Integrated thermophilic submerged aerobic membrane bioreactor and electrochemical oxidation for pulp and paper effluent treatment--towards system closure

A novel integrated thermophilic submerged aerobic membrane bioreactor (TSAMBR) and electrochemical oxidation (EO) technology was developed for thermomechanical pulping pressate treatment with the aim of system closure. The TSAMBR was able to achieve a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 88.6 ± 1.9-92.3 ± 0.7% under the organic loading rate of 2.76 ± 0.13-3.98 ± 0.23 kg COD/(m(3) d). An optimal hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 1.1 ± 0.1d was identified for COD removal. Cake formation was identified as the dominant mechanism of membrane fouling. The EO of the TSAMBR permeate was performed using a Ti/SnO(2)-Sb(2)O(5)-IrO(2) electrode. After 6-h EO, a complete decolourization was achieved and the COD removal efficiency was increased to 96.2 ± 1.2-98.2 ± 0.3%. The high-quality effluent produced by the TSAMBR-EO system can be reused as process water for system closure in pulp and paper mill.

Differential expression of microRNAs during allograft rejection

MicrorRNA are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate the posttranscriptional expression of target genes. In addition to being involved in many biologic processes, microRNAs are important regulators in innate and adaptive immune responses. Distinct sets of expressed microRNAs are found in different cell types and tissues and aberrant expression of microRNAs is associated with many disease states. MicroRNA expression was examined in a model of heterotopic heart transplantation by microarray analyses and a unique profile was detected in rejecting allogeneic transplants (BALB/c → C57BL/6) as compared to syngeneic transplants (C57BL/6 → C57BL/6). The microRNA miR-182 was significantly increased in rejecting cardiac allografts and in mononuclear cells that infiltrate the grafts. Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are a family of important transcription factors and FOXO1 is a target of miR-182. As miR-182 increases after transplant, there is a concomitant posttranscriptional decrease in FOXO1 expression in heart allografts that is localized to both the cardiomyocytes and CD3(+) T cells. The microRNA miR-182 is significantly increased in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma during graft rejection suggesting potential as a biomarker of graft status. Our results identify microRNAs that may regulate alloimmune responses and graft outcomes.

CD16+ monocytes in breast cancer patients: expanded by monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and may be useful for early diagnosis

Human peripheral blood monocytes are a heterogeneous population, including CD14(+) CD16(-) 'classical' monocytes and CD14(+) CD16(+) 'proinflammatory' monocytes. CD16(+) monocytes are expanded in various inflammatory conditions. However, little is known about the CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes in patients with breast cancer. We detected CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes in 96 patients with breast cancer and 54 control subjects using flow cytometry. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the feasibility of CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes as an indicator for diagnosis of breast cancer. We found that the frequency of CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes showed a significantly greater increase in breast cancer patients than in controls (16·96% versus 10·84%, P < 0·0001). The area under the ROC curve for CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes was 0·805 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0·714-0·877, P = 0·0001]. Furthermore, the levels of CD16(+) monocytes were significantly negatively associated with the tumour size and pathological staging. In vitro, we showed that CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes were expanded significantly when the purified CD14(+) monocytes were exposed to Michigan Cancer Foundation (MCF)-7 cells-conditioned medium (MCF-CM) or, separately, to monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1). Neutralizing antibodies against MCP-1 inhibited the expansion of CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes by MCF-CM. Collectively, our findings indicated that MCP-1 can expand CD14(+) CD16(+) monocytes in patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, the CD14(+) CD16(+) monocyte may be a useful indicator in early diagnosis of breast cancer.

The effect of various cosmetic pretreatments on protecting hair from thermal damage by hot flat ironing

Hot flat irons are used to create straight hair styles. As these devices operate at temperatures over 200 °C they can cause significant damage to hair keratin. In this study, hair thermal damage and the effect of various polymeric pretreatments were investigated using FTIR imaging spectroscopy, DSC, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), AFM, SEM, and thermal image analysis. FTIR imaging spectroscopy of hair cross sections provides spatially resolved molecular information such as protein distribution and structure. This approach was used to monitor thermally induced modification of hair protein, including the conversion of α-helix to β-sheet and protein degradation. DSC measurements of thermally treated hair also demonstrated degradation of hair keratin. DVS of thermally treated hair shows the reduced water regain and lower water retention, compared to the non-thermally treated hair, which might be attributed to the protein conformation changes due to heat damage. The protection of native protein structure associated with selected polymer pretreatments leads to improved moisture restoration and water retention of hair. This contributes to heat control on repeated hot flat ironing. Thermally stressing hair led to significantly increased hair breakage when subjected to combing. These studies indicate that hair breakage can be reduced significantly when hair is pretreated with selected polymers such as VP/acrylates/lauryl methacrylate copolymer, polyquaternium-55, and a polyelectrolyte complex of PVM/MA copolymer and polyquaternium-28. In addition, polymeric pretreatments provide thermal protection against thermal degradation of keratin in the cortex as well as hair surface damage. The morphological improvement in cuticle integrity and smoothness with the polymer pretreatment plays an important role in their anti-breakage effect. Insights into structure-property relationships necessary to provide thermal protection to hair are presented.

Down-regulation of the Notch pathway mediated by a gamma-secretase inhibitor induces anti-tumour effects in mouse models of T-cell leukaemia

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

gamma-Secretase inhibitors (GSIs) block NOTCH receptor cleavage and pathway activation and have been under clinical evaluation for the treatment of malignancies such as T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). The ability of GSIs to decrease T-ALL cell viability in vitro is a slow process requiring >8 days, however, such treatment durations are not well tolerated in vivo. Here we study GSI's effect on tumour and normal cellular processes to optimize dosing regimens for anti-tumour efficacy.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Inhibition of the Notch pathway in mouse intestinal epithelium was used to evaluate the effect of GSIs and guide the design of dosing regimens for xenograft models. Serum Abeta(40) and Notch target gene modulation in tumours were used to evaluate the degree and duration of target inhibition. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic correlations with biochemical, immunohistochemical and profiling data were used to demonstrate GSI mechanism of action in xenograft tumours.

KEY RESULTS

Three days of >70% Notch pathway inhibition was sufficient to provide an anti-tumour effect and was well tolerated. GSI-induced conversion of mouse epithelial cells to a secretory lineage was time- and dose-dependent. Anti-tumour efficacy was associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis that was in part due to Notch-dependent regulation of mitochondrial homeostasis.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Intermittent but potent inhibition of Notch signalling is sufficient for anti-tumour efficacy in these T-ALL models. These findings provide support for the use of GSI in Notch-dependent malignancies and that clinical benefits may be derived from transient but potent inhibition of Notch.

Anaerobic biodegradation of cellulosic material: batch experiments and modelling based on isotopic data and focusing on aceticlastic and non-aceticlastic methanogenesis

Utilizing stable carbon isotope data to account for aceticlastic and non-aceticlastic pathways of methane generation, a model was created to describe laboratory batch anaerobic decomposition of cellulosic materials (office paper and cardboard). The total organic and inorganic carbon concentrations, methane production volume, and methane and CO(2) partial pressure values were used for the model calibration and validation. According to the fluorescent in situ hybridization observations, three groups of methanogens including strictly hydrogenotrophic methanogens, strictly aceticlastic methanogens (Methanosaeta sp.) and Methanosarcina sp., consuming both acetate and H(2)/H(2)CO(3) as well as acetate-oxidizing syntrophs, were considered. It was shown that temporary inhibition of aceticlastic methanogens by non-ionized volatile fatty acids or acidic pH was responsible for two-step methane production from office paper at 35 degrees C where during the first and second steps methane was generated mostly from H(2)/H(2)CO(3) and acetate, respectively. Water saturated and unsaturated cases were tested. According to the model, at the intermediate moisture (150%), much lower methane production occurred because of full-time inhibition of aceticlastic methanogens. At the lowest moisture, methane production was very low because most likely hydrolysis was seriously inhibited. Simulations showed that during cardboard and office paper biodegradation at 55 degrees C, non-aceticlastic syntrophic oxidation by acetate-oxidizing syntrophs and hydrogenotrophic methanogens were the dominant methanogenic pathways.

Aequorin variants with improved bioluminescence properties

The photoprotein aequorin has been widely used as a bioluminescent label in immunoassays, for the determination of calcium concentrations in vivo, and as a reporter in cellular imaging. It is composed of apoaequorin (189 amino acid residues), the imidazopyrazine chromophore coelenterazine and molecular oxygen. The emission characteristics of aequorin can be changed by rational design of the protein to introduce mutations in its structure, as well as by substituting different coelenterazine analogues to yield semi-synthetic aequorins. Variants of aequorin were created by mutating residues His16, Met19, Tyr82, Trp86, Trp108, Phe113 and Tyr132. Forty-two aequorin mutants were prepared and combined with 10 different coelenterazine analogues in a search for proteins with different emission wavelengths, altered decay kinetics and improved stability. This spectral tuning strategy resulted in semi-synthetic photoprotein mutants with significantly altered bioluminescent properties.

Similar evolution in delta 13CH4 and model-predicted relative rate of aceticlastic methanogenesis during mesophilic methanization of municipal solid wastes

Similar evolution was obtained for the stable carbon isotope signatures delta (13)CH(4) and the model-predicted relative rate of aceticlastic methanogenesis during mesophilic methanization of municipal solid wastes. In batch incubations, the importance of aceticlastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis changes in time. Initially, hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis dominated, but increasing population of Methanosarcina sp. enhances aceticlastic methanogenesis. Later, hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis intensified again. A mathematical model was developed to evaluate the relative contribution of hydrogenotrophic and aceticlastic pathways of methane generation during mesophilic batch anaerobic biodegradation of the French and the Chinese Municipal Solid Wastes (FMSW and CMSW). Taking into account molecular biology analysis reported earlier three groups of methanogens including strictly hydrogenotrophic methanogens, strictly aceticlastic methanogens (Methanosaeta sp.) and Methanosarcina sp., consuming both acetate and H(2)/H(2)CO(3) were considered in the model. The total organic and inorganic carbon concentrations, methane production volume, methane and carbon dioxide partial pressures values were used for the model calibration and validation. Methane isotopic composition (delta (13)CH(4)) evolution during the incubations was used to independently validate the model results. The model demonstrated that only the putrescible solid waste was totally converted to methane.

BDCA-1+, BDCA-2+ and BDCA-3+ dendritic cells in early human pregnancy decidua

Dendritic cells (DCs) can acquire unique features or phenotypes in different tissue microenvironments and decide whether immunity or tolerance develops. DCs observed within the decidua have been implicated in pregnancy maintenance. However, the precise distribution of decidual DC subsets and their phenotypic characteristics are largely unknown. Using flow cytometry, we identified three DC subsets in normal human first-trimester decidua: BDCA-1+ CD19- CD14(-) myeloid DC type 1 (MDC1), BDCA-3+ CD14- myeloid DC type 2 (MDC2) and BDCA-2+ CD123+ plasmacytoid DC (PDC). The percentage of MDC1 to mononuclear cells in the decidua was similar to that in the peripheral blood controls. The percentage of MDC2 in the decidua was significantly higher than that in the peripheral blood controls, whereas the percentage of PDC was significantly lower. Both MDC1 and MDC2 subsets expressed human leucocyte antigen D-related, CD86 and CD80 at low levels, suggesting a characteristic of immature myeloid DCs. Immunoglobulin-like transcript 3, suggested to be involved in immune tolerance induction, was also expressed on decidual MDC1 and MDC2 subsets. In addition, as gestational age increased from 6 to 9 weeks, the numbers of MDC1 decreased but MDC2 increased significantly. This is the first study to demonstrate the presence of three previously unidentified BDCA-1+, BDCA-3+ and BDCA-2+ DC subsets in human decidua, these decidual DCs might play important role in the maintenance of pregnancy.

NS-398 enhances the efficacy of gemcitabine against lung adenocarcinoma through up-regulation of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 protein

Gemcitabine is a chemotherapeutic drug widely used in the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma, especially in advanced lung adenocarcinoma. However, many patients with advanced lung adenocarcinoma show a resistance to gemcitabine. Overexpression of COX-2 has been found in human non-small cell lung cancer tissues and itA s cell lines. Evidences show that COX-2 is involved in drug resistance of tumor. However, It is unknown whether COX-2 inhibitor can augment the efficacy of gemcitabine against lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, A549 cells were treated with gemcitabine and/or NS-398. The cell viability was examined by MTT assay. The cell cycle distribution and apoptotic ratio were tested by flow cytometry. The levels of p21WAF1, p27KIP1, p16INK4a and p15INK4b expression were detected by western blotting. After the cells were treated with gemcitabine along with NS-398, more cells were arrested in G1 phase and went to apoptosis. The levels of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1 protein were elevated, while the levels of p16INK4a and p15INK4b protein were not changed. It can be concluded that NS-398 enhances the efficacy of gemcitabine against lung adenocarcinoma and the efficacy is associated with up-regulation of p21WAF1 and p27KIP1protein.

Establishment of serum protein pattern for screening colorectal cancer using SELDI-TOF-MS

AIM

The purpose of this study is to develop a proteomic pattern for distinguishing individuals with colorectal cancer from healthy controls and monitoring micrometastasis using SELDI-TOF-MS.

METHODS

A training set consisting of 63 patients with colorectal cancer, 20 patients with benign colorectal diseases and 26 healthy volunteers was used to develop a proteomic model that discriminated colorectal cancer effectively. The sensitivity and specificity of this model was validated by an independent test set. To explore serum proteins changed after operation, the protein profiles of 31 postoperative patients were compared with those of preoperative patients. We also analyzed protein profiles of patients with and without metastasis to monitor micrometastasis.

RESULTS

Our study yielded a four-peak model (m/z: 3191.5, 3262.9, 3396.3 and 5334.4) that discriminated cancer from non-cancer samples with sensitivity of 90.3% and specificity of 95.7%. This model was validated in the test set with sensitivity of 87.5% and specificity of 93.8% which was significantly better than the combination use of CEA, CA199 and CA242 (sensitivity 62.4%) for early detection of colorectal cancer. Two peaks (m/z: 2753.8 and 4172.4) were found down-regulated in postoperative samples comparing with preoperative samples. We also detected two proteins (m/z: 9184.4 and 9340.9) that can discriminate patients with primary colorectal cancer from metastatic colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The four-peak model and two peaks (m/z: 2753.8 and 4172.4) detected in this study have the potential for assistance in diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer and the two proteins (m/z: 9184.4 and 9340.9) were effective biomarkers for monitoring micrometastasis.