Pilot-scale integrated process for the treatment of dry-spun acrylic fiber manufacturing wastewater

An integrated process of membrane bioreactor (MBR)—advanced ozonation (AO)—biological aerated filters (BAFs) was developed for the treatment of dry-spun acrylic fiber manufacturing wastewater in pilot scale. The results show that the removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonia nitrogen (-N) could exceed 90.0 and 95.0%, respectively. The COD concentration in the total effluent was maintained at 80.0–100 mg/L, and the -N concentration was below 10.0 mg/L. Both the MBR and BAFs could adapt to the influent of practical wastewater after a period of sludge acclimatization. The removal efficiencies of COD and -N in the MBR were maintained at 65.8–71.9 and 59.4–67.5%, respectively. Excitation–emission matrix spectroscopy confirmed that most of the easy degradable organics were removed in the MBR process. After the AO treatment, COD concentration in the wastewater was reduced by 106–157 mg/L and the biodegradability was enhanced. Simultaneous nitrification–denitrification was performed in the biofilm of BAFs, and the removal efficiency of total nitrogen was in the range of 58.2–71.6% after the entire integrated process

Common Core Genes Play Vital Roles in Gastric Cancer With Different Stages

Background: Owing to complex molecular mechanisms in gastric cancer (GC) oncogenesis and progression, existing biomarkers and therapeutic targets could not significantly improve diagnosis and prognosis. This study aims to identify the key genes and signaling pathways related to GC oncogenesis and progression using bioinformatics and meta-analysis methods.Methods: Eligible microarray datasets were downloaded and integrated using the meta-analysis method. According to the tumor stage, GC gene chips were classified into three groups. Thereafter, the three groups’ differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by comparing the gene data of the tumor groups with those of matched normal specimens. Enrichment analyses were conducted based on common DEGs among the three groups. Then protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed to identify relevant hub genes and subnetworks. The effects of significant DEGs and hub genes were verified and explored in other datasets. In addition, the analysis of mutated genes was also conducted using gene data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database.Results: After integration of six microarray datasets, 1,229 common DEGs consisting of 1,065 upregulated and 164 downregulated genes were identified. Alpha-2 collagen type I (COL1A2), tissue inhibitor matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1), thymus cell antigen 1 (THY1), and biglycan (BGN) were selected as significant DEGs throughout GC development. The low expression of ghrelin (GHRL) is associated with a high lymph node ratio (LNR) and poor survival outcomes. Thereafter, we constructed a PPI network of all identified DEGs and gained 39 subnetworks and the top 20 hub genes. Enrichment analyses were performed for common DEGs, the most related subnetwork, and the top 20 hub genes. We also selected 61 metabolic DEGs to construct PPI networks and acquired the relevant hub genes. Centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) and POLR1A were identified as hub genes associated with survival outcomes.Conclusion: The DEGs, hub genes, and enrichment analysis for GC with different stages were comprehensively investigated, which contribute to exploring the new biomarkers and therapeutic targets

A Flexible Data Evaluation System for Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Laboratory Analysis and Testing

In a chemical analysis laboratory, sample detection via most analytical devices obtains raw data and processes it to validate data reports, including raw data filtering, editing, effectiveness evaluation, error correction, etc. This process is usually carried out manually by analysts. When the sample detection volume is large, the data processing involved becomes time-consuming and laborious, and manual errors may be introduced. In addition, analytical laboratories typically use a variety of analytical devices with different measurement principles, leading to the use of various heterogeneous control software systems from different vendors with different export data formats. Different formats introduce difficulties to laboratory automation. This paper proposes a modular data evaluation system that uses a global unified management and maintenance mode that can automatically filter data, evaluate quality, generate valid reports, and distribute reports. This modular software design concept allows the proposed system to be applied to different analytical devices; its integration into existing laboratory information management systems (LIMS) could maximise automation and improve the analysis and testing quality and efficiency in a chemical analysis laboratory, while meeting the analysis and testing requirements

An Application of a LPWAN for Upgrading Proximal Soil Sensing Systems

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT), based on low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) wireless communication technology, has developed rapidly. On the one hand, the IoT makes it possible to conduct low-cost, low-power, wide-coverage, and real-time soil monitoring in fields. On the other hand, many proximal soil sensor devices designed based on conventional communication methods that are stored in an inventory face elimination. Considering the idea of saving resources and costs, this paper applied LPWAN technology to an inventoried proximal soil sensor device, by designing an attachment hardware system (AHS) and realizing technical upgrades. The results of the experimental tests proved that the sensor device, after upgrading, could work for several years with only a battery power supply, and the effective wireless communication coverage was nearly 1 km in a typical suburban farming environment. Therefore, the new device not only retained the original mature sensing technology of the sensor device, but also exhibited ultralow power consumption and long-distance transmission, which are advantages of the LPWAN; gave full play to the application value and economic value of the devices stored in inventory; and saved resources and costs. The proposed approach also provides a reference for applying LPWAN technology to a wider range of inventoried sensor devices for technical upgrading

A Flexible Data Evaluation System for Improving the Quality and Efficiency of Laboratory Analysis and Testing

In a chemical analysis laboratory, sample detection via most analytical devices obtains raw data and processes it to validate data reports, including raw data filtering, editing, effectiveness evaluation, error correction, etc. This process is usually carried out manually by analysts. When the sample detection volume is large, the data processing involved becomes time-consuming and laborious, and manual errors may be introduced. In addition, analytical laboratories typically use a variety of analytical devices with different measurement principles, leading to the use of various heterogeneous control software systems from different vendors with different export data formats. Different formats introduce difficulties to laboratory automation. This paper proposes a modular data evaluation system that uses a global unified management and maintenance mode that can automatically filter data, evaluate quality, generate valid reports, and distribute reports. This modular software design concept allows the proposed system to be applied to different analytical devices; its integration into existing laboratory information management systems (LIMS) could maximise automation and improve the analysis and testing quality and efficiency in a chemical analysis laboratory, while meeting the analysis and testing requirements

Multidisciplinary treatment for locally advanced gastric cancer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multidisciplinary treatment for patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) who underwent radical gastrectomy. Patients and Methods: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of surgery alone, adjuvant chemotherapy (CT), adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), neoadjuvant CT, neoadjuvant RT, neoadjuvant CRT, perioperative CT and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for LAGC were searched. Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), recurrence and metastasis, long-term mortality, adverse events (grade ≥3), operative complications and R0 resection rate were used as outcome indicators for meta-analysis. Results: Forty-five RCTs with 10077 participants were finally analysed. Adjuvant CT had higher OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.74, 95% credible interval [CI] = 0.66–0.82) and DFS (HR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.60–0.74) than surgery-alone group. Perioperative CT (odds ratio [OR] = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.19–5.50) and adjuvant CT (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.27–0.86) both had more recurrence and metastasis than HIPEC + adjuvant CT, while adjuvant CRT tended to have less recurrence and metastasis than adjuvant CT (OR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.29–2.42) and even adjuvant RT (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 0.98–3.40). Moreover, the incidence of mortality in HIPEC + adjuvant CT was lower than that in adjuvant RT (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11–0.72), adjuvant CT (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23–0.86) and perioperative CT (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.05–5.41). Analysis of adverse events (grade ≥3) showed no statistically significant difference between any two adjuvant therapy groups. Conclusion: A combination of HIPEC with adjuvant CT seems to be the most effective adjuvant therapy, which contributes to reducing tumour recurrence, metastasis and mortality – without increasing surgical complications and adverse events related to toxicity. Compared with CT or RT alone, CRT can reduce recurrence, metastasis and mortality but increase adverse events. Moreover, neoadjuvant therapy can effectively improve the radical resection rate, but neoadjuvant CT tends to increase surgical complications

Down-regulating annexin gene GhAnn2 inhibits cotton fiber elongation and decreases Ca²⁺ influx at the cell apex

Cotton fiber is a single cell that differentiates from the ovule epidermis and undergoes synchronous elongation with high secretion and growth rate. Apart from economic importance, cotton fiber provides an excellent single-celled model for studying mechanisms of cell-growth. Annexins are Ca²⁺⁻ and phospholipid-binding proteins that have been reported to be localized in multiple cellular compartments and involved in control of vesicle secretions. Although several annexins have been found to be highly expressed in elongating cotton fibers, their functional roles in fiber development remain unknown. Here, 14 annexin family members were identified from the fully sequenced diploid G. raimondii (D₅ genome), half of which were expressed in fibers of the cultivated tetraploid species G. hirsutum (cv. YZ1). Among them, GhAnn2 from the D genome of the tetraploid species displayed high expression level in elongating fiber. The expression of GhAnn2 could be induced by some phytohormones that play important roles in fiber elongation, such as IAA and GA₃. RNAi-mediated down-regulation of GhAnn2 inhibited fiber elongation and secondary cell wall synthesis, resulting in shorter and thinner mature fibers in the transgenic plants. Measurement with non-invasive scanning ion-selective electrode revealed that the rate of Ca²⁺ influx from extracellular to intracellular was decreased at the fiber cell apex of GhAnn2 silencing lines, in comparison to that in the wild type. These results indicate that GhAnn2 may regulate fiber development through modulating Ca²⁺ fluxes and signaling

¹⁵N Natural Abundance Characteristics of Ammonia Volatilization from Soils Applied by Different Types of Fertilizer

Ammonia (NH3) volatilized from cropland significantly impacts the ecological environment and human health. The identification and quantification of atmospheric sources of NH3 from cropland are therefore important for NH3 emission reduction and air pollution control. Choosing appropriate nitrogen (N) fertilizer types is one of the key ways to reduce NH3 emissions from agricultural systems due to different N fertilizers with different emission factors. The natural abundance isotope of N (δ15N) values can well identify the source of NH3 volatilization, although there is rare research on δ15N-NH3 values volatilized when applying different types of N fertilizers. Here, we conducted an incubation experiment to study the characteristics of δ15N-NH3 values during the whole volatilization process after different N fertilizers were applied to the soil. The results show that the cumulative NH3 volatilization from urea (U), urease inhibitor fertilizer (UI), compound fertilizer (CF) and ammonium nitrate phosphate fertilizer (AP) treatment was 5.25 ± 0.00, 3.11 ± 0.00, 3.22 ± 0.19 and 1.38 ± 0.12 kg N ha−1 at the end of the 15-day incubation period, respectively. The average δ15N value of NH3 volatilized from the U, UI, CF and AP treatments was −36.02 ± 4.95, −29.08 ± 9.70, −35.18 ± 4.98 and −29.42 ± 4.33‰, respectively. Generally, the δ15N-NH3 values ranged from −41.33 to −6.30‰ during the NH3 volatilization process. The δ15N-NH3 value was lower in the U treatment than in the UI and AP treatments (p 3−-N and urease inhibitors, can delay or slow down NH3 volatilization, resulting in relative isotopic enrichment. Therefore, the basic properties of different N fertilizers, the changes in soil NH4+-N and cumulative NH3 during the volatilization process significantly impacted the δ15N-NH3 values

15N Natural Abundance Characteristics of Ammonia Volatilization from Soils Applied by Different Types of Fertilizer

Ammonia (NH3) volatilized from cropland significantly impacts the ecological environment and human health. The identification and quantification of atmospheric sources of NH3 from cropland are therefore important for NH3 emission reduction and air pollution control. Choosing appropriate nitrogen (N) fertilizer types is one of the key ways to reduce NH3 emissions from agricultural systems due to different N fertilizers with different emission factors. The natural abundance isotope of N (δ15N) values can well identify the source of NH3 volatilization, although there is rare research on δ15N-NH3 values volatilized when applying different types of N fertilizers. Here, we conducted an incubation experiment to study the characteristics of δ15N-NH3 values during the whole volatilization process after different N fertilizers were applied to the soil. The results show that the cumulative NH3 volatilization from urea (U), urease inhibitor fertilizer (UI), compound fertilizer (CF) and ammonium nitrate phosphate fertilizer (AP) treatment was 5.25 ± 0.00, 3.11 ± 0.00, 3.22 ± 0.19 and 1.38 ± 0.12 kg N ha−1 at the end of the 15-day incubation period, respectively. The average δ15N value of NH3 volatilized from the U, UI, CF and AP treatments was −36.02 ± 4.95, −29.08 ± 9.70, −35.18 ± 4.98 and −29.42 ± 4.33‰, respectively. Generally, the δ15N-NH3 values ranged from −41.33 to −6.30‰ during the NH3 volatilization process. The δ15N-NH3 value was lower in the U treatment than in the UI and AP treatments (p < 0.05), which suggests that N forms and the slow-release additions of different fertilizers, such as NO3−-N and urease inhibitors, can delay or slow down NH3 volatilization, resulting in relative isotopic enrichment. Therefore, the basic properties of different N fertilizers, the changes in soil NH4+-N and cumulative NH3 during the volatilization process significantly impacted the δ15N-NH3 values

A biocompatible and functional adhesive aminerich coating based on dopamine polymerization

Amine groups physiologically play an important role in regulating the growth behavior of cells and they have technological advantages for the conjugation of biomolecules. In this work, we present a method to deposit a copolymerized coating of dopamine and hexamethylendiamine (HD) (PDAM/HD) rich in amine groups onto a target substrate. This method only consists of a simple dip-coating step of the substrate in an aqueous solution consisting of dopamine and HD. Using the technique of PDAM/HD coating, a high density of amine groups of about 30 nmol cm⁻² was obtained on the target substrate surface. The PDAM/HD coating showed a high cross-linking degree that is robust enough to resist hydrolysis and swelling. As a vascular stent coating, the PDAM/HD presented good adhesion strength to the substrate and resistance to the deformation behavior of compression and expansion of a stent. Meanwhile, the PDAM/HD coating exhibited good biocompatibility and attenuated the tissue response compared with 316L stainless steel (SS). The primary amine groups of the PDAM/HD coating could be used to effectively immobilize biomolecules containing carboxylic groups such as heparin. These data suggested the promising potential of this PDAM/HD coating for application in the surface modification of biomedical devices