Differential immune response to xenobiotic-modified self-molecule in simple and connective tissue disease-associated primary biliary cholangitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Our previous studies demonstrated that 2-octynoic acid (2OA) might alter the conformational structure of the inner lipoic acid (LA) binding domain (ILD) in the E2 subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC-E2), leading to the loss of immune tolerance in simple primary biliary cholangitis (S-PBC). Here, we further explore if this etiological mechanism also accounts for connective tissue disease-associated PBC (CTD-PBC). METHODS: Intein-mediated protein ligation was used to prepare ILD, LA-ILD and 2OA-ILD, and their reactivity with serum samples from 124 S-PBC and 132 CTD-PBC patients was examined. The antibodies to LA, 2OA, LA-ILD and 2OA-ILD, the isotypes of antibodies to LA, 2OA and ILD, were comparatively detected between the two patient groups by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblotting. RESULTS: Both the percentage and reactivity of antibody to 2OA in S-PBC were significantly higher than in CTD-PBC. Antibodies to 2OA and to LA between the two groups separately shared the same characteristics. Remarkably, coexistence of the antibodies to LA-ILD and to 2OA, and coexistence of the antibodies to LA and to 2OA in S-PBC were both significantly more frequent than in CTD-PBC, whereas the percentage of anti-LA antibody without anti-2OA antibody in S-PBC was markedly lower than in CTD-PBC. Moreover, the isotype of antibody to LA was predominantly IgG in CTD-PBC, whilst this isotype was mainly IgM in S-PBC. CONCLUSION: Xenobiotic 2OA might play less important pathogenic role in CTD-PBC than in S-PBC, suggesting that different underlying mechanisms are involved in their immune intolerance to PDC-E2.

Review of Advances in the Utilization of Biochar-Derived Catalysts for Biodiesel Production.

Biochar, obtained from the thermal decomposition of different biomass sources, can be used in various scientific technologies by virtue of its distinguishing performance. Recent developments in advanced biochar synthesis methods have led to continuous growth in the literature related to bulk biochar products and synthesized biochar substrates. This review specifically summarizes the current advanced methods for the synthesis of functional biochar catalysts and applications in (trans)esterification. Herein, first the method and design of synthesized biochar substrate catalysts are briefly introduced. Second, the applications of these synthesized biochar substrate catalysts upon (trans)esterification are comprehensively discussed. Finally, the current research status and the future perspectives of the synthesized biochar substrate catalyst are presented. It is expected that this summary will provide perspectives and instructions for future work on synthesized biochar catalysts for biodiesel products.

Triptoquinone A and B exercise a therapeutic effect in systemic lupus erythematosus by regulating NLRC3.

The autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is multifaceted, with limited therapeutic alternatives and detrimental side effects, particularly on bones and joints. This research endeavors to examine the curative potential and underlying mechanisms of in addressing SLE-associated bone and joint complications. Triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B, constituents of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside tablets (TGTs), exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes; nonetheless, its function in SLE therapy remains elusive. This investigation delves into the role of oxidative stress in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and probes the prospective remedial effects of triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B on inflammation and cartilage deterioration in SLE-affected joints. Employing bioinformatics analyses, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and protein-protein interactions were discerned in SLE, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and osteoarthritis (OA) datasets. Enrichment analyses unveiled shared genes implicated in immune system regulation and toll-like receptor signaling pathways, among others. Subsequent examination of triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B revealed their capacity to diminish NLRC3 expression in chondrocytes, resulting in decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and cartilage degradation enzyme expression. Suppression of NLRC3 augmented the protective effects of triptoquinone A and B, implying that targeting NLRC3 may constitute a potential therapeutic strategy for inflammation and cartilage degeneration-associated conditions in SLE patients. Our discoveries indicate that triptoquinone A and triptoquinone B may impede SLE progression via the NLRC3 axis, offering potential benefits for SLE-affected bone and joint health.

Correction to "Review of Advances in the Utilization of Biochar-Derived Catalysts for Biodiesel Production".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c07909.].

Advanced superhydrophobic and multifunctional nanocellulose aerogels for oil/water separation: A review.

At present, the research and development of adsorbents for oil/water separation are mostly focused on polymer materials. The third generation of aerogels are made from nanocellulose prepared from abundant and sustainable cellulose. At present, there is concern regarding the use of nanocellulose aerogels (NAs) in oil/water separation. To improve the selective absorbability, the NAs should be hydrophobically modified, and in this review, we summarized the progress made in hydrophobic modification methods. Additionally, the typical materials used for hydrophobic modification of NAs in recent years were reviewed, and then, we discussed the fabrication of nanocellulose composite aerogels (NCAs) with different properties for use in oil/water separation. Moreover, the additional desirable properties of NAs used in oil/water separation processes are systematically discussed according to the different separation requirements, and the conclusions regarding the relationship between the oil adsorption capacity and different NA parameters are summarized. Finally, the outlook for and challenges faced in the construction of efficient NAs for oil/water separation were put forward.

Neutrophils in ANCA-associated vasculitis: Mechanisms and implications for management.

Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of systemic autoimmune diseases, which is typified by inflammatory necrosis predominantly affecting the small vessels and often accompanied by positive ANCA. Clinically, AAV primarily includes microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). It has been found that in AAV pathogenesis, both innate and adaptive immunity are related to neutrophil function mutually. Many proteins, such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3), in neutrophil cytoplasm lead to the production of proteins such as MPO-ANCA and PR3-ANCA by activating adaptive immunity. In addition, through the process of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, activation of an alternative complement pathway and the respiratory burst can stimulate the neutrophils close to vascular endothelial cells and will participate the vessel inflammation. This review aims to reveal the potential mechanisms regulating the association between the neutrophils and various types of AAVs and to emphasize the results of recent findings on these interactions. Moreover, multiple underlying signaling pathways involved in the regulation of neutrophils during AAV processes have also been discussed. The ultimate goal of this review is to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AAV management in the future.

Highly efficient reusable superhydrophobic sponge prepared by a facile, simple and cost effective biomimetic bonding method for oil absorption.

Superhydrophobic sponges have considerable potential for oil/water separation. Most of the methods used for superhydrophobic modification of sponges require toxic or harmful solvents, which have the drawbacks of hazardous to environment, expensive, and complex to utilize. Moreover, the hydrophobic layer on the surface of sponge is often easily destroyed. In this paper, a highly efficient superhydrophobic sponge with excellent reusability was developed by using a facile, simple and environmentally friendly dopamine biomimetic bonding method. Different types of sponges, such as melamine, polyethylene or polyurethane sponge wastes, were used as raw materials to prepare superhydrophobic sponges, which possess the advantages of inexpensive and abundant. The effects of different dopamine polymerization time and different hydrophobic agent dosage on the hydrophobicity and oil absorption capacity of melamine sponges were optimized. The study results showed that the water contact angle of the superhydrophobic sponge could reach 153° with excellent organic solvent absorption capacity of 165.9 g/g. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic sponge retained approximately 92.1% of its initial absorption capacity after 35 reutilization cycles. More importantly, the dopamine biomimetic bonding superhydrophobic modification method can be used for different types of sponges. Therefore, a universally applicable, facile, simple and environmentally friendly superhydrophobic modification method for sponges was developed.