Aquatic life criteria of hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater via ecotoxicity test and modeling.

Wastewater resulting from hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL-AP) of biowaste is gaining attention as an emerging hazardous material. However, there is a lack of specific and systematic ecotoxicity studies on HTL-AP. This study addresses this gap by conducting acute toxicity tests on HTL-AP using typical aquatic species and integrating these results with predicted toxicity values from interspecies correlation estimation models to establish aquatic life criteria. HTL-AP exhibited significant toxicity with LC50 of 956.12-3645.4 mg/L, but demonstrated moderate toxicity compared to common freshwater pollutants like commercial microbicides, personal care products, and insect repellents. The resulting hazardous concentration for 5 % of species (HC5), the criterion maximum concentration, and the short-term water quality criteria for aquatic were 506.0, 253.0, and 168.7 mg/L, respectively. Notably, certain organisms like Misgurnus anguillicaudatus and Cipangopaludina chinensis showed high tolerance to HTL-AP, likely due to their metabolic capabilities on HTL-AP components. The significant decrease in HC5 values for some HTL-AP substances compared to pure compounds could indicate the synergistic inhibition effects among HTL-AP compositions. Furthermore, according to the established criteria, HTL-AP required significantly less diluted water (13 t) than carbendazim (1009 t) to achieve biosafety, indicating a safer release. This research establishes a preliminary water quality criterion for HTL-AP, offering a valuable reference for risk assessment and prediction in the utilization of HTL-AP within environmental contexts.

Scale-up and techno-economic analysis of microbial electrolysis cells for hydrogen production from wastewater.

Microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) have demonstrated high-rate H2 production while concurrently treating wastewater, but the transition in scale from laboratory research to systems that can be practically applied has encountered challenges. It has been more than a decade since the first pilot-scale MEC was reported, and in recent years, many attempts have been made to overcome the barriers and move the technology to the market. This study provided a detailed analysis of MEC scale-up efforts and summarized the key factors that should be considered to further develop the technology. We compared the major scale-up configurations and systematically evaluated their performance from both technical and economic perspectives. We characterized how system scale-up impacts the key performance metrics such as volumetric current density and H2 production rate, and we proposed methods to evaluate and optimize system design and fabrication. In addition, preliminary techno-economic analysis indicates that MECs can be profitable in many different market scenarios with or without subsidies. We also provide perspectives on future development needed to transition MEC technology to the marketplace.

GATA6 triggers fibroblast activation and tracheal fibrosis through the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway.

Tracheal fibrosis is a key abnormal repair process leading to fatal stenosis, characterized by excessive fibroblast activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. GATA6, a zinc finger-containing transcription factor, is involved in fibroblast activation, while its role in tracheal fibrosis remains obscure. The present study investigated the potential role of GATA6 as a novel regulator of tracheal fibrosis. It was found that GATA6 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were obviously increased in tracheal fibrotic granulations and in TGFß1-treated primary tracheal fibroblasts. GATA6 silencing inhibited TGFß1-stimulated fibroblast proliferation and ECM synthesis, promoted cell apoptosis, and inactivated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, whereas GATA6 overexpression showed the reverse effects. SKL2001, an agonist of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, restored collagen1a1 and α-SMA expression which was suppressed by GATA6 silencing. Furthermore, in vivo, knockdown of GATA6 ameliorated tracheal fibrosis, as manifested by reduced tracheal stenosis and ECM deposition. GATA6 inhibition in rat tracheas also impaired granulation proliferation, increased apoptosis, and inactivated Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. In conclusion, our findings indicate that GATA6 triggers fibroblast activation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis resistance in tracheal fibrosis via the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. Targeting GATA6 may represent a promising therapeutic approach for tracheal fibrosis.

Self-Expandable Metal Stent in the Management of Malignant Airway Disorders.

Background: Self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) is a palliative therapy for patients with malignant central airway obstruction (CAO) or tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF). Despite this, many patients experience death shortly after SEMS placement. Aims: We aimed to investigate the effect of SEMS on the palliative treatment between malignant CAO and malignant TEF patients and investigate the associated prognostic factors of the 3-month survival. Methods: We performed a single-center, retrospective study of malignant CAO or TEF patients receiving SEMS placement. Clinical data were collected using the standardized data abstraction forms. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0. A two-sided P-value <0.05 was statistically significant. Results: 106 malignant patients (82 CAO and 24 TEF) receiving SEMS placement were included. The body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin levels, and albumin levels in the malignant TEF group were lower than in the malignant CAO group (all P < 0.05). The procalcitonin levels, C-reactive protein levels, and the proportion of inflammatory lesions were higher in the malignant TEF group than in the malignant CAO group (all P < 0.05). The proportion of symptomatic improvement after the SEMS placement was 97.6% in the malignant CAO group, whereas 50.0% in the malignant TEF group, with a significant difference (P = 0.000). Three months after SEMS placement, the survival rate at was 67.0%, significantly lower in the malignant TEF group than in the malignant CAO group (45.8% vs. 73.2%, P = 0.013). Multivariate analysis revealed that BMI [odds ratio (OR) = 1.841, 95% certificated interval (CI) (1.155-2.935), P = 0.010] and neutrophil percentage [OR = 0.936, 95% CI (0.883-0.993), P = 0.027] were the independent risk factors for patients who survived three months after SEMS placement. Conclusions: We observed symptom improvement in malignant CAO and TEF patients after SEMS placement. The survival rate in malignant TEF patients after SEMS placement was low, probably due to aspiration pneumonitis and malnutrition. Therefore, we recommend more aggressive treatment modalities in patients with malignant TEF, such as strong antibiotics, nutrition support, and strategic ventilation. More studies are needed to investigate the prognostic factors in patients with malignant airway disorders receiving SEMS placement.

Evaluation of Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy Freezing Time, Biopsy Size, Histological Quality, and Incidence of Complication: A Prospective Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial cryobiopsy (TBCB), a novel way of obtaining a specimen of lung tissue using a flexible cryoprobe, can obtain large lung biopsies without crush artifacts. The freezing time of TBCB was empirically selected from 3 to 7 s in the previous studies. However, no consensus has yet been reached regarding the optimal freezing time used in TBCB. OBJECTIVES: The primary endpoint was biopsy size in different freezing times. The secondary endpoints included sample histological quality, diagnostic confidence, and complications in different freezing times. METHODS: Patients who were suspected of DPLD requiring histopathological examination for further evaluation were enrolled in this study. Distinct biopsies were obtained by using different freezing times increased from 3 to 6 s sequentially. Samples were reviewed by 2 external expert pathologists. RESULTS: A total of 33 patients were enrolled, and 143 transbronchial cryobiopsies were taken in this trial. An average of 4.33 samples were taken from each patient. The mean biopsy size of different freezing times from 3 to 6 s was 9.10 ± 4.37, 13.23 ± 5.83, 16.26 ± 5.67, and 18.83 ± 7.50 mm2, respectively. A strong correlation between freezing time and biopsy size was observed (r = 0.99, p < 0.01). Statistically significant difference of biopsy size was detected in the freezing time of 3 s versus 4 s (p < 0.01) and 4 s versus 5 s (p = 0.02), but not in the freezing time of 5 s versus 6 s (p = 0.10). Overall bleeding in different freezing times from 3 to 6 s was 53.33%, 67.50%, 89.47%, and 77.14%, respectively. A significantly higher overall bleeding was observed when the freezing time exceeded 4 s (RR = 1.67, p < 0.01). Pneumothorax occurred in 4 cases (12.12%). One lethal case (3.03%) was noted 25 days after TBCB. Lung parenchyma was preserved well in all cryobiopsy samples. Thirty-one (93.94%) patients' histopathological findings were identified as sufficient to establish a CRP diagnosis. There was no statistical difference in diagnostic confidence between different freezing times. CONCLUSION: A longer freezing time was associated with a larger size of the biopsy sample but a higher risk of bleeding. The optimal transbronchial cryobiopsy freezing time is 3-4 s, which is easily achievable and provides an adequate biopsy size whilst creating a safety threshold from complications.

Left Main Bronchus Stenosis Lesion, Neutrophil Count, and Platelet Count Are Predictors of Post-Tuberculosis Bronchomalacia.

BACKGROUND Post-tuberculosis bronchomalacia (PTBM) is one of the main conditions occurring in patients after tracheobronchial tuberculosis (TBTB), and is also associated with the recurrence of symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the predictors of PTBM in patients who had been undergoing appropriate TB treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinical data of 104 patients with symptomatic airway stenosis after TBTB between January 01, 2019 and June 31, 2020 were recorded and analyzed. The association between baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and PTBM was calculated with logistical regression. The time from onset of bronchoscopic intervention was examined by Kaplan-Meier estimates; differences between the 2 groups were tested by the log-rank test. RESULTS Fifty-seven patients (54.81%) had PTBM. In the multivariate logistical analysis, the left main bronchus stenosis lesion (odds ratio [OR]=3.763), neutrophil (NEUT) count (OR=1.527), and platelet (PLT) (OR=1.010) count were predictors of PTBM. During follow-up, patients with BM had a significantly longer duration from onset of bronchoscopic intervention than patients without BM (hazard ratio=2.412, P<0.0001). Further, all patients needing long-term bronchoscopic intervention therapy were subsequently identified as having PTBM. Additionally, blood PLT counts were significantly decreased to normal levels in the non-BM group (P<0.05), but not in the BM group (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS PTBM is most likely to occur in the left main bronchus. The inflammatory and immune responses associated with NEUT and PLT may represent therapeutic targets of PTBM. Our study is the first to report that decreased blood PLT count has the potential to monitor the treatment response.

Evidence-based bundled care for patients with dysphagia after severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of an evidence-based bundled care model in patients with dysphagia after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. A total of 60 patients with dysphagia after severe TBI (traumatic brain injury) admitted to the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine were selected and randomly divided into the test group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). Patients in the control group received routine care in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, while patients in the test group received evidence-based bundled care on the basis of the treatment of the control group. The improvement of swallowing function (dye test in comatose patients), oral hygiene, and nutritional risk was assessed in both groups. The incidence of adverse events such as aspiration and aspiration pneumonia, as well as the length and costs of hospitalization were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with patients in the control group, swallowing function of patients in the test group was significantly improved after the care (P<0.05), and for comatose patients, the positive rate of Evans blue dye test was markedly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with patients in the control group, the oral hygiene of patients in the test group was significantly improved after care, and the nutritional risk scores were also significantly decreased (P<0.05). During hospitalization, the total incidence of adverse events, length and costs of hospitalization of patients in the test group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Evidence-based bundled care can effectively improve swallowing function and reduce the incidence of nutritional risks and adverse events in patients with dysphagia after severe TBI, which further promotes postoperative rehabilitation of patients.

Clinical significance of serum transforming growth factor-ß1 and procollagen type I N-propeptide in post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis.

Non-invasive strategies for monitoring post-tuberculosis (TB) tracheobronchial stenosis (PTTS) are clinically important but currently lacking. Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and procollagen type I N-propeptide (PINP) have been identified as markers of fibrosis. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of serum TGF-ß1 and PINP in PTTS. Serum samples were collected from 119 patients with tracheobronchial TB after the condition was treated for at least 6 months (59 patients with airway stenosis and 60 patients with no stenosis). Serum TGF-ß1 and PINP levels were measured using ELISA and compared between the groups. Relationships between serum TGF-ß1 and PINP levels and clinical characteristics, interventional bronchoscopy and outcomes of airway stenosis were analysed. The correlation between TGF-ß1 and PINP, and their diagnostic efficacy for airway stenosis were also analysed. The TGF-ß1 and PINP levels in the airway stenosis group were higher than those in the non-stenosis group. Furthermore, airway stenosis with atelectasis or mucus plugging was associated with higher TGF-ß1 levels, and airway stenosis with atelectasis, mucus plugging, right main bronchus stenosis or severe airway tracheal stenosis was associated with higher PINP levels. In addition, TGF-ß1 and PINP levels increased after interventional bronchoscopy therapy and airway stenosis with recurrent stenosis was associated with higher baseline levels of both markers. Finally, TGF-ß1 levels were positively correlated with PINP levels in patients with airway stenosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TGF-ß1 and PINP for distinguishing airway stenosis from non-stenosis cases was 0.824 (95% CI: 0.748-0.900) and 0.863 (95% CI: 0.796-0.930), respectively. Therefore, TGF-ß1 and PINP are potential biomarkers that may be useful for diagnosing and monitoring PTTS.

Clinical characteristics and potential factors for recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA in convalescent patients: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR is frequently found in discharged COVID-19 patients but its clinical significance remains unclear. The potential cause, clinical characteristics and infectiousness of the recurrent positive RT-PCR patients need to be answered. METHODS: A single-centered, retrospective study of 51 discharged COVID-19 patients was carried out at a designated hospital for COVID-19. The demographic data, clinical records and laboratory findings of 25 patients with recurrent positive RT-PCR from hospitalization to follow-up were collected and compared to 26 patients with negative RT-PCR discharged regularly during the same period. Discharged patients' family members and close contacts were also interviewed by telephone to evaluate patients' potential infectiousness. RESULTS: The titer of both IgG and IgM antibodies was significantly lower (p = 0.027, p = 0.011) in patients with recurrent positive RT-PCR. Median duration of viral shedding significantly prolonged in patients with recurrent positive RT-PCR (36.0 days vs 9.0 days, p = 0.000). There was no significant difference in demographic features, clinical features, lymphocyte subsets count and inflammatory cytokines levels between the two groups of patients. No fatal case was noted in two groups. As of the last day of follow-up, none of the discharged patients' family members or close contact developed any symptoms of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low levels of IgG and IgM are more likely to have recurrent positive SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR results and lead to a prolonged viral shedding. The recurrent positive of SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR may not indicate the recurrence or aggravation of COVID-19. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR in the patients recovered from COVID-19 is not necessarily correlated with the ability of transmission.

SPOP attenuates migration and invasion of choriocarcinoma cells by promoting DHX9 degradation.

Speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP), a novel cancer- associated protein, was previously reported to function as a tumor suppressor or promoter in different malignant tumors. This research aims to investigate the biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of SPOP in choriocarcinoma. Our analysis of patient tissues and cell lines showed significantly decreased SPOP expression and highly expressed Nuclear DNA helicase II and RNA helicase A (DHX9), both of them are mainly located into the nucleus. Induction or depletion of endogenous SPOP with a lentivirus-based system correspondingly suppressed or promoted migration and invasion of choriocarcinoma cells. Mechanistically, we found that SPOP bound to DHX9 and induced the ubiquitination and degradation of DHX9 by recognizing a typical SPOP-binding motif in DHX9. SPOP-DHX9 interaction was demonstrated to play a critical role in regulating migration and invasion abilities of choriocarcinoma cells, the promotion of mobility ability in knocking down SPOP was partly counteracted by transfection with siRNA against DHX9. Taken together, our results suggest that SPOP suppresses migration and invasion of choriocarcinoma by promoting the ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of DHX9, which identifies the SPOP-DHX9 interaction may serve as a potential therapeutic target against choriocarcinoma.

Preventive use of non-invasive ventilation is associated with reduced risk of extubation failure in patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days: a propensity-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Extubation failure (EF) is high in patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days. However, strategies to prevent EF in this population are lacking. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy of preventive use of noninvasive ventilation in patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in an intensive care unit of a teaching hospital. We enrolled patients who received mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days and successfully completed a weaning trial. After extubation, patients who immediately received non-invasive ventilation (NIV) were classified as the NIV group, and those who received conventional oxygenation therapy only were classified as the usual care group. RESULTS: We enrolled 95 patients in the NIV group and 61 patients in the usual care group. NIV is associated with reduced risk of EF compared to usual care both 72 h following extubation (11.6% vs 32.8%, P < 0.01, for the overall cohort; 8.6% vs 42.9%, P < 0.01, for the propensity-matched cohort) and 7 days following extubation (25.3% vs 45.9%, P < 0.01, for the overall cohort; 28.6% vs 51.4%, P = 0.09, for the propensity-matched cohort). Within 7 days of extubation, the NIV group had a lower proportion of EF than the controls (log rank test: P < 0.01 and P = 0.02 for the overall and propensity-matched cohorts, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In patients on mechanical ventilation for more than 7 days, preventive use of NIV is associated with a reduction in EF.

Role of CD226 Rs763361 Polymorphism in Susceptibility to Multiple Autoimmune Diseases.

Background: Gly307Ser (rs763361) polymorphism in Cluster of Differentiation 226 (CD226) gene has been implicated in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases (ADs) with controversial results. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis for examining the relationship between CD226 rs763361 polymorphism and ADs risk. Methods: a literature search was performed to identify relevant studies published in Embase, PubMed, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. In the most appropriate genetic models, pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for evaluating the strength of the associations. Besides standard meta-analysis, cumulative meta-analysis was also conducted to assess the trend in OR over time. Also, we performed subgroup and sensitivity analysis, and checked for the heterogeneity and publication bias. Results: Twenty-nine reports with 51 independent studies, comprising 18157 cases and 29904 controls, were enrolled in this meta-analysis. Among overall and various ethnic populations (Europeans, Asians, Africans, and South Americans), CD226 rs763361 polymorphism was significantly associated with ADs susceptibility; in the subgroup analysis by disease type, rs763361 polymorphism revealed significant associations with the risk of RA, SLE, T1D, and MS. The sensitivity analysis and cumulative meta-analysis confirmed the stability and robustness of these significant results. However, no evidence of stable significant association emerged in the subgroup analysis of SSc. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that CD226 rs763361 polymorphism confers susceptibility to ADs in the overall population, Europeans, Asians, Africans, and South Americans. rs763361 polymorphism in CD226 gene may be a potential susceptible predictor of ADs especially RA, SLE, T1D, and MS.

Silver Nanowire-Modified Filter with Controllable Silver Ion Release for Point-of-Use Disinfection.

Waterborne diseases related to unsafe water are still major threats to public health in some developing countries and rural areas. Providing affordable and safe drinking water globally remains a great challenge in the coming decades. In this study, we develop a high-throughput and conductive silver nanowire (AgNW)-modified composite filter via depositing thin and ultralong AgNWs on a macroporous substrate. An electrochemical filtration cell (EFC) equipped with the composite filter achieves controllable Ag+ release at a µg L-1 level and superior bacterial inactivation performance (>6-log inactivation efficiency) with an operation voltage of only 1 V at a high flux of 100 m3 h-1 m-2. Under such operation conditions, each composite filter (effective area: 0.79 cm2) can treat at least 750 mL of the bacterial suspension (∼107 CFU mL-1 of Escherichia coli) with a low effluent Ag+ concentration below 50 µg L-1 and almost negligible energy consumption of only ∼70 J m-3.

Primary Tracheal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Treated with a Water-Jet Hybrid Knife: A Case Report.

Primary mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the trachea is very rare and is easily misdiagnosed as a bronchogenic carcinoma or benign tracheal tumor. Here, we report a clinical case where a new clinical approach involving a water-jet hybrid knife was employed in the diagnosis and treatment of primary tracheal MALT lymphoma.

Self-assembled nanolayers of conjugated silane with pi-pi interlocking.

The packing of electronic molecules into planar structures and an ensured pi-pi interaction within the plane are preferred for efficient organic transistors. Thin films of organic electronics are exemplar, but the widely adopted molecular design and associated fabrication lead to limited ordering in multistack construction motifs. Here we demonstrate self-assembled nanolayers of organic molecules having potential electronic utility using an amphiphilic silane as a building block. Unlike a cross-linked (tetrahedral) configuration found in conventional siloxane networks, a linear polymer chain is produced following silane polycondensation. As a result, hydrophobic branches plus a noncovalent pi-pi interlocking between the molecules promote planar packing and continuous stacking along the surface normal. In contrast to conventional pi-pi stacking or hydrogen bonding pathways in a fibrous construct, multistacked nanolayers with coexisting pi-pi and herringbone interlocking can provide unmatched properties and processing convenience in molecular electronics.

Dipole-induced, thermally stable lamellar structure by polar aromatic silane.

Controlled self-assembly of polar aromatic silane leads to the formation of well-ordered lamellar structures. Graphite-like features are clearly visible with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns suggest a d spacing of 14.28 A along the z-axis and 4.42 A in the xy plane, which all agree with theoretical modeling. Constructing multistacks of silane molecules with a high degree of ordering is a daunting task. Amorphous monolayers are frequently reported. Aggravated van der Waals interaction, pi-pi electron overlapping, and solvophobic interactions can all lead to the formation of multistacks. The importance of a dipole to the ordered stacking is essentially unknown. This work suggests that a strong dipole-dipole interaction can be another important driving force in forming lamellar structures. The resulting large electrostatic interactions between the dipole and water provide an excellent thermal stability for these lamellas up to 350 degrees C. Organized, layered structures with a permanent dipole can be used in piezoelectric devices or as active surfaces to bind polar molecules, such as toxic gas, methanol, or DNA.