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•A pilot BAF system built in a swine farm to treat the piggery wastewater.•Antibiotics could be efficiently removed by the BAF system.•Antibiotic dissipation in the simulated systems ...followed the first order kinetics.•The biodegradation kinetics predicted the fate of antibiotics in the BAF system.•BAF is a promising technology for treating antibiotics-containing wastewaters.
This study aimed to investigate the removal efficiency and mechanism for antibiotics in swine wastewater by a biological aerated filter system (BAF system) in combination with laboratory aerobic and anaerobic incubation experiments. Nine antibiotics including sulfamonomethoxine, sulfachloropyridazine, sulfamethazine, trimethoprim, norfloxacin, ofloxacin, lincomycin, leucomycin and oxytetracycline were detected in the wastewater with concentrations up to 192,000ng/L. The results from this pilot study showed efficient removals (>82%) of the conventional wastewater pollutants (BOD5, COD, TN and NH3-N) and the detected nine antibiotics by the BAF system. Laboratory simulation experiment showed first-order dissipation kinetics for the nine antibiotics in the wastewater under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The biodegradation kinetic parameters successfully predicted the fate of the nine antibiotics in the BAF system. This suggests that biodegradation was the dominant process for antibiotic removal in the BAF system.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Lithium–sulfur batteries with high energy capacity are promising candidates for advanced energy storage. However, their applications are impeded by shuttling of soluble polysulfides and sluggish ...conversion kinetics with inferior rate performance and short cycling life. Here, single-atom materials are designed to accelerate polysulfide conversion for Li–S batteries. Nitrogen sites in the structure not only anchor polysulfides to alleviate the shuttle effect but also enable high loading of single-atom irons. Density functional theory calculations indicate that single-atom sites reduce the energy barrier of electrochemical reactions and thus improve the rate and cycling performances of batteries. The coin battery shows impressive energy storage properties, including a high reversible capacity of 1379 mAh g–1 at 0.1 C and a high rate capacity of 704 mAh g–1 at 5 C. The ratio of electrolyte dosage/energy density is as low as 5.5 g Ah1–. It exhibits excellent cycling performance with a capacity retention of 90% even after 200 cycles at 0.2 C.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Abstract
Coherent curvature radiation as the radiation mechanism for fast radio bursts (FRBs) has been discussed since FRBs were discovered. We study the spectral and polarization properties of ...repeating FRBs within the framework of coherent curvature radiation by charged bunches in the magnetosphere of a highly magnetized neutron star. The spectra can be generally characterized by multisegmented broken power laws, and evolve as bunches move and the line of sight sweeps. Emitted waves are highly linear polarized and polarization angles are flat across the burst envelopes, if the line of sight is confined to the beam within an angle of 1/
γ
, while a circular polarization fraction becomes strong for off-beam cases. The spectro-temporal pulse-to-pulse properties can be a natural consequence due to the magnetospheric geometry. We investigate the relationship between drift rate, central frequency, and temporal duration. The radius-to-frequency mapping is derived and simulated within the assumptions of both dipolar and quadrupolar magnetic configurations. The geometric results show that FRBs are emitted in field lines more curved than open field lines for a dipolar geometry. This suggests that there are most likely existing multipolar magnetic configurations in the emission region.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the major causes of mortality and disability for all ages worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-originated exosomes have provided therapeutic effects. ...However, as an indispensable component of MSCs, whether odontogenic stem cell-generated exosomes could benefit TBI is still unclear. Thus we aimed to explore the potential of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth-originated exosomes (SHED-Ex) for the management of TBI.
First, a transwell system was used to co-culture activated BV-2 microglia cells with SHED. The secretion levels of neuroinflammatory factors and nitrite were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Griess assay. Furthermore, purified SHED-Ex were co-cultured with activated BV-2. ELISA, Griess assay, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and qRT-PCR were performed to test the levels of inflammatory factors as well as the microglia phenotype. Finally, SHED and SHED-Ex were locally injected into TBI rat models. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scores were chosen to evaluate the motor functional recovery. Histopathology and immunofluorescence were performed to measure the lesion volume and neuroinflammation.
As a result, SHED-Ex could reduce neuroinflammation by shifting microglia polarization. The administration of SHED-Ex improves rat motor functional recovery and reduces cortical lesion compared with the control group 2 weeks post-injury (P < 0.05).
The current study demonstrates for the first time that SHED-Ex contribute a therapeutic benefit to TBI in rats, at least in part by shifting microglia polarization to reduce neuroinflammation. The use of odontogenic stem cells, and indeed their exosomes, may be expanded for the treatment of TBI or other neurological disorders.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Herein, we report that a new flexible coordination network, NiL2 (L=4‐(4‐pyridyl)‐biphenyl‐4‐carboxylic acid), with diamondoid topology switches between non‐porous (closed) and several porous (open) ...phases at specific CO2 and CH4 pressures. These phases are manifested by multi‐step low‐pressure isotherms for CO2 or a single‐step high‐pressure isotherm for CH4. The potential methane working capacity of NiL2 approaches that of compressed natural gas but at much lower pressures. The guest‐induced phase transitions of NiL2 were studied by single‐crystal XRD, in situ variable pressure powder XRD, synchrotron powder XRD, pressure‐gradient differential scanning calorimetry (P‐DSC), and molecular modeling. The detailed structural information provides insight into the extreme flexibility of NiL2. Specifically, the extended linker ligand, L, undergoes ligand contortion and interactions between interpenetrated networks or sorbate–sorbent interactions enable the observed switching.
A new flexible coordination network, NiL2 (L=4‐(4‐pyridyl)‐biphenyl‐4‐carboxylic acid), undergoes extreme structural transformations, enabled by ligand contortion, between non‐porous (closed) and porous (open) phases as exemplified by a stepped isotherm.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) exacerbates renal tissue damage and is a major cause of end-stage renal disease. Reactive oxygen species play a vital role in hyperglycemia-induced renal injury. This study ...examined whether the oral hypoglycemic drug acarbose (Ab) could attenuate the progression of DN in type 2 diabetes mellitus mice. In this study, 50 mg/kg body weight of Ab was administered to high-fat diet (HFD)-fed db/db mice. Their body weight was recorded every week, and the serum glucose concentration was monitored every 2 weeks. Following their euthanasia, the kidneys of mice were analyzed through hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining. The results revealed that Ab stabilized the plasma glucose and indirectly improved the insulin sensitivity and renal functional biomarkers in diabetic mice. In addition, diabetes-induced glomerular hypertrophy, the saccharide accumulation, and formation of collagen fiber were reduced in diabetic mice receiving Ab. Although the dosages of Ab cannot decrease the blood sugar in db/db mice, our results indicate that Ab alleviates glucolipotoxicity-induced DN by inhibiting kidney fibrosis-related proteins through the Ras/ERK pathway.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Porous materials capable of selectively capturing CO2 from flue‐gases or natural gas are of interest in terms of rising atmospheric CO2 levels and methane purification. Size‐exclusive sieving of CO2 ...over CH4 and N2 has rarely been achieved. Herein we show that a crystal engineering approach to tuning of pore‐size in a coordination network, Cu(quinoline‐5‐carboxyate)2n (Qc‐5‐Cu) ena+bles ultra‐high selectivity for CO2 over N2 (SCN≈40 000) and CH4 (SCM≈3300). Qc‐5‐Cu‐sql‐β, a narrow pore polymorph of the square lattice (sql) coordination network Qc‐5‐Cu‐sql‐α, adsorbs CO2 while excluding both CH4 and N2. Experimental measurements and molecular modeling validate and explain the performance. Qc‐5‐Cu‐sql‐β is stable to moisture and its separation performance is unaffected by humidity.
Sieves you right: Crystal engineering of supramolecular isomers of Cu(quinoline‐5‐carboxyate)2n metal–organic materials enables the right pore‐chemistry for ultra‐high CO2/N2 and CO2/CH4 selectivity even in the presence of water vapor.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
High‐security nanoplatform with enhanced therapy compliance is extremely promising for tumor. Herein, using a simple and high‐efficient self‐assembly method, a novel active‐targeting nanocluster ...probe, namely, Ag2S/chlorin e6 (Ce6)/DOX@DSPE‐mPEG2000‐folate (ACD‐FA) is synthesized. Experiments indicate that ACD‐FA is capable of specifically labeling tumor and guiding targeting ablation of the tumor via precise positioning from fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging. Importantly, the probe is endowed with a photodynamic “on‐off” effect, that is, Ag2S could effectively quench the fluorescence of chlorin e6 (89.5%) and inhibit release of 1O2 (92.7%), which is conducive to avoid unwanted phototoxicity during transhipment in the body, and only after nanocluster endocytosed by tumor cells could release Ce6 to produce 1O2. Moreover, ACD‐FA also achieves excellent acid‐responsive drug release, and exhibits eminent chemo‐photothermal and photodynamic effects upon laser irradiation. Compared with single or two treatment combining modalities, ACD‐FA could provide the best cancer therapeutic effect with a relatively low dose, because it made the most of combined effect from chemo‐photothermal and controlled photodynamic therapy, and significantly improves the drug compliance. Besides, the active‐targeting nanocluster notably reduces nonspecific toxicity of both doxorubicin and chlorin e6. Together, this study demonstrates the potency of a newly designed nanocluster for nonradioactive concomitant therapy with precise tumor‐targeting capability.
A multifunctional nanoprobe Ag2S/Ce6/DOX@DSPE‐mPEG2000‐folate can specifically label tumor via precise positioning from fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging, which guide targeting ablation of tumor combined effect of chemo‐photothermal and controlled photodynamic therapy. In the process, the probe minimizes the administration dose as much as possible while achieving effective therapeutic effect, reducing nonspecific toxicity, and improving drug compliance.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Conducting polymers, such as the p-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), have enabled the development of an array of opto- and bio-electronics devices. However, ...to make these technologies truly pervasive, stable and easily processable, n-doped conducting polymers are also needed. Despite major efforts, no n-type equivalents to the benchmark PEDOT:PSS exist to date. Here, we report on the development of poly(benzimidazobenzophenanthroline):poly(ethyleneimine) (BBL:PEI) as an ethanol-based n-type conductive ink. BBL:PEI thin films yield an n-type electrical conductivity reaching 8 S cm
, along with excellent thermal, ambient, and solvent stability. This printable n-type mixed ion-electron conductor has several technological implications for realizing high-performance organic electronic devices, as demonstrated for organic thermoelectric generators with record high power output and n-type organic electrochemical transistors with a unique depletion mode of operation. BBL:PEI inks hold promise for the development of next-generation bioelectronics and wearable devices, in particular targeting novel functionality, efficiency, and power performance.
An increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Western countries. Both intestinal inflammation and metabolic ...factors contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD-associated NAFLD. The burden of NAFLD is not clear in the Asian population. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis in a cohort of Taiwanese patients with IBD. From January to December 2019, patients with IBD who underwent ultrasound examination were enrolled. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were measured with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using FibroScan. Patients with a history of excessive alcohol or recent steroid use were excluded. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. A total of 81 consecutive patients were enrolled and included in the analysis (45 with ulcerative colitis, 36 with Crohn's disease). The median age was 42 years old. The patients were classified in terms of body mass index as normal weight (54.3%), underweight (11.1%), overweight (28.4%), and obese (6.2%). The mean CAP increased to 162.22 dB/m in the underweight group, 210.86 dB/m in the normal weight group, 260.7 dB/m in the overweight group, and 274.0 dB/m in the obese group. NAFLD was observed in 29.6% of the patients, 1.2% of which had significant fibrosis. Increased body mass index (odds ratio OR 1.33, 95% confidence interval CI 1.1-1.62) and older age at IBD diagnosis (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1-1.11) was found to be associated with the presence of NAFLD. In this study, the prevalence of NAFLD was lower (29.6%) in IBD patients than in the Western population. Higher BMI and older age were associated with NAFLD in our study.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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