Integrated treatment of suburb diffuse pollution using large-scale multistage constructed wetlands based on novel solid carbon: Nutrients removal and microbial interactions.

In this study, an integrated treatment system was proposed and applied in situ, including detention tank, multistage constructed wetlands (CWs) and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), preventing nutrients flowing into Dianchi Lake, in which the treatment performance of multistage CWs were evaluated principally. Results skillfully realized the bypass purification of upstream river at dry reasons, as well as the effective management and treatment of the collected diffuse pollution at rainy reasons. The purified water flowing into water bodies could satisfy the Grade III of environmental quality standards for surface water in China with the average effluent concentrations of COD, NH4+-N, TN and TP decreased to 10 (51.2-72.7%), 0.5 (67.2-83.0%), 1.0 (71.2-79.6%) and 0.15 (72.3-89.4%) mg L-1, respectively. High-throughput sequencing results indicated that the application of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-cohyroxyvelate-sawdust (PS) blends could enrich norank_f_Anaerolineaceae (7.95%) and Bradyrhizobium (10.2%), which were distinct from the dominant genera of Pleurocapsa (13.0%) in gravel-based CWs. Functional genes and metabolism analysis uncovered that the heterotrophic denitrification was the main pathway of nitrogen removal with the abundance of genes encoding TCA cycle, glycolysis and denitrification process up-regulated. In addition, molecular ecological network (MEN) analysis suggested the denitrification genes were positively correlated with the predominant microbes in PS-based CWs, favorable for denitrifiers to transfer and utilize electron donors during denitrification process. This study proved that the developed PS blends as carbon supplies in CWs and the proposed integrated treatment system are effective methods for watershed management, providing valuable reference to low-pollution wastewater treatment in practical engineering projects.

CPT1A-mediated fatty acid oxidation promotes cell proliferation via nucleoside metabolism in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

As the first rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid oxidation (FAO), CPT1 plays a significant role in metabolic adaptation in cancer pathogenesis. FAO provides an alternative energy supply for cancer cells and is required for cancer cell survival. Given the high proliferation rate of cancer cells, nucleotide synthesis gains prominence in rapidly proliferating cells. In the present study, we found that CPT1A is a determining factor for the abnormal activation of FAO in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. CPT1A is highly expressed in NPC cells and biopsies. CPT1A dramatically affects the malignant phenotypes in NPC, including proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor formation ability in nude mice. Moreover, an increased level of CPT1A promotes core metabolic pathways to generate ATP, inducing equivalents and the main precursors for nucleotide biosynthesis. Knockdown of CPT1A markedly lowers the fraction of 13C-palmitate-derived carbons into pyrimidine. Periodic activation of CPT1A increases the content of nucleoside metabolic intermediates promoting cell cycle progression in NPC cells. Targeting CPT1A-mediated FAO hinders the cell cycle G1/S transition. Our work verified that CPT1A links FAO to cell cycle progression in NPC cellular proliferation, which supplements additional experimental evidence for developing a therapeutic mechanism based on manipulating lipid metabolism.

Simultaneous biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from secondary effluent of wastewater treatment plants by advanced treatment: A review.

With the advancement of water ecological protection and water control standard, it is the general trend to upgrade the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorus is the key to improve the water quality of secondary effluent of WWTPs to prevent the eutrophication. Therefore, it is urgent to develop the applicable technologies for simultaneous biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from secondary effluent. In this review, the composition of secondary effluent from municipal WWTPs were briefly introduced firstly, then the three main treatment processes for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal, i.e., the enhanced denitrifying phosphorus removal filter, the pyrite-based autotrophic denitrification and the microalgae biological treatment system were summarized, their performances and mechanisms were analyzed. The influencing factors and microbial community structure were discussed. The advanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorus by different technologies were also compared and summarized in terms of performance, operational characteristics, disadvantage and cost. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of simultaneous removal of nitrogen and phosphorus technologies for secondary effluent were proposed. This review will deepen to understand the principles and applications of the advanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorus and provide some valuable information for upgrading the treatment process of WWTPs.

Simultaneously advanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in a biofilter packed with ZVI/PHBV/sawdust composite: Deciphering the succession of dominant bacteria and keystone species.

In this study, a biofilter was developed with a ZVI/PHBV/sawdust (ZPS) composite for treating simulative secondary effluent from wastewater treatment plants. Results showed that effluent concentrations of NO3--N and TP in the ZPS biofilter were stable below 2.0 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L, corresponding to 95% NO3--N removal and 99% TP removal, respectively. Microbial community analysis revealed that the transformation of dominant taxa from Dechloromonas to Clostridium sensu stricto_7 from 30 d to 120 d suggested that the ZVI-induced succession of dominant fermentation bacteria ensured the stable carbon supply for denitrification. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the ZVI directly enhanced the interaction of microbial community. Fe-related bacteria occupied a key position in the rare species, which might maintain the function of iron-mediated organic matter decomposition and denitrification. These findings provide an alternative for advanced removal of nitrogen and phosphorus in biofilters packed with ZPS composites.

Herbal formula of Bushen Jianpi combined with sorafenib inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth by promoting cell apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of an herbal formula of Bushen Jianpi ( BSJP) combined with sorafenib on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro and in vivo, and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. METHODS: BSJP, a mixture of 12 raw herbs, was extracted in 70% alcohol/30% water and freeze-dried into a powder. The in vitro effects of BSJP alone, sorafenib alone, and their combination on cell survival, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution were evaluated in HCC cell lines HCCLM3, HepG2, and SMMC-7721. The expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), caspase-3, and caspase-9 in HCCLM3 cells was measured using Western blots after drug administration. The in vivo effects of BSJP and sorafenib were evaluated in a tumor surgical resection model using 4-week old male athymic BALB/c nude mice injected with HCCLM3 cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues was performed to evaluate the effects of BSJP alone, sorafenib alone, and their combination on the expression of caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bcl-2. RESULTS: BSJP decreased the survival rate of HCC cell lines, and the combination of BSJP and sorafenib further decreased the survival rate. BSJP significantly promoted cell apoptosis and blocked cell-cycle progression in HCCLM3, HepG2, and SMMC-7721 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the administration of BSJP and sorafenib inhibited the growth of HCCLM3 cell xenografts in nude mice, with no reduction in body weight. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that BSJP combined with sorafenib could significantly decrease the expression of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the herbal formula of BSJP is a potential HCC antitumor agent.

Anti-Tumor Effects of Paeoniflorin on Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition in Human Colorectal Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of death in China, and the development of effective drugs is urgently needed. Here, we report on Paeoniflorin (PF), a product isolated from the roots of the peony plant, as a possible candidate because of its anti-tumor effects on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PF in human colorectal cancer (CRC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Cell proliferation, wound healing, and Transwell assays were used to analyze the effects of PF on in vitro cell migration and invasion of HCT116 and SW480, 2 colorectal cancer cell lines. The tumor xenograft model was used to verify the anti-metastasis effects of PF in vivo. The RNA and protein levels of epithelia-cadherin (E-cadherin), Vimentin, and histone deacetylase2 (HDAC2) were measured by qPCR and Western blot analysis to explore the mechanism involved. RESULTS Our results showed that PF inhibited colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion and suppressed the metastatic potential of the cancer cells in vivo. Moreover, PF significantly decreased the expression of HDAC2 and Vimentin, while increasing the expression of E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that PF inhibits colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion ability and reverses the EMT process, through inhibiting the expression of HDAC2, and then affects the expression level of E-cadherin and Vimentin at the cell level. Our results were also verified in the tumor xenograft model. This indicates that PF may be a candidate for colorectal cancer treatment.

Performance of single-pass and by-pass multi-step multi-soil-layering systems for low-(C/N)-ratio polluted river water treatment.

Two kinds of hybrid two-step multi-soil-layering (MSL) systems loaded with different filter medias (zeolite-ceramsite MSL-1 and ceramsite-red clay MSL-2) were set-up for the low-(C/N)-ratio polluted river water treatment. A long-term pollutant removal performance of these two kinds of MSL systems was evaluated for 214 days. By-pass was employed in MSL systems to evaluate its effect on nitrogen removal enhancement. Zeolite-ceramsite single-pass MSL-1 system owns outstanding ammonia removal capability (24 g NH4+-Nm-2d-1), 3 times higher than MSL-2 without zeolite under low aeration rate condition (0.8 × 104 L m-2.h-1). Aeration rate up to 1.6 × 104 L m-2.h-1 well satisfied the requirement of complete nitrification in first unit of both two MSLs. However, weak denitrification in second unit was commonly observed. By-pass of 50% influent into second unit can improve about 20% TN removal rate for both MSL-1 and MSL-2. Complete nitrification and denitrification was achieved in by-pass MSL systems after addition of carbon source with the resulting C/N ratio up to 2.5. The characters of biofilms distributed in different sections inside MSL-1 system well illustrated the nitrogen removal mechanism inside MSL systems. Two kinds of MSLs are both promising as an appealing nitrifying biofilm reactor. Recirculation can be considered further for by-pass MSL-2 system to ensure a complete ammonia removal.

Recovery of Oil with Unsaturated Fatty Acids and Polyphenols from Chaenomelessinensis (Thouin) Koehne: Process Optimization of Pilot-Scale Subcritical Fluid Assisted Extraction.

The potential effects of three modern extraction technologies (cold-pressing, microwaves and subcritical fluids) on the recovery of oil from Chaenomelessinensis (Thouin) Koehne seeds have been evaluated and compared to those of conventional chemical extraction methods (Soxhlet extraction). This oil contains unsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols. Subcritical fluid extraction (SbFE) provided the highest yield-25.79 g oil/100 g dry seeds-of the three methods. Moreover, the fatty acid composition in the oil samples was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This analysis showed that the percentages of monounsaturated (46.61%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (42.14%), after applying SbFE were higher than those obtained by Soxhlet, cold-pressing or microwave-assisted extraction. In addition, the oil obtained under optimized SbFE conditions (35 min extraction at 35 °C with four extraction cycles), showed significant polyphenol (527.36 mg GAE/kg oil), and flavonoid (15.32 mg RE/kg oil), content, had a good appearance and was of high quality.

Bufalin, a component in Chansu, inhibits proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and aggressive cancer, and the treatment options are limited for patients with advanced HCC. Bufalin, the major digoxin-like component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, exhibits significant anti-tumor activities in many tumor cell lines. In the present study, we investigated the effect of bufalin on the inhibition of an AKT-related signaling pathway, and examined the relationship between regulatory proteins and anti-tumor effects in hepatoma cells. METHODS: Proliferation, wound healing, transwell-migration/invasion and adhesion assays were performed in HCCLM3 and HepG2 cell lines. The protein levels of pAKT, AKT, pGSK3ß, GSK3ß, pß-catenin, ß-catenin, E-cadherin, MMP-9, and MMP-2 were measured by western blot analysis. E-Cadherin and ß-catenin expression levels were also evaluated by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Bufalin inhibited hepatoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion and adhesion. In addition, treatment with bufalin significantly decreased the levels of pAKT, pGSK3ß, MMP-9, and MMP-2, while increasing the levels of GSK3ß and E-cadherin and suppressing the nuclear translocation of ß-catenin. CONCLUSIONS: Bufalin is a potential anti-HCC therapeutic candidate through its inhibition of the AKT/GSK3ß/ß-catenin/E-cadherin signaling pathway. Further studies with bufalin are warranted in patients with HCC, especially those with the disease at advanced stages.

Antiangiogenic therapy promoted metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing host-derived interleukin-12b in mouse models.

Antiangiogenic therapy, specially sorafenib, has become the standard of care for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, the improvement in survival time is not satisfactory. Previous studies have found that, in some circumstances, antiangiogenic therapy promoted tumor metastasis and the mechanistic studies were mainly focus on cancer-cell-autonomous manners. In two experimental metastasis models with tail-vein injection with hepatoma cells and an orthotopic HCC mouse model, we found that pretreatment with two vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors, sunitinib and sorafenib, facilitated tumor cell survival in blood stream and promoted lung metastasis from tumors that were subsequently incubated after drug discontinuation, indicating that host response joined into the pro-metastatic effects. An antibody microarray identified that interleukin (IL)-12b was decreased in the peripheral blood of the mice treated with the two VEGFR inhibitors. IL-12b suppression in macrophages and dendritic cells from host organs was found to play a crucial role in treatment-induced metastasis. Supplement with recombinant mouse IL-12b or restoration of IL-12b expression in the host by zoledronic acid, which was previously reported to enhance IL-12 expression in vitro and in vivo, alleviated the metastasis-promoting effects of sunitinib and sorafenib. These studies suggest that host response to VEGFR inhibitors facilitates HCC metastasis and restoration of IL-12b expression could translate into clinical benefits.

Depletion of tumor-associated macrophages enhances the effect of sorafenib in metastatic liver cancer models by antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of macrophages in tumor progression under sorafenib treatment and to explore whether combination of drugs that deplete macrophages improved the antitumor effect of sorafenib. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Tumor growth, lung metastasis, and tumor angiogenesis were observed in HCCLM3-R and SMMC7721, two human hepatocellular carcinoma xenograft nude mouse models, when treated with sorafenib (30 mg/kg daily, n = 6 per group) or a vehicle as control. Macrophage infiltration was measured in the peripheral blood and in sorafenib-treated tumor by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry with F4/80 antibody and CD11b antibody. The effect of macrophage depletion on tumor angiogenesis and metastasis after sorafenib treatment, using two drug target macrophages, zoledronic acid (ZA) and clodrolip, was measured in the two models of hepatocellular carcinoma. RESULTS: Although sorafenib significantly inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis, it induced a significant increase in peripheral recruitment and intratumoral infiltration of F4/80- and CD11b-positive cells, which was accompanied with elevation of colony-stimulating factor-1, stromal-derived factor 1alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the tumor and elevation of plasma colony-stimulating factor-1 and mouse vascular endothelial growth factor in peripheral blood, suggesting the role of macrophages in tumor progression under sorafenib treatment. Depletion of macrophages by clodrolip or ZA in combination with sorafenib significantly inhibited tumor progression, tumor angiogenesis, and lung metastasis compared with mice treated with sorafenib alone. ZA was more effective than clodrolip. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages may have an important role in tumor progression under sorafenib treatment. ZA is promising when combined with sorafenib to enhance its antitumor effect.

[Comparison of two types of multi-soil-layering treatment system filled different paddings].

Two types of multi-soil-layering (MSL) systems, each of them was filled with different padding, including both the layers of mixture layers (ML) and permeable layers (PL), which designed for purifying polluted river water and for studying the difference of the pollutant removal efficiency between them under different operation conditions. The results indicated that the four systems all had great COD removal efficiency and the removal rate of each of them was above 50%. Zeolite-lightweight ceramic pellet system (Z-LCPS) has high removal efficiency of NH4(+) -N,and the concentration of the final outflow is below 1 mg/L. When the air and water ratio is 8:1, ceramisite-red clay system (C-RCS) has high NH4(+) -N removal rate which is up to 84%. However, the NH4(+) -N removal rate of C-RCS is below 40% under the un-aerated condition. The Z-LCPS under unaerated condition has the best TN removal efficiency that the average removal rate of TN is above 68% and reaches the 98% at best. Under the high pollutant loading, the TP removal efficiency of Z-LCPS (M1, M2) is better than C-RCS, and under the stable period, the TP removal rate is above 80%. At last, the difference of the nitrogen removal mechanism between the four systems is analyzed through the changes of nitrogen concentration along the flow direction.

[Mechanisms of algal inhibition by rice straw extract].

An indoor experiment was conducted to investigate the inhibition effects and mechanisms of rice straw extracts to the harmful bloom-forming algae, Microcystis aeruginosa. It was found that there were algae inhibitory chemicals in rice straw. The inhabitation ratio of rice straw extract to Microcystis was 69.3% when stored at a low temperature of - 4 degrees C for 4 days with a concentration of 2.5 g/L. The algal inhibition depends on both chemicals and biological responses from decomposed rice straw extracts. Their relative contributions to the algal inhibition depended on decomposition pathway and time. Algal inhibitory chemicals played more important roles in anaerobic decomposed rice straw extracts than aerobic decomposed ones in the algal-inhibition process. For anaerobically decomposed straw extracts, if stored for 15 and 30 days with the concentration of 1.5 g/L, the inhabitation ratio of rice straw to Microcystis was 83% and 46% respectively. However, for aerobically decomposed straw extracts, the biologic mechanism was more important. The inhibition effects of biologic mechanism increased with the decomposition time. For aerobically decomposed straw extracts, if stored for 15 and 30 days with the concentration of 1.5 g/L, the inhabitation ratio of rice straw to Microcystis was 81% and 93% respectively.