Plant-substrate biochar properties critical for mediating reductive debromination of 1,2-dibromoethane.

Dibromoethane is a widespread, persistent organic pollutant. Biochars are known mediators of reductive dehalogenation by layered FeII-FeIII hydroxides (green rust), which can reduce 1,2-dibromoethane to innocuous bromide and ethylene. However, the critical characteristics that determine mediator functionality are lesser known. Fifteen biochar substrates were pyrolyzed at 600 °C and 800 °C, characterized by elemental analysis, X-ray photo spectrometry C and N surface speciation, X-ray powder diffraction, specific surface area analysis, and tested for mediation of reductive debromination of 1,2-dibromoethane by a green rust reductant under anoxic conditions. A statistical analysis was performed to determine the biochar properties, critical for debromination kinetics and total debromination extent. It was shown that selected plant based biochars can mediate debromination of 1,2-dibromoethane, that the highest first order rate constant was 0.082/hr, and the highest debromination extent was 27% in reactivity experiments with 0.1 µmol (20 µmol/L) 1,2-dibromoethane, ≈ 22 mmol/L FeIIGR, and 0.12 g/L soybean meal biochar (7 days). Contents of Ni, Zn, N, and P, and the relative contribution of quinone surface functional groups were significantly (p < 0.05) positively correlated with 1,2-dibromoethane debromination, while adsorption, specific surface area, and the relative contribution of pyridinic N oxide surface groups were significantly negatively correlated with debromination.

Single-cell landscape of alternative polyadenylation in human lymphoid hematopoiesis.

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is an essential post-transcriptional process that produces mature mRNA isoforms by regulating the usage of polyadenylation sites (PASs). APA is involved in lymphocyte activation; however, its role throughout the entire differentiation trajectory remains elusive. Here, we analyzed single-cell 3'-end transcriptome data from healthy subjects to construct a dynamic-APA landscape from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) to terminally differentiated lymphocytes. This analysis covered 19973 cells of 12 clusters from five lineages (B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer cells, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells). A total of 2364 genes exhibited differential 3'UTR PAS usage, and 3021 genes displayed differential intronic cleavage during lymphoid differentiation. We observed a global trend of 3'UTR shortening during lymphoid differentiation. Nevertheless, specific events of both 3'UTR shortening and lengthening were also identified within each cluster. The APA patterns delineated three differentiation stages: HSPCs, precursor cells, and mature cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that the conversion of naïve T cells to memory T cells was accompanied by dynamic APA in transcription factor-encoding genes (TCF7 and NFATC2IP), immune function-related genes (BCL2, CD5, CD28, GOLT1B, and TMEM59), and protein ubiquitination-related genes (UBE2G1, YPEL5, and SUMO3). These findings expand our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of APA and facilitate studies on the regulatory role of APA in lymphoid hematopoiesis.

Unveiling potential roles of earthworms in mitigating the presence of virulence factor genes in terrestrial ecosystems.

Earthworms can redistribute soil microbiota, and thus might affect the profile of virulence factor genes (VFGs) which are carried by pathogens in soils. Nevertheless, the knowledge of VFG profile in the earthworm guts and its interaction with earthworm gut microbiome is still lacking. Herein, we characterized earthworm gut and soil microbiome and VFG profiles in natural and agricultural ecosystems at a national scale using metagenomics. VFG profiles in the earthworm guts significantly differed from those in the surrounding soils, which was mainly driven by variations of bacterial communities. Furthermore, the total abundance of different types of VFGs in the earthworm guts was about 20-fold lower than that in the soils due to the dramatic decline (also by approximately 20-fold) of VFG-carrying bacterial pathogens in the earthworm guts. Additionally, five VFGs related to nutritional/metabolic factors and stress survival were identified as keystones merely in the microbe-VFG network in the earthworm guts, implying their pivotal roles in facilitating pathogen colonization in earthworm gut microhabitats. These findings suggest the potential roles of earthworms in reducing risks related to the presence of VFGs in soils, providing novel insights into earthworm-based bioremediation of VFG contamination in terrestrial ecosystems.

Highly Efficient Photon Energy Conversion and Ultrasensitive Self-Powered Photodetection via a Monolithic p-3C-SiC Nanothin Film on p-Si/n-Si Double Junction.

The pursuit of increased efficiency of photoelectric energy conversion through optimized semiconductor structures remains highly competitive, with current results yet to align with broad expectations. In this study, we discover a significant enhancement in photocurrent performance of a p-3C-SiC nanothin film on p-Si/n-Si double junction (DJ) heterostructure that integrates p-3C-SiC/p-Si heterojunction and p-Si/n-Si homojunction. The vertical photocurrent (VPC) and vertical photoresponsivity exhibit a substantial enhancement in the DJ heterostructure, surpassing by a maximum of 43-fold compared to the p-3C-SiC/n-Si single junction (SJ) counterpart. The p-3C-SiC layer and n-Si substrate of the two heterostructures have similar material and geometrical properties. More importantly, the fabrication costs for the DJ and SJ heterostructure devices are comparable. Our results demonstrate a significant potential for using DJ devices in energy harvesters, micro/nano electromechanical systems, and sensing applications. This research may also lead to the creation of advanced optoelectronic devices using DJ structures, where employing various semiconductor materials to achieve exceptional performance through the application of the concept and theoretical model described in this work.

Effects of wet-dry alternation on organic phosphorus dynamics and sediment characteristics in the intertidal zone of Nansi Lake.

The study of the fractions and distribution characteristics of organic phosphorus in the sediment of the water level fluctuating zone of Nansi Lake is conducive to revealing the transformation of phosphorus in the lake, and has important scientific significance for controlling the eutrophication of Nansi Lake. Based on the sediment of the water level fluctuation zone of Nansi Lake. The improved Hedley continuous grading extraction, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscope were used to characterize the structural characteristics and stability of organic molecules in the sediment, and to reflect the differences in the structure and stability of organophosphate in the water level fluctuating zone. Principal component analysis (PCA), Redundancy analysis (RDA) and correlation heat map analysis were used to analyze the correlation between phosphorus and physicochemical index. The results showed that the alternation between wet-dry conditions was more favorable for the release of phosphorus from sediment, compared to continuous inundation conditions. Moreover, the higher the frequency of wet-dry alternations, the greater the release of phosphorus in different forms from the sediment. Wet-dry alternation resulted in a reduction of substituent on the aromatic rings of sediment DOM (dissolved organic matter), and the continuous drying would increase the molecular weight and humidification degree of DOM in the sediment. Correlation analysis showed that NaOH-Po content in sediment was significantly negatively correlated with TP, IP, OP and various organophosphorus forms, indicating a close transformation relationship between phosphorus forms in sediment. The results can provide a scientific basis for controlling the release of endogenous phosphorus and the risk of eutrophication in Nansi Lake.

[Quality control method for phenolic acid components in abandoned stems and leaves of Artemisia selengensis based on UPLC fingerprint combined with quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS)].

This study established an ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC) fingerprint of abandoned stems and leaves of Artemisia selengensis and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker(QAMS) for five phenolic acid components. Waters Acquity UPLC BEH C_(18) chromatography column(2.1 mm×100 mm, 1.7 µm) was used. The gradient elution was carried out with the mobile phase composed of 0.1% phosphoric acid water and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min~(-1) and a column temperature at 30 ℃. The detection wavelength was 330 nm, and the injection volume was 2 µL. Similarity evaluation and cluster analysis were conducted on the fingerprint data, and 15 common components in 13 batches of abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis were identified. The relative correction factors of ferulic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C were calculated using chlorogenic acid as the internal reference. The QAMS for determining five components in the abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis was established. At the same time, the content of these five components was determined using the external standard method(ESM), and the results showed that there were no significant differences in their content determined by the QAMS and the ESM. The results indicated that the content of phenolic acid components in the abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis from different varieties and different origins had obvious differences. In addition, the content of phenolic acid components in the abandoned stems and leaves of lignified A. selengensis was significantly higher than that of non-lignified A. selengensis. In summary, QAMS established in this study can be quickly, accurately, and economically used to determine the content of five phenolic acid components in abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis, laying a foundation for the resource development and utilization of abandoned stems and leaves of A. selengensis.

Minisci-Type Dehydrogenative Coupling of C(sp3)-H and N-Heteroaromatics Enabled by Photoelectrochemical Hydrogen Atom Transfer.

Minisci-type dehydrogenative coupling of C(sp3)-H and N-heteroaromatics was performed with N-hydroxysuccinimide as a hydrogen atom transfer catalyst in a photoelectrochemical cell composed of a mesoporous BiVO4 photoanode and a Pt electrode. In the absence of metal catalysts and chemical oxidants, a range of N-heteroarenes (e.g., quinolines, isoquinolines, and quinoxaline) can undergo coupling with various C(sp3)-H partners to form the corresponding products in excellent yields.

A retrospective study on the impact of radiotherapy on the survival outcomes of small cell lung cancer patients based on the SEER database.

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients exhibit significant heterogeneity in tumor burden, physical condition, and responses to initial treatment. This diversity in treatment responses can result in varying treatment outcomes. The primary objective of this study was to explore the patient demographics associated with improved survival outcomes through radiotherapy. Based on the SEER database, we identified 42,824 SCLC patients enrolled between 2004 and 2015. These patients were stratified into radiotherapy (n = 20,360) and non-radiotherapy groups (n = 22,464). We controlled for confounding factors using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Subsequently, Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis was employed to evaluate the impact of radiotherapy on patients' overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Cancer-specific mortality was further analyzed using competitive risk models. Cox analysis was also conducted to examine additional variables potentially affecting the survival of SCLC patients. We identified a total of 42,824 eligible patients, and following PSM, 13,329 patients were successfully matched in both the radiotherapy and non-radiotherapy groups. The KM analysis showed that the median OS was 9 months in the radiotherapy group and 6 months in the non-radiotherapy group. The median CSS was 10 months in the radiotherapy group and 7 months in the non-radiotherapy group. The 5-year OS and 10-year OS rates were 6.2% versus 1.6% in the radiotherapy group and 2.6% versus 0.8% in the non-radiotherapy group (P < 0.001). Competitive risk analysis showed that cancer-specific mortality was significantly higher in the non-radiotherapy group than in the radiotherapy group (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the radiotherapy group (relative non-radiotherapy group) showed a significant positive effect on survival outcomes (OS: HR 0.658 95% CI [0.642, 0.675] P < 0.001; CSS: HR 0.662 95% CI [0.645, 0.679], P < 0.001). In addition, age, gender, race, primary tumor site, T stage, N stage, M stage, chemotherapy, and surgery were also considered as important predictors of SCLC outcome. The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the radiotherapy group showed a significant survival advantage regardless of age, sex, race, primary tumor site, M stage, chemotherapy, and surgery (P < 0.001). Radiotherapy may improve both OS and CSS in SCLC patients. Patients with SCLC may benefit from radiotherapy regardless of age, sex, race, primary tumor site, M stage, chemotherapy, and surgery.

Cu-Doped Spherical P2-Type Na0.7Fe0.23-xCuxMn0.77O2 Cathode for High-Performance Sodium-Ion Batteries.

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), owing to their abundant resources and cost-effectiveness, have garnered considerable interest in the realm of large-scale energy storage. The properties of cathode materials profoundly affect the cycle stability and specific capacity of batteries. Herein, a series of Cu-doped spherical P2-type Na0.7Fe0.23-xCuxMn0.77O2 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.09, and 0.14, x-NFCMO) was fabricated using a convenient hydrothermal method. The successful doping of Cu efficaciously mitigated the Jahn-Teller effect, augmented the electrical conductivity of the material, and diminished the resistance to charge transfer. The distinctive spherical structure remained stable and withstood considerable volumetric strain, thereby improving the cyclic stability of the material. The optimized 0.09-NFCMO cathode exhibited a high specific capacity of 168.6 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1, a superior rate capability (90.9 mAh g-1 at 2000 mA g-1), and a good cycling stability. This unique structure design and doping approach provides new insights into the design of advanced electrode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

Astrocytes modulate brain phosphate homeostasis via polarized distribution of phosphate uptake transporter PiT2 and exporter XPR1.

Aberrant inorganic phosphate (Pi) homeostasis causes brain calcification and aggravates neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that primary familial brain calcification (PFBC)-associated Pi transporter genes Pit2 and Xpr1 were highly expressed in astrocytes, with importer PiT2 distributed over the entire astrocyte processes and exporter XPR1 localized to astrocyte end-feet on blood vessels. This polarized PiT2 and XPR1 distribution endowed astrocyte with Pi transport capacity competent for brain Pi homeostasis, which was disrupted in mice with astrocyte-specific knockout (KO) of either Pit2 or Xpr1. Moreover, we found that Pi uptake by PiT2, and its facilitation by PFBC-associated galactosidase MYORG, were required for the high Pi transport capacity of astrocytes. Finally, brain calcification was suppressed by astrocyte-specific PiT2 re-expression in Pit2-KO mice. Thus, astrocyte-mediated Pi transport is pivotal for brain Pi homeostasis, and elevating astrocytic Pi transporter function represents a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing brain calcification.

Elevated levels of antibiotic resistance genes as a factor of human-caused global environmental change.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) have moved into focus as a critically important response variable in global change biology, given the increasing environmental and human health threat posed by these genes. However, we propose that elevated levels of ARGs should also be considered a factor of global change, not just a response. We provide evidence that elevated levels of ARGs are a global change factor, since this phenomenon is linked to human activity, occurs globally, and affects biota. We explain why ARGs could be considered the global change factor, rather than the organisms containing them; and we highlight the difference between ARGs and the presence of antibiotics, which are not necessarily linked since elevated levels of ARGs are caused by multiple factors. Importantly, shifting the perspective to elevated levels of ARGs as a factor of global change opens new avenues of research, where ARGs can be the experimental treatment. This includes asking questions about how elevated ARG levels interact with other global change factors, or how ARGs influence ecosystem processes, biodiversity or trophic relationships. Global change biology stands to profit from this new framing in terms of capturing more completely the real extent of human impacts on this planet.

Identification of ceRNA networks in type H and L vascular endothelial cells through integrated bioinformatics methods. / 通过整合的生物信息学方法鉴定H和Låž‹è¡€ç®¡å† çš®ç»†èƒžä¸­çš„ceRNA网络（英文）.

OBJECTIVES: Type H blood vessels are a subtype of bone-specific microvessels (CD31hiEmcnhi) that play an important regulatory role in the coupling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis. Despite reports on the distinct roles of type H and L vessels under physiological and pathological bone conditions, their genetic differences remain to be elucidated. This study aims to construct a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of key gene for differencial expression (DE) in type H and L vascular endothelial cells (ECs) through integrated bioinformatic methods. METHODS: We downloaded relevant raw data from the ArrayExpress and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and used the Limma R-Bioconductor package to screen for DE lncRNAs, DE miRNAs, and DE mRNAs between type H and L vascular ECs. A total ceRNA network was constructed based on their interactions, followed by refinement using protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks to select upregulated and downregulated key genes. Enrichment analysis was performed on these key genes. Random validation was conducted using flow cytometry and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: A total of 1 761 DE mRNAs, 187 DE lncRNAs, and 159 DE miRNAs were identified, and a comprehensive ceRNA network was constructed based on their interactions. Six upregulated (Itga5, Kdr, Tjp1, Pecam1, Cdh5, and Ptk2) and 2 downregulated (Csf1r and Il10) key genes were selected via PPI network to construct a subnetwork of ceRNAs related to these key genes. Upregulated key genes were mainly enriched in negative regulation of angiogenesis and vascular apoptosis. Results from flow cytometry and real-time RT-PCR were consistent with bioinformatics analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study proposes a ceRNA network associated with upregulated and downregulated type H and L vascular ECs based on selected key genes, providing new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of type H and L vascular ECs in bone metabolism.

The abundant fraction of soil microbiomes regulates the rhizosphere function in crop wild progenitors.

The rhizosphere influence on the soil microbiome and function of crop wild progenitors (CWPs) remains virtually unknown, despite its relevance to develop microbiome-oriented tools in sustainable agriculture. Here, we quantified the rhizosphere influence-a comparison between rhizosphere and bulk soil samples-on bacterial, fungal, protists and invertebrate communities and on soil multifunctionality across nine CWPs at their sites of origin. Overall, rhizosphere influence was higher for abundant taxa across the four microbial groups and had a positive influence on rhizosphere soil organic C and nutrient contents compared to bulk soils. The rhizosphere influence on abundant soil microbiomes was more important for soil multifunctionality than rare taxa and environmental conditions. Our results are a starting point towards the use of CWPs for rhizosphere engineering in modern crops.

Nitrifying niche in estuaries is expanded by the plastisphere.

The estuarine plastisphere, a novel ecological habitat in the Anthropocene, has garnered global concerns. Recent geochemical evidence has pointed out its potential role in influencing nitrogen biogeochemistry. However, the biogeochemical significance of the plastisphere and its mechanisms regulating nitrogen cycling remain elusive. Using 15N- and 13C-labelling coupled with metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, here we unveil that the plastisphere likely acts as an underappreciated nitrifying niche in estuarine ecosystems, exhibiting a 0.9 ~ 12-fold higher activity of bacteria-mediated nitrification compared to surrounding seawater and other biofilms (stone, wood and glass biofilms). The shift of active nitrifiers from O2-sensitive nitrifiers in the seawater to nitrifiers with versatile metabolisms in the plastisphere, combined with the potential interspecific cooperation of nitrifying substrate exchange observed among the plastisphere nitrifiers, collectively results in the unique nitrifying niche. Our findings highlight the plastisphere as an emerging nitrifying niche in estuarine environment, and deepen the mechanistic understanding of its contribution to marine biogeochemistry.

Utilizing Single-Branched Stent in Combination With Fenestration or Chimney for Endovascular Repair of Aortic Arch Lesions With Aberrant Subclavian Artery.

OBJECTIVE: The study was to figure out the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a single-branched stent graft, namely Castor, in combination with fenestration or chimney in the context of aortic arch lesions presenting with aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) and/or Kommerell's diverticulum (KD). METHODS: All consecutive patients with aortic arch lesions and ASA and/or KD receiving Castor from June 2018 to June 2023 were investigated. RESULTS: Incorporating 18 patients, the study encompassed 11 cases with KD, 3 cases with dysphagia; 2 cases of right-sided aortic arch with left-sided aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA), and 16 cases of left-sided aortic arch with right-sided aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). The mean operation time was 132±23 minutes. The mean measured proximal aortic diameter was 30.9±1.6 mm, and proximal diameter of Castor stent was 34 (32, 34.5) mm, with oversize of 9.1±1.6%; the mean measured branch diameter was 8.8±0.97 mm, and branch diameter of Castor stent was 10 (8, 10) mm, with oversize of 0.86±0.57 mm. Technical success rate was 100%, and no in-hospital mortality, no stroke, and no endoleak were identified. One (5.6%) case with spinal cord ischemia and one (5.6%) case with poor healing of operative site were identified. During the follow-up period, no aortic-related death or secondary intervention was recorded. The maximal aortic diameter was significantly reduced at the sixth postoperative month (padj=0.031); KD diameter was significantly reduced at the third (padj=0.001) and sixth (padj<0.001) postoperative month. CONCLUSION: Totally endovascular repair of aortic arch lesions with ASA and KD via Castor stent in combination with fenestration or chimney is feasible, effective, and safe, which can achieve an encouraging medium-term outcome and provide excellent remodeling at the lesions. CLINICAL IMPACT: Single branched stent in combination with fenestration or chimney achieved a sufficient proximal landing zone and provided an encouraging medium-term outcome in this retrospective review of 18 patients receiving endovascular treatment of pathological aortic arch with aberrant subclavian artery and/or Kommerell's diverticulum. The authors suggest this time-saving and efficient technique to establish systematic experience for the treatment in this kind of patients.

Organic fertilization co-selects genetically linked antibiotic and metal(loid) resistance genes in global soil microbiome.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and metal(loid) resistance genes (MRGs) coexist in organic fertilized agroecosystems based on their correlations in abundance, yet evidence for the genetic linkage of ARG-MRGs co-selected by organic fertilization remains elusive. Here, an analysis of 511 global agricultural soil metagenomes reveals that organic fertilization correlates with a threefold increase in the number of diverse types of ARG-MRG-carrying contigs (AMCCs) in the microbiome (63 types) compared to non-organic fertilized soils (22 types). Metatranscriptomic data indicates increased expression of AMCCs under higher arsenic stress, with co-regulation of the ARG-MRG pairs. Organic fertilization heightens the coexistence of ARG-MRG in genomic elements through impacting soil properties and ARG and MRG abundances. Accordingly, a comprehensive global map was constructed to delineate the distribution of coexistent ARG-MRGs with virulence factors and mobile genes in metagenome-assembled genomes from agricultural lands. The map unveils a heightened relative abundance and potential pathogenicity risks (range of 4-6) for the spread of coexistent ARG-MRGs in Central North America, Eastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northeast China compared to other regions, which acquire a risk range of 1-3. Our findings highlight that organic fertilization co-selects genetically linked ARGs and MRGs in the global soil microbiome, and underscore the need to mitigate the spread of these co-resistant genes to safeguard public health.

Geogenic high arsenic elevates the groundwater antibiotic resistomes: A blind spot of resistance in Anthropocene.

Metals/metalloids, being ubiquitous in the environment, can function as a co-selective pressure on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) threatening human health. However, the effect of geogenic arsenic (As) on groundwater antibiotic resistomes and their health risks remain largely unknown. Here, we systematically analyzed bacterial communities, pathogenic bacteria, antibiotic resistomes, and in-situ multidrug-resistant isolates with the assessment of the health risk of ARGs and the pathogenicity of their hosts in high As groundwater from the Hetao basin, Northwestern China. We found that long-term geogenic As exposure shifted the assembly of resistomes and resulted in a high abundance and diversity of ARGs in groundwater. Significantly positive associations among As, As cycling genes, ARGs, and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) revealed by network and pathway analyses, together with genetic evidence of As-tolerant multidrug-resistant isolates by whole genomic sequencing, robustly indicate the geogenic As-induced co-selection for antibiotic resistance in groundwater. Variance partitioning analysis further confirmed the determinative role of geogenic As in groundwater resistomes, with As species and As cycling genes as the core abiotic and biotic drivers, respectively. More seriously, geogenic As accelerated the prevalence of high-risk ARGs and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Our findings highlight the significance of geogenic As-induced co-selection for antibiotic resistance in groundwater and the hidden role of geogenic metals/metalloids in increasing antibiotic resistance. This study provides a basis for groundwater management of both high As and ARGs for human health.

Liver epigenomic signature associated with chronic oxidative stress in a mouse model of glutathione deficiency.

Oxidative stress is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease (FLD). A major factor contributing to oxidative stress is the depletion of the ubiquitous antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Unexpectedly, chronic GSH deficiency renders glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (Gclm)-null mice protected from fatty liver injuries. Epigenetic regulation serves as an important cellular mechanism in modulating gene expression and disease outcome in FLD, although it is not well understood how systemic redox imbalance modifies the liver epigenome. In the current study, utilizing the Gclm-null mouse model, we aimed to elucidate redox-associated epigenomic changes and their implications in liver stress response. We performed high-throughput array-based DNA methylation profiling (MeDIP array) in 22,327 gene promoter regions (from -1300 bp to +500 bp of the Transcription Start Sites) in the liver and peripheral blood cells. Results from the MeDIP array demonstrate that, although global methylation enrichment in gene promoters did not change, low GSH resulted in prevalent demethylation at the individual promoter level. Such an effect likely attributed to a declined availability of the methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) in Gclm-null liver. Functional enrichment analysis of liver target genes is suggestive of a potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in promoting cellular survival and lipid homeostasis in Gclm-null liver. In comparison with the liver tissue, MeDIP array in peripheral blood cells revealed a panel of 19 gene promoters that are candidate circulating biomarkers for hepatic epigenomic changes associated with chronic GSH deficiency. Collectively, our results provided new insights into the in vivo interplay between liver redox state and DNA methylation status. The current study laid the groundwork for future epigenetic/epigenomic investigations in experimental settings or human populations under conditions of liver oxidative stress induced by environmental or dietary challenges.

Comparative Study of Camellia oleifera Seed Oil on Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant Activities and Physicochemical Characteristics from Southern China.

Eleven kinds of Camellia oleifera seed oils (CSOs) were evaluated in terms of chemical constituents, antioxidant activities, acid value (AV) as well as peroxide value (POV). These CSOs contained abundant ß-sitosterol, squalene, α-tocopherol and phenolics, in which the squalene was the distinct constituent with the content between 45.8±0.8 and 184.1±5.5 mg/kg. The ß-sitosterol ranging from 143.7±4.8 to 1704.6±72.0 mg/kg contributed a considerable content to total accompaniments. Palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and linolenic acid were present in these CSOs, in which the dominant fatty acid was oleic acid with the content between 59.66±0.72 and 82.89±2.16 g/100 g. The AV ranged from 0.1±0.0 to 1.3±0.0 mg KOH/g, and the POV was between 0.1±0.0 and 1.0±0.0 g/100 g. These CSOs showed antioxidant activity based on DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assay. Both α-tocopherol and ß-sitosterol contents showed a positive correlation with DPPH and ABTS values, respectively, while the α-tocopherol content showed a negative correlation with AV. These results suggested that CSO can be categorized into high oleic acid vegetable oil with abundant active constituents, of which the quality presented variation among different origins. These accompaniments may contribute to the delay of its quality deterioration.

[Research advances in trait-based approaches in soil animal community ecology]. / åŸºäºŽåŠŸèƒ½æ€§çŠ¶çš„åœŸå£¤åŠ¨ç‰©ç¾¤è½ç”Ÿæ€å­¦ç ”ç©¶è¿›å±•.

Functional traits are indicators of the responses and adaptation of organisms to environmental changes and cascade to a series of ecosystem functions. The functional traits of soil animals are sensitive to environmental factors and may characterize and predict the changes of ecosystem functions. Multiple dimensions of biodiversity that combing species, phylogenetic, and functional diversity improves the understanding of distribution patterns, community assembly mechanisms and ecosystem functions of soil animals. In this review, we listed the categories of soil animal functional traits and their ecological significance, and summarized current researches on the responses of soil animal communities to environmental changes and the community assembly processes based on trait-based approaches. We proposed to strengthen the study on the impacts of eco-evolution processes of biotic interactions to soil animal functional traits, establish the database of soil animal functional traits, and apply trait-based approaches in the ecological restoration in the future, which would benefit soil biodiversity conservation and sustainability of soil ecosystems.