Accelerating the establishment of a new science-policy panel to address the triple planetary crisis

he triple planetary crisis—climate change,biodiversity loss,and pollution—threatens planetary health.In response to these challenges,the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC)was established in 1988,followed by the formation of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services(IPBES)in 2012.Ongoing global initiatives through IPCC and IPBES have significantly advanced scientific understanding,raised public awareness,and informed policy-making in relation to climate change and biodiversity loss.However,pollution remains a pressing concern in all three crises.

The evolution and significance of medicine and food homology

Historical insights into medicine and food homology(MFH)Evolution of the MFH theory MFH,a basic concept in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),suggests that many materials function as both food and medicine,providing nourishment and simultaneously treating ailments.This concept has evolved significantly throughout TCM history^([1]).Integral to this evolution was the discovery of certain materials with dual purposes during early searches for food.These materials not only offer sustenance and nutrition but are also capable of treating simple illnesses^([2]).

Deep-sea coral evidence for dissolved mercury evolution in the deep North Pacifi c Ocean over the last 700 years

The ocean is an important inventory of anthropogenic mercury(Hg),yet the history of anthropogenic Hg accumulation in the ocean remains largely unexplored.Deep-sea corals are an emerging archive of past ocean chemistry,which take in sinking or suspended particulate organic matter as their food sources.Such organic matter would exchange Hg with the local seawater before being consumed by the deepsea corals.As such,the organics preserved in the coral skeleton may record the Hg evolution of the ambient seawater during the time of coral growth.Here,we report the first data on Hg concentrations variability of a deep-sea proteinaceous coral in the oligotrophic North Pacific at the water depth of 1249 m,in attempt to understand the transfer of anthropogenic Hg into the deep Pacific ocean over the last seven centuries.We find that the Hg concentrations of different coral growth layers have remained relatively constant albeit with considerable short-term variability through time.The overall stable Hg concentration of the last seven centuries recorded in our sample suggests that anthropogenic pollution is not yet a clearly resolvable component in the deep oligotrophic North Pacific waters,in agreement with rece nt estimation from modelling works and observational studies of modern seawater profiles.As there is hardly an unambiguous way to separate anthropogenic Hg from the natural background based on recent seawater profiles,our historical data provide valuable information helping to understand the oceanic cycle of Hg through time.

Finite element analysis of the treatment of middle clavicle fracture with wing plate internal fixation

Objective:To investigate the mechanical properties of a new type of biplane locking plate with wings in the treatment of middle clavicle fractures.Methods:Based on the CT data of a healthy adult male volunteer’s clavicle,a three-dimensional finite element model of the middle clavicle fracture was constructed by digital three-dimensional reconstruction technology,and the two kinds of fixation methods of single-plane locking plate(SP)and wing plate(WP)were simulated.Four load cases of axial compression,axial torsion,cantilever bending and pull-out were used to analyze the models.Results:①Under axial compression,axial torsion,cantilever bending and pull-out conditions,compared with SP,the stiffness phase of WP increased by 1.47%,5.82%,1.51%and 3.96%respectively,and the strain energy decreased by 1.50%,5.39%,1.48%and 3.49%respectively.②The stress distribution characteristics of WP under various load conditions were similar to SP,and the high stress area was located around the screw hole of the steel plate above the fracture gap;③Under the pull-out condition of WP,the peak value of screw hole surface stress was greatly reduced compared with SP,especially in the screw hole on both sides of the wing screws,which had higher resistance to pull out.Conclusion:The load-bearing mode of WP under various load conditions is similar to that of SP,and the stability is slightly higher than that of SP and in terms of pull-out resistance,WP has more obvious advantages.The biplane locking plate with wings is expected to be a more ideal choice for patients with comminuted fracture of the middle clavicle or with osteoporosis.

Embracing digital mindsets to ensure a sustainable future

The 19th Asian Games astounded global audiences with an opening spectacle that showcased stunning digital fireworks(International Olympic Committee,2021;Zhe,2023).The groundbreaking display was brought to life through virtual reality(VR)and augmented reality(AR)technologies.It sets a pioneering example to replace conventional fireworks in major international events as well as in other large-scale entertainment activities,marking a historic milestone in the pursuit of a sustainable and healthy future.

Protect the oceans from Japan's radioisotope dumping

In August 2023,Japan started to dump its 1.3 million tons of radioactive wastewater into the oceans[1,2].Most radioisotopes are claimed to be removed from the wastewater except tritium,which needs further dilution before discharge.However,this dilution does not effectively remove any tritium from the wastewater but serves as a measure to bring its abnormally high concentration down to meet emission standards.The most worrisome situation is that many more bioaccumulative long-lived radioisotopes(BLLRs),such as carbon-14 and cobalt-60,slip through the treatment process.There are attempts to reduce the concentrations of BLLRs via repurification to meet the regulatory standards[3];however,even low levels of these BLLRs can undergo biomagnification of up to 50,000 folds in marine fish species[4].

Arabidopsis EXTRA-LARGE G PROTEIN 1(XLG1) functions together with XLG2 and XLG3 in PAMP-triggered MAPK activation and immunity

Pattern-triggered immunity(PTI) is an essential strategy used by plants to deploy broad-spectrum resistance against pathogen attacks. Heterotrimeric G proteins have been reported to contribute to PTI.Of the three non-canonical EXTRA-LARGE G PROTEINs(XLGs) in Arabidopsis thaliana, XLG2 and XLG3 were shown to positively regulate immunity,but XLG1 was not considered to function in defense,based on the analysis of a weak xlg1 allele.In this study, we characterized the xlg1 xlg2 xlg3 triple knockout mutants generated from an xlg1 knockout allele. The strong xlg1 xlg2 xlg3 triple mutants compromised pathogen-associated molecular pattern(PAMP)-triggered activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases(MAPKs) and resistance to pathogen infection. The three XLGs interacted with MAPK cascade proteins involved in defense signaling, including the MAPK kinase kinases MAPKKK3 and MAPKKK5, the MAPK kinases MKK4 and MKK5, and the MAPKs MPK3 and MPK6. Expressing a constitutively active form of MKK4 restored MAPK activation and partially recovered the compromised disease resistance seen in the strong xlg1 xlg2 xlg3 triple mutant. Furthermore, mutations of all three XLGs largely restored the phenotype of the autoimmunity mutant bak1-interacting receptor-like kinase 1. Our study reveals that all three XLGs function redundantly in PAMP-triggered MAPK activation and plant immunity.

Vinyl chloride accident unleashes a toxic legacy

A railroad accident on February 3,2023,led to the release and combustion of 115,580 gallons,equivalent to over 437,000 L,of vinyl chloride monomer(VCM)in East Palestine,Ohio[1].This monomer is used in polyvinyl chloride(PVC)production,and its burning produces additional toxins such as hydrochloric acid and lethal phosgene,known as a notorious chemical weapon during World War I[2].Acute exposure to these chemicals causes immediate adverse effects on local ecosystems,including the deaths of wild and farmed animals and pets.

The hidden risk of microplastic-associated pathogens in aquatic environments

Increasing studies of plastisphere have raised public concern about microplastics(MPs)as vectors for pathogens,especially in aquatic environments.However,the extent to which pathogens affect human health through MPs remains unclear,as controversies persist regarding the distinct pathogen colonization on MPs as well as the transmission routes and infection probability of MP-associated pathogens from water to humans.In this review,we critically discuss whether and how pathogens approach humans via MPs,shedding light on the potential health risks involved.Drawing on cutting-edge multidisciplinary research,we show that some MPs may facilitate the growth and long-range transmission of specific pathogens in aquatic environments,ultimately increasing the risk of infection in humans.We identify MP-and pathogen-rich settings,such as wastewater treatment plants,aquaculture farms,and swimming pools,as possible sites for human exposure to MP-associated pathogens.This review emphasizes the need for further research and targeted interventions to better understand and mitigate the potential health risks associated with MP-mediated pathogen transmission.

Effect of Herb-Partitioned Moxibustion on Structure and Functional Prediction of Gut Microbiota in Rats with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea

Objective:The objective of this study was to observe the effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion(HPM)on the gut microbiota of rats with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome(IBS-D).Materials and Methods:A total of 48 male rats were randomly divided into a normal control group and an irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)model group.Using acetic acid irrigation and constraint stress,an IBS-D rat model was developed.After the model was made,the IBS rats were divided into IBS,HPM group,and pinaverium bromide(PB)group.The HPM received HPM for 20 min every day,while the PB was given gastric perfusion once a day for 14 days.After modeling and treatment,the abdominal withdrawal reflex,fecal character score,and fecal water content of rats were scored,and a 16S rRNA sequencing analysis was performed on the gut microbiota.Results:After treatment,the fecal character score and fecal water content in the HPM increased significantly,while visceral sensitivity decreased.Investigation of 16S rDNA sequencing revealed that α-diversity was reduced in the IBS,and HPM could increase the diversity of flora.The flora structure of IBS-D rats changed.HPM can increase the abundance of probiotics such as Akkermansia and reduce the abundance of opportunistic pathogens such as Bacteroides and Prevotella.Functional prediction analysis showed that the HPM was mainly related to the bacillary secret system,tricarboxylic acid cycle,and other pathways.Conclusion:HPM can regulate the gut microbiota of rats with IBS-D.

Man-made reactive oxygen species as green disinfectants

The ongoing pandemics boost the demand for chemical disinfectants,including surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers[1].This is largely driven by increasing public health awareness and hygiene standards in public and private settings[2].The global surface disinfectant market size in 2019 was valued at US$3.4 billion and estimated to experience a 6.0%compound annual growth rate,reaching US$5.42 billion in 2027[3].

Preparation of Core-Shell Structured Cobalt Coated Tungsten Carbide Composite Powders by Intermittent Electrodeposition

Core-shell structured cobalt coated tungsten carbide（WC/Co） composite powders were prepared by intermittent electrodeposition. The influence of process parameters such as current density, single deposition pulse, p H value and surfactants on the formation of WC/Co was investigated and characterized by scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, electrochemical station, acidometer and X-ray diffraction（XRD） techniques.The composite powders with 54% cobalt content were fabricated at a current density of 16 A dm-2, with a load of 10 g dm-3WC powders and a stirring speed of 600 r min-1at an operation temperature of 40 ± 2 °C,and 90% current efficiency was obtained with a single deposition pulse of 1.5 min and single stirring pulse of 2 min during 12 min efficient electrodeposition time. The uniformly distributed WC/Co powders could be obtained in the cobalt electrolyte containing 300 mg dm-3PEG-2000. The spherical cobalt grains coated WC particles were prepared in the p H 4-5 electrolyte at the Co deposition rate of 0.58 g min-1. A practical process for high efficient production of WC/Co powders by electrodeposition was developed in the present work.

Arabidopsis DXO1 possesses deNADding and exonuclease activities and its mutation affects defense-related and photosynthetic gene expression^FA

RNA capping and decapping tightly coordinate with transcription,translation,and RNA decay to regulate gene expression.Proteins in the DXO/Rai1 family have been implicated in mRNA decapping and decay,and mammalian DXO was recently found to also function as a decapping enzyme for NAD+-capped RNAs(NAD-RNA).The Arabidopsis genome contains a single gene encoding a DXO/Rai1 protein,AtDXO1.Here we show that AtDXO1 possesses both NAD-RNA decapping activity and 5?-3?exonuclease activity but does not hydrolyze the m7G cap.The atdxo1 mutation increased the stability of NAD-RNAs and led to pleiotropic phenotypes,including severe growth retardation,pale color,and multiple devel-opmental defects.Transcriptome profiling analysis showed that the atdxo1 mutation resulted in upregulation@of defense-related genes but downregulation of photo-synthesis-related genes.The autoimmunity phenotype of the mutant could be suppressed by either eds1 or npr1 mutation.However,the various phenotypes associated with the atdxo1 mutant could be complemented by an enzymatically inactive AtDXO1.The atdxo1 mutation ap-parently enhances post-transcriptional gene silencing by elevating levels of siRNAs.Our study indicates that AtDXO1 regulates gene expression in various biological and physiological processes through its pleiotropic mo-lecular functions in mediating RNA processing and decay.

Remediation of mercury-contaminated soils and sediments using biochar:a critical review

The transformation of mercury(Hg)into the more toxic and bioaccumulative form methylmercury(MeHg)in soils and sediments can lead to the biomagnification of MeHg through the food chain,which poses ecological and health risks.In the last decade,biochar application,an in situ remediation technique,has been shown to be effective in mitigating the risks from Hg in soils and sediments.However,uncertainties associated with biochar use and its underlying mechanisms remain.Here,we summarize recent studies on the effects and advantages of biochar amendment related to Hg biogeochemistry and its bioavailability in soils and sediments and systematically analyze the progress made in understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for reductions in Hg bioaccumulation.The existing literature indicates(1)that biochar application decreases the mobility of inorganic Hg in soils and sediments and(2)that biochar can reduce the bioavailability of MeHg and its accumulation in crops but has a complex effect on net MeHg production.In this review,two main mechanisms,a direct mechanism(e.g.,Hg-biochar binding)and an indirect mechanism(e.g.,biochar-impacted sulfur cycling and thus Hg-soil binding),that explain the reduction in Hg bioavailability by biochar amendment based on the interactions among biochar,soil and Hg under redox conditions are highlighted.Furthermore,the existing problems with the use of biochar to treat Hg-contaminated soils and sediments,such as the appropriate dose and the long-term effectiveness of biochar,are discussed.Further research involving laboratory tests and field applications is necessary to obtain a mechanistic understanding of the role of biochar in reducing Hg bioavailability in diverse soil types under varying redox conditions and to develop completely green and sustainable biochar-based functional materials for mitigating Hg-related health risks.

Understanding the risks of mercury sulfide nanoparticles in the environment: Formation, presence, and environmental behaviors

Mercury(Hg) could be microbially methylated to the bioaccumulative neurotoxin methylmercury(Me Hg), raising health concerns. Understanding the methylation of various Hg species is thus critical in predicting the Me Hg risk. Among the known Hg species, mercury sulfide(HgS) is the largest Hg reservoir in the lithosphere and has long been considered to be highly inert. However, with advances in the analytical methods of nanoparticles, HgS nanoparticles(HgS NPs) have recently been detected in various environmental matrices or organisms. Furthermore, pioneering laboratory studies have reported the high bioavailability of HgS NPs. The formation, presence, and transformation(e.g., methylation) of HgS NPs are intricately related to several environmental factors, especially dissolved organic matter(DOM). The complexity of the behavior of HgS NPs and the heterogeneity of DOM prevent us from comprehensively understanding and predicting the risk of HgS NPs. To reveal the role of HgS NPs in Hg biogeochemical cycling, research needs should focus on the following aspects: the formation pathways, the presence, and the environmental behaviors of HgS NPs impacted by the dominant influential factor of DOM. We thus summarized the latest progress in these aspects and proposed future research priorities, e.g., developing the detection techniques of HgS NPs and probing HgS NPs in various matrices, further exploring the interactions between DOM and HgS NPs. Besides, as most of the previous studies were conducted in laboratories, our current knowledge should be further refreshed through field observations, which would help to gain better insights into predicting the Hg risks in natural environment.

Strategies of the acupuncture treatment for delayed-onset muscle soreness based on pathophysiology

Based on the pathophysiological analysis of delayed-onset muscle soreness,the key points of its treatment was summarized in this paper:promoting the repair of injury,improving the metabolic state,and effectively relieving pain.Its key objectives and order of treatment are made clear:first to promote repair,second to improve metabolism,and then to relieve pain.And through the analysis of the key points of the treatment,the law of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment is put forward as follows:puncture those acupoints with the overall regulation function to adjust the secretion of endogenous analgesic substances in the body,at the same time,the special respiratory movement is adopted to improve the metabolic state,and the proper exercises are combined to promote the tissue repair.

Potential bioavailability of mercury in humus-coated clay minerals

It is well-known that both clay and organic matter in soils play a key role in mercury biogeochemistry, while their combined effect is less studied. In this study, kaolinite,vermiculite, and montmorillonite were coated or not with humus, and spiked with inorganic mercury（IHg） or methylmercury（Me Hg）. The potential bioavailability of mercury to plants or deposit-feeders was assessed by CaCl2 or bovine serum albumin（BSA） extraction. For uncoated clay, IHg or Me Hg extraction was generally lower in montmorillonite, due to its greater number of functional groups. Humus coating increased partitioning of IHg（0.5%–13.7%） and Me Hg（0.8%–52.9%） in clay, because clay-sorbed humus provided more strong binding sites for mercury. Furthermore, humus coating led to a decrease in IHg（3.0%–59.8% for CaCl2 and 2.1%–5.0% for BSA） and Me Hg（8.9%–74.6% for CaCl2 and 0.5%–8.2% for BSA）extraction, due to strong binding between mercury and clay-sorbed humus. Among various humus-coated clay particles, mercury extraction by CaCl2（mainly through cation exchange）was lowest in humus-coated vermiculite, explained by the strong binding between humus and vermiculite. The inhibitory effect of humus on mercury bioavailability was also evidenced by the negative relationship between mercury extraction by CaCl2 and mercury in the organo-complexed fraction. In contrast, extraction of mercury by BSA（principally through complexation） was lowest in humus-coated montmorillonite. This was because BSA itself could be extensively sorbed onto montmorillonite. Results suggested that humus-coated clay could substantially decrease the potential bioavailability of mercury in soils, which should be considered when assessing risk in mercury-contaminated soils.

Mercury transformation processes in nature: Critical knowledge gaps and perspectives for moving forward

The transformation of mercury(Hg) in the environment plays a vital role in the cycling of Hg and its risk to the ecosystem and human health. Of particular importance are Hg oxidation/reduction and methylation/demethylation processes driven or mediated by the dynamics of light, microorganisms, and organic carbon, among others. Advances in understanding those Hg transformation processes determine our capacity of projecting and mitigating Hg risk. Here, we provide a critical analysis of major knowledge gaps in our understanding of Hg transformation in nature, with perspectives on approaches moving forward. Our analysis focuses on Hg transformation processes in the environment, as well as emerging methodology in exploring these processes. Future avenues for improving the understanding of Hg transformation processes to protect ecosystem and human health are also explored.

Environmental Processes and Health Risks of Mercury: Recent Progress and Future Avenue

Life began millions of years ago on our planet,where mercury(Hg)occurred naturally in the air,soil,and water.In the thousands of years of human civilization,the anthropogenic emission of Hgwas also clearly recorded in historical archives,mostly derived from gold/silver refining and coal combustion.However,the ecological and health risks of this ubiquitous element were commonly recognized as late as the 20th century.It has been 110 years since the first retrievable paper of Hg in“Environmental Sciences Ecology”was published in 1912,based on the search on Web of Science.The cycling and risk of Hg has been comprehensively understood and emphasized,particularly after the outbreak of the Minamata disease in the 1950s.Despite those previous efforts and advances in understanding the behavior of this toxic element in various environmental media and its flux through food chains,it is still far from clear how Hg makes its way from the ambient environment to the human body.