Mechanochemically assisted persulfate activation for the facile recovery of metals from spent lithium ion batteries

A novel mechanochemically assisted persulfate activation method was proposed in this study to enhance the leaching of valuable metals from lithium-ion batteries by combining ball-milling, advanced oxidation processes and sucrose reduction. By optimizing leaching parameters including temperature, pH, milling time and solid-to-liquid ratio, high leaching efficiencies of 97.1%, 94.0%, 87.6% and 93.8% can be achieved for Li, Ni, Co and Mn respectively. In the mechanochemical process, the breakage of covalent bonds in cathode material is facilitated by free radicals generated from zero valent iron activated ammonia persulfate as well as mechanochemical activation. To further explore the role of free radicals, the mechanism of ammonia persulfate activation by zero valent iron was elucidated, and SO₄^•- was identified as the dominant reactive oxygen species in the mechanochemical process. Meanwhile, the synergistic effect of mechanochemically driven crystal dissolution and sulfate radical facilitated bond cleavage was revealed by ab initio molecular dynamics simulation. Moreover, the released metal was reduced by sucrose to a lower valent state of high solubility to promote transfer to the aqueous phase during the subsequent leaching process with dilute sulfuric acid. In this work, the insight on the mechanism of mechanochemical processes strengthened by free radicals may provide an inspiration for the recovery of valuable metals from LIBs.

Empagliflozin activates Wnt/β-catenin to stimulate FUNDC1-dependent mitochondrial quality surveillance against type-3 cardiorenal syndrome

Objectives

Cardiorenal syndrome type-3 (CRS-3) is an abrupt worsening of cardiac function secondary to acute kidney injury. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key pathological mechanism of CRS-3, and empagliflozin can improve mitochondrial biology by promoting mitophagy. Here, we assessed the effects of empagliflozin on mitochondrial quality surveillance in a mouse model of CRS-3.

Methods

Cardiomyocyte-specific FUNDC1-knockout (FUNDC1^CKO) mice were subjected to CRS-3 prior to assessment of mitochondrial homeostasis in the presence or absence of empagliflozin.

Results

CRS-3 model mice exhibited lower heart function, increased inflammatory responses and exacerbated myocardial oxidative stress than sham-operated controls; however, empagliflozin attenuated these alterations. Empagliflozin stabilized the mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, increased mitochondrial respiratory complex activity and restored the oxygen consumption rate in cardiomyocytes from CRS-3 model mice. Empagliflozin also normalized the mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening rate in cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocyte-specific ablation of FUN14 domain-containing protein 1 (FUNDC1) in mice abolished the protective effects of empagliflozin on mitochondrial homeostasis and myocardial performance. Empagliflozin activated β-catenin and promoted its nuclear retention, thus increasing FUNDC1-induced mitophagy in heart tissues; however, a β-catenin inhibitor reversed these effects.

Conclusions

In summary, empagliflozin activated Wnt/β-catenin to stimulate FUNDC1-dependent mitochondrial quality surveillance, ultimately improving mitochondrial function and cardiac performance during CRS-3. Thus, empagliflozin could be considered for the clinical management of heart function following acute kidney injury.

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Empagliflozin reduces myocardial damage and improves myocardial function after CRS-3.

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Empagliflozin normalizes the mitochondrial structure in cardiomyocytes during CRS-3.

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Empagliflozin attenuates cardiomyocyte mitochondrial dysfunction during CRS-3.

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Empagliflozin activates FUNDC1-dependent mitophagy and preserves mitochondrial integrity in the heart during CRS-3.

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Loss of FUNDC1 abolishes the cardioprotective effects of empagliflozin during CRS-3.

Parthenolide ameliorates neurological deficits and neuroinflammation in mice with traumatic brain injury by suppressing STAT3/NF-κB and inflammasome activation

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) triggers a set of complex inflammation that results in secondary injury. Parthenolide (PTN) is a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from the herb Tanacetum parthenium (Feverfew) and has potent anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis and anti-oxidative stress effects in the central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases. This study focuses on investigating the potential neuroprotective effect of PTN on TBI and the related mechanism.

METHODS

Bv2 microglia, primary microglia were stimulated by LPS, and HT22 neuron cells were stimulated by OGD/R, and they were treated with different doses of PTN. The expression profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines, proteins, oxidative stress mediators, STAT3/NF-κB pathway, inflammasomes were detected. Forty male/female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the sham, PTN, TBI, and TBI + PTN groups (10 mice per group). A mouse TBI model was set up with a controlled cortical impact (CCI) device. The modified nerve severity score (mNSS) was implemented to check short-term neurological impairment in mice, and the mice's memory and learning were assessed by the Morris water maze test. The water content in the mice's brains was measured by the dry-wet method. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, Nissl staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay were applied for neuronal apoptosis.

RESULTS

PTN dramatically alleviated LPS-induced inflammation in microglia, and OGD-mediated neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress. In addition, PTN repressed LPS- or OGD-modulated STAT3/NF-κB and NLR family pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1), NLRP3, NLR family CARD domain containing 4 (NLRC4) inflammasomes activation. Administering the STAT3 inhibitor Stattic or NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 attenuated PTN-mediated effects. In vivo, PTN treatment relieved neural function deficits, brain edema and neuron apoptosis and improved the memory and learning function of TBI mice. Additionally, PTN impeded microglial activation and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in brain lesions of TBI mice. Furthermore, PTN hindered STAT3/NF-κB and inflammasome activation.

CONCLUSION

PTN can curb microglial activation and neuron apoptosis by dampening the STAT3/NF-κB pathway, thus exerting neuroprotective effects in TBI mice.

A novel approach using protein-rich biomass as co-fermentation substrates to enhance phosphorus recovery from FePs-bearing sludge

A novel approach for the enhancement of phosphorus (P) recovery from Fe bound P compounds (FePs)-bearing sludge by co-fermentation with protein-rich biomass (PRB) is reported. Four PRBs (silkworm chrysalis meal, fish meal, corn gluten meal, and soya bean meal) were used for co-fermentation. The results revealed that PRBs with strong surface hydrophobicity and loose structure favored the hydrolysis and acidogenesis processes. Sulfide produced by PRB could react with FePs to form FeS and promote P release. Due to the neutralization of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) by a relatively high concentration of ammonia, the pH was maintained near neutral and thus prevented the dissolution of metal ions (e.g., Fe and Ca). This was beneficial to save the cost of subsequent P recovery and form high-purity struvite. Compared with the control, the soluble orthophosphate and VFAs increased by 88.3% and 531.3%, respectively, in the co-fermentation system with silkworm chrysalis meal. Cysteine was the important intermediate. The metagenomics analysis indicated that the gene abundances of phosphate acetyltransferase and acetate kinase, which were key enzymes in the acetate metabolism, increased by 117.7% and 52.2%, respectively. The gene abundances of serine O-acetyltransferase and cysteine synthase increased by 63.4% and 54.4%, respectively. Cysteine was primarily transformed to pyruvate and sulfide. This study provides an environment-friendly strategy to simultaneously recover P and VFAs resources from FePs-bearing sludge and PRB waste.

[Progress in clinical diagnosis and treatment of gallbladder cancer]

Due to the lack of effective early diagnosis and treatment, gallbladder cancer(GBC) remains a malignant tumor with extremely high malignancy and poor prognosis. Therefore, high quality studies are required to break through the bottleneck in GBC diagnosis and treatment. This article reviewed the domestic and foreign GBC research published in 2021, presenting a comprehensive summary of the important advances in the field of clinical diagnosis and treatment. Latest epidemiological data and risk factors, emerging diagnostic methods of peripheral blood laboratory tests and imaging, new pathologic classification system, hot topics and controversies of surgical treatment as well as the dynamics of systemic treatment of GBC are reviewed in the article. The present findings may contribute to a more efficient means of diagnosis and treatment for GBC and hold the promise of improved outcomes for patients with GBC.

Abstract 6095: SMOC2 as a potential biomarker with diagnostic value in uterine leiomyosarcoma

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor with poor prognosis. In contrast, uterine leiomyoma (uLM) is the most common benign tumor of the uterus found in women of reproductive age. Extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and remodeling are thought to be crucial for the development of these two tumors. To better understand the differences of ECM dynamics in these tumors, we have collected samples from 67 uLMS, 66 uLM and 68 normal myometrium (MM) which were analyzed by RNAseq (Illumina) and a high-resolution isoelectric focusing (HiRIEF) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based method (Dionex UltiMate™ 3000 RSLCnano System coupled to a Q-Exactive mass spectrometer, Thermo Scientific). After meta-analysis between uLM and uLMS groups using DESeq2 and edgeR, 112 genes were defined as common shared differentiatly expressed genes (DEG). Specific uLMS DEG were analyzed by gene ontology, KEGG pathway, and Reactome pathway. In the top 10 ranking of most affected biological processes/molecular functions/cellular components, we identified the gene SMOC2, a secreted calcium-binding protein of the BM-40/SPARC family which is present in the ECM and has been shown to be involved in fibrosis by modulating TGF-β1. SMOC2 is upregulated in uLM and is downregulated in both RNA and protein expression level in uLMS, compared to MM samples. We also observed that the TGFB1 pathway is downregulated in uLMS and upregulated in uLM, suggesting that this may induce high production of ECM which is related to fibrosis. In conclusion, this preliminary data shows SMOC2 as a potential biomarker to differentiate uLM and uLMS at the protein level and we plan to further study the role of SMOC2 in cell lines to improve our understanding on uLMS malignancy.

Citation Format: Chen Cai, Raul Falcao, Georgia Kokaraki, Jorge Estefano Souza, Gustavo de Souza, Joseph Woodard Carlson, Tirzah Braz Petta. SMOC2 as a potential biomarker with diagnostic value in uterine leiomyosarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 6095.

[Survival analysis since diagnosis of HIV-positive injecting drug users aged 15 years and above in China]

Objective: To understand death's mortality and risk factors among HIV-positive injecting drug users (IDU) aged 15 or above in China and provide further reference to future prevention and treatment policies. Method: Retrospective cohort study was conducted to calculate the mortality rate of HIV-positive IDU based on HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. Cox proportion hazards regression model was performed to assess the risk factors for deaths. The Excel 2019 and SPSS 22.0 software was used for data cleaning and statistical analysis. Results: Between 2001 and 2020, 119 209 HIV-positive IDU were reported with 59 094 deaths. The all-cause mortality rate was 6.96 per 100 person-years (py), and the AIDS-related mortality rate was 1.91 per 100 py, with a decreasing trend over the years. Multivariate Cox regression indicated for all-cause death risks of HIV-positive IDU, compared with those baseline T⁺ lymphocyte cells (CD4) counts above 500 cells/μl, the HR (95%CI) of those CD4 counts untested, between 0-199, 200-349, 350-500 cells/μl was 2.85 (2.78-2.93), 2.47 (2.40-2.54), 1.58 (1.53-1.62) and 1.24 (1.21-1.28) respectively. The HR (95%CI) of antiretroviral treatment (ART) naïve was 7.13 (6.99-7.27) compared with those under ART. The HR (95%CI) of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) naïve was 1.07 (1.04-1.10) compared to those receiving MMT. As for AIDS-related death risks, compared with baseline T+ lymphocyte cell CD4 counts >500 cells/μl, the HR (95%CI) of those CD4 counts untested, between 0-199, 200-349, 350-500 cells/μl was 3.26 (3.08-3.46), 5.54 (5.24-5.85), 2.35 (2.21-2.50) and 1.41 (1.32-1.50). HR (95%CI) of ART naïve was 5.96(5.74-6.18) compared to those under ART. Conclusions: Further efforts should be made timely on diagnosis, treatment, and harm reduction programs such as MMT for improvement compliance to reduce mortality risks of HIV-positive IDU.

Empagliflozin attenuates cardiac microvascular ischemia/reperfusion through activating the AMPKα1/ULK1/FUNDC1/mitophagy pathway

Mitophagy preserves microvascular structure and function during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Empagliflozin, an anti-diabetes drug, may also protect mitochondria. We explored whether empagliflozin could reduce cardiac microvascular I/R injury by enhancing mitophagy. In mice, I/R injury induced luminal stenosis, microvessel wall damage, erythrocyte accumulation and perfusion defects in the myocardial microcirculation. Additionally, I/R triggered endothelial hyperpermeability and myocardial neutrophil infiltration, which upregulated adhesive factors and endothelin-1 but downregulated vascular endothelial cadherin and endothelial nitric oxide synthase in heart tissue. In vitro, I/R impaired the endothelial barrier function and integrity of cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs), while empagliflozin preserved CMEC homeostasis and thus maintained cardiac microvascular structure and function. I/R activated mitochondrial fission, oxidative stress and apoptotic signaling in CMECs, whereas empagliflozin normalized mitochondrial fission and fusion, neutralized supraphysiologic reactive oxygen species concentrations and suppressed mitochondrial apoptosis. Empagliflozin exerted these protective effects by activating FUNDC1-dependent mitophagy through the AMPKα1/ULK1 pathway. Both in vitro and in vivo, genetic ablation of AMPKα1 or FUNDC1 abolished the beneficial effects of empagliflozin on the myocardial microvasculature and CMECs. Taken together, the preservation of mitochondrial function through an activation of the AMPKα1/ULK1/FUNDC1/mitophagy pathway is the working mechanism of empagliflozin in attenuating cardiac microvascular I/R injury.

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Empagliflozin reduces I/R-induced microvascular damage.

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Empagliflozin suppresses I/R-induced endothelial cell damage.

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Empagliflozin activates FUNDC1-dependent mitophagy through the AMPKα1/ULK1 pathway.

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Ablation of FUNDC1 or AMPKα1 abolishes the protective effects of empagliflozin against I/R-induced microvascular damage.

Anaerobic microbial manganese oxidation and reduction: A critical review

Manganese is a vital heavy metal abundant in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Anaerobic manganese redox reactions mediated by microorganisms have been recognized for a long time, which promote elements mobility and bioavailability in the environment. Biological anaerobic redox of manganese serves two reactions, including Mn(II) oxidation and Mn(IV) reduction. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of manganese redox cycles in the environment, closely related to greenhouse gas mitigation, the fate of nutrients, microbial bioremediation, and global biogeochemical cycle, including nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon. The oxidation and reduction of manganese occur cyclically and simultaneously in the environment. Anaerobic reduction of Mn(IV) receives electrons from methane, ammonium and sulfide, while Mn(II) can function as an electron source for manganese-oxidizing microorganisms for autotrophic denitrification and photosynthesis. The anaerobic redox transition between Mn(II) and Mn(IV) promotes a dynamic biogeochemical cycle coupled to microorganisms in water, soil and sediment environments. The discussion of reaction mechanisms, microorganism diversity, environmental influence bioremediation and application identify the research gaps for future investigation, which provides promising opportunities for further development of biotechnological applications to remediate contaminated environments.

Construction of highly efficient carbon dots-based polymer photonic luminescent solar concentrators with sandwich structure

The enhancement of photoluminescence (PL) emission and waveguide play a key role in improving the optical efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). In this work, to boosting PL emission and waveguide simultaneously, one photonic crystal (PC) structure (crystalline colloid arrays (CCAs)) was introduced into carbon dots (CDs)-based polymer LSCs. A sandwich-structured CDs-based polymer photonic LSC, comprising glass/CDs-based polymer PC film/glass, was created. First, CDs-based colloidal crystal suspensions were prepared by co-assembly of monodispersed p(MMA-NIPAm) colloids and multicolor-emitting CDs in HEMA monomer induced by the evaporation-driven assembly. The obtained suspensions not only had uniform PL and structural colors, but showed enhanced PL emission. Second, the above suspensions were sandwiched between two glass sheets and finally a photonic polymer LSC with sandwiched structure (25 × 25 × 1.8 mm³) were formed via one-step photopolymerization technique. Remarkably, the optimal CDs-based polymer photonic LSCs with sandwiched structure not only had high transparence at visible range (>60%), but exhibited PL emission enhancement (at least 2 times). Furthermore, the maximum external optical efficiency (η_opt) of 5.84% could be achieved based on yellow-emitting CDs-based polymer photonic LSC. The high external optical efficiency was mainly attributed to the PL emission enhancement and good PC waveguide.

Response of the Anaerobic Methanotrophic Archaeon Candidatus "Methanoperedens nitroreducens" to the Long-Term Ferrihydrite Amendment

Anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea can drive anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) using solid iron or manganese oxides as the electron acceptors, hypothetically via direct extracellular electron transfer (EET). This study investigated the response of Candidatus "Methanoperedens nitroreducens TS" (type strain), an ANME archaeon previously characterized to perform nitrate-dependent AOM, to an Fe(III)-amended condition over a prolonged period. Simultaneous consumption of methane and production of dissolved Fe(II) were observed for more than 500 days in the presence of Ca. "M. nitroreducens TS," indicating that this archaeon can carry out Fe(III)-dependent AOM for a long period. Ca. "M. nitroreducens TS" possesses multiple multiheme c-type cytochromes (MHCs), suggesting that it may have the capability to reduce Fe(III) via EET. Intriguingly, most of these MHCs are orthologous to those identified in Candidatus "Methanoperedens ferrireducens," an Fe(III)-reducing ANME archaeon. In contrast, the population of Ca. "M. nitroreducens TS" declined and was eventually replaced by Ca. "M. ferrireducens," implying niche differentiation between these two ANME archaea in the environment.

A Genome-Scale Metabolic Model of Methanoperedens nitroreducens: Assessing Bioenergetics and Thermodynamic Feasibility

Methane is an abundant low-carbon fuel that provides a valuable energy resource, but it is also a potent greenhouse gas. Therefore, anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is an essential process with central features in controlling the carbon cycle. Candidatus 'Methanoperedens nitroreducens' (M. nitroreducens) is a recently discovered methanotrophic archaeon capable of performing AOM via a reverse methanogenesis pathway utilizing nitrate as the terminal electron acceptor. Recently, reverse methanogenic pathways and energy metabolism among anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME) have gained significant interest. However, the energetics and the mechanism for electron transport in nitrate-dependent AOM performed by M. nitroreducens is unclear. This paper presents a genome-scale metabolic model of M. nitroreducens, iMN22HE, which contains 813 reactions and 684 metabolites. The model describes its cellular metabolism and can quantitatively predict its growth phenotypes. The essentiality of the cytoplasmic heterodisulfide reductase HdrABC in the reverse methanogenesis pathway is examined by modeling the electron transfer direction and the specific energy-coupling mechanism. Furthermore, based on better understanding electron transport by modeling, a new energy transfer mechanism is suggested. The new mechanism involves reactions capable of driving the endergonic reactions in nitrate-dependent AOM, including the step reactions in reverse canonical methanogenesis and the novel electron-confurcating reaction HdrABC. The genome metabolic model not only provides an in silico tool for understanding the fundamental metabolism of ANME but also helps to better understand the reverse methanogenesis energetics and its thermodynamic feasibility.

Mechanistic Insights Into Co-Administration of Allosteric and Orthosteric Drugs to Overcome Drug-Resistance in T315I BCR-ABL1

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm, driven by the BCR-ABL1 fusion oncoprotein. The discovery of orthosteric BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting its active ATP-binding pocket, such as first-generation Imatinib and second-generation Nilotinib (NIL), has profoundly revolutionized the therapeutic landscape of CML. However, currently targeted therapeutics still face considerable challenges with the inevitable emergence of drug-resistant mutations within BCR-ABL1. One of the most common resistant mutations in BCR-ABL1 is the T315I gatekeeper mutation, which confers resistance to most current TKIs in use. To resolve such conundrum, co-administration of orthosteric TKIs and allosteric drugs offers a novel paradigm to tackle drug resistance. Remarkably, previous studies have confirmed that the dual targeting BCR-ABL1 utilizing orthosteric TKI NIL and allosteric inhibitor ABL001 resulted in eradication of the CML xenograft tumors, exhibiting promising therapeutic potential. Previous studies have demonstrated the cooperated mechanism of two drugs. However, the conformational landscapes of synergistic effects remain unclear, hampering future efforts in optimizations and improvements. Hence, extensive large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of wide type (WT), WT-NIL, T315I, T315I-NIL, T315I-ABL001 and T315I-ABL001-NIL systems were carried out in an attempt to address such question. Simulation data revealed that the dynamic landscape of NIL-bound BCR-ABL1 was significantly reshaped upon ABL001 binding, as it shifted from an active conformation towards an inactive conformation. The community network of allosteric signaling was analyzed to elucidate the atomistic overview of allosteric regulation within BCR-ABL1. Moreover, binding free energy analysis unveiled that the affinity of NIL to BCR-ABL1 increased by the induction of ABL001, which led to its favorable binding and the release of drug resistance. The findings uncovered the in-depth structural mechanisms underpinning dual-targeting towards T315I BCR-ABL1 to overcome its drug resistance and will offer guidance for the rational design of next generations of BCR-ABL1 modulators and future combinatory therapeutic regimens.

Influence of sodium hypochlorite concentration on cavitation effect and fluid dynamics induced by photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS): A visualization study

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to visualize and compare the cavitation effect and fluid dynamics induced by photon-induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with different concentrations as irrigant.

METHODS

Forty artificial root canals were prepared using MTWO Niti file up to size #25/.06. The canals were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10/group). High-speed camera was used to visualize and compare the cavitation effect induced by PIPS in the artificial root canals containing saline or NaOCl. Fluid velocity and Reynolds number of saline, 1%-, 2.5%- and 5.25% NaOCl irrigants induced by PIPS in the apical region were calculated using TEMA 2D software while the fluid motions were recorded.

RESULTS

Visualization profile revealed that NaOCl presented a stronger cavitation effect and fluid dynamics than saline during PIPS activation. In the apical region, 1% NaOCl group presented the highest average velocity of 3.868 m/s, followed by 2.5% NaOCl group (3.685 m/s), 5.25% NaOCl group (2.353 m/s) and saline group (1.268 m/s), corresponding to Reynolds number of 1653.173, 1572.196, 995.503 and 477.692. Statistically higher fluid velocity was calculated in 1% and 2.5% NaOCl groups compared to saline group, respectively (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The application of NaOCl and its concentration significantly influence the cavitation effect and fluid dynamics during PIPS activation. 1% and 2.5% NaOCl groups presented a more violent fluid motion in the apical region when activated by PIPS.

Interactions between virus surrogates and sewage sludge vary by viral analyte: Recovery, persistence, and sorption

Sewage sludge, as a reservoir of viruses, may pose threats to human health. Understanding how virus particles interact with sludge is the key to controlling virus exposure and transmission. In this study, we investigated the recovery, survivability, and sorption of four typical virus surrogates with different structures (Phi6, MS2, T4, and Phix174) in sewage sludge. The most effective elution method varies by viral analyte, while the ultrafiltration method could significantly reduce the recovery loss for all four viruses. Compared with nonenveloped viruses, the poor recoveries of Phi6 during elution (<15%) limited its efficient detection. The inactivation kinetics of four viruses in solid-containing sludge were significantly faster than those in solid-removed samples at 25 °C, indicating that the solid fraction of sludge played an important role in virus inactivation. Although enveloped Phi6 was more vulnerable in both solid-removed and solid-containing sludge samples, it could remain viable for several hours at 25 °C and several days at 4 °C, which may pose an infection risk during sludge collection, transportation, and treatment process. The adsorption and desorption behavior of viruses in sludge could be affected by virus envelope structure, capsid proteins, and virus particle size. Phi6 adsorption to sludge was great with log K_F of 6.51 ± 0.53, followed by Phix174, MS2, and T4. Additionally, more than 95% of Phi6, MS2, and T4 adsorbed to sludge were strongly bound, and a considerable fraction of strongly-bound virus was confirmed to retain viability. These results shed light on the environmental behavior of viruses in sewage sludge and provide a theoretical basis for the risk assessment for sludge treatment and disposal.

Interactions between virus surrogates and sewage sludge vary by viral analyte: Recovery, persistence, and sorption

Sewage sludge, as a reservoir of viruses, may pose threats to human health. Understanding how virus particles interact with sludge is the key to controlling virus exposure and transmission. In this study, we investigated the recovery, survivability, and sorption of four typical virus surrogates with different structures (Phi6, MS2, T4, and Phix174) in sewage sludge. The most effective elution method varies by viral analyte, while the ultrafiltration method could significantly reduce the recovery loss for all four viruses. Compared with nonenveloped viruses, the poor recoveries of Phi6 during elution (<15%) limited its efficient detection. The inactivation kinetics of four viruses in solid-containing sludge were significantly faster than those in solid-removed samples at 25 °C, indicating that the solid fraction of sludge played an important role in virus inactivation. Although enveloped Phi6 was more vulnerable in both solid-removed and solid-containing sludge samples, it could remain viable for several hours at 25 °C and several days at 4 °C, which may pose an infection risk during sludge collection, transportation, and treatment process. The adsorption and desorption behavior of viruses in sludge could be affected by virus envelope structure, capsid proteins, and virus particle size. Phi6 adsorption to sludge was great with log K_F of 6.51 ± 0.53, followed by Phix174, MS2, and T4. Additionally, more than 95% of Phi6, MS2, and T4 adsorbed to sludge were strongly bound, and a considerable fraction of strongly-bound virus was confirmed to retain viability. These results shed light on the environmental behavior of viruses in sewage sludge and provide a theoretical basis for the risk assessment for sludge treatment and disposal.

Erythromycin stimulates rather than inhibits methane production in anaerobic digestion of antibiotic fermentation dregs

Erythromycin fermentation dregs (EFD) as one kind of organic-rich biosolid was of great potential for methane production. However, the influence of residual erythromycin (ERY) on the anaerobic digestion process of EFD remains unclear. In this study, a batch test was conducted with different ERY concentrations to investigate its effects on methanogenesis. The antibiotic resistance genes and microbial community composition were analyzed to explore the potential mechanism. The results showed that more than 80% of ERY was removed after 30 days digestion. Furthermore, 100, 200 and 300 mg/L of ERY presented no significant effect on the performance of anaerobic digestion. Instead, a high concentration of ERY (500 mg/L) increased 13% rather than inhibited the methane yields. Moreover, the proliferation of the methylase gene (e.g., ermA/T) was promoted under the high pressure of ERY. The relative abundance of acetogenic bacteria (Sedimentibacter) and mixotrophic archaea (Methanosarcina) were enhanced, indicating that their syntrophic association would play the dominant role in the stimulating effects of methanogenesis.

Implications for mitigation of antibiotic resistance: Differential response of intracellular and extracellular antibiotic resistance genes to sludge fermentation coupled with thermal hydrolysis

Thermal hydrolysis pretreatment (THP) can effectively remove the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) from sewage sludge, but the rebounding effects in the subsequent anaerobic fermentation are often observed. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the distribution and fate of intracellular and extracellular ARGs (iARGs and eARGs) in the sludge acidogenic fermentation process coupled with THP. Our results revealed that THP significantly reduced the absolute abundance of total ARGs in raw sludge but increased eARGs by 0.3-1.4 log units under practical conditions (140 °C for 30 min). There is no significant difference in the removal of total ARGs between the two acidogenic fermenters receiving raw and hydrolyzed sludge, with iARGs prevailing in the produced biosolids. The succession of bacterial community and the co-occurrence relationships among ARG type, mobile genetic elements and bacterial taxa were observed, suggesting a phylogenetic basis for the iARGs patterns in fermented sludge. However, eARGs were susceptible to biodegradation with a half-life of 2.34 h and they contributed limitedly to the ARGs propagation through transformation. These findings suggest an emphasis on the mitigation of iARGs during the acidogenic fermentation of sludge, which would be achieved by lowering the richness and physicochemical destruction of potential hosts.

[Epidemiological characteristics of newly reported HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school in China, 2011-2019]

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of HIV-infected adolescents outside school in China and provide reference to targeted prevention and control of HIV infection in this population. Methods: All the HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school reported during 2011-2019 were included this study. The information about their demographics, transmission routes and migration were collected from HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. The χ² test was done for comparison among groups. The Joinpoint 4.9.0 software was applied to the annual percent change (APC) for time trends analysis using the Joinpoint regression model. The Excel 2019 and SPSS 22.0 software were used for data cleaning and statistical analysis. Results: A total of 4 919 HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school were reported accumulatively in China between 2011 and 2019, accounting for 63.4% (4 919/7 757) of total reported HIV-infected cases in this age group. Analysis on trend revealed that the new HIV infection diagnosis rate has become stable since 2016 (APC=2.5%, P=0.173) after the increase between 2011 and 2015 (APC=36.4%, P<0.001). The migration across provinces was discovered in 13.9% (684/4 919) of the HIV-infected adolescents outside school. Males, workers, and those diagnosed in detention centers or transmitted by injecting drugs or homosexual contacts accounted for a larger proportion in migrated cases compared with non-migrated cases. The adolescents outside school mainly got HIV infected by sexual contacts route, in which 66.5% (280/421) of the males were infected by homosexual contacts, while 97.8% (182/186) of the females were infected by heterosexual contacts in 2019. Conclusions: HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school were mainly infected by sexual contacts. However, adolescents outside school have low awareness of sexual health and high mobility, to whom close attention should be paid to improve their awareness of sexual health and to provide them with appropriate HIV infection prevention and treatment service.

Gemcitabine and XCT790, an ERRα inverse agonist, display a synergistic anticancer effect in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most fatal and chemoresistant malignancies with a poor prognosis. The current therapeutic options for PC have not achieved satisfactory results due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop novel treatment strategies with enhanced efficacy. This study sought to investigate the anticancer effect of gemcitabine and XCT790, an estrogen-related receptor alpha (ERRα) inverse agonist, as monotherapies or in combination for the treatment of PC. Here we demonstrated that the drug combination synergistically suppressed PC cell viability, its proliferative, migratory, invasive, apoptotic activities, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and it triggered G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and programmed cell death in vitro. In addition, in vivo assays using xenograft and mini-PDX (patient-derived xenograft) models further confirmed the synergistic antitumor effect between gemcitabine and XCT790 on PC. Mechanistically, gemcitabine and XCT790 suppressed PC by inhibiting ERRα and MEK/ERK signaling pathway. In conclusion, our current study demonstrated for the first time that gemcitabine combined with XCT790 displayed synergistic anticancer activities against PC, suggesting that their combination might be a promising treatment strategy for the therapy of PC.

Identification of liver-derived bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9 as a potential new candidate for treatment of colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a high-incidence malignancy worldwide which still needs better therapy options. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the responses of normal or malignant human intestinal epithelium to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9 and to find out whether the application of BMP-9 to patients with CRC or the enhancement of its synthesis in the liver could be useful strategies for new therapy approaches. In silico analyses of CRC patient cohorts (TCGA database) revealed that high expression of the BMP-target gene ID1, especially in combination with low expression of the BMP-inhibitor noggin, is significantly associated with better patient survival. Organoid lines were generated from human biopsies of colon cancer (T-Orgs) and corresponding non-malignant areas (N-Orgs) of three patients. The N-Orgs represented tumours belonging to three different consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of CRC. Overall, BMP-9 stimulation of organoids promoted an enrichment of tumour-suppressive gene expression signatures, whereas the stimulation with noggin had the opposite effects. Furthermore, treatment of organoids with BMP-9 induced ID1 expression (independently of high noggin levels), while treatment with noggin reduced ID1. In summary, our data identify the ratio between ID1 and noggin as a new prognostic value for CRC patient outcome. We further show that by inducing ID1, BMP-9 enhances this ratio, even in the presence of noggin. Thus, BMP-9 is identified as a novel target for the development of improved anti-cancer therapies of patients with CRC.