The research conducts a life cycle assessment (LCA) on wastewater treatment (WWT) methods—membrane bioreactor (MBR), soil biotechnology (SBT), and bio-electrochemical constructed wetlands (BCW)—in ...comparison with the conventional activated sludge process (ASP). Employing SimaPro v9.5 with a cradle-to-gate system boundary, the analysis utilizes the IMPACT 2002 + method, employing per cubic meter of treated wastewater as the functional unit. The analysis shows that SBT exhibits the lowest environmental impacts among the considered WWT methods. The global warming potential was 0.0996 kg CO
2
eq. for SBT, 1.33 kg CO
2
eq. for MBR, 0.131 kg CO
2
eq. for BCW, and 0.544 kg CO
2
eq. for ASP. BCW demonstrates a 75.91% decrease, while MBR exhibits a 144.48% increase compared to ASP. Notably, electricity consumption emerges as the primary contributor to environmental impact in MBR and ASP. The resource impact category varies with a 138.15% increase in MBR and an 83.41% decrease in SBT compared to ASP. Additionally, the research indicates that the high human health impact observed in MBR results mainly from increased carcinogens (0.00176 kg C
2
H
3
Cl eq.), non-carcinogens (0.01 kg C
2
H
3
Cl eq.), and ionizing radiation (3.34 Bq C-14 eq.). The findings underscore the importance of considering treatment efficiency and broader environmental implications in selecting WWT methods. As the world emphasizes sustainability, such LCA studies provide valuable insights for making informed decisions in wastewater management.
The present paper entails a study carried out on selected samples of coal and carbonaceous shales of Permian age from the Sattupalli open cast coal mine of Godavari valley, Andhra Pradesh to know ...their petrographic and chemical characteristics. Based on these characteristics, the depositional environment has also been discussed. The study reveals that these coals are sub-bituminous in rank and are chemically characterized by low to medium moisture (4.3 to 8.6wt %) and volatile matter (24.5 to 32.6wt %) while the ash yield varies between 16.4 and 35.3wt %. Petrographically these coals are rich in inertinite. Liptinites occur in very small concentration. Collotelinite, collodetrinite and vitrodetrinite are the main vitrinite macerals whereas fusinite, inertodetrinite and semi-fusinite constitute the major proportion of inertinites. Mean ∂13C value measured for coal is −22.58±0.20‰ and for carbonaceous shale it is −23.64±0.57‰ while in the organic matter of Barakar sandstones the ∂13C is −25.2±2.1‰.
Dry periods are reflected by the abundance of inertinite in some samples while more anoxic conditions are indicated by high concentration of vitrinite in some samples. Seam-II of Sattupalli coalfield initially formed in dry condition and gradually flooding took place due to rise in the water table. During the formation of the upper part of the seam, again a relatively dry phase prevailed. Moreover, a positive correlation of ∂13Corg with TOC and a negative one with TIC indicate that ∂13Corg is being modified by ∂13CDIC.
► These coals have a fluvial deposition as supported by increasing ash yield and a low (<1%) CaO content. ► Coal formation initiated under oxic condition followed by increased water cover in the paleomire. ► Carbon isotope data of coal and associated sediments indicate their terrestrial source. ► This contention is also revealed in petrography, gelification and tissue preservation indices. ► Vitrinite has enhanced the ∂13C as revealed by their correlation (r=0.849).
Cholesterol binding to ion channels Levitan, Irena; Singh, Dev K; Rosenhouse-Dantsker, Avia
Frontiers in physiology,
2014, Letnik:
5
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Numerous studies demonstrated that membrane cholesterol is a major regulator of ion channel function. The goal of this review is to discuss significant advances that have been recently achieved in ...elucidating the mechanisms responsible for cholesterol regulation of ion channels. The first major insight that comes from growing number of studies that based on the sterol specificity of cholesterol effects, show that several types of ion channels (nAChR, Kir, BK, TRPV) are regulated by specific sterol-protein interactions. This conclusion is supported by demonstrating direct saturable binding of cholesterol to a bacterial Kir channel. The second major advance in the field is the identification of putative cholesterol binding sites in several types of ion channels. These include sites at locations associated with the well-known cholesterol binding motif CRAC and its reversed form CARC in nAChR, BK, and TRPV, as well as novel cholesterol binding regions in Kir channels. Notably, in the majority of these channels, cholesterol is suggested to interact mainly with hydrophobic residues in non-annular regions of the channels being embedded in between transmembrane protein helices. We also discuss how identification of putative cholesterol binding sites is an essential step to understand the mechanistic basis of cholesterol-induced channel regulation. Clearly, however, these are only the first few steps in obtaining a general understanding of cholesterol-ion channels interactions and their roles in cellular and organ functions.
Many bacterial species are capable of biofilm growth, in which cells live and replicate within multicellular community groups. Recent work shows that biofilm growth by a wide variety of bacterial ...species can generate genetic diversity in microbial populations. This finding is significant because the presence of diverse subpopulations can extend the range of conditions in which communities can thrive. Here, we used biofilms formed by the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to investigate how this population diversity is produced. We found that some cells within biofilms incur double-stranded DNA breaks caused by endogenous oxidative stress. Genetic variants then result when breaks are repaired by a mutagenic mechanism involving recombinatorial DNA repair genes. We hypothesized that the mutations produced could promote the adaptation of biofilm communities to changing conditions in addition to generating diversity. To test this idea, we exposed biofilms to an antibiotic and found that the oxidative stress-break repair mechanism increased the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The diversity and adaptability produced by this mechanism could help biofilm communities survive in harsh environments.
In the present work, we have investigated the role of calcination temperature in altering the structural, optical and antibacterial properties of ball mill synthesized Co
3
O
4
nanoparticles. The ...outcomes of X-ray diffraction patterns and their Rietveld refinement confirm the presence of spinel cubic phase of Co
3
O
4
and lattice expansion with increase in calcination temperature. The crystallite size and micro-strain values obtained from Williamson-Hall plot method, show increasing and decreasing trends respectively with increase in calcination temperature. The Raman spectra of the samples exhibit vibrational modes related to the Co
3
O
4
cubic structure only. The particle size and morphology of the nanoparticles have been examined with the help of scanning electron microscopy and these results are consistent with the XRD findings. The red shift in the optical band gap of the nanoparticles has been observed with increasing calcination temperature. Important optical parameters such as refractive index, extinction coefficient, dielectric constant and conductivity are found to be dependent on the calcination temperature. The existence of various types of defects and vacancies has been confirmed from the results of photoluminescence spectroscopy. The bactericidal activity of the Co
3
O
4
samples has been examined towards the
Escherichia coli
and
Staphylococcus aureus
bacteria. This study shows that the optical and antibacterial properties are strongly correlated to the structural properties of Co
3
O
4
nanoparticles which can be tuned by varying calcination temperature.
Mango is one of the choicest fruits in the world and popular due to its delicate taste, pleasant aroma and nutritional value. Mango is indigenous to north-east India and north Burma, but now grown in ...over 90 countries. In the past two decades, mango production has increased appreciably with international trade jumping approximately four-fold valued close to US$ 950 million. Mango belongs to the category of climacteric fruits and its ripening is initiated and proceeded by a burst in ethylene production and a dramatic rise in the rate of respiration. Although there are a few hundred mango cultivars grown in the Indian subcontinent and other parts of the world, the most popular cultivars are generally highly perishable and ripen within 7 to 9 days of harvest at ambient temperature. Currently, the export potential and international trade of mango is limited due to several factors such as its perishable nature, disease and pest infestation, and susceptibility of certain premium cultivars to chilling injury when stored at low temperatures. Efforts are ongoing to develop technologies for improved storage and packaging, and overcome limitations encountered during storage and transit. Controlled atmosphere (CA) and hypobaric storage of mango are powerful means to overcome its perishable nature. The composition of CA varies among cultivars to ensure its original taste, flavor and aroma. Edible coating on the fruit skin may further cut down the rate of deterioration. Recently, significant advances have been made in understanding ripening characteristics of mango at the molecular level. Candidate genes related to ethylene biosynthesis and signalling, cell wall modification, aroma production and stress response have been cloned and characterized for future use in mango improvement. Efforts are also being made to establish a suitable transformation and plant regeneration system so that transgenic mango with added value and increased shelf life for long distance transportation could be developed.
The mechanistic understanding of nascent RNAs in transcriptional control remains limited. Here, by a high sensitivity method methylation-inscribed nascent transcripts sequencing (MINT-seq), we ...characterized the landscapes of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) on nascent RNAs. We uncover heavy but selective m6A deposition on nascent RNAs produced by transcription regulatory elements, including promoter upstream antisense RNAs and enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), which positively correlates with their length, inclusion of m6A motif, and RNA abundances. m6A-eRNAs mark highly active enhancers, where they recruit nuclear m6A reader YTHDC1 to phase separate into liquid-like condensates, in a manner dependent on its C terminus intrinsically disordered region and arginine residues. The m6A-eRNA/YTHDC1 condensate co-mixes with and facilitates the formation of BRD4 coactivator condensate. Consequently, YTHDC1 depletion diminished BRD4 condensate and its recruitment to enhancers, resulting in inhibited enhancer and gene activation. We propose that chemical modifications of eRNAs together with reader proteins play broad roles in enhancer activation and gene transcriptional control.
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•MINT-seq is of high sensitivity to characterize m6A methylome on nascent RNAs•There is a pervasive but also selective m6A deposition to long and stable eRNAs•m6A-eRNAs recruit YTHDC1 to enhancers to stimulate enhancer and gene activation•m6A-eRNA/YTHDC1 phase separate to facilitate transcriptional condensate formation
Lee, Wang, Xiong, et al. characterized nascent RNA m6A methylome in human cells, finding a pervasive existence of m6A-marked eRNAs. These m6A-modified eRNAs recruit the nuclear m6A reader YTHDC1 to partition into liquid-like condensates, which facilitate formation of transcriptional activator condensates and therefore gene activation.
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH)-pyometra (CEH-P) is one of the most common reproductive disorders in bitches, posing a risk to both future fertility and life. The aims of the current study were ...to elucidate the differential expression patterns of inflammatory mediators at transcript and protein levels in the endometrium and to assess the concentrations of key inflammatory mediators in the peripheral circulation of bitches with different graded CEH-P. A total of 25 client-owned intact mixed breed bitches of 3–10 years presented to the outpatient department of RVP-TVCC of the institute were considered for the study. Of which, 22 cases suggestive of pyometra and 3 cases of CEH obtained during routine elective ovariohysterectomy were subjected to histopathological examination. Uteri were categorized into CEH (n = 3), moderate CEH-P (mCEH-P, n = 9), severe CEH-P (sCEH-P, n = 6) and atrophic pyometra (AT-P, n = 7). A group of age matched (n = 12) bitches without pyometra served as control. Endometrial transcripts such as IL6, IL8, PTGS2, PGFS, and SLPI were expressed differentially in the CEH and CEH-P bitch. In addition, a strong immunoreactivity (IR) of IL6, IL8, PTGS2, and mPGES1 was recorded in the sCEH-P uterus, while expression of IL10 was noticed in AT-P. In circulation, serum IL6 was the most relevant marker with high sensitivity of 96.2% and specificity of 84.6% at a cut off concentration 8.5 pg/mL followed by SLPI with 95.2% sensitivity, and 84.6% specificity at cut off concentration of 1.3 ng/mL. Serum IL10, PGFM and SLPI concentration in the peripheral circulation were 1.5–2.23 fold higher in mCEH-P, 0.87–2.5 fold higher in sCEH-P and 2.9–3.5 fold higher in AT-P than that of control. It is concluded that monitoring the serum concentration of IL6, IL10 and SLPI would be useful adjunct to the established hematobiochemical parameters in the management of pyometra in the bitch with critical illness.
•Interleukin 6, 8 and prostaglandin synthases expressed differentially in the endometrium of CEH and CEH-P bitch.•Measurement of IL6 and SLPI concentrations in serum serve as potential biomarker in assessing the severity of CEH-P.•Upregulation of IL10 in the endometrium and serum are associated with chronic inflammation in atrophic pyometra in bitch.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition involving the airways and characterized by airflow limitation. Gaseous and noxious particles play an important role in ...this process. Antioxidants are the substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals. The increased oxidative stress in patients with COPD is the result of an increased burden of inhaled oxidants, as well as increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by various inflammatory, immune and epithelial cells of the airways. A total of 150 subjects with COPD and 100 healthy controls subjects were enrolled in this study from the period October 2015 to January 2016. The investigation included measurements of plasma superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), catalase activity (CAT), glutathione content (GSH) reduced form, (GPx) glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR) and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Absorbance was measured by UV spectrophotometer. The estimated values of SOD, catalase, GPx, GSH and GR were found to be significantly (P = 0.0001) lower among the cases compared with controls. But, the levels of MDA were higher (P = 0.0001) in cases as compared to control group and there was significant difference in the oxidative stress parameters among the various stages of COPD. The post hoc analysis revealed that SOD was significantly (P < 0.01) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. The catalase was also observed to be significantly (P = 0.01) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. The GPx was found to be significantly (P = 0.002) lower among the mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe patients. MDA was observed to be significantly higher in mild, moderate and severe patients compared with very severe (P = 0.001). GR was significantly (P = 0.003) lower among mild, moderate and severe patients than very severe patients. However, there was no significant difference in GSH among severity of COPD patients. This study suggests that oxidant and antioxidant imbalance plays an important role in various stages of severity of COPD. These results revealed the presence of an oxidative stress in subjects with COPD, and it is proportionate to the severity of disease.
Iron and steel industry is the principal driving force propelling economic and technological growth of a nation. However, since its inception this industry is associated with widespread environmental ...pollution and enormous water consumption. Different units of a steel plant discharge effluents loaded with toxic, hazardous pollutants, and unutilized components which necessitates mitigation. In this paper, pollutant removal efficiency, effluent volume product quality, and economic feasibility of existing treatments are studied vis-à-vis their merits, demerits, and innovations to access their shortcomings which can be overcome with new technology to identify future research directions. While conventional methods are inadequate for complete remediation and water reclamation, the potential of advanced treatments, like membrane separation, remains relatively untapped. It is concluded that integrated systems combining membrane separation with chemical treatments can guarantee a high degree of contaminant removal, reusability of effluents concurrently leading to process intensification ensuring ecofriendliness and commercial viability.
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