Making the Complicated Simple: A Minimizing Carrier Strategy on Innovative Nanopesticides.

The flourishing progress in nanotechnology offers boundless opportunities for agriculture, particularly in the realm of nanopesticides research and development. However, concerns have been raised regarding the human and environmental safety issues stemming from the unrestrained use of non-therapeutic nanomaterials in nanopesticides. It is also important to consider whether the current development strategy of nanopesticides based on nanocarriers can strike a balance between investment and return, and if the complex material composition genuinely improves the efficiency, safety, and circularity of nanopesticides. Herein, we introduced the concept of nanopesticides with minimizing carriers (NMC) prepared through prodrug design and molecular self-assembly emerging as practical tools to address the current limitations, and compared it with nanopesticides employing non-therapeutic nanomaterials as carriers (NNC). We further summarized the current development strategy of NMC and examined potential challenges in its preparation, performance, and production. Overall, we asserted that the development of NMC systems can serve as the innovative driving force catalyzing a green and efficient revolution in nanopesticides, offering a way out of the current predicament.

Mendelian randomization and transcriptome analysis identified immune-related biomarkers for osteoarthritis.

Background: The immune microenvironment assumes a significant role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). However, the current biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of OA are not satisfactory. Our study aims to identify new OA immune-related biomarkers to direct the prevention and treatment of OA using multi-omics data. Methods: The discovery dataset integrated the GSE89408 and GSE143514 datasets to identify biomarkers that were significantly associated with the OA immune microenvironment through multiple machine learning methods and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The identified signature genes were confirmed using two independent validation datasets. We also performed a two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) study to generate causal relationships between biomarkers and OA using OA genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data (cases n = 24,955, controls n = 378,169). Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) method was used as the main method of causal estimates. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness and reliability of the IVW results. Results: Three signature genes (FCER1G, HLA-DMB, and HHLA-DPA1) associated with the OA immune microenvironment were identified as having good diagnostic performances, which can be used as biomarkers. MR results showed increased levels of FCER1G (OR = 1.118, 95% CI 1.031-1.212, P = 0.041), HLA-DMB (OR = 1.057, 95% CI 1.045 -1.069, P = 1.11E-21) and HLA-DPA1 (OR = 1.030, 95% CI 1.005-1.056, P = 0.017) were causally and positively associated with the risk of developing OA. Conclusion: The present study identified the 3 potential immune-related biomarkers for OA, providing new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of OA. The MR study provides genetic support for the causal effects of the 3 biomarkers with OA and may provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms leading to the development of OA.

Co-exposure to deltamethrin and cyazofamid: variations in enzyme activity and gene transcription in the earthworm (Eisenia fetida).

Pesticide formulations are typically applied as mixtures, and their synergistic effects can increase toxicity to the organisms in the environment. Despite pesticide mixtures being the leading cause of pesticide exposure incidents, little attention has been given to assessing their combined toxicity and interactions. This survey purposed to reveal the cumulative toxic effects of deltamethrin (DEL) and cyazofamid (CYA) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) by examining multiple endpoints. Our findings revealed that the LC50 values of DEL for E. fetida, following 7- and 14-day exposures, ranged from 887.7 (728-1095) to 1552 (1226-2298) mg kg-1, while those of CYA ranged from 316.8 (246.2-489.4) to 483.2 (326.1-1202) mg kg-1. The combinations of DEL and CYA induced synergistic influences on the organisms. The contents of Cu/Zn-SOD and CarE showed significant variations when exposed to DEL, CYA, and their combinations compared to the untreated group. Furthermore, the mixture administration resulted in more pronounced alterations in the expression of five genes (hsp70, tctp, gst, mt, and crt) associated with cellular stress, carcinogenesis, detoxification, and endoplasmic reticulum compared to single exposures. In conclusion, our comprehensive findings provided detailed insights into the cumulative toxic effects of chemical mixtures across miscellaneous endpoints and concentration ranges. These results underscored the importance of considering mixture administration during ecological risk evaluations of chemicals.

Evaluation of ecological impacts with ferrous iron addition in constructed wetland under perfluorooctanoic acid stress.

In this study, ferrous ion (Fe(II)) had the potential to promote ecological functions in constructed wetlands (CWs) under perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) stress. Concretely, Fe(II) at 30 mg/L and 20-30 mg/L even led to 11.37% increase of urease and 93.15-243.61% increase of nitrite oxidoreductase respectively compared to the control. Fe(II) promotion was also observed on Nitrosomonas, Nitrospira, Azospira, and Zoogloea by 1.00-6.50 folds, which might result from higher expression of nitrogen fixation and nitrite redox genes. These findings could be explanation for increase of ammonium removal by 7.47-8.75% with Fe(II) addition, and reduction of nitrate accumulation with 30 mg/L Fe(II). Meanwhile, both Fe(II) stimulation on PAOs like Dechloromonas, Rhodococcus, Mesorhizobium, and Methylobacterium by 1.58-2.00 folds, and improvement on chemical phosphorus removal contributed to higher total phosphorus removal efficiency under high-level PFOA exposure. Moreover, Fe(II) raised chlorophyll content and reduced the oxidative damage brought by PFOA, especially at lower dosage. Nevertheless, combination of Fe(II) and high-level PFOA caused inhibition on microbial alpha diversity, which could result in decline of PFOA removal (by 4.29-12.83%). Besides, decrease of genes related to nitrate reduction demonstrated that enhancement on denitrification was due to nitrite reduction to N2 pathways rather than the first step of denitrifying process.

Modified basalt fibers boost performance of constructed wetlands: Comparison between surface coating and chemical grafting.

Modified basalt fiber (MBF) is a potential material that has been applied in wastewater treatment fields. In this study, superior performances of MBFs by calcium (Ca-MBF) and polyethyleneimine modification (PEI-MBF) were compared in constructed wetlands (CWs). Via chemical grafting, higher biofilm contents were observed on the surface of PEI-MBF, compared to Ca-MBF. Moreover, MBF increased key enzyme activities particularly in lower substrate layer, contributing to positive responses of microbial community in CWs. For instance, PEI-MBF boosted microbial richness and diversity and improved the abundances of denitrifying functional bacteria and biomarkers like Thauera, Vulcanibacillus, and Maritimimonas, probably promoting nitrate removal compared with Ca-MBF group. By contrast, Ca-MBF enriched more functional genera involved in nutrients removal, with the highest removal of ammonium (43.9 %), total nitrogen (66.2 %), and total phosphorus (37.1 %). Overall, this work provided new findings on improved performance of CWs with MBF.

Combined toxicity of aflatoxin B1 and tebuconazole to the embryo development of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Mycotoxins and pesticides are pervasive elements within the natural ecosystem. Furthermore, many environmental samples frequently exhibit simultaneous contamination by multiple mycotoxins and pesticides. Nevertheless, a significant portion of previous investigations has solely reported the occurrence and toxicological effects of individual chemicals. Global regulations have yet to consider the collective impacts of mycotoxins and pesticides. In our present study, we undertook a comprehensive analysis of multi-level endpoints to elucidate the combined toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and tebuconazole (TCZ) on zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our findings indicated that AFB1 (with a 10-day LC50 value of 0.018 mg L-1) exhibits higher toxicity compared to TCZ (with a 10-day LC50 value of 2.1 mg L-1) toward D. rerio. The co-exposure of AFB1 and TCZ elicited synergistic acute responses in zebrafish. The levels of GST, CYP450, SOD, and Casp-9 exhibited significant variations upon exposure to AFB1, TCZ, and their combined mixture, in contrast to the control group. Additionally, eight genes, namely cat, cxcl-cic, il-1ß, bax, apaf-1, trß, ugtlab, and vtg1, displayed marked alterations when exposed to the chemical mixture as opposed to individual substances. Therefore, further exploration of the underlying mechanisms governing joint toxicity is imperative to establish a scientific basis for evaluating the risk associated with the combined effects of AFB1 and TCZ. Moreover, it is essential to thoroughly elucidate the organ system toxicity triggered by the co-occurrence of mycotoxins and pesticides.

Nano-Micro Core-Shell Fibers for Efficient Pest Trapping.

Insect sex pheromones as an alternative to chemical pesticides hold promising prospects in pest control. However, their burst release and duration need to be optimized. Herein, pheromone-loaded core-shell fibers composed of degradable polycaprolactone and polyhydroxybutyrate were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. The results showed that this core-shell fiber had good hydrophobic performance and thermal stability, and the light transmittance in the ultraviolet band was only below 40%, which provided protection to pheromones. The core-shell structure alleviated the burst release of pheromone in the fiber and extended the release time to about 133 days. In the field, the pheromone-loaded core-shell fibers showed the same continuous and efficient trapping of Spodoptera litura as the commercial carriers. More importantly, the electrospun fibers combined with biomaterials had a degradability unmatched by commercial carriers. The structure design strategy provides ideas for the innovative design of pheromone carriers and is a potential tool for the management of agricultural pests.

Multifunctional Borax Cross-Linked Hydroxypropyl Guar Gum Hydrogels with Crop Nutritional Function as Carriers for Dual-Responsive Acaricide Release.

Hydrogels with porous networks have received considerable attention in smart pesticide delivery due to their inherent versatility. In this study, acaricide cyetpyrafen (CPF)-loaded borax (BO) cross-linked hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG) (CPF@BO-co-HPG, CBG) hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking and pesticide loading simultaneously. The flowable CBG hydrogels with 3D porous network structures had better wetting and spreading ability on Citrus reticulata Blanco leaves and a hydrophobic interface. The nonflowable CBG hydrogels had pH- and temperature-responsive release properties. Meanwhile, the acaricidal efficacy of CBG against Panonychus citri (McGregor) at both 24 and 48 h was significantly higher than those of CPF-loaded BO-free HPG hydrogels. Furthermore, CBG had a nutritional function for cotton growth and environmental safety for zebrafish. This research developed a BO cross-linked HPG hydrogel as a smart pesticide delivery vehicle and crop nutrient replenishment, which can be widely applied in sustainable agriculture.

Intra-Operative Definition of Glioma Infiltrative Margins by Visualizing Immunosuppressive Tumor-Associated Macrophages.

Accurate delineation of glioma infiltrative margins remains a challenge due to the low density of cancer cells in these regions. Here, a hierarchical imaging strategy to define glioma margins by locating the immunosuppressive tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is proposed. A pH ratiometric fluorescent probe CP2-M that targets immunosuppressive TAMs by binding to mannose receptor (CD206) is developed, and it subsequently senses the acidic phagosomal lumen, resulting in a remarkable fluorescence enhancement. With assistance of CP2-M, glioma xenografts in mouse models with a tumor-to-background ratio exceeding 3.0 for up to 6 h are successfully visualized. Furthermore, by intra-operatively mapping the pH distribution of exposed tissue after craniotomy, the glioma allograft in rat models is precisely excised. The overall survival of rat models significantly surpasses that achieved using clinically employed fluorescent probes. This work presents a novel strategy for locating glioma margins, thereby improving surgical outcomes for tumors with infiltrative characteristics.

Preparation of Thifluzamide Polylactic Acid Glycolic Acid Copolymer Microspheres and Its Effect on the Growth of Cucumber Seedlings.

The polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) has been proven to be applicable in medicine, but there is limited research on its application and safety in the agricultural field. In this paper, thifluzamide PLGA microspheres were prepared via phacoemulsification and solvent volatilization, using the PLGA copolymer as the carrier and thifluzamide as the active component. It was found that the microspheres had good slow-release performance and fungicidal activity against Rhizoctonia solani. A comparative study was conducted to show the effect of thifluzamide PLGA microspheres on cucumber seedlings. Physiological and biochemical indexes of cucumber seedlings, including dry weight, root length, chlorophyll, protein, flavonoids, and total phenol content, indicated that the negative effect of thifluzamide on plant growth could be mitigated when it was wrapped in PLGA microspheres. This work explores the feasibility of PLGA as carriers in fungicide applications.

Sleeve gastrectomy decreases high-fat diet induced colonic pro-inflammatory status through the gut microbiota alterations.

Background: High-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity is characterized with chronic low-grade inflammation in various tissues and organs among which colon is the first to display pro-inflammatory features associated with alterations of the gut microbiota. Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently one of the most effective treatments for obesity. Although studies reveal that SG results in decreased levels of inflammation in multiple tissues such as liver and adipose tissues, the effects of surgery on obesity related pro-inflammatory status in the colon and its relation to the microbial changes remain unknown. Methods: To determine the effects of SG on the colonic pro-inflammatory condition and the gut microbiota, SG was performed on HFD-induced obese mice. To probe the causal relationship between alterations of the gut microbiota and improvements of pro-inflammatory status in the colon following SG, we applied broad-spectrum antibiotics cocktails on mice that received SG to disturb the gut microbial changes. The pro-inflammatory shifts in the colon were assessed based on morphology, macrophage infiltration and expressions of a variety of cytokine genes and tight junction protein genes. The gut microbiota alterations were analyzed using 16s rRNA sequencing. RNA sequencing of colon was conducted to further explore the role of the gut microbiota in amelioration of colonic pro-inflammation following SG at a transcriptional level. Results: Although SG did not lead to pronounced changes of colonic morphology and macrophage infiltration in the colon, there were significant decreases in the expressions of several pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, IL-18, and IL-23 as well as increased expressions of some tight junction proteins in the colon following SG, suggesting an improvement of pro-inflammatory status. This was accompanied by changing populations of the gut microbiota such as increased richness of Lactobacillus subspecies following SG. Importantly, oral administrations of broad-spectrum antibiotics to delete most intestinal bacteria abrogated surgical effects to relieve colonic pro-inflammation. This was further confirmed by transcriptional analysis of colon indicating that SG regulated inflammation related pathways in a manner that was gut microbiota relevant. Conclusion: These results support that SG decreases obesity related colonic pro-inflammatory status through the gut microbial alterations.

Dissection of Cellular Communication between Human Primary Osteoblasts and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis at Single-Cell Resolution.

Background and Objectives: Osteoblasts are derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and play important role in bone remodeling. While our previous studies have investigated the cell subtypes and heterogeneity in osteoblasts and BMMSCs separately, cell-to-cell communications between osteoblasts and BMMSCs in vivo in humans have not been characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular communication between human primary osteoblasts and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Methods and Results: To investigate the cell-to-cell communications between osteoblasts and BMMSCs and identify new cell subtypes, we performed a systematic integration analysis with our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomes data from BMMSCs and osteoblasts. We successfully identified a novel preosteoblasts subtype which highly expressed ATF3, CCL2, CXCL2 and IRF1. Biological functional annotations of the transcriptomes suggested that the novel preosteoblasts subtype may inhibit osteoblasts differentiation, maintain cells to a less differentiated status and recruit osteoclasts. Ligand-receptor interaction analysis showed strong interaction between mature osteoblasts and BMMSCs. Meanwhile, we found FZD1 was highly expressed in BMMSCs of osteogenic differentiation direction. WIF1 and SFRP4, which were highly expressed in mature osteoblasts were reported to inhibit osteogenic differentiation. We speculated that WIF1 and sFRP4 expressed in mature osteoblasts inhibited the binding of FZD1 to Wnt ligand in BMMSCs, thereby further inhibiting osteogenic differentiation of BMMSCs. Conclusions: Our study provided a more systematic and comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity of osteogenic cells. At the single cell level, this study provided insights into the cell-to-cell communications between BMMSCs and osteoblasts and mature osteoblasts may mediate negative feedback regulation of osteogenesis process.

Acute toxicity and genotoxicity studies on new melatonergic antidepressant GW117.

GW117, a novel derivate compound of agomelatine that acts as both a 5-HT2C receptor antagonist and a MT1/MT2 receptor agonist, likely underlines the potent antidepressant action with less hepatotoxicity than agomelatine. We evaluated the acute toxicity of GW117, and the genotoxicity of GW117 using bacterial reverse mutation test, mammalian chromosomal aberration test in Chinese hamster lung cells (CHL) and mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. The acute toxicity test results showed that maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of GW117 was 2000 mg/kg, under which mean Cmax and AUC0→t was 10,782 ng/mL and 81,046 ng/mL × h, respectively. The result of bacterial reverse mutation test showed that the number of bacterial colonies in each dose group of GW117 did not increase significantly compared with that in the solvent control group with or without S9 metabolic activation system. In vitro chromosome aberration test of CHL cells, the chromosome aberration rate of each dose group of GW117 did not increase with or without S9 metabolic activation system. In mouse micronucleus test, the highest dose was 2000 mg/kg, the micronucleus rate did not increase significantly. Under the conditions of this study, the MTD of a single GW117 administration was 2000 mg/kg, there was no genotoxicity effect of GW117.

Performance of constructed wetlands with different water level for treating graphene oxide wastewater: Characteristics of plants and microorganisms.

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been expected advantages in emerging pollutant removal, but with less known on their characteristic when treating wastewater containing graphene oxide (GO). In present study, we investigated characteristics of Iris pseudacorus, microorganisms, and pollutant removal in CWs with 60 cm and 37 cm water level (termed HCW and LCW). Plants in LCW had higher chlorophyll content and lower activities of antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase) as well as malondialdehyde content. Substrate enzyme activities were affected by time and CW type. LCW increased only dehydrogenase activities, while HCW increased catalase, urease, neutral phosphatase, and arylsulfatase activities. Sequencing analysis revealed that microbial community showed higher richness and diversity in LCW, but this dissimilarity could be eased by time-effect. Proteobacteria (25.62-60.36%) and Actinobacteria (13.86-56.20%) were stable dominant phyla in CWs. Ratio of Proteobacteria/Acidobacteria indicated that trophic status of plant rhizosphere zone was lower in LCW. Nitrospirae were enriched to 0.16-0.68% and 0.75-1.42% in HCW and LCW. The enrichment of phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes in HCW was attributed to class Gammaproteobacteria and genus Enterococcus. GO transformation showed some reductions in CWs, which could be affected by water depth and substrate depth. Overall, HCW achieved nitrogen and phosphorus removal for 48.78-62.99% and 95.01%, which decreased by 8.41% and 7.31% in LCW. COD removal was less affected reaching 93%. This study could provide some new evidence for CWs to treat wastewater containing GO.

Effects of macrophytes on micro - And nanoplastic retention and cycling in constructed wetlands.

Macrophytes play the important roles in purifying pollutants of constructed wetlands (CWs), while their effects on CWs exposed to micro/nano plastics are not clear. Therefore, planted and unplanted CWs were established to reveal the impacts of macrophytes (Iris pseudacorus) on the overall performance of CWs under polystyrene micro/nano plastics (PS MPs/NPs) exposure. Results showed that macrophytes effectively enhanced the interception capacities of CWs to PS NPs, and significantly promoted the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus after exposed to PS MPs/NPs. Meanwhile, macrophytes improved the activities of dehydrogenase, urease, and phosphatase. Sequencing analysis showed that macrophytes optimized the composition of microbial communities in CWs and stimulated the growth of functional bacteria involved in nitrogen and phosphorus transformation. Moreover, macrophytes further altered the absolute abundance of nitrogen transformation functional genes (amoA, nxrA, narG and nirS). Functional annotation analysis revealed that macrophytes promoted metabolic functions such as Xenobiotics, Amino acids, Lipids metabolism and Signal transduction, ensuring the metabolic balance and homeostasis of microbes under PS MPs/NPs stress. These results exhibited profound implications for the comprehensive evaluation on the roles of macrophytes in CWs for treating wastewater containing PS MPs/NPs.

Long-term synergic removal performance of N, P, and CuO nanoparticles in constructed wetlands along with temporal record of Cu pollution in substrate-biofilm.

With continued exposure to CuO nanoparticles (NPs) which were toxic to organisms, the performance of wastewater treatment facility might be affected. In present study, the feasibility of constructed wetlands (CWs) for wastewater treatment containing CuO NPs and common pollutants was comprehensively explored. It was found that CWs removed 98.80-99.84% CuO NPs and 90.91-91.83% COD within 300 days. However, N and P removals were affected to varying degrees by CuO NPs. N removal was inhibited only by 0.5 mg/L CuO NPs with 19.75% decreases on the mean from day 200-300. P removal was reduced by 3.80-50.75% and 1.92-7.19% under exposure of 0.5 and 5 mg/L CuO NPs throughout the experiment. Moreover, CuO NPs changed the adsorption potential of P and ammonium-N on sand-biofilm. Cu concentrations in spatial distribution decreased, while they in temporal distribution increased from 36.94 to 97.78 µg/g and from 70.92 to 282.66 µg/g at middle sand layer exposed to 0.5 and 5 mg/L CuO NPs. Mass balance model showed that substrate-biofilm was main pollutant sink for CuO NPs, N, and P. The minor Cu was absorbed by plants exposed to 0.5 and 5 mg/L CuO NPs, which decreased N by 53.40% and 18.51%，and P by 52.35% and 21.62%. Sequencing analysis indicated that CuO NPs also altered spatial microbial community. N-degrading bacteria (Rhodanobacter, Thauera, Nitrospira) changed differently, while phosphate accumulation organisms (Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Microlunatus) reduced. Overall, the negative effects of CuO NPs on N and P removal should be noted when CWs as ecological technologies are used to treat CuO NPs-containing wastewater.

28-day repeated dose toxicity and toxicokinetics study on new melatonergic antidepressant GW117 in beagle dogs.

GW117 is new melatonergic antidepressant being developed to show better antidepressant action than agomelatine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and to determine potential target organs after oral (gavage) administration of the test article GW117 for 28 days and to assess the reversibility after a 4-week recovery phase in beagle dogs. Toxicokinetics was also evaluated. Four groups were designed in this study, including the vehicle control group and the GW117 50, 150 and 500 mg/kg/day groups, with 5 dogs/sex/group. Body weight, hematology, clinical chemistry, gross necropsy, organ weight, histopathology, and other indicators were examined. Results showed that animals dosed at ≥150 mg/kg/day showed gastrointestinal reactions (watery feces and dark green/red brown feces), with a dose-response relationship in the incidence and severity grade. Female dogs at 500 mg/kg/day had an increase in organ weight and ratios of the liver at the end of the dosing phase. Histopathology examination showed that some animals at 500 mg/kg/day, especially female animals, had minimal centrilobular hepatocyte hypertrophy in the liver, which reversed after 28-day recovery. With the exception of the above, no GW117-related abnormality was noted. Meanwhile, there were no sexual differences in drug exposure and accumulation after the first and last dosing. The no observed adverse effect dose level (NOAEL) was 150 mg/kg/day, under which mean Cmax and AUC0 → t were 583.5 and 2767.0 ng/ml*h for females and 663.2 and 4046.3 ng/ml*h for males on Day 28.

Imputation of Human Primary Osteoblast Single Cell RNA-Seq Data Identified Three Novel Osteoblastic Subtypes.

BACKGROUND: Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology was increasingly used to study transcriptomics at a single-cell resolution, scRNA-seq analysis was complicated by the "dropout", where the data only captures a small fraction of the transcriptome. This phenomenon can lead to the fact that the actual expressed transcript may not be detected. We previously performed osteoblast subtypes classification and dissection on freshly isolated human osteoblasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we used the scImpute method to impute the missing values of dropout genes from a scRNA-seq dataset generated on freshly isolated human osteoblasts. RESULTS: Based on the imputed gene expression patterns, we discovered three new osteoblast subtypes. Specifically, these newfound osteoblast subtypes are osteoblast progenitors, and two undetermined osteoblasts. Osteoblast progenitors showed significantly high expression of proliferation related genes (FOS, JUN, JUNB and JUND). Analysis of each subtype showed that in addition to bone formation, these undetermined osteoblasts may involve osteoclast and adipocyte differentiation and have the potential function of regulate immune activation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provided a new perspective for studying the osteoblast heterogeneity and potential biological functions of these freshly isolated human osteoblasts at the single-cell level, which provides further insight into osteoblasts subtypes under various (pathological) physiological conditions.

Genomic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of a novel Nairobi sheep disease genogroup Orthonairovirus from ticks, Southeastern China.

The increasing prevalence and transmission of tick-borne diseases, especially those emerging ones, have posed a significant threat to public health. Thus, the discovery of neglected pathogenic agents carried and transmitted by ticks is urgently needed. Using unbiased high-throughput sequencing, a novel Orthonairovirus designated as Meihua Mountain virus (MHMV), was identified in bloodsucking ticks collected from cattle and wild boars in Fujian province, Southeastern China. The full-length genome was determined by RT-PCR and RACE. Genomic architecture of MHMV shares typical features with orthonairoviruses. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that MHMV is clustered into the Nairobi sheep disease (NSD) genogroup of the genus Orthonairovirus and is closely related to the Hazara virus. The RdRp, GPC, and N protein of MHMV shares 62.3%-83.5%, 37.1%-66.1%, and 53.4%-77.3% amino acid identity with other NSD genogroup viruses, respectively, representing a novel species. The overall pooled prevalence of MHMV in ticks was 2.53% (95% CI: 1.62%-3.73%, 22 positives of 134 tick pools), with 7.38% (95% CI: 3.84%-12.59%, 11 positives of 18 pools) in Haemaphysalis hystricis, 6.02% (95% CI: 1.85%-14.22%, four positives of eight pools) in H. formosensis, 25.03% (95% CI: 9.23%-54.59%, six positive of eight pools) in Dermacentor taiwanensis, and 0.16% (95% CI: 0.01%-0.72%, one positive of 100 pools) in Rhipicephalus microplus. This study presented the first report of tick-carried Orthonairovirus in Fujian province and highlighted the broad geographic distribution and high genetic diversity of orthonairoviruses in China.

Metabolic pathways reveal the effect of fungicide loaded metal-organic frameworks on the growth of wheat seedlings.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are an emerging class of hybrid inorganic-organic porous materials used in various fields, especially in molecule delivery system. As iron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth, iron-based MOF (Fe-MOF) is developed for agricultural application as fungicide carriers. However, fungicides may have various effect on the plant growth, which may be different from Fe-MOF. When they are combined with the carriers, the effects on target plants will change. In this work, tebuconazole-loaded Fe-MOF was prepared and used to treat wheat seedlings. The physiological, biochemical and metabolic levels of wheat roots and shoots were shown by a comparative study. Related metabolic pathways were analyzed by non-targeted metabolomic method. Many metabolites in wheat roots and shoots showed an upward trend after Fe-MOF treatment, but tebuconazole had a negative impact on these indicators. Related metabolic pathways in Fe-MOF and tebuconazole treatment were different, and the related pathway of tebuconazole-loaded Fe-MOF was closer to that of Fe-MOF. The metabolic pathways study revealed that the negative impact from tebuconazole was mitigated when wheat seedlings were treated with tebuconazole-loaded Fe-MOF. This research firstly explores the mechanism of MOF as carriers to help plant reduce the negative effects from fungicide by regulating metabolic pathways.