Anti-Fatigue Effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide and Effervescent Tablets by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Energy Metabolism in Rats.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-fatigue effect of natural Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) during exercise, develop a functional anti-fatigue effervescent tablet by applying LBP to practical products, and help patients who have difficulty swallowing conventional tablets or capsules. LBP was extracted with water, and DEAE-52 cellulose was used for purification. The chemical structure and monosaccharide composition of LBP by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FI-IR) and ion chromatography (IC). Lycium barbarum polysaccharide effervescent tablets (LBPT) were prepared by mixing LBP and an excipient. Animal experiments showed that LBP and LBPT significantly increased the exhaustive swimming time in rats. LBP and LBPT improved biochemical markers in rat serum, such as lactic acid and creatine kinase, enhanced the antioxidant capacity of rat muscle, and reversed the decrease in serum glucose, ATP and glycogen content caused by exercise. Transmission electron microscopy showed that LBP and LBPT increased the density of mitochondria in rat liver. In addition, molecular experiments showed that LBP and LBPT could improve oxidative stress caused by exercise by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and regulating energy metabolism via the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Is hand-to-mouth contact the main pathway of children's soil and dust intake?

Children (n = 240) between the ages of 2 and 17 years were randomly selected from three cities in China. The total amount of soil and dust (SD) on their hands was measured and ranged from 3.50-187.39 mg (median = 19.49 mg). We screened for seven elements (Ce, V, Y, Al, Ba, Sc, and Mn), and Ce levels were used to calculate hand SD by variability and soil elements. The main factors affecting SD amount were location and age group, as identified using a conditional inference tree. Hand SD and the hand SD intake rate were highest in Gansu Province, followed by Guangdong and Hubei provinces, respectively. Hand SD and the hand SD intake rate were highest among children in primary school, followed by kindergarten and secondary school, respectively. The hand SD intake rate of the three typical areas was 11.9 mg/d, which was about 26.6% of the children's soil intake rate (44.8 mg/d), indicating that hand-to-mouth contact is not the main route for children's soil intake in the three areas of China.

Preparation and application of a novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer for simultaneous and rapid determination of three trace endocrine disrupting chemicals in lake water and milk samples.

Exposure to endocrine disruptor substances will alter the function of the endocrine system and then cause adverse effects on human health. Among these endocrine disrupting chemicals, hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A are most commonly used worldwide. In this study, we aim to develop a simple, rapid, and efficient analytical method for the simultaneous determination of trace hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A in lake water and milk samples. A magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer-assisted magnetic solid-phase extraction technique was applied. The magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared and characterized by electron scanning microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, different experiments were conducted to optimize the magnetic solid-phase extraction conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection was employed to determine hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol A. Limits of detection of the developed method were from 0.1 to 0.3 µg L-1 and spiked recoveries ranged from 89.9 to 102.5%, with a relative standard deviation of < 2.5% (intraday). Results obtained from this study showed that the proposed magnetic solid-phase extraction method was a simple, rapid, and sensitive sample pre-treatment method for the determination of trace hexestrol, nonylphenol, and bisphenol in different aqueous samples.

Rapid determination of antiviral medication ribavirin in different feedstuffs using a novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography.

A novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer adsorbing material was successfully synthesized to detect ribavirin in animal feedstuff. Molecularly imprinted polymer was prepared through surface polymerization by using ribavirin as template molecule, methyl methacrylate, and γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica as bifunctional monomers, and ethylene diglycidyl ether as crosslinking agent. The prepared magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Static and dynamic adsorption experiments and selective adsorption analysis were performed to evaluate the adsorption and selectivity of magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer. Different experiments were conducted to optimize the magnetic solid-phase extraction conditions. Under optimal experimental conditions, a magnetic molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography method was successfully developed for ribavirin detection. The established method achieved a satisfactory linear range of 0.20-50 mg/L (R2  > 0.99) and a low detection limit (0.081 mg/kg). An average recovery of 92-105% with relative standard deviation of <6.5% was obtained upon the application of the developed method to detect ribavirin in real feedstuff samples. Thus, established method can be used for the rapid and simple separation and detection of added ribavirin in feedstuff.

Alterations of the oral microbiome in patients treated with the Invisalign system or with fixed appliances.

INTRODUCTION: Although the Invisalign system has been used widely in recent years, the influences of this treatment on the oral microbiome and whether or not this influence is different from that of fixed appliances is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the changes in the oral microbiome in patients treated with the Invisalign system or with fixed appliances. METHODS: Fifteen subjects were enrolled, comprising 5 fixed appliance patients, 5 Invisalign patient, and 5 healthy controls. Saliva samples were collected, and high-throughput pyrosequencing was performed based on the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: Both fixed and Invisalign orthodontic treatments resulted in dysbiosis of the oral microbiome. Firmicutes and TM7 at the phyla level and Neisseria at the genus level displayed statistically significant differences between the 2 orthodontic groups. The effect of these changes with microbiome on oral health was inconsistent. The inferred microbial function of the Invisalign group suggested this group was more predisposed to periodontal diseases. CONCLUSION: The influence of the Invisalign system on the oral microbiome was no better for oral health compared with fixed appliances. The convenience of maintaining oral hygiene rather than changes in the oral microbiome may be the underlying reason for the performance of the Invisalign system on oral health.

Estimation of the daily soil/dust (SD) ingestion rate of children from Gansu Province, China via hand-to-mouth contact using tracer elements.

A total of 60 children (31 males and 29 females) between the ages of 3 and 12 years were randomly selected from Lanzhou City in Gansu Province, northwest China. Hand (soil/dust) SD samples from these children were collected using hand wipes. We determined the approximate amounts of hand SD and the concentrations of three tracer soil elements (Ce, Y, and V) in these samples. The approximate amounts of hand SD ranged from 42.28 to 173.76 mg, with a median value of 85.42 mg. In addition, the mean amounts of hand SD estimated using the concentrations of Ce, Y, and V in the samples were 4.63, 3.43, and 3.42 mg, respectively. The amount of hand SD varied greatly among the age groups: primary school children had more hand SD than kindergarten children, males had more hand SD than females, and children from rural areas had more hand SD than those from urban areas. The rates of daily ingestion of hand SD for kindergarten and primary school children were estimated to be 7.73 and 6.61 mg/day, respectively.

Volume measurement of crowns in mandibular primary central incisors by micro-computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: To determine sex differences in the tissue proportions of crowns of mandibular primary central incisors in Chinese children and to quantify the volume of crown components in three dimensions using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens used in this study were 41 mandibular first deciduous incisor teeth with intact crowns (21 males and 20 females) obtained from patients between 5-6 years of age. Each specimen was scanned using micro-CT at a resolution of 0.05 mm and 3D-rendered images were created. The volume of each component of the crown was measured and examined for differences in different sex and ages. RESULTS: The pulp chamber volume decreased with age and the volume ratio of the pulp chamber to the whole crown was significantly smaller in 6-year-olds than in 5-year-olds (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Males had significantly larger tooth crown volumes and dentin volumes than females did (p < 0.001), while the volume of enamel showed no sexual dimorphism.

Bioaccessibility of microplastic-associated heavy metals using an in vitro digestion model and its implications for human health risk assessment.

Microplastics can act as carriers of heavy metals and may enter humans through ingestion and threaten human health. However, the bioaccessibility of heavy metals associated with microplastics and its implications for human health risk assessments are poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, four typical heavy metals (As(V), Cr(VI), Cd(II), and Pb(II)) and one typical microplastic (polyvinyl chloride, PVC) were chosen to estimate the human health risk of microplastic-associated heavy metals by incorporating bioaccessibility. Significant adsorption of heavy metals was observed with the following order for adsorption capacity: Pb(II) > Cr(VI) > Cd(II) > As(V); the efficiencies for desorption of these four heavy metals from PVC microplastics were all below 10%. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results indicated that the functional groups on the surface of the virgin PVC microplastics did not play an important role in the capture process. Heavy metals in both gastric and small intestinal phases were prone to release from PVC microplastics when bioaccessibility was evaluated with the in vitro SBRC (Soluble Bioavailability Research Consortium) digestion model. In addition, Pb(II) bioaccessibility in the gastric phase was significantly higher than those in the other phases, while As(V), Cr(VI), and Cd(II) bioaccessibilities showed the opposite trend. After incorporating bioaccessibility adjustments, the noncarcinogenic hazards and carcinogenic risks determined were lower than those based on total metal contents. The individual hazard quotients (HQ) and carcinogenic risks (CR) for ingestion of these four heavy metals from PVC microplastics were all lower than the threshold values for adults and children. In summary, this study will provide a new view of the human health risks of heavy metals associated with microplastics.

Natural polysaccharide-based biodegradable polymeric platforms for transdermal drug delivery system: a critical analysis.

Natural biodegradable polymers generally include polysaccharides (starch, alginate, chitin/chitosan, hyaluronic acid derivatives, etc.) and proteins (collagen, gelatin, fibrin, etc.). In transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), these polymers play a vital role in controlling the device's drug release. It is possible that natural polymers can be used for TDDS to attain predetermined drug delivery rates due to their physicochemical properties. These polymers can be employed to market products and scale production because they are readily available and inexpensive. As a result of these polymers, new pharmaceutical delivery systems can be developed that is both regulated and targeted. The focus of this article is the application of a biodegradable polymeric platform based on natural polymers for TDDS. Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability, natural biodegradable polymers are frequently used in biomedical applications. Additionally, these natural biodegradable polymers are being studied for their characteristics and behaviors.

Immunobiology of T Cells in Sjögren's Syndrome.

Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) is a systemic autoimmune disease marked by xerostomia (dry mouth), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (eye dryness), and other systematic disorders. Its pathogenesis involves an inflammatory process that is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration into exocrine glands and other tissues. Although the development of ectopic lymphoid tissue and overproduction of autoantibodies by hyperactive B cells suggest that they may promote SjS development, treatment directed towards them fails to induce significant laboratory or clinical improvement. T cells are overwhelming infiltrators in most phases of the disease, and the involvement of multiple T cell subsets of suggests the extraordinary complexity of SjS pathogenesis. The factors, including various cellular subtypes and molecules, regulate the activation and suppression of T cells. T cell activation induces inflammatory cell infiltration, B cell activation, tissue damage, and metabolic changes in SjS. Knowledge of the pathways that link these T cell subtypes and regulation of their activities are not completely understood. This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress and our understanding of T cells in SjS, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ TRM cells, and innate T cells, to provide insights into for clinical treatment.

Microplastics pollution in the soil mulched by dust-proof nets: A case study in Beijing, China.

As a driving factor of global changes, microplastics have gradually attracted widespread attention. Although MPs are extensively studied in aquatic systems, their presence and fate in terrestrial systems and soil are not fully understood. In China, construction-land must be mulched by dust-proof nets to prevent and control fine particulate pollution, which may cause MPs pollution and increase ecological risks. In order to understand the pollution characteristics and sources of MP in the soil covered by dust nets, we conducted a case study in Beijing. Our results revealed that the abundance of MPs in soil mulched by dust-proof nets ranged from 272 to 13,752 items/kg. Large-sized particles (>1000 µm) made up a significant proportion (49.83%) of MPs in the study area. The dominant MP polymer types were polyethylene (50.12%) and polypropylene (41.25%). The accumulation of MPs in construction-site soil mulched by dust-proof nets (average, 4910.2 items/kg) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in unmulched soil (average, 840.8 items/kg), which indicates a dust-proof nets as an essential source of microplastics in the soil of construction land. We applied a remote-sensing data analysis technique based on remote imagery acquired from a high-resolution remote-sensing satellite combined with deep-learning convolutional neural networks to automatically detect and segment dust-proof nets. Based on high-resolution remote sensing images and using a U-net convolutional neural network, we extract the coverage area of Beijing's dust-proof nets (18.6 km2). Combined the abundance of MPs and the dust-proof nets' coverage area, we roughly estimate that 7.616 × 109 to 3.581 × 1011 MPs accumulated in the soil mulched by the dust-proof nets in Beijing. Such a large amount of MPs may cause a series of environmental problems. This study will highlight the understanding of soil MPs pollution and its potential environmental impacts for scientists and policymakers. It provides suggestions for decision-makers to formulate effective legislation and policies, so as to protect human health and protect the soil and the wider environment.

Specific enrichment of caffeic acid from Taraxacum mon-golicum Hand.-Mazz. by pH and magnetic dual-responsive molecularly imprinted polymers.

Specific recognition of caffeic acid (CA) from Taraxacum mon-golicum Hand.-Mazz. was successfully performed using a new pH responsive magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (pH-MMIPs) by simple surface molecular imprinting polymerization. The pH-MMIPs were prepared on the surface of the Fe3O4@SiO2@MPS particles using CA as a template, 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMA) as the pH responsive functional monomer, 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) as an assisting functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linker, 2,2'-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator and methanol-H2O (1:1, v/v) as the porogen. The resultant polymers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The adsorption experiments revealed that the pH-MMIPs performed high adsorption ability (11.5 mg g-1) by changing solution pH. Successful selective adsorption of CA was achieved with distribution coefficient of 0.12 and 0.21 towards ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, pH-MMIPs were employed as adsorbents for extraction and enrichment of CA from Taraxacum mon-golicum Hand.-Mazz. extract. The recoveries of CA in the Taraxacum mon-golicum Hand.-Mazz. ranged from 90.47% to 98.97%. The results proved that the polymers have the potential to provide a selective recognition of CA in complex samples by simple pH regulation.

[Outcomes of posterior C(1-2) fusion for atlantoaxial instability or dislocation using pedicle screws of atlas and axis].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze and evaluate the results of treatment for atlantoaxial instability or dislocation employing pedicle screws of atlas and axis. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (23 male and 8 female) with atlantoaxial instability or dislocation were stabilized using pedicle screws of atlas and axis between May 2005 to January 2008. The patients ranged in age from 17 to 67 years (mean 43.5 years). Patients consisted of chronic odontoid fracture in 17, Os odontoideum in 8, fresh odontoid fracture in 4, transverse ligament rupture in 1, rheumatoid arthritis in 1. Clinical features included neck pain in 31; restricted neck movement in 28, varying degrees of spastic quadriparesis in 19. All patients underwent posterior C(1) to C(2) pedicle screw fixation. Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, complications were recorded, neurological and radiographic studies were carried. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 13 months. Operative time averaged 2.5 h. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 300 ml. A patient had postoperative wound infection and was treated conservatively with antibiotics and local wound care. A patient developed pulmonary artery embolism and got well with anticoagulation. Satisfactory stability was achieved in all cases with no vascular and C(2) neuralgia. Average JOA score in 19 cases increased at final follow-up (P < 0.01). Solid fusion was achieved in 29 cases, fusion rate was 93.6%. CONCLUSIONS: Stabilization of atlantoaxial complex via pedicle screws of atlas and axis has advantages of intraoperative restoration, easier placement of screw, solid fixation. It is a safe and effective treatment modality for posterior C(1-2) fusion.

[Study on the technics of adsorption and purification of baicalin by different macroporous resins].

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the fittest technical parameters by studying the application of macroporous resins used to purify active components of baicalin. METHODS: To evaluate the ability of adsorption and re-adsorption of macroporous resins selected, the statical and dynamic adsorption-readsorption durations were also investigated to select the optimum macroporous resins, with the content of flavonoids as the standard. RESULTS: The optimum macroporous resins was HPD-100. In the adsorption cours, the ratio between the amount of medicinal materials and the volume of macroporous resins was 3.0 and there was no more absorbed when the ratio was 12.5; the optimum ethanol concentration was 50% in readsorption duration. CONCLUSION: HPD-100 is the optimum macroporous resin to purify bailcalin and enhance its refined rate.

Localized drug release and effective chemotherapy by hyperthermia-governed bubble-generating hybrid nanocapsule system.

AIM: To build up a remote triggering drug delivery system with hyperthermia-responsive ammonium bicarbonate salt and investigate its effects on tumor therapy. MATERIALS & METHODS: This hybrid nanocapsule system was prepared by a different strategy, doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in the heparin shell first and then ammonium bicarbonate was diffused into the nanocapsules to generate DOX-bicarbonate salt, its characterizations and effects on tumor therapy were investigated. RESULTS: Upon exposure to mild external thermal treatment (42°C), DOX-bicarbonate salt began to decompose with the recovery of DOX fluorescence, carbon dioxide generation and rapid DOX release out of the nanocapsules, exhibiting great abilities to accumulate at tumor site rapidly and inhibit tumor cell growth. CONCLUSION: These hybrid nanocapsules demonstrate great potential in clinical applications triggering by external thermal treatment.

Phosphatidylserine Synthase Controls Cell Elongation Especially in the Uppermost Internode in Rice by Regulation of Exocytosis.

The uppermost internode is one of the fastest elongating organs in rice, and is expected to require an adequate supply of cell-wall materials and enzymes to the cell surface to enhance mechanical strength. Although it has been reported that the phenotype of shortened uppermost internode 1 (sui1) is caused by mutations in PHOSPHATIDYLSERINE SYNTHASE (OsPSS), the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that the OsPSS-1, as a gene expressed predominantly in elongating cells, regulates post-Golgi vesicle secretion to intercellular spaces. Mutation of OsPSS-1 leads to compromised delivery of CESA4 and secGFP towards the cell surface, resulting in weakened intercellular adhesion and disorganized cell arrangement in parenchyma. The phenotype of sui1-4 is caused largely by the reduction in cellulose contents in the whole plant and detrimental delivery of pectins in the uppermost internode. We found that OsPSS-1 and its potential product PS (phosphatidylserine) localized to organelles associated with exocytosis. These results together suggest that OsPSS-1 plays a potential role in mediating cell expansion by regulating secretion of cell wall components.

Comparison of high-viscosity cement vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a widely used vertebral augmentation procedure for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs). But high cement leakage rate caused by a low-viscosity cement and high injection pressure has limited its general use. Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) and high-viscosity cement vertebroplasty (HVCV) are 2 modifications of vertebroplasty designed to decrease cement leakage. OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of HVCV compared with BKP. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Department of Spine Surgery, an affiliated hospital of a medical university. METHOD: One hundred seven patients suffering from painful OVCFs were randomly assigned into HVCV or BKP groups. Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), cement leakage, and vertebral height restoration were evaluated. All occurring complications and injected cement volumes were recorded. The follow-up time was one year. RESULTS: VAS and ODI scores improved in both groups, and did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. More cement was used in the BKP group than in HVCV group (4.22 vs. 3.31 mL, P < 0.0001). The incidence of cement leakage in the HVCV group was lower than that of the BKP group (13.24% vs 30.56%, P < 0.05). No symptomatic cement leakages occurred in the HVCV group. In the BKP group, one patient experienced discogenic back pain related to a disc leak, and another patient had asymptomatic cement emboli in the lung related to venous leakage. The mean compression rate before the procedure was 29.98% in the HVCV group and 28.67% in the BKP group (P = 0.94). The vertebral height was improved significantly and maintained at one-year follow-up in both groups. BKP was more effective in vertebral height restoration than HVCV (44.87% vs. 23.93%, P < 0.0001). There was one case of a new adjacent vertebral fracture in the HVCV group (2%), and 4 cases of new nonadjacent vertebral fractures in the BKP group (7.84%) (P = 0.18). LIMITATIONS: A single-center and relatively small-sample size study. CONCLUSION: HVCV and BKP are safe and effective in improving quality of life and relieving pain. HVCV has a lower cement leakage rate, whereas BKP is more effective in vertebral height restoration. Subsequent fractures are not different between the 2 groups.

Efficacy and complications of polyethylene glycols for treatment of constipation in children: a meta-analysis.

Constipation is a common childhood complaint. In 90% to 95% of children, constipation is functional, which means that there is no objective evidence of an underlying pathological condition. Polyethylene glycol (PEG or macrogol) solution is an osmotic laxative agent that is absorbed in only trace amounts from the gastrointestinal tract and routinely used to treat chronic constipation in adults. Here, we report the results of a meta-analysis of PEG-based laxatives compared with lactulose, milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide), oral liquid paraffin (mineral oil), or acacia fiber, psyllium fiber, and fructose in children. This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and involved searches of MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases up to February 10, 2014, using the keywords (Constipation OR Functional Constipation OR Fecal Impaction) AND (Children) AND (Polyethylene Glycol OR Laxative). Primary efficacy outcomes included a number of stool passages/wk and percentage of patients who reported satisfactory stool consistency. Secondary safety outcomes included diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, pain or straining at defecation, bloating or flatulence, hard stool consistency, poor palatability, and rectal bleeding. We identified 231 articles, 27 of which were suitable for full-text review and 10 of which were used in the meta-analysis. Patients who were treated with PEG experienced more successful disimpaction compared with those treated with non-PEG laxatives. Treatment-related adverse events were acceptable and generally well tolerated. PEG-based laxatives are effective and safe for chronic constipation and for resolving fecal impaction in children. Children's acceptance of PEG-based laxatives appears to be better than non-PEG laxatives. Optimal dosages, routes of administration, and PEG regimens should be determined in future randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses.

Therapeutic inflammatory monocyte modulation using immune-modifying microparticles.

Inflammatory monocyte-derived effector cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous inflammatory diseases. However, no treatment option exists that is capable of modulating these cells specifically. We show that infused negatively charged, immune-modifying microparticles (IMPs), derived from polystyrene, microdiamonds, or biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid, were taken up by inflammatory monocytes, in an opsonin-independent fashion, via the macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO). Subsequently, these monocytes no longer trafficked to sites of inflammation; rather, IMP infusion caused their sequestration in the spleen through apoptotic cell clearance mechanisms and, ultimately, caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. Administration of IMPs in mouse models of myocardial infarction, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis, thioglycollate-induced peritonitis, and lethal flavivirus encephalitis markedly reduced monocyte accumulation at inflammatory foci, reduced disease symptoms, and promoted tissue repair. Together, these data highlight the intricate interplay between scavenger receptors, the spleen, and inflammatory monocyte function and support the translation of IMPs for therapeutic use in diseases caused or potentiated by inflammatory monocytes.

[Influence of microbubble and its generation process on mixed liquor properties of activated sludge].

Microbubble aeration is supposed to be able to provide potential advantage for aerobic biological wastewater treatment due to enhancement of oxygen mass transfer. On the other hand, microbubble and its generation methods might affect mixed liquor properties of activated sludge. Then SPG membrane microbubble generation system was used to investigate mixed liquor properties of activated sludge in microbubble aeration. The results indicated that sludge floatation happened in microbubble aeration due to attachment of microbubbles to sludge flocs, resulting in a decrease in mixed liquor suspended solid (MLSS) concentration in the bioreactor and poor sludge settleability. The strong shear stress caused by liquid recycling pump (centrifugal type) during microbubble generation led to sludge broken. As a result, sludge floc size decreased significantly and sludge EPS released. The release of sludge EPS was considered to be responsible for increased turbidity and organic carbon (especially colloidal organic carbon) concentration in the supernatant. The re-flocculation ability of sludge flocs also almost lost due to sludge EPS release. In addition, the mixed liquor viscosity increased along with sludge broken and sludge EPS release, but the surface tension of mixed liquor remained constant.