The organism fate of inland freshwater system under micro-/nano-plastic pollution: A review of past decade.

Micro- and nano-plastics (MPs/NPs) are characterized by their small size and extensive surface area, making them global environmental pollutants with adverse effects on organisms at various levels, including organs, cells, and molecules. Freshwater organisms, such as microalgae, emerging plants, zooplankton, benthic species, and fish, experience varying impacts from MPs/NPs, which are prevalent in both terrestrial and aquatic inland environments. MPs/NPs significantly impact plant physiological processes, including photosynthesis, antioxidant response, energy metabolism, and nitrogen removal. Extended exposure and ingestion to MPs/NPs might cause metabolic and behavioral deviations in zooplankton, posing an extinction risk. Upon exposure to MPs/NPs, both benthic organisms and fish display behavioral and metabolic disturbances, due to oxidative stress, neural toxicity, intestinal damage, and metabolic changes. Results from laboratory and field investigations have confirmed that MPs/NPs can be transported across multiple trophic levels. Moreover, MPs/NPs-induced alterations in zooplankton populations can impede energy transfer, leading to food scarcity for filter-feeding fish, larvae of benthic organism and fish, thus jeopardizing aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, MPs/NPs can harm the nervous systems of aquatic organisms, influencing their feeding patterns, circadian rhythms, and mobility. Such behavioral alterations might also introduce unforeseen ecological risks. This comprehensive review aims to explore the consequences of MPs/NPs on freshwater organisms and their interconnected food webs. The investigation encompasses various aspects, including behavioral changes, alterations in physiology, impacts on metabolism, transgenerational effects, and the disruption of energy transfer within the ecosystem. This review elucidated the physiological and biochemical toxicity of MPs/NPs on freshwater organisms, and the ensuing risks to inland aquatic ecosystems.

Atomic layer deposition of ZnO on polypropylene nonwovens for photocatalytic antibacterial facemasks.

Addressing respiratory infectious diseases remains one of the main priorities due to the increased risk of exposure caused by population growth, increasing international travel and commerce, and most recently, the COVID-19 outbreak. In the war against respiratory diseases, facemasks are powerful tools to obstruct the penetration of microorganisms, thereby protecting the wearer from infections. Nonetheless, the intercepted microorganisms on the surface of facemasks may proliferate and lead to secondary infection. To solve this problem, atomic layer deposition is introduced to deposit uniform and mechanically robust ZnO layers on polypropylene (PP) nonwoven fabrics, a widely used raw material in fabricating facemasks. The loading of ZnO demonstrates no adverse effects on the separation performance of facemasks, and the filtration efficiency of the facemasks towards different types of nanoparticles remains higher than 98.9%. Moreover, the modified PP nonwoven fabrics are granted with excellent antibacterial activity and photocatalytic sterilization ability, which can inactivate both germ-negative and germ-positive bacteria (E. coliandS. aureus) effectively with and without light illumination. Therefore, the modified PP nonwoven fabrics are potential candidates to be used as the outer layer on facemasks and endow them with photocatalytic antibacterial activity.

Expression Patterns and Gonadotropin Regulation of the TGF-ß II Receptor (Bmpr2) during Ovarian Development in the Ricefield Eel Monopterus albus.

Bmpr2 plays a central role in the regulation of reproductive development in mammals, but its role during ovarian development in fish is still unclear. To ascertain the function of bmpr2 in ovarian development in the ricefield eel, we isolated and characterized the bmpr2 cDNA sequence; the localization of Bmpr2 protein was determined by immunohistochemical staining; and the expression patterns of bmpr2 in ovarian tissue incubated with FSH and hCG in vitro were analyzed. The full-length bmpr2 cDNA was 3311 bp, with 1061 amino acids encoded. Compared to other tissues, bmpr2 was abundantly expressed in the ovary and highly expressed in the early yolk accumulation (EV) stages of the ovary. In addition, a positive signal for Bmpr2 was detected in the cytoplasm of oocytes in primary growth (PG) and EV stages. In vitro, the expression level of gdf9, the ligand of bmpr2, in the 10 ng/mL FSH treatment group was significantly higher after incubation for 4 h than after incubation for different durations. However, bmpr2 expression in the 10 ng/mL FSH treatment group at 2 h, 4 h and 10 h was significantly lower. Importantly, the expression level of bmpr2 and gdf9 in the 100 IU/mL hCG group had similar changes that were significantly decreased at 4 h and 10 h. In summary, Bmpr2 might play a pivotal role in ovarian growth in the ricefield eel, and these results provide a better understanding of the function of bmpr2 in ovarian development and the basic data for further exploration of the regulatory mechanism of gdf9 in oocyte development.

One-pot Synthesis of Metal-coordinated Covalent Organic Frameworks for Enhanced CO2 Photoreduction.

Solar energy-driven reduction of CO2 into fuels with H2O as a sacrificial agent is a challenging but desirable subject in photosynthesis. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are considered promising candidates for this subject because of their designable structures and functions. The coordination of transition metal ions into COFs is a feasible way to boost the photocatalytic activity. However, postsynthetic modification of COFs with metal ions often leads to a significant decrease in crystallinity and the specific surface area. Herein, we develop a one-pot synthesis of metal-coordinated (nonnoble metal) COFs with high crystallinity. HB-TAPT + Co with ordered and segregated D-A arrays is synthesized by combining 2,4,6-tris(4-aminophenyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TAPT, a strong electron-acceptor) with 2-hydroxy-1,3,5-benzenetricarbaldehyde (HB)-loaded Co2+ (a strong electron-donor). The CO production when using HB-TAPT + Co under visible light irradiation for 4 h is 78.4 µmol g-1, which is 3.2 times that of HB-TAPT + Co synthesized by the postsynthetic modification method and 2.65 times that of HB-TAPT without the metal ions. HB-TAPT + Co also has good recycling stability in photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Additionally, experimental results have demonstrated that the crystallinities of these metal-coordinated materials contribute greatly to the conversion of CO2 in the photoreaction with H2O. This work provides a new protocol for improving the CO2 photoreduction performance by coordinating metal ions to COFs while maintaining the original crystallinity through a one-pot synthesis method.

N-Doping Carbon-Nanotube Membrane Electrodes Derived from Covalent Organic Frameworks for Efficient Capacitive Deionization.

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly electrochemical desalination technology which has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Electrodes are crucial to the performance of CDI processes, and utilizing a carbon-nanotubes (CNTs) membrane to fabricate electrodes is an attractive solution for advanced CDI processes. However, the strong hydrophobicity and low electrosorption capacity limit applications of CNTs membranes in CDI. To solve this problem, we introduce crystalline porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) into CNTs membranes to fabricate N-doping carbon-nanotubes membrane electrodes (NCMEs). After solvothermal growth and carbonization, CNTs membranes are successfully coated with imine-based COFs and turned into integrated NCMEs. Comparing with the CNTs membranes, the NCMEs exhibit an ∼2.3 times higher electrosorption capacity and superior reusability. This study not only confirms that COFs can be used as high-quality carbon sources but also provides a new strategy to fabricate high-performance CDI electrodes.

[Spatial patterns of biodiversity and hotspots in Chongqing Pengxi River Wetland Nature Reserve, China]. / é‡åº†æ¾Žæºªæ²³æ¹¿åœ°è‡ªç„¶ä¿æŠ¤åŒºç”Ÿç‰©å¤šæ ·æ€§ç©ºé—´æ ¼å±€åŠçƒ­ç‚¹åŒº.

The analysis of biodiversity spatial patterns and the detection of hotspots are effective ways for conservation planning and scientific management of biodiversity. Based on field investigation, historical data and literature information, we constructed the comprehensive index of biodiversity by considering habitat quality, species diversity and landscape diversity within Chongqing Pengxi River Wetland Nature Reserve. Combined with spatial autocorrelation analysis, we analyzed spatial distribution pattern and the degree of spatial autocorrelation of biodiversity in the nature reserve, identified biodiversity hotspots, and discussed the protection effectiveness of existing nature reserve for the hotspots. The results showed that the spatial pattern of biodiversity in the nature reserve tended to decrease with the increases of distance from the river and riparian zone. Areas with high value of biodiversity index were mainly concentrated in Pengxi River, Puli River, Baijiaxi Stream and alongshore areas. There was significant positive correlation in the spatial distribution of biodiversity. The spatial autocorrelation of local areas was mainly characterized by high-high aggregation and low-low aggregation. The area of biodiversity hotspots was 457 hm2, accounting for 11.1% of the total nature reserve. The core area of current nature reserve covered 51% of the hotspots and 50% of the secondary hotspots. The structure and functional zone distribution of nature reserve should be further optimized and adjusted. We suggested that other hotspots should become part of the core area, including the Longwangtang area of Puli River, Xiaoyakou, Dengjiawan, Dongziyan, Longwangtang, Jiuwuju, Huatouju, Xinpuzi and Longjia yard of Baijiaxi Stream. The cold spots should be removed from the core area, to improve the function zoning of nature reserve. Our results could provide quantitative basic references for the boundary optimization and control zoning of nature reserve, and the reasonable promotion of the adjustment of "three zones to two zones", and could have guiding significance for improving effectiveness of species conservation and formulating scientific protection strategies.

Expression and regulation of Smad2 by gonadotropins in the protogynous hermaphroditic ricefield eel (Monopterus albus).

Smad2, a receptor-activated Smad, plays a critical role in regulating gametogenesis. In this study, a smad2 homologue was identified and sequenced from ricefield eel ovary cDNA, and its mRNA and protein expression levels were analysed during oocyte development. The cDNA sequence of ricefield eel smad2 consisted of 1863 bp encoding a 467-amino acid protein that had high sequence homology with Smad proteins in other teleosts, especially in Poeciliopsis prolifica. The results of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that smad2 is expressed in the ovary during gonad development, increased continuously until the early vitellogenic stage in the ovaries, and then decreased with ovary maturation. Smad2 protein immunoreactivity was localized in the cytoplasm of follicular cells, oogonia, and primary growth stage oocytes. In vitro experiments revealed that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) promoted smad2 expression in ovary tissue in a time- and dose-dependent manner, respectively. In summary, Smad2 plays a potentially vital role in ricefield eel ovary development.

CP-CRE/non-CP-CRE Stratification And CRE Resistance Mechanism Determination Help In Better Managing CRE Bacteremia Using Ceftazidime-Avibactam And Aztreonam-Avibactam.

PURPOSE: This observational study aimed to identify the independent risk factors for both the acquisition and mortality of carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CP-CRE) bacteremia and further assess the in vitro antimicrobial activities of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ/AVI) and aztreonam-avibactam (ATM/AVI) against recent CRE bacteremic isolates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This observational study was conducted to reveal the risk factors and mortality rate for CP-CRE bacteremia between 2012 and 2018 and also evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of CAZ/AVI and ATM/AVI against recent CRE bacteremic isolates from 2016 to 2018. RESULTS: A total of 81 non-repetitive isolates were collected from 2012 to 2018, with 67.90% (55/81) being CP-CRE. Old age (P = 0.01), transfusion [odds ratio (OR): 17.19; 95% CI: 3.15-93.72; P = 0.001], longer ICU stay (P = 0.02), cancer (OR: 15.91; 95% CI: 3.56-71.37; P < 0.001), and previous carbapenem exposure (OR: 27.86; 95% CI: 5.03-154.19; P = 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for the acquisition of CP-CRE bacteremia compared with the ESBL bacteremia. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of CAZ/AVI and ATM/AVI against the CRE bacteremic isolates from 2016 to 2018 showed a respective susceptibility rate of 70.68% (41/58) and 100.00% (58/58). CONCLUSION: The findings indicated that both CP-CRE/non-CP-CRE stratification and CRE resistance mechanism determination were necessary for better guiding the clinical management of CRE bacteremia: ATM/AVI probably works with both non-CP-CRE and CP-CRE bacteremia, even the most notorious double-carbapenemase producer with porin loss/deficiency, whereas CAZ/AVI works with most of the non-CP-CRE and KPC-producers in the region.

Functional characterization of a panel of high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell lines as representative experimental models of the disease.

Genomic analysis of ovarian cancer cell lines has revealed a panel that best represents the most common ovarian cancer subtype, high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). However, these HGSOC-like cell lines have not been extensively applied by ovarian cancer researchers to date, and the most commonly used cell lines in the ovarian cancer field do not genetically resemble the major clinical type of the disease. For the HGSOC-like lines to serve as suitable models, they need to be characterized for common functional assays. To achieve that objective, we systematically studied a panel of HGSOC cells CAOV3, COV362, Kuramochi, OVCAR4, OVCAR5, OVCAR8, OVSAHO and SNU119 for migration, invasion, proliferation, clonogenicity, EMT phenotype and cisplatin resistance. They exhibited a range of efficacies and OVCAR5, OVCAR8 and Kuramochi were the most aggressive. SNU119 and OVSAHO cells demonstrated the lowest functional activities. Wide differences in expression of EMT markers were observed between cell lines. SNU119 were the most epithelial and OVCAR8 had the most mesenchymal phenotype. COV362 was the most resistant to cisplatin while CAOV3 was the most sensitive. Taken together, our systematic characterization represents a valuable resource to help guide the application of HGSOC cells by the cancer research community.

The complete mitochondrial DNA of Gymnocypris potanini firmispinatus and comparative mitogenomic analyses of the Gymnocypris species.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Gymnocypris potanini firmispinatus was sequenced and compared with others Gymnocypris species. The mitochondrial genome, consisting of 16,680 base pairs (bp), encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs and a non-coding control region, as those found in other Gymnocypris species. These results can provide useful data for further studies on taxonomic status, molecular systematics and stock evaluation.

The complete mitochondrial DNA of Gymnocypris potanini Herzensten and comparative mitogenomic analyses in Gymnocypris species.

In the study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Gymnocypris potanini Herzensten was sequenced and compared with other Gymnocypris species. The mitochondrial genome, consisting of 16,749 base pairs (bp), encoded 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a noncoding control region, similar as that found in other Gymnocypris species. These results can provide useful information for further studies on taxonomic status, molecular systematics, and stock evaluation.

Extremely efficient and recyclable absorbents for oily pollutants enabled by ultrathin-layered functionalization.

Oils and organic solvents that leak into water bodies must be promptly removed to avoid ecological disasters, for example, by selective absorption using oleophilic absorbents. However, it remains a challenge for the low-cost synthesis of efficient and recyclable absorbents for oily pollutants. By surface functionalization to inexpensive polyurethane (PU) foams, we synthesize oil absorbents exhibiting the highest absorption capacity and the best recyclability among all polymeric absorbents. The synthesis is enabled by atomic layer deposition of ∼5 nm-thick Al2O3 transition layer onto the skeleton surface of PU foams, followed by coupling a single-molecule layer of silanes to the Al2O3 layer. The sub-10 nm functionalization layer provides the PU foam an outstanding water-repelling and oil-absorbing functionality without compromising its high porosity and elasticity. The functionalized foam is able to quickly absorb oily pollutants spread on water surfaces or precipitated in water with a capacity more than 100 times its own weight. This ultrathin-layer-functionalization method is also applicable to renewable porous biomaterials, providing a sustainable solution for oil spills. Moreover, we propose devices than can continuously operate to efficiently collect oil spills from water surfaces based on the functionalized PU foam developed in this work.

The littoral zone in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China: challenges and opportunities.

For flood control purpose, the water level of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) varies significantly. The annual reservoir surface elevation amplitude is about 30 m behind the dam. Filling of the reservoir has created about 349 km(2) of newly flooded riparian zone. The average flooding period lasts for more than 6 months, from mid-October to late April. The dam and its associated reservoir provide flood control, power generation, and navigation, but there are also many environmental challenges. The littoral zone is the important part of the TGR, once its eco-health and stability are damaged,which will directly endanger the ecological safety of the whole reservoir area and even the Yangtze River Basin. So, understanding the great ecological opportunities which are hidden in littoral zone of TGR (LZTGR) and putting forward approaches to solve the environmental problems are very important. LZTGR involves a wide field of problems, such as the landslides, potential water pollution, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, land cover changes, and other issues. The Three Gorges dam (TGD) is a major trigger of environmental change in the Yangtze River. The landslides, water quality, soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, dam operation, and challenge for land use are closely interrelated across spatial and temporal scales. Therefore, the ecological and environmental impacts caused by TGD are necessarily complex and uncertain. LZTGR is not only a great environmental challenge but also an ecological opportunity for us. In fact, LZTGR is an important structural unit of TGR ecosystem and has special ecosystem services function. Vegetation growing in LZTGR is therefore a valuable resource due to accumulation of carbon and nutrients. Everyone thinks that the ecological approach to the problem is needed. If properly designed, dike-pond systems, littoral woods systems, and re-created waterfowl habitats will have the capacity to capture nutrients from uplands and obstruct soil erosion. Ecological engineering approaches can therefore reduce environmental impacts of LZTGR and optimize ecological services. In view of the current situation and existing ecological problems of LZTGR, according to function demands such as environmental purification, biodiversity conservation, and vegetation carbon sink enhancement, we should explore the eco-friendly utilization mode of resources in LZTGR. Ecological engineering approaches might minimize the impacts or optimize the ecological services. Natural regeneration and ecological restoration in LZTGR are valuable for soil erosion decrease, pollutant purification, biodiversity conservation, carbon sink increase, and ecosystem health maintenance in TGR.