Preparation of environmental remediation material based on manganese-slag and sewage sludge as a strategy for remediation of cadmium pollution.

Both manganese-slag and sewage sludge are typical solid wastes, but their utilization is limited. Based on the soil properties, the abovementioned pollutants were combined with Broussonetia papyrifera to treat soil cadmium (Cd) pollution. Three materials (sewage sludge-derived biochar (SSB), Mn-SSB, and Mn-slag (Slag)) were prepared using oxygen-limited pyrolysis technology with Slag and sewage sludge, and the effects of the three materials on the phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil were investigated. All three materials had distinct morphological characteristics, good functional group structure, specific surface area, and porosity. The adsorption and leaching experiments in the solution indicated that the three materials could not only directly absorb Cd2+ but also release nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The soil pH increased significantly (p < 0.05) with the addition of the above environmental remediation materials. Furthermore, the contents of soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, and available phosphorus in soil increased significantly, whereas the electrical conductivity of the soil decreased significantly (p < 0.05). During remediation of Cd-polluted soil by integrating the above materials with B. papyrifera, Slag significantly increased the B. papyrifera biomass, but the effects of SSB and Mn-SSB were not significant. SSB, Mn-SSB, and Slag significantly increased the protein content of B. papyrifera leaves, with Mn-SSB having the most significant effect (p < 0.05). The applications of SSB, Mn-SSB, and Slag reduced the malondialdehyde content and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase, reducing the damage to B. papyrifera. Mn-SSB significantly reduced the Cd content in the roots, stems, and leaves of B. papyrifera, and SSB and Slag promoted Cd enrichment in B. papyrifera. This study realized the comprehensive utilization of Mn-slag and sewage sludge and established a recycling system from solid waste to the treatment of waste soil.

Anti-silencing function 1B histone chaperone promotes cell proliferation and migration via activation of the AKT pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignancies. Anti-silencing function 1B histone chaperone (ASF1B) has been reported to be involved in various diseases. However, its role in ccRCC is largely unknown. In the present study, using genetic data and clinical information obtained from the TCGA data portal and GEO database, we found that ASF1B was highly expressed in ccRCC cancer tissue compared with normal tissue, and ASF1B expression was positively correlated with tumor stage, tumor grade and patient survival. The function of ASF1B in cell proliferation and migration was assessed by pathological and molecular analyses. The results showed that ASF1B overexpression significantly enhanced the proliferation and migration of 786-O cells and Caki-1 cells, while silencing ASF1B expression significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration. In addition, ASF1B overexpression enhanced cell proliferation by upregulating PCNA and downregulating P27 expression and promoted cell migration by upregulating MMP2 and MMP9. Furthermore, the phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (AKT) and P-P70 S6K1 were significantly upregulated in the ASF1B overexpression group. More importantly, AKT inhibitor blocked the promotional effect of ASF1B on proliferation and migration. In summary, the present study demonstrated that ASF1B overexpression promoted tumor cell proliferation and migration, which was dependent on the AKT/P70 S6K1 pathway.

Expression analysis of long non-coding RNAs in a renal ischemia-reperfusion injury model

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) profile on renal ischemia reperfusion in a mouse model. Methods: Microarray analysis was used to study the expression of misregulated lncRNA in a mouse model of renal ischemia reperfusion(I/R) with long ischemia time. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to verify the expression of selected lncRNAs and mRNAs.The potential functions of the lncRNA was analyzed by bioinformatics tools and databases. Results: Kidney function was impaired in I/R group compared to the normal group. Analysis showed that a total of 2267 lncRNAs and 2341 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were significantly expressed in I/R group (≥2.0-fold, p < 0.05).The qPCR result showed that lncRNAs and mRNAs expression were consistent with the microarray analysis. The co-expression network profile analysis based on five validated lncRNAs and 203 interacted mRNAs showed it existed a total of 208 nodes and 333 connections. The GO and KEEG pathway analysis results showed that multiple lncRNAs are involved the mechanism of I/R. Conclusion: Multiple lncRNAs are involved in the mechanism of I/R.These analysis results will help us to further understand the mechanism of I/R and promote the new methods targeted at lncRNA to improve I/R injury.