The effects of nano-TiO2 mediated photocatalysis on Microcystis aeruginosa, a common species that causes algal bloom, were studied. The metabolic activity of the M. aeruginosa cells was inhibited by nano-TiO2 mediated photocatalysis, as demonstrated by the significant decrease in metabolic heat with the increase in the time of photocatalysis. SEM images also showed that photocatalysis significantly altered the surface morphology of the cells, and the cell disruption was observed by treatment for 6 h. The nano-TiO2 mediated photocatalysis decreased the negative charge on the cell surface because the hydrophilic carboxylic acid groups and ammonium groups in the proteins were modified by free radicals. Metal cations of different valence and charge density could neutralize the negative charges on the cell surface to varying degrees. The adsorption heat of metal cations on the cell surface was higher for the control cells than the cells by photocatalysis, because the surface of the latter was modified and had lower charge density.
Pear is an important originate fruiter in China, ranking first in the world in terms of cultivation area and yield. However, it is susceptible to infection by Alternaria alternata (A. alternata), resulting in a reduction of approximately 30% in yield. While both lignin and salicylic acid (SA) are recognized as key components of plant immune responses, the molecular mechanisms connecting these pathways remain poorly understood. Here, we have discovered a nuclear localization transcription activator PbrMYB14 in pears, whose expression can be induced by exogenous SA and A. alternata. Overexpression of PbrMYB14 significantly increased lignin and SA content in pears, making them more resistant to A. alternata, and the relative lesion area decreased by 68.95% compared with WT plants. By analyzing the transcriptome of PbrMYB14-overexpressing plants, the lignin synthesis gene Pbr4CL1 and SA synthesis gene PbrPAL1 regulated by PbrMYB14 were screened and identified. Through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and a Dual-Luciferase assay (LUC), it was confirmed that PbrMYB14 positively regulates the expression of Pbr4CL1 and PbrPAL1 genes. Our results suggest that PbrMYB14 links lignin resistance and SA resistance in pears, providing valuable information for future genetic breeding research on pear disease resistance.
The consumption of edible vegetable oil is an important source of essential fatty acids and vitamin E for the human body. Guiding residents to consume scientifically and reasonably control the intake of edible oils is an important part of promoting the construction of a healthy China. Currently, Chinese residents have an insufficient understanding of the scientific consumption of edible oils, leading to an intake exceeding the dietary recommendations, resulting in excessive fat intake and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study analyzed the cognitive preferences and willingness to pay a premium for edible vegetable oils among urban consumers in China. The survey included 1098 Chinese urban consumers of vegetable oils. The research found that attitudes, health value, monetary value, and environmental endowment of urban residents are the main predicting factors of the intention to purchase high-quality vegetable oils. This study confirms the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior in the consumption of high-quality vegetable oils and provides theoretical contributions and insights for Chinese enterprises and policymakers in formulating marketing strategies for vegetable oils.
Abstract Bioaerosol emissions during toilet flushing are an often‐overlooked source of potential health risks in shared public facilities. This study systematically investigated the emission characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bioaerosols in washrooms with squat and bidet toilets under varying flushing conditions and ventilation scenarios. Using Monte Carlo simulation–based quantitative microbial risk assessment and sensitivity analysis, the study estimated the disease burden and identified key factors influencing risk. The results showed that squat toilets generated 1.7–2.6 times higher concentrations of S. aureus bioaerosols and 1.2–1.4 times higher concentrations of E. coli bioaerosols compared to bidet toilets. After the first flush, bioaerosol concentrations were 1.3–1.8 times ( S. aureus ) and 1.2–1.4 times ( E. coli ) lower than those observed after the second flush. The second flush released a higher proportion of fine bioaerosol particles (<4.7 µm), increasing inhalation risks. The disease health risk burden was consistently one order of magnitude lower after the first flush than the second one. Ventilation with a turned‐on exhaust fan further reduced the risk by one order of magnitude. Sensitivity analysis identified exposure concentration as the most influential parameter, contributing up to 50% of the overall risk. This study highlights the importance of optimizing toilet design and ventilation systems to mitigate bioaerosol emissions and associated health risks. It provides actionable insights for improving public washroom hygiene and minimizing bioaerosol exposure.
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