Enhancing electron transfer in anaerobic process by supercapacitor materials: Polyaniline functionated activated carbon.

Strengthening the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is an effective strategy to improve the performance of anaerobic digestion (AD) process. In this study, the polyaniline functionated activated carbon (AC-PANi) was prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization. This material possessed pseudo-capacitance properties as well as excellent charge transfer capability. The experimental results demonstrated that the incorporation of AC-PANi in AD process could efficiently increase the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (18.6 %) and daily methane production rate (35.3 %). The AC-PANi can also act as an extracellular acceptor to promote the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and secretion of extracellular enzymes as well as cytochrome C (Cyt-C). The content of coenzyme F420 on methanogens was also shown to be increased by 60.9 % with the addition of AC-PANi in AD reactor. Overall, this work provides an easy but feasible way to enhance AD performance by promoting DIET between acetate-producing bacteria and methanogens.

Metagenomics to Identify Viral Communities Associated with Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex in Tibetan Pigs in the Tibetan Plateau, China.

Tibetan pig is a unique pig breed native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. To investigate viral communities associated with porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC), 167 respiratory samples were collected from Tibetan pigs in the Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province. Following library construction and Illunima Novaseq sequencing, 18 distinct viruses belonging to 15 viral taxonomic families were identified in Tibetan pigs with PRDC. Among the 18 detected viruses, 3 viruses were associated with PRDC, including porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2), Torque teno sus virus (TTSuV), and porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV). The genomic sequences of two PCV-2 strains, three TTSuV strains, and one novel Porprismacovirus strain were assembled by SOAPdenovo software (v2). Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis showed that both PCV-2 strains belonged to PCV-2d, three TTSuVs were classified to TTSuV2a and TTSuV2b genotypes, and the Porprismacovirus strain PPMV-SCgz-2022 showed a close genetic relationship with a virus of human origin. Recombination analysis indicated that PPMV-SCgz-2022 may have originated from recombination events between Human 16,806 × 66-213 strain and Porcine 17,668 × 82-593 strain. Furthermore, the high proportion of single infection or co-infection of PCV2/TTSuV2 provides insight into PRDC infection in Tibetan pigs. This is the first report of the viral communities in PRDC-affected Tibetan pigs in this region, and the results provides reference for the prevention and control of respiratory diseases in these animals.

Orbital hybridization of donor and acceptor to enhance the conductivity of mixed-stack complexes.

Mixed-stack complexes which comprise columns of alternating donors and acceptors are organic conductors with typically poor electrical conductivity because they are either in a neutral or highly ionic state. This indicates that conductive carriers are insufficient or are mainly localized. In this study, mixed-stack complexes that uniquely exist at the neutral-ionic boundary were synthesized by combining donors (bis(3,4-ethylenedichalcogenothiophene)) and acceptors (fluorinated tetracyanoquinodimethanes) with similar energy levels and orbital symmetry between the highest occupied molecular orbital of the donor and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of the acceptor. Surprisingly, the orbitals were highly hybridized in the single-crystal complexes, enhancing the room-temperature conductivity (10-4-0.1 S cm-1) of mixed-stack complexes. Specifically, the maximum conductivity was the highest reported for single-crystal mixed-stack complexes under ambient pressures. The unique electronic structures at the neutral-ionic boundary exhibited structural perturbations between their electron-itinerant and localized states, causing abrupt temperature-dependent changes in their electrical, optical, dielectric, and magnetic properties.

Cell size and xylem differentiation regulating genes from Salicornia europaea contribute to plant salt tolerance.

Cell wall is involved in plant growth and plays pivotal roles in plant adaptation to environmental stresses. Cell wall remodelling may be crucial to salt adaptation in the euhalophyte Salicornia europaea. However, the mechanism underlying this process is still unclear. Here, full-length transcriptome indicated cell wall-related genes were comprehensively regulated under salinity. The morphology and cell wall components in S. europaea shoot were largely modified under salinity. Through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis, SeXTH2 encoding xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases, and two SeLACs encoding laccases were focused. Meanwhile, SeEXPB was focused according to expansin activity and the expression profiling. Function analysis in Arabidopsis validated the functions of these genes in enhancing salt tolerance. SeXTH2 and SeEXPB overexpression led to larger cells and leaves with hemicellulose and pectin content alteration. SeLAC1 and SeLAC2 overexpression led to more xylem vessels, increased secondary cell wall thickness and lignin content. Notably, SeXTH2 transgenic rice exhibited enhanced salt tolerance and higher grain yield. Altogether, these genes may function in the succulence and lignification process in S. europaea. This work throws light on the regulatory mechanism of cell wall remodelling in S. europaea under salinity and provides potential strategies for improving crop salt tolerance and yields.

SbYS1 and SbWRKY72 regulate Cd tolerance and accumulation in sweet sorghum.

MAIN CONCLUSION: SbYS1 and its upstream transcription factor SbWRKY72 were involved in Cd tolerance and accumulation and are valuable for developing sweet sorghum germplasm with high-Cd tolerance or accumulation ability through genetic manipulation. Cadmium (Cd) is highly toxic and can severely affect human health. Sweet sorghum, as an energy crop, shows great potential in extracting cadmium from Cd-contaminated soils. However, its molecular mechanisms of Cd-tolerance and -accumulation remain largely unknown. Here, we isolated a YSL family gene SbYS1 from the sweet sorghum genotype with high Cd accumulation ability and the expression of SbYS1 in roots was induced by cadmium. GUS staining experiment exhibited that SbYS1 was expressed in the epidermis and parenchyma tissues of roots. Further subcellular localization analysis suggested that SbYS1 was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. Yeast transformed with SbYS1 exhibited a sensitive phenotype compared to the control when exposed to Cd-NA (chelates of cadmium and nicotianamine), indicating that SbYS1 may absorb cadmium in the form of Cd-NA. Arabidopsis overexpressing SbYS1 had a longer root length and accumulated less Cd in roots and shoots. SbWRKY72 bound to the promoter of SbYS1 and negatively regulated the expression of SbYS1. Transgenic Arabidopsis of SbWRKY72 showed higher sensitivity to cadmium and increased cadmium accumulation in roots. Our results provide references for improving the phytoremediation efficiency of sweet sorghum by genetic manipulation in the future.

Preparation of highly adsorptive biochar by sequential iron impregnation under refluxing and pyrolysis at low temperature for removal of tetracycline.

Iron-doping modification is a prevailing approach for improving adsorption capability of biochar with environmental friendliness, but usually requires high temperature and suffers from iron aggregation. Herein, a highly adsorptive biochar was manufactured via sequential disperse impregnation of iron by refluxing and pyrolysis at low temperature for eliminating tetracycline (TC) from aqueous solution. Iron oxides and hydroxides were impregnated and stably dispersed on the carbon matrix as pyrolyzed at 200 °C, meanwhile abundant oxygen and nitrogen functional groups were generated on surface. The iron-doped biochar exhibited up to 891.37 mg/g adsorption capacity at pH 5, and could be recycled with high adsorption capability. The adsorption of TC should be mostly contributed to the hydrogen bonding of N/O functional groups and the hydrogen bonding/coordination of iron oxides/hydroxides. This would provide a valuable guide for dispersedly doping iron and conserving functional groups on biochar, and a super iron-doped biochar was prepared with superior recyclability.

PHT1;5 Repressed by ANT Mediates Pi Acquisition and Distribution under Low Pi and Salinity in Salt Cress.

Salinity and phosphate (Pi) starvation are the most common abiotic stresses that threaten crop productivity. Salt cress (Eutrema salsugineum) displays good tolerance to both salinity and Pi limitation. Previously, we found several Phosphate Transporter (PHT) genes in salt cress upregulated under salinity. Here, EsPHT1;5 induced by both low Pi (LP) and salinity was further characterized. Overexpression of EsPHT1;5 in salt cress enhanced plant tolerance to LP and salinity, while the knock-down lines exhibited growth retardation. The analysis of phosphorus (P) content and shoot/root ratio of total P in EsPHT1;5-overexpressing salt cress seedlings and the knock-down lines as well as arsenate uptake assays suggested the role of EsPHT1;5 in Pi acquisition and root-shoot translocation under Pi limitation. In addition, overexpression of EsPHT1;5 driven by the native promoter in salt cress enhanced Pi mobilization from rosettes to siliques upon a long-term salt treatment. Particularly, the promoter of EsPHT1;5 outperformed that of AtPHT1;5 in driving gene expression under salinity. We further identified a transcription factor EsANT, which negatively regulated EsPHT1;5 expression and plant tolerance to LP and salinity. Taken together, EsPHT1;5 plays an integral role in Pi acquisition and distribution in plant response to LP and salt stress. Further, EsANT may be involved in the cross-talk between Pi starvation and salinity signaling pathways. This work provides further insight into the mechanism underlying high P use efficiency in salt cress in its natural habitat, and evidence for a link between Pi and salt signaling.

Place identity as a mediator between motivation and tourist loyalty in 'red tourism'.

This paper constructs a theoretical analysis model based on the theories of planned behaviour, consumer emotion and identity by surveying tourists in Zunyi city, China and employing structural equation modelling to explore the influence mechanisms of tourist motivation, satisfaction and place identity on the loyalty of 'red tourism'. The research results demonstrated a relationship between tourist motivation, satisfaction, place identity and tourist loyalty and thus confirmed the theoretical model. Tourist satisfaction and place identity are important means by which tourist motivation affects the loyalty of red tourism. However, tourist motivation cannot directly affect red tourism loyalty, though it can indirectly affect it via satisfaction and place identity. Tourist motivation not only directly influences the satisfaction of red tourism but also indirectly influences it through place identity. Furthermore, tourist motivation affects place identity. The mere recognition of place identity does not automatically attract tourists' loyalty but can, through their experiencing satisfaction, indirectly inspire it. Nevertheless, place identity can only directly affect tourist satisfaction, and tourist satisfaction can only directly affect red tourism loyalty.

Oxidative magnetization of biochar at relatively low pyrolysis temperature for efficient removal of different types of pollutants.

A novel oxidative magnetization, involving phosphomolybdic acid and Fe(NO3)3 co-promoted pyrolysis, was established to manufacture highly adsorptive magnetic biochars for adsorbing aqueous tetracycline, methylene blue, and Cr6+. The modification of phosphomolybdic acid greatly boosted the formation of γ-Fe2O3 and oxygen containing groups with enhancement of specific surface area and pore volume at 400 °C. Importantly, γ-Fe2O3 was stably fixed on surface in quasi-nanoscale. The oxidized magnetic biochar displayed 631.53, 158.45, 155.13 mg/g adsorption capabilities for tetracycline, methylene blue, and Cr6+ with 22.79 emu/g saturation magnetization, respectively. Oxygen containing groups and quasi-nanoscale γ-Fe2O3 served as key adsorption sites for these pollutants. A general oxidative magnetization was established for manufacturing high-performance magnetic biochar through phosphomolybdic acid/Fe(NO3)3 co-promoted pyrolysis at relatively low temperature.

Effect of interstitial fluid pH on transdermal glucose extraction by reverse iontophoresis.

Reverse iontophoresis (RI) is a promising technology in the field of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), offering significant advantages such as finger-stick-free operation, wearability, and non-invasiveness. In the glucose extraction process based on RI, the pH of the interstitial fluid (ISF) is a critical factor that needs further investigation, as it directly influences the accuracy of transdermal glucose monitoring. In this study, a theoretical analysis was conducted to investigate the mechanism by which pH affects the glucose extraction flux. Modeling and numerical simulations performed at different pH conditions indicated that the zeta potential was significantly impacted by the pH, thereby altering the direction and flux of the glucose iontophoretic extraction. A screen-printed glucose biosensor integrated with RI extraction electrodes was developed for ISF extraction and glucose monitoring. The accuracy and stability of the ISF extraction and glucose detection device were demonstrated with extraction experiments using different subdermal glucose concentrations ranging from 0 to 20 mM. The extraction results for different ISF pH values exhibited that at 5 mM and 10 mM subcutaneous glucose, the extracted glucose concentration was increased by 0.08212 mM and 0.14639 mM for every 1 pH unit increase, respectively. Furthermore, the normalized results for 5 mM and 10 mM glucose demonstrated a linear correlation, indicating considerable potential for incorporating a pH correction factor in the blood glucose prediction model used to calibrate glucose monitoring.

Patient and Epidemiological Factors Associated With Influenza Testing in Hospitalized Adults With Acute Respiratory Illnesses, 2016-2017 to 2019-2020.

Background: Data are limited on influenza testing among adults with acute respiratory illness (ARI)-associated hospitalizations. We identified factors associated with influenza testing in adult ARI-associated hospitalizations across the 2016-2017 through 2019-2020 influenza seasons. Methods: Using data from 4 health systems in the United States, we identified hospitalizations that had an ARI discharge diagnosis or respiratory virus test. A hospitalization with influenza testing was based on testing performed within 14 days before through 72 hours after admission. We used random forest analysis to identify patient characteristics and influenza activity indicators that were most important in terms of their relationship to influenza testing. Results: Across 4 seasons, testing rates ranged from 14.8%-19.4% at 3 pooled sites and 60.1%-78.5% at a fourth site with different testing practices. Discharge diagnoses of pneumonia or infectious disease of noninfluenza etiology, presence of ARI signs/symptoms, hospital admission month, and influenza-like illness activity level were consistently among the variables with the greatest relative importance. Conclusions: Select ARI diagnoses and indicators of influenza activity were the most important factors associated with influenza testing among ARI-associated hospitalizations. Improved understanding of which patients are tested may enhance influenza burden estimates and allow for more timely clinical management of influenza-associated hospitalizations.

IL-10 Promotes CXCL13 Expression in Macrophages Following Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Infection.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most contagious livestock diseases in the world, posing a constant global threat to the animal trade and national economies. The chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 13 (CXCL13), a biomarker for predicting disease progression in some diseases, was recently found to be increased in sera from mice infected with FMD virus (FMDV) and to be associated with the progression and severity of the disease. However, it has not yet been determined which cells are involved in producing CXCL13 and the signaling pathways controlling CXCL13 expression in these cells. In this study, the expression of CXCL13 was found in macrophages and T cells from mice infected with FMDV, and CXCL13 was produced in bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) by activating the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) and JAK/STAT pathways following FMDV infection. Interestingly, CXCL13 concentration was decreased in sera from interleukin-10 knock out (IL-10-/-) mice or mice blocked IL-10/IL-10R signaling in vivo after FMDV infection. Furthermore, CXCL13 was also decreased in IL-10-/- BMDMs and BMDMs treated with anti-IL-10R antibody following FMDV infection in vitro. Lastly, it was demonstrated that IL-10 regulated CXCL13 expression via JAK/STAT rather than the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, the study demonstrated for the first time that macrophages and T cells were the cellular sources of CXCL13 in mice infected with FMDV; CXCL13 was produced in BMDMs via NF-κB and JAK/STAT pathways; and IL-10 promoted CXCL13 expression in BMDMs via the JAK/STAT pathway.

Establishment of a new arrhythmia model in SD rats induced by isoproterenol.

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this study was to establish an ideal arrhythmia model using isoproterenol and explore its mechanism. METHODS: Fifty healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the following groups: control (CON), subcutaneous injection (SC; 5 mg/kg ISO for 2 consecutive days), intraperitoneal injection (IP; ISO 5 mg/kg for 2 consecutive days), 2 + 1 (5 mg/kg ISO by SC for 2 consecutive days and then 3 mg/kg ISO by IP for 1 day), and 6 + 1 (5 mg/kg ISO by SC for 6 consecutive days and then 3 mg/kg ISO by IP for 1 day). Electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded using a BL-420F system, and the pathological changes in myocardial tissue were observed by HE and Masson staining. The serum cTnI, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß levels were detected by ELISA, and serum CK, LDH and oxidative stress-related indicators were detected with an automatic biochemical analyser. RESULTS: The cardiomyocytes of the rats belonging to the CON group were normal, whereas those of the rats in the other groups, particularly the 6 + 1 group, showed signs of disorder, unclear borders, and lysis and necrosis. The incidence of arrhythmia, arrhythmia score, and levels of serum myocardial enzymes, troponin, and some inflammatory factors were higher in the 2 + 1 and 6 + 1 groups than in the single injection group (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). The indicator levels found for the 6 + 1 group were generally higher than those found for the 2 + 1 group (p < 0.01), and the 6 + 1 group exhibited a lower SOD level and higher MDA and NO levels compared with the CON group (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combined mode of ISO injection (SC with IP) was more likely to induce arrhythmia than a single ISO injection. The "6 + 1" method of ISO injection can establish a more stable arrhythmia model and cardiomyocyte damage induced by oxidative stress and inflammation was an important mechanism.

Canine distemper virus N protein induces autophagy to facilitate viral replication.

BACKGROUND: Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most contagious and lethal viruses known to the Canidae, with a very broad and expanding host range. Autophagy serves as a fundamental stabilizing response against pathogens, but some viruses have been able to evade or exploit it for their replication. However, the effect of autophagy mechanisms on CDV infection is still unclear. RESULTS: In the present study, autophagy was induced in CDV-infected Vero cells as demonstrated by elevated LC3-II levels and aggregation of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-LC3 spots. Furthermore, CDV promoted the complete autophagic process, which could be determined by the degradation of p62, co-localization of LC3 with lysosomes, GFP degradation, and accumulation of LC3-II and p62 due to the lysosomal protease inhibitor E64d. In addition, the use of Rapamycin to promote autophagy promoted CDV replication, and the inhibition of autophagy by Wortmannin, Chloroquine and siRNA-ATG5 inhibited CDV replication, revealing that CDV-induced autophagy facilitated virus replication. We also found that UV-inactivated CDV still induced autophagy, and that nucleocapsid (N) protein was able to induce complete autophagy in an mTOR-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: This study for the first time revealed that CDV N protein induced complete autophagy to facilitate viral replication.

Antiviral Effect of Manganese against Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Both in PK15 Cells and Mice.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an acute contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep. Current emergency FMD vaccines are of limited use for early protection because their protective effect starts 7 days after vaccination. Therefore, antiviral drugs or additives are used to rapidly stop the spread of the virus during FMD outbreaks. Manganese (Mn2+) was recently found to be an important substance necessary for the host to protect against DNA viruses. However, its antiviral effect against RNA viruses remains unknown. In this study, we found that Mn2+ has antiviral effects on the FMD virus (FMDV) both in PK15 cells and mice. The inhibitory effect of Mn2+ on FMDV involves NF-κB activation and up-regulation of interferon-stimulated genes. Animal experiments showed that Mn2+ can be highly effective in protecting C57BL/6N mice from being infected with FMDV. Overall, we suggest Mn2+ as an effective antiviral additive for controlling FMDV infection.

Associations of Executive Function With Diabetes Management and Glycemic Control in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes.

Aims: The aims of this study were to assess domains of executive function in relation to diabetes management and glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes and to compare adolescent self-report and parent proxy-report of adolescent executive function. Methods: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes (N = 169, 46% female, age 15.9 ± 1.3 years) and their parents completed self-report and parent proxy-report versions of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Results: Self-report and parent proxy-report BRIEF T scores were moderately to strongly correlated; parent proxy scores were significantly higher than self-report scores. Executive function problems (Global Executive Composite T score ≥60) occurred in 9% of adolescents by self-report and 26% by parent proxy-report. For almost all Metacognition Index scales, elevated (T score ≥60) parent proxy scores were associated with lower adherence, lower adolescent diabetes self-efficacy, and more parent involvement in diabetes management. Elevated scores on several Metacognition Index scales were associated with less pump use (Plan/Organize by self-report, Initiate by parent proxy-report, and Monitor by parent proxy-report) and higher A1C (Plan/Organize by self-report and parent proxy-report and Organization of Materials by parent proxy-report). The only significant associations for the Behavioral Regulation Index scales occurred for adherence (by parent proxy-report) and diabetes self-efficacy (by self-report and parent-report). Conclusion: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes who have problems with metacognition may need additional support for diabetes self-management.

Light-Induced Tunable Ferroelectric Polarization in Dipole-Embedded Metal-Organic Framework.

Reversible regulation of ferroelectric polarization possesses great potentials recently in bionic neural networks. Photoinduced cis-trans isomers have changeable dipole moments, but they cannot be directed to some specific orientation. Here, we construct a host-guest composite structure which consists of a porous ferroelectric metal (Ni)-organic framework [Ni(DPA)2] as host and photoisomer, azobenzene (AZB), as guest molecules. When AZB molecules are embedded in the nanopores of Ni(DPA)2 in the form of a single molecule, polarization strength tunable regulation is realized after ultraviolet irradiation of 365 and 405 nm via cis-trans isomerism transformation of AZB. An intrinsic built-in field originating from the distorted {NiN2O4} octahedra in Ni(DPA)2 directs the dipole moments of AZB to the applied electric field. As a result, the overlapped ferroelectric polarization strength changes with content of cis-AZB after ultraviolet and visible irradiation. Such a connection of ferroelectric Ni(DPA)2 structure with cis-trans isomers provides an important strategy for regulating the ferroelectric polarization strength.

The upregulation of glutamate decarboxylase 67 against hippocampal excitability damage in male fetal rats by prenatal caffeine exposure.

As a kind of xanthine alkaloid, caffeine is widely present in beverages, food, and analgesic drugs. Our previous studies have shown that prenatal caffeine exposure (PCE) can induce programmed hypersensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in offspring rats, which is involved in developing many chronic adult diseases. The present study further examined the potential molecular mechanism and toxicity targets of hippocampal dysfunction, which might mediate the programmed hypersensitivity of the HPA axis in offspring. Pregnant rats were intragastrically administered with 0, 30, and 120 mg/kg/day caffeine from gestational days (GD) 9-20, and the fetal rats were extracted at GD20. Rat fetal hippocampal H19-7/IGF1R cell line was treated with caffeine, adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) agonist (CGS-21680) or adenylate cyclase agonist (forskolin) plus caffeine. Compared with the control group, hippocampal neurons of male fetal rats by PCE displayed increased apoptosis and reduced synaptic plasticity, whereas glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression was increased. Moreover, the expression of A2AR was down-regulated, PCE inhibited the cAMP/PKA/CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway. Furthermore, the results in vitro were consistent with the in vivo study. Both CGS21680 and forskolin could reverse the above alteration caused by caffeine. These results indicated that PCE inhibits the BDNF pathway and mediates the hippocampus's glutamate (Glu) excitotoxicity. The compensatory up-regulation of GAD67 unbalanced the Glu/gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic output, leading to the impaired negative feedback to the hypothalamus and hypersensitivity of the HPA axis.

Activation of α-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Attenuates Cardiac Inflammation Through NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-18 Pathway.

Activation of α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) receptor might induce cardiac inflammation, cardiac remodeling, and dysfunction. In this regard, this study aims to clarify the role and mechanism of α7nAChR in the process of cardiac inflammation and damage. Normal male C57BL/6J and NLRP3-knockout mice were used to evaluate the effect of PHA-543613, a selective agonist of α7nAChR, on cardiac inflammation and possible involvement of NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-18 using western blotting and ELISA. Activation of α7nAChR using PHA-543613 (NE), at the doses of 0.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg, induced cardiac inflammation. In addition, both in vivo and in vitro studies showed higher expression of NLRP3 and higher activation of Caspase-1 and IL-18 after treating animals with NE. On the other hand, we did not observe any significant changes in inflammatory cytokines and cardiac inflammation after administration of NE in NLRP3-knockout mice. It could be concluded that blocking the NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-18 pathway can simultaneously inhibit the inflammatory response mediated by α7nAChR and it would a novel target for inhibiting cardiac inflammation and remodeling.

Electrochemical methods for landfill leachate treatment: A review on electrocoagulation and electrooxidation.

Landfill leachate is a kind of difficult-to-degrade wastewater with complex water qualities. Waste filtrate cannot be thoroughly treated by traditional biological, physical and chemical methods. In the past five years, electrochemical methods have attracted widespread attention in the treatment of landfill leachate. The article pointed out that for the colloidal/suspended particles in the landfill leachate, using of electrocoagulation can achieve a good treatment effect. Aiming at the characteristics of the dissolved organic matter in the landfill leachate and the high concentration of chloride ions, a more efficient removal can be available by using of electrooxidation. In this review, the latest achievements and basic principles of electrocoagulation and electrooxidation have been introduced. Meanwhile, the influence of different process parameters on these two electrochemical methods was summarized. It also reviewed the effect of electrochemical technology as an independent system or combined with biological and physical chemical processes on the treatment of landfill leachate, as well as the cost of various laboratory scales. Finally, several main problems and challenges encountered by electrochemical methods were briefly discussed, and the prospects for new development and future research were also provided.