Nitrogen Metabolism Research Articles

Sub-MIC antibiotics increased the fitness cost of CRISPR-Cas in Acinetobacter baumannii.

The escalating prevalence of bacterial resistance, particularly multidrug-resistant bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii, has become a significant global public health concern. The CRISPR-Cas system, a crucial defense mechanism in bacteria against foreign genetic elements, provides a competitive advantage. Type I-Fb and Type I-Fa are two subtypes of CRISPR-Cas systems that were found in A. baumannii, and the I-Fb CRISPR-Cas system regulates antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii. However, it is noteworthy that a majority of clinical isolates of A. baumannii lack or have incomplete CRISPR-Cas systems and most of them are multidrug-resistant. In light of this, our study aimed to examine the impact of antibiotic pressure on the fitness cost of the I-Fb CRISPR-Cas system in A. baumannii. In the study, we conducted in vitro competition experiments to investigate the influence of sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) on the CRISPR-Cas systems' fitness cost in A. baumannii. We found that the fitness cost of the CRISPR-Cas system was increased under sub-MIC conditions. The expression of CRISPR-Cas-related genes was decreased, while the conjugation frequency was increased in AB43 under sub-MIC conditions. Through metabolomic analysis, we identified that sub-MIC conditions primarily affected energy metabolism pathways. In particular, we observed increased carbon metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, and intracellular ATP. Notably, the CRISPR-Cas system demonstrated resistance to the efflux pump-mediated resistance. Furthermore, the expression of efflux pump-related genes was increased under sub-MIC conditions. Our findings suggest that the I-Fb CRISPR-Cas system confers a significant competitive advantage in A. baumanni. However, under sub-MIC conditions, its function and the ability to inhibit the energy required for efflux pumps are reduced, resulting in an increased fitness cost and loss of competitive advantage.

Synergistic mechanisms of denitrification in FeS2-based constructed wetlands: Effects of organic carbon availability under day-night alterations

In constructed wetlands (CWs), carbon source availability profoundly affected microbial metabolic activities engaged in both iron cycle and nitrogen metabolism. However, research gaps existed in understanding the biotransformation of nitrogen and iron in response to fluctuations in organic carbon content under day-night alterations. Results demonstrated increased removal efficiency of NO3−-N (95.7 %) and NH4+-N (75.70 %) under light conditions, attributed to increased total organic carbon (TOC). This enhancement promoted the relative abundance of bacteria involved in nitrogen and iron processes, establishing a more stable microbial network. Elevated TOC content also upregulated genes for iron metabolism and glycolysis, facilitating denitrification. Spearman correlation analysis supported the synergistic mechanisms between FeS2-based autotrophic denitrification and TOC-mediated heterotrophic denitrification under light conditions. The significant impact of carbon sources on microbial activities underscores the critical role of organic carbon availability in enhancing nitrogen removal efficiency, providing valuable insights for optimizing FeS2-based CWs design and operation strategies.

Novel insights into the biological state in algal-bacterial granular sludge granulation: Armor-like protection provided by the algal barrier

Algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) composed of microalgae and aerobic granular sludge, is a sustainable and promising technology for wastewater treatment. However, the formation mechanism of ABGS has not been clearly defined, and the direct formation of ABGS in saline wastewater has rarely been investigated. This study proposed novel insights into the granulation process of ABGS by assembling the algal barrier, which was successfully cultivated directly in saline wastewater. The results concluded that ABGS with the algal barrier maintained a higher biomass (MLSS of 7046±61 mg/L), larger particle sizes (1.21±0.06 mm), and better settleability (SVI30 of 46±1 mL/g), enabling efficient pollutants removal. Soluble microbial products (SMP) were found to be closely related to the emergence of the algal barrier. In addition, under salinity stress, the high production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS, 133.70±1.40 mg/g VSS), specifically TB-EPS (90.29±1.12 mg/g VSS), maintained a crucial role in the formation of ABGS. Further analysis indicated that biofilm producing bacteria Pseudofulvimonas and filamentous eukaryote Streptophyta were the key players in ABGS formation with the algal barrier. Furthermore, the enhancement of key genes and enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism, TCA cycle, and polysaccharide metabolism suggested a more robust protective effect provided by the algal barrier. This study is expected to advance the application of simultaneous ABGS formation and pollutant removal in wastewater.

Molecular response to the influences of Cu(II) and Fe(III) on forming biogenic manganese oxides by Pseudomonas putida MnB1

The biogeochemical cycle of biogenic manganese oxides (BioMnOx) is closely associated with the environmental behavior and fate of various pollutants. It is significantly interfered by many metals, such as Cu and Fe. However, the bacterial molecular responses are not clear. Here, the effects of Cu(II) and Fe(III) on oxidation of manganese by Pseudomonas putida MnB1 and the bacterial molecular response mechanisms have been studied. The bacterial oxidation of manganese were promoted by both Fe(III) and Cu(II) and the final manganese oxidation rate of the Cu(II) group exceeded 16% that of the Fe(III) group. The results of transcriptome indicated that Cu(II) promoted manganese oxidation by up-regulating the expression levels of multicopper oxidase (MCO) and peroxidase(POD), and by stimulating electron transfer, while Fe(III) promoted this process by accelerating the electron transfer and nitrogen cycling, and activating POD. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network indicated that the MCO genes (mnxG and mcoA) were directly linked to the copper homeostasis proteins (cusA, cusB, czcC and cusF). Cytochrome c was closely related to the genes related to nitrogen cycling (glnA, glnL, and putA) and electrons transfer (cycO, cycD, nuoA, nuoK, and nuoL), which also promoted manganese oxidation. This study provides a molecular level insight into the oxidation of Mn(II) by Pseudomonas putida MnB1 with Cu(II) and/or Fe(III) ions.

Potential effects of Cu2+ stress on nitrogen removal performance, microbial characteristics, and metabolism pathways of biofilm reactor

Sequencing batch biofilm reactors (SBBR) were utilized to investigate the impact of Cu2+ on nitrogen (N) removal and microbial characteristics. The result indicated that the low concentration of Cu2+ (0.5 mg L−1) facilitated the removal of ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). In comparison to the average effluent concentration of the control group, the average effluent concentrations of NH4+-N, NO3−-N, COD, and TN were found to decrease by 40.53%, 17.02%, 10.73%, and 15.86%, respectively. Conversely, the high concentration of Cu2+ (5 mg L−1) resulted in an increase of 94.27%, 55.47%, 22.22%, and 14.23% in the aforementioned parameters, compared to the control group. Low concentrations of Cu2+ increased the abundance of nitrifying bacteria (Rhodanobacter, unclassified-o-Sacharimonadales), denitrifying bacteria (Thermomonas, Comamonas), denitrification-associated genes (hao, nosZ, norC, nffA, nirB, nick, and nifD), and heavy-metal-resistant genes related to Cu2+ (pcoB, cutM, cutC, pcoA, copZ) to promote nitrification and denitrification. Conversely, high concentration Cu2+ hindered the interspecies relationship among denitrifying bacteria genera, nitrifying bacteria genera, and other genera, reducing denitrification and nitrification efficiency. Cu2+ involved in the N and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycles, as evidenced by changes in the abundance of key enzymes, such as (EC:1.7.99.1), (EC:1.7.2.4), and (EC:1.1.1.42), which initially increased and then decreased with varying concentrations of Cu2+. Conversely, the abundance of EC1.7.2.1, associated with the accumulation of nitrite nitrogen (NO2−-N), gradually declined. These findings provided insights into the impact of Cu2+ on biological N removal.

Integrated morphological, physiological and transcriptomic analyses reveal the responses of Toona sinensis seedlings to low-nitrogen stress

Nitrogen is one of the most essential elements for plant growth and development. In this study, the growth, physiology, and transcriptome of Toona sinensis (A. Juss) Roem seedlings were compared between low-nitrogen (LN) and normal-nitrogen (NN) conditions. These results indicate that LN stress adversely influences T. sinensis seedling growth. The activities of key enzymes related to nitrogen assimilation and phytohormone contents were altered by LN stress. A total of 2828 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in roots and 1547 in leaves were identified between the LN and NN treatments. A differential enrichment analysis of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways indicated that nitrogen and sugar metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis, plant hormone signal transduction, and ABC transporters, were strongly affected by LN stress. In summary, this research provides information for further understanding the response of T. sinensis to LN stress.

Noviherbaspirillum album sp. nov., an airborne bacteria isolated from an urban area of Beijing, China.

A Gram-negative, ellipsoidal to short-rod-shaped, motile bacterium was isolated from Beijing's urban air. The isolate exhibited the closest kinship with Noviherbaspirillum aerium 122213-3T, exhibiting 98.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genomes showed that it clustered closely with N. aerium 122213-3T, thus forming a distinct phylogenetic lineage within the genus Noviherbaspirillum. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain I16B-00201T and N. aerium 122213-3T were 84.6 and 29.4 %, respectively. The respiratory ubiquinone was ubiquinone 8. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c/C16:1ω7c, 43.3 %), summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c/C18:1ω6c, 15.9 %) and C12:0 (11.0 %). The polyamine profile showed putrescine as the predominant compound. The polar lipid profile consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, unknown lipids and unknown phosphatidylaminolipids. The phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic results consistently supported that strain I16B-00201T represented a novel species of the genus Noviherbaspirillum, for which the name Noviherbaspirillum album sp. nov. is proposed, with I16B-00201T (=CPCC 100848T=KCTC 52095T) designated as the type strain. Its DNA G+C content is 59.4 mol%. Pan-genome analysis indicated that some Noviherbaspirillum species possess diverse nitrogen and aromatic compound metabolism pathways, suggesting their potential value in pollutant treatment.

Water-fertilizer regulation drives microorganisms to promote iron, nitrogen and manganese cycling: A solution for arsenic and cadmium pollution in paddy soils

The co-contamination of arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in rice fields presents a global imperative for resolution. However, understanding the complex microbially driven geochemical processes and network connectivity crucial for As and Cd bioavailability under the frequent redox transitions in rice fields remains limited. Here, we conducted a series of microcosm experiments, using flooding and drainage, alongside fertilization treatments to emulate different redox environment in paddy soils. Soil As significantly reduced in drained conditions following applications of biochar or calcium-magnesium-phosphate (CMP) fertilizers by 26.3 % and 31.2 %, respectively, with concurrent decreases in Cd levels. Utilizing geochemical models, we identified the primary redox cycles dynamically altering during flooding (Fe and S cycles) and drainage (Fe, Mn, and N cycles). PLS-SEM elucidated 76 % and 61 % of the variation in Cd and As through Mn and N cycles. Functional genes implicated in multi-element cycles were analyzed, revealing a significantly higher abundance of assimilatory N reduction genes (nasA, nirA/B, narB) in drained soil, whereas an increase in ammonia-oxidizing genes (amoA/B) and a decrease in nitrate reduction to ammonium genes were observed after CMP fertilizer application. Biochar application led to significant enrichment of the substrate-binding protein of the Mn transport gene (mntC). Moreover, Fe transport genes were enriched after biochar or CMP application compared to drained soils. Among 40 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs), microbial predictors associated with low Cd and As contents across different treatments were examined. Bradyrhizobacea harbored abundant Mn and FeIII transport genes, while Nitrososphaeraceae carried nitrification-related genes. Two MAGs affiliated with Caulobacteraceae, carrying diverse Fe transport genes, were enriched in biochar-applied soils. Therefore, applying CMP fertilizer or biochar in aerobic rice fields can synergistically reduce the bioavailability of Cd and As by specifically enhancing the circulation of essential elements.

Soil biological fertility evolution in a chronosequence under long‐term rice cultivation after land reclamation in China

AbstractLand use significantly affects soil biological fertility through impacts on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. The present study investigated the effects of long‐term rice cultivation after tidal flat reclamation on soil C and N metabolism, microbial biomass and biological fertility. Eighteen composite topsoil (0–20 cm) samples were identified in a chronosequence of coastal reclamation areas (0–700 years old) in subtropical monsoon climate zone, namely tidal flat (T0), salt marsh soil (S10) and paddy soil (P50, P100, P300 and P700). Using ANOVA analysis, mono‐exponential regression model, and multiple linear regressions, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), cumulative C mineralization content (Ct) and N mineralization content (Nt), basal soil respiration (BSR) and microbial biomass C and N (MBC and MBN) in the P50‐P700 samples were significantly higher than those in the T0 and S10 samples, whereas C metabolic quotients (qCO2) in the P50‐P700 were significantly lower than those in the T0 and S10 samples. The time to steady state for SOM and TN are 357 years and 80 years, respectively; 133 and 221 years for Ct and Nt, respectively; and 318 and 183 years for MBC and MBN, respectively. Also, a soil biological fertility index (SBFI) was calculated on the basis of SOM, BSR, Ct, MBC, qCO2 and qCM. P100‐P300 samples had the highest SBFI score (28.7) and ranked in the class V (very high) of biological fertility, achieving steady‐state conditions after 146 years. SBFI was significantly positively correlated with SOM, TN, MBC, MBN, BSR, Ct and Nt, whereas it was significantly negatively correlated with pH, qCO2 and C mineralization quotient (qCM). MBC and qCM were two independent variables with considerable positive effects on SBFI. Long‐term rice cultivation could facilitate C and N accumulation and enhance biological fertility in soils via microbial activity, especially within 300 years. Our findings demonstrate that rice cultivation has the potential to enhance soil C and N accumulation. Carbon‐related SBFI is suitable for assessing soils under long‐term rice cultivation, mainly because the rice paddy field is an intensive and conservative system.

Soil biological fertility evolution in a chronosequence under long‐term rice cultivation after land reclamation in China

AbstractLand use significantly affects soil biological fertility through impacts on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. The present study investigated the effects of long‐term rice cultivation after tidal flat reclamation on soil C and N metabolism, microbial biomass and biological fertility. Eighteen composite topsoil (0–20 cm) samples were identified in a chronosequence of coastal reclamation areas (0–700 years old) in subtropical monsoon climate zone, namely tidal flat (T0), salt marsh soil (S10) and paddy soil (P50, P100, P300 and P700). Using ANOVA analysis, mono‐exponential regression model, and multiple linear regressions, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), cumulative C mineralization content (Ct) and N mineralization content (Nt), basal soil respiration (BSR) and microbial biomass C and N (MBC and MBN) in the P50‐P700 samples were significantly higher than those in the T0 and S10 samples, whereas C metabolic quotients (qCO2) in the P50‐P700 were significantly lower than those in the T0 and S10 samples. The time to steady state for SOM and TN are 357 years and 80 years, respectively; 133 and 221 years for Ct and Nt, respectively; and 318 and 183 years for MBC and MBN, respectively. Also, a soil biological fertility index (SBFI) was calculated on the basis of SOM, BSR, Ct, MBC, qCO2 and qCM. P100‐P300 samples had the highest SBFI score (28.7) and ranked in the class V (very high) of biological fertility, achieving steady‐state conditions after 146 years. SBFI was significantly positively correlated with SOM, TN, MBC, MBN, BSR, Ct and Nt, whereas it was significantly negatively correlated with pH, qCO2 and C mineralization quotient (qCM). MBC and qCM were two independent variables with considerable positive effects on SBFI. Long‐term rice cultivation could facilitate C and N accumulation and enhance biological fertility in soils via microbial activity, especially within 300 years. Our findings demonstrate that rice cultivation has the potential to enhance soil C and N accumulation. Carbon‐related SBFI is suitable for assessing soils under long‐term rice cultivation, mainly because the rice paddy field is an intensive and conservative system.

Vertical Non-uniform Distribution of Soil Salinity Enhances Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency and Influences δ15N Distribution in Tomato Plants

Soil salinity typically exhibits non-uniform distribution in the natural environment. However, how vertically non-uniform distribution of soil salinity in the root zone (VNDSR) regulated plant nitrogen metabolism is still largely elusive. This study aimed to investigate the impact of VNDSR on leaf Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, upper and lower root activity, leaf Na+/Ca2+ and Na+/K+, various tomato organs’ nitrogen concentration (%) and natural abundance of nitrogen isotopes (δ15N,‰), and nitrogen utilization efficiency of tomato plants. Four treatments were established, including the upper layer of the root zone having soil salinity levels of 1‰, 1‰, 2‰, and 3‰, while the corresponding lower layer of the root zone had soil salinity levels of 1‰, 5‰, 4‰, and 3‰, respectively, denoted as T1:1, T1:5, T2:4, and T3:3. The results showed that under the same average soil salinity conditions and compared to the treatment with uniform soil salinity distribution in the root zone (T3:3), the VNDSR treatment (T1:5) significantly reduced leaf MDA content (p < 0.01), Na+/Ca2+ (p < 0.01) and Na+/K+ (p < 0.01), and stem δ15N values (p < 0.05). Moreover, the VNDSR treatment (T1:5) significantly increased the ratio of upper and lower root biomass-weighted root activity (p < 0.01), tomato fruit yield (p < 0.01), and nitrogen partial factor productivity (PFP, gg−1, p < 0.01) compared to uniform salt distribution treatment (T3:3). There were significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) between leaf δ15N values and Nitrogen Absorption Ratio (NAR, %, p < 0.05) and PFP (p < 0.05), indicating that under VNDSR, δ15N values can serve as an indicator that comprehensively reflects the information of plant nitrogen utilization efficiency. In conclusion, the VNDSR could mitigate the damage of salt stress to tomatoes, enhance plant nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency, and promote the growth and development of tomatoes. Availability of data and materialThe datasets generated or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

ИЗМЕНЕНИЯ БИОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ КРОВИ У КРЫС ЛИНИИ WISTAR ПОСЛЕ ИМПЛАНТАЦИИ ФРАГМЕНТОВ СОСУДИСТЫХ ПРОТЕЗОВ

Background. This article deals with the use of biological vascular grafts made from bovine xenopericardium as a plastic material for reconstructive operations on the great vessels, which is one of the most important topics in modern vascular surgery. Aim. To compare changes in blood biochemical parameters in Wistar rats after implantation of fragments of biological and synthetic vascular grafts. Material and methods. The experimental study was performed on male laboratory Wistar rats (n = 50). The animals were divided into two groups: group 1 included 25 animals with implantation of a Dacron vascular graft; group 2 was composed of 25 animals with implantation of a vascular graft made from bovine xenopericardium. Blood samples from the laboratory rats were collected on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 after the operation. Plasma urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase levels were measured. Results. No clinically significant changes in concentrations of low molecular weight metabolites of nitrogen metabolism or liver enzymes activity, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed after implantation of a biological vascular graft from bovine xenopericardium compared to the animals with implanted synthetic vascular graft. Conclusion. The use of a biological vascular graft made from bovine xenopericardium does not cause clinically significant changes in blood biochemical parameters in laboratory rats.

Elucidating biogeochemical characterization of nitrogen in the vadose zone integrating geochemistry, microorganism, and numerical simulation

A thorough comprehension of nitrogen biogeochemical processes in the vadose zone is crucial for the effective prevention and remediation of soil-groundwater system contamination. Despite the growing research on this subject, the full scope of nitrogen biogeochemical characterization in different geological environments remains poorly understood. This study addresses this knowledge gap by integrating geochemical, microbiological and numerical simulation approaches to gain a deeper insight into nitrogen biogeochemistry in agriculture. Our findings indicate the biogeochemical behavior of nitrogen in the vadose zone is mediated by microorganisms, driven by hydraulics, influenced by geological conditions and environmental factors. Along the groundwater flow, NH4+-N was found to be heavily accumulated in the topsoil of 0–40 cm, while NO3−-N was transported and driven by hydrodynamics from both vertical and horizontal directions. Microbial diversity, species composition and functional microorganisms were significantly influenced by soil depth, rather than geomorphological types. Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), total organic carbon (TOC), soil moisture (MOI), bicarbonate (HCO3−), and ferrous (Fe2+) were identified as the principal environmental factors that regulate nitrogen metabolism and the dominant biochemical processes, encompassing nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification. Driven by hydrodynamics, NH4+-N, NO2−-N and NO3−-N tend to form distinct biochemical reaction zones in the vertical vadose zone. These areas are dynamic and subject to geomorphologies. It should be noted that NO3−-N can migrate towards groundwater from the clayey sand in the Alluvial Plain, which presents a potential risk of groundwater contamination. The fissure structure of loess may serve as the major transport pathway for groundwater nitrogen contamination in the Loess Tableland. This finding highlights the importance of integrating microbiology, geochemistry and hydraulics to elucidate the biogeochemical processes of nitrogen in the vadose zone with a dynamic mindset.

Enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus removal by iron-manganese mediated autotrophic denitrification in electrochemical system and the underlying mechanisms

At present, the research on Fe/Mn autotrophic denitrification is very limited, and the underlying mechanism in electrochemical system is not clear. In this study, an electrochemical system based on Fe-Mn autotrophic denitrification was constructed for the treatment of low C/N wastewater. The underlying mechanism and electrochemical process of Fe/Mn-mediated autotrophic denitrification were elucidated. The results showed that pyrite and manganese mineral matrix had no significant effect on COD removal, but had significant effect on nitrogen removal. R1 (activated carbon matrix) had the lowest nitrogen removal rate, with an average of 66.06%. The mean removal rate of R2 (iron matrix) and R3 (manganese matrix) were 93.94% and 95.89%, respectively. The coupling of iron/manganese ammoxidation and autotrophic denitrification was the main mechanism to achieve efficient nitrogen removal. ICP and FIRT results showed that strong REDOX reactions of Fe, Mn and sulfur occurred at the anode of MFC. Direct precipitation of iron and manganese and electrochemical flocculation (FeOOH) effectively improved phosphorus removal. The phosphorus removal rates of R2 and R3 reached 93.89% and 95.85%, respectively. R3 has high electron transfer efficiency with a maximum voltage of 680mV. Metagenomic analysis showed that 19 important transcripts associated with nitrogen metabolism pathways and 4 nitrogen metabolism pathways were detected. Enzymes encoded by nap A and nar G genes were abundant in R3 system. Reductase encoded by nrfA and nrfH genes was abundant in R2 system. Iron REDOX genes iroE, iroN, oorA, and manganese REDOX genes moxR, moxA were detected. The results of metabolic pathways and related enzymes further revealed the coupling cycle relationship between metal elements and nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur in electrochemical systems. This study can not only provide a new method for efficient nitrogen and phosphorus removal of sewage, but also provide scientific basis for improving the geochemical cycle of metal elements and nitrogen elements.

Promoting electroreduction of nitrite to ammonia over electron-deficient Pd modulated by rectifying Schottky contacts

Electrochemical nitrite reduction reaction (NO2−RR) is a potential sustainable route for regulating the nitrogen cycle and ambient ammonia (NH3) synthesis. However, it remains a challenge to precisely regulate the reaction pathways and inhibit competing reactions (e.g. hydrogenolysis) for efficient and selective NH3 production in an aqueous solution environment. Here, we utilize the Schottky barrier-induced surface electric field to construct high-density electron-deficient Pd nanoparticles by modulating the N content in the carbon carrier to promote the enrichment and immobilization of NO2− on the electrode surface, which ensures the ultimate selectivity for NH3. With these properties, Pd@N0.14C with the highest N content achieved excellent catalytic performance for the reduction of NO2− to NH3 with the 100% Faraday efficiency at -0.5 and -0.6 V vs. RHE for NH3 production, which was significantly better than Pd/C and Pd@NxC samples with lower N content. This study opens new avenues for rational construction of efficient electrocatalysts for nitrite removal and NH3 electrosynthesis.

Maize Lowers the N2O Emissions from Maize/Soybean Intercropping

Interspecific interactions between intercropped maize and soybean are expected to cycle soil nitrogen efficiently and avoid N2O emissions. However, the unique interactions of maize and soybean with nitrogen cycling bacteria makes it hard to predict the crop-specific impact on soil N2O production. We conducted a field microcosm experiment with root separation to simulate monoculture and intercropping with maize and soybean. Intercropped maize reduced the N2O emissions by 16–41%, compared to monoculture maize. This was related to reduced nitrification by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and denitrification reactions (as indicated by the abundance of nirS and nirK gene copies), as well as drier soil conditions and lower soil NO3--N levels. Soil N2O emissions were the same in monoculture and intercropped soybean, suggesting stable denitrification (based on nirS, nirK and nosZ genes) with constant soil physicochemical conditions. As monoculture maize can stimulate soil N2O emission through denitrification, this work justifies the adoption of maize-soybean intercropping as a low N2O-emitting practice in sustainable agriculture, due to its beneficial effects on soil biology and biochemistry.

Water-Nutrient Coupling Strategies That Improve the Carbon, Nitrogen Metabolism, and Yield of Cucumber under Sandy Cultivated Land

The purpose of this study was to explore the carbon and nitrogen metabolism mechanisms of sand-cultivated cucumbers under different deficit irrigation–nitrogen management strategies and provide a theoretical basis for their greenhouse management. This study set up two factors, the deficit irrigation level and the nitrogen application rate, and conducted an experiment on deficit irrigation–nitrogen coupling of sand-cultivated cucumbers using a quadratic saturation D–optimal design. Seven treatments were set up in the experiment, to measure the soluble sugar and protein contents, as well as the activity of key enzymes for carbon and nitrogen metabolism at five different growth stages. The results indicate that the 80% irrigation with 623 kg N hm−2 (IN4) treatment significantly improved the soluble sugar, protein, and actual leaf nitrogen contents of cucumber at the five different growth stages and, as a result, achieved higher sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activities in the cucumber leaves. Furthermore, such improvements were due to the reduction in oxidative damage of sand–cultivated cucumber at various growth stages. The IN4 and 89% irrigation with 1250 kg N hm−2 (IN5) treatments significantly increased the activities of RuBisCO, catalase (CAT), peroxidise (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) at various growth stages of sand-cultivated cucumber. The higher activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), glutamate synthase (GOGAT), nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthase (GS), acid invertase enzyme (AIE), neutral invertase enzyme (NIE), and better antioxidative enzyme activities were recorded under the IN4 treatments at various growth stages, which effectively improve (69.6%) cucumber yield. The soil properties, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant metabolism were positively correlated with sand-cultivated cucumber yield in a greenhouse. We concluded that the IN4 treatment was the better deficit irrigation–nitrogen management strategy because it considerably improves carbon and nitrogen metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activities, and sand–cultivated cucumber yield in a greenhouse.

The spatio-temporal accumulation of 6 PPD-Q in greenbelt soils and its effects on soil microbial communities

6 PPD-Q (6 PPD-Quinone) is an ozone-induced byproduct derived from the degradation of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6 PPD), commonly found in road dust resulting from tire wear. However, the extent of 6 PPD-Q pollution in urban soil remains unclear. This study investigates the spatial and temporal accumulation patterns of 6 PPD-Q in greenbelt soils in Ningbo, and explores the correlation between 6 PPD-Q accumulation and soil microbial community composition and functions. Our findings indicate that 6 PPD-Q is present (ranging from 0.85 to 12.58 μg/kg) in soil samples collected from both sides of urban traffic arteries. Soil fungi exhibit higher sensitivity to 6 PPD-Q accumulation compared to bacteria, and associated fungi (Basidiomycota) may be potential biomarkers for environmental 6 PPD-Q contamination. Co-occurrence network analysis reveals that the bacterial microbial network in summer exhibits greater stability and resilience in response to 6 PPD-Q inputs than in winter. However, 6 PPD-Q accumulation disrupts the network structure of fungal communities to some extent, leading to reduced diversity in fungal microbial communities. Long-term accumulation of 6 PPD-Q weakens the nitrogen and phosphorus cycling potential within urban soil, while the enhancement of carbon cycling may further promote 6 PPD-Q degradation in urban soil. Taken together, this study provides new insights into the ecological risks of 6 PPD-Q in urban soils.

Improving High Light Tolerance of Tobacco Plants: Adequate Magnesium Supply Enhances Photosynthetic Performance

High light (HL) significantly impacts plant photosynthesis. This study investigated the effects of different magnesium (Mg) levels (0, 1, 2, and 5 mol Mg plant−1; HMg0, HMg1, HMg2, and HMg5) on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Cuibi No. 1) under HL (1500 μmol m−2 s−1), aiming to understand the role of Mg in mitigating the impact of HL on photosynthesis and carbon–nitrogen metabolism. Plants treated with 1 mol Mg plant−1 under 750 μmol m−2 s−1 light conditions served as the control. HL led to a reduced chlorophyll (Chl) content and inhibited the maximum photosynthetic rate (Pmax). It also decreased energy involved in photosynthetic electron transfer (ET) and electron flux to reduction end-electron acceptors at the photosystems I (PSI) acceptor side (RE) and caused photosynthetic system damage. H2O2 accumulation exacerbated membrane lipid peroxidation damage, disrupting carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and inducing antioxidant enzyme activity. HMg2 increased Chl content, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and the net photosynthetic rate compared to HMg0. It enhanced ET efficiency, PSI and PSII functionality, reduced dissipated energy flux (DI), and minimized photosynthesis damage. Conversely, excessive Mg application (HMg5) decreased Pmax and PSII activity, increasing DI. Adequate Mg supply alleviated HL’s detrimental effects by enhancing Chl content and ET and RE efficiency.

Structure-Function Insights into the Dual Role in Nucleobase and Nicotinamide Metabolism and a Possible Use in Cancer Gene Therapy of the URH1p Riboside Hydrolase.

The URH1p enzyme from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has gained significant interest due to its role in nitrogenous base metabolism, particularly involving uracil and nicotinamide salvage. Indeed, URH1p was initially classified as a nucleoside hydrolase (NH) with a pronounced preference for uridine substrate but was later shown to also participate in a Preiss-Handler-dependent pathway for recycling of both endogenous and exogenous nicotinamide riboside (NR) towards NAD+ synthesis. Here, we present the detailed enzymatic and structural characterisation of the yeast URH1p enzyme, a member of the group I NH family of enzymes. We show that the URH1p has similar catalytic efficiencies for hydrolysis of NR and uridine, advocating a dual role of the enzyme in both NAD+ synthesis and nucleobase salvage. We demonstrate that URH1p has a monomeric structure that is unprecedented for members of the NH homology group I, showing that oligomerisation is not strictly required for the N-ribosidic activity in this family of enzymes. The size, thermal stability and activity of URH1p towards the synthetic substrate 5-fluoruridine, a riboside precursor of the antitumoral drug 5-fluorouracil, make the enzyme an attractive tool to be employed in gene-directed enzyme-prodrug activation therapy against solid tumours.