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Background Decomposition of plant biomass is vital for carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. In waterlogged soils including paddy fields and natural wetlands, plant biomass degradation generates the largest natural source of global methane emission. However, the intricate process of plant biomass degradation by diverse soil microorganisms remains poorly characterized. Here we report a chemical and metagenomic investigation into the mechanism of straw decomposition in a paddy soil. Results The chemical analysis of 16-day soil microcosm incubation revealed that straw decomposition could be divided into two stages based on the dynamics of methane, short chain fatty acids, dissolved organic carbon and monosaccharides. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the relative abundance of glucoside hydrolase (GH) encoding genes for cellulose decomposition increased rapidly during the initial stage (3–7 days), while genes involved in hemicellulose decomposition increased in the later stage (7–16 days). The increase of cellulose GH genes in initial stage was derived mainly from Firmicutes while Bacteroidota contributed mostly to the later stage increase of hemicellulose GH genes. Flagella assembly genes were prevalent in Firmicutes but scarce in Bacteroidota . Wood–Ljungdahl pathway (WLP) was present in Firmicutes but not detected in Bacteroidota . Overall, Bacteroidota contained the largest proportion of total GHs and the highest number of carbohydrate active enzymes gene clusters in our paddy soil metagenomes. The strong capacity of the Bacteroidota phylum to degrade straw polymers was specifically attributed to Bacteroidales and Chitinophagales orders, the latter has not been previously recognized. Conclusions This study revealed a collaborating sequential contribution of microbial taxa and functional genes in the decomposition of straw residues in a paddy soil. Firmicutes with the property of mobility, WLP and cellulose decomposition could be mostly involved in the initial breakdown of straw polymers, while Bacteroidota became abundant and possibly responsible for the decomposition of hemicellulosic polymers during the later stage.

The Dali River basin as the representative areas of the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Accurately evaluating the degree of soil erosion control is very important for soil erosion control. In response to the problems existing in the current research on soil erosion control degree (SECD) methods, the maximum possible soil erosion modulus is introduced into the evaluation model. Thereby eliminating the uncertainty of the assumed state of the original model. This paper calculates the SECD for 2020 based on this method. The results show: (1) From the soil erosion modulus spatial distribution, it can be seen that the soil erosion intensity is stronger in the eastern and southwestern parts. (2) Based on the SECD spatial distribution, it was found that eastern and southwestern regions were well controlled. This is consistent with the actual situation. (3) As the slope increases, the area proportion of SECD within the 0.2-0.3 range in each slope zone shows an increasing trend, while that of SECD within the 0.5-1 range gradually decreases; (4) In the case of vegetation coverage greater than 80%, SECD is still concentrated between 0.3-0.5, which indicates that vegetation coverage is not the only factor affecting soil erosion control. This research provided a new perspective for the evaluation of SECD.

W-doped ZnO (WZO) films were deposited on glass substrates by using RF magnetron sputtering at different substrate bias voltages, and the relationships between microstructure and optical and electrical properties were investigated. The results revealed that the deposition rate of WZO films first decreased from 8.8 to 7.1 nm/min, and then increased to 11.5 nm/min with the increase in bias voltage. After applying a bias voltage to the substrate, the bombardment effect of sputtered ions was enhanced, and the films transformed from a smooth surface into a compact and rough surface. All the films exhibited a hexagonal wurtzite structure with a strong (002) preferred orientation and grew along the c-axis direction. When the bias voltage increased, both the residual stress and lattice parameter of the films gradually increased, and the maximum grain size of 43.4 nm was achieved at −100 V. When the bias voltage was below −300 V, all the films exhibited a high average transmittance of ~90% in the visible light region. As the bias voltage increased, the sheet resistance and resistivity of the films initially decreased and then gradually increased. The highest FOM of 5.8 × 10−4 Ω−1 was achieved at −100 V, possessing the best comprehensive photoelectric properties.

China’s four decades of economic reform have been aimed at liberalising markets, upgrading the industrial structure, enhancing enterprises’ competitiveness and integrating China into the global economy. China’s foray into outward direct investment (ODI) took shape gradually. In 2016, China became the world’s second-largest outward investor after the United States, with $196.2 billion of ODI flows.¹ This chapter analyses the development of China’s ODI activities and regulations over the past 40 years, and divides the evolution of its ODI policies into three stages, each of which was defined by a distinct approach: the ‘restricted’ stage (1978–99), the ‘relaxed’ stage (2000

ABSTRACT Electromethanogenesis refers to the process where methanogens utilize electrons derived from cathodes for the reduction of CO2 to CH4. Setting of low cathode potentials is essential for this process. In this study, we test if magnetite, an iron oxide mineral widespread in environment, can facilitate the adaption of methanogen community to the elevation of cathode potentials in electrochemical reactors. Two-chamber electrochemical reactors were constructed with inoculants obtained from a paddy field soil. We elevated cathode potentials stepwise from the initial −0.6 V vs standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) to −0.5 V and then to −0.4 V over the 120 days acclimation. Only weak current consumption and CH4 production were observed in the reactors without magnetite. But biocathodes were firmly developed and significant current consumption and CH4 production were recorded in the magnetite reactors. The robustness of electro-activity in the magnetite reactors was not affected with the elevation of cathode potentials from −0.6 V to −0.4 V. But, the current consumption and CH4 production were virtually halted in the reactors without magnetite when cathode potential was elevated to −0.4 V. Methanogens related to Methanospirillum were enriched on cathode surface of the magnetite reactors at −0.4 V, while Methanosarcina relatively dominated in the reactors without magnetite. Methanobacterium also increased in the magnetite reactors but stayed off electrodes in the culture medium at −0.4 V. Apparently, magnetite greatly facilitates the development of biocathodes, and it appears that with the aid of magnetite Methanospirillum spp. can adapt to high cathode potentials performing the efficient electromethanogenesis. IMPORTANCE Converting CO2 to CH4 through bioelectrochemistry is a promising approach for development of green energy biotechnology. This process however requires setting the low cathode potentials, which takes cost. In this study, we test if magnetite, a conductive iron mineral, can facilitate the adaption of methanogens to the elevation of cathode potentials. In the two-chamber reactors constructed using inoculants obtained from a paddy field soil, biocathodes were firmly developed in the presence of magnetite, whereas only weak electro-activity was observed in the reactors without magnetite. The elevation of cathode potentials did not affect the robustness of electro-activity in the magnetite reactors over the 120 days acclimation. Methanospirillum was identified as the key methanogens associated with cathode surface during the operation at relatively high potentials. The findings reported in this study shed a new light on the adaption of methanogen community to the elevated cathode potentials in the presence of magnetite.

Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, contributing significantly to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, with limited effective treatment options. Approximately 50% of patients with ALD exhibit iron overload, which can further trigger the occurrence of ferroptosis. Recent studies indicate that ferroptosis plays a role in the development and progression of ALD through pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mechanisms. Additionally, the gut microbiota exerts a complex influence on ALD, with pathogens like Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis promoting its progression, whereas Bifidobacterium appears to have a protective effect. Emerging findings indicate that microorganisms like Lactobacillus and metabolites such as 1,3-diaminopropane and reuterin can modulate iron homeostasis. However, the intrinsic link between gut microbiota–derived metabolites and ferroptosis in ALD remains inconclusive. This review comprehensively synthesizes current knowledge regarding the microbiota–ferroptosis crosstalk in ALD, with particular emphasis on microbial regulation of hepatic iron homeostasis and microbiota-driven modulation of oxidative stress through lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system interactions. Notably, we propose either suppressing hepatic ferroptosis or inducing ferroptosis in pathogenic bacterial strains as dual therapeutic strategies to mitigate ALD progression. These insights highlight the therapeutic potential of the gut microbiota-ferroptosis axis, paving the way for precision management strategies in ALD. Graphical Abstract Gut microbiota-liver ferroptosis crosstalk in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Alcohol consumption disrupts gut microbiota homeostasis, characterized by a reduction in beneficial bacteria and an increase in harmful bacteria, and enhances intestinal iron absorption. The resulting dysbiosis can further exacerbate iron uptake. Together, elevated iron levels and dysbiosis-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation contribute to the induction of ferroptosis, thereby accelerating the progression of ALD. Targeting the gut microbiota–liver ferroptosis axis thus represents a promising therapeutic strategy for ALD. Abbreviations: FMT, fecal microbiota transplantation.

Sea anemone venoms contain diverse toxins that have significant pharmacological potential, including anticancer, ecticidal, and immunotherapeutic properties. However, critically, the extraction methodology influences venom composition and bioactivity. This study characterized venom from Stichodactyla haddoni obtained via homogenization, electrical stimulation, and milking. Extraction yields varied significantly between methods: the homogenization, electrical stimulation, and milking of healthy sea anemones yielded crude venoms at rates of 17.8%, 3.4%, and 1.5%, respectively. SDS-PAGE revealed distinct protein banding patterns and concentrations, while RP-HPLC demonstrated method-dependent compositional differences. Comprehensive proteomic profiling identified 2370 proteins, encompassing both unique and shared components across extraction techniques. Label-free quantitative analysis confirmed significant variations in protein abundance that was attributable to the extraction method. Cytotoxicity assays against cancer cell lines revealed concentration-dependent inhibition, with milking-derived venom exhibiting the highest potency. Insecticidal activity against Tenebrio molitor was also method-dependent, with milking venom inducing the highest mortality rate. These findings elucidate the profound impact of extraction methodology on the protein composition and functional activities of S. haddoni venom, providing crucial insights for its optimized exploitation in pharmacological development.

In the ZUMA-1 study, cohorts 4 and 6 supported the prophylactic and early use of corticosteroids, as this approach reduced the cumulative dose of corticosteroids, did not affect the complete response (CR) rate or survival from CAR-T cell therapy, and decreased the incidence of severe CRS. In another study conducted by MD Anderson, a retrospective analysis of 100 patients treated with Axi-Cel at a single center explored the impact of corticosteroids on clinical outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma receiving standard CD19 CAR-T cell therapy. [3] Although the study indicated that the dosage, duration, and timing of corticosteroid treatment did not affect CAR-T cell expansion, further research is needed to assess the impact of these factors on the cytotoxic activity of CAR-T cells and on cytokine production and trafficking. [...]we understand the underlying mechanisms, cautious use of corticosteroids, with a focus on delaying their initiation and limiting their cumulative dose and duration depending on the clinical situation, might be prudent. Aibin Liang, Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China E-Mail: lab7182@tongji.edu.cn; Weidong Han, Department of Bio-therapeutic, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China E-Mail: hanwdrsw@163.com; Xiaojun Huang, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, No. 11 South Street of Xizhimen, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China E-Mail: huangxiaojun@bjmu.edu.cn How to cite this article:

BackgroundIn locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), preoperative short-course radiotherapy (SCRT) with delayed surgery has been shown to be as effective as long-course chemoradiotherapy, with only modest benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative SCRT combined with subsequent CAPOX (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) and the anti-PD-1 antibody camrelizumab in patients with LARC.MethodsThis was a prospective, single-arm, phase II trial. Treatment-naïve patients with histologically confirmed T3-4N0M0 or T1-4N+M0 rectal adenocarcinoma received 5×5 Gy SCRT with two subsequent 21-day cycles of CAPOX plus camrelizumab after 1 week, followed by radical surgery after 1 week. The primary endpoint was pathological complete response (pCR) rate. Biomarker analysis was performed to identify a potential predictor of pCR to treatment.ResultsFrom November 7, 2019 to September 14, 2020, 30 patients were enrolled, and 27 patients received at least one dose of CAPOX plus camrelizumab. Surgery was performed in 27 (100%) patients. The pCR (ypT0N0) rate was 48.1% (13/27), including 46.2% (12/26) for proficient mismatch repair (MMR) tumors and 100% (1/1) for deficient MMR tumors. Immune-related adverse events were all grade 1–2, with the most common being reactive cutaneous capillary endothelial proliferation (81.5%). No grade 4/5 adverse events occurred. Biomarker analysis showed patients without FGFR1–3 deletions had a better tendency for pCR.ConclusionsSCRT combined with subsequent CAPOX plus camrelizumab followed by delayed surgery showed a favorable pCR rate with good tolerance in patients with LARC, especially in the proficient MMR setting. A randomized controlled trial is ongoing to confirm these results.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04231552.

The South China Sea is rich in cone snail resources, known for producing conotoxins with diverse biological activities such as analgesic, anticancer, and insecticidal effects. In this study, five vermivorous cone snail samples were collected from the South China Sea and their crude venom was extracted to investigate the variations in venom components and activities, aiming to identify highly active samples for further research. Cluster analysis using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) fingerprints and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene sequences revealed that the diversity of venom components across different conotoxin species is genetically correlated. Activity assays demonstrated that all five cone snail venoms exhibited lethal effects on insects and zebrafish. Notably, the crude venom of Conus quercinus showed the highest insecticidal activity with an LD50 of 0.6 μg/mg, while C. tessellatus venom exhibited the most potent zebrafish lethality with an LD50 of 0.2 μg/mg. Furthermore, the crude venom from four cone snail species demonstrated toxicity against ovarian cancer cells, and only C. caracteristicu venom displayed significant analgesic activity. This study systematically identifies cone snail samples with promising insecticidal, anticancer, and analgesic properties, paving the way for the development and utilization of cone snail resources from the South China Sea and offering a novel approach for advancing marine peptide drug research.