Hydrogenating Polyethylene Terephthalate into Degradable Polyesters.

The recycling and upcycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most widely used polyester plastic globally, has attracted growing attention concerning its disposal as non-degradable waste in the natural environment. Transforming end-of-life PET into (bio)degradable polyester offers a novel approach to managing its waste. In this study, we introduce a simple process capable of converting waste PET into degradable polyester, polyethylene terephthalate-polyethylene-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (PET-PECHD), by partly hydrogenating the aromatic rings (x) into aliphatic ones (y). The polyesters with variable x/y compositions ranging from 100/0 to 0/100 can be achieved, and the molecular weight (Mw) can be maintained when x/y > 87/13 due to the nonobvious depolymerization. Pronounced depolymerization would occur with deeper hydrogenation, which generates a blend of PET-PECHD and polyethylene-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate (PECHD) with lower Mw, and finally a single-type polymer PECHD. The PET-PECHD demonstrates comparable thermal stability and mechanical strength compared to PET, along with superior extensibility, barrier properties, and (bio)degradability in acidic, alkaline solutions, and moist soil. This research highlights the potential for cost-effective, large-scale production of degradable polyester from real-life plastic waste.

Evolution and functional divergence of glycosyltransferase genes shaped the quality and cold tolerance of tea plants.

Plant glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play a key role in plant growth and metabolism. Here, we examined the evolutionary landscape among UGTs in 28 fully sequenced species from early algae to angiosperms. Our findings revealed a distinctive expansion and contraction of UGTs in the G and H groups in tea (Camellia sinensis), respectively. Whole-genome duplication and tandem duplication events jointly drove the massive expansion of UGTs, and the interplay of natural and artificial selection has resulted in marked functional divergence within the G group of the sinensis-type tea population. In Cluster II of group G, differences in substrate selection (e.g., Abscisic Acid) of the enzymes encoded by UGT genes led to their functional diversification, and these genes influence tolerance to abiotic stresses such as low temperature and drought via different modes of positive and negative regulation, respectively. UGTs in Cluster III of the G group have diverse aroma substrate preferences, which contributes a diverse aroma spectrum of the sinensis-type tea population. All Cluster III genes respond to low-temperature stress, whereas UGTs within Cluster III-1, shaped by artificial selection, are unresponsive to drought. This suggests that artificial selection of tea plants focused on improving quality and cold tolerance as primary targets.

Straw amendment decreased Cd accumulation in Solanum lycopersicum due to enhanced root functional traits under low-P supply.

Manipulating root functional traits related to phosphorus (P) mobilization and acquisition by using the optimum rate of synthetic P fertilizer coupled with straw addition is a promising option for improving nutrient-use efficiency in agriculture. How such practices influence soil cadmium (Cd) fractions and plant Cd accumulation remains unknown. We conducted two field trials: exp. 1 with varied P fertilizer rates [control without P, reduced rates of P fertilization at 100 and 160 kg P ha-1 as well as the standard P fertilization rate (200 kg P ha-1) used by farmers], and exp. 2 with reduced P fertilization at 100 and 160 kg P ha-1 without or with straw addition (10 t ha-1) to investigate soil Cd fractionations and S. lycopersicum Cd uptake as influenced by root morphological and exudation traits related to P acquisition. In experiment 1, reduced P rates (100 and 160 kg P ha-1) increased the concentration of exchangeable Cd in soil by 6.4 %-77.1 %, which corresponded to a 12.6 %-18.4 % increase in Cd concentration in S. lycopersicum fruits. These reduced rates of P fertilization induced root proliferation and rhizosphere carboxylate exudation, increasing the relative proportion of exchangeable Cd in the soil solution and enhancing Cd uptake, especially from 30th to 45th day of S. lycopersicum growth. By contrast, the straw addition (exp 2) increased soil organic matter in soil by 7.19 %-15.8 % and decreased both rhizosphere carboxylate content by 6.47 %-35.5 % and soil exchangeable Cd content irrespective of P treatments. Consequently, with straw addition, fruit Cd content decreased by 26.5 % and 26.4 %, respectively, at 100 and 160 kg P ha-1. In summary, the P-responsive root functional traits influenced soil Cd fractionation (via carboxylate exudation) and mediated Cd accumulation (via root proliferation). Straw amendment diminished these P-responsive root traits, thus decreasing Cd accumulation by S. lycopersicum.

Association between the duration of smoking cessation and α-Klotho levels in the US middle-aged and elderly population.

Background: α-Klotho is a molecule associated with aging and several diseases. Previous studies have reported decreased levels of serum α-Klotho (SαKl) in smokers compared to never smokers. Interestingly, we also found the SαKl level could partly recover in those who quit smoking. The objective of this study was to investigate SαKl levels in the US population who quit smoking for a certain period. Methods: A total of 9268 participants, ranging in age from 40 to 79 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study, 37.04 % were identified as former smoker. Data from the NHANES conducted between 2007 and 2016 were utilized for analysis. The association between the period of smoking cessation and SαKl levels was evaluated through multivariate linear regression models. Additionally, a detailed analysis stratified by key clinical factors was performed. Results: The mean level of SαKl among the former smoker was 827.41 pg/mL. After full adjustment, the SαKl level increased over time after smoking cessation, with an increase of 1.20 pg/ml per year of abstinence (P = 0.005). The linear correlation persists regardless of the duration of the smoking habit before quitting. In the stratified analysis, a positive correlation was observed between duration of smoking cessation and SαKl levels in individuals aged 60-79 years, females, normal weight individuals, those involved in moderate or vigorous physical activity, and those with a history of cancer (all P<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed a positive association between the duration of smoking cessation and SαKl levels in former smokers. Prolonged abstinence may contribute to increased SαKl levels which may protect people against aging-related diseases.

Interactive effects of microplastics and cadmium on soil properties, microbial communities and bok choy growth.

The simultaneous presence of microplastics (MPs) and cadmium (Cd) in soil environments has raised concerns regarding their potential interactive effects on soil-plant ecosystems. This study explores how polyethylene (PE) at concentrations of 0.5 % (w/w), 1 % (w/w), and 2 % (w/w), and Cd at concentrations of 3 mg kg-1 and 12 mg kg-1, either alone or combined, impact soil physicochemical properties, microbial community structures, and bok choy growth through a 40-day pot experiment. Our findings reveal that the addition of 2 % (w/w) PE significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC). However, when 2 % PE coexisted with Cd, SOC levels decreased, potentially due to a reduction in enzyme activity (ß-1,4-glucosidase). PE increased the proportion of 1-2 mm soil aggregates, while the coexistence of 2 % PE and Cd significantly increased the content of soil aggregates larger than 2 mm. The coexistence of PE and Cd increased available potassium (AK) in the soil by approximately 13 % to 41 %. Regarding bok choy growth, the aboveground biomass under 2 % PE was approximately 210 % of that under 0.5 % PE, possibly because of the enhancement in soil nutrients. The presence of Cd, however, reduced the chlorophyll content of bok choy by approximately 18 % to 34 %. Notably, the coexistence of high PE concentration (2 % w/w) and low Cd concentration (3 mg kg-1) resulted in the highest aboveground biomass among all coexistence treatments. Furthermore, the addition of PE and Cd significantly altered the structure of soil bacterial and fungal communities, with fungi showing a greater response. Bacteria were significantly associated with soil inorganic N content and plant growth. This study provides new insights into the interactions of microplastics and Cd within microbial-soil-plant systems.

Correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with serum α-klotho levels in US middle-aged and older individuals: Results from NHANES 2007-2016.

Background: The α-klotho (αKl) is widely accepted as an anti-aging and anti-inflammatory protein. However, it is rarely reported on the function and mechanism of αKl in the overall population (including healthy people and those with history of chronic disease). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are established as predictors of systemic inflammation. This study aims to investigate the relationship between NLR, PLR, and αKl levels in the overall population. Methods: Data from 10,124 adults aged 40 years old and above, collected from NHANES 2007-2016, were analyzed. Associations between NLR, PLR, and αKl levels were assessed by weighted multivariate linear regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analysis was conducted by gender, age, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic kidney disease. Results: Weighted linear regression models showed that a significant negative correlation was observed between both NLR and PLR with αKl levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that the negative correlation between NLR and serum αKl levels was not significant in individuals aged 40-59 years and males, while this relationship remained stable across most other subgroups. The negative correlation between PLR and serum αKl levels was consistent across most subgroups but not significant in individuals with cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: Our study revealed a significant negative relationship between inflammatory markers (NLR and PLR) and serum αKl levels, suggesting systemic inflammation may be linked to reduced αKl expression. Subgroup analyses showed that the relationship varies across different demographic and health-related factors. We provided insight into the significance of managing inflammation and preserving αKl levels.

Amino Acid Decorated Phenanthroline Diimide as Sustainable Hydrophilic Am(III) Masking Agent with High Acid Resistance.

Hydrophilic actinide masking agents are believed to be efficient alternatives to circumvent the extensive hazardous organic solvents/diluents typically employed in the liquid-liquid extraction for nuclear waste management. However, the practical application of hydrophilic ligands faces significant challenges in both synthetic/purification procedures and, more importantly, the acid resistance of the ligands themselves. Herein, we have demonstrated the combination of phenanthroline diimide framework with a biomotif of histidine flanking parts could achieve efficient separation of trivalent lanthanides/actinides (also actinides/actinides) under high acidity of over 1 M HNO3. This approach leverages the soft-hard coordination properties of N, O-hybrid ligands, as well as the energetically favored imides for metal coordination and the multiple protonation of histidine. These factors collectively contribute to the synthesis of an easily accessible, highly water-soluble, superior selective, and acid-resistant Am(III) masking agent. Thus, we have shown in this paper, by proper combination of synthetic N, O-hybrid ligand with amino acid, trivalent lanthanide and actinide separation could be efficiently fulfilled in a more sustainable manner.

Long-Term Straw Returning Enhances Phosphorus Uptake by Zea mays L. through Mediating Microbial Biomass Phosphorus Turnover and Root Functional Traits.

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers in China to maintain high crop yields has led to significant environmental degradation and destabilized crop production. Returning straw to soil presents a potential alternative to reduce chemical fertilizer requirements and enhance soil fertility. This study investigates the effects of different nitrogen (N) input levels and straw additions on crop phosphorus (P) uptake and soil P availability based on a long-term N-fertilizer trial. The treatments included no fertilizer input (CK), conventional (NPK), reduced NPK (0.75NPK), and straw-amended (SNPK) treatments. Results indicate that SNPK significantly enhances shoot P uptake and crop yields by 43.7-61.9% and 29.3-39.6%, respectively. The SNPK treatment improved rhizosphere P availability and increased the phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) by 1.72-fold compared to NPK alone. The enhanced soil P availability under SNPK was primarily attributed to an abundance of functional microbes, leading to higher P storage in the microbial biomass P pool and its turnover. Additionally, SNPK promoted root exudate and phosphate-mobilizing microbes, enhancing P mobilization and uptake. Nitrogen fertilization primarily influenced root functional traits related to P acquisition. These findings provide valuable insights for developing effective fertilizer management strategies in maize-oilseed rape rotation systems, emphasizing the benefits of integrating straw with chemical fertilizers.

Urban growth simulation and scenario projection for the arid regions using heuristic cellular automata.

Arid regions tend to form compact urban patterns that have significant implications on urban growth and future urban patterns. Spatial simulation and projection using cellular automata (CA)-based models are important for achieving sustainable urban development in arid regions. In response to this need, we developed a new CA model (GSA-CA) using the gravitational search algorithm (GSA) to capture and project urban growth patterns in arid regions. We calibrated the GSA-CA model for the arid city of Urumqi in Northwest China from 2000 to 2010, and validated the model from 2010 to 2020, and then applied to project urban growth in 2040. The results indicated that the optimal performance of the model was achieved when the fraction of the population was 0.5. GSA-CA achieved an overall accuracy of 98.42% and a figure of merit (FOM) of 43.03% for the year 2010, and an overall accuracy of 98.52% with FOM of 37.64% for 2020. The results of the study help to adjust urban planning and development policies. The developed model has the potential to be employed in simulating urban growth and future scenarios in arid regions globally, including Northwest China and Africa.

Comparative Morphological, Physiological, and Transcriptomic Analyses of Diploid and Tetraploid Wucai (Brassica campestris L.).

Polyploid plants often exhibit superior yield, stress resistance, and quality. In this study, homologous tetraploid wucai (Brassica campestris L.) was successfully obtained by spraying seedling growth points with colchicine. The morphological, cytological, and physiological characteristics of diploid and tetraploid wucai were analyzed, and transcriptomic sequencing was performed at three stages of development. Tetraploid seedings grew slowly but exhibited darker leaves, enlarged organs and cells, increased stomatal volume, decreased stomatal density, improved nutritional content, and enhanced photosynthesis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in diploid and tetraploid plants at three stages of development were enriched in different pathways. Notably, DEGs identified in the tetraploid plants were specifically enriched in starch and sucrose metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and ascorbate and aldarate metabolism. In addition, we found that the light green module was most relevant to ploidy, and DEGs in this module were significantly enriched in the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and TCA cycle pathways. The differential expression of key glycolysis-associated genes at different developmental stages may be the driver of the observed differences between diploid and tetraploid wucai. This study lays a technical foundation for the development of polyploid wucai germplasm resources as well as the breeding of new varieties with improved quality, yield, and stress resistance. It also provides a good empirical reference for the genetic breeding of closely related Brassica species.

OsSNDP4, a Sec14-nodulin Domain Protein, is Required for Pollen Development in Rice.

Pollen is encased in a robust wall that shields the male gametophyte from various stresses and aids in pollination. The pollen wall consists of gametophyte-derived intine and sporophyte-derived exine. The exine is mainly composed of sporopollenin, which is biopolymers of aliphatic lipids and phenolics. The process of exine formation has been the subject of extensive research, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we identified a rice mutant of the OsSNDP4 gene that is impaired in pollen development. We demonstrated that OsSNDP4, a putative Sec14-nodulin domain protein, exhibits a preference for binding to phosphatidylinositol (3)-phosphate [PI(3)P], a lipid primarily found in endosomal and vacuolar membranes. The OsSNDP4 protein was detected in association with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), vacuolar membranes, and the nucleus. OsSNDP4 expression was detected in all tested organs but was notably higher in anthers during exine development. Loss of OsSNDP4 function led to abnormal vacuole dynamics, inhibition in Ubisch body development, and premature degradation of cellular contents and organelles in the tapetal cells. Microspores from the ossndp4 mutant plant displayed abnormal exine formation, abnormal vacuole enlargement, and ultimately, pollen abortion. RNA-seq assay revealed that genes involved in the biosynthesis of fatty acid and secondary metabolites, the biosynthesis of lipid polymers, and exosome formation were enriched among the down-regulated genes in the mutant anthers, which correlated with the morphological defects observed in the mutant anthers. Base on these findings, we propose that OsSNDP4 regulates pollen development by binding to PI(3)P and influencing the dynamics of membrane systems. The involvement of membrane systems in the regulation of sporopollenin biosynthesis, Ubisch body formation, and exine formation provides a novel mechanism regulating pollen wall development.

QTL Mapping of Yield, Agronomic, and Nitrogen-Related Traits in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under Low Nitrogen and Normal Nitrogen Treatments.

Improving low nitrogen (LN) tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) increases global barley yield and quality. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population crossed between "Baudin × CN4079" was used to conduct field experiments on twenty traits of barley yield, agronomy, and nitrogen(N)-related traits under LN and normal nitrogen (NN) treatments for two years. This study identified seventeen QTL, comprising eight QTL expressed under both LN and NN treatments, eight LN-specific QTL, and one NN-specific QTL. The localized C2 cluster contained QTL controlling yield, agronomic, and N-related traits. Of the four novel QTL, the expression of the N-related QTL Qstna.sau-5H and Qnhi.sau-5H was unaffected by N treatment. Qtgw.sau-2H for thousand-grain weight, Qph.sau-3H for plant height, Qsl.sau-7H for spike length, and Qal.sau-7H for awn length were identified to be the four stable expression QTL. Correlation studies revealed a significant negative correlation between grain N content and harvest index (p < 0.01). These results are essential for barley marker-assisted selection (MAS) breeding.

Root-soil-microbiome interaction in the rhizosphere of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) under different levels of heavy metal pollution.

Heavy metal pollution of the soil affects the environment and human health. Masson pine is a good candidate for phytoremediation of heavy metal in mining areas. Microorganisms in the rhizosphere can help with the accumulation of heavy metal in host plants. However, studies on its rhizosphere bacterial communities under heavy metal pollution are still limited. Therefore, in this study, the chemical and bacterial characteristics of Masson pine rhizosphere under four different levels of heavy metal pollution were investigated using 16 S rRNA gene sequencing, soil chemistry and analysis of plant enzyme activities. The results showed that soil heavy metal content, plant oxidative stress and microbial diversity damage were lower the farther they were from the mine dump. The co-occurrence network relationship of slightly polluted soils (C1 and C2) was more complicated than that of highly polluted soils (C3 and C4). Relative abundance analysis indicated Sphingomonas and Pseudolabrys were more abundant in slightly polluted soils (C1 and C2), while Gaiella and Haliangium were more abundant in highly polluted soils (C3 and C4). LEfSe analysis indicated Burkholderiaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, Gemmatimonadaceae, Gaiellaceae were significantly enriched in C1 to C4 site, respectively. Mantel analysis showed that available cadmium (Cd) contents of soil was the most important factor influencing the bacterial community assembly. Correlation analysis showed that eight bacterial genus were significantly positively associated with soil available Cd content. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the rhizospheric bacterial community of Masson pine trees under different degrees of heavy metal contamination, which lays the foundation for beneficial bacteria-based phytoremediation using Masson pines in the future.

Identification and prognostic analysis of metabolic genes associated with TP53 mutation in multiple myeloma.

BACKGROUND: TP53 gene mutation is crucial in determining the prognosis of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients. Understanding metabolic genes linked to TP53 mutation is vital for developing targeted therapies for these patients. METHOD: We analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset to identify genes related to TP53 mutation and metabolism. Using univariate Cox regression and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, we identified key genes. We categorized patients into high and low metabolism groups via non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) clustering, which led to the discovery of relevant differential genes. Integrating these with genes from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and PPI interactions, we pinpointed crucial metabolic genes associated with TP53 mutation in MM. Additionally, we conducted prognostic analyses involving survival curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) charts. RESULTS: Our study reveals that the metabolic gene ribonucleotide reductase M2 (RRM2), linked to TP53 mutation, correlates positively with the International Staging System (ISS) stage in MM patients and is an independent prognostic risk factor. In the TCGA dataset, among the 767 patients, the 35 MM patients with TP53 mutation generally had poor survival outcomes. Specifically, the patients with both TP53 mutation and high RRM2 expression had a 2-year survival rate of only 38.87%, whereas those with normal TP53 function and low RRM2 expression had a 2-year survival rate of 86.31% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RRM2 significantly impacts MM prognosis and is associated with TP53 mutation, presenting itself as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker for MM.

Protective effect of 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol against DSS-induced colitis via modulating gut microbiota and maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier integrity.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a challenging condition to cure that can occur at any age. The gut microbiome and intestinal epithelial barrier play a crucial role in the development of IBD. 1,3-Dioleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (OPO), the predominant triglyceride in breast milk, is a structural lipid with multiple physiological functions. However, the protective effect of OPO on IBD and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study showed that oral administration of OPO markedly ameliorated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis phenotypes. OPO treatment reduced inflammation levels by suppressing the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB signaling pathway in colitis mice. Furthermore, OPO treatment improved intestinal epithelial barrier function via promoting epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and upregulating tight junction protein expression. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that OPO treatment restored microbial alpha diversity and reshaped the microbiota of colitis mice. Therefore, our study revealed that OPO exhibited a protective role in DSS-induced colitis via maintaining intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and modulating gut microbiota. Our results highlight that OPO could be used as effective supplements for individuals with IBD or intestinal dysfunctions.

Characterization of flavour components and identification of lipid flavour precursors in different cuts of pork by phospholipidomics.

The lipids and volatile compounds in pork from different parts, including the loin, belly, shoulder and hind leg were analyzed by triple quadrupole tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF/MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (GC-O-MS), respectively. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) and Pearson correlation analysis were utilized to establish the relationship between the lipids and volatile compounds. A total of 8 main flavour substances, 38 main phospholipids, and 32 main fatty acids were identified. The results showed that the key flavour compounds were mainly derived from unsaturated fatty acids and phospholipids containing unsaturated fatty acids, including oleic acid (C18:2n6c), α-Linolenic acid (C18:3n3), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6), PE O (18:1/20:4), PE O (18:2/20:4), and PE O (18:2/18:2), etc. Understanding the relationship between flavour compounds and lipids of pork will be helpful to control the quality of pork.

OsABA3 is Crucial for Plant Survival and Resistance to Multiple Stresses in Rice.

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) is a serious problem in rice production as it leads to reductions in grain yield and quality. However, the underlying mechanism of PHS in rice remains unclear. In this study, we identified and characterized a preharvest sprouting and seedling lethal (phssl) mutant. The heterozygous phssl/+ mutant exhibited normal plant development, but severe PHS in paddy fields. However, the homozygous phssl mutant was seedling lethal. Gene cloning and genetic analysis revealed that a point mutation in OsABA3 was responsible for the mutant phenotypes. OsABA3 encodes a molybdenum cofactor (Moco) sulfurase. The activities of the sulfureted Moco-dependent enzymes such as aldehyde oxidase (AO) and xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) were barely detectable in the phssl mutant. As the final step of abscisic acid (ABA) de novo biosynthesis is catalyzed by AO, it indicated that ABA biosynthesis was interrupted in the phssl mutant. Exogenous application of ABA almost recovered seed dormancy of the phssl mutant. The knock-out (ko) mutants of OsABA3 generated by CRISPR-Cas9 assay, were also seedling lethal, and the heterozygous mutants were similar to the phssl/+ mutant showing reduced seed dormancy and severe PHS in paddy fields. In contrast, the OsABA3 overexpressing (OE) plants displayed a significant increase in seed dormancy and enhanced plant resistance to PHS. The AO and XDH activities were abolished in the ko mutants, whereas they were increased in the OE plants. Notably, the Moco-dependent enzymes including nitrate reductase (NR) and sulfite oxidase (SO) showed reduced activities in the OE plants. Moreover, the OE plants exhibited enhanced resistances to osmotic stress and bacterial blight, and flowered earlier without any reduction in grain yield. Taken together, this study uncovered the crucial functions of OsABA3 in Moco sulfuration, plant development, and stress resistance, and suggested that OsABA3 is a promising target gene for rice breeding.

Enhancing neonicotinoid removal in recirculating constructed wetlands: The impact of Fe/Mn biochar and microbial interactions.

Neonicotinoids pose significant environmental risks due to their widespread use, persistence, and challenges in elimination. This study explores the effectiveness of Fe/Mn biochar in enhancing the removal efficiency of neonicotinoids in recirculating constructed wetlands (RCWs). Results demonstrated that incorporating Fe/Mn biochar into RCWs significantly improved the removal of COD, NH4+-N, TN, TP, imidacloprid (IMI), and acetamiprid (ACE). However, the simultaneous presence of IMI and ACE in the RCWs hindered the elimination of NH4+-N, TN, and TP from wastewater. The enhanced removal of nutrients and pollutants by Fe/Mn biochar was attributed to its promotion of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycling in RCWs, along with its facilitation of the adsorption and biodegradation of IMI and ACE. Metagenomics analysis demonstrated that Fe/Mn biochar altered the structure and diversity of microbial communities in RCWs. A total of 17 biodegradation genes (BDGs) and two pesticide degradation genes (PDGs) were identified within RCWs, with Fe/Mn biochar significantly increasing the abundance of BDGs such as cytochrome P450. The potential host genera for these BDGs/PDGs were identified as Betaproteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Nitrospiraceae, Gemmatimonadetes, and Bacillus. This study offers valuable insights into how Fe/Mn biochar enhances pesticide removal and its potential application in constructed wetland systems for treating pesticide-contaminated wastewater.

Longitudinal metabolomics of human plasma reveal metabolic dynamics and predictive markers of antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury.

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the second leading cause of death from a single infectious agent and long-term medication could lead to antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury (ATB-DILI). We established a prospective longitudinal cohort of ATB-DILI with multiple timepoint blood sampling and used untargeted metabolomics to analyze the metabolic profiles of 107 plasma samples from healthy controls and newly diagnosed TB patients who either developed ATB-DILI within 2 months of anti-TB treatment (ATB-DILI subjects) or completed their treatment without any adverse drug reaction (ATB-Ctrl subjects). The untargeted metabolome revealed that 77 metabolites (of 895 total) were significantly changed with ATB-DILI progression. Among them, levels of multiple fatty acids and bile acids significantly increased over time in ATB-DILI subjects. Meanwhile, metabolites of the same class were highly correlated with each other and pathway analysis indicated both fatty acids metabolism and bile acids metabolism were up-regulated with ATB-DILI progression. The targeted metabolome further validated that 5 fatty acids had prediction capability at the early stage of the disease and 6 bile acids had a better diagnostic performance when ATB-DILI occurred. These findings provide evidence indicating that fatty acids metabolism and bile acids metabolism play a vital role during ATB-DILI progression. Our report adds a dynamic perspective better to understand the pathological process of ATB-DILI in clinical settings.

A magnesium phosphonate metal-organic framework showing excellent performance for lead(II) sensing and removal from aqueous solutions.

A hydrogen-bonded three-dimensional porous metal-organic framework [Mg(H2PCD)2(H2O)2]·2H2O (denoted as Mg-MOF·2H2O; H3PCD = 9-(2-(ethoxy(hydroxy)phosphonyl)ethyl)-9H-carbazole-3,6-dicarboxylic acid) was synthesized by the reactions of H3PCD and Mg(II) under solvothermal conditions. The free carboxylate group was maintained in the pore surface by adjusting the acidic reaction conditions. The highly stable Mg-MOF exhibits excellent performance for lead(II) sensing and removal from aqueous solutions.