High-Quality Spherical Silver Alloy Powder for Laser Powder Bed Fusion Using Plasma Rotating Electrode Process.

The plasma rotating electrode process (PREP) is an ideal method for the preparation of metal powders such as nickel-based, titanium-based, and iron-based alloys due to its low material loss and good degree of sphericity. However, the preparation of silver alloy powder by PREP remains challenging. The low hardness of the mould casting silver alloy leads to the bending of the electrode rod when subjected to high-speed rotation during PREP. The mould casting silver electrode rod can only be used in low-speed rotation, which has a negative effect on particle refinement. This study employed continuous casting (CC) to improve the surface hardness of S800 Ag (30.30% higher than mould casting), which enables a high rotation speed of up to 37,000 revolutions per minute, and silver alloy powder with an average sphericity of 0.98 (5.56% higher than gas atomisation) and a sphericity ratio of 97.67% (36.28% higher than gas atomisation) has been successfully prepared. The dense S800 Ag was successfully fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), which proved the feasibility of preparing high-quality powder by the "CC + PREP" method. The samples fabricated by LPBF have a Vickers hardness of up to 271.20 HV (3.66 times that of mould casting), leading to a notable enhancement in the strength of S800 Ag. In comparison to GA, the S800 Ag powder prepared by "CC + PREP" exhibits greater sphericity, a higher sphericity ratio and less satellite powder, which lays the foundation for dense LPBF S800 Ag fabrication.

Nitrogen and sulfur cycling driven by Campylobacterota in the sediment-water interface of deep-sea cold seep: a case in the South China Sea.

Chemoautotrophs within Campylobacterota, especially Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas, are abundant in the seawater-sediment interface of the Formosa cold seep in the South China Sea. However, the in situ activity and function of Campylobacterota are unknown. In this study, the geochemical role of Campylobacterota in the Formosa cold seep was investigated with multiple means. Two members of Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas were isolated for the first time from deep-sea cold seep. These isolates are new chemoautotrophic species that can use molecular hydrogen as an energy source and CO2 as a sole carbon source. Comparative genomics identified an important hydrogen-oxidizing cluster in Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas. Metatranscriptomic analysis detected high expression of hydrogen-oxidizing gene in the RS, suggesting that H2 was likely an energy source in the cold seep. Genomic analysis indicated that the Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas isolates possess a truncated sulfur-oxidizing system, and metatranscriptomic analysis revealed that Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas with this genotype were active in the surface of RS and likely contributed to thiosulfate production. Furthermore, geochemical and in situ analyses revealed sharply decreased nitrate concentration in the sediment-water interface due to microbial consumption. Consistently, the denitrification genes of Sulfurimonas and Sulfurovum were highly expressed, suggesting an important contribution of these bacteria to nitrogen cycling. Overall, this study demonstrated that Campylobacterota played a significant role in the cycling of nitrogen and sulfur in a deep-sea cold seep. IMPORTANCE Chemoautotrophs within Campylobacterota, in particular Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas, are ubiquitous in deep-sea cold seeps and hydrothermal vents. However, to date, no Sulfurovum or Sulfurimonas has been isolated from cold seeps, and the ecological roles of these bacteria in cold seeps remain to be investigated. In this study, we obtained two isolates of Sulfurovum and Sulfurimonas from Formosa cold seep, South China Sea. Comparative genomics, metatranscriptomics, geochemical analysis, and in situ experimental study indicated collectively that Campylobacterota played a significant part in nitrogen and sulfur cycling in cold seep and was the cause of thiosulfate accumulation and sharp reduction of nitrate level in the sediment-water interface. The findings of this study promoted our understanding of the in situ function and ecological role of deep-sea Campylobacterota.

Is there a correlation between sensory impairments and social isolation in middle-aged and older Chinese population? Cross-sectional and longitudinal evidence from a nationally representative survey.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between sensory impairments (SIs) including single vision impairment (SVI), single hearing impairment (SHI), and dual sensory impairments (DSI) with social isolation in the middle-aged and older Chinese population. Methods: Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS). In total, 11,674 Chinese older adults aged over 45 were included at baseline 2011, and 6,859 participants who accomplished all four interviews from 2011 to 2018 were adapted for longitudinal analyses. Sensory status and social isolation measurements including social disconnectedness and self-perceived loneliness were collected. Assessment of social disconnectedness included the number of types of social activities in which they participated and the frequency of such participation. Loneliness referred to the subjective perception of loneliness. Other covariates included socio-demographic characteristics, medical conditions, and lifestyle-related factors. The impacts of baseline sensory status on social disconnectedness and loneliness were assessed using univariate and multivariate generalized linear models. A generalized linear model with generalized estimation equations (GEE) was used to assess the association between time-varying sensory statuses with social disconnectedness or loneliness over 8 years after being adjusted with multi-confounding factors. Results: Participants with SIs had significantly higher levels of social disconnectedness and self-perceived loneliness, compared to those who were free of SI. All kinds of SIs were significantly associated with loneliness according to both cross-sectional and longitudinal data. The correlations between DSI and social disconnectedness or loneliness at baseline and over 8 years were also noticed. SHI was found to be significantly associated with both frequency and types of social activities according to cross-sectional data and with the frequency of social activity participation in longitudinal analysis. SVI was only associated with the types of social activities at baseline (all p-values < 0.05). Conclusion: Sensory impairments, especially dual sensory impairments, have explicitly detrimental effects on social isolation among the older Chinese population. Over time, single hearing impairment specifically jeopardizes their frequency rather than types of social activities participation.

Do Sensory Impairments Portend Cognitive Decline in Older Chinese Adults? Longitudinal Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey, 2011-2018.

Previous studies on longitudinal sensory-cognition association are limited and have yielded inconsistent conclusions in western and developed countries. The present study obtained data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS, 2011−2018) and aimed to investigate the longitudinal effects of sensory impairments including single vision impairment (SVI), single hearing impairment (SHI), and dual sensory impairment (DSI) on cognitive decline in middle-aged and older Chinese population. In total, 11,122 participants accomplished all 4 interviews over 8 years and were included. Cognitive performances were assessed using Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and self-reported sensory status were accepted as well. Confounding variables included age, sex, educational level, marital status, medical, and lifestyle related information. The impact of sensory impairment on cognitive decline over time was assessed using linear mixed-effects models (LMM). After being adjusted for multiple confounders, SVI/SHI/DSI were all shown to be significantly associated with executive functions, episodic memory impairment, and global cognitive decline over 8 years (all p < 0.05). Such associations become less significant among female and relatively younger populations (45−59 years old). Single vision and hearing impairments, along with dual sensory impairment, are all independently associated with subsequent cognitive decline among middle-aged and older Chinese populations over 8 years of longitudinal observation.

Adherence to Annual Fundus Exams among Chinese Population with Diagnosed Diabetes.

Adherence to annual fundus examinations in the Chinese population with diabetes and its correlates have not been investigated. The present study obtained data for the first nationally representative survey in China, China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), which collected a wide range of data every 2 years, including demographic, socioeconomic, medical and lifestyle-related information. The adherence rates to annual fundus exams across four waves (2011−2018) were assessed. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine factors associated with adherence. The adherence rates to annual fundus examinations of ou study population were 23.6% in 2011, 15.3% in 2013, 17.5% in 2015 and 21.5% in 2018, respectively. Consistent results over four waves showed that non-adherent patients had a relatively lower educational level, insufficient diabetes medication use, fewer non-medication treatments and irregular physical examination compared to those who were adherent to the annual fundus exam (all p values < 0.05). These variables were further identified as factors associated with adherence according to univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses (all p values < 0.05). The present study provides explicit evidence that the adherence rate to annual fundus examinations among Chinese population with diabetes is worryingly low. Insufficient educational attainment, especially specific diabetes education, has a negative impact on patients' adherence to clinical guideline for eye health.

Fabrication of Titanium and Copper-Coated Diamond/Copper Composites via Selective Laser Melting.

The poor wettability and weak interfacial bonding of diamond/copper composites are due to the incompatibility between diamond and copper which are inorganic nonmetallic and metallic material, respectively, which limit their further application in next-generation heat management materials. Coating copper and titanium on the diamond particle surface could effectively modify and improve the wettability of the diamond/copper interface via electroless plating and evaporation methods, respectively. Here, these dense and complex composites were successfully three-dimensionally printed via selective laser melting. A high thermal conductivity (TC, 336 W/mK) was produced by 3D printing 1 vol.% copper-coated diamond/copper mixed powders at an energy density of 300 J/mm3 (laser power = 180 W and scanning rate = 200 mm/s). 1 and 3 vol.% copper-coated diamond/copper composites had lower coefficients of thermal expansions and higher TCs. They also had stronger bending strengths than the corresponding titanium-coated diamond/copper composites. The interface between copper matrix and diamond reinforcement was well bonded, and there was no cracking in the 1 vol.% copper-coated diamond/copper composite sample. The optimization of the printing parameters and strategy herein is beneficial to develop new approaches for the further construction of a wider range of micro-sized diamond particles reinforced metal matrix composites.

Network Pharmacology with Experimental Investigation of the Mechanisms of Rhizoma Polygonati against Prostate Cancer with Additional Herbzymatic Activity.

A combination therapy of Rhizoma Polygonati (RP) with goji (Lycium chinense) has earned a long history in the prescriptions to promote male health. However, the mechanisms at both molecular and nanoscale quantum levels are unclear. Here, we found that processed RP extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cells, thereby inhibiting prostate cancer cell proliferation enhanced by processed goji extract associated with an augment of the nanoscale herbzyme of phosphatase. For network pharmacology analysis, RP-induced PI3K-AKT pathways are essential for both benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, and the RP/goji combination induces potent pathways which include androgen and estrogen response, kinase regulation, apoptosis, and prostate cancer singling. In addition, the experimental investigation showed that the prostate cancer cells are sensitive to RP extract for inhibiting colony formation. Finally, the natural compound baicalein found in RP ingredients showed a linked activity of top-ranked signaling targets of kinases including MAPK, AKT, and EGFR by the database of cMAP and HERB. Thus, both the nanozyme and ingredients might contribute to the RP in anti-prostate cancer which can be enhanced by goji extract. The proposed nanoscale RP extract might be of significance in developing novel anti-prostate cancer agents by combining goji compositions and targeted therapy compounds.

Network pharmacology and experimental investigation of Rhizoma polygonati extract targeted kinase with herbzyme activity for potent drug delivery.

Rhizoma polygonati (Huangjing, RP) has been used for a long history with many chemical components in inducing anti-cancer, anti-aging, anti-diabetes, anti-fatigue, and more prevention of diseases or acts as nutrition sources in food. Here we investigated RP extract combination with kinase inhibitors in anti-cell growth and blockade in pathways targeting kinases. Experimental investigation and network pharmacology analysis were applied to test the potent kinase-mediated signaling. Herbzyme activity was determined by substrate with optical density measurement. Extract of processed RP inhibits cell growth in a much greater manner than alone when applied in combination with inhibitors of mTOR or EGFR. Moreover, processing methods of RP from Mount Tai (RP-Mount Tai) play essential roles in herbzyme activity of phosphatase suggesting the interface is also essential, in addition to the chemical component. The network pharmacology analysis showed the chemical component and target networks involving AKT and mTOR, which is consistent with experimental validation. Finally, EGFR inhibitor could be associated with nano-extract of RP-Mount Tai but not significantly affects the phosphatase herbzyme activity in vitro. Thus the processed extract of RP-Mount Tai may play a dual role in the inhibition of cell proliferation signaling by both chemical component and nanoscale herbzyme of phosphatase activity to inhibit kinases including mTOR/AKT in potent drug delivery of kinase inhibitors.

Pontivivens ytuae sp. nov., isolated from deep sea sediment of the Mariana Trench.

A Gram-stain-negative, light pink-coloured, rod-shaped, flagellated and facultative anaerobic bacterial strain, designated MT2928T, was isolated from deep-sea sediment collected from the Mariana Trench. Growth of strain MT2928T occurred optimally at 28 °C, pH 8.0-9.0 and in the presence of 1.0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MT2928T belongs to the genus Pontivivens and has the highest sequence similarity to Pontivivens insulae GYSW-23T (96.6 %). Genomic analysis indicated that strain MT2928T contains a circular chromosome of 4 199 362 bp with G+C content of 67.2 mol%. The strain did not produce bacteriochlorophyll a, but produced carotenoid. The predominant respiratory quinone of MT2928T was ubiquinone-10. The polar lipids of MT2928T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified lipids and two unidentified phospholipids. The major fatty acids of strain MT2928T contained summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c or/and C18 : 1 ω6c), C18 : 0 and summed feature 2 (iso-C16 : 1 I and/or C14 : 0 3-OH). On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and other phenotypic properties, strain MT2928T represents a novel species of the genus Pontivivens, and the name Pontivivens ytuae sp. nov. is proposed with the type species MT2928T (=MCCC 1K05575T=JCM 34320T).

Bacteria and Archaea Synergistically Convert Glycine Betaine to Biogenic Methane in the Formosa Cold Seep of the South China Sea.

Cold seeps are globally widespread seafloor ecosystems that feature abundant methane production and flourishing chemotrophic benthic communities. Chemical evidence indicates that cold seep methane is largely biogenic; however, the primary methane-producing organisms and associated pathways involved in methanogenesis remain elusive. This work detected methane production when glycine betaine (GBT) or trimethylamine (TMA) was added to the sediment microcosms of the Formosa cold seep, South China Sea. The methane production was suppressed by antibiotic inhibition of bacteria, while GBT was accumulated. This suggests that the widely used osmoprotectant GBT could be converted to cold seep biogenic methane via the synergistic activity of bacteria and methanogenic archaea because archaea are not sensitive to antibiotics and no bacteria are known to produce ample methane (mM). 16S rRNA gene diversity analyses revealed that the predominant bacterial and archaeal genera in the GBT-amended methanogenic microcosms included Oceanirhabdus and Methanococcoides. Moreover, metagenomic analyses detected the presence of grdH and mtgB genes that are involved in GBT reduction and demethylation, respectively. Two novel species were obtained, including bacterium Oceanirhabdus seepicola, which reduces GBT to TMA, and a methanogenic archaeon, Methanococcoides seepicolus, which produces methane from TMA and GBT. The two strains reconstituted coculture efficiently converted GBT to methane at 18°C; however, at 4°C addition of dimethylglycine (DMG), the GBT demethylation product, was necessary. Therefore, this work demonstrated that GBT is the precursor not only of the biogenic methane but also of the cryoprotectant DMG to the microorganisms at the Formosa cold seep. IMPORTANCE Numerous cold seeps have been found in global continental margins where methane is enriched in pore waters that are forced upward from sediments. Therefore, high concerns have been focused on the methane-producing organisms and the metabolic pathways in these environments because methane is a potent greenhouse gas. In this study, GBT was identified as the main precursor for methane in the Formosa cold seep of the South China Sea. Further, synergism of bacteria and methanogenic archaea was identified in GBT conversion to methane via the GBT reduction pathway, while methanogen-mediated GBT demethylation to methane was also observed. In addition, GBT-demethylated product dimethyl glycine acted as a cryoprotectant that promoted the cold seep microorganisms at cold temperatures. GBT is an osmoprotectant that is widely used by marine organisms, and therefore, the GBT-derived methanogenic pathway reported here could be widely distributed among global cold seep environments.

Aurantimonas marina sp. nov., isolated from deep-sea sediment.

A novel bacterial strain, designated SW136T, was isolated from a deep-sea sediment sample collected from the South China Sea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SW136T represented a novel member of the genus Aurantimonas, forming a distinct cluster with 'Aurantimonas litoralis', Aurantimonas coralicida and Aurantimonas manganoxydans (98.2, 98.1 and 97.9% sequence similarity, respectively). The predominant cellular fatty acid of strain SW136T was C18 : 1 ω7c. Strain SW136T contained ubiquinone-10 as the dominant respiratory quinone, and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 64.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of strain SW136T with A. coralicida CGMCC 1.12222T and A. manganoxydans CGMCC 1.12225T were 78.8 and 78.6 % and 21.5 and 25.5 %, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic inference and phenotypic characteristics, we propose that strain SW136T represents a novel species of the genus Aurantimonas, with the name Aurantimonas marina sp. nov. The type strain is SW136T (=CGMCC 1.17725T=KCTC 82366T).

Psychrosphaera ytuae sp. nov., isolated from the deep-sea cold seep sediment of South China Sea.

In this study, we report a Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-pigmented, motile and aerobic bacterium named strain MTZ26T, which was isolated from deep-sea sediment sampled at a cold seep in the South China Sea. Growth of strain MTZ26T occurred at 4-40 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, 7.0-8.0) and with 1.0-11.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 6.0-8.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MTZ26T belonged to the genus Psychrosphaera and was closely related to Psychrosphaera aestuarii PSC101T (97.5 % sequence similarity) and Psychrosphaera haliotis KDW4T (97.5 %). Genomic analysis indicated that strain MTZ26T contains a circular chromosome of 3 331 814 bp with G+C content of 42.2 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of MTZ26T was ubiquinone-8. The polar lipids of MTZ26T contained phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophospholipid and one unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids of strain MTZ26T contained C15:0, C16:0, C17:0, C17 : 1 ω8c, C10 : 0 3-OH, C11 : 0 3-OH, C15 : 1 ω8c and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c or/and C18 : 1 ω6c). Results of phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and morphological analyses suggested that strain MTZ26T represents a novel species of the genus Psychrosphaera, and the name Psychrosphaera ytuae sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain MTZ26T (=MCCC 1K05568T=JCM 34321T).

Description of Novosphingopyxis iocasae sp. nov., isolated from deep sea sediment from the Mariana Trench, and emended description of the genus Novosphingopyxis.

In this study, we reported a Gram-stain-negative, orange-coloured, rod-shaped, motile and faculatively anaerobic bacterium named strain PB63T, which was isolated from the deep-sea sediment from the Mariana Trench. Growth of PB63T occurred at 10-35 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum, 5.0-6.0) and with 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3 %). The results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that PB63T represented a member of the genus Novosphingopyxis and was closely related to Novosphingopyxis baekryungensis DSM 16222T (97.9 % sequence similarity). PB63T showed tolerance to a variety of heavy metals, including Co2+, Zn2+, Mn2+ and Cu2+. The complete genome of PB63T was obtained, and many genes involved in heavy metal resistance were found. The genomic DNA G+C content of PB63T was 62.8 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone of PB63T was ubiquinone-10 (Q-10). The polar lipids of PB63T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, glycolipid, phosphatidylcholines and three unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids of PB63T included summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c or/and C18 : 1ω6c), C14 : 0 2-OH, 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C17 : 1ω6c. The results of phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical and morphological analyses indicated that strain PB63T represents a novel species of the genus Novosphingopyxis, and the name Novosphingopyxis iocasae sp. nov. is proposed with the type species PB63T (=CCTCC AB 2019195T=JCM 34178T).

Bacillus fonticola sp. nov., isolated from deep sea cold seep sediment.

In this study, we report a novel Gram-positive bacterium, designated as strain CS13T, isolated from deep-sea sediment collected in the cold seep area of the South China Sea. Growth of strain CS13T occurred at 16-37 °C (optimum 25-28 °C), pH 7.0-9.0 (optimum, 7.0), and 0-8% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2-3%). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CS13T belonged to the genus Bacillus. The closest phylogenetic neighbors of strain CS13T are Bacillus carboniphilus JCM 9731T (96.0%), Bacillus pakistanensis NCCP-168T (95.7%) and Bacillus acidicola 105-2T (95.6%). The genomic DNA G + C content of strain CS13T is 43.7 mol%. The principal respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The polar lipids of CS13T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phospholipid, and glycolipid. The major fatty acids of CS13T contained anteiso-C15:0, anteiso-C17:0, C16:0 and C18:0. Strain CS13T harboured meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. Phylogenetic, physiological, biochemical, and morphological analyses suggested that strain CS13T represents a novel species of genus Bacillus, and the name Bacillus fonticola sp. nov. is proposed for the type species CS13T (= CCTCC AB 2019194T = JCM 33663T).

Generation of particle assemblies mimicking enzymatic activity by processing of herbal food: the case of rhizoma polygonati and other natural ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine.

Processed herbs have been widely used in eastern and western medicine; however, the mechanism of their medicinal effects has not yet been revealed. It is commonly believed that a central role is played by chemically active molecules produced by the herbs' metabolism. In this work, processed rhizoma polygonati (RP) and other herbal foods are shown to exhibit intrinsic phosphatase-like (PL) activity bounded with the formation of nano-size flower-shaped assembly. Via quantum mechanical calculations, an enzymatic mechanism is proposed. The enzymatic activity may be induced by the interaction between the sugar molecules distributed on the surface of the nanoassemblies and the phosphatase substrate via either a hydroxyl group or the deprotonated hydroxyl group. Meanwhile, the investigation was further extended by processing some fresh herbs and herbal food through a similar protocol, wherein other enzymatic activities (such as protease, and amylase) were observed. The PL activity exhibited by the processed natural herbs was found to be able to effectively inhibit cancer cell growth via phosphatase signaling, possibly by crosstalk with kinase signaling or DNA damage by either directly binding or unwinding of DNA, as evidenced by high-resolution atomic-force microscopy (HR-AFM). In this work, the neologism herbzyme (herb + enzyme) is proposed. This study represents the first case of scientific literature introducing this new term. Besides the well-known pharmacological properties of the natural molecules contained in herbs and herbal food, there exists an enzymatic/co-enzymatic activity attributed to the nanosized assemblies.

A carbon dot-based Co-nanozyme with alkaline phosphatase - mechanism and application.

Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are associated with bone metastasis, liver cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and many other diseases or stem cell marker. It is therefore of great significance to quantitatively detect the ALP levels by a rapid, highly sensitive, and easy-to-use strip paper test. In the present work, we discovered an enhancement of ALP activity upon the addition of cauliflower-derived carbon dots (CFCDs), which can be applied as a sensor for ALP. The mixed ALP and CFCDs exhibited a typical Michaelis Menten mechanism with increased V max and reduced K m compared to ALP alone. High-Resolution Atomic Force Microscopy (HR-AFM) reveals the dimensions of ALP, the CFCDs, and the phosphatase substrate para-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP), as well as the potential interactions among them. The role of the CFCDs was identified as the addition of reaction centers to ALP; in other words, a competitive activator. Besides the improved kinetics, the yield of dephosphorylated product was also increased by at least twice upon the addition of CFCDs. Taking advantage of this effect, a portable CFCD-based paper strip assay was developed to achieve sensitive detection of abnormally elevated ALP levels and visualization of cancer stem cells or proteins by phosphatase-conjugated antibodies. Our findings show great promise for disease diagnosis and bioassays related to ALP enhancement that may be used for protein or cell detection.

Rhizoma polygonati from Mount Tai: nutritional value and usefulness as a traditional Chinese medicine, source of herbzyme, and potential remediating agent for COVID-19 and chronic and hidden hunger.

Recently, traditional Chinese medicine-based treatment has succeeded in fighting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and Rhizoma polygonati (Huangjing) has been one of the recommended components. Its processed products play antidiabetic, antiviral, antitumor, antioxidation, antifatigue, antiaging, and immune enhancement roles. The climate in Mount Tai is mild, and the dense forest is suitable for the growth of Rhizome polygonati, which has gradually evolved into a unique specie. Considering the important medicinal value and pleasant taste of Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati, various healthy and functional food products, controlled by quality markers with anti-COVID-19 potential, as well as emergency foods can be developed. The study aimed to review current evidence on the nutritional value of Rhizoma polygonati from Mount Tai and its usefulness as a traditional Chinese medicine, source of herbzyme, and potential remediating agent for COVID-19 and food shortage. Most recent findings regarding herbal nanomedicine have revealed that nanoscale chemical compounds are potentially efficient in drug delivery or nanozyme catalysis upon bioprocessing. Nanoflower structure is found in processed Rhizoma polygonati by self-assembly and has wide application in enzymatic events, particularly nanoscale herbzyme. The novel findings regarding Mount Tai-Rhizoma polygonati could enhance its novel applications in chronic and hidden hunger, clinical nanomedicine, and as an anti-COVID-19 agent.

Nitrincola iocasae sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from sediment collected at a cold seep field in the South China Sea.

A novel bacterium, designated strain KXZD1103T, was isolated from sediment collected at a cold seep field of the Formosa Ridge in the South China Sea. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile, oxidase- and catalase-positive, and grew optimally at 28 °C, pH 6.0-pH 7.0 and in the presence of 1-3 % (w/v) NaCl. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c/C18 : 1 ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c) and C16 : 0. The major respiratory ubiquinone was Q-8. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain KXZD1103T grouped with members of the genus Nitrincola, with Nitrincola lacisaponensis 4CAT (98.1 % sequence similarity) and Nitrincola schmidtii R4-8T (97.7 %) as its closest neighbours. Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 4.17 Mb and a DNA G+C content of 50.1 %. Genomic average nucleotide identity values for strain KXZD1103T with the type strains within the genus Nitrincola ranged from 71.0 to 75.7 %, while the in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values for strain KXZD1103T with these strains ranged from 16.1 to 21.6 %. On the basis of the results of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain KXZD1103T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Nitrincola, for which the name Nitrincola iocasae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KXZD1103T (=KCTC 72678T=MCCC 1K04283T).