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Source separation and decentralized domestic wastewater treatment represent effective strategies to enhance sewage treatment performance and facilitate water reuse economically. The Living Machine (LM) system has gained widespread adoption for decentralized sewage treatment. While underwater light source has been demonstrated to enhance the treatment performance of open aerobic reactors in LM systems, its influence on the treatment efficiency of a fully multistage LM system remains underreported. In this study, an underwater lamp-added LM system (ULLM) with eight reactors was constructed and investigated. The introduction of underwater light source obviously improved the removal capacity of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and NH 4 +-N, which was 96.1% and 61.6%, respectively. The diversity of algae, zooplankton, and aquatic animals was notably higher in the light-treated reactors than in the control group (CK) without underwater light source, and substantial alteration in the microbial community of the light-treated reactors was observed compared with CK reactors. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria and Nitrospirae enriched in the underwater light-treated reactors, while Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria exhibited a decrease after light exposure. At the genus level, Nitrospira and Rhodanobacter were enriched in the ULLM system. Importantly, the prevalence of these two dominant genera was sustained until the final operational stage, indicating their potential key roles in enhancing wastewater treatment performance. The addition of underwater light source proves to be an effective strategy for augmenting the treatment efficiency of the multistage living machine systems, resulting in substantial improvements in pollutant removal. These findings contribute valuable insights into optimizing LM systems for decentralized wastewater treatment. • Underwater lamps were applied in a multistage living machine. • The removal rate of NH 4 +-N increased significantly. • TP removal performance was far more stable. • Bacterial and algal species composition were significantly changed after light exposure. • Prevalence of Nitrospira and Rhodanobacter sustained until the end stage in light treated system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Titanium Silicalite-1 rapidly adsorbs 85.17 mg/g 1,4-dioxane within 2 min. • Hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding are main adsorption driving forces. • Hydrogen bonds are primarily water linked. • Titanium Silicalite-1 can be successfully regenerated by microbial cultures. 1,4-Dioxane is a probable carcinogen and trace contaminant that is difficult to remove from water because of its high solubility and low volatility. Removal of 1,4-dioxane from aqueous solutions by a set of potential adsorbents was investigated using batch experiments that revealed Titanium Silicate-1 (TS-1) as a high-capacity adsorbent (85.17 mg/g) with rapid kinetics (2 min equilibration time). The specific adsorption mechanisms at the molecular level were investigated using multiple approaches including FTIR spectra and molecular dynamics simulation of 1,4-dioxane adsorption on TS-1, which imply that the shape and size of 1,4-dioxane fits tightly into the hydrophobic straight channels of TS-1 with a diameter of 0.56 nm, and thus TS-1 provides strong van der Waals attraction within the channels. Additionally, 1,4-dioxane-water complexation was observed to connect to the frame oxygens of TS-1 via hydrogen bonds inside the channels. The calculated adsorption free energy of 1,4-dioxane was between −24.59 and −27.17 kJ/mol, which was consistent with the value of −24.89 kJ/mol derived from the adsorption isotherms at 298 K. The strong adsorption competition from nonpolar compounds 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCA) and benzene onto TS-1 further confirmed that the adsorption was attributed to a combined mechanism of host-guest interactions including van der Waals interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, 1,4-dioxane-loaded TS-1 was found to be efficiently regenerated by an enriched bacterial consortium (BD1) with recovery efficiencies for three cycles of 88.2%, 96.47% and nearly 100%, suggesting that TS-1 holds promise as a cost-effective renewable absorbent for eliminating hydrophilic organics from contaminated water supplies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The neural stem cell marker CD133 is reported to identify cells within glioblastoma (GBM) that can initiate neurosphere growth and tumor formation; however, instances of CD133− cells exhibiting similar properties have also been reported. Here, we show that some PTEN-deficient GBM tumors produce a series of CD133+ and CD133− self-renewing tumor-initiating cell types and provide evidence that these cell types constitute a lineage hierarchy. Our results show that the capacities for self-renewal and tumor initiation in GBM need not be restricted to a uniform population of stemlike cells, but can be shared by a lineage of self-renewing cell types expressing a range of markers of forebrain lineage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cd contamination, especially in farmland soil, can pose serious threats to human health as well as ecological security. Stabilization is an important strategy for agricultural soil Cd remediation. In this study, a Cd-resistant strain (Cupriavidus B-7) was isolated and loaded onto cow manure (CDB), rice straw (RSB) and pine wood biochar (PB) to investigate its effects on Cd stabilization by a 60-day pot experiment. Results indicated that the Cupriavidus B-7-loaded biochar (labelled as CDBB, PBB and RSBB) reduced the CaCl2-extractable Cd by 43.06–59.78%, which was significantly superior to individual applications of Cupriavidus B-7 and biochar. Likewise, the soil physicochemical properties, urease, catalase and phosphatase activities were improved, indicating improved soil health. Consequently, dry weights of pakchoi's shoot and root were increased by 938.9–1230.9% and 149.1–281.2%, respectively, by applying CDBB, PBB and RSBB. Meanwhile, the Cd accumulation in pakchoi shoots decreased by 38.06–50.75%. Notably, the RSBB exhibited an optimal performance on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation alleviation. The structural equation model indicated the synergistic effect on pakchoi growth promotion and Cd accumulation decreased between biochar and Cupriavidus B-7. Our research provides some new insights into the development of strategies for green and sustainable remediation of Cd-contaminated soil. Highlights: A Cd resistant Cupriavidus B-7 (B-7) was isolated from copper mining soil Biochar, B-7 and their conbination were used to remediate Cd polluted soil Biochar loaded B-7 outperformed individual treatments for Cd stabilization Biochar loaded B-7 alleivated the Cd uptake and promoted pakchoi growth [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communicated by Richard H. Scheller, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, C Amplification or overexpression of growth factor receptors is a frequent occurrence in malignant gliomas. Using both expression profiling and in situ hybridization, we identified insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) as a marker for a subset of glioblastomas (GBMs) that lack amplification or overexpression of EGF receptor. Among 165 primary high-grade astrocytomas, 13% of grade IV tumors and 2% of grade Ill tumors expressed IGF2 mRNA levels >50-fold the sample population median. IGF2-overexpressing tumors frequently displayed PTEN loss, were highly proliferative, exhibited strong staining for phospho-Akt, and belonged to a subclass of GBMs characterized by poor survival. Using a serum-free culture system, we discovered that IGF2 can substitute for EGF to support the growth of GBM-derived neurospheres. The growth-promoting effects of IGF2 were mediated by the insulin-like growth factor receptor 1 and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3), a regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase that shows genomic gains in some highly proliferative GBM cases. PIK3R3 knockdown inhibited IGF2- induced growth of GBM-derived neurospheres. The current results provide evidence that the IGF2-PIK3R3 signaling axis is involved in promoting the growth of a subclass of highly aggressive human GBM5 that lack EGF receptor amplification. Our data underscore the importance of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt pathway for growth of high-grade gliomas and suggest that multiple molecular alterations that activate this signaling cascade may promote tumorigenesis. Further, these findings highlight the parallels between growth factors or receptors that are overexpressed in GBMs and those that support in vitro growth of tumor-derived stem-like cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Previously undescribed prognostic subclasses of high-grade astrocytoma are identified and discovered to resemble stages in neurogenesis. One tumor class displaying neuronal lineage markers shows longer survival, while two tumor classes enriched for neural stem cell markers display equally short survival. Poor prognosis subclasses exhibit markers either of proliferation or of angiogenesis and mesenchyme. Upon recurrence, tumors frequently shift toward the mesenchymal subclass. Chromosomal locations of genes distinguishing tumor subclass parallel DNA copy number differences between subclasses. Functional relevance of tumor subtype molecular signatures is suggested by the ability of cell line signatures to predict neurosphere growth. A robust two-gene prognostic model utilizing PTEN and DLL3 expression suggests that Akt and Notch signaling are hallmarks of poor prognosis versus better prognosis gliomas, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Vimentin, an intermediate filament protein, crucially contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by interacting with genetic risk factors, facilitating pathogen infection, and modulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. This study aimed to demonstrate preclinical proof-of-concept for targeting vimentin therapeutically in IBD across diverse etiologies. The small molecule compound ALD-R491 was assessed for vimentin binding using microscale thermophoresis, off-target effects via Eurofins screening, and therapeutic effects in mice with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis and in IL-10 KO with spontaneous colitis. Parameters measured included body weight, survival, disease activity, colon length, and histology. The study analyzed intestinal proinflammatory cytokines, Th17/Treg cells, and epithelial barrier molecules, along with gut microbiota profiling. ALD-R491 specifically bound vimentin with a dissociation constant (KD) of 328 ± 12.66 nM and no off-target effects. In the DSS model, orally administered ALD-R491 exhibited dose-dependent therapeutic effects, superior to 5-ASA and Tofacitinib. In the IL-10 KO model, ALD-R491 significantly delayed colitis onset and progression, with near-zero disease activity index scores over a 15-week treatment. ALD-R491 consistently showed in both models a reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-22, a rebalanced Th17/Treg axis by reducing RORγt while enhancing FoxP3 expression, and an improved epithelial barrier integrity by increasing intestinal expressions of Mucin-2, ZO-1 and Claudin5. The intestinal dysbiosis was restored with enriched presence of probiotics. Targeting vimentin exhibits significant therapeutic effects on various facets of IBD pathogenesis, representing a compelling approach for the development of highly effective treatments in IBD. [Display omitted] • Novel compound ALD-R491 specifically binds to vimentin with no off-target effects. • ALD-R491 is significantly more effective than 5-ASA and Tofacitinib in DSS model. • ALD-R491 blocks the onset and progression of spontaneous colitis in IL-10 KO mice. • ALD-R491 impacts Th17/Treg, intestinal barrier, tissue fibrosis and gut microbiome. • Targeting vimentin by ALD-R491 represents a first-in-class MOA in treating IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating high-strength nitrate wastewater effectively and economically has been a major challenge for some manufacturing industries. In this study, we fabricated a membrane-less two-phase bio-cathode microbial fuel cell (TPBC-MFC) by dividing the bio-cathode into a solid part (S-cathode, above the water surface) and a liquid part (L-cathode, below the water surface), on which performances and mechanisms for the treatment of pickling wastewater containing more than 1000 mg/L NO- 3-N (electron acceptor) by watermelon rind extracts (WMREs, electron donor) were explored. Results showed that the TPBC-MFC presented an excellent performance since the maximum power density, the greatest nitrate removal rate and the highest COD removal efficiency reached 16.6 mW/m2, 780 g/m3·d and 94.8%, respectively. There were identical microorganisms (unclassified- Chitinophagaceae and Comamonadaceae) predominating on all electrodes owing to WMREs as carbon sources. In addition, some special functional species were also enriched, including Anaeroarcus (3.48%, fermentation bacterium) and Desulfovibrio (12.57%, electricigen) for the anode, Thauera (5.02%, denitrifier) for the L-cathode and Chryseolinea (12.13%, denitrifier) for the S-cathode. The detection of denitrifying genes of narG, narK/S, norB and nosZ, as well as function prediction demonstrated that the anode degraded WMREs to release H+ and e− that were subsequently utilized by the cathode to reduce NO- 3-N to N 2. All these results proved that the membrane-less TPBC-MFC has a good capability in electricity generation, nitrate removal and WMREs degradation, most likely because the S-cathode benefits the promotion of mass transfer. [Display omitted] • TPBC-MFC consisting of S-cathode and L-cathode was developed. • Watermelon rinds fueled TPBC-MFC for sustainable pickling wastewater treatment. • S-cathode was vital for TPBC-MFC due to its role in promoting mass transfer. • Each of bio-electrodes possessed its own specific functional microorganisms. • Reduction of nitrate to N 2 was mainly carried out by S-cathode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rotala rotundifolia is a novel submerged macrophyte able to survive across the winter under temperature as low as 4 °C. Dynamic nutrient removal potential of R. rotundifolia was estimated using the Eco-tank system simulating natural eutrophic waters. The growth and physiological response of R. rotundifolia by cutting and division propagation to light (100%, 60%, and 20% natural light) were investigated. The results showed that R. rotundifolia was superior in removing N and P from eutrophic waters. As influent concentrations of NH 4 +-N and total phosphorus (TP) were 4.81–5.87 and 0.61–0.78 mg L−1, effluent concentrations of NH 4 +-N, total nitrogen (TN), and TP were separately 0.06–1.10, 0.40–1.59, and 0.05–0.17 mg L−1, with removal efficiencies of 93.6%, 84.6%, and 82.5% at a flow rate of 200 L d−1. The growth and morphology of the plant under two propagation patterns were influenced by light and the responses were quite different. The biomass of the plant by cutting was higher at low light conditions, and the plant allocated more biomass on above ground. However, there was no significant difference in the height. By division, the plant preferred to high light. The biomass and height were significantly higher at 100% natural light. The peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and root activities of plant by cutting showed a trend of decrease and followed by an increase with light reduction, while by division, they increased with reduced light available. Variations of chlorophyll and soluble protein of the plant by cutting and division were contrary to the changes of POD activity. These results suggest that R. rotundifolia can be used to effectively remove nitrogen and phosphorus in eutrophic waters, and high light promotes the growth of the plant by division, while suitable shade is needed for the plant by cutting. • A novel submerged macrophyte is provided for the remediation of eutrophic waters. • Rotala rotundifolia is superior in removing N and P from eutrophic waters. • Growth and physiological response of R. rotundifolia are affected by light available. • High light promotes the growth of the plant by division. • ►Suitable shade is needed for the growth of the plant by cutting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overuse of antibiotics and subsequent enrichment of antibiotic resistant microbes in the natural and built environments is a severe threat to global public health. In this study, a Phanerochaete chrysosporium fungal-luffa fiber system was found to efficiently biodegrade two sulfonamides, sulfadimethoxine (SDM) and sulfadizine (SDZ), in cow urine wastewater. Biodegradation pathways were proposed on the basis of key metabolites identified using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QqTOF-MS). Transcriptomic, metabolomic, and free radical analyses were performed to explore the functional groups and detailed molecular mechanisms of SDM and SDZ degradation. A total of 27 UniGene clusters showed significant differences between luffa fiber and luffa fiber-free systems, which were significantly correlated to cellulose catabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidoreductase activity. Carbohydrate-active enzymes and oxidoreductases appear to play particularly important roles in SDM and SDZ degradation. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy revealed the generation and evolution of OH and R during the biodegradation of SDM and SDZ, suggesting that beyond enzymatic degradation, SDM and SDZ were also transformed through a free radical pathway. Luffa fiber also acts as a co-substrate to improve the activity of enzymes for the degradation of SDM and SDZ. This research provides a potential strategy for removing SDM and SDZ from agricultural and industrial wastewater using fungal-luffa fiber systems. Image 1 • The synergistic system was efficient in removing sulfonamides. • Transcriptomic, metabolites and free radical analyses were performed. • Enzymatic reactions and OH are important in sulfonamides degradation. • Luffa can improve the activity of enzymes and sulfonamides degradation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]