Retention of strength and ion release of some restorative materials.

This study aimed to investigate the retention of strength in accelerated aging condition and ion release from an experimental fiber-reinforced bioactive flowable composite resin (Bio-SFRC), comparing it with various commercially available ion-releasing materials. The flexural strength of Bio-SFRC and other materials (Biodentine, TheraCal LC, Fuji II LC and Surefil one) was evaluated (n = 8) before and after hydrothermal accelerated aging. Ion concentrations of silica and phosphorus were measured after 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days of specimen immersion in simulated body fluids (SBF) using UV-Vis spectrometry. In addition, ion release and pH change were studied in a continuous dynamic system in SBF over a period of 72 h. SEM and EDS were used to evaluate the microstructure on the top surface of the materials after SBF immersion. Data were statistically analyzed using variance ANOVA analysis (p = 0.05). Bio-SFRC showed higher flexural strength before (134.9 MPa) and after (63.1 MPa) hydrothermal aging compared to other tested materials (p < 0.05). Flexural strength significantly decreased after aging (p < 0.05) except for Fuji II LC which showed no significant differences. Ion release data showed that experimental Bio-SFRC slowly released phosphate ions. Biodentine and TheraCal LC had the strongest ability to form calcium phosphate precipitation on the material surface. Phosphate ion release cannot be detected clearly from these materials. Surefil one and Fuji II LC were more stable materials without any observable ion release. The advantages of fiber containing structure and slow release of ions suggest that experimental Bio-SFRC is a promising bioactive material to provide ions for mineralization of surrounding tissues, and keeping the durability of the materials at higher level than that of other tested materials.

An integrated experimental-modeling approach to identify key processes for carbon mineralization in fractured mafic and ultramafic rocks.

Controlling atmospheric warming requires immediate reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as well as the active removal and sequestration of CO2 from current point sources. One promising proposed strategy to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels is geologic carbon sequestration (GCS), where CO2 is injected into the subsurface and reacts with the formation to precipitate carbonate minerals. Rapid mineralization has recently been reported for field tests in mafic and ultramafic rocks. However, unlike saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs historically considered for GCS, these formations can have extremely low porosities and permeabilities, limiting storage volumes and reactive mineral surfaces to the preexisting fracture network. As a result, coupling between geochemical interactions and the fracture network evolution is a critical component of long-term, sustainable carbon storage. In this paper, we summarize recent advances in integrating experimental and modeling approaches to determine the first-order processes for carbon mineralization in a fractured mafic/ultramafic rock system. We observe the critical role of fracture aperture, flow, and surface characteristics in controlling the quantity, identity, and morphology of secondary precipitates and present where the influence of these factors can be reflected in newly developed thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical models. Our findings provide a roadmap for future work on carbon mineralization, as we present the most important system components and key challenges that we are overcoming to enable GCS in mafic and ultramafic rocks.

A 3D micro-computed tomography study comparing embryonic skeletal development in layer versus broiler strains of the domestic chicken.

Our objective was to analyze the effect of selection for divergent traits in the domestic chicken on embryonic skeletal development, which could affect postnatal bird welfare. Development was compared between the Ross 308 broiler line (fast growth and muscle mass accrual) and Novoponte layers (high laying rate and egg quality). In Study 1 (Initial Conditions), we characterized egg composition prior to incubation and identified the onset of embryonic skeletal mineralization in the 2 strains. In Study 2 (Developmental Dynamics), we used 3D X-ray tomographic imaging (µCT) on incubation days ED11, ED13, ED15 and ED17 to track skeletal maturation trajectories as a pseudo-time series. Results showed that Ross 308 embryos, which are heavier than Novoponte embryos, possess higher levels of yolk nutrients including phosphorus and calcium, but lower eggshell mineral content, than Novoponte embryos. Skeletal mineralization started synchronously in both strains, on ED11. The higher mineral ion content in the larger yolk of Ross 308 eggs compared to Novoponte eggs may partly explain why skeletal mineralization in Ross 308 embryos advances faster: using µCT, we show that the mandible and tibiotarsi in Ross 308 embryos are larger at ED11 and ED13 compared with Novoponte embryos. However, Novoponte embryos catch up from this initial lag in mineralization by ED15. The timing of the Novoponte acceleration coincides with the functional activation of the chorioallantoic membrane in releasing calcium from the inner eggshell. This correlates with a decrease in eggshell thickness from ED11 to ED17 in Novoponte eggs, which was not observed during Ross 308 incubation. To conclude, while some temporal discrepancies exist in early skeletal development between the embryos of Ross 308 and Novoponte strains, overall prenatal skeletal maturation seems to be robustly regulated. Despite selection for antagonist production traits, layer and broiler prehatch skeletal morphology ultimately synchronizes. Practically, since the extent of skeletal maturity equalizes between strains towards the end of incubation, refinements of farming practices, postnatal environment, and diet should be considered for improving domestic fowl welfare.

Iron­carbon complex types and bonding forms jointly control organic carbon mineralization in paddy soils.

The crucial role of iron (Fe) oxides in stabilizing soil organic carbon (SOC) is well recognized, but their effects on SOC mineralization remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated the effects of four typical Fe-bound OC (Fe-OC) complexes including adsorbed ferrihydrite (Fh)- and goethite (Goe)- 13C, coprecipitated Fh/Goe-13C and 13C-glucose as the control, on OC mineralization during an 80-day anaerobic incubation in a paddy soil. 13C-tracing indicated that Fe-13C complexes significantly stimulated CO2 emissions from both the input 13C and SOC compared with glucose alone. In contrast, the addition of Fh- and Goe-C complexes consistently inhibited CH4 emissions by 72-91 % and 21-61 % compared with glucose addition, respectively. Fe-OC complexes reduced the CO2 equivalent by 62-71 % and 17-41 % in soils with Fh-C and Goe-C complexes, respectively. We concluded that Fe crystallinity and its bonding forms with organic carbon jointly control SOC mineralization. The coprecipitated Goe-C complexes had the lowest OC mineralization rate and highest OC residence time among four Fe-OC complexes. These findings highlighted that promoting the formation of coprecipitated well-ordered minerals would increase SOC sequestration by reducing OC mineralization and mitigating the global warming effect in paddy management.

[Research advances of microbial transformation of CO2 in geological sequestration].

Carbon capture, utilization and storage is the vital technology for China to achieve the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. Microbial activities in situ are an indispensable part in the process of geological CO2 sequestration. Some microorganisms can convert CO2 into methane and organics as the resource for utilization or into carbonate to achieve long-term sequestration. These activities contribute to the stable storage of CO2 and even negative carbon emission. This paper focuses on the processes of bio-methanation, bio-liquefaction, and bio-precipitation that may be involved in CO2 sequestration in deep stratum and discusses the research progress in the bio-transformation pathways. Bio-methanation and bio-liquefaction can convert CO2 into methane or high-value organic compounds to realize resource reuse. The two technologies can be used alone or coupled to expand the application range of CO2 biotransformation. Bio-mineralization can convert CO2 into calcite by microorganism-induced carbonate precipitation, being a technology of great potential in fixing CO2 and limiting CO2 escape. At present, this field is still in the infancy stage, and there is an urgent need to establish and improve the theoretical and technical systems of CO2 in-situ biotransformation from transformation principle, influencing factors, conversion efficiency, economy, environmental protection, and technological conditions. Moreover, it can be combined with CCUS to establish a technical system integrating capture, transport, displace, storage, transfer, and exploit, so as to promote the value-added application of CCUS and the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Modulation of osteoblastogenesis by NRF2: NRF2 activation suppresses osteogenic differentiation and enhances mineralization in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells.

Mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) or skeletal stem cells (SSCs) play a major role in tissue repair due to their robust ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. Complex cell signaling cascades tightly regulate this differentiation. In osteogenic differentiation, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and ALP activity are essential. Furthermore, during the latter stages of osteogenic differentiation, mineral formation mediated by the osteoblast occurs with the secretion of a collagenous extracellular matrix and calcium deposition. Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), an important transcription factor against oxidative stress, inhibits osteogenic differentiation and mineralization via modulation of RUNX2 function; however, the exact role of NRF2 in osteoblastogenesis remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that NRF2 activation in human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (HBMSCs) suppressed osteogenic differentiation. NRF2 activation increased the expression of STRO-1 and KITLG (stem cell markers), indicating NRF2 protects HBMSCs stemness against osteogenic differentiation. In contrast, NRF2 activation enhanced mineralization, which is typically linked to osteogenic differentiation. We determined that these divergent results were due in part to the modulation of cellular calcium flux genes by NRF2 activation. The current findings demonstrate a dual role for NRF2 as a HBMSC maintenance factor as well as a central factor in mineralization, with implications therein for elucidation of bone formation and cellular Ca2+ kinetics, dystrophic calcification and, potentially, application in the modulation of bone formation.

Effect of a Bacillus velezensis and Lysinibacillus fusiformis-based biofertilizer on phosphorus acquisition and grain yield of soybean.

Introduction: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria that function through acidification (organic acid synthesis) or mineralization (production of enzymes such as phytase and phosphatases) have been explored as a biotechnological alternative to enhance plant access to phosphorus (P) retained in organic and inorganic forms in agricultural soils. This study tested the hypothesis that applying a biofertilizer composed of a recognized phosphate-solubilizing bacterium (Bacillus velezensis - endophytic strain BVPS01) and an underexplored plant growth-promoting bacterium (Lysinibacillus fusiformis - endophytic strain BVPS02) would improve the growth and grain yield of Glycine max L. plants. Methods: Initial in vitro tests assessed the functional traits of these bacteria, and a mix of strains BVPS01 and BVPS02 was produced and tested under field conditions to evaluate its agronomic efficiency. Results: The results confirmed the hypothesis that the tested biofertilizer enhances the agronomic performance of G. max plants in the field. The B. velezensis strain (BVPS01) was found to be more effective than the L. fusiformis strain (BVPS02) in solubilizing phosphates via the phosphatase enzyme production pathway, indicated by the expression of the phoC and phoD genes. In contrast, L. fusiformis was more effective in solubilizing phosphates through organic acid and phytase-related pathways, in addition to synthesizing indole-3-acetic acid and increasing the mitotic index in the root meristem of G. max plants. These strains exhibited biological compatibility, and the formulated product based on these rhizobacteria enhanced root development and increased the number of nodules and flowers, positively affecting 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and grain P content. Discussion: Thus, the tested biofertilizer demonstrated potential to improve root growth and increase both the yield and quality of soybean crops, making it a sustainable and low-cost strategy.

A phosphate glass reinforced composite acrylamide gradient scaffold for osteochondral interface regeneration.

The bone-cartilage interface is defined by a unique arrangement of cells and tissue matrix. Injury to the interface can contribute to the development of arthritic joint disease. Attempts to repair osteochondral damage through clinical trials have generated mixed outcomes. Tissue engineering offers the potential of integrated scaffold design with multiregional architecture to assist in tissue regeneration, such as the bone-cartilage interface. Challenges remain in joining distinct materials in a single scaffold mass while maintaining integrity and avoiding delamination. The aim of the current work is to examine the possibility of joining two closely related acrylamide derivatives such as, poly n-isopropyl acrylamide (pNIPAM) and poly n­tert­butyl acrylamide (pNTBAM). The target is to produce a single scaffold unit with distinct architectural regions in the favour of regenerating the osteochondral interface. Longitudinal phosphate glass fibres (PGFs) with the formula 50P2O5.30CaO.20Na2O were incorporated to provide additional bioactivity by degradation to release ions such as calcium and phosphate which are considered valuable to assist the mineralization process. Polymers were prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and solutions cast to ensure the integration of polymers chains. Scaffold was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) techniques. The PGF mass degradation pattern was inspected using micro computed tomography (µCT). Biological assessment of primary human osteoblasts (hOBs) and primary human chondrocytes (hCHs) upon scaffolds was performed using alizarin red and colorimetric calcium assay for mineralization assessment; alcian blue staining and dimethyl-methylene blue (DMMB) assay for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs); immunostaining and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect functional proteins expression by cells such as collagen I, II, and annexin A2. FTIR analysis revealed an intact unit with gradual transformation from pNIPAM to pNTBAM. SEM images showed three distinct architectural regions with mean pore diameter of 54.5 µm (pNIPAM), 16.5 µm (pNTBAM) and 118 µm at the mixed interface. Osteogenic and mineralization potential by cells was observed upon the entire scaffold's regions. Chondrogenic activity was relevant on the pNTBAM side of the scaffold only with minimal evidence in the pNIPAM region. PGFs increased mineralization potential of both hOBs and hCHs, evidenced by elevated collagens I, X, and annexin A2 with reduction of collagen II in PGFs scaffolds. In conclusion, pNIPAM and pNTBAM integration created a multiregional scaffold with distinct architectural regions. Differential chondrogenic, osteogenic, and mineralized cell performance, in addition to the impact of PGF, suggests a potential role for phosphate glass-incorporated, acrylamide-derivative scaffolds in osteochondral interface regeneration.

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH): The "Why, What and How" of decision making for orthodontists.

Molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) presents a significant clinical challenge in orthodontics, with its complex etiology, variable presentation, and profound impact on enamel homeostasis. Utilizing Simon Sinek's "Golden Circle" method, this article systematically explores the implications of MIH within orthodontic practice. The "Why" emphasizes the critical need for orthodontists to understand MIH, given its prevalence and potential to disrupt treatment outcomes. MIH affects up to 40.2% of the global population, and its association with increased caries risk, hypersensitivity, and restorative failures necessitates an informed approach to management. The "What" section addresses the importance of recognizing the phenotypic variability of MIH and its influence on oral health-related quality of life. MIH impacts social and psychological well-being, particularly when anterior teeth are involved, and complicates orthodontic treatment due to challenges in bonding, banding, and restorative protocols. The "How" provides practical guidelines for orthodontic management, including diagnostic considerations, tooth restoration strategies, and the complexities of first permanent molar extractions. Strategic planning is essential to avoid complications such as mesial drift, overeruption, or space loss, with a multidisciplinary approach often required. This article highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and patient-centered care in managing MIH-affected teeth, underscoring the evolving nature of clinical protocols. By framing the discussion through the Golden Circle, this critical review offers a structured and impactful approach to understanding and addressing MIH within orthodontic contexts, aiming to enhance treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.

Transcriptome analysis to explore the mechanism of downregulated TNIK influencing the effect of risperidone.

Background: Risperidone is one of the most reliable and effective antipsychotics for schizophrenia treatment. However, the mechanism of action of risperidone is not yet fully understood. Traf2 and Nck-interacting protein kinase (TNIK), a schizophrenia susceptibility gene, is associated with risperidone treatment response. Our previous in vitro experiments confirmed that downregulated TNIK affected the effect of risperidone on downstream targets. However, the effect of downregulated TNIK on risperidone-induced molecular expression remains to be further explored. Methods: Transcriptome analysis was performed on U251 cells subjected to risperidone, TNIK siRNA, and no treatment, respectively. Compared to the no-treatment group, two groups of DEGs were screened out and then intersected with the schizophrenia-related genes to screen the cross-talk genes. Those DEGs were analyzed using GO and KEGG. STRING and Cytoscape were used to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network for the cross-talk gene. Results: The results showed that the parathyroid hormone synthesis, secretion, and action were significantly enriched after risperidone treatment. Downregulated TNIK could have an impact on the collagen-containing extracellular matrix, signaling receptor activator activity, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Interestingly, bone mineralization function and calcium signaling pathway were enriched in the cross-talk genes. Additionally, FGFR2, FGF1, and FGFR might be the potential targets for TNIK affecting the effects of risperidone. Conclusion: The study indicated that risperidone primarily influences functions and/or pathways associated with bone metabolism, potentially contributing to the adverse effect of osteoporosis. Our study may offer a novel perspective on investigating the mechanisms underlying the adverse effects of risperidone.

Biocompatibility and pro-mineralization effects of premixed calcium silicate-based materials on human dental pulp stem cells: An in vitro and in vivo study.

Premixed calcium silicate-based materials have recently been developed and are recommended for a wide range of endodontic procedures, including vital pulp therapy. This study investigated the in vitro biocompatibility and pro-mineralization effect and in vivo reparative dentin formation of EndoSequence Root Repair Material, EndoSequence BCRRM, Bio-C Repair, and Well-pulp PT. Both fresh and set extracts had no detrimental effect on the growth of human dental pulp stem cells. The fresh extracts had a higher calcium concentration than the set extracts and induced considerably greater mineralized nodule formation. EndoSequence Root Repair Material had the longest setting time, whereas Bio-C Repair had the shortest. When these materials were applied to exposed rat molar pulps, mineralized tissue deposition was found at the exposure sites after 2 weeks. These results indicate that the premixed calcium silicate-based materials tested could have positive benefits for direct pulp capping procedures.

Bone Quality and Mineralization and Effects of Treatment in Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare congenital bone dysplasia characterized by high fracture rates and broad variations in clinical manifestations ranging from mild to increasingly severe and perinatal lethal forms. The underlying mutations affect either the synthesis or processing of the type I procollagen molecule itself or proteins that are involved in the formation and mineralization of the collagen matrix. Consequently, the collagen forming cells, the osteoblasts, become broadly dysfunctional in OI. Strikingly, hypermineralized bone matrix seems to be a frequent feature in OI, despite the variability in clinical severity and mutations in the so far studied different forms of human OI. While the causes of the increased mineral content of the bone matrix are not fully understood yet, there is evidence that the descendants of the osteoblasts, the osteocytes, which play a critical role not only in bone remodeling, but also in mineralization and sensing of mechanical loads, are also highly dysregulated and might be of major importance in the pathogenesis of OI. In this review article, we firstly summarize findings of cellular abnormalities in osteoblasts and osteocytes, alterations of the organic matrix, as well as of the microstructural organization of bone. Secondly, we focus on the hypermineralization of the bone matrix in OI as observed in several different forms of human OI as well as in animal models, its measurement and potential mechanical implications and its effect on the bone mineral density measured by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Thirdly, we give an overview of established medication treatments of OI and new approaches with a focus of their known or possible effects on the bone material, particularly on bone matrix mineralization.

Efficacy of topical application of corticosteroids in the remineralization of dental pulp tissue. A systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this systematic review was to demonstrate the efficacy of topical application of corticosteroids in remineralization of dental pulp tissues to preserve their vitality and function. DATA, SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION: An electronic search was performed using MEDLINE by PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science (WOS), and Scopus databases. The inclusion criteria were in vitro studies that employed dental pulp tissue obtained from extracted healthy permanent human teeth and were subjected to topical administration of corticosteroids and evaluated tissue remineralization by performing any mineralization assay. A total of 11 studies were selected for inclusion. PRISMA guidelines were followed, and the methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies were evaluated using the RoBDEMAT guidelines. Also, tables were designed for data extraction, including tissue mineralization and osteogenic differentiation as primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Alizarin Red S (ARS) has been able to demonstrate a possible mineralizing power of corticosteroids, applied at an adequate dose. The up-regulation of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), osteopontin (OSP), sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), collagen type 1 alpha 1(COL1α1) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) induced the osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Deep carious lesions treatment is still challenging in restorative dentistry. Some treatments have been focused on dental pulp tissue remineralization to maintain the function and vitality. After corticosteroids topical application, mineral deposition and osteogenic differentiation have been detected.

A numerical feasibility study of CO2 foam for carbon utilization and storage in a depleted, high salinity, carbonate oil reservoir.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) offers a viable solution to reduce the carbon footprint in the petroleum industry, and foam injection presents a promising method to achieve this while simultaneously increasing oil recovery. In this work, we studied the feasibility of CO2 foam for co-optimizing enhanced oil recovery and CO2 storage in a high-salinity carbonate formation. The simulated hydrodynamic model is a depleted formation containing 30% residual oil, with three mechanisms for CO2 storage: solubility, residual, and mineralization trapping mechanisms. The results showed that after 20 years, oil recovery during foam injection was 2.7 times higher than CO2 injection, and the CO2 stored during foam flooding was 38% higher than CO2 injection. Notably, foam injection also increased CO2 storage capacity by 2.6 times, indicating the potential to store around 2 gigatons of CO2 in the simulated model. This was attributed to the ability of foam to significantly reduce gas mobility and thus form isolated bubbles through its Jamin effect. Residual trapping was the dominant trapping mechanism, contributing to over 70% of the total CO2 trapped, attributed to the reduction in the dissolution of CO2 in brine due to the high salinity of the aqueous medium. CO2 mineralization was also studied, showing the least trapping efficiency and the dissolution trend of all the carbonate minerals. This study illustrates a novel CO2 utilization and storage technique in which CO2 is concurrently sequestered while enhancing oil recovery in a depleted oil reservoir by injecting CO2 as foam. The relevance of this study lies in its potential to provide a dual benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and boosting oil production, offering a sustainable approach for the petroleum industry.

Barrier Membrane with Janus Function and Structure for Guided Bone Regeneration.

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) technology has been demonstrated to be an effective method for reconstructing bone defects. A membrane is used to cover the bone defect to stop soft tissue from growing into it. The biosurface design of the barrier membrane is key to the technology. In this work, an asymmetric functional gradient Janus membrane was designed to address the bidirectional environment of the bone and soft tissue during bone reconstruction. The Janus membrane was simply and efficiently prepared by the multilayer self-assembly technique, and it was divided into the polycaprolactone isolation layer (PCL layer, GBR-A) and the nanohydroxyapatite/polycaprolactone/polyethylene glycol osteogenic layer (HAn/PCL/PEG layer, GBR-B). The morphology, composition, roughness, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, cell attachment, and osteogenic mineralization ability of the double surfaces of the Janus membrane were systematically evaluated. The GBR-A layer was smooth, dense, and hydrophobic, which could inhibit cell adhesion and resist soft tissue invasion. The GBR-B layer was rough, porous, hydrophilic, and bioactive, promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, matrix mineralization, and expression of alkaline phosphatase and RUNX2. In vitro and in vivo results showed that the membrane could bind tightly to bone, maintain long-term space stability, and significantly promote new bone formation. Moreover, the membrane could fix the bone filling material in the defect for a better healing effect. This work presents a straightforward and viable methodology for the fabrication of GBR membranes with Janus-based bioactive surfaces. This work may provide insights for the design of biomaterial surfaces and treatment of bone defects.

Ammonia exposure impairs bone mineralization in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae.

Ammonia is a major pollutant of freshwater environments. Previous studies have indicated that ammonia exposure adversely affects the physiology of freshwater fish. However, its effect on bone mineralization in freshwater fish larvae remains unclear. In this study, zebrafish larvae were used as a model to investigate the effects of different ammonia levels (0, 2.5, 5, and 10 mM NH4Cl) on the survival rate, body length, and bone mineralization of fish. The survival rate of zebrafish embryos exposed to different NH4Cl concentrations for 8 days was not affected. In contrast, the body length and bone mineralization of zebrafish larvae at 8 days post fertilization (dpf) were significantly reduced at 5 and 10 mM NH4Cl exposure. Further investigations revealed that ammonia exposure decreased the mRNA expression of osteoblast-related genes and increased that of osteoclast-related genes. Additionally, exposure to 5 mM and 10 mM NH4Cl induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). 10 mM-but not 5 mM-NH4Cl exposure reduced the calcium and phosphorus content in 8 dpf zebrafish larvae. In conclusion, ammonia exposure induces bone resorption, while decreasing the calcium and phosphorus content of the whole body and bone formation, resulting in impaired bone mineralization in fish larvae.

Magnetic silica-coated cutinase immobilized via ELPs biomimetic mineralization for efficient nano-PET degradation.

The proliferation of nano-plastic particles (NPs) poses severe environmental hazards, urgently requiring effective biodegradation methods. Herein, a novel method was developed for degrading nano-PET (polyethylene terephthalate) using immobilized cutinases. Nano-PET particles were prepared using a straightforward method, and biocompatible elastin-like polypeptide-magnetic nanoparticles (ELPs-MNPs) were obtained as magnetic cores via biomimetic mineralization. Using one-pot synthesis with the cost-effective precursor tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), silica-coated magnetically immobilized ELPs-tagged cutinase (ET-C@SiO2@MNPs) were produced. ET-C@SiO2@MNPs showed rapid magnetic separation within 30 s, simplifying recovery and reuse. ET-C@SiO2@MNPs retained 86 % of their initial activity after 11 cycles and exhibited superior hydrolytic capabilities for nano-PET, producing 0.515 mM TPA after 2 h of hydrolysis, which was 96.6 % that of free enzymes. Leveraging ELPs biomimetic mineralization, this approach offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for PET-nanoplastic degradation, highlighting the potential of ET-C@SiO2@MNPs in effective nanoplastic waste management and contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Effects of tillage management on soil organic carbon mineralization under double cropping rice system of southern China.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in maintaining or enhancing soil fertility and quality of paddy field, but there is still limited information about how SOC mineralization responds to different tillage managements under the double-cropping rice (Oryza sativa L.) system in southern of China. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the changes in SOC content, soil enzyme activities (invertase, cellulose and urease), SOC mineralization at 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers and its relationship with 7-years tillage management under the double-cropping rice system of southern China. The experiment included four tillage managements: rotary tillage with all residues removed as a control (RTO), conventional tillage with residue incorporation (CT), rotary tillage with residue incorporation (RT), and no-tillage with residue retention (NT). The results indicated that SOC and soil labile organic carbon contents at 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers in paddy field with CT and RT treatments were significantly higher than the RTO treatment. Compared to the RTO treatment, SOC mineralization and accumulation at 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers in paddy field with CT, RT and NT treatments were increased. SOC accumulation and potential mineralization at 0-10 cm layer with NT treatment were significantly higher than the CT, RT and RTO treatments. Soil mineralization constant at 10-20 cm layer with CT treatment was significantly higher than those of RT, NT and RTO treatments. This result indicated SOC mineralization rate and accumulation at 10-20 cm layer of CT, RT, NT and RTO treatments were lower than those of treatments at 0-10 cm layer. Compared to RTO treatment, soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities with CT and RT treatments were significantly increased. Compared to RTO treatment, soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities at 0-20 cm layer of CT treatment increased by 22.6%, 46.2% and 89.0%, respectively. There was significantly positive correlation between SOC accumulation and SOC content, soil invertase, cellulose, urease activities, but SOC accumulation was significantly negative correlated with soil pH, bulk density. Therefore, CT and RT treatments were beneficial managements to improve SOC content and SOC mineralization in the double-cropping rice field of southern China.

Effects of MCPA and difenoconazole on glyphosate degradation and soil microorganisms.

Modern agriculture relies heavily on pesticide use to meet the demands of food quality and quantity. Therefore, pesticides are often applied in mixtures, leading to a diverse cocktail of chemicals and their metabolites in soils, which can affect non-target organisms such as soil microorganisms. Pesticides are tested for their single effects, but studies on their interactive effects are scarce. This study aimed to determine the effects of up to three simultaneously applied pesticides on the soil microbial community and on their special function in pesticide degradation. Agricultural soil without previous pesticide application was exposed to different mixtures of the herbicide glyphosate (GLP), the phenoxy herbicide MCPA (2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) and the fungicide difenoconazole (DFC) for up to 56 days. Isotopic and molecular methods were used to investigate effects of the mixtures on the microbial community and to follow the mineralization and utilization of GLP. An initial increase in the metabolic quotient by up to 35 % in the presence of MCPA indicated a stress reaction of the microbial community. The presence of multiple pesticides reduced both gram positive bacterial fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) by 13 % and the abundance of microorganisms with the genetic potential for GLP degradation via the AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid) pathway. Both the number of pesticides and the identities of individual pesticides played major roles. Surprisingly, an increase in 13C-labelled GLP mineralization of up to 40 % was observed while carbon use efficiency (CUE) decreased. Interactions between multiple pesticides might alter the behavior of individual pesticides and be reflected in the microbial community. Our results highlight the importance of investigating not only single pesticides, but also pesticide mixtures and their interactions.

Abamectin at environmentally relevant concentrations impairs bone development in zebrafish larvae.

Abamectin (ABM) is a widely used pesticide in agriculture and veterinary medicine, which primarily acts by disrupting the neurological physiology of pests, leading to their paralysis and death. Its extensive application has resulted in contamination of many natural water bodies. While the adverse effects of ABM on the growth and development of non-target organisms are well documented, its impact on bone development remains inadequately studied. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of ABM (1, 5, 25 µg/L) on early bone development in zebrafish. Our results indicated that ABM significantly affected both cartilage and bone development of zebrafish larvae, accompanied by dose-dependent increase in deformity and mortality rates, as well as exacerbated apoptosis. ABM exposure led to deformities in the ceratobranchial (cb) and hyosymplectic (hs), accompanied by significant increases in the length of the palatoquadrate (pq). Furthermore, significant decreases in the CH-CH angle, Meckel's-Meckel's angle, and Meckel's-PQ angle were noted. Even at the safe concentration of 5 µg/L (1/10 of the 96 h LC50), ABM delayed the process of bone mineralization in zebrafish larvae. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR results demonstrated that ABM induced differential gene expression associated with cartilage and bone development in zebrafish. Thus, this study provides preliminary insights into the effects and molecular mechanisms underlying ABM's impact on the bone development of zebrafish larvae and offers new evidence for a better understanding of its toxicity.