The discharge of ammonia–nitrogen (NH3–N), total nitrogen (TN), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total phosphorus (TP) in rural sewage usually exceeds the Pollutant Discharge Standard for Urban Sewage Treatment Plants (GB18918-2002). Efficient and cost-effective removal of these pollutants cannot be simultaneously realized using conventional rural sewage treatment methods. Thus, an assembled biological filter (D50?×?W50?×?H113 cm), including a phosphorus removal layer filled with solid polymeric ferric sulfate and alternating aerobic-anaerobic layers, is proposed herein. The aerobic (anerobic) layers were filled with zeolite (zeolite and composite soil) at different intervals. This system was used for the treatment of synthetic sewage having COD: 122.0–227.0 mg/L; NH3–N: 29.1–47.0 mg/L; TN: 28.0–58.0 mg/L; and TP: 2.0–3.8 mg/L. Based on optimal operation conditions (40 L/h reflow rate, without artificial aeration, and 12-h operation cycle), the system showed NH3–N, TN, COD, and TP removal efficiencies of 87.1? ± ?8.1, 83.4? ± ?7.9, 91.0? ± ?9.4, and 80.0? ± ?6.4%, respectively. Further, in the pilot-scale test, under the same optimal parameters, the removal efficiencies of NH3–N, TN, COD, and TP were 78.9? ± ?8.1, 75.4? ± ?7.9, 82? ± ?9.4, and 76? ± ?6.4%, respectively. Furthermore, in the different functional units of the system, a large number of functional bacteria capable of efficiently facilitating the simultaneous removal of the different pollutants from sewage were identified. Therefore, this proposed system, which complies with current environmental discharge regulations, can be a more sustainable approach for the treatment of unattended rural sewage.
Graphic abstractSilver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) and Ag nanorings (NRs) have been fabricated. Due to the inherent features of Ag NPs and Ag NRs, strong electromagnetic (EM) near-field distributions were expected, and hence surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity was demonstrated. Size and interparticle gaps distribution of Ag NPs were estimated to be 48.14?±?10.14 nm and 14.11?±?5.24 nm respectively along with estimated coverage density of?~?4?×?1010 cm?2. On the other hand, Ag NRs were found to consist of Ag clusters and of various shapes and sizes, instead of a perfect ring structure. High-resolution FESEM revealed that the individual constituent clusters were different from each other, particularly in terms of size and shape in addition to the cases how such clusters were connected to form the edge of the NR. However, the coverage density of Ag NRs was estimated to be?~?5.6?×?106 cm?2. Based on the scenarios, it was speculated that the local EM near-field distribution would excel and thus led to enhanced SERS signals. SERS enhancement of R6G was estimated as high as 2.18?×?104 and 2.78?×?104 at 610 cm?1 (C???C ring bending mode in phenyl rings) for Ag NPs and Ag NRs respectively. FDTD analysis was carried out to elucidate the EM near-field distributions.
Graphical abstractAg NPs and Ag NRs from an ultrathin layer of Ag on ZnO/Glass (middle pane) confirming high EF of R6G adsorbed on Ag NRs (right pane) and Ag NPs (left pane) supported by corresponding EM near-field distributions.
In utero hyperglycemia has consequences on future outcomes in the offsprings. We had earlier shown that in utero hyperglycemia impacts proteoglycans/glycosaminoglycans, one of the key molecules involved in brain development. Hypothalamic HSPGs such as syndecan-1 and syndecan-3 are well known for their involvement in feeding behavior. Therefore, studies were carried out to determine the effect of maternal hyperglycemia on the expression of HSPGs in the hypothalamus of offspring brain. Results revealed increased protein abundance of Syndecan-1 and -3 as well as glypican-1 in postnatal adults from hyperglycemic mothers. This was associated with increased hyperphagia and increased expression of Neuropeptide Y. These results indicate the likely consequences on offsprings exposed to in utero hyperglycemia on its growth.
Graphical abstractThe increased phenomenon of antimicrobial resistance and the slow pace of development of new antibiotics are at the base of a global health concern regarding microbial infections. Antibiotic resistance kills an estimated 700,000 people each year worldwide, and this number is expected to increase dramatically if efforts are not made to develop new drugs or alternative containment strategies. Increased vaccination coverage, improved sanitation or sustained implementation of infection control measures are among the possible areas of action. Indeed, vaccination is one of the most effective tools of preventing infections. Starting from 1970s polysaccharide-based vaccines against Meningococcus, Pneumococcus and Haemophilus influenzae type b have been licensed, and provided effective protection for population. However, the development of safe and effective vaccines for infectious diseases with broad coverage remains a major challenge in global public health. In this scenario, nanosystems are receiving attention as alternative delivery systems to improve vaccine efficacy and immunogenicity. In this report, we provide an overview of current applications of glyconanomaterials as alternative platforms in the development of new vaccine candidates. In particular, we will focus on nanoparticle platforms, used to induce the activation of the immune system through the multivalent-displacement of saccharide antigens.
Graphical abstractOil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions are attracting attention as carriers of lipophilic active compounds with clear advantages over traditional systems. Having in view their effective use it is important to study their stability against environmental stresses impacting manufacture, storage, and application conditions. In this work, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (n-HAp) Pickering emulsions produced in continuous mode using a mesostructured reactor (average size?~?7, 11 and 18 µm) and in batch mode using a rotor–stator device (average size?~?18 µm) were studied concerning their behaviour at different temperatures (5–90 ºC), pH (2–10) and ionic strength (0–500 mM), conditions with relevance for food applications. Droplet size, morphology, and zeta-potential were analysed after 1 and 7 days under storage. In general, and despite the droplet size, the n-HAp Pickering emulsions were stable within the tested ionic strength range, at relatively high pH environments (6–10), and at temperatures up to 70 ºC. Pickering emulsions undergo complete phase separation at very low pH (2) due to n-HAp particle's disruption. A clear tendency to aggregation and coalescence was observed for high temperatures (70–90 ºC). Results indicate no significant differences related to the used production method. From an industrial perspective, this work also corroborates that the scale-up to a continuous process using a mesostructured reactor, NETmix, from a batch laboratorial process is feasible without impacting stability.
Graphical abstractSuperoxide dismutase is one of the key antioxidant enzymes accountable for the eradication of free radicals generated during various metabolic processes. This is first study reporting a thermostable MnSOD obtained from a xerophytic plant, Nerium oleander. The full-length gene identified using Rapid amplification of cDNA ends revealed an open reading frame of 699 bp flanked by 5′UTR and 3′UTR of 134 bp and 198 bp respectively. The corresponding NeMnSOD protein was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The purified protein yields a band of 25.4 kDa, which established a specific activity of 2617 units mg?1 of protein and under native condition yield bands of 52 kDa and 110 kDa, confirming the dimeric and tetrameric state of the protein. The Km and Vmax of 0.078?±?0.008 mM and 1052.3?±?33.59 units mg?1 of protein, respectively. The purified enzyme demonstrated thermostability by retaining more than 20% activity at a temperature 70 ℃. The enzyme functioned at pH range of 4–9.0 with maximum activity at pH 7.4. Sodium azide, effectively inhibited the activity of enzyme confirming it to be MnSOD. The enzyme activity was least affected on treatment with strong denaturants (Urea, guanidine HCl and SDS) and harsh chemicals (DTT, CHAPS and β-mercapto-ethanol) These experimental data validated with Insilco analysis revealed that NeMnSOD possessed thermo as well as kinetically stable moiety which can be further exploited with its applications in the field of pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industry, which urge for such thermostable enzyme.
Graphic AbstractPlant nutrition management is known as an efficient strategy to control environmental constraints. This experiment was conducted in a climate control greenhouse with a hydroponic system. The high temperature (36 °C?±?1) was imposed on the pots after fruit formation. The studied factors were silicon in 2 concentrations (0 and 4 parts per thousand (ppt)) and salicylic acid in 3 concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1 mM). They were sprayed on cucumber plants 3 times and under high-temperature conditions to evaluate if they can regulate and improve the yield and quality of cucumber fruit under high-temperature conditions or not. The results showed that all treatments significantly improved the nutritional status, total yield, and fruit quality (including marketable yield (i.e., fruits that can be sold due to their good shape) and nitrate content). Under high-temperature conditions, foliar application of silicon had the highest effect on the increase of total yield and marketable fruit yield (respectively, 36.14% and 40.29% increase compared to the control treatment). Micro-nutrients concentrations in the leaf were significantly increased by Si but a reverse status happened for salicylic acid. Under high temperatures, both treatments also significantly decreased the nitrate content of the fresh matter of fruit but silicon was the superior treatment. Silicon and salicylic acid, respectively, had positive effects on mitigation of adverse effects of high temperature on cucumber plants. These findings suggest the use of these treatments under high-temperature conditions in greenhouse cucumber production.
Graphical AbstractN–No3 content in dry matter of leaf (left) and fresh matter of fruit (right) affected by different treatments. *SaA0–SiA4: 4 ppt Si; SaA0.5–SiA0: 0.5 mM SA; SaA0.5–SiA4: 0.5 mM SA?+?4 ppt Si; SaA1–SiA0: 1 mM SA; SaA1–SiA4: 1 mM SA?+?4 ppt Si; control: without any SA and Si applications. Means in the same column followed by the same letter are not significantly different according to DMRT at (P?≤?0.05)
Poor quality and quantity of sleep are very common in elderly people throughout the world. Growing evidence has suggested that sleep disturbances could accelerate the process of neurodegeneration. Recent reports have shown a positive correlation between sleep deprivation and amyloid-β (Aβ)/tau aggregation in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients. Glial cells have long been implicated in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and recent findings have also suggested their role in regulating sleep homeostasis. However, how glial cells control the sleep–wake balance and exactly how disturbed sleep may act as a trigger for Alzheimer’s or other neurological disorders have recently gotten attention. In an attempt to connect the dots, the present review has highlighted the role of glia-derived sleep regulatory molecules in AD pathogenesis.
Graphical AbstractRole of glia in sleep disturbance and Alzheimer’s progression.
The present work aimed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing potential of ethyl acetate fraction from Bauhinia ungulata L. (FABU) on in vitro and in vivo models. Wound healing assay using human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line was employed to evaluate the ability of FABU in modulating cell migration. In addition, a surgical wound model in C57BL/6 mice was used to study the healing potential of FABU incorporated into gel carbomer 940 (Carbopol®). Evaluation of lipid peroxidation, inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediator gene expression, rate of wound closure, and histological analysis were done. FABU significantly reduced the gap area in in vitro wound healing assay, 24 h after treatment. In the animal model, FABU at 0.5% topically applied once-daily for 5 days to the surgical wounds significantly reduced the lesion area. Moreover, it significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation in the lesions and decreased the relative gene expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the injured region. In conclusion, our study suggests that Bauhinia ungulata can effectively promote the wound healing, probably by regulating the inflammatory environment during the early stages of the process.
Graphic abstractGinsenoside compound K (CK) with a wide range of pharmacological activities has been widely used in the healthcare product industry. However, the application of CK is limited by low productivity and difficult separation. The purpose of this study is to convert ginsenoside Rb1 into CK by improving conversion efficiency in novel “green” reaction medium-deep eutectic solvent (DES). Talaromyces purpureogenus was selected from ginseng rhizosphere soil to produce β-glucosidase with high activity and purity to transform ginsenosides, and Mn2+ was found to be an enzyme promoter. Among the DES based on choline chloride as hydrogen-bond receptor, choline chloride:ethylene glycol (ChCl:EG = 2:1) was the most promising solvent in maintaining enzyme activity and stability. In the presence of 30% v/v ChCl:EG = 2:1, the half-life of β-glucosidase was increased by 96%, the solubility of F2 was increased by 120%, and CK yield was increased by 54% compared with those in the buffer. Fourier transform infrared, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that DES did not destroy the structure and conformation of β-glucosidase. In addition, 80.6% CK conversion was obtained at 60 °C, pH 4.5, 48 h and 8 mM Rb1, which provided a feasible method for efficiently producing CK.
Graphic abstractAn efficient in vitro propagation system has been developed for the rapid micropropagation of Thymus serpyllum L. (Banajwain), an aromatic medicinal herb from nodal explant on MS medium. Phenolic leaching and high rate of contamination was the most significant problem in establishing in vitro culture of Thymus serpyllum which was overcome by preparing explants in an antioxidant ascorbic acid (1000 ppm) at 6°C for 45 min and addition of the same antioxidant (50 mgl−1) to the MS medium. The frequency of shoot production was influenced by different cytokinins (Kn, BAP, and Kn + BAP) and 95.56% shoot induction was observed when MS medium was supplemented with 1.0 + 2.0 mgl−1 (Kn + BAP). The maximum average number of shoots 16.93 ± 2.15 and average length (3.98 ± 0.55) was recorded when MS medium have 0.5 + 2.0 mgl−1 (Kn + BAP). The in vitro regenerated microshoots were rooted on MS and half strength MS medium and there was significant difference in root induction on both media under the influence of auxins (IAA, IBA, and NAA). The maximum average number (11.67 ± 3.03) and average root length (3.88 ± 0.71) was reported in half MS medium having 1.0 mgl−1 IBA. The complete regenerated plantlets were acclimatized under growth chamber before transferring to the earthen pots and showed 90% survival.
Graphical abstract
Non-invasive microstructural characterisation has the potential to determine the stability, or lack thereof, of atherosclerotic plaques and ultimately aid in better assessing plaques’ risk to rupture. If linked with mechanical characterisation using a clinically relevant imaging technique, mechanically sensitive rupture risk indicators could be possible. This study aims to provide this link–between a clinically relevant imaging technique and mechanical characterisation within human atherosclerotic plaques. Ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging, mechanical testing, and histological analysis were carried out on human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. DTI-derived tractography was found to yield significant mechanical insight into the mechanical properties of more stable and more vulnerable microstructures. Coupled with insights from digital image correlation and histology, specific failure characteristics of different microstructural arrangements furthered this finding. More circumferentially uniform microstructures failed at higher stresses and strains when compared to samples which had multiple microstructures, like those seen in a plaque cap. The novel findings in this study motivate diagnostic measures which use non-invasive characterisation of the underlying microstructure of plaques to determine their vulnerability to rupture.
Graphic abstractBoron is an important element for plants, humans, and animals in limited amounts. However, excess amounts can cause adverse effects in both humans and plants, necessitating its removal from certain systems. Boron compounds are used in many industrial applications, including in developing sectors like alternative energy technology; as a result, the need for this element is increasing and industries are looking towards boron recovery for the sustained use of this element in their products. While the literature on boron removal strategies is abundant, there is a relative lack of studies on boron recovery, with no review papers having yet addressed this topic. In this review, both boron removal and recovery techniques involving conventional approaches and membrane processes are examined to juxtapose the states of the science in these two related—and increasingly important—processes.
Graphical abstractThis study aimed to screen, characterize, and annotate the genome along with the comparison of GABA synthesis genes presented in lactic acid bacteria (LAB).
ResultsThirty-five LAB isolates from fermented foods were screened for GABA production using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Fifteen isolates produced GABA ranging from 0.07 to 22.94 g/L. Based on their GTG5 profiles, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics, isolates LSI1-1, LSI1-5, LSI2-1, LSI2-2, LSI2-3, LSI2-5, and LSM3-1-4 were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum; isolate LSM1-4 was Lactobacillus argentoratensis; isolates CAB1-2, CAB1-5, CAB1-7, and LSI1-4 were Lactobacillus pentosus; and CAB1-1, LSM3-1-1 and LSM3-2-3 were Lactobacillus fermentum. Strains LSI2-1 and CAB1-7 from pickled vegetables were selected for genome analysis. The gadA gene (1410 bp, 470aa) was encountered in GABA production of both strains and no other glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) genes were found in the genomes when compared with other LAB strains. The presence of gadA is evidence for GABA production. Strains LSI2-1 and CAB1-7 produced 22.94 g/L and 11.59 g/L of GABA in GYP broth supplemented with 3% (w/v) MSG at 30 °C for 72 h, respectively.
ConclusionsOur report highlights the characterization of LAB and GABA production of L. plantarum LSI2-1 strain with its GABA synthesis gene.
Graphic abstractGABA production of strains LSI2-1 and CAB1-7 in GYP broth with 3% (w/v) MSG and comparative GAD genes
Co-management, a governance process whereby management responsibility is shared between resource users and other collaborators, is a mainstream approach for governing social and ecological aspects of small-scale fisheries. While many assessments of co-management are available for single time periods, assessments across longer time-scales are rare–meaning the dynamic nature, and long-term outcomes, of co-management are insufficiently understood. In this study we analyse ten-years of catch and effort data from a co-managed, multi-species reef fishery in Solomon Islands. To further understand social, ecological and management dynamics we also draw on interviews with fishers and managers that had been conducted throughout the same decade. We aimed to answer (1) what are the temporal trends in fishing effort, harvesting efficiency, and catch composition within and beyond a periodically-harvested closure (i.e. a principal and preferred management tool in Pacific island reef fisheries), and, (2) what are the internal and external drivers that acted upon the fishery, and its management. Despite high fishing effort within the periodically-harvested closure, catch per unit effort remained stable throughout the ten years. Yet the taxonomic composition of catch changed substantially as species targeted early in the decade became locally depleted. These observations indicate that both the frequency of harvesting and the volumes harvested may have outpaced the turnover rates of target species. We argue that this reflects a form of hyperstability whereby declining abundance is not apparent through catch per unit effort since it is masked by a shift to alternate species. While the community sustained and adapted their management arrangements over the decade as a response to internal pressures and some signs of resource changes, some external social and ecological drivers were beyond their capabilities to govern. We argue the collaborative, knowledge exchange, and learning aspects of adaptive co-management may need even more attention to deal with this complexity, particularly as local and distal pressures on multi-species fisheries and community governance intensify.
Graphical abstractCircular RNA of vimentin (circ-VIM) is a predictor for poor prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia, but we had little information on its function in esophageal cancer (EC). Here we examined the effects of circ-VIM together with sevoflurane on immune escape and multiple oncogenic activities of EC.
MethodsBioinformatic tools, luciferase assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation were used to examine regulations between circ-VIM, miR-124-3p (miR-124), and PD-L1. CCK-8, wound healing, and Transwell assays were used to measure cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. The impacts of EC cells on cytotoxicity, proliferation, and apoptosis of CD8+ T cells were examined using LDH assay, CFSE staining, and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively. The in vivo tumorigenesis and lung metastases were assessed using xenograft model and tail vein injection of EC cells.
ResultsSignificant upregulation of circ-VIM and PD-L1 and downregulation of miR-124 were detected in EC tissues or cells. Circ-VIM sponged miR-124 and released its suppression on the downstream target PD-L1. Sevoflurane, independent of circ-VIM, also upregulated miR-124 to lower PD-L1 expression. By modulating miR-124/PD-L1 axis, silencing circ-VIM and applying sevoflurane both inhibited immune escape and multiple oncogenic activities of EC in vitro, and suppressed xenograft growth and lung metastases in vivo. The inactivation of Ras/ERK signaling pathway was involved in suppression of malignant phenotypes by silencing circ-VIM and sevoflurane treatment.
ConclusionsSilencing circ-VIM and applying sevoflurane, by separately regulating miR-124/PD-L1 axis, presented synergistic effects in inhibiting immune escape and multiple malignant phenotypes of EC cells.
Graphical abstractCancer is the second major threat to human society and one of the main challenges facing healthcare systems. One of the main problems of cancer care is the metastases of cancer cells that cause 90% of deaths due to cancer. Multiple molecular mechanisms are involved in cancer cell metastasis. Therefore, a better understanding of these molecular mechanisms is necessary for designing restrictive strategies against cancer cell metastasis. Accumulating data suggests that MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in metastasis and invasion of human tumors through regulating multiple genes expression levels that are involved in molecular mechanisms of metastasis. The goal of this review is to present the molecular pathways by which the miR 200 family manifests its effects on EMT, cancer stem cells, angiogenesis, anoikis, and the effects of tumor cell metastases.
MethodsA detailed literature search was conducted to find information about the role of the miR-200 family in the processes involved in metastasis in various databases.
ResultsNumerous lines of evidence revealed an association between the mir-200 family and metastasis of human tumors by impressing processes such as cancer stem cells, EMT, angiogenesis, and anoikis.
ConclusionsUnderstanding the molecular mechanisms associated with metastasis in which the miR-200 family is involved can be effective in treating metastatic cancers.
Graphic abstract