A 3D heteropolyoxoniobate framework based on heart-shaped {Te2Nb19O60} clusters with proton conductivity property.

A 3D tellurium-substituted heteropolyoxoniobate framework H5K3Na[Cu(en)2]2[Cu(en)0.75(H2O)2.5]{[(Te2Nb19O58)(µ3-OH)2]}·24H2O (1, en = ethylenediamine) with a 6-connected pcu topology is built from heart-shaped {Te2Nb19O60} clusters and copper complexes. The {Te2Nb19O60} cluster represents the new tellurniobate structure type with a 19-nuclearity Nb cluster. It consists of two new monovacant Lindqvist {Nb5O19} clusters, one boat-shaped {Nb9O32} cluster and two TeO32- anions. The {Te2Nb19O60} polyanions are interlinked by [Cu(en)2]2+ complexes into a 2D (4, 4) grid-like layer containing rhombic sheets. The Cu2+ supports the adjacent layers through Te-O-Cu-O-Te- bonds to form a three-dimensional heteropolyoxoniobate framework with 1D channels. This compound exhibits good chemical and solvent stability and proton conductivity, with a conductivity of 7.9 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 85 °C under 98% RH.

Corrigendum: Genomic evolution of BA.5.2 and BF.7.14 derived lineages causing SARS-CoV-2 outbreak at the end of 2022 in China.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1273745.].

Important nutrient sources and carbohydrate metabolism patterns in the growth and development of spargana.

BACKGROUND: Sparganosis is a worldwide food-borne parasitic disease caused by spargana infection, which infects the muscle of frogs and snakes as well as many tissues and organs in humans. There are currently no viable treatments for sparganosis. Understanding spargana's nutrition source and carbohydrate metabolism may be crucial for identifying its energy supply and establishing methods of treatment for sparganosis. METHODS: Using an amino acid analyzer and nutrient concentration detection kits, we assessed nutrient concentrations in the muscles of Fejervarya limnocharis and Pelophylax plancyi infected or not infected with spargana. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to quantify the major enzymes involved in five glucose metabolism pathways of spargana developing in vivo. We also used quantitative PCR to assess key enzymes and transcriptome sequencing to explore the regulation of carbohydrate metabolic pathways in vitro in response to different 24-h food treatments. RESULTS: Infected muscle tissues had considerably higher concentrations of glucogenic and/or ketogenic amino acids, glucose, and glycogen than non-infected muscle tissues. We discovered that the number of differentially expressed genes in Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis was larger in low-glucose than in other dietary groups. We examined differences in the expression of genes producing amino acid transporters, glucose transporters, and cathepsins in spargana grown in various nutritional environments. In the normal saline group, only the major enzymes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), glycogenesis, and glycogenolysis pathways were expressed. The L-glutamine group had the greatest transcriptional levels of critical rate-limiting enzymes of gluconeogenesis and glycogenesis. Furthermore, the low-glucose group had the highest transcriptional levels of critical rate-limiting enzymes involved in the TCA, glycolytic, and glycogenolysis pathways. Surprisingly, when compared to the in vitro culturing groups, spargana developing in vivo exhibited higher expression of these critical rate-limiting enzymes in these pathways, with the exception of the pentose phosphate pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Spargana have a variety of nutritional sources, and there is a close relationship between nutrients and the carbohydrate metabolism pathways. It takes a multi-site approach to block nutrient absorption and carbohydrate metabolism pathways to provide energy to kill them.

Genomic evolution of BA.5.2 and BF.7.14 derived lineages causing SARS-CoV-2 outbreak at the end of 2022 in China.

Since the end of 2022, when China adjusted its COVID-19 response measures, the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has rapidly grown in the country. It is very necessary to monitor the evolutionary dynamic of epidemic variants. However, detailed reports presenting viral genome characteristics in China during this period are limited. In this study, we examined the epidemiological, genomic, and evolutionary characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2 genomes from China. We analyzed nearly 20,000 genomes belonging to 17 lineages, predominantly including BF.7.14 (22.3%), DY.2 (17.3%), DY.4 (15.5%), and BA.5.2.48 (11.9%). The Rt value increased rapidly after mid-November 2022, reaching its peak at the end of the month. We identified forty-three core mutations in the S gene and forty-seven core mutations in the ORF1ab gene. The positive selection of all circulating lineages was primarily due to non-synonymous substitutions in the S1 region. These findings provide insights into the genomic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 genomes in China following the relaxation of the 'dynamic zero-COVID' policy and emphasize the importance of ongoing genomic monitoring.

Omics analyses of Rehmannia glutinosa dedifferentiated and cambial meristematic cells reveal mechanisms of catalpol and indole alkaloid biosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Rehmannia glutinosa is a rich source of terpenoids with a high medicinal reputation. The present study compared dedifferentiated cells (DDCs) and cambial meristematic cells (CMCs) cell cultures of R. glutinosa for terpenoid (catalpol) and indole alkaloid (IA) biosynthesis. In this regard, we used widely targeted metabolomics and transcriptome sequencing approaches together with the comparison of cell morphology, cell death (%), and catalpol production at different time points. RESULTS: We were able to identify CMCs based on their morphology and hypersensitivity to zeocin. CMCs showed higher dry weight content and better catalpol production compared to DDCs. The metabolome analysis revealed higher concentrations of IA, terpenoids, and catalpol in CMCs compared to DDCs. The transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that a total of 27,201 genes enriched in 139 pathways were differentially expressed. The higher catalpol concentration in CMCs is related to the expression changes in genes involved in acetyl-CoA and geranyl-PP biosynthesis, which are precursors for monoterpenoid biosynthesis. Moreover, the expressions of the four primary genes involved in monoterpenoid biosynthesis (NMD, CYP76A26, UGT6, and CYP76F14), along with a squalene monooxygenase, exhibit a strong association with the distinct catalpol biosynthesis. Contrarily, expression changes in AADC, STR, and RBG genes were consistent with the IA biosynthesis. Finally, we discussed the phytohormone signaling and transcription factors in relation to observed changes in metabolome. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our study provides novel data for improving the catalpol and IA biosynthesis in R. glutinosa.

Tracking the first SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5.1.3 outbreak in China.

The SARS-CoV-2 is still undergoing rapid evolution, resulting in the emergence of several variants of concern, especially the Omicron variants (B.1.1.529), which are surging worldwide. In this study, we tracked Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.3 as the causative agent in the Hainan Province wave in China, which started on 1 August 2022. This was China's first case of Omicron subvariant BA.5.1.3 and led to an indefinite total lockdown in Hainan with more than 8,500 confirmed cases. We obtained 391 whole genomes from positive nasopharyngeal swab samples in the city of Sanya in Hainan Province, which was the center of this outbreak. More than half of the infected cases were female (58%, 227/391) with a median age of 37.0 years (IQR 23.0-53.0). Median Ct values were 24.9 (IQR 22.6-27.3) and 25.2 (IQR 22.9-27.6) for ORF1ab and N genes, respectively. The total single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) numbers of Omicron BA.5.1.3 sampled in Sanya (median 69.0, IQR = 69.0-70.0) compared to those worldwide (median 63.0, IQR = 61.0-64.0) showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Unique core mutations, including three non-synonymous mutations in ORF1ab (Y1064N, S2844G, and R3574K) and one synonymous mutation in ORF3a (S74S), were found. Phylogenetic analysis showed that virus from Sanya formed an independent sub-clade within the BA.5.1.3 subvariant, and could be divided into 15 haplotypes based on the S gene. The most recent common ancestor for the virus from Sanya was estimated as appearing on 5 July 2022, with 95% HPD ranging from 15 May to 20 September 2022. Thanks to our results, we were also able to delineate the mutational profile of this outbreak and highlight the importance of global genomic surveillance and data sharing.

Supplementation of hyaluronic acid injections with vitamin D improve knee function by attenuating synovial fluid oxidative stress in osteoarthritis patients with vitamin D insufficiency.

Objectives: There is still controversy about the effect of vitamin D supplementation on osteoarthritis (OA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation with Hyaluronic acid (HA) injection on OA. Methods: We investigated serum vitamin D levels and oxidative stress (OS) in synovial fluid from patients with OA who underwent total knee arthroplasty (grade IV, n = 24) and HA injection (grade II and III, n = 40). The effects of HA injection with or without oral vitamin D supplementation on synovial fluid OS and knee pain and function were then further investigated. Finally, patients underwent HA injection were divided into two groups according to vitamin D levels (vitamin D < or > 30 ng/ml), and the efficacy of the two groups were compared. Results: The results showed that the levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) (P < 0.05) in the synovial fluid were lower in patients with stage IV OA than that in patients with stage II-III OA, while the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (P < 0.01) were significantly higher. Moreover, we found that age, BMI and vitamin D levels were significantly associated with the levels of oxidants and/or antioxidants in synovial fluid, and that vitamin D was significantly negatively correlated with BMI (R = -0.3527, p = 0.0043). Supplementation of HA injections with vitamin D significantly reduced the OS status in synovial fluid, attenuated knee pain and improved knee function in OA patients with vitamin D insufficiency. Conclusion: We conclude that maintenance of vitamin D sufficiency may be beneficial for the treatment of OA by improving OS in synovial fluid.

Intraoperative method of femoral head central measurement to prevent leg length discrepancy following hemiarthroplasty.

Purpose: This study aimed to introduce and investigate the safety and efficiency of the intraoperative central measurement method of the femoral head (IM-CMFH) to prevent leg length discrepancies (LLD) after hemiarthroplasty. Methods: Overall, 79 patients aged 75 to 85 years with femoral neck fractures who underwent hemiarthroplasty were divided into two groups: the Control group (n = 46) and the IM-CMFH group (n = 33). The two groups were compared for postoperative LLD and the proportions of patients with greater than 10 mm, 6-10 mm, and within 5 mm, postoperative femoral offset (FO) difference and the proportions of patients within 5 mm, incremental greater than 5 mm and reduction greater than 5 mm. Next, the vertical distance from the center of the femoral head to the tip of the greater trochanter on the anatomical axis of the femur (VD-CFH-TGTAAF), leg length, and FO on the operative and non-operative sides within the IM-CMFH group. Finally, operative time, hemoglobin loss, Harris scores 3 months after surgery, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Results: Compared with the control group, the postoperative LLD and FO differences were significantly lower in the IM-CMFH group (P = 0.031; P = 0.012), and the proportion of patients with postoperative LLD greater than 10 mm decreased significantly (P = 0.041), while the proportion of patients with FO difference of within 5 mm increased (P = 0.009). In addition, there was no significant difference in the operative time, hemoglobin loss, and Harris score at 3 months postoperatively and postoperative complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in FO, leg-length, and VD-CFH-TGTAAF between the operative and non-operative sides within the IM-CMFH group (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Satisfactory results can be achieved by using the IM-CMFH to prevent LLD following hemiarthroplasty, and there is no increase in operative time, hemoglobin loss, or postoperative complications. This technique is efficient for hemiarthroplasties and is both simple and convenient.

Characteristics of organic pollutants in source water and purification evaluations in drinking water treatment plants.

The release of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) into water bodies has aroused wide concern in recent years. Little information on the characteristics of CECs to pose potential risks even at low concentrations in urban water systems of Shanghai is available. This study investigated the occurrence and spatial distribution in source water, as well as the fates by drinking water treatment processes for organic compounds including 35 pesticides, 17 antibiotics, 7 microcystins (MCs), and 10 disinfection by-products (DBPs). The similar trends across seasons for COD and TOC, the indicators for organic pollutants, indicated that the water qualities in three targeted reservoirs were relatively stable. COD in the R3 reservoir inlet was 1.3-2.4 times greater than that in the R1 and R2 reservoirs, possibly resulting from the inflow of the Taipu River as a tributary. Pesticides, particularly methamidophos and metabolites, macrolide and sulfonamide antibiotics, particularly roxithromycin, were frequently detected in Shanghai source water inlets. Pesticide concentrations were 2.58-3.66 µg/L much higher than antibiotics (8.6-47.6 ng/L). The results showed that MCs (ng/L) and DBPs (haloacetic acids, HAAs µg/L; N-nitrosodimethylamine, NDMA ng/L) were found to be in low detection frequencies. It was found that 51.1-74.6% of organic matters in source water were composed of molecular weight (MW) <1 kDa. The removal rates for the part of MW <1 kDa were only 11.7-12.3% through the conventional treatment processes, compared with higher removal rates of 23.5-28.5% by advanced treatment processes. Pesticides, antibiotics and MCs can be significantly removed by six drinking water treatment plants.

The microbial community responsible for dechlorination and benzene ring opening during anaerobic degradation of 2,4,6­trichlorophenol.

This study describes the dechlorination ability of acclimated biomass, the high-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene of such microorganisms, and the analysis of their community structure in relation to special functions. Two types of acclimated biomass (AB-1 and AB-2) were obtained via different acclimated treatment processes and were used to degrade 2,4,6­trichlorophenol. The degradation pathway and characteristics of trichlorophenol degradation were different between the two groups. AB-1 degraded trichlorophenol only to 4-chlorophenol. AB-2 completely dechlorinated trichlorophenol and opened the benzene ring. The 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing method was employed to examine the microbial diversity. It was found that the microbial richness and diversity of AB-1 were higher than those of AB-2. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were 2.7-fold and 4.3-fold more abundant, respectively, in AB-1 than in AB-2. Dechlorination bacteria in AB-1 mainly included Desulfobulbus, Desulfovibrio, Dechloromonas, and Geobacter. The above-mentioned bacteria were less abundant in AB-2, but the abundance of Desulfomicrobium was twofold higher in AB-2 than in AB-1. The two types of acclimated biomass contained different hydrogen (H2)-producing bacteria. AB-2 showed higher abundance and diversity of hydrogen-producing bacteria. There was no Ignavibacteriae in AB-1, whereas its abundance in AB-2 was 8.4%. In this biomass, Ignavibacteriae was responsible for opening of the benzene ring. This study indicates that the abundance and diversity of microorganisms are not necessarily beneficial to the formation of a functional dechlorinating community. The H2-producing bacteria (which showed greater abundance and diversity) and Ignavibacterium were assumed to be core functional populations that gave AB-2 stronger dechlorination and phenol-degradation abilities. Control of lower oxidation reduction potential (Eh) and higher temperatures by means of fresh aerobic activated sludge as the starting microbial group, caused rapid complete dechlorination of 2,4,6­trichlorophenol and benzene ring opening.

A novel concept for syngas biomethanation by two-stage process: Focusing on the selective conversion of syngas to acetate.

Thermal gasification of nonrenewable and renewable sources produces syngas, containing CO, H2, CO2 and N2. Anaerobic conversion of syngas to CH4 is a promising way to replace natural gas. However, the high N2 content (>50%) in syngas would result in the low CH4 content in the biogas and CO in syngas also had serious inhibition on methanogens. The present study proposed a two-stage anaerobic process for syngas biomethanation, and syngas was first anaerobically converted to acetate by mixed culture, which could be further converted to methane easily without the negative effects of N2 and CO. The results showed that mesophilic condition was more suitable for the conversion of syngas to acetate compared to thermophilic and ambient conditions at pH 5.5 considering the higher acetate yield and syngas conversion rate. Although CO was efficiently converted at thermophilic condition, it was mostly converted to H2, which was then converted to acetate. CO was much easier to be converted compared to H2. Further study showed that pH 6.5 and 7.5 were optimal for selective conversion of syngas to acetate. The other products including butyrate and ethanol were also detected in relatively higher amounts at pH 4.5 and 9.5. Although pH 5.5 and 8.5 had relatively lower syngas conversion rates compared to pH 6.5 and 7.5, they might inhibit methanogens naturally without adding methane inhibitors. Finally, batch experiments showed that the acetate concentration had obvious inhibition on syngas conversion when the acetate concentration was higher than 2 g/L.

Occurrence, spatial distribution, and seasonal variation of emerging trace organic pollutants in source water for Shanghai, China.

The long-term low concentrations of trace "contaminants of emerging concern" (CECs) can have potential toxic effects on human health and serious risks to the ecological environment. This study investigated the occurrence, spatial distributions, and seasonal variations of 65 target CECs, including 35 pesticides, 17 antibiotics, 7 microcystins, 5 estrogens, and 1 plasticizers in Shanghai's source water. The detected pesticides and antibiotics of sulfonamides and macrolides were relatively ubiquitous in source water of Shanghai, with levels decreasing in the following order: pesticides (average (avg.) 0.0003-1.67 µg/L) > antibiotics (avg. 0.1-14.1 ng/L). While microcystins, estrogens, and plasticizers (ng/L) were non-ubiquitous, with detected species of below 50%, and detection frequencies of mostly below 50%. Pesticide concentrations did not show obvious variations in the water from the inlets of the two rivers. Compare to all other water sources of Shanghai, the much higher concentrations of antibiotics found in the Y3, H2 reservoir and H3 were mainly from roxithromycin and sulfapyridine, roxithromycin and sulfadiazine, and sulfamethazine and roxithromycin, which accounted for 69.5%, 88.1% and 70.8% of the total concentration in corresponding water source, respectively. Pesticide concentrations in the Huangpu River were higher in the wet season than in the flat season, while the concentration decreased in the Yangtze River during the wet season. In Y1, Y3 and Y4, there were relatively large differences in pesticide levels in the wet season, and flat season when the maximal contribution of the pesticide concentration was from acephate, which accounted for about 67% of the total pesticide concentration. The levels of antibiotics in the flat season were higher than those in the wet season in both water sources. Overall, improvement of raw water quality was observed after entering the reservoir except for microcystin.

Effects of gene­activated matrix on autograft healing of anterior cruciate ligament.

The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of gene­activated matrix (GAM) on autograft healing of the anterior cruciate ligament. Forty­eight rabbits were randomly divided into groups A and B. Rabbits were used to construct models of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. In group A, transforming growth factor (TGF)­ß1 was locally injected into the bone tunnel, while in group B, empty vector was administered. Tendons were removed to observe histology and ultrastructure and to evaluate biomechanics at postoperative months 1, 3 and 6. Optical microscopy revealed increased numbers of fibroblasts and collagen fibers in group A at each time­point compared with B. Electron microscopy identified increased mitosis and abundance of fibroblasts, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in group A at each time­point compared with B. No significant difference was identified in the biomechanical parameters between the 2 groups at postoperative month 1. At postoperative months 3 and 6, maximum force and elastic modulus were greater in group A compared with group B (P<0.0.5). No significant differences in other biochemical parameters were observed at these time­points. The healing ligament graft transfected with TGF­ß1 by GAM was observed to have improved tissue structure and biomechanical characteristics. The results of the current study may provide a theoretical basis for GAM application in ligament repair.