In many important industries, such as the textile printing industry, a large amount of dye/salt wastewater is often discharged, which can destroy the ecological environment of the water body. ...Membrane technology has a great potential in the treatment of environmental problems caused by dye/salt wastewater. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiltration (NF) membrane has a bright future in dye/salt wastewater treatment, however, works on this are rare. Herein, antibacterial PVA NF membrane incorporated with Cu(OH)2 nanowires for the dye/salt wastewater treatment is reported. The membrane was prepared via coating the solutions containing PVA, glutaraldehyde and Cu(OH)2 nanowires on the polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membrane. Cu(OH)2 nanowires has a diameter of 60 nm and was successfully introduced into the membrane. The introduction of nanowires improved the membrane hydrophilicity and roughness, which is conducive to the improvement of membrane flux. Membrane separation performance for one component solution and dye/salt solution were investigated. The introduction of Cu(OH)2 increases the flux of the membrane obviously (the highest increase is 178.78% (from 21.49 to 38.42 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1, for NaCl solution as the feed). Besides, the membrane doped with nanowires also possessed a high dye/salt selectivity. For one component solution, the dye removal rate was over 97.00% while the salt rejection was low (the lowest was 13.18% (NaCl)). For the dye/salt solution, the dye (Congo Red) rejection kept at a high level (98.91%) and the salt (NaCl) rejection was still low (13.71%), while the flux was also high (37.56 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1). The performance is superior to that of many membranes reported in previous works. Moreover, the Cu(OH)2 nanowires endowed the membrane with an improved and high antibacterial property. The sterilization rate of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus reached more than 99.99%.
Display omitted
•A novel polyvinyl alcohol nanofiltration membrane containing Cu(OH)2 nanowires was developed.•Cu(OH)2 nanowires increased the permeance (the largest increase was 177.18%).•The developed membrane showed a high salt/dye separation performance.•The membrane possessed a good antibacterial property.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exosomes produced by human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hiPSC-MSCs-Exo) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, ...as well as the underlying mechanisms.
Exosomes derived from hiPSC-MSCs were isolated and characterized both biochemically and biophysically. hiPSC-MSCs-Exo were injected systemically into a murine ischemia/reperfusion injury model via the inferior vena cava, and then the therapeutic effects were evaluated. The serum levels of transaminases (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as histological changes were examined. Primary hepatocytes and human hepatocyte cell line HL7702 were used to test whether exosomes could induce hepatocytes proliferation in vitro. In addition, the expression levels of proliferation markers (proliferation cell nuclear antigen, PCNA; Phosphohistone-H3, PHH3) were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Moreover, SK inhibitor (SKI-II) and S1P1 receptor antagonist (VPC23019) were used to investigate the role of sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate-dependent pathway in the effects of hiPSC-MSCs-Exo on hepatocytes.
hiPSCs were efficiently induced into hiPSC-MSCs that had typical MSC characteristics. hiPSC-MSCs-Exo had diameters ranging from 100 to 200 nm and expressed exosome markers (Alix, CD63 and CD81). After hiPSC-MSCs-Exo administration, hepatocyte necrosis and sinusoidal congestion were markedly suppressed in the ischemia/reperfusion injury model, with lower histopathological scores. The levels of hepatocyte injury markers AST and ALT were significantly lower in the treatment group compared to control, and the expression levels of proliferation markers (PCNA and PHH3) were greatly induced after hiPSC-MSCs-Exo administration. Moreover, hiPSC-MSCs-Exo also induced primary hepatocytes and HL7702 cells proliferation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. We found that hiPSC-MSCs-Exo could directly fuse with target hepatocytes or HL7702 cells and increase the activity of sphingosine kinase and synthesis of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). Furthermore, the inhibition of SK1 or S1P1 receptor completely abolished the protective and proliferative effects of hiPSC-MSCs-Exo on hepatocytes, both in vitro and in vivo.
Our results demonstrated that hiPSC-MSCs-Exo could alleviate hepatic I/R injury via activating sphingosine kinase and sphingosine-1-phosphate pathway in hepatocytes and promote cell proliferation. These findings represent a novel mechanism that potentially contributes to liver regeneration and have important implications for new therapeutic approaches to acute liver disease.
This experiment aims to evaluate the effect of bile acids (BAs) in alleviating fatty liver disease induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in broilers, and the modulation of the gut microbiota involved in ...this process. A total of 192 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) commercial male broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups and treated with the following diet: a basal-fat diet (BFD), a basal-fat diet plus bile acids (BFD + BAs), an HFD, and a high-fat diet plus bile acids (HFD + BAs). Bile acids were supplemented at the early growth stage (3–7 d), middle stage (17–21 d), and late stage (31–35 d). Results showed that BAs treatment had a significant effect on body weight on 14 d and 35 d, and increased the breast muscle weight and its index, but decreased the liver weight and abdominal fat weight on 35 d (P < 0.05). The supplementation of BAs significantly improved the serum lipid profile and decreased the level of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) on 35 d (P < 0.05). Dietary BAs supplementation significantly alleviated the hepatic TG deposition induced by HFD (P < 0.05), which was accompanied by upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene expression (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression levels of hepatic gene adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and apolipoprotein B (APOB) were greatly increased by BAs treatment. The analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that the microbial diversity of the cecal digesta was increased by BAs in broilers with elevated abundances of Firmicutes, Lactobacillus, Anaerostipes, Sellimonas, and CHKCI002 and decreased abundances of Barnesiella and Akkermansia genus (P < 0.05). Hepatic TG content was positively correlated with the abundance of Oscillospiraceae, but it was negatively correlated with the abundance of Lactobacillus in cecal digesta (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary BAs can improve growth performance and alleviate fatty liver disease induced by an HFD via modulating gut microbiota in broilers.
This study investigates the degradation effects of high-temperature and humid oxygen environments on SiC/BN/SiC minicomposites, potential materials for aerospace and power generation applications. ...Monotonic tensile tests show minimal influence on initial modulus (E1) and matrix cracking, but significant reductions in modulus (E2) and failure strength occur at 1100 °C with 33% water vapor and 33% oxygen, while failure strain decreases at 1200 °C. Static fatigue tests reveal two groups based on service life: failure to reach 100 h at 900 °C and 1100 °C, and achieving 100 h at temperatures above 1200 °C. Key mechanisms affecting strength and life in wet oxygen environments are identified, including oxidative healing of matrix cracks, fiber degradation, and BN coating oxidation. This study provides valuable insights into minicomposite behavior in challenging conditions.
•SiC/BN/SiC Minicomposites: Performance in harsh aerospace environments.•Temperature-Dependent Response: Minimal initial modulus effect, significant reductions at 1100 °C•Service Life Dependency: Static fatigue tests reveal temperature-dependent failure times.•Complex Degradation Mechanisms: Insights into oxidative healing, fiber degradation and BN coating oxidation.
Reduced-dimensional (RD) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are emerging as highly attractive alternatives to three-dimensional (3D) PSCs due to their dramatically improved environmental stability and ...photostability. Diamine-based RD perovskites with a single organic amine interlayer possess orderly inorganic sheets and a smaller insulation area, indicating great potential in combining high efficiency and long-term stability. Here, we report an efficient and stable RD PSC based on 1,4-butanediamine (BDA). We found that the BDA-based RD perovskite exhibits improved crystallinity, reduced trap-state densities, and enhanced charge mobility compared to those of butylamine (BA)-based RD (BA-RD) perovskite. A high power conversion efficiency of 17.91% was achieved with negligible hysteresis. Moreover, the device showed improved stability compared to those of BA-RD and 3D films and devices. The findings may inspire new developments in introducing organic diamine for efficient and stable RD PSCs.
The study of density-dependent stochastic population processes (DDSPPs) is important from a historical perspective as well as from the perspective of a number of existing and emerging applications ...today. In more recent applications of these processes, it can be especially important to include time-varying parameters for the rates that impact the density-dependent population structures and behaviors. Under a mean-field scaling, we show that such time-inhomogeneous DDSPPs converge to a corresponding nonautonomous dynamical system. We then analogously establish that the optimal control of such time-inhomogeneous DDSPPs converges to the optimal control of the limiting dynamical system. An analysis of both the dynamical system and its optimal control renders various important mathematical properties of interest.
Background Lung cancer is reported to be the leading cause of death in males and females, globally. Increasing evidence highlights the paramount importance of Lactate dehydrogenase D (LDHD) in ...different types of cancers, though it's role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still inadequately explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate and determine the relationship between LDHD and LUAD. Methods The collection of the samples was guided by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). To ascertain various aspects around LDHD function, we analyzed different expression genes (DEGs), functional enrichment, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. The predictive values for LDHD were collectively determined using the Kaplan-Meier method, Cox regression analysis, and a nomogram. Evaluation of the immune infiltration analysis was completed using Estimate and ssGSEA. The prediction of the immunotherapy response was based on TIDE and IPS. The LDHD expression levels in LUAD were validated through Western blot, qPCR, and immunohistochemistry methods. Wound healing and transwell assays were also performed to illustrate the aggressive features in LUAD cell lines. Results The results showed that LDHD was generally downregulated in LUAD patients, with the low LDHD group presenting a decline in OS, DSS, and PFI. Enriched pathways, which include pyruvate metabolism, central carbon metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation were observed through KEGG analysis. It was also noted that the expression of LDHD expression was inversely related to immune cell infiltration and typical checkpoints. The high LDHD group's response to immunotherapy was remarkable, particularly in CTAL4 + /PD1- therapy. In vitro studies revealed that the overexpression of LDHD caused tumor migration and invasion to be suppressed. Conclusion In conclusion, our study revealed that LDHD might be an effective predictor of prognosis and immune filtration, possibly leading to better choices for immunotherapy. Keywords: Lactate dehydrogenase D, Lung adenocarcinoma, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Biomarker, Prognosis, Immune infiltration
Telmisartan, one unique angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker, has been attracting attention due to its putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ or β/δ actions. Recently, ...telmisartan has been reported to exert neuroprotective effects in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully clarified. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a crucial role in rotenone-induced neuronal apoptosis. Additionally, studies have revealed that inositol-requiring enzyme/endonuclease 1α (IRE1α) is necessary and sufficient to trigger ER stress. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether ER stress-activated IRE1α-mediated apoptotic pathway is involved in the neuroprotection of telmisartan in the rotenone rats of PD and explore the possible involvement of PPAR-β/δ activation. The catalepsy tests were performed to test the catalepsy symptom. The dopamine content and α-synuclein expression were ascertained through high-performance liquid chromatography and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The expression of IRE1α, TNF receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2), caspase-12 and PPAR-β/δ was detected by western blot. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL and immunohistochemistry. Our results show that telmisartan ameliorated the catalepsy symptom and attenuated dopamine depletion as well as α-synuclein accumulation. Moreover, telmisartan decreased ER stress-mediated neuronal apoptosis. Furthermore, telmisartan inhibited IRE1α-TRAF2-caspase-12 apoptotic signaling pathway. Additionally, telmisartan activated PPAR β/δ, implying that PPAR-β/δ activation properties of telmisartan are possibly or partially involved in the neuroprotective effects. In conclusion, our findings suggest that suppressing ER stress-activated IRE1α-TRAF2-caspase-12 apoptotic pathway is involved in the neuroprotective effects of telmisartan in the rotenone rats of PD.
The hospital ward's environment directly impacts the health and well-being of its occupants, especially patients. This study investigated the impacts of environmental factors (thermal, acoustic, ...luminous, and IAQ) and self-described health conditions on subjective environmental perception and satisfaction in hospital wards. A winter field survey of 156 occupants (patients and visitors) was conducted in a large general hospital in Changsha, China, using a combination of environment measurements, questionnaires, and interviews. The results showed comprehensive effects of environmental factors on occupants' perceptions. Lower air temperature improved participants' assessment of the acoustic environment; lower noise environment led to a positive assessment of IAQ perception; lower CO2 concentration improved the assessment of the thermal environment in a hotter environment. Acoustic perception (13.4 %), IAQ perception (10.5 %), and luminous perception (8.2 %) were significantly affected by health conditions. Moreover, the poorer the health condition, the lower the environmental satisfaction rating, and the acceptable environmental thresholds differed for individuals with various health conditions. The "very weak" group scored 1.6 and 1.5 points lower than the "very fit" for each environmental factor and overall satisfaction, respectively. For IEQ control in healthcare facilities, it is necessary to fully consider patients' health conditions during hospitalization and create a better recuperation environment for vulnerable groups.
•The crossed effects of environmental factors on environmental perceptions in hospital wards were demonstrated.•The health condition significantly affected occupants' environmental perception and satisfaction.•Environmental factors that have the greatest impact on overall satisfaction in hospital wards were identified.•The IEQ satisfaction model indicator for hospital wards was established.
PDF
