Synthesis and evaluation of cationic flocculant P(DAC-PAPTAC-AM) for flocculation of coal chemical wastewater

In this study, a high-efficiency cationic flocculant, P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM), was successfully prepared using UV-induced polymerization technology. The monomer Acrylamide (AM): Acryloxyethyl Trimethyl ammonium chloride (DAC): methacrylamido propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (MAPTAC) ratio, monomer concentration, photoinitiator concentration, urea content, and cationic monomer DAC:MAPTAC ratio, light time, and power of high-pressure mercury lamp were studied. The characteristic groups, characteristic diffraction peaks, and characteristic proton peaks of P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM) were confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (¹H NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of dosage, pH value, and velocity gradient (G) value on the removal efficiencies of turbidity, COD, ammonia nitrogen, and total phenol by poly aluminum ferric chloride (PAFC), P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM), and PAFC/P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM) in the flocculation treatment of coal chemical wastewater were investigated. Results showed that the optimal conditions for the flocculation of coal chemical wastewater using P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM) alone are as follows: dosage of 8-12 mg/L, G value of 100-250 s ^- 1, and pH value of 4-8. The optimal dosage of PAFC is 90-150 mg/L with a pH of 2-12. The optimal dosage for PAFC/P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM) is as follows: PAFC dosage of 90-150 mg/L, P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM) dosage of 8-12 mg/L, and pH range of 2-6. When P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM) was used alone, the optimal removal efficiencies of turbidity, COD, ammonia nitrogen, and total phenol were 81.0%, 35.0%, 75.0%, and 80.3%, respectively. PAFC has good tolerance to wastewater pH and good pH buffering. Thus, the flocculation treatment of coal chemical wastewater using the PAFC/P(DAC-MAPTAC-AM) compound also exhibits excellent resistance and buffering capacity.

MiR-519d and miR-328-3p Combinatorially Suppress Breast Cancer Progression

Background

MiR-519d and miR-328-3p had tumor-regulatory properties in different cancers, but their combinatorial effects and potential common target in breast cancer had not been fully reported. This research targeted to study the underlying mechanism of how miR-519d and miR-328-3p cooperatively suppressed breast cancer.

Methods

MiR-519d and miR-328-3p expressions in breast cancer tissues and cells were assessed and Ki-67 expression was also checked. DLR assay was executed to verify whether Ki-67 was a common target of miR-519d and miR-328-3p. Western blot, flow cytometry, colony formation, wound healing and transwell assays were applied to examine the inhibitory roles of these two miRNAs on the malignant behaviors of breast cancer cells and the potential molecular mechanism.

Results

Impeded miR-519d and miR-328-3p expressions and enhanced Ki-67 expression were detected in breast cancer tissues and cells. Ki-67 was confirmed as a target of these two miRNAs. MiR-519d and miR-328-3p hampered cell proliferation and blocked cell cycle via binding to Ki-67 and they also suppressed migration and invasion. The combinatorial effects of two miRNAs were much stronger than a single miRNA.

Conclusion

Our findings proved that miR-519d and miR-328-3p played combinatorial anti-cancer roles in breast cancer by directly targeting a common target Ki-67. Our study suggested that these two miRNAs might own the potential to become novel therapeutic biomarkers involved in the diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer.

Exosomal circRNAs: Sorting Mechanisms, Roles and Clinical Applications in Tumors

Exosomes are a group of nano-sized membrane vesicles and are important mediators of intercellular communication, particularly in tumor microenvironment. Recently, researchers have found that circular RNAs (circRNAs), with the great research significance, are enriched and stable in exosomes. In this review, we summarize the research significance of exosomal circRNAs, sorting mechanisms and their functioning mechanisms in tumor progression. Their clinical applications as clinical tumor biomarkers and as therapeutic targets in inhibiting tumor metastasis, anti-cancer immunity response and drug resistance have been widely discussed.

Effective and simultaneous removal of organic/inorganic arsenic using polymer-based hydrated iron oxide adsorbent: Capacity evaluation and mechanism

In this study, resin-based hydrated iron oxide (HFOR) composites were prepared and used as a functional adsorbent for the simultaneous removal of p-Arsanilic acid (p-ASA) and arsenate (As (V)). The effects of solution pH and coexisting substances on the adsorption of different arsenic species were also investigated. Results showed that the coexisting substances slightly affected the adsorption process of two arsenic species. Analysis of the adsorption behavior, isotherm equilibrium, and adsorption kinetics, as well as that results of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, zeta potential, and other analytical methods revealed that the satisfactory adsorption performance of HFOR can be attributed to the electrostatic interactions induced by the positively charged groups and the coordination of the hydrated iron oxide nanoparticles, which exhibited excellent specific adsorption for both arsenic species. Moreover, HFOR showed high acid and alkali resistance and reusability, as well as a constant co-removal performance for different arsenic species in five consecutive operating cycles (55 mg As/g of As(V) and 18 mg/g of p-ASA). Results of continuous running fixed-bed column experiments confirmed that HFOR enabled excellent simultaneous adsorption for p-ASA and As(V).

Comprehensive Assessment of Plasma Circ_0004771 as a Novel Diagnostic and Dynamic Monitoring Biomarker in Gastric Cancer

Purpose

Due to the lack of specific and sensitive detection indicators, most patients with GC are already in the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Therefore, it is urgent to search for effective diagnostic biomarkers that can be applied in clinic.

Materials and Methods

We screened out circ_0004771 through circRNA sequencing. Exonuclease digestion assay, agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and Sanger sequencing verified the potential of circ_0004771 being a biomarker. Additionally, we established quantitative real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to detect the expression level of circ_0004771 and evaluated the methodology. What's more, we collected plasma samples from 120 GC patients, 40 superficial gastritis patients, 20 postoperative GC patients, 20 postoperative recurrence patients and 120 healthy donors. We constructed the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to appraise its diagnostic efficacy.

Results

The expression level of circ_0004771 is up-regulated in GC tissues, which is consistent with circRNA sequencing result (P=0.0001). Circ_0004771 can serve as a promising biomarker because of its stable structure and longer half-life. Plasma circ_0004771 expression is markedly richer in GC patients than that in normal people (P<0.0001), and the area under the ROC (AUC) is 0.831 (95% CI: 0.779–0.883). The diagnostic efficacy of circ_0004771 is higher than that of CEA (AUC=0.747, 95% CI: 0.686–0.808) and CA199 (AUC=0.508, 95% CI: 0.433–0.583). Higher diagnostic efficacy can be achieved by combination diagnosis for distinguishing GC patients from normal people (AUC=0.864). Besides, the expression level of circ_0004771 can distinguish GC patients from gastritis patients (AUC=0.845, 95% CI: 0.772–0.917). The plasma circ_0004771 expression in GC patients decreased to normal after surgery (P<0.0001). In addition, plasma circ_0004771 expression increased again in patients with postoperative recurrence.

Conclusion

Plasma circ_0004771 is differentially expressed in GC patients, postoperative GC patients and patients with recurrence, suggesting that plasma circ_0004771 can be used as a novel diagnostic and dynamic monitoring biomarker in GC.

[Function and mechanism of histone demethytransferase Jmjd3 mediated regulation of Th1/Th2 balance through epigenetic modification in pre-eclampsia]

Objective: To observe the expression level of histone demethyltransferase Jmjd3 in patients with pre-eclampsia (PE), and to investigate the possible mechanism of its epigenetic modification in regulating Th1/Th2 imbalance in PE patients. Methods: The mRNA levels of histone demethyltransferase Jmjd3 from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PE patients and normal pregnant women were detected by RT-PCR. Peripheral serum IFN-γ and IL-4　　were detected by ELISA. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA levels of Jmjd3, Tbx21 and Cxcr3 in the spleen of PE and control mice. Immunomagnetic beads were used to sort out the initial CD4⁺ T cells in the spleen of control and PE mice. Western blot was used to detect H3K27me1 and H3K27me3 levels. ChIP analysis was used for H3K27me3 demethylation modification in spleens of PE mice. Results: Compared with normal pregnant women, the mRNA level of Jmjd3 in PBMC of PE patients was significantly increased, the level of IFN-γ in serum was significantly increased, and the level of IL-4 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared with normal control mice, the mRNA level of Jmjd3 in the spleen of PE mice was significantly increased, and the expression of Tbx21 and Cxcr3 was significantly increased in PE mice (P<0.01); the H3K27me3 level of CD4⁺ T cells in PE mice was significantly reduced (P<0.05), but H3K27me1 was not changed. ChIP analysis showed that CD4⁺ T cells H3K27me3 in PE group mice were in the Ifng promoter region, compared with control mice. Recruitment was significantly reduced, while recruitment in the promoter region of Il4 was significantly increased (P<0.01). Conclusions: In both PE patients and mice with PE model, the relative expression level of histone demethyltransferase Jmjd3 is significantly up-regulated, which further induces the demethylation of H3K27me3 in the Ifng promoter region and promotes the initial CD4⁺ T cells to Th1 cell differentiation and development, leading to an imbalance of Th1/Th2, which may be one of the important reasons for the development of preeclampsia.

The synthesis of polyaspartic acid derivative PASP-Im and investigation of its scale inhibition performance and mechanism in industrial circulating water

A polyaspartic acid derivative (PASP-Im) as a novel scale inhibitor was synthesized by a simple green synthesis route with polysuccinimide and iminodiacetic acid as the starting materials. The as-synthesized PASP-Im was characterized via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), and its scale inhibition performance was evaluated by a static scale inhibition method. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and density functional theory computational studies were conducted to explore the scale inhibition mechanism of PASP-Im. The findings indicate that the as-synthesized PASP-Im exhibits better antiscale performance against the CaCO₃ deposits than the unmodified PASP because of the introduction of iminodiacetic acid group. It also can change the crystallization path of calcium carbonate from stable calcite to vaterite that is dispersible in water, thereby resulting in great changes in the morphology of the CaCO₃ scale. Furthermore, the O and N atoms in the negatively charged functional groups (such as –NH₂ and –COOH) of PASP-Im can interact with calcium ions to block the active growth point of CaCO₃ crystals, which also accounts for the excellent antiscale performance of PASP-Im. With new insights into the synergy between the functional groups of the antiscale molecule and scale-forming ions, this approach would be helpful towards the development of novel high-performance anti-scaling macromolecules.

A polyaspartic acid derivative (PASP-Im) as a novel scale inhibitor was synthesized by a simple green synthesis route with polysuccinimide and iminodiacetic acid as the starting materials.

miR-199 family contributes to regulation of sonic hedgehog expression during craniofacial development

BACKGROUND

The frontonasal ectodermal zone (FEZ) is a signaling center that regulates patterned development of the upper jaw, and Sonic hedgehog (SHH) mediates FEZ activity. Induction of SHH expression in the FEZ results from SHH-dependent signals from the brain and neural crest cells. Given the role of miRNAs in modulating gene expression, we investigated the extent to which miRNAs regulate SHH expression and FEZ signaling.

RESULTS

In the FEZ, the miR-199 family appears to be regulated by SHH-dependent signals from the brain; expression of this family increased from HH18 to HH22, and upon activation of SHH signaling in the brain. However, the miR-199 family is more broadly expressed in the mesenchyme of the frontonasal process and adjacent neuroepithelium. Downregulating the miR-199 genes expanded SHH expression in the FEZ, resulting in wider faces, while upregulating miR-199 genes resulted in decreased SHH expression and narrow faces. Hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 4 (MAP3K4) appear to be potential targets of miR-199b. Reduction of MAP3K4 altered beak development but increased apoptosis, while reducing HIF1A reduced expression of SHH in the FEZ and produced malformations independent of apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that this miRNA family appears to participate in regulating SHH expression in the FEZ; however, specific molecular mechanisms remain unknown.

[Analysis on the situation of being supported by the national natural science foundation of China in the field of occupational diseases from 2010 to 2019]

Objective: To understand the situation supported by the National Natural Science Foundation in the field of occupational diseases (H2402) in China, so as to provide a reference basis for the application and research of scientific researchers in the field of occupational diseases in China. Methods: The information system of scientific and technological achievements was used to search the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the field of occupational diseases from 2010 to 2019. Results: From 2010 to 2019, a total of 55 projects were funded under the Occupational Disease code (H2402) , with a total funding of 22.33 million yuan, of which 30 were supported by the Youth Science Foundation, 20 by the Youth Science Foundation and 5 by the Regional Science Foundation. Thirty five items of the research projects focused on pneumoconiosis and other respiratory diseases which accounted for 63.64 per cent. Forty one items of scientific research projects are supported by domestic institutions of higher learning which accounted for 74.55 per cent. Conclusion: The research support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China to the field of occupational diseases (H2402) has increased steadily, but the support of different research directions and supporting units is not balanced. It is suggested that departments concerned strengthen guidance and support for the applicants in less developed areas and weak research directions of the projects in the National Natural Science Foundation.

Static magnetic fields accelerate osteogenesis by regulating FLRT/BMP pathway

OBJECTIVES

Static magnetic fields (SMF) have been proved to enhance osteogenic differentiation in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, the effect of SMF on mandibular condylar chondrocytes (MCCs) are less investigated, which contributes to the vertical formation of mandible. The purpose of the present study was to identify whether SMF accelerate the osteogenesis on mature condylar cartilage and explore the potential regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

In this study, we presented a 280 mT SMF stimulation set-up to investigate the genomic effects of SMF exposure on MCCs differentiation and osteoblast-related factor secretion in vitro. Induced by Oricell™ for osteogenesis, MCCs from primary SD Rat were stimulated with or without SMF for cell culture. Cell proliferation was determined by CCK-8. The enhanced osteogenetic capacity of the SMF stimulated MCCs was identified by Alizarin red staining (ARS). Additionally, the effects of SMF on the expression of transmembrane protein marker (FLRT3), terminal differentiation markers (BMP2), and transcription factors (Smad1/5/8) were quantified by Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, SMF decreased the proliferation of MCCs (p < 0.05) after 14 days osteogenesis-specific induction. The mineral synthesis of MCCs was upregulated by SMF (p < 0.0001). The expression of BMP2, Smad1/5/8 showed decrease trends while the protein level of FLRT3 acted in contrary manner (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings emphasized the ability of osteogenesis positively respond to SMF stimulation by exhibiting enhanced differentiation via FLRT/BMP signaling.

Effective treatment of residue of acrylic acid production using a fluid-bed/fixed-bed system with low energy consumption

In order to effectively deal with large amounts of complex organic pollutants in the harmful distillation residues with low energy consumption, a novel two-stage fluid-bed/fixed-bed system was designed to catalyze oxidation of acrylic acid production residue. The effects of fluid-bed temperature, gaseous hourly space velocity (GHSV), and oxygen excess rate on the purification of acrylic acid production residue in the two-stage fluid-bed/fixed-bed system were studied to prove the feasibility of the method. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the discharged liquid was <100 mg/L, and the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the discharged gas amounted to <10 mg/m³ with a fluid-bed temperature of 380°C, emulsified residue's GHSV of 0.28 L/(kg_cat ·hr), and O₂ excessive rate of more than 4.32. The result of techno-economics indicates the feasibility of the long-term operation of process. Results further illustrate the advantages of the proposed two-stage fluid-bed/fixed-bed system, which can treat acrylic acid production residue with high efficiency (COD < 100 mg/L, VOCs < 10 mg/m³ ) and low energy consumption (~24,856 kw·hr/ton) in the chemical industry. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A novel two-stage fluid-bed/fixed-bed system was developed for acrylic acid production residue treatment. No extra energy was required at low temperature in the two-stage fluid-bed/fixed-bed system. Purification of residue could be finished at low temperature by the catalytic pyrolysis and catalytic oxidation process. The two-stage system did not produce toxic gases and particulate matters.

Enhanced removal of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate using a resin-based nanocomposite hydrated iron oxide through a Fenton-like process: Capacity evaluation and pathways

The effective removal of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) effectively from water environment remains an important but challenging task. In this study, a resin-based nanocomposite of hydrated iron oxide (HD1) was used as Fenton-like catalyst for effectively catalyzing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to degrade tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP). The results showed that HD1 was successfully prepared, which had great versatility, catalytic performance and adsorption capacity. Besides, HD1/H₂O₂ was capable of degrading TCEP completely with less than 0.2 mg/L of inorganic phosphorus (IP) in the effluent at the initial TCEP of 38 mg/L, pH = 4, H₂O₂ dosage of 20 mM, and the K_obs could result in about 1.0530 min^-1 under identical conditions. More attractively, inorganic ions (i.e., Cl-, CO₃²-, SO₄²-, NO₃-, HCO₃-, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) exhibited moderate effect on TCEP degradation. The negative effect of natural organic matters (NOM) (i.e., HA) on the degradation of TCEP was responsible for competition for the active oxygen species. Combined with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and other analytical methods and radical quenching experiments, the possible removal process of TCEP was discussed, including two processes of oxidative degradation and immobilization of IP. Besides, hydroxyl radicals (•OH) was the key active species that contributed to TCEP degradation through hydroxylation-oxidation and C-O bond cracking, and specificity adsorption of HFO on IP was revealed. Furthermore, the results showed that HD1 had desirable acid and alkali resistance. In the continuous running fixed bed column experiment, HD1 showed a satisfactory performance in cycle operations. This work proposed a new enhanced process for removing TCEP in water environment by HD1/H₂O₂, and the multi-functional material, HD1 was promising in treatment of water containing organic phosphorus pollutants. This will be believed that this study will provide new ideas and new materials for the treatment of organic phosphorus-based organic pollutants, and lay the foundation for further deepening and expanding the application of adsorption resins in the field of water pollution control.

Single-cell Transcriptome Analysis Indicates New Potential Regulation Mechanism of ACE2 and NPs signaling among heart failure patients infected with SARS-CoV-2

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 patients with comorbidities such as hypertension or heart failure (HF) are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the critical enzyme for SARS-CoV-2 infection, is broadly expressed in many organs including heart. However, the cellular distribution of ACE2 in the human heart, particularly the failing heart is unknown.

METHODS

We analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data in both normal and failing hearts, and characterized the ACE2 gene expression profile in various cell subsets, especially in cardiomyocyte subsets, as well as its interaction with gene networks relating to various defense and immune responses at the single cell level.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that ACE2 is present in cardiomyocytes (CMs), endothelial cells, fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells in the heart, while the number of ACE2-postive (ACE2+) CMs and ACE2 gene expression in these CMs are significantly increased in the failing hearts. Interestingly, both brain natriuretic peptides (BNP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are significantly up-regulated in the ACE2+ CMs. Further analysis shows that ANP, BNP and ACE2 may form a negative feedback loop with a group of genes associated with the development of heart failure. To our surprise, we found that genes related to virus entry, virus replication and suppression of interferon-gamma（IFN-γ）signaling are all up-regulated in CMs in failing hearts, and the increases were significantly higher in ACE2+ CMs as compared with ACE2 negative (ACE2-) CMs, suggesting that these ACE2+ CMs may be more vulnerable to virus infection. Since ACE2 expression is correlated with BNP expression, we further performed retrospective analysis of the plasma BNP levels and clinic outcome of 91 COVID-19 patients from a single-center. Patients with higher plasma BNP were associated with significantly higher mortality rate and expression levels of inflammatory and infective markers such as procalcitonin and C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSION

In the failing heart, the upregulation of ACE2 and virus infection associated genes, as well as the increased expression of ANP and BNP could facilitate SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and replication in these vulnerable cardiomyocyte subsets. These findings may advance our understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of myocarditis associated with COVID-19.

Downregulation of nuclear protein-1 induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase in glioma cells in vivo and in vitro via P27

Nuclear protein-1 (NUPR1), also named as p8 or Com1, has been since found overexpressed in several human malignant tumor cells, such as glioma. NUPR1 also regulates cell cycle progression, however, the role of NUPR1 in regulating glioma cell cycle remains poorly understood. Knockdown efficiency of U87 and U251 cells infected with the lentiviral vector was detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry and western blot were used to explore a mechanism by which NUPR1 modulates cell cycle in U87 and U251 cells. Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect expression levels of P27, CDK2, and cyclin E in human glioma tissues with NUPR1 positive expression and tumorigenesis in nude mice. We confirmed that the downregulation of NUPR1 arrested the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase in U87 and U251 cells in vitro. Furthermore, the expression level of P27 was increased, and CDK2 and cyclin E were decreased upon silencing NUPR1 expression in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the knockdown of NUPR1 induces cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase in glioma cells via P27.

Efficient removal of Cu(II) organic complexes by polymer-supported, nanosized, and hydrated Fe(III) oxides through a Fenton-like process

In this study, a polymer-supported, nanosized, and hydrated Fe(III) oxide (HFOD) was developed as a Fenton-like catalyst for the efficient removal of metal complexes in water. HFOD was prepared through the irreversible impregnation of hydrated iron(III) oxide (HFO) nanoparticles into cation exchange resin and characterized through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ion chromatography. The mechanism of Cu(II) ion removal and the degradation pathway of Cu(II)-citrate were analyzed through UV-vis spectrophotometry (UV) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The optimal removal rate of Cu(II) and TOC by a Fenton-like reaction at pH 4 and 40 mM H₂O₂ reached 81.6 % and 75.6 %, respectively. The removal efficiency of Cu(II)-citrate was remarkably affected with the addition of humic acid. However, the addition of competitive ions did not significantly reduce the removal rate of Cu(II)-citrate, thereby proving that the Fenton-like reaction by HFOD had a certain salt tolerance. Simultaneously, hydroxyl radical (•OH) was verified as the main free radical for Cu(II)-citrate degradation in a Fenton-like reaction, and citrate degradation was a process decarboxylation. HFOD recycling experiments and stability experiments showed that HFOD had high stability with good acid/alkali resistance and showed remarkable potential in the practical application of fixed-bed as catalysts for Fenton-like reactions.

Base-triggered self-amplifying degradable polyurethanes with the ability to translate local stimulation to continuous long-range degradation

A new type of base-triggered self-amplifying degradable polyurethane is reported that degrades under mild conditions, with the release of increasing amounts of amine product leading to self-amplified degradation. The polymer incorporates a base-sensitive Fmoc-derivative into every repeating unit to enable highly sensitive amine amplified degradation. A sigmoidal degradation curve for the linear polymer was observed consistent with a self-amplifying degradation mechanism. An analogous cross-linked polyurethane gel was prepared and also found to undergo amplified breakdown. In this case, a trace amount of localized base initiates the degradation, which in turn propagates through the material in an amplified manner. The results demonstrate the potential utility of these new generation polyurethanes in enhanced disposability and as stimuli responsive materials.

Efficient degradation of sulfamethoxazole by catalytic wet peroxide oxidation with sludge-derived carbon as catalysts

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is a commonly used antibiotic for both human and animals. The frequent detection of SMX in natural water bodies and sediment has become an issue of great environmental concern due to its potential risk to induce antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria. In the present work, the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) was investigated to remove SMX with sludge-derived carbon (SC) as a cheap alternative catalyst. Different acids were used to modify SC. It was found that SC modified with sulphuric acid (SC-H₂SO₄) demonstrated the best catalytic activity. The removal efficiency of SMX and TOC was 97.7% and 65.7%, respectively, after 260 min, at pH 5 with a dosage of 220 mg/L H₂O₂. The effects of temperature, initial pH and H₂O₂ dosage were also investigated. The study demonstrated that the increase of temperature could significantly improve the degradation of SMX from 10.0% at 20°C to 94.7% at 60°C.

Construction from destruction using a photo-triggered self-propagating degradable polyurethane as a one-pot epoxy

We report a photo-triggered, base generating, base propagating degradable polyurethane that is triggered by 365 nm UV light irradiation.

MiR-203 Mimic Down-Regulates Baculoviral IAP Repeat Containing 5 Expression and Affects Proliferation and Apoptosis of Gastric Cancer Cells

Human baculovirus IAP repeats containing protein 5 (BIRC5) is the most inhibitor of cell apoptosis. Abnormal miR-203 level is associated with the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. Bioinformatics analysis revealed a relationship between miR-203 and BIRC5. Our study assessed miR-203’s role in gastric cancer cells. Tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were collected. miR-203 and BIRC5 mRNA expression in SGC7901 and MKN45 cells was detected by real-time PCR. SGC7901 cells were divided into miR-NC group and miR-203 mimic group followed by analysis of cell proliferation by EdU staining. Compared to adjacent tissues, miR-203 level was decreased and BIRC5 was increased. There was a targeted relationship between miR-203 and BIRC5. Compared with RGM- 1 cells, miR-203 in SGC7901 and MKN45 cells was significantly downregulated and BIRC5 was upregulated. miR-203 mimic significantly downregulated BIRC5 in SGC7901 cells, promoted cell apoptosis, and attenuated cell proliferation. Decreased miR-203 expression and increased BIRC5 expression is associated with the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. MiR-203 can inhibit the expression of BIRC5, inhibit proliferation of gastric cancer cells and induce apoptosis.

Establishment of axon regeneration regulatory network and the role of low intensity pulsed ultrasound in the network

Objective

To establish an axon regeneration regulatory network for optimal selection, and explore the role of low intensity pulsed ultrasound in the network.

Methods

The axon regeneration regulatory network involving axon regeneration-related proteins NGF, BDNF and PirB was constructed by using GO and KEGG. The maximum possible pathway acting on axon regeneration was screened by Bayesian network theory. The node of low - intensity pulsed ultrasound in NGF - involved axon regeneration network was complemented by combining literature methods.

Results

The NGF, BDNF and PirB-involved axonal regeneration regulatory pathway was successfully constructed. The low intensity pulsed ultrasound played a role in axon regeneration by acting on ERK1/2-CREB pathway and GSK-3β. NGF-TrKA-Rap1-ERK1/2-CREB-Bcl-2 was optimized as optimal pathway by Bayesian theory.

Conclusion

The regulatory pathway of axon regeneration involving nerve growth related factors and low intensity pulsed ultrasound was initially established, which provided a theoretical basis for further study of axon regeneration, and also new ideas for action of low intensity pulsed ultrasound on axon regeneration regulatory pathway.