccessibility of mixed-compound pollutants that further positively impacted the level of ARGs. The influence of various bioaccessible compounds on ARG abundance followed the order: antibiotics > nutrients > metals > organic pollutants. Concentrations of bioaccessible compounds were more strongly correlated with ARG levels compared to total compound concentrations. Improved waste classification and management strategies could thus help to decrease the amount of bioaccessible pollutants leading to more effective control for urban ARG dissemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A paired heterogeneous EF-AO flow-through system was developed. • The real-time diffusion process of H 2 O 2 was visualized. • The spatiotemporal distribution of H 2 O 2 in the paired system was investigated. • The EF-AO flow-through configuration enhanced OH utilization. • Operating costs including electrodes, chemicals and electricity were assessed. Improvement to the synergistic performance of cathodic electro-Fenton (EF) and anodic oxidation (AO) has been severely restricted by the tendency for ineffective decomposition of cathode-produced H 2 O 2 at the non-active anode and poor OH utilization. Herein, a paired heterogeneous EF-AO flow-through system, consisting of an FeOCl-deposited graphite felt (FeOCl/GF) cathode and a Ti 4 O 7 membrane anode, was constructed for rapid degradation of oxytetracycline (OTC). The real-time spatiotemporal distribution of H 2 O 2 was systematically investigated and results revealed that the necessity for H 2 O 2 diffusion was eliminating in the proposed system, thus contributing a 2.66-fold increase with respect to OTC degradation kinetics compared to the conventional homogeneous EF-AO system. Meanwhile, the flow-through configuration demonstrated significantly enhanced OH utilization with a 6.65-fold increase in the OTC degradation rate constant compared to the batch mode system. In addition, the EF-AO flow-through system demonstrated a high OTC degradation rate (>80 %) over a wide pH range from 3 to 7 and with different real water matrices. This work opens new avenues for advanced treatment of refractory wastewater using electrochemical advanced oxidation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on the failure pressure of perfect pipeline is the basis of evaluating the bearing capacity of defective pipeline. The applicability of impact factor of theoretical and empirical failure pressure prediction models for thin-walled pipes are evaluated with 77 full-scale burst test data. Impact factors analyzed in this study include diameter D, strain hardening exponent n, flow stress and yield criterion. The diameter D and strain hardening exponent n have less effect on the prediction of failure pressure of defect-free pipeline, while the flow stress and yield criterion have significant influence on the prediction of failure pressure. For the failure pressure assessment of defect-free pipelines, average shear stress yield (ASSY) criterion is the best applicable criterion, followed by Tresca and von Mises yield criterion. 1.0 σ u is the most accurate calculation method of flow stress for failure pressure of defect-free pipeline. • The influence of material properties and yield criterion on the failure pressure are analyzed. • The twin shear yield criterion is not suitable for failure pressure assessment. • 1.0 σ u is the most accurate calculation method of flow stress. • ASSY yield criterion is the best applicable criterion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the potential threat of vegetables growing in antibiotic-polluted soil with high abundance of antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) against human health through the food chain, it is thus urgent to develop novel control technology to ensure vegetable safety. In the present work, pot experiments were conducted in lettuce cultivation to assess the impedance effect of biochar amendment on soil sulfonamides (SAs), antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), and ARG enrichment in lettuce tissues. After 100 days of cultivation, lettuce cultivation with biochar amendment exhibited the greatest soil SA dissipation as well as the significant improvement of lettuce growth indices, with residual soil SAs mainly existing as the tightly bound fraction. Moreover, the SA contents in roots and new/old leaves were reduced by one to two orders of magnitude compared to those without biochar amendment. In addition, isolate counts for SA-resistant bacterial endophytes in old leaves and sul gene abundances in roots and old leaves also decreased significantly after biochar application. However, neither SA resistant bacteria nor sul genes were detected in new leaves. It was the first study to demonstrate that biochar amendment can be a practical strategy to protect lettuce safety growing in SA-polluted soil with rich ARB and ARGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils are exposed to various types of chemical contaminants due to anthropogenic activities; however, research on persistent organic pollutants and the existence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) is limited. To our knowledge, the present work for the first time focused on the bioremediation of soil co-contaminated with pyrene and tetracycline/sulfonamide-resistance genes. After 90 days of incubation, the pyrene concentration and the abundance of the four ARGs ( tet W, tet M, sul I, and sul II) significantly decreased in different treatment conditions ( p < 0.05). The greatest pyrene removal (47.8%) and greatest decrease in ARG abundance (from 10 −7 to 10 −8 ARG copies per 16S rRNA copy) were observed in microcosms with a combination of bacterial and sophorolipid treatment. Throughout the incubation, pyrene bioaccessibility constantly declined in the microcosm inoculated with bacteria. However, an increased pyrene bioaccessibility and ARG abundance at day 40 were observed in soil treated with sophorolipid alone. Tenax extraction methods and linear correlation analysis indicated a strong positive relationship between the rapidly desorbing fraction ( F r ) of pyrene and ARG abundance. Therefore, we conclude that bioaccessible pyrene rather than total pyrene plays a major role in the maintenance and fluctuation of ARG abundance in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An agar-degrading bacterium, strain LGH, was isolated and identified as Cohnella sp. This strain had a capability of utilizing agar as a sole carbon source for growth and showed a strong agarolytic activity. A novel endo-type β-agarase gene agaW, encoding a primary translation product of 891 amino acids, including a 26 amino acid signal peptide, was cloned and identified from a genomic library of strain LGH. The AgaW belonged to the glycoside hydrolase (GH) GH50 family, with less than 39 % amino acid sequence similarity with any known protein, and hydrolyzed agarose into neoagarotetraose as the major end product and neoagarobiose as the minor end product through other neoagarooligosaccharide intermediates, such as neoagarohexaose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoflowers (Au NFs) have received great attention for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications, due to the high surface area, availability of conjugation sites on surface and the localized surface plasmon resonance. However, their further application is much hampered by the complicated and time-consuming synthesis process, which remains better responded. Herein, we propose a novel & straightforward interface-modified reverse microdroplet strategy to configure homogeneously dispersed Au NFs within two hours, where Au3+ was reduced by excess aniline as two-in-one medium of reductant and solvent. It is demonstrated that the reaction system is robustly directed by the dynamic built-in reaction interface, thanks to the capping effect of the in-situ formed polyaniline (PANI) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). It is further identified that the final morphology of Au NFs is strongly determined by the nucleation & growth rates. Consequently, such a well-tailored microstructure endows the Au NFs with sound performance for SERS applications. When using methylene blue (MB) as a molecular probe, a high SERS enhancement factor above 105 is delivered. This work provides a feasible interface-assisted methodology to investigate multi-level structures, and sheds light toward simply advancing versatile nanomaterials for broad applications. An interface-controllable reverse microdroplet strategy is proposed to fast fabricate homogeneously dispersed gold nanoflowers within two hours. The introduced polyvinyl pyrrolidone modulates the incompatibility of the polyaniline on the built-in reaction interface. As such, the dual capping effect is generated to form stable and even reaction centers, resulting in the spherical gold nanoflowers with sound optical properties. [Display omitted] ● A novel & straightforward reverse microdroplet strategy is proposed to configure homogeneously dispersed Au nanoflowers. ● More than four kinds of Au nanoflowers are constructed, including non-spherical and hierarchical Au nanoflowers. ● The modulated reaction interface is constructed by the dual capping effect of the polyaniline and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. ● The as-prepared Au nanoflowers exhibit high SERS enhancement performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covalently identical ortho -F nuclei display dual 19F NMR signals in di- ortho -F substituted N -phenyl γ-lactams. Structural variations at C9 -substituent on the γ-lactam lead to larger chemical shift changes at downfield 19F signals (δ down) than those at upfield 19F signals (δ up). A "reverse" correlation between downfield 19F chemical shifts and electron-withdrawing abilities of C9 -phenylamides is observed. Electrostatic effects are the major forces between C9 -substituents and ortho -F nuclei, and Hammett parameters can be used to describe such through-space interactions. Structural factors influencing ortho -19F shielding among diverse C9 -substituted N -phenyl γ-lactams are discussed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using earthworms to remove soil organic pollutants is a common bioremediation method. However, it remains challenging to evaluate and predict their effect on removing soil organic pollutants based on earthworm toxicology and pollutant degradation rates. Peer-reviewed journal articles on ecotoxicology and bioremediation from the years 1974–2020 (cutoff date September 2020) were selected for meta-analysis to quantify the effect size of earthworms on organic pollutant degradation. The meta-analysis shows that the average effect size of earthworms on organic pollutant degradation is 128.5% (p < 0.05). Soils with high soil organic matter or clay textures are more conducive to earthworm-mediated removal of organic pollutants. Structural equation modeling reveals that earthworms' sensitivity to contaminant exposure may be a greater limiting factor on pollutant degradation than environmental factors. In addition, the quantitative relationship existed between LC50 and the pollutants' degradation that an elevated LC50 threshold resulted in at least 1.5 times increase in the pollutants' degradation size. This correlation was dually confirmed via meta-analysis and the validation trial. The results of this study contribute to a more profound understanding of the potential to use earthworms to mitigate organic pollution in soils and develop earthworm-based soil remediation techniques on a global scale. [Display omitted] • Meta-analysis highlighted the importance of earthworms in the degradation of organic pollutants. • Worm sensitivity and environmental factors affected the rate of organic pollutant dissipation. • Worm's sensitivity exerted the greatest impact on organic pollutant removal. • Increased LC50 threshold resulted in accelerated degradation effect size by 1.5 times or higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although previously a variety of studies have proposed the removal of anions and organic matters from contaminated water by calcined hydroxides (CHTs), their role in uptaking potentially toxic metal ions from effluents had rarely been investigated. In the present study, simulated wastewater containing Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ or Ni 2+ was used to investigate the adsorption performance of CHTs. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were employed to fit the equilibrium experiments, and it was found that the Langmuir model was more appropriate to describe the adsorption isotherm. The maximum adsorption amount was higher than some other adsorbents, specifically, being 6.583, 7.535 and 6.152 mmol/g for Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ or Ni 2+ under the proposed conditions. For kinetic data, the pseudo-second-order kinetic model appeared to be the best-fitting model compared to the pseudo-first-order and Elovich models. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ or Ni 2+ sorption on CHTs was spontaneous and endothermic. In the reusability study, the sorption capacity of the adsorbent did not vary remarkably in the initial four sorption/calcination cycles for Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ or Ni 2+ removal. By virtue of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), it was speculated that the adsorption mechanism for Cu 2+ , Zn 2+ or Ni 2+ consisted of two steps: First, potentially toxic metal ions formed into hydroxide precipitations and adhered to the surfaces of adsorbents with high alkalinity. Second, the hydroxides participated in the process of adsorbents reconstructed the hydrotalcites structures through isomorphous substitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]