The performance of catalytic wet oxidation of excess activated sludge derived from pharmaceutical wastewater treatment over a Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was investigated. The experiments were performed with ...a stainless steel autoclave reactor by using the prepared Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst. The effects of reaction conditions were examined, including additional catalyst amount, reaction temperature, time, and initial oxygen pressure. Results demonstrated that the catalyst, fabricated via co-precipitating method, has excellent catalytic performance. Through the study on condition optimization, the highest removal rates of volatile suspended solids (VSS, 93.6%) and total chemical oxygen demand (TCOD, 76.5%) were acquired with the reaction temperature 260 °C, time 60 min, initial oxygen pressure 1.0 MPa, and the prepared catalyst 5.0 g/L. The volatile fatty acids (VFAs) produced from the wet oxidation of sludge included acetic (mainly), propanoic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids, which have great potential for the utilization as organic carbon sources in biological wastewater treatment plant. These results demonstrated that the proposed method, catalytic wet oxidation over Cu/γ-Al2O3 catalyst, is effective for treating excess activated sludge and resource utilization of organic carbon in the sludge.
Since the commodity and financial attributes of crude oil will have a long-term or short-term impact on crude oil prices, we propose a de-dimension machine learning model approach to forecast the ...international crude oil prices. First, we use principal component analysis (PCA), multidimensional scale (MDS), and locally linear embedding (LLE) methods to reduce the dimensions of the data. Then, based on the recurrent neural network (RNN) and long-term and short-term memory (LSTM) models, we build eight models for predicting the future and spot prices of international crude oil. From the analysis and comparison of the prediction results, we find that reducing the dimension of the data can improve the accuracy of the model and the applicability of RNN and LSTM models. In addition, the LLE-RNN/LSTM models can most successfully capture the nonlinear characteristics of crude oil prices. When the moving window size is twenty, that is, when crude oil price data are lagging by almost a month, each model can minimize its error, and the LLE-RNN /LSTM models have the best robustness.
A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the pros and cons of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) versus kyphoplasty (PKP) for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) with ...intravertebral cleft (IVC) including all available evidence from controlled trials.
Databases including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data were searched to identify relevant studies comparing PVP and PKP for OVCFs with IVC. The outcomes mainly included visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), local kyphotic angle (LKA), rate of vertebral height (VH%), and adverse events.
Nine studies enrolling 688 patients were eligible for meta-analysis. The results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in the short-and long-term VAS, ODI, LKA, or VH% (P > 0.05). Compared with PVP, PKP was associated with significantly longer operation time (P < 0.05), higher cost (P > 0.05), and more injected cement volume (P < 0.05). In terms of adverse events, PKP has a lower risk of cement leakage (P < 0.05), while with no significant difference in adjacent-level fracture rates (P > 0.05).
The two procedures have similar short- and long-term pain relief, functional recovery, local kyphosis correction, and vertebral height maintenance in OVCFs with IVC. PKP is superior to PVP for the injected cement volume, and lower cement leakage rate, however, with longer operation time, more fluoroscopy times, and higher cost. Further randomized controlled trials (RCTs) should be conducted to confirm these results.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most important complications plaguing neonates and can lead to a variety of sequelae. the ability of the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway to promote ...angiogenesis has an important role in neonatal lung development.BACKGROUDBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most important complications plaguing neonates and can lead to a variety of sequelae. the ability of the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway to promote angiogenesis has an important role in neonatal lung development.Newborn rats were exposed to 85% oxygen. The effects of hyperoxia exposure on Pleomorphic Adenoma Gene like-2 (PLAGL2) and the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in rats lung tissue were assessed through immunofluorescence and Western Blot analysis. In cell experiments, PLAGL2 was upregulated, and the effects of hyperoxia and PLAGL2 on cell viability were evaluated using scratch assays, CCK-8 assays, and EDU staining. The role of upregulated PLAGL2 in the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway was determined by Western Blot and RT-PCR. Apoptosis and ferroptosis effects were determined through flow cytometry and viability assays.METHODNewborn rats were exposed to 85% oxygen. The effects of hyperoxia exposure on Pleomorphic Adenoma Gene like-2 (PLAGL2) and the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in rats lung tissue were assessed through immunofluorescence and Western Blot analysis. In cell experiments, PLAGL2 was upregulated, and the effects of hyperoxia and PLAGL2 on cell viability were evaluated using scratch assays, CCK-8 assays, and EDU staining. The role of upregulated PLAGL2 in the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway was determined by Western Blot and RT-PCR. Apoptosis and ferroptosis effects were determined through flow cytometry and viability assays.Compared with the control group, the expression levels of PLAGL2, HIF-1α, VEGF, and SPC in lung tissues after 3, 7, and 14 days of hyperoxia exposure were all decreased. Furthermore, hyperoxia also inhibited the proliferation and motility of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) and induced apoptosis in AECII. Upregulation of PLAGL2 restored the proliferation and motility of AECII and suppressed cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, while the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway was also revived.RESULTSCompared with the control group, the expression levels of PLAGL2, HIF-1α, VEGF, and SPC in lung tissues after 3, 7, and 14 days of hyperoxia exposure were all decreased. Furthermore, hyperoxia also inhibited the proliferation and motility of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECII) and induced apoptosis in AECII. Upregulation of PLAGL2 restored the proliferation and motility of AECII and suppressed cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, while the HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway was also revived.We confirmed the positive role of PLAGL2 and HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in promoting BPD in hyperoxia conditions, and provided a promising therapeutic targets.CONCLUSIONSWe confirmed the positive role of PLAGL2 and HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway in promoting BPD in hyperoxia conditions, and provided a promising therapeutic targets.
Inflammation is a biological response of multicellular organisms caused by injuries, pathogens or irritants. An excessive inflammatory response can lead to tissue damage and various chronic diseases. ...Chronic inflammation is a common feature of many diseases, making the search for drugs to treat inflammation-related diseases urgent. Scutellarin, a natural flavonoid metabolite, is widely used in the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. Scutellarin can inhibit key inflammatory pathways (PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, etc.) and activate the anti-oxidant related pathways (Nrf2, ARE, ect.), thereby protecting tissues from inflammation and oxidative stress. Modern extraction technologies, such as microwave-assisted, ultrasound assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, have been utilized to extract scutellarin from Scutellaria and Erigeron genera. These technologies improve efficiency and retain biological activity, making scutellarin suitable for large-scale production. Scutellarin has significant therapeutic effects in treating osteoarthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney injury, and cardiovascular diseases. However, due to its low bioavailability and short half-life, its clinical application is limited. Researchers are exploring innovative formulations (β-cyclodextrin polymers, triglyceride mimetic active ingredients, and liposome precursors, etc.) to improve stability and absorption rates. Despite these challenges, the potential of scutellarin in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer applications remains enormous. By optimizing formulations, exploring combination therapies, and conducting in-depth mechanistic research, scutellarin can play an important role in treating various inflammatory diseases, providing patients with more and effective treatment options.
2,2′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), 6-hydroxy-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE-47), and 6-methoxy-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-MeO-BDE-47) are the most detected congeners of polybrominated ...diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), OH-BDEs, and MeO-BDEs, respectively, in aquatic organisms. Although it has been demonstrated that BDE-47 can interfere with certain endocrine functions that are mediated through several nuclear hormone receptors (NRs), most of these findings were from mammalian cell lines exposed in vitro. In the present study, embryos and larvae of zebrafish were exposed to BDE-47, 6-OH-BDE-47, and 6-MeO-BDE-47 to compare their accumulation, biotransformation, and bioconcentration factors (BCF) from 4 to 120 hpf. In addition, effects on expression of genes associated with eight different pathways regulated by NRs were investigated at 120 hpf. 6-MeO-BDE-47 was most bioaccumulated and 6-OH-BDE-47, which was the most potent BDE, was least bioaccumulated. Moreover, the amount of 6-MeO-BDE-47, but not BDE-47, transformed to 6-OH-BDE-47 increased in a time-dependent manner, approximately 0.01%, 0.04%, and 0.08% at 48, 96, and 120 hpf, respectively. Expression of genes regulated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), estrogen receptor (ER), and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) was affected in larvae exposed to 6-OH-BDE-47, whereas genes regulated by AhR, ER, and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were altered in larvae exposed to BDE-47. The greatest effect on expression of genes was observed in larvae exposed to 6-MeO-BDE-47. Specifically, 6-MeO-BDE-47 affected the expression of genes regulated by AhR, ER, AR, GR, and thyroid hormone receptor alpha (TRα). These pathways were mostly down-regulated at 2.5 μM. Taken together, these results demonstrate the importance of usage of an internal dose to assess the toxic effects of PBDEs. BDE-47 and its analogs elicited distinct effects on expression of genes of different hormone receptor-mediated pathways, which have expanded the knowledge of different mechanisms of endocrine disrupting effects in aquatic vertebrates. Because some of these homologues are natural products, assessments of risks of anthropogenic PBDE need to be made against the background of concentrations from naturally occurring products. Even though PBDEs are being phased out as flame retardants, the natural products remain.
Although there have been many studies on using hydrogels as substitutes for natural extracellular matrices (ECMs), hydrogels that mimic the structure and properties of ECM remain a contentious topic ...in current research. Herein, a hierarchical biomimetic fiber hydrogel was prepared using a simple strategy, with a structure highly similar to that of the ECM. Cell viability experiments showed that the hydrogel not only has good biocompatibility but also promotes cell proliferation and growth. It was also observed that cells adhere to the fibers in the hydrogel, mimicking the state of cells in the ECM. Lastly, through a rat skin wound repair experiment, we demonstrated that this hydrogel has a good effect on promoting rat skin healing. Its high structural similarity to the ECM and good biocompatibility make this hydrogel a good candidate for prospective applications in the field of tissue engineering.
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•Consumption of ascidian of H. roretzi tissues significantly improves the glucose tolerance in diabetic rats.•Consumption of ascidian H. roretzi tissue significantly reduces plasma ...cholesterol and triglyceridesin levels in diabetic rats.•Ascidian H. roretzi tissue is a rich source of amino acid, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and bioactive compounds.•Ascidian H. roretzi tissue contain 11 anti-diabetes molecules and high levels of natural astaxanthin.
Halocynthia roretzi has been cultured and utilized as a nutritious seafood in Southeastern Asia for many years because of its abundance active molecules. Here, we reported that feeding of H. roretzi tissues resulted in improving oral glucose tolerance in rats. To screen the active components, we identified 950 chemical compounds from H. roretzi metabolome. Furthermore, 11 molecules with the activity of regulating blood glucose and lipids were selected based on structural identity. Among them, two natural products, hesperetin and astaxanthin were selected for further quantitative detection. The results showed that concentrations of hesperetin and astaxanthin in the tissues of H. roretzi were calculated to be 13.7 ± 9.5 and 167.9 ± 48.4 µg/100 g, respectively. The high content of astaxanthin in H. roretzi indicates its potential roles and functions in anti-diabetes activity. Taken together, our results showed that H. roretzi could be used as a functional food supplement for regulating lipid/glucose metabolism.
Among common findings in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs), the intravertebral cleft (IVC) is usually considered a benign lesion. The current study was aimed to present a rare case ...of vertebral fracture caused by IVC-related spinal tuberculosis.
A 73-year-old female complained of back pain and weakness in lower limbs for 2 weeks. 3 months ago, after a minor trauma, she got back pain without weakness in lower limbs. Initially, she was diagnosed with a L1 compression fracture and accepted conservative treatment. After an asymptomatic period, she complained progressive pain at the fracture position with weakness of both lower limbs and was referred to our hospital with suspicion of Kümmell's disease. The patient underwent posterior debridement and internal fixation for decompression and stabilization of the spine. Pathological examinations revealed the patient with spinal tuberculosis.
Although IVC is common in patients with OCVFs, there are some cases believed to be found in patients with spinal tuberculosis or infection. Further test, like CT-guided puncture biopsy, may be required before decisive treatment when an IVC is observed.
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