In vitro and in vivo remediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances by processed and amended clays and activated carbon in soil.

Remediation methods for soil contaminated with poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are needed to prevent their leaching into drinking water sources and to protect living organisms in the surrounding environment. In this study, the efficacy of processed and amended clays and carbons as soil amendments to sequester PFAS and prevent leaching was assessed using PFAS-contaminated soil and validated using sensitive ecotoxicological bioassays. Four different soil matrices including quartz sand, clay loam soil, garden soil, and compost were spiked with 4 PFAS congeners (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, and PFBS) at 0.01-0.2 µg/mL and subjected to a 3-step extraction method to quantify the leachability of PFAS from each matrix. The multistep extraction method showed that PFAS leaching from soil was aligned with the total carbon content in soil, and the recovery was dependent on concentration of the PFAS. To prevent the leaching of PFAS, several sorbents including activated carbon (AC), calcium montmorillonite (CM), acid processed montmorillonite (APM), and organoclays modified with carnitine, choline, and chlorophyll were added to the four soil matrices at 0.5-4 % w/w, and PFAS was extracted using the LEAF method. Total PFAS bioavailability was reduced by 58-97 % by all sorbents in a dose-dependent manner, with AC being the most efficient sorbent with a reduction of 73-97 %. The water leachates and soil were tested for toxicity using an aquatic plant (Lemna minor) and a soil nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans), respectively, to validate the reduction in PFAS bioavailability. Growth parameters in both ecotoxicological models showed a dose-dependent reduction in toxicity with value-added growth promotion from the organoclays due to added nutrients. The kinetic studies at varying time intervals and varying pHs simulating acidic rain, fresh water, and brackish water suggested a stable sorption of PFAS on all sorbents that fit the pseudo-second-order for up to 21 days. Contaminated soil with higher than 0.1 µg/mL PFAS may require reapplication of soil amendments every 21 days. Overall, AC showed the highest sorption percentage of total PFAS from in vitro studies, while organoclays delivered higher protection in ecotoxicological models (in vivo). This study suggests that in situ immobilization with soil amendments can reduce PFAS leachates and their bioavailability to surrounding organisms. A combination of sorbents may facilitate the most effective remediation of complex soil matrices containing mixtures of PFAS and prevent leaching and uptake into plants.

Kinetics of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid sorption onto montmorillonite clays in soil and their translocation to genetically modified corn.

The co-occurrence of glyphosate (GLP) and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in contaminated water, soil, sediment and plants is a cause for concern due to potential threats to the ecosystem and human health. A major route of exposure is through contact with contaminated soil and consumption of crops containing GLP and AMPA residues. However, clay-based sorption strategies for mixtures of GLP and AMPA in soil, plants and garden produce have been very limited. In this study, in vitro soil and in vivo genetically modified corn models were used to establish the proof of concept that the inclusion of clay sorbents in contaminated soils will reduce the bioavailability of GLP and AMPA in soils and their adverse effects on plant growth. Effects of chemical concentration (1-10 mg/kg), sorbent dose (0.5%-3% in soil and 0.5%-1% in plants) and duration (up to 28 days) on sorption kinetics were studied. The time course results showed a continuous GLP degradation to AMPA. The inclusion of calcium montmorillonite (CM) and acid processed montmorillonite (APM) clays at all doses significantly and consistently reduced the bioavailability of both chemicals from soils to plant roots and leaves in a dose- and time-dependent manner without detectable dissociation. Plants treated with 0.5% and 1% APM inclusion showed the highest growth rate (p ≤ 0.05) and lowest chemical bioavailability with up to 76% reduction in roots and 57% reduction in leaves. Results indicated that montmorillonite clays could be added as soil supplements to reduce hazardous mixtures of GLP and AMPA in soils and plants.

[Correlation of nutritional status with clinical characteristics and lung function in children with cystic fibrosis]. / å›Šæ€§çº¤ç»´åŒ–å„¿ç«¥è¥å »çŠ¶å†µä¸Žä¸´åºŠç‰¹å¾å’Œè‚ºåŠŸèƒ½çš„ç›¸å ³æ€§åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the nutritional status of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and understand the correlation between malnutrition and clinical characteristics as well as lung function. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of CF children admitted from January 2016 to June 2023. Clinical characteristics of CF children with different nutritional statuses were compared, and the correlation between malnutrition and lung function was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 52 CF children were included, comprising 25 boys (48%) and 27 girls (52%), aged between 7 months and 17 years. Respiratory symptoms were the predominant clinical manifestations (96%, 50/52). The prevalence of malnutrition was 65% (34/52), with moderate/severe malnutrition being the most common (65%, 22/34). The malnutrition group had a longer duration of illness, higher proportion of digestive system symptoms, and lower levels of serum albumin (P<0.05). Pulmonary function parameters, including forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of the predicted value, ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity, forced expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity exhaled, forced expiratory flow at 50% of forced vital capacity exhaled, forced expiratory flow at 75% of forced vital capacity exhaled, and maximum mid-expiratory flow as a percentage of the predicted value, were lower in the malnutrition group compared to the normal nutrition group (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed body mass index Z-score was positively correlated with the above six pulmonary function parameters (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of malnutrition is high in CF children and is associated with decreased lung function. CF children with higher body mass index have better lung function. Therefore, screening and evaluation of nutritional status as well as appropriate nutritional intervention should be emphasized in CF children.

Montmorillonite clay-based sorbents decrease the bioavailability of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from soil and their translocation to plants.

Consumption of food and water contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) presents a significant risk for human exposure. There is limited data on high affinity sorbents that can be used to reduce the bioavailability of PFAS from soil and translocation to plants and garden produce. To address this need, montmorillonite clay was amended with the nutrients carnitine and choline to increase the hydrophobicity of the sorbent and the interlayer spacing. In this study, the binding of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid) to parent and amended clays was characterized. Isothermal analyses were conducted at pH 7 and ambient temperature to simulate environmentally-relevant conditions. The data for all tested sorbents fit the Langmuir model indicating saturable binding sites with high capacities and affinities under neutral conditions. Amended montmorillonite clays had increased capacities for PFOA and PFOS (0.51-0.71 mol kg-1) compared to the parent clay (0.37-0.49 mol kg-1). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggested that hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions at the terminal fluorinated carbon chains of PFAS compounds were major modes of surface interaction. The safety and efficacy of the clays were confirmed in a living organism (Lemna minor), where clays (at 0.1% inclusion) allowed for increased growth compared to PFOA and PFOS controls (p ≤ 0.01). Importantly, soil studies showed that 2% sorbent inclusion could significantly reduce PFAS bioavailability from soil (up to 74%). Studies in plants demonstrated that inclusion of 2% sorbent significantly reduced PFAS residues in cucumber plants (p ≤ 0.05). These results suggest that nutrient-amended clays could be included in soil to decrease PFAS bioavailability and translocation of PFAS to plants.

[Drying effect of Chinese medicinal pills based on new spiral vibration drying technology].

The present study explored the drying effect of new spiral vibration drying technology on Chinese medicinal pills with Liuwei Dihuang Pills, Zhuanggu Guanjie Pills, and Muxiang Shunqi Pills as model drugs. With the drying uniformity, drying time, energy consumption, pill split, dissolution time, and change of index components as evaluation indicators, the drying effect of spiral vibration drying technology on model drugs was evaluated and compared with traditional drying methods, such as hot air drying and vacuum drying in the oven. The dynamic changes of moisture in Liuwei Dihuang Pills with different drying time were investigated. Compared with the traditional drying methods in the oven(hot air drying and vacuum drying) at 80 ℃, the spiral vibration drying only took 80 min, shortened by 80%, with 10%-13% energy consumed. The results showed that the moisture of Liuwei Dihuang Pills was negatively related to the drying time. By virtue of multi-layer countercurrent drying and super resonant fluidization techniques, the new spiral vibration drying technology can significantly improve the drying quality of Chinese medicinal pills, improve the drying efficiency, and enhance the manufacturing capacity of Chinese medicinal pills. This study is expected to provide references for the innovation and development of new drying technology of Chinese medicinal pills.

Aflatoxin Exposure Among Mothers and Their Infants from the Western Highlands of Guatemala.

OBJECTIVES: We examined breast milk of mothers and urine of infants before and after introduction of supplementary foods for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and the association between AFM1 with maternal and infant diet. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among mothers and infants ages 0-6 months and 7-12 months from June-October 2014. Sociodemographic, dietary, birth, and health data were collected. A breast milk sample was collected from each mother and a urine sample from each infant at baseline (time point 1) and monthly for 2 time points thereafter; samples collected at baseline and time point 3 were tested for AFM1. RESULTS: Almost 5% of breast milk and 15.7% of urine samples tested AFM1-positive. The median AFM1 in breast milk was 0.020 ng/mL and in urine 0.077 ng/mg creatinine. At time point 3, infants of 5 of the 6 mothers in each group who were AFM1-positive in breast milk were also AFM1-positive in urine. Mothers' consumption of cooked maize/maize dough ≥ 3 days per week (OR 2.96, 95% CI = 1.19-7.34) and mothers' consumption of tamales made from maize ≥ 3 days per week (OR 0.28, 95% CI = 0.10-0.73) were significantly associated with AFM1 in infant urine. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in Guatemala documenting aflatoxin exposure in both breast milk of lactating mothers and infants´ urine during the first year of life. This may have important implications in understanding the multicausality of the high rates of stunting among children < 5 years old in Guatemala.

Geochemical Anomaly Characteristics of Cd in Soils around Abandoned Lime Mines: Evidence from Multiple Technical Methods.

Lime mines are a potential source of pollution, and the surrounding soil environment is generally at threat, especially in abandoned lime mines. This paper focuses on the study area in eastern Anhui, attempting to analyze whether Cd enrichment is related to abandoned mines. On the basis of geological investigation, this study systematically used XRD, XRF, GTS and universal Kriging interpolation to determine the distribution law of Cd in the study area, and evaluated the potential ecological risk of Cd. The results showed that the main mineral types of soil samples of red clastic rock soil parent material (RdcPm) and soil samples of carbonate soil parent material (CPm) were not completely the same. Correlation analysis showed that CaO, MgO and Cd were positively correlated with the CPm. Human activities led to the accumulation of Cd in the study area. High Cd was mainly concentrated in the northwest of the study area, which was correlated with abandoned mines and soil parent materials. The study area was dominated by slight potential risks, although some areas had medium potential risks and high potential risks. All potential high risks were in the CPm field. This study provides a scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization and development planning of soil in the study area.

Preparation and Characterization of Graphene from Refined Benzene Extracted from Low-Rank Coal: Based on the CVD Technology.

Industrial preparation of graphene has been a research hotspot in recent years. Finding an economical and practical carbon source and reducing the cost of production and instrument is significant in industrial graphene production. Coal is a common carbon source. Efficient improvement and utilization in the cleaning of coal has recently been a popular research area. In this study, we developed a set of graphene preparation methods based on Anhui Huainan's low-rank gas coal (HNGC). Using self-built experimental equipment, benzene precursor was prepared from HNGC and used as carbon source to realize graphene growth. The quality of the graphene was characterized by a high-resolution microscope and Raman spectrometer. This study provides a new idea and method for the preparation of low-rank coal-based graphene.

Risks Assessment Associated with Different Sources of Metals in Abandoned Soil of Zhuxianzhuang Coal Mine, Huaibei Coalfield (Anhui, China).

In this paper, the 36 topsoil (0-10 cm) samples were collected and the contents of Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb were analyzed. The results indicated that the contents of Cu and As in all samples exceeded the soil background values of Anhui province, while the Co and Pb contents were lower than the background values. Geo-statistics and positive matrix factorization were applied to identify the sources of soil heavy metals, which were nature factor (15.7%), industrial activities (21.2%), coal mine (50.9%) and traffic emission (12.2%), respectively. The calculation results of health risk model based on positive matrix factorization model showed that coal mine activities accounted for the largest proportion of total source contribution, followed by industrial activities. In addition, compared with adults, the trend of health risk of children from four sources in three lands were same as adults, but their health risk was higher than adults.

Decreased bioavailability of aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in genetically modified corn with activated carbon or calcium montmorillonite clay inclusion in soil.

The widespread use of pesticides has resulted in detectable residues throughout the environment, sometimes at concentrations well above regulatory limits. Therefore, the development of safe, effective, field-practical, and economically feasible strategies to mitigate the effects of pesticides is warranted. Glyphosate is an organophosphorus herbicide that is degraded to aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), a toxic and persistent metabolite that can accumulate in soil and sediment and translocate to plants. In this study, we investigated the binding efficacy of activated carbon (AC) and calcium montmorillonite (CM) clay to decrease AMPA bioavailability from soil and AMPA translocation to plants. Adsorption isotherms and thermodynamic studies on AC and CM were conducted and showed tight binding (enthalpy values >-20 kJ/mol) for AMPA with high capacities (0.25 mol/kg and 0.38 mol/kg, respectively), based on derivations from the Langmuir model. A hydra assay was utilized to indicate toxicity of AMPA and the inclusion of 1% AC and CM both resulted in 90% protection of the hydra (**p ≤ 0.01). Further studies in glyphosate-contaminated soil showed that AC and CM significantly reduced AMPA bioavailability by 53% and 44%, respectively. Results in genetically modified (GM) corn showed a conversion of glyphosate to AMPA in roots and sprouts over a 10-day exposure duration. Inclusion of AC and CM reduced AMPA residues in roots and sprouts by 47%-61%. These studies collectively indicate that AC and CM are effective sorbents for AMPA and could be used to reduce AMPA bioavailability from soil and AMPA residues in GM corn plants.

[Association between dietary energy and protein intake and sarcopenia among the elderly in 8 cities across China].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between energy and protein intake and sarcopenia among elder people from eight cities across China. METHODS: The current study is based on a previous research conducted in 2016 which was named "Chinese Urban Adults Diet and Health Study". A total of 427 participants aged 65 and older were enrolled. Questionnaire was conducted to obtain the socio-demographic characteristics of participants. 24 h dietary recall was used to assess the dietary intake and energy and protein intake was calculated according to China Food Composition. The subjects were then divided into four groups(Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) according to their energy intake(<1197. 6 kcal/d, 1197. 6-1531. 4 kacl/d, 1531. 4-1984. 0 kcal/d, ≥1984. 1 kacl/d) and protein intake(<36. 8 g/d, 36. 8-50. 4 g/d, 50. 4-68. 6 g/d, ≥68. 6 g/d). Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to measure the skeletal muscle mass, hand-held grip strength meter was used to measure the skeletal muscle strength, and four-meter gait speed test was used to measure the skeletal muscle performance. According to the criteria of Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia, the health status of the skeletal muscle was evaluated. RESULTS: Compared with the Q1 group, there was no significant difference in skeleton muscle mass, grip strength, walking speed and the detection rate of sarcopenia among the energy intake groups(Q2-Q4). Compared with the Q1 group, the Q2 protein intake group had greater grip strength(ß=0. 12, 95%CI 0. 03-0. 21, P=0. 009) and faster gait speed(ß=0. 20, 95%CI 0. 07-0. 34, P=0. 003). CONCLUSION: The level of protein intake is associated with the grip strength and gait speed of the elderly in China, but has no significant effect on the detection rate of sarcopenia.

Insights into the interactions of bisphenol and phthalate compounds with unamended and carnitine-amended montmorillonite clays.

Montmorillonite clays could be promising sorbents to mitigate toxic compound exposures. Bisphenols A (BPA) and S (BPS) as well as phthalates, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), are ubiquitous environmental contaminants linked to adverse health effects. Here, we combined computational and experimental methods to investigate the ability of montmorillonite clays to sorb these compounds. Molecular dynamics simulations predicted that parent, unamended, clay has higher binding propensity for BPA and BPS than for DBP and DEHP; carnitine-amended clay improved BPA and BPS binding, through carnitine simultaneously anchoring to the clay through its quaternary ammonium cation and forming hydrogen bonds with BPA and BPS. Experimental isothermal analysis confirmed that carnitine-amended clay has enhanced BPA binding capacity, affinity and enthalpy. Our studies demonstrate how computational and experimental methods, combined, can characterize clay binding and sorption of toxic compounds, paving the way for future investigation of clays to reduce BPA and BPS exposure.

Sex-dependent difference in the association between frequency of spicy food consumption and risk of hypertension in Chinese adults.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to explore the association between frequency of spicy food consumption and risk of hypertension in Chinese adults. METHODS: Data were extracted from the 2009 wave of the China Health and Nutrition Survey, consisting of 9273 apparently healthy adults. Height, weight, and blood pressure (BP) were measured and diet was assessed with three consecutive 24-h recalls in combination with a weighed food inventory. Frequency of spicy food consumption and degree of pungency in spicy food consumption were self-reported. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg, or having known hypertension. Multilevel mixed-effects models were constructed to estimate changes in SBP and DBP levels as well as risk of hypertension. RESULTS: Higher frequency of spicy food consumption was significantly associated with lower SBP and DBP levels and lower risk of hypertension in female participants after adjustment for potential confounders (all P trend < 0.05) and cluster effects at different levels (individual, community, and province). Compared with female participants who did not eat spicy food, the adjusted odds ratios of hypertension were 0.740 (95% CI 0.569, 0.963; P = 0.025) in female participants who consumed usually, and 0.760 (95% CI 0.624, 0.925; P = 0.006) in female participants who ate spicy food with moderate pungency. There was no significant association of spicy food consumption with hypertension in male participants. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of spicy food consumption was inversely associated with risk of hypertension in female, but not male adults.

Development of broad-acting clays for the tight adsorption of benzo[a]pyrene and aldicarb.

People and animals can be unintentionally exposed to complex mixtures of hazardous chemicals that can threaten the safety of food and water supplies following natural and man-made disasters and emergencies. Our research has focused on the development of broad-acting adsorbents that will tightly bind environmental contaminants in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease their bioavailability to humans and animals during these events. In this study, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and aldicarb were used as representative chemicals due to their high toxicity and extensive distribution in the environment. Both chemicals have been commonly detected in water and sediments in the US, and their distribution and concentrations can be enhanced during disasters. To address this problem, we have amended and functionalized montmorillonite clays with the nutrients, L-carnitine and choline to enhance their attraction for lipophilic toxins, such as BaP and aldicarb. Based on equilibrium isothermal analyses, we have demonstrated a significantly increased binding capacity (Qmax) and affinity (Kd) for BaP and aldicarb compared to the parent clay. Adsorption isotherms also showed that talc bound strongly to BaP with the highest Qmax, which was twice that of activated carbon. Additionally, cultures of adult hydra with a metabolism activation package were used as an in vivo toxicity indicator to confirm the ability of test adsorbents to protect against toxicity at low inclusion levels. We anticipate that the optimal adsorbents developed can be delivered in food and flavored water, or administered by sachet or capsule during emergencies and disasters to decrease human and animals exposures to environmental toxins.

Development of enterosorbents that can be added to food and water to reduce toxin exposures during disasters.

Humans and animals can be exposed to mixtures of chemicals from food and water, especially during disasters such as extended droughts, hurricanes and floods. Drought stress facilitates the occurrence of mycotoxins such as aflatoxins B1 (AfB1) and zearalenone (ZEN), while hurricanes and floods can mobilize toxic soil and sediments containing important pesticides (such as glyphosate). To address this problem in food, feed and water, we developed broad-acting, clay-based enterosorbents that can reduce toxin exposures when included in the diet. In this study, we processed sodium and calcium montmorillonite clays with high concentrations of sulfuric acid to increase surface areas and porosities, and conducted equilibrium isothermal analyses and dosimetry studies to derive binding parameters and gain insight into: (1) surface capacities and affinities, (2) potential mechanisms of sorption, (3) thermodynamics (enthalpy) of toxin/surface interactions and (4) estimated dose of sorbent required to maintain toxin threshold limits. We have also used a toxin-sensitive living organism (Hydra vulgaris) to predict the safety and efficacy of newly developed sorbents. Our results indicated that acid processed montmorillonites were effective sorbents for AfB1, ZEN and glyphosate, with high capacity and tight binding, and effectively protected hydra against individual toxins, as well as mixtures of mycotoxins.

Using an introduced index to assess the association between food diversity and metabolic syndrome and its components in Chinese adults.

BACKGROUND: It is reported that an increase in food diversity would lower the risk of cardiac-cerebral vascular diseases. METHODS: A new index was introduced to develop a Chinese healthy food diversity (HFD) index, exploring the association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among Chinese adults. Two sets of data were used. The primary data were from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2016 called the Chinese Urban Adults Diet and Health Study (CUADHS); the verification data were from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) of 2009. The Chinese HFD index was developed according to the Chinese Dietary Guideline, with food consumption information from 24-h dietary recalls. The association between the index and MetS and its components was explored in logistic regression models. RESULTS: Among 1520 participants in the CUADHS, the crude prevalence of MetS was 36.4%, which was 29.0% after the standardisation of age and gender by the 2010 Chinese national census. In the CUADHS, the HFD index ranged from 0.04 to 0.63. The value of the index among participants who are male, young, poorly educated, drinking or smoking, and with high energy intakes was significantly lower than that of their counterparts. In the verification dataset of the CHNS, there were 2398 participants, and the distribution of different genders and age groups was more balanced. The crude prevalence of MetS in the CHNS was 27.3% and the standardised prevalence was 19.5%. The Chinese HFD index ranged from 0.02 to 0.62. In the CUADHS, the Chinese HFD index was not significantly associated with MetS in covariate-adjusted models or with its components. In the CHNS, the Chinese HFD index had a significantly negative correlation with MetS and its components (i.e., elevated fasting glucose and elevated waist circumference) in covariate-adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Increased food diversity may decrease the risk of MetS, which is important in dietary interventions of cardiac-cerebral vascular disease. This underscores the necessity of continued investigation into the role of HFD in the prevention of MetS and provides an integral framework for ongoing research.

Development of High Capacity Enterosorbents for Aflatoxin B1 and Other Hazardous Chemicals.

Previously, a calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) included in the diet of animals has been shown to bind aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) and reduce the symptoms of aflatoxicosis. To investigate and improve the capacity and efficacy of clay-based materials as aflatoxin sorbents, we developed and tested calcium and sodium montmorillonite clays amended with nutrients including l-carnitine and choline. Also, we determined the sorption of AfB1 by isothermal analysis and tested the ability of these amended sorbents to protect adult hydra from AfB1 toxicity. The results showed that exchanging montmorillonite clays with l-carnitine and choline inhibited swelling of the clays and increased the sorption capacity and efficacy of clay surfaces for AfB1. Results from dehydroxylated and heat-collapsed clays suggested that AfB1 was primarily adsorbed in the clay interlayer, as predicted from thermodynamic calculations and computational modeling. The hydra bioassay further indicated that the modified clays can significantly protect adult hydra from AfB1 with as low as 0.005% clay inclusion. This enterosorbent therapy may also be applied to screen hazardous chemicals such as pesticides and PAHs based on similar sorption mechanisms. Taken together, enterosorbent therapy could be delivered in nutritional supplements, foods that are vulnerable to aflatoxin contamination, flavored liquids and animal feeds during emergencies and outbreaks of acute aflatoxicosis, and as a screening model for hazardous environmental chemicals.

TAK1 knockdown enhances lipopolysaccharide-induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in myeloid cells via unleashing MEKK3 activity.

TGF-ß activating protein kinase 1 (TAK1) belongs to the MAP kinase kinase kinase (MAP3K) family. TAK1 is involved in many signaling pathways, especially the innate and adaptive immune responses. TAK1 mediates nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and MAPK signaling pathway in response to interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and toll-like receptor agonists, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The regulatory roles of TAK1 in LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines production are dependent on the cell types. In this study, we examined the effects of TAK1 on the LPS induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in myeloid cells. Knockdown of TAK1 enhanced the secretion of interleukin 1-beta (IL-1ß) and TNFα induced by LPS. In addition, LPS-activated TAK1 negatively regulates mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase kinase 3 (MEKK3). Moreover, TAK1 inhibited MEKK3 activation, which, in turn, activated NF-κB. These results indicate that TAK1 negatively regulates LPS-induced cytokine secretion in myeloid cells by inhibiting MEKK3 activities.

Toxicity of representative organophosphate, organochlorine, phenylurea, dinitroaniline, carbamate, and viologen pesticides to the growth and survival of H. vulgaris, L. minor, and C. elegans.

Pesticides are commonly found in the environment and pose a risk to target and non-target species; therefore, employing a set of bioassays to rapidly assess the toxicity of these chemicals to diverse species is crucial. The toxicity of nine individual pesticides from organophosphate, organochlorine, phenylurea, dinitroaniline, carbamate, and viologen chemical classes and a mixture of all the compounds were tested in three bioassays (Hydra vulgaris, Lemna minor, and Caenorhabditis elegans) that represent plant, aquatic, and soil-dwelling species, respectively. Multiple endpoints related to growth and survival were measured for each model, and EC10 and EC50 values were derived for each endpoint to identify sensitivity patterns according to chemical classes and target organisms. L. minor had the lowest EC10 and EC50 values for seven and five of the individual pesticides, respectively. L. minor was also one to two orders of magnitude more sensitive to the mixture compared to H. vulgaris and C. elegans, where EC50 values were calculated to be 0.00042, 0.0014, and 0.038 mM, respectively. H. vulgaris was the most sensitive species to the remaining individual pesticides, and C. elegans consistently ranked the least sensitive to all tested compounds. When comparing the EC50 values across all pesticides, the endpoints of L. minor were correlated with each other while the endpoints measured in H. vulgaris and C. elegans were clustered together. While there was no apparent relationship between the chemical class of pesticide and toxicity, the compounds were more closely clustered based on target organisms (herbicide vs insecticide). The results of this study demonstrate that the combination of these plant, soil, and aquatic specie can serve as representative indicators of pesticide pollution in environmental samples.

Green-engineered clay- and carbon-based composite materials for the adsorption of benzene from air.

Benzene is a carcinogenic volatile organic compound (VOC) that is ubiquitously detected in enclosed spaces due to emissions from cooking activities, building materials, and cleaning products. To remove benzene and other VOCs from indoor air and protect public health, traditional fabric filters have been modified to contain activated carbons to enhance the filtration efficacy. In this study, composites derived from natural clay minerals and activated carbon were individually green-engineered with chlorophylls and were attached to the surface of filter materials. These systems were assessed for their adsorption of benzene from air using in vitro and in silico methods. Isothermal, thermodynamic, and kinetic experiments indicated that all green-engineered composites had improved binding profiles for benzene, as demonstrated by increased binding affinities (Kf ≥ 900 vs 472) and lower values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG = -16.8 vs -15.2) compared to activated carbon. Adsorption of benzene to all composites was achieved quickly (< 30 min), and the green-engineered composites also showed low levels of desorption (≤ 25%). While free chlorophyll is known to be photosensitive, chlorophylls in the green-engineered composites showed photostability and maintained high binding rates (≥ 70%). Additionally, the in silico simulations demonstrated the significant contribution of chlorophyll for the overall binding of benzene in clay systems and that chlorophyll could contribute to benzene binding in the carbon-based systems. Together, these studies indicated that novel, green-engineered composite materials can be effective filter sorbents to enhance the removal of benzene from air.