Arsenic pollution from human activities drives changes in soil microbial community characteristics.

Soil arsenic (As) pollution not only decreases plant productivity but also soil quality, in turn hampering sustainable agricultural development. Despite the negative effects of As contamination on rice yield and quality being reported widely, the responses of microbial communities and co-occurrence networks in paddy soil to As pollution have not been explored. Here, based on high-throughput sequencing technologies, we investigated bacterial abundance and diversity in paddy soils with different levels of As contamination, and constructed associated microbial co-occurrence networks. As pollution reduced soil bacterial diversity significantly (p < 0.001). In addition, bioavailable As concentrations were negatively correlated with Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria relative abundance (p < 0.05). Conversely, As pollution had a positive relationship with Chloroflexi, Betaproteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes relative abundance (p < 0.05). Firmicutes relative abundance decreased with an increase in total As concentration. The ecological clusters and key groups in bacterial co-occurrence networks exhibited distinct trends with an increase in As pollution. Notably, Acidobacteria play an important role in maintaining microbial networks in As contaminated soils. Overall, we provide empirical evidence that As contamination influences soil microbial community structure, posing a threat to soil ecosystem health and sustainable agriculture.

An Energy-Based Method for Lifetime Assessment on High-Strength-Steel Welded Joints under Different Pre-Strain Levels.

Pre-loading on engineering materials or structures may produce pre-strain, especially plastic strain, which would change the fatigue failure mechanism during their service time. In this paper, an energy-based method for fatigue life prediction on high-strength-steel welded joints under different pre-strain levels was presented. Tensile pre-strain at three pre-strain levels of 0.2%, 0.35% and 0.5% was performed on the specimens of the material Q345, and the cyclic stress and strain responses with pre-loading were compared with those without pre-loading at the same strain level. The experimental work showed that the plastic strain energy density of pre-strained welded joints was enlarged, while the elastic strain energy density of pre-strained welded joints was reduced. Then, based on the strain energy density method, a fatigue life estimation model of the high-strength-steel welded joints in consideration of pre-straining was proposed. The predicted results agreed well with the test data. Finally, the validity of the developed model was verified by the experimental data from TWIP steel Fe-18 Mn and complex-phase steel CP800.

Flavonoids from Rosaroxburghii Tratt prevent reactive oxygen species-mediated DNA damage in thymus cells both combined with and without PARP-1 expression after exposure to radiation in vivo.

This study aimed to evaluate the role of FRT in ROS/DNA regulation with or without PARP-1 in radiation-injured thymus cells. The administration of FRT to PARP-1-/- (KO) mice demonstrated that FRT significantly increased the viability of thymus cells and decreased their rate of apoptosis through PARP-1. Radiation increased the levels of ROS, γ-H2AX and 53BP1, and induced DNA double strand breaks. Compared with wild type (WT) mice, levels of ROS, γ-H2AX and 53BP1 in KO mice were much less elevated. The FRT treatment groups also showed little reduction in these indicators in KO mice compared with WT mice. The results of the KO mice study indicated that FRT reduced ROS activation through inhibition of PARP-1. Furthermore, FRT reduced the concentrations of γ-H2AX by decreasing ROS activation. However, we found that FRT did not regulate 53BP1, a marker of DNA damage, because of its elimination of ROS. Levels of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), exhibited no significant difference after irradiation in KO mice. To summarize, ROS suppression by PARP-1 knockout in KO mice highlights potential therapeutic target either by PARP-1 inhibition combined with radiation or by treatment with a drug therapy alone. AIF-induced apoptosis could not be activated in KO mice.

TLR3 Ligand PolyI:C Prevents Acute Pancreatitis Through the Interferon-ß/Interferon-α/ß Receptor Signaling Pathway in a Caerulein-Induced Pancreatitis Mouse Model.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common and devastating inflammatory disorder of the pancreas. However, there are still no effective treatments available for the disease. Therefore, it is important to discover new therapeutic targets and strategies for better treatment and prognosis of AP patients. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) ligand polyI:C is a double-stranded RNA mimic that can be used as an immune stimulant. Our current study indicates that polyI:C exerted excellent anti-inflammatory effects in a caerulein-induced AP mouse model and taurocholate-induced pancreatic acinar cell line injury model. We found that polyI:C triggers type I interferon (IFN) production and downstream IFN-α/ß receptor (IFNAR)-dependent signaling, which play key roles in protecting the pancreas from inflammatory injury. Knockout of IFN-ß and IFNAR in mice abolished the preventive effects of polyI:C on caerulein-induced AP symptoms, which include pancreatic edema, neutrophil infiltration, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory gene expression. Treating pancreatic acinar 266-6 cells with an IFNAR inhibitor, which blocks the interaction between type I IFN and IFNAR, diminishes the downregulation of oxidative stress by polyI:C. Additionally, a subsequent transcriptome analysis on the role of polyI:C in treating pancreatitis suggested that chemotaxis of neutrophils and the production of ROS were inhibited by polyI:C in the pancreases damaged by caerulein injection. Thus, polyI:C may act as a type I IFN inducer to alleviate AP, and it has the potential to be a promising therapeutic agent used at the early stages of AP.

Protective effect of Xingnaojia formulation on rats with brain and liver damage caused by chronic alcoholism.

The aim of this study was to observe the effect of a formulation of traditional Chinese medicine extracts known as Xingnaojia (XNJ) on the liver function, learning ability and memory of rats with chronic alcoholism and to verify the mechanism by which it protects the brain and liver. A rat model of chronic alcoholism was used in the study. The spatial learning ability and memory of the rats were tested. The rats were then sacrificed and their brains and hepatic tissues were isolated. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of glutamate (Glu), N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B), cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) in the hippocampus were analyzed. The ultrastructure of the hepatic tissue was observed by electron microscopy. In addition, the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in serum were tested and the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TCHOL) were analyzed. XNJ enhanced the learning and memory of rats with chronic alcoholism. Treatment with XNJ increased the activity of SOD, and decreased the expression levels of NR2B mRNA and NR2B, CB1 and CDK5 proteins in the brain tissues compared with those in the model rats. It also increased the activity of ALDH in the serum and liver, decreased the serum levels of LDL, TG and TCHOL and increased the serum level of HDL. These results indicate that XNJ exhibited a protective effect against brain and liver damage in rats with chronic alcoholism.

Lipopolysaccharide-induced serotonin transporter up-regulation involves PKG-I and p38MAPK activation partially through A3 adenosine receptor.

Serotonin transporter (SERT) is a critical determinant of synaptic serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) inactivation which plays a critical role in the pathology of depression and other mood disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a potent activator of the inflammatory system, has been reported to cause depression symptoms by the modulation of SERT in vivo and in vitro. This study is aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of LPS-induced SERT modulation. The 4-(4-(dimethylamino) styryl)-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP) assay was used to detect dynamic 5-HT uptake as read out of SERT activities in RBL-2H3 cells, and cytosol Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)]i) and nitric oxide (NO) were examined. Using specific cyclic GMP-dependent protein kinase type I (PKG-I), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38MAPK) and A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR) inhibitors, SERT expression was evaluated by western blot and immunofluorescence analysis. Results showed that 24 h treatment with LPS stimulated 5-HT transport and up-regulate plasma membrane distribution of SERT in RBL-2H3 cells. LPS treatment increased NO and [Ca(2+)]i, and led to significant increases in levels of phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMK-II), inducible NOS (iNOS) and PKG-I as well as active p38 MAPK. Moreover, PKG-I inhibitor KT5823 or p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 respectively impaired SERT activation and transposition to plasma membrane by LPS. Notably, A3 adenosine receptor inhibitor MRS1191 also hindered SERT stimulation by LPS. In conclusion, LPS-induced 5-HT uptake and transposition to plasma membrane of SERT in RBL-2H3 cells involves CaMK-II/iNOS/PKG-I and p38 MAPK activation, which may be partially mediated by A3 adenosine receptor activation. This finding provides a novel insight into the interrelationship between LPS and depression.

WS0701: a novel sedative-hypnotic agent acting on the adenosine system.

To characterize the sedative and hypnotic profile of the novel adenosine derivative ((3S,4R,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(6-((4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)amino)-9H-purin-9-yl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl) methyl diaconate (WS0701), we performed a variety of behavioural tests and investigated the influence of WS0701 on various sleep stages. In mice, WS0701 significantly increased the number of entries and time spent in open arms in the elevated plus maze test, indicating an anxiolytic effect. WS0701 decreased locomotor activity counts and head dips in the hole-board test and enhanced sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis. However, WS0701 did not induce the loss of the righting reflex or amnesic effects in behavioural models. In rats, WS0701 exerted a sedative effect and markedly prolonged the time spent in non-rapid-eye-movement sleep, especially slow-wave sleep, but reduced the time spent in rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS). Pretreatment with the selective adenosine A2a receptor antagonist SCH58261 attenuated the sedative and hypnotic effects of WS0701. WS0701 did not protect mice against picrotoxin-induced seizures, but inhibited adenosine deaminase activity and increased adenosine levels in the frontal cortex and hypothalamus of mice. In conclusion, WS0701 shows anxiolytic, sedative as well as sleep stage alterative effects, which may be related to the adenosine system.

Protective effects of the novel adenosine derivative WS0701 in a mouse model of posttraumatic stress disorder.

AIM: To investigate the effects of the novel N6-substituted adenosine derivative {(2R,3S,4R,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-[6-[(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl)amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]tetrahydrofuran-2-yl} methyl decanoate (WS0701) on stress-induced excessive fear, anxiety, and cognitive deficits in a mouse model of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). METHODS: Male mice underwent a conditioned foot shock and single prolonged stress procedure to induce PTSD. Contextual/cued fear, elevated plus-maze, open field and novel object recognition tests were conduced to assess PTSD-like behaviors. From d 1, the mice were orally administered WS0701 (7.5, 15, or 30 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) or paroxetine (10 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1)) for two weeks. Apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was detected using flow cytometry and TUNEL staining, and expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in the hippocampus was measured with Western boltting and qPCR assays. RESULTS: WS0701 administration significantly alleviated fear, anxious behaviors and memory deficits in the mouse model of PTSD. Furthermore, WS0701 administration significantly reduced the stress-induced apoptosis of hippocampal neurons, and increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio in the hippocampus. The positive control drug paroxetine exerted similar effects on PTSD-like behaviors and hippocampal neuron apoptosis in the mouse model of PTSD, which were comparable to those caused by the high dose of WS0701. CONCLUSION: WS0701 effectively mitigates stress-induced PTSD-like behaviors in mice, partly via inhibition of neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus.

Salvianolic acid A protects the peripheral nerve function in diabetic rats through regulation of the AMPK-PGC1α-Sirt3 axis.

Salvianolic acid A (SalA) is one of the main efficacious, water-soluble constituents of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. This study investigated the protective effects of SalA on peripheral nerve in diabetic rats. Administration of SalA (0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg, ig) was started from the 5th week after strepotozotocin (STZ60 mg/kg) intraperitoneal injection and continued for 8 weeks. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) were used to assess peripheral nerve function. The western blot methods were employed to test the expression levels of serine-threonine liver kinase B1 (LKB1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), silent information regulator protein3 (sirtuin 3/Sirt3) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in sciatic nerve. Results showed that SalA administration could increase PWMT and MNCV in diabetic rats; reduce the deterioration of sciatic nerve pathology; increase AMPK phosphorylation level, up-regulate PGC-1α, Sirt3 and nNOS expression, but had no influence on LKB1. These results suggest that SalA has protective effects against diabetic neuropathy. The beneficial effects of SalA on peripheral nerve function in diabetic rats might be attributed to improvements in glucose metabolism through regulation of the AMPK-PGC1α-Sirt3 axis.

Role of beta1-adrenoceptor in increased lipolysis in cancer cachexia.

Increased production of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) protein has been demonstrated to be the major cause behind enhanced lipolysis in cancer cachexia. The mechanism governing this alteration is unknown and was presently investigated. This study was conducted to detect the expression of relevant receptors in the adipocytes of cancer cachexia patients, and to elucidate their implication in the increased lipolysis. Gene expressions of beta1-adrenoceptor (ADRB1), beta2-adrenoceptor (ADRB2), beta3-adrenoceptor (ADRB3), alpha2C-adrenoceptor (ADRA2C), natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA), insulin receptor (INSR), and HSL were determined in adipose tissues of 34 patients by real-time PCR. Protein levels of ADRB1 and HSL were determined by western blot analysis. beta1-Adrenoceptor (ADRB1) was also detected by immunofluorescence staining. mRNA expressions of both ADRB1 and HSL were approximately 50% elevated selectively in the cachexia group, whereas mRNA levels of the other receptors were unchanged. beta1-Adrenoceptor (ADRB1) protein expression was 1.5-fold increased in cachexia as compared with the cancer controls, and 3-fold increased as compared with nonmalignant controls, and was confirmed as a membrane protein in adipocytes by immunofluorescence. Hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) protein expression was 2-2.5-fold increased selectively in cachectic patients. There was a positive correlation between the protein expressions of ADRB1 and HSL. As much as approximately 50% of the variations in HSL protein expression could be explained by variations in ADRB1 protein expression. There was a link between ADRB1 protein level and lipolytic rate. Increased ADRB1 expression may account for some of the functional changes of HSL in patients with cancer cachexia.

Pilot-scale experiment on anaerobic bioreactor landfills in China.

Developing countries have begun to investigate bioreactor landfills for municipal solid waste management. This paper describes the impacts of leachate recirculation and recirculation loadings on waste stabilization, landfill gas (LFG) generation and leachate characteristics. Four simulated anaerobic columns, R1-R4, were each filled with about 30 tons of waste and recirculated weekly with 1.6, 0.8 and 0.2m(3) leachate and 0.1m(3) tap water. The results indicated that the chemical oxygen demand (COD) half-time of leachate from R1 was about 180 days, which was 8-14 weeks shorter than that of R2-R4. A large amount of LFG was first produced in R1, and its generation rate was positively correlated to the COD or volatile fatty acid concentrations of influent leachates after the 30th week. By the 50th week of recirculation, the waste in R1 was more stabilized, with 931.2 kg COD or 175.6 kg total organic carbon released and with the highest landfill gas production. However, this contributed mainly to washout by leachate, which also resulted in the reduction of LFG generation potential and accumulation of ammonia and/or phosphorus in the early stage. Therefore, the regimes of leachate recirculation should be adjusted to the phases of waste stabilization to enhance efficiency of energy recovery. Integrated with the strategy of in situ leachate management, extra pre-treatment or post-treatment methods to remove the nutrients are recommended.

[Pilot scale research on impacts of leachate recirculation on its ultimate treatment].

Two pilot scale simulated columns, with and without leachate recirculation, were erected to study impacts of leachate recirculation of traditional anaerobic bioreactor landfill on leachate ultimate treatment methods. The results indicate that recirculation can remove organic pollutants visibly, but it isn't effective to inbiodegradable components, nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) pollutants. After recircualted for 44 weeks, test column has a BODs removal ratio of 98.5%. BOD5/COD value of outflow is only 0.07. BOD5/TN and BOD5/TP are 0.13 and 11 respectively, which are much lower than the adequate value for anaerobic microorganisms. It's difficult to treat this kind of leachate by traditional biological methods. When a bioreactor landfill is being designed, leachate characteristics after recirculated should be well considered and adequate leachate treatment, landfill and recirculation schemes should be chosen to take full advantage of waste stack decontamination effects.

[Effects of leachate recirculation volume on its characteristic and landfill stabilization rate].

Impacts of recirculation volume on leachate characteristic and landfill stabilization rate were studied. Four simulated bioreactor landfill columns were operated weekly with different recirculation ratios, respectively 5.3%, 2.7%, 0.67% leachate and 0.33% water, in this comparative research. The results indicate that simulated reactor with 5.3% recirculation ratio has the most rapidly stabilization rate and release the most organic pollutant. The shortest methane generation delay was also observed in this column. While simulated reactor with 2.7% recirculation ratio formed the best microbe environment and kept the highest reactor temperature 35 degrees C. It also had the best impactive load capacity and treating efficiency to leachate, and removal of COD was 77% and BOD5 was 88% respectively. In actual projects, appropriate leachate recirculation volume should be chosen according to design purpose of landfill sites.

[Impact of leachate recirculation loadings on efficiency of landfill gas (LFG) generation].

Effects of leachate recirculation loading on the efficiency of aerogenesis or methanogenesis of municipal solid wastes (MSWs) was investigated in four simulated anaerobic bioreactors (R1-R4), which were filled with 30 tons of wet weight waste each and recirculated weekly with 1.6, 0.8 and 0.2 m3 leachate and 0.1 m3 pure water, respectively. The results indicated that R1, with the highest recirculation ratio of 5.3%, began to produce landfill gas (LFG) largely after 5 weeks of leachate recirculation, while the other columns took 7-13 more weeks of lag phase time of LFG production. And LFG generation rates had good relationships with pollution loadings, such as COD and VFA in the leachate. By the 50th week, the waste in R1 was more stabilized with the highest loading rate. The accumulative transfer ratios to gas phase of TOC and COD were 28.96% and 14.57%, respectively, which meant large mount of organic matter was carried out by the effluent of the early stage and thus the potential of LFG generation was reduced. Therefore, to enhance the efficiency of LFG generation, the regimes of leachate recirculation in bioreactor landfills should be adjusted timely according to the phases of waste stabilization.