The diversity and biogeography of bacterial communities in lake sediments across different climate zones.

Bacteria are diverse and play important roles in biogeochemical cycling of aquatic ecosystems, but the global distribution patterns of bacterial communities in lake sediments across different climate zones are still obscure. Here we integrated the high-throughput sequencing data of 750 sediment samples from published literature to investigate the distribution of bacterial communities in different climate zones and the potential driving mechanisms. The obtained results indicated that the diversity and richness of bacterial community were notably higher in temperate and cold zones than those in other climate zones. In addition, the bacterial community composition varied significantly in different climate zones, which further led to changes in bacterial functional groups. Specifically, the relative abundance of nitrogen cycling functional groups in polar zones was notably higher compared to other climate zones. Regression analysis revealed that climate (mean annual precipitation, MAP; and mean annual temperature, MAT), vegetation, and geography together determined the diversity pattern of sediment bacterial community on a global scale. The results of partial least squares path modeling further demonstrated that climate was the most significant factor affecting the composition and diversity of bacterial communities, and MAP was the most important climate factor affecting the composition of bacteria community (R2 = 0.443, P < 0.001). It is worth noting that a strong positive correlation was observed between the abundance of the dominant bacterial group uncultured_f_Anaerolineaceae and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI; P < 0.001), suggesting that vegetation could affect bacterial community diversity by influencing dominant bacterial taxa. This study enhances our understanding of the global diversity patterns and biogeography of sediment bacteria.

Regime difference between macrophyte and Cyanophyta dominance regulate microbial carbon sequestration mode in lake sediments.

Different nutrient load in the lake ecosystems trigger the regime difference and change of predominant biotype. The regulation of carbon (C) sequestration mode in the lacustrine sediments in response to this process need prudent clarification. Fluorescence measurements and high-throughput sequencing for functional genes cbbL and cbbM encoding C-fixing bacteria genus were executed for sediments from two representative regimes dominated by macrophyte and Cyanophyta, respectively. The results showed that humic-like and fulvic-acid like materials dominated the dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the algae and macrophyte-dominated lake regions, respectively. Microbial assimilation played critical influence on C fixation into the sediments in both of the two regimes. However, higher diversity was detected in macrophyte-dominated regime compared to that in Cyanophyta-dominated regime, suggesting that moderate nutrient levels facilitated the species richness of bacteria encoding functional genes concerning C fixation. Bacterial species and diversities varied between two regimes including predominant and rare taxa, suggesting that community structure alteration due to regime difference triggered the regulation the C sequestration mode and stability. Predominant genera manipulated the abundance of C-fixing bacteria genes in response to the regulation of nutrient levels. Noted that rare genera also responded to the regime difference and played key role in C sequestration into lacustrine sediments. Our results suggest that more abundant macrophyte-dominated regime facilitated the C sequestration in the lake ecosystems for atmospheric C reduction.

Deciphering the anammox microbial community succession with humic acid exposure to optimize large anammox granules for robust nitrogen removal.

The robustness of the anaerobic ammonia oxidation (anammox) process in treating wastewater with high concentrations of humic acids (HAs), including landfill leachate and sludge anaerobic digestion liquid, has been paid great attention. This study revealed that the anammox sludge granule size of 1.0-2.0 mm could be robust under the HA exposure with high concentrations. The total nitrogen removal efficiency (NRE) was 96.2% at the HA concentration of 20-100 mg/L, while the NRE was 88.5% at the HA concentration of 500 mg/L, with reduced by 7.7%. The increased extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content which was stimulated by the HA exposure favored the formation of large granules (1.0-2.0 mm) by enveloping medium and micro granules (0.2-1.0 mm). The abundance of anammox bacteria Candidatus Brocadia was found to be higher (14.2%) in large anammox granules sized 1.0-2.0 mm, suggesting a potentially high anammox activity. However, the abundance of denitrifiers Denitratisoma increased by 4.3% in ultra-large anammox granules sized >2.0 mm, which could be attributed to the high EPS content for heterotrophic denitrifiers metabolism as organic matter. The feedback mechanism of the anammox community for maintaining the ecological function under the HA exposure resulted in a closely related microbial community, with positive and negative correlations in the ecological network increased by 64.3%. This study revealed that the HA exposure of the anammox system resulted in the anammox granules of 1.0-2.0 mm size being the dominant granules with robust nitrogen removal, providing significant guidance for the optimization of anammox granules for an efficient treatment of HA-containing wastewater in anammox applications.

Metabolism and distribution of two major constituents of 'Xing-Nao-Jing Injection'-germacrone and curdione in rats.

Germacrone and curdione are germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids that are widely distributed and have extensive pharmacological activities; they are the main constituents of 'Xing-Nao-Jing Injection' (XNJ). Studies on the metabolic features of germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids are limited. In this study, the metabolites of germacrone and curdione were characterized by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Oribitrap mass spectrometry after they were orally administered to rats. In total, 60 and 76 metabolites were found and preliminarily identified in rats administered germacrone and curdione, respectively, among which at least 123 potential new compounds were included. New metabolic reactions of germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids were identified, which included oxidation (+4 O and +5 O), ethylation, methyl-sulfinylation, vitamin C conjugation, and cysteine conjugation reactions. Among the 136 metabolites (including 113 oxidation metabolites, two glucuronidation, two methylation, nine methyl-sulfinylation, three ethylation, six cysteine conjugation, and one Vitamin C conjugation metabolites), 32 metabolites were detected in nine organs, and the stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys, and small intestine were the main organs for the distribution of these metabolites. All 136 metabolites were detected in urine and 64 of them were found in feces. The results of this study not only contribute to research on in vivo processes related to germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids but also provide a strong foundation for a better understanding of in vivo processes and the effective forms of germacrone, curdione, and XNJ.

Refractory degradable dissolved organic matter (R-DOM) driving nitrogen removal by the electric field coupled iron­carbon biofilter (E-ICBF): Performance and microbial mechanisms.

Researches on the advanced nitrogen (N) removal of municipal tailwater always overlooked the value of refractory degradable dissolved organic matter (R-DOM). In this study, a novel electric field coupled iron­carbon biofilter (E-ICBF) was utilized to explore the performance and microbial changes with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the representative R-DOM. Results demonstrated that the removal efficiencies of E-ICBF for nitrate nitrogen (NO3--N), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), and total nitrogen (TN) improved by 28.76 %, 12.96 %, and 28.45 %, compared to quartz sand biofilter (SBF). Moreover, removal efficiencies of NO3--N and TN in E-ICBF with R-DOM went up by 12.11 % and 14.02 % compared to methanol. Additionally, both PEG and the electric field reduced the microbial richness and diversity. However, PEG promoted the increase of denitrifying bacteria abundance including unclassified_f_Comamonadaceae, Thauera, and unclassified_f_Gallionellaceae. The electric field improved the abundances of genes related to N removal (hao, nasC, nasA, nifH, nifD, nifK) and PEG further enhanced the effect. The abundances of key enzymes [EC:1.7.5.1], [EC:1.7.2.1], [EC:1.7.2.4], and [EC:1.7.2.5] decreased due to the addition of PEG and the electric field mitigated the negative influence. Additionally, the electric field changed relationships between microorganisms and pollutant removal, and improved interspecific relationships between denitrifying bacterial genera and other genera in E-ICBF.

Anchored Cobalt Nanoparticles on Layered Perovskites for Rapid Peroxymonosulfate Activation in Antibiotic Degradation.

In the Fenton-like reaction, revealing the dynamic evolution of the active sites is crucial to achieve the activity improvement and stability of the catalyst. This study reports a perovskite oxide in which atomic (Co0) in situ embedded exsolution occurs during the high-temperature phase transition. This unique anchoring strategy significantly improves the Co3+/Co2+ cycling efficiency at the interface and inhibits metal leaching during peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The Co@L-PBMC catalyst exhibits superior PMS activation ability and could achieve 99% degradation of tetracycline within 5 min. The combination of experimental characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidates that the electron-deficient oxygen vacancy accepts an electron from the Co 3d-orbital, resulting in a significant electron delocalization of the Co site, thereby facilitating the adsorption of the *HSO5/*OH intermediate onto the "metal-VO bridge" structure. This work provides insights into the PMS activation mechanism at the atomic level, which will guide the rational design of next-generation catalysts for environmental remediation.

Triclosan disturbs nitrogen removal in constructed wetlands: Responses of microbial structure and functions.

This study investigated the influence of wetland types (vertical and tidal flow constructed wetlands [CWs] [VFCW and TFCW, respectively]) and concentrations of triclosan (TCS) on the removal of pollutants (TCS and nitrogen) and microbial characteristics. The efficiency of TCS removal was significantly higher with 5 µg/L TCS (Phase B) than with 30 µg/L (Phase C) in the two CWs. The efficiencies of removal of NH4+-N and NO3--N were significantly inhibited in Phase C. Compared with the VFCW, the TFCW removed more NH4+-N at the same concentration of TCS, whereas less NO3--N was removed, and it even accumulated. Saccharimondales, an important functional genus with the highest abundance and more node connections with other genera, had a sharp decrease in relative abundance as the increasing concentrations of TCS of the two CWs conformed with its relative abundance and significantly negatively correlated with the concentration of TCS. Differentiated Roseobacter_Clade_CHAB-I-5_Lineage and Sphaerotilus were enriched in the VFCW and TFCW, respectively. The abundance of enzymes that catalyzed nitritation was significantly inhibited by TCS, whereas nitrate reductase (EC 1.7.99.4) catalyzed both denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), and nitrite reductase (NADH) (EC 1.7.1.15) that catalyzed DNRA comprised a larger proportion in the two CWs. Simultaneously, the abundances of two enzymes were higher in the TFCW than in the VFCW. The network analysis indicated that the main genera were promoted more by TCS in the VFCW, while inhibited in the TFCW. Moreover, the concentrations of nitrogen (NH4+-N, NO3--N, and TN) significantly positively correlated with TCS-resistant bacteria, and negatively correlated with most nitrogen-transforming bacteria with species that varied between the VFCW and TFCW. The results of this study provide a reference for the molecular biological mechanism of the simultaneous removal of nitrogen and TCS in the CWs.

Differential cytotoxicity to human cells in vitro of tire wear particles emitted from typical road friction patterns: The dominant role of environmental persistent free radicals.

Tire wear particles (TWPs) have been recognized as one of the major sources of microplastics (MPs), however, effects of initial properties and photochemical behavior of TWPs on cytotoxicity to human cells in vitro have not been reported. Therefore, here, three TWPs generated from typical wear of tires and pavements (i.e., rolling friction (R-TWPs) and sliding friction (S-TWPs)) and cryogenically milled tire tread (C-TWPs), respectively, and their photoaging counterparts were used to study the reasons for their differential cytotoxicity to 16HBE cells in vitro. Results showed in addition to changes of surface structure and morphology, different preparation methods could also induce formation of different concentration levels of environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) (from 1.24 to 3.06 × 1017 spins/g with g-factors ranging 2.00307-2.00310) on surfaces of TWPs, which contained 7.3%-65.8% of reactive EPFRs (r-EPFRs). Meanwhile, photoaging for 90 d could strengthen formation of EPFRs (from 4.03 to 4.61 × 1017 spins/g) with containing 74.7%-78.1% r-EPFRs on surfaces of TWPs and improve their g-factor indexes (ranging 2.00309-2.00313). At 100 µg mL-1 level, compared to C-TWPs, both R-TWPs and S-TWPs (whether photoaging or not) carried higher intensity EPFRs could significantly inhibit 16HBE cells proliferation activity, cause more cells oxidative stress and induce more cell apoptosis/necrosis and secretion of inflammatory factor (P < 0.05). However, regardless of how TWPs were prepared, photoaged or not, exposure at a concentration of 1 µg mL-1 appeared to be non-acute cytotoxic. Correlation analysis suggested dominant toxicity of TWPs was attributed to the formation of r-EPFRs on their surfaces, which could promote accumulation of excess reactive oxygen species in cells and the massive deposition of intracellular particles. This study provides direct evidence of TWPs cytotoxicity, and underlining the need for a better understanding of the influences of initial properties and photochemical characteristics on risk assessment of TWPs released into the environment.

Cerebral collateral circulation as an independent predictor for in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting.

Background: In-stent restenosis is a crucial problem after carotid artery stenting, but the exact predictors of in-stent restenosis remain unclear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of cerebral collateral circulation on in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting and to establish a clinical prediction model for in-stent restenosis. Methods: This retrospective case-control study enrolled 296 patients with severe carotid artery stenosis of C1 segment (≥70%) who underwent stent therapy from June 2015 to December 2018. Based on follow-up data, the patients were divided into the in-stent restenosis and no in-stent restenosis groups. The collateral circulation of the brain was graded according to the criteria of the American Society for Interventional and Therapy Neuroradiology/Society for Interventional Radiology (ASITN/SIR). Clinical data were collected, such as age, sex, traditional vascular risk factors, blood cell count, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, uric acid, stenosis degree before stenting and residual stenosis rate, and medication after stenting. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors of in-stent restenosis, and a clinical prediction model for in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting was established. Results: Binary logistic regression analysis showed that poor collateral circulation was an independent predictor of in-stent restenosis (P=0.003). We also found that a 1% increase in residual stenosis rate was associated with a 9% increase in the risk of in-stent restenosis (P=0.02). Ischemic stroke history (P=0.03), family history of ischemic stroke (P<0.001), in-stent restenosis history (P<0.001), and nonstandard medication after stenting (P=0.04) were predictors of in-stent restenosis. The risk of in-stent restenosis was lowest when the residual stenosis rate was 12.5% after carotid artery stenting. Furthermore, we used some significant parameters to construct a binary logistic regression prediction model for in-stent restenosis after carotid artery stenting in the form of a nomogram. Conclusions: Collateral circulation is an independent predictor of in-stent restenosis after successful carotid artery stenting, and the residual stenosis rate tends to be below 12.5% to reduce restenosis risk. The standard medication should be strictly carried out for patients after stenting to prevent in-stent restenosis.

Microplastics as vectors of organic pollutants in aquatic environment: A review on mechanisms, numerical models, and influencing factors.

Microplastics (MPs), a new class of emerging pollutants, have attracted exponentially increased attention due to the adverse ecological impacts on biota, not only by themselves but also by the combined corrosive substances. However, the occurrence mechanisms, numerical models and influencing factors of MPs adsorbing organic pollutants (OPs) show a significant variation with literatures. Therefore, this review is focused on the adsorption of OPs on MPs, including mechanisms, numerical models, and influencing factors, to obtain a comprehensive understanding. Research shows that MPs with strong hydrophobicity have high adsorption capacity for hydrophobic OPs. Hydrophobic distribution and surface adsorption are considered to be the main mechanisms by which MPs adsorb OPs. The available literature suggests that the pseudo-second-order model describes the adsorption kinetics of OPs on MPs better than the pseudo-first-order model, while the choice of Freundlich or Langmuir isotherm model depends mainly on the specific environmental conditions. Moreover, the characteristics of MPs (composition, particle size, aging, etc.), the nature of OPs (concentration, polarity, hydrophilicity, etc.), the environmental conditions (temperature, salinity, pH, ionic strength, etc.), and the substances co-existing in the environment (e.g., DOM and surfactants) are all important factors affecting the adsorption behavior of MPs for OPs. Environmental conditions can also indirectly affect the adsorption of hydrophilic OPs adsorbed on MPs by causing changes in the surface properties of MPs. Based on the current knowledge, the perspective shortening the knowledge gap is also suggested.

Microplastics and microorganisms in sediments from stormwater drain system.

Research has already confirmed the occurrence of microplastics (MPs) in sediments of stormwater drain system (SDS). However, the microplastic pollution remains to be elucidated well in sediments, especially the spatio-temporal distribution and the impacts of MPs on microorganisms. In this study, the averaged abundance of MPs in SDS sediments was 479 ± 688 items·kg-1 for spring, 257 ± 93 items·kg-1 for summer, 306 ± 227 items·kg-1 for autumn and 652 ± 413 items·kg-1 for winter. As expected, the abundance of MPs was the lowest in summer due to runoff scouring, while the highest in winter attributed to infrequent low-intensity rainfall. The major polymers of MPs were polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene plastics, occupying 76 % to 98 % of the total number. Fiber MPs were the most regardless of season (41 % to 58 %). MPs with size of 250-1000 µm accounted for over 50 %, which is in accordance with the previous study that MPs of <1000 µm were the major. High-throughput sequencing of analysis shows that MPs provided an ecological niche for bacterial communities different from that of SDS sediments. Actinomycetes and bacteria with chemoheterotrophic genes tended to be enriched on the surfaces of MPs. In addition, Acidobacteria and bacteria with nitrification genes would not like to present in microplastisphere. A strong positive correlation (R from 0.74 to 0.83, P < 0.01) was found between the abundance of MPs in sediments and the abundance of functional genes for denitrification and nitrogen respiration of microorganisms on the surfaces of MPs. It indicates that MPs may influence the nitrogen transformation processes in SDS sediments via the occurrence of denitrification processes on the surfaces of MPs. The abundance of MPs had no significant relationship with the various functional genes of microorganisms in the sediments (P > 0.05), which means that MPs could not profoundly influence the expression of microbial functional genes in SDS sediments.

Terrestrial sources regulate the endogenous phosphorus load in Taihu Lake, China after exogenous controls: Evidence from a representative lake watershed.

Identifying phosphorus (P) sources and contributions from terrestrial sources is important for clean water and eutrophication management in lake watersheds. However, this remains challenging owing to the high complexity of P transport processes. The concentrations of different P fractions in the soils and sediments from Taihu Lake, a representative freshwater lake watershed, were obtained using sequential extraction procedure. The dissolved phosphate (PO4-P) and alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) in the lake's water were also surveyed. The results showed that different P pools in the soil and sediments displayed different ranges. Higher concentrations of P fractions were measured in the solid soils and sediments from the northern and western regions of the lake watershed, indicating a larger input of P from exogenous sources, including agriculture runoff and industrial effluent from the river. Generally, higher Fe-P and Ca-P concentrations of up to 399.5 and 481.4 mg/kg were detected in soils and lake sediments, respectively. Similarly, the lake's water had higher concentrations of PO4-P and APA in the northern region. A significant positive correlation was found between Fe-P in the soil and PO4-P concentrations in the water. Statistical analysis indicated that appropriately 68.75% P was retained in the sediment from terrigenous sources, and 31.25% P experienced dissolution and shifted to the solution phase in the water-sediment ecosystems. The dissolution and release in Fe-P in the soils were responsible for the increase of Ca-P in the sediment after the afflux of soils into the lake. These findings suggest that soil runoff predominantly controls P occurrence in lake sediments as an exogenous source. Generally, the strategy of reducing terrestrial inputs from agricultural soil discharge is still an important step in P management at the catchment scale of lakes.

Mitigation of ultrafiltration membrane fouling by a simulated sunlight-peroxymonosulfate system with the assistance of irradiated NOM.

Oxidation pretreatments prior to ultrafiltration are hindered by the need for energy input and sludge disposal. Herein, a simulated sunlight-induced natural organic matter (NOM) for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation was used as pretreatment to alleviate ultrafiltration membrane fouling caused by NOM itself in the Songhua River water. When light intensity was over 100 mW/cm2, the pretreatment removed NOM effectively, characterized with UV254, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and maximum fluorescent intensity (Fmax), and improved filtration flux. At 200 mW/cm2 light intensity and 0.5 mM PMS, 57.5% of UV254 and 18.5% of DOC were removed, and humic-like fluorescent component was degraded by 84%-94% while ∼60% for protein-like substance. Membrane flux was increased by 94%, and reversible and irreversible fouling resistances were reduced by 62.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Both total fouling index (TFI) and hydraulic irreversible fouling index (HIFI) were moderately correlated with the DOC, whereas they prominently correlated with the UV254 and the Fmaxs of all fluorescence components, which could be served as key indicators to predict and control membrane fouling. Mathematical modeling showed that the pretreatment alleviated the fouling in the membrane pores and cake layer. The simulated sunlight-induced NOM (3NOM* and eaq¯) could activate PMS to form active species, which enabled to oxidize high molecular weight (MW) substances and mineralize low MW compounds in NOM as well as hinder their linking with inorganic cations, thereby reducing organic and inorganic membrane fouling simultaneously. This study may provide a new strategy for decentralized potable water treatment, especially in a single household or community.

Sources and spatiotemporal variations of nitrogen and phosphorus in Liaodong Bay, China.

Excessive discharge of N and P pollutants results in deterioration of marine environment quality and reduction of sustainability and safety of marine ecology. Spatiotemporal variations characteristics and sources of N and P pollutants were determined based on the long-term monitoring data in Liaodong Bay. Results indicated that an evident spatiotemporal variation was investigated for nutrients. The highest concentrations of NH3-N, NO2-N, NO3-N and PO4-P were in spring (25.32 µg/L), summer (20.67 µg/L) and autumn (222.07 µg/L, 11.08 µg/L), respectively. The hot-spots of pollutants were mainly concentrated in estuarine and aquaculture areas. The hot spot of PO4-P gradually extended to the middle of Liaodong Bay in autumn. In addition, pollution sources in each marine functional zone were different, the main pollution source was aquaculture wastewater, river input, domestic sewage. This study provided reasonable suggestions for effectively reducing N and P pollution in Liaodong Bay, and elsewhere.

Submerged zone and vegetation drive distribution of heavy metal fractions and microbial community structure: Insights into stormwater biofiltration system.

Biofiltration system is a widely used stormwater treatment option that is effective in removing heavy metals. The concentration and distribution of heavy metal fractions in biofiltration filter media, as well as the microbiota composition affected by the design parameters, are relatively novel concepts that require further research. A laboratory-scale column study was conducted to investigate the microbial community and the fractionation of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, and Cd) extracted from filter media samples, subjected to the presence of vegetation, submerged zone (SZ), and major environmental parameters (pH, water content). Sequential extractions revealed that, compared to the three other fractions (exchangeable fraction, reducible fraction, and oxidizable fraction), the residual fraction was the most represented for each metal (41 - 82 %). As a result, vegetation was found to reduce pH value, and significantly decrease the concentration of the exchangeable fraction of Pb in the middle layer, and the oxidizable fraction of Pb, Cu, Cd, and Cr in the middle and bottom layers (p < 0.05). The formation of an anoxic environment by submerged zone settlements resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of reducible fractions and a significant increase in the concentration of oxidizable fractions for four heavy metals (p < 0.05). In addition, the analysis of the microbiota showed that the diversity and richness of microorganisms increased in the presence of SZ and plants. The dominant phylum in biofiltration was Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria as major phyla. Heavy metal fractions could regulate the structure of microbial communities in biofiltration. The findings of this study would enrich our understanding of the improvement of multi-metal-contaminated runoff treatment and highlight the impact of design parameters and heavy metal fractionation on microbial community structure in the biofiltration system.

Nitrogen removal performance and microbial characteristics during simultaneous chemical phosphorus removal process using Fe3.

To evaluate the effect of Fe3+ on nitrogen (N) removal and associated microbial characteristics during simultaneous chemical phosphorus (P) removal, a sequencing batch reactor was used to analyze the changes in the microbial community and metabolic pathways caused by Fe3+ addition. Results demonstrated that Fe3+ promoted ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) removal and inhibited denitrification process, and increased the sludge particles (D50) and the biomass per sludge particle size. Furthermore, the abundances of denitrifying bacteria (Haliangium and Terrimonas) and biological phosphorus removing bacteria (Halaingium, norank_f_Saprospiraceae and SM1A02) were decreased. On the contrary, the increase of nitrifying bacteria abundance and the coding genes of nitrification-related enzymes confirmed the promotion for nitrification with Fe3+ addition. Besides, Fe3+ inhibited the interspecific relationship between denitrifying bacteria genera and other genera to reduce denitrification efficiency.

Effects of tire wear particles with and without photoaging on anaerobic biofilm sulfide production in sewers and related mechanisms.

Tire wear particles (TWPs) are considered to be one of the major sources of microplastics (MPs) in sewers; however, little has been reported on the surface properties and photochemical behavior of TWPs, especially in terms of their environmental persistent radicals, leachate type, and response after photoaging. It is also unknown how TWPs influence the production of common pollutants (e.g., sulfides) in anaerobic biofilms in sewers. In our study, the effects of cryogenically milled tire treads (C-TWPs) and their corresponding photoaging products (photoaging-TWPs, A-TWPs) on anaerobic biofilm sulfide production in sewers and related mechanisms were studied. The results showed that the two TWPs at a low concentration (0.1 mg L-1) exerted no significant (p > 0.05) effects on sulfide yield, whereas exposure to a high concentration of TWPs (100 mg L-1) inversely affected sulfide yield, with A-TWPs exerting a significant inhibitory effect on sulfide yield in the sewers (p < 0.01). The main reason was that A-TWPs carried higher concentrations of reactive environmental persistent radicals on their surfaces after photoaging than C-TWPs, which could induce the formation of oxygen radicals. In addition, A-TWPs were more uniformly distributed in the wastewater system and could penetrate the biofilm to damage bacterial cells, and their ability to leach polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals such as zinc additives enhanced their toxic effects. In contrast, C-TWPs contributed significantly to sulfide production (p < 0.01), primarily because of their low biotoxicity, ability to leach a considerable amount of sulfide, and stimulatory effect on anaerobic biofilm surface sulfate-reducing bacteria. Our study complements the toxicity studies of the TWPs particles themselves and provides insight on a new influencing factor for determining the changes in sulfide generation and control measures in sewers.

Effect of intracranial venous collaterals on neurological outcomes in cerebral venous thrombosis.

This study identifies predictors of favourable intracranial venous collaterals and the effect of intracranial venous collaterals on outcomes and recanalization in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). Data of 61 patients with CVT were retrospectively reviewed. Venous collateralization was defined as expanded cortical vein formation through different drainage pathways. Recanalization grades were classified into complete or partial recanalization based on images obtained during hospitalisation and follow-up. Independent predictors of collateral formation and poor prognosis were investigated via univariate and binary logistic regression analyses. The effects of different intracranial venous collaterals on recanalization in patients with CVT were assessed. A risk prediction nomogram for prognosis was constructed. Age ≤ 35 years (odds ratio (OR) = 7.067; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.776-28.277; P = 0.006) and male sex (OR = 5.490; 95% CI = 1.205-25.004; P = 0.028) were independent predictors of favourable venous collaterals. Venous collaterals were associated with early recanalization (P = 0.017) and not with long-term recanalization (P = 0.252). Male sex (OR = 0.047; 95% CI = 0.003-0.651; P = 0.023), subacute onset (OR = 0.026; 95% CI = 0.002-0.367; P = 0.007), and good collateral grade (OR = 0.168; 95% CI = 0.029-0.985; P = 0.048) were independent factors of favourable neurological outcomes at discharge. Haemorrhage on computed tomography at admission (OR = 10.868; 95% CI = 2.082-56.733; P = 0.005) was inversely correlated with prognosis. These findings suggested that male patients under 35 years of age are more likely to have favourable venous collaterals and good outcomes. Venous collaterals are significantly associated with early recanalization. These findings highlight the importance of venous collateral evaluation in patients with CVT.

Immobilization of Ochrobactrum sp. on Biochar/Clay Composite Particle: Optimization of Preparation and Performance for Nitrogen Removal.

The objective of this study was to prepare biochar/clay composite particle (BCCP) as carrier to immobilize Ochrobactrum sp. to degrade ammonia nitrogen (NH4 +-N), and the effects of calcined program and immobilizing material were investigated. Results reflected that the parameters were as follows: calcined temperature 400°C, heating rate 20°C min-1, and holding time 2 h, and the adsorption capacity could reach 0.492 mg g-1. Sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol, as embedding material, jointed with NH4 +-N adsorption process and then degraded by Ochrobactrum sp. with 79.39% degradation efficiency at 168 h. Immobilizing Ochrobactrum sp. could protect strain from high salt concentration to achieve the exceeding degradation efficiency than free bacteria, but could not block the impact of low temperature.

Characteristics of Harmful Algal Species in the Coastal Waters of China from 1990 to 2017.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have occurred frequently in coastal waters of China, imposing negative effects on the marine ecological environment. A dataset of HABs and terrestrial runoff was collected and analyzed in this study, and factors responsible for HABs were further explored. Frequency and expansion of HABs peaked between 2001 and 2007, and although they have declined slightly since then, they have remained quite high. Frequency and accumulative area of HABs peaked in 2004-2005, and most occurred from April to August during these years. HABs occurred frequently in the Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary, and Prorocentrum donghaiense, Noctiluca scientillans, Karenia mikimotoi, and Skeletonema costatum were the main algal species. The increases of eutrophication, the abnormal sea surface temperature caused by climate and ocean currents, and the species invasion caused by the discharge of ballast water may be important factors for the long-term outbreak of HABs in the Chinese coastal waters. These findings provide a better understanding of HABs in China, which will be helpful to further prevention and control.