Regulatory Basis of Adipokines Leptin and Adiponectin in Epilepsy: from Signaling Pathways to Glucose Metabolism.

Epilepsy is a common and severe neurological disorder in which impaired glucose metabolism leads to changes in neuronal excitability that slow or promote the development of epilepsy. Leptin and adiponectin are important mediators regulating glucose metabolism in the peripheral and central nervous systems. Many studies have reported a strong association between epilepsy and these two adipokines involved in multiple signaling cascades and glucose metabolism. Due to the complex regulatory mechanisms between them and various signal activation networks, their role in epilepsy involves many aspects, including the release of inflammatory mediators, oxidative damage, and neuronal apoptosis. This paper aims to summarize the signaling pathways involved in leptin and adiponectin and the regulation of glucose metabolism from the perspective of the pathogenesis of epilepsy. In particular, we discuss the dual effects of leptin in epilepsy and the relationship between antiepileptic drugs and changes in the levels of these two adipokines. Clinical practitioners may need to consider these factors in evaluating clinical drugs. Through this review, we can better understand the specific involvement of leptin and adiponectin in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, provide ideas for further exploration, and bring about practical significance for the treatment of epilepsy, especially for the development of personalized treatment according to individual metabolic characteristics.

Autochthonous bioaugmentation accelerates phenanthrene degradation in acclimated soil.

Bioaugmentation helps to obtain a microbiome capable of remediating polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). In this study, acclimation of microorganisms to soil supplemented with phenanthrene (PHE) led to enrichment with PAH-degraders, including those in Actinobacteriota and in the genera Streptomyces, Rhodococcus, Nocardioides, Sphingomonas, and Mycobacterium. Aqueous (28 °C, pH 6.5) and soil cultures inoculated with PHE-acclimated soil showed a high PHE (ca. 50 mg L-1) degradation efficiency. The PHE degradation kinetics in aqueous and soil incubations fitted to the Gompertz equation and the first-order kinetic equation, respectively. Indigenous microorganisms adapted to PHE in their environment, and this increased their capacity to degrade PHE. The effect of co-contaminants and pathway intermediates on PHE degradation showed that the degradation of PHE improved in the presence of diesel while being hindered by lubricant oil, catechol, salicylic and phthalic acid. Our findings provide theoretical and practical support for bioremediationof PAHs in the environment.

Potential of Staphylea holocarpa Wood for Renewable Bioenergy.

Energy is indispensable in human life and social development, but this has led to an overconsumption of non-renewable energy. Sustainable energy is needed to maintain the global energy balance. Lignocellulose from agriculture or forestry is often discarded or directly incinerated. It is abundantly available to be discovered and studied as a biomass energy source. Therefore, this research uses Staphylea holocarpa wood as feedstock to evaluate its potential as energy source. We characterized Staphylea holocarpa wood by utilizing FT-IR, GC-MS, TGA, Py/GC-MS and NMR. The results showed that Staphylea holocarpa wood contained a large amount of oxygenated volatiles, indicating that it has the ability to act as biomass energy sources which can achieve green chemistry and sustainable development.

Comparative proteomic analysis provides novel insights into the regulation mechanism underlying papaya (Carica papaya L.) exocarp during fruit ripening process.

BACKGROUND: Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a popular climacteric fruit, undergoing various physico-chemical changes during ripening. Although papaya is widely cultivated and consumed, few studies on the changes in metabolism during its ripening process at the proteasome level have been performed. Using a newly developed TMT-LCMS analysis, proteomes of papaya fruit at different ripening stages were investigated. RESULTS: In total, 3220 proteins were identified, of which 2818 proteins were quantified. The differential accumulated proteins (DAPs) exhibited various biological functions and diverse subcellular localizations. The KEGG enrichment analysis showed that various metabolic pathways were significantly altered, particularly in flavonoid and fatty acid metabolisms. The up-regulation of several flavonoid biosynthesis-related proteins may provide more raw materials for pigment biosynthesis, accelerating the color variation of papaya fruit. Variations in the fatty acid metabolism- and cell wall degradation-related proteins were investigated during the ripening process. Furthermore, the contents of several important fatty acids were determined, and increased unsaturated fatty acids may be associated with papaya fruit volatile formation. CONCLUSIONS: Our data may give an intrinsic explanation of the variations in metabolism during the ripening process of papaya fruit.

Trends and future projections of incidence rate and mortality of rheumatoid arthritis in China: a systematic analysis based on GBD 2021 data.

This study aims to evaluate the trends in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in China from 1990 to 2021 by analyzing data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study and to predict the trends for the next 25 years. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) were calculated, and the estimated annual percentage change was used to illustrate differences in age distribution among various populations. Age-period-cohort (APC) analysis and Bayesian APC (BAPC) models were employed to forecast the burden of RA in China from 2022 to 2046. From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR of RA in China increased from 11.6 to 13.7, with a significantly higher ASIR in females than in males. Despite the increase in incidence, the ASMR related to RA decreased from 0.7 to 0.5. Predictions using the BAPC model indicate that the incidence of RA will continue to rise, with an expected ASIR of approximately 16.4 by 2046, and the total number of RA cases is projected to reach around 342,000. In terms of mortality, the ASMR is expected to decline to 0.3 by 2046, although the total number of deaths might reach about 40,000. The incidence of RA in China has significantly increased over the past 30 years. Although the incidence rate and the total number of RA cases may continue to rise in the future, the mortality rate of RA has been consistently declining. Key Points • Over the past 30 years, the incidence of RA in China has significantly increased; although the incidence rate and total number of cases may continue to rise, the mortality rate has been consistently declining.

Recent progress on phytoremediation of urban air pollution.

The rapid growth of population and economy has led to an increase in urban air pollutants, greenhouse gases, energy shortages, environmental degradation, and species extinction, all of which affect ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. Atmospheric pollution sources are divided into direct and indirect pollutants. Through analysis of the sources of pollutants, the self-functioning of different plants can be utilized to purify the air quality more effectively. Here, we explore the absorption of greenhouse gases and particulate matter in cities as well as the reduction of urban temperatures by plants based on international scientific literature on plant air pollution mitigation, according to the adsorption, dust retention, and transpiration functions of plants. At the same time, it can also reduce the occurrence of extreme weather. It is necessary to select suitable tree species for planting according to different plant functions and environmental needs. In the context of tight urban land use, the combination of vertical greening and urban architecture, through the rational use of plants, has comprehensively addressed urban air pollution. In the future, in urban construction, attention should be paid to the use of heavy plants and the protection and development of green spaces. Our review provides necessary references for future urban planning and research.

A Multisample Path Analysis Including a Novel Psychological Indicator, Attitude Toward Life, After the First Wave of COVID-19.

Introduction: During the COVID-19 outbreak, China applied a unique volunteerism system in which nurses and physicians traveled to the epicenter to care for patients. During the same period, another group, nurse and physician nonvolunteers, stayed at their home hospitals outside of the epicenter and cared for patients without COVID-19. Yet only one Chinese study examined psychological responses comparing these groups. Objective: To explore whether relationships among compassion satisfaction, general health, attitude toward life, satisfaction with life, perceived stress, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology differ between volunteers and nonvolunteers. Attitude toward life is examined for the first time in COVID-19 research. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (259 nurse and physician volunteers, 330 nurse and physician nonvolunteers). Online survey data were analyzed using multisample path analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between volunteer and nonvolunteer models. In the volunteer model, paths significantly related to PTSD symptomatology included compassion satisfaction (total effect, ß = -0.12), general health (total effect, ß = -0.09), attitude toward life (direct effect, ß = -0.30; total effect, ß = -0.30), and perceived stress (direct effect, ß = 0.30; total effect, ß = 0.30), and in nonvolunteers included general health (direct effect, ß = -0.11; total effect, ß = -0.11) and attitude toward life (direct effect, ß = -0.47; total effect, ß = -0.47). Conclusion: No significant difference between models means both groups could benefit from psychological intervention. Within each model, significant paths were identified. For volunteers, counselors might focus on compassion satisfaction and perceived stress and, for both volunteers and nonvolunteers, on health and attitude toward life. Delivering counseling based on key indicators in China may help prevent or mitigate PTSD. Globally, researchers could identify factors to target and determine to whom long-term counseling might be directed. Findings about attitude toward life lay the groundwork for future research.

A review of phytoremediation of environmental lead (pb) contamination.

An estimated one billion people globally are exposed to hazardous levels of lead (Pb), resulting in intellectual disabilities for over 600,000 children each year. This critical issue aligns with the expanding worldwide population and the demand for food security, emphasizing the urgency of effectively addressing heavy metal pollution especially from Pb for sustainable development. Phytoremediation, a highly favoured approach in conjunction with conventional physical, chemical, and microbial methods, is a promising approach to mitigating soil and environmental contamination. In this review, we delve into a range of soil pollution mitigation strategies, with focus on the mechanisms that underpin the phytoremediation of environmental Pb. This detailed exploration sheds light on the efficacy and complexities of utilizing plants for the detoxification and removal of lead from contaminated environments. It also examines strategies to enhance phytoremediation by incorporating microbiology, composting, nanotechnology, and foliar spraying. The potential remediation strategies largely depend on the investigation and incorporation of environmentally friendly catalysts, as well as the utilization of innovative methods such as genetic engineering to improve phytoremediation processes. Studies have also shown that biochar has the capability to lower heavy metal concentrations in plant branches by over 50%, without affecting the pH of the soil. Specifically, magnetic biochar (MBC) has been shown to decrease lead levels in plants by up to 42%. Employing these methods showcases an effective strategy to enhance the efficacy of remediation techniques and fosters sustainable solutions to the pervasive issue of Pb pollution, thereby contributing to sustainable development efforts globally.

Up-regulation of BMAL1 by epigallocatechin-3-gallate improves neurological damage in SBI rats.

Brain Muscle ARNT-Like Protein 1 (BMAL1) suppresses oxidative stress in brain injury during surgery. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a monomer in green tea, has been identified as an antioxidant and a potential agonist for BMAL1. In this work, the mechanism by which BMAL1 is regulated was investigated, as well as the therapeutic effect of EGCG on surgically injured rats. The pathological environment after brain injury during surgery was simulated by excising the right frontal lobe of rats. Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of EGCG immediately after surgery. Neurological scores and cerebral edema were recorded after surgery. Fluoro-Jade C staining, TUNEL staining, western blot, and lipid peroxidation analyses were conducted 3 days later. Here we show that the endogenous BMAL1 level decreased after brain injury. Postoperative administration of EGCG up-regulated the content of BMAL1 around the cerebral cortex, reduced the oxidative stress level, reduced neuronal apoptosis and the number of degenerated neurons, alleviated cerebral edema, and improved neurological scores in rats. This suggests that BMAL1 is an effective target for treating surgical brain injury, as well as that EGCG may be a promising agent for alleviating postoperative brain injury.

Progress in phytoremediation of chromium from the environment.

As chromium (Cr) in ecosystems affects human health through food chain exposure, phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly and efficient way to reduce chromium pollution in the environment. Here, we review the mechanism of absorption, translocation, storage, detoxification, and regulation of Cr in plants. The Cr(VI) form is more soluble, mobile, and toxic than Cr(III), reflecting how various valence states of Cr affect environmental risk characteristics, physicochemical properties, toxicity, and plant uptake. Plant root's response to Cr exposure leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis. Cell wall immobilization, vacuole compartmentation, interaction of defense proteins and organic ligand with Cr, and removal of reactive oxygen species by antioxidants continue plant life. In addition, the combined application of microorganisms, genetic engineering, and the addition of organic acids, nanoparticles, fertilization, soil amendments, and other metals could accelerate the phytoremediation process. This review provides efficient methods to investigate and understand the complex changes of Cr metabolism in plants. Preferably, fast-growing, abundantly available biomass species should be modified to mitigate Cr pollution in the environment as these green and efficient remediation technologies are necessary for the protection of soil and water ecology.

RGFP966 exerts neuroprotective effect via HDAC3/Nrf2 pathway after surgical brain injury in rats.

Histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) restores chromatin nucleosomes to a transcriptional repression state, thereby inhibiting gene expression. Studies have found that HDAC3 expression is upregulated in a variety of pathological states of the central nervous system and related to its neurotoxicity. However, the role of HDAC3 in surgical brain injury (SBI) has not been thoroughly explored. OBJECTIVE: To observe the role of HDAC3 in SBI and the outcome of SBI after its suppression. METHODS: Rat SBI model was used, and intraperitoneal injection of RGFP966 (HDAC3 specific inhibitor) was used to detect the changes of HDAC3 expression and neuronal apoptosis indexes in the surrounding cortex of SBI rats, and the cerebral edema and neurological outcome of rats were observed. RESULTS: The expression of HDAC3 in the peripheral cortex of SBI rats was increased, and RGFP966 inhibited the upregulation of HDAC3 and saved the nerve cells around the damaged area. In addition, RGFP966 increased the expression of anti-oxidative stress proteins such as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2). At the same time, the expression of apoptotic marker protein cleaved-caspase-3 (cle-caspase-3) was decreased, while the expression level of apoptotic protective marker protein B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) was increased. In addition, this research demonstrated that in the RGFP966 rat SBI model, the expression level of antioxidant modifier nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) was increased. CONCLUSION: RGFP966 might activate HDAC3/Nrf2 signaling pathway by inhibiting HDAC3, regulated oxidative stress and nerve cell apoptosis induced by SBI in rat SBI model, reduced brain edema, and had a protective effect on nerve injury. It might be a potential target of SBI pathology.

Phytosphere purification of urban domestic wastewater.

Industrialization and overpopulation have polluted aquatic environments with significant impacts on human health and wildlife. The main pollutants in urban sewage are nitrogen, phosphorus, heavy metals and organic pollutants, which need to be treated with sewage, and the use of aquatic plants to purify wastewater has high efficiency and low cost. However, the effectiveness and efficiency of phytoremediation are also affected by temperature, pH, microorganisms and other factors. The use of biochar can reduce the cost of wastewater purification, and the combination of biochar and nanotechnology can improve the efficiency of wastewater purification. Some aquatic plants can enrich pollutants in wastewater, so it can be considered to plant these aquatic plants in constructed wetlands to achieve the effect of purifying wastewater. Biochar treatment technology can purify wastewater with high efficiency and low cost, and can be further applied to constructed wetlands. In this paper, the latest research progress of various pollutants in wastewater purification by aquatic plants is reviewed, and the efficient treatment technology of wastewater by biochar is discussed. It provides theoretical basis for phytoremediation of urban sewage pollution in the future.

Bamboo-based magnetic activated carbon for efficient removal of sulfadiazine: Application and adsorption mechanism.

Due to increasing antibiotic pollution in the water environment, green and efficient adsorbents are urgently needed to solve this problem. Here we prepare magnetic bamboo-based activated carbon (MDBAC) through delignification and carbonization using ZnCl2 as activator, resulting in production of an activated carbon with large specific surface area (1388.83 m2 g-1). The influencing factors, such as solution pH, initial sulfadiazine (SD) concentration, temperature, and contact time, were assessed in batch adsorption experiments. The Langmuir isotherm model demonstrated that MDBAC adsorption capacity on SD was 645.08 mg g-1 at its maximum, being higher than majority of previously reported adsorbents. In SD adsorption, the kinetic adsorption process closely followed the pseudo-second kinetic model, and the thermodynamic adsorption process was discovered to be exothermic and spontaneous in nature. The MDBAC exhibited excellent physicochemical stability, facile magnetic recovery and acceptable recyclability properties. Moreover, the synergistic interactions between MDBAC and SD mainly involved electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and chelation. Within the benefits of low cost, ease of production and excellent adsorption performance, the MDBAC biosorbent shows promising utilization in removing antibiotic contaminants from wastewater.

Antimicrobial Potential of Endophytic Fungi From Artemisia argyi and Bioactive Metabolites From Diaporthe sp. AC1.

Endophytic fungi of medicinal plants are important sources of active natural products. In this study, 26 fungi were isolated from Artemisia argyi, which were belonging to eight genera, namely, Alternaria, Fusarium, Chaetomium, Phoma, Diaporthe, Trichoderma, Gibberella, and Colletotrichum. The antimicrobial activities of all fungal extracts were tested by using the cup-plate method against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, and Fusarium graminearum. The results demonstrated that 25 extracts (96%) exhibited inhibitory activity against at least one of the tested pathogenic microorganisms. The strain Diaporthe sp. AC1, which showed good antimicrobial activity and high yield of crude extract from fermentation, was selected for the study of secondary metabolites. The crude extract of strain AC1 was purified by silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography, and HPLC, and finally, a new compound phomopsolide G (1), together with three known phomopsolides (2-4) and four other known compounds (5-8), was obtained. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by NMR and/or HR-MS spectroscopy. Microdilution method and MTT colorimetry were used to determine the bioactivity of the compounds. The study demonstrated that the new compound 1 had moderate antifungal activity against F. graminearum, Fusarium moniliforme, and Botrytis cinerea and weak antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Compound 1 also showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2, A549, and MDA-MB-231, with IC50 values of 89.91, 107.65, and 53.97 µM. Additionally, other compounds also exhibited antimicrobial and/or cytotoxic activities. The findings provided the basis for searching drug and agricultural lead compounds from A. argyi-associated fungi resources.

Nano Catalysis of Biofuels and Biochemicals from Cotinus coggygria Scop. Wood for Bio-Oil Raw Material.

Cotinus coggygria Scop. as a precious landscape shrub and a good afforestation species that is used in the pharmaceutical industry. In this paper, TG-FTIR, TG-DTG, and Py-GC/MS were used to study the biomaterials of Cotinus coggygria used as biofuels and biochemicals under the catalysis of nano-Mo/Fe2O3. The wood powder was extracted using a methanol/benzene solution, and the extract was analyzed by FTIR and GC-MS. The results showed that the pyrolysis products of Cotinus coggygria wood were rich in phenols, alcohols, and biofuels. The metal nano-Mo powder played a catalytic role in the interpretation of the gas in the species, where it accelerates gas products. Metal nano-Fe2O3 has a certain flame-retardant effect on the burning process of Cotinus coggygria wood, and the residual amount of pyrolysis is greater. The contents of the extract Formamide, 1-Hexanol, Levodopa, and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- are not only widely used industrially but also play an important role in medicine. Cotinus coggygria is therefore an excellent biomaterial for biofuels and biochemicals.

VEGF regulates the blood­brain barrier through MMP­9 in a rat model of traumatic brain injury.

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage is closely related to morbidity and mortality in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Inhibition of VEGF effectively protects BBB integrity in clinical ischemic stroke. Protecting BBB integrity, reducing brain edema and alleviating post-TBI secondary brain injury are key to a favorable patient prognosis. MMP-9 affects BBB integrity by destroying the tight junction of vascular endothelial cells and inhibiting the transport and enzymatic systems. The present study aimed to examine the possible interplay between VEGF and MMP-9 in TBI. A TBI model was established in 87 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting, wet-dry brain edema assessment, TUNEL and Fluoro-Jade C staining were performed to analyze the brain tissue samples of the rats. The results showed that compared with in the Sham group rats, the mRNA and protein expression levels of VEGF and MMP-9 were increased at 24 h post-TBI. After bevacizumab treatment, BBB permeability and nerve cell apoptosis were markedly reduced. In conclusion, the present study revealed a potential role for TBI-associated VEGF and MMP-9 upregulation in BBB disruption and nerve damage post-TBI.

Downregulation of TREM2/NF-кB signaling may damage the blood-brain barrier and aggravate neuronal apoptosis in experimental rats with surgically injured brain.

Surgical brain injury (SBI) is unavoidable in neurosurgery, and could aggravate secondary brain injury. Post-brain injury, multiple inflammatory factors are released, resulting in neuroinflammation and cell apoptosis, with subsequent brain edema and nerve function injury. TREM2, an immune protein mainly expressed in microglia, is an important link for nerve cells to participate in the inflammatory response. TREM2 and nuclear factor кB (NF-кB) are indeed closely associated with the release of inflammatory cytokines following brain injury. This work aimed to determine the inflammatory function of TREM2 in SBI, and to investigate whether TREM2 regulates interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release through the NF-кB p65 signaling pathway. We established a rat model of SBI, and performed Western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence (IF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for further analysis. Next, brain edema and neurological score analyses were performed. Finally, whether TREM2 regulating NF-кB p65 signaling affects blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and nerve cell apoptosis was examined. We found that post-SBI, TREM2 was upregulated, and inflammation and brain injury were aggravated. After TREM2 downregulation, NF-кB p65 production, inflammation and brain injury were enhanced, suggesting that TREM2 may play a protective role by inhibiting NF-кB p65 production after SBI. Overall, these findings suggest that TREM2 in SBI may have protective effects on postoperative nerve and BBB damage, possibly in part via the NF-κB p65 pathway.

Inhibition of the p­SPAK/p­NKCC1 signaling pathway protects the blood­brain barrier and reduces neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of surgical brain injury.

Surgical brain injury (SBI) can disrupt the function of the blood­brain barrier (BBB), leading to brain edema and neurological dysfunction. Thus, protecting the BBB and mitigating cerebral edema are key factors in improving the neurological function and prognosis of patients with SBI. The inhibition of WNK lysine deficient protein kinase/STE20/SPS1­related proline/alanine­rich kinase (SPAK) signaling ameliorates cerebral edema, and this signaling pathway regulates the phosphorylation of the downstream Na+­K+­Cl­ cotransporter 1 (NKCC1). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of SPAK in SBI­induced cerebral edema and to determine whether the SPAK/NKCC1 signaling pathway was involved in SBI via regulating phosphorylation. An SBI model was established in male Sprague­Dawley rats, and the effects of SPAK on the regulation of the NKCC1 signaling pathway on BBB permeability and nerve cell apoptosis by western blotting analysis, immunofluorescence staining, TUNEL staining, Fluoro­Jade C staining, and brain edema and nervous system scores. The results demonstrated that, compared with those in the sham group, phosphorylated (p)­SPAK and p­NKCC1 protein expression levels were significantly increased in the SBI model group. After inhibiting p­SPAK, the expression level of p­NKCC1, neuronal apoptosis and BBB permeability were significantly reduced in SBI model rats. Taken together, these findings suggested that SBI­induced increases in p­SPAK and p­NKCC1 expression exacerbated post­traumatic neural and BBB damage, which may be mediated via the ion­transport­induced regulation of cell edema.

Phytoremediation of radionuclides in soil, sediments and water.

Soil and water contaminated with radionuclides threaten the environment and public health during leaks from nuclear power plants. Remediation of radionuclides at the contaminated sites uses mainly physical and chemical methods such as vitrification, chemical immobilization, electro-kinetic remediation and soil excavation, capping and washing being among the preferred methods. These traditional technologies are however costly and less suitable for dealing with large-area pollution. In contrast to this, cost-effective and environment-friendly alternatives such as phytoremediation using plants to remove radionuclides from polluted sites in situ represent promising alternatives for environmental cleanup. Understanding the physiology and molecular mechanisms of radionuclides accumulation in plants is essential to optimize and improve this new remediation technology. Here, we give an overview of radionuclide contamination in the environment and biochemical characteristics for uptake, transport, and compartmentation of radionuclides in plants that characterize phytoextraction and its efficiency. Phytoextraction is an eco-friendly and efficient method for environmental removal of radionuclides at contaminated sites such as mine tailings. Selecting the most proper plant for the specific purpose, however, is important to obtain the best result together with, for example, applying soil amendments such as citric acid. In addition, using genetic engineering and optimizing agronomic management practices including regulation of atmospheric CO2 concentration, reasonable measures of fertilization and rational water management are important as well. For future application, the technique needs commercialization in order to fully exploit the technique at mining activities and nuclear industries.

Soil indigenous microorganisms weaken the synergy of Massilia sp. WF1 and Phanerochaete chrysosporium in phenanthrene biodegradation.

Biodegradation is a promising way to reduce phenanthrene (PHE) in environment. PHE biodegradation by bioaugmentation of axenic and mixed cultures of Massilia sp. WF1 (a highly efficient PHE-degrading bacteria) and Phanerochaete chrysosporium (P. chrysosporium, an extensively researched model fungus in organic pollutant bioremediation) was investigated in aqueous and autoclaved/un-autoclaved soil cultures. In the liquid cultures, the strain WF1 could use PHE (ca. 10 mg L-1) as the sole carbon source, and the presence of d-fructose (500 mg L-1) had no obvious effect on its PHE degradation; while the opposite was observed for P. chrysosporium. The bioaugmentation of strain WF1 and P. chrysosporium co-culture showed the highest PHE-degradation efficiency, especially in the aqueous and the autoclaved soil (PHE, ca. 50 mg kg-1) cultures, indicating a synergistic interaction of the co-culture during PHE dissipation. It was further observed that the indigenous microorganisms (mainly the Gram-positive bacteria) played a dominant role during PHE biodegradation and showed an antagonistic action against the strain WF1-P. chrysosporium co-culture, which weakened the synergistic action of the co-culture in the un-autoclaved soil. Besides, the abundances of PAH-RHDα GP and nidA genes were negatively correlated with residual PHE in the soil. Our findings provide the scientific support for bioremediation of PAHs in environment.