Adaptation mechanism of three Impatiens species to different habitats based on stem morphology, lignin and MYB4 gene.

BACKGROUND: Impatiens is an important genus with rich species of garden plants, and its distribution is extremely extensive, which is reflected in its diverse ecological environment. However, the specific mechanisms of Impatiens' adaptation to various environments and the mechanism related to lignin remain unclear. RESULTS: Three representative Impatiens species,Impatiens chlorosepala (wet, low degree of lignification), Impatiens uliginosa (aquatic, moderate degree of lignification) and Impatiens rubrostriata (terrestrial, high degree of lignification), were selected and analyzed for their anatomical structures, lignin content and composition, and lignin-related gene expression. There are significant differences in anatomical parameters among the stems of three Impatiens species, and the anatomical structure is consistent with the determination results of lignin content. Furthermore, the thickness of the xylem and cell walls, as well as the ratio of cell wall thickness to stem diameter have a strong correlation with lignin content. The anatomical structure and degree of lignification in Impatiens can be attributed to the plant's growth environment, morphology, and growth rate. Our analysis of lignin-related genes revealed a negative correlation between the MYB4 gene and lignin content. The MYB4 gene may control the lignin synthesis in Impatiens by controlling the structural genes involved in the lignin synthesis pathway, such as HCT, C3H, and COMT. Nonetheless, the regulation pathway differs between species of Impatiens. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated consistency between the stem anatomy of Impatiens and the results obtained from lignin content and composition analyses. It is speculated that MYB4 negatively regulates the lignin synthesis in the stems of three Impatiens species by regulating the expression of structural genes, and its regulation mechanism appears to vary across different Impatiens species. This study analyses the variations among different Impatiens plants in diverse habitats, and can guide further molecular investigations of lignin biosynthesis in Impatiens.

Expression and function analysis of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase genes involved in Bamboo lignin biosynthesis.

Bamboo, renowned as the fastest-growing plant globally, matures within an astonishingly short period of 40-50 days from shoots, reaching heights of 10-20 meters. Moreover, it can be harvested for various uses within 3-5 years. Bamboo exhibits exceptional mechanical properties, characterized by high hardness and flexibility, largely attributed to its lignin content. Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) catalyzes the crucial initial step in lignin biosynthesis, but its precise role in bamboo lignification processes remains elusive. Thus, elucidating the functions of PAL genes in bamboo lignification processes is imperative for understanding its rapid growth and mechanical strength. Here, we systematically identified and classified PAL genes in Moso bamboo, ensuring nomenclature consistency across prior studies. Subsequently, we evaluated PAL gene expression profiles using publicly available transcriptome data. The downregulation of PePALs expression in Moso bamboo through in planta gene editing resulted in a decrease in PAL activity and a subsequent reduction in lignin content. In contrast, overexpression of PePAL led to enhanced PAL activity and an increase in lignin content. These findings highlight the critical role of PAL in the lignin biosynthesis process of Moso bamboo, which will help to unravel the mechanism underpinning bamboo's rapid growth and mechanical strength, with a specific emphasis on elucidating the functions of PAL genes.

Gold-Silver Alloy Nanoparticle-Incorporated Pitaya-Type Silica Nanohybrids for Sensitive Competitive Lateral Flow Immunoassay.

Although the competitive lateral flow immunoassay (CLFIA) using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as labels has been widely adopted for the rapid detection of small molecules, its sensitivity is often constrained by the insufficient colorimetric signal produced by conventional AuNPs labels. Herein, we introduce a new type of intensified colorimetric label, denoted as SAAS, which is engineered by integrating gold-silver alloy nanoparticles (Au-Ag NPs) within a dendritic silica scaffold. These pitaya-type silica nanohybrids combine the advantages of the amplified molar extinction coefficient of alloy units with the signal collective effect of numerous Au-Ag NPs in a singular label. The SAAS-based CLFIA strips not only achieve qualitative screening of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) at an extraordinarily low concentration of 0.2 ng/mL by the naked eye but also enable precise AFB1 quantification through a smartphone, with a remarkable limit of detection of 0.00314 ng/mL. Moreover, by leveraging SAAS as a quencher, we have delved into transforming the conventional signal-off mode of competitive immunoassay into a signal-on configuration. This innovation led to the development of a fluorescent LFIA that augments interpretative precision and sensitivity. Our study demonstrates the substantial potential of the proposed nanohybrid labels in enhancing the sensitivity of CLFIA for detecting small molecules.

Effect of distance between the abutment and the adjacent teeth on intraoral scanning: An in vitro study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The introduction of intraoral scanners has increased the use of digital technology in dental procedures. However, data on the accuracy of abutment scans according to the distance between the adjacent tooth and the abutment are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the 3D accuracy of abutment scans according to the distance between the adjacent tooth and the abutment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A right maxillary first molar was removed and scanned with an industrial 3D scanner, and the image was extracted as a standard tessellation language (STL) file. Six virtual models with 1-mm, 1.5-mm, 2-mm, 2.5-mm, 3-mm, and 3.5-mm spacing between abutment teeth and adjacent teeth were fabricated with an industrial computer-aided design (CAD) software program. Then, 6 master models were fabricated with a 3D printer and copied into dental gypsum. The replicated models (reference models) were scanned 20 times with an intraoral scanner (CS3600); the resulting model was referred to as the CAD test model. The adjacent teeth of the reference models were deleted, and the models were scanned with a laboratory scanner; the resulting model was referred to as the CAD reference model. The CAD reference model was used to measure the scan accuracy in 4 directions (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal) and 4 areas (occlusal, angle, axial, and margin) by using a 3D inspection software program. The Friedman nonparametric test (α=.05) was used for comparison, and post hoc testing was performed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Bonferroni correction method (direction and area variables; α=.0008, distance variable; α=.0003). RESULTS: The buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal directions of the abutment were significantly different according to distance (P<.001). The margin, axial, angle, and occlusal regions of the abutment were also significantly different according to distance (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The distance between the abutment teeth and adjacent teeth affected the accuracy of the abutment scan. In intraoral scanning, when the distance between the abutment teeth and the adjacent teeth is more than 1.5 mm, the scan error does not increase, and more accurate scan data can be obtained.

Identification and characterization of a novel bacterial carbohydrate esterase from the bacterium Pantoea ananatis Sd-1 with potential for degradation of lignocellulose and pesticides.

OBJECTIVE: Identification and characterization of a novel bacterial carbohydrate esterase (PaCes7) with application potential for lignocellulose and pesticide degradation. RESULTS: PaCes7 was identified from the lignocellulolytic bacterium, Pantoea ananatis Sd-1 as a new carbohydrate esterase. Recombinant PaCes7 heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli showed a clear preference for esters with short-chain fatty acids and exhibited maximum activity towards α-naphthol acetate at 37 °C and pH 7.5. Purified PaCes7 exhibited its catalytic activity under mesophilic conditions and retained more than 40% activity below 30 °C. It displayed a relatively wide pH stability from pH 6-11. Furthermore, the enzyme was strongly resistant to Mg2+, Pb2+, and Co2+ and activated by K+ and Ca2+. Both P. ananatis Sd-1 and PaCes7 could degrade the pesticide carbaryl. Additionally, PaCes7 was shown to work in combination with cellulase and/or xylanase in rice straw degradation. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that PaCes7 possesses promising biotechnological potential.

A method to evaluate the accuracy of dental implant placement without postoperative radiography after computer-guided implant surgery: A dental technique.

This technique allows evaluation of the accuracy of a dental implant's position after computer-guided surgery without postoperative radiography. Once the scanned implant and scan body file were prepared, the position of the placed implant was verified by using a computer-guided implant software program instead of radiography, thus reducing radiation exposure.

Identification and characterization of a novel bacterial pyranose 2-oxidase from the lignocellulolytic bacterium Pantoea ananatis Sd-1.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and characterize a novel bacterial pyranose 2-oxidase (P2Ox) and investigate its potential use in lignin degradation applications. RESULTS: A new bacterial P2Ox (PaP2Ox) enzyme was identified in the lignocellulolytic bacterium Pantoea ananatis Sd-1. The PaP2Ox open reading frame was cloned, and the encoded protein was heterologously expressed in an Escherichia coli expression system. Unlike another reported bacterial P2Ox enzyme, the purified PaP2Ox exhibits a homotetrameric spatial conformation that is similar to fungal P2Oxs, with each subunit having a molecular mass of 65 kDa. The recombinant PaP2Ox exhibits maximum activity at 50 °C and pH 6.5 with D-glucose as its preferred substrate. In addition, this enzyme was shown to work in combination with bacterial laccase in lignin degradation. CONCLUSIONS: The bacterial enzyme PaP2Ox has potential use in ligninolytic systems and shows promising value in industrial biotechnological applications.

Photoresponsive Conjugated Microporous Polymer Films Fabricated by Electrochemical Deposition for Controlled Release.

Stable controlled release system, conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with stimuli-responsive properties can be ideal structures because their 3D microporous matrix structure and possible stimulated response provide inherent switchable acceptor sites to capture and release guest molecules. Herein, the in situ electrochemical deposition of precursors (DTCzAzo) is utilized to construct highly crosslinked photoresponsive CMP films, which can reversibly undergo the trans-to-cis isomerization alternately with irradiation by 355 and 480 nm laser beams. The size of pores in CMP films changes tremendously during the process of trans-cis photoisomerization, to controllably capture, conserve, and release the guest molecules.

Effective pretreatment of dilute NaOH-soaked chestnut shell with glycerol-HClO4-water media: structural characterization, enzymatic saccharification, and ethanol fermentation.

In this study, an effective pretreatment of dilute NaOH-soaked chestnut shell (CNS) with glycerol-HClO4-water (88.8:1.2:10, w/w/w) media at 130 °C for 30 min was successfully demonstrated. Results revealed that the combination pretreatment removed 66.0 % of lignin and 73.7 % of hemicellulose in untreated CNS. The changes in the structural features (crystallinity, morphology, and porosity) of the solid residue of CNS were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescent microscope, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Biotransformation of glycerol-HClO4-water pretreated-NaOH-soaked CNS (50 g/L) with a cocktail of enzymes for 72 h, the reducing sugars and glucose were 39.7 and 33.4 g/L, respectively. Moreover, the recovered hydrolyzates containing 20 g/L glucose had no inhibitory effects on the ethanol-fermenting microorganism, and the ethanol production was 0.45 g/g glucose within 48 h. In conclusion, this combination pretreatment shows promise as pretreatment solvent for wheat straw, although the in-depth exploration of this subject is needed.

Lewis acid/base mediated deep eutectic solvents intensify lignocellulose fractionation to facilitate enzymatic hydrolysis and lignin nanosphere preparation.

In this work, Lewis acids (FeCl3, AlCl3) and bases (Na2CO3, Na2SO3) were incorporated into a neutral deep eutectic solvent (DES, choline chloride/glycerin) to intensify the lignocellulose fractionation. The efficiency of fractionation in terms of the maximum delignification rate (89.7 %) and well-pleasing cellulose saccharification (100 %) could be achieved by the Lewis acid-mediated DES. An in-depth insight of the evolution of lignin structure revealed that Lewis acid-mediated DES could cleave the ß-O-4 linkages efficiently to achieve a high yield lignin fragments. Meanwhile, the lignin fragments with the enhanced amphiphilic properties facilitate the preparation of lignin nanospheres (LNSs) via the self-assembly process. The resultant LNSs extracted by Lewis acid-mediated DES exhibited an excellent thermal stability, and enhanced antibacterial capacity, which were associated with the phenolic OH content. However, the extracted lignin by Lewis base-mediated DES was mainly attributed to the cleavage of lignin-carbohydrate complexes bond, especially the lignin-carbohydrate ester bond, which retained more ether bonds and a relatively complete structure. This study illuminated the different mechanisms of lignin extraction and the structural evolution of lignin from Lewis acid/base-mediated DES, and provided guidance to select suitable fractionation techniques for upgrading the downstream products.

The Effect of COVID-19 Infection on Orofacial Pain: A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 infection shows variant symptoms apart from respiratory symptoms, including the orofacial pain. We aim to research the morbidity, characteristics and potential risk factors of orofacial pain associated with COVID-19 pandemic in China from December 2022 to early 2023. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Fujian Province, China. The demographic and characteristic data of the subjects were collected and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 1526 subjects responded to the survey. The morbidity of orofacial pain increased significantly before and after COVID-19 infection. (42.26% vs. 46.52%, P < .001) A total of 217 (14.22%) subjects with orofacial pain before COVID-19 infection reported the phenomenon of "COVID-19 infection with orofacial pain" (CIOP). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression showed that male (OR = 1.761, P < .001) and other symptoms of COVID-19 (OR = 1.494, P < .001) may be the risk factors for the aggravation of CIOP, while the time of first infection (OR = 0.580, P = .004) and preference for drinking tea or coffee (OR = 0.610, P = .003) may be the protective factors for the aggravation of CIOP. While, the subjects who did not concern about the spread of COVID-19 in oral treatment (OR = 0.639, P = .001), female (OR = 0.749, P = .03), education level (OR = 1.687, P < .001) and income level (OR = 1.796, P < .001), higher PSS-10 score (OR = 1.076, P < .001), and more drugs taken for infection (OR = 1.330, P < .001) were more willing to seek medical treatment. CONCLUSION: The morbidity of orofacial pain appears to have increased significantly due to the COVID-19 epidemic; a number of factors can influence the CIOP including gender, infection period, and beverage preference' psychological factors, gender, education and income level can also influence the intent to seek a dentist.

Lead-ion potentiometric sensor based on electrically conducting microparticles of sulfonic phenylenediamine copolymer.

A potentiometric sensor to detect lead ions using newly synthesized conducting copolymer microparticles as an ionophore in self-supporting poly(vinyl chloride) membrane matrix plasticized with dioctyl phthalate was developed. The copolymer microparticles containing many ligating functional groups including amino, imino and sulfonic groups were synthesized by a chemical oxidative copolymerization of m-phenylenediamine (mPD) and p-sulfonic-m-phenylenediamine (SPD) in pure water. Due to the presence of -NH-, -N=, -NH2, and -SO3H ligating groups on the microparticles, a linear Nernstian response is obtained within a Pb(II) activity range from 1.00 × 10(-6) M to 1.00 × 10(-3) M. The Pb(II)-sensor containing the mPD/SPD (95/5) copolymer microparticles with the maximal electrical conductivity demonstrates a superior detection limit down to 1.26 × 10(-7) M, short response time to 14 s, and long lifetime of up to 4 months. The Pb(II)-sensor also exhibits a selective response to Pb(II) over 9 other metal ions and a pH independent plateau between 2.7 and 5.0. These advantages could make for a robust sensor performing credible analysis of Pb(II) concentration in real-world samples at trace levels.

Methadone concentrations in blood, plasma, and oral fluid determined by isotope-dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Methadone (MTD) is widely used for detoxification of heroin addicts and also in pain management programs. Information about the distribution of methadone between blood, plasma, and alternative specimens, such as oral fluid (OF), is needed in clinical, forensic, and traffic medicine when analytical results are interpreted. We determined MTD and its metabolite 2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine (EDDP) in blood, plasma, blood cells, and OF by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after adding deuterium-labeled internal standards. The analytical limits of quantitation for MTD and EDDP by this method were 20 and 3 ng/mL, respectively. The amounts of MTD and EDDP were higher in plasma (80.4 % and 76.5 %) compared with blood cells (19.6 % and 23.5 %) and we found that repeated washing of blood cells with phosphate-buffered saline increased the amounts in plasma (93.6 % and 88.6 %). Mean plasma/blood concentration ratios of MTD and EDDP in spiked samples (N = 5) were 1.27 and 1.21, respectively. In clinical samples from patients (N = 46), the concentrations of MTD in plasma and whole blood were highly correlated (r = 0.92, p < 0.001) and mean (median) plasma/blood distribution ratios were 1.43 (1.41). The correlations between MTD in OF and plasma (r = 0.46) and OF and blood (r = 0.52) were also statistically significant (p < 0.001) and the mean OF/plasma and OF/blood distribution ratios were 0.55 and 0.77, respectively. The MTD concentration in OF decreased as salivary pH increased (more basic). These results will prove useful in clinical and forensic medicine when MTD concentrations in alternative specimens are compared and contrasted.

Causal relationship between circulating lipid traits and periodontitis: univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization.

Introduction: The correlation between dyslipidemia and periodontitis is revealed through epidemiological studies. However, the results are affected by several confounding factors. This study aims to elucidate the genetic causal association between circulating lipid traits and periodontitis by two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods: After the different screening processes, two cohorts of circulating lipid traits from the UK Biobank were used as exposure data, including five circulating lipid traits. The Periodontitis cohort was selected from the GeneLifestyle Interactions in Dental Endpoints (GLIDE) consortium as outcome data. In univariable MR, the inverse variance weighted (IVW) was used in conjunction with six additional analytical methods to assess causality. The Cochran Q test, IGX 2 statistic, MR-PRESSO, and MR-Egger intercept were used to quantify heterogeneity and pleiotropy. The multivariable MR-IVW (MVMR-IVW) and MVMR-robust were mainly used as analytical methods in the multiple MR analyses. Results: The IVW estimates showed that genetically predicted Apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1) [odds ratio (OR)=1.158, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.007-1.331, P-value=0.040] was potentially associated with the risk of periodontitis, but the statistical power of the results was low. Multivariable MR analysis did not reveal any significant causal relationship between apo A1 and periodontitis (OR=0.72, 95% CI=0.36-1.41, P-value=0.34). In the validation cohort, there was also no significant causal relationship between apo A1 and periodontitis (OR=1.079, 95% CI=0.903-1.290, P-value=0.401). Meanwhile, genetically predicted Apolipoprotein B (apo B), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) (all P-values>0.05) were not significantly associated with the risk of periodontitis causal inference. Conclusion: This MR analysis was unable to provide genetic evidence for the influence of these five circulating lipid traits on periodontitis. However, a more extensive study with a more comprehensive circulating lipid profile and periodontitis data is needed due to study limitations.

The coupling effects between acid-catalyzed hydrothermal pretreatment and acidic/alkaline deep eutectic solvent extraction for wheat straw fractionation.

Mild hydrothermal pretreatment (HP) integrating with solvent extraction is a promising two-step technique to enhance the overall lignin and carbohydrate output for lignocellulose fractionation. This work comparatively assessed the coupling effect between mild HP (the first step) and the emerging acidic choline chloride-natural acid or alkaline choline hydroxide based deep eutectic solvents (DES, the second step) for wheat straw fractionation. It was shown HP with 0.3% p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) catalyst achieved a good compromise between complete hemicellulose removal (nearly 100%) and high cellulose recovery (99.2%). While choline hydroxide based DES showed better coupling effect with HP than choline chloride-natural acid DES, corresponding to 75.6 and 31.2% lignin removal respectively. It was proposed that the alkaline DES enhanced lignocellulose swelling the lignin phenolic hydroxyl groups deprotonation and thus facilitating lignin solubilization despite of its condensation at HP. Therefore, the alkaline DES resulting cellulose-rich fraction exhibited higher potential for further processing.

Nonintegrating knockdown and customized scaffold design enhances human adipose-derived stem cells in skeletal repair.

An urgent need exists in clinical medicine for suitable alternatives to available techniques for bone tissue repair. Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) represent a readily available, autogenous cell source with well-documented in vivo osteogenic potential. In this article, we manipulated Noggin expression levels in hASCs using lentiviral and nonintegrating minicircle short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) methodologies in vitro and in vivo to enhance hASC osteogenesis. Human ASCs with Noggin knockdown showed significantly increased bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and osteogenic differentiation both in vitro and in vivo, and when placed onto a BMP-releasing scaffold embedded with lentiviral Noggin shRNA particles, hASCs more rapidly healed mouse calvarial defects. This study therefore suggests that genetic targeting of hASCs combined with custom scaffold design can optimize hASCs for skeletal regenerative medicine.

Interfacial synthesis and functionality of self-stabilized polydiaminonaphthalene nanoparticles.

A simple and effective template-free synthesis method for nanosized conducting polymers with self-stability and functionality is a main challenge. Herein, a strategy is reported for the facile synthesis of poly(1,5-diaminonaphthalene) nanospherical particles by an interfacial miniemulsion oxidative polymerization of 1,5-diaminonaphthalene at mobile microinterfaces between a stirred biphase without external emulsifiers. The size of the nanospheres was carefully optimized by controlling the polymerization conditions. Formation and self-stabilization mechanisms of the nanoparticles are proposed. The constantly movable and refreshed microinterface is a key to successful synthesis of the nanospheres, for significantly suppressing secondary growth leading to agglomerated particles because vigorous stirring makes as-formed self-stabilized nanospheres instantly leave the microinterfaces. The resulting nanospheres possess several advantages: clean surface, self-stability, redispersibility, semiconductivity, electroactivity, and fluorescence emission. The fluorescence emission can be quenched by specific quenchers, thus enabling low-cost, high-performance chemosensors to be obtained for the sensitive detection of Zn(II) ions in a wide linear concentration range of more than five orders of magnitude with a superior detection limit down to 1 nM.

[Safety and effectiveness of testicular prosthesis implantation for testis loss: clinical observation of 18 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and safety of the implantation of a new type of testicular prosthesis in the treatment of testis loss. METHODS: We recruited for this study 18 patients with testis loss treated by testicular prosthesis implantation, including 10 cases of prostate cancer, 3 cases of anorchia, 2 case of orchiatrophy, 2 cases of hermaphroditism and 1 case of cryptorchidism. The prosthesis was a hollow silicone elastomer YH-G1 made in China, selected according to the volume of the scrotum and the size of the contralateral testis. RESULTS: Thirteen of the patients received testicular prosthesis implantation with orchiectomy, and the other 5 underwent the procedure 6 months later. The operation time of testicular prosthesis implantation was (22.6 +/- 4.6) min, ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. All the patients were discharged after 12 hours of postoperative observation, with a mean hospital stay of (1.3 +/- 0.4) days. A follow-up after 6 months revealed no complications in 17 cases. Rejection occurred in 1 case at 3 months after the implantation, ending in the removal of the prosthesis. Of the 17 successful cases, 15 were very satisfied with the size of the prosthesis, 14 with its weight, 12 with its comfortableness, and all with the appearance of the scrotum and the position of the prosthesis, while 5 found the implant too rigid. CONCLUSION: The implantation of the new home-made silicone elastomer testicular prosthesis YH-G1 was safe and effective for the treatment of testis loss, and could meet the esthetic and psychological requirements of the patient. But further observation is needed for its long-term complications and influence on the patient's quality of life.

Role of Sostdc1 in skeletal biology and cancer.

Sclerostin domain-containing protein-1 (Sostdc1) is a member of the sclerostin family and encodes a secreted 28-32 kDa protein with a cystine knot-like domain and two N-linked glycosylation sites. Sostdc1 functions as an antagonist to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), mediating BMP signaling. It also interacts with LRP6, mediating LRP6 and Wnt signaling, thus regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, and programmed cell death. Sostdc1 plays various roles in the skin, intestines, brain, lungs, kidneys, and vasculature. Deletion of Sostdc1 gene in mice resulted in supernumerary teeth and improved the loss of renal function in Alport syndrome. In the skeletal system, Sostdc1 is essential for bone metabolism, bone density maintenance, and fracture healing. Recently, Sostdc1 has been found to be closely related to the development and progression of multiple cancer types, including breast, renal, gastric, and thyroid cancers. This article summarises the role of Sostdc1 in skeletal biology and related cancers to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of related diseases.

Removal of nano-sized polystyrene plastic from aqueous solutions using untreated coffee grounds.

Nanoplastic (NP) pollution is an emerging global concern due to its adverse impact on aquatic ecosystems. Nevertheless, the removal of aqueous NPs from aquatic environments remains a significant challenge. This study aims to investigate whether polystyrene NP in aqueous solutions can be removed using coffee grounds. Due to the difficulty associated with directly measuring NP levels and monitoring the biosorption process, we used fluorescent-orange amine-modified polystyrene beads (fluo-NP, 100 nm) to evaluate the efficacy of the biosorption process. The factors including pH, coffee grounds concentration, initial fluo-NP concentration, and contact time were optimized on batch experiments. In addition, the isotherm and kinetic models were employed to clarify the adsorption behaviors and mechanisms. It was found that aqueous fluo-NP particles were effectively adsorbed onto the coffee grounds over a wide pH range (pH 2-12), with a coffee ground concentration of 25 g/L leading to the maximum adsorption efficiency (74%). The equilibrium adsorption capacity of the coffee grounds was 4 mg/g for a reaction time of 40 min. Coffee grounds demonstrated the highest removal efficiency when the initial fluo-NP concentration was 100-125 mg/L. The Dubinin-Radushkevich model and pseudo-second-order model described the adsorption isotherm and kinetics well, respectively, and the adsorption at high fluo-NP concentration range was favorable. Moreover, the results suggest that the mechanism lies in the electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding between surface functional groups of the coffee grounds and the fluo-NP particles. Given that there is an urgent need to remove NPs from aqueous systems, this study illustrates that it is possible to use coffee ground biowaste for this purpose.