A comprehensive analysis of potential gastric cancer prognostic biomarker ITGBL1 associated with immune infiltration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

BACKGROUND: Integrin, beta-like 1 (ITGBL1) is involved in a variety of human malignancies. However, the information on the involvement of ITGBL1 in gastric carcinoma (GC) is limited. Hence, this study aimed further to explore the functions and mechanisms of ITGBL1 in GC. METHODS: First, multiple bioinformatics databases, including Oncomine, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, UALCAN, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter, were used to predict the expression level and prognostic value of ITGBL1, as well as its association with immune infiltration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GC. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were used to detect the expression of ITGBL1 in both GC tissues and cells. Then, targeted silencing of ITGBL1 in GC cells was further used to examine the biological functions of ITGBL1. RESULTS: These databases revealed that ITGBL1 was overexpressed and affected the overall survival in GC. Besides, the expression of ITGBL1 positively correlated with immune-infiltrating cells and EMT-related markers. Subsequently, molecular biology experiments verified these predictions. In GC tissues and cells, ITGBL1 was notably overexpressed. Loss-of-function studies showed that the knockdown of ITGBL1 significantly suppressed migration and invasion but promoted apoptosis in MGC803 GC cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of ITGBL1 resulted in remarkably increased protein expression levels of cadherin 1, while the expression of Vimentin, Snail, and transforming growth factor-ß1 was downregulated, indicating the initiation and progression of GC caused by ITGBL1 partly via inducing EMT. CONCLUSIONS: To sum up, the findings indicated that ITGBL1 acted as a valuable oncogenic factor in GC.

Comparisons of tissue distributions and health risks of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in two fish species with different trophic levels from Lake Chaohu, China.

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are a type of persistent organic pollutants that are widely distributed in multiple environmental media and organisms and have a teratogenic effect on and toxicity to animals and humans. The residual levels of seventeen PFAAs in the tissues of two regular consumption fish species, Culter erythropterus and Aristichthys nobilis in Lake Chaohu were measured by a high-performance liquid chromatograph - mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS). The distributions of PFAAs and the effect of the lipid contents were analyzed, and the health risks of typical PFAAs were evaluated. The results showed that perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was the predominant contaminant (80.50 ±â€¯58.31 ng/g and 19.17 ±â€¯12.57 ng/g wet weight, ww), followed by perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (55.02 ±â€¯34.82 and 14.79 ±â€¯6.24 ng/g, ww) in both fish. The level of total PFAAs was the highest in the liver tissues of Culter erythropterus (359.87 ng/g, ww) and the lowest in the kidney tissues in A. nobilis (10.06 ng/g, ww). Due to the higher trophic level of C. erythropteru, the total PFAA concentrations were significantly higher in all tissues than those in A. nobilis. Liver muscle ratio of C. erythropteru was the highest, indicating the most accumulation in the liver. The concentrations of PFAAs in fish tissues were influenced by the lipid content, resulting in a difference between the lipid-normalized concentrations and the wet weight concentrations of the PFAAs. The non-carcinogenic risks of PFOS were higher than those of PFOA through the ingestion of C. erythropterus and A. nobilis. Both the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of C. erythropterus were greater than those of A. nobilis, and fish tissue intake could cause an increasing of risks up to 60%, indicating that long-term and large amount ingestion of carnivorous fish and related tissues with higher trophic level, such as C. erythropterus should be avoided.

The effect of defects on the catalytic activity of single Au atom supported carbon nanotubes and reaction mechanism for CO oxidation.

The mechanism of CO oxidation by O2 on a single Au atom supported on pristine, mono atom vacancy (m), di atom vacancy (di) and the Stone Wales defect (SW) on single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) surface is systematically investigated theoretically using density functional theory. We determine that single Au atoms can be trapped effectively by the defects on SWCNTs. The defects on SWCNTs can enhance both the binding strength and catalytic activity of the supported single Au atom. Fundamental aspects such as adsorption energy and charge transfer are elucidated to analyze the adsorption properties of CO and O2 and co-adsorption of CO and O2 molecules. It is found that CO binds stronger than O2 on Au supported SWCNT. We clearly demonstrate that the defected SWCNT surface promotes electron transfer from the supported single Au atom to O2 molecules. On the other hand, this effect is weaker for pristine SWCNTs. It is observed that the high density of spin-polarized states are localized in the region of the Fermi level due to the strong interactions between Au (5d orbital) and the adjacent carbon (2p orbital) atoms, which influence the catalytic performance. In addition, we elucidate both the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (LH) and Eley-Rideal (ER) mechanisms of CO oxidation by O2. For the LH pathway, the barriers of the rate-limiting step are calculated to be 0.02 eV and 0.05 eV for Au/m-SWCNT and Au/di-SWCNT, respectively. To regenerate the active sites, an ER-like reaction occurs to form a second CO2 molecule. The ER pathway is observed on Au/m-SWCNT, Au/SW-SWCNT and Au/SWCNT in which the Au/m-SWCNT has a smaller barrier. The comparison with a previous study (Lu et al., J. Phys. Chem. C, 2009, 113, 20156-20160.) indicates that the curvature effect of SWCNTs is important for the catalytic property of the supported single Au. Overall, Au/m-SWCNT is identified as the most active catalyst for CO oxidation compared to pristine SWCNT, SW-SWCNT and di-SWCNT. Our findings give a clear description on the relationship between the defects in the support and the catalytic properties of Au and open a new avenue to develop carbon nanomaterial-based single atom catalysts for application in environmental and energy related fields.

Toxic Effects of Ethyl Cinnamate on the Photosynthesis and Physiological Characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris Based on Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Flow Cytometry Analysis.

The toxic effects of ethyl cinnamate on the photosynthetic and physiological characteristics of Chlorella vulgaris were studied based on chlorophyll fluorescence and flow cytometry analysis. Parameters, including biomass, F(v)/F(m) (maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII), Ф(PSII) (actual photochemical efficiency of PSII in the light), FDA, and PI staining fluorescence, were measured. The results showed the following: (1) The inhibition on biomass increased as the exposure concentration increased. 1 mg/L ethyl cinnamate was sufficient to reduce the total biomass of C. vulgaris. The 48-h and 72-h EC50 values were 2.07 mg/L (1.94-2.20) and 1.89 mg/L (1.82-1.97). (2) After 24 h of exposure to 2-4 mg/L ethyl cinnamate, the photosynthesis of C. vulgaris almost ceased, manifesting in Ф(PSII) being close to zero. After 72 h of exposure to 4 mg/L ethyl cinnamate, the Fv /Fm of C. vulgaris dropped to zero. (3) Ethyl cinnamate also affected the cellular physiology of C. vulgaris, but these effects resulted in the inhibition of cell yield rather than cell death. Exposure to ethyl cinnamate resulted in decreased esterase activities in C. vulgaris, increased average cell size, and altered intensities of chlorophyll a fluorescence. Overall, esterase activity was the most sensitive variable.

Organochlorine pesticides in the dust fall around Lake Chaohu, the fifth largest lake in China.

The residual levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the dust fall around Lake Chaohu were measured using gas chromatography mass spectrometry from April 2010 to March 2011. The fluxes, components, temporal-spatial variations, and sources of OCPs were also analyzed. Twenty-one types of OCPs were detected in the dust fall samples around Lake Chaohu, with a total concentration of 51.54 ± 36.31 ng/g and a total flux of 10.01 ± 13.69 ng/(m(2) day). Aldrin (35.3 %), endosulfan (39.1 %), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) (49.8 %), and isodrin (37.1 %) were the major OCPs in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Both the residual level and the flux were higher in the spring than in other seasons and higher at the outer lake sampling sites than inner lake sampling site. The potential source of the hexachlorcyclohexanes in the dust fall may be recent lindane usage. The DDTs mainly came from historical dicofol usage, and a significant input of DDT was found during April and June. The presence of endosulfan may be due to the present use of technical endosulfan. The aldrin in the dust might be due to its occasional usage, and isodrin may be a result of long-distance transport from other countries.

Modified Nuss procedure is a safe choice for recurrent pectus excavatum after previous open repair experience of 26 cases.

PURPOSE: This study is aiming to investigate the feasibility and effect of applying modified Nuss procedure on recurrent pectus excavatum following previous open repair. METHODS: By retrospectively reviewing patients of pectus excavatum enrolled in our department from July 2007 to August 2012, we find 27 cases of recurrent PE who received open repair previously. Twenty-six patients received Nuss repair, while one patient refused. Relevant data are collected and processed. A 3-month follow-up after operation is also reviewed. Analysis of data is conducted. RESULTS: Twenty-six recurrent patients underwent modified Nuss procedure safely. Pneumothorax after operation occurred in one case. Pleural effusion occurred for every case, most were mild in quantity except two cases whose pleural effusion were moderate. All patients left hospital within 2 weeks after operation except one patient who died of respiration failure. Mean postoperative Haller Index is significantly different from the preoperative one. Cosmetic effect was excellent for 5 cases, good for 15 cases, moderate for 6 cases. In a 3-month follow-up, no bar displacement or rejection happened and pleural effusion was completely absorbed. CONCLUSION: Although technically challenging, Nuss procedure is feasible and good for recurrent PE after open repair.

Residues and ecological risks of organochlorine pesticides in Lake Small Baiyangdian, North China.

The levels of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) in the water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments from Lake Small Baiyangdian were measured by gas chromatograph with a (63)Ni microelectron capture detector. The residual levels of the total HCHs in the water, SPM, and sediments were 1.59 ± 2.24 ng L(-1), 25.42 ± 1.72 ng g(-1) dw (dry weight), and 0.86 ± 1.44 ng g(-1) dw, respectively. DDTs were not detected in the water samples. The concentrations of total DDTs were 158.79 ± 1.67 ng g(-1) dw in SPM and 0.46 ± 1.97 ng g(-1) dw in the sediments. Compared to other areas in China and abroad, the levels of residual HCH and DDT were relatively low in the water and sediments, but they were moderate to high in the SPM. Organic carbon partition coefficient values for HCH in this study were higher than previously published values and may reflect new input in this area. The residual HCHs in this area could be derived from a mixture of technical HCH and lindane because ongoing lindane use may be occurring. DDT in the majority of the study area was primarily attributed to historical discharge, but some regions may be receiving new input. The ecological risks of γ-HCH in the water were very low according to species sensitivity distribution models. The concentrations of HCH and DDT in the sediments from the study area did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines, which indicate little risk for benthic organisms.

Distributions, sources, and ecological risks of DDT-related contaminants in water, suspended particulate matter, and sediments from Haihe Plain, Northern China.

The residual levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDXs, including p,p'-DDT, DDD, and DDE) in water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments from major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in Haihe Plain were measured with a gas chromatograph equipped with a (63)Ni microelectron capture detector. In the fall of 2004, the contents of the total DDXs in the water and SPM were 0.29 ± 0.69 ng L(-1) and 423.13 ± 577.85 ng g(-1) dry wt., respectively. In the spring of 2005, the total DDXs were 0.36 ± 0.91 ng L(-1) for water and 35.93 ± 62.65 ng g(-1) dry wt. for SPM. The average concentration of DDXs for sediments was 7.10 ± 7.57 ng g(-1) dry wt. during the two seasons. The Eastern-Hebei-Province Coastland River System was the most polluted, which was mainly attributable to the extensive use of DDT pesticide and dicofol in that system. Recent DDT inputs still occur in some regions, as indicated by DDT/(DDD + DDE) > 1 at 29-36 % of the sites for water and 55-61 % of the sites for SPM. The potential ecological risks of DDT in the water were assessed using a species sensitivity distribution model. Only shrimp and crabs were found to have potentially affected fraction values of 1.63 × 10(-3) to 2.27 × 10(-4), with probabilities beyond the hazardous concentration for 5 % of species (HC5) values of 1.90-2.56 %, suggesting only slight risks. DDXs in the sediments of some sites were also of potential risk to benthic organism based on consensus-based sediment quality guidelines.

Levels, distribution, and health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in four freshwater edible fish species from the Beijing market.

We first estimated the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the brain, liver, bladder, roe, and muscle of four species of edible freshwater fish from the Beijing market. The distribution characteristics of PAHs in these tissues and organs were analyzed to determine their health risks to humans. The results showed that the residual levels of wet weight and lipid-normalized weight ∑PAHs in various tissues of these fish ranged from 0.51 ng·g(-1) to 28.78 ng·g(-1) and from 93.62 ng·g(-1) to 8203.43 ng·g(-1), respectively. The wet weight contents of ∑PAHs were relatively higher in the brain and lower in the liver and muscle. But the differences were not significant. And the differences of lipid-normalized weight PAHs were significant, which in the bighead carp were found significantly the highest, followed in crucian carp, and the lowest in grass carp and carp. The contents of ∑PAHs were the highest in the liver and the lowest in the brain. In the tissues with a higher lipid content, higher residual levels of PAHs were found. The carcinogenic risks for humans from residual ∑PAHs in the various fish tissues were far below 10(-5).

Distributions, sources, and backward trajectories of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at Lake Small Baiyangdian, Northern China.

Air samples were collected seasonally at Lake Small Baiyangdian, a shallow lake in northern China, between October 2007 and September 2008. Gas phase, particulate phase and dust fall concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The distribution and partitioning of atmospheric PAHs were studied, and the major sources were identified; the backward trajectories of air masses starting from the center of Lake Small Baiyangdian were calculated for the entire year. The following results were obtained: (1) The total concentration of 16 priority controlled PAHs (PAH16) in the gas phase was 417.2 ± 299.8 ng · m(-3), in the particulate phase was 150.9 ± 99.2 ng · m(-3), and in dust fall was 6930.2 ± 3206.5 ng · g(-1). (2) Vehicle emission, coal combustion, and biomass combustion were the major sources in the Small Baiyangdian atmosphere and accounted for 28.9%, 45.1% and 26.0% of the total PAHs, respectively. (3) Winter was dominated by relatively greater PAHs polluted northwesterly air mass pathways. Summer showed a dominant relatively clean southern pathway, whereas the trajectories in autumn and spring might be associated with high pollution from Shanxi or Henan province.

Levels, temporal-spatial variations, and sources of organochlorine pesticides in ambient air of Lake Chaohu, China.

The residual levels of OCPs in the gas phase and particle phase in Lake Chaohu, China, were measured using GC-MS from March 2010 to February 2011. The temporal-spatial variations and sources of OCPs were also analyzed. Twenty types of OCPs were detected in the gas phase with a total concentration of 484.8 ± 550.4 pg/m³. Endosulfan, DDTs and chlordane were the primary OCPs in the gas phase. The mean concentration of OCPs in the gas phase was significantly higher in the summer than in the winter. Seventeen types of OCPs were detected in the particle phase with a total concentration of 18.3 ± 26.1 pg/m³. DDTs were major OCPs in the particle phase. The mean concentration of OCPs in the particle phase decreased at first and then increased during the period. The potential source of the HCHs in ambient air of Lake Chaohu might come from recent lindane usage. DDTs mainly came from historical dicofol usage, and an input of DDT was observed in the spring, which may result from the present use of marine paint that contains technical DDT. Endosulfan and chlordane in the air may be due to the present use of technical endosulfan and chlordane.

Residues, distributions, sources, and ecological risks of OCPs in the water from Lake Chaohu, China.

The levels of 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the water from Lake Chaohu were measured by a solid phase extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometer detector. The spatial and temporal distribution, possible sources, and potential ecological risks of the OCPs were analyzed. The annual mean concentration for the OCPs in Lake Chaohu was 6.99 ng/L. Aldrin, HCHs, and DDTs accounted for large proportions of the OCPs. The spatial pollution followed the order of Central Lakes > Western Lakes > Eastern Lakes and water area. The sources of the HCHs were mainly from the historical usage of lindane. DDTs were degraded under aerobic conditions, and the main sources were from the use of technical DDTs. The ecological risks of 5 OCPs were assessed by the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method in the order of heptachlor > γ-HCH > p,p'-DDT > aldrin > endrin. The combining risks of all sampling sites were MS > JC > ZM > TX, and those of different species were crustaceans > fish > insects and spiders. Overall, the ecological risks of OCP contaminants on aquatic animals were very low.

High Expression of EIF4G2 Mediated by the TUG1/Hsa-miR-26a-5p Axis Is Associated with Poor Prognosis and Immune Infiltration of Gastric Cancer.

Objective: Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 gamma 2 (EIF4G2) is involved in the occurrence and development of various tumors. However, the effect of EIF4G2 in gastric cancer (GC) has not been fully explored. The purpose of this study was to explore the function and mechanism of EIF4G2 in GC. Methods: The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 database was used to analyze EIF4G2 expression in various cancers and the relationship between EIF4G2 expression and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis was utilized to assess the EIF4G2 expression level and its effect on survival in GC. UALCAN was conducted to analyze EIF4G2 expression in various subgroups of GC. The Kaplan-Meier plotter was employed for survival analysis. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic role of EIF4G2 in GC. LinkedOmics was used to identify the co-expressed genes and Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. The Tumor-Immune System Interaction database was employed to analyze the correlation between EIF4G2 expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. The starBase web platform was used to predict the upstream microRNAs and long noncoding RNAs. Results: EIF4G2 expression was upregulated in GC tissues compared to normal controls. High expression of EIF4G2 indicated poor prognosis in GC. ROC analysis revealed that EIF4G2 had good diagnostic ability to distinguish GC from normal tissues. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that EIF4G2 expression may be involved in the modulation of tumor immune infiltration in GC. Finally, we determined that the Taurine Upregulated 1 (TUG1)/hsa-miR-26a-5p/EIF4G2 axis was the most likely regulatory pathway involved in GC development. Conclusions: EIF4G2 was upregulated in GC and elevated expression of EIF4G2 indicated unfavorable prognosis. Moreover, EIF4G2 expression may be involved in the regulation of tumor immune cell infiltration. The TUG1/hsa-miR-26a-5p axis is a likely upstream regulatory mechanism of EIF4G2 in GC. EIF4G2 may thus serve as a prognosis biomarker and present a new therapeutic target.

Clinical Yi-guan decoction for liver cirrhosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta analysis.

BACKGROUND: At present, Liver Cirrhosis (LC) is common in most later liver and gallbladder diseases that its morbidity and mortality seriously affect human health. The limitation and effectiveness of western medicine on LC have become a huge clinical challenge. However, a large number of clinical studies have shown that Yi-guan decoction has become a complementary treatment for LC. Therefore, this systematic review will aim to explore the safety and feasibility of Yi-guan decoction in the treatment of LC. METHODS: We will conduct a comprehensive literature search in Medline, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literatures Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wang Fang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database from inception to December 2020 without any language restriction, In addition, relevant literature will be searched manually. The main subject terms searched: "Yi-guan decoction" "cirrhosis" "LC". Data entry will be performed by 2 researchers separately. Primary outcomes will be concluded: Liver function indicators: Total bilirubin, Alanine transaminase, Aspartate aminotransferase, etc. Secondary outcome indicators: Total effective rate, Nutrition index, Survival analysis, Adverse events; All randomized controlled trials collected in this study will be evaluated and rated using the Cochrane risk-of-biasassessment tool. Meta-analysis will be performed using RevMan 5.4.0 software. The heterogeneity test will be conducted between the studies, P < .1 and I2 > 50% are the thresholds for the tests. Using solid effect model or random effect model will be based on its heterogeneity value. RESULTS: This systematic review provides a theoretical basis for Yi-guan decoction to treat LC, we will report this result soon. CONCLUSION: This study will explore Yi-guan decoction can will be used as one of the non drug therapies to prevent or treat LC. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: INPLASY2020120114.

Dustfall-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) over the fifth largest Chinese lake: residual levels, source apportionment, and correlations with suspended particulate matter (SPM)-bound PAHs in water.

Residual levels and temporal-spatial distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dustfall were studied at the seasonal scale between June 2010 and May 2011 in the fifth largest shallow lake in China. PAHs flux of atmospheric deposition and the impact on the PAHs in the lake water column were estimated. The major sources of PAHs were identified by multiple methods. We found that (1) the seasonal residual levels of 16 priority controlled PAHs (PAH16) were spring (8.89 ± 3.93 µg g-1) > summer (6.68 ± 4.31 µg g-1) > winter (6.06 ± 2.95 µg g-1) > autumn (3.55 ± 2.21 µg g-1). (2) Significant positive correlations were found between the PAH levels in the dustfall and the suspended particle material (SPM) content, as well as between the deposition flux and the PAH content in the water in all four seasons. (3) Vehicle emissions, coal combustion, biomass combustion, and coke ovens were the four major sources in Lake Chaohu, accounting for 12.7%, 40.9%, 14.5%, and 31.9% of the total PAHs, respectively. (4) Compared to long-distance trajectories, short-distance trajectories played a more important role in the external sources of atmospheric PAHs in the region of Lake Chaohu.

Spectroscopic investigations of the chiral interactions of metolachlor and its (S)-isomer with lipase and phosphatase.

Metolachlor [2-chloro-N-(2-ethyl-6-methylphenyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl) acetamide] is a chiral acetanilide herbicide. We investigated its enantioselective interactions, and that of its (S)-isomer, with Penicillium expansum alkaline lipase and phosphatase. UV differential spectroscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry studies were conducted in phosphate buffered solution at pH 7. Chiral differences in the UV absorption and fluorescence spectra of lipase and phosphatase with metolachlor and its (S)-isomer were detected. The results showed that the interactions of metolachlor and its (S)-isomer with lipase and phosphatase occur statically through complex formation, and enantioselectivity was clearly observed. In addition, both UV absorption and fluorescence spectrophotometry showed that the (S)-isomer interacted more strongly with lipase and phosphatase than metolachlor.

Influence of Cd exposure on H+ and Cd2+ fluxes in the leaf, stem and root of a novel aquatic hyperaccumulator - Microsorum pteropus.

Microsorum pteropus has been proven to be a potential novel aquatic Cd hyperaccumulator. In this study, Non-invasive Micro-test Technology (NMT) was used to observe the ion fluxes of different M. pteropus tissues under Cd exposure. M. pteropus can hyperaccumulate more than 1000 mg/kg Cd in roots and leaves and approximately 600 mg/kg Cd in stems after seven days of exposure to 500 µM Cd, showing that this plant have a great capacity for Cd enrichment and resistance. The NMT test found H+ fluxes increased in all tissues after Cd exposure, with the largest increases being observed in stems, followed by the leaves and roots. Cd2+ fluxes showed different accumulation levels in different tissues, with low-level Cd exposure leading to influxes into roots and leaves, and high-level Cd exposure resulting in effluxes from roots. No significant influxes or effluxes were observed in leaves under high-level Cd exposure, or in stems under low- and high-levels of Cd exposure. However, transient high-level Cd exposure showed long-term Cd2+ influxes into roots and short-term Cd2+ effluxes out of stems and leaves. The roots of M. pteropus had greater regulation mechanisms for Cd enrichment and resistance, with influxes occurring following low-level exposure and effluxes occurring from high-level exposure. When exposed to Cd, M. pteropus stems showed less transportation and absorption. Low-level Cd exposure resulted in individual leaves directly absorbing Cd from hydroponic solutions. Different Cd enrichment and resistance mechanisms were exhibited by different M. pteropus tissues.

Impacts of anthropogenic activities on spatial variations of phthalate esters in water and suspended particulate matter from China's lakes.

In the largest developing country, China, plastic has become a serious environmental issue because of its overuse and non-treatment. In fact, plasticizers, such as phthalate esters (PAEs), are more toxic than plastic, and their global awareness is rising. To determine the response of sensitive PAE congeners to the anthropogenic activities in a typical lake ecosystem of China, in the present study, 12 PAEs in the water and the suspended particulate matter (SPM) phases of 46 lakes in China were measured. The concentrations of all the Σ12 PAEs in water and SPM phases ranged from 3.647 to 65.618 µg/L and 0.175 to 10.921 µg/L, respectively. Di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) was the predominant PAEs in the water phase, whereas diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), DnBP, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the dominating PAEs in the SPM phase. Forty-six lakes were divided into four groups based on the anthropogenic activity intensities. The PAEs in both the water and SPM phases had increasing tendency along the human activity gradient. DIBP appears to be a sensitive PAE indicator that could distinguish the lake regions with different human industrial and agricultural activities. Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) are intensely affected by industrial development. DnBP and DEHP were positively correlated with agricultural activities, including the use of films and pesticides. It is suggested to control the addition and usage of PAEs in agricultural activities and improve their removal rates in industrial wastewater to reduce the PAE pollution in the water bodies in the environment management of China.

Effects of pesticide residues on bacterial community diversity and structure in typical greenhouse soils with increasing cultivation years in Northern China.

The understanding of soil microbiome is important for sustainable cultivation, especially under greenhouse conditions. Here, we investigated the changes in soil pesticide residues and microbial diversity and community structure at different cultivation years under a greenhouse system. The 9-to-14 years sites were found to have the least diversity/rich microbial population as compared to sites under 8 years and over 16 years, as analyzed with alpha diversity index. In total, 42 bacterial phyla were identified across soils with different pesticide residues and cultivation ages. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Bacteroidetes represented the dominant phyla, that accounted for 34.2-43.4%, 9.7-19.3% and 9.2-16.5% of the total population, respectively. Our data prove that certain pesticides contribute to variation in soil microbial community and that soil bacteria respond differently to cultivation years under greenhouse conditions. Thus, this study provides an insight into microbial community structure changes by pesticides under greenhouse systems and natural biodegradation may have an important part in pesticides soil decontamination.

Residual concentrations and ecological risks of neonicotinoid insecticides in the soils of tomato and cucumber greenhouses in Shouguang, Shandong Province, East China.

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NNIs) are the most widely used insecticides in China and worldwide. Continuous use of NNIs can lead to their accumulation in soil, causing potential ecological risks due to their relatively long half-life. We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to investigate the residual levels of nine neonicotinoids in greenhouse soils in Shouguang, East China, at different soil depths and with different crops (tomato and cucumber) after varying periods of cultivation. Seven neonicotinoids were detected in the soils of the tomato greenhouses and six were detected in the soils of the cucumber greenhouses, with total concentrations ranging from 0.731 to 11.383 µg kg-1 and 0.363 to 19.224 µg kg-1, respectively. In all samples, the neonicotinoid residues in the soils cultivated for 8-9 years were lower than in those cultivated for 2 years and 14-17 years. In the tomato greenhouse soils, the residual levels of NNIs were highest in the topsoil, with progressively lower concentrations found with depth. Under cucumber cultivation, the NNI residue levels were also highest in the topsoil but there was little difference between the middle and lower soil layers. Total organic carbon (TOC) decreased with soil depth while pH showed the opposite trend, showing a significant negative correlation in both types of soils (tomato soils ρ = -0.900, p = .001; cucumber soils ρ = -0.883, p = .002). Furthermore, TOC was significantly positively correlated, and pH was negatively correlated, with total NNI concentrations in both types of soils (TOC: tomato soils ρ = 0.800, p = .010; cucumber soils ρ = 0.881, p = .004; pH: tomato soils ρ = -0.850, p = .004; cucumber soils ρ = -0.643, p = .086). The results of an ecological risk analysis showed that acetamiprid represents a particularly high toxicity risk in these soils. Based on our analysis, NNI residues in the soils of tomato greenhouses and their associated ecological risks deserve more attention than those of cucumber greenhouse soils.