Article
Chemistry, Applied
Youqiang Xu, Jingrong Zhao, Huiqin Huang, Xiaoye Guo, Xiuting Li, Wei Zou, Weiwei Li, Chengnan Zhang, Mingquan Huang
Summary: The bacterium Pantoea dispersa BJQ0007 isolated from Baijiu fermentation starter can degrade various phthalate esters, with di-(2ethylhexyl) phthalate as the preferred substrate. Its genome was sequenced, revealing an uncommon metabolic step in the degradation pathway. Two enzymes responsible for ester bond hydrolysis of phthalate esters were identified, offering potential for safety control of Baijiu products.
JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aly Castillo, Tiane C. Finimundy, Sandrina A. Heleno, Paula Rodrigues, Filipa A. Fernandes, Simon Pereira, Marta Lores, Lillian Barros, Carmen Garcia-Jares
Summary: This study proposes the use of astaxanthin-rich H. pluvialis wet paste (HPW) as a substitute for wheat flour in the preparation of filloas. The HPW-enriched filloas showed higher carotenoids and fatty acids content compared to synthetic food dyes. Moreover, HPW increased the shelf life, brightness, and texture of filloas and exhibited an inhibitory effect on mesophilic aerobic microorganisms in the food.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pengjie Sun, Changgeng Li, Yu Gong, Jinduo Wang, Qingyang Xu
Summary: In this study, ceramic membrane-coupled mixed cell fermentation was used to improve the production efficiency and purity of adenine. By optimizing the ultrasound treatment and the timing of enzyme addition, the yield of adenine was significantly increased while reducing the production of by-products.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yijie Chen, Zhen Zhen, Gaoyang Li, Huijun Li, Ting Wei, Fengcheng Huang, Tao Li, Changhong Yang, Lei Ren, Yanqiu Liang, Zhong Lin, Dayi Zhang
Summary: In this study, the degradation behavior of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) in mangrove rhizosphere was investigated. The results showed that the rhizosphere could accelerate DEHP degradation by altering sediment physicochemical properties and microbial composition, which highlights its positive effects on coastal ecosystem services.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhixiang Yuan, Ying Zhao, Zhitong Mo, Hongxia Liu
Summary: This study discovered that glycoside hydrolases from plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can induce defense responses in plants, including cell death and early defense responses. These findings provide a new method for the biological control of plant diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Klara Matouskova, Thomas G. Neltner, Maricel V. Maffini
Summary: Manufacturers of chemicals added to food are responsible for ensuring their products' safety. Two major legal definitions of chemicals in food exist: food additives, which include ingredients and chemicals from packaging and processing equipment, and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) substances, used as ingredients. While FDA approval is required for food additives, GRAS substances are exempted. Current practices in convening GRAS panels have not adhered to FDA guidelines, leading to conflicts of interest and bias in determinations. This undermines public confidence in food safety, necessitating stricter regulations on GRAS determinations and conflicts of interest.
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Po-Hsiang Wang, Yi-Lung Chen, Tien-Yu Wu, Yu-Wei Wu, Tzi-Yuan Wang, Chao-Jen Shih, Sean Ting-Shyang Wei, Yi-Li Lai, Cheng-Xuan Liu, Yin-Ru Chiang
Summary: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a commonly used phthalate plasticizer that accumulates in urban estuarine sediments and has potential environmental risks. Microbial degradation is an important mechanism for DEHP removal in estuarine sediments, and the availability of oxygen affects the degradation pathway.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karen Abundiz-Yanez, Hilda C. Leyva-Sanchez, Eduardo A. Robleto, Mario Pedraza-Reyes
Summary: A study investigated the role of c-di-AMP in stress-associated mutagenesis (SAM) and growth-associated mutagenesis (GAM) in B. subtilis. The results showed that DACs, CdaA and DisA, played important roles in cell wall homeostasis and chromosomal fidelity, and counteracted mutagenesis in growing cells. However, deficiencies in DACs caused opposite effects under oxidative stress. DACs also promoted mutations under nutritional stress in the stationary phase. The study suggests that c-di-AMP is involved in promoting genetic diversity in growth-limiting conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shan Liang, Xiao-Ling Wu, Min-Hua Zong, Wen-Yong Lou
Summary: Nanozymes with intrinsic enzyme-like activity, especially biomolecule-sourced nanozymes, have gained significant attention as artificial catalysts. In this study, researchers constructed oligopeptide-based bionanozymes with hydrolase-like activity by implementing zinc-induced self-assembly of histidine-rich heptapeptides. These bionanozymes demonstrated excellent hydrolytic activity towards various substrates and showed potential for environmental remediation.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Heloise Coullon, Thomas Candela
Summary: The cortex and peptidoglycan of Clostridioides difficile have been relatively understudied, but have gained increased interest in recent years due to their highly modified structures. These modifications may play a role in antimicrobial resistance and are crucial for spore cortex synthesis and germination, which are essential in the pathogenesis of the bacterium. Enzymes responsible for these modifications could be potential new drug targets or anti-C. difficile agents.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomasz Wasilewski, Artur Seweryn, Dominika Pannert, Kinga Kierul, Marta Domzak-Kedzia, Zofia Hordyjewicz-Baran, Marcin Lukaszewicz, Agnieszka Lewinska
Summary: This study evaluated the possibility of using levan-rich digestate extract in the production of body wash cosmetics. The results showed that high-concentration levan-rich digestate extract could reduce the negative impact on the skin and decrease skin dryness. However, the presence of the extract did not significantly affect the functional parameters of the products.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fengqing Wang, Can Yang, Yanmei Chen, Mengxue Li, Changfu Bi
Summary: This study developed a new and cheap method for producing gamma-PGA from steamer bottom water. Through optimizing the fermentation medium and conditions, the yield of gamma-PGA was significantly increased, and several volatile substances with potential plant probiotic effects were identified. The findings suggest that steamer bottom water can serve as a solvent for gamma-PGA production and a potential functional organic fertilizer.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael F. Fuss, Jan-Philip Wieferig, Robin A. Corey, Yvonne Hellmich, Igor Tascon, Joana S. Sousa, Phillip J. Stansfeld, Janet Vonck, Inga Haenelt
Summary: Cyclic di-AMP inhibits the potassium transporter KimA by reducing the mobility of transmembrane helices at the cytosolic side of the K+ binding site, trapping KimA in an inward-occluded conformation. This study provides insights into how the second messenger cyclic di-AMP regulates bacterial physiology.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ritu Ningthoujam, Meyawee Satiraphan, Penjai Sompongchaiyakul, Sujaree Bureekul, Pontipa Luadnakrob, Onruthai Pinyakong
Summary: In this study, a bacterial consortium C10 capable of degrading different alkyl chain lengths of phthalate plasticizers (DEHP, dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and dimethyl phthalate) was enriched and identified in marine sediment. The major bacterial genera during degradation of the phthalate plasticizers were Gluta-micibacter, Ochrobactrum, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Methylophaga. Through a network-based approach, it was predicted that Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Microbacterium cooperatively interacted as the main degraders of phthalate plasticizers. Twenty isolates belonging to different bacterial genera were obtained through selective isolation techniques, and the best DEHP-degraders were identified as Steno-trophomonas acidaminiphila OR13, Microbacterium esteraromaticum OR16, Sporosarcina sp. OR19, and Cytobacillus firmus OR20. This study provides insights into the PAE-degradation capabilities of marine sediment bacteria and offers a simple approach for the prediction and isolation of potential pollutant degraders from complex bacterial communities.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Namhyeon Park, Taylor Sledge, Abby D. Benninghoff, Marie K. Walsh
Summary: Maltodextrin esterified to laurate (ML) was synthesized enzymatically and compared to commercial sucrose laurate (SL) for microbial growth-inhibitory properties in food systems. There was broad microbial inhibition by ML in growth media, but practical information about various foods and storage temperatures is limited with no toxicological information.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Attila Csaba Kondor, Anna Viktoria Vancsik, Laszlo Bauer, Lili Szabo, Zoltan Szalai, Gergely Jakab, Gabor Maasz, Marta Pedrosa, Maria Jose Sampaio, Ana Rita Lado Ribeiro
Summary: This review provides a critical overview of research on the removal efficiency of priority substances and compounds of emerging concern through bank filtration, discussing influencing factors and future challenges. The findings show that the efficiency of bank filtration is influenced by multiple factors and varies for different substances.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinyan Wang, Shuai Zhang, Huihui Yan, Zhao Ma, Yunshan Zhang, Haining Luo, Xueli Yang
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient PM2.5, O3 pollution, and ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged Chinese women. The results showed that increased exposure to PM2.5 and O3 was associated with decreased AMH levels, indicating reduced ovarian reserve. Notably, the effects of O3 exposure on ovarian reserve were different from those of PM2.5 exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tingting Ma, Yanjuan Ding, Fengjiao Xu, Chen Zhang, Min Zhou, Ya Tang, Yanrong Chen, Yating Wen, Rufei Chen, Bin Tang, Shigui Wang
Summary: The dragonfly species Orthetrum albistylum can accumulate heavy metals, and its heat shock protein genes have the potential to serve as biomarkers for monitoring environmental pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Naoto Ishiwaka, Koya Hashimoto, Masayoshi K. Hiraiwa, Francisco Sanchez-Bayo, Taku Kadoya, Daisuke Hayasaka
Summary: Systemic insecticides and rising temperatures have combined effects on the abundance of Odonata nymphs in paddy fields. The standalone effect of insecticide exposure decreased the Odonata community, while nymphs decreased synergistically with temperature rise in paddy water. However, the impacts of each stressor alone varied among species.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Vecchiato, Carlo Barbante, Elena Barbaro, Francois Burgay, Warren R. L. Cairns, Alice Callegaro, David Cappelletti, Federico Dallo, Marianna D'Amico, Matteo Feltracco, Jean-Charles Gallet, Andrea Gambaro, Catherine Larose, Niccolo Maffezzoli, Mauro Mazzola, Ivan Sartorato, Federico Scoto, Clara Turetta, Massimiliano Varde, Zhiyong Xie, Andrea Spolaor
Summary: The Arctic region is facing contamination from long-range pollution and local human activities. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are used as environmental indicators for emission, transport, and deposition processes. Research conducted in the Arctic surface snow in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard from October 2018 to May 2019 shows that long-range inputs of PAHs mainly occur in winter, while the most abundant analyte retene exhibits opposite seasonal trends.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Maoshui Zhuo, Zhijie Chen, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Wei, Yansong Shen, Bing-Jie Ni
Summary: This paper discusses the application of three catalytic processes (photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and biocatalysis) in the management of microplastic pollution, and introduces the efficiency and catalytic mechanisms of different catalysts. It also proposes the development prospects for sustainable management of microplastic pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shiyu Chen, Zhenzhen Shi, Qiang Zhang
Summary: In this study, a human physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of diethyl phthalate (DEP) was developed to assess its toxicity. The model considers the distribution and metabolism of DEP and its active metabolite monoethyl phthalate (MEP) in different tissue compartments. Sensitivity analysis and Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations were performed to evaluate the uncertainty and variability of the model parameters. The results suggest that dermal absorption is an important route of exposure to DEP in the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bangguo Wang, Lijing Wang, Wenxi Cen, Tao Lyu, Peter Jarvis, Yang Zhang, Yuanxun Zhang, Yinghui Han, Lei Wang, Gang Pan, Kaili Zhang, Wei Fan
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility and mechanisms of a chemical-free nanobubble-based AOP for treating organic micropollutants in water. The results show that the oxygen nanobubble AOP has a significantly higher removal efficiency compared to air and nitrogen nanobubbles. The treatment performance is not affected by pH and the presence of ions. Higher initial concentrations of the micropollutant lead to slower treatment processes, but similar removal performance is achieved in the end. The presence of organic matter reduces the removal rate of the micropollutant. The results have practical feasibility for water and wastewater treatment.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yingmei Huang, Jicai Yi, Yao Huang, Songxiong Zhong, Bin Zhao, Jing Zhou, Yuxuan Wang, Yiwen Zhu, Yanhong Du, Fangbai Li
Summary: This study investigates the impact of biochar on methylmercury (MeHg) accumulation in rice. The results show that biochar reduces MeHg levels in paddy soils by decreasing bioavailable Hg and microbial Hg methylation. Additionally, biochar decreases the uptake and translocation of MeHg in rice plants, resulting in a reduction of MeHg accumulation in rice grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nengde Zeng, Fei Huang, Jiani Du, Chenghao Huang, Qian Yang, Xinhua Zhan, Baoshan Xing
Summary: This study investigates the protein targets and protein-ligand interactions related to PAH contamination in crop xylem sap using computational tools. The results show that phenanthrene has a more pronounced effect on the xylem sap proteins of maize and wheat, with maize DEPs associated with lipid biosynthesis and wheat DEPs exhibiting an increase in ABC transporters. This study provides insights into the regulation and movement of PAHs within plant xylem.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xinwei Chen, Hao Ma, Run Wang, Man Wang, Binbin Zhu, Yanqing Cong, Xiayue Zhu, Guoqin Wang, Yi Zhang
Summary: Co3O4/TiO2-NRs electrodes with excellent photoresponse were prepared via plasma-assisted modification of Co3O4 on TiO2. The combination of Co3O4 and TiO2 improved the light utilization efficiency and showed potential for degradation of pollutants.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wenjing Ji, Liying Song, Jing Wang, Hongqing Song
Summary: This study conducted a life-cycle assessment to examine the correlation between natural gas consumption and carbon emissions in different end uses in China. The results showed that both natural gas consumption and life-cycle carbon emissions have been increasing since 2017. Significant variations in NG life-cycle carbon emissions were found across different provinces and sectors, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Youyi Chen, Boxuan Zhang, Pojun Zhang, Guogui Shi, Hao Liang, Wu Cai, Jingyu Gao, Sumin Zhuang, Kaiyin Luo, Jiaqi Zhu, Chaoxiang Chen, Kunyu Ma, Jinrong Chen, Chun Hu, Xueci Xing
Summary: The synergistic effects of trace sulfadiazine and cast-iron corrosion scales on the formation of disinfection by-products in drinking water distribution systems were investigated. The presence of magnetite resulted in increased concentrations of DBPs due to the higher microbial activity and enhanced microbial extracellular electron transport pathway. The study highlights the importance of considering trace antibiotics pollution and corrosion scales in water sources for DBP control.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Bishwa Raj Pokharel, Vijay Sheri, Manoj Kumar, Zhiyong Zhang, Baohong Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the interactions, uptake, and transport of aluminum nanoparticles (Al-NPs) in plants, highlighting their negative effects on plant growth and development, as well as their potential to alter plant defense systems and gene expression.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yonglu Wang, Fengsong Zhang, Xiaoyong Liao, Xiao Yang, Guixiang Zhang, Liyun Zhang, Chaojun Wei, Pengge Shi, Jiongxin Wen, Xiaorong Ju, Can Xu, Yang Liu, Ying Lan
Summary: This study aims to explore the effects of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole on soil microflora and the potential mitigation mechanisms to bacterial communities. It was found that increasing the application of thiencarbazone-methyl center dot isoxaflutole resulted in increased stress on soil bacterial community structure and diversity. Increasing soil pH was recognized as a key factor in improving the diversity and structure of soil microflora. Supplemental use of nitrapyrin or modified attapulgite can increase soil pH and improve bacterial diversity.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2024)