Epidemiological, Virulence, and Antibiotic Resistance Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a Major Source of Threat to Livestock and Poultry in Some Regions of Xinjiang, China.

Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is recognized as a zoonotic pathogen with an increasing threat to livestock and poultry. However, research on K. pneumoniae of animal origin remains limited. To address the gap, a comprehensive investigation was carried out by collecting a total of 311 samples from the farms of four animal species (dairy cow, chicken, sheep, and pig) in selected areas of Xinjiang, China. Isolates were identified by khe gene amplification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Genotyping of K. pneumonia isolates was performed using wzi typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). PCR was employed to identify virulence and resistance genes. An antibiotic susceptibility test was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer method. The findings revealed an isolation of 62 K. pneumoniae strains, with an average isolation rate of 19.94%, with the highest proportion originating from cattle sources (33.33%). Over 85.00% of these isolates harbored six virulence genes (wabG, uge, fimH, markD, entB, and ureA); while more than 75.00% of isolates possessed four resistance genes (blaTEM, blaSHV, oqxA, and gyrA). All isolates exhibited complete resistance to ampicillin and demonstrated substantial resistance to sulfisoxazole, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and enrofloxacin, with an antibiotic resistance rate of more than 50%. Furthermore, 48.39% (30/62) of isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, with a significantly higher isolation rate observed in the swine farms (66.67%) compared to other farms. Genetic characterization revealed the classification of the 62 isolates into 30 distinct wzi allele types or 35 different sequence types (STs). Notably, we identified K. pneumoniae strains of dairy and swine origin belonging to the same ST42 and wzi33-KL64 types, as well as strains of dairy and chicken origin belonging to the same wzi31-KL31-K31 type. These findings emphasize the widespread occurrence of drug-resistant K. pneumoniae across diverse animal sources in Xinjiang, underscoring the high prevalence of multidrug resistance. Additionally, our results suggest the potential for animal-to-animal transmission of K. pneumoniae and there was a correlation between virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes. Moreover, the current study provides valuable data on the prevalence, antibiotic resistance, and genetic diversity of K. pneumoniae originating from diverse animal sources in Xinjiang, China.

Phosphorus adsorption from aqueous solutions using different types of cement: kinetics, isotherms, and mechanisms.

Exploring low-cost and high-performance phosphorus (P) adsorbents is key to controlling P contamination in water. This study evaluated the P adsorption performance of three types of cement: Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), Portland slag cement (PSC), and Portland pozzolana cement (PPC). Furthermore, SEM-EDS, XRD, XPS, and FTIR were employed to reveal the adsorption mechanism. The results showed that the pseudo-second-order model exhibited higher regression coefficients than the pseudo-first-order model, indicating that chemisorption dominated the adsorption process. The Langmuir equation fitted the P adsorption data well, with maximum P adsorption capacities of 245.8, 226.1, and 210.0 mg g-1 for OPC, PSC, and PPC at 25 °C, respectively. P adsorption capacities decreased gradually with increasing initial pH and reached their maximum values at pH 3. The anions of F-, CO32-, and SO42- negatively affected P adsorption due to the competitive adsorption with Ca2+. The results of XPS, XRD, and FTIR confirmed that Ca-P precipitates (i.e., hydroxyapatite) were the main removal mechanism. A real domestic sewage experiment showed that 0.6 g L-1 OPC effectively reduced the P concentration from 2.4 to below 0.2 mg L-1, with a dosage cost of 0.034 $ per ton. This study indicated that cement, as a low-cost and efficient P adsorbent, has great potential for application in removing P from acidic and neutral wastewater.

Thioredoxin promotes the regeneration and binding of elastic fibre and basement membrane.

OBJECTIVE: Thioredoxin (TRX), a ubiquitous protein with strong antioxidant activity, decreases in the skin with age. A decrease in TRX is expected to induce cellular senescence, chronic inflammation, and degeneration and loss of extracellular matrix (ECM), such as collagen and elastin within the skin. In this study, we investigated the effects of TRX addition to excised skin or skin models to understand the role of TRX on cells and ECM within the skin. METHODS: To evaluate its effect on skin cells, we cultured a three-dimensional (3D) skin model in a medium containing TRX. The mRNA expression levels of proteins related to elastic and collagen fibres and the basement membrane were determined. Furthermore, 3D imaging and computational analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of TRX on the elastic fibres and extending COL VII structures in excised human skin after coculturing with TRX for 1, 4, 5 and 6 days. RESULTS: Thioredoxin application to a 3D skin model upregulated elastin, COLI and COLVII mRNA expression. Applying TRX to the excised skin increased the number of linear elastic fibres. This effect of TRX demonstrated a daily increment in a dose-dependent manner. Thioredoxin extended the fibrous structure of COL VII into the dermis, expanding its colocalization region with elastic fibres. These structural effects were confirmed using 3D imaging and computational methods. CONCLUSION: Thioredoxin elongates elastic fibres from the dermis to the basement membrane and extends the COL VII structure from the basement membrane to the dermis in excised human skin. These findings suggest the potential of TRX to protect the skin against age-related alterations such as wrinkles and sagging.

OBJECTIF: Thioredoxin (TRX), une protéine ubiquitaire dotée d'une forte activité antioxydante, diminue dans la peau avec l'âge. Une diminution de la TRX est susceptible d'induire la sénescence cellulaire, l'inflammation chronique, et la dégénérescence ainsi que la perte de la matrice extracellulaire (ECM), telle que le collagène et l'élastine de la peau. Dans cette étude, nous avons examiné les effets de l'ajout de TRX à la peau prélevée ou aux modèles de peau afin de comprendre le rôle de TRX sur les cellules et la matrice extracellulaire (ECM) de la peau. MÉTHODES: Pour évaluer son effet sur les cellules cutanées, nous avons cultivé un modèle de peau tridimensionnel (3D) dans un milieu contenant du TRX. Les niveaux d'expression de l'ARNm des protéines liées aux fibres élastiques et de collagène ainsi que de la membrane basale ont été déterminés. De plus, une imagerie 3D et une analyse informatique ont été réalisées pour évaluer l'effet de la TRX sur les fibres élastiques et les structures de COL VII étendues dans la peau humaine prélevée après une coculture avec la TRX pendant 1, 4, 5 et 6 jours. RÉSULTATS: L'application de la Thioredoxin à un modèle de peau en 3D a régulé à la hausse l'expression de l'élastine, du COLI et du COLVII au niveau de l'ARNm. L'application de TRX à la peau excisée a augmenté le nombre de fibres élastiques linéaires. Cet effet du TRX a montré une augmentation quotidienne de manière dose­dépendante. Le Thioredoxin a étendu la structure fibreuse du COL VII dans le derme, élargissant ainsi sa région de colocalisation avec les fibres élastiques. Ces effets structuraux ont été confirmés à l'aide d'imagerie 3D et de méthodes computationnelles. CONCLUSIONS: La Thioredoxin allonge les fibres élastiques du derme à la membrane basale et étend la structure de COL VII de la membrane basale au derme dans la peau humaine excisée. Ces résultats suggèrent le potentiel de la TRX pour protéger la peau contre les altérations liées à l'âge telles que les rides et le relâchement cutané.

Enhanced ammonia removal in tidal flow constructed wetland by incorporating steel slag: Performance, microbial community, and heavy metal release.

Utilizing alkaline solid wastes, such as steel slag, as substrates in tidal flow constructed wetlands (TFCWs) can effectively neutralize the acidity generated by nitrification. However, the impacts of steel slag on microbial communities and the potential risk of heavy metal release remain poorly understood. To address these knowledge gaps, this study compared the performance and microbial community structure of TFCWs filled with a mixture of steel slag and zeolite (TFCW-S) to those filled with zeolite alone (TFCW-Z). TFCW-S exhibited a much higher NH4+-N removal efficiency (98.35 %) than TFCW-Z (55.26 %). Additionally, TFCW-S also achieved better TN and TP removal. The steel slag addition helped maintain the TFCW-S effluent pH at around 7.5, while the TFCW-Z effluent pH varied from 3.74 to 6.25. The nitrification and denitrification intensities in TFCW-S substrates were significantly higher than those in TFCW-Z, consistent with the observed removal performance. Moreover, steel slag did not cause excessive heavy metal release, as the effluent concentrations were below the standard limits. Microbial community analysis revealed that ammonia-oxidizing bacteria, ammonia-oxidizing archaea, and complete ammonia-oxidizing bacteria coexisted in both TFCWs, albeit with different compositions. Furthermore, the enrichment of heterotrophic nitrification-aerobic denitrification bacteria in TFCW-S likely contributed to the high NH4+-N removal. In summary, these findings demonstrate that the combined use of steel slag and zeolite in TFCWs creates favorable pH conditions for ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms, leading to efficient ammonia removal in an environmentally friendly manner.

Attaining inhibition of sneak current and versatile logic operations in a singular halide perovskite memristive device by introducing appropriate interface barriers.

Emerging resistive switching devices hold the potential to realize densely packed passive nanocrossbar arrays, suitable for deployment as random access memory devices (ReRAMs) in both embedded and high-capacity storage applications. In this study, we have engineered ReRAMs comprising ITO/(UVO-treated) amorphous ZnO (a-ZnO)/MAPbI3/Ag which effectively mitigate cross-talk currents without additional components. Significantly, we successfully executed a comprehensive set of 12 distinct 2-input sequential logic functions in a single halide perovskite ReRAM unit for the first time. Furthermore, these logic functions are devoid of any dependency on external light sources, entail merely 1 or 2 logic steps, and showcase symmetrical operability. A superior resistive switching behavior was achieved by harmonizing the charge transport within the bulk MAPbI3 and the tunneling barriers at the interfaces. The outcomes indicate progress in mitigating cross-talk and executing multiple logic functions within a single halide perovskite ReRAM unit, offering a new perspective for the advancement of halide perovskite ReRAMs.

Effectiveness of Zhibai Dihuang pill (Chinese herbal formula) in combination with western drugs in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The pain caused by recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) and the recurrent nature of RAS lead to diminished quality of life for RAS patients. An alternative treatment for RAS is the oral administration of the Chinese herbal medicine Zhibai Dihuang pill (ZBDHP). Our study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of ZBDHP when used in combination with Western medicine (WM) for the treatment of RAS and its effectiveness in preventing the recurrence of RAS. METHODS: Following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we conducted a literature search on 7 electronic databases according to predefined criteria. The methodological quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was evaluated based on the Cochrane Handbook, and data analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: A meta-analysis which included 7 studies and 669 participants in total was carried out in this study. The quantitative analysis revealed that the combined treatment of ZBDHP and WM has witnessed significantly improved overall clinical efficacy (RR = 1.20, 95% CI [1.12, 1.28], P < .05), reduced recurrence rate (RR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.13, 0.45], P < .05), decreased ulcer area (MD = -0.75, 95% CI [-0.91, -0.59], P < .05), and reduced pain visual simulation score (MD = -0.42, 95% CI [-0.52, -0.33], P < .05). No significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies. Qualitative analysis showed that the combination therapy significantly reduced serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, shortened ulcer healing time and pain disappearance time, with no adverse effects observed. CONCLUSION: It was found that the combination of ZBDHP and WM is more effective in treating RAS than the use of WM alone, which thus provides clinicians with a more optimal treatment option. However, due to limitations in the methodological quality of the included original studies and the small sample size, we hold the opinion that more rigorous and scientific clinical trials are needed to further evaluate the efficacy of ZBDHP in treating RAS.

Lithiophilic Interface Layer Induced Uniform Deposition for Dendrite-free Lithium Metal Anodes in a 3D Polyethersulfone Frame.

Lithium metal anodes possess ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity for next-generation lithium metal batteries, but the infinite volume expansion and the growth of lithium dendrites remain a huge obstacle to their commercialization. Therefore, here, we construct a CuO-loaded 3D polyethersulfone (PES) nanofiber frame onto a lithiophilic Cu2O/Cu substrate to promote the lithium storage performance of the composite anode, and the 3D frame can effectively alleviate the volume expansion of lithium (Li) metal anodes. Meanwhile, lithium reacts with CuO in the composite nanofiber and Cu2O of the substrate to generate Li2O, which can strengthen the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer and achieve the uniform deposition of lithium. In addition, the combination of the heat treatment method and electrospinning technology solves the problem of poor adhesion between the fiber film and the substrate. As a result, the PES/CuO-Cu2O (PCC) composite current collector still maintains a smooth and flat lithium-depositing layer at 5 mA cm-2. The PCC-assembled Li||Cu half-cell can operate stably for 320 cycles at 0.5 mA cm-2, which is about 4 times that of bare Cu. Furthermore, symmetrical batteries with PCC@Li can maintain excellent cycle stability for 1770 h. Accordingly, this work provides a low-cost and highly effective strategy for stabilizing the lithium metal anode.

Recent Advances in the Research of Photo-Assisted Lithium-Based Rechargeable Batteries.

The application of solar energy is crucial for alleviating the energy crisis and achieving sustainable development. In recent years, photo-assisted rechargeable batteries have attracted researchers because they can directly convert and store solar energy in the batteries. And it also can be used like a normal battery without light illumination. Photo-assisted lithium-based batteries have received more attention than other energy storage systems due to their higher energy density and relatively mature development. This Review focuses on the design of various photo-assisted lithium-based batteries including Li-ion, Li-S, Li-O2 , Li-CO2 and Li-I batteries, as well as the working mechanism of photoelectrodes in these battery systems. The basic understanding and challenge of photo-assisted lithium-based batteries are also discussed. At last, perspectives for the photoelectrode development are provided in the summary to advance photo-assisted energy storage systems.

Detection and Risk Assessments of Multi-Pesticides in Traditional Chinese Medicine Chuanxiong Rhizoma by LC/MS-MS and GC/MS-MS.

With the internationalization of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and the increasing use of herbal medicines around the world, there are concerns over their safety. In recent years, there have been some sporadic reports of pesticide residues in Chuanxiong Rhizoma (CX), although the lack of systematic and comprehensive analyses of pesticide residues and evaluations of toxicological risks in human health has increased the uncertainty of the potential effects of pesticides exposure in humans. This study aimed to clarify the status of pesticide residues and to determine the health risks of pesticide residues in CX. The findings of this study revealed that 99 batches of CX samples contained pesticide residues ranging from 0.05 to 3013.17 µg/kg. Here, 6-22 kinds of pesticides were detected in each sample. Prometryn, carbendazim, dimethomorph, chlorpyrifos, chlorantraniliprole, pyraclostrobin, and paclobutrazol were the most frequently detected pesticides, with detection rates of 68.69-100%. Insecticides and fungicides accounted for 43.23% and 37.84% of the total pesticides detected, respectively. Here, 86.87% of the pesticide content levels were lower than 50 µg/kg, and a small number of samples contained carbofuran, dimethoate, and isofenphos-methyl exceeding the maximum residue levels (MRLs). A risk assessment based on the hazard quotient/hazard index (HQ/HI) approach revealed that the short-term, long-term, and cumulative risks of pesticide residues in CX are well below the levels that may pose a health risk. Worryingly, six banned pesticides (carbofuran, phorate sulfone, phorate-sulfoxide, isofenphos-methyl, terbufos-sulfone, and terbufoxon sulfoxide) were detected. This study has improved our understanding of the potential exposure risk of pesticide multi-residues in CX. The results of the study will have a positive impact on improving the quality and safety of CX and the development of MRLs for pesticide residues.

Promoting charge separation by rational integration of a covalent organic framework on a BiVO4 photoanode.

For the first time, covalent organic frameworks (COF-TpPa and COF-TpPaC) are selected to combine with the BiVO4 photoanode through a covalent bond. The heterojunction and covalent connection of COFs and BiVO4 can promote the separation of carriers, and the -CH3 on the benzene ring in COF-TpPaC as an electron donor group can increase the carrier concentration of the photoanode. As a result, the TpPaC/BiVO4 photoanode shows the best performance. This covalent hybridization strategy opens a new insight into the development of COF-modified photoanodes.

Solar-enhanced hybrid lithium-oxygen batteries with a low voltage and superior long-life stability.

Lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs) can suffer from large charge overpotentials during the sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, a strategy used in the photo-electrochemical (PEC) water oxidation area is integrated into hybrid LOBs. Coating α-Fe2O3 with NiOOH results in enhanced electrochemical properties, and the as-assembled hybrid LOBs deliver a low charge voltage of 3.03 V, high energy efficiency of 88%, and long-term stability for over 350 hours.

GsSnRK1 interplays with transcription factor GsERF7 from wild soybean to regulate soybean stress resistance.

Although the function and regulation of SnRK1 have been studied in various plants, its molecular mechanisms in response to abiotic stresses are still elusive. In this work, we identified an AP2/ERF domain-containing protein (designated GsERF7) interacting with GsSnRK1 from a wild soybean cDNA library. GsERF7 gene expressed dominantly in wild soybean roots and was responsive to ethylene, salt, and alkaline. GsERF7 bound GCC cis-acting element and could be phosphorylated on S36 by GsSnRK1. GsERF7 phosphorylation facilitated its translocation from cytoplasm to nucleus and enhanced its transactivation activity. When coexpressed in the hairy roots of soybean seedlings, GsSnRK1(wt) and GsERF7(wt) promoted plants to generate higher tolerance to salt and alkaline stresses than their mutated species, suggesting that GsSnRK1 may function as a biochemical and genetic upstream kinase of GsERF7 to regulate plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Furthermore, the altered expression patterns of representative abiotic stress-responsive and hormone-synthetic genes were determined in transgenic soybean hairy roots after stress treatments. These results will aid our understanding of molecular mechanism of how SnRK1 kinase plays a cardinal role in regulating plant stress resistances through activating the biological functions of downstream factors.

TaEXPB7-B, a ß-expansin gene involved in low-temperature stress and abscisic acid responses, promotes growth and cold resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Low temperature is one of the primary causes of economic loss in agricultural production, and in this regard, expansin proteins are known to play important roles in plant growth and responses to various abiotic stresses and plant hormones. In order to elucidate the roles of expansin genes in the response of Dongnongdongmai 2 (D2), a highly cold-resistant winter wheat variety, to low-temperature stress, we exposed plants to a temperature of 4℃ and analysed the transcriptome of tillering nodes. Expression levels of TaEXPB7-B were significantly increased in response to both low-temperature stress and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. To further confirm these observations, we transformed Arabidopsis plants with the ß-glucuronidase (GUS) gene driven by the TaEXPB7-B promoter. GUS staining results revealed that TaEXPB7-B showed similar responses to low-temperature and ABA treatments. Our transcriptome data indicated that the AREB/ABF transcription factor gene TaWABI5 was also induced by low temperature in D2. Yeast one-hybrid experiments demonstrated that TaWABI5 binds to an ABRE cis-element in the TaEXPB7-B promoter, and overexpression of TaWABI5 in wheat protoplasts enhanced the expression of endogenous TaEXPB7-B by 7.7-fold, implying that TaWABI5 plays important roles in regulating the expression of TaEXPB7-B. Cytological data obtained from the transient expression of 35S::TaEXPB7-B-eYFP in onion epidermal cells indicated that TaEXPB7-B is cell wall localised. Overexpression of TaEXPB7-B in Arabidopsis promoted a significant increase in plant growth and increased lignin and cellulose contents. Moreover, TaEXPB7-B conferred enhanced antioxidant and osmotic regulation in transgenic Arabidopsis, thereby increasing the tolerance and survival of plants under conditions of low-temperature stress.

Identification of novel interactors and potential phosphorylation substrates of GsSnRK1 from wild soybean (Glycine soja).

The plant sucrose nonfermenting kinase 1 (SnRK1) kinases play the central roles in the processes of energy balance, hormone perception, stress resistance, metabolism, growth, and development. However, the functions of these kinases are still elusive. In this study, we used GsSnRK1 of wild soybean as bait to perform library-scale screens by the means of yeast two-hybrid to identify its interacting proteins. The putative interactions were verified by yeast retransformation and ß-galactosidase assays, and the selected interactions were further confirmed in planta by bimolecular fluorescence complementation and biochemical Co-IP assays. Protein phosphorylation analyses were carried out by phos-tag assay and anti-phospho-(Ser/Thr) substrate antibodies. Finally, we obtained 24 GsSnRK1 interactors and several putative substrates that can be categorized into SnRK1 regulatory ß subunit, protein modification, biotic and abiotic stress-related, hormone perception and signalling, gene expression regulation, water and nitrogen transport, metabolism, and unknown proteins. Intriguingly, we first discovered that GsSnRK1 interacted with and phosphorylated the components of soybean nodulation and symbiotic nitrogen fixation. The interactions and potential functions of GsSnRK1 and its associated proteins were extensively discussed and analysed. This work provides plausible clues to elucidate the novel functions of SnRK1 in response to variable environmental, metabolic, and physiological requirements.