Sulfamethoxazole removal and fuel-feedstock biomass production from wastewater in a phyto-Fenton process using duckweed culture.

The phyto-Fenton process, which generates hydroxyl radicals through Fenton and Fenton-like reactions using plant-derived hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ferrous iron (Fe (II)) can degrade organic pollutants. Duckweed, an aquatic plant, is promising for a co-beneficial phytoremediation process that combines wastewater treatment and biomass production for biofuel feedstock. However, the phyto-Fenton process using duckweed has not been extensively studied. Because sulfamethoxazole (SMX), a major antibiotic, is distributed widely and is an emerging contaminant, its effective removal from contaminated water is necessary. The present study investigated the possibility of the simultaneous efficient removal of SMX from polluted water and biomass production for fuel feedstock by the phyto-Fenton process using duckweed. This is the first attempt to demonstrate the co-benefits of SMX removal and biomass production using duckweed. Intracellular H2O2 was produced using four duckweeds, Lemna aequinoctialis, L. minor, Landolina punctata, and Spirodela polyrhiza, in the range of 16.7-24.6 µ mol g-1 fresh weight, and extracellular H2O2 was released into the water phase. Consequently, duckweed could be used as an H2O2 supply source for the phyto-Fenton process. Specifically, 0.5 g fresh duckweed almost completely eliminated 1 mg L-1 SMX after 5 d in 50 mL sterile modified Hoagland solution containing 10 mM Fe (II). Fe (II)-dependent elimination of SMX indicated the occurrence of phyto-Fenton reaction. The phyto-Fenton process using duckweed effectively removed SMX. S. polyrhiza duckweed similarly removed 1 mg L-1 SMX even in sewage effluent containing other organic contaminants. During this treatment, duckweed biomass was generated at 7.95 g dry weight m-2 d-1, which was converted into methane at 353 normal liters CH4 kg-1 volatile solids by anaerobic digestion. For the first time, this study clearly demonstrates the potential for simultaneous SMX removal and biomass production from SMX-contaminated wastewater using duckweed.

Crystal structure, microstructure, and mechanical properties of heat-treated oyster shells.

We investigated the crystal structure and mechanical properties of oyster shells subjected to heat treatment under increasing temperature conditions. The shell contained folia and chalky layers. The folia layer comprised two CaCO3 phases: 72.3% calcite and 27.7% aragonite. The lattice parameters of the calcite and aragonite present in the folia layer did not correspond to those of the synthesized sample. The anisotropic lattice expansion was observed in calcite and aragonite in the folia layer during heat-treatment. The chalky layer has also the anisotropic lattice expansion, but the expansion was disappeared at 573 K. The microhardness (HV value) of the folia layer decreased rapidly from 122 to 11 HV at temperatures 573-673 K owing to the phase transformation from aragonite to calcite in this temperature range. The microhardness of the chalky layer at RT was 125 HV, which decreased to 15 HV at 373 K. Crack propagation with increasing temperature was investigated using a micro-Vickers apparatus. In the folia layer, cracks were produced inside the prism, and they propagated along the lamellar structure. The cracks initiated and propagated along the organic biopolymer interlayers in a zigzag manner. No cracks were observed in the chalky layers of the heat-treated samples. The toughness of the chalky layer was superior to that of the folia layer. From our results, we can conclude that oyster shells comprise two types of materials with different mechanical properties.

A pediatric case of infliximab-resistant ulcerative colitis successfully treated using vedolizumab.

Pediatric ulcerative colitis is likely to be more severe than adult ulcerative colitis. Failure to thrive should be considered during therapy. A 10-year-old boy was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis based on his clinical presentation and colonoscopy and biopsy results. The administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid and prednisolone resulted in remission ; however, the symptoms reappeared after the discontinuation of prednisolone. Then, infliximab was administered ; however, the patient was resistant to it and appeared to be dependent on prednisolone. Vedolizumab, a monoclonal antibody against ?4?7 integrin, was administered, which resulted in rapid remission. A steady decrease in prednisolone followed, and remission was maintained even after prednisolone discontinuation. Vedolizumab may be effective in pediatric patients with moderate-to-severe refractory ulcerative colitis. Vedolizumab prevents lymphocytes from binding to MAdCAM-1, which is selectively expressed in the gastrointestinal submucosa, leading to the mitigation of the systemic side effects of immunosuppression, such as infections. In Japan, vedolizumab use is not yet approved for use in children, but its effectiveness and safety in children is expected to be investigated in the future. J. Med. Invest. 70 : 294-297, February, 2023.

Age-related change in mammographic breast density of women without history of breast cancer over a 10-year retrospective study.

Background: Women with higher breast density are at higher risk of developing breast cancer. Breast density is known to affect sensitivity to mammography and to decrease with age. However, the age change and associated factors involved are still unknown. This study aimed to investigate changes in breast density and the associated factors over a 10-year period. Materials and Methods: The study included 221 women who had undergone eight or more mammograms for 10 years (2011-2020), were between 25 and 65 years of age, and had no abnormalities as of 2011. Breast density on mammographic images was classified into four categories: fatty, scattered, heterogeneously dense, and extremely dense. Breast density was determined using an image classification program with a Microsoft Lobe's machine-learning model. The temporal changes in breast density over a 10-year period were classified into three categories: no change, decrease, and increase. An ordinal logistic analysis was performed with the three groups of temporal changes in breast density categories as the objective variable and the four items of breast density at the start, BMI, age, and changes in BMI as explanatory variables. Results: As of 2011, the mean age of the 221 patients was 47 ± 7.3 years, and breast density category 3 scattered was the most common (67.0%). The 10-year change in breast density was 64.7% unchanged, 25.3% decreased, and 10% increased. BMI was increased by 64.7% of women. Breast density decreased in 76.6% of the category at the start: extremely dense breast density at the start was correlated with body mass index (BMI). The results of the ordinal logistic analysis indicated that contributing factors to breast density classification were higher breast density at the start (odds ratio = 0.044; 95% CI [0.025-0.076]), higher BMI at the start (odds ratio = 0.76; 95% CI [0.70-0.83]), increased BMI (odds ratio = 0.57; 95% CI [0.36-0.92]), and age in the 40s at the start (odds ratio = 0.49; 95% CI [0.24-0.99]). No statistically significant differences were found for medical history. Conclusion: Breast density decreased in approximately 25% of women over a 10-year period. Women with decreased breast density tended to have higher breast density or higher BMI at the start. This effect was more pronounced among women in their 40s at the start. Women with these conditions may experience changes in breast density over time. The present study would be useful to consider effective screening mammography based on breast density.

Isolation of Aquatic Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria for the Floating Plant Duckweed (Lemna minor).

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can exert beneficial growth effects on their host plants. Little is known about the phylogeny and growth-promoting mechanisms of PGPB associated with aquatic plants, although those of terrestrial PGPB have been well-studied. Here, we report four novel aquatic PGPB strains, MRB1-4 (NITE P-01645-P-01648), for duckweed Lemna minor from our rhizobacterial collection isolated from Lythrum anceps. The number of L. minor fronds during 14 days co-culture with the strains MRB1-4 increased by 2.1-3.8-fold, compared with an uninoculated control; the plant biomass and chlorophyll content in co-cultures also increased. Moreover, all strains possessed an indole-3-acetic acid production trait in common with a plant growth-promoting trait of terrestrial PGPB. Phylogenetic analysis showed that three strains, MRB-1, -3, and -4, were affiliated with known proteobacterial genera (Bradyrhizobium and Pelomonas); this report is the first to describe a plant-growth promoting activity of Pelomonas members. The gammaproteobacterial strain MRB2 was suggested to be phylogenetically novel at the genus level. Under microscopic observation, the Pelomonas strain MRB3 was epiphytic and adhered to both the root surfaces and fronds of duckweed. The duckweed PGPB obtained here could serve as a new model for understanding unforeseen mechanisms behind aquatic plant-microbe interactions.

Complete Genome Sequence of Luteitalea sp. Strain TBR-22.

We report a complete genome sequence of a novel bacterial isolate, strain TBR-22, belonging to the class Vicinamibacteria of the phylum Acidobacteria, which was isolated from duckweed fronds. The genome expands our knowledge of the lifestyle of this abundant but rarely characterized phylum.

Draft Genome Sequence of Bryobacteraceae Strain F-183.

Here, we report a draft genome sequence of a bacterial strain, F-183, isolated from a duckweed frond. Strain F-183 belongs to the family Bryobacteraceae of the phylum Acidobacteria, and its genomic information would contribute to understanding the ecophysiology of this abundant but rarely characterized phylum.

Growth Promotion of Giant Duckweed Spirodela polyrhiza (Lemnaceae) by Ensifer sp. SP4 Through Enhancement of Nitrogen Metabolism and Photosynthesis.

Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) are representative producers in fresh aquatic ecosystems and also yield sustainable biomass for animal feeds, human foods, and biofuels, and contribute toward effective wastewater treatment; thus, enhancing duckweed productivity is a critical challenge. Plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can improve the productivity of terrestrial plants; however, duckweed-PGPB interactions remain unclear and no previous study has investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying duckweed-PGPB interaction. Herein, a PGPB, Ensifer sp. strain SP4, was newly isolated from giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza), and the interactions between S. polyrhiza and SP4 were investigated through physiological, biochemical, and metabolomic analyses. In S. polyrhiza and SP4 coculture, SP4 increased the nitrogen (N), chlorophyll, and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO) contents and the photosynthesis rate of S. polyrhiza by 2.5-, 2.5-, 2.7-, and 2.4-fold, respectively. Elevated photosynthesis increased the relative growth rate and biomass productivity of S. polyrhiza by 1.5- and 2.7-fold, respectively. Strain SP4 significantly altered the metabolomic profile of S. polyrhiza, especially its amino acid profile. N stable isotope analysis revealed that organic N compounds were transferred from SP4 to S. polyrhiza. These N compounds, particularly glutamic acid, possibly triggered the increase in photosynthetic and growth activities. Accordingly, we propose a new model for the molecular mechanism underlying S. polyrhiza growth promotion by its associated bacteria Ensifer sp. SP4, which occurs through enhanced N compound metabolism and photosynthesis. Our findings show that Ensifer sp. SP4 is a promising PGPB for increasing biomass yield, wastewater purification activity, and CO2 capture of S. polyrhiza.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Microalgal transformation of food processing byproducts into functional food ingredients.

Large amounts of food processing byproducts (FPBs) are generated from food manufacturing industries, the second-largest portion of food waste generation. FPBs may require additional cost for post-treatment otherwise cause environmental contamination. Valorization of FPBs into food ingredients by microalgae cultivation can save a high cost for organic carbon sources and nutrients from medium cost. This study reviews FPBs generation categorized by industry and traditional disposal. In contrast with the low-value production, FPBs utilization as the nutrient-abundant medium for microalgae can lead to high-value production. Due to the complex composition in FPBs, various pretreatment methods have been applied to extract the desired compounds and medium preparation. Using the FPB-based medium resulted in cost reduction and a productivity enhancement in previous literature. Although there are still challenges to overcome to achieve economic viability and environmental sustainability, the microalgal transformation of FPBs is attractive for functional food ingredients production.

Isolation and Characterization of Euglena gracilis-Associated Bacteria, Enterobacter sp. CA3 and Emticicia sp. CN5, Capable of Promoting the Growth and Paramylon Production of E. gracilis under Mixotrophic Cultivation.

Euglena gracilis produces paramylon, which is a feedstock for high-value functional foods and nutritional supplements. The enhancement of paramylon productivity is a critical challenge. Microalgae growth-promoting bacteria (MGPB) can improve microalgal productivity; however, the MGPB for E. gracilis remain unclear. This study isolated bacteria capable of enhancing E. gracilis growth and paramylon production under mixotrophic conditions. Enterobacter sp. CA3 and Emticicia sp. CN5 were isolated from E. gracilis grown with sewage-effluent bacteria under mixotrophic conditions at pH 4.5 or 7.5, respectively. In a 7-day E. gracilis mixotrophic culture with glucose, CA3 increased E. gracilis biomass and paramylon production 1.8-fold and 3.5-fold, respectively (at pH 4.5), or 1.9-fold and 3.5-fold, respectively (at pH 7.5). CN5 increased E. gracilis biomass and paramylon production 2.0-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively (at pH 7.5). However, the strains did not show such effects on E. gracilis under autotrophic conditions without glucose. The results suggest that CA3 and CN5 promoted both E. gracilis growth and paramylon production under mixotrophic conditions with glucose at pH 4.5 and 7.5 (CA3) or pH 7.5 (CN5). This study also provides an isolation method for E. gracilis MGPB that enables the construction of an effective E. gracilis-MGPB-association system for increasing the paramylon yield of E. gracilis.

Novel Plant-Associated Acidobacteria Promotes Growth of Common Floating Aquatic Plants, Duckweeds.

Duckweeds are small, fast growing, and starch- and protein-rich aquatic plants expected to be a next generation energy crop and an excellent biomaterial for phytoremediation. Despite such an importance, very little is known about duckweed-microbe interactions that would be a key biological factor for efficient industrial utilization of duckweeds. Here we first report the duckweed growth promoting ability of bacterial strains belonging to the phylum Acidobacteria, the members of which are known to inhabit soils and terrestrial plants, but their ecological roles and plant-microbe interactions remain largely unclear. Two novel Acidobacteria strains, F-183 and TBR-22, were successfully isolated from wild duckweeds and phylogenetically affiliated with subdivision 3 and 6 of the phylum, respectively, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. In the co-culture experiments with aseptic host plants, the F-183 and TBR-22 strains visibly enhanced growth (frond number) of six duckweed species (subfamily Lemnoideae) up to 1.8-5.1 times and 1.6-3.9 times, respectively, compared with uninoculated controls. Intriguingly, both strains also increased the chlorophyll content of the duckweed (Lemna aequinoctialis) up to 2.4-2.5 times. Under SEM observation, the F-183 and TBR-22 strains were epiphytic and attached to the surface of duckweed. Taken together, our findings suggest that indigenous plant associated Acidobacteria contribute to a healthy growth of their host aquatic plants.

Comparative Analysis of Microbial Communities in Fronds and Roots of Three Duckweed Species: Spirodela polyrhiza, Lemna minor, and Lemna aequinoctialis.

The microbial communities inhabiting the fronds of duckweeds have not been investigated in as much detail as those on the roots. We herein examined the microbial communities in three duckweed species using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and compared them to those on the roots. The microbial compositions of the fronds were distinct from those of the roots in the three species. Various types of taxonomic bacteria, including rarely cultivated phyla, Acidobacteria, Armatimonadetes, and Verrucomicrobia, were also isolated from the fronds, but at a slightly lower abundance than those from the roots. These results suggest that duckweed fronds are an alternative source for isolating rare and novel microbes, which may otherwise be recalcitrant to cultivation using conventional strategies.

Enhanced lipid productivity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with combination of NaCl and CaCl2 stresses.

Salinity (NaCl) stress treatment is a strategy to induce lipid accumulation in microalgae. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combination of two salts (NaCl/CaCl2) on lipid productivity of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. C. reinhardtii was cultured in a two-stage culture comprising 9-day active growth in C medium followed by 3-day salt stress in C medium with various concentrations of NaCl (50‒200 mM)/CaCl2 (100 mM). In salt stress stage, NaCl (200 mM), CaCl2 (100 mM), and the NaCl/CaCl2 mixture inhibited growth but increased the lipid content in C. reinhardtii in comparison with NaCl (0, 50, and 100 mM) conditions. Combinatorial treatment with 100 mM NaCl/100 mM CaCl2 resulted in the highest lipid content (73.4%) and lipid productivity (10.9 mg/L/days), being 3.5- and 2.1-fold, respectively, in salt-free control conditions, and 1.8- and 1.5-folds, respectively, with 200 mM NaCl. Furthermore, 100 mM NaCl/100 mM CaCl2 treatment markedly upregulated glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT), and diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DAGAT), which are involved in lipid accumulation in C. reinhardtii. The upregulation of these genes with 100 mM NaCl/100 mM CaCl2 resulted in the highest lipid content in C. reinhardtii. Therefore, stress treatment using two salts, 100 mM NaCl/100 mM CaCl2, is a potentially promising strategy to enhance lipid productivity in microalgae.

Enhanced biomass production and nutrient removal capacity of duckweed via two-step cultivation process with a plant growth-promoting bacterium, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus P23.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are considered a promising tool to improve biomass production and water remediation by the aquatic plant, duckweed; however, no effective methodology is available to utilize PGPB in large hydroponic systems. In this study, we proposed a two-step cultivation process, which comprised of a "colonization step" and a "mass cultivation step," and examined its efficacy in both bucket-scale and flask-scale cultivation experiments. We showed that in the outdoor bucket-scale experiments using three kinds of environmental water, plants cultured through the two-step cultivation method with the PGPB strain, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus P23, yielded 1.9 to 2.3 times more biomass than the control (without PGPB inoculation). The greater nitrogen and phosphorus removals compared to control were also attained, indicating that this strategy is useful for accelerating nutrient removal by duckweed. Flask-scale experiments using non-sterile pond water revealed that inoculation of strain P23 altered duckweed surface microbial community structures, and the beneficial effects of the inoculated strain P23 could last for 5-10 d. The loss of the duckweed growth-promoting effect was noticeable when the colonization of strain P23 decreased in the plant. These observations suggest that the stable colonization of the plant with PGPB is the key for maintaining the accelerated duckweed growth and nutrient removal in this cultivation method. Overall, our results suggest the possibility of an improved duckweed production using a two-step cultivation process with PGPB.

Enhanced production of biomass and lipids by Euglena gracilis via co-culturing with a microalga growth-promoting bacterium, Emticicia sp. EG3.

BACKGROUND: Euglena gracilis, a unicellular flagellated microalga, is regarded as one of the most promising species as microalgal feedstock for biofuels. Its lipids (mainly wax esters) are suitable for biodiesel and jet fuel. Culture of E. gracilis using wastewater effluent will improve the economics of E. gracilis biofuel production. Enhancement of the productivity of E. gracilis biomass is critical to creating a highly efficient biofuels production system. Certain bacteria have been found to promote microalgal growth by creating a favorable microenvironment. These bacteria have been characterized as microalgae growth-promoting bacteria (MGPB). Co-culture of microalgae with MGPB might offer an effective strategy to enhance microalgal biomass production in wastewater effluent culture systems. However, no MGPB has been identified to enhance the growth of E. gracilis. The objectives of this study were, therefore, to isolate and characterize the MGPB effective for E. gracilis and to demonstrate that the isolated MGPB indeed enhances the production of biomass and lipids by E. gracilis in wastewater effluent culture system. RESULTS: A bacterium, Emticicia sp. EG3, which is capable of promoting the growth of microalga E. gracilis, was isolated from an E. gracilis-municipal wastewater effluent culture. Biomass production rate of E. gracilis was enhanced 3.5-fold and 3.1-fold by EG3 in the co-culture system using a medium of heat-sterilized and non-sterilized wastewater effluent, respectively, compared to growth in the same effluent culture but without EG3. Two-step culture system was examined as follows: E. gracilis was cultured with or without EG3 in wastewater effluent in the first step and was further grown in wastewater effluent in the second step. Production yields of biomass and lipids by E. gracilis were enhanced 3.2-fold and 2.9-fold, respectively, in the second step of the system in which E. gracilis was co-cultured with EG3 in the first step. CONCLUSION: Emticicia sp. EG3 is the first MGPB for E. gracilis. Growth-promoting bacteria such as EG3 will be promising agents for enhancing E. gracilis biomass/biofuel productivities.

Light emission from treated surfaces of poly (ethylene terephthalate).

There has been considerable interest in poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) as an undoped scintillation material for charged particle detections. However, light emission from exposed surfaces is limited by the high refractive index. Here, we show the potential applications of surface-treated PET for radioactive contamination inspections. The two large-area surfaces of three 140-mm × 72-mm × 1-mm plates cut from injection-molded PET were treated in three ways: both polished surfaces, one polished and the other roughened (thus, two different entrance faces), and both roughened surfaces. Transmission spectra were acquired to characterize the responses at the PET surfaces by external light. Transmittances were decreased by roughened surfaces; the effect was dominant for short wavelengths, and the transmittance at the emission maximum was less than 1% when both surfaces were roughened. A portable model system, where smeared filter papers or smeared cotton buds were inspected for charged particle detection, was fabricated to characterize the responses at the PET surfaces by internal light. Count rates for a 241Am radioactive source and a 90Sr radioactive source were increased by the roughened surfaces; count rates when both surfaces were roughened were, respectively, 3.7 and 2.1 times those when both surfaces were polished. Thus, the model system responded well to alpha and beta particles via the PET surface treatments. We revealed that the roughened surfaces diffused light emissions by refraction and bent incident angle at the next boundary surface by reflection. In addition, a strong correlation between increased count rates and decreased transmittances was found via the surface treatments. This knowledge will guide the use of PET in future radiation management.

[Survey of the Implementation Status of Personal Counseling among Cancer Patients in Red Cross Hospitals].

Red Cross Pharmaceutical Association conducted a questionnaire-based survey to evaluate the status of implementation of pharmaceutical intervention as well as personal counseling for outpatients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Based on the survey results from 93 hospitals across the country, it was found that pharmacists performed an intervention on outpatients receiving chemotherapy in 68 hospitals(73.1%)and conducted personal counseling for outpatients with cancer in 48 hospitals(51.6%). Out of the 68 hospitals, 20 did not conduct personal counseling for outpatients with cancer. This was attributable to the fact that 14 hospitals did not have a qualified pharmacist, 3 did not have sufficient manpower, and 3 did not have the required system. The results of a logistic regression analysis showed that the number of pharmacists significantly affected implementation of pharmaceutical intervention as well as personal counseling for outpatients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy(p=0.042, p=0.023, respectively). The pharmacists can receive a fee for medical services only after conducting personal counseling for outpatients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy. However, in hospitals with a small number of pharmacists, they could not claim their fees owing to lack of manpower. This survey found that lack of manpower is currently the most important issue.

"Duckweed-Microbe Co-Cultivation Method" for Isolating a Wide Variety of Microbes Including Taxonomically Novel Microbes.

We herein described a new microbial isolation method using the interaction between the floating aquatic plant, duckweed, and microbes. We harvested microbial cells from Japanese loosestrife roots and co-cultivated these cells with aseptic duckweed using artificial inorganic medium for the plant for four weeks. During the co-cultivation, some duckweeds were collected every week, and the roots were used for microbial isolation using a low-nutrient plate medium. As a result, diverse microbial isolates, the compositions of which differed from those of the original source (Japanese loosestrife root), were obtained when the roots of duckweed were collected after 2 weeks of cultivation. We also successfully isolated a wide variety of novel microbes, including two strains within the rarely cultivated phylum, Armatimonadetes. The present study shows that a duckweed-microbe co-cultivation approach together with a conventional technique (direct isolation from a microbial source) effectively obtains more diverse microbes from a sole environmental sample.