Wastewater treatment and reclamation from wastewater are essential for the sustainable use of water resource. Zeolite-based heterogeneous catalysis shows great potential in circumventing the current ...limitations on pollutant removal and transformation to useful chemicals, inspiring advancements towards practical water treatment. This paper summarizes the methods for synthesizing zeolite-based catalyst, and the corresponding advantages and disadvantages. In comparison with traditional Fenton-like reaction, the superiority of zeolite-based catalysis lies in less sludge, wide pH range and easy recyclability. Accordingly, applications of zeolite-based Fenton-like catalysis (ZFCs) in pollutant removal and reclamation of wastewater were reviewed. Emphasis was placed on the methodological strategies in improving ZFCs, including the combination of external driving force (e.g., photocatalysis or electrochemistry), as well as the introduction of various transition metals into zeolite-based catalyst. Possible challenges and future perspectives for ZFCs were proposed.
This manuscript reviewed the recent advances and achievements in zeolite-based Fenton-like catalysis and their applications in water treatment. Display omitted
Phoebe bournei is nationally conserved in China due to its high economic value and positive effect on the ecological environment. P. bournei has an excellent wood structure, making it useful for ...industrial and domestic applications. Despite its importance, there are only a few studies on the lateral organ boundary domain (LBD) genes in P. bournei. The LBD gene family contributes to prompting rooting in multiple plant species and therefore supports their survival directly. To understand the LBD family in P. bournei, we verified its characteristics in this article. By comparing the sequences of Arabidopsis and identifying conserved domains and motifs, we found that there were 38 members of the LBD family in P. bournei, which were named PbLBD1 to PbLBD38. Through evolutionary analysis, we found that they were divided into two different populations and five subfamilies in total. The LBD gene family in P. bournei (Hemsl.) Yang species had two subfamilies, including 32 genes in Class I and 6 genes in Class II. It mainly consists of a Lateral Organ Boundary (LOB) conservative domain, and the protein structure is mostly “Y”-shaped. The gene expression pattern of the LBD gene family showed that the LBD genes were mainly expressed in lateral organs of plants, such as flowers and fruits. The response of LBD transcription factors to red and blue light was summarized, and several models of optogenetic expression regulation were proposed. The effect of regulatory mechanisms on plant rooting was also predicted. Moreover, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that most PbLBDs were differentially expressed under cold, heat, drought, and salt stresses, indicating that PbLBDs might play different functions depending on the type of abiotic stress. This study provides the foundation for further research on the function of LBD in this tree species in the future.
Background Now, there are no sensitive biomarkers for improving Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and comorbid Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of the present study was to analyze differentially expressed ...genes (DEGs) in brain tissue from AD and PD patients via bioinformatics analysis, as well as to explore precise diagnostic and therapeutic targets for AD and comorbid PD. Methods GFE122063 and GSE7621 data sets from GEO in NCBI, were used to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for AD and PD, and identify the intersected genes, respectively. Intersected genes were analyzed by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Then, STRING site and Cytoscape were used to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, CytoNCA algorithm to analyze and evaluate centrality, Mcode plug-in to analyze module, and Cytohubba to screen key genes. Combined GO-KEGG enrichment analysis with Cytoscape algorithm to screen the key gene in AD complicated with PD. Then, the DEGs for AD and PD were imported into the Association Map (CMap) online platform to screen out the top 10 small molecule drugs, and using molecular docking techniques to evaluate the interactions between small molecule drugs and key genes receptors. Results In total, 231 upregulated genes and 300 downregulated genes were identified. GO analysis revealed that the DEGs were highly enriched in signal transduction, and KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs were associated with the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified as a potential receptor gene in AD and comorbid PD. EGFR was upregulated in both AD and PD, and the proteins that interact with EGFR were enriched in the Ras/Raf/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Semagacestat was identified as a drug with therapeutic potential for treating AD complicated with PD. There was a high binding affinity between semagacestat and EGFR NTD , with seven hydrogen bonds and one hydrophobic bond. Discussion Semagacestat may improve the health of patients with AD complicated with PD through the regulation of the Ras/Raf/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways by EGFR, providing evidence supporting the structural modification of semagacestat to develop a more effective drug for treating AD complicated with PD.
The endolysin EFm1 from the E. faecalis 002 (002) phage IME-EF1 efficiently lyses E. faecalis, a gram-positive bacterium that severely threatens human health. Here, the structure and lytic activity ...of EFm1 toward E. faecalis were further investigated. Lytic activity shows that EFm1 specifically lyses 002 and 22 other clinically isolated E. faecalis, but not E. faecalis 945. Therefore, EFm1 may be an alternative biomaterial to prevent and treat diseases caused by E. faecalis. A structural analysis showed that EFm1D166Q is a tetramer consisting of one full-length unit with additional C-terminal domains (CTDs), while EFm1166–237 aa is an octamer in an asymmetric unit. Several crucial domains and novel residues affecting the lytic activity of EFm1 were identified, including calcium-binding sites (D20, D22 and D31), a putative classic amidohydrolase catalytic triad (C29, H90 and D108), a tetramerization site (M168 and M227), putative ion channel sites (IGGK, 186–198 aa), and other residues (R208 and Y209). Furthermore, EFm1 exhibited no significant activity when expressed alone in vivo, and IME-EF1 lytic activity decreased when efm1 was knocked down. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecule mechanism of a potential functional biomaterial for the treatment of the disease caused by the opportunistic pathogen E. faecalis.
Research has shown that nano-copper (nano-Cu) can cause damage to the spleen and immune system yet their mechanisms of cytotoxicity are poorly understood. Our aim is to explore the potential ...immunotoxicity in the spleen of rats after nano-Cu exposure. The results of hematologic parameters, lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulins, and histopathology indicated that copper obviously changed the immune function of the spleen. The levels of antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px), oxidants (iNOS, NO, MDA), and anti-oxidative signalling pathway of Nrf2 (Nrf2 and HO-1) were strongly induced by nano-Cu. The expression of mRNA and protein of pro-/anti-inflammatory (IFN-γ, TNF-α, MIP-1α, MCP-1, MIF, IL-1/-2/-4/-6) cytokines were increased by nano-Cu. The expression of regulatory signal pathways, MAPKs and PI3-K/Akt were activated, which might be involved in the inflammatory responses and immunomodulatory processes of sub-acute nano-Cu exposure. The immune function of the spleen was repressed by nano-Cu induced oxidative stress and inflammation.
The three catalysts Mn/Ce‐ZrO2, MnCo/Ce‐ZrO2, and Mn/Co‐Ce‐ZrO2 were applied to remove NO in simulated flue gas. Their selective catalytic reduction (SCR) activity and potassium resistance were ...studied. Catalysts with Co as a modifier of the support exhibited the best SCR activity. The catalyst Mn/Co‐Ce‐ZrO2 had a larger surface area, higher dispersion of active components, larger amount of surface acid, and better redox characteristics than the other two catalysts, leading to a better SCR activity. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results proved the higher surface Mn4+ concentration of K0.3Mn/Co‐Ce‐ZrO2. Pyridine adsorption analysis suggested that there was still a large amount of Lewis acid in Mn/Co‐Ce‐ZrO2 even after potassium poisoning, demonstrating the higher resistance of this catalyst to potassium. Mn/Co‐Ce‐ZrO2 with potassium addition had a relatively stable SCR activity in the presence of H2O and SO2.
Deactivation of selective catalytic reduction catalysts caused by alkali metals, especially by potassium, plays a critical role for the lifetime of catalysts. NO in simulated flue gas was removed by Mn/Ce‐ZrO2, MnCo/Ce‐ZrO2, and Mn/Co‐Ce‐ZrO2 catalysts. Their selective catalytic reduction activity and potassium resistance could be improved significantly with Co as a modifier of the support.
Jinqing granules which are made of a mixture extract that contains Radix Tinosporae and Canarii fructus in proportions according to a longstanding formula have a good effect on the prevention and ...treatment of gastric ulcer disease. It has not been through safety through systematic toxicological studies, however. To provide basis for clinical application, we performed safety pharmacology and subchronic toxicity experiments in specific pathogen-free Sprague-Dawley rats.
In safety pharmacology experiments, Jinqing granules had no evident adverse effects on the central nervous, cardiovascular, or respiratory systems. In subchronic toxicity study, 2-8 g/kg of Jinqing granules induced no evident adverse effects on Clinical signs, body weight changes, food and water intake, death daily, indicators of urine, hematological assay, serum biochemistry, organ coefficient and histopathological examination. However, the 16 g/kg dose was associated with slightly slowed weight growth, decreased number of sperm in seminiferous tubules and increased values of serum aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin. During the 30-day feeding test, 3 rats that received the 16 g/kg dose died, but the deaths were most likely due to trauma of oral gavage, not to drug toxicity.
Jinqing granules given to Sprague-Dawley rats orally for 30 days at a dose of 8 g/kg or less appears safe, but higher doses were not proven safe. The significance of these observations with respect to animal usage of Jinqing granules deserves thorough investigation.
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•ZIF-8-modified MnFe2O4 magnetic composites were synthesized for photo-Fenton degradation of TC.•The modifying of ZIF-8 promotes the crystallinity of MnFe2O4.•Zn-O-Fe structure formed ...between ZIF-8 and MnFe2O4 plays vital role in photo-Fenton reaction.•10% ZIF-8/MnFe2O4 exhibits highest photo-Fenton catalytic activity in a wide pH range.
In this work, a novel Zeolite imidazole framework-8-modified MnFe2O4 magnetic catalyst was successfully synthesized by one step method. The 10% ZIF-8/MnFe2O4 exhibited superior photo-Fenton catalytic performance in TC degradation at a wider pH range (pH = 3–11). The excellent photo-Fenton catalytic effects were possibly attributed to the formation of Zn-O-Fe structure by ZIF-8-modified MnFe2O4, which could increase the absorption of visible light, promote the formation of crystal structure, and facilitate the generation and separation of photo-induced carrier. The existence of Zn-O-Fe structure formed by the occupation of Zn in ZIF-8 of tetrahedral sites in spinel structure was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Meanwhile, the UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer (UV–vis DRS), photocurrent and impedance characterization confirmed that the Zn-O-Fe structure could promote the separation of charge carriers. The possible two mechanisms were proposed and the Zn-O-Fe structure played different roles in different mechanism. In mechanism Ⅰ, the Zn-O-Fe structure transfers of electrons from MnFe2O4 to ZIF-8. In mechanism Ⅱ, the Zn-O-Fe structure can generate photo-electron and holes under visible light irradiation and transfer of electrons from ZIF-8 to MnFe2O4. This work is expected to provide valuable information for the design and synthesis of metal-organic framework modified spinel bimetallic oxides in heterogeneous photo-Fenton reactions.
Due to the synergistic effects of biochar and compost/composting, the combined application of biochar and compost (biochar-compost) has been recognized as a highly promising and efficient method of ...soil improvement. However, the willingness to apply biochar-compost for soil improvement is still low compared to the use of biochar or compost alone. This paper collects data on the application of biochar-compost in several problem soils that are well-known and extensively investigated by agronomists and scientists, and summarizes the effects of biochar-compost application in common problem soils. These typical problem soils are classified based on three different characteristics: climatic zones, abiotic stresses, and contaminants. The improvement effect of biochar-compost in different soils is assessed and directions for further research and suggestions for application are made. Generally, biochar-compost mitigates the high mineralization rate of soil organic matter, phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity, and significantly improves crop yields in most tropical soils. Biochar-compost can help to achieve long-term sustainable management of temperate agricultural soils by sequestering carbon and improving soil physicochemical properties. Biochar-compost has shown positive performance in the remediation of both dry and saline soils by reducing the threat of soil water scarcity or high salinity and improving the consequent deterioration of soil conditions. By combining different mechanisms of biochar and compost to immobilize or remove contaminants, biochar-compost tends to perform better than biochar or compost alone in soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) or organic pollutants (OPs). This review aims to improve the practicality and acceptability of biochar-compost and to promote its application in soil. Additionally, the prospects, challenges and future directions for the application of biochar-compost in problem soil improvement were foreseen.
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•Climatic zones, abiotic stresses and pollutants are used to classify problem soil.•The main gains from biochar-compost differ in tropical and temperate soils.•Biochar-compost is useful to improve dry or saline soil but the mechanism varies.•Biochar-compost often outperforms compost or biochar alone in polluted soils.
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•The activation effects of S-OMCs with different sulfur doping amount were studied.•2.0 wt% S-OMC can effectively activate PS to remove 82.02% of PNP.•The optimal effect can be ...achieved at room temperature and unadjusted pH.•Defect structure and surface functional groups affected the reusability of S-OMC.•Radical pathway and non-radical pathway were proposed in S-OMC/PS system.
A new application of heteroatom doped ordered mesoporous carbon as metal-free catalyst was proposed in this study. Sulfur-doped ordered mesoporous carbons (S-OMCs) with different sulfur doping amount were synthesized to activate persulfate (PS) for p-nitrophenol (PNP) degradation. Thereinto, the activation effect of 2.0 wt% S-OMC improved most significantly after it reached the adsorption equilibrium, and the removal rate of PNP was 82.02%. The optimal experimental effect can be achieved at room temperature and unadjusted pH (pH = 6), retrenching energy and chemical input for practical applications. Higher temperatures could cause radical quenching, while electrostatic repulsion existed between S-OMC and PNP at pH > 6.03, which led to a reduction of PNP removal. Moreover, the structural features and surface characters of S-OMC were studied and found that the defect structure and surface functional groups had noticeable influence on the reusability of S-OMC. More importantly, both radical activation and non-radical activation were detected, and non-radical activation predominated in the S-OMC/PS system. The radical pathway oxidized pollutant by generating OH, SO4−, and O2−. Among them, OH was dominated. While the non-radical pathway attacked contaminant by continuous electron transport between PNP, S-OMC and PS. This research provided a new perspective on the application of heteroatom doped ordered mesoporous carbon and presented an easy and effectual way for the removal of organic contaminants.
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