CO2 Stress-Driven Room Temperature Ferromagnetism of Ultrathin 2D Gallium Oxide.

Spintronic devices work by manipulating the spin of electrons other than charge transfer, which is of revolutionary significance and can largely reduce energy consumption in the future. Herein, ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) non-van der Waals (non-vdW) γ-Ga2O3 with room temperature ferromagnetism is successfully obtained by using supercritical CO2 (SC CO2). The stress effect of SC CO2 under different pressures selectively modulates the orientation and strength of covalent bonds, leading to the change of atomic structure including lattice expansion, introduction of O vacancy, and transition of Ga-O coordination (GaO4 and GaO6). Magnetic measurements show that pristine γ-Ga2O3 is nonferromagnetic, whereas the SC CO2 treated γ-Ga2O3 exhibits obvious ferromagnetic behavior with an optimal magnetization of 0.025 emu g-1 and a Curie temperature of 300 K.

MiR-141-3p-Functionalized Exosomes Loaded in Dissolvable Microneedle Arrays for Hypertrophic Scar Treatment.

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a common fibroproliferative disease caused by abnormal wound healing after deep skin injury. However, the existing approaches have unsatisfactory therapeutic effects, which promote the exploration of newer and more effective strategies. MiRNA-modified functional exosomes delivered by dissolvable microneedle arrays (DMNAs) are expected to provide new hope for HS treatment. In this study, a miRNA, miR-141-3p, which is downregulated in skin scar tissues and in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs), is identified. MiR-141-3p mimics inhibit the proliferation, migration, and myofibroblast transdifferentiation of HSFs in vitro by targeting TGF-ß2 to suppress the TGF-ß2/Smad pathway. Subsequently, the engineered exosomes encapsulating miR-141-3p (miR-141-3pOE -Exos) are isolated from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells transfected with Lv-miR-141-3p. MiR-141-3pOE -Exos show the same inhibitive effects as miR-141-3p mimics on the pathological behaviors of HSFs in vitro. The DMNAs for sustained release of miR-141-3pOE -Exos are further fabricated in vivo. MiR-141OE -Exos@DMNAs effectively decrease the thickness of HS and improve fibroblast distribution and collagen fiber arrangement, and downregulate the expression of α-SMA, COL-1, FN, TGF-ß2, and p-Smad2/3 in the HS tissue. Overall, a promising, effective, and convenient exosome@DMNA-based miRNA delivery strategy for HS treatment is provided.

Fentanyl Promoted the Growth of Placenta Trophoblast Cells through Regulating the METTL14 Mediated CCL5 Levels.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an important cause of the increase in incidence rate and mortality of pregnant women and perinatal infants. This study aimed to analyze the role of fentanyl, a µ-opioid agonist, in the GDM progression. The high glucose (HG) treatment HTR8/SVneo cells was used as a GDM model in vitro. The cell viability was assessed with cell counting kit-8 assay. The apoptosis rate was analyzed with flow cytometry and the transwell assay was conducted to test the cell migration and invasion. RT-quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay was performed to determine the relative expressions of related genes. The N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) levels were analyzed with MeRIP analysis. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), and IL-10 levels of the cells were analyzed with commercial kits. The results showed that fentanyl increased the cell viability, migration and invasion, and IL-10 levels, and declined the apoptosis rate, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels of the HG stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells. The chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) was over expressed in GDM tissues and HG stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells, which was depleted after fentanyl treatment. Over expressed CCL5 neutralized the fentanyl roles in the HG stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells. The methyltransferase-like protein 14 (METTL14) levels was decreased in HG stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells, which was up-regulated after fentanyl treatment. Additionally, METTL14 silenced prominently decreased the m6A and mRNA levels, along with the mRNA stability of CCL5. In conclusion, fentanyl promoted the growth and inhibited the apoptosis of the HG stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells through regulating the METTL14 mediated CCL5 levels.

Benchmarking Phases of Ruthenium Dichalcogenides for Electrocatalysis of Hydrogen Evolution: Theoretical and Experimental Insights.

The hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a significant cathode step in electrochemical devices, especially in water splitting, but developing efficient HER catalysts remains a great challenge. Herein, comprehensive density functional theory calculations are presented to explore the intrinsic HER behaviors of a series of ruthenium dichalcogenide crystals (RuX2 , X = S, Se, Te). In addition, a simple and easily scaled production strategy is proposed to synthesize RuX2 nanoparticles uniformly deposited on carbon nanotubes. Consistent with theoretical predictions, the RuX2 catalysts exhibit impressive HER catalytic behavior. In particular, marcasite-type RuTe2 (RuTe2 -M) achieves Pt-like activity (35.7 mV at 10 mA cm-2 ) in an acidic electrolyte, and pyrite-type RuSe2 presents outstanding HER performance in an alkaline media (29.5 mV at 10 mA cm-2 ), even superior to that of commercial Pt/C. More importantly, a RuTe2 -M-based proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer and a RuSe2 -based anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer are also carefully assembled, and their outstanding single-cell performance points to them being efficient cathode candidates for use in hydrogen production. This work makes a significant contribution to the exploration of a new class of transition metal dichalcogenides with remarkable activity toward water electrolysis.

Transmission Characteristics Analysis and Compensation Control of Double Tendon-sheath Driven Manipulator.

The double tendon-sheath drive system is widely used in the design of surgical robots and search and rescue robots because of its simplicity, dexterity, and long-distance transmission. We are attempting to apply it to manipulators, wherenon-linear characteristics such as gaps, hysteresis, etc., due to friction between the contact surfaces of the tendon sheath and the flexibility of the rope, are the main difficulties in controlling such manipulators. Most of the existing compensation control methods applicable to double tendon-sheath actuators are offline compensation methods that do not require output feedback, but when the system's motion and configuration changes, it cannot adapt to the drastic changes in the transmission characteristics. Depending on the transmission system, the robotic arm, changes at any time during the working process, and the force sensors and torque sensors that cannot be applied to the joints of the robot, so a real-time position compensation control method based on flexible cable deformation is proposed. A double tendon-sheath transmission model is established, a double tendon-sheath torque transmission model under any load condition is derived, and a semi-physical simulation experimental platform composed of a motor, a double tendon-sheath transmission system and a single articulated arm is established to verify the transfer model. Through the signal feedback of the end encoder, a real-time closed-loop feedback system was established, thus that the system can still achieve the output to follow the desired torque trajectory under the external interference.

Population genetics of 15 autosomal STR loci in the Han population of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Northwestern China.

PURPOSE: China harbors 56 ethnic groups and Han accounts for >92% of the total Chinese population. We investigated the frequencies of 15 autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci in the Han population of the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture with the aim of expanding the available population information in human genetics databases and for forensic DNA analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We explored the genetic characteristics of 15 autosomal STR loci in 552 unrelated Chinese Han individuals from Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Northwestern China using the AmpFISTR Identifiler PCR Amplification Kit. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis was performed between the Han population and other relevant populations based on the autosomal STR genotyping. The neighbor-joining tree and principle component analysis were generated based on the Nei's standard genetic distance and allelic frequencies, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 171 alleles were observed among 552 unrelated individuals and allelic frequencies ranged from 0.5145 to 0.0009. The combined power of discrimination and combined power of exclusion of the 15 autosomal STR loci were 0.9999999999999999964 and 0.999998243616671, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Population comparison revealed that the Ili Han population were lining up together with other Han populations in China while showing significant differences from other Chinese and worldwide populations.

ATM rs189037 (G > A) polymorphism increased the risk of cancer: an updated meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Rs189037 (G > A) is a functional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene that may be associated with the risk of cancer. We performed a meta-analysis to determine whether rs189037 polymorphism influences the occurrence of cancer and examined the relationship between this SNP and the etiology of cancer. METHODS: Case-control studies were retrieved from literature databases in accordance with established inclusion criteria. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the association between rs189037 and cancer. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis also were performed. RESULTS: After inclusion criteria were met, fifteen studies-comprising 8660 patients with cancer (cases) and 9259 controls-were included in this meta-analysis. Summary results indicated that an association was found between rs189037 and cancer risk. In the dominant model, the pooled OR using a random effects model was 1.207 (95% CI, 1.090-1.337; P < 0.001). The A allele of rs189037 increased the risk of lung cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancer. Results of subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that the SNP was associated with the risk of cancer among East Asian and Latino, but not Caucasian. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this meta-analysis suggest that rs189037 is associated with the occurrence of lung cancer, breast cancer, and oral cancer as the risk factor. These data provide possible avenues for future case-control studies related to cancer.

18O-labeled phosphate applied to soil appears in the shoots of maize after uptake by roots but not after uptake by an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus.

The application of 33P or 32P isotopes to directly trace phosphorus (P) uptake during arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is limited by the radioactivity of the two P isotopes, especially under field conditions. A potential alternative method for tracing P uptake in plant-soil systems relies on the analysis of the stable oxygen (O) isotopes of ortho-phosphate (Pi); however, little is known about the fate of the P-O bond during Pi uptake in AM symbioses. This study investigated whether the abundance of 18O in Pi extracted from the shoots of maize increased after 18O-labeled Pi added to soil was taken up by either roots of maize or AM extraradical hyphae. A two-compartment culture system, consisting of a root and AM hyphal compartment (RHC, including both roots and AM hyphae) and an AM hyphal compartment (HC, including only hyphae) was designed, and the AM fungus Funneliformis mosseae was used to inoculate the roots of maize. Our results indicated that the abundance of 18O in Pi extracted from the maize shoots increased significantly 3 months after the addition of 18O-labeled Pi to the soil in the pots which only contained roots. The abundance of 18O was much lower than expected, however, which suggests a great majority of 18O in labeled Pi was lost in the soil or during Pi metabolism in the shoots of maize. The abundance of 18O in Pi extracted from the maize shoots did not increase 3 months after 18O-labeled Pi was added to the HC, and therefore, loss of 18O in labeled Pi may also occur during Pi metabolism in AM hyphae. Use of 18O-labeled Pi as a qualitative tracer of P uptake during AM symbiosis appears unfeasible for such a long-term (3 months) experiment, although it should be investigated in a short-term labeling experiment.

1.6 MW peak power, 90 ps all-solid-state laser from an aberration self-compensated double-passing end-pumped Nd:YVO4 rod amplifier.

In this paper a delicately designed double-passing end-pumped Nd:YVO4 rod amplifier is reported that produces 10.2 W average laser output when seeded by a 6 mW Nd:YVO4 microchip laser at a repetition rate of 70 kHz with pulse duration of 90 ps. A pulse peak power of ∼1.6 MW and pulse energy of ∼143 µJ is achieved. The beam quality is well preserved by a double-passing configuration for spherical-aberration compensation. The laser-beam size in the amplifier is optimized to prevent the unwanted damage from the high pulse peak-power density. This study provides a simple and robust picosecond all-solid-state master oscillator power amplifier system with both high peak power and high beam quality, which shows great potential in the micromachining.

[Differential expression profile of microRNAs between human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and sweat gland-like cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the differential microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles between human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) and sweat gland-like cells. METHODS: The hBM-MSCs were induced to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic cells by related osteogenic differentiation basal medium and adipogenic differentiation basal medium respectively. And the results were assayed by oil red O and alizarin red stains respectively. When reaching 70%-80% confluence, primarily cultured sweat gland cells were heat-shocked and co-cultured with hBM-MSCs by a Transwell plate to induce the differentiation of hBM-MSCs. After 10 days, the total RNAs of hBM-MSCs and sweat gland-like cells were extracted, purified, labeled, hybridized and analyzed for predicting miRNAs target genes separately. The microarray results were confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: There were 68 miRNAs of >double differentiation on expression level between hBM-MSCs and sweat gland-like cells. And 19 miRNAs were up-regulated and 49 miRNAs down-regulated. Moreover, there were 13 miRNAs with >5 folds of differential expression level between hBM-MSCs and sweat gland-like cells, including 5 up-regulated miRNAs (miRNA-132-3p, -4467, -4484, -146a-5p and -6126) and 8 down-regulated miRNAs (miRNA-708-5p, -138-5p, -6812-5p, -138-1-3p, -1281, -3157-3p, -4298 and -4459). There were 18 miRNAs related to regulation of the signaling pathways of sweat gland development, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MAPK/Erk), Wnt/beta-Catenin (Wnt/ß-Catenin) and ectodysplasin-A1/ectodysplasin-A1 receptor (EDA/EDAR). The results of RT-PCR on miRNA-146a-5p and miRNA-6812-5p had a high concordance with the results of microarray. CONCLUSIONS: There are obvious differentiation miRNAs expression profiles between hBM-MSCs and sweat gland-like cells. And 13 miRNAs >5 folds of differential expression and 18 miRNAs related to sweat gland development may play essential roles in regulated differentiation of hBM-MSCs into sweat gland-like cells.

Polydopamine-functionalization of graphene oxide to enable dual signal amplification for sensitive surface plasmon resonance imaging detection of biomarker.

Surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) is one of the powerful tools for immunoassays with advantages of label-free, real-time, and high-throughput; however, it often suffers from limited sensitivity. Herein we report a dual signal amplification strategy utilizing polydopamine (PDA) functionalization of reduced graphene oxide (PDA-rGO) nanosheets for sensitive SPRi immunoassay in serum. The PDA-rGO nanosheet is synthesized by oxidative polymerization of dopamine in a gentle alkaline solution in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) sheets and then is antibody-conjugated via a spontaneous reaction between the protein and the PDA component. In the dual amplification mode, the first signal comes from capture of the antibody-conjugated PDA-rGO to form sandwiched immunocomplexes on the SPRi chip, followed by a PDA-induced spontaneous gold reductive deposition on PDA-rGO to further enhance the SPRi signal. The detection limit as low as 500 pg mL(-1) is achieved on a nonfouling SPRi chip with high specificity and a wide dynamic range for a model biomarker, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in 10% human serum.

The changes of Proteome in MG-63 cells after induced by calcitonin gene-related peptide.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the changes of Proteomics in MG-63 cells after induced by calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The subcultured MG63 cells were randomly divided into CGRP group and the control group. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE), coomassie brilliant blue gel staining and mass spectrometry were used to analyze the changes of protein extracted from the two groups. Six protein spots with significant differences were selected to take in-gel digestion, peptide mass fingerprint analysis and IPI database search. There were more than 967±17 protein spots separated by Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and the matching rate was (85.1±1.4%). Compared with the control group, six protein spots were significantly different in CGRP-induced group and expression of the 6 differently proteins was downregulated. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 5 proteins, including ribosome binding protein p180 which is related to new synthetic protein's translocation and calcium-binding protein (HRNR Hornerin) that can affect intracellular calcium concentration to regulate cell activity. These changes of proteome, including several groups of proteins that influence calcium ion concentration and new protein translocation, suggested that CGRP may regulate the cells by the second messengers and cytokines. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in CGRP-induced MG-63 cells.

Clinical efficacy and short-term outcome of combining flexible cystoscopy with percutaneous nephrolithotomy for complex renal stone management.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and short-term prognosis of using flexible cystoscopy with percutaneous nephrolithotomy to treat complex renal stones. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with complex kidney stones treated at Gansu Provincial Hospital of TCM and Lanzhou City No. 2 People's Hospital from July 2019 to July 2022. The study divided the patients into a control group (n=95), who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy alone, and an observation group (n=109), who received additional holmium laser lithotripsy and cystoscopy. We compared stone clearance rates at 5 days and 1 month post-surgery, analyzed patient prognosis over a year based on stone recurrence, and assessed risk factors through logistic regression. Perioperative data, changes in renal function indiex 3 days post-surgery, and complication rates were also evaluated. RESULTS: The observation group exhibited a significantly higher stone clearance rate at 5 days post-surgery (P=0.002) compared to the control group, although no significant difference was observed at 1 month (P=0.823). The operative time was significantly shorter (P<0.001), and postoperative levels of BUA, Cys-c, and ß2-BMG were lower (P<0.05) in the observation group. Additionally, treatment regimen, BMI, and STONE score were influencing factors for stone recurrence within 1 year. CONCLUSION: Flexible cystoscopy combined with percutaneous nephrolithotomy offers superior short-term outcomes in the treatment of complex renal stones, including enhanced stone clearance, reduced operative time, and minimized renal function impairment shortly after surgery. Moreover, treatment approach, BMI, and STONE score play pivotal roles in predicting stone recurrence.

The influence of RAMP1 overexpression on CGRP-induced osteogenic differentiation in MG-63 cells in vitro: an experimental study.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of receptor activity modifying protein 1 (RAMP1) overexpression on the expression and distribution of calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR) in MG-63 cells. Our research also focused on whether RAMP1 overexpression enhanced the promoting effect of exogenous CGRP on osteogenic differentiation in MG-63 cells. We first constructed a eukaryotic expression vector containing human RAMP1 and stably transfected it into MG-63 cells. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of RAMP1 and CRLR mRNA and protein, respectively. Immunofluorescence analysis was employed to compare the distribution of CRLR in transfected cells. After treatment with CGRP, the extent of osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by simultaneous monitoring of alkaline phosphatase activity, the expression patterns of osteoblastic markers and mineralisation staining. We found that RAMP1 was more highly expressed in the transfected group compared with the control groups (P < 0.01). The CRLR expression was significantly higher than that in the control groups (P < 0.05). In addition, after 7 days of CGRP treatment to induce osteogenic differentiation, the expression of collagen I mRNA was markedly increased in the transfected group (P < 0.05). The transfected group exhibited more granular precipitation in the cytoplasm with alkaline phosphatase staining after 7 and 14 days of differentiation. When stained with Alizarin Red, cells overexpressing RAMP1 were darker and formed many mineralised nodules with clear boundaries and calcium deposition typical of mineralised bone matrix structures at 28 days post-induction of differentiation. The CGRP-induced ALP activity in the RAMP1 overexpression group was significantly higher 3, 6 and 9 days after induction than that in the two control groups (P < 0.05). RAMP1 overexpression promotes CRLR expression, localisation on the cell membrane and enhanced CGRP-mediated differentiation of MG-63 cells. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing CGRP-induced MG-63 differentiation.

Pulsed electromagnetic fields as a promising therapy for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is considered the third type of osteoporosis and is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality. Long-term usage of glucocorticoids (GCs) causes worsened bone quality and low bone mass via their effects on bone cells. Currently, there are various clinical pharmacological treatments to regulate bone mass and skeletal health. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) are applied to treat patients suffering from delayed fracture healing and non-unions. PEMFs may be considered a potential and side-effect-free therapy for GIOP. PEMFs inhibit osteoclastogenesis, stimulate osteoblastogenesis, and affect the activity of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), osteocytes and blood vessels, ultimately leading to the retention of bone mass and strength. However, the underlying signaling pathways via which PEMFs influence GIOP remain unclear. This review attempts to summarize the underlying cellular mechanisms of GIOP. Furthermore, recent advances showing that PEMFs affect bone cells are discussed. Finally, we discuss the possibility of using PEMFs as therapy for GIOP.

Surgical outcomes and postoperative hemorrhage risk of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for deer horn shaped stones analyzed by Lasso regression.

OBJECTIVE: To predict surgical outcomes and postoperative hemorrhage risk for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in cases of staghorn-shaped stones using lasso regression. METHODS: We collected data from 104 patients with staghorn-shaped stones treated with PCNL between January 2019 and December 2022 at the Department of Urology Surgery, the Third People's Hospital of Gansu Province. Medical history, stone-related parameters, and lab test data were collected. Patients were categorized into stone clearance or residual groups based on postoperative stone status, and bleeding or non-bleeding groups based on post-surgery blood transfusion. The lasso model's predictive ability for post-PCNL Stone Free Rate (SFR) and hemorrhage risk was evaluated using ROC curves. The lasso model's predictive performance for post-PCNL SFR was compared to the S.T.O.N.E. score. RESULTS: Overall stone clearance rate was 59.29%. The lasso model identified hypertension history, calyx count at stone location, prior calyx surgeries, age, operation duration, and pre-op creatinine level as SFR predictors. The AUC of lasso model (0.867) significantly surpassed the S.T.O.N.E. model (0.748) (P=0.006) in predicting post-PCNL SFR. In addition, the AUC of lasso model in predicting the risk of postoperative bleeding was 0.779, suggesting an ability in the prediction of bleeding occurrence. CONCLUSION: A predictive model utilizing lasso algorithm was successfully established. It effectively predicts stone clearance rate and bleeding risk after PCNL for staghorn shaped kidney stones.

Micromodification of the Catalyst Layer by CO to Increase Pt Utilization for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Improving the utilization of platinum in proton-exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells is critical to reducing their cost. In the past decade, numerous Pt-based oxygen reduction reaction catalysts with high specific and mass activities have been developed. However, the high activities are mostly achieved in rotating disk electrode (RDE) measurement and have rarely been accomplished at the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) level. The failure of these direct translations from RDE to MEA has been well documented with several key reasons having been previously identified. One of them is the resistance caused by complex mass transport pathways in the MEA. Herein, we improve the proton and oxygen transportations in the MEA by building a thin and uniform distribution of ionomer on the catalyst surface. As a result, a PEM fuel cell design is capable of showing a current density improvement of 38% at the same voltage (0.6 V) under the H2/air operation.

Manure- and straw-derived biochars reduce the ecological risk of PBDE and promote nitrogen cycling by shaping microbiomes in PBDE-contaminated soil.

Pyrolysis of agricultural waste into biochar for soil remediation is a useful solid waste management strategy. However, it is still unclear how different agricultural feedstocks affect the properties of biochars and their effectiveness in remediation of PBDE-contaminated soil. In this study, we systematically investigated dynamic alterations of soil properties, microbial communities, and PBDE dissipation and bioavailability induced by the application of biochars from manure (MBC) and straw (SBC) to PBDE-contaminated soil. The results showed that soil properties, microbial community structure, and diversity changed differently with the incorporation of the two biochars. MBC had a larger surface area (17.4 m2/g) and a higher nutrient content (45.1% ash content), making it more suitable for use as a soil additive to improve soil quality and nutrient conditions, as well as to stimulate microbial growth. SBC showed higher adsorption capacity for 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether (BDE-47) (26.73 ± 0.65 mg/g), thus lowering the bioavailability and ecological risk of BDE-47 in soil. BDE-47 was stepwise debrominated into lower brominated PBDE by PBDE-degrading bacteria. MBC accelerated the debromination of BDE-47 (10.1%) by promoting PBDE-degrading microorganisms, while this was inhibited by SBC (3.5%) due to strong adsorption of BDE-47. In addition, we found that both types of biochar favored Nitrospirae bacteria and promoted N cycling. Overall, biochars from manure and straw can positively shape soil microbial communities differently by altering soil properties, soil fertility and nutrient availability, and the fate and the effects of contaminants, which ultimately led to a difference in the potential of biochars for their use in soil remediation.

Mechanical properties of Na-montmorillonite-modified EICP-treated silty sand.

The effects of Na-montmorillonite (Na-Mt) content and curing age on enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP)-treated soil were studied. First, the effects of Na-Mt addition on the urease activity, Ca2+ precipitation rate, and pH of the solution were analyzed through tube tests. Then, Na-Mt-modified EICP was used to reinforce silty sand in the Yellow River flooding area in China. The solidification effect and action mechanism of Na-Mt were investigated via the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, calcium carbonate content (CCC) measurement, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscope analyses, wherein soil treated by conventional EICP and soil treated with Na-Mt alone were considered the control group. Na-Mt improved the urease activity and Ca2+ precipitation rate, lowered the pH, increased the CaCO3 production through chelation, then regulated the morphology of the CaCO3 crystals and facilitated the formation of densely aggregated calcite. The CCC and mechanical parameters increased rapidly during the first 7 days of curing, and then slowed down. The incorporation of 8% Na-Mt enhanced the UCS and Ca2+ utilization ratio at curing age of 7 days by 1.4 and 2.72 times, respectively, compared with that of traditional EICP; and the optimal Na-Mt content was identified to be 8%. At Na-Mt contents lower than 8%, the mathematically expressed improvement effect of the Na-Mt-modified EICP on the soil strength was greater than the arithmetic sum of that when these two approaches applied individually; this result confirms that the Na-Mt-modified EICP technique proposed herein is an efficient approach for solidifying fine-grained soil.

Degradation of mineral-immobilized pyrene by ferrate oxidation: Role of mineral type and intermediate oxidative iron species.

Ferrate (Fe(VI)) salts like K2FeO4 are efficient green oxidants to remediate organic contaminants in water treatment. Minerals are efficient sorbents of contaminants and also excellent solid heterogeneous catalysts which might affect Fe(VI) remediation processes. By targeting the typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compound - pyrene, the application of Fe(VI) for oxidation of pyrene immobilized on three minerals, i.e., montmorillonite, kaolinite and goethite was studied for the first time. Pyrene immobilized on the three minerals was efficiently oxidized by Fe(VI), with 87%-99% of pyrene (10 µM) being degraded at pH 9.0 in the presence of a 50-fold molar excess Fe(VI). Different minerals favored different pH optima for pyrene degradation, with pH optima from neutral to alkaline following the order of montmorillonite (pH 7.0), kaolinite (pH 8.0), and goethite (pH 9.0). Although goethite revealed the highest catalytic activity on pyrene degradation by Fe(VI), the greater noneffective loss of the oxidative species by ready self-decay in the goethite system resulted in lower degradation efficiency compared to montmorillonite. Protonation and Lewis acid on montmorillonite and goethite assisted Fe(VI) oxidation of pyrene. The intermediate ferrate species (Fe(V)/Fe(IV)) were the dominant oxidative species accountable for pyrene oxidation, while the contribution of Fe(VI) species was negligible. Hydroxyl radical was involved in mineral-immobilized pyrene degradation and contributed to 11.5%-27.4% of the pyrene degradation in montmorillonite system, followed by kaolinite (10.8%-21.4%) and goethite (5.1%-12.2%) according to the hydroxyl radical quenching experiments. Cations abundant in the matrix and dissolved humic acid hampered pyrene degradation. Finally, two different degradation pathways both producing phthalic acid were identified. This study demonstrates efficient Fe(VI) oxidation of pyrene immobilized on minerals and contributes to the development of efficient environmentally friendly Fe(VI) based remediation techniques.