Co-application of phytoremediation with iron-loaded biochar in petroleum and zinc co-contaminated soil.

Phytoremediation, a proven technique widely used in soil remediation, encounters challenges in addressing the synergistic effect of petroleum and heavy metals in co-contaminated soils. Enhancing phytoremediation with modified biochar could improve its effectiveness, but the remediation mechanism of pollutants and the structure of microbial communities in soil aggregates have rarely been studied. Ferrate-modified biochar (FeBC) was used in this study to promote the phytoremediation of petroleum and zinc co-contaminated soils. Results showed that ferrate significantly enhanced the microstructure, elemental composition, and surface crystal composition of pristine biochar. The co-remediation by FeBC and ryegrass significantly improved the removal of petroleum hydrocarbons in soil, especially in meso-aggregates. Simultaneously, the bioavailability of zinc in the soil was reduced by FeBC, contributing to the less accumulation of zinc in ryegrass. The interactions among FeBC, soil aggregates and ryegrass indicated that FeBC enhanced the plant resistance by the formation of iron membranes on the surface of ryegrass roots, and enriched dissolved organic matters in meso- and micro-aggregates. The addition of FeBC resulted in the increase of urease and alkaline phosphatase activities in the rhizosphere soil of ryegrass. Furthermore, the application of FeBC led to a notable increase in the content of phospholipid fatty acids in the ryegrass rhizosphere soil, particularly in bacterial populations within the soil meso- and micro-aggregates fractions. The bacterial communities with more cooperative relationship and greater stability were reshaped in different soil aggregate structures by the FeBC addition. This study delves into the potential mechanism of co-remediation by exploring the interactions among ferrate-modified biochar, rhizosphere microbial community and soil aggregates, providing innovative insights into the phytoremediation of soil contaminated by petroleum and zinc.

Rumen microbiota helps Tibetan sheep obtain energy more efficiently to survive in the extreme environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Introduction: T-sheep and H-sheep exhibit different environmental adaptability and production performance. The rumen microbiome has co-evolved with hosts and plays a vital role in nutrient digestion and energy metabolism. In our previous study, we found that T-sheep have a higher efficiency in energy metabolism than H-sheep, but the rumen microbial community remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we determined the rumen bacterial profile and rumen fermentation parameters to reveal the bacterial profiles and predictive functions among breeds and diets with four different energy levels, as well as the correlation between bacterial profiles and rumen fermentation characteristics. Results: The results showed that the rumen total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetate, butyrate, total branched-chain VFAs, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate were higher in T-sheep than H-sheep. The alpha diversity of ruminal bacteria is not affected by dietary energy, but it shows a distinction between the sheep breeds. Specifically, T-sheep rumen bacteria exhibit higher alpha diversity than H-sheep. The beta diversity of ruminal bacteria is not influenced by dietary energy or sheep breeds, indicating similar communities of ruminal bacteria between different diets and sheep breeds. The phyla of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes predominate in the rumen, with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes observed in T-sheep than H-sheep. The two most abundant genera in the rumen were Prevotella 1 and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. Prevotella 1 is the predominant bacterial genus in the rumen of H-sheep, while the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group dominates in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial co-occurrence network analysis reveals that variations in rumen fermentation characteristics result from differences in module abundance, with a higher abundance of VFA-producing modules observed in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial function prediction analysis showed that dietary energy rarely alters the functional composition of rumen bacteria. However, there were differences in the functions of rumen bacteria between sheep breeds, with T-sheep showing a greater emphasis on energy metabolism-related functions, while H-sheep showed a greater emphasis on protein metabolism-related functions. Discussion: These findings provide evidence of the special rumen microbial community that helps T-sheep efficiently obtain energy from low-protein and low-energy diets, enabling them to survive in the extreme environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Effect of grape pomace supplement on growth performance, gastrointestinal microbiota, and methane production in Tan lambs.

Grape pomace (GP), a by-product in wine production, is nutritious and can be used as a feed ingredient for ruminants; however, its role in shaping sheep gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiota is unclear. We conducted a controlled trial using a randomized block design with 10 Tan lambs fed a control diet (CD) and 10 Tan lambs fed a pelleted diet containing 8% GP (dry matter basis) for 46 days. Rumen, jejunum, cecum, and colon bacterial and archaeal composition were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Dry matter intake (DMI) was greater (p < 0.05) in the GP than CD group; however, there was no difference in average daily gain (ADG, p < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR, p < 0.05) between the two groups. The GP group had a greater abundance of Prevotella 1 and Prevotella 7 in the rumen; of Sharpe, Ruminococcaceae 2, and [Ruminococcus] gauvreauii group in the jejunum; of Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 and Romboutsia in the cecum, and Prevotella UCG-001 in the colon; but lesser Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group in the rumen and cecum, and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 and Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 in the colon than the CD group. The pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, such as L-rhamnose degradation in the rumen, starch and glycogen degradation in the jejunum, galactose degradation in the cecum, and mixed acid fermentation and mannan degradation in the colon were up-graded; whereas, the pathways of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle VIII, and pyruvate fermentation to acetone in the rumen and colon were down-graded with GP. The archaeal incomplete reductive TCA cycle was enriched in the rumen, jejunum, and colon; whereas, the methanogenesis from H2 and CO2, the cofactors of methanogenesis, including coenzyme M, coenzyme B, and factor 420 biosynthesis were decreased in the colon. The study concluded that a diet including GP at 8% DM did not affect ADG or FCR in Tan lambs. However, there were some potential benefits, such as enhancing propionate production by microbiota and pathways in the GIT, promoting B-vitamin production in the rumen, facilitating starch degradation and amino acid biosynthesis in the jejunum, and reducing methanogenesis in the colon.

Supplementing Diets with Agriophyllum squarrosum Reduced Blood Lipids, Enhanced Immunity and Anti-Inflammatory Capacities, and Mediated Lipid Metabolism in Tan Lambs.

Agriophyllum squarrosum (sand rice), a widespread desert plant, possesses anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for many years. However, its effects on ruminants are unknown. To fill this gap, we examined the effects of A. squarrosum on the immune and anti-inflammatory responses of lambs. A total of 23, 6-month-old Tan ewe-lambs (27.6 ± 0.47 kg) were divided into four groups and offered a basic diet (C­control), or a diet that contained 10%, 20%, or 30% A. squarrosum, on a dry matter basis, for 128 days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol were lower (p = 0.004) in the 30% supplemented lambs than controls, while concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were lower (p = 0.006) in the 10% and 20%, but not in 30% supplemented lambs than controls. Serum-cortisol concentrations were lower (p = 0.012) in the 30% supplemented lambs and free fatty acid concentrations were higher in the 10% and 20% supplemented lambs than in control lambs (p < 0.001). Supplementation with A. squarrosum decreased (p < 0.05) the area of adipocytes in subcutaneous adipose tissue, but there was no difference between the 20% and 30% diets. Conversely, the area in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) increased (p < 0.05), especially for the 10% and 20% supplemented diets. Supplementation with A. squarrosum also enriched immune and anti-inflammatory related and lipid and glucose-metabolic pathways and associated differentially expressed gene expressions in adipose tissue. A total of 10 differential triacylglycerol, 34 differential phosphatidylcholines and seven differential phosphatidylethanolamines decreased in the diet with 30% supplementation, when compared to the other diets. Finally, adipocyte-differentiation genes, and immune and inflammatory response-related gene expression levels decreased in lamb adipocytes cultured with an aqueous A. squarrosum extract. In conclusion, supplementing lamb diets with A. squarrosum reduced blood lipids, enhanced immunity and anti-inflammatory capacities, and mediated lipid metabolism in adipose tissue and adipocytes of Tan lambs. A level of approximately 10% is recommended, but further research is required to determine the precise optimal level.

Transcriptome analysis revealed potential genes involved in thermogenesis in muscle tissue in cold-exposed lambs.

Cold tolerance is an important trait for sheep raised at high altitudes. Muscle tissue, comprising 30-40% of the total body mass, produces heat during cold exposure. However, little is known about the genetic mechanisms of this tissue and its role in thermogenesis in lambs. We examined genes in skeletal muscle tissue in a cold-adapted sheep breed, Altay, and a cold-intolerant sheep breed, Hu, when exposed to low air temperature. Three ewe-lambs of each breed were maintained at -5°C and three ewe-lambs of each breed were maintained at 20°C. After cold exposure for 25 days, the longissimus dorsi of each lamb was collected, and transcriptome profiles were sequenced and analyzed. The results of RNA-seq showed that the average reads among the four groups were 11.0 Gbase. The genome mapping rate averaged 88.1% and the gene mapping rate averaged 82.5%. The analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) indicated that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), cAMP, and calcium signaling pathways and muscle contraction in muscle tissue were linked to thermogenesis in cold-exposed lambs. Furthermore, PCK1 (phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1) increased glyceroneogenesis in cold-exposed Altay lambs, and APOC3 (apolipoprotein C3), LPL (lipoprotein lipase), and FABP4 (fatty acid binding protein 4, adipocyte) were involved in the intake and transport of free fatty acids. In Hu sheep, cAMP biosynthesis from ATP hydrolysis was regulated by ADCY10 (adenylate cyclase) and ADORA2a (adenosine A2a receptor). Skeletal muscle contraction was regulated by MYL2 (myosin light chain 2). In conclusion, cold exposure altered the expression level of genes involved in heat production in muscle tissue. Some potential mechanisms were revealed, including calcium ion transport in the calcium signaling pathway, fatty acid metabolism in the PPAR signaling pathway, and cAMP biosynthesis in the cAMP signaling pathway. This study implied that skeletal muscle plays an important role in thermoregulation in lambs.

Time interval between alfentanil and rocuronium administration necessary to prevent rocuronium-induced withdrawal movement.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the time interval between alfentanil and rocuronium administration, at a 50% probability of preventing pain-induced withdrawal movement from rocuronium injection (TimeAR50). METHODS: A total of 64 patients scheduled for general anesthesia were enrolled in this study (33 men and 31 women). Anesthesia was induced with target-controlled infusion of propofol, at an effect-site target concentration of 3 µg/mL. Then, alfentanil 15 µg/kg was injected for 30 s. After 60 s, rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was administered to the first patient. The Dixon's up-and-down method was used to determine the time interval for each subsequent patient (interval of 5 s). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded at three time points: T0, pre-induction; T1, before rocuronium injection; and T2, 1 min after rocuronium injection. RESULTS: The TimeAR50 ± standard deviation (SD) was 5.6 ± 3.7 s and 21.9 ± 5.6 s in the male and female patients, respectively. Based on the probit regression, the TimeAR50 was 4.7 s (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-7.6 s) and 20.3 s (95% CI, 7.7-26.1 s) in the male and female patients, respectively. The TimeAR95 was 10.6 s (95% CI, 7.7-25.3 s) and 35.0 s (95% CI, 28.1-95.5 s) in the male and female patients, respectively, with significantly higher values in females than in males (P < 0.001). Compared with the T0, MAP and HR decreased significantly at T1 and T2 in both groups. CONCLUSION: The TimeAR50 required for preventing rocuronium-induced withdrawal movement were 4.7 s and 20.3 s in male and female patients, respectively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry on April 7, 2021 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn . Registry number: ChiCTR2100045137 ) .

Protective effect of dexmedetomidine against diabetic hyperglycemia-exacerbated cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury: An in vivo and in vitro study.

AIMS: Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been noted to have neuroprotective effect against cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the effect of Dex in diabetic hyperglycemia-exacerbated cerebral I/R injury and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. MAIN METHODS: The infarct volume and brain edema were evaluated by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and standard wet-dry method. Modified neurological severity score was utilized to assess the neurological deficits. The oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated by detecting reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and cell count kit-8 were applied to measure cell apoptosis and viability. KEY FINDINGS: Dex treatment reduced infarct volume, decreased brain water content and improved neurological deficit in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) mice. Dex treatment reduced the levels of ROS, MDA, TNF-α and IL-1ß in the entire middle cerebral artery territory of diabetic mice subjected to MCAO/R, as well as in primary culture of mouse hippocampal neurons stimulated with 50 mM glucose and oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion. Dex treatment inhibited neuronal apoptosis induced by diabetic hyperglycemia-exacerbated cerebral I/R injury. Dex upregulated nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression, induced NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus and inhibited the acetylation of Nrf2. However, these changes triggered by Dex treatment were abrogated by NFAT5 knockdown. SIGNIFICANCE: Dex protects against diabetic hyperglycemia-exacerbated cerebral I/R injury through attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. The underlying mechanism is at least the NFAT5/SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway dependent.

[Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on the expression of survivin in neutrophils].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on neutrophils apoptosis and the expression of survivin. METHODS: Ten patients who scheduled for cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass were recruited as study group and 10 healthy volunteers as control. Blood samples were obtained before operation, at the end of surgery, and at 24 hours postoperatively. Neutrophils were isolated by density gradient centrifugation and its apoptosis were evaluated by fluorescent microscope and flow cytometry. The expression of survivin protein was examined by Western blotting analysis. Expression level of survivin mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The apoptotic rate of neutrophils decreased significantly at the end of surgery (P < 0.01), and was still lower at 24 hours postoperatively than before operation (P < 0.05). The expression ratios of survivin protein and mRNA were increased at the end of surgery (P < 0.01), and decreased gently at 24 hours postoperatively but was still higher than before operation (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cardiopulmonary bypass could inhibit neutrophils apoptosis and increase the expression of survivin. The decrease of neutrophils apoptosis was correlated with high expression of survivin.