Molecular Insights into the Stability of Titanium in Electrolytes Containing Chlorine and Fluorine Ions.

Titanium and its alloys are protected by a compact and stable passive film, which confers resistance to corrosion by the primary halogen chloride (Cl-) while being less effective against fluoride (F-). Although researchers have recognized different macroscopic corrosion effects of these halide ions on titanium, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. In this work, the bonding of Cl-/F- with stable passive films was studied in neutral and acidic (pH = 2.3) conditions. The synergistic effect between the interfacial hydrogen bond (HB) structure and halogens on titanium corrosion was first revealed using first-principles calculation and Raman spectroscopy. F- forms more stable halogen-Ti bonds than Cl-, resulting in titanium degradation. The proton combined with F- exhibits a specific synergistic effect, causing corrosion of the passive film. The water hydrogen bond transformation index (HBTI) at the titanium/aqueous interface was 1.88 in an acidic solution containing F-, significantly higher than that in neutral/acid solutions containing Cl- (1.80/1.81) and a neutral solution containing F- (1.81). This work clarifies the structure-activity relationship between HBTI and the destruction of titanium passive films. We propose that the microstructure of the interfacial HB is an undeniable factor in the corrosion of titanium.

Emerging Roles of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Among a great variety of cell surface receptors, the largest superfamily is G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), also known as seven-transmembrane domain receptors. GPCRs can modulate diverse signal-transduction pathways through G protein-dependent or independent pathways which involve β-arrestins, G protein receptor kinases (GRKs), ion channels, or Src kinases under physiological and pathological conditions. Recent studies have revealed the crucial role of GPCRs in the tumorigenesis and the development of cancer metastasis. We will sum up the functions of GPCRs—particularly those coupled to chemokines, prostaglandin, lysophosphatidic acid, endothelin, catecholamine, and angiotensin—in the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis of hepatoma cells and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in this review. We also highlight the potential avenues of GPCR-based therapeutics for HCC.

Arabidopsis DAYU/ABERRANT PEROXISOME MORPHOLOGY9 is a key regulator of peroxisome biogenesis and plays critical roles during pollen maturation and germination in planta.

Pollen undergo a maturation process to sustain pollen viability and prepare them for germination. Molecular mechanisms controlling these processes remain largely unknown. Here, we report an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant, dayu (dau), which impairs pollen maturation and in vivo germination. Molecular analysis indicated that DAU encodes the peroxisomal membrane protein ABERRANT PEROXISOME MORPHOLOGY9 (APEM9). DAU is transiently expressed from bicellular pollen to mature pollen during male gametogenesis. DAU interacts with peroxisomal membrane proteins PEROXIN13 (PEX13) and PEX16 in planta. Consistently, both peroxisome biogenesis and peroxisome protein import are impaired in dau pollen. In addition, the jasmonic acid (JA) level is significantly decreased in dau pollen, and the dau mutant phenotype is partially rescued by exogenous application of JA, indicating that the male sterility is mainly due to JA deficiency. In addition, the phenotypic survey of peroxin mutants indicates that the PEXs most likely play different roles in pollen germination. Taken together, these data indicate that DAU/APEM9 plays critical roles in peroxisome biogenesis and function, which is essential for JA production and pollen maturation and germination.

Exogenous nerve growth factor promotes the repair of cardiac sympathetic heterogeneity and electrophysiological instability in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy can lead to an increased incidence of ventricular arrhythmias (VAs). However, few data are available regarding the pathogenesis and therapy of the VAs accompanying diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy. We aimed to explore whether or not exogenous nerve growth factor (NGF) can reduce the sympathetic heterogeneity and the incidence of VAs in diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: controls, rats with DM with saline infused into the left stellate ganglion (LSG), i.e. the DS group and rats with DM with NGF infused into the LSG, i.e. the DN group. After 28 weeks, all rats were subjected to electrophysiological experiments. Sympathetic innervations and NGF were studied by immunostaining, RT-PCR or Western blot analysis. RESULTS: The incidence of inducible VAs was significantly higher in the DS group than in the control group, but was markedly decreased in the DN group. In the DS group, the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and NGF expression were significantly lower than in the other groups, and significant proximal-distal heterogeneities existed regarding the TH and NGF expression in the left ventricle, but were markedly repaired in the DN group. CONCLUSIONS: NGF intervention in the LSG can reduce the heterogeneity of cardiac sympathetic innervations and the incidence of VAs in diabetic rats.

Molecular cloning and functional characterization of MnSOD from Dunaliella salina.

Dunaliella salina, a unicellular green alga, has the potential to grow in hypersaline environments via one of its gene products, superoxide dismutase (SOD). The superoxide radicals (O2 (-) ) produced by environmental stresses can cause damage to cells, and SOD catalyzes the turnover of such free radicals to protect cells. In this study, the gene coding for SOD in D. salina was cloned and the product was further identified and characterized. The open reading frame of this gene was 651 bp long, encoding for 217 amino acids. According to the sequence alignment using BLAST, native polyacrylamide electrophoresis for SOD activity analysis, and atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis, this protein belongs to the manganese-containing superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) family. Complementation analysis, performed by introducing plasmids carrying an inducible version of the D. salina gene encoding for MnSOD into an SOD-deficient mutant of E.coli, revealed that this gene could not only complement the defects in SOD activity, but was also capable of providing a stronger tolerance to restrictive growth conditions, such as high salt and prolonged UV exposure, compared to the tolerance of wild-type strains.

Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua attenuates postpartum depression in rat model by regulating monoamines and hormones.

Background: Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese medicinal food herb which can regulate the liver and Qi, nourish the heart and blood, moisten the lungs and nourish the kidneys with the potential to treat emotional diseases. However, few studies have explored the effects of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua on postpartum depression. Therefore, we investigated whether processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua could improve postpartum depression in rat models by regulating monoamines and hormones. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into normal control (0.9%Nacl), Sham operation (0.9%Nacl), postpartum depression model (0.9%Nacl), fluoxetine (2.5 mg/kg Fluoxetine), low, medium and high dose of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (2.5 g/kg, 5 g/kg, 10 g/kg) groups. Rats in these groups received drug intervention, and then subjected to Open-field test and Forced swimming test. Brain tissues and serum samples were collected and used to quantify levels of monoamines, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serum Estradiol. The status of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 region was examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining, whereas expression of estrogen receptor α and ß was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results: Rats in the model group showed decreased mobility time, the disorder of neuronal cells in hippocampus 1 area, and decreased concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine and dopamine in brain tissue, norepinephrine and estradiol in serum as well as estrogen receptor α and ß expression. They also exhibited increased adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and corticotropin releasing hormone in serum. However, the treatment with processed Polygonatum cyrtonem Hua or fluoxetine reversed the above abnormalities. Conclusion: The H group showed significant improvement in postpartum depression in rats, and processed Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua can be used as a developing drug for the prevention or treatment of depression.

Clinical effect of vein of Marshall ethanol infusion on mitral isthmus ablation.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Marshall ethanol infusion (VOM-Et) in the vein on mitral isthmus (MI) ablation. Methods: Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) were grouped into vein of VOM-Et combined with radiofrequency (RF) ablation (VOM-Et-RF) and RF groups. The primary outcome was MI block immediate block rate after surgery. Stratified analysis was also performed for factors affecting the outcome measures. Results: A total of 118 consecutive patients underwent AF ablation at Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2018 to December 2021. Successful bidirectional perimitral block was achieved in 96% of patients in VOM-Et-RF (69 of 72) and in 76% of patients in the RF group (35 of 46) (P < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis, male sex, elder than 60 years, Left atrial diameter <55 mm, and AF duration <3 years were associated with the benefits of VOM-Et in AF Patients. Conclusion: The vein of Marshall ethanol infusion for catheter ablation can improve the MI block rate. Male sex, elder age, smaller Left atrial diameter and shorter AF duration may have significant benefits for VOM-Et.

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy improves diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy and decreases the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (DCAN) may cause fatal ventricular arrhythmias and increase mortality in diabetics. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can secrete various cytokines and growth factors exerting neurosupportive effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of MSC on DCAN in diabetic rats. METHODS: Forty rats were divided into normal control, diabetes mellitus (DM) control, MSC treatment (6 × 10(6) MSCs via direct myocardial injection) and MSC-conditioned medium group (100 µl via direct myocardial injection). Immunohistochemistry was used to measure choline acetyltransferase (ChAT, a marker for parasympathetic nerves) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, a marker for sympathetic nerves) positive nerve fibres in the ventricular myocardium. Heart rate variability and programmed electrical stimulation was used to assess the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias in the animals. RESULTS: Two weeks after MSC treatment, the density of ChAT- and TH-positive nerve fibres in MSCs and MSC-conditioned medium group was higher than in DM control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The ChAT/TH ratio in MSC group was higher than in DM control group (0.37 ± 0.014 vs. 0.27 ± 0.020, P < 0.01). The standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals in MSCs (5.13 ± 0.69) and MSC-conditioned medium group (4.30 ± 0.56) was higher than in DM control group (3.45 ± 0.60, P < 0.05). The inducibility of VAs in the MSC group was lower than in the DM control group. CONCLUSIONS: MSC therapy may promote cardiac nerve sprouting and increase the ratio of parasympathetic to sympathetic nerve fibres. It may also suppress the inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias in the diabetic rats.

Atypical 'long-tailed' cockroaches arose during Cretaceous in response to angiosperm terrestrial revolution.

Typical cockroaches are flat, broad, with large pronotum and wings covering the body. This conserved morphotype dates back to the Carboniferous, during which the ancestral cockroaches, or roachoids, originated. On the other hand, the ovipositor of cockroaches gradually reduced during the Mesozoic, coupled with a major shift of reproductive strategy. By the Cretaceous, long external ovipositors became rare, most cockroaches used very short or even hidden internal ovipositors to fabricate egg cases (oothecae), which is an innovation for egg protection. Here, we describe two cockroaches from mid-Cretaceous Myanmar amber: Ensiferoblatta oecanthoides gen. et sp. nov. (Ensiferoblattidae fam. nov.) and Proceroblatta colossea gen. et sp. nov. They are slim, elongate, fusiform, with longitudinal pronotum, and have long external ovipositors. The combination of these traits represents a unique morphotype, which resembles crickets and katydids (Ensifera) more than general cockroaches. Ensiferoblatta and Proceroblatta may be arboreal, feeding on and/or laying eggs into certain angiosperms that newly emerged. Their open habit causes latent impairment to viability, and may contribute to their extinction. These new taxa are the youngest members of the ancient, extinct group of cockroaches, namely Eoblattodea, which are characterized by long ovipositors. We speculate that the extinction of certain gymnosperm hosts almost ended the 200-My triumph of Eoblattodea. Despite an attempt to adapt to angiosperm hosts, Ensiferoblatta, Proceroblatta and suchlike cockroaches as an evolutionary dead end failed to save Eoblattodea from extinction. The lack of protection for eggs (maternal care in particular) might accelerate the extinction of Eoblattodea as a whole.

A Case Report of Valacyclovir-Associated Neurotoxicity in End-Stage Renal Disease: A Rare but Preventable Side Effect.

Neurotoxicity can develop as a side effect of valacyclovir in patients with renal disease, especially without a renally adjusted dose. We present a 56-year-old female with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) who presented to the emergency room (ER) with agitation and confusion and was found to have valacyclovir-associated neurotoxicity (VAN). Five days prior, she had been prescribed the standard treatment of 500 mg valacyclovir twice daily for three days for herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1); however, her creatinine clearance was low enough to require a renally adjusted dose. Her condition was worsened from missing a dialysis session due to acute confusion. She was treated with three days of hemodialysis sessions. Improvement in mentation and agitation was observed after the second day of hemodialysis, and a complete resolution of symptoms and return to cognitive baseline occurred two days later. There are reports of daily hemodialysis shortening the neurotoxicity period and resulting in a faster return to normal mentation. This case is important as the dose of valacyclovir must be adjusted in those with kidney disease.

Targeted neurorehabilitation strategies in post-stroke aphasia.

BACKGROUND: Aphasia is a debilitating language impairment, affecting millions of people worldwide. About 40% of stroke survivors develop chronic aphasia, resulting in life-long disability. OBJECTIVE: This review examines extrinsic and intrinsic neuromodulation techniques, aimed at enhancing the effects of speech and language therapies in stroke survivors with aphasia. METHODS: We discuss the available evidence supporting the use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and functional MRI (fMRI) real-time neurofeedback in aphasia rehabilitation. RESULTS: This review systematically evaluates studies focusing on efficacy and implementation of specialized methods for post-treatment outcome optimization and transfer to functional skills. It considers stimulation target determination and various targeting approaches. The translation of neuromodulation interventions to clinical practice is explored, emphasizing generalization and functional communication. The review also covers real-time fMRI neurofeedback, discussing current evidence for efficacy and essential implementation parameters. Finally, we address future directions for neuromodulation research in aphasia. CONCLUSIONS: This comprehensive review aims to serve as a resource for a broad audience of researchers and clinicians interested in incorporating neuromodulation for advancing aphasia care.

[Application of PAR index and cephalometrics for camouflage therapy and orthodontic-orthognathic surgery in adults with skeletal Class â ¢ malocclusion].

PURPOSE: To investigate the value of PAR index combined with cephalometry in evaluating the efficacy of mild to moderate skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion. METHODS: Sixty-five adult patients with skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion were selected and divided into group C (camouflage therapy) and group S (orthodontic-orthognathic surgery)according to different treatment methods. PAR index and cephalometric values before and after treatment in each group were compared, and then the differences of PAR index and cephalometric values before and after treatment between the two groups were compared. The clinical effect was evaluated by these indexes. SPSS 25.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: In PAR index, the tooth alignment, occlusion, overjet, overbite, midline, total score and weighted total score after treatment of both groups were all significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.001). The differences of left and right buccal bite and total posterior bite of group S before and after treatment was significantly larger than those of group C(P＜0.001). In cephalometric measurement, the differences of SNA, NA-PA, L1-NB, U1-L1, U1-SN and L1-MP in group C before and after treatment were significantly different(P＜0.05), while those in group S before and after treatment were SNA, SNB, ANB, NP-FH, NA-PA, L1-NB, U1-L1U1-SN and L1-MP(P＜0.001). The differences of SNB, ANB and NP-FH before and after treatment in group S were significantly greater than those in group C(P＜0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments are effective for adult patients with mild to moderate skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion. The effect of orthodontic-orthognathic treatment is better than camouflage therapy in occlusal relationship of posterior teeth, the position of mandible relative to cranium, the mutual position of upper jaw and lower jaw relative to cranium, and the degree of mandibular convexity. PAR index combined with cephalometric measurement can effectively judge the clinical effect of adult patients with mild to moderate skeletal Class Ⅲ malocclusion, which is a good evaluation method.

Complex Case Management of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Extrapulmonary Manifestation to the Right Sacroiliac Joint.

While Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a common bacterial pathogen that infects the respiratory system, especially in endemic regions, it may uncommonly manifest in other organ systems, such as the nervous, gastrointestinal, or musculoskeletal systems. Sacroiliac joint infections are rare, and only 1%-5% of all infections are tuberculous in nature. Given nonspecific inflammatory signs in both laboratory and radiologic examinations, early identification of the causative agent can be difficult. In this report, we present the case of a 29-year-old Eritrean woman who presented with an uncommon extrapulmonary tuberculosis manifestation of the right sacroiliac joint. The patient reported pain for two years before a formal diagnosis with multiple computed tomography scans demonstrated fluid collections about her right hip and thigh. The patient's medical history of developmental delay, psychosis, outdated medication documentation, non-therapeutic use of numerous psychiatric medications contraindicated for traditional anti-tubercular therapy, and socioeconomic history of a lack of social support and treatment arrangements with the patient's caregiver all complicated the treatment course. Given the rise in tuberculosis cases worldwide and vulnerability factors in patients with mental illnesses such as poverty, homelessness, diabetes, and HIV infection that can predispose patients to tuberculosis infections, early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce long-term consequences and improve clinical outcomes. Further research in the development of new tuberculosis treatment plans is essential to addressing an equitable treatment course alongside fighting against the recent rise in drug-resistant tuberculosis.

Pulmonary embolism after diagnostic curettage in patient with adenomyosis and hysteromyoma: A case report and brief review of literature.

RATIONALE: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of cardiovascular death whose major acquired risk factors include postoperative states, pregnancy, malignancy, and age. We report a case of PE that occurred after diagnostic curettage for abnormal uterine bleeding, with a medical history of adenomyosis and hysteromyoma. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: A 31-year-old Han Chinese female was referred to our hospital with menstrual disorders, increased menstrual flow, and severe anemia. After admission, the patient was treated with a blood transfusion, iron supplementation, and erythropoietin, and diagnostic curettage was performed the following day. On the first postoperative day, the patient developed pulmonary embolism with dyspnea and fever diagnosed by CT pulmonary angiography and significantly elevated D-dimer. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Molecular weight heparin was administered for PE for 2 weeks, dyspnea was relieved significantly after 2 days of treatment and the uterine bleeding did not increase; and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists were administered for adenomyosis after 1 week of anticoagulant therapy to reduce bleeding. We followed up for 6 months, and the patient had no recurrence of thrombosis and uterine bleeding had improved. CONCLUSION: We speculate that the occurrence of pulmonary embolism was closely related to adenomyosis, hysteromyoma, and curettage in this patient. Treating the presence of both menstrual bleeding and thromboembolism is challenging, and careful management is necessary to avoid therapeutic contradictions.

Insight into oxygen reduction activity and pathway on pure titanium using scanning electrochemical microscopy and theoretical calculations.

HYPOTHESIS: Unlike noble metals, the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) behavior on Ti is more complicated due to its spontaneously formed oxide film. This film results in sluggish ORR kinetics and tends to be reduced within ORR potential region, causing the weak and multi-reaction coupled current. Though Ti is being used in chemical and biological fields, its ORR research is still underexplored. EXPERIMENTS: We innovatively employed the modified reactive tip generation-substrate collection (RTG/SC) mode of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with high efficiency of 97.2 % to quantitatively study the effects of film characteristics, solution environment (pH, anion, dissolved oxygen), and applied potential on the ORR activity and selectivity of Ti. Then, density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) analyses were employed to elucidate its ORR behavior. FINDINGS: On highly reduced Ti, film properties dominate ORR behavior with promoted 4e- selectivity. Rapid film regeneration in alkaline/O2-saturated conditions inhibits ORR activity. Besides, ORR is sensitive to anion species in neutral solutions while showing enhanced 4e- reduction in alkaline media. All the improved 4e- selectivities originate from the hydrogen bond/electrostatic stabilization effect, while the decayed ORR activity by Cl- arises from the suppressed O2 adsorption. This work provides theoretical support and possible guidance for ORR research on oxide-covered metals.

Comparing Symmetric Dimethylarginine and Amyloid-ß42 as Predictors of Alzheimer's Disease Development.

Background: Physicians may soon be able to diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD) in its early stages using fluid biomarkers like amyloid. However, it is acknowledged that additional biomarkers need to be characterized which would facilitate earlier monitoring of AD pathogenesis. Objective: To determine if a potential novel inflammation biomarker for AD, symmetric dimethylarginine, has utility as a baseline serum biomarker for discriminating prodromal AD from cognitively unimpaired controls in comparison to cerebrospinal fluid amyloid-ß42 (Aß42). Methods: Data including demographics, magnetic resonance imaging and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scans, Mini-Mental State Examination and Functional Activities Questionnaire scores, and biomarker concentrations were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative for a total of 146 prodromal AD participants and 108 cognitively unimpaired controls. Results: Aß42 (p = 0.65) and symmetric dimethylarginine (p = 0.45) were unable to predict age-matched cognitively unimpaired controls and prodromal AD participants. Aß42 was negatively associated with regional brain atrophy and hypometabolism as well as cognitive and functional decline in cognitively unimpaired control participants (p < 0.05) that generally decreased in time. There were no significant associations between Aß42 and symmetric dimethylarginine with imaging or neurocognitive biomarkers in prodromal AD patients. Conclusions: Correlations were smaller between Aß42 and neuropathological biomarkers over time and were absent in prodromal AD participants, suggesting a plateau effect dependent on age and disease stage. Evidence supporting symmetric dimethylarginine as a novel biomarker for AD as a single measurement was not found.

The Effects of Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Fecal Flora and Serum Markers of Renal Injury in Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we analyzed intestinal flora in an experimental mouse model of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and investigated whether oral supplementation with probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG could slow the decline in renal function and inflammatory status of mice with CKD. METHODS: We surgically induced chronic kidney disease in C57BL/6J male mice aged 8-9 weeks. We used dual-stage 5/6 nephrectomy for this, while the mock group underwent a mock procedure. The experimental (CKD mice) and mock group were administered a daily dose of 10 × 109 colony forming unit (CFU) of probiotic L. rhamnosus GG or 2 g of maltodextrin as a placebo by oral gavage, respectively, for 5 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the fecal samples of the mice were collected and prepared for intestinal microbial diversity analysis. We examined the serum chemistry and renal histology of the mice. RESULTS: Important serum and blood biomarkers were associated with the development of CKD, including increased serum concentrations of creatine, cystatin C, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and a protein-interleukin-6 (denoted as IL-6), whereas decreased serum albumin concentration was also observed in the mice with CKD. The intestinal flora of the mice with CKD significantly declined in terms of diversity, richness, and homogeneity. The consumption of L. rhamnosus GG probiotic via oral gavage significantly decreased the serum concentration level present in creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. However, it increased albumin in the group with CKD. After probiotic treatment, serum IL-6 levels dropped considerably, and the kidney histopathology score in mice with CKD who were given L. rhamnosus GG improved. Moreover, supplementation with the probiotic significantly improved floral richness and lineage diversity in the mice with CKD.Conclusions: In this study, we found that probiotics significantly attenuated renal failure development, reduced serum levels of proinflammatory cytokine IL-6, and increased the abundance and lineage diversity of intestinal flora in mice with chronic kidney disease.

Biodiversity of the oleaginous microorganisms in Tibetan Plateau.

Microbial lipids, which are also known as single cell oils (SCO), are produced by oleaginous microorganisms including oleaginous bacteria, yeast, fungus and algae through converting carbohydrates into lipids under certain conditions. Due to its unique environment having extremely low temperature and anoxia, the Tibetan Plateau is amongst the regions with numerous rare ecotypes such as arid desert, salt marsh, alpine permafrost, hot spring, and lawn. By using a rapid, convenient screening method, we identified 31 strains of oleaginous microorganisms from different habitats in the Tibetan Plateau, which include wetlands, lawn, hot spring, alpine permafrost, and saline-alkali soil. Molecular identity analysis showed that they belong to 15 different species, 7 of which are reported for the first time as lipid-producing microorganisms, that is, Cladosporium sp., Gibberella fujikuro, Ochrobactrum sp., Plectosphaerella sp., Tilletiopsis albescens, Backusella ctenidia, and Davidiella tassiana. The distribution of the oleaginous microorganisms varies with habitats. 11 strains were found in hot spring (35.5%), 10 in farmland (32.3%), 6 in lawn (19.4%), 2 in sand (6.4%), 1 in wetland (3.2%), and 1 in permafrost (3.2%). Carbon utilization analysis indicated that most of these filamentous fungi can use xylose and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as carbon source, where Backusella ctenidia, Fusarium sp. and Gibberella fujikuroi have the strongest capability.

Spectroscopic and Simulation Insights into the Corrosion Mechanism of Sulfite on Titanium.

Ion adsorption and hydrogen bond (HB) network reconstruction in electric double layer (EDL) have a profound impact on the interface properties. The microstructure in the bulk phase of 1.00-21.30 wt.% Na2SO3 aqueous solutions are investigated by X-ray scattering, confocal Raman spectroscopy, and classical molecular dynamics. The electronic properties of SO32- adsorption and the geometric structure of the HB network in the EDL at the titanium TiO2(101) surface are studied by density functional theory (DFT) and classical molecular dynamics. The SO32- strongly weakens the fully hydrogen-bonded water (FHW) and transforms it into partial hydrogen-bonded water (PHW). The HB transformation index (HBTI = PHW/FHW) shows a linear relationship with the mass fraction of Na2SO3. The TiOb-parallel adsorption configuration of SO32- enhances the ionicity of the Ob-Ti6 bond, resulting in the formation of oxygen vacancies at the titanium passive film surface. Besides, SO32- and Na+ are enriched and thermodynamic supersaturated in the inner Helmholtz layer (IHL), and the ions are diluted in the outer Helmholtz layer (OHL). The diffusion coefficient of SO32- and water molecules in EDL decreases seriously, which is easy to causes salt scaling on the surface of titanium passive film. This work provides evidence for the destruction of titanium passive film by SO32-.