Magnetite-based Biochar Coupled with Binary Oxidants for the Effective Removal of Mixed Dye from Wastewater

Mingxia Yu,Huosheng Li,Keke Li,Yuting Li,Fengli Liu,Gaosheng Zhang,Tangfu Xiao,Ping Zhang,Hongguo Zhang,Jianyou Long 한국섬유공학회 2022 Fibers and polymers Vol.23 No.2

Decolorization and organic degradation of wastewater containing multiple dyes are still challenging inwastewater treatment. Magnetic biochar coupled with advanced oxidation is a potential solution to this issue. In this study,a series of magnetite-based biochar composites (Fe3O4@C) was prepared and compared for the removal of mixed dyes,including methyl orange (MO), rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), and an organic macromolecule, humic acid(HA). The pyrolysis of watermelon rinds followed by precipitation of Fe3O4 onto the biochar was selected as the optimummethod to prepare an adsorbent and catalyst to couple binary oxidants (hypochlorite and persulfate) for color and totalorganic carbon removal. Persulfate was prone to degrade HA and MB, while hypochlorite was inclined to oxidize MO andRhB. Fe3O4@C exhibited better dye removal performance in coupling with binary oxidants than with a single oxidant. Formixed dye solutions with an initial concentration of 50 mg/l for each dye, the highest TOC (57.24±3.17 %) and the colorremoval efficiencies (94.13±1.68 %) for the mixed dye solution were achieved at a sorbent dosage of 1 g/l and an oxidantdosage of 5 mmol/l for both hypochlorite and persulfate. Multiple free radicals, including hydroxyl radicals, sulfateradicals, and hypochlorite-induced radicals, play critical roles in the degradation of mixed dyes and color removal. Theregeneratibility and reutilization of the magnetic Fe3O4@C composite were effective and stable. The results obtained inthis study show that the combined Fe3O4@C and binary oxidants technique is promising for the treatment of multi-dyewastewater.

Associations Between Three Common MicroRNA Polymorphisms and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Chinese

Hao, Yu-Xia,Wang, Jun-Ping,Zhao, Long-Feng Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.11

Aim: Associations between polymorphisms in miR-146aG>C, miR-196a2C>T and miR-499A>G and risk of HCC, and interaction with HBV infection in a Chinese population, were the target of the present research. Methods: The duplex polymerase-chain-reaction with confronting-two-pair primers (PCR-RFLP) was performed to determine the genotypes of the miR-146aG>C, miR-196a2C>T and miR-499A>G genotypes. Associations of polymorphisms with the risk of HCC were estimated by conditional logistic regression analysis. Results: Drinking, family history of cancer, HBsAg and HCV were risk factors for HCC. Multivariate regression analyses showed that subjects carrying the miR-196a2 CC genotype had significantly increased risk of HCC, with an adjusted OR (95% CI) of 2.18 (1.23-3.80). In addition, cases carrying the miR-196a2 C allele had a 1.64-fold increase in the risk for HCC (95%CI=1.03-2.49). The miR-196a2 CT and TT genotypes greatly significantly increased the risk of HCC in subjects with HBV infection, with adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 2.02 (1.12-3.68) and 2.69 (1.28-5.71), respectively. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that miR-196a2 CC genotype and C allele have an important role in HCC risk in Chinese, especially in patients with HBV infection.

Molecular Biology and Omics : Direct Evaluation of the Effect of Gene Dosage on Secretion of Protein from Yeast Pichia pastoris by Expressing EGFP

( Hai Long Liu ),( Yu Feng Qin ),( Yuan Kai Huang ),( Yao Sheng Chen ),( Pei Qing Cong ),( Zu Yong He ) 한국미생물 · 생명공학회 2014 Journal of microbiology and biotechnology Vol.24 No.2

Increasing the gene copy number has been commonly used to enhance the protein expression level in the yeast Pichia pastoris. However, this method has been shown to be effective up to a certain gene copy number, and a further increase of gene dosage can result in a decrease of expression level. Evidences indicate the gene dosage effect is product-dependent, which needs to be determined when expressing a new protein. Here, we describe a direct detection of the gene dosage effect on protein secretion through expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene under the direction of the α-factor preprosequence in a panel of yeast clones carrying increasing copies of the EGFP gene (from one to six copies). Directly examined under fluorescence microscopy, we found relatively lower levels of EGFP were secreted into the culture medium at one copy and two copies, substantial improvement of secretion appeared at three copies, plateau happened at four and five copies, and an apparent decrease of secretion happened at six copies. The secretion of EGFP being limiting at four and five copies was due to abundant intracellular accumulation of proteins, observed from the fluorescence image of yeast and confirmed by western blotting, which significantly activated the unfolded protein response indicated by the up-regulation of the BiP (the KAR2 gene product) and the protein disulfide isomerase. This study implies that tagging a reporter like GFP to a specific protein would facilitate a direct and rapid determination of the optimal gene copy number for high-yield expression.

Controlled fabrication and electrochemical corrosion behavior of ultrathin Ni-Cu alloy foil

Linping Yu,Long Chen,Qizhi Chen,Luli Feng,Ziyi Xu,Bo Nan,Xiyue Kang,Yuehui He 한국공업화학회 2021 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.103 No.-

Cost-effective ultrathin alloy foils (<20 lm) are highly expected with the development of electronicindustry and micro-system technology. In this paper, electrodeposition combined with vacuum sinteringis used to fabricate a Ni-Cu alloy foil with thickness of 12.0 (±0.2) lm. For the ultrathin Ni-Cu alloy foil, adensified structure without pores can be achieved by prolonging sintering duration at 900 ℃ for 3 h. Under the current density of 10 mA cm 2, 700 s is the optimal electrodeposition time to obtain the highesttensile strength (187 MPa) with the Ni content of 41.5 wt.% in the alloy foil. Compared with Cu foil, Ni-Cu alloy foil shows superior corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and also HCl solutions (0.5 mol/L, 1.0 mol/L, 2.0 mol/L), respectively. The uniform composition and defect-free surface, excellent tensilestrength and corrosion resistance together exhibits the great application potential of the obtained Ni-Cualloy foil, which may provide an inspiration for future development of integrated electronic or medicaldevices.

Identification of novel rheumatoid arthritis-associated MiRNA-204-5p from plasma exosomes

Wu Long-Fei,Zhang Qin,Mo Xing-Bo,Lin Jun,Wu Yang-Lin,Lu Xin,He Pei,Wu Jian,Guo Yu-Fan,Wang Ming-Jun,Ren Wen-Yan,Deng Hong-Wen,Lei Shu-Feng,Deng Fei-Yan 생화학분자생물학회 2022 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.54 No.-

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by infiltration of immune cells in the synovium. However, the crosstalk of immune cells and synovial fibroblasts is still largely unknown. Here, global miRNA screening in plasma exosomes was carried out with a custom microarray (RA patients vs. healthy controls = 9:9). A total of 14 exosomal miRNAs were abnormally expressed in the RA patients. Then, downregulated expression of exosomal miR-204-5p was confirmed in both the replication (RA patients vs. healthy controls = 30:30) and validation groups (RA patients vs. healthy controls = 56:60). Similar to the findings obtained in humans, a decreased abundance of exosomal miR-204-5p was observed in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Furthermore, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that plasma exosomal miR-204-5p expression was inversely correlated with disease parameters of RA patients, such as rheumatoid factor, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. In vitro, our data showed that human T lymphocytes released exosomes containing large amounts of miR-204-5p, which can be transferred into synovial fibroblasts, inhibiting cell proliferation. Overexpression of miR-204-5p in synovial fibroblasts suppressed synovial fibroblast activation by targeting genes related to cell proliferation and invasion. In vivo assays found that administration of lentiviruses expressing miR-204-5p markedly alleviated the disease progression of the mice with CIA. Collectively, this study identified a novel RA-associated plasma exosomal miRNA-204-5p that mediates the communication between immune cells and synovial fibroblasts and can be used as a potential biomarker for RA diagnosis and treatment.

Ginsenoside compound K reduces the progression of Huntington's disease via the inhibition of oxidative stress and overactivation of the ATM/AMPK pathway

Kuo-Feng Hua,A-Ching Chao,Ting-Yu Lin,Wan-Tze Chen,Yu-Chieh Lee,Wan-Han Hsu,Sheau-Long Lee,Hsin-Min Wang,Ding-I. Yang,Tz-Chuen Ju 고려인삼학회 2022 Journal of Ginseng Research Vol.46 No.4

Background: Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the expansion oftrinucleotide CAG repeat in the Huntingtin (Htt) gene. The major pathogenic pathways underlying HDinvolve the impairment of cellular energy homeostasis and DNA damage in the brain. The protein kinaseataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is an important regulator of the DNA damage response. ATM isinvolved in the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), suggesting that AMPK plays acritical role in response to DNA damage. Herein, we demonstrated that expression of polyQ-expandedmutant Htt (mHtt) enhanced the phosphorylation of ATM. Ginsenoside is the main and most effectivecomponent of Panax ginseng. However, the protective effect of a ginsenoside (compound K, CK) in HDremains unclear and warrants further investigation. Methods: This study used the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD and performed behavioral tests,survival rate, histological analyses, and immunoblot assays. Results: The systematic administration of CK into R6/2 mice suppressed the activation of ATM/AMPK andreduced neuronal toxicity and mHTT aggregation. Most importantly, CK increased neuronal density andlifespan and improved motor dysfunction in R6/2 mice. Conversely, CK enhanced the expression of Bcl2protected striatal cells from the toxicity induced by the overactivation of mHtt and AMPK. Conclusions: Thus, the oral administration of CK reduced the disease progression and markedlyenhanced lifespan in the transgenic mouse model (R6/2) of HD.

Benchtop fabrication of three-dimensional reconfigurable microfluidic devices from paper-polymer composite.

Han, Yu Long,Wang, Wenqi,Hu, Jie,Huang, Guoyou,Wang, Shuqi,Lee, Won Gu,Lu, Tian Jian,Xu, Feng Royal Society of Chemistry 2013 Lab on a chip Vol.13 No.24

<P>We presented a benchtop technique that can fabricate reconfigurable, three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic devices made from a soft paper-polymer composite. This fabrication approach can produce microchannels at a minimal width of 100 μm and can be used to prototype 3D microfluidic devices by simple bending and stretching. The entire fabrication process can be finished in 2 hours on a laboratory bench without the need for special equipment involved in lithography. Various functional microfluidic devices (e.g., droplet generator and reconfigurable electronic circuit) were prepared using this paper-polymer hybrid microfluidic system. The developed method can be applied in a wide range of standard applications and emerging technologies such as liquid-phase electronics.</P>

Time-degenerative Factors and the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Antiviral Therapy among HCV Patients: A Model for Prioritization of Treatment

( Ming-lung Yu ),( Chung-feng Huang ),( Ming-lun Yeh ),( Jee-fu Huang ),( Chia-yen Dai ),( Wan-long Chuang ) 대한간학회 2016 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2016 No.1

Aims: Age and hepatic fibrosis are the factors that increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) over time. We aimed to explore their impac at the initiation of antiviral therapy on HCC among chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. Methods: A total of 1281 biopsy-proven CHC patients receiving interferon- based therapy were followed for a mean period of 5.5 years. Results: The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC did not differ between non-SVR and SVR patients who were <40 years old (7.7 % vs. 0.5%, P=0.1), but was significantly higher in non-SVR patients between 40 and 55 years old (18.0% vs. 1.3%, P<0.001) and >55 years old (15.1% vs. 7.9%, P=0.03). Compared with SVR, non-SVR was independently predictive of HCC in patients 40-55 years old (hazard ratio [HR]/95% confidence intervals [CI]: 10.92/3.78-31.56, P<0.001) and >55 years old (HR/CI: 1.96/1.06-3.63, P=0.03) but not in patients <40 years old (HR/CI: 2.76/0.41-18.84, P=0.3). The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC did not differ between non-SVR and SVR patients whose fibrosis stage was F0-1 (4.6% vs. 1.9%, P=0.25) but was higher in non-SVR patients with F2-3 (21.4% vs. 4.3%, P<0.001) or F4 (33.5% vs. 8.4%, P=0.002). Compared with SVR, non-SVR was independently predictive of HCC in patients with F2-3 (HR/CI: 4.36 /2.10-9.03, P<0.001) and F4 (HR/CI: 3.84/1.59-9.30, P=0.03) but not in those with F0-1 (HR/CI: 1.53/ 0.49-4.74, P=0.47). Conclusions: Delayed HCV clearance for patients with CHC > 40 years old or with a fibrosis stage > 2 increases the risk of HCC over time.

A Novel Form Analysis Method Considering Pretension Process for Suspen-dome Structures

Zhen Zhou,Yu-long Feng,Shao-ping Meng,Jing Wu 대한토목학회 2014 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.18 No.5

Suspen-dome is a kind of new prestressed space grid structure which is formed by combing a single-layer reticulated shell andtensegrity system. For the existence of lower flexible cable-strut system, form analysis is crucial for the mechanical performance ofsuspen-domes. This paper develops a novel form analysis method considering the influence of pretension process for suspen-domestructures. Some definitions of form analysis for suspen-dome structures are first expounded. Then an iterative method is presentedfor form analysis, and a sequential analysis method is proposed for pretension process simulation. By combining these two methods,a form analysis method considering pretension process is constructed for suspen-dome structures. Two examples are employed toverify the proposed method. Numerical example results show that both the error of nodal coordinates and cable forces can stablyconverge to set tolerances. According to a scheduled pretension scheme, form analysis results can accurately achieve the expectedinitial state. Engineering example results show that without considering the influence of pretension process, the form analysis wouldbe error and the final state after all cables tensioned deviates greatly from the expected initial state. However, this can be achievedaccurately through the proposed method in this paper.

Serial Serum MHC Class I Chain-Related a Levels in Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients with Curative Antiviral Treatment

( Ming Lung Yu ),( Chung-feng Huang ),( Chia-yen Dai ),( Jee-fu Huang ),( Wan-long Chuang ) 대한간학회 2017 춘·추계 학술대회 (KASL) Vol.2017 No.1

Aims: MHC class I chain-related A (MICA) genetic variants and its serum level (sMICA) were associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in untreated cohorts. The dynamic changes of serial sMICA levels regarding anti-HCV treatment and consequent HCC development is elusive. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphism rs2596542 of MICA and serial sMICA levels were tested in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with sustained virological response after antiviral treatment. Forty-two patients who developed HCC and another 84 age-, sex- and cirrhosis-propensity score matched non-HCC controls were compared. Serial sMICA levels were measured at three-time points: within 6 months of pretreatment (pre-sMICA), 6 months after the end of treatment (post-sMICA) and last visit before HCC occurrence or not (last-sMICA). Results: Compared to patients without HCC occurrence, those with HCC had lower platelet counts, higher levels of post-sMICA (197.4+398.0 pg/mL vs. 57.6+89.6 pg/mL, P=0.03) and last-sMICA (320.4+508.4 pg/mL vs. 37.7+140.2 pg/mL, P<0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed that last-sMICA is the only factor predictive of HCC development (hazard ratio [HR]/ 95 % confidence intervals [CI.]: 2.27 (per 1 log pg/mL increase)/1.672-3.082, P<0.001). Patients without HCC had a significantly decreased trend of sMICA levels during follow-up (trend P=0.001). In contrast, HCC patients had an increased trend of sMICA levels (trend P=0.024). MICA rs2596542 GG genotype carriers without HCC had a significantly decreased trend of sMICA levels during follow-up (trend P<0.001). However, HCC patients who carried GG genotype had a substantially increased trend of sMICA levels (trend P=0.06). Nevertheless, both trends were not observed in A allele carriers with or without HCC development. t three-time points: within 6 months of pretreatment (pre-sMICA), 6 months after the end of treatment (post-sMICA) and last visit before HCC occurrence or not (last-sMICA). Conclusions: Serial sMICA levels could serve as a surrogate marker for HCC development in CHC patients with SVR. The clinical utility is restricted to MICA rs2596542 GG genotype carriers. CA (320.4+508.4 pg/mL vs. 37.7+140.2 pg/mL, P<0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed that last-sMICA is the only factor predictive of HCC development (hazard ratio [HR]/ 95 % confidence intervals [CI.]: 2.27 (per 1 log pg/mL increase)/1.672-3.082, P<0.001). Patients without HCC had a significantly decreased trend of sMICA levels during follow-up (trend P=0.001). In contrast, HCC patients had an increased trend of sMICA levels (trend P=0.024). MICA rs2596542 GG genotype carriers without HCC had a significantly decreased trend of sMICA levels during follow-up (trend P<0.001). However, HCC patients who carried GG genotype had a substantially increased trend of sMICA levels (trend P=0.06). Nevertheless, both trends were not observed in A allele carriers with or without HCC development. t three-time points: within 6 months of pretreatment (pre-sMICA), 6 months after the end of treatment (post-sMICA) and last visit before HCC occurrence or not (last-sMICA).