Inhibition of Syk promotes chemical reprogramming of fibroblasts via metabolic rewiring and H2 S production.

Chemical compounds have recently been introduced as alternative and non-integrating inducers of pluripotent stem cell fate. However, chemical reprogramming is hampered by low efficiency and the molecular mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Here, we show that inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) by R406 significantly promotes mouse chemical reprogramming. Mechanistically, R406 alleviates Syk / calcineurin (Cn) / nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling-mediated suppression of glycine, serine, and threonine metabolic genes and dependent metabolites. Syk inhibition upregulates glycine level and downstream transsulfuration cysteine biosynthesis, promoting cysteine metabolism and cellular hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) production. This metabolic rewiring decreased oxidative phosphorylation and ROS levels, enhancing chemical reprogramming. In sum, our study identifies Syk-Cn-NFAT signaling axis as a new barrier of chemical reprogramming and suggests metabolic rewiring and redox homeostasis as important opportunities for controlling cell fates.

Effect of composite organic amendment on Cd(II) ions stabilization and microbial activity under various ammonium sulfate levels.

To attenuate the risk of Cadmium(Cd) contamination and the deterioration of soil quality caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer application in greenhouse, a composite organic amendment (spend mushroom substrate and its biochar) was prepared to remedy Cd(II) ions contaminated soil (0.6 mg/kg) under different N fertilizer levels. The results showed that in the absence of a composite organic amendment, the soil pH decreased by 0.15 when the N level increased from 0.1 to 0.8 g N⋅kg-1. However, the pH increased by 0.86-0.91, the exchangeable Cd(II) ions content decreased by 26.0%-26.7%, the microbial biomass increased by 34.34%-164.46%, and the number of copies of the AOB gene increased by 13-20 times with the application of composite organic amendment and the increase of N level. Both Pearson correlation analysis and Mantel test demonstrated the reduction in Cd(II) ions availability, the restoration of soil properties and the increase in microbial biomass all contributed to the composite organic amendment, which is of importance for soil remediation under excessive N fertilizer.

Polysaccharide from fermented mycelium of Inonotus obliquus attenuates the ulcerative colitis and adjusts the gut microbiota in mice.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon. Polysaccharides not only have biological activities but also can regulate gut microbiota to alleviate the symptoms of UC. In this study, polysaccharide extracted from mycelium of Inonotus obliquus (IOP) was prescribed to treat UC induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice. Compared to model control group (MC), IOP-Low, IOP-Medium and IOP-High (IOP-L, IOP-M and IOP-H) treatment groups increased the body weight rate by 6.0%-9.6%, colon length by 8.57%-25.14% and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 53.8-110.4 U/mg, while decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content by 37.4%-64.8%, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity by 29.0%-46.9%, and the concentration of nitric oxide (NO) by 24.8-35.6 µmol/L. IOP treatment also promoted the secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 but suppressed those of interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Simultaneously, analysis of high-throughput sequencing indicated that IOP reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (F/B) at phylum level, and increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides and Lactobacillus at genus level. In brief, IOP may be a promising alternative medicine for UC remedy by regulating the anti-inflammatory level, the anti-oxidative ability and the gut microbiota composition.

New two-stage pH combined with dissolved oxygen control strategy for cyclic ß-1,2 glucans synthesis.

On the basis of a novel two-stage pH combined with dissolved oxygen (DO) control strategy in fed-batch fermentation, this research addresses the influence of pH on cyclic ß-1,2-glucans (CßGs) biosynthesis and melanin accumulation during the production of CßGs by Rhizobium radiobacter ATCC 13,333. Under these optimal fermentation conditions, the maximum cell concentration and CßGs concentration in a 7-L stirred-tank fermenter were 7.94 g L-1 and 3.12 g L-1, which were the maximum production reported for R. radiobacter. The melanin concentration of the fermentation broth was maintained at a low level, which was beneficial to the subsequent separation and purification of the CßGs. In addition, a neutral extracellular oligosaccharide (COGs-1) purified by the two-stage pH combined with DO control strategy fermentation medium was structurally characterized. Structural analyses indicated that COGs-1 was a family of unbranched cyclic oligosaccharides composed of only ß-1,2-linked D-glucopyranose residues with degree of polymerization between 17 and 23, namely CßGs. This research provides a reliable source of CßGs and structural basis for further studies of biological activity and function. KEY POINTS: • A two-stage pH combined with DO control strategy was proposed for CßGs production and melanin biosynthesis by Rhizobium radiobacter. • The final extracellular CßGs production reached 3.12 g L-1, which was the highest achieved by Rhizobium radiobacter. • The existence of CßGs could be detected by TLC quickly and accurately.

Characterization of biochars derived from various spent mushroom substrates and evaluation of their adsorption performance of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solution.

A total of 16 biochar adsorbents were produced from four types of spent mushroom substrates to investigate the effect of pyrolysis temperature and raw material composition on the Cu(II) adsorption performance of the resulting biochars. It was determined that the pyrolysis temperature and substrate composition markedly influenced the thermal stability, the degree of carbonization, surface functional group content, and structural morphology of the biochars, but did not affect the adsorption isotherms or kinetics. Optimal results were obtained with an initial pH of 5, adsorbent dosage of 1 g/L, Cu(II) concentration of 50 mg/L, and temperature of 25 °C. The four best-performing biochars conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with maximum Cu(II) adsorption between 52.6 and 65.6 mg/g. Precipitation was the dominant mechanism for Cu(II) adsorption onto Lentinus edodes spent substrate-derived biochar pyrolyzed at 600 °C (LESS600), whereas complexation with surface functional groups was the prominent mechanism of Cu(II) removal by Auricularia auricula spent substrate-derived biochar pyrolyzed at 500 °C (AASS500). The Flammulina velutipes and Pleurotus ostreatus spent substrate-derived biochars pyrolyzed at 600 °C (FVSS600 and POSS600, respectively) removed Cu(II) ions using both precipitation and Cu2+-π complexation interactions. The findings indicate that biochar derived from spent mushroom substrates containing abundant lignin and pyrolyzed at high temperatures (500 or 600 °C) demonstrate effective Cu(II) removal because of the various physico-chemical properties discussed herein.

Cadmium-induced phytotoxicity and tolerance response in the low-Cd accumulator of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L.) seedlings.

In vegetable production, Chinese cabbage can readily accumulate cadmium (Cd) into its edible parts and exceed food safety standards. However, there are still some ecotypes that respond differently to cadmium stress. This study aimed to investigate the differences of Cd-induced (0, 10, 50, 100, 200 µM) response under hydroponic culture between two Chinese cabbage ecotypes which were promoted in northeastern China from the characteristics of biomass, uptake kinetic, accumulation, and initial oxidative stress. In this paper, it was confirmed that Jinfeng (JF) was a Cd-tolerant cultivar and had low Cd accumulation in edible part, while Qiutian (QT) was Cd-sensitive, exhibiting a faster Cd uptake rate but lacking effective Cd detoxication mechanisms, and was severely damaged by 10 µM Cd treatment. Conversely, even at a high Cd concentration of 200 µM, Jinfeng had weaker biomass inhibition, lower root Cd affinity, more difficult root-to-leaf translocation, and stronger antioxidant enzyme activity than Qiutian. In conclusion, Jinfeng can endure mild Cd stress (<10 µM), and Qiutian can be used as a Cd indicator. This study provides reliable materials and related data support for vegetable production in areas with mild Cd pollution.Novelty statement: This work further investigates the unique features of low-Cd accumulator in Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis L.) seedlings as an interesting material for vegetable production in areas with mild Cd pollution. It also explains the differences between Cd-tolerant and Cd-sensitive cultivars under different cadmium stress levels and how these differences can alter their response. With the increase of Cd concentration, Cd-tolerant cultivars compared to Cd-sensitive cultivars showed less biomass decrease, lower accumulation, lower TF, more chemically stable Cd in roots and more active antioxidant enzymes under the same Cd stress level. With the development of seedlings, the uptake of Cd in roots and the translocation to the leaves were effectively restricted by the poor Cd affinity of roots, the conversion of Cd chemical forms and the promotion of antioxidase activities, in a Cd-tolerant low accumulator, Jinfeng.

Optimization for the extraction of polyphenols from Inonotus obliquus and its antioxidation activity.

In order to study the extraction process and antioxidative activity of Inonotus obliquus polyphenols (IOP), the optimal extraction process was determined by orthogonal experiment optimization. The clearance rate of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals were used as indicators to evaluate the antioxidant activity of IOP. The results showed that the optimum extraction conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration of 50%, solid-liquid ratio of 1:20, temperature of 60 °C, and 90 min. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of IOP was 2.84%. The antioxidant capacity of extracts appeared to be IOP dose-dependent, while it also presented stronger ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC-MS) analysis indicated that the major identified polyphenol compounds extracted at the optimal conditions were ten compounds (procyanidin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, astilbin, tangeretin, gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and catechin 7-xyloside). These findings indicate that I. obliquus polyphenols have the potential to be developed as a natural antioxidant and have a good application prospect.

Adsorption of lead (â ¡) from aqueous solution by modified Auricularia matrix waste: A fixed-bed column study.

In this study, Auricularia Matrix Waste (AMW) was modified by sodium hydroxide and immobilized into granular adsorbent with sodium alginate to remove lead ions from aqueous solution through a fixed-bed column. The results of Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) illuminated that immobilization greatly changed the structure, elements, polarity and functional groups of the adsorbent. Amino, hydroxyl, carboxyl groups on the adsorbent actively participated lead(II) adsorption and cation exchange also played an important role in adsorption process. The effects of bed length, flow rate and lead ions concentration determined the breakthrough characteristics and remarkably impacted lead(II) adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of lead(II) was 151.7 mg/g, when the influent bed, bed height and initial concentration were 15 mL/min, 25 mL/min and 150 mg/L, respectively. Thomas model was more suitable than the Bohart-Adams model to describe the performance of lead(II) adsorption onto IMAMW.

Two physical processes enhanced the performance of Auricularia auricula dreg in Cd(II) adsorption: composting and pyrolysis.

This study aims to discover the impact of composting and pyrolysis on the adsorption performance of Auricularia auricula dreg (AAD) for Cd(II) in aqueous solution. Auricularia auricula dreg (AAD), Auricularia auricula dreg biochar (AADB) and Auricularia auricula dreg compost (AADC) were used to remove Cd(II) from aqueous solution, and their adsorption conditions and mechanisms were compared. The adsorption quantity of three adsorbents reached the maximum (AAD: 80.0 mg/g, AADB: 91.7 mg/g, AADC: 93.5 mg/g) under same conditions (adsorbent dosage of 1 g/L, pH 5.0, biosorption temperature of 25 °C, and biosorption time of 120 min). All Cd(II) biosorption processes onto three adsorbents complied with the Langmuir isotherm model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation, and spontaneously occurred in an order of AADC > AADB > AAD. The difference in biosorption quantity relied on variation in surface structure, crystal species and element content caused by composting or pyrolysis. Composting enhanced the changes in surface structure, crystal species, functional groups and ion exchange capacity of the AAD, resulting in AAD had greatly improved the biosorption quantity of Cd(II). Pyrolysis increased the adsorption of Cd(II) mainly by increasing the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, the particle size and pH, in the same time, providing more oxygen-containing functional groups.

Effect of coexisting ions on Cr(VI) adsorption onto surfactant modified Auricularia auricula spent substrate in aqueous solution.

In this paper, the effect of coexisting cations and anions on Cr(VI)(in the form of Cr2O72-) adsorption onto Auricularia auricula spent substrate (AASS) modified by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was investigated in batch adsorption experiment. The Cr(VI) adsorption capacity of 9.327 mg/g, obtained at pH 3.0, 303 K, adsorbent dosage of 2 g/L, initial Cr(VI) concentration of 20 mg/L, rotational speed of 150 r/min for 120 min, was decreased in the presence of coexisting cations and anions, among which Pb2+ and PO43- affected most by 21.79% and 12.43%, respectively. XRD, XPS and FTIR detection found that coexisting Pb2+ and PO43- would not only interfere Cr(VI) to form crystals and reduce to Cr(III), but also compete with Cr(VI) for oxygen-containing and amino groups to form Pb-O and P-NH2, respectively. In addition, the single Cr(VI) adsorption fitted with Langmuir isotherm model, while the competitive adsorption was well described by Freundlich isotherm model. Both single adsorption and competitive adsorption were in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

Evaluation of microbial population dynamics in the co-composting of cow manure and rice straw using high throughput sequencing analysis.

Microbial population dynamics in co-composting of cow manure and rice straw were evaluated using 16S high throughput sequencing technology. Physicochemical factors, including temperature, pH, nitrogen contents, the ratio of carbon and nitrogen, and germination index, were also determined in this study. 16S high throughput sequencing results showed that bacterial community structure and composition significantly varied in each phase of composting. The major phyla included Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Planctomycetes, respectively. Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were the most abundant phyla in all phases, and Actinobacteria was just dominant in the mesophilic phase, while Firmicutes and Planctomycetes were ubiquitous. At the genus level, Simiduia, Flavobacterium, unclassified Chitinophagaceae and Flexibacter notably changed in each phase of composting. Bacterial community diversity in the mesophilic phase was higher than that in others based on the Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson diversity index. The ratio of carbon and nitrogen and germination index indicated that the co-composting of cow manure and rice straw reached maturation. The result of nitrogen contents showed that nitrogen loss mainly occurred in the thermophilic phase. In addition, the differences in the distributions of key OTUs between in the late thermophilic phase and the cooling and maturation phase were unobvious compared with other phase's base on the principal component analysis. Redundancy analysis revealed that the changes of nitrogen played a predominant role in the distributions of OTUs during the composting process.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of transmissible gastroenteritis virus HX strain isolated from China.

BACKGROUND: Porcine transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV) is the major etiological agent of viral enteritis and severe diarrhea in suckling piglets. In China, TGEV has caused great economic losses, but its role in epidemic diarrhea is unclear. This study aims to reveal the etiological role of TGEV in piglet diarrhea via molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: A TGEV-HX strain was isolated from China, and its complete genome was amplified, cloned, and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that it was conserved in the 5' and 3'-non-translated regions, and there were no insertions or deletions in nonstructural genes, such as ORF1a, ORF1b, ORF3a, ORF3b, and ORF7, as well as in genes encoding structural proteins, such as the envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleoprotein (N) proteins. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis indicated that the TGEV-HX strain was more similar to the TGEV Purdue cluster than to the Miller cluster. CONCLUSIONS: The present study described the isolation and genetic characterization of a TGEV-HX strain. The detailed analysis of the genetic variation of TGEVs in China provides essential information for further understanding the evolution of TGEVs.

Characteristics of Bacillus sp. PZ-1 and its biosorption to Pb(II).

During the long and cold winter season in northern area of China, wastewater treatment is often inefficient which causes the substandard discharge. In this study, a lead-resistant psychrotrophilic bacterium was isolated and used as an adsorbent to remove Pb(II) from aqueous solution at 15 °C. The strain was identified and designated as Bacillus sp. PZ-1 based on the morphology, physiological-biochemical experiments and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The minimal inhibitory concentration and antibiotic experiments revealed that PZ-1 had high resistance to 1500 mg L(-1) of Zn(II), 800 mg L(-1) of Cu(II), 400 mg L(-1) of Ni(II), 15 µg mL(-1) of chloramphenicol and 50 µg mL(-1) of streptomycin, but susceptibility to 200 mg L(-1) of Co(II). Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses showed that biosorption of Bacillus sp. PZ-1 to Pb(II) involved surface adsorption, ion exchange and micro-precipitate. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses indicated that hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl on cells may play vital roles in Pb(II) adsorption. Besides, siderophore secreted by PZ-1 had beneficial impacts on the Pb(II) removal. Biosorption experiments were carried out as a function of initial Pb(II) concentration (50-500 mg L(-1)), pH (3.0-7.0), biomass concentration (5-50 g L(-1)) and contact time (5-40 min). Biosorption rate of 93.01% with adsorption capacity of 9.30 mg g(-1) was obtained under the initial Pb(II) concentration of 400 mg (-1), pH of 5.0, contact time of 20 min, biomass concentration of 40 g L(-1) and the temperature of 15 °C. The equilibrium data were well fitted with Langmuir model, which indicated the adsorption process of Pb(II) is monolayer adsorption. Bacillus sp. PZ-1 appeared to be an efficient biosorbent for removing Pb(II) from wastewater at low temperature.

Clinical utility of keratin 14 expression measurement in reflecting the tumor properties and prognosis in patients with renal cell carcinoma: a study with long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: Keratin 14 (KRT14) is hypothesized to be involved in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) based on its tumorigenic role in various cancers and its relationship with the prognosis of other urinary system malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of KRT14 with tumor properties and prognosis in RCC patients. METHODS: Data from 180 RCC patients who received tumor resection were retrospectively reviewed. The KRT14 was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in tumor tissues and non-tumor tissues. RESULTS: KRT14 was insufficiently expressed in both tumor and non-tumor tissues, with median (interquartile range) IHC score of 2.0 (0.0-3.4) and 1.0 (0.0-2.0), respectively. While it was relatively higher in tumor versus non-tumor tissues (P < 0.001). Besides, tumor KRT14 was positively correlated with the pathological grade (P = 0.038), tumor size (P = 0.012), T stage (P = 0.006), and TNM stage (P = 0.018). Interestingly, tumor KRT14 high predicted shorter accumulating recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.003) and accumulating overall survival (OS) (P = 0.001), which was further verified by the multivariate Cox's regression analysis (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, tumor KRT14 high estimated shorter RFS and OS from the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis and Human Protein ATLAS databases (all P < 0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated that the correlation of tumor KRT14 with accumulating RFS and accumulating OS was more pronounced in RCC patients with better physical status (such as age < 65 years and better eastern cooperative oncology group performance status) and higher tumor stages (such as higher pathological grade). CONCLUSION: High KRT14 in tumor tissue could reflect an advanced tumor features and unsatisfying survival in RCC patients.

Autophagy-related 5 in acute ischemic stroke: Variation and linkage with neurofunction, and survival.

OBJECTIVE: Autophagy-related 5 (ATG5) facilitates the pathologic process of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) via multiple ways. This study aimed to identify the association of serum ATG5 with clinical outcomes in AIS patients. METHODS: Serum ATG5 from 280 AIS patients were detected at admission, Day (D)1, D3, D7, D30, and D90 after admission by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The median (interquartile range) follow-up was 21.1 (5.9-43.9) months. Another 50 healthy controls (HCs) were also enrolled for serum ATG5 determination. RESULTS: ATG5 was elevated (p < 0.001) (vs. HCs), and positively correlated with hyperlipidemia (p = 0.016), and the national institutes of health stroke scale score (p = 0.001) in AIS patients. Interestingly, ATG5 was increased from admission to D1, but gradually decreased until D90 (p < 0.001). Besides, 85 (30.4%) and 195 (69.6%) AIS patients were assessed as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) >2 and mRS ≤2 at D90, respectively. ATG5 at admission, D1, D3, D30, and D90 was elevated in AIS patients with mRS >2 versus those with mRS ≤2 (all p < 0.050). ATG5 at admission, D1, D3, D7, D30, or D90 was elevated in relapsed (vs. non-relapsed) or died (vs. survived) AIS patients (all p < 0.050). Recurrence-free survival was shortened in AIS patients with high (≥52.0 ng/mL) ATG5 versus those with low (<52.0 ng/mL) ATG5 at admission, D3, D7, and D30 (all p < 0.050); overall survival was shorter in AIS patients with high (vs. low) ATG5 at D7 and D30 (both p < 0.050). INTERPRETATION: Serum ATG5 elevates at first, thereafter gradually declines, whose elevation associates with neurological dysfunction, recurrence, and death risk in AIS patients.

Serum autophagy-related gene 5 level in stroke patients: correlation with CD4+ T cells and cognition impairment during a 3-year follow-up.

Autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5 regulates blood lipids, chronic inflammation, CD4+ T-cell differentiation, and neuronal death and is involved in post-stroke cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore the correlation of serum ATG5 with CD4+ T cells and cognition impairment in stroke patients. Peripheral blood was collected from 180 stroke patients for serum ATG5 and T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cell detection via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and flow cytometry. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scale was completed at enrollment, year (Y)1, Y2, and Y3 in stroke patients. Serum ATG5 was also measured in 50 healthy controls (HCs). Serum ATG5 was elevated in stroke patients compared to HCs (P<0.001) and was positively correlated to Th2 cells (P=0.022), Th17 cells (P<0.001), and Th17/Treg ratio (P<0.001) in stroke patients but not correlated with Th1 cells, Th1/Th2 ratio, or Treg cells (all P>0.050). Serum ATG5 (P=0.037), Th1 cells (P=0.022), Th17 cells (P=0.002), and Th17/Treg ratio (P=0.018) were elevated in stroke patients with MMSE score-identified cognition impairment vs those without cognition impairment, whereas Th2 cells, Th1/Th2 ratio, and Treg cells were not different between them (all P>0.050). Importantly, serum ATG5 was negatively linked with MMSE score at enrollment (P=0.004), Y1 (P=0.002), Y2 (P=0.014), and Y3 (P=0.001); moreover, it was positively related to 2-year (P=0.024) and 3-year (P=0.012) MMSE score decline in stroke patients. Serum ATG5 was positively correlated with Th2 and Th17 cells and estimated cognitive function decline in stroke patients.

Overlooked mechanism of Pb immobilization on montmorillonite mediated by dissolved organic matter in manure compost.

In this study, three kinds of dissolved organic matter (DOM) derived from fresh chicken manure (FDOM), immature compost (IDOM) and mature compost (MDOM) were employed to compare their effects on Pb adsorption onto montmorillonite (MMT). The potential mechanism was revealed by characterization of mineral structure and calculation of interface force. The results demonstrated that the adsorption capacity (qmax) of Pb onto MMT was decreased by 14.3% and 29.8% in the presence of FDOM and IDOM, respectively, while increased by 44.4% in the presence of MDOM, resulting from the release or co-adsorption of DOM-Pb complexes. Parallel factor (PARAFAC) further indicated that Pb mainly bound to protein-like substances in FDOM and IDOM, and fulvic-like in MDOM. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis proved that MDOM-Pb complex had a stronger ability to enter into the interlayer of MMT. The van der Waals force dominated the adsorption of FDOM-Pb and IDOM-Pb, while ligand exchange was involved in the case of MDOM-Pb. This study provided a comprehensive insight into the geochemical behavior of livestock manure and its compost as well as their interactions with heavy metal and soil mineral.

Degradation of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase transgenic maize BZ-136 straw and its effects on soil nutrients and fungal community.

The development of salt-alkali tolerant genetically modified crops represents an important approach to increase grain production in saline-alkali soils. However, there is a paucity of research on the impact of such genetically modified crops on soil microbial diversity. This study aims to investigate the straw degradation of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) transgenic maize BZ-136 and its effects on soil chemical properties, fungal community composition, community diversity and ecological function compared to non-transgenic maize Zheng58 straw. The degradation experiments of BZ-136 straw were carried out under a simulated burying condition with saline-alkali soil for 210 days. The results showed that the degradation rate of C and N of BZ-136 straw was significantly faster than that of Zheng58 in the early stage (p < 0.05). Compared to Zheng58, the straw degradation of BZ-136 increased the soil available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) in the early stage (p < 0.05). The AN content of soil with BZ-136 straw was 18.16 and 12.86% higher than that of soil with Zheng58 at day 60 and 120 (p < 0.05). The TP content of soil with BZ-136 was higher 20.9 and 20.59% than that with Zheng58 at day 30 and 90 (p < 0.05). The AP content of soil with BZ-136 was 53.44% higher than that with Zheng58 at day 60 (p < 0.05). The straw degradation of BZ-136 increased the OTU number of soil fungal community by 127 (p < 0.05) at day 60, and increased Chao1 and Shannon index at day 60 and 180 (p < 0.05). The degradation rate of C and N in BZ-136 straw was higher than that in Zheng58 at early stage, which led to the phased increase of soil AN and TP contents, and the obvious changes of relative abundances (RA) of some genera and guilds. These findings are important as they provide insight into the potential benefits of BADH transgenic crops in upgrading the soil fertility and the fungal community diversity.

Effects of biochar underwent different aging processes on soil properties and Cd passivation.

This study aims to determine the efficacy of biochar underwent different aging process including freeze-thaw cycling aging (FB), acidified aging (AB), and microbial aging (MB) on soil physicochemical properties and Cd passivation. The Cd-contaminated soil (3 mg·kg-1) amended with the three kinds of aging biochar (at 4% w:w) were subjected to 56-day incubation. The application of FB and MB in soil increased the soil pH (0.82-1.04, 0.27-9.36), CEC (1.06-2.53 cmol·kg-1, 1.66-2.59 cmol·kg-1), and organic matter content (2.28-4.67 g·kg-1, 3.70-5.48 g·kg-1). FB performed best in stabilizing Cd (17.06-23.65%). On the contrary, AB decreased the soil pH and CEC by 0.82-1.04 and 1.32-2.40 cmol·kg-1 and activated Cd by 11.6-19.24%. In conclusion, the efficacy of biochar on soil remediation and Cd passivation varied with aging method and cycle, and freeze-thaw treatment is an effective approach to improve the performance of biochar.

Remediation of cadmium contaminated soil by composite spent mushroom substrate organic amendment under high nitrogen level.

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil poses a serious threat to ecological environment and crop quality, especially under high nitrogen level. Here, the efficiency of composite organic amendment (spent mushroom substrate and its biochar) on remediation of Cd contaminated soil under high nitrogen level has been studied through a 42 days' soil incubation experiment. The results showed: (i) the application of composite organic amendment minimized the repercussions of high nitrogen and significantly reduced the exchangeable Cd proportion by 28.3%-29.5%, especially for Ca(NO3)2 treatment; (ii) the application of composite organic amendment improved the physicochemical properties of soil, such as pH, CEC and organic matter content increased by 0.63-0.99 unit, 39.69%-45.00% and 7.77%-11.47%, and EC decreased by 16.21%-44.47% compared with non-amendment Cd-contaminated soil, respectively; (iii) the application of composite organic amendment significantly increased the soil enzyme activities and microbial biomass, among which urease activity was increased most by 12.06-16.42 mg·g-1·d-1, and the copy number of AOA was decreased by 30.6%- 92.0%, and the copy number of AOB was increased most by about 45 times. In brief, the composite organic amendment can alleviate the adverse effects of Cd and nitrogen on the soil, but its long-term efficacy needs to be verified in further field study.