Ciprofloxacin affects nutrient removal in manganese ore-based constructed wetlands: Adaptive responses of macrophytes and microbes.

Ciprofloxacin (CIP) has received considerable attention in recent decades due to its high ecological risk. However, little is known about the potential response of macrophytes and microbes to varying levels of CIP exposure in constructed wetlands. Therefore, lab-scale manganese ore-based tidal flow constructed wetlands (MO-TFCWs) were operated to evaluate the responses of macrophytes and microbes to CIP over the long term. The results indicated that total nitrogen removal improved from 79.93% to 87.06% as CIP rose from 0 to 4 mg L-1. The chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activities in macrophytes were enhanced under CIP exposure, but plant growth was not inhibited. Importantly, CIP exposure caused a marked evolution of the substrate microbial community, with increased microbial diversity, expanded niche breadth and enhanced cooperation among the top 50 genera, compared to the control (no CIP). Co-occurrence network also indicated that microorganisms may be more inclined to co-operate than compete. The abundance of the keystone bacterium (involved in nitrogen transformation) norank_f__A0839 increased from 0.746% to 3.405%. The null model revealed drift processes (83.33%) dominated the community assembly with no CIP and 4 mg L-1 CIP. Functional predictions indicated that microbial carbon metabolism, electron transfer and ATP metabolism activities were enhanced under prolonged CIP exposure, which may contribute to nitrogen removal. This study provides valuable insights that will help achieve stable nitrogen removal from wastewater containing antibiotic in MO-TFCWs.

New insights into substrates shaped nutrients removal, species interactions and community assembly mechanisms in tidal flow constructed wetlands treating low carbon-to-nitrogen rural wastewater.

A limited understanding of microbial interactions and community assembly mechanisms in constructed wetlands (CWs), particularly with different substrates, has hampered the establishment of ecological connections between micro-level interactions and macro-level wetland performance. In this study, CWs with distinct substrates (zeolite, CW_A; manganese ore, CW_B) were constructed to investigate the nutrient removal efficiency, microbial interactions, metabolic mechanisms, and ecological assembly for treating rural sewage with a low carbon-to-nitrogen ratio. CW_B showed higher removal of ammonia nitrogen and total nitrogen by about 1.75-6.75 % and 3.42-5.18 %, respectively, compared to CW_A. Candidatus_Competibacter (denitrifying glycogen-accumulating bacteria) was the dominant microbial genus in CW_A, whereas unclassified_f_Blastocatellaceae (involved in carbon and nitrogen transformation) dominated in CW_B. The null model revealed that stochastic processes (drift) dominated community assembly in both CWs; however, deterministic selection accounted for a higher proportion in CW_B. Compared to those in CW_A, the interactions between microbes in CW_B were more complex, with more key microbes involved in carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus conversion; the synergistic cooperation of functional bacteria facilitated simultaneous nitrification-denitrification. Manganese ores favour biofilm formation, increase the activity of the electron transport system, and enhance ammonia oxidation and nitrate reduction. These results elucidated the ecological patterns exhibited by microbes under different substrate conditions thereby contributing to our understanding of how substrates shape distinct microcosms in CW systems. This study provides valuable insights for guiding the future construction and management of CWs.

Molecular-Weight-Dependent Degradation of Plastics: Deciphering Host-Microbiome Synergy Biodegradation of High-Purity Polypropylene Microplastics by Mealworms.

The biodegradation of polypropylene (PP), a highly persistent nonhydrolyzable polymer, by Tenebrio molitor has been confirmed using commercial PP microplastics (MPs) (Mn 26.59 and Mw 187.12 kDa). This confirmation was based on the reduction of the PP mass, change in molecular weight (MW), and a positive Δδ13C in the residual PP. A MW-dependent biodegradation mechanism was investigated using five high-purity PP MPs, classified into low (0.83 and 6.20 kDa), medium (50.40 and 108.0 kDa), and high (575.0 kDa) MW categories to access the impact of MW on the depolymerization pattern and associated gene expression of gut bacteria and the larval host. The larvae can depolymerize/biodegrade PP polymers with high MW although the consumption rate and weight losses increased, and survival rates declined with increasing PP MW. This pattern is similar to observations with polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE), i.e., both Mn and Mw decreased after being fed low MW PP, while Mn and/or Mw increased after high MW PP was fed. The gut microbiota exhibited specific bacteria associations, such as Kluyvera sp. and Pediococcus sp. for high MW PP degradation, Acinetobacter sp. for medium MW PP, and Bacillus sp. alongside three other bacteria for low MW PP metabolism. In the host transcriptome, digestive enzymes and plastic degradation-related bacterial enzymes were up-regulated after feeding on PP depending on different MWs. The T. molitor host exhibited both defensive function and degradation capability during the biodegradation of plastics, with high MW PP showing a relatively negative impact on the larvae.

Effect of genotyping errors on linkage map construction based on repeated chip analysis of two recombinant inbred line populations in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Linkage maps are essential for genetic mapping of phenotypic traits, gene map-based cloning, and marker-assisted selection in breeding applications. Construction of a high-quality saturated map requires high-quality genotypic data on a large number of molecular markers. Errors in genotyping cannot be completely avoided, no matter what platform is used. When genotyping error reaches a threshold level, it will seriously affect the accuracy of the constructed map and the reliability of consequent genetic studies. In this study, repeated genotyping of two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations derived from crosses Yangxiaomai × Zhongyou 9507 and Jingshuang 16 × Bainong 64 was used to investigate the effect of genotyping errors on linkage map construction. Inconsistent data points between the two replications were regarded as genotyping errors, which were classified into three types. Genotyping errors were treated as missing values, and therefore the non-erroneous data set was generated. Firstly, linkage maps were constructed using the two replicates as well as the non-erroneous data set. Secondly, error correction methods implemented in software packages QTL IciMapping (EC) and Genotype-Corrector (GC) were applied to the two replicates. Linkage maps were therefore constructed based on the corrected genotypes and then compared with those from the non-erroneous data set. Simulation study was performed by considering different levels of genotyping errors to investigate the impact of errors and the accuracy of error correction methods. Results indicated that map length and marker order differed among the two replicates and the non-erroneous data sets in both RIL populations. For both actual and simulated populations, map length was expanded as the increase in error rate, and the correlation coefficient between linkage and physical maps became lower. Map quality can be improved by repeated genotyping and error correction algorithm. When it is impossible to genotype the whole mapping population repeatedly, 30% would be recommended in repeated genotyping. The EC method had a much lower false positive rate than did the GC method under different error rates. This study systematically expounded the impact of genotyping errors on linkage analysis, providing potential guidelines for improving the accuracy of linkage maps in the presence of genotyping errors.

Machine learning assisted combined systems of wastewater treatment plants with constructed wetlands optimal decision-making.

This study proposed an efficient framework for optimizing the design and operation of combined systems of wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and constructed wetlands (CW). The framework coupled a WWTP model with a CW model and used a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm to identify trade-offs between energy consumption, effluent quality, and construction cost. Compared to traditional design and management approaches, the framework achieved a 27 % reduction in WWTP energy consumption or a 44 % reduction in CW cost while meeting strict effluent discharge limits for Chinese WWTP. The framework also identified feasible decision variable ranges and demonstrated the impact of different optimization strategies on system performance. Furthermore, the contributions of WWTP and CW in pollutant degradation were analyzed. Overall, the proposed framework offers a highly efficient and cost-effective solution for optimizing the design and operation of a combined WWTP and CW system.

L-Theanine Improves the Gelation of Ginkgo Seed Proteins at Different pH Levels.

L-theanine (L-Th), a non-protein amino acid naturally found in teas and certain plant leaves, has garnered considerable attention due to its health benefits and potential to modify proteins such as ginkgo seed proteins, which have poor gelling properties, thereby expanding their applications in the food industry. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of varying concentrations of L-Th (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%) on the gelling properties of ginkgo seed protein isolate (GSPI) at various pH levels (5.0, 6.0, and 7.0). The GSPI gels exhibited the highest strength at a pH of 5.0 (132.1 ± 5.6 g), followed by a pH of 6.0 (95.9 ± 3.9 g), while a weak gel was formed at a pH of 7.0 (29.5 ± 0.2 g). The incorporation of L-Th increased the hardness (58.5-231.6%) and springiness (3.0-9.5%) of the GSPI gels at a pH of 7.0 in a concentration-dependent manner. However, L-Th did not enhance the gel strength or water holding capacity at a pH of 5.0. The rheological characteristics of the GSPI sols were found to be closely related to the textural properties of L-Th-incorporated gels. To understand the underlying mechanism of L-Th's effects, the physicochemical properties of the sols were analyzed. Specifically, L-Th promoted GSPI solubilization (up to 7.3%), reduced their hydrophobicity (up to 16.2%), reduced the particle size (up to 40.9%), and increased the ζ potential (up to 21%) of the sols. Overall, our findings suggest that L-Th holds promise as a functional ingredient for improving gel products.

Monogenic Causes Identified in 23.68% of Children with Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome: A Single-Centre Study.

Introduction: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is the second most common cause of end-stage kidney disease in children, mostly associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Advances in genomic science have enabled the identification of causative variants in 20-30% of SRNS patients. Methods: We used whole exome sequencing to explore the genetic causes of SRNS in children. Totally, 101 patients with SRNS and 13 patients with nephrotic proteinuria and FSGS were retrospectively enrolled in our hospital between 2018 and 2022. For the known monogenic causes analysis, we generated a known SRNS gene list of 71 genes through reviewing the OMIM database and literature. Results: Causative variants were identified in 23.68% of our cohort, and the most frequently mutated genes in our cohort were WT1 (7/27), NPHS1 (3/27), ADCK4 (3/27), and ANLN (2/27). Five patients carried variants in phenocopy genes, including MYH9, MAFB, TTC21B, AGRN, and FAT4. The variant detection rate was the highest in the two subtype groups with congenital nephrotic syndrome and syndromic SRNS. In total, 68.75% of variants we identified were novel and have not been previously reported in the literature. Conclusion: Comprehensive genetic analysis is key to realizing the clinical benefits of a genetic diagnosis. We suggest that all children with SRNS undergo genetic testing, especially those with early-onset and extrarenal phenotypes.

Identification of reliable QTLs and designed QTL breeding for grain shape and milling quality in the reciprocal introgression lines in rice.

Milling quality (MQ) and grain shape (GS) of rice (Oryza sativa L.) are correlated traits, both determine farmers' final profit. More than one population under multiple environments may provide valuable information for breeding selection on these MQ-GS correlations. However, suitable analytical methods for reciprocal introgression lines with linkage map for this kind of correlation remains unclear. In this study, our major tasks were (1) to provide a set of reciprocal introgression lines (composed of two BC2RIL populations) suitable for mapping by linkage mapping using markers/bins with physical positions; (2) to test the mapping effects of different methods by using MQ-GS correlation dissection as sample case; (3) to perform genetic and breeding simulation on pyramiding favorite alleles of QTLs for representative MQ-GS traits. Finally, with four analysis methods and data collected under five environments, we identified about 28.4 loci on average for MQ-GS traits. Notably, 52.3% of these loci were commonly detected by different methods and eight loci were novel. There were also nine regions harboring loci for different MQ-GS traits which may be underlying the MQ-GS correlations. Background independent (BI) loci were also found for each MQ and GS trait. All these information may provide useful resources for rice molecular breeding.

Synergistic Hydrolysis of Soy Proteins Using Immobilized Proteases: Assessing Peptide Profiles.

Because of the health benefits and economic opportunities, extracting bioactive peptides from plant proteins, often food processing by-products, garners significant interest. However, the high enzyme costs and the emergence of bitter peptides have posed significant challenges in production. This study achieved the immobilization of Alcalase and Flavorzyme using cost-effective SiO2 microparticles. Mussel-inspired chemistry and biocompatible polymers were employed, with genipin replacing glutaraldehyde for safer crosslinking. This approach yielded an enzyme loading capacity of approximately 25 mg/g support, with specific activity levels reaching around 180 U/mg for immobilized Alcalase (IA) and 35 U/mg for immobilized Flavorzyme (IF). These immobilized proteases exhibited improved activity and stability across a broader pH and temperature range. During the hydrolysis of soy proteins, the use of immobilized proteases avoided the thermal inactivation step, resulting in fewer peptide aggregates. Moreover, this study applied peptidomics and bioinformatics to profile peptides in each hydrolysate and identify bioactive ones. Cascade hydrolysis with IA and IF reduced the presence of bitter peptides by approximately 20%. Additionally, 50% of the identified peptides were predicted to have bioactive properties after in silico digestion simulation. This work offers a cost-effective way of generating bioactive peptides from soy proteins with reducing potential bitterness.

Co-digestion of chicken manure and sewage sludge in black soldier fly larvae bioconversion system: bacterial biodiversity and nutrients quality of residues for biofertilizer application.

Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) bioconversion system is emerging as an effective approach for organic waste pollution treatment. Co-digestion of different organic matters with BSFL can be an effective way to realize the innovative biowaste circular economy. In this study, organic waste mixture of chicken manure and sewage sludge was chosen as substrate for BSFL growth. The bacterial biodiversity and nutrients quality of BSFL residue were evaluated through gene sequencing and other characterizations to confirm their application potential as biofertilizers. The dominant bacteria in BSFL residue were Firmicutes (75.39%) at phylum level, Bacilli (71.61%) at class level and Pseudogracilibacillus (11.08%) at genus level. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were used to assess the harmlessness of BSFL residue. After BSFL treatment, 36.2% decrease in ARGs was observed. Taking nutrients quality into consideration, dissolved organic carbon, dissolved nitrogen, available phosphorous, and available potassium significantly increased in the co-digestion system. These results demonstrated that co-digestion of chicken manure and excess sludge in BSFL bioconversion system could improve the nutrients quality of residues. However, removal of ARGs in the bioconversion process should be further explored to eliminate environmental concerns associated with application of BSFL residue as biofertilizers.

Molecular identification and validation of four stable QTL for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew in Chinese wheat cultivar Bainong 64.

KEY MESSAGE: Four stable QTL for adult-plant resistance (APR) to powdery mildew were identified on chromosome arms 1DL, 2BS, 2DL, and 6BL in the widely grown Chinese wheat cultivar Bainong 64. These QTL had no effect on response to stripe rust or leaf rust. Wheat powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a devastating fungal disease. Seedlings of Chinese wheat Bainong 64 are susceptible to Bgt, but adult plants have maintained resistance since it was released in 1996. A population of 171 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from cross Jingshuang 16/Bainong 64 (JS16/BN64) was used to dissect genetic components of powdery mildew resistance. A genetic map comprising 5383 polymorphic markers was constructed using the 15 K SNP chip and kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers. Composite interval mapping identified four stable QTL with favorable alleles all from BN64 on chromosome arms 1DL, 2BS, 2DL, and 6BL in at least four environments. They accounted for 8.3%, 13.8%, 14.4%, and 9.0% of the total phenotypic variation explained (PVE) in maximum, respectively. QPmjbr.caas-1DL, situated about 22 Mb from centromere, is probably a new QTL. QPmjbr.caas-2DL located near the end of arm 2DL and explained the largest PVE. Using genetic maps populated with KASP markers, QPmjbr.caas-2BS and QPmjbr.caas-6BL were fine mapped to a 1.8 cM genetic intervals spanning 13.6 Mb (76.0-89.6 Mb) and 1.7 cM and 4.9 Mb (659.9-664.8 Mb), respectively. The four QTL independent of stripe rust and leaf rust resistance were validated for powdery mildew resistance in another RIL population related to BN64 and a cultivar panel using representative KASP markers. Since BN64 has been a leading cultivar and an important breeding parent in China, the QTL and markers reported in this study will be useful for marker-assisted selection of APR.

Association between serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D and albuminuiria in middle-aged and older Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyze the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) level and albuminuiria in middle-aged and older patients with type 2 diabetes of Gansu Province. METHODS: Data pertaining to 380 in-patients with type 2 diabetes were collected. Subjects were classified groups based on gender,age,25(OH)D,BMI and UACR.Serum 25(OH)D and other clinical characteristics among various UACR groups were compared.The relationship between albuminuiria and 25(OH)D was analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the 380 subjects, 83.4%were classified as vitamin D deficiency, 14.5%were classified as vitamin D insufficiency, while 2.1% were classified as vitamin D sufficiency. Among the participants,41% had albuminuria (microalbuminuria,28.7%;macroalbuminuria,12.3%).The prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in the albuminuria group(84.6%) was significantly higher than that in the normoalbuminuria group(82.6%)(Mann-Whitney U test:Z = -3.86,P = 0.000); patients with macroalbuminuria had the highest prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency (91.5%; P < 0.01 versus normoalbuminuria).A binary logistic analysis demonstrated that 25(OH)D were protective factors for albuminuria. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with albuminuria was overtly higher than that in patients without albuminuria among middle-aged and older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Diagnostic yield and novel candidate genes for neurodevelopmental disorders by exome sequencing in an unselected cohort with microcephaly.

OBJECTIVES: Microcephaly is caused by reduced brain volume and most usually associated with a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). To provide an overview of the diagnostic yield of whole exome sequencing (WES) and promote novel candidates in genetically unsolved families, we studied the clinical and genetic landscape of an unselected Chinese cohort of patients with microcephaly. METHODS: We performed WES in an unselected cohort of 103 NDDs patients with microcephaly as one of the features. Full evaluation of potential novel candidate genes was applied in genetically undiagnosed families. Functional validations of selected variants were conducted in cultured cells. To augment the discovery of novel candidates, we queried our genomic sequencing data repository for additional likely disease-causing variants in the identified candidate genes. RESULTS: In 65 families (63.1%), causative sequence variants (SVs) and clinically relevant copy number variants (CNVs) with a pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) level were identified. By incorporating coverage analysis to WES, a pathogenic or likely pathogenic CNV was detected in 15 families (16/103, 15.5%). In another eight families (8/103, 7.8%), we identified variants in newly reported gene (CCND2) and potential novel neurodevelopmental disorders /microcephaly candidate genes, which involved in cell cycle and division (PWP2, CCND2), CDC42/RAC signaling related actin cytoskeletal organization (DOCK9, RHOF), neurogenesis (ELAVL3, PPP1R9B, KCNH3) and transcription regulation (IRF2BP1). By looking into our data repository of 5066 families with NDDs, we identified additional two cases with variants in DOCK9 and PPP1R9B, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results expand the morbid genome of monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders and support the adoption of WES as a first-tier test for individuals with microcephaly.

Integrative bioinformatics and RNA sequencing based methodology results in the exploration of breast invasive carcinoma biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Previously reported breast invasive carcinoma (BRIC) biomarkers have compromised utility because of their heterogeneity-specific behaviors. The goal of this study was to find BRIC biomarkers that could be used in spite of the heterogeneity barrier. METHODS: Previously reported BRIC-linked hub genes were obtained from the literature via a search technique. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of the extracted hub genes was constructed, visualized, and analyzed to explore the top six real hub genes. Following this, real hub genes' expression profiling was carried out using various TCGA data sources and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of BT 20 and HMEC cell lines to uncover the tumor-driver roles of the real hub genes. RESULTS: In total, 124 BRIC-linked hub genes were collected from the literature via the search technique. From these collected hub genes, a total of 6 genes, including Centrosomal protein of 55 kDa (CEP55), Kinesin Family Member 2C (KIF2C), kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A), Ribonucleotide Reductase Regulatory Subunit M2 (RRM2), Aurora A Kinase (AURKA), and Protein Regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) were determined to be the real hub genes. Via expression profiling and validation analyses, we documented the overexpression of CEP55, KIF2C, KIF20A, RRM2, AURKA, and PRC1 real hub genes in BRIC patients with different clinical variables. Further correlational analyses showed diverse associations among real hub genes' expression and other important parameters, including promoter methylation status, genetic alteration, overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), tumor purity, CD8+ T, CD4+ T immune cell infiltration, and different mutant genes across BRIC samples. Finally, in this work, we investigated several transcription factors (TFS), microRNAs, and therapeutic medicines related to the real hub genes that have great therapeutic potential. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we discovered six real hub genes, which may be employed as novel potential biomarkers for BRIC patients with different clinical parameters.

Enhanced anaerobic degradation of azo dyes by biofilms supported by novel functionalized carriers.

Azo dyes are significant organic pollutants known for their adverse effects on humans and aquatic life. In this study, anthraquinone-2-sulfonate (AQS) immobilized on biochar (BC) was employed as a novel carrier in up-flow anaerobic fixed-bed reactors to induce specific biofilm formation and promote the biotransformation efficiency of azo dyes. Novel carrier-packed reactor 1 (R1) and BC-packed reactor 2 (R2) were used to treat red reactive 2 (RR2) under continuous operation for 175 days. The decolorization rates of R1 and R2 were 96-83% and 91-73%, respectively. The physicochemical characteristics and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) of the biofilm revealed a more stable structure in R1. Furthermore, the microbial community in R1 interacted more closely with each other and contained more keystone genera. Overall, this study provides a feasible method for improving the biotransformation of azo dyes, thus providing support for practical applications in wastewater treatment projects.

Alkali-Induced Phenolic Acid Oxidation Enhanced Gelation of Ginkgo Seed Protein.

The effect of alkali-induced oxidation of three phenolic acids, namely gallic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, and tannic acid, on the structure and gelation of ginkgo seed protein isolate (GSPI) was investigated. A mixture of 12% (w/v) GSPI and different concentrations of alkali-treated phenolic acids (0, 0.06, 0.24, and 0.48% w/w) were heated at 90 °C, pH 6.0, for 30 min to form composite gels. The phenolic treatment decreased the hydrophobicity of the GSPI sol while enhancing their rheological properties. Despite a reduced protein solubility, water holding capacity, stiffness, and viscoelasticity of the gels were improved by the treatments. Among them, the modification effect of 0.24% (w/v) EGCG was the most prominent. Through the analysis of microstructure and composition, it was found to be due to the covalent addition, disulfide bond formation, etc., between the quinone derivatives of phenolic acids and the side chains of nucleophilic amino acids. Phenolic acid modification of GSPI may be a potential ingredient strategy in its processing.

Recent advances towards micro(nano)plastics research in wetland ecosystems: A systematic review on sources, removal, and ecological impacts.

In recent years, microplastics/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) have received substantial attention worldwide owing to their wide applications, persistence, and potential risks. Wetland systems are considered to be an important "sink" for MPs/NPs, which can have potential ecological and environmental effects on the ecosystem. This paper provides a comprehensive and systematic review of the sources and characteristics of MPs/NPs in wetland ecosystems, together with a detailed analysis of MP/NP removal and associated mechanisms in wetland systems. In addition, the eco-toxicological effects of MPs/NPs in wetland ecosystems, including plant, animal, and microbial responses, were reviewed with a focus on changes in the microbial community relevant to pollutant removal. The effects of MPs/NPs exposure on conventional pollutant removal by wetland systems and their greenhouse gas emissions are also discussed. Finally, current knowledge gaps and future recommendations are presented, including the ecological impact of exposure to various MPs/NPs on wetland ecosystems and the ecological risks of MPs/NPs associated with the migration of different contaminants and antibiotic resistance genes. This work will facilitate a better understanding of the sources, characteristics, and environmental and ecological impacts of MPs/NPs in wetland ecosystems, and provide a new perspective to promote development in this field.

Combined QTL mapping on bi-parental immortalized heterozygous populations to detect the genetic architecture on heterosis.

From bi-parental pure-inbred lines (PIL), immortalized backcross (i.e., IB1 and IB2, representing the two directions of backcrossing) and F2 (i.e., IF2) populations can be developed. These populations are suitable for genetic studies on heterosis, due to the present of both homozygous and heterozygous genotypes, and in the meantime allow repeated phenotyping trials across multiple locations and years. In this study, we developed a combined approach of quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, when some or all of the four immortalized populations (i.e., PIL, IB1, IB2, and IF2) are available. To estimate the additive and dominant effects simultaneously and accurately, suitable transformations are made on phenotypic values from different populations. When IB1 and IB2 are present, summation and subtraction are used. When IF2 and PIL are available, mid-parental values and mid-parental heterosis are used. One-dimensional genomic scanning is performed to detect the additive and dominant QTLs, based on the algorithm of inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM). The proposed approach was applied to one IF2 population together with PIL in maize, and identified ten QTLs on ear length, showing varied degrees of dominance. Simulation studies indicated the proposed approach is similar to or better than individual population mapping by QTL detection power, false discovery rate (FDR), and estimated QTL position and effects.

Study on the removal characteristics and degradation pathways of highly toxic and refractory organic pollutants in real pharmaceutical factory wastewater treated by a pilot-scale integrated process.

Introduction: Pharmaceutical wastewater frequently contains high levels of toxic pollutants. If they are discharged untreated, they pose a threat to the environment. The traditional activated sludge process and the advanced oxidation process do not sufficiently remove toxic and conventional pollutants from pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plants (PWWTPs). Methods: We designed a pilot-scale reaction system to reduce toxic organic pollutants and conventional pollutants from pharmaceutical wastewater during the biochemical reaction stage. This system included a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR), microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), an expanded sludge bed reactor (EGSB), and a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). We used this system to further investigate the benzothiazole degradation pathway. Results and discussion: The system effectively degraded the toxic pollutants (benzothiazole, pyridine, indole, and quinoline) and the conventional chemicals (COD, NH4 +-N, TN). During the stable operation of the pilot-scale plant, the total removal rates of benzothiazole, indole, pyridine, and quinoline were 97.66, 94.13, 79.69, and 81.34%, respectively. The CSTR and MECs contributed the most to the removal of toxic pollutants, while the EGSB and MBBR contributed less to the removal of the four toxic pollutants. Benzothiazoles can be degraded via two pathways: the benzene ring-opening reaction and the heterocyclic ring-opening reaction. The heterocyclic ring-opening reaction was more important in degrading the benzothiazoles in this study. Conclusion: This study provides feasible design alternatives for PWWTPs to remove both toxic and conventional pollutants at the same time.