Plastics waste and microplastics including polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) have been an environmental concern for years. Recent research has revealed that larvae of
are capable of biodegrading ...low density PE film. In this study, we tested the feasibility of enhancing larval survival and the effect of supplementing the co-diet on plastic degradation by feeding the larvae beeswax or wheat bran as a co-diet. Significant mass loss of plastic was observed over a 21-day period, i.e., with respective consumption of 0.88 and 1.95 g by 150 larvae fed only either PS or PE. The formation of C═O and C-O containing functional groups and long chain fatty acids as the metabolic intermediates of plastics in the residual polymers indicated depolymerization and biodegradation. Supplementing beeswax and bran increased the survival rates but decreased the consumption of plastic. The changes in the gut microbiome revealed that
and
were significantly associated with the PS and PE diets. Beeswax and bran showed different shaping effects on the core gut microbiome of larvae fed the PE and PS. These results suggest that supplementing the co-diet affected the physiological properties of the larvae and plastic biodegradation and shaped the core gut microbiome.
The poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARP) play important roles in repairing damaged DNA during intrinsic cell death. We recently linked PARP‐1 to death receptor (DR)‐activated extrinsic apoptosis, the ...present studies sought to elucidate the function of cytoplasmic PARP‐1 in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and therapy. Using human normal and pancreatic cancer tissues, we analyzed the prevalence of cytoplasmic PARP‐1 expression. In normal human pancreatic tissues, PARP‐1 expression was present in the nucleus; however, cytoplasmic PARP‐1 expression was identified in pancreatic cancers. Therefore, cytoplasmic PARP‐1 mutants were generated by site‐direct mutagenesis, to determine a causative effect of cytoplasmic PARP‐1 on pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis and sensitivity to therapy with TRA‐8, a humanized DR5 antibody. PARP‐1 cytoplasmic mutants rendered TRA‐8 sensitive pancreatic cancer cells, BxPc‐3 and MiaPaCa‐2, more resistant to TRA‐8‐induced apoptosis; whereas wild‐type PARP‐1, localizing mainly in the nucleus, had no effects. Additionally, cytoplasmic PARP‐1, but not wild‐type PARP‐1, increased resistance of BxPc‐3 cells to TRA‐8 therapy in a mouse xenograft model in vivo. Inhibition of PARP enzymatic activity attenuated cytoplasmic PARP‐1‐mediated TRA‐8 resistance. Furthermore, increased cytoplasmic PARP‐1, but not wild‐type PARP‐1, was recruited into the TRA‐8‐activated death‐inducing signaling complex and associated with increased and sustained activation of Src‐mediated survival signals. In contrast, PARP‐1 knockdown inhibited Src activation. Taken together, we have identified a novel function and mechanism underlying cytoplasmic PARP‐1, distinct from nuclear PARP‐1, in regulating DR5‐activated apoptosis. Our studies support an innovative application of available PARP inhibitors or new cytoplasmic PARP‐1 antagonists to enhance TRAIL therapy for TRAIL‐resistant pancreatic cancers.
What's new?
Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARP) play important roles in repairing damaged DNA during intrinsic cell death. Recently, PARP‐1 was also linked to death receptor (DR)‐activated extrinsic apoptosis. This study uncovers a new role of cytoplasmic expression of PARP‐1 in regulating DR5‐activated apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells in vitro as well as regulating the sensitivity of pancreatic tumors to TRA‐8 therapy in vivo. The findings highlight cytoplasmic PARP‐1 as a potential new marker for pancreatic cancer progression and support an innovative application of currently available PARP inhibitors or the design of new inhibitors targeting cytoplasmic PARP‐1 to enhance the efficacy of DR targeted therapy.
A facile one-step pyrolysis method was employed to prepare an iron containing carbonaceous catalyst using coagulation waste (CW) from paper mill. The catalyst (noted as PMCW) was used to activate ...peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for decomposition of Reactive Red 2 (RR2). The degradation mechanism was analyzed by reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging experiments, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, electrochemical measurements, selective deactivation of the functional groups on the catalyst surface, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results showed that, besides ROS (•OH, SO4•- and 1O2), electron transfer pathways induced by −OH functional groups and the π-π* system are involved in the degradation mechanism of RR2. Concerning different decomposition pathways, seven intermediates were identified, and three important steps, including attack on the azo group, cleaving the N9−C10 bond, and opening the naphthalene ring, were deduced via application and analysis of quadrupole time-of-flight liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (QTOF LC/MS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations based on Fukui indices and electrostatic potential (ESP) distributions. This work not only provides a novel facile recycling strategy of industrial waste from paper manufacturing to good carbonaceous catalysts but also deepens the understanding of the mechanisms of PMS activation with carbonaceous materials.
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•A novel Fe-containing carbonaceous catalyst (PMCW) was prepared using hazardous CW•Over 98% of RR2 removal was achieved in the PMCW/PMS system within 10 min reaction.•Both radical and non-radical take effect on RR2 degradation in PMCW/PMS system•Electron transfer induced by −OH and π-π* played a vital role in RR2 degradation•Analyses of QTOF LC/MS and DFT successfully reveal RR2 degradation pathway by PMCW
Plastic biodegradation by mealworm is regarded as an emerging strategy for plastic disposal. In this study, the polystyrene (PS) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) degradation efficiency by yellow ...mealworms (Tenebrio molitor larvae) supplemented with bran and the effects of plastics on the gut core microbiome were explored to construct a circular and continuous reactor for plastic biodegradation in the future. The gut microbiome was also investigated with dietary shift to explore the relationship between specific diets and gut microbes. The bran plus plastic (7:1 ratio, w/w) co-diet contributed to the mealworm survival and growth. The formation of −C˭O−/−C−O− groups in the plastic-fed mealworms frass represented the oxidation process of plastic biodegradation in the mealworm gut. The changes in molecular weights (Mw, Mn and Mz) of residual PS and LDPE in mealworms frass compared with that of PS and PE feedstock confirmed the plastic depolymerization and biodegradation. Lactobacillus and Mucispirillum were significantly associated with PE + bran diet compared to bran diet and PE diet, representing the response of mealworm gut microbiome to the bran and plastic mixture was distinguished from either bran or plastics alone. The gut microbiome changed substantially with the diet shift, indicating that microbial community assembly was a stochastic process and diverse plastic-degrading bacteria might occur in the mealworm gut.
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•A 7:1 mass ratio for bran to plastic facilitated growth of plastic-fed larvae.•The larvae gut microbiome was shaped by the synergistic effect of bran and plastic.•A diet shift caused reassembly of the gut microbial community.•The same nutrients at different feeding stages caused a shift in the gut microbiome.•Microbial community assembly in the gut might be dominated by stochastic processes.
From genome-wide association studies, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) locus on chromosome 11 was the only SNP associated with both smoking and body mass index (BMI) in European, African and ...Asian population. This study aims to explore the unique genetic predisposition to obesity in former smokers by examining the effects of BDNF on BMI and waist circumference (WC).
The study design is case-control study with a cohort validation in supplementary. We included 15,072 ethnic Chinese participants in the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS) with data of four BDNF SNPs related to both BMI and smoking behavior. We used baseline smoke exposure data in 2003-2007 and follow-up outcomes of general obesity (by BMI) and central obesity (WC) in 2008-2012. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for general obesity and central obesity associated with these SNPs were derived from logistic regression.
Of 15,072 participants (3169 men and 11,903 women), 1664 (11.0%) had general and 7868 (52.2%) had central obesity. In 1233 former smokers, the rs6265 GG, versus AA, genotype was associated with higher risks of general obesity (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.06-3.01) and central obesity (OR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.47-2.92) after adjustment. These associations were not significant in never or current smokers. In former heavy (≥20 cigarettes/day) smokers, the rs6265 GG genotype showed a higher odds for general obesity (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.05-4.40), while no association was found in former light (1-9 cigarettes/day) smokers. Similar results were found for the association of rs6265 with central obesity and for the associations of other two BDNF SNPs (rs4923457 and rs11030104) with both general and central obesity.
We firstly identified the genetic predisposition (BDNF SNPs) to general and central obesity in former smokers, particularly in former heavy smokers. The different associations of the SNPs for general/central obesity in different smoke exposure groups may be related to the competitive performance of the sites and epigenetic modification, which needs further study.
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Motivated by the carbon neutrality target, strategic planning for a low-carbon transition of sludge treatment and disposal in China is challenging due to the unpredictability of ...technical, regional, socioeconomic, and political factors affecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study combines the use of a Life Cycle Assessment and the Patient Rule Induction Method, accounting for possibilities that could achieve net-zero carbon emissions by exploring multiple plausible future profiles of sludge treatment and disposal. Results show that reducing sludge landfill and increasing anaerobic digestion are effective methods to facilitate GHG reduction. Achieving carbon neutrality is closely linked to developing a cleaner electricity mix. Based on a cascaded scenario analysis considering regional differences for 31 Chinese provinces, results demonstrated a maximum cumulative reduction potential of 371 Mt CO2 equivalents from 2020 to 2050, equal to 59.84% of the business-as-usual scenario. Together with GHG reductions, terrestrial acidification and ecotoxicity as well as freshwater ecotoxicity are synergistically reduced. However, the shifting environmental burden results in freshwater eutrophication, human toxicity, marine ecotoxicity, marine eutrophication, and photochemical oxidant formation. This study presents a novel method for systematically identifying possible future development paths toward carbon neutrality. The findings may support policy designs for achieving target carbon reduction effects for sludge disposal.
Volatile components in jujube fruits from
Mill.
. Dongzao (DZ) and
Mill.
. Jinsixiaozao (JS) were analyzed under different cold storage periods via headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility ...spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). Results identified 53 peaks that corresponded to 47 compounds and were mostly alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and ketones. Differences in the volatile components of jujube fruits were revealed in topographic plots and fingerprints. For DZ, 3-pentanone was the characteristic component of fresh fruits. After storage for 15 days, dipropyl disulfide became the most special substance. Moreover, when stored for 30 and 45 days, the fruits had some same volatile components, like 2-pentyl furan and diallyl sulfide. However, for DZ stored for 60 days, esters were the prominent constituent of the volatile components, simultaneously, some new alcohols appeared. For JS, 2-ethyl furan was the representative of fresh fruits, and 2-butoxyethanol content was the most abundant after 15 and 30 days of storage. Different from that in DZ, the content of ester in JS increased after storage for 45 days. Substances such as amyl acetate dimer, methyl salicylate, and linalool greatly contributed to the jujube flavor during the late storage period. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that fresh samples and refrigerated fruits were effectively distinguished. Heat map clustering analysis displayed the similarity of volatile components in different samples and was in accordance with PCA results. Hence, the volatile components of jujube fruits can be readily identified via HS-GC-IMS, and jujube fruits can be classified at different periods based on the difference of volatile components.
To explore the potential application of plant essential oil in the postharvest preservation of fruits, the inclusion complex (IC) of Litsea cubeba essential oil (LCEO) with ...hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD), prepared by the saturated aqueous solution method, was studied. LCEO/HPβCD‐IC was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size distribution, and thermogravimetric‐differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) analysis. The formation of LCEO/HPβCD‐IC was confirmed, and the volume average particle diameter was 24.376 µm. Due to the inclusion of HPβCD, the volatility of LCEO was significantly reduced and the thermal stability was significantly improved. In addition, the antifungal activities of the LCEO ICs were compared, and LCEO/HPβCD‐IC was more effective against the citrus postharvest pathogens (P. italicum and G. citri‐aurantii). The effects of the LCEO ICs on the postharvest quality of Shatang mandarin were studied. Compared with the control group (CK) and LCEO/βCD‐IC group, the LCEO/HPβCD‐IC group showed a significant delay in the decrease of good fruit rate, hardness, total soluble solids (TSSs), and Vitamin C (Vc) content, with a lower weight loss rate of Shatang mandarin. Therefore, LCEO/HPβCD‐IC is expected to be used as a green preservative for the storage and preservation of citrus fruits.
Practical Application
In this study, LCEO was encapsulated in HPβCD by the saturated aqueous solution method and the prepared inclusion complex was characterized. The effects of LCEO/HPβCD‐IC and LCEO/βCD‐IC on postharvest preservation of Shatang mandarin were compared. This work offers valuable insights into the postharvest preservation of citrus fruit by essential oil inclusion complexes.
•A group consensus method based on expert weight and reliability is proposed.•Expert reliability in multi-round of group analysis and discussion is constructed.•Hybrid weight is measured dynamically ...based on expert reliability.•Convergence of group consensus is accelerated based on hybrid weight.•Evaluation of safety performance is investigated using the proposed method.
Multi-criteria group decision making (MCGDM) as a key module in a group decision support system has attracted much attention. Different experts in MCGDM may hold different decision interests. To generate the solution that is accepted by most experts, a group consensus reaching process has been widely applied in MCGDM along with multiple rounds of group analysis and discussion (GAD). How to characterize the dynamic variation of experts’ opinions in the above process is a critical issue. To solve this problem, expert reliability is defined by measuring the dynamic variation of the support degree from other experts in GAD. By considering expert reliability and expert weight simultaneously, a group consensus measure is proposed and a group feedback mechanism is constructed to accelerate the convergence of group consensus. The dynamic variation of experts’ opinions, especially their non-cooperative behaviors, can be well addressed by using the constructed feedback mechanism. The proposed group consensus reaching process including the group consensus measure and feedback mechanism is applied to solve a problem of evaluating the safety performance of an enterprise located in Changzhou, a city in Jiangsu Province, China, in order to verify its applicability and effectiveness in MCGDM.
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