SegVir: Reconstruction of complete segmented RNA viral genomes from metatranscriptomes.

Segmented RNA viruses are a complex group of RNA viruses with multi-segment genomes. Reconstructing complete segmented viruses is crucial for advancing our understanding of viral diversity, evolution, and public health impact. Using metatranscriptomic data to identify known and novel segmented viruses has sped up the survey of segmented viruses in various ecosystems. However, the high genetic diversity and the difficulty in binning complete segmented genomes present significant challenges in segmented virus reconstruction. Current virus detection tools are primarily used to identify non-segmented viral genomes. This study presents SegVir, a novel tool designed to identify segmented RNA viruses and reconstruct their complete genomes from complex metatranscriptomes. SegVir leverages both close and remote homology searches to accurately detect conserved and divergent viral segments. Additionally, we introduce a new method that can evaluate the genome completeness and conservation based on gene content. Our evaluations on simulated datasets demonstrate SegVir's superior sensitivity and precision compared to existing tools. Moreover, in experiments using real data, we identified some virus segments missing in the NCBI database, underscoring SegVir's potential to enhance viral metagenome analysis. The source code and supporting data of SegVir are available via https://github.com/HubertTang/SegVir.

Characterization of RNA Processing Genes in Colon Cancer for Predicting Clinical Outcomes.

Objective: Colon cancer is associated with multiple levels of molecular heterogeneity. RNA processing converts primary transcriptional RNA to mature RNA, which drives tumourigenesis and its maintenance. The characterisation of RNA processing genes in colon cancer urgently needs to be elucidated. Methods: In this study, we obtained 1033 relevant samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases to explore the heterogeneity of RNA processing phenotypes in colon cancer. Firstly, Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis detected 4 subtypes with specific clinical outcomes and biological features via analysis of 485 RNA processing genes. Next, we adopted the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) as well as Cox regression model with penalty to characterise RNA processing-related prognostic features. Results: An RNA processing-related prognostic risk model based on 10 genes including FXR1, MFAP1, RBM17, SAGE1, SNRPA1, SRRM4, ADAD1, DDX52, ERI1, and EXOSC7 was identified finally. A composite prognostic nomogram was constructed by combining this feature with the remaining clinical variables including TNM, age, sex, and stage. Genetic variation, pathway activation, and immune heterogeneity with risk signatures were also analysed via bioinformatics methods. The outcomes indicated that the high-risk subgroup was associated with higher genomic instability, increased proliferative and cycle characteristics, decreased tumour killer CD8+ T cells and poorer clinical prognosis than the low-risk group. Conclusion: This prognostic classifier based on RNA-edited genes facilitates stratification of colon cancer into specific subgroups according to TNM and clinical outcomes, genetic variation, pathway activation, and immune heterogeneity. It can be used for diagnosis, classification and targeted treatment strategies comparable to current standards in precision medicine. It provides a rationale for elucidation of the role of RNA editing genes and their clinical significance in colon cancer as prognostic markers.

Highly efficient pure-blue organic light-emitting diodes based on rationally designed heterocyclic phenophosphazinine-containing emitters.

Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorophores have been actively studied for high-resolution photonic applications due to their exceptional color purity. However, these compounds encounter challenges associated with the inefficient spin-flip process, compromising device performance. Herein, we report two pure-blue emitters based on an organoboron multi-resonance core, incorporating a conformationally flexible donor, 10-phenyl-5H-phenophosphazinine 10-oxide (or sulfide). This design concept selectively modifies the orbital type of high-lying excited states to a charge transfer configuration while simultaneously providing the necessary conformational freedom to enhance the density of excited states without sacrificing color purity. We show that the different embedded phosphorus motifs (phosphine oxide/sulfide) of the donor can finely tune the electronic structure and conformational freedom, resulting in an accelerated spin-flip process through intense spin-vibronic coupling, achieving over a 20-fold increase in the reverse intersystem crossing rate compared to the parent multi-resonance emitter. Utilizing these emitters, we achieve high-performance pure-blue organic light-emitting diodes, showcasing a top-tier external quantum efficiency of 37.6% with reduced efficiency roll-offs. This proposed strategy not only challenges the conventional notion that flexible electron-donors are undesirable for constructing narrowband emitters but also offer a pathway for designing efficient narrow-spectrum blue organic light-emitting diodes.

Cyanobacteria mediate the dissemination of bacterial antibiotic resistance through conjugal transfer.

Cyanobacterial blooms are expanding world-wide in freshwater and marine environments, and can cause serious ecological and environmental issues, which also contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, the mechanistic understanding of cyanobacteria-mediated resistance dynamics is not fully elucidated yet. We selected Microcystis aeruginosa as a model cyanobacteria to illustrate how cyanobacteria mediate the evolution and transfer processes of bacterial antibiotic resistance. The results show that the presence of cyanobacteria significantly decreased the abundance of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) by 3% - 99% and 2%-18%, respectively. In addition, it clearly altered bacterial community structure, with the dominant genera evolving from Acinetobacter (27%) and Enterobacter (42%) to Porphyrobacter (59%). The abundance of ARGs positively correlated with Proteobacteria and Firmicutes, rather than Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. In the presence of cyanobacteria, the transfer events of bacterial resistance genes via conjugation were found to decrease by 10% - 89% (p < 0.05). Surprisingly, we found an extradentary high transfer frequency (about 0.1) for the ARGs via plasmid conjugation from the bacteria into M. aeruginosa population. It confirmed the role of cyanobacterial population as the competent hosts to facilitate ARGs spreading. Our findings provide valuable information on the risk evaluation of ARGs caused by cyanobacterial blooms in aquatic environments, key for the protection and assessment of aquatic environmental quality.

Low-cost and efficient all group-IV visible/shortwave infrared dual-band photodetector.

Low-cost broadband photodetectors (PDs) based on group-IV materials are highly demanded. Herein, a vertical all group-IV graphene-i-n (Gr-i-n) structure based on sputtering-grown undoped Ge0.92Sn0.08/Ge multiple quantum wells (MQWs) on n-Ge substrate was proposed to realize efficient visible/shortwave infrared (VIS/SWIR) dual-band photoresponse. Harnessing Gr-germanium tin (GeSn)/Ge MQWs van der Waals heterojunctions, an extended surface depletion region was established, facilitating separation and transportation of photogenerated carriers at VIS wavelengths. Consequently, remarkable VIS/SWIR dual-band response ranging from 400 to 2000 nm with a rapid response time of 23 µs was achieved. Compared to the PD without Gr, the external quantum efficiency at 420, 660, and 1520 nm was effectively enhanced by 10.2-, 5.2-, and 1.2-fold, reaching 40, 42, and 50%, respectively. This research paves the way for the advancement of all group-IV VIS/SWIR broadband PDs and presents what we believe to be a novel approach to the design of low-cost broadband PDs.

Cucurbit[7]uril as the host of adamantane-modified dyes for fluorescence enhancement in aqueous environments.

Taking advantage of the excellent host-guest complexation ability between an auxochrome (adamantane group) and CB[7], the fluorescence emission performance of dyes in water was effectively improved with the addition of two equivalents of CB[7], which provided an efficient method for increasing fluorescence intensity in aqueous environments. Furthermore, these dyes with the host were successfully used in cell imaging.

Coagulation promotes the spread of antibiotic resistance genes in secondary effluents.

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are biological hotspots receiving the residual antibiotics and antibiotic resistant bacteria/genes (ARB/ARGs) that greatly influence the spread of antibiotic resistance in the environment. A common method used in WWTPs for the purification of secondary effluent is coagulation. Notwithstanding the increasing health concern of antibiotic resistance in WWTPs, the impact of coagulation on the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance remains unclear. To shed light on this, our study investigated the behavior of four representative ARB types (tetracycline, sulfamethoxazole, clindamycin, and ciprofloxacin resistance) during the coagulation process in a model wastewater treatment plant. Our search showed a significant reduction in the presence of ARBs after either PAC or FeCl3 coagulation, with removal efficiencies of 95% and 90%, respectively. However, after 4 days of storage, ARB levels in the coagulated effluent increased by 6-138 times higher than the original secondary effluent. It suggests a potential resurgence and spread of antibiotic resistance after coagulation. Detailed studies suggest that coagulants, particularly PAC, may facilitate the transfer of ARGs among different bacterial species by the enhanced cell-cell contact during coagulation-induced bacterial aggregation. This transfer is further enhanced by the factors such as auxiliary mixing, longer incubation time and ideal operating temperatures. In addition, both PAC and FeCl3 affected gene expression associated with bacterial conjugation, leading to an increase in conjugation efficiency. In conclusion, while coagulation serves as a purification method, it might inadvertently boost the spread of ARGs during tertiary wastewater treatment. This underscores the importance of implementing subsequent measures to mitigate this effect. Our findings provide a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by bacterial antibiotic resistance in wastewater and pave the way for devising more effective ARB and ARG management strategies.

Preparation and measurement of a sandwiched Sn atomic beam source for laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry.

Isotope analysis of Sn plays a crucial role in geochemical studies and in monitoring nuclear contamination. Nevertheless, prevalent analytical techniques for examining Sn isotopes encounter the issue of isobaric interference, markedly impacting the accuracy of the test results. Laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry (LRIMS) can effectively overcome the difficulties associated with the isobaric interference inherent in commercial mass spectrometry. In this paper, different amounts of Sn were prepared on Re filaments by electrodeposition and tested via LRIMS. The results showed that the average detection efficiency of LRIMS decreased with increasing total Sn content from 1 µg to 4 µg, and the fluctuations in the test results among the samples increased significantly. Therefore, the electrodeposition process, as well as the composition and morphology of the deposits were characterized by SEM, EDS and XPS; results showed that the degradation of the samples with increasing Sn content was attributed to the complexity of the composition, micro-structure, valence of the deposits, and the interference of various elements. To cope with the anomalies encountered above, the deposits were heat-treated at 600 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere to eliminate detrimental impurities, like Cl, and Sn was effectively reduced to an almost singular atomic state. Furthermore, a titanium layer was covered on the surface of the heat-treated deposit by magnetron sputtering. Ultimately, a highly efficient and stable Sn atomic beam source with a sandwiched structure has been successfully developed and exhibits broad application prospect.

Case report: A case of high grade serous carcinoma of peritoneal origin.

This case report describes an 80-year-old female patient admitted to the emergency department due to abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and hematemesis persisting for three days. Subsequent postoperative pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of peritoneal cancer. The occurrence, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) are presented in detail. PPC is a type of cancer originating from the primary peritoneal mesothelium organization, causing diffuse malignant tumors in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations for this disease, the importance of early diagnosis and treatment is hereby emphasized. The article also mentions the histological source of this type of cancer and the advantages of preoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy in improving the efficacy of PPC treatment. Finally, the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach and proficient use of targeted therapy techniques are highlighted to enhance the treatment outcomes of PPC.

Deletion of Nox from Listeria monocytogenes Strain EGDe Enhances Bacterial Virulence and Reduces the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inflammatory Factors In Vivo.

The foodborne pathogens have a serious threat to human health, especially Listeria monocytogenes. NADPH oxidase (NOX) is involved in cellular respiration and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), acting as messengers to host cells during the infection. However, the role of nox in the process of L. monocytogenes infection is unclear. In this study, we examined the impact of nox in L. monocytogenes by gene deletion. The results of cell experiment showed that knocking out nox from L. monocytogenes strain EGDe resulted in a twofold increase invasion ability to Caco-2 cells compared with that of wild-type strain (WT), but did not affect adhesion ability. Animal infection assays also showed that bacterial loads in the liver and spleen of mice challenged with EGDe-Δnox were approximately two times higher compared with those challenged with the WT strain. On the one hand, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that deletion of nox leads to upregulation of genes related to the internalization of L. monocytogenes (inlA, inlB, and inlC). More importantly, the expression of listeriolysin-positive regulatory (prfA) gene increased by three times in vivo compared with that of WT. On the other hand, the deletion of nox resulted in a reduction of the upregulation of proinflammatory factors in EGDe-Δnox compared with the WT and complementary strains. Thus, our study revealed that nox affected the virulence of L. monocytogenes by upregulating the expression of virulence genes and regulating the production of ROS and inflammatory factors in vivo.

Chronic stress alters lipid mediator profiles associated with immune-related gene expressions and cell compositions in mouse bone marrow and spleen.

Despite the importance of lipid mediators in stress and depression and their link to inflammation, the influence of stress on these mediators and their role in inflammation is not fully understood. This study used RNA-seq, LC-MS/MS, and flow cytometry analyses in a mouse model subjected to chronic social defeat stress to explore the effects of acute and chronic stress on lipid mediators, gene expression, and cell population in the bone marrow and spleen. In the bone marrow, chronic stress induced a sustained transition from lymphoid to myeloid cells, accompanied by corresponding changes in gene expression. This change was associated with decreased levels of 15-deoxy-d12,14-prostaglandin J2, a lipid mediator that inhibits inflammation. In the spleen, chronic stress also induced a lymphoid-to-myeloid transition, albeit transiently, alongside gene expression changes indicative of extramedullary hematopoiesis. These changes were linked to lower levels of 12-HEPE and resolvins, both critical for inhibiting and resolving inflammation. Our findings highlight the significant role of anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators in the immune responses induced by chronic stress in the bone marrow and spleen. This study paves the way for understanding how these lipid mediators contribute to the immune mechanisms of stress and depression.

The Atlas of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery and Vein under Maximum-Intensity Projection and Three-Dimensional Reconstruction View.

(1) Background: Understanding vascular patterns is crucial for minimizing bleeding and operating time in colorectal surgeries. This study aimed to develop an anatomical atlas of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and vein (IMV). (2) Methods: A total of 521 patients with left-sided colorectal cancer were included. IMA and IMV patterns were identified using maximum-intensity projection (MIP) and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction techniques. The accuracy of these techniques was assessed by comparing them with surgical videos. We compared the amount of bleeding and operating time for IMA ligation across different IMA types. (3) Results: Most patients (45.7%) were classified as type I IMA, followed by type II (20.7%), type III (22.6%), and type IV (3.5%). Newly identified type V and type VI patterns were found in 6.5% and 1% of patients, respectively. Of the IMVs, 49.9% drained into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV), 38.4% drained into the splenic vein (SPV), 9.4% drained into the SMV-SPV junction, and only 2.3% drained into the first jejunal vein (J1V). Above the root of the left colic artery (LCA), 13.1% of IMVs had no branches, 50.1% had one, 30.1% had two, and 6.7% had three or more branches. Two patients had two main IMV branches, and ten had IMVs at the edge of the mesocolon with small branches. At the IMA root, 37.2% of LCAs overlapped with the IMV, with 34.0% being lateral, 16.9% distal, 8.7% medial, and both the marginal type of IMV and the persistent descending mesocolon (PDM) type represented 1.4%. MIP had an accuracy of 98.43%, and 3D reconstruction had an accuracy of 100%. Blood loss and operating time were significantly higher in the complex group compared to the simple group for IMA ligation (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: A comprehensive anatomical atlas of the IMA and IMV was provided. Complex IMA patterns were associated with increased bleeding and operating time.

Synergetic Modulation of Steric Hindrance and Excited State for Anti-Quenching and Fast Spin-Flip Multi-Resonance Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorophore.

Multi-resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR-TADF) materials hold great promise for advanced high-resolution organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. However, persistent challenges, such as severe aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) and slow spin-flip, hinder their optimal performance. We propose a synergetic steric-hindrance and excited-state modulation strategy for MR-TADF emitters, which is demonstrated by two blue MR-TADF emitters, IDAD-BNCz and TIDAD-BNCz, bearing sterically demanding 8,8-diphenyl-8H-indolo[3,2,1-de]acridine (IDAD) and 3,6-di-tert-butyl-8,8-diphenyl-8H-indolo[3,2,1-de]acridine (TIDAD), respectively. These rigid and bulky IDAD/TIDAD moieties, with appropriate electron-donating capabilities, not only effectively mitigate ACQ, ensuring efficient luminescence across a broad range of dopant concentrations, but also induce high-lying charge-transfer excited states that facilitate triplet-to-singlet spin-flip without causing undesired emission redshift or spectral broadening. Consequently, implementation of a high doping level of IDAD-BNCz resulted in highly efficient narrowband electroluminescence, featuring a remarkable full-width at half-maximum of 34 nm and record-setting external quantum efficiencies of 34.3 % and 31.8 % at maximum and 100 cd m-2, respectively. The combined steric and electronic effects arising from the steric-hindered donor introduction offer a compelling molecular design strategy to overcome critical challenges in MR-TADF emitters.

Sulfur Free Crosslinking of EPDM Composites via Silane Grafting and Silica Incorporation.

This study aims at evaluating and developing an environmental-friendly and sulfur-free cured ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) composites. Silane grafted EPDM (SiEPDM) composites incorporated with silica is prepared via a solvent-free, one-step reactive mixing process. The silane grafting and silica filler bonding are characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of the developed composites are examined. The fracture morphology is observed using an environmental scanning electron microscopy. The rheology and thermomechanical properties are evaluated by using a rotational rheometer and dynamic mechanical analyzer. Notably, a robust bonding between silica and the grafted silane is established, yielding a crosslinking network within the composite structure. This phenomenon is substantiated by the observed gel efficiency and rheology behavior. Consequently, a pronounced augmentation of up to 75% in tensile strength and 29% in tear strength are observed in the optimized SiEPDM-silica composites, distinguishing them from their EPDM-silica counterparts. The introduction of paraffin oil contributes to enhanced processability; however, it is concomitant with a reduction in gel efficiency and associated mechanical properties. Furthermore, subsequent UV weathering test unveils that the SiEPDM-silica composites exhibit the highest levels of residual tensile strength and modulus, indicative of their exceptional UV stability.

Mortality burden and future projections of major risk factors for esophageal cancer in China from 1990 to 2019.

OBJECTIVE: This study, based on Global Burden of Disease (GBD) data, aimed to report the long-term trend in mortality rates caused by risk factors for esophageal cancer (EC) in China from 1990 to 2019 and predict the burden of EC mortality caused by these risk factors over the next 15 years. METHODS: We examined six risk factors that influenced EC mortality rates in China and their respective rankings. Furthermore, we analyzed the number of deaths and crude mortality rates (CMR) caused by these risk factors for both sexes and different age groups. Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and the number of deaths across all age groups were also analyzed. Finally, we utilized the Bayesian Age-Period-Cohort (BAPC) model to predict the trends in ASMR burden caused by these risk factors in the future. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2019, the percentage changes in ASMR for EC caused by the six risk factors in China were as follows: smoking (- 33.4%), alcohol consumption (- 23.0%), low fruit intake (- 73.6%), low vegetable intake (- 96.0%), high Body Mass Index (BMI) (25.1%), and tobacco chewing (- 32.8%). In 2019, the top three risk factors contributing to EC ASMR in China were smoking, alcohol consumption, and high BMI. Overall, the ASMR for EC in China fluctuated and declined from 1990 to 2019. The most common risk factors for males were smoking and alcohol consumption, while low fruit intake and high BMI were the most common risk factors for females. The impact of these risk factors on EC mortality increased with age, except for the elderly population. BAPC analysis indicated that the influence of these risk factors on ASMR was expected to remain relatively stable in the next 15 years, suggesting a continued significant burden of EC. CONCLUSION: The projected burden of EC mortality in China was expected to continue increasing steadily over the next 15 years, highlighting the pressing need for disease control measures. To alleviate this burden, targeted prevention and control policies addressing risk factors for EC such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and high BMI are necessary.

Transcranial dipole localization and decoding study based on ultrasonic phased array for acoustoelectric brain imaging.

Objective. Neuroimaging is one of the effective tools to understand the functional activities of the brain, but traditional non-invasive neuroimaging techniques are difficult to combine both high temporal and spatial resolution to satisfy clinical needs. Acoustoelectric brain imaging (ABI) can combine the millimeter spatial resolution advantage of focused ultrasound with the millisecond temporal resolution advantage of electroencephalogram signals.Approach. In this study, we first explored the transcranial modulated acoustic field distribution based on ABI, and further localized and decoded single and double dipoles signals.Main results. The results show that the simulation-guided acoustic field modulation results are significantly better than those of self-focusing, which can realize precise modulation focusing of intracranial target focusing. The single dipole transcranial localization error is less than 0.4 mm and the decoding accuracy is greater than 0.93. The double dipoles transcranial localization error is less than 0.2 mm and the decoding accuracy is greater than 0.89.Significance. This study enables precise focusing of transcranial acoustic field modulation, high-precision localization of source signals and decoding of their waveforms, which provides a technical method for ABI in localizing evoked excitatory neuron areas and epileptic focus.

Isolation, characterization and genomic analysis of the novel Arthrobacter sp. phage SWEP2.

A new virulent phage, SWEP2, infecting the Arthrobacter sp. 5B strain, was isolated from black soil samples in northeastern China. SWEP2 has a latent period of 80 min and a burst size of 45 PFU (evaluated at an MOI of 0.1). Genomic analysis revealed that the 43,398-bp dsDNA genome of phage SWEP2 contains 64 open reading frames (ORFs) and one tRNA gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close relationship between SWEP2 and Arthrobacter phage Liebe, with 82.98% identity and a query coverage of 48%. Based on its distinct phenotypic and genetic characteristics, SWEP2 is identified as a novel Arthrobacter phage.

Efficient Intersystem Crossing and Long-lived Charge-Separated State Induced by Through-Space Intramolecular Charge Transfer in a Parallel Geometry Carbazole-Bodipy Dyad.

The design of efficient heavy atom-free triplet photosensitizers (PSs) based on through bond charge transfer (TBCT) features is a formidable challenge due to the criteria of orthogonal donor-acceptor geometry. Herein, we propose using parallel (face-to-face) conformation carbazole-bodipy donor-acceptor dyads (BCZ-1 and BCZ-2) featuring through space intramolecular charge transfer (TSCT) process as efficient triplet PS. Efficient intersystem crossing (ΦΔ =61 %) and long-lived triplet excited state (τT =186 µs) were observed in the TSCT dyad BCZ-1 compared to BCZ-3 (ΦΔ =0.4 %), the dyad involving TBCT, demonstrating the superiority of the TSCT approach over conventional donor-acceptor system. Moreover, the transient absorption study revealed that TSCT dyads have a faster charge separation and slower intersystem crossing process induced by charge recombination compared to TBCT dyad. A long-lived charge-separated state (CSS) was observed in the BCZ-1 (τCSS =24 ns). For the first time, the TSCT dyad was explored for the triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion, and a high upconversion quantum yield of 11 % was observed. Our results demonstrate a new avenue for designing efficient PSs and open up exciting opportunities for future research in this field.

Comparative efficacy of silicon and iron oxide nanoparticles towards improving the plant growth and mitigating arsenic toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Nano-enabled agriculture has emerged as an attractive approach for facilitating soil pollution mitigation and enhancing crop production and nutrition. In this study, we conducted a greenhouse experiment to explore the efficacy of silicon oxide nanoparticles (SiONPs) and iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) in alleviating arsenic (As) toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and elucidated the underlying mechanisms involved. The application of SiONPs and FeONPs at 25, 50, and 100 mg kg-1 soil concentration significantly reduced As toxicity and concurrently improved plant growth performance, including plant height, dry matter, spike length, and grain yield. The biochemical analysis showed that the enhanced plant growth was mainly due to stimulated antioxidative enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase) and reduced reactive oxygen species (electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide) in wheat seedlings under As stress upon NPs application. The nanoparticles (NPs) exposure also enhanced the photosynthesis efficiency, including the total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents as compared with the control treatment. Importantly, soil amendments with 100 mg kg-1 FeONPs significantly reduced the acropetal As translocation in the plant root, shoot and grains by 74%, 54% and 78%, respectively, as compared with the control treatment under As stress condition, with relatively lower reduction levels (i.e., 64%, 37% and 58% for the plant root, shoot and grains, respectively) for SiONPs amendment. Overall, the application of NPs especially the FeONPs as nanoferlizers for agricultural crops is a promising approach towards mitigating the negative impact of HMs toxicity, ensuring food safety, and promoting future sustainable agriculture.

Preparation and comprehensive characterization of C16MImCl/MT for adsorbing cationic dyes.

Dyeing wastewater in various industries poses a great threat to the environment. Montmorillonite (MT) is widely used in wastewater treatment because of its abundant reserves and strong exchange capacity. However, natural MT has low affinity for organic pollutants and needs to be organically modified. In order to improve the adsorption capacity of MT to cationic dyes [Congo red (CR)], using ionic liquid [1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MImCl)] as organic modifier, the optimal preparation process of C16MImCl/MT was determined by response surface methodology. The C16MImCl/MT was comprehensively characterized by utilizing the techniques of XRD, FTIR, TG, BET, SEM, and molecular dynamics simulation. All the research results showed that C16MImCl is successfully inserted into the layers of MT, and the basal interplanar spacing and average pore size of MT are obviously increased. The C16MImCl/MT is a mesoporous material, which shows strong adsorption capacity for CR, and its CR unit adsorption capacity (CRUAC) could reach 940.200 mg/g, which is about three times that of magnetic graphene oxide and bentonite/expanded graphite.