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In image-based three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction, texture-mapping techniques can give the model realistic textures. When the geometric surface in some regions is not reconstructed, such as for moving cars, powerlines, and telegraph poles, the textures in the corresponding image are textured to other regions, resulting in errors. To solve this problem, this letter proposes an image consistency detection method based on the Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features (BRIEF) descriptor. The method is composed of two parts. First, each triangle in the mesh and its neighboring triangles are sampled uniformly to obtain sampling points. Then, these sampled points are projected into the visible image of the triangle, and the corresponding sampled points and their RGB color values are obtained on the corresponding image. Based on the sampled points on these images, a BRIEF descriptor is calculated for each image corresponding to that triangle. In the second step, the Hamming distance between these BRIEF descriptors is calculated, outliers are removed according to the method, and noisy images are also removed. In addition, we propose adding semantic information to Markov energy optimization to reduce errors further. The two methods effectively reduced errors in texture mapping caused by objects not reconstructed, improving the texture quality of 3D models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red mud (RM), a byproduct of aluminum production, is used as amendments to increase the pH and reduce the available Cd in soil, but the effects of RM treatments on rice and rhizosphere chemistry changes at different radial-oxygen-loss (ROL) rates and developmental stages remain unclear. To address this concern, a rhizobox trial was conducted to investigate the effect of 0%, 0.5%, and 1.0% RM, on Cd accumulation by rice cultivars differing in ROL rate ('Zheyou12' (ZY12), 'Qianyou1' (QY1), and 'Chunjiangnuo2' (CJN2)) at two growth stages (tillering and bolting). The results showed that mobility factors of Cd in the soil were decreased significantly at both stages. The Cd mobility factor (MF) of CJN2 was decreased by 33.01% under 1% RM treatment at bolting stage. The pH value was increased by 0.39–0.53 units at two stages. RM contains large amounts of metals, which can increase soil iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) concentrations, reduce redox potential, and transform the available Cd into Fe/Mn oxide-bound Cd. In addition, the Fe plaque further increased to inhibit the transformation of Cd. These changes reduced the available Cd in the soil and further decreased Cd absorption by rice. With the increase in RM concentration, the shoot and root biomass increased, and Cd accumulation in the plant significantly decreased. Compared with that under 0% RM treatment, the shoot Cd concentrations of ZY12, QY1, and CJN2 under 1% RM treatment at the bolting stage decreased by 27.59%, 36.00%, and 46.03%, respectively. The relative Cd accumulation ability of the three rice cultivars was CJN2 < QY1 < ZY12. The ROL promotes Fe plaque formation on the root surface. The Fe plaque is an obstacle or buffer between Cd and rice, which can immobilize Cd in Fe plaque and further reduce Cd absorption by rice. The addition of RM, in combination with a high-ROL rice cultivar, is a potential strategy for the safe production of rice on Cd-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective strategy for the safe utilization of Cd-contaminated soil involves the cultivation of crop varieties with low Cd accumulation in conjunction with a hyperaccumulator such as Hylotelephium spectabile. In this study, the peach cultivar 'Lvhuajiu' was intercropped with two ecological types of H. spectabile , 'Liaoning (LN)' and 'Hebei (HB)', to explore plant Cd uptake and rhizosphere soil properties. The results revealed that under pot intercropping conditions, the roots of the 'Lvhuajiu' peach tree engaged in nutrient competition, which increased biomass production. A maximum of 68.02% reduction in Cd content was observed in peach tree roots under open intercropping with H. spectabile LN. H. spectabile absorbed more available Cd under intercropping, and LN had a higher Cd absorption capacity than HB. The removal efficiency under restrictive intercropping (0.34%–0.50%) was slightly lower than that under open intercropping (0.62%–0.67%). Intercropping systems were highly abundant in Proteobacteria , Acidobacteria , Bacterodietes , and Actinobacteria , which are essential for the elimination of Cd and cycling of nutrients. Furthermore, the field experiment showed that peach and H. spectabile intercropping could achieve a 4.11% removal efficiency per year under water-soluble chitosan addition. Besides, Cd concentrations in the peaches under all treatments remained below the national food standard of 0.05 mg·kg−1. In conclusion, intercropping peaches with H. spectabile facilitates the safe utilization of Cd-contaminated soil by modifying rhizospheric soil properties, underscoring its considerable potential for a wide range of applications. [Display omitted] • 'Lvhuajiu' is a low-Cd-accumulating peach cultivar which planted on a large scale; • Intercropping decreased Cd uptake of peaches while increasing that in H. spectabile ; • Cd uptake by the peaches and H. spectabile is related to roots system competition; • Intercropping influenced the bacterial community composition in the rhizosphere soil; • Intercropping achieved a 4.11% remediation efficiency without affecting production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variants in RCBTB1 have been reported in autosomal recessive inherited retinal dystrophies and autosomal dominant familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). This study aims to verify the correlation between RCBTB1 variations and phenotypes. Variants in RCBTB1 were selected from 6303 unrelated families with different forms of eye conditions based on whole exome sequencing and targeted exome sequencing. Potential pathogenic truncation variants were filtered by multistep bioinformatics analysis and identified by Sanger sequencing. Segregation and enrichment analysis were used to evaluate the association of truncation variants in RCBTB1 with phenotypes. Biallelic damaging variants in RCBTB1 were found in one family while heterozygous truncation variants were detected in 28 unrelated families based on our in-house data from 6303 unrelated families. Totally, 11 variants were present in the 29 families, including seven frameshift variants, three splicing variants, and one nonsense variant. The biallelic variants, c.170delG and c.905_906insTT, were identified in an isolated case with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Heterozygous truncation variants were distributed in different forms of eye conditions (including normal) without significant enrichment in FEVR, suggesting unrelatedness to specific eye diseases. The frequency and location of truncation variants in the 6303 samples are comparable with the East Asian data from gnomAD. Segregation analysis of available family members further demonstrated the nonpathogenic nature of heterozygous truncation variants. Contrary to the previous report, heterozygous truncation variants in RCBTB1 are not associated with FEVR based on our data. The extreme rareness of biallelic truncation variants present in a singleton case with RP further suggests that variants in RCBTB1 are responsible for autosomal recessive RP. This result reminds us that variants of a gene with certain diseases should be thoroughly verified before the use of such information in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consistent global color correction across multiple-view images in three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is an important and challenging problem. The present work addresses this issue by proposing a novel global color correction method for multi-view images based on a spline curve remapping function. In contrast to existing methods, we obtain a series of optimal functions by minimizing the variance in the color values of all observations of every sparse point generated by the Structure from Motion (SfM) technique. We also find that adding only simple constraints to the spline is required to prevent the loss of image contrast and gradient information. The robustness of the proposed method is ensured by the adoption of strong geometric constraints between multi-view images. Finally, the applicability of the method to large-scale multiple-view images is facilitated by proposing a parallelizable hierarchical image color correction strategy based on a tree structure. The performance of the proposed method is compared with the performances of existing state-of-the-art methods when applied to several challenging datasets. The results indicate that the notable flexibility of the spline curve, along with the proposed optimization process and hierarchical strategy, not only enable the proposed method to perform well with challenging datasets, but also provide high computational efficiency when working with large-scale image sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of mobile near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers in field measurements is growing. Calibration transfer techniques offer simple solutions for enabling models constructed on benchtop instruments for use on mobile spectrometers. Since different types of spectrometers with different components, scanning ranges and resolutions cause great differences in the spectral response, calibration transfer is difficult to apply. In this paper, we focus on calibration transfer among benchtop, portable and handheld spectrometers by a method of calibration transfer based on canonical correlation analysis (CTCCA). Its capability was illustrated by the example of a group of NIR spectra dataset for predicting reducing sugars, total sugar, and nicotine contents in tobacco leaves. The experimental results showed that the transferability of CTCCA was superior to other conventional calibration transfer methods, including piecewise direct standardization, spectral space transformation, calibration transfer based on independent component analysis, and calibration transfer based on the weight matrix. Moreover, the best transfer results were obtained in the three cases by canonical correlation analysis method executing transfer while the spectra were not interpolated, which shows that this approach has the advantage of easy implementation for calibration transfer. Therefore, CTCCA without interpolation calculation offers a new and simple solution for transferring the spectra acquired by mobile spectrometers to the optimized spectral models built on benchtop devices to improve the accuracy of the results. Additionally, the results show that the benchtop spectrometer is more suitable as the master instrument for calibration transfer with more accurate prediction than using a portable device as the master. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WRINKLED1 (WRI1) belongs to AP2/EREBP transcription factor. Its function in dicots for fatty acids synthesis has been deeply studied, but its role in monocot, especially in rice, is still poorly understood. Here, with the overexpression of AtWRI1 in rice, we found its overexpression increased fatty acids content in vegetative organs and seed coat including aleurone layer (SCAL) but decreased fatty acids content in endosperm. Meanwhile, the overexpression of AtWRI1 increased starch content in endosperm. These results provide a new insight into the function of AtWRI1in monocot and make a previous basement for the study of the connection of fatty acids and starch synthesis in rice. The overexpression of AtWRI1 in rice enhances fatty acids content in vegetative tissues, seed coat including aleurone layer of rice but decreases fatty acids content in the endosperm. Meanwhile, the starch content in the endosperm of WRI1 rice is increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextraction is a promising technology that uses hyperaccumulating plants to remove arsenic (As) and heavy metals (HMs) from soil. A field experiment has been conducted to evaluate impacts of water-soluble chitosan (WC) upon the growth and phytoextraction of As, Cd and Pb by the hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L. and the economic plant castor bean ( Ricinus communis L.) in a co-planting system in polymetallic contamination of agricultural soil. The co-planting system was comprised of As-hyperaccumulator and Pb high-accumulating P. vittata and Cd high-accumulating R. communis . The results showed that yields of P. vittata were significantly increased by co-planting. The results revealed that the uptake of As and Pb by P. vittata was also significantly increased by co-planting. When the WC was applied to the co-planting system, the uptake of Cd and Pb by P. vittata and R. communis was significantly increased, but the uptake of As was not increased obviously. This study suggested that the combination of co-planting system with WC is a more promising approach than single hyperaccumulator. This approach not only enhanced the removal rates of soil As and HMs, but also simultaneously offered agricultural practices with no edible products in the As and HMs contaminated farmland soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetland plants have been widely used in constructed wetlands to remove metal contaminants from water and soil. This study aimed to investigate radial oxygen loss (ROL) rate, metal (Pb, Zn, and Cd) uptake, Fe plaque formation, and their relationships in a pot trial with 10 emergent wetland plant species grown in metal-contaminated soil under flooded and non-flooded conditions. The results showed that biomass, ROL rates, metal (Pb, Zn, and Cd) uptake, and Fe plaque formation on root surfaces and in the rhizospheres of the wetland plant species were remarkably higher under flooded conditions than under non-flooded conditions. Generally, flooding mainly increased metal accumulation in the roots and Fe plaque on the root surface of wetland plant species. The wetland plant species with higher ROL rates had higher biomass, Fe plaque formation and metal adsorption on the roots and in the rhizospheres under flooded conditions. These results suggest the wetland plant species with higher ROL rates, biomass and metal accumulation ability, e.g. C. alternifolius , has the potential for use in phytoremediation of metal-contaminated wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed cultivation is a novel approach to safely utilizing lead (Pb) contaminated farmland. However, the mechanism of Pb absorption in seeds remains uncertain. A field experiment was conducted to explore this mechanism with two contrasting treatments: rapeseed exposed to atmospheric deposition and non-exposed treatment. Non-exposed treatment ultimately decreased Pb content in leaf, silique, and seed by 46.7%, 53.7%, and 53.6%, respectively. Sub-microstructure analysis further confirmed that rapeseed leaves and siliques could directly absorb atmospheric Pb. In addition, Pb isotope analysis indicates that atmospheric deposition is the primary source of silique and seed Pb. The root and silique organs had relative Pb contributions of 28.0% and 72.0%, respectively, to seed. Thus, the direct absorption of atmospheric Pb by siliques during the filling stage was found to be the leading cause of seed Pb pollution. [Display omitted] • Non-exposed treatment substantially decreased the seed Pb content by 53.6%. • Both of silique and leaf can directly absorb atmospheric Pb. • The Pb of siliques and seeds mainly comes from atmospheric deposition. • The siliques had a relative contribution of 72% to seed Pb. • Uptake of atmospheric Pb by siliques is the leading cause of seed Pb pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterozygous truncation variants in RCBTB1 have been reported to cause familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR). Such genotype-phenotype association is not supported by our recent study based on big data from our own, HGMD, and gnomAD. The authors, who reported association between RCBTB1 and FEVR, made further explanation on their own results without additional supporting data. In response to their comments, we would like to further clarify the pathogenesis of heterozygous truncation variants in RCBTB1 based on the current understanding of variant curation at individual gene level. Genes associated with FEVR are of great attention since it has been recognized as a common disease-causing blindness in children and adolescents. Curation of questionable causative genes or variant curation in well-known genes is a critical task in clinical gene test at the era of next-generation sequencing, since clinical application of biomarkers in questions may lead to inappropriate management or even disastrous consequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reduce Cd phytoavailability in calcareous soils, the effects of soil amendments of red mud, rape straw, and corn straw in combination with zinc fertilization on Cd extractability and phytoavailability to spinach, tomato, Chinese cabbage and radish were investigated in a calcareous soil with added Cd at 1.5 mg kg−1. The results showed that water soluble and exchangeable Cd in soils was significantly decreased by the amendments themselves from 26% to 70%, which resulted in marked decrease by approximately from 34% to 77% in Cd concentration in vegetables. The amendments plus Zn fertilization further decreased the Cd concentration in vegetables. Also cruciferous rape straw was more effective than gramineous corn straw. In all treatments, rape straw plus red mud combined with Zn fertilization was most effective in decreasing Cd phytoavailability in soils, and it is potential to be an efficient and cost-effective measure to ensure food safety for vegetable production in mildly Cd-contaminated calcareous soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Wetland plants have been widely used in constructed wetlands for the clean-up of metal-contaminated waters. This study investigated the relationship between rate of radial oxygen loss (ROL), root porosity, Zn uptake and tolerance, Fe plaque formation in wetland plants. Methods: A hydroponic experiment and a pot trial with Zn-contaminated soil were conducted to apply different Zn level treatments to various emergent wetland plants. Results: Significant differences were found between plants in their root porosities, rates of ROL, Zn uptake and Zn tolerance indices in the hydroponic experiment, and concentrations of Fe and Mn on roots and in the rhizosphere in the pot trial. There were significant positive correlations between root porosities, ROL rates, Zn tolerance, Zn, Fe and Mn concentrations on roots and in the rhizosphere. Wetland plants with higher root porosities and ROL tended to have more Fe plaque, higher Zn concentrations on roots and in their rhizospheres, and were more tolerant of Zn toxicity. Conclusions: Our results suggest that ROL and root porosity play very important roles in Fe plaque formation, Zn uptake and tolerance, and are useful criteria for selecting wetland plants for the phytoremediation of Zn-contaminated waters and soils/sediments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the phylogeny of the viviparid genus Margarya, endemic to Yunnan, China, using two mitochondrial gene fragments (COI and 16S rRNA). The molecular phylogeny based on the combined dataset indicates that Margarya is polyphyletic, as two of the three well-supported clades containing species of Margarya also comprise species from other viviparid genera. In one clade, sequences of four species of Margarya even cluster indiscriminately with those of two species of Cipangopaludina, indicating that the current state of Asian viviparid taxonomy needs to be revised. Additionally, these data suggest that shell evolution in viviparids is complex, as even the large and strongly sculptured shells of Margarya, which are outstanding among Asian viviparids, can apparently be easily converted to simple smooth shells. The molecular data also indicate that the species status of the six extant species of Margarya should be re-assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, an immunochromatographic strip (ICS) was developed for the detection of bluetongue virus (BTV) serum antibodies. Colloidal gold particles labeled with streptococcal protein G (SPG), which can bind to the FC fragment of mammalian immunoglobulins, were used as the detector reagent. A recombinant VP7 BTV protein and a purified rabbit anti-SPG antibody were immobilized on test and control regions of a nitrocellulose membrane, respectively. In order to evaluate the ICS, 37 sera from animals exposed to different BTV serotypes were used as positive controls. In addition, 50 positive sera against viruses other than BTV, and eight sera taken from naive healthy sheep were used to determine the specificity of the ICS. Three hundred and three field sera taken from sheep and cattle were used after the above sera had been used for validation. Compared with the competitive ELISA (c-ELISA), the specificity and sensitivity of the ICS was 97.6% and 100%, respectively. There was excellent agreement between the results obtained by c-ELISA and the ICS (kappa=0.930). As it is rapid and easy to use, the test is suitable for the serological surveillance of BTV infection in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In previous studies, cyanobacteria have been associated with embryonic toxicity, including teratogenic effects, though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we explored differential responses to Microcystis aeruginosa by endangered Sinocyclocheilus grahami and introduced Pseudorasbora parva from Lake Dianchi, China. We conducted fish embryo test under Microcystis aeruginosa exudates (MaE) exposure, and developmental responses, cell structure and metabolism were measured. We observed increased malformation, mortality rate and decreased fertilization, hatching rate and heartbeats in both fish species when exposed to MaE. Transmission electron microscopy revealed damage to brain cells of both species. Transcriptomics revealed that mitochondria were a MaE target in both species, with impairment occurring to respiratory enzyme complexes and oxidative stress enzymes. Oxidative stress induced by MaE was mainly associated with hydrogen peroxide, though the underlying mechanism differed: In Sinocyclocheilus grahami, hydrogen peroxide increased owing to its decreased degradation, whereas in Pseudorasbora parva, it increased owing to increased synthesis. All results were consistent in that the Sinocyclocheilus grahami was more vulnerable than Pseudorasbora parva to MaE exposure. Our work highlights that MaE may harm fish in species-specific ways and contribute to replacement of native by invasive species in Lake Dianchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co-incineration biodried products in cement kilns were researched. • Combustion performance of biodried products was better than that of sewage sludge. • Heat efficiency of biodried products during co-incineration was 93.7%. • Co-incineration leads to increased SO 2 and NO X emission concentrations. • Biodried product as fuels have greater potential to reduce carbon emissions. The biodrying technology as a pretreatment technology can overcome the limitations of cement kilns co-incineration sewage sludge (SS) on energy consumption. But the impact of SS biodried products on cement kilns and the route carbon reduction potential of biodrying + cement kilns have not been studied. In this study, SS biodrying and cement kiln co-incineration biodried product trials were conducted to highlight the matrix combustion characteristics, and the impact of biodried products on cement kilns (clinker capacity, coal consumption, and pollutant discharge). The carbon emissions of the four scenarios were assessed based on these results. The results showed that water removal rate reached 65.5 % after 11-day biodrying, and the wet-based lower heating value of the biodried product increased by 76.0 % compared with the initial matrix. Comprehensive combustibility index of the biodried product (0.745 × 10−7 %2℃−3min−2) was better than that of SS (0.433 × 10−7 %2℃−3min−2) although a portion of the organic matter was degraded. Cement kiln co-incineration of biodried products (150 t/d) resulted in per tonne of clinker saved 5.61 kg of coal due to the heat utilization efficiency of biodried products reached to 93.7 %. However, it led to an increase in the emission concentrations of NO X and SO 2. Assessment results indicated that the biodrying + cement kiln pathway reduced CO 2 emissions by 385.7 kg/t SS. Biodried products have greater potential to reduce emissions as alternative fuels than as fertilizers. This study indicated the advantages of SS biodrying + cement kiln co-incineration route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved metals in the soil's liquid phase are more easily absorbed by biological tissues, thus posing potential risks to living organisms. Therefore, studying the solid-liquid partition coefficient (K d) of metals in the soil helps understand their environmental risks. We collected 102 K d data of metals in soil from the literature to build a quantitative ion character-activity relationship model (s-QICAR) based on the metals' physicochemical properties. Correlation analysis showed ten elemental physicochemical properties related to K d , including covalent bond index, atomic mass, and first hydrolysis constant, with R2 = 0.502–0.989. Through comparative screening, 39s-QICAR models were finally established, including covalent bond index and first hydrolysis constant. The established s-QICAR model predicted the K d values of Mo, Sb, and La in the 39 soil samples, ranging from 21 to 19978. Finally, a coupling analysis was conducted between K d -metal and soil physicochemical properties. The s-QICAR model with covalent bond index as the independent variable was mainly affected by soil pH and cation exchange capacity, while the s-QICAR model with first hydrolysis constant was influenced primarily by clay content. Therefore, this study established a predictive model for soil K d , providing a basis for soil environmental risk assessment and management. Dissolved metals present in the soil liquid phase are more easily absorbed by biological tissues, thus posing potential risks to living organisms. Therefore, studying the solid-liquid partition coefficient (K d) of metals in the soil helps understand their environmental risks. Common K d values are obtained by measuring the content of soil solid and liquid phase metals. However, this method is time-material consuming. We study the relationship between element properties and their K d , then establish a model that does not rely on measured data to predict K d of soil elements, providing a basis for soil environmental risk assessment and management. [Display omitted] • 102 sets of soil data with different properties were used for K d prediction model. • Ten elemental physicochemical properties are related to K d. • In total, 39s-QICAR models related to Xm2r and |logKOH| were established. • Soil properties influenced Xm2r and |logKOH| impacts on K d. • The s-QICAR predicted the K d of Mo, Sb, and La in 39 soil types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: aquaculture; chromosomal rearrangement; distant hybridization; fish breeding EN aquaculture chromosomal rearrangement distant hybridization fish breeding 1332 1335 4 02/12/21 20210301 NES 210301 Distant hybridization, which refers to crosses between two different species, genera or higher-ranking taxa, is an effective way to combine the genomes of different species and achieve heterosis in offspring. Here, based on distant hybridization with BC, we obtained good growth performance in F1 hybrids and so we created a fast-growth and good-tasting (based on tasting experience of consumers) valuable hybrid. Reciprocal hybrids of tench Tinca tinca (L.) × bream Abramis brama (L.), and tench × carp Cyprinus carpio L., and some characteristics of their early development. [Extracted from the article]

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanocrystals with different surface sharpness properties were synthesized to study the effects of surface sharpness on optical performance. Nanocrystals with hexagonal sharp surfaces showed a significant reduction in the number of surface defects and increased the luminescence intensity by 2.5 times compared to nanocrystals with spherical surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of lymphadenectomy (LND) on clinical outcomes in ICC patients aged ≥ 70 years. Methods: Four hundred and three eligible patients diagnosed with ICC who underwent hepatectomy between 2004 and 2019 were enrolled in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The impact of LND on perioperative mortality and overall survival (OS) as well as the optimal total number of lymph nodes examined (TNLE) was estimated. Results: One hundred thirty-nine pairs of patients were matched by propensity score matching. Perioperative mortality was comparable between the LND and non-LND (nLND) groups (0.7% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.367). The median OS in the LND group was significantly longer (44 vs. 32 months, P = 0.045) and LND was identified as an independent protective factor for OS by multivariate analysis (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46–0.92, P = 0.014). Patients with the following characteristics were potential beneficiaries of LND: white, female, no/moderate fibrosis, tumor size > 5 cm, solitary tumor, and localized invasion (all P < 0.05). TNLE ≥ 6 had the greatest discriminatory power for identifying lymph node metastasis (area under the curve, 0.704, Youden index, 0.365, P = 0.002). Patients with pathologically confirmed lymph node metastasis are likely to benefit from adjuvant therapy (40 months vs. 4 months, P = 0.052). Conclusions: Advanced age (≥ 70 years) was not a contraindication for LND, which facilitates accurate nodal staging and guides postoperative management. Appropriately selected elderly populations could benefit from LND. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our previous work, we reported comparative genomics studies on 3Sinocyclocheilusfishes, including the surface-dwellingS. graham(Sg), the semi-cave-dewllingS. rhinocerous(Sr) and the cave-restrictedS. anshuiensis(Sa). Here, we performed a genomic survey on the immunity differences among the 3 fishes by combination of the genome and transcriptome data. Our results demonstrate that immune-related genetic pathways in Sa and Sr present more similarities than Sg. The innate immune activity in Sa seems to be higher than Sg and Sr, while Sr owns more copy numbers of MHC-related genes (related with the acquired immune system) than Sg and Sa. These differential immune activities in the 3Sinocyclocheilusspecies may be due to their differential habitats. Generally speaking, most immunity genes transcribe the lowest levels in Sa when compared with Sg and Sr, which may be associate with a less various microbial environment in the cave-restricted habitat. However, Sr has more members of MHC-related genes than those in Sg and Sa, suggesting a great contribution from the semi-cave-dwelling condition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hylotelephium spectabile with high tolerance to cadmium (Cd) might be a potential candidate for phytoremediation. However, the mechanisms for Cd accumulation and tolerance in H. spectabile are poorly understood. Four H. spectabile populations, namely HB1, HB2, JS, and LN, were selected to investigate their Cd extraction potential and the underlying mechanism of Cd accumulation, focusing on subcellular distribution and antioxidant enzymes. The Cd concentration, bioconcentration factor and transfer factor of the LN was significantly higher than other populations, particularly with increasing Cd exposure, and no obvious growth inhibition observed. Segregation of excessive Cd to Cd-rich granule in LN was much higher than other populations which reveal one possible mechanism of Cd accumulation. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities with increasing Cd stress suggested SOD and CAT contribute to the Cd tolerance of H. spectabile. LN displayed significantly higher and constant peroxidase (POD) activities than other populations, which indicated that an effective mechanism existed in the LN to cope with Cd stress. Therefore, the subcellular distribution and antioxidant enzymes might play important roles in Cd accumulation and tolerance of H. spectabile. LN possessed high Cd extraction potential, and further studies under field conditions are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental remediation of heavy metal-mining sites can improve human well-being through pollution risk control and improved ecosystem services. A cost-benefit dynamic analysis for the multiple stakeholders involved in the project can better explain the overall efficiency and provide guidance for further mine remediation. Taking Asia's largest monomeric realgar mine environmental remediation project (MER) as a case, we conducted, for the first time, a dynamic cost–benefit analysis for multiple stakeholders over a 60-year period regarding environmental risks, health risks and ecosystem services. The results show that by improving the environment and ecosystem, the payback period is expected to begin 5 years after the end of the project, with a benefit‒cost ratio of 2.71 by 2050. Local residents, the direct beneficiaries, receive 13.2% of the benefits, which come from agricultural soil remediation projects (66.6%) and health risk reduction (33.4%). The government, as an investor, receives 3.3% of the benefits. Downstream water users are the main beneficiaries, receiving 76.5% of the total benefits, mainly from the benefit of As-contaminated water purification (97.9%). Compensation from downstream beneficiaries for improved water might be channeled into sharing the burden of MER implementation. Notably, the intercropping remediation of hyperaccumulators and low-accumulation crops for agricultural soils in MER provides employment and sustainable agricultural income during and after remediation, respectively. This green and sustainable remediation model improves both the environment and the livelihood of residents and should be recommended for nearly one million mining sites worldwide. [Display omitted] • Green and sustainable industries improves the household livelihood in mining areas. • Downstream water users are the main beneficiaries of mine environmental remediation. • Improving downstream water quality and industrial drivers should be mainly considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A fast and ultrasensitive test-strip system combining quantum dots (QDs) with a lateral-flow immunoassay strip (LFIAS) was established for detection of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) antibody. The highly luminescent water-soluble carboxyl-functionalized QDs were used as the signal output and were conjugated to streptococcal protein G (SPG), which was capable of binding to immunoglobulin G (IgG) from many species through an amide bond to capture the target PPRV IgGs. The PPRV N protein, which was immobilized on the detection zone of the test strip, was expressed by transfecting recombinant Bacmid-PPRV-N with Lipofect into Sf9 insect cells. When exposed to PPRV IgG, QD-SPG bound to PPRV N protein, resulting in the formation of a complex that subsequently produced a bright fluorescent band in response to 365 nm ultraviolet excitation. Sensitivity evaluation showed that the QD-LFIAS limit of detection (LOD) for PPRV antibody was superior to competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and the immunochromatographic strip. No cross reaction was observed when the positive sera of bluetongue virus, canine distemper virus, goat pox virus, and foot-and-mouth disease virus were tested. Further evaluation using field samples indicated that the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of the QD-LFIAS was 99.47 and 97.67 %, respectively, with excellent agreement between QD-LFIAS and c-ELISA. The simple analysis step and objective results that can be obtained within 15 min indicate that this new method shows great promise for rapid, sensitive detection of PPRV IgG for onsite, point-of-care diagnosis and post vaccination evaluation (PVE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Free Cu species in soils is a key issue to its bioavailability. However, predictive models for Cu speciation across a wide range of soils were still unavailable. In this study, Cu speciation in 34 contaminated soil samples were investigated via analytical technique and predictive models. The results showed that most of free Cu2+was underestimated when using default logKCuFAand 65% active fulvic acid as inputs in models of WHAM VI and NICA-Donnan. The best prediction was found when using either adjusted active fulvic acid from 10% to 125% for WHAM VI or from 15% to 65% for NICA-Donnan model with the RMSE < 0.32 andr2 > 0.96. In contrast, NICA-Donnan demonstrated a slightly stronger binding for Cu than WHAM VI due to extra 26% of samples was underestimated. This work presents a comprehensive database of Cu speciation and an effective attempt of free Cu2+prediction in a wide range of Chinese soils. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Multi-metal pollution in mines and their surrounding areas causes major environmental and health problems. An investigation on the soil quality in four mining sites revealed serious heavy metal (HM) contamination. The contents of As, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Sb showed high HM pollution. Compared with the national second soil environmental quality standard, the over-standard rates of As, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Sb were 97.8%, 80.0%, 82.2%, 68.9%, 88.9%, and 73.3%, respectively. Phytoextraction is an emerging remediation technology for HM-contaminated soil. However, hyperaccumulators that can simultaneously extract multi-metals have been rarely reported. A field survey was conducted in the four mining sites; results showed that Pteris vittata L. and Viola principis H. de Boiss were two potential multi-metal extractors. Two plant species could thrive on soils severely contaminated with multiple metals. P. vittata accumulated 4106 mg As kg − 1 , 499.5 mg Pb kg − 1 , and 321.5 mg Sb kg − 1 in the aboveground parts; by comparison, V. principis accumulated 1032 mg As kg − 1 , 2350 mg Pb kg − 1 , and 1201 mg Cd kg − 1 in the aboveground parts. The bioaccumulation factor of P. vittata for As, Pb, Zn, and Sb was > 1. The bioaccumulation factor of V. principis for As, Pb, Zn, and Cd was also > 1. Therefore, P. vittata is an As hyperaccumulator and a Pb and Sb accumulator. By contrast, V. principis is a Cd, Pb, and As hyperaccumulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Length‐weight relationships (LWRs) were estimated for four cavefish species belonging to the genus Sinocyclocheilus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) occurring in the Nanpanjiang River and Hongshuihe River, which constitute the upstream of the species, S. angularis, S. furcodorsalis, S. rhinocerous, and S. tileihornes, were collected from 2011 to 2017. The b values of LWRs of these four species ranged from 2.830 to 3.719 and the correlation coefficient values (R2) were high for all species. This is the first record of LWRs for cavefish species with the horn in FishBase database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis (OP) is a prevalent age-related disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and systemic bone microarchitectural disorders. With age, senescent cells accumulate and exhibit the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in bone tissue, leading to the imbalance of bone homeostasis, osteopenia, changes in trabecular bone structure, and increased bone fragility. Cellular senescence in the bone microenvironment involves osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), whose effects on bone homeostasis are regulated by epigenetics. Therefore, the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of cellular senescence have received considerable attention as potential targets for preventing and treating osteoporosis. In this paper, we systematically review the mechanisms of aging-associated epigenetic regulation in osteoporosis, emphasizing the impact of epigenetics on cellular senescence, and summarize three current methods of targeting cellular senescence, which is helpful better to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of cellular senescence in osteoporosis and provides strategies for the development of epigenetic drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. • The main hallmarks of cellular senescence are irreversible cell cycle arrest and SASP. • Epigenetic changes encompass intricate cellular processes that are intricately linked to age-related osteoporosis. • Cellular senescence in the bone microenvironment is regulated by epigenetics. • With age, senescent osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and BMSCs accumulate in bone tissue and result in osteoporosis. • Treatments for cellular senescence in osteoporosis include Senolytics, Senomorphics, and Senescence immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odor released from the sewage sludge composting process often has a negative impact on the sewage sludge treatment facility and becomes a hindrance to promoting compost technology. This study investigated the effect of adding KNO3 on the emissions of volatile sulfur compounds, such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and carbon disulfide (CS2), during sewage sludge composting and on the physicochemical properties of compost products, such as arylsulfatase activity, available sulfur, total sulfur, moisture content, and germination index. The results showed that the addition of KNO3 could inhibit the emissions of volatile sulfur compounds during composting. KNO3 can also increase the heating rate and peak temperature of the compost pile and reduce the available sulfur loss. The addition of 4% and 8% KNO3 had the best effect on H2S emissions, and it reduced the emissions of H2S during composting by 19.5% and 20.0%, respectively. The addition of 4% KNO3 had the best effect on DMS and CS2 emissions, and it reduced the emissions of DMS and CS2 by 75.8% and 63.0%, respectively. Furthermore, adding 4% KNO3 had the best effect from the perspective of improving the germination index of the compost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compared with phytoextraction, growing suitable crops may be a more profitable and practical approach for managing contaminated farmland, especially when there are multiple pollutants. In this 5-year field study, the phytoaccumulator Hylotelephium spectabile , the high-biomass species amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus), and a winter rapeseed/maize rotation crop were cultivated on farmland contaminated with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb). Over 4 consecutive years, the annual Cd uptake and extraction efficiency of H. spectabile was 117.6 g hm−2 and 2.36%, respectively. The Cd extraction efficiency of amaranth was equivalent to that of H. spectabile because of its high biomass, and it extracted more Pb (660–2210 g hm−2) from the soil than did H. spectabile. However, neither of these species was able to remediate contaminated farmland rapidly and inexpensively, even with enhancing strategies such as variety screening and the addition of fertilizers and a chelating agent. A safe utilization approach to cultivate rapeseed instead of wheat significantly reduced the carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks. The concentrations of heavy metals in rapeseed oil were below the limits specified in the Chinese national food standard, and the heavy metal concentrations in the byproducts (rapeseed meal and straw) were below the limits specified in Chinese national standards for organic fertilizer and feed. The cost of safe utilization was one-quarter that of phytoextraction, and the net economic benefit was 33.5%–123.5% higher than that of wheat crops. Therefore, the rapeseed/maize rotation is a profitable and feasible approach for the safe utilization of Cd- and Pb-contaminated farmland on the northern plains of China. [Display omitted] • Relatively low efficiency restricted application of phytoremediation strategies. • Rapeseed produces safe products that meet the national food standard and reduce health risk. • Safe utilization of rapeseed costs a quarter of phytoextraction with considerable benefit. • Planting rapeseed shows application prospect in contaminated soil in north plain China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial invertebrates are often used as indicator organisms in ecological risk assessments. However, determining the risk of metals to invertebrates is laborious and time-consuming due to the lengthy testing and ethical approval procedures. In this study, a review of the literature was conducted to provide toxicity data for two standard soils (OECD and LUFA 2.2). An attempt was made to establish models for predicting the toxicity of elements to invertebrates using quantitative ion character-activity relationships (QICARs). In OECD soil, the element toxicity of four groups (Enchytraeus albidus mortality and reproduction, Folsomia candida and Eisenia fetida reproduction) showed significant correlations with atomic number, atomic mass and atomic ionization potential (0.852 ≤ R 2 ≤ 0.989, P < 0.05). For LUFA 2.2 soil, polarization force parameters and boiling point were most significant parameters for toxicity values of F. candida and Enchytraeus crypticus , respectively (0.866 ≤ R 2 ≤ 0.962, P < 0.05). Finally, QICAR models were established, and LC 50 or EC 50 of elements were predicted. Then, models were verified using standard and natural soils, and showed that errors between observed and predicted logLC 50 /EC 50 were mostly < 0.5 orders of magnitude. Thus, the developed QICAR models have potential for predicting the toxicity of elements for soils. [Display omitted] • Several element ion characteristics significantly correlated with element toxicity. • The QICAR models were applied in standard soils for the first time. • logLC 50 or logEC 50 of unknown-toxicity elements were predicted using QICAR models. • The new QICARs were verified and showed high levels of similarity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Increased ventilation had no positive effect on the water removal of sludge bio-drying. • Ventilation and pile temperature jointly determine the dehydration effect. • More than 30% of the water was removed during the non-ventilation process. • High ventilation obtained higher heat utilization efficiency with less energy input. • Air circulation achieved energy recovery but carried more water into the pile. Sewage sludge bio-drying technology has attracted considerable attention in recent years. In this study, we explored the water-heat balance under two ventilation strategies for the first time in bio-drying plants with circulated air, and examined the influence of air circulation on water removal and heat recovery. We want to obtain the relationships of pile temperature, ventilation, and water removal. Then, it provides support for optimizing the bio-drying process conditions and improving the efficiency through analysis of the water-heat relationship. In the low-ventilation and high-ventilation trials, water removed was mainly on Days 9–12 and 1–4, respectively. Ventilation and pile temperature jointly determine the water removed during the bio-drying process. Water balance indicated that more than 30% of the water was removed under the nonventilated process. More organic matter was degraded to maintain a higher pile temperature under low-ventilation than under high-ventilation, which also led to more radiation heat being lost. High-ventilation trial input less energy (3.36 MJ/kg water removed) but obtained a higher bio-drying index I (7.04) and heat utilization efficiency Q effic (94.1%). Heat balance showed that lower energy consumption by dry air (Q dryair) was obtained due to circulation air with high temperature. Circulation air also has a higher carried capacity of water vapor but carries more water into the pile due to higher humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperaccumulator–cash crop intercropping remediation is a research hotspot for heavy metal contaminated farmland, but few studies evaluated its feasibility based on practice. Field experiments and survey statistics were conducted to obtain parameters of Pteris vittata–Citrus reticulata/Zea mays intercropping, and potential of intercropping remediation was evaluated based on remediation efficiency and economic benefits. The results showed that intercropping hyperaccumulator with cash crop (especially herbs) had a certain negative effect on remediation efficiency because of the influence on planting density and harvest times of hyperaccumulator; while trees could partly alleviate this effect. Until achieving the predetermined target, the net remediation cost of P. vittata–Z. mays was 18.2 $/g As, followed by P. vittata monoculture (13.3 $/g) and P. vittata–C. reticulata (8.6 $/g). Based on the proposed evaluation model, nealy half of the P. vittata intercropping modes had low economic benefits, insufficient to compensate the cost of sacrificing remediation efficiency. Based on the data from two soil remediation projects, when net income of cash crops intercropped with As-hyperaccumulators exceeded 5865/1607 $/hm2 (herbs/trees), the economic benefit of intercropping will be relatively obvious. Therefore, cash crops should be considered from three aspects: planting conditions, spatial allocation and economic benefits. Novelty statement: This work analyzed remediation efficiency and economic benefits of intercropping remediation. An economic benefit evaluation model was established to evaluate intercropping remediation modes. The selection principle and net income threshold of cash crops in intercropping was put forward for the first time. The selection principle of cash crops in intercropping remediation was put forward. An evaluation model of P. vittata intercropping remediation was established. The net cost of extracting 1.0 g of soil As in each remediation mode was proposed. Net income of herb/tree intercropped with P. vittata should exceed 5865/1607 $/hm2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Phylogeny of Rhacophoridae is constructed using two mitochondrial (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear (tyrosinase and Rag-1) genes in an attempt to test for the taxonomic status of Rhacophorus appendiculatus and Kurixalus species from Tam Dao. All phylogenetic analyses demonstrate that specimens from Tam Dao are nested in Kurixalus bisacculus, indicating that they belong to K. bisacculus. R. appendiculatus is closer to genus Kurixalus than to other genera with strong support values. In combination with morphological evidence, it is suggested that R. appendiculatus should be placed in Kurixalus. Kurixalus verrucosus is not related to Kurixalus appendiculatus and it is the sister taxon to the clade of K. bisacculus and Kurixalus odontotarsus, which rejects that K. verrucosus is a synonym of K. appendiculatus. The genus Kurixalus needs redefinition by clear synapomorphic characters, and generic status of Kurixalus ananjevae deserves further examination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study re-examined the taxonomic status of the sisorid catfishes usually identified as Glyptothorax zanaensis using a combination of morphometric and molecular data. Our results resurrect Glyptothorax longinema from the synonymy of G. zanaensis, and we describe two previously unnamed species as Glyptothorax granosus sp. nov. and Glyptothorax fucatus sp. nov. All four species are diagnosed and described in detail. Truss-based morphometrics combined with principal component analysis (PCA) detected three principal components (PCs) that can explain 86% of the total variation amongst species, which mainly reflect the characteristics of body depth, related depth, adhesive apparatus length, pectoral-fin length, caudal peduncle length, and barbel lengths. We also generated a phylogenetic hypothesis of these species using concatenated mitochondrial cytochrome b and d-loop gene sequences. Molecular dating analysis revealed a rapid speciation of Glyptothorax in the south-eastern corner of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau from the middle Pliocene to early Pleistocene. A key to identify the Glyptothorax species from the Salween River drainage is also provided. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 165, 363-389. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Glyptothorax is the most species-diverse and widely-distributed genus in the Sisoridae, but few studies have examined monophyly of the genus and phylogenetic relations within it. We used the nuclear RAG2 gene and mitochondrial COI and Cyt b genes from 50 of the approximately 70 species to examine monophyly of Glyptothorax and phylogenetic relationships within the genus. Molecular phylogenetic trees were constructed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference methods. All methods strongly supported monophyly of Glyptothorax, with Bagarius as its sister group. Both analyses of two- and three-gene datasets recovered nine major subclades of Glyptothorax, but some internal nodes remained poorly resolved. The phylogenetic relationships within the genus and existing taxonomic problems are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We construct the phylogeny of the Kurixalus odontotarsus species group using two mitochondrial (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA) genes in an attempt to delimit species boundaries within the Chinese K. odontotarsus group. With strong support values, three major clades are obtained, and all phylogenetic analyses reject monophyly of K. odontotarsus. The Tibetan lineage of K. odontotarsus was clustered with Kurixalus verrucosus from Myanmar (labeled Clade I); K. odontotarsus haplotypes from the type locality and nearby regions formed a distinct clade (labeled Clade II), and K. odontotarsus haplotypes from other places, together with those from Kurixalus bisacculus, K. verrucosus from Vietnam, and Kurixalus hainanus, formed a distinct clade (labeled Clade III). Clade II is the sister taxon to Clade III. The average uncorrected p-distance of 16S rRNA sequences between these three major clades range from 3.11% to 7.88%, which is obviously higher than that within these three major clades (0.03–1.89%). We propose that K. odontotarsus, K. bisacculus, and K. verrucosus should be treated as three independent species. The Tibetan lineage of K. odontotarsus does not belong to K. odontotarsus, and we tentatively place it in K. verrucosus. Kurixalus hainanus is considered a synonym of K. bisacculus. The distribution range of K. bisacculus should be expanded widely to include most regions of South China, and in China the distribution of K. odontotarsus should be limited to its type locality and nearby regions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The generic allocation of Indian and Sri Lankan Philautus needs further examination. In this study, a comprehensive understanding of the phylogeny of Indian and Sri Lankan Philautus is obtained based on 12S and 16S rRNA genes. All phylogenetic analyses indicate that Indian-Sri Lankan Philautus, Philautus menglaensis, Philautus longchuanensis, and Philautus gryllus form a well supported clade, separate from Philautus of Sunda Islands that form another well supported clade representing true Philautus. This result supports the designation of the genus Pseudophilautus to accommodate the Indian and Sri Lankan species. Pseudophilautus consists of two major lineages, one comprises the majority of Indian species, Chinese species, and Southeast Asian species, and one comprises all Sri Lankan species and a few Indian species. Pseudophilautus may have originated in South Asia and dispersed into Southeast Asia and China. Based on the results, we further suggest that Philautus cf. gryllus (MNHN1997.5460) belongs to the genus Kurixalus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leptobrachium ailaonicum is a vulnerable anuran restricted to a patchy distribution associated with small mountain streams surrounded by forested slopes at mid-elevations (approximately 2000–2600m) in the subtropical Mount Wuliang and Mount Ailao ranges in southwest China (Yunnan Province) and northern Vietnam. Given high habitat specificity and lack of suitable habitat in lower elevations between these ranges, we hypothesized limited gene flow between populations throughout its range. We used two mitochondrial genes to construct a phylogeographic pattern within this species in order to test our hypothesis. We also examined whether this phylogeographic pattern is a response to past geological events and/or climatic oscillations. A total of 1989 base pairs were obtained from 81 individuals of nine populations yielding 51 unique haplotypes. Both Bayesian and maximum parsimony phylogenetic analyses revealed four deeply divergent and reciprocally monophyletic mtDNA lineages that approximately correspond to four geographical regions separated by deep river valleys. These results suggest a long history of allopatric separation by vicariance. The distinct geographic distributions of four major clades and the estimated divergence time suggest spatial and temporal separations that coincide with climatic and paleogeographic changes following the orogeny and uplift of Mount Ailao during the late Miocene to mid Pliocene in southwest China. At the southern distribution, the presence of two sympatric yet differentiated clades in two areas are interpreted as a result of secondary contact between previously allopatric populations during cooler Pleistocene glacial cycles. Analysis of molecular variance indicates that most of the observed genetic variation occurs among the four regions implying long-term interruption of maternal gene flow, suggesting that L. ailaonicum may represent more than one distinct species and should at least be separated into four management units corresponding to these four geographic lineages for conservation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The partial nucleotide sequence of mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA genes was determined for 23 Chinese species of Rhacophoridae (Amphibia: Anura), representing four of the eight recognized genera. Using Buergeriinae as the outgroup, phylogenetic analyses (maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference) were performed in combination with already published mitochondrial 12S and 16S sequences of Rhacophorinae frogs. In all cases, Philautus romeri Smith, 1953 is recovered as the sister taxon to all other Rhacophorinae, although the support values are weak. Chirixalus doriae Boulenger, 1893 is closer to Chiromantis[ Chiromantis rufescens (Günther, 1868) and Chiromantis xerampelina Peters, 1854] than to Chirixalus vittatus (Boulenger, 1887). The clade { Philautus odontotarsus Ye & Fei, 1993, [ Philautus idiootocus (Kuramoto & Wang, 1987), Kurixalus eiffingeri (Boettger, 1895)]} is recovered with strong support. The monophyly of Theloderma and Rhacophorus rhodopus Liu & Hu, 1959 is not supported. It is suggested that Philautus albopunctatus Liu & Hu, 1962 should be placed into the synonymy of Theloderma asperum (Boulenger, 1886), and that Philautus rhododiscus Liu & Hu, 1962 should be assigned to Theloderma, so as to correct the paraphyly. Additionally, the monophyly of ‘ Aquixalus’ is not supported, and this requires further examination. Results also indicate that the Rhacophorus leucomystax (Gravenhorst, 1829)/ Rhacophorus megacephalus (Hallowell, 1861) complex needs further revision. Studies employing broader sampling and more molecular markers will be needed to resolve the deep relationships within the subfamily Rhacophorinae. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 153, 733–749. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) is one of the commensal flora in the human intestinal tract and a prevalent nosocomial pathogen, which rarely causes infectious osteoarthritis in immunocompetent patients without recent trauma or surgery. Here, we report the first case of septic monoarthritis of the shoulder caused by E. cloacae in an immunocompetent patient.Case Presentation: A 52-year-old female with a 6-year history of right shoulder pain was referred to our emergency department due to fever, acute severe shoulder pain, and swelling. Blood test showed elevated inflammatory markers. The patient denied any recent invasive surgical procedure and trauma. She was misdiagnosed with a frozen shoulder, and the anti-inflammatory painkiller celecoxib for symptomatic treatment was ineffective. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a shoulder joint abscess and supraspinatus tendon tear. The joint aspirate culture showed E. cloacae. After late diagnosis, she was treated with levofloxacin and underwent surgical debridement and irrigation. Her follow-up data revealed that she did not suffer from shoulder swelling and severe pain.Conclusion: This is a rare case of E. cloacae infected arthritis of the shoulder in an immunocompetent patient with a rotator cuff tear, indicating that even if the symptoms and age of the patients match the characteristics of frozen shoulder, the possibility of septic arthritis should be considered in the presence of fever and increasing inflammatory markers. The cases of our literature review suggest that the patients subjected to invasive procedure may develop a subsequent E. cloacae osteoarticular infection, regardless of being asymptomatic after the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Water-soluble Chitosan enhances phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil by H. spectabile. • Efficacy depends on chitosan dose, soil pollution and H. spectabile populations. • Water soluble and acid extractable Cd in soil increase with chitosan dose. • Chitosan increases amino and hydroxyl groups in soil. • Increased functional groups play important roles in mobilizing Cd in soil. Water-soluble chitosan (WSC) was used to enhance cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction by Hylotelephium spectabile , a promising accumulator. The effect of WSC on Cd forms and functional groups in contaminated soils was determined to clarify the internal mechanism of WSC affecting phytoremediation. Results showed that WSC significantly increased the water-soluble and acid-extractable Cd in contaminated soils by 20.3 %–143.5 % and 2.4 %–39.5 %, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectra analysis showed that amino and hydroxyl groups in soils were significantly increased in the presence of WSC. The coordination of Cd with increased amino and hydroxyl groups may play important roles in formation of Cd complexes and mobilizing Cd in soils. WSC significantly increased the Cd phytoextraction of H. spectabile by 56.1 %–115.7 % without obvious growth inhibition, which was further confirmed under field trial conditions. Therefore, it is feasible to apply WSC as a soil amendment to Cd-contaminated soils during remediation with H. spectabile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has considered different environmental management measures (EMMs) in mining areas. However, their effects remain unclarified. In this study, the achievements and limitations of different EMMs of a typical mining area—Huangchang realgar mine—located in Hunan province were explored. The variations in the arsenic concentrations in the soil, agricultural products, drinking water, and atmosphere in 25 years of EMM implementation were investigated. Source control measures, such as ceasing mining and smelting activities, disposal of waste residues, and purifying wastewater, significantly reduced the arsenic concentrations in the atmosphere and surface water by more than 99%—from 68 μg m−3 and 0.42 mg L−1 to 3.63 ng m−3 and 4.31 μg L−1, respectively. The arsenic concentrations in agricultural products decreased by more than 78.8%—from 1.32 mg kg−1 in wheat to 0.28 mg kg−1 in vegetable and 0.13 mg kg−1 in maize—after the planting structure adjustment (PSA). However, the chronic daily intake of arsenic via product ingestion was 1.5 times higher than the benchmark dose lower confidence limit. Natural attenuation measures exerted limited effects on soil remediation; the arsenic concentration in the soil decreased insignificantly from 291.9 mg kg−1 to 213.3 mg kg−1. With the current attenuation rate, decreasing the soil arsenic concentration to under 30 mg kg−1 would require 47,900 years. The exceeding contaminant concentration in the resuspended dust, surface runoff, and agricultural products from the contaminated soil must be considered. China's EMMs in mining areas have achieved significant results, but the contaminated soil requires more attention and the PSA should accommodate the dietary habits and economic limits. Image 1 • Variations in the arsenic contents in 25 years in a mining area were studied. • Source control significantly reduced the arsenic in atmosphere and surface water. • Planting structure adjustment didn't eliminate the high risks of diet ingestion. • Natural attenuation had a limited effect on the restoration of contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the adsorption capacity of Cd(II) ions, Cd(II) ions were imprinted on the surface of aminoethyl chitosan (AECS), which was coated on Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles. A novel magnetic Cd(II) ion-imprinted polymer (Cd(II)-IIP) was synthesized, characterized, and applied to the selective separation of Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution. The adsorption–desorption properties and selectivity of Cd(II)-IIP and a non-imprinted polymer (Cd(II)-NIP) were investigated. The optimum pH and equilibrium binding time were established at pH 6.0 and 60 min, respectively. Kinetics studies demonstrated that the adsorption process proceeded according to a pseudo-first or second order model, while the adsorption isotherms agreed with the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities of Cd(II)-IIP and Cd(II)-NIP toward Cd(II) ions, as calculated by the Langmuir equation, at pH 6.0 and 25 °C were 26.1 and 6.7 mg/g, respectively. The imprinted polymer showed higher selectivity toward Cd(II) ions compared to the non-imprinted polymer. The relative selectivity factor (βr) values of Cd(II)/Cu(II), Cd(II)/Cr(II), and Cd(II)/Pb(II) were 3.315, 3.875, and 2.061, respectively. In addition, Cd(II) ions adsorbed on the Cd(II)-IIP adsorbent could be easily released using 0.1 M HNO3, thus showing good material stability and reusability. The adsorption capacity of Cd(II)-IIP was retained at 74% after undergoing six adsorption–desorption cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PV yields were increased with soil moisture irrespectively of P. • Positive correlations were found between pH of P-applied soils and As of PV. • P fertilizer with enhanced soil moisture effectively increased As uptake of PV. The ability of As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata (PV) to remove As from real As (75.2 mg/kg) contaminated farmland soils under two soil moisture treatments [water retention (WR) and non-water retention (NW)] and three types of P fertilizers (acidic, alkaline and weakly acidic P fertilizers, indicated by SSP, CaP and KP, respectively) under field condition over 5 months was investigated for the first time. The results showed that yields of PV were increased by water retention irrespectively of P treatments. The results revealed that the uptake of As by PV was significantly increased by CaP and KP treatments, the opposite was observed with SSP treatment. Under WR condition, the uptake of As by PV treated with CaP and KP treatments was further significantly increased compared with SSP treatment. This study suggested that the combination of P fertilizer with soil moisture control is a more promising approach to increase remediating efficiency of PV under the real field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermally enhanced anoxic biodegradation is emerging as a promising method for removing PAHs from subsurface soil. However, some PAHs still remain in soil following remediation with thermally enhanced anoxic degradation due to low bioavailability of these residual PAHs. The effects of five surfactants (Tween 80, TX 100, Brij 30, SDS, and SDBS) on the desorption of PAHs, anoxic degradation of PAHs, and native bacteria in soil at high temperature (60 °C) were evaluated in this study. The desorption of PAHs in soil increased as surfactant concentration increased. Low doses of surfactants (0.08%, w/w) enhanced the growth of potential PAHs degrading bacteria and promoted the anoxic degradation of PAHs, whereas high doses of surfactants (0.3%–0.8%, w/w) displayed the opposite effect, and the degree of inhibition increased with increasing surfactant concentration. The results also indicated that the inhibitory effect of anionic surfactants (SDS and SDBS) on microbial growth and PAHs degradation is stronger than that of nonionic surfactants (Tween 80, TX 100 and Brij 30) at the same concentration. These results suggest a feasible way of enhancing the anoxic degradation of PAHs in soil where heat cannot be effectively utilized when in situ thermal desorption (ISTD) technology is used. [Display omitted] • The effect of surfactants on anoxic degradation of PAHs at 60 °C was investigated. • Low doses of surfactants enhanced microbial growth and anoxic degradation of PAHs. • High doses of surfactants inhibited microbial growth and anoxic degradation of PAHs. • The degree of inhibition increased with increasing surfactant concentration. • The inhibition of anionic surfactants was stronger than that of nonionic surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]