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Rhizosphere is a soil volume of high spatio-temporal heterogeneity and intensive plant-soil-microbial interactions, for which visualization and process quantification is of highest scientific and applied relevance, but still very challenging. A novel methodology for quick assessment of two-dimensional distribution of available phosphorus (P) in rhizosphere was suggested, tested, and development up to the application platform. Available P was firstly trapped by an in-situ diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) sampler with precipitated zirconia as the binding gel, and subsequently, the loaded gel was analyzed with an optimized colorimetric imaging densitometry (CID). The imaging platform was established linking: i) DGT, ii) planar optode, and iii) soil zymography techniques to simultaneously determine available P, oxygen, and acid phosphatase in rhizosphere at sub-millimeter spatial scales. The DGT identified available P level in rice rhizosphere were spatially overlapping to the localized redox hotspots and phosphatase activity. The spatial relationship between available P and acid phosphatase activity was dependent on root development. The root radial oxygen loss (ROL) remained active during the experimental observations (2–3 days), while a flux of available P of 10 pg cm−2 s−1 was visualized within 2–3 mm of roots, confirming the correlative response of rice roots to oxygen secretion and P uptake. Summarizing, the established imaging platform is suitable to capture spatial heterogeneity and temporal dynamics of root activities, nutrient bioavailability, ROL and enzyme activities in rhizosphere. [Display omitted] • Quick establishment of the two-dimensional distribution of available P was realized. • A versatile platform was established for imaging multiple analytes in rhizosphere. • Rhizosphere P dynamics were linked to localized redox conditions and root activity. • Relationship between P and acid phosphatase activities varied as root developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pathogenesis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has not been fully elucidated. Gestational hypertension could double the probability of ADHD in the offspring, while the initial bacterial communication between the mother and offspring has been associated with psychiatric disorders. Thus, we hypothesize that antihypertensive treatment during pregnancy may abate the impairments in neurodevelopment of the offspring. To test this hypothesis, we chose Captopril and Labetalol, to apply to pregnant spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) dams and examined the outcomes in the male offspring. Our data demonstrated that maternal treatment with Captopril and Labetalol had long-lasting changes in gut microbiota and behavioral alterations, including decreased hyperactivity and increased curiosity, spatial learning and memory in the male offspring. Increased diversity and composition were identified, and some ADHD related bacteria were found to have the same change in the gut microbiota of both the dam and offspring after the treatments. LC-MS/MS and immunohistochemistry assays suggested elevated expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex and striatum of offspring exposed to Captopril/ Labetalol, which may account for the improvement of the offspring's psychiatric functions. Therefore, our results support the beneficial long-term effects of the intervention of gestational hypertension in the prevention of ADHD. [Display omitted] • Maternal Captopril/Labetalol treatment alleviated ADHD symptoms in SHR offspring. • Maternal Captopril/Labetalol treatment altered gut microbiota in SHR offspring. • Maternal Captopril/Labetalol treatment elevated brain dopamine in SHR offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In aqueous zinc-based batteries, the reaction by-product Zn 4 SO 4 (OH) 6 ·xH 2 O is commonly observed when cycling vanadium-based and manganese-based cathodes. This by-product obstructs ion transport paths, resulting in enhanced electrochemical impedance. In this work, we report a hybrid aqueous battery based on a Na 0.44 MnO 2 cathode and a metallic zinc foil anode. The surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate is added to the electrolyte as a modifier, and the performance before and after modification is compared. The results show that sodium lauryl sulfate can generate an artificial passivation film on the electrode surface. This passivation film reduces the generation of Zn 4 SO 4 (OH) 6 ·xH 2 O and inhibits the dissolution of Na 0.44 MnO 2 in the electrolyte. Therefore, the reaction kinetics and cycle stability of the battery are significantly enhanced. A battery with this electrolyte additive delivers an initial discharge capacity of 235 mA h g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g -1. At the same time, the battery has excellent rate performance. Under the high-rate condition of 1 A g−1, the battery still maintains a capacity retention rate of 93% after 1500 cycles. Finally, the functional mechanism of by-product inhibition by the electrolyte additive is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cow mastitis, caused by Streptococcus infection of the mammary glands, is a common clinical disease that can lead to decreased milk quality and threaten animal welfare and performance. Esculetin (ESC) is a coumarin with anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects. However, whether ESC has therapeutic effects on mastitis remains unexplored. This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of ESC against murine mastitis caused by Streptococcus isolated from bovine mammary glands and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Streptococcus uberis was used to construct a mouse model of mastitis. The results showed that the mice exhibited edema and thickening of the acinar wall with inflammatory infiltration after S. uberis treatment. Intraperitoneal injection of ESC significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, restored normal physiological function, and inhibited the production of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis revealed that ESC reduced P38 phosphorylation, further inhibited the influence of mammary Streptococcus on cytoplasmic translocation of nuclear factor-κB (P65), and inhibited the transcriptional activation of P65, thus inhibiting the generation of inflammatory cells. Collectively, ESC may inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB, thereby highlighting its potential for the treatment and prevention of mastitis. • Mastitis can lead to decreased milk quality, threatening animal welfare and performance, and affecting human health. • A mouse model of mastitis was constructed using Streptococcus mammary of bovine origin. • The natural herb esculetin protects against mastitis in mice caused by streptococcus isolated from bovine mammary glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating the health risks of the groundwater and surface water in landfill areas is of great significance to the health and safety of local residents. The current practice of health risk assessment is based only on the analysis results of groundwater and surface water samples, which reflect the current situation of water security in landfill areas. However, due to the neglect of risk causes analysis, thus a health risk assessment is insufficient to provide rigorous scientific countermeasures for risk prevention and control. The health risks caused by groundwater and surface water is mainly controlled by the water quality, which is comprehensively controlled by the conditions of its formation and evolution. When a landfill site is located in a hilly area, the environmental characteristics, causes, main controlling factors, and evolution processes of the surface water and groundwater in different parts of the catchment are significantly different. This study used a municipal solid waste landfill area in a hilly area as an example and defined the causes and main controlling factors of regional health risks caused by water based on an analysis of the characteristics of natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the groundwater and surface water. Then, prevention and control countermeasures were proposed for health risks caused by water in different parts of the landfill area. This study provides a method for the causes analysis and prevention and control countermeasures of health risks caused by water in municipal solid waste landfills in hilly areas. [Display omitted] • The health risks of water around landfills in hilly area are significantly different. • The controlling factors of water environmental health risk are different. • Natural and human factors affect the evolution of water around landfill. • Risk prevention and control measures based on causes of health risks are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gut dysbiosis and dysregulation of gut–brain communication have been identified in hypertensive patients and animal models. Previous studies have shown that probiotic or prebiotic treatments exert positive effects on the pathophysiology of hypertension. This study aimed to examine the hypothesis that the microbiota-gut-brain axis is involved in the antihypertensive effects of curcumin, a potential prebiotic obtained from Curcuma longa. Male 8- to 10-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were divided into four groups: WKY rats and SHRs treated with vehicle and SHRs treated with curcumin in dosage of 100 or 300 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks. Our results show that the elevated blood pressure of SHRs was markedly decreased in both curcumin-treated groups. Curcumin treatment also altered the gut microbial composition and improved intestinal pathology and integrity. These factors were associated with reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the hypothalamus paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Moreover, curcumin treatment increased butyrate levels in the plasma, which may be the result of increased butyrate-producing gut microorganisms. In addition, curcumin treatment also activated G protein-coupled receptor 43 (GPR 43) in the PVN. These results indicate that curcumin reshapes the composition of the gut microbiota and ameliorates the dysregulation of the gut-brain communication to induce antihypertensive effects. [Display omitted] • Curcumin ameliorated hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. • Curcumin altered composition of intestinal microbiota and reshaped gut microbiome. • Curcumin attenuated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the PVN. • Microbiota-gut-brain axis are involved in the antihypertensive effect of curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether meteorological factors influence COVID-19 transmission is an issue of major public health concern, but available evidence remains unclear and limited for several reasons, including the use of report date which can lag date of symptom onset by a considerable period. We aimed to generate reliable and robust evidence of this relationship based on date of onset of symptoms. We evaluated important meteorological factors associated with daily COVID-19 counts and effective reproduction number (R t) in China using a two-stage approach with overdispersed generalized additive models and random-effects meta-analysis. Spatial heterogeneity and stratified analyses by sex and age groups were quantified and potential effect modification was analyzed. Nationwide, there was no evidence that temperature and relative humidity affected COVID-19 incidence and R t. However, there were heterogeneous impacts on COVID-19 risk across different regions. Importantly, there was a negative association between relative humidity and COVID-19 incidence in Central China: a 1% increase in relative humidity was associated with a 3.92% (95% CI, 1.98%–5.82%) decrease in daily counts. Older population appeared to be more sensitive to meteorological conditions, but there was no obvious difference between sexes. Linear relationships were found between meteorological variables and COVID-19 incidence. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the association and the results based on report date were biased. Meteorological factors play heterogenous roles on COVID-19 transmission, increasing the possibility of seasonality and suggesting the epidemic is far from over. Considering potential climatic associations, we should maintain, not ease, current control measures and surveillance. • Negative association between relative humidity and COVID-19 incidence in China. • Linear relationships found between meteorological variables and COVID-19 incidence. • Meteorological factors play heterogenous roles on COVID-19 transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]