Immune features revealed by single-cell RNA and single-cell TCR/BCR sequencing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, have profoundly affected human health. Booster COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing infection and severe cases. However, the effects of booster COVID-19 vaccines on key immune cell subsets and their responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are not well understood. By using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) combined with scTCR/BCR-seq analysis, a total of 8 major and 27 minor cell clusters were identified from paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which were collected 1 week before and 4 weeks after booster vaccination in stable RA patients. Booster vaccination only had limited impact on the composition and proportions of PBMCs cell clusters. CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CD8+T_CTL) showed a trend toward an increase after vaccination, while naive B cells and conventional dendritic cells (cDCs) showed a trend toward a decrease. Transcriptomic changes were observed after booster vaccination, primarily involving T/B cell receptor signaling pathways, phagosome, antigen processing and presenting, and viral myocarditis pathways. Interferon (IFN) and pro-inflammatory response gene sets were slightly upregulated across most major cell subpopulations in COVID-19 booster-vaccinated RA individuals. Plasma neutralizing antibody titers significantly increased after booster COVID-19 vaccination (p = 0.037). Single-cell TCR/BCR analysis revealed increased B cell clone expansion and repertoire diversity postvaccination, with no consistent alterations in T cells. Several clonotypes of BCRs and TCRs were identified to be significantly over-represented after vaccination, such as IGHV3-15 and TRBV28. Our study provided a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the peripheral immune response and TCR/BCR immune repertoire profiles to inactivated SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination in RA patients, which helps us to understand vaccine-induced immune responses better.

Aperture division multispectral camera for the Earth's reflected solar radiation observation based on the Lagrange L1 point of the Earth-Moon system.

We propose an aperture division multispectral camera for Earth observation (EAMC) based on the Lagrange L1 point of the Earth-Moon system to measure the Earth's reflected solar radiation (RSR), quantify the effective radiative forcing (ERF) and establish the pixel-scale multispectral angular distribution model (ADM) of the Earth's radiance. The EAMC adopts the snapshot technique to provide multispectral images in the 360-920 nm wavelength, employing nine subsystems sharing a primary system. The camera can capture the entire Earth's two-dimensional morphology and spectral fingerprints at a 10 km spatial resolution, with all spectral images acquired concurrently on a single detector. The camera's optical system is designed and simulated, and the stray light is analyzed and suppressed. Simulation and analysis results show that the camera can obtain high-quality images of the Earth's disk with a 2.5° field of view (FOV). The stray light is suppressed to less than 0.05% of the observed multispectral Earth radiation. The novel EAMC provides a new way to generate climate-relevant knowledge from the perspective of global Earth observation and has great potential for other applications in space-based remote sensing spectral imaging.

Ancient genomes reveal tropical bovid species in the Tibetan Plateau contributed to the prevalence of hunting game until the late Neolithic.

Local wild bovids have been determined to be important prey on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP), where hunting game was a major subsistence strategy until the late Neolithic, when farming lifestyles dominated in the neighboring Loess Plateau. However, the species affiliation and population ecology of these prehistoric wild bovids in the prehistoric NETP remain unknown. Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis is highly informative in decoding this puzzle. Here, we applied aDNA analysis to fragmented bovid and rhinoceros specimens dating ∼5,200 y B.P. from the Neolithic site of Shannashuzha located in the marginal area of the NETP. Utilizing both whole genomes and mitochondrial DNA, our results demonstrate that the range of the present-day tropical gaur (Bos gaurus) extended as far north as the margins of the NETP during the late Neolithic from ∼29°N to ∼34°N. Furthermore, comparative analysis with zooarchaeological and paleoclimatic evidence indicated that a high summer temperature in the late Neolithic might have facilitated the northward expansion of tropical animals (at least gaur and Sumatran-like rhinoceros) to the NETP. This enriched the diversity of wildlife, thus providing abundant hunting resources for humans and facilitating the exploration of the Tibetan Plateau as one of the last habitats for hunting game in East Asia.

miR164c and miR168a regulate seed vigor in rice.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression in many important biological processes of plants. However, few miRNAs have been shown to regulate seed vigor. Here, we conducted microarray assays to analyze miRNA expression levels in seeds of the rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar ZR02. Results showed significant differences in the expression of 11 miRNAs between artificially aged and untreated control seeds. Among these, osa-miR164c was transcriptionally upregulated, while osa-miR168a was downregulated in artificially aged seeds; this was verified by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Under the same aging condition, osa-miR164c overexpression in OE164c transgenic seeds and osa-miR168a silencing in MIM168a transgenic seeds of the rice cultivar Kasalath led to lower germination rates, whereas osa-miR164c silencing in MIM164c and osa-miR168a overexpression in OE168a resulted in higher seed germination rates compared with wild-type seeds. Meanwhile, changes in cytomembrane permeability of seeds and in the expression level of osa-miR164c target genes (OsPM27 and OsPSK5) and osa-miR168a target genes (OsAGO1 and OsPTR2) under aging conditions coincided with changes in seed vigor induced by osa-miR164c and osa-miR168a. Thus, genetic manipulation of miRNAs has important implications in the development of crop cultivars with high vigor and extended life span of seeds.

[Effects and pathophysiological significance of intestinal flora on the enteric neuro-endocrine-immune system].

Interactions among the nervous, the endocrine and the immune systems enable the gut to respond to the dietary products, pathogens and microbiota, which maintains the homeostasis of the body. However, dysbiosis may induce or aggravate the gastrointestinal (GI) and extra-GI diseases through changing the activities of enteric nervous system (ENS), enteroendocrine cells and enteric immune cells. Here we review recent advances in the understandings on how intestinal flora may impact the enteric neuro-endocrine-immune system in the gut, thereby contributing to the regulation of pathophysiological processes.

Europium(III) modified silicone nanoparticles for ultrasensitive visual determination of tetracyclines by employing a fluorescence color switch.

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) modified with Eu(III) were synthesized and are shown to be a viable ratiometric fluorescent probe for tetracycline antibiotics. SiNPs/Eu under 405 nm excitation display two emissions, viz. a strong cyan colored fluorescence peaking at 497 nm and a weak pink fluorescence peaking at 622 nm. On addition of tetracyclines (chlortetracycline, tetracycline, doxycycline), the fluorescence at 497 nm is reduced, while the one at 622 nm is increased. Thus, the visible color of fluorescence changes from cyan to pink. This was exploited to design ratiometric fluorometric method for detecting tetracyclines. The method has a limit of detection that is lower by a factor of about 1000 when compared to the use of SiNPs only. A test paper was prepared with the SiNPs/Eu and then applied for the visual semi-quantitative detection of tetracyclines. With the addition of tetracyclines, the test paper exhibited a dosage-sensitive color conversion from cyan to pink with a visually discernible scale as low as 0.4 µM. Graphical abstract Tetracyclines decrease the fluorescence at 497 nm of europium (III) modified silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs/Eu) due to the inner filter effect and increase the one at 622 nm due to an antenna effect. Thus the fluorescence color of SiNPs/Eu changes from cyan to pink. Based on this color switch, a ultrasensitive and visual determination strategy for tetracyclines is proposed.

Apoptosis of Acanthamoeba castellanii Trophozoites Induced by Oleic Acid.

Acanthamoeba spp. can be parasitic in certain situations and are responsible for serious human infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and cutaneous acanthamoebiasis. We analyzed the fatty acid composition of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and tested the inhibitory activity of the main fatty acids, oleic acid and arachidonic acid, in vitro. Oleic acid markedly inhibited the growth of A. castellanii, with trophozoite viability of 57.4% at a concentration of 200 µM. Caspase-3 staining and annexin V assays showed that apoptotic death occurred in A. castellanii trophozoites. Quantitative PCR and dot blot analysis showed increased levels of metacaspase and interleukin-1ß converting enzyme, which is also an indication of apoptosis. In contrast, arachidonic acid showed negligible inhibition of growth of A. castellanii trophozoites. Stimulated expression of Atg3, Atg8 and LC3A/B genes and monodansylcadaverine labeling suggested that oleic acid induces apoptosis by triggering autophagy of trophozoites.

Starch-Derived Nanographene Oxide Paves the Way for Electrospinnable and Bioactive Starch Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

A straightforward process that enabled electrospinning of bioactive starch-based nanofiber scaffolds was developed by utilizing starch derived nano graphene oxide (nGO) as a property enhancer and formic acid as a solvent and esterification reagent. The reaction mechanism and process were followed by detailed spectroscopic investigation. Furthermore, the incorporation of nGO as a "green bioactive additive" endorsed starch nanofibrous scaffolds several advantageous functionalities including improved electrospinnability and thermal stability, good cytocompatibility, osteo-bioactivity, and retained biodegradability. The biodegradable starch/nGO nanofibers underwent simultaneous degradation and mineralization process during 1 week of cell culture and mineralization test, thus, mimicking the structure and function of extracellular matrices (ECMs) and indicating promise for bone tissue engineering applications.

Clinical evaluation of active abdominal lifting and compression CPR in patients with cardiac arrest.

BACKGROUND: Chest compression is a standard recommendation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, chest compression cannot be effectively applied under certain situations, such as chest wall deformity, rib fracture, or hemopneumothorax. An alternative method, abdominal compression, was reported to achieve better resuscitation outcomes in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was performed in adult patients with cardiac arrest and anticipated ineffective chest compression (thoracic trauma, chest deformity, rib fracture, and hemopneumothorax). Active abdominal lifting and compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation was used. Primary outcome was success rate of restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Secondary outcomes included heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse oximetry saturation (SpO2), arterial blood pH value, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), and arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2), which were measured during the periods of pre-CPR, CPR, and 30min post-ROSC. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were enrolled into the study. Five of them had ROSC (14.3%), which was statistically significantly higher than that (0%) reported in the 2015 Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support manual. HR, MAP, and SpO2 during CPR were also statistically significantly higher during CPR when compared to the period of pre-CPR period (HR 58 versus 0 beats/min, P<0.01; MAP 25 versus 0mm Hg, P<0.01; SpO2 0.68 versus 0.48%, P<0.01). In post-ROSC period, HR was statistically significantly higher than that during pre-CPR period (121 versus 0 best/min, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Active abdominal lifting and compression cardiopulmonary resuscitation could reach better resuscitation outcomes in certain cardiac arrest patients.

Supramolecular Assembly of Biobased Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Controls the Morphology of and Induces Mineralization on Poly(ε-caprolactone) Films.

Biobased 2D graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) were synthesized from waste paper via carbon nanosphere intermediates and evaluated as property-enhancing additives for poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The morphology of PCL films was controlled by supramolecular assembly of the small, 2D GOQDs in the polymer matrix. Phase behavior studies of PCL-GOQD in the solid state indicated concentration-dependent self-association of GOQD sheets, which was confirmed by SEM observations. Depending on the GOQD concentration, the formation of, e.g., spheres and stacked sheets was observed. GOQDs also induced mineralization on the surface of the films. A calcium phosphate (CaP) mineralization test revealed that the density of growing CaP crystals was controlled by the type of GOQD aggregates formed. Thus, utilization of the aggregation behavior of small GOQD sheets in polymeric matrices paves the way for tuning the morphology and properties of nanocomposites.

Molecular cloning and expression of phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and phosphoserine aminotransferase in the serine biosynthetic pathway from Acanthamoeba castellanii.

Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are widespread protozoans that can cause serious infectious diseases. This study characterised phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PGDH) and phosphoserine aminotransferase (PSAT) in the phosphorylated serine biosynthetic pathway of Acanthamoeba castellanii. The PGDH gene encodes a protein of 442 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 47.7 kDa and an isoelectric point (pI) of 7.64. Meanwhile, the PSAT gene encodes a protein of 394 amino acids with a calculated molecular weight of 43.8 kDa and a pI of 5.80. Confocal microscopy suggests that PGDH is mainly diffused in the cytoplasm, whereas PSAT is located in the inner part of the cell membrane. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of PGDH and PSAT vary depending on growth state under consecutive culture conditions. No significant changes in the mRNA expression levels of both PGDH and PSAT occur after the incubation of L-serine with Acanthamoeba. This result indicates that exogenous serine exerts no influence on the expression of these genes and that the so-called feedback inhibition of both PGDH and PSAT in Acanthamoeba differs from that in bacteria or other organisms. We propose that the enzymes in the phosphorylated serine biosynthetic pathway function in amoeba growth and proliferation.

SMARCA2 and SMARCA4 Participate in DNA Damage Repair.

BACKGROUND: The switching/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI/SNF) Related, Matrix Associated, Actin Dependent Regulator Of Chromatin, Subfamily A (SMARCA) member 2 and member 4 (SMARCA2/4) are paralogs and act as the key enzymatic subunits in the SWI/SNF complex for chromatin remodeling. However, the role of SMARCA2/4 in DNA damage response remains unclear. METHODS: Laser microirradiation assays were performed to examine the key domains of SMARCA2/4 for the relocation of the SWI/SNF complex to DNA lesions. To examine the key factors that mediate the recruitment of SMARCA2/4, the relocation of SMARCA2/4 to DNA lesions was examined in HeLa cells treated with inhibitors of Ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated (ATM), Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR), CREB-binding protein (CBP) and its homologue p300 (p300/CBP), or Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) 1/2 as well as in H2AX-deficient HeLa cells. Moreover, by concomitantly suppressing SMARCA2/4 with the small molecule inhibitor FHD286 or Compound 14, the function of SMARCA2/4 in Radiation sensitive 51 (RAD51) foci formation and homologous recombination repair was examined. Finally, using a colony formation assay, the synergistic effect of PARP inhibitors and SMARCA2/4 inhibitors on the suppression of tumor cell growth was examined. RESULTS: We show that SMARCA2/4 relocate to DNA lesions in response to DNA damage, which requires their ATPase activities. Moreover, these ATPase activities are also required for the relocation of other subunits in the SWI/SNF complex to DNA lesions. Interestingly, the relocation of SMARCA2/4 is independent of γH2AX, ATM, ATR, p300/CBP, or PARP1/2, indicating that it may directly recognize DNA lesions as a DNA damage sensor. Lacking SMARCA2/4 prolongs the retention of γH2AX, Ring Finger Protein 8 (RNF8) and Breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) at DNA lesions and impairs RAD51-dependent homologous recombination repair. Furthermore, the treatment of an SMARCA2/4 inhibitor sensitizes tumor cells to PARP inhibitor treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals SMARCA2/4 as a DNA damage repair factor for double-strand break repair.

Intracranial hypertension as the primary symptom of malignant melanoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The etiological diagnosis of intracranial hypertension is quite complicated but important in clinical practice. Some common causes are craniocerebral injury, intracranial space-occupying lesion, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and hydrocephalus. When a patient presents with intracranial hypertension, the common causes are to be considered first so that other causes would be dismissed. With the morbidity lower than 9%, neuromelanin is very rare. Common symptoms include nerve damage symptoms, epilepsy, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive disorders. CASE SUMMARY: We present a patient with melanoma which manifested with isolated intracranial hypertension without any other neurological signs. A 22-year-old male had repeated nausea and vomiting for 2 mo with Babinski sign (+) on both sides, nuchal rigidity, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. He had been diagnosed with melanoma and was given surgery and whole-brain radiation. Ultimately, the patient died 2 mo later. CONCLUSION: Malignant melanoma should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of intracranial hypertension.

[Preparation and anti-breast cancer activity of (-)-antofine carried with liposomes].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare (-)-Antofine liposomes with high activity and good water-soluble and study its anti-breast cancer activity both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: (-)-Antofine liposomes were prepared by film dispersion method, the encapsulation efficiency of (-)-Antofine liposomes were determined by UV spectrophotometer, the cytotoxic activity of (-)-Antofine liposomes on MCF-7 cell was measured by MTT assay, the antitumor activity and major organs indexes were evaluated by tumor-bearing nude mice experimental in vivo. RESULTS: The average encapsulation efficiency of (-)-Antofine liposomes was (80.8 +/- 2.2)%, average drug loading was (26.7 +/- 1.4)%, it was relatively good water-soluble and had good anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION: (-)-Antofine liposomes prepared by film dispersion method has high encapsulation efficiency, the water-soluble and the anti-tumor activity are improved compared with (-)-Antofine.

The BRCA1/BARD1 complex recognizes pre-ribosomal RNA to facilitate homologous recombination.

The BRCA1/BARD1 complex plays a key role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in both somatic cells and germ cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which this complex mediates DSB repair is not fully understood. Here, we examined the XY body of male germ cells, where DSBs are accumulated. We show that the recruitment of the BRCA1/BARD1 complex to the unsynapsed axis of the XY body is mediated by pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA). Similarly, the BRCA1/BARD1 complex associates with pre-rRNA in somatic cells, which not only forms nuclear foci in response to DSBs, but also targets the BRCA1/BARD1 complex to DSBs. The interactions between the BRCT domains of the BRCA1/BARD1 complex and pre-rRNA induce liquid-liquid phase separations, which may be the molecular basis of DSB-induced nuclear foci formation of the BRCA1/BARD1 complex. Moreover, cancer-associated mutations in the BRCT domains of BRCA1 and BARD1 abolish their interactions with pre-rRNA. Pre-rRNA also mediates BRCA1-dependent homologous recombination, and suppression of pre-rRNA biogenesis sensitizes cells to PARP inhibitor treatment. Collectively, this study reveals that pre-rRNA is a functional partner of the BRCA1/BARD1 complex in the DSB repair.

Orientated-quantitative computed tomography study on individualized axial safety target area of femoral neck screw channel and establishment of a stable spatial coordinate system based on anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar.

BACKGROUND: Frequent in-out-in femoral neck screws were reported potential huge iatrogenic-injury risks, related to axial safe target area (ASTA) of femoral neck screws channel. However, orientated-quantitative ASTA based on stable coordinate system was unreported before. METHODS: Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on computed tomography (CT) images of 139 intact normal hips, and the intersection area, defined as ASTA, was obtained by superimposing the axial CT images of each femoral neck. Taking anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar (AC-FNB) as landmark, a coordinate system was established to measure the anterior-posterior diameter (D-AP), the superior-inferior diameter (D-SI) and the oblique angle respectively. Each intersection was overlaid up to the axial CT images to determine the coronal location of the ASTA boundaries. RESULTS: Each ASTA presented an inclined rounded triangle with a flat anterior base coincided with AC-FNB. There were significant sex differences in D-SI (male: 33.6±2.3 vs. female: 29.4±1.9 mm) and D-AP (male: 25.3±2.1 vs. 21.9±1.9 mm), P <0.001. D-SI was found to be positively correlated with D-AP ( R2 =0.6). All fluoroscopic visible border isthmus completely matched the corresponding ASTA boundaries. The oblique angle was 5-53° (male: 28.1±10.3°, female: 27.1±8.2°) without significant difference between sexes. CONCLUSION: The intersection method was employed to conveniently acquire orientated-quantitative individualized ASTA. Under this coordinate system, x-ray data of screws could be converted to axial coordinates in CT ASTA, which could help surgeons design combined screws configuration preoperatively and evaluate quantitatively their axial position intraoperatively.

[Characteristics of Cadmium Concentration and Transport of Pueraria thornsonii in Farmland with Different Cadmium Pollution Degrees].

This study aimed to elucidate the cadmium (Cd) concentration and transport characteristics of Pueraria thornsonii in farmland with different Cd pollution degrees, so as to provide a reference basis for phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated farmland. The multi-point experiments in farmland with different Cd pollution degrees[ω(Cd) 0.32-38.08 mg·kg-1] were conducted, and the biomass (dry weight), Cd content, accumulation, concentration, and transport of Cd in P. thornsonii tissues under the main growing period were assessed. According to the results, for P. thornsonii, the tuber dry weight ranged from 5.04 to 11.98 t·hm-2, biomass ranged from 13.21 to 29.07 t·hm-2, and Cd accumulation ranged from 15.74 to 106.03 g·hm-2in the study area. The pattern of Cd uptake by P. thornsonii showed that the main vine>leaf>lateral branches>basal part of sti>tuber. The Cd content in P. thornsonii tissues considerably increased with soil Cd content (P<0.05), whereas the biomass decreased significantly (P<0.05). The Cd concentration and transport factor of aboveground parts in P. thornsonii showed a trend of initially falling, then increasing and decreasing again, whereas the Cd enrichment and transport coefficient of tubers gradually decreased. Correlation analysis revealed that the amount of Cd in the soil was a major predictor of Cd accumulation in P. thornsonii. Under light to moderate Cd contamination, the commercial portion of P. thornsonii (arrowroot)[ω(Cd) 0.03-0.22 mg·kg-1] was less than the standard limit for medicinal plants (≤ 0.30 mg·kg-1). In P. thornsonii from moderately contaminated areas, the Cd concentration and transport factor of aboveground parts were 2.43-7.97 and 3.02-9.81, respectively. This indicates that P. thornsonii is a prospective plant ideal for remediating Cd-contaminated soil because of its high capacity to transfer and enrich Cd.

CD36+ cancer-associated fibroblasts provide immunosuppressive microenvironment for hepatocellular carcinoma via secretion of macrophage migration inhibitory factor.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an immunotherapy-resistant malignancy characterized by high cellular heterogeneity. The diversity of cell types and the interplay between tumor and non-tumor cells remain to be clarified. Single cell RNA sequencing of human and mouse HCC tumors revealed heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF). Cross-species analysis determined the prominent CD36+ CAFs exhibited high-level lipid metabolism and expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Lineage-tracing assays showed CD36+CAFs were derived from hepatic stellate cells. Furthermore, CD36 mediated oxidized LDL uptake-dependent MIF expression via lipid peroxidation/p38/CEBPs axis in CD36+ CAFs, which recruited CD33+myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in MIF- and CD74-dependent manner. Co-implantation of CD36+ CAFs with HCC cells promotes HCC progression in vivo. Finally, CD36 inhibitor synergizes with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy by restoring antitumor T-cell responses in HCC. Our work underscores the importance of elucidating the function of specific CAF subset in understanding the interplay between the tumor microenvironment and immune system.

Evaluation of inhibition relief operations for mesophilic anaerobic bio-liquefaction of lincomycin manufacturing biowaste.

Owing to high levels of residual antibiotics, antibiotic manufacturing waste is hazardous to the environment. As a result, such wastes are usually treated by expensive incineration. The high organic content of antibiotic manufacturing biowaste suggests its feasibility for anaerobic treatment, but the presence of ammonia and antibiotics in the waste may be inhibitory factors. After evaluating the peak concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia and lincomycin in 10 d bio-liquefaction, different methods for the removal of ammonia from hydrolysate and removal of lincomycin from biowaste were employed to relieve ammonia and lincomycin inhibition respectively. Prior to ammonia elimination on the tenth day, 38.0% of the organic carbon was degraded into hydrolysate. Water replacement, struvite precipitation and nitrogen stripping removed 100, 76 and 30% of the ammonia, respectively. The hydrolysate obtained from the water replacement could be immediately utilized for liquefaction. Lincomycin elution through butanol and water prior to liquefaction removed a large amount of carbohydrate and protein, resulting in poor liquefaction efficiency. The residual lincomycin in the bio-liquefaction process could be co-treated with lincomycin manufacturing wastewater, which made it suitable for the treatment of lincomycin manufacturing biowaste.

[Expression of inflammation cytokines and network analysis in acute rejection of renal transplantation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the changes of inflammation cytokines during acute renal transplantation rejection and decipher the functions of their protein-protein interaction network. METHODS: Serum samples were collected from renal transplantation patients with stable renal function or acute rejection (n = 6 each) to measure the expression level of 40 inflammatory factors by APIX protein array. The differentially expressed proteins were selected and their protein-protein interaction networks constructed. And biologic processes were analyzed by the online tools of String and Network Ontology Analysis. RESULTS: There were 8 differentially expressed cytokines in the AR group versus the stable group (M (Q(1)-Q(3)), CCL24: 700 (255 - 1157) vs 330 (100 - 610) ng/L, ICAM-1: 58 737 (8018 - 105 395) vs 22 660 (137 - 68 914) ng/L, IL-10: 120 (20 - 517) vs 298 (81 - 11 609) ng/L, IL-6sR: 11 328 (3357 - 21 251) vs 7665 (370 - 12 455) ng/L, CCL3: 1712(7002 - 32 634) vs 283 (54 - 1915) ng/L, CCL4: 554 (28 - 2355) vs 283(104 - 1915) ng/L, TIMP-1: 15 560 (13 343 - 42 481) vs 11 271 (1207 - 18 228) ng/L, CCL5: 44 547 (38 252 - 78 631) vs 27 765 (12 073 - 46 627) ng/L, all P < 0.05). The analyses of protein-protein association network showed that these proteins were correlated and involved in such biological processes as taxis, chemotaxis, inflammatory reactions, wound responses and leukocytic migration. CONCLUSIONS: Comparing the inter-group differences of inflammatory cytokines and further developing and analyzing the protein-protein interaction network may help us to explore the mechanisms of acute renal transplantation rejection. And the differential cytokines can be used as candidate diagnostic biomarkers and intervention targets.