Complete Genome Analysis of Subtercola sp. PAMC28395: Genomic Insights into Its Potential Role for Cold Adaptation and Biotechnological Applications.

This study reports the complete genome sequence of Subtercola sp. PAMC28395, a strain isolated from cryoconite in Uganda. This strain possesses several active carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) genes involved in glycogen and trehalose metabolism. Additionally, two specific genes associated with α-galactosidase (GH36) and bacterial alpha-1,2-mannosidase (GH92) were identified in this strain. The presence of these genes indicates the likelihood that they can be expressed, enabling the strain to break down specific polysaccharides derived from plants or the shells of nearby crabs. The authors performed a comparative analysis of CAZyme patterns and biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in several Subtercola strains and provided annotations describing the unique characteristics of these strains. The comparative analysis of BGCs revealed that four strains, including PAMC28395, have oligosaccharide BGCs, and we confirmed that the pentose phosphate pathway was configured perfectly in the genome of PAMC28395, which may be associated with adaptation to low temperatures. Additionally, all strains contained antibiotic resistance genes, indicating a complex self-resistance system. These results suggest that PAMC28395 can adapt quickly to the cold environment and produce energy autonomously. This study provides valuable information on novel functional enzymes, particularly CAZymes, that operate at low temperatures and can be used for biotechnological applications and fundamental research purposes.

Safety and effectiveness of ferric citrate hydrate in serum phosphorus management of patients with chronic kidney disease: a long-term, real-world, observational, post-marketing surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: Ferric citrate hydrate (FC) is an oral iron-based phosphate binder that is used to treat hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This post-marketing surveillance study was performed to investigate the long-term safety and effectiveness of FC. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, observational post-marketing surveillance study was performed in a real-world setting in Japan. The study involved CKD patients with hyperphosphatemia receiving FC who were undergoing either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis or were non-dialysis-dependent. Adverse drug reactions, iron- and erythrocyte-related parameters (i.e., levels of serum ferritin, transferrin saturation, and hemoglobin), and serum levels of phosphorus, corrected calcium, and intact parathyroid hormone were monitored for up to 104 weeks. RESULTS: Safety was evaluated in 2723 patients. Of these patients, 20.5% discontinued FC because of adverse events, and 3.9% discontinued FC because of unsatisfactory effectiveness. Iron-related parameters gradually increased after the initiation of FC treatment but stabilized after week 36. Effectiveness was analyzed in 2367 patients. Serum phosphorus immediately decreased, and the effect persisted for 104 weeks. CONCLUSION: In this 104 week surveillance study, no new safety concerns were noted. The safety profile was not obviously different from those in pre-approval clinical trials and the 52 week interim report of this surveillance study. The serum ferritin level of most patients was below the upper limit of the target range, and iron overload risk was not evident. Long-term FC treatment effectively controlled serum phosphorus.

Rapid growth of mineral deposits at artificial seafloor hydrothermal vents.

Seafloor massive sulphide deposits are potential resources for base and precious metals (Cu-Pb-Zn ± Ag ± Au), but difficulties in estimating precise reserves and assessing environmental impacts hinder exploration and commercial mining. Here, we report petrological and geochemical properties of sulphide chimneys less than 2 years old that formed where scientific boreholes vented hydrothermal fluids in the Iheya-North field, Okinawa Trough, in East China Sea. One of these infant chimneys, dominated by Cu-Pb-Zn-rich sulphide minerals, grew a height of 15 m within 25 months. Portions of infant chimneys are dominated by sulphate minerals. Some infant chimneys are sulphide-rich similar to high-grade Cu-Pb-Zn bodies on land, albeit with relatively low As and Sb concentrations. The high growth rate reaching the 15 m height within 25 months is attributed to the large hydrothermal vent more than 50 cm in diameter created by the borehole, which induced slow mixing with the ambient seawater and enhanced efficiency of sulphide deposition. These observations suggest the possibility of cultivating seafloor sulphide deposits and even controlling their growth and grades through manipulations of how to mix and quench hydrothermal fluids with the ambient seawater.

The fate of arsenic in a river acidified by volcanic activity and an acid thermal water and sedimentation mechanism.

The Shozu-gawa river, located in the Aomori Prefecture, northern Japan, is affected by volcanic activities and acid thermal waters. The river is unique because both solid arsenic (As; as orpiment, As2S3) and dissolved As are supplied to the river from the uppermost caldera lake (Usori-ko Lake) and thermal ponds. The watershed is an excellent site for investigating the fate of different As species in a fluvial system. Upstream sediments near the caldera lake and geothermal ponds are highly contaminated by orpiment. This solid phase is transported as far as the mouth of the river. On the other hand, dissolved As is removed from the river system by hydrous ferric oxides (HFOs); however, HFO formation and removal of dissolved As do not occur in the uppermost area of the watershed, resulting in further downstream transport of dissolved As. Consequently, upstream river sediments are enriched in orpiment, whereas As(v), which is associated with HFOs in river sediments, increases downstream. Furthermore, orpiment particles are larger, and possibly heavier, than those of HFO with sorbed As. Fractionation between different chemical states of As during transport in the Shozu-gawa river is facilitated not only by chemical processes (i.e., sorption of dissolved As by HFOs), but also by physical factors (i.e., gravity). In contrast to acid mine drainage (AMD), in some areas of the Shozu-gawa river, both solid forms of As (as sulfide minerals) and dissolved As are introduced into the aquatic system. Considering that the stabilities of sulfide minerals are rather different from those of oxides and hydroxides, river sediments contacted with thermal waters possibly act as sources of As under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions.